Annapurna Circuit to Upper Mustang Trek

As this trip spends very little time in Kathmandu, we recommend you spend arrive a few extra days before your trip if you want to experience all Nepal’s compact capital has to offer. If you wish to spend more time here, we'll be happy to book additional accommodation for you (subject to availability).

With climate change the weather on the Annapurna Circuit is becoming less predictable, and heavy rains have on occasions causes significant damage to the trail even outside of rainy season. Should this occur, and local conditions make trekking the circuit unsafe, we will switch to the Upper Mustang Trek itinerary instead. Should this occur a flight from Pokhara - Jomsom - Pokhara - Kathmandu

Our first day of the trek starts early in the morning. After breakfast, we take a bus from Kathmandu to Bhulbhule. The route takes us out of the Kathmandu valley along the picturesque Trishuli river to Besisahar, and finally to Bhulbhule.

Bhulbhule lies by the side of Marsyangdi river. Throughout the ride, you will get to see the terraced farms, traditional villages, and Ganesh & Manaslu snow peaks. At Bhulbhule, we register our permits at the check post for trek entry.

We cross various suspension bridges, waterfalls and continue past rice paddies and forests. Once we reach the cliff in Jagat, we can view the Marsyangdi Khola below and rocky hills all around. The beehives at the top of the cliffs are an attraction for today.

Today is the first hike day. And we start immediately with a tough part, walking 17 kilometers and climbing more than 700 meters! The route from Danaqyu to Temang is especially difficult. Shortly after crossing a river, a bit ascent via staircases starts, which seems to go on forever.

The route runs along several rivers. To cross it, long walkways are decorated with flags. In the beginning, it takes some getting used to walking over the wobbly bridge, but soon it is fun!

Because this is the second day that we have our heavy bags on (we walk without a porter and carry 12 and 14 kilos on our back), it is extra heavy. You really have to get used to walking with such a weight on your back.

Once in Chame, we are exhausted. Chame itself is a nice village with many tea houses. It is located on a beautiful river. Our tea house New Tibet is located almost at the end of the village and has a beautiful view and long sun! Recommended!

Around 07.00 you leave Chame towards Lower Pisang. On the way, you pass a huge apple orchard, the largest in this area of the Annapurna Circuit. You can buy some delicious apple muffins that are sold in the accompanying shop, highly recommended!

The route to Lower Pisang is relatively easy, we ascend 500 meters and walk over 4 hours. On the way you pass an abyss that looks quite heavy.

Once in Lower Pisang, we arrange a hotel and then walk to Upper Pisang. This is a village that is another 150 meters higher. By going just a little higher, staying there for an hour and then sleeping a little lower again, your body acclimatizes better. And so we climb to the temple on top of the village.