Manang, Annapurna Circuit Trek

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As featured in Michael Palin’s documentary Michael Palin's Himalayas. This trek takes you to the famous Annapurna Base Camp and into the mountain alpine amphitheatre known as the Annapurna sanctuary.

A sacred valley ringed by enormous peaks, the Annapurna Sanctuary is a hidden glacial hollow that hides away in the mountainside.

Wherever you stand in this hidden alpine amphitheatre you are surrounded by 360 degree views of the gigantic Annapurna range offering you quite simply breathtaking views.

Trek Itinerary

Day 1

Arrive Kathmandu
Pick-up from airport, transfer to hotel, trek briefing.
Welcome dinner at Kathmandu’s finest Nepali restaurant.

Day 2

Kathmandu - Half Day City Tour/Sightseeing
Visit the ancient temples and monuments of old Kathmandu.
Lunch and trek briefing with free time for sightseeing.

Day 3

Fly to Pokhara (980m) and trek (2 hours) to Dhampus (1700m)
A 30 minute spectacular mountain flight landing in the lake town of Pokhara. We transfer by bus and start the trek arriving at Dhampus where permits are checked and we spend the night.

Day 4

Trek (5 hours) to Landruk (1751m)
We trek to the Bichok Deorali Pass taking in views of the Annapurna, having lunch at Tolka and arrive early afternoon in Landruk.

Day 5

Trek (7 hours) to Chhomrung (2051m)
Up through the forest past Himal Pani and lunch at Jhinu. Here you have the chance to go for a dip in the hot springs so pack your swim kit! Trek on to Chomrung.

Day 6

Trek (7 hours) to Dovan (2400m)
After a long descent and ascent we lunch at Sinuwa. We undulate through the forest passing the old house of Khuldi Ghar to Dovan.

Day 7

Trek (2-3 hours) to Deurali (2700m)
Up above the tree-line we come across a huge overhung boulder – Hinko Cave at 3100m. We cross avalanche debris and onto camp at Deurali. We utilise the afternoon to go for an acclimatisation hike.

Day 8

Trek (2-3 hours) to Machhapuchare Base Camp (3900m)
We plateau across an open valley leading to the gate of the Annapurna Sanctuary arriving at MBC. Afternoon is free to explore and take in the spectacular surrounding peaks and alpine vistas.

Day 9

Trek (3 hours) to Annapurna Base Camp (4180m)
We trek to ABC for lunch and have the afternoon to take in the epic views of the towering South Face of Annapurna I, Annapurna III, Gangapurna, Machhapuchare and Annapurna South which almost seem in touching distance.

Day 10

Trek (7-8 hours) to Bamboo (2200m)
We leave the stunning location of ABC and head downhill returning to Bamboo by mid-afternoon.

Day 11

Trek (5 hours) to Chomrung (2051m)
We pass through the beautiful forest again lunching at Sunuwa and onto Chomrung.

Day 12

Trek (7-8 hours) to Tadapani (2700m)
We descend to Kimrong Khola, crossing the river and ascend to Kimrong Danda for lunch. We hear the calls of many birds amongst tumbling waterfalls, eventually reaching the hot springs of Tadapani.

Day 13

Trek (7 hours) to Ghorepani (2860m)
Up through Rhodedendron and Magnolia we reach Deurali for lunch at 3200m. Excellent panoramic views of Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges. We follow a ridge taking in the lowland valleys. We arrive at Ghorepani which has some interesting shops and pubs and is close to Poon Hill.

Day 14

Trek (7 hours) to Hile via Poon Hill
A very early start in the dark and we climb through coniferous forest reaching Poon Hill for sunrise. Spectacular views of Machupuchare ‘The Fishtail Peak’, Dhaulagiri and the Annapurna range.

Day 15

Trek (3 hours) and drive (1.5 hours) To Pokhara
We finish in the stunning lakeside location of Pokhara and celebrate at one of the excellent restaurants in the evening.

Day 16

Drive (6-7 hours) to Kathmandu
Stay in a hotel in Kathmandu to chill out, relax and do some sightseeing.

Day 17

Kathmandu Farewell Dinner/Party
Free time to sightsee, shop and relax.
Farewell dinner party and celebration with the trekking team.

Day 18

Departure
Onward travel or return home to catch-up with friends and family.