Annapurna Circuit Trek via Upper Pisang and Nawal Village
Trip Overview
The Annapurna Circuit Trek is one of the most iconic and popular trekking routes in Nepal, known for its breathtaking scenery, diverse landscapes, and rich cultural experiences. It circles the Annapurna Massif, offering stunning views of some of the highest peaks in the world, including Annapurna I (8,091m), Dhaulagiri (8,167m), and Machapuchare (6,993m). Including Upper Pisang and Nawal Village on this trek adds even more charm, providing trekkers with a deeper immersion into the local culture, as well as some of the most stunning panoramic views of the Annapurna range.
The itinerary of Annapurna Circuit Trek via Upper Pisang and Nawal village offers a scenic alternative to the traditional route, showcasing the breathtaking landscapes and cultural richness of the region. Starting from Beshisahar, trekkers ascend through charming villages, with Upper Pisang providing stunning views of Annapurna II and the opportunity to explore its historic monasteries. The route then leads to Nawal, a lesser-known yet picturesque village that offers an authentic taste of local life, traditional architecture, and captivating panoramas. This variation not only enhances the trekking experience with a blend of natural beauty and cultural immersion but also allows trekkers to enjoy quieter trails away from the more heavily trafficked sections of the circuit.
Highlights of the Trek
. Crossing the Thorong La Pass (5,416m), one of the highest trekking passes in the world.
. Visiting charming villages like Upper Pisang and Nawal, offer better views and less commercialized cultural experiences.
. Diverse landscapes, ranging from subtropical forests to alpine deserts.
. Spectacular mountain views, including Annapurna II, Annapurna III, Gangapurna, Dhaulagiri, and the iconic Machhapuchhre (Fishtail).
. Interaction with diverse ethnic communities, including Gurung, Thakali, and Tibetan-influenced people.
Why Include Upper Pisang and Nawal Village in Annapurna Circuit Trek?
. Scenic Route: The high route via Upper Pisang, Ghyaru, and Nawal is far more scenic than the lower route. The views of Annapurna II, III, IV, and Gangapurna are stunning. This path is quieter, with fewer trekkers and more authentic village experiences.
. Cultural Experience: These villages preserve a more traditional Tibetan-influenced culture. The stone-built houses, monasteries, and prayer flags create a very peaceful and spiritual atmosphere.
. Acclimatization: The high-altitude route offers better acclimatization, which can be helpful before attempting the Thorong La Pass.
Itinerary of Annapurna Circuit Trek including Upper Pisang and Nawal Village:
Day 1: Drive from Kathmandu to Besishahar (760m)
. Approx. 6-7 hours drive.
. Overnight at Tea House in Besishahar.
Day 2: Drive from Besishahar to Dharapani (1,960m)
. 5-6 hour drive on rough roads via Jeep.
. The trek officially begins at Dharapani.
. Overnight at Tea House in Dharapani.
Day 3: Trek from Dharapani to Chame (2,710m)
. 5-6 hours trek.
. Passing through forests, waterfalls, and small settlements.
. Chame is the district headquarters of Manang and offers hot springs.
. Overnight at Tea House in Chame.
Day 4: Trek from Chame to Upper Pisang (3,300m)
. 5-6 hours trek.
. Ascend through pine forests and steep, narrow paths with views of Annapurna II and Lamjung Himal.
. Upper Pisang (as opposed to Lower Pisang) offers more traditional Tibetan-style villages and stunning views of Annapurna II.
. Overnight at Tea House in Upper Pisang.
Day 5: Trek from Upper Pisang to Manang (3,540m) via Ghyaru and Ngawal (3,660m)
. 6-7 hours trek.
. This is one of the most scenic days of the trek. Take the high route via Ghyaru and Ngawal instead of the lower route.
. Ghyaru and Nawal villages are perched on the hillsides, offering spectacular panoramic views of Annapurna II, III, and IV.
. The trail is more challenging but rewarding, with great opportunities for photography.
. Overnight at Tea House in Manang.
Day 6: Acclimatization Day in Manang
. Manang is a great place for acclimatization, as you’ll need to adjust to the higher altitude before heading to Thorong La Pass.
. Optional side hikes: Visit the Gangapurna Glacier, Ice Lake, or the famous Milarepa Cave.
. Overnight at Tea House in Manang.
Day 7: Trek from Manang to Yak Kharka (4,110m)
. 4-5 hours trek.
. The altitude starts to increase significantly. The trail passes through alpine landscapes, with sparse vegetation and grazing yaks.
. Overnight at Tea House in Yak Kharka.
Day 8: Trek from Yak Kharka to Thorong Phedi (4,600m)
. 3-4 hours trek.
. A short but steady climb that brings you closer to Thorong La Pass.
. Thorong Phedi is a small settlement located at the foot of the pass.
. Overnight at Tea House in Thorong Phedi or trek an additional hour to High Camp (4,800m).
Day 9: Trek from Thorong Phedi to Muktinath (3,800m) via Thorong La Pass (5,416m)
. 7-9 hours trek.
. This is the most challenging day as you cross the high Thorong La Pass. The ascent is steep and physically demanding due to the altitude.
. After crossing the pass, the descent to Muktinath, a sacred pilgrimage site, is long but gradual.
. Overnight at Tea House in Muktinath.
Day 10: Trek from Muktinath to Jomsom (2,700m)
. 5-6 hours trek or 2 hours via Jeep.
. The trail descends through the Kali Gandaki Valley. You pass through Jharkot and Kagbeni, where you can observe Tibetan-influenced culture and monasteries.
. Jomsom is the administrative center of the Mustang region, where trekkers can catch flights back to Pokhara or Kathmandu.
. Overnight at Tea House in Jomsom.
Day 11: Flight or drive from Jomsom to Pokhara
. 20-minute flight to Pokhara or a drive (7-8 hours).
. Pokhara is a lakeside city and a great place to relax after the trek.
. Overnight at Hotel in Pokhara.
Day 12: Flight or drive from Pokhara to Kathmandu.
. 25 to 30-minute flight to Kathmandu or a drive (7-8 hours).
Optional Add-ons:
Tilicho Lake (4,919m):
. If you have extra days, consider adding a side trek to Tilicho Lake, one of the highest lakes in the world. The detour adds about 3 days to the trek.
Trek to Ghorepani Poon Hill:
. After Jomsom, if you want to extend your trek, you can hike towards Tatopani and then continue to Ghorepani Poon Hill, a famous viewpoint offering stunning sunrise views over Annapurna and Dhaulagiri.
Packing Tips:
. Good Hiking Boots: Essential for the varied terrain and long walking days.
. Warm Clothing: The higher altitudes get very cold, especially at night.
. Sunscreen and Sunglasses: The sun at high altitudes can be intense.
. Trekking Poles: Helpful for steep ascents and descents.
. Water Purification: You’ll need to drink lots of water to stay hydrated, so it’s useful to carry a water filter or purification tablets.
Please contact us by email at [email protected] or WhatsApp/ Viber at +977 9851203181 for any further information about Annapurna Circuit Trek, affordable cost, or any questions. Once we receive your message, we get back to you within 24 hours.
Why Excellent Himalaya Trek and Expedition for Annapurna Circuit Trek?
Excellent Himalaya Trek and Expedition Pvt Ltd is the leading trekking and tour company authorized by the Nepal Government Tourism Ministry based in Kathmandu Nepal. We are managed by Nepalese tourism experts, local guides, and Sherpa. Our team has been engaged in the Nepalese tourism industry since 2002. We are also associated with different tourism organizations like TAAN (Trekking Agencies Association of Nepal), NMA (Nepal Mountaineering Association), etc.
Our further features are as below by which people around the world trust us as the authentic organizer of Annapurna Circuit Trek:
Team of Local Experts and Guides: As this company is managed and run by well-trained, experienced & competent local experts, and guides, we know well about the mountain trail, ecology, culture, etc. of the trekking routes. We know the best way of trekking and also we get you the same way.
Trustworthy: Trust is something that comes from commitment. Hence, being a legally registered company, we commit to providing the best, most satisfactory trekking, tour, and expeditions. We are operating all trekking, and climbing tours in Nepal based on reality, integrity, and honesty.
Focus on your needs: We highly value all our clients. We always move according to your interests and requirements. Because your satisfaction is our goal. Thus, all our trekking, tour, and mountaineering packages are customizable.
Fair Price: As we are a direct operator, not an agent, our price is always competitive and does not have any middle and hidden fees. We provide the value of what you are buying from our services at least equal to the amount you are paying.
Safety: Your safety is our priority. The trekking to the Himalayas is both exciting and adventurous. So we provide you with all the safety materials needed, along with motivational counseling.
Friendly, and Professional Staff: We have highly friendly, helpful, and professional staff. Our staff looks after you right from the moment of your arrival to the time of your departure. They are able to cope with most emergency situations including those requiring evacuation and hospitalization.
Real Cared Services: Our one travel consultant or our local trekking guide keeps in touch with our clients every time. We make sure their protection is guaranteed so that they will have peace of mind while trekking with us.
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Why travel with us?
- Run by local experts, guide & Sherpa.
- Focus on your needs.
- Good value for money.
- Real cared services.
- Government recognized company.
- Best reasonable rate.
