Annapurna Circuit Trek from Pokhara - 11 Days

On the first day of our journey to Annapurna Circuit, we drive from Pokhara to Dharapani through lush terraced farms, green hills, and scenic villages. The road journey passes alongside the Marsyangdi River, taking you deeper into the valley, where the rich smell of green rice paddies and lush pine forests welcomes you.

The road is bumpy and exhilarating, and you will encounter several waterfalls and canals on the way. We will have a brief lunch break at Tal, and pass by charming villages like Syange and Chamje before reaching Dharapani, our destination for the night.

Today we leave Dharapani and step into a trail that winds through peaceful pine forests and quiet mountain villages. The sound of the Marsyangdi River echoes throughout the valley as we walk through it. The cool air of the forest and the warmth of cedar trees give the morning an incredible, energizing feeling. Along the way, we see wooden bridges, prayer wheels, and wall paintings, which signal that we are approaching the entrance to the Buddhist Highlands.

As we travel onward into Chame, we begin to see the Lamjung Himal above the treelines. We come closer to the Himalayas as we arrive at Chame, which is where we will be spending the night. This day's real value is the slow, gentle gain in altitude that keeps your body strong and safe for the days ahead.

Today, as we leave Chame, the trail curves around cliffs adorned with prayer flags and wall paintings. We then cross long wooden bridges, walk through tall forests, and follow the river as it carves a wide silver arc through the landscape.

Gradually, the scenery shifts into a dramatic alpine terrain with vast fields, hillsides, and stone-built villages. Reaching Upper Pisang feels like arriving at a natural balcony where the mountains perform their own silent show at sunset.

the evening approaches, the light softens, the peaks turn pink, and the calmness of the night settles over us. The unique value of this day is simple: it's your first real Himalayan experience, a moment that imprints itself on your memory long after the trek ends.

You'll wake up in the morning and enjoy a warm beverage, surrounded by the towering peaks of Annapurna II and Pisang Peak. As we have gained significant elevation, we will follow the 'Climb High, Sleep Low' principle, and gradually make our way down to Geru. This strategy helps our body adapt to environmental and atmospheric changes, reducing the risk of Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS).

On the way, you will have to hike through a challenging, steep trail on the mountainside, which leads you to the initial section of the ascent to Upper Pisang. You will feel the air thinning, so we advise you to maintain a slow, steady pace to avoid exhaustion. Once you reach the stone-walled village of Geru or Ghyaru, take a long pause and spectate the 360-degree panoramas of Annapurna II (7,937m), Annapurna III (7,555m), and Gangapurna (7,455m).

From Geru, the trail ahead is flat and follows a ridge passing through Ngawal, from where you will notice the desert-like Tibetan landscape. This area is also commonly known as the rain shadow of the Annapurna region. The final stretch of today's hike takes you through the significant settlement of Manang. As you enter the village, you’ll pass through the famous Braga (Bhraka). The place is home to the multi-storied Braga Monastery, dating back over 500 years. Here, you can have a brief break and admire its ancient relics and manuscripts.

Today is crucial as it is acclimatization day in Manang. Your body will need a break from the long hikes, but you'll still take short excursions to stay active. The day begins with a short walk above the Manang village to Praken Gompa. This ancient monastery, perched at 3,945 meters, is a peaceful and culturally significant stop. Trekkers visit the sacred site to receive blessings from the resident lama, enhancing the journey's authentic Himalayan experience.

You will then follow a gentle steep slope, which will test your endurance as you make your way towards the Ice Lake. The trail ahead passes through dry alpine pastures, leading you towards a high plateau. On the way, stay alert as you might witness Himalayan Blue Sheep grazing among the rocky slopes. Finally, you will arrive at Kicho Tal (Ice Lake), a tranquil, stunning body of water that reflects the colossal peaks of Annapurna II, Annapurna III, and Gangapurna.

The view from here is absolutely astonishing, showcasing a panoramic view of the Annapurna mountain range. After soaking in the beautiful vista of the Himalayas, you will make your way down to Manang on a dusty, steep trail. It is important not to rush and maintain a steady pace to prevent strain on your knees and ankles. After reaching the teahouse in the evening, you'll enjoy a hearty dinner to replenish yourself, and sleep early to rest your body.

Leaving Manang, we step onto a quiet trail that gently rises above the village. The landscape opens into vast, dry hillsides filled with juniper and pine trees. Along the way, you will see yaks grazing on the meadows, and their bells ringing in the stillness, creating a calm rhythm that guides our pace.

As we climb higher, the mountains begin to feel closer, their shadows stretching long across the valley. The walk is steady and unhurried, letting your breath adjust naturally to the thin air. By the time we reach Yak Kharka, the atmosphere feels quieter, with up-close views of the snowcapped mountains. The village is an ideal place to rest early and prepare your body for the higher elevations ahead.

This morning, the trail feels steeper as we climb slowly out of Yak Kharka, crossing a narrow bridge suspended above a rocky canyon where the river rushes far below. The mountains rise sharply around us, and the wind carries a cold that reminds us of the altitude.

The path becomes rocky, weaving through landslide areas where we move cautiously, taking our time. Eventually, Thorong Phedi appears tucked beneath towering cliffs, almost like a hidden shelter carved for travelers preparing for the pass. We settle in early, hydrate well, and mentally prepare for the challenge and triumph of Thorong La awaiting us tomorrow.

The most significant value of this day is preparation; it teaches you to pace yourself, hydrate, and rest early so you’re physically and mentally ready for the challenge of Thorong La.

Today, the hike begins early, around 4:00 am, to reach the pass and descend before the strong, chilling wind starts to pick up. After lunch, you will follow a steep trail covered with ice and snow. You must use a headlamp and trekking poles to navigate the trail and avoid slips and falls. As you move on ahead, you will pass by High Camp, where you can have a brief break to rest before the final push.

As the sun rises while you make the ascent, the surrounding peak of Yakwakang and Khatung Kang shines in brilliant colors of gold and yellow. Finally, you'll reach the summit of Thorong La Pass, which is an overwhelming experience. Take a moment to absorb the panorama of the mountains as the colourful prayer flags snap loudly in the wind. The challenge is not over; you will have to walk a long, steep descent to Muktinath. Descending can be difficult due to the stress on your knees, ankles, and toes.

As you reach Muktinath, the landscape changes to dry terrain with Tibetan-influenced houses and settlements. Following the dry riverbed, you arrive at Muktinath, a sacred religious site for both Hindus and Buddhists. The temple is known for its 108 waterspouts, and it's believed that bathing in them washes away sin and helps attain Nirvana.

After the challenging hike of the past few days, you can finally enjoy a break with the scenic ride to Tatopani via a 4x4 jeep. The drive begins in the cold morning, descending into the arid, rocky landscape of Lower Mustang. On the way, you will pass through villages like Marpha and Tukuche, famous for their organic apples. We can also take a brief break here and try different items, such as dried apples, apple pie, and apple wine.

Moving on, the road journey takes you through famous steps such as Ghasa and Lete, where the landscape transforms into lush subtropical forests. By the afternoon, you will reach Tatopani, the destination for the day. The village is known for its natural hot springs, which are believed to have healing properties. You can end the day by soaking your worn body in the mineral-rich warm pool.

You will follow a trail that passes through terraced fields and charming settlements like Shikha and Ghara. Here, the humidity is high, and the environment becomes lush and subtropical, with several ferns and banana plants along the way. In the second half of the journey, you will have to walk through staircases, which have been built by the Magar and Gurung communities.

The climb seems endless as you make your way through dense rhododendron and oak forests. We advise against rushing and maintaining a steady pace to prevent your calves and quads from exhausting. Take your time to immerse yourself in the vibrant life of the jungle, filled with blooming rhododendron trees in hues of red, white, and pink.

Finally, by early evening, you will reach Ghorepani, a picturesque village perched on the edge of a forest. The name "Ghorepani" means "horse water," reflecting its historic use as a vital stop for horse traders. You will stay at a local teahouse in the village, a perfect opportunity to witness the daily life of the Gurung community and its culture and traditions

The final hike of the 11-day Annapurna Circuit Trek begins at 4:00 am. After gearing up, you will navigate the stone staircase with the help of a headlamp through the dense forest. The trick is to keep it steady and take the necessary break to push through the fatigue. At the summit, you will witness the sun rays sweeping across the majestic Himalayan giants, including Dhaulagiri (8,167m), Annapurna I (8,091m), Annapurna South, and the iconic Machhapuchhre (Fishtail).

It is a moment of personal achievement as you stand on the mighty high plains of Thorong La, and now you are witnessing the full scale of Annapurna and Dhaulagiri masses illuminated by the rising sun. After spending an hour or two gazing and photographing the memorable moment, we will descend to Ghorepani for breakfast. Eventually, you will follow the trail towards Hile, where a private jeep will be waiting for you.

The road journey back to Pokhara is calm and reminiscing as you look back on your past few days in the mountains. Arriving in Pokhara, you will check in at the designated hotel and spend the rest of the evening strolling by the lakeside or sharing a beverage with your friends and family at a cafe or restaurant. Paradiso, The Irish Pub, and The Rolling Stones are some popular joints where you can have a wonderful time after the long trek.