Annapurna Circuit with Poon Hill Trek

Day 1: Kathmandu to Dharapani village (1,860m / 6,200ft), 230 km, 10 hrs by Jeep

The Annapurna Circuit Trek with Nepal Unique Treks and Expeditions begins with a drive from Kathmandu to Dharapani village. As you wake up in the morning and have your breakfast, our representatives will pick you up from the hotel. After that, we go for an adventurous drive towards the Dharapani Village. Located at an altitude of 1860 meters above sea level, Dharapani is the starting point of the Annapurna Region trek. It takes about 10 hours for us to reach Dharapani by jeep.

As we leave Kathmandu, the landscape starts to transform, and you will see rolling hills give way to terraced farmlands, traditional villages, and distant snow-capped peaks. Besides, we also pass through several key settlements, including Besisahar, before taking on an off-road trail along the Marsyangdi River. Let us also tell you that this drive can be bumpy, so we recommend that you be prepared.

Once you reach Dharapani, you will notice that it is a quiet village surrounded by pine forests and dramatic cliffs, providing a perfect transition from the lowlands into the Himalayan wilderness. Check into your room, freshen up yourself and then stroll around the village before having dinner and sleeping.

Day 2: Trek from Dharapani (1,860m / 6,200ft) to Chame village (2,610m /8,890ft), 6hrs

On the second day, we set out on a journey from Dharapani to Chame Village, another beautiful village in the Annapurna Conservation Area. This section of the Annapurna Circuit Trek takes us deeper into the Marsyangdi valley. Just as you start the walk, the trail ascends gradually through dense pine and fir forests, crossing traditional villages like Bagarchhap and Danaque. Also, you will get to see outstanding views of Annapurna II and Lamjung Himal.  

After a moderately difficult walk for about 5 to 6 hours, we finally step into the Chame Village. The guide will lead you to the hotel. Get freshened up and then go for a quick stroll around the village. This beautiful village has stone-paved paths, stone-built houses with a tin roof. Besides, the people here also offer warm hospitality, and you can also learn a lot about this village if you interact with them.

In the evening, return to the hotel for a locally-prepared delicious dinner followed by a cozy sleep in the teahouse.

Day 3: Trekking from Chame (2,610m / 8,890ft) to Upper Pisang (3,300m / 10,826ft), 6 hrs

As usual, we begin today's walk after having a fulfilling breakfast in the hotel. Once you get ready, the guides lead you on another adventurous section of the Annapurna Circuit Trekking route. Yes, this day's trail takes us through dense forests, waterfalls, and of course, following the Marsyangdi river. Besides, the trekkers can also enjoy some panoramic views of the cerdant landscapes, alpine meadows, and jaw-dropping Himalayas. Also, not to mention, crossing the rivers through wooden bridges is a thrill as well.

It takes about 6 hours for us to reach Upper Pisang, a village situated at an altitude of 3,300 meters above sea level. While reaching here, we also get the first sighting of the Paungda Danda rock face. As you reach Upper Pisang, you will find yourself in a traditional Himalayan village decorated by a Buddhist Monastery. Furthermore, Upper Pisang also offers outstanding views of Annapurna II, along with other surrounding peaks

Day 4: Trekking from Upper Pisang (3,115m / 10,200ft) to Manang village (3,540m / 11,300ft), 6 hrs

The fourth day stands as one of the most significant days of the entire trek on the Annapurna Circuit. Why so? Well, because we will be ascending to one of the famous towns in the Himalayas, Manang. Situated at an altitude of 3,540 meters above sea level, you might start experiencing altitude sickness at this point. Therefore, make sure to keep yourself prepared for that.

As you leave Upper Pisang and head towards Manang, you will walk on the trail renowned for its breathtaking Himalayan vistas and cultural richness. Besides, the path gradually ascends through arid hillsides and traditional Tibetan-style villages like Ghyaru and Ngawal. Furthermore, this section of the Annapurna Circuit Trail also offers spectacular views of different snow-covered peaks, including Annapurna II, III, IV, and the majestic Pisang Peak. The final section of the trail takes us through prayer wheels, mani wheels, and some plateaus as well.

Finally, after about 6 hours of walking, we will reach Manang, a village of high significance. Here, you can find several tea houses, bakeries, and cultural sites, including the local gompa and the Himalayan Rescue Association. For today, we recommend that you take proper rest and enjoy a warm meal because we will have another day to explore Manang.

Day 5: Acclimatization day at Manang village (3,519m / 11,545ft)

On the fifth day, we will not continue the journey on the trail. Yes, because it's the day for us to acclimatize or rest in Manang itself. Also, this is the day when you can discover the true beauty and significance of the Manang village. After walking around the village, we will also visit the Gangapurna Lake and the viewpoint. From here, you can get amazing glimpses of the glacier and surrounding peaks.

Besides, if you have more energy and and active, we can also go for a hike to the Hundred Lamas Cave or the Milarepa Cave located at an altitude of 3,600 meters above sea level. You will be amazed by the way this trail goes and where it takes you. As you return to Manang, you can take your time to explore the village’s rich cultural fabric and visit the local monastery. Besides, this is also the best place to enjoy freshly baked goods from mountain bakeries and attend an acclimatisation talk by the Himalayan Rescue Association.

In the evening, you can return to the hotel for another delicious dinner and sleep before continuing further on the Annapurna Circuit Trekking map.

Day 6: Ascend from Manang (3,540m / 11,300ft) to Yak Kharka (4,050m / 14,275ft), 6 hrs

On the sixth day, we leave Manang behind and ascend further on the Annapurna Circuit Trekking trail. This alpine trail limbs steadily through the Annapurna Circuit Trekking map, with the tree line becoming thinner. Furthermore, you will also notice the snow-capped peaks growing even closer. Along with that, the trail also passes through several small settlements, including Tengi and Gunsang.

This section of the trek introduces a more barren, high-altitude landscape dotted with grazing yaks and sparse juniper shrubs. Furthermore, you can also sense the air growing thinner. Therefore, we recommend a slow, steady pace to minimize the risk of altitude sickness. As you reach Yak Kharka, you will find yourself in a peaceful hamlet surrounded by hills and with comparatively fewer settlements. Well, after 6 hours of walking at such a high altitude, you shall go for a proper dinner and of course, a relaxing and cozy sleep.

Day 7: Ascend from Yak Kharka (4,050m/ 14,275ft) to Thorong Phedi (4,525m / 14,525ft),6 hrs

On the seventh day, the guides will take you to the base of one of the highest passes of the Himalayas, the Thorong Phedi. "Phedi" means base in Nepali, and Thorong Phedi means the base of Thorong or the Thorong La Pass. The trail takes us through several ups and downs, and we will also cross the Marsyangdi River by a wooden bridge. After that, the trail ascends over a mountain and then over a cliff.

Throughout all of these walks in this section of the Annapurna Circuit Trek, you will also be surrounded by some towering snow-capped peaks and panoramic landscapes of the desert hills. You will see significantly less vegetation with multiple patches of yellowish green bush throughout these sand and stone-made hills. If you look to the top of these hills, you will also notice the top covered by snow. On the way, you will also find some recently built guesthouses. If you see a signboard with a fork and a knife, that simply means that guesthouses are very near.

Again, it takes 6 hours to cover this section of the trek in the Annapurna Circuit while walking through areas with a significantly low ratio of oxygen in the air. As you reach the guesthouse in Thorong Phedi, you can take some rest and then stroll around the settlement. We will have dinner and spend the night in the same guesthouse before heading further on the trail.

Day 8: Trekking from Thorong Phedi (4,525m / 14,525ft) to Muktinath Temple (3,760m / 12,623ft) via Thorong La High Pass (5,416m / 17,756ft), 8/9 hrs

The eighth day stands as one of the most difficult, strenuous, and challenging sections of the entire Annapurna Circuit Trek. We recommend that you prepare a little more today, as we certainly have a long way to cover. Besides, we will also begin the walk early today, as it will be a sunrise view hike to Thorong La Pass. This pass, situated at an altitude of 5,416 meters above sea level, offers one of the most spectacular sunrise views. Let us tell you that the trail from Thorong Phedi to Thorong La Pass will often be covered with snow. Moreover, the trekkers also need to walk through glacial moraines and barren ridges before getting a peek into the panoramas of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges.

After spending time soaking in the spectacular views from Thorong La Pass, we make our way towards the Muktinath temple. Nestled at an altitude of 3,760 meters above sea level, Muktinath is a sacred site, revered by both Hindus and Buddhists. Besides, you will also see a lot of pilgrims taking a shower under 108 taps here. After spending some time in the religious and spiritual peacefulness of the Muktinath temple, we go to the hotel for dinner and overnight stay. After almost 8 to 9 hours of walking on such high altitude and rugged terrain, you will certainly need a cozy and relaxing sleep.

Day 9: Drive from Muktinath (3,760m / 12,623ft) to Jomsom and Tatopani (1,200m / 3,940ft),6/7 hrs

From Muktinath, you will meet a lot of other trekkers and even travellers who go there by jeep. Yes, Muktinath is one of the most famous tourist destinations in Nepal, especially for religious people and people who love to go for rides. Yes, people even go for motorcycle rides to Muktinath or Lower Mustang. However, in our case, we return to Kathmandu by a jeep or van. From Muktinath to Kagbeni and then to Jomsom is how our journey for the day ends.

Jomsom is another beautiful settlement in the lower Mustang region, sitting at an altitude of 2743 meters above sea level. This place has a lot of hotels and guesthouses. Well, almost every house in this settlement has a hotel, guesthouse, or small shops. Other than that, you can also see an airport (Jomsom Airport). However, we do not stop today's journey here and make our way to Tatopani.

Tatopani is well-known for its natural hot springs, and it is a location where we may unwind by soaking in them. According to legend, Tatopani's waters can treat ailments of the skin. Well, after a refreshing dive and delicious dinner, we also spent a night here in Tatopani.

Day 10: Trekking from Tatopani (1,200m / 3,940ft) to Ghorepani village (2,860m / 9,385ft), 6 hrs

Well, if you thought we would continue driving on the tenth day as well, you are not correct. That is because the Nepal Unique Treks & Expeditions' guides take you for a hike from Tatopani to the Ghorepani village. The climb starts from the eastern side of the Kali Gandaki River. After that, we walk towards the village, and the route also takes us past some other villages, including Sikhe and Chitre Thakali. Besides, we also walk past some verdant forests with rhododendron, birch, and magnolia trees, as well as terraced farmlands with mountains all around.

After almost 6 hours of walking, you will finally find yourself in a traditionally rich Gurung settlement, the Ghorepani village. Besides, you will also get to see mesmerizing views of different mountains, including Annapurna South, Machhapuchhre (Fishtail Mountain), Dhaulagiri, and Hiunchuli.

This village is famous for the locally prepared Thakali Khana set. Therefore, that's what we will have for dinner before sleeping for the night.

Day 11: A Hike to Poon Hill (3,210m / 10,525ft) then descent to Birethanti (1,039m / 3,250ft) - Drive to Nayapul, Pokhara, 8/9 Hrs

Finally, we have arrived on the last day of the 11-day Annapurna Circuit Trek package. As you wake up and have your breakfast, we start the journey with an early morning hike towards PoonHill. PoonHill stands as one of the best viewpoints to watch the sunrise throughout Nepal. Besides, this hiking or trekking route is also considered to be a preparation Trek in Nepal.

Take your time to enjoy the spectacular sunrise view along with the jaw-dropping scenes of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri massifs. After that, we will descend to Birethanti for breakfast before driving to Pokhara via Nayapul. This entire journey takes about 8 to 9 hours to complete, but you will not be very tired. Why so? Well, because the majority of today's journey will be covered by driving. As you reach Pokhara and get off the vehicle, our Annapurna Circuit Trekking journey officially comes to an end.

Day 12: Drive from Pokhara to Kathmandu by Tourist Bus, 7/8 hrs, 1345

After Having Breakfast in Pokhara Hotel, transfer to the Tourist Bus station and the 7/8 hours drive to Kathmandu via Prithibi Highway, White Water Rafting Rivers (Trisuli River), check in the Hotel, and rest and freshen up.  At Early Evening, Nepal Unique Treks invites you for your farewell dinner in the Nepali Cultural restaurant, where you can enjoy and explore the cultural performance. You will be awarded by certificate for completing of Annapurna Circuit Trek.

Nepal Unique Treks will provide you International airport pickup and drop-off by private car. Further, if you have any tourism activities, we can assist you. Please talk with our expert.