Annapurna trek: A trek in Nepal Himalayas

From 1940€/person 20 days

Mythical snow mountains

Surrounded by huge India and the Tibetan part of China, Nepal is a tiny country half covered by the highest mountain range in the world. The Himalayas are a dream to everyone, and even more since techniques have developed to reach always bigger summits. Nowadays, nearly everyone can tour a mountain range in Nepal, reaching some rather high altitudes. With this large tour of the Annapurnas, you' ll discover the challenge of a 2-week Annapurna trek, at an altitude ranging from 1850 to 5400 meters, with wonderful views on the Himalayas immensity and intensity.

High altitude and nature

Nepal is a country of sublime mountain landscapes and treks, but also a nation with a strong culture and hundreds of ethnic groups. At the foot of the famous Annapurna range, at the start of your trek, you'll meet the Gurung people in their villages at mid-level altitude.

Gurung and culture

The more you hike up in altitude, the less villages you'll cross, but Gurung people also developed facilities along the way for this amazing Annapurna trek. Let them guide you along these magical sceneries!

Itinerary

Start with a short visit of the cultural basin of Nepal in and around two of the three ancient city-kingdoms, in Kathmandu and Patan. Then you'll reach Dharapani, a small town that will be the departure of your Annapurna trek. You'll prepare for and start your 15-day trek around the Annapurnas, before returning to Kathmandu for a day of rest and/or visits.

Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu – Transfer to Patan

Today you’ll fly to Kathmandu. Upon arrival your driver will take you to your hotel in Patan. Rest of the day free at leisure.

Day 2: Patan – Swoyambhunath – Patan (B)

Today discover Patan with your guide: the beautiful Durban Square and pagodas of different styles, and Mahabudhha Golden Temple. Stroll through the city where many buildings date back to the 17th and 18th centuries, visit the very well restored Royal Palace and walk around the goldsmiths neighborhood. In the afternoon, you’ll reach Swoyambhunath or “Monkeys’ Temple” on top of a hill, for a great view over the city.

Day 3: Patan – Besisahar – Dharapani 1860m (B)

Today you will drive in the direction of Pokhara, the city-gate to the range of the Annapurna mountains. Your driver will take you further into the mountains, to reach Besisahar and then the small village of Dharapani, at 1860m high at the foot of mount Manaslu. Take a rest in the village after this long day drive.

Day 4: Dharapani – Chame 2630m (B) ~6h trek

Today you will start trekking on a gentle slope up to Koto. Then you’ll continue through the forest to Chame, at an altitude of 2630m. Discover its Buddhist monastery and hot springs. If the weather is good you’ll get wonderful views on mount Manaslu.

Day 5: Chame – Pisang 3190m (B) ~5h trek

Today you will keep going up to Pisang village, separated in two parts with an older upper village with traditional terraced roofs. On the way, you’ll cross the Marsangdi Khola river and big apple tree plantations. The views today will unfold the Annapurna II, Pisang Peak and Chulu mount.

Day 6: Pisang – Gyaru 3670m (B) ~7.5h trek

This morning, you’ll start with a steep slope through a pine forest. You’ll reach a pass with one of the best views on the Annapurnas and the Hongde valley. If you like, keep going up to Pisang peak basecamp at 4300m high; otherwise you’ll just walk down to the beautiful Gyaru village. Still located aside from the trek circuit, this village has kept an air of authenticity.

Day 7: Gyaru – Manang 3300m (B) ~4h trek

Today, a gentle slope will take you up to the isolated village of Ngawal, with views above the Hongde valley, as well as beautiful sights on Annapurna II, III and IV. From there you’ll walk down to Manang, following the Marsangdi river.

Day 8: Manang (B)

Easy day to rest, visit Manang or go for an excursion in the surroundings.

Day 9: Manang – Ledar 4250m (B) ~4h trek

This morning, you’ll walk up to Tangi before leaving the Marsangdi valley and keep going through the Jarsang Khola valley. The higher you walk, the rarest the vegetation is. You’ll cross the Yak Kharkha pasturelands and after an hour walk finally reach Ledar.

Day 10: Ledar – Thorong Phedi 4420m (B) ~3h trek

Today is a shorter trekking day, in order to rest and get ready for the next day’s challenge. Your walk will take you through beautiful, deserted and isolated landscapes.

Day 11: Thorong Phedi – Jharkot 3550m (B) ~8 to 12h trek

This morning, you’ll start hiking up to Thorong La pass, at an altitude of 5416m. Magical views wait for you at the pass. From there the way down is a long 1850 meters descent to reach Muktinath, a pilgrimage place for Hindus and Buddhists. Finally the slope soothens until your arrival to the very beautiful village of Jharkot.

Day 12: Jharkot – Thinigaon 2880m (B) ~6h trek

Today, you’ll get great views on Jharkot monastery, that looks like a fortress overlooking the valley. You’re now in Mustang district, in a part that is not yet regulated by special permits. You’ll keep walking down to the Kali Gandaki valley, and get a usual dal bhat lunch in a traditional Takali house. Then you’ll continue on your track until Thinigaon, known for its apples and cider.

Day 13: Thinigaon – Tukuche 2580m (B) ~5h trek

This morning, you’ll cross Thinigaon area, full of beautiful apple trees. Pass by Dhumba sacred lake, then a pass will take you to Dhumba valley, a real fruit trees garden. Walk up to Chhairo Tibetan refugee camp where you’ll eat at monastery’s canteen, if it is open. Finally you’ll walk down along the river, in order to reach Tukuche.

Day 14: Tukuche – Lete 2440m (B) ~5h trek

Today you’ll follow a beautiful track that sometimes crosses the river. Walk through a forest of sea-buckthorn trees, the juice of which you can taste in the nearby lodges. You’ll get a fantastic view on Dhaulagiri iced waterfall.

Day 15: Lete – Tatopani 1150m (B) ~5h trek

You’ll keep walking down along the Kali Gandaki river to reach Tatopani, a beautiful village overlooking the river.

Day 16: Tatopani – Ghorepani 2860m (B) ~7h trek

You’ll cross the Kali Gandaki river to start a steep walk up through an ape-populated forest, until a breach in the rocks that will unveil another view of the Dhaulagiri. Slowly walk up through a rhododendron forest to reach Ghorepani. It is a long day walk and according to your energy, you can walk to Poon Hill platform nearby tonight or tomorrow. Poon Hill offers a mythical view on the Himalayas when the weather is good.

Day 17: Ghorepani – Birethanti 1080m (B) ~6h trek

Early in the morning, reach Poon Hill for an amazing morning view. The panoramic view unveils the Annapurnas, Mchhapuchhre and Dhaulagiri mountains. Then you’ll start your descent to Birethanti.

Day 18: Birethanti – Kathmandu (B)

A short walk this morning will take you to the city of Nayapul, where you’ll end your Annapurna trek. There, you’ll meet your driver who will take you back to Kathmandu.

Day 19: Kathmandu (B)

Today, take the time to discover the capital city Kathmandu at your own pace.

Day 20: Kathmandu Departure (B)

Today, your driver will take you to the airport, where you’ll take your flight to your next destination.