Annapurna Classic Trek

As you embark on your journey, the path will lead you through charming towns, quaint villages, and picturesque landscapes. Along the way, you’ll encounter terraced farmlands and meandering rivers, creating a scenic tapestry of natural beauty. After several hours of travel, you’ll arrive at the town of Beshisahar.

From Beshisahar, your onward journey continues with a local jeep ride to Jagat. This leg of the journey provides you with a unique opportunity to gain insights into the lives, lifestyles, and rich cultures of the rural people you encounter. The drive itself is an immersive experience, allowing you to connect with the local way of life.

Upon reaching Jagat, you’ll find yourself immersed in a typical countryside setting, surrounded by the sights, sounds, and traditions of this charming Nepali village. This journey, which may include a ride on a public bus, adds an enriching layer to your trekking adventure, enabling you to connect with the heart and soul of the region.

The ascending trekking trail ahead will lead you through traditional and picturesque villages. Some sections of this trail are rugged, winding alongside the Marsayangdi River, a significant river in Nepal. Your journey will guide you to the first village in the Manang district, known as Tal. As you enter the village, you’ll be greeted by a stone gate bearing the inscription “Welcome to the Manang district.”

Tal is nestled along the riverbank, cradled by lush hills, offering a serene and idyllic setting. Along the way, you’ll traverse suspension bridges, encounter cascading waterfalls, navigate the ascending trail, pass through charming villages, and follow the course of the Marsyangdi River. The path you’ll tread on is also accessible to motor vehicles, albeit somewhat dusty. Amidst this landscape, you’ll encounter imposing stone cliffs.

Upon crossing these cliffs, your journey continues to Kharte and eventually Dharapani. Dharapani, the final village on this leg of the trek, serves as a valuable source of information for those interested in delving deep into Tibetan culture and traditions. This part of the trek promises both natural beauty and cultural richness, making it a captivating and enriching experience.

As you make your way towards Chame, an interesting juncture awaits where a wooden bridge beckons. Here, you’ll rely on the guidance of your experienced trekking guide, who will expertly select the best path to follow. Along this trail, nature’s wonders abound.

You’ll be treated to the breathtaking sight of a cascading waterfall, its beauty a testament to the grandeur of the natural world. Meandering through a lush and enchanting forest, you’ll be surrounded by the serene beauty of the landscape. As you continue your ascent, you’ll pass through the charming Tamang village, offering insights into the local way of life.

Throughout this journey, you’ll predominantly trek uphill, and as you ascend, you’ll be rewarded with awe-inspiring views of majestic mountains such as Lamjung Himal, Annapurna II, and Annapurna IV. Along the way, a delightful surprise awaits in the form of a soothing hot spring, providing you with the opportunity to relax and rejuvenate before you ultimately reach your destination, Chame. This leg of the trek promises a blend of natural splendor and cultural encounters, making it a memorable and rewarding experience.

As you progress along a steep and winding trail, characterized by numerous switchbacks, you’ll find yourself immersed in a dense and enchanting forest. Here, amidst the lush greenery, you’ll be treated to some of the most breathtaking mountain vistas imaginable. The sheer beauty of the landscape will compel you to capture not just one photo, but potentially hundreds, to preserve these awe-inspiring moments.

As you continue your journey, you’ll encounter dramatic rock formations, including a striking rock face and a formidable vertical rock. Beyond these natural wonders lies Paungda Danda, an imposing sloping rock face that soars to heights exceeding 5,000 feet (1500 meters). This awe-inspiring landscape unfolds within the Marshyangdi Valley.

Emerging from the valley, you’ll be greeted by the splendid sight of towering mountains, including the magnificent Annapurna and Pisang. Your path will lead you to Upper Pisang, a picturesque destination you’ll reach by passing through the charming village of Geru. This portion of your trek promises not only a challenging ascent but also rewards you with some of the most stunning mountain panoramas in the region, making it an unforgettable leg of your journey.

While the upper trekking trail presents its challenges, the vistas it offers are nothing short of incredible. Today’s journey is primarily an ascent, where you’ll find yourself navigating a switchback trail to reach the summit. Along the way, you’ll have the opportunity to purchase crisp apples and catch glimpses of horses and ponies, adding to the unique character of the terrain.

As you climb higher, you’ll notice a thinning of the air, a testament to the elevation you’re reaching. This region takes on a dry, arid quality, thanks to the imposing presence of the Annapurna Ranges, which effectively block the monsoon rains. Gazing upon these formidable ranges, you’ll proceed toward Ngawal.

Surprisingly, in terms of elevation, Manang is situated at a lower point than Ngawal. The descent from this point will lead you back into the Marsyangdi valley. Along this path, you’ll encounter rocks sculpted by the relentless force of the wind and pine trees that have adapted to the challenging growth conditions. However, your attention will frequently be drawn to the stunning Annapurna Ridge, captivating your gaze.

As you continue, the climate becomes noticeably colder, leading to a decrease in vegetation. Along the way, you’ll come across the largest monastery in Manang, known as Braga, which you’ll have the opportunity to visit. The journey will also reward you with breathtaking views of nature’s beauty, including the majestic Annapurna and Pisang mountains. This leg of the trek promises not only physical challenges but also a wealth of natural and cultural wonders to behold, making it a memorable and enriching experience.

Today’s activities are essential as you prepare for an ascent to higher altitudes tomorrow. Rest and acclimatization don’t entail remaining stationary; instead, they provide opportunities to explore and engage with the local culture, traditions, and way of life. It’s also a chance to savor the local cuisine and truly immerse yourself in the surroundings.

Consider embarking on a hike to one of two intriguing destinations. You can choose to visit Bojo Gumba, a serene monastery, where you can absorb the peaceful atmosphere and perhaps learn about the spiritual practices of the local monks. Alternatively, you may opt to explore Gangapurna Lake, a picturesque alpine lake surrounded by the grandeur of the mountains. These activities will not only aid in your acclimatization but also offer you a deeper connection to the region’s culture and natural beauty.

Today’s trekking trail will guide you towards the Marshyangdi Valley before leading you to your next destination. Along the way, you’ll encounter several natural features and charming villages.

Your journey will take you past babbling streams and through the village of Tangki. You’ll also cross the Jarsang Khola, a river that adds to the picturesque landscape. As you continue your ascent, you’ll traverse lush pastures and pass by juniper trees, adding to the scenic variety of your trek.

Further along the trail, you’ll arrive at Ghunsang, situated at an elevation of 3900 meters. Here, you’ll encounter flat, mud-roofed houses that are characteristic of the region. Continuing your journey, you’ll come upon a serene meadow, which serves as a tranquil interlude before you make your way to Yak Kharka, a small village nestled amidst the grandeur of the Himalayas.

Before reaching Yak Kharka, you’ll also encounter mani walls, which are stone structures adorned with engraved Buddhist prayers and symbols, serving as spiritual landmarks along the path. This leg of your trek promises a harmonious blend of natural beauty and cultural elements, making it a rewarding and immersive experience.

Today’s journey continues to be an uphill challenge, and it marks one of the most demanding segments of the Annapurna Circuit. You are steadily ascending to higher elevations, with your ultimate destination being Thorong Phedi, which serves as both the base camp for the Thorong La Pass and a small village.

To reach Thorong Phedi, you’ll need to navigate a suspension bridge and arrive at the village of Ledar, situated at an elevation of 4200 meters. This ascent is in preparation for reaching the summit of Thorong La Pass tomorrow, a significant milestone of your trek.

From the summit of Thorong La Pass, you’ll be rewarded with an awe-inspiring panoramic view that includes the majestic peaks of Mt. Gundang, Mt. Syagang, Thorung Peak, Mt. Khatungkang, and other surrounding mountains. This challenging trekking day sets the stage for the breathtaking vistas and accomplishments that await you on the pass.

At last, you’ve reached the pinnacle of the Annapurna Circuit Trek, standing at the breathtaking Thorong La Pass, which is situated at a staggering altitude of 5,416 meters. This high mountain pass marks the zenith of your journey.

Your route from the pass will take you toward Muktinath. Along this path, you may encounter sections heavily blanketed in snow, which can be challenging to navigate but ultimately rewarding as it leads you to the summit. Reaching the top of Thorong La Pass is a momentous achievement, and from this vantage point, you’ll be treated to awe-inspiring vistas of the surrounding mountains.

To ascend this pass, it’s imperative to start your journey early in the morning, before the sun rises, to ensure both safe passage and the opportunity to witness the remarkable beauty of the Himalayas from this remarkable vantage point.

Muktinath holds immense religious significance for Hindus, Buddhists, and Jains alike, drawing devotees not only from Nepal but also from neighboring India. In this sacred place, you’ll find a temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu, a prominent figure in Hinduism, as well as a Gompa, a Buddhist monastery. The coexistence of these religious sites is a testament to the diverse and harmonious spiritual traditions of the region.

After your visit to Muktinath, your journey will lead you to the Lubra Pass, where you’ll be treated to an incredible panoramic view of the surrounding landscapes. The ascent to the pass promises breathtaking vistas that will linger in your memory.

From the summit of the pass, you’ll begin your descent, making your way to the charming village of Marpha. Along the way, you’ll pass through other villages such as Ranipauwa and Jomsom. Marpha is renowned throughout Nepal for its delectable apples, and you’ll have the opportunity to savor this local produce. Additionally, Marpha is famous for its apple brandy, a delightful local specialty that you can enjoy as a part of your experience in this picturesque village.

As you continue your trek, you’ll encounter numerous traditional villages, each inhabited by the Thakali people, renowned for their rich cultural heritage. The landscape will be adorned with apple orchards, adding to the scenic beauty of the region.

Moreover, your journey will be punctuated by breathtaking panoramic views of prominent Himalayan peaks, including Dhaulagiri, Tukuche, Nilgiri, Fang, and Annapurna I. These majestic mountains are iconic landmarks of the Annapurna Region, and their presence will captivate your senses throughout your trek.

Descending from this elevated terrain, you’ll make your way to Kokhethanti, and from there, your path will lead you along a motorable road to reach Kalopani. This leg of the journey promises not only natural beauty but also cultural immersion, offering a well-rounded experience of the region’s charm and allure.

The downhill trekking trail beckons, guiding you towards Tatopani, a name that translates to “hot water” in Nepali. This portion of your journey offers a delightful array of natural wonders and cultural encounters.

As you make your way, you’ll traverse sturdy bridges, meander through subtropical forests, and be treated to the sight and sound of cascading waterfalls, including the impressive Rupse Chhahara. The trail will lead you through larger villages such as Ghasa, Kopchepani, Gadpar, and Dana, each offering a glimpse into the local way of life.

By the time you arrive in Tatopani, you may find yourself feeling tired from the day’s trek. Fortunately, Tatopani lives up to its name, offering the perfect remedy for fatigue—a relaxing dip in its rejuvenating hot springs. This is an ideal way to unwind and revitalize your body after a day of exploration and adventure.

Your journey now involves a transition from low to high elevation, as you bid farewell to the Kali Gandaki River and make your way into the Ghar Khola valley, situated at an elevation of 1170 meters. This change in terrain will bring new vistas and experiences.

The trekking trail will lead you through terraced farmland, offering views of the picturesque mountains that grace the horizon. Along the way, you’ll encounter villages with names like Shikha and Chitre, each offering a unique glimpse into the local way of life.

A highlight of this portion of your trek awaits as you enter a beautiful rhododendron forest, which is a vibrant and enchanting sight in its own right. Emerging from the forest, you’ll trek uphill to reach Ghorepani, a village known for its breathtaking panoramic views. From Ghorepani, you’ll be treated to a spectacular sight of Dhaulagiri, the seventh-highest mountain in the world, as well as the iconic Annapurna Ranges. This leg of your journey offers a compelling blend of natural beauty and cultural encounters, making it a memorable and enriching experience.

Poon Hill is a renowned viewpoint, and its appeal is unparalleled. From this vantage point, you’ll be rewarded with a panoramic view that encompasses some of the world’s most majestic mountains, including Dhaulagiri, Annapurna, and the iconic Fishtail peak. This breathtaking vista is a true highlight of your trek, offering a visual feast of nature’s grandeur.

Following your visit to Poon Hill, your journey continues as you make your way to Tadapani. This segment of the trek will lead you along a varied path, encompassing uphill and downhill sections, forested trails, and rocky steps. The diversity of terrain ensures that your trek remains both challenging and captivating as you progress towards your next destination.

The downhill trekking trail leads you to Ghandruk, yet another highlight of the Ghorepani Trek. Upon reaching Ghandruk, you’ll be treated to stunning vistas of Annapurna South and the distinctive Fish Tail peak, adding to the visual splendor of your journey. Ghandruk also offers an opportunity to delve into the cultural heritage of the region as you visit its museum, where you’ll gain rich insights into Gurung culture and tradition.

Following your visit to Ghandruk, you’ll continue your descent along a relatively easy trekking trail. This path will lead you to Kimche and onward to Nayapul. At Kimche, you have the option of taking a public bus or continuing to trek down to Nayapul. From Nayapul, you’ll make your way to Pokhara, with transportation options including jeeps or buses. As you head back to Pokhara, you’ll carry with you the cherished memories of your Ghorepani Trek and the incredible natural and cultural experiences it has offered.

Today, your journey will transition from the picturesque City of Lakes, Pokhara, to the culturally rich City of Temples, Kathmandu. During this scenic drive, you’ll witness a shift in the landscape as you leave behind lush forests and enter areas with less vegetation. Along the way, you’ll cross rivers and streams, passing through hilly landscapes that showcase Nepal’s natural diversity.

Upon your arrival in Kathmandu, you’ll check in to your hotel, where you can unwind and freshen up. In the evening, you’ll have the opportunity to enjoy a farewell dinner at a typical Nepali restaurant. This special meal will include traditional Nepali dance performances, providing a vibrant and culturally enriching conclusion to your trekking adventure.

To ensure a smooth and comfortable conclusion to your journey, one of our company representatives will accompany you to the airport in a private vehicle, ensuring that you arrive at Tribhuvan International Airport in a timely manner for your departure. Your safety and convenience remain our priority until the very end of your trip.