12 jours de randonnée dans l’Annapurna, Népal

Annapurna Circuit is a world-renowned trek that encircles the massive Annapurna, offering cascading rivers, diverse landscapes, and an exhilarating Throng-la pass to the arid river valley lower Mustang.

Highlights

• Scenic Himalayan road drive from Kathmandu to Dharapani
• Ascend along the enthralling Marshyangdi River valley
• Get acquainted with the mountain people in the heart of Himalayas
• Mesmerizing views of Dhaulagiri I, Manaslu, and Annapurna I
• Cross Thorong La Pass (5,416 meters / 17,769 feet) that stand as col between Manang valley and Kaligandaki Valley
• Visit Ice Lake / Milarepa Cave at Manang
• The pilgrimage site of Muktinath and Kagneni
• Driving through the world’s deepest gorge - Kaligandaki valley
• Bath in natural hot springs at Tatopani
• Magnificent sunrise views from Poon Hill

What to expect

The region for trekking is bestowed with such a diverse ecosystem and cultural influences that almost every step you take on this trip brings a difference in geography, way of life of Himalayan people, and landscape. There is a variety of climatic regions within a span of 120 kilometers; from the tropics at 600 meters above sea level to the Arctic at 5416 meters at the Thorang La Pass. With every 1000 meters rise in elevation, the temperature drops by nearly 6 degrees Celsius.

Owing to the geo-diversity and complexity, this trek will push you to the limit but the sense of accomplishment and the lifetime experience of astounding mountain wilderness, a different aspect of the Himalayas, dispersed wildlife, and the authentic local experience you will get make the trek worth the effort.

How difficult is Annapurna Trek?

Annapurna Circuit is a moderate to challenging trek that involves 5/6 hours (12 to 15 kilometers) of daily walking from lush green forest to high altitude desert and steep mountain climbs. It is a 2 to 3 week journey through diverse landscapes.

Annapurna Circuit trek reached up 5,416 meters Throng-la Pass, which can be physically challenging and needs proper acclimatization days to avoid high altitude sickness. The symptoms of high altitude sickness include headache, nausea, dizziness, and vomiting.

The trail includes varied terrain and traverses lush subtropical forests, alpine meadows, and scree slopes. Throng-la Pass is a difficult section due to the high elevation, especially in winter-January, and February when snow covers the path and makes it slippery.

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival and transfer to hotel

Namaste! Upon arrival at Kathmandu International Airport, a Global Eco Trails airport representative welcomes you and transfer you to the hotel (additional cost).

• Accommodation: Hotel

Day 2: Kathmandu drive to Beshisahar (172 kilometers) - Dharapani (35 kilometers) - 8 hours

After 5 hours drive to Beshisahar, take a sharing jeep ride to Dharapani which is the junction of Manaslu Circuit and Annapurna Circuit Trek. The road is quite smooth and very scenic until Beshisahar but the road to Dharapani is on a dotted road which takes about 4 hours.

• Accommodation: Guest House
• Altitude: 1,860 meters

Day 3: Dharapani trek to Chame (2,700 meters) - 15 kilometers, 6 hours

Marking the end of the great Marsyangdi River Gorge, make a steep climb to Timang, then the trail settles into gentler slopes as the vegetation transforms from dense pine forests to drier slopes. The district headquarters of Manang, Chame, is the largest settlement after Besisahar.

• Accommodation: Guest house

Day 4: Chame trek to Pisang (3,200 meters) - 13 kilometers / 5 hours

After having breakfast at the guest house, the trek begins through the apple garden via Taleju. The path is so scenic and offer the great view of waterfall, pine forest, cascading river, mountain view with chirping birds. After having lunch at Dhukure Pokhari, keep following the easy path to Pissang.

• Accommodation: Guest House

Day 5: Pisang trek to Manang (3,440 meters) - 17 kilometers / 6 hours

Trek the northern trail via upper Pisang and Ghyaru - an area renowned for its spectacular views. Yes, it is a longer way but worth it! Yes, the air becomes thinner and trekkers may experience the initial breathing difficulties. So the acclimatization is must. Listen your body and take a slow pace.

The upper route to Manang offers the breathtaking valleys with Annapurna II and III. You can take the lower route through Hungde which offers the scenic meadows.

• Accommodation: Guest House

Day 6: Acclimatization day in Manang

Spend a day here to acclimatize and day hike to the monastery just above the village, then return back to Manang for the night. Manang is a village of about 500 flat-roofed houses and offers excellent views of Annapurna II, Annapurna III, Gangapurna, and Chulu East. One can wander the village and ACAP information center or visit Gangapurna Lake (optional).

• Accommodation: Guest House

Day 7: Manang trek to Ledar (4,250 meters) - 10 kilometers / 5 hours

You will be walking in a slow steady due to the altitude. Along the way, you may encounter Musk deer, Himalayan Thar, and of course mountain range. It is just 10 kilometers but it will take about 4/5 hours because of the altitude.

Leave the Marshyangdi Valley behand and embrace the rewarding 3 days. As you reach Ledar, your eyes are treated by the Annapurna, Gangapurna, Tilicho Lake and many more.

• Accommodation: Guest house

Day 8: Ledar trek to High camp (4,925 meters) - 8 kilometers / 5 hours

A day to remember: You’re on the verge of a monumental achievement - reaching Thorong Phedi, the base of the famous Thorong La Pass, the highlight of your Annapurna Circuit journey. This day will test your limits, reward your effort, and leave lasting memories.

Embrace the climb: Move steadily, letting your breath guide you as stunning views unfold. The landscape shifts to high-altitude plains, glacial moraines, and colorful wildflowers clinging to life.

Across the valley: Across the Jarsang Khola River, watch for blue sheep and yaks grazing in the rugged terrain, embodying nature's resilience.

• Accommodation: Guest house

Day 9: High Camp trek to Muktinath (3,760 meters) over Throng pass (5,416 meters) - 15 kilometers / 7 hours

Probably the hardest day of the entire trek. Early morning ascends 490 meters to the Throng la top and walk down to Muktinath nearly 1600 meters downhill. This is a pilgrimage holy place in the Annapurna region. Once you are in Muktinath, you are entering into a different world which you may feel because of its different environment.

At 5416 meters, the world unfolds below you - snow-capped peaks, rugged valleys, and the promise of adventure. Capture this victory with the iconic signboard as your backdrop; it's the peak of your trek.

At the crossroads of two valleys, Marshyangdi and Kali Gandaki, take in the grandeur of the Himalayas. You stand atop the world’s highest pass, a testament to human perseverance. As you descend toward Muktinath, your walking poles offer support. The downhill journey remains challenging, so move slowly, appreciating the changing landscapes.

By late afternoon, you arrive at Muktinath, a peaceful haven at 3800 meters. Settle into your teahouse, share stories with fellow trekkers, and let the starry sky guide you into a well-earned rest.

• Accommodation: Guest house

Day 10: Muktinath trek to Kagbeni and Jomsom (2,810 meters) - 22 kilometers / 6 hours

The most relaxed day and walking into the barren land and facing the warier caves, visit the hundreds of years Monastery and Experience the Tibetan tribes at Kagbeni for about 3 hours walk where you can have lunch and explore the area. After having lunch, walk to Jomsom for another 2 hours.

• Accommodation: Guest house / hotel
• Note: If you would like to end your trek at Jomsom, there is a flight facility from Jomsom to Pokhara for an additional cost 175 USD

Day 11: Jomsom bus to Tatopani (1,200 meters) to Pokhara - 48 kilometers / 4 hours

After having breakfast at your lodge, take a bus to Tatopani for a natural hot spring bath, on the bank of Kali Gandaki River. The trek route to Tatopani is on the dots roads and will be a bit hectic but worthwhile. It is possible to keep driving to Pokhara by bus but it's a long day drive. Celebrate the triumphs of Annapurna Circuit Trek at Pokhara.

Pokhara is a nice and clean city on the lap of the Annapurna Himalayas. If you are interested in extending your stay in Pokhara, please kindly let them know and they will rearrange your accommodation as per your requirement. There are non-star to five-star hotels. The choice is yours!

• Accommodation: Hotel Lake Side

Day 12: Morning bus departure to Kathmandu - 200 kilometers / 7 hours

Pokhara to Kathmandu through Prithiv highway passing Mugling, Manakamana, Charaudi leads to Kathmandu. Due to the road extension work resulting in too much dust pollution and poor visibility, it may take more time than expected.

• Bus departure to Kathmandu at 8 am
• Arrival and transfer to hotel, and evening farewell celebration at a Nepalese typical restaurant