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Annapurna Circuit

Annapurna Circuit Trek

Overview

The Annapurna Circuit Trek is the most demanding trek in Annapurna region. It is therefore the ideal trek for people who are looking to challenge themselves. This trek takes you through untouched countryside, deep valleys, barren landscapes and the ever spectacular Annapurna mountain range.

 

Highlights:

  • Stunning views of the Annapurna Range
  • Experience the lifestyle of midland villagers
  • Nepali wildlife including yaks and horses

 

What to Expect?

The Annapurna Circuit Trek will take you to the most amazing view points of Annapurna I, II, and III and will also guide you through the Annapurna Conservation Area. During the trek you will stumble upon isolated temples and monasteries, pass through beautiful forests of rhododendron and pine, and also witness some of the world’s highest mountains.

 

We start our trekking from Besisahar and move on toward the Manang District, where we will traverse through barley, rice and potato fields between the villages of Kodo and Dharapani. Tilicho, Gangapurna, Machhapuchhre and Dhaulagiri are just some of the wonderful mountains you will encounter en route to Annapurna.

 

As with all our treks we aim to provide you with the opportunity for an authentic cultural exchange, and the Annapurna Circuit is inhabited by a wide diversity of people. You will get the chance to meet the Gurung, Magar and Thakali people residing in these remote parts for hundreds of years.

 

The total length of the Annapurna Circuit Trek is 17 days. From thick forests to crystal lakes to the towering mountains of the Himalaya, the Annapurna Circuit is sure to satisfy most everyone’s needs, and by choosing Kathmandu Adventures you are guaranteed an authentic experience that you will never forget!

Detail Itinerary

Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu

Upon your arrival at Kathmandu airport, you will be greeted by a representative from Kathmandu Adventures. After completing your custom formalities (Visa, etc) pick up your luggage and look for our representative with a Kathmandu Adventures display board at the arrival gate. You will be then transferred to your hotel.

 

Day 02: Kathmandu Sightseeing & Preparation for the Trek

Today after breakfast we start a guided tour to several of the most historical and spiritual attractions in Kathmandu. The day will also be for finalizing official procedure and other necessary arrangements. You will be also briefed on the nature of the trek, equipments and team composition. Some of landmarks we visit include the World Heritage Sites of Kathmandu Durbar Square, the sacred Hindu temple of Pashupati Nath, the famous ‘Monkey Temple’ (Swayambhu Nath) and Buddhists shrine (Bouddha Nath).  In the afternoon, there will be a pre-trip discussion where we can meet our trek leader and other team members. You can also make your last minute buying of personal items as you will be flying to the Himalayas tomorrow. Included meals:B

 

Day 03: Drive Kathmandu to Syange/ Jagat [1100m/3608 ft]: 8 to 10 hrs

We begin our journey at dawn as we have an 8 to 10 hour drive to arrive at our trek starting point at Syange or Jagat via Besishahar. While enroute we see the beautiful countryside Nepal has to offer – rivers, villages, farms and spectacular mountain scenery. The road to Besishahar is coal-tarred road, whereas after Besishahar the road is dusty and rough, though we can easily overlook it as we watch the outstanding scenery go by. Overnight stay at Syange or Jagat Guesthouse. Included meals: B

 

Day 04: Trek Syange or Jagat to Dharapani [1,960m/6,430ft]: 7 to 8 hrs

After breakfast we begin our trek. We enter the Manang district after crossing a large bridge near Tal. Our upcoming trail continuously traverses through barley, rice and potato fields to the village of Kodo to Dharapani. Dharapani is one of the large villages in the Manang valley. Overnight stay at Dharapani. Included meals: B

 

Day 05: Dharapani to Chame [2,710m/8,891ft]: 5 to 6 hrs

Today we trek on steep forest ridges. Don’t forget to look up though as we will be treated to some of the most sensational views of Lamjung Himal, Annapurna II, and Annapurna IV (7,525m/24,688ft). Small hot springs add relief on our long day of hard trekking. Overnight at Chame. Included meals: B

 

Day 06: Chame to Pisang [3,300m/10824ft]: 5 to 6 hrs

A steep and narrow path through a very dense forest will bring us to a dramatic curved rock face, rising 1500m from the river. As the trail opens up we welcome the surrounding views of the majestic Himalayan Peaks. We find ourselves in the U-shaped valley of Manang between two giant snow peaks. After walking through these wonderful sites we reach Pisang. Overnight at Lower Pisang. Included meals: B

 

Day 07: Upper Pisang to Manang [3,500m/11,482ft]: 6 to 7 hrs

Today we will have the choice of two routes. If we take the upper route (highly recommended), through Upper Pisang via Geru, we will be treated to outstanding Himalayan sceneries. The panoramic views of the mountain peaks, such as Annapurna, Pisang peak, and several others will definitely tempt us. We experience our first contrast with the landscape and vegetation today, the cold and dry climate creates a much harsher, barren environment. Our short visit to Barge monastery, the largest in the entire district of Manang will be memorable. Overnight at Manang. Included meals: B

 

Day 08: Manang: Rest Day

Today is our scheduled acclimatization day. It is not recommended to stay still so a short walk to higher altitude is suggested to help get acclimatized with the altitude. The next two days will be very challenging and tiring, with a significant gain in altitude. We should always be cautious. Bhojo Gompa or Gangapurna Lake are sights worth visiting for acclimatization and offer beautiful views. We have an easy excursion to a village called Vraga, where we will see the village’s monastery. At this site, we also visit at the Himalayan Rescue Association where we receive important information about Mountain Sickness. Overnight at Manang. Included meals: B

 

Day 09: Manang to Yak Kharka [4,110m/13,484ft]: 3 to 4 hrs

From Manang village, the trail crosses a stream, climbs to the village of Tenki above Manang and then continues to climb out of the Marshyangdi Valley turning northwest along the valley of Jarsang Khola. The trail continues northward, through pastures and a scrub of juniper trees as it steadily gains elevation. The trail passes near the small village of Ghunsa, a cluster of flat mud roofs just below the trailhead and passes through meadows where horses and yaks graze. After crossing a small river on a wooden bridge, the trail passes the ancient Mani wall in a pleasant meadow and then reaches another small village of Yak Kharka. Overnight stay at Yak Karka. Included meals: B

 

Day 10: Yak Kharka to Thorong Phedi [4,600m/15,092ft]: 3 to 4 hrs

Today we make our way to the foot of the pass, Thorong Phedi. Thorong Phedi is a small busy settlement catering to the needs of tired trekkers and climbers. Trekkers use this point as a Base Camp. Some visitors also attempt a hike to the High Camp today to assist in acclimatization and help make the next day easier. Although we will have a tough day tomorrow, we stop at Thorong Phedi so that we have the best chance of a good night sleep rather than a risky sleep at the higher altitude of High Camp. Overnight at Thorong Phedi. Included meals: B

 

Day 11: Thorong Phedi to Thorong La (5416m/17764ft) to Muktinath [3,800/12,467ft]: 7 to 8 hrs

We reach the climax of our Annapurna circuit trek today. It will be an unforgettable experience of a lifetime – crossing the famous high pass, Thorong La (5416m/17764ft). An early start is important to complete the task ahead and ensure the best of the day’s weather. Each moment we have to work hard through the icy high-altitude trail but the outstanding high Himalayan scenes are so mesmerizing, that our eyes watch more over the horizon than on our trail. Once we have reached the top of Thorong La we are rewarded with panoramic Himalayan views. From here we begin the slow decent to Muktinath. Muktinath is an important pilgrimage site for both Hindus and Buddhists, the area hosts a Vishnu temple and a Monastery nearby. Muktinath itself demonstrates the harmony of religions throughout Nepal. Overnight at Muktinath. Included meals: B

 

Day 12: Drive Muktinath to Tatopani [1,200m/3937ft]: 6 to 8 hrs

Today, as there are vehicles available (bus or jeep), we take advantage of it to drive along a plateau above the Kali Gandaki – the world`s deepest gorge. The barren landscape of this area resembles the Tibetan Plateau. We have to adjust ourselves in a public vehicle on a sharing basis. Along this route the road can be rough and dusty and at some point we’ll have to change vehicles. On arrival at Tatopani, we relax our weary muscles with a dip in some of the hot spring pools. Overnight stay at Tatopani. Included meals: B

 

Day 13: Tatopani to Ghorepani [2,850m/9,350ft]: 7 to 8 hrs

While walking, we see the lifestyle of the people in the midland villages of Nepal. Ghara and Sikha are the villages with terraced and inclined farmlands. We gradually walk up the steep ascent to Ghorepani. Passing through Phalate and Chitre, we walk through a non-inhabited area, through rhododendron, birch, magnolia forest and meadows. As we reach the top of our climb, the peaks ahead look spectacular. We stay at Ghorepani as we have a climb to reach Poon Hill early tomorrow morning. Overnight at Ghorepani. Included meals: B

 

Day 14: Ghorepanito Tadapani [2,710m/8,891ft]: 6 to 7 hrs

At dawn, we ascend to Poon Hill (3,210m/10,531ft) to catch the moment of the spectacular sunrise over the whole Annapurna and Dhaulagiri massifs and surrounding rice terraces. Poon Hill is a photographer`s paradise with incredible panoramic views. After breakfast we continue along the up and down trail trek to Tadapani through the rhododendron forests. Be sure to keep one eye on the horizon as the scenery is equally dazzling throughout the day along the trek. Overnight stay at Tadapani. Included meals: B

 

Day 15: Tadapani to Ghandruk to Pokhara [850m/2,789ft]: 6 to 7 hrs trek and 1 hr drive

Through the Rhododendron forest, we trek down today to Ghandruk, the second-largest Gurung settlement in Nepal. Gurung is one of the most popular and culturally rich ethnic groups in Nepal. After lunch, we continue to Nayapul where we finally conclude our trek followed by a short drive from Nayapul to Pokhara. Pokhara is a peaceful city of lakes with the dramatic backdrop of the Himalayas. Overnight in Pokhara. Included meals: B

 

Day 16: Pokhara to Kathmandu: 6 hrs drive

After breakfast, we start our drive back to Kathmandu. It will be better to sit on the left side of the bus to enjoy the scenery along the way. Upon arrival in Kathmandu, we will be escorted to our hotel and we spend a leisurely afternoon, perhaps catch up on some last minute shopping. To celebrate the successful completion of our journey, in the evening, there will be dinner and Cultural show hosted by Kathmandu Adventures. Included meals:B, D

 

Day 17: Farewell Friend

We are saying good bye to the mountains as journey in Nepal comes to an end today! There is nothing to do but trade emails with travel companions and organise the photos. If you have more time you can do some shopping or sightseeing. Approximately 3 hours before the scheduled flight a representative from Kathmandu Adventures will take you to the airport. On your way home you’ll have plenty of time to plan your next adventure in the wonderful country of Nepal. Included meals:B

 

Important Note : Your safety is of paramount concern while traveling with Kathmandu Adventures. Please note that your leader has the authority to amend or cancel any part of the itinerary if it is deemed necessary due to safety concerns. Every effort will be made to keep to the above itinerary; however, since this adventure entails traveling in remote mountainous regions, we cannot guarantee that we will not deviate from it. Weather conditions, health condition of a group member, unexpected natural disasters, etc., can all contribute to changes in the itinerary. The leader will try to ensure that the trip runs according to plan, but please be prepared to be flexible if required.

Inclusions

• All accommodation in 3 star ( By Nepalese standard) hotels in cities- twin sharing rooms

• All Ground transportation & domestic flights

• Kathmandu sightseeing with city tour guide

• All accommodation w/breakfast during trek

• Govt. trained guide and necessary no. of porters with their insurance, salary and meals

• One cultural show and dinner

• National park entry fees and TIMS permit card

Exclusions

• International Flight, Airport tax and Nepal Visa fee

• Internal Flight to Pokhara if required

• Major meals in Cities

• All personal expenses such as bar bills, water, extra tea / coffee, snacks, shower, battery re-charge, laundry charge etc.

• Personal clothing and gears, sleeping bag and Down jacket for trek

• Tips to guide and porter

• Cost raised by flight cancelation, emergency rescue charges , landslide, weather, political unrest, illness, re-routing etc which are not under our control

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