Annapurna Circuit Trek-14 Days

Today we are going to visit four of the UNESCO world heritage listed sites in Kathmandu Valley. After breakfast, we start for the Kathmandu valley city tour, which includes the UNESCO heritage site in the Kathmandu valley. Pashupatinath Temple is one of the most sacred pilgrimage sites for Hindus all over the world, and it is the temple of Lord Shiva, the temple where the dead bodies are cremated on the Bagmati River. Boudhanath Stupa is one of the biggest stupas in Asia and a holiest Buddhist pilgrimage site and a famous tourist destination in the City Valley, and it is also famous for over 50 Tibetan gompas or monasteries. Kathmandu Durbar Square holds the places of the ancient royal palace that ruled over the Kathmandu Kingdom. Swayambhunath(Monkey Temple) is located in the heart of the City valley, and it is another famous tourist destination and holiest Buddhist pilgrimage site in Kathmandu Valley.

We begin our long drive to Syange early in the morning. En route we get to enjoy the countryside of Nepal with its green hills, winding rivers, terraced farms and of course the mighty Himalayas. Overnight in Syange. We enter Manang district after crossing a large bridge near Tal. The trail passes through barley, rice and potato fields and the waterfalls continue to accompany us even today. We also pass through the village of Kodo before reaching Dharapani which is one of the biggest villages in the Manang valley. Overnight in Dharapani.

Today we negotiate a few steep forested ridges along with several landslides on route to Chame. We should not forget to look up though, as we will be greeted with remarkable views of Lamjung Himal, Annapurna II, and Annapurna IV (7,525m). We also come across small hot springs which should help us relax for a while. Overnight in Chame.

We walk through a steep and narrow valley to have our first view of Paungda Danda rock face, a dramatic curved rock face rising 1500m from the river. From here, we also gain excellent views of Annapurna 2 to the south and Pisang Peak to the northeast. Next, we descend to the Manang Valley floor enjoying the captivating landscape. Overnight in Pisang.

From Pisang, there are two routes to Manang. We choose the one which passes through Upper Pisang via Geru as it guarantees outstanding views of Mt. Annapurna, Pisang Peak, and others. As we walk near Manang the climate becomes more cold and dry. However, a short visit to Barge Monastery, the biggest monastery in the Manang District should cheer us up. Overnight in Manang.

In order to keep fit on the trails that follow, we keep ourselves busy today with a short hike to either Bhojo Gumba or Gangapurna Lake. If we have the energy, we can even hike to Vraga Village where we can visit the Himalayan Rescue Association which will give us some idea about Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS). Overnight in Manang.

Manang to Letdar (4250) Trekking slowly upwards to Thorung La we will leave the large trees behind and see vegetation consisting mainly of scrub juniper and alpine grass and we will pass a few meadows where horses and yaks graze. After we reach Yak Kharka we will see herds of blue sheep grazing the steep slopes as well. About an hour after passing Yak Kharka we will arrive at Letdar (4:30 hrs)

It is an uphill walk to Thorang Phedi. After walking for some time we cross a suspension bridge and reach Ledar village. We ascend furthermore and pass through towering cliffs before reaching Thorang Phedi, the last village before Thorong La. On this trip we are rewarded with one of the best views of Mt. Gundang, Mt. Syagang, Thorung Peak and Mt. Khatungkan. Overnight in Thorong Phedi.

Crossing Thorong La pass, one of the highest passes in the world, will be our ultimate objective today. We will be crossing the pass from east to west (Manang to Muktinath), which is the easiest and safest direction. We get up around three in the morning and walk up the mountain. When we finally make it to the top, we realize that our journey was worth it. We can take a few photos before heading to Muktinath Valley at the foot of the Thorong La pass. Overnight in Muktinath.

Descend from the sacred temple of Muktinath through the windswept Kali Gandaki Valley. Pass the ancient village of Kagbeni, known for its mud-brick houses and Tibetan culture, before following a mostly gentle trail to Jomsom with stunning desert-like landscapes and mountain views.

Enjoy a scenic jeep drive along the Kali Gandaki River, passing waterfalls, cliffs, and charming villages. The dramatic Himalayan terrain gradually transitions into lush green hills as you return to the peaceful lakeside city of Pokhara.

Embark on a scenic drive from Pokhara to Kathmandu, covering approximately 200 kilometers through picturesque landscapes. The journey takes around 7 to 8 hours, offering stunning views of the Himalayas, lush hills, and charming villages along the way. As you traverse winding roads and cross rivers, experience the vibrant culture of Nepal. This drive is not just a mode of transport; it’s an adventure that immerses you in the natural beauty and rich heritage of the region. Be prepared for occasional stops to capture the breathtaking scenery and enjoy local snacks.

Our representative transfers you to the Kathmandu airport to catch your returning flight back home. Thank you for Travelling with Churen Himal Treks and Tours. Airport drop by private Car, Van or Bus (According to group size) Tribhuvan International Airport (KTM), Kathmandu, Bagmati, Nepal. Time to go home and tell your friends and family of the fun and adventure had on your trek in Nepal. Or, you could extend your trip. We can arrange many other tours and trips for you, such as Chitwan Jungle Safari, River Rafting Adventure, Scenic Flight, Cycling or even another trek in a different region. Churen Himal Treks would be both pleased and honoured to be at your service.