Annapurna Circuit Trek with Poonhill- 15 Days

Trip Overview

The Annapurna Circuit Trek including Poonhill is in fact the real Annapurna Circuit Trek in its original form started in the 80s. This trip is for a total of 15 days with some jeep rides from Kathmandu to Dharapani, and Muktinath to Tatopani before trekking up to Ghorepani. It is the most diverse high altitude and classic long distance treks in Nepal. It circles the Annapurna massif through the Marsyangdi valley, over Thorong La Pass, and down into the Kali Gandaki valley. Along the way, the trail passes through Gurung and Manangi villages with close views of Annapurna II, Annapurna III, Gangapurna, and Dhaulagiri.

This 15 day itinerary combines a drive to Dharapani with a full trek across Thorong La Pass at 5,416 m. Along the way, you soak in the natural hot springs at Tatopani and hike to Poon Hill for sunrise. The journey ends with a return through Pokhara before flying back to Kathmandu.

The trek requires good physical fitness, since the route reaches 5,416 m at Thorong La Pass. A dedicated acclimatization day at Manang helps your body adjust before the climb continues. Some prior hiking experience is recommended before joining.

Trip Detail

Itinerary Overview

This 15 day, 14 night trek follows the classic Annapurna Circuit route through the Marsyangdi valley and over Thorong La Pass into the Kali Gandaki valley. You drive from Kathmandu to Dharapani and trek through Chame and Pisang before reaching Manang, where you spend an acclimatization day. From Manang, the trail climbs through Yak Kharka and Thorong Phedi before crossing Thorong La Pass at 5,416 m and descending to the temple town of Muktinath. From Muktinath, you drive to Tatopani via Jomsom, rest for a day at the hot springs, then trek up to Ghorepani. A sunrise hike to Poon Hill is followed by a trek down to Birethanti and a drive to Pokhara, before returning to Kathmandu.

Here is a quick look at how your 15 day trek unfolds.

• Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu at 1,400 m

• Day 2: Drive from Kathmandu to Dharapani at 1,860 m

• Day 3: Trek from Dharapani to Chame at 2,670 m

• Day 4: Trek from Chame to Upper Pisang at 3,300 m

• Day 5: Trek from Upper Pisang to Manang at 3,540 m

• Day 6: Acclimatization day at Manang at 3,540 m

• Day 7: Trek from Manang to Yak Kharka at 4,050 m

• Day 8: Trek from Yak Kharka to Thorong Phedi at 4,525 m

• Day 9: Trek from Thorong Phedi to Muktinath at 3,760 m via Thorong La Pass at 5,416 m

• Day 10: Drive from Muktinath to Tatopani at 1,190 m via Jomsom

• Day 11: Rest day at Tatopani at 1,190 m

• Day 12: Trek from Tatopani to Ghorepani at 2,880 m

• Day 13: Hike to Poon Hill at 3,210 m and return, then trek to Birethanti at 1,025 m and drive to Pokhara at 822 m

• Day 14: Drive from Pokhara to Kathmandu at 1,400 m

• Day 15: Final departure
   

Annapurna Circuit Trek Highlights

• Marsyangdi Valley Drive: The trek starts with a long, scenic drive from Kathmandu to Dharapani. The road follows the Marsyangdi River through small towns, terraced farms, and traditional villages, giving you an easy introduction to the mountains before the walking begins.

• Chame and the Apple Orchards: Beyond Dharapani, the trail passes through Chame, the headquarters of the Manang district, known for its apple orchards and hot spring.

• Upper Pisang and the Paungda Danda Rock Face: The route to Upper Pisang offers close views of Annapurna II and the sweeping Paungda Danda rock face along the valley.

• Manang, Gateway to the High Himalaya: The trail reaches Manang at 3,540 m, the largest village in the upper Marsyangdi valley, with close views of Gangapurna and Annapurna III right above the rooftops. A full acclimatization day is spent here, giving your body time to adjust before you continue up toward Yak Kharka and Thorong Phedi.

• Thorong La Pass: This is the highlight of the entire trek. You cross Thorong La at 5,416 m, the highest point of the journey, early in the morning while the trail is still firm and the weather is calmer. From the top, you get wide views across the mountains in every direction before a long descent toward Muktinath.

• Muktinath Temple: The route reaches Muktinath, a sacred site for both Hindus and Buddhists, known for its 108 water spouts and its eternal flame.

• Jomsom and the Kali Gandaki Valley: The drive from Muktinath to Tatopani passes through Jomsom and the lower Mustang area, following the Kali Gandaki valley, one of the deepest river valleys in the world. The landscape here is dry and windswept, very different from the green hills earlier in the trek.

• Tatopani Hot Springs: A rest day at Tatopani allows time to soak in the natural hot springs beside the Kali Gandaki River before the climb toward Ghorepani.

• Poon Hill Sunrise: An early morning hike to Poon Hill at 3,210 m offers a wide panorama of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges, including Annapurna South, Machhapuchhre, and Dhaulagiri I.
   

Altitude and Activities

The trek begins at Kathmandu at 1,400 m before driving to Dharapani at 1,860 m and climbing steadily through Chame and Upper Pisang to reach Manang at 3,540 m, with an acclimatization day before the trail continues toward the pass. From Manang, the route climbs through Yak Kharka and Thorong Phedi to cross Thorong La Pass at 5,416 m, the highest point of the trek, before descending to Muktinath. The journey then drops in altitude through Jomsom and Tatopani before climbing again to Ghorepani and Poon Hill, then descending to Birethanti and Pokhara.

Accommodation and Meals

You will stay in a comfortable 3 star hotel in Kathmandu and Pokhara, and in mountain lodges or teahouses during the trekking portion of the journey. Full board meals consisting of breakfast, lunch, and dinner are provided in the trekking areas. In Kathmandu and Pokhara, breakfast is provided, with a welcome dinner on arrival and a farewell dinner after completing the trek.