ANNAPURNA CIRCUIT TREK 9 DAYS FROM POKHARA

The adventure begins with a scenic 8-9 hour drive from Pokhara to Dharapani, the starting point of your trek. The journey takes you through winding mountain roads, passing through rural villages, terraced fields, and lush forests. Upon reaching Dharapani, you'll be surrounded by the beauty of the Himalayas. This marks the beginning of your trek into the Annapurna region. After arriving, you’ll check into a local teahouse for the night and prepare for the journey ahead.

On Day 2, you’ll start your trek with a 5-6 hour walk from Dharapani to Chame, the administrative headquarters of the Manang District. The trail leads through picturesque villages, with views of Lamjung Himal and Manaslu in the background. As you pass through oak and pine forests, you’ll cross suspension bridges and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere of the region. By the time you reach Chame, you will have gained some elevation, which will help with acclimatization. The town is the perfect spot to relax and prepare for the next day’s trek.

On the third day, the trail continues upwards toward Upper Pisang. The trek takes about 5-6 hours, offering a gradual climb through pine forests and rugged terrain. As you ascend, you will be rewarded with stunning views of the Annapurna and Lamjung Himal peaks. The journey is both peaceful and breathtaking, with the opportunity to observe traditional villages and their Tibetan-influenced culture. Upper Pisang offers fantastic views of the surrounding mountains, making it a great place to spend the night.

Day 4 takes you on a 8-9 hour trek from Pisang to Manang, passing through Ngawal Village. The trail takes you through alpine forests and high-altitude meadows, offering more dramatic views of the Annapurna range. After Ngawal, the path gradually opens up into the more barren, high-altitude landscape. Upon reaching Manang, you will be surrounded by stunning views of Gangapurna and Annapurna III. This large village offers a great base for the next day’s acclimatization and exploration.

A rest day in Manang is essential to acclimatize to the increasing altitude and avoid Altitude Mountain Sickness (AMS). During your stay, you can enjoy several activities to help with acclimatization, such as a hike to the Ice Lake or a visit to Lama Cave, a sacred Buddhist site offering amazing panoramic views of the surrounding mountains. This day is also a perfect time to explore the local culture and relax before tackling the higher elevations.

On Day 6, you will continue your trek towards Yak Kharka, situated at 4,200 meters. The trek lasts about 4-5 hours and gradually ascends through alpine meadows and rocky terrain. As you approach Yak Kharka, the landscape becomes more barren and remote. Yak Kharka is a small settlement where you can rest and enjoy the serenity of the high-altitude environment. It also provides a good resting spot to prepare for the more demanding trek ahead.

Day 7 takes you from Yak Kharka to Thorong Phedi, a journey of 3-4 hours. The trail offers beautiful views of Annapurna and Dhaulagiri, with the terrain becoming more rocky and rugged as you ascend. Upon reaching Thorong Phedi, you will be close to the Thorong La Pass, the highest point of your trek. You’ll have the option to hike up to High Camp for better acclimatization, before descending back to Phedi for a good night’s rest in preparation for the final push.

Day 8 is the most challenging day of the trek, as you will make the ascent to Thorong La Pass at 5,416 meters, the highest point on the Annapurna Circuit. The trek starts early in the morning, with a steep ascent to the pass. Upon reaching the top, you’ll be rewarded with breathtaking panoramic views of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri mountain ranges. After crossing the pass, you will descend to Muktinath, a sacred pilgrimage site for both Hindus and Buddhists. The descent to Muktinath will take another 3-4 hours. You’ll spend the night here, surrounded by the spiritual atmosphere of the region.

On the final day, you will take a local bus from Muktinath back to Pokhara, which takes around 7-9 hours. The drive descends through the Kali Gandaki Gorge, the world’s deepest gorge, and offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains, valleys, and rivers. Upon arrival in Pokhara, your Annapurna Circuit Trek comes to an end, and you can relax by the serene Phewa Lake, reflect on your incredible journey, and enjoy the beauty of the region before returning home or continuing your travels.