Day to Day Itinerary:
Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu (1,300m/4,264 ft)
Arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA) in Kathmandu, After completion of custom formalities (Visa, etc), transfer to Hotel Tibet or a similar rating hotel in Kathmandu. After check in, review trek conditions and equipment. Relax.
Day 02: Kathmandu: Katmandu sight seeing.Visit this incredible city full of surprises. Boudhanath Stupa, Pashupatinath, Durbar square, monkey temple, Thamel.
Day 03: Kathmandu to Besisahar to Khudi (800 m/2,624 ft): 8 – 9 hrs drive
We start our journey into the hills through the winding roads along the Trishuli River. En route we see more of countryside of Nepal that offers greenery, rivers, villages, farms and beautiful mountain scenarios. Upon arrival at Mugling, we head along the road toward Pokhara. We leave the highway to Pokhara at Dumre, and head north to Besisahar. A half-an-hour’s drive from Besisahar takes us to Khudi, the starting point of our trek. Alternatively, we can get off at Besisahar, and then trek for an hour to get to Khudi along the wide trail. Khudi offers us a first glimpse of the gorgeous Manaslu range.
Day 04: Khudi to Sirung (1,200m/3,937ft): 6 – 7 hrs
Our first day`s walk involves crossing a few suspension bridges, waterfalls, several up and down hill sections across rice paddies and subtropical forest. Initially, the walk is gradual then it becomes steeper. The mountains that we see from Khudi become closer as we walk higher. The villages and people are an interesting. On the way to Sirung, we come across an ethnic Tamang settlement, Taranche. We enjoy the close-up views of Nadi Chuli and Manaslu in Sirung. Sirung offers us a home-stay where we also enjoy the cultural program organized by the villagers for the visitors. If the number of visitors is more than four, the group may have to split to stay at different houses for the night. At this juncture, we will have first glimpse of the gorgeous Manaslu range.
Day 05: Sirung to Chamje (1,410m/4,626ft): 5 – 6 hrs
We trek through amphitheater-shaped rice terraces, along a steep vertical cliff, lush forests, and some culturally intriguing villages. Always following the Marsyangdi River, we walk in a fantastic landscape through little waterfalls, forests and villages. We will not feel tough until we reach Syange (1100 m), but after Syange the climb gets tougher up to Jagat (1300 m). From Jagat, we make a steep climb to Chamje. Overnight at Chamje.
Day 06: Chamje to Dharapani (1,960m/6,430ft): 5 – 6 hrs
Today we enter the Manang region passing through fields of corn, barley and potatoes, and then through forests of bamboo and rhododendrons. On the way is the village namely Tal. Tal lies on a flat plain next to the sandy beach and river at the base of a large waterfall. While hiking, sometimes we may have to give a pass to a large group of donkey caravan. Overnight at Dharapani.
Day 07: Dharapani to Chame (2,710m/8,891ft): 5 – 6 hrs
Today we negotiate a few steep forested ridges along with several landslides on route on the west. We should not forget to look up though, as we will be treated to some of the most sensational views of Lamjung Himal, Annapurna II, and Annapurna IV (7,525m/24,688ft). Small hot springs add relief on our long day hard trek. Overnight at Chame.
Day 08: Chame to Pisang (3,300m/10824ft): 5 – 6 hrs
A steep and narrow path through a very dense forest will bring us to the dramatic curved rock face, rising 1500m from the river. The forests and heavy vegetation would now be gone. We cross and re-cross the river again and again on suspension bridges. As the trail opens up we get surrounded by majestic Himalayan Peaks. We find ourselves in U-shaped valley of Manang hanging between two giant snow peaks. Upon walking through these wonderful sites we reach at Pisang. Overnight at Lower Pisang.
Day 09: Pisang to Manang: 6 – 7 hrs
Today, we will have the junction of two routes that we follow. If taken upper route (Himalayan Glacier recommends), i.e., the route through Upper Pisang via Geru, we will have outstanding sceneries. We feel like we are horizontally in front of the majestic peaks. The panoramic views of the mountain peaks, such as Annapurna, Pisang peak, and several others will definitely allure us. We experience a contrast with the landscape and vegetation from today. On the way, the cold and dry climate creates a much harsher environment. Our short visit to Barge monastery, the largest in the entire district of Manang will be memorable. Overnight at Manang.
Day 10: Manang: Rest
Today is the scheduled acclimatization day. It is not recommended to stay idle but a short walk to higher altitude is suggested to get acclimatized with the altitude. The upcoming next two days will be very challenging and tiring trek for us with rapid gain in altitude. We should never be confident with the altitude and always be cautious. Bhojo Gompa or Gangapurna Lake is worth visiting sites from acclimatization point of view. Further, we pay an easy excursion to a little distance away to a village called Vraga, upon wherre we will be at a village’s monastery. At this site, we also visit at the Himalayan Rescue Association where we can get some ideas about Mountain Sickness. Overnight at Manang.
Day 11: Manang to Yak Khara (4,090m/13,418ft): 4 hrs
Not a long day but we are at high altitude and it is better to take easy, enjoy the views, soak the atmosphere. From Manang we will first trek to the small town of Gunsang then cross few swing bridges along the barren valley. we are here at the tree line.
Day 12: Yak Kharka to Thorong Phedi (4,600m/15,092ft): 4 hrs
We make our way to the foot of the pass, Throng Phedi today. Thorong Phedi is a small busy settlement catering to the needs of tired trekkers and climbers. Trekkers like us use this point as a base camp. Some visitors also attempt a hike to the High Camp today so that the next day can be easier for them. But, it is not advise, we will have a tough day tomorrow, we stop at Thorong Phedi so that we can sleep sound rather than a risky sleep in higher altitude at High Camp. Overnight at Thorong Phedi.
Day 13: Thorong Phedi to Thorong La (5,416m/17,764ft) to Muktinath (3,800/12,467ft): 7 – 8 hrs
We reach the climax of our Annapurna circle trek today. It will be a lifetime unforgettable experience- crossing the famous high pass, Thorong La (5416m/17,764ft). An early start is important to complete the mission. Each moment we have to work hard today through the icy high-altitude trail. But the outstanding high Himalayan scenes are such tempting that our eyes love to watch more over the horizon than on our trail. Upon setting sun we will be at Muktinath. Muktinath is an important pilgrimage site for both Hindus and Buddhist. The area hosts a Vishnu temple and a Monastery nearby. Muktinath itself demonstrates the religions harmony in Nepal. Overnight at Muktinath.
Day 14: Muktinath to Marpha (2,670m/8,760ft): 4 – 5 hrs
Muktinath is an important pilgrimage for both Hindus and Buddhists. In the morning, we pay our visit to Vishnu Temple and Gompa. Descending from Ranipauwa village down the steep and barren hillside, we tumble down toward Kagbeni and then to Jomsom finally arriving at Marpha. The trail today is quite surreal as we trek along a plateau above Kali Gandaki, the world`s deepest gorge. The barren landscape of this area resembles Tibet. Marpha is also famous as the apple capital of Nepal where one can enjoy different items made from apple. The local apple brandy of Marpha is famous all over Nepal. Overnight at Marpha.
Day 15: Marpha drive to Pokhara.
There is the possibility to stop in Jomsom and fly to Pokhara.
Day 16: Pokhara sight seeing
Day 17: Transfer from Pokhara to Kathmandu.
