Annapurna Circuit Trek

You will meet your Bucket List Leaders at the airport and fly out as a group for Bucket Lister + Trips. If you have booked a Bucket Lister Trip we will see you in Nepal soon!

On arrival, if you have transfers with us we will take you to the hotel.

After landing in Kathmandu we are transferred to our accommodation. There is time to freshen up and explore the local area for the afternoon or just relax.

Special Information: Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 6 pm today.

In the morning we will drive by bus to Besisahr and then catch a ride by jeep to Ngadi (830m). There will be good views of Lamjung Himal on our left and Himalchuli on our right. We will be staying in Ngadi and getting some sleep before the exciting and challenging days that lie ahead.

Our trek will commence with a gentle climb along the Marsyangdi River towards the village of Jagat. Where the Marsyangdi swings north, the trail will rise higher, revealing incredible views of Himalchuli and Ngadi Chuli. We will continue up the east bank of the river and glimpse our first view of Annapurna II.

When we reach the Bahundanda ridge (1310m) we will begin our descent towards the river once more. We arrive at our destination, Jagat (912m) – the northern limit of rice cultivation in Marsyangdi valley – after another two and a half hours where our accommodation will be for the night.

The total trekking time today will be between seven and eight hours.

Today, our trail will ascend slowly and follow one of Annapurna’s magnificent canyons.

The trail meanders up and through the Chamje area (1430m).

Our destination, Tal (1646m), is a further 2 hours away. Tal is known as the gateway to Manang District and is home to a beautiful flat meadow with several Bhotian houses and a spectacular waterfall.

The presence of prayer flags and chortens tells you you’re entering the Buddhist region of the trek.

Our route will ascend through the main gorge on the west bank of the Marsyangdi River.

When we reach Dharapani we move up through lush forests and meadows.

We will experience breathtaking views of Manaslu (over 8000m!) and the peaks situated above the Larkya Pass before reaching our accommodation in the Danakyu area (2190m).

Our climb continues steeply upwards towards Namun Bhanjyang La pass and Timang Meadow – some of the more remote, but most remarkable sections of the trek.

From the Timang meadows we travel through Thankchok Village and back down towards the river to a place named Kupar which marks the junction of the Marsyangdi and the Nar Rivers.

There is a police checkpoint here before arriving at Chame (2670m) where our accommodation will be for the evening.

Today we cross the enclosed bridge built by the Tibetan Khampas people who once had a camp nearby. This will take us to the north side of the river near a horticultural apple farm in Brathang (2744m).

It is now that the spectacular ascent to Pisang begins!

We will reach a hairpin turn which marks the beginning of the rain shadow. This is the mysteriously dry side of the mountain where there are fantastic views of the surrounding peaks. The wind and rain gain momentum to break their way through the line of the main Himalayan Range between Annapurna II and Manaslu.

When we arrive at Pisang (3171m) we stay in Upper Pisang with a view of the monastery in plain sight.

Today’s journey will take us through easy terrain and among forests to a small ridge at 3445m. Below us, we will see the Upper Manang Valley stretching into the distance. The southern tier of this valley is walled by the peaks of Annapurna II (7937m), Annapurna IV (7525m), Annapurna III (7555m), Gangapurna (7455m) and Tarke Kang (7193m). Visible just to the south of a distant sharp rock peak, is the Great Barrier and the basin containing Tilicho Lake (7193m). To the north, we will see Thorung La (5416m) and Thorungtse (6483m), and a long ridge of over 2000 peaks!

Descending from this incredible viewpoint, our path will cross a large plain and pass Hongde airstrip (3280m). As we continue trekking, we will progress beyond Sabje Khola to Manang (3537m) viewing impressive monasteries along the way.

Acclimatisation day at Manang. This is a fantastic spot to take an active acclimatisation day. A beautiful emerald lake lies at its foot. It is possible to take treks to the lake which is about three hours north of Braga at 4818m, to the main Manang Gompa, or Khangsar (3740m) on the trail to Tilicho Lake.

Today we will pass through Yak Kharka (4035m) to Churi Letdar (4230m) where you might be lucky enough to enjoy some tea at the tea shop!

Our accommodation for the evening will be here. We can also embark on an extra trip up the stream following the West Chulu Peak if time permits.

The trail turns northwest up the tributary valley of Jargeng Khola. It is sometimes possible to see herds of blue mountain sheep along the cliffs. Cross a covered cantilevered bridge and ascend to Phedi Village (4781m), where we will stay for the night.

Today will be the most strenuous day.
We’ll start with a steep ascent for two hours, then move along an undulating trail to the highest point of the trek – Thorong La Pass (5416m). There are unforgettable views of the Annapurna Range to the south and the Mukut Himal Peak to the west. We will feel on top of the world!

Our descent will begin later, through Mustang, on a steep downhill trail (with remarkable sights of Dhaulagiri (8167m) and Tukuche peak) for three hours to Muktinath.

Muktinath is one of the most important pilgrimage sites for Hindus. Whilst here, we may see a glimpse of pilgrims bathing in the holy water.

The final day of our trek sees us descending on a walkable main road, passing buses of pilgrims as they ascend to Muktinath. We will stop at Kagbeni, one of the oldest villages in the Himalayas and home to an ancient Buddhist monastery.
From here, we will travel by jeep to the headquarters of Mustang District, Jomsom (2720m).

Today we fly to Pokhara – the city on Phewa Lake. We will have time to explore the area and visit local restaurants. Take in the outstanding scenery and reflect on your amazing accomplishment!

From Pokhara, we will make our way to Kathmandu, admiring the views along the way.

Today is a free day to explore Kathmandu at your leisure. Explore the bustling streets of Thamel, head to a tea house, eat freshly cooked momos or visit one of many Buddhist temples around the city at your leisure.

This marks the end of our Nepalese adventure...alternatively, you could continue your adventure with a 3-day add-on to Chitwan National Park!