• Annapurna Semi Circuit Trek

Annapurna Semi Circuit Trek

Trip Overview

The full Annapurna Circuit Trek plan ends at Kimche after completion of Ghorepani Poonhill Trip. Where as Annapurna Semi Circuit comprises the half-way trekking from the trek start point, Besisahar, up to Jomsom from where a flight back to Pokhara is organized instead of walking extended trail. This trek provides the experience of multiple culture and lifestyle of people living in Annapurna and Mustang region along with views of the snow capped peaks from different angles. This trek depicts the contrasts between the green terraced farmland of Marsyangdi River and semi-arid landscape of Lower Mustang. 

Highlights

  • Experience the trail, culture, and lifestyle of both Annapurna and Mustang Region.
  • Cross one of the high passes of Thorung La.
  • Enjoy spectacular views of Annapurna range, Dhaulagiri and many other peaks
  • Scenic flight from Jomsom to Pokhara..

Itinerary


Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu.

Welcome to Kathmandu. You will be received by one of our office representatives at the TIA exit section and escort you to your hotel afterward.

Depending on your arrival time, you will have the chance to stroll around the places nearby your hotel on your own.

  Hotel

Day 02: Permits preparation and trip briefing day.

Today you will have a free day in Kathmandu while your specialist will take time to arrange permits for your trek. You will have time to explore around the Kathmandu valley on your own or enjoy the cultural tour with an experienced tour guide arranged by Trek Guiders.

In the evening, you will be met by your specialist in your hotel lobby. S/he will introduce you to your guide for the trek and brief you shortly about your trek, things to do/ not to do, and any optional activities you may enjoy during the trip. You can ask any queries or share feelings with your specialist during the briefing.

  Hotel

  Breakfast

Day 03: Drive from Kathmandu to Nadi Bazaar (930m). Trek to Bahundanda (1325m).

Today after your early morning breakfast, you will be picked up by your trek guide for a long drive to Nadi Bazaar. Starting your drive from Kathmandu along the Prithvi Highway, you will follow the rough road near the Marsyangdi river from Dumre until you reach Besisahar. Here you will have a delicious Nepali lunch and a few minutes rest time before you continue the drive. Passing by the village of Khudi you will reach Nadi village from where you will start walking towards Bahundanda village for approximately 2 hours. Bahundanda means "Brahmin hill", named from the majority of Brahmin people settlements here.

  Tea House

  Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 04: Trek from Bahundanda to Jagat (1290m)

From Bahundanda, you will start today's trekking with a steep descent passing through the rice fields and enjoying the waterfall. After crossing a stream at the bottom of the waterfall, the path climbs up to Syange Village passing through small local settlements.

Continuing your trek to Jagat, you will gradually make your way uphill from the river first and then descend afterward ultimately reaching Jagat, a village with iconic stone houses. You also have the option to walk down 10-15 minutes to the riverside for a hot water spring bath for relaxation upon reaching Jagat.

  Tea House

  Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 05: Trek from Jagat to Dharapani (1920m)

After breakfast in Jagat, you'll descend along a rocky path until the trail nearly reaches the river before it begins to climb again through a tropical forest. You'll go up and down a few more times like this, and then follow a level track to a beautiful Gurung village of Chamje. Keep an eye out for the long and scenic waterfall on the opposite bank and views of the Annapurna range beyond.

From Chamje, it's time to descend back to the Marsyangdi River and then cross a suspension bridge as you climb to Sattale on a steep path, which at certain points has huge boulders that cover the rushing water. Keep climbing the zigzag path to the top of the hill and you'll catch your first glimpses of the village of Tal situated on a beautiful gorge by the river. 

The valley then narrows and the winding path becomes higher with more areas of strewn rocks. Continue past the small village of Karte and enjoy the cliff-side path before the path drops again to the river. You'll cross yet another suspension bridge, and then climb upstream to the stone entrance marking the larger village of Dharapani.

  Tea House

  Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 06: Trek from Dharapani to Chame (2630m)

After breakfast, start walking for your next destination of the day, Chame, which is the headquarter of Manang District. You will be walking a series of uphills and downhills today as you start seeing different types of vegetations and landscapes including snowcapped peaks. The first village you will be reaching is Bagarchhap, which is quite well-known for Tibetan architecture with plenty of prayer flags. Continuing to ascend from here passing through oak and pine forest enjoying the magnificent view of Mt. Manaslu, you will reach Tanchok village with apple orchards. After walking half an hour from Tanchok, you will reach Koto and further 30 minutes walk will take you to Chame village.

  Tea House

  Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 07: Trek from Chame to Pisang (3190m).

Start your journey today passing through the pine forest and descend steeply down towards Bhratang village enjoying superb views of landscapes, meadows, and magnificent views of Annapurna II, Annapurna South, and Pisang Peak. From here, you'll come to a long mani wall by a bridge and the lower windswept village of Pisang with views of the Annapurna and Manaslu ranges. This is the territory of Gurung people, an indigenous mountain tribal group that has formed the backbone of Gurkha Soldiers of the British Army for centuries. These people are locally called "Mananges" and have a rich distinct culture of their own. Once settled in Pisang, you can take an optional hour-long climb to Upper Pisang and explore the village's ancient Tibetan-style Buddhist monastery.

  Tea House

  Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 08: Trek from Pisang to Manang (3520m)

Walking the trail to Manang will be a drier walk experience as the Annapurna range cuts off the clouds and monsoon resulting very less rain in this area. You will come across a very picturesque village clinging on to a cliff side where the houses appear to be stacked on top of each other. Arriving at Braga village,  you will get to see the oldest monastery of the region, Bhakra Monastery,  which is considered to be more than 500 years old.

Upon reaching Manang, you will get to experience the rich culture of this area. Manang is well known for its amazing mountain views and has eye-catching Mani Walls, prayer flags, and monasteries. 

  Tea House

  Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 09: Acclimatization day at Manang.

Today is a rest day kept for proper acclimatization in the high altitude before being able to cross the high pass of Thorung La. To speed up the acclimatization process, you can take some short hikes around the Manang valley with your guide and explore the areas for more picturesque views from the different angle. Some options to be considered can be a visit to ancient monasteries, local schools, and also hike towards Gangapurna glacier lake. At the end of our day, return to your guesthouse for the overnight stay.

  Tea House

  Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 10: Trek from Manang to Yak Kharka (4010m)

Unless you have some extra days and additional plans to visit Tilicho Lake, you can directly move ahead for Yak Kharka from Manang today. The track leads to the Tenki Manang where you can spot the view of the Annapurna, Tilicho peak, Gangapurna and more. The track winds up in a relaxed way presenting views and passing through a land filled with juniper bushes, the only existing vegetation around this area, reaching Yak-Kharka afterward.

  Tea House

  Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 11: Trek from Yak Kharka to Thorung Phedi (4450m)

From Yak Kharka, you will start your trek with a slow pace to reach Phedi which means 'foot of the hill'. Enjoying the same splendid view of peaks and landscapes you will arrive at Ledar and go on to mount along the east shore of the Jorsang Khola. Descend and cross the river on a bridge and stop for superb view and tea. Walk across a narrow path, uneven incline before reaching to Thorung Phedi. You can decide either continue to High Camp or stay in Phedi depending on condition.

  Tea House

  Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 12: Trke from Thorung Phedi to Muktinath (3800m) via Thorung La (5416m).

Today is the most important, hardest, and longest walk of your trip. Despite of the challenges, today's trip will reward you with the much better views and a feeling of accomplishment that will make you in a merry mood. On the high pass, take some time to take pictures and enjoy the sweeping panorama of snow-capped mountains extending towards Tibet.

The descent, too, is quite demanding which will raise your fatigues. You can rest sometime after descending down and enjoy a cup of hot tea before continuing further 3 hours walk towards Muktinath.

  Tea House

  Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 13: Trek from Muktinath to Jomsom (2720m).

After breakfast at your teahouse, pay a visit to Muktinath Temple, an important place of worship for Nepalese Buddhists and Hindus. You will have the opportunity to visit the main temple and its surrounding area before you hit the trail.

From here, begin your trek back to Jomsom along an easy route that heads straight downhill. While you retrace your steps, you'll be able to enjoy good views of Mount Dhaulagiri. Pass through Jharkot where you can visit one more monastery, and take in the views of snow-capped mountains and ancient caves. Admire the signs of rich Tibetan culture and keep an eye out for Mustang people who will come out and sell handicrafts to pilgrims.

  Tea House

  Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 14: Fly from Jomsom to Pokhara.

Early morning, you will fly back to Pokhara. Upon reaching Pokhara, the day is free to be spent on leisure exploring the market or undertake some adventure activities like Paragliding (time and weather permitting). 

  Hotel

  Breakfast

Day 15: Drive from Pokhara to Kathmandu.

You will be picked up by a private vehicle after your breakfast for the drive back to Kathmandu. Following the same route of Prithivi Highway and enjoying the scenic vistas, you will reach Kathmandu in around 6 - 7 hours. You will be directly escorted to your hotel in Kathmandu. The evening is free for some last-minute shopping or relaxation.

  Hotel

  Breakfast

Day 16: Depart Kathmandu.

You will be picked up from your hotel 3.5 hours prior to your international flight time by one of our office representatives to escort you to the TIA. Trip concludes !!

  Breakfast

Commencing this trip

The trek starts with the drive from Kathmandu to Nadi Bazar, which is an almost seven-hour drive. You will enjoy your lunch at Besisahar before reaching Nadi.

Enjoying the scenic beauty of landscape, vegetation, and the Himalayas, you will explore the Manang area of Annapurna Circuit Trail. Depending on your time availability, this trip can be fully customized with the addition of a visit to Nar Phu Valley OR Tilicho Lake. The trek will end at Jomsom and a flight back to Pokhara will be commenced to conclude the trek.

Best time to do this trip

Normally this trek is best to be commenced during the spring and autumn time in Nepal. These seasons have the best weather conditions for clear visibility and see different vegetations. But the area of Manang also lies in the rain shadow zone which makes this trip a good option to undertake during monsoon time too. However, having some extra days for Jomsom sector flight contingencies is strongly advised.

What is included?

  • 3 nights accommodation in 3-star Kathmandu Hotel with Breakfast on twin sharing basis.
  • 1-night accommodation in 3-star Pokhara Hotel with Breakfast on twin sharing basis.
  • 11 nights accommodation in standard tea house during the trek on full board twin sharing basis (breakfast, lunch, and dinner with tea/ coffee)
  • 2 International Airport transfers in private vehicle.
  • Jomsom to Pokhara airfare with airport transfer in a private vehicle.
  • Kathmandu to Nadi Bazar and Pokhara to Kathmandu transfers in private vehicle. 
  • ACAP and TIMS permit required for the trek.
  • English speaking local expert guide and porter on the trek (a supporting Sherpa above 5 trekkers)
  • Equipment allowances, salary, and insurance for trekking staff.
  • Kitbags/ duffle bag for the trek.
  • First aid kit with basic supplies for staff.
  • All government taxes.

What is not included?

  • Single room supplement charges for city hotels.
  • Lunches and Dinners in Kathmandu and Pokhara.
  • Lunch during Pokhara to Kathmandu surface transfer.
  • Additional airport transfers besides mentioned in the 'included' section.
  • Soft Drinks, Cigarettes, and soft/hard beverages like Coke, Beer, etc.
  • Any sort of guided/ unguided city tours and transfers for the same.
  • Entrance fees for heritage sites, monasteries, and museums (if any).
  • Hot shower and hot drinking water during the trek.
  • Nepal entry visa fee.
  • International airfares.
  • Your personal trekking gears and equipment like the sleeping bag, trekking poles, down jackets, etc.
  • Personal nature expenses related to the phone, wifi, gadget charging, laundry, gratitude/ Tips, snack expenses, extra meals, etc.
  • Your insurance and emergency rescue evacuation if any.
  •  Any items not mentioned in "Service included section"

Important points to be noted:


  • The mentioned trip price is per person price quoted for an open trek* based on 5 travelers group. The trip price will vary depending on the final size of the group. The trip price for a customized private trip arrangement may alter.

  • The Single Room Supplement charge will be USD 120.00 net for the traveler willing to use a single room for 4 nights stay in Kathmandu and Pokhara Hotel.

  • Single rooms will not be available in the tea houses during the trek due to the limited number of lodges on the trail.

  • Depending on time availability or budget, travelers can opt for either tourist bus transport or domestic flight transfer for Pokhara - Kathmandu transport on a revised trip price without affecting the actual trek departing date.

  • An assistant trek guide will be provided to the group above 5 travelers.

Open trek refers to the trek opened for all interested travelers from around the world to join.

What does our clients say about this trip?


 mirkov83

Top trip

mirkov83, Nederlands
10th November, 2023

We had a very nice trip. The guides were very good. The views were amazing and the people very friendly.

Source : Trip Advisor


Tom B

The Annapurna trail with Trekking Guides

Tom B, Nederlands
11th November, 2023

The Annapurna trail was really a once in a lifetime experience. A wonderful trekking for More than two weeks. Impressing landscapes beautiful people en great guidance from our sherpa Lhakpa. We really recommend trekking guides eveything was perfectly arranged against a fair price.

Source : Trip Advisor


16 days

Trip at a Glance

  •    Country: Nepal
  •    Trip grade: Challenging
  •    Destination: Annapurna Region
  •    Activities: Trekking, High Pass Crossing
  •    Accommodation: Hotel, Tea House
  •    Meals: City (B), Trek (B,L,D)
  •    Group size: 2 - 15
  •    Best Season: March - May/ October - November

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