Annapurna Circuit Ghorepani Trek - 15 Days

Your adventure begins early as we set off on a scenic private vehicle journey from Kathmandu to Dharapani, located in the Manang district. The drive initially follows the Prithvi Highway alongside the Trishuli and Marsyangdi Rivers, offering glimpses of terraced fields, distant snow-capped peaks, and traditional villages. After a lunch stop en route, the road becomes more rugged as we ascend through winding mountain paths past Besisahar and Jagat before reaching Dharapani by late afternoon or early evening. You will check into a cozy teahouse, unwind, and enjoy a hearty meal as you prepare to start trekking tomorrow.

After a filling breakfast, you will begin your first day of trekking through beautiful pine forests, climbing steadily along the Marsyangdi River. The trail passes through Bagarchhap, where you’ll notice a shift in architecture and culture as Tibetan influences begin to appear. Continuing past Danaque, a steady climb leads to Timang, a perfect lunch spot with stunning views of Manaslu (8,163m). From here, the trail becomes gentler as you pass by apple orchards and peaceful forests before arriving in Chame, the administrative center of Manang. Here, enjoy your first views of Lamjung Himal, relax in the hot springs nearby, and rest in a well-equipped lodge.

Today’s trek leads through a lush forest as you gradually ascend to Bhratang, a scenic riverside village known for its apple farm. After crossing a dramatic suspension bridge over the Marsyangdi, you begin a steady climb through a narrow gorge where the trail has been carved into the cliffside, a thrilling highlight. The path eventually opens into the wide valley of Dhukur Pokhari, where you will stop for lunch. After a brief rest, you will head up towards Upper Pisang, a traditional village offering excellent views of Annapurna II and IV. The higher altitude here supports acclimatization and sets the stage for the cultural richness ahead.

Start your day with a gentle climb through arid terrain, passing prayer wheels and ancient mani walls. This high-altitude route via Ghyaru is tougher but incredibly rewarding, with panoramic views of the Annapurna range, Tilicho Peak, and the deep valley below. Ghyaru makes a great spot for a tea break while soaking in the views. From here, the trail continues through the upper route to Ngawal, a village steeped in Tibetan Buddhist culture. Unlike the lower route, this path is quieter, more authentic, and helps with acclimatization. In Ngawal, enjoy your evening in a traditional teahouse surrounded by the serenity of the Himalayan highlands.

Today’s trail gently descends from Ngawal, gradually merging with the main trail near Braka (Bhraka), home to an ancient cliffside monastery. We’ll visit the Braka Monastery, one of the oldest in the region, before continuing to Manang, a bustling village nestled beneath the towering peaks of Annapurna III, Gangapurna, and Tilicho. The walk is relatively easy today, giving your body time to adapt to the altitude. Lunch will be enjoyed either in Braka or upon reaching Manang. Upon arrival, take time to rest, stroll through the village, and prepare for tomorrow’s acclimatization hike.

To adjust properly to the altitude, today is a rest and acclimatization day in Manang. But don’t worry, you won’t be idle. After breakfast, join a short but steep acclimatization hike to either Gangapurna Lake or the 100 Rupee Lama viewpoint, which offers incredible panoramic views of the glaciers and peaks. For the more adventurous, a longer hike to Ice Lake (Kicho Tal) is also an option, taking about 5–6 hours round trip. The day is designed to help your body prepare for the high pass ahead. Spend your afternoon exploring the Himalayan Rescue Association center, chatting with locals, or simply relaxing with a warm drink in a lodge overlooking the mountains.

With the terrain becoming more barren, today’s trek moves into alpine zones where you’ll see grazing yaks and dry stone houses. The trail ascends gently through Tengi and Gunsang, passing juniper bushes and open meadows. After crossing a wooden bridge over the Jarsang Khola, you’ll arrive in Yak Kharka, a small collection of lodges set against the rugged Himalayan backdrop. Lunch is usually enjoyed at Gunsang or after arriving in Yak Kharka. The shorter trek today allows for more rest at higher altitudes, supporting better acclimatization.

Today’s journey is relatively short but crucial as you approach the foot of Thorong La Pass. The trail climbs gradually through rocky terrain, crossing a landslide-prone section with care before reaching Thorong Phedi, the base camp for tomorrow’s pass crossing. Some may choose to hike an hour further to High Camp (4,800m) for a better head start the next day, though we recommend resting in Phedi for better sleep and oxygen levels. After lunch, take it easy, hydrate well, double-check your gear, and sleep early in preparation for the big day.

Rise early, around 4 AM, for a headlamp-lit ascent to Thorong La Pass, the highest point of the trek at 5,416m. The climb is steady but steep and can be challenging due to the cold and thin air. After about 3–5 hours of climbing, you will reach the top, greeted by fluttering prayer flags and breathtaking 360° mountain views. After photos and celebration, begin your descent to Muktinath (3,760m), a sacred pilgrimage town revered by both Hindus and Buddhists. Lunch is usually taken en route at Charabu, halfway down. Muktinath’s sacred temple and eternal flame are fascinating to visit in the evening after your long day.

This morning, enjoy a hot breakfast before boarding a shared local jeep for a bumpy yet scenic drive through the Kali Gandaki Gorge, the world’s deepest. You will pass through Jomsom, the windy administrative hub of Mustang, and descend gradually through Marpha, famous for its apples and brandy. Continuing further south, the landscape transforms from barren to subtropical as you reach Tatopani, meaning “hot water.” After checking in, soothe your tired muscles in the natural hot springs by the river, an absolute treat after the previous day’s high-altitude exertion.

Leaving Tatopani, the trail begins a long ascent through rhododendron forests and traditional Magar villages like Sikha and Chitre. After a lunch stop midway, the climb becomes steeper as you gain over 1,600 meters in altitude. You will arrive in Ghorepani, a charming ridge-top village popular for its sunrise views. Nestled within the Annapurna Conservation Area, Ghorepani is surrounded by rhododendrons that bloom vividly in spring. Your lodge for the night will offer comfortable accommodations and a stunning mountain backdrop.

Rise before dawn and hike for about 45 minutes to Poon Hill, one of the most celebrated viewpoints in Nepal. As the sun rises behind Annapurna South, Hiunchuli, and Dhaulagiri, watch the snow-capped peaks bathe in golden light. After capturing these unforgettable moments, return to Ghorepani for breakfast and begin your final descent. The trail winds down through dense forest to Ulleri, known for its steep stone steps, and then eases out towards Birethanti. From there, a private vehicle awaits for a short drive to Pokhara (827m), where a hot shower, soft bed, and lakeside dining await you.

After breakfast by Phewa Lake, you will board a comfortable tourist bus for the drive back to Kathmandu. The road retraces the route through green hills, terraced farms, and riverside villages. You’ll arrive in the capital by late afternoon and be transferred to your hotel. In the evening, Trek Curator invites you for a farewell dinner at a local Nepali restaurant, where you can reflect on your journey, share stories, and celebrate your achievements.

After breakfast, our team will assist with your airport transfer. As you say goodbye to Nepal, we hope the memories of the Annapurna Circuit, the mountains, the people, and the sense of accomplishment stay with you forever. Trek Curator thanks you for choosing us to be part of your Himalayan journey, and we hope to welcome you back for another adventure soon. Top of Form