Unique Annapurna Circuit Trek

You will be met by a representative from Sherpa Expedition Teams at Tribhuvan International Airport, Kathmandu. You will be taken to your hotel in Thamel (the tourist hub of Kathmandu) where you will be briefed about the trek. The remainder of the day is yours to explore the city or wander the winding streets of Thamel. 

Today we head out on a scenic road trip to Dharapani. On the route you will get to see the typical Nepal countryside and villages as you pass through forests and alongside raging rivers that have their source in the mountains. We will stay overnight at a guest house in Dharapani. 

This morning we hit the trail and head to Chame along a mule track that ascends through fir forests and follows the beautiful Marsyangdi River. We are slowly heading higher through oak and maple trees with some awesome views of the Annapurna Himal on the trail. Tonight we will stay at a guest house in Chame.

Today we follow the trail through a steep and narrow valley from where we have our first views of Paungda Danda, a enormous curved rock face soaring 1500 meters vertically up from the river bed. From here we can also look skyward to the colossal Annapurna II and Pisang Peaks. We then descend to Manang Valley. Tonight we will stay at a guest house in Pisang. 

Today we will take the upper route to Manang via the Ghyaru-Ngawal-Mungli trail as we enter the upper Manang region that begins at Pisang. Today we initially head to Braga; a Tibetan village with its distinguishing architecture and houses built one upon the other. One of the main features here is its Gompa (Tibetan Buddhist temple), that happens to be the largest in the Manang region. Manang is a popular place for trekkers to take a break and is also an ideal place to acclimatize before heading to higher altitudes. We will stay here overnight.

Today we have a 10.4 km uphill climb to Yak Kharka on a trail that leads through juniper forests. On the trail it is very likely that we will see yak grazing in these high alpine pastures. We will also pass the only teahouse at Thorong Khola. Depending on the weather conditions and how energetic we feel we may decide to trek a little further today and stay overnight at Letdar.

The trail this morning initially descends and then crosses the river at 4310 meters and from here we have to climb up to Thorong Phedi at 4450 meters. At High Camp (4700m) there are several good guest houses where we can stay overnight.

Today is one of the most physically demanding days on the trek as we trek for up to 8 hours. The higher altitude also makes it tougher going with less oxygen and the chance of very strong winds in these alpine regions. On the trail we may pass sheep, yaks and merchants transporting goods on mules or on their backs. At Thorong La Pass we will have unbelievable views of Annapurna, Gangapurna and the distinctive peak of Khatungkang (6484m). We then descend for approximately 1600 metres and on the trail will have views of Dhaulagiri (Dhavali giri, meaning “White Mountain”), the highest mountain that is wholly within the borders of Nepal. The trail then becomes easier as we head to Muktinath where we stay overnight.

This morning we drive to the beautiful lake-side city of Pokhara, Nepal’s second largest city and place where many trekkers begin their trek into the Annapurna region. Pokhara sits close to the Annapurna foothills beside the peaceful Phewa Tal (lake). On arrival you will have time to explore the city or merely sit and relax at a lakeside café with a cold drink while watching the sunset over the distant mountains. 

This morning we head back on a scenic drive to Kathmandu. The journey will take you through typical Nepali countryside and past numerous villages. On arrival at Kathmandu you will be taken back to your hotel in Thamel. 

A representative from Sherpa Expedition Teams will take you to the airport approximately three hours prior to your scheduled departure. On your way home you may already be considering another adventure into the amazing Himalayas. We would love to hear from you and assist with planning this trip.