Annapurna Circuit Trek 18 Days

Embark onto the amazing Annapurna Circuit Trek 18 days that get us all over the whole Annapurna mountain range to the Thorong La Pass (5,416m/17,769 ft). We’re also walking via the deepest Kali Gandaki gorge in the globe with Annapurna I rising to 8091 m to the east and Dhaulagiri standing at 8167 m to the west! We’re enjoying the stunning mountain views from Poonhill and discover the diverse Annapurna region. In addition, the Annapurna Circuit Trek also takes us to Manang, Jomsom and the Muktinath region, where we are once again familiar with the diverse landscape and culture of Nepal.

This is a long trek for travellers seeking to get across the Annapurna massif. However, it’s perfect for hikers who prefer a shorter trek along the same path which is  Annapurna Circuit Trek-13 Days. We also have the Annapurna Base Camp Trek-7 Days for trekkers wishing to get to the base camp of Mt. Annapurna.

Day 01: Drive from Kathmandu to Khudi (800m/2,624ft): 7- 8 hours

We’re starting our trek to the hills on a country road along the Trishul River. We appreciate terraced farmlands and lovely farmhouses on the way. After reaching the juncture of Mugling, we move straight ahead towards Pokhara. We take the previous road at Dumre and head north to Besisahar. Half an hour’s journey from Besisahar brings us to Khudi, the point of departure of our trek. Optionally, we can get off at Besisahar and then trek for an hour to get into Khudi along the wide path. Khudi gives us a first glimpse of the beautiful Manaslu range. Overnight in Khudi

Day 02: Trek from Khudi to Sirung (2200m/7216 ft): 6 – 7 hours

Our first day of hiking includes crossing a few suspension bridges and waterfalls, with several climbs and downhills across the rice paddies and the subtropical forest. At first, the walk is slow and steady, followed by steeper trails. Now, the hills that we see from Khudi seem a lot better. Until we meet the village of Sirung, we move the Tamang ethnic settlement of Taranche. We respect close-up views of the mountains of Nadi Chuli and Manaslu from Sirung. Overnight in Sirung

Day 03: Trek from Sirung to Jagat (1,300m/4265ft): 6 – 7 hours

We’re going to leave Sirung for Jagat on a fairly easy path. We take behind the village walkways and reach the forest, the fountains, and the woods. We’ve spotted a diverse range of birds on the forest path. We’re also passing through a few small villages and a few temples on the way. We cross a suspension bridge over Sangu Khola at Mipra, then again over the Marshyangdi River at Syange. There’s also a waterfall near the bridge. Now our path moves across the mighty Marshyangdi River and we cross another bridge before we reach Jagat. Overnight in Jagat

Day 04: Trek from Jagat to Dharapani (1,960m/6,430ft): 7-8 hours

We slowly start our trek now after breakfast. The Jagat trail falls until it enters the river and then begins through a lush forest. The further climb leads to a sharp cliff facing the river bank. On the way, Chyamje arrives at the picture in the magnificent setting of the towering Annapurna mountain peaks. After passing the suspension bridge, we ascend steeply to the slippery and physically demanding route to Sattale. As we walk along a succession of rock-stretched trails, we descend to a grassy riverbank that leads to Tal. As we walk away from Tal, the path becomes rough and winding. Then we approach the steeply forested village of Karte. Meandering along the waterfalls and cliffs, we finally reached Dharapani after passing the suspension bridge. Overnight in Dharapani

Day 05: Trek from Dharapani to Chame (2,710m/8,891ft): 5 – 6 hours

Now we travel through a few forested ridges on our way to Chame, the head office of the Manang District. Throughout the hike, we can appreciate wonderful views of the Himalayas, including Lamjung Himal, Annapurna II and Annapurna IV (7,525m/24,688 ft). On today’s trek, we also arrive through small hot springs where we can dive and soothe our sore muscles.Overnight in Chame

Day 06: Trek from Chame to Pisang (3,300m/10824ft): 5 – 6 hours

A steep and narrow route via a very thick forest will take us to the drastic curved rock face, rising 1500 m from the river. This is likely the steepest part of the Marshyangdi Valley, so steep that the path is sculpted into a vertical rock. After crossing this last bit of rock, the valley enters with magnificent views. And right, where the valley widens, sits Paungda Danda, a huge sloping rock face that rises more than 5,000 ft (1500 m) above the trail. We’ve been trekking for a while before we reach Lower Pisang, where we spend the night. Overnight in Pisang

Day 07: Trek from Pisang to Manang: 6 – 7 hours

There are two pathways to Manang, but we follow the way to Upper Pisang via Geru. This trail ensures outstanding views of the scenery and the majestic mountains of Annapurna and Pisang. From today, we start to notice a contrast in landscape and vegetation. The cold and dry climate also generates a much tougher environment. Our short trip to the Barge monastery, the largest monastery in the entire Manang district, will be an unforgettable one. Overnight in Manang

Day 08: Manang Rest: Acclimatization day

To stay fit on the paths that adopt, we’re busy today with a nice walk to either Bhojo Gumba or Gangapurna Lake. If we have the energy, we may even go hiking to Vraga Village, in which we can tour the Himalayan Rescue Association, which will provide us some concept of the Acute Mountain Sickness. Overnight in Manang

Day 09: Manang to Yak Kharka (4,110m/13,484ft): 3 – 4 hours

From the village of Manang, the path passes a stream, ascends to the village of Tenki and continues to rise out of the Marshyangdi Valley, transforming northwest into the Jarsang Khola Valley. The road continues to follow this valley to the north, crossing a few pastures and a scrub of juniper trees as it rises steadily. The path continues near the small village of Ghunsa, a cluster of flat mud roofs just below the path. Now the trail passes through the meadows where horses and yaks graze. After passing a small river on a wooden bridge, the trail crosses the ancient wall of Mani in a pleasurable meadow and then enters another small village of Yak Kharka. Overnight in Yak Kharka

Day 10: Yak Kharka to Thorong Phedi (4,600m/15,092ft): 3 – 4 hours

It’s a steep walk to Thorang Phedi. After trekking for a while, we pass a suspension bridge and hit the village of Ledar. We a little farther climb and cross through towering cliffs before hitting Thorang Phedi, the last village in front of Thorong La Pass. On this journey we will be rewarded with one of the best views of Mt. Gundang, Mt. Syagang, Thorung Peak and Mt. Khatungkan. The word Phedi in Nepal is referenced to as the foot of a mountain. Overnight in Thorong Phedi

Day 11: Trek from Thorong Phedi to Muktinath (3,800m/12,467ft) via Thorong La pass (5416m/17764ft): 7 – 8 hours

Today Passing Thorong La Pass, one of the highest passes in the world, will be our ultimate goal today. We’re going to cross the pass from east to west (Manang to Muktinath) which is the easiest and safest direction. We get up about three o’clock in the morning and hike up the mountain. When we eventually get to the top, we recognize that our trip was worth it. We can make a couple of photos before moving to Muktinath Valley at the foot of Thorong La Pass. Overnight in Muktinath

Day 12: Trek from Muktinath to Marpha (2,670m/8,760ft): 4 – 5 hours

Muktinath is a significant pilgrimage for Hindus and Buddhists both. In the morning, we take a visit to Vishnu Temple and Gompa. Coming down down the steep and barren hillside from the village of Ranipauwa, we fall down to Kagbeni and then to Jomsom, arriving at Marpha. Today’s path is also quite surreal as we walk along a plateau above the Kali Gandaki River, the deepest gorge in the world. The barren landscape of this area is like Tibet. Marpha is also popular for being the apple capital of Nepal, where you can love different apple products. Marpha’s local apple brandy is popular all over Nepal. Overnight in Marpha

Day 13: Trek from Marpha to Kalopani (2,530 m/8,300 ft): 5 – 6 hours

From Marpha, we make a new path to Kalopani through the village of Chokhopani. Today, we arrive across the typical villages of the Thakali citizens. We do get to see the nice apple gardens. From now we have spectacular views of the Dhaulagari, Tukuche, Nilgiri, Fang and Annapurna I mountains. We begin to Kokhethanti from Chokhopani. We cross the river and cross the newly built road site before we enter Kalopani. Overnight in Kalopani

Day 14: Trek from Kalopani to Tatopani (1,200m/3,937ft): 6 – 7 hours

Most of our trip today is down and down. We cross the bridge at Ghasa throughout the early part of today’s hike. As we descend to lower altitudes, we arise back into subtropical forests, lush with vegetation. Our path begins along the Rupse Chahara (a waterfall). We start down the East Bank from Kopchepani via Garpar to the Dana Bridge. At Narchyang Besi, we’re going to see a power plant that supplies electricity in the area. There are larger villages in this area where we can witness the daily lives of the local residents. Upon hitting Tatopani, we calm and have a hot spring bath. Overnight in Tatopani

Day 15: Trek from Tatopani to Ghorepani (2,850m/9,350ft): 7 – 8 hours

We’re leaving the Kali Gandaki and heading up the Ghar Khola Valley. The path takes us through a terraced farmland with mountains all around. We cross via the villages of Shikha and Chitre before we meet the lovely Rhododendron forest. When in bloom the rhododendron trees with a normal height of up to 100 “are protected with pink or red flowers. Walking further, we enter Ghorepani, a lovely village placed at the top of the ridge. Overnight in Ghorepani

Day 16: Trek from Ghorepani to Poon Hill to Tadapani (2,700m/8,860ft): 6 – 7 hours

To grab the sunrise over the Mountains, we make an early morning ascent along the steep road to the view of Poon Hill (3,210m/10,529 ft), the most famous tourist location in the Annapurna region. It is also a nice view to appreciate the stunning views of Mustang, Pokhara and more than 20 of the highest peaks, including the close-up views of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri peaks. The snowy peaks of the high mountains are above and around us, shining in the morning light. After taking pictures, we’re going back to Ghorepani. After breakfast, we’ll head east and climb the nearby ridge. We fall through the Rhododendron forests, pass via remarkable waterfalls and meet Tadapani to spend the night. Overnight in Tadapani

Day 17: Trek from Tadapani to Pokhara (827m/2,789ft) via Ghandruk: 5 – 6 hours trek, 1 hour drive

From Tadapani, we consider a steep journey via a thick, dark forest. This part of the hike is going via a dense forest of old rhododendron forests. When the rhododendron trees are in bloom, they simply turn into stunning gardens. By afternoon, based on the visit season, we can also appreciate cherry blossoms in bloom on the slopes on the other side of the ravine. After a few more minutes of hiking, we reach the village of Ghandruk, a hillside village with stone buildings mostly populated by the Gurung citizens. Here, we appreciate the breathtakingly close-up views of the Fishtail, Annapurna South and Hiunchuli Hills. We’re continuing our trek to Nayapul from where we’re going to Pokhara. Overnight in Pokhara

Day 18: Drive back to Kathmandu and finish Our Trek

After breakfast, we bid farewell to Pokhara’s stunning northern skyline, and head towards Kathmandu. Free evening for your own leisure activities or shopping or exploring the tourist market of Thamel, etc Overnight in Kathmandu