Annapurna Circuit Hike
Basic travel information
A great mountain hike in central Nepal, in the Annapurna mountain range, which is part of the great Himalayan mountains. We get to know Nepalese nature and culture surrounded by fabulously beautiful mountains.
The Annapurna Circuit trek begins in a tropical rice-growing area and ascends the dry and rugged upper mountains north of the Annapurna Massif. The trip culminates in crossing Nepal’s highest hiking pass, Thorung Lan, at 5,416 meters. Along the way, we will also explore the cities of Kathmandu and Pokhara.
Itinerary
DAY 1 – FLIGHTS TO KATHMANDU
Flights from Finland overnight to Nepal.
DAY 2 – KATHMANDU
Arrival in Kathmandu, the capital of Nepal. Transfer to the hotel, overnight stay in Kathmandu.
ACCOMMODATION
HOTEL MOON LIGHT / HOTEL MARSHYANGDI
DAY 3 – CHAMJE
We travel by road through the Nepalese countryside to Beshi Sahar and from there to Chamje (1430 m), Central Nepal, where our trek begins in the lush and tropical mountain scenery adorned with waterfalls. (A)
ACCOMMODATION IN
GUESTHOUSE
DAY 4 – BAGARCHAP
On the first day of hiking, we follow the Marsyangdi River in a narrow valley, alternating along the river side along suspension bridges. We enjoyed lunch at a village called Tal, also known as “Little Europe”. In the afternoon we arrive at Bagarchap (2160m) where the evening is spent in anticipatory atmosphere enjoying tea.
ACTIVITIES
HIKING
ACCOMMODATION IN
GUESTHOUSE
DAY 5 – CHAME
During the morning tea break, the snow-capped mountains begin to emerge properly. In clear weather it is possible to admire Manaslu, the eighth highest mountain in the world. The air gets a little cooler as the conifers adorn the surrounding slopes. We spend the night in Chame (2670m), at the foot of Annapurna II.
ACTIVITIES
HIKING
ACCOMMODATION IN
GUESTHOUSE
DAY 6 – LOWER PISANG
As we continue up the chame, we meet Nepal’s largest Apple Orchard, and at the tea spot you might get to taste a delicious apple pie. The valley we follow widens considerably after Chame and the landscapes become more and more rugged and steeper. In the afternoon it is possible to visit the Buddhist monastery of Upper Pisang and in the evening we descend to the village of Lower Pisang. (3200m)
ACTIVITIES
HIKING
ACCOMMODATION IN
GUESTHOUSE
DAY 7 – MANANG
We hike towards Manang (3540m) at the bottom of a wide valley. The northern slopes of the Annapurna mountain range are now right next to us, and the journey to the largest city in the area quickly folds in amazement at the scenery.
ACTIVITIES
HIKING
ACCOMMODATION IN
GUESTHOUSE
DAY 8 – MANANG
We have a day off in Manang. During the day you can admire the snowy peaks surrounding the massive ice stream and valley of Gangapurna. It is possible to spend the evening at a local cinema, for example.
ACCOMMODATION IN
GUESTHOUSE
DAY 9 – YAK KHARKA
We ascend from Manang, from the bottom of the valley to its slopes, and set out to follow the new valley to the north. At these heights it is possible to see herds of grazing jackets. To the west rises the top of Mount Tilicho, at the foot of which is the highest lake in the world of the same name. At the end of a slightly shorter day of hiking, we arrive at the village of Yak Kharkan. (4010m)
ACTIVITIES
HIKING
ACCOMMODATION IN
GUESTHOUSE
DAY 10 – THORUNG PHEDI
The air becomes thinner as we ascend the last approach to Thorung Phed (4450m), from where the next morning we head towards the Thorung Lan Pass. We eat an earlier dinner and rest properly before dawn the next day.
ACTIVITIES
HIKING
ACCOMMODATION IN
GUESTHOUSE
DAY 11 – THORUNG LA – MUKTINATH
The highest point of our hike and at the same time the toughest day. The views from Thorung La Sola (5416 m) are unprecedented. We see the rugged mountains of the Mustang to the north and the dry Kali Kandaki river valley below in front of us. We descend from the gorge to the village of Muktinath (3800 m) at the bottom of the valley.
ACTIVITIES
HIKING
ACCOMMODATION IN
GUESTHOUSE
DAY 12 – TATOPANI
We will visit the sacred temples of Muktinath in the morning before moving by jeep to Tatopan. The landscape slowly becomes greener as we descend down the Kali Kandaki Valley. We drive through magnificent forests along the ancient Tibetan salt caravan route to the tropical village of Tatopan (1190 m). Along the way, we visit the idyllic village of Kagben in Lower Mustang.
ACCOMMODATION IN
GUESTHOUSE
DAY 13 – POKHARA
We descend the Kali Kandaki river valley to the city of Ben, from where we continue to Pokhara. Afternoon relaxation in Pokhara on the shores of Fewa Tal Lake.
ACCOMMODATION IN
HOTEL BOUGAINVILLEA OR SIMILAR
DAY 14 – KATHMANDU
Free program in Pokhara before the flight to Kathmandu, with free time before the joint farewell dinner. (OH)
ACCOMMODATION
HOTEL MOON LIGHT / HOTEL MARSHYANGDI
DAY 15 – FLIGHTS TO KATHMANDU – HELSINKI
In the morning transfer to the airport and return flights to Finland.
MEALS: [A] BREAKFAST [L] LUNCH [I] DINNER