Annapurna Circuit: High Pass Trek & Sacred Valleys — 14 Days

The trek begins with a six-hour drive from Kathmandu along the Kathmandu-Pokhara Highway to Dumre, then continuing along a rough road that follows the Marsyangdi River. The route passes through low-lying communities and rice paddies before reaching Besisahar, the capital of Lamjung District, situated at 820 meters. Besisahar serves as the staging point for the circuit proper and offers basic lodging and provisions.

The first trekking day leaves Besisahar by turning right at a canal on the village border and descending a narrow path to the Pam Khola stream. After crossing the stream, the route ascends toward Denauti, where Nepali village life becomes visible at close range. The trail then follows the banks of the Marshyangdi Khola, passing through paddy fields and subtropical forest before arriving at Khudi, a Gurung village at 790 meters.

Moving northward up the Marshyangdi Valley, the trail winds through a suspension bridge and terraced rice fields with views of Manaslu and cascading waterfalls opening to the east. The route climbs steadily through Ngadi village, where teahouses provide rest stops, then continues on difficult terrain before reaching Bahundanda at 1,310 meters. The village, whose name means "Brahmin hill," is primarily populated by Brahmin communities and marks the end of the day's trek.

A steep descent from Bahundanda crosses rice fields and descends through a small waterfall before climbing again to traverse hillside terrain high above the river. The trail passes through Hani Gaon and enters the steep V-shaped Marshyangdi valley, winding downward through Syange and along the river corridor. As the valley narrows, the path cuts into sheer cliff-face some 200 to 300 meters above the riverbed, requiring careful footing before descending to Jagat at 1,290 meters, a stone village perched on a shelf jutting into the precipitous valley.

The trek from Jagat begins with a descent toward the river, then climbs steadily through lush forest. The backdrop shifts as Chyamje emerges amidst the towering Annapurna mountain ranges, a visual marker of the landscape's scale. After crossing a suspension bridge, the route becomes notably more demanding—a steep, slippery climb toward Sattale that tests both legs and footing. The terrain here is physically challenging, with narrow passages and exposed sections that require careful foot placement. From Sattale, the path transitions into a succession of rock-strewn trails that eventually descend toward a green riverbank at Tal. This descent offers reprieve from the steeper sections, though the terrain remains uneven. Beyond Tal, the route becomes increasingly rugged and winding as it climbs toward the steep forested village of Karte. Here the landscape transforms—waterfalls cascade alongside the path, and cliffs frame the valley walls. The interplay of water, stone, and vegetation creates a dramatic corridor through the forest. The final approach to Dharapani involves another suspension bridge crossing, which signals the end of this particularly technical section of trail. Dharapani sits at 1,920 meters, positioned at a transition zone between the subtropical lower forests and the higher elevations ahead. The settlement itself marks both a geographical threshold and a shift in trekking rhythm—from the intricate, demanding terrain of the lower sections to the altitude demands that begin to assert themselves as the trail continues northward. Throughout the day, the constant interplay between river sounds, forest canopy, and distant mountain views provides a sensory constant. The physical demands are real—particularly around Sattale—but they are balanced by periods of gentler descent and the visual rewards of the Annapurna ranges that remain in view. By day's end, having navigated multiple suspension bridges and varied terrain, Dharapani offers a clear sense of progress along the Manang Circuit.

Leaving Dharapani, the trail crosses a narrow field before ascending alongside the Dudh Khola, which originates from the south face of Manaslu, while the Marshyangdi veers left. Annapurna II becomes visible as the route reaches Bagarchhap, a traditional Bhotia village decorated with colorful prayer flags. The path continues climbing through forests of pine and oak, passing through Dhanakyu before encountering a thundering waterfall. As the Marshyangdi enters a gorge, the trail follows a rock-strewn path with views of Manaslu. Beyond the steep incline, the route opens into splendid rhododendron forest before crossing a stream and entering pine woodland. The small hamlet of Kotho offers a clear view of Annapurna II before the trail reaches Chame at 2,630 meters, marked by a large white gate. Chame functions as the administrative headquarters of Manang District and contains schools, shops, a health post, police checkpost, and several lodges. The area is known for its natural hot springs.

Morning light illuminates Lamjung Himal at 6,893 meters as the trek departs Chame. The route crosses a large suspension bridge over the Marshyangdi, then climbs through a series of houses and lodges situated on the river's northern bank. The path meanders through barley fields to Teleku at 2,775 meters before entering apple orchards near a bridge at 2,840 meters. After crossing, the hamlet of Bratang appears—historically a Khampa settlement now marked by a stone monument to a Japanese climber. The valley shifts from a steep V-shape to a gentler U-shape. At 3,040 meters, a long suspension bridge offers a vantage point to view Paungda Danda, a dramatic rock face rising more than 1,500 meters from the riverbed. From this bridge, Annapurna II towers to the east and Pisang Peak rises to the northeast. The route continues to Pisang at 3,190 meters.

From Pisang, the trail climbs a steep ridge with expanding views of Manang Valley and Tilicho Peak rising to 7,132 meters. The route descends through Manang's airstrip area to Hongde, lying beneath Annapurna III on its northeast face. The path opens onto the wide plain of the Sabje Khola Valley, revealing Annapurna IV at 7,525 meters. After crossing a wooden bridge over the gushing Marshyangdi Khola, the trail reaches Mungji village and continues along cultivated fields to Bryaga, which contains a notable monastery. Descending into Manang at 3,520 meters, trekkers gain panoramic views of Annapurna II, III, IV, Gangapurna at 7,455 meters, and Tilicho Peak at 7,134 meters.

A full rest day in Manang allows acclimatization before the ascent to Thorung La Pass. Trekkers can stroll downriver to observe ice falls cascading from glaciated peaks, or remain in the valley to absorb the panoramic arc of the Annapurna range surrounding Manang Valley. A short visit to the Himalayan Rescue Association aid post provides orientation and altitude-sickness awareness resources.

Moving toward Thorung La, the route crosses a stream, climbs 120 meters to Tengi, then ascends into the northwest-trending valley of the Jarsang Khola beyond the Marshyangdi. Amid panoramic views of the Annapurna range, the trek passes through scrub juniper and alpine grasses, reaching the small village of Gunsang at 3,960 meters—a cluster of flat-roofed mud buildings. Beyond Gunsang, the path traverses picturesque meadows and barberry and juniper forest where horses and yaks graze on open pasture. The trail follows a large stream flowing from Chulu West and Gundang, ending at a rich pasture at Letdar, approximately 4,000 to 4,250 meters, where several lodges provide shelter.

Leaving Letdar, the trail climbs steadily to a ridge before descending to the headwaters of the Marshyangdi. A covered wooden bridge spans this high river section, and after a short ascent on the right bank, the route narrows into a steep traverse across an unbalanced slope before descending to Thorung Phedi at 4,500 meters, the staging point for the pass crossing.

An early start precedes the crossing of Thorung La at 5,416 meters. The trail immediately becomes steep upon leaving camp but is well-defined, having been used by local people for centuries. After approximately four hours of steady climbing, the gradient eases, and trekkers reach the chorten and prayer flags marking the pass. From the summit, the panorama extends from snow-covered mountains above to the head of the Kali Gandaki valley below, with the brown and purple hills of Mustang spreading across the southern horizon. The descent to Muktinath spans approximately 1,600 meters over moraines that eventually give way to grassy slopes. The final stage follows the Jhong Khola Valley through pleasant walking terrain to Muktinath at 3,800 meters, a sacred site housing multiple shrines and temples. Views of Dhaulagiri dominate the landscape throughout the descent.

The descent begins through arid terrain mirroring the geographical and climatic conditions of Tibet. The route passes through Jharkot and Khingar, villages displaying typical Tibetan architecture with low stone walls and flat roofs. Following the valley floor for most of the distance to Jomsom, the trail offers repeated views of both Dhaulagiri and Nilgiri peaks. Jomsom at 2,713 meters is a substantial town sprawled across both banks of the Kali Gandaki River, with lodges and restaurants accommodating the final night of the trek.

An early-morning flight departs Jomsom for Pokhara, following the Kali Gandaki Gorge. The flight path provides extended views of both the Dhaulagiri and Annapurna mountain ranges before landing in Pokhara.