About ANNAPURNA CIRCUIT TREK (14 DAYS)

The Annapurna Circuit Trek is a much longer and more thorough trek than the Annapurna Base Camp (ABC) Trek. While the main goal of ABC trek is to reach the Annapurna Base Camp, the Annapurna Circuit is about exploring the regions in and around Annapurna. Spanning from subtropical lowlands to the arid highlands near the Tibetan plateau, this trek moves through an astonishing variety of terrains.

You trek begins with a long drive from Kathmandu to Dharapani via Besisahar. It takes about 8 hours. The path follows the Marshyangdi River, winding through valleys lined with rice terraces, lush forests, and scattered villages. The river, a constant companion, cuts through the land with an unyielding force, and as you move along its banks, you’ll notice the shifting character of the terrain. Early on, the landscape feels densely vegetated, with thick forest and cascading waterfalls. As the trek progresses, the path climbs steadily into higher altitudes. The once lush terrain begins to thin out, giving way to drier forests and wide, open spaces. The atmosphere becomes increasingly remote. The people here are a mix of Gurung, Magar, and Tibetan-influenced ethnic groups. Manang village, a significant stop on this trek, is the biggest and most populated village around this region. The place is significant for cultural as well as historical reasons. Milarepa, the most famous Tibetan sorcerer, meditated in a cave nearby. It is now called the Milarepa Cave, and is at a short distance from Manang. After spending a night at Manang, you will trek to Yak Kharka and then to Thorong Phedi, the base for the high-altitude crossing of Thorong La Pass (5416 meters), a formidable and striking point on the route. This pass is physically challenging, but the staggering views along the way more than makes up for it. Therefore, the previous day will be spent at Manang resting and acclimatizing—preparing you for the tough journey ahead. The views along the way are staggering to say the least.

On your descent, you enter the Mustang region, where the landscape shifts dramatically from green valleys to the stark beauty of arid, wind-swept hillsides, reminiscent of Tibetan highlands. After crossing Thorong La and descending into the dry, open expanse of Mustang, you will eventually reach the Muktinath Temple, a sacred site that draws pilgrims from across the region. The temple here, dedicated to both Hindu and Buddhist traditions, feels like a timeless place where spiritual significance blends with the surroundings. The stark desert-like landscape, punctuated by vibrant prayer flags and shrines, serves as a poignant reminder of the cultural synthesis between Hinduism and Buddhism in this region. The route then continues through Jomsom, a hub in the region known for its wide, barren plains and the wind that howls through the valley. From Jomsom, you can either trek or fly to Pokhara. You can spend an extra day at Pokhara resting or catching up on activities you might have missed on your way up.

Note: You can choose to drive or to fly from Kathmandu to Pokhara and from Pokhara to Kathmandu.