Medieval village of Braga (Braka), The Annapurna Circuit

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The world classic – to most the number one must-do trek in the world. It is the ultimate trek for experienced hill walkers or a mind-blowing new experience for enthusiastic beginners.

Powerful waterfalls and surging river rapids pass under your feet, while you cross over 100m+ swing bridges from jungle to sub-alpine to the climax of a 5400m mountain pass – the Thorung La Pass.

The monster trek offers the most varied and rewarding experience in the Himalayas.

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

Drive (6 hours) to Besisahar (860m) and trek (1-2 hours) to Bhulbule (833m)
Spectacular mountain views of Ganesh and Mansalu ranges following the Trishuli river to village of Khuldi. We cross a river tributary and spend the night at Bhulbule.

Day 4

Trek (6-7 hours) to Syange (1136m)
Crossing the Marsyandi River gives us views of Manaslu, Peak 29 and Lamjang as we make our way to Bahundanda for lunch. We cross the Musi Khola river by suspension bridge and reach Syange to spend the night.

Day 5

Trek (6-7 hours) to Tal (1707m)
We follow a cut in the near vertical cliff making our way to the old customs out post and Tibetan village of Jagat. Vegetation turns from jungle to Rhodedendron and pine as we cross a large suspension bridge, overlooking huge boulders up through fields of hemp to the sandy shores of Lake Tal.

Day 6

Trek (5-6 hours) to Danaque (2175m)
We trek through fir and pine to reach Bagarchap for lunch. Good views of Lamjung Himal, Annapurna II & III. Onwards and up to Danaque.

Day 7

Trek (6-7 hours) to Chame (2715m)
We climb through dense forest viewing many waterfalls to the village of Latamanang, through pine and rhododendron to the Police check post of Chame. Bank and internet are also situated here – last chance until Jomson!

Day 8

Trek (5-6 hours) to Pisang (3185m)
We cross the Marshyandi, up through fields of barley & buckwheat to the apple orchards of Brathang for lunch. Views of Annapurna tower above the trail and the sweeping slabs of Paungda Danda which are some 1500 meters high. We walk through the peaceful forest passing lakes up to Pisang.

Day 9

Trek (5-6 hours) to Manang (3350m)
A flatter section leads us to the airstrip at Hongde and onto the medieval village and monastery of Braga for lunch. The Huge Icefalls of Annapurna I, II & IV tower above as we move up to Manang.

Day 10

Rest and acclimatisation at Manang (3350m)
You can relax here and take in some side trips to the Gompa, Ice lake or Glacial lake and attend an excellent talk on acclimatisation by the doctors who belong to the Himalayan Rescue Association based in Manang.

Day 11

Trek (4-5 hours) to Yak Kharka (4240m)
Ascend to Tengi branching away from the Marsyandi Valley following the Jarsang Khola up through Juniper and Buckthorn shrubs to the Yak herding village that is Yak Kharka.

Day 12

Trek (3-4 hours) to Thorung Phedi (4460m)
Trek up to Ledi crossing the Jarsang Kola arriving for lunch at Phedi.
Rest up before tackling the high pass tomorrow.

Day 13

Trek (9-11 hours) to Muktinath (3860m) via Thorung La Pass (5416m)
Depart 3am with steep climbing reaching high camp and up passing false summits leading to the top of the pass at 5416m. Spectacular panoramic views of Annapurna, Mukut and Mustang ranges looking down into the deep Kali Gandaki Valley far far below.

Day 14

Rest and acclimatisation at Muktinath (3860m)
A well earned rest after the pass day and a chance to relax and look around this famous village that is visited by many worshipping pilgrims.

Day 15

Trek (7-8 hours) to Marpha (2670m)
We pass through Jharkhot with epic views of Dhaulagiri and Nilgiri. The terrain here is dry and arid, very ‘Tibetan’ in style as we pass through Jomson following the Kali Gandaki to the wonderful apple fields of Marpha. Great apple pie and cider here!

Day 16

Trek (4-5 hours) to Kalopani (2530m)
Follow the Kali Gandaki river valley for lunch at Lete. The forest again begins to thicken as the valley narrows with views of Tukuche and Annapurna I arriving at Kalopani.

Day 17

Trek (7-8 hours) to Tatopani (1180m)
A long descent to the terraced village of Ghasa. All around are fields of barley and corn as we wind our way down to the hot springs of Tatopani. ‘Tatopani’ means ‘Hot Water’ and is a great place to soak!

Day 18

Trek (8-9 hours) to Ghorepani (2860m)
We cross the Kali Gandaki ascending 1700m up through paddy fields to Shikha for lunch. Up through Rhodendron forests to Chitre, onto Deurali taking in views of Annapurna and Dhaulagiri massifs wedged between the huge Kali Gandaki river valley and onto Ghorepani.

Day 19

Trek (8 hours)to Hile (1570m) via Poon Hill (3230m)
An early start to see the sunrise on Poon Hill over Dhaulagiri and the Annapurna. We start a long descent down a huge valley through the villages of Nange Thanti, Ban Thanti and down to Hile.

Day 20

Trek (3 hours) to Nayapul (1030m) and drive (1.5 hours) to Pokhara (870m)
We continue down gently through Birethanti following the Modi Khola with beautiful rapids and whirl pools to the trail head at Nayapul. Here we drive to Pokhara where we can relax and have dinner on the tranquil lakeside.

Day 21

Fly to Kathmandu
We take a short 30 minute airplane flight from Pokhara to Kathmandu. Stay in a hotel in Kathmandu to chill out, relax and do some sightseeing.

Day 22

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

Day 23

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