Annapurna II seen from Chame on the Annapurna Circuit trek

Annapurna II from Chame © Mads Mathiasen

Trekkers descending from Kang La to Ngawal on the Annapurna Circuit

Braga Gompa © Robin Boustead

top of the Thorung La pass on the Annapurna Circuit trek

Thorung La (pass) © Evan Galbraith

View of Dhaulagiri and Tukuche peaks from the trail to Lupra in the Mustang region of Nepal

Dhaulagiri and Tukuche peaks © Mark Beaumont

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Everest Epic Bike and Hike

Short Annapurna Circuit

This is the short 9 days on the classic route along Marsyangdi, over Thorung La [5416m] and descent through Kali Gandaki Valley.

This is a magnificent trek taking in two different river valleys, encircling the Annapurna Massive and crossing Thorong La, the highest pass on this trek. You will experience the culture of Buddhist and Hindu villages as you pass through the magnificent landscape of the incredible Himalayas.

This is a moderately graded trek, with occasional steep sections on the mountain path and can be taken at any time of the year except for severe winter when the Thorong pass gets blocked by snow.

Starts In: Kathmandu
Ends In: Pokhara
Duration: 9 Days
Difficulty Grade: Demanding

Highlights

A classic hike of the world!
Trek over the Thurong La High Pass at 5416m
Journey from the lush, Hindu mid hills to the Buddhist high alpine mountains
Views over the Annapurna range, Gangapurna (7455m/24500f), Tilicho Peak (7134m/23400f) and many, many more!

Itinerary

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Day 01: Drive from Kathmandu to Chame

We will leave Kathmandu early in the morning in a comfortable air-conditioned jeep that takes us to the town of Besisahar, which marks the start of the Annapurna Circuit trek. Here you will have some lunch and have the opportunity to get some fresh fruit and other snacks for the long drive. We will then continue the journey all together, in a sturdy 4WD and a very skilled driver will take us to Chame from where we will start your trek the following day. If you expect a metaled road, don’t be fooled. Driving on this trail is a real adventure as it takes us along the old Annapurna Circuit trek through amazing gorges and meanders past (or even through) stunning waterfalls. We arrive in Chame just before nightfall and enjoy a good meal in a comfortable lodge.

Accommodation: Tea House
Meals included: Lunch, Dinner

Driving up through the Marshyangdi valley © Mads Mathiasen

Day 02: Trek from Chame to Pisang [3190m]

With Lamjung Himal [6893m] sparkling in the morning sun, we set off for Pisang. The mountain disappears as we climb the path up the valley, passing a huge apple orchard. We continue through a fir and pine forest, climbing to a high, rocky area as the opposite bank becomes an impassable cliff.

From this point the valley becomes extremely steep-sided as we follow the path to Bratang. In the past this was the military station for troops who fought against the Khampa tribal revolution, but the dilapidated buildings are all that remain of that era. A short climb from the village brings us to a rock-strewn area where we cross a wooden bridge and follow a high, winding path, before crossing back to the right bank again.

We now walk through a pine forest and as the forest ends, the valley changes from a V-shape to a gentle U-shape, opening up a wonderful vista before us. We can see the east peak of Annapurna II as well as Pisang Peak to the north-east. Continuing on, we come to a long mani wall by a bridge and the lower village of Pisang.

Walking time: Approx. 5-6 hours

Accommodation: Tea House
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Exploring Pisang © Dawa Sherpa

Day 03: Trek from Pisang to Manang [3520m]

Beyond Pisang, the trail climbs a steep ridge which affords good views of the Manang valley and Tilicho peak. Descending past Manang’s airstrip at Hongde, we come to a level area from where the north-east face of Annapurna III rises majestically above us. From the wide plains of the Sabje Khola Valley, Annapurna IV [7525m] also becomes visible. Just beyond this point we cross the considerably reduced flow of the Marsyangdi Khola via a wooden bridge to the tiny village of Mungji. Cultivated fields appear on both sides of the path and off to the right, below a craggy mountain, we can see the village of Bryaga with its splendid monastery. Large chortens and mani walls abound and the tall peaks of the Himalaya spread out before us – Annapurna II, Annapurna III, Annapurna IV, Gangapurna [7455m] and, to the rear, Tilicho Peak [7134m]. After a short steep climb we reach Manang which is a surprisingly large village for this remote mountain region.

Walking time: Approx. 5 hours

Accommodation: Tea House
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Gangapurna Lake © Mangal Lama

Day 04: Rest day in Manang [3520m]

An important rest and acclimatisation day today before crossing the Thorung La. There are optional day walks such as crossing the river to see the tremendous ice-fall coming down from the Annapurnas, or climbing high above the village for a full panorama of the Annapurna range and the Manang Valley. There is also a Himalayan Rescue Association [HRA] aid post in the village which makes an interesting and educational visit.

Accommodation: Tea House
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Amazing view above Manang © Dawa Sherpa

Day 05: Trek from Manang to Yak Kharka [4000m]

We will undoubtedly be passed along the trail by galloping Manangi horses, saddled with wonderful (and expensive) Tibetan wool saddle blankets, and their jubilant Manangi riders, bells jingling as they gallop by. We climb past Tengi and Gunsang to Yak Karka, where we will spend the night.

Walking time: Approx. 6-7 hours

Accommodation: Tea House
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Trekking group © Evan Galbraith

Day 06: Trek from Yak Kharka to Thorung Phedi [4500m]

Leaving Yak Kharka, we climb gradually to a ridge before descending to the headwaters of the Marsyangdi and crossing via a covered wooden bridge. After a short ascent up the mountain path on the right bank, we follow a narrow trail across an unstable scree slope and then descend to Thorung Phedi and a free afternoon to either hike up to the lodge at High Camp for some acclimatization, or an afternoon of reading and chatting with other trekkers in the sunny, all-glass dining area of the lodge.

Walking time: Approx. 6-7 hours

Accommodation: Tea House
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Tea Houses Thorung Phedi © Evan Galbraith

Day 07: Trek from Thorung Phedi to Muktinath [3800m] - via the Thorung La Pass

Up early for the four hour walk to the top of the Thorung La at 5400m, where we are treated with spectacular views over Mustang and the surrounding peaks. The descent is almost as demanding as the ascent to the top of the pass, so a cup of chai and a snack at the local tea house at Chabarbu, at the bottom of the descent, is a required stop. And on to lower Mustang, which we have actually reached just after the pass, and the serene temple complex of Muktinath.

Muktinath is an important pilgrimage site for Buddhists and Hindus situated in a tranquil grove of trees, and contains a wall of 108 waterspouts in the shape of cows heads spouting sacred water, the Jwala Mai temple with a perpetual spouting flame and the pagoda-styled Vishnu Mandir, all of which make up the auspicious combination of earth, fire and water. We bed down for the night, finally, at the Royal Mustang Lodge, with a great dining area and hot showers.

Walking time: Approx. 9-10 hours

Accommodation: Tea House
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Thorung La (pass) © Evan Galbraith

Day 08: Trek from Muktinath to Jomsom [2710m] via Lupra

Today you will trek down to Jomsom via Lupra village (2790) where there is a Bonpo Monastery. While we have to go up the mountain again for a way in order to reach the trail, it is a great route that trekkers on the Annapurna circuit don’t normally use, so we will be far away from any crowds and the jeep trail to Jharkot and Muktinath.

Bonpo is an ancient pre-buddhist religion not represented by many monasteries these days, so it is a rare and special chance to learn about this ancient animist religion, while taking a stunning alternate route back to Jomsom. We reach Jomsom by mid afternoon with plenty of time to have a shower and relax before we celebrate the end of our trek in style in the evening.

Walking time: Approx. 6 hours

Accommodation: Tea House
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 09: Fly to Pokhara and onwards to Kathmandu

We will catch a morning flight to Pokhara and then continue on to Kathmandu. The mountain views are tremendous en route.

Accommodation: None
Meals included: Breakfast

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Gallery

Sunset seen from Pisang on the Annapurna Circuit trek

View of Annapurna IV from Milarepa cave on the Annapurna circuit trek

Annapurna III seen from the Manang valley on the Annapurna Circuit trek

Braga Monastery with the peak of Chulu high above on the Annapurna circuit trek

Local man wearing traditional clothing on the Annapurna circuit trek

Pilgrims at the Muktinath temple in the Mustang region of Nepal

Jharkot village in the Mustang region of Nepal, seen from the Lukra trail

Included In Price

Tea house accommodation while on the trek
Meals as per the itinerary (all meals on trek, with filtered drinking water)
Transportation as per the detailed itinerary (includes overland journey, flights to Pokhara and Kathmandu for you and your guide, including transfers and airport taxes)
Your trekking guide, sherpas, and porters, with all their transport, equipment, insurance, meals and accommodation
A first aid kit with basic supplies appropriate for the group size and trek route – if you require or are taking specific medications it is critical that you discuss this with us prior to your trip departure
Trekking permits and registration fees

Note: The local tea houses are basic but clean and they do not often have attached bathrooms or hot showers. The price is based on twin share and does not include any extra charge that lodge owners may levy for single rooms, attached bathrooms or hot showers (if these facilities are available) or for battery charging. We can’t know in advance what they may charge for such things in the different lodges along the way, so we prefer to leave this cost out, rather than pass along an estimated charge to you.

The meal inclusions on the trek are breakfast (one set breakfast and tea or coffee), lunch (one main meal and tea or coffee) and dinner (soup, main and dessert with tea or coffee)

Not Included In Price

Services and activities not mentioned in the detailed itinerary
Any gear or equipment that you may need to rent/buy – please ask us if you would like any advice about gear to bring/buy/rent
International ﬂights to and from Kathmandu
Nepal visa fees and international airport taxes
Any excess baggage charges
Comprehensive travel insurance that includes trip cancellation and rescue evacuation should this be required for any reason (we require this as the minimum insurance cover)
Additional nights, optional trips and sightseeing tours outside the detailed itineraries above
Single supplement
Personal expenses (eg mineral water/soft drinks/bar bills, entrance/photography fees at monasteries, laundry, telephone calls, postage, donations, extra snacks, etc)
Any extra charge that tea house owners may levy for single rooms, attached bathrooms, or hot showers (if these facilities are available) and charging of batteries
Tips for your trekking crew, city guide, drivers, hotels, restaurants, etc (please ask if you would like guidance about appropriate tips)
Costs incurred due to unforeseen events (eg caused by natural disasters, adverse road conditions/flight delays, labor strikes, fuel shortages, extreme exchange rate changes, etc)

Adventure travel: Every effort will be made to keep to the above itinerary, but as this is Adventure Travel in the mountains, we cannot guarantee it. Weather conditions, road conditions, vehicle breakdowns and the health of fellow travelers can all contribute to changes. We will try to ensure that the trip runs according to plan, but an easy- going nature will be an asset!