Overview
Annapurna Circuit Trekking is one of the most famous trekking of Nepal and the first among ten best treks in the world. This trek offers the fascinating insight into the life of middle hill Nepalese ethnic groups from Hindu farmers to Tibetan Lamas, incredible views of many of the Himalayas’ most famous high peaks, crystal clear lakes, turbulent rivers with deep gorge and hot springs. Around Annapurna, the 332-km-trek is the only ideal trek If you are looking for diversity in both landscape and people.
This almost three weeks trekking goes completely around the famed Annapurna massif, offering the incredible views of many of the Himalayas’ most famous high peaks, crystal clear lakes, turbulent rivers with deep gorge, hot springs and constantly changing panoramas from lush tropical rice paddies and moss – laden rhododendron forests to Tibetan fortresses clinging to rocky cliffs and an insight to lifestyle of fascinating ethnic groups. Actually Trekking to Annapurna Circuit takes us into the heart of the high mountains of Nepal. Thorung pass (5, 416m) is the highest altitude and climax of the trip and is quite challenging.Probably, you are already aware that there is now a rough road linking Jomsom with Pokhara. We will try to avoid the road as much as possible for this portion of the trip.
Outline Itinerary
Day 01~Drive on Kathmandu Pokhara highway up to Dumre and take left heading to Besi Sahar-the trail head.
Day 02-03~Walk through paddies and several Gurung ethnic villages with views of Manaslu to Bahundanda and following several river trails and through Rhododendron and pine forests to Chamje.
Day 04-05~Cross Kali Gandaki River and walk through bamboo and rhododendron forests to the villages of Manang with heavy Buddhist influence. We walk on the rocky trail and cross a pass and through pine forests and several villages to our camping at Chame. We enjoy the views of Annapurna II all the time.
Day 06-08~We cross Marshyangdi River and continue on the trail with views of Annpurna II all the time to beautiful village of Pisang. We continue on upper part of Manang, pass by the airstrip of Hongde and the picturesque village of Bryanga and then to Manang Village. We spend another day in Manang acclimatizing and exploring the fascinatingly beautiful village.
Day 09-10~Trek via the village of Yak Khrka to Thorung phedi-the foot of the challenging Thorang pass.
Day 11~We~leave our camp or lodge very early morning to conquer Thorung pass.This is the most challenging part of the trek. We overnight in the holy site of Muktinath.
Day 12-13~Trek through the Tibet like barren landscape to the village of Marpha-home to many apple orchards and continue on Kali Gandaki River Valley to Ghasa.
Day 14-15~ Trek through subtropical forests and through several villages to Tatopani where we spend a night and the next day morning, we take sunrise tour to Poon Hill and descend to the Village of Ghorepani.
Day 16-17~Enjoy the views of Annapurnas and Dhaulagiri as we descend through rice terraces through the village of Tadapani and Ghandruk. We meet our transport at Ghandruk Village and drive to Pokhara.
Day 18~Trek concludes. Take your own transport back to Pokhara or extend your trip to Chitwan National Park.
Itinerary
Day 01 Drive from Kathmandu to Kathmandu-Besisahar ((830m/2,723ft, 7- 8 hours)
We leave Kathmandu early morning for Besisahar. We take Kathmandu-Pokhara highway up to Dumre and then the road branches to the right leading to Besisahar. We check in guesthouse and stroll in the township.
Day 02 Trekking from Besisahar to Bahundanda (1,310m/4,298ft, 6-7 hours)
Right after breakfast, we jump on the trail of amazing Annapurna. The trail initially drops to a stream and then climbs a rough staircase and after traversing some fields, the trail has a steep climb. After a long walk of several ups and downs across rice paddies and subtropical, we arrive Khudi Village of Gurung ethnics. As we move on our trail to Bhulbhule, we will have views of Manaslu II and Ngadi Chuli, dominating the horizon. The trail then climbs to Bhulbhule at 825m (2706 ft.); it then goes to Ngadi-the former winter settlement before reaching Lampata at 1135m (3723 ft.). Then the trail makes a steep climb to Bahundanda 1310m (4297 ft)-an attractive village dominated by Bramhin people.Overnight at Guesthouse.
Day 03 Trekking from Bahundanda to Chamje: 6 hours
We descend on a steep, slippery trail past amphitheatre-shaped rice terraces. After crossing a log bridge, the trail climbs to Lili Danda and then traverses high above the river to Hani Gaon (1180 m/3870 ft.).Soon the valley narrows and the trail drop to cross the Marshyangdi River on a long suspension bridge and then we arrive at Syange Village. Beyond Syange, the trail follows the river for a while and then climbs high on a trail carved into near vertical-cliffs, forested with rhododendron and pine. Past a small waterfall, the trail descends to the village of Jagat at 1250m (4100 ft.) inhabited by people of Tibetan origin. From Jagat, the trail descends near the river and then again climbs through forests to a water fall and then to the village of Chamje. Overnight guesthouse.
Day 04 Trekking from Chamje to Bagarchap (5-6 hrs, altitude (2160m/7085 ft).
Today, we cross the Kali Gandaki River and follow the rocky trail along the River and then the trail passes an overhanging rock and climbs a steep stone staircase to Sattale, at 1430m (4,690 ft) .The trail goes past fields, then through bamboo and rhododendron bushes to an exposed trail that traverses high above the steep riverbank. A short descent brings us to Tal Besi at 1580m (5,182 ft.) and then we climb beside the gorge of Marshyangdi to a ridge opening into a wide plateau and we arrive at the beautiful village of Tal at 1675m (5, 494 ft) at the foot of a large waterfall. Tal is the first village of Manang District and has a lot of Buddhist influence. Past the broad plateau valley, we cross a small stream on a log bridge and after a short climb; we follow the way along a cliff and along the river to Shirental and then in a short distance is a long bridge over Marshyangdi. We climb past several chiya pasal (teashops), corn fields and bamboo clumps and then descend to a high suspension bridge leading to Karte. After a short cliff walking, the trail descends to a suspension bridge, leading us back to the west side of Marshyangdi River. The trail then climbs to Dharapani at 1920m (6.296 ft). Beyond Dharapani, the trail passes a school building and climbs over a spur before descending to Bagarchap-the first village of the trail with typical Tibetan character. Overnight guesthouse.
Day 05 Trekking from Dharapani to Chame (6-7 hours, altitude 2,710m/8,891ft).
We climb on the mule track through forests to Dhanaku, also called Syalkhola which means ‘the river of jackals’ at 2290 m (7511 ft.). We follow the trail on the hill south of village, leading to Upper Temang, at 2600m (8,528ft) and then the trail climbs over a difficult pass of Namun Bhanjyang (5784m/18,971 ft) en route to Ghanpokhara in the south. We climb further on the rough and rocky trail supported by stonework and we arrive at Tyanja at the elevation of 2360m (7740 ft.). The trail stays near the Marshyangdi River in forests of oak and maple, climbing and descending through boulders and crosses a large stream before reaching Kotho. A short walk from Kothon brings us to Kyupar (2590 m/8495 ft.) situated in a meadow surrounded by pine and spruce trees. The next village is Chame-the administrative head quarter of Manang. Throughout the day, we enjoy the views of Annapurna II (7937m/26,033 ft) and Annapurna IV (7525 m/24,682 ft.) Overnight guesthouse.
Day 06 Trekking from Chame to Pisang (6-7 hours, 3190m/10,463 ft).
From Chame, the trail crosses a side stream, and then the Marshyangdi River on a large suspension bridge, passes few houses and lodges and then goes through barley fields to Teleku at 2775m (9,102 ft). We climb past a huge apple orchard and then descend to cross a bridge and arrive at the village of Bratang-a former Khampa settlement. At Bratang, we don’t cross the bridge but stay on the northern side of the river and follow the trail, blasted out of the side of the cliff. We cross to the south side of the river on a long suspension bridge and get the first view of the dramatic Paungda Dada rock face. We will also enjoy the views of Annapurna II to the south and Pisang Peak to the north-east. The trail climbs over a ridge marked with cairns and prayer flags and continues up to Pisang Village with cluster of houses, mani walls and lodges. If we are on a camping trek, we will climb 100 m further up to the village. Overnight in guesthouse.
Day 07 Trekking from Pisang to Manang: (4-5 hours, altitude (3,500m/11,482ft).
Today we continue through the drier upper part of the Manang district, cut off from the full effect of the monsoon by the Annapurna Range. People of this region herd the yaks and raise crops for part of the year. They also continue to enjoy special trading rights gained way back in 1784. Leaving Pisang, we have alternate trails north and south of the Marsyangdi River which meets up again at Mungji. The southern route by Hongde, with its airstrip, at 3325m (10,906 ft) which involves less climbing than the northern route via Ghyaru, though there are better views on the trail that follows the northern bank of the river. From Mungji, the trail continues past the picturesque but partially hidden village of Bryanga at 3475m (11,398 ft.) to nearby Manang at 3540m (11,611 ft). Overnight at Guesthouse.
Day 08 Acclimatization at Manang.
Rest day for acclimatization. Enjoy the fascinating village and immerse yourself in its wonderful culture. There are many opportunities for both easy and strenuous day. Explore with spectacular side trips to Bhojo Gompa or Gangapurna Lake and Glacier. Overnight in Manang (3,500m/11,482ft).
Day 09 Trekking from Manang to Yak Kharka (3-4 hours, 4,110m/13,484ft).
Today, we have relatively shorter day. From Manang Village, the trail crosses a stream, climbs 120m above to Tengi and then continues to climb out of the Marshaungdi Valley, turning north-west up the valley of the Jarsang Khola, steadily gaining altitude. We pass the small village of Gunsang with Tibetan style houses, and then go through meadows and sparse forests of juniper, rose and barberry. We cross a large stream and pass an ancient mani wall in a pleasant meadow. The next village is Yak Kharka, also known as Koche. We overnight in Yak Kharka today.
Day 10 Trekking from Yak Kharka to Thorung Phedi ( 3-4 hours, 4,600m/15,092ft).
An hour from Yak Kharka is Letdar. From Letdar, the trail continues to climb along the eastern bank of Jarsang Khola, then descends and crosses the stream on a log bridge. The path then follows a narrow trail across a high scree slope and descends to Thorung Phedi where we camp or stay in a lodge today.
Day 11 Crossing of Thorung pass (5,416m/17,769ft, total trekking 7-8 hours)
We leave our camp or guesthouse just before the day break, around 4 to 5 am !! Immediately after leaving camp, the trail becomes steep, switchbacking up moraines and following rocky ridges as it continues up the pass. The pass is challenging due to its elevation and it can be dangerous when it snows. Normally, it snows up there from late December and during January.
The trail climbs and climbs, traversing in and out of many canyons formed by interminable moraines. It can take from 4 to 6 hours from Thorung Phedi to the top of the pass. The pass at 5416 m (17,764 ft) is marked with cairns and prayer flags. The view from the trails and from the pass itself, are just stunning! We can see the “Great Barrier” of high mountains that seperates Tibet like region of Manang with rest of Nepal and we will also enjoy the Annpurnas, Gangapurna and Yak Gawa to the south, the barren Kali Gandaki Valley far below to the west; and the Thorungtse peak to the north. From the pass, we have a steep descent with loss of more than 1600m (5,248 ft) and then eventually the trail yields to a grassy slope and final descent to Muktinath is a pleasant walk along the upper part of Jhong Khola Valley. An early start is important to begin a long day`s trek over the pass. Crossing this famous Throng La pass will be an unforgettable experience. The views from the trail and from the pass itself are outstanding high Himalayan scenes .Overnight in Muktinath (3,800/12,467ft).
Day 12 Trekking from Muktinath to Marpha ( 4-5 hours, 2,670m/8,760ft).
Muktinath is an important pilgrimage place for both Hindus and Buddhists. Morning visit Vishnu Temple and Gompa. The trail today is quite surreal as you trek along a plateau above the Kali Gandaki world`s deepest gorge. The barren landscape of this area resembles Tibet. Overnight in Marpha
Day 13 Trekking from Marpha to Ghasa (6-7 hours 2,120m/6,955ft)
We continue to descend through the Kali Gandaki Valley to Marpha. Marpha is home to many apple orchards as well as all the various food products made from the fruit. Apple Brandy is a local specialty that you might want to try en route. Overnight at Guesthouse.
Day 14 Trekking from Ghsas to Tatopani (6-7 hours, 1,200m/3937ft).
The trail emerges back into subtropical forests, lush with vegetation. We will see more villages in this area; we enjoy observing the everyday life of the local village people. Take an easy day and relax with a bath in the hot spring. Overnight guest house in Tatopani.
Day 15 Trekking Tatopani to Ghorepani (6-7 hours, 2,850m/9,350ft).
This is another tough day with the climb up to Ghorepani. It's steep and there isn't much in the way of places to stop for tea. But the reward is Poon Hill in Ghorepani. Many people do short treks coming from the opposite direction to see the view from the top of the hills. It's one of the best sunrise views on the circuit and is worth the pre-dawn hike to take in the entire Himalayan chain, especially Dhaulagiri and Manaslu.
Day 16 Trekking from Ghorepani to Tadapani (6-7 hours, 2,710m/8,891ft)
Early morning ascend Poon Hill (3,210m. /10,531ft); from where we will see a spectacular sunrise over the whole Himalayan range and surrounding rice terraces (a photographer`s paradise!). After breakfast, we will continue the trek to Tadapani for overnight. From the trail, we will see panoramic views of Dhaulagiri and Annapurna range. Overnight guesthouse.
Day 17 Trekking from Tadapani to Nayapul via Ghandruk Village and drive to Pokhara (5-6 hours, 850m/2,789ft).
The trail leads all the way down through the Rhododendron forest to Ghandruk. This is the second-largest Gurung settlement in Nepal. After lunch, we will continue our trek to Nayapul to complete the trail. Followed by a ride back to Pokhara, a peaceful lakeside city harboring a unique setting of tropical climate and vegetation with the dramatic backdrop of the Himalayas. Service ends.
Day 18 Trek concludes.
Extend your trip to Chitwan National Park (2-3 days) or drive back to Kathmandu
Trip Info
Cost Includes
Trekking permits
Transportation to trail head and return
Lodge or camping accommodation
3 meals a day in the lodge or prepared by our cook
English speaking licensed Trekking Guide
One porter for every two trekker
All camping and kitchen gears and support of crews if you are taking a camping trek.
Cost Does Not Include
Drinks, tip and other expenses of personal nature
Extra expenses caused due to nature and unforeseen events
Travel Insurance
Accommodation in Kathmandu and Pokhara
Extra expenses caused due to nature and unforeseen events such as illness, accident, inclement weather, flight cancellation, road blockade, civil unrest etc.
A strenuous graded trekking
The Annapurna Circuit Trek demands in average 7 hours of daily walking. Crossing of Thorung La and down to Muktinath and Tatopani and ascent to Ghorepani are slightly longer days. Crossing of Thorung pass (5416m/17769ft) is the biggest challenge of this trip due to its high elevation as well as chances of snow condition. We have to start climb early in the morning, before the day breaks. It usually snows up here in late December and January and so we do not want to attempt the pass during this period. Snow also can block the pass at any time of the year if there is any storm. When there is a deep new snow, the crossing of the pass becomes difficult and often impossible.
Trekkers should be physically fit and well acclimatized to attempt the pass. We should start some power exercises like jogging or running for several months ahead of the trip. Trekkers also need positive attitude and a strong will power; previous trekking and hiking experience would be an advantage.
As the trek involves high altitude, trekkers might experience mild symptoms of altitude sickness but with prior preparation and proper acclimatization, the chances of getting sick can be minimized. Headache, disorientation, dizziness, breathlessness are the common symptoms of altitude sickness that you are likely to experience at the altitude 3000m/9840ft and above. Highland Asia itineraries are carefully designed and tested by our experienced guides and so they allow you proper acclimatization.
You are recommended to begin preparation several weeks ahead of the trip. We advise you to do some jogging, cycling, swimming or aerobics that helps build stamina in your body as well as increases your confidence level and of course minimizes the chances of getting acute mountain sickness. We have to avoid dehydrating and so we advise you to consume 3-4 litres of water daily and also liquid food in meals. Not sure if it has any medical grounds, but our Sherpa guides recommends garlic soup to treat the effects of the altitude.
Camping or lodge accommodation?
Its up to you to decide whether you would like a tented camping trip or sleep in local lodges, popularly known as “Tea Houses”. While camping allows you to enjoy trekking in true sense, it’s also a costly arrangement as a good number of support staff (Guide, Cook, Cook Helpers, Sherpa and Porters) has to be hired and we have to bring camping and kitchen gears and food supplies and fuels, being transported all the way from Kathmandu all along. We try to use local produces as far as possible, though.
Using lodge accommodation available along the trekking route makes the trip relatively easier and cheaper. You will sleep in the local lodges and eat your meals in the dining hall of those lodges. The lodges or guesthouses are primitive and are provided with dorm style rooms with futon or foam mattress and quilt or blankets. You will you use sharing squat toilet. Hot shower, if exists in the lodge is a luxury and is not included in the room rent. The guesthouses are managed by families. Staying in guesthouses gives opportunity to know the locals and fellow international trekkers like you.
Meals during trekking.
Our trekking cost includes standard breakfast, lunch and three course dinners, followed by tea or coffee. Meals are cooked by the family of the lodge owner. Although the food is usually plentiful and delicious, you should be aware that the menu is not normally extensive. Most teahouses offer a variety of rice and noodle dishes, as well as soup and seasonal vegetables. A variety of cereals, bread and egg dishes are generally available for breakfast. There will also be plenty of snacks available such as biscuits, chocolate and soft drinks (extra cost) and in some areas you will find fresh fruit in season. You can buy packaged water (bottled mineral water) from local lodge and shop en route or you can also ask your guide to fill up your water bottle with boiled water and treat with water purification pills. Some lodges charge extra for filling up bottle for the cost of boiling the water.
If you are on a camping trip, you will have your own cook with kitchen aides to cook 3 hot meals for you daily. Kitchen staff maintains high level of hygiene and are trained to cook western foods as well as local delicacies. Water that we use for cooking and washing are properly medicated.
Besides, you are advised to bring some extra food supplements that includes energy bars, vitamins etc.
Guide and support staff.
You will have local English speaking certified Guide, accompanying you as from Kathmandu. All Highland Asia Guides are trained by KEEP (Kathmandu Environmental Education Project) on first aid, environment, conservation and biodiversity. As required by law, all our trekking guides are licensed by Tourism Department’s academy. Most importantly, they are professional, helpful and always willing to provide you with personalized care and services.
Your guide escorts you along the trail, selects the lodge for accommodation and help you choosing your meal and deals with local bureaucracy whenever required. As you pay all trekking charges in advance, the guide will take care of the bills. We provide one porter for each two trekkers and he carries 25 kilograms. Porters are locally hired at the village where your trek begins from, if not hired from Kathmandu. The guide and porters will have good clothing and boots to survive the harsh weather of the mountains.
If you are on a camping trek, there will be a cook and kitchen aides to prepare your meals and a Sherpa Sirdar to set up and breakdown your camps. A number of porters or pack animals will be hired to transport the gears and supplies from trail head till the finish point. For your personal gears and clothing, we will provide one porter for each two trekkers with limitation of 15 kg/33 pounds of pack per porter, in compliance with the standards set by International Porters Progress Group (http://ippg.net/) and we strongly stand on porters rights and discourage any forms of exploitation.
A typical trekking day
Each morning after packing our bags and having a good breakfast, we set off on the day's walk. All we need to carry is a small day pack containing water bottle, camera, sun cream, hat, rain jacket and warm jumper, just in case. The porters will carry the rest of our gear for us.
After walking for 3-4 hours we stop for lunch at around midday. The afternoon's walk is generally shorter and we usually arrive at our destination in time for afternoon tea. The remainder of the afternoon can be spent exploring the village, doing a bit of washing or simply relaxing with a good book. On some days we will arrive at our destination by lunchtime and the entire afternoon will be free.
After dinner, the evening will often be spent playing cards and reliving the day's adventures, before heading off to bed for a well-earned sleep.
Hotels in Kathmandu, pre-trip and post trip ad ons
We can book accommodation for you in Kathmandu and also prior heading to trail head, you can spend a few days in Kathmandu, touring the temples, monasteries, Malla Palaces etc. After the trip completes, you can extend your trip to Chitwan National Park for 3 days and Pokhara 2 days.
Note on Itinerary
Although we will do our very best to adhere to the itinerary schedule as listed; it is subject to change for numerous reasons beyond our control.
Booking and Cancellation
When you are sure you are traveling, please don't delay in booking. The internal flights are the key factor in determining whether your trip can be realized or not. A deposit of US$200 is requested along with complete trip application form and passport copies.Balance payment is due 60 days prior to your departure. Depending on the number of applicants, we may set an early payment date. Credit card payment attracts additional fee.
Cancellation fee
• 90 days prior departure: Administrative fee US$ 50 per person.
• 60-89 day's prior departure: US$ 250 or 25% of the land cost whichever is higher.
• 45 days to 59 days prior departure: US$ 450 or 50% of the land cost whichever is higher. 30 days to 44 days prior departure: US$ 600 or 75% of the land cost whichever is higher.
• Less than 30 days: 100%
Nepal Visa
You can obtain Nepal visa beforehand from any Nepali embassies or consulates abroad or wait until you arrive at Kathmandu airport or any other port of entry to Nepal. You will need to complete visa application form and attach a passport size photograph. Visa fee costs US$ 25 for 15 days and $45 for 30 days multiple entry.
Highland Asia Travel
We are an active adventure travel company, based in Minneapolis, USA with destination management offices in Kathmandu, Thimphu and Lhasa. We are BBB acredited business and an active member of American Society of Travel Agents (ASTA). We have set the standard for adventure travel and have a strong reputation for excellence that we do everything we can to maintain. Our managers and guides have more than 15 years of experience in organizing and leading adventure trips in the highlands of Asia. For us travel is not just a business, but a way of life.
Travel Protection Plan
While we plan and do our best to make your trip smooth and seamless, there may be chances of unforeseen events and conditions such as illness, accident, inclement weather, and flight cancellation or missed connection or loss of baggage etc. that may cause interruption or delay or total cancellation of your trip putting your hard earned travel investment in jeopardy. It’s also possible that you may need medical assistance, emergency evacuation or medical transportation when you get ill or involve in an accident when you are traveling in remote areas. Highland Asia’s Tour cost does not cover any of these expenses or losses and so we strongly recommend you that you should protect yourself and your travel investment against those unfavorable conditions.
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Trip Snapshot
- Difficulty Level
Hard: This is hard trip ! - RatingPopular
- Destination(s)Nepal
- Highest Altitude5,416 m (17,764 ft) at Thorung-la pass
- Group Size2-10 Person
- Trip Price
Lodge to Lodge
US$ 1699 (2-3 pax)
US$ 1545 (4-5 pax)
US$ 1460 (6-9 pax)
Camping Trek
US$ 2210 per person (2-3 pax)
US$ 2125 per person (4-5 pax)
US$ 1970 per person (6-9 pax) - Trip Start FromBesisahar
- Trip Ends atPokhara
- AccommodationLodge or camping
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Tel: 1 612 605 4428
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