Annapurna Circuit Trek – 16 Nights/17 Days

After breakfast proceed for city sightseeing tour of Kathmandu Durbar square, Swayambhunath and Bhaktapur listed in the UNESCO World Heritage sites. Later on, after sightseeing discuss and short briefing for Annapurna circuit trek that will start next day.

*Overnight at Kathmandu (Breakfast)

Kathmandu Durbar Square: Kathmandu is cluster of ancient temples, palaces, courtyards and streets that date back to the 12th and 18th centuries. Hanuman Dhoka is the former Royal Palace, an ancient seat of the Nepalese Royalty. The entire Palace here is named after a monkey god called ‘Hanuman’. One can see a huge stone statue of Hanuman painted all red right next to the main entrance (the golden gate) of the palace. Hanuman here is regarded as a powerful protector of the entire Durbar Square. The visit of Durbar Square includes the temple of Living Goddesses Kumari, she acknowledges the greetings of the devotees from the balcony of her temple residence.

The magnificent Taleju Temple, Shiva Pārbati Temple, Kala Bhairav, Maju Dega are the other major attraction. The capital takes its name from the giant pagoda of Kasthamandap, which is said to have been built of a single tree. The Kasthamandap was destroyed in 2015 earthquake and is currently being reconstructed.

Swayambunath: Swayambhunath is one of the most important religious and cultural sites in Nepal and is associated with the birth of the Kathmandu Valley civilization. It is perched on a hilltop on the southwestern part of Kathmandu and seen from most part of the city. Approximately 2000 years old Swayambhunath stupa, is a dome, 20 meters in diameter and 32 meters high and is made of brick and earth mounted by a conical spire capped by a pinnacle of copper gilt. This place is religiously important for both Hindus and Buddhists.

Bhaktapur: Bhaktapur is also known as Bhadgaun. Bhaktapur is located in the east of Kathmandu and in reality, is a medieval city where the Newars, the main inhabitants still follow age old traditions and customs. This city is extraordinarily beautiful because of its ancient architecture of pagoda style copper roofs on wooden and mud-brick buildings, Durbar Square and its Golden Gate, Palace of 55 Windows, five storied Nyatapola Temple, Kashi Biswanath Temple, Dattatreya Temple. One can also observe local artisans shaping pottery where the local potters use age old techniques to make clay utensils.

After breakfast approx. 7 hrs. drive to Nagdi by 4WD vehicle via Besisahar, with crossing place called Dumre along the Marshyangdi river, local villages and view of Himalayas.

*Overnight at Nagdi. (Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner)

Trek start from Ngadi to approx. 6 hrs. trek to Jagat through Rhododendron forest, paddy fields streams and waterfalls with view of Marshyangdi river.

*Overnight at Jagat (Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner)

Approx. 5 hrs. trek to Tal, the first village in Manang district, through Rhododendron, pine forest with rocky trail along the Marshyangdi river. You’ll view barley, wheat and potatoes field at Tal village. *Overnight at Tal (Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner)

Approx. 5 hrs. up and down trek to Danakyu crossing wide and flat valley via Dharapani village via trail climb stone staircases. After arriving Danakyu you will experience flat roof stone houses in Tibetan design. *Overnight at Danakyu (Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner)

Approx. 5 hrs. trek to Chame, the head quarter of Manang district. Trek through rough and rocky trail crossing Rhododendron forest, small villages and waterfalls. After arriving at Chame you can enjoy view of Mt. Annapurna. Also there are 2 small natural hot spring bath and you can enjoy a relaxing bath in natural hot spring. *Overnight at Chame (Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner)

Approx. 5 hrs. trek to Pisang, through deep forest, crossing Marshyangdi river via suspension bridge with a view of Pisang peak and Mt. Annapurna range.

*Overnight at Chame (Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner)

Approx. 5 hrs. trek to Manang, one of the largest villages in the Annapurna circuit and popular for acclimatization to cross Thorong-La pass (5416m). Trek will pass through via Humde (airport town) and Tibetan style Braga village. This trail offers excellent view of Himalayas Mt. Annapurna, Mt. Gangapurna and Pisang peak etc.

*Overnight at Manang (Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner)

Rest day to acclimatize to trek to cross Thorong-La pass, a highest pass of this trails at 5416m. Spend a day at Manang, enjoy hiking around Manang, explore their culture and its rich natural flora and fauna & enjoy excellent view of Himalayas. People of Manang are refered as Mananges are the known as a trader of Nepal.

*Overnight at Manang (Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner)

Today you’ll experience relaxing 4 hr short trek to Yak Kharka. You’ll pass through narrow trekking trails crossing suspension bridges, two small villages called Tanki Manang and Ghunsang with spectacular view of snowcapped mountain. Mountain views along this section are some of the best of whole Annapurna circuit trail. Be aware of Yaks and mules while walking. After having lunch, approx. 30 min. walk upto Letdar, a village above the Yak Kharka for acclimatization. Spend some time and hike back to Yak Kharka.

*Overnight at Yak Kharka (Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner)

Approx. 4~5 hrs. trek to Thorong Phedi also known as Thorong base camp, crossing Thorong Khola (river), 2 small villages Letdar and Deurali with an excellent view of Himalayas. The trail before arriving Thorong Phedi is prone to land slide and need to be gentle as stones fall down. After arriving Thorong Phedi and having lunch, acclimatization walk approx. 2 hrs hike up to high camp. This will help you to prepare to cross one of the world highest pass Thorong-la pass (5416m) next day. Spend some time at high camp and hike back to Thorong Phedi before dark. *Overnight at Thorong Phedi (Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner)

Approx. 8 hrs. trek to Muktinath, wake up early morning 3 a.m. Today is the longest and hardest day covering 15 km of total distance of our trek. After having hot breakfast around 4 a.m. we’ll start our trek to Thorong-La pass (5416m) one the world highest passes. After approx. 5 hrs. of trekking you will reach above the mountain at Thorong-La pass. On the top of Thorong-La pass, Chorten and Buddhist flag sways as you enjoy an excellent and stunning view of the Himalayas. After spending some time on the top, trek gradually down approx. 3 hrs.. Arrive at Muktinath, one of famous Hindus and Buddhist holy temple and pilgrimage site. Pilgrims surrounded by Sadhus and pilgrimages will enchant you with its divine spirituality. You will see 108 sacred water spout behind the temple. At Jwala mai temple you will view a continuou burning flame (water on fire) inside the temple.

*Overnight at Muktinath (Ranipauwa) (Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner)

After breakfast, approx. 5 hrs. trek down to Jomsom via Kagbeni,. This is the end of your trek. You can enjoy free time at Jomsom, with a splendid view of Mt. Nilgiri, Mt. Tilicho peak and Mt. Dhaulagiri.

*Overnight at Jomsom (Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner)

After breakfast, fly back to Pokhara, (approx.15 min.). At Pokhara transfer to hotel and check in.

1. M. halfday Sightseeing of Pokhara:

Devi’s fall: Devi’s fall is a lovely waterfall lying about 2 km south-west of the Pokhara airport on the Siddhartha Highway. It is locally known as Patale chhango. The water fall directly into a gorge and goes into a deep and narrow canal with no ends. This place is hugely popular with tourists and locals alike.

Gupteswor Mahadev Cave: Gupteshwor Mahadev cave is right across from Devis fall and the cave is almost 3 kms long. It is one of the longest caves in Nepal. This cave holds special value to Hindus since a phallic symbol of Lord Shiva is preserved here in the condition it was discovered.

Bindabashini Temple: This is one of the oldest temples of goddess Bhagwati in Pokhara which lies in the center of religious old bazaar. Apart from the peace and tranquility that can be felt in this region, the premises of the temple offers a good view of the Himalaya on a clear day.

Fewa Lake: Fewa Lake is 1.5 kilometer long and second largest lake in Nepal which offers an excellent view of the mountains and their reflections on the lake. Many tours and trekking operators and hotels are located on the lakeside. One can easily find a place to sit back, relax and enjoy great meal while enjoying scenery here. You can also enjoy 01 hrs boating on the lake.

*Overnight at Pokhara (Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner)

After breakfast, fly back to Kathmandu. At Kathmandu you’ll be transferred to hotel & check in. P. M.  free time or walk around Thamel or shopping.

*Overnight at Kathmandu (Breakfast)

Free time until departure. Transfer to international airport 3 hours prior to departure flight time to connect onward journey.