An Epic Journey Through the Heart of the Himalayas
Do you know that the Annapurna Circuit Trek in Nepal is also called as the Annapurna Round Trek? The journey of Annapurna Round trek starts in Lamjung district of Nepal and traverses through Manang Valleys and enter the Mustang Valley of Nepal after crossing the world famous Thorong La Pass (5416 m). Therefore, it is referred as the round and circuit trek because it encompasses various iconic places of Lamjung, Manang, Mustang, Myagdi, and Kaski districts of Nepal. Mountain Watch Trek always strives to provide worth of every penny spent by our valued clients in the form of pleasant memories.
Kathmandu to Besisahar Road Distance
The total road distance from Kathmandu to Besisahar is about 176 kilometers and it takes about 5 to 6 hours depending upon the traffic status of the highway. This is the first activity that we do during the Annapurna Circuit Trek. Most of the trekking agencies choose to rush the things to save the trip cost by booking the jeep to Chame or Jagat upon arriving in Besisahar. However, Mountain Watch Trek is different! We choose trekkers’ safety and overall trekking experience. Therefore, our trekkers will spend overnight in a comfortable lodge in Besisahar and drive to Chame the next day. Besisahar to Chame road is bumpy and expect lots of hurdles. Interestingly, the scenery outside of jeep window will definitely make you forget all bumpy rides so far!
Manang Valley of Annapurna Circuit Trek Route
The most popular valley of Annapurna region of Nepal is the Mustang Valley. There are two valleys in this region and they are Upper Mustang and Lower Mustang. The Upper Mustang Valley is restricted region of Nepal and Lower Mustang Valley is open to all! The presence of sacred Muktinath Temple and Kaligandaki River has made this region popular among foreigners and Nepalese travelers. Moreover, the Jomsom airport and road to Jomsom Muktinath paved path for many travelers to visit the region. Ironically, Manang just only recently got connected with the outer world. Therefore, the valley is still untouched and less explored. The unique amalgamation of Nature’s grandeurs and Cultural wonders make this place the most pristine holiday destination.
Trekking starts from Chame and on the first day of the trek, trekkers reach the village of Pisang. This is the largest village in the region that has majority of Gurung origin people who have their own culture, traditions, and language. The most iconic village on this trekking route is the Manang Village!
Acclimatization Hike to Ice Lake from Manang
If you are doing the high altitude trekking in Nepal then acclimatization must not be ignored. During the Annapurna Circuit Trek, trekkers have to trek as high as 5416 m from sea level. The places above 2500 m altitude are considered as altitude sickness risky zone. Therefore, acclimatization is essential for smooth and safe trekking up in the Himalayas. In doing so, trekkers of Annapurna Circuit Trek in Nepal visit the Ice Lake (4600 m) as a part of acclimatization activity. Reach as high as 4600 m and return back to 3510 m. This is an ideal process of adjusting to the demanding high altitude traveling. Manang village is known for its unique topography and various century old monasteries. Stroll around the villages and immerse into the local culture and traditions.
Can I reach Tilicho Lake before crossing Thorong La Pass?
It is possible to reach Tilicho Lake before crossing the famous Thorong La Pass. But, the itinerary of Annapurna Circuit Trek is designed in such a way that you can complete the iconic Nepal’s oldest trekking route in just 12 days. If you wish to visit the world’s highest situated glacial lake the Tilicho Lake then book our Annapurna Circuit Tilicho Lake Trek package. The consequence of changing the itinerary in Manang is not acceptable but our travel planners as well as on field guides are highly experienced. They can divert the itinerary and can take you to the shores of Tilicho Lake. Once the visit is over you can meet the original Annapurna Circuit Trek route in Yak Kharka.
Please if you have any desire to add Tilicho Lake too in this itinerary then tell us in advance to knit the hassle-free trekking package!
Thorong La Pass (5416 m)
Thorong La Pass separates Manang and Mustang Valley! This is probably the most famous high altitude pass of the world. The scenery of mountains seen from the top of the pass and overall experience of crossing it can’t be described merely in words. In fact, the crossing of Thorong La Pass provides orgasmic feeling to any wilderness adventure trekking lovers.
There are two ways to cross Thorong La Pass. The first one is the crossing of the trekking pass by choosing to stay in Thorong Phedi and the second one is by choosing to cross the pass from High Camp. Staying in Thorong Phedi is comparatively easier in terms of altitude sickness but it is daunting to cross the pass from Phedi. However, it is easy to cross the pass if you choose to stay at High Camp but altitude may hinder your proper sleep pattern! Our trekking guide will assess the situation and decide accordingly.
Lower Mustang Region of Nepal
Upon crossing the Thorong La Pass, trekkers enter the Lower Mustang Region of Nepal. The most iconic place in this region during the Annapurna Circuit Trek is the Muktinath Temple. This is Lord Vishnu’s temple that has 108 taps and two ponds! It is believed that all your sins get washed away if you take bath in these taps. Interestingly, trekkers can find a Buddhist nunnery right next to the temple depicting the great religious harmony of Nepalese people.
Why Mountain Watch Trek for Annapurna Trek in Nepal?
The Mountain Watch Trek is the reliable trekking agency run by high qualified personnel both from academic and experience point of view. Most of the trekking crew members are tourism graduates and from the Annapurna region of Nepal. If you wish to experience the real Annapurna and get an authentic information about the region then book the trek with us. We will ensure that your Annapurna Circuit Trek becomes the momentous travel activity of your life!
Details Itinerary
Day 01: Arrive in TIA Kathmandu and transfer to the hotel – 25 m (1350 m)
Day 02: Drive from Kathamndu to Besisahar – 07hrs (760 m)
Day 03: In the early morning drive from Besisahar to Chame by local sharing jeep (2,670 m) – 05 hours.
Day 04: Trek From Chame to Upper Pisang (3, 270 m) – 6/7 Hours
Day 05: Trek From Upper Pisang to Manang (3,450 m) – 6/7 Hours
Day 06: Rest Day at Manang for a short excursion and Acclimatization.
Day 07: Trek from Manang to Yak Kharka or Ledar (4,010 m) – 04 hours.
Day 08: Trek from Yak Kharka to Thorong Phedi (4,600m): 3 – 4 hours
Day 09: Trek from Thorong Phedi to Muktinath (3,800m) via Thorong La pass (5416 m) 7 – 8 hours
Day 10: Trek from Muktinath to Marpha (2,670m): 7/8 hours
Day 11: Drive to Tatopani by local bus and fun with natural hot spring (650m): 3/4 hours
Day 12: Trek from Tatopani to Ghorepani (2,850m) – 7/ 8 hours
Day 13: Trek from Ghorepani to Tadapani (2,700m) – 6 /7 hours
Day 14: Trek from Tadapani to Ghandrunk village 4 hours then drive to Pokhara 3 hours by sharing jeep (827 m)
Day 15: Drive from Pokhara to Kathmandu: 8/9 hours by tourist bus ( By flight 25 m)
Day 16: Final Departure From Nepal
Annapurna Circuit Trek Detailed Itinerary
Day 01: Arrive in TIA Kathmandu and transfer to the hotel – 25 m (1350 m)
We will receive you at the airport and transfer you to your hotel. We will discuss about the trip details and finalize all the requirements. Overnight in a hotel
Day 02: Drive from Kathamndu to Besisahar – 07hrs (760 m)
Early in the morning, we will head towards the Besisahar after breakfast. The journey is 175 kilometers road trip on the well-maintained road. The road trip is very joyous as we get to see many highway towns, rivers, cascading hills, and villages along with the green lush forests as well as terraced farmlands. Overnight in a lodge
Day 03: In the early morning drive from Besisahar to Chame by local sharing jeep (2,670 m) – 05 hours.
Today is the bumpy and tiring day of jeep driving. Early in the morning after breakfast, we will hop on the four-wheel jeep to Chame village. On the way, we will stop at few watefalls and the major highlight is the Octopus waterfall which is attached with the road and it is very beautiful. We will also have lunch in the tea house nearby the waterfall. Therefore, it is the scenic day for the road trip but it is equally bumpy due to the off – road conditions. Overnight in a tea house
Day 04: Trek From Chame to Upper Pisang (3, 270 m) – 6/7 Hours
Early in the morning, we will begin our trekking from Chame village after breakfast. This is the first day of the trek, we will walk slowly but uniformly along the off road. There are few sections where we will cross suspension bridges and walk on the off trail otherwise the trekking is throughout the road. We may have to stop to give way for local jeep, tractor, and bikes while trekking. Overnight in a tea house
Day 05: Trek From Upper Pisang to Manang (3,450 m) – 6/7 Hours
Today, we will walk through scattered and alpine vegetation towards more scarce vegetation zone. The altitude increases and we will start to feel the altitude. On the way, we will get the outstanding scenery of hills eroded by continuous wind forming different shapes. The raging Marshyangdi River will be with us throughout the trek. There are no steep uphill and downhill sections as we will continue walking on the road. The scenery makes our tiring walking journey momentous and jovial. Overnight in a tea house
Day 06: Rest Day at Manang for a short excursion and Acclimatization.
Today is all about acclimatization. We will have to adjust to the demands of the altitude as we will have to reach above 5000 m altitude on this journey. For an acclimatization activity, we will choose the hike towards the Gangapurna Lake and Lake View Point. The trail is easy until river and upon crossing the bridge, we will have to walk uphill towards the vantage point. We can get the outstanding view of Mt. Gangapurna and Lake formed by the melting of its glacier from the top of the hill. We will again descend down to the lake shores. On the shores of the Gangapurna Lake, we will have our lunch and again return back to Manang and explore the village or rest in the tea house. Overnight in a tea house
Day 07: Trek from Manang to Yak Kharka or Ledar (4,010 m) – 04 hours.
We will start today’s trek after breakfast. The trail is uphill on some sections. The landscape slowly changes beyond Manang. We will be walking on the rugged rocky trail for most of the times. The guide will decide whether to stay in Yak Kharka or Ledar. It depends upon the availability of the tea house and conditions of the trekkers. Overnight in a tea house
Day 08: Trek from Yak Kharka to Thorong Phedi (4,600m): 3 – 4 hours
Today is the short day’s trek but it is extremely tiring as we will enter the 4500 m beyond place. The trek begins after the breakfast. Please note that the trekking guide will decide whether to stay in the Thorong Phedi or at the High Camp for this night before crossing the Thorong La Pass. Thorong Phedi is about 1.5 hours before the high camp. It becomes more easier to start the crossing of the Thorong La Pass from High camp than from phedi but staying overnight in Phedi is easier than in the High Camp. Overnight in a tea house
Day 09: Trek from Thorong Phedi to Muktinath (3,800m) via Thorong La pass (5416 m) 7 – 8 hours
We will begin the trek before dawn today. There will be massive line of the trekkers trekking uphill towards the top of the Thorong La Pass. Once we are at the top the morning sunrise and the feeling of reaching the highest point of the trekking take our feeling of tiredness away. In addition, we will spend 15 to 20 minutes at the top and descend towards the Muktinath. We will have lunch on the way around Phedi and continue journey towards Muktinath. Overnight in a tea house
Day 10: Trek from Muktinath to Marpha (2,670m): 7/8 hours
Early in the morning before breakfast, we will visit the Muktinath Temple and nunnery. Our trekking begins after the breakfast and we will walk along the Kaligandaki River on the road track with few sections being off trail. We will be walking past famous places like Kagbeni and Jomsom. Marpha is the biggest Thakali village where we will find lots of apple farms, monasteries, shops, and alleys. This is the beautiful village to spend a night. Overnight in a tea house
Day 11: Drive to Tatopani by local bus and fun with natural hot spring (650m): 3/4 hours
Today, we will take the local bus to Tatopani. It takes about 3 hours of bus journey with brief stop at the Rupse Waterfall. Once we are the Tatopani, we will check in at the tea house and head to take a nice dip in the natural hot water springs. All our muscle tiredness will fade away when we take a bath in the natural hot springs water. Overnight in a tea house
Day 12: Trek from Tatopani to Ghorepani (2,850m) – 7/ 8 hours
We will begin our trekking after breakfast. Today is the longest day of uphill trekking through terraced farmlands and green lush forests. You will have to pace uniformly as there are very fewer flat trails on this section. Once we are at the Ghorepani Village, we will be welcomed by the breathtaking scenery of surrounding hills, valleys, and mountains. Overnight in a tea house
Day 13: Trek from Ghorepani to Tadapani (2,700m) – 6 /7 hours
Early in the morning before dawn, we will trek uphill to Poon Hill for the sunrise experiences. It takes about 45 minutes to 1 hour to reach the top. We will enjoy the breathtaking scenery of sun rising from the casement of mountains and lighting up the mountains like Dhaulagiri, Annapurna, Machhapuchhre, Gangapurna, Lamjung Himal, Neelgiri, Dhampus Peak, etc. We will return back to Ghorepani and have breakfast then we will do our trek to Tadapani. At first, we will have to walk uphill to the top of the Gurung Hill and then descend through green lush forests and rivers to Banthanti for lunch and again continue our trek towards Tadapani. Overnight in a tea house
Day 14: Trek from Tadapani to Ghandrunk village 4 hours then drive to Pokhara 3 hours by sharing jeep (827 m)
Today is the gentle downhill trekking towards the famous village of Ghandruk. We will begin our trekking after the breakfast and continue descending downhill through green lush forests. The trail from Bhaisikharka to Ghandruk has staircases which is easy to trek but for some the staircases can be tiring especially during the descend. Upon reaching the Ghandruk Village, we will explore for about an hour and have lunch. We will hop on the jeep and continue our jeep drive to Pokhara. We will enjoy in Pokhara with our crew members and the agency will host the cultural dinner in Lakeside Pokhara. You will have free time to explore and enjoy the clamor of the Lakeside Pokhara. Overnight in a hotel
Day 15: Drive from Pokhara to Kathmandu: 8/9 hours by tourist bus ( By flight 25 m)
We will have our breakfast and you will be transferred to the airport for the flight to Kathmandu. The flight is about 25 minutes long. Upon reaching Kathmandu, the agency will review the trek and you will be treated a farewell dinner by the company representatives alongside your trekking guide. Overnight in a hotel
Day 16: Final Departure From Nepal
We will bid you farewell at the Tribhuwan International Airport for the final departure. You will be taken to the airport in a private vehicle. Our trip ends but the friendship remains intact. We will bid farewell with the promise to meet again for another breathtaking holiday in Nepal.
Cost Details
FAQ
Route Map
Client Reviews
Zhang Wei
USA: 22/Jan/2025
Kathy Selli
Canada: 25/Jan/2025
An Unforgettable Adventure to Annapurna Base Camp
I recently completed the Annapurna Base Camp (ABC) trek, and it was nothing short of spectacular! From start to finish, the experience exceeded all expectations.
The trek takes you through such a diverse range of landscapes—starting with lush forests, quaint villages, and terraced fields, and ascending to breathtaking alpine vistas surrounded by towering peaks. Every day offered something new and awe-inspiring.
The highlight, of course, was reaching the base camp itself at 4,130m. Standing amidst the majestic Annapurna range with the sunrise lighting up the peaks was an emotional and humbling experience. It felt like stepping into another world.
Our guides and porters were incredible—knowledgeable, friendly, and always ensuring we were safe and comfortable. They shared stories about the region, explained cultural nuances, and even taught us a few Nepali phrases. The teahouses along the trail were cozy, offering hearty meals, warm hospitality, and a chance to connect with fellow trekkers.
While the trek is challenging at times, especially with the uphill climbs and altitude, it’s entirely doable with proper preparation and pacing. I’d highly recommend it to anyone looking for an adventure that combines natural beauty, cultural immersion, and a sense of personal achievement.
I’ll carry the memories of this trek with me forever and can’t wait to return to the Himalayas for another adventure. If you’re considering the Annapurna Base Camp trek—do it. You won’t regret it!
John Marta
Australia: 19/Mar/2025
Lantang Trekking in Nepal
The Langtang Valley Trek is one of the most rewarding trekking experiences in Nepal, and my journey with Mountain Watch Trek made it even more special. From the breathtaking landscapes to the warm hospitality of the locals, every moment of this adventure was unforgettable.
The Langtang Trek with Mountain Watch Trek was an incredible experience. The combination of stunning landscapes, cultural immersion, and excellent service made this journey truly unforgettable. If you’re looking for a short yet rewarding trek in Nepal, I highly recommend the Langtang Valley Trek with Mountain Watch Trek!
Related Package Trips
Recommendation
Annapurna Base Camp Trek
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Donec eleifend urna sed elit finibus, consequat ultrices mi ullamcorper. Fusce consequat faucibus mauris, sed cursus nisi facilisis id. Nullam vitae massa mattis, congue diam quis, auctor urna. Aliquam et fermentum lorem, vel suscipit nisi. Sed massa arcu, placerat porta nunc ut, finibus rutrum magna. Quisque volutpat hendrerit eros, sit amet elementum sapien porta sit amet. Vivamus blandit lacus metus, eget tempus nunc lacinia sed. In rutrum dapibus vehicula. Etiam quis sem metus. Suspendisse potenti. Nunc euismod fermentum lacinia. Duis diam ipsum, condimentum ut pellentesque sagittis, aliquam eu augue. Ut iaculis ultrices nulla et sagittis. Donec condimentum vitae lectus id tempor. Proin massa dolor, iaculis vel nulla ac, tempus rutrum nunc. Aenean condimentum odio sem, sit amet sodales erat lobortis sit amet.
Nunc neque dolor, semper in ligula et, malesuada maximus dui. Mauris dapibus, eros et ornare aliquam, velit nulla vulputate ipsum, eget luctus elit est vel nunc. Suspendisse posuere ipsum nec mauris venenatis, sed lobortis dui porta. Donec porttitor lobortis eros, eu ultrices enim commodo sit amet. Proin porta elit a nunc tincidunt, non consequat justo bibendum. Vestibulum dictum nunc ante, a rhoncus ligula auctor nec. Duis malesuada at ipsum nec ullamcorper.