Annapurna Circuit Trek

The Haven Holidays representative receives you on your first arrival at Kathmandu and Nepal International Airport. After being introduced to the staff, your baggage will be loaded in a car, coach or bus as per group size. A short drive to the centre of Kathmandu city, where your hotel is located. On checking into your lovely rooms, getting refreshed from Jet-Lag, then get ready for group briefing where you will meet with other members of Annapurna Circuit Trek. 

The guide or group leader brief with related information regarding the trek, and local culture. Includes details on accommodation and food hours of walks and overnight stops and views along the treks.

Full day in Kathmandu preparation for Annapurna Circuit Trek along with Kathmandu sightseeing tour. Kathmandu is a wonderful old city, steeped with historical and religious interesting places, with many world heritage sites. Kathmandu is a feast for the senses, a vibrant city overflowing with cultural and historical treasures. Kathmandu Dubar Square is an architectural marvel showcasing ancient palaces and temples. Swayambhunath Stupa "Monkey Temple" due to the resident monkeys, this ancient Buddhist stupa offers panoramic views of the city from its hilltop. Pasupati Temple a sacred Hindu temple complex on the banks of the Bagmati River, Pashupatinath is a fascinating place to witness cremation rituals and Hindu devotees. Boudhanath Stupa is a massive mandala, a Buddhist sacred symbol representing the universe. The stupa is whitewashed with a gilded square tower at its peak. The tower is painted with the all-seeing eyes of the Buddha, looking out in all four directions.

Early morning breakfast, for the long and exciting drive of more than 6-7 hours to reach the starting point of the trek at Dharapani village. The drive Tourist standard Bus follows the main Nepal busy highway along the Trisuli River. One of the most popular rivers for rafting adventure, the drive diverts towards the west to reach Dumre town. 
The drive continues heading north towards Manang areas, through the Lamjung district and the town of Bhesisar. Covering a distance of more than 180 km. After Besishar change vehicle  Jeep drive to Dharapani and  we  the road follows the Marsyangdi River upstream for another 50 km to reach Dharapani village.

The drive leads around low sub-tropical farm areas, then climbs to cooler alpine zones past Syange and Jagat villages. The temperatures and landscapes change upon reaching Manang areas, at Talbesi. From here a short drive leads to our overnight destination at Dharapani village.

Dharapani is located within the district of Manang and on route to Manaslu Valley and Annapurna Circuit Trek. Enjoy the comfort of a nice cozy lodge, after a long exciting drive from Kathmandu.

A moderately pleasant walk to start the first day trekking from Dharapani to Chame, the headquarters town of the Manang area. The morning walk follows through a lovely forest of pines and rhododendrons past Bagarchap and Danaque villages.

From here onwards into strong Buddhist religions and cultures as you walk along the sides of prayer walls and spinning wheels. After Danaque a steep climb for an hour to the large village of  The Timing for a lunch break. The village faces grand views of Lamjung Himal with the Manaslu range of peaks towards the east. After lunch a gradual down into the forested path to Koto, a village where the route to Manang and Nar-Phu is located. The walk follows slow and easy ups to reach Chame town for an overnight halt, as the air gets much cooler on gaining height.  

From Chame onwards towards the main scenic valley of Manang, a morning walk follows the river through serene woods. Reaching the village of Brathang, and then crossing a bridge with a gradual climb to the top of a ridge. Places with few Tea-House and shops, for possible lunch stops facing grand views of Pisang Peak.

Afternoon walk downhill on a wide field below towering Annapurna-II and A-IV. Slowly the walk ends on reaching a windswept village at Pisang for an overnight halt.

Today a short distance walk to the main Manang village, starts the morning on a gradual trail. The climb starts amidst lovely trees of pines and rhododendron reaching a high ridge facing grand views of Manang Valley. The towering snow-clad peaks of Annapurna and Chulu outline the valley of Manang.  

A slow descent leads to Humdre village with a small airport, where flight seldom operates from Pokhara to Humdre. From here walk on a gradual wide trail to Braga with an old monastery on top of the village. Tour of the monastery leads to a short steep climb, visit the monastery interior enriched with ancient artefacts.
Vibrant colourful religious paintings decorate the monastery with age-old idols of Lord Buddha and other famous saints and Gurus. The monastery offers spectacular views of Chulu’s, Pisang peaks with Annapurna Himalaya range of peaks. After an interesting visit to the monastery, a short walk leads to Manang village, the main settlement of Manang district. At Manang nice good lodges for overnight comforts with an excellent food menu to enjoy along with close views of snow mountains. 

Alternative Route: There are two routes to Manang. The easier low route follows the valley floor via Homgde, while the more strenuous but far more scenically impressive high route climbs above the river on the north side of the valley. The high route takes about three hours longer but is worth it. The trail enters pine groves to reveal views of the small turquoise lake of Mring Tso and crosses a bridge to continue ascending steeply on the switchbacks to Ghyaru (3670m). Ghyaru is an interesting gompa in the village and the views of Annapurna ll Annapurna llI and Great Valley are superb from here. The trail stays high after passing a kani and 30 minutes later traverses above a ruined dzong once used by the local Ghale dynasty. After walking through the juniper forest reach the nice Ngawal village. The village is situated at an elevation of around 3660 meters and is known for its traditional architecture, cultural heritage and stunning views of the surrounding mountains including Annapurna II and IV.  The route continues to a decent very arid valley to join to lower route.

A leisure extra day in Manang for acclimatization before venturing to higher areas towards Thorang-La Pass. Enjoy the morning exploring the traditional village of Manang adorned with Tibetan Buddhism culture and colorful heritage.

The best hike is to Gangapurna Glacier and Ice-Fall, located south of Manang village a few hour's walk to the river. Crossing a bridge, a short steep climb takes you close to Gangapurna Himal Ice-Fall and glaciers. Enjoying the glorious morning views of surrounding towering peaks. Afternoon at leisure marvelling at the grand views that surround the Manang Valley and the village.

Another short day from Manang to Yak Kharka, the morning walk leads towards west past Tenki, the last village of Manang. An enjoyable pleasant trek with a slow gradual uphill on a winding path to Ghunsang, facing views of Gangapurna, and Tilicho peaks. As the walk proceeds overlooking Chulu West peak at a near distance, then finally the morning ends reaching Yak Kharka. A small settlement with several nice lodges and guest houses, enjoy lunch and overnight stop at Yak Kharka. 
Having a free afternoon to enjoy a short walk and marvel at the glorious grand views of Gangapurna, Tilicho peak with Chulu West. 

Trek this morning for a few hours to High Camp of Thorang-La Pass, but the gain in altitude makes the walk slower. The day starts on the gradual trail to Ledar a small settlement with a few Tea House and lodges. Located on route to Chulu West Base Camp and towards our route to Thorang-La. From Ledar on a winding pleasant trail with a short descent to Jarsang Khola / stream. A slow climb and then on an almost level path to Thorang Phedi. Situated on a corner at the edge of Manang Valley rim, having a refreshing break. From here last steep climb of less than an hour to High Camp, located on a flat ridge top a few hours ahead of Thorang-La Pass. The High Camp shelters a few simple good lodges, hidden behind massif snow peaks and rocky cliffs. Check into a room with basic facilities, this will be the highest point of the trek for lunch and overnight stop.

The big day of the adventure, rising early for breakfast and then starting the cool morning walks. The first part of the trek is on a gradual path for a short while, and then the climb begins for an hour to a small icy pond. From this spot uphill continues for an hour or more to reach Thorang-La Pass. The top is festooned with Buddhist prayer flags, a signpost stands with the name of the pass with altitude. 

After a strenuous climb have time to catch your breath, and then enjoy the overwhelming panorama of mountains. Overlooking views of the massif Dhaulagiri Himalayas with some peaks of Upper Mustang. Includes views of the Annapurna range of peaks, with Damodar Himal and Chulus as far as Manaslu Himalaya.

Enjoy the breathtaking moments, then head down to the western base of Thorang-La, located within the district of Mustang. A small place has a few shelters serving as tea houses and shops. Having a refreshing stop continue walking on a pleasant trail to Muktinath for an overnight halt, after a long tough trek of the adventure. Muktinath is one of the holiest of all holy pilgrimage sites for the Hindu and some Buddhist followers. After checking into a nice lodge with time to explore the Muktinath Temple premises, adorns magnificent 108 water spouts.

The water runs from fresh hidden springs, which are also the tributaries of the Kaligandaki River, which we will follow the next day. Get blessed by the priest who resides in the main temple of Muktinath. Rest of the day enjoy relaxing moments facing grand views of Dhaulagiri North West Face.  

From Tatopani take a day break from trekking, where motorable roads have reached all over the Mustang area. Walking can be quite disturbing because of the vehicle's movement and dust. Enjoy the ride on a jeep or similar drive, the journey takes you to low warm farm village at Tatopani. The drive leads through the Jomsom, a big town and headquarters of the Mustang district. As the drive continues past lovely Marpha and Tukuche villages, famous areas for delicious apples and products.

The road follows the Kaligandaki River heading due south and reaching the green tree lines at Kalapani and Lete villages. Then the drive heads through an interesting area of Kaligandaki River, this amazing spot is listed as the world’s deepest gorge. Located between the two giant peaks of Dhaulagiri and Annapurna Himal. The road follows slowly to warm farm areas reaching Tatopani village for an overnight halt. The name Tatopani means Water, due to its nearby natural hot spring, where one can enjoy a refreshing dip and bathe in warm pools.


The last long day walk and climb besides an hour hike up to Poon Hill from Ghorepani our overnight halt. Start the morning earlier as uphill continues throughout the day, the walk begins on the easy trail following the Kaligandaki River.

On leaving the river behind, the climb starts within the cool shade of a small forested area to reach a high ridge. The walk continues past farm villages to a lovely Sikha village for a possible lunch stop. Afternoon walks on gradual ups to Chitre village and then into a dense forest of pines and rhododendron trees. A short steep climb brings you to Ghorepani, a village on a high spot amidst a rhododendron forest.

Ghorepani offers many good lodges facing views of Dhaulagiri and Annapurna snow peaks, located on the foot of scenic Poon Hill.

Early morning before breakfast, enjoy the last climb of the adventure to Poon Hill.
A famous and popular hilltop for short moderate treks, enjoy the stunning sunrise views over the chain of Himalayan peaks. After an exciting refreshing morning with glorious views and sunrise, downhill to Ghorepani for breakfast.

Depart from the lodge at Ghorepani for a last-day walk to reach the beautiful city of Pokhara. The walk is pleasant through the lovely cool forest reaching Ulleri village and then downhill to Thirkhedhunga unto Hille. Where our walk completes, spend the last final overnight in the comfort of a nice lodge at Hille farm village.

From Hille having last breakfast around the foothills of Annapurna Himalayas, from Hille enjoy a few hours' drive to Pokhara on a nice scenic road. 

On arrival at Pokhara check into a lovely hotel, situated near the Phewa Lakeside, The afternoon is free to explore the lakeside. 

Pokhara is an amazing and unique place on earth with a sub-tropical climate and yet close to the arctic zone of mountains the Annapurna Himalayas. Pokhara is famous for Adventure sports activities, besides trekking and mountaineering. One can enjoy Paragliding, Zip-Line / Flyer and Bungee Jumping as well as Ultra-Light Flight and much more.  

Morning, after breakfast depart from the hotel for an interesting drive back to Kathmandu. The road follows on main busy highway, after leaving the Trisuli River, and then the road climbs on winding up to the outskirts of Kathmandu Valley. From the high end of the valley rim, the driver slowly enters the busy bustling city of Kathmandu. On reaching Thamel or near about then check into respective hotels, afternoon free at leisure for individual activities and shopping souvenirs. Evening group dinner in a nice authentic Nepali restaurant, dinner with an exciting Nepali cultural program.

Last day in Nepal and at Kathmandu, as time for your respective airline's flight departures. Our guide and staff transfer you to the airport, then bid farewell to Nepal till you return for another exciting adventure.