Read on for a detailed account of our second day on the Annapurna Circuit. Today, we trekked from Bhulbhule to Jagat, covering a distance of 16km in around 7.5 hours. It was time to enjoy some great views of the trek and get away from the road for a while.
The second day trekking the Annapurna Circuit gave us a great idea of what we could expect going forward. Today’s route would take us from Bhulbhule to Bahundanda, from Bahundanda to Ghermu and finally from Ghermu to Jagat. Starting at just 840m, we would ascend to 1300m by the end of the day. It’s a 16km and around 7.5 hours walk from Bhulbhule to Jagat including all stops.
Read on for my experiences, tips and advice from day two hiking the Annapurna Circuit Trek.
Day Two: Bhulbhule to Jagat on the Annapurna Circuit
Bhulbule (840m) – Bahundanda (1310m) – Ghermu (1130m) – Jagat (1300m)
Distance: 16km
Time: 7 hrs 35 minutes (08:15 – 15:50)
Bhulbhule to Bahundanda
Bhulbhule (840m) – Bahundanda (1310m)
Distance: 8km
Time: Around 2 hrs 15 mins.
While you could consider day one as “easing in” to the trek, there were no such luxuries on day two! We set off after breakfast and crossed the river via a suspension bridge (one of many on this trek!). Continuing along the road, we passed a small village of Ngadi. This flat section is wide and easy to follow. We passed small waterfalls and a hydropower station, which our guide told us are in important source of energy in Nepal.
We continued on for a while before coming across a fork in the road. The signs read “Off Road MANANG” and “Trekking Trail MANANG”. It’s pretty self-explanatory. Here, most vehicles take the route on the left bank of the river while hikers continue on the quieter trail. We opted for the latter, following the red and white markers indicating the main Annapurna Circuit trail. Seeing these means you’re always on the right track. You’ll also sometimes come across blue and white markers – these show alternative routes or side trips.
As we climbed higher, beautiful views of the valley, river and the surrounding mountains opened up. The path continued heading up past corn fields and terraces with local women tending to crops in the morning sun while men worked in nearby villages. We passed through some of these as locals waved to us and kids ran alongside us to ask us where we were from and show off their English skills. There is still technically a road that connects some of these villages but it’s not busy. We finally left the road and followed a tiny path which zigzagged up the hillside. We had to use our poles to haul ourselves up steeper sections.
Bahundanda to Ghermu
Bahundanda (1310m) – Ghermu (1130m)
Distance: 5km
Time: Around 2 hours
Soon after we reached Bahundanda (1310m) where we stopped to refill our water bottles and take a break. The climb to the village was actually pretty tough especially in the morning heat. It was too early for lunch but we enjoyed some cold drinks and a breather. We saw a local man struggling with some pipes he was carrying and gave him a hand. Bahundanda was actually the highest point of the day’s trekking and after taking in the views the trail took us back down into the valley. It snaked past more fields and villages with cows, goats and chickens roaming around. We were getting a good flavour of rural Nepalese communities and an insight into what life was really like in this part of the country.
Our route took us along the “old” trail instead of the road which we could see across the river. This was a harder but definitely more scenic route plus offered some shade during the day while the road was exposed to the elements. We climbed steep stone steps and followed the trail along the side of a cliff with a precipitous drop on the other side.
This section was definitely a challenge as the path kept going up and down before levelling off just as we reached Ghermu. We stopped at Rainbow Restaurant Hotel & Lodge for a long lunch. There were beautiful views of the twin waterfalls from the terrace. It’s possible to spend the night in Ghermu which some people choose to do.
Ghermu to Jagat
Ghermu (1130m) – Jagat (1300m)
Distance: 3km
Time: Around 1 hour
After filling up on dhal bhat and coffee, we continued on. It’s possible to continue avoiding the road by following the blue/white markers to Jagat but we opted to rejoin the road. The walking trail is significantly longer (7km+ vs 4km) and steeper than the road section and it really depends on how much time you have and where you are stopping for the night. The markers are pretty easy to follow though if you do want to take the longer route.
We crossed the river and followed the road. There were very few vehicles and we had it pretty much to ourselves. There was another punishing stair climb which served as a “shortcut” to avoid the zigzagging section of road. The stunning views of the mountains and a glimpse of our final stop of the day were worth it though! The road hugged the cliff with big drops all the way to the rushing river below as we neared Jagat.
We arrived exhausted and sweaty to our accommodation in Jagat and no sooner than we did, the skies opened up. It was an epic shower which we avoided by mere minutes. We watched the rain fall before having an amazing hot shower and relaxing in the common area before having a huge dinner to make up for all the calories lost during an epic day of hiking!
Bhulbhule to Jagat Key Notes
- The first full day of the Annapurna Circuit! It’s tough in places but a great introduction to the trek.
- Ghermu is the most sensible place to stop for lunch.
- Take the walking route whenever possible. It’s more challenging than the road but the views are beautiful and it’s quieter.
- The walking trail from Ghermu to Jagat adds around 3km and around an hour of walking time. It has tough, steep sections. Consider this when planning your day
Staying in Jagat: Paradise Hotel, Jagat
The guesthouse is along the main path through the village and hard to miss. There is a main house section as well as some simpler rooms towards the back of the place. Our rooms were in one of these wooden huts, overlooking the back yard and close to the bathrooms. The yard is spacious and there are chicken coops, a plant and vegetable garden and simple bathrooms. The solar showers were one of the best of the trip. No Western toilet though! The views from the yard are great as it backs pretty much straight onto a mountain side!
There is an extensive menu with loads of Nepalese staples as well as Western dishes. I plumped for a huge bowl of fried noodles, a plate of momos and a Tibetan-style bread. It’s fried, slightly sweet and very very delicious. I washed it all down with a bottle of Everest beer. Drinking alcohol at higher elevations is not recommended as it can exacerbate effects of altitude sickness but at just 1300m, this isn’t an issue. There is a covered terrace which is great for relaxing, reading and socialising. A few other groups of mostly French trekkers stayed at the guesthouse as well but it didn’t feel too busy.
We played cards and wrote in our diaries before heading to bed. It’s been a long day of trekking that saw us walk from Bhulbhule to Jagat. It was now time to head higher into the mountains!
Up Next: Jagat to Dharapani on the Annapurna Circuit – Day 3
Check out my other Annapurna Circuit posts
- Annapurna Circuit Itinerary: Complete Day By Day Trekking Guide
- Kathmandu to Besisahar and Bhulbhule: Starting the Annapurna Circuit – Day One
- Jagat to Dharapani on the Annapurna Circuit – Day Three
- Dharapani to Chame on the Annapurna Circuit – Day Four
- Chame to Lower Pisang on the Annapurna CIrcuit – Day Five
- Lower Pisang to Manang on the Annapurna Circuit – Day Six
- Manang Rest Day and Ice Lake Hike on the Annapurna Circuit – Day Seven
- Manang to Yak Kharka on the Annapurna Circuit – Day Eight
- Yak Kharka to Thorong Phedi (Base Camp) on the Annapurna Circuit – Day Nine
- Thorong Phedi to Muktinath via Thorang-La Pass on the Annapurna Circuit – Day Ten
- BONUS: Feel the Energy of Nature: Crossing Thorong-La Pass by Erik Bertrand Amme
- Muktinath to Jomsom on the Annapurna Circuit – Day Eleven
- Jomsom to Tukuche on the Annapurna Circuit – Day Twelve
- Tukuche to Ghasa on the Annapurna Circuit – Day Thirteen
- Ghasa to Tatopani on the Annapurna Circuit – Day Fourteen
- Tatopani to Ghorepani on the Annapurna Circuit – Day Fifteen
- Ghorepani to Ghandruk (via Poon Hill) on the Annapurna Circuit – Day Sixteen
- Ghandruk to Pokhara (via Nayapul) on the Annapurna Circuit – Day Seventeen
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5 Comments
Jamie Williams
March 15, 2020 at 12:35 pmHey, thanks so much for this blog it’s super descriptive and helpful. I’ve just arrived at Bhulbhule, took me about two hours from Besisahar, so not far off your estimations. Impressed with the views and the ease of the directions so far – it helps that the locals keep pointing me in the right direction also! I’m looking forward to reading more of your tips, especially for the pass later on. Thanks again!
Travel Lexx
March 18, 2020 at 5:53 pmThanks Jamie! The estimations are always a little difficult to do because pace can vary so much, especially if you take regular stops! I try and be conservative with it but as I have readings from my watch/camera meta data, I also use those! Fantastic! It’s great that you’re finding these useful! I have published all the way to Muktinath now so that should keep you going for a while! Very jealous of you trekking while we are about to go on lockdown here in London! Do shout if you have any questions!
Jamie Williams
March 16, 2020 at 12:50 pmTook the blue alternate route today. Damn!! It was indeed tough. Great views though and the eventual arrival to Jagat made it so worth it!
Travel Lexx
March 18, 2020 at 5:51 pmHi Jamie! I would have loved to have taken it. The views must have been incredible! It’s a pretty long day isn’t it?!
Dil
September 4, 2020 at 4:45 pmLovely article with stunning photo galleries.