Annapurna Semi Circuit Trek

Overview

Annapurna Semi Circuit Trek is an adventure of great beauty and charm facing a spectacular vista of towering snow mountain range.

The everlasting splendid views of snow-capped peaks follow you from the start to the end of trekking.

A wonderful journey around the northern sides of massif Annapurna Himalayas, one of the most popular and renowned Himalayan destinations.

Annapurna full or half circuit is listed as the world’s top Ten Adventure travel destinations. Where trekkers will experience these marvelous walks from the beginning to the finishing point of the trek. The dramatic change of climate, landscapes people, and local cultures; as the walk proceeds from cooler hills to an arctic zone of ice and glaciers.

The walk leads through lovely villages, adorned with the ancient cultural heritage of Buddhism, encountering a series of prayer monuments. Apart from the great beautiful scenery, the local fascinating culture is one of the trek highlights.

Adventure on Annapurna Semi Circuit takes you through nice serene woodland of tall coniferous and deciduous tree lines. Walking past from one traditional village to another reaching the picturesque Manang Valley, enclosed by amphitheaters of towering snow-capped peaks. Overlooking views of Chulu’s and Pisang peaks towards the north with Annapurna Himalaya range of peaks in the south.

Slowly walk takes leads to the main village at Manang, located above the Masrsyangdi River surrounded by arrays of snow peaks. An ideal scenic and cultural village Manang for rest days to support acclimatization, before proceeding to the high Thorang-La Pass.

Spending an extra day in Manang village with lovely views of surrounding exciting scenery, the adventure continues heading due west. Reaching the end of Manang valley at the base of Thorang-La Pass straddles the boundary between Manang and Mustang districts. One of the main highlights of the trek is crossing over high Thorang-La, the highest point of the adventure.

Most trekkers start the climb early morning before the break of dawn to be on top of Thorang-La. Before the cold wind chill gets you along with the first rays of sunlight, a strenuous steep climb. But as the walk progress on winding up past small glacial ponds and glacial sections of a moraine. Then finally reaching on top of Thorang-La, after the hard effort turns into a delightful moment.

Enjoy the glorious morning stunning panorama of the world’s highest mountain range, overlooking views of Mt. Dhaulagiri and Annapurna Himalayas. Includes Chulu’s and Damodar Himal as far towards Mt. Manaslu with arrays of peaks with peaks of Mustang region.

A slow and long descent reaches to Mustang area, a country of photogenic landscapes with windswept terrains yet beautiful. The walk takes you to the sacred Muktinath temple, revered as a holy pilgrimage site for Hindu and some Buddhist followers. An exciting place facing scenic views of snow-capped peaks with amazing country landscapes. Having time to explore the temple premises of holy Muktinath, slowly our adventurous walks come to an end.

The last leg of the journey takes you away from the main trail, heading towards the hidden Lupra valley. Where few groups of trekkers seldom venture, an amazing place with an old Bon monastery of pre-Buddhism sects.

Finally, the walk leads towards the wide Kaligandaki River Valley to reach the large town of Jomsom. The headquarter town of the Mustang district is located on the old Trans Himalaya Salt Trade Route of Nepal & Tibet. Next morning an enjoyable short swift, scenic flight to Pokhara, a beautiful city and renowned tourist holiday destination. A perfect wonderful place to conclude our marvelous adventure Annapurna Semi-Circuit Trek at Pokhara.

Trip Itinerary

Day 1 : Arrival in Kathmandu and transfer to hotel.

On first arrival at Kathmandu-Nepal international airport, our staff and guide will receive with traditional welcome. A short drive to your hotel in the hub of Kathmandu city, on checking into your nice rooms. After getting refreshed from the jet-lag, join at the hotel lobby and at meeting room for trek briefing provided by our guide or leader. Information about the hotel, lodge on treks with full details of trekking trails, food and accommodation on treks. As well with do’s and don’ts with welcome group dinner in an authentic Nepali restaurants with local cultural program along with Nepali meals.

Day 2 : Tour of Kathmandu heritage sites of great interest.

Morning after breakfast, the city / cultural guide will meet you at the hotel for tour around Kathmandu World Heritage Sites. As well visiting interesting places of steeped with history and culture. After the tour back at the hotel, preparation for Annapurna Semi Circuit Trek.

Day 3 : Drive to Dharapani village 1, 820 m - 07 hrs.

A long and exciting drive to the starting point of Annapurna Semi Circuit Trek. Start the day, as early as possible for an interesting long overland journey heading Mid-West from Kathmandu. The road follows on main busy highway to Bhesisar the headquarter town of Lamjung district. From here the drive leads along the Masrsyangdi River to Syange village, then climbs on winding rough hilly tracks. Reaching Jagat a nice mountain village, where air gets much cooler as the dirt tracks follows through Chamje. Then entering district of Manang from Tal Besi towards Dharapani for overnight halt, in the comfort of a nice lodge.Dharapani located on a river gorge, which is also the route of Manaslu Circuit, a pleasant and lovely village.

Day 4 : Trek to Chame 2,710 m -05 hrs.

Enjoy the walk today, after a long hour drive of previous day feeling fresh, start the first day walk. A pleasant with gradual up on winding trail through lovely cool forest of pines and rhododendron. Walk through Bagarchap and Danaque villages, from here onwards within strong Buddhist religion and cultures. As you come across Buddhist monuments of Stupa and Mani Walls. The trail leads to a steep climb reaching Timang a large village of mixed tribes of hill people Gurung, Magar and Manange. A possible lunch stop facing grand views of Lamjung peaks in the south with Manaslu Himal towards North East. From here a slow and easy walk to Kodo village, where route to Nar-Phu and main Manang village branch-off. After Kodo village a short walk up to reach Chame for overnight stop, in a large town of Chame, the headquarters of Manang district. Facing views of Lamjung Himal over a green rolling hills and rocky ridges.

Day 5 : Trek to Pisang 3,115 m - 05 hrs.

From Chame town, morning walk follows the Masrsyangdi River heading west through dense woods of pines, firs and rhododendron trees. The trail leads to a nice settlement of Bhratang and then cross a bridge with climb to a ridge at Dukure Pokhari. A small place with few Tea-House on a ridge top with grand views of Pisang Peak and Chulu’s range. Having lunch here a few hours walk downhill to Pisang village, located beneath towering Pisang Peak with views of Annapurna IV and II. Overnight in a nice homely lodge or guest house, from here the altitude gains gradually.

Day 6 : Trek to Manang 3,540 m- 04 hrs.

Enjoying a pleasant overnight in the comfort of nice lodge at Pisang village, today’s walks is quite short. From here entering into scenic Manang Valley towards the main Manang village, a slow morning walk with climb to a high ridge.

From the hill top facing grand views of Manang valley outlined by series of snow-capped peaks. Facing Chulu’s in the north with Annapurna, Gangapurna Himal and Tilicho Peak towards South-West direction. Includes views of Hongde village with a small airstrip which on the route to Manang village. Walk downhill within a valley and tree lines reaching Hongde village close to Manang airport.

After a refreshing stop, continue walk on winding gradual path to Braga village with an oldest monastery of Manang. Having time for short visit of the monastery stand above the Braga village on a sandy hillock. A short climb to enter the monastery interior enriched with ancient idols of Lord Buddha and famous saints and gurus. From the monastery stunning panorama of snow-mountain range of Annapurna’s and Chulu’s with towering Pisang peaks. From Braga a short walk with few minutes climb to Manang village, enclosed by staggering mountain range. Located on a plateau above Masrsyangdi River valley, an exciting place to enjoy additional day in Manang.

Day 7 : Rest day in Manang for acclimatization and local excursion.

A great place for an extra day at main Manang village with the right altitude for acclimatization. Before heading towards high Thorang-La Pass, enjoy the day exploring the scenic areas. The best walks is to Gangapurna Himal ice fall and glaciers, a few hours walks both ways. Stands on the southern ridge from Manang village and above Masrsyangdi River, the view includes Manang small glacial lake. Enjoy the dramatic panorama of Chulu’s towards north with Annapurna II, IV and III close to where you stand. Rest of the afternoon explore the Manang village of typical Tibetan traditions and cultures.

Day 8 : Trek to Yak Kharka 4, 110 m - 04 hrs.

After a good breakfast along with grand vista of surrounding scenery, then moving on towards our next overnights at Yak Kharka. The walk follows past smaller settlements facing views of Chulu West peak, with Gangapurna Himal.The walk leads to a small stream and then ending the morning walk on reaching Yak Kharka for lunch and overnight. Enjoy the afternoon marveling the snow peaks, and walk around with chances of spotting some wildlife.Like herd of Goral (mountain antelopes) Himalayan Thar, if lucky an elusive Snow Leopard with some pheasant like snow-cock / hens.

Day 9 : Trek to High Camp 4,900 m -04 hrs.

Start the morning on a gentle wide trail to Ledar, a small place with few lodge. Located on route to Chulu West base camp, walk on winding ups and down to cross a stream. A steep climb and then on nice easy path to Phedi, the bottom ofThorang-La Pass, a settlement with number of lodges. Phedi located at the end ofManang valley. After a refreshing short break, a steep haul up to High Camp for lunch and last overnight around Manang areas. Transfer into a nice simple lodge and enjoy lunch, having time for short walk as exercise for long walk next day.

Day 10 : Trek to Muktinath 3, 800 m via Thorang-La pass 5,416 m /17,700 ft.

The toughest day walks of the adventure, an early morning start, the walk leads on level small path for short while, and then climb begins on winding and undulating ups. Reaching a flat spot with a small hut near a glacial ponds, continue walk up to the top of Thorang-La. After a strenuous climb rewarded with glorious jaw-dropping views of Mid-Western Himalayan peaks, as far towards Mt. Dhaulagiri range. Includes views of Mustang Himal towards west with Damodar Himal, Chulu’s and Annapurna with Manaslu in the far eastern horizon.The pass is marked with a sign board with thousands of prayer flags, after an overwhelming moment. A long descent reaches to Phedi of Mustang area, a place with small Tea-Shops, after a pleasant rest. Journey continues for another last hour on easy flat trail to Muktinath holy site and its nice village for overnight. Muktinath regarded as holiest of all holy pilgrimage sites around the Himalayan range, the Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu. At Muktinath enjoy the comfort of a nice cozy lodge, provides wide-range of food menu, along with views of Dhaulagiri Himal.

Day 11 : Trek to Jomsom 2,715 m via Jharkot, Lupra valley 2,790 m -06 hrs.

Last day walk of the adventure to Jomsom town, from Muktinath, avoiding the main motorable road. As our route diverts towards remote and isolated areas reaching the hidden Lupra valley. An enjoyable, peaceful walk away from mainstream and busy trail on downhill to Lupra. A small windblown village with an old Gompa. One of the few monasteries of Bon-Po cult and religion, which is an ancient sect of pre-Buddhism. The Lupra village and the valley situated near Panda Khola / stream. From here after exploring the village and the monastery walk down to join the main trail at Kali-Gandaki River valley. Following a wide trail of the river bank to reach Jomsom, the headquarter town of Mustang district. Located on an old Trans Himalayan Salt Trade Route of Nepal and Tibet / China.Jomsom and Kaligandaki valley, is home to indigenous tribe the Thakali follows Buddhism culture and religion. An interesting and scenic town located on a windswept plain of Kaligandaki River with great views of Nilgiri peaks. Overnight in the comfort of a nice hotels and lodge, Jomsom provides many lodges and guest-houses from budget, standard to deluxe accommodation.Afternoon enjoy walk on the stone paved nice streets of Jomsom, lined with shops, stores and good restaurants.

Day 12 : Drive to Pokhara from Jomsom (8 hours), and transfer to hotel.

Today, we drive from Jomsom to Pokhara is a long but scenic journey that usually takes 8–10 hours, starting with a rough and dusty road along the Kali Gandaki River. The route passes through the beautiful apple village of Marpha, the forested areas of Kalopani and Ghasa, and the hot spring village of Tatopani before reaching Beni. From Beni onward, the road becomes smooth and blacktopped, offering a comfortable ride through green hills and river valleys until you arrive in Pokhara. Despite the bumpy start, the shifting landscapes and mountain views make the journey memorable.

Day 13 : Drive to Kathmandu from Pokhara (7 hours) and transfer to hotel.

Morning leaving the hotel in Pokhara, drive on regular Tourist Bus, as per size of a group. The scenic and interesting overland journey to Kathmandu on the same exciting highway. After hours of driving reaching back to your hotel in Kathmandu, rest of the day at leisure.

Note:- You can also fly to Kathmandu from Pokhara (25-minute flight), but you will need to pay extra.

Day 14 : Free day as contingency and for individual activities.

Enjoy an extra day in Kathmandu with individual activities or get into shopping spree. Interested people can join for another interesting tour of other cities of Kathmandu valley. Sightseeing around Patan / Lalitpur or the famous Bhaktapur city Durbar Square, worth a visit.

Day 15 : International departure for homeward bound.

After an enjoyable and most mesmerizing time in Nepal, around the Annapurna Himalayas on Annapurna Semi-Circuit Trek. As time for departure, our staff transfer you to international airport for flight homeward bound or to next port of call.

Trip code
Package name	Annapurna Semi Circuit Trek
Duration	15
Max. elevation	5416 m
Level
Transportation	Ground Transportation
Accomodation	3 star rated hotel in Kathmandu & Pokhara and Tea Houses Lodges during Trek
Starts at	Kathamdu
Ends at	Kathmandu
Trip route	Kathmandu-Besisahar-Dharapani-Chame-Pisang-Manang-Yakkharka-High Camp- Throng La Pass- Muktinath-Jomsom-Pokhara-Kathmandu
Cost	USD 965 per person