Budget Annapurna Circuit Trek – 12 days

Budget Annapurna Circuit Trek

Budget Annapurna circuit trek 12 day duration allows you to immerse within the spectacular scenery of mountains and beautiful landscapes of rolling green hills and deep valleys.

The walk starts following raging Marysangdi river right up to its glacier source at scenic Manang valley enclosed within an array of peaks of north Annapurna Calculus.

Budget Annapurna Circuit trek an enjoyable journey regarded as the world’s best adventure destinations which you will find as you walk along its serene trails along with mountain views.

Annapurna Circuit trek where all interested people can join in as the altitude gains slowly and gradually with one tough day to cross over high Thorang-la pass at above 5,416 m rewards you with a mind-blowing panorama of peaks.

Short Overview of Budget Annapurna Circuit Trek

Firstly, Starting Budget Annapurna Circuit trek for a 12 day journey taking an overland journey from Kathmandu towards Nepal Mid-West where walk leads from low warm paddy fields heading higher towards cool alpine hills covered within green coniferous woodland.

Similarly, As walk proceeds visiting nice farm villages enriched with Buddhist cultures and traditional farm life which you can witness along the routes lined with a long row of prayer walls and spinning bells.         

After that, Slowly walk enters into the picturesque high country at Manang surrounded by mighty peaks and glaciers having rest days to acclimatize in the comfort of nice cozy lodge facing tremendous views of mountains.

From here into the complete wilderness of close mountain views as walk leads above Thorang-la pass 5416m. The treks from Manang areas to Mustang district reaching at holy Muktinath temple premises unto Jomsom headquarter town of Mustang areas and home to indigenous Thakali tribe been on trade with Tibet since ancient times.

Enjoying our last day within famous Kaligandaki areas in Jomsom located on the old Trans-Himalayan Salt Trade Route of Nepal and Tibet, and then short scenic flight brings you at beautiful Pokhara by its calm Phewa Lake with excellent views of Annapurna.

Moreover, Pokhara a great scenic place to concludes our adventure Budget Annapurna Circuit Trek of 12 days duration after an awesome experience on the other sides of massive Annapurna Himalaya.

Outline Itinerary

Day 01: Drive from Kathmandu to Bulbule (840m/2,755 ft) and Trek to Nagdi (930m/3051 ft – 5/6 hrs.
Day 02: Trek to Jagat 1,300 m/4,265 ft – 5/6 hrs.
Day 03: Trek to Dharapani 1, 860 m/6,102 ft- 5/6 hrs.
Day 04:  Trek to Chame 2,670 m/8,759 ft- 5/6 hrs.
Day 05: Trek to Pisang 3, 230 m/10,597 ft – 5/6 hrs.
Day 06: Trek to Manang 3,450 m/11,318 ft – 5/6 hrs.
Day 07: Trek to Ice lake 4,600 m/15,091 ft acclimatization in Manang- 5/6 hrs.
Day 08: Trek to Leder 4,200m/13,779 ft – 4/5 hrs.
Day 09: Trek to Thorang High Camp 4,600 m/15,091 ft -3/4 hrs.
Day 10: Cross Thorang-la Pass 5,416 m/17,769 ft trek to Muktinath – 6/7 hrs.
Day 11: Trek to Jomsom 2,715 m/8,907 ft – 4/5 hrs.
Day 12: Fly to Pokhara 860 m/2,821 ft 25 Minute Flights.

Detail Itinerary

Day 01: Drive from Kathmandu to Bulbule (840m/2,755 ft) and Trek to Nagdi 930 m/3,051 ft -05/6 hrs.

Morning taking an overland journey in a bus towards Nepal Mid-West following Trisuli River for some hours and then reaching Besisahar, headquarter town of Lamjung district.

Where drive continues upstream of Marysangdi River heading to along the river bank and then with a short walk to our overnight stop at Nagdi, a nice small farm village within sub-tropical temperatures.

Day 02: Trek to Jagat 1,300m/4,265 ft - 5/6 hrs.

Starting our actual trek with uphill to Bahun Danda a nice village atop a hill, and descend back close to Marysangdi River with an easy winding walk to reach at Syange village, from climb above a river to our overnight stop in Jagat, a nice farm village with many good lodge facing views of water-falls.

Day 03: Trek to Dharapani 1, 860m/6,102ft- 5/6 hrs.

From Jagat where trek continues on winding path to Chamje, and towards Marysangdi River, and into forested area with views of Annapurna and Manaslu range, walk advance towards Tal-Besi village located on a nice valley, after Tal few hours of good walk to reach at Dharapani village for overnight stop, Dharapani a nice village with Buddhist culture, situated on the junction of Annapurna circuit and Manaslu trekking trail.

Day 04:  Trek to Chame 2,670 m/8,759 ft- 5/6 hrs.

Morning walk begins within cool rhododendron and pine forest past Bagachap and Danque villages, then heading with steep climb for short while to Timang village, from here onwards into more Buddhist area, facing views of Mt. Manaslu from here a few hours treks lead you at a large town in Chame for overnight stop, a major place and headquarter of Manang district.

Day 05: Trek to Pisang 3, 230 m/10,597 ft - 5/6 hrs.

From here air gets cooler as walk leads closer into mountains through a beautiful forest of rhododendron and pine trees, following Masrsyangdi River upstream to Bhratang village.

After this village with uphill into pine trees to Dhukure Pokhari a small place with few lodge and views of Chulu and Pisang peak, after a lunch stop walk downhill to Pisang village for an overnight stop.

Day 06: Trek to Manang 3,450 m/11,318 ft - 5/6 hrs.

Pisang village located within Manang valley with stunning mountains views as altitude gains for here onwards.

Walk into a forest with short to a hilltop with views of Annapurna II and III, Gangapurna Chulu and Pisang peak, from here walk leads to Hongde village with a small airstrip, from here onward tree lines stops for barren and arid landscapes.

On route Manang village visit old Braga monastery with Buddhist relics, ancient wall painting, frescos and a super panorama of Annapurna Himalaya, from here an hour walk to Manang village.

The houses here are of traditional Tibetan style with culture and traditions.

Day 07: Trek to Ice lake 4,600m/15,091ft acclimatization in Manang- 5/6 hrs.

An important to have rest day for acclimatization before reaching high altitude and Thorang-La, here with short hike exploring Manang village beneath towering Annapurna and Gangapurna peaks, a nice short hike up for views of Gangapurna Glacier and the Manang glacial Lake, with other options hike to Ice Lake (a small frozen pond) located high above Manang valley offers superb views of mountains. 

Day 08: Trek to Leder 4,200m/13,779 ft - 4/5 hrs.

After a good enjoyable time at Manang, walk leads towards Ledar past Yak Kharka, an interesting high altitude walks with views of mountains, crossing small streams to reach Yak Kharka, a small settlement with incredible views of Gangapurna, Annapurna III and Chulu Peaks. From here short walks to reach our overnight destination at Ledar with few good lodges to stay with views of Chulu West and Gangapurna peaks.

Day 09: Trek to Thorang High Camp 4,600 m/15,091ft -3/4 hrs.

Staying overnight in peaceful environment at Ledar, today a short morning walk that leads you on good wide trail with short descend to a river, and then up to reach pleasant path above a river around this area where sometimes one can spot some wild-life like Himalayan Thar, mountain antelopes if lucky to see elusive snow leopard that dwells around this mountainous area.

As walk progress reaching at Thorang Phedi (meaning bottom or base of a hill or pass) with a number of lodge and guest-houses, with time for rest then continue a steep climb for an hour or more to reach at Thorang High Camp for lunch and overnight stop.

Day 10: Cross Thorang-la Pass 5,416 m/17,769 ft trek to Muktinath-6/7hrs.

Morning walk begins early for the Big Day of the adventure, after breakfast a long climb leads up to Thorang-la with a steep haul to reach at above 5,416 m / 17,769 ft on top Thorang-la festooned with thousands of colorful Buddhist prayer flags.

The highest point of the journey offers a superb vista of landscapes and giant snowcapped peaks, from here a long descend to Muktinath a holy place for both Hindu and Buddhist the word Muktinath literally means ‘the place for Nirvana or Liberation’.

Day 11: Trek to Jomsom 2,715 m/8,907ft - 4/5 hrs.

After Muktinath, rest of the journey is easier with moderate walks all the way with a big drop of 1,200 m down to reach flat Kaligandaki river valley, where walk leads following Kaligandaki river valley to reach Jomsom, headquarter town of Mustang area with a small airstrip located above Kaligandaki River. 

At Jomsom with afternoon free to visit its streets filled with shops and lodge, a nice town and home to Thakali people with strong trade on this old Trans Himalaya Caravan route of Nepal and Tibet.

Day 12: Fly to Pokhara 860m/2,821ft 25 Minute Flights.

Early morning depart from the lodge/hotel a short walk to Jomsom air-terminal for scenic short flight to Pokhara, flight operates in the morning time to avoid strong wind, during air flight enjoy grand views of Dhaulagiri and Annapurna Himalaya range all the way till it lands at beautiful Pokhara, and then transfer to hotel by the shore of serene Phewa Lake.

Cost Information

Equipment

For Head

1. Sun hat / Scarf
2. Sunglasses and Headlight

For Upper Body

1. Water Proof Jacket
2. Down Jacket / Warm Jacket
3. Light Weight T-shirt (At least 1 pair)

For Lower Body

1. Water Proof Pants
2. Running tights
3. Light Weight Pant

For Hand

1. Gloves

For Feet

1. Thin Inner socks (At least 2 pairs)
2. Woolen socks
3. Trekking boots (preferred comfortable boots)

Other Assecosries

1. Sleeping bag
2. Water bottle etc
3. Suncream
4. Water purification tablets
5. Toiletries (Toilet paper etc)
6. Warm hat
7. Trekking Bag Etc.

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