This circuit of Annapurna - rightly known as Nepal's classic trek - offers more variety than any other walks of equivalent length, and takes you through virtually every type of scenery that Nepal has to offer.
There are superb views of Annapurna and Dhaulagiri, and the constant variety of landscapes ranges from sub-tropical through alpine to an arid semi-desert akin to Tibet; at the climax of the trek there's a formidable 5416m pass, the Thorong La, to cross. Though it is certainly demanding enough for the seasoned trekker, the Annapurna Circuit is still an excellent introduction to walking in Nepal for those who are confident of their fitness.
This is a lodge-based trek, so you spend time in villages inhabited by many of Nepal's different tribes, both Buddhist and Hindu. Every day brings opportunities to gain an insight into the local culture and interact with the local communities whose land you are walking through, whether by bartering for souvenirs, talking to the inquisitive children or relaxing at a tea house during a well earned break.
Itinerary:
Day 01: Drive from Kathmandu to Besisahar (823m.) which takes about six hours.
Day 02: Trek from Beshishahar to Bahundanda (1305m.) and it takes about six hours.
Day 03: Trek from Bahundanda to Chamje (1410m.) which takes about six hours.
Day 04: Trek from Chamje (1410m.) to Dharapani (1960m.) and it takes about six hours.
Day 05: Trek from Dharapani to Chame (2675m.) which takes about five and half hours.
Day 06: Trek from Chame to Pisang (3100m.) which takes about five hours.
Day 07: Trek from Pisang to Manang (3440m.) and it takes about five and half hours.
Day 08: Rest day at Manang and hang in and around town
Day 09: Trek from Manang to Yak Kharka (4350m.) and it takes about three and half hours.
Day 10: Trek from Yak Kharka to Thorong Phedi (4420m.) which takes about 3 and half hours.
Day 11: Trek from Thorong Phedi to Muktinath (3850m.) via Thorong La (5416m.) Pass and it takes about seven hours.
Day 12: Trek Muktinath to Marpha (2667m.) and it takes about approximately six hours.
Day 13: Trek from Marpha to Ghasa (2013m.) which takes about six hours.
Day 14: Trek from Ghasa to Tatopani (1189 m.) which takes about five hours.
Day 15: A rest day at Tatopani to enjoy the natural hot spring bath
Day 16: Trek from Tatopani to Ghorepani (2853 m.) for about seven hours.
Day 17: Trek from Ghorepani to Poon Hill (3180m.) to Tadapani (2675m.) which takes about five and half hours.
Day 18: Trek from Tadapani (2675m.) to Ghandruk (1950m.) and it takes about three hours.
Day 19: Trek from Ghandruk (1950m.) to Pothana (1990m.) which takes about six hours
Day 20: Trek from Pothana to Dhampus Phedi (1113m.) which takes about four hours.
Day 21: Drive from Pokhara to Kathmandu by tourist mini bus that takes about seven hours.
