Annapurna Circuit

 

  • Duration: 15Days
  •   Activities: Trekking
  •   Country: Nepal
  •   Trip Grade: STRENUOUS
  •  Attitude:5416m
  •  Group size: 2-10 People
  •  Best Season: Sep – Nov

Overview

Annapurna Circle Trek is one of the most popular classic treks in the world that takes us from 860m to 5,416m through the deep valleys and high mountains encircling the giant Annapurna Himal. The most enchanting trek further provides us a chance to congregate with wide range of culturally rich ethnic groups and walk in a diverse terrain, from subtropical jungle to a high and dry landscape resembling the Tibetan plateau. While experiencing an opportunity to interact with assorted ethnic groups, it will be a walk by the world’s deepest Kali Gandaki gorge, an exciting triumph over one of the world’s highest pass -Thorong La (5,416m) the Manang valley, the spiritual Muktinath and the most fantastic and famous view point-Poon Hill. Upon the completion of this magical 17-day trek, we will find we have gone through the entire Annapurna massif and reached the Zenith. Since vehicles have started plying on some sections of the circle, we would cover some sections of the trip by available vehicle too.

We begin the Trek from a day brief sightseeing program at the downtown of Kathmandu. In the next day, we drive to Syange or Jagat (as per situation) from Kathmandu about 8 to 10 hours’ drive. The initial days of the trek involves walking through rice farms, forests and friendly ethnic villages in the lower realm of the Annapurna Conservation Area. Thorong La is the highest point of the trek from where we can marvel at the fabulous Mustang peak and the snow-clad bulk of Mt. Dhaulagiri (8,167m/26,795ft). While descending, we will have a chance to visit the Hindu pilgrimage site – Muktinath (3,800m) and wonder in amazement at the presence of 108 small waterfalls and mysterious natural gas fires. From Muktinath, we take nearly 6 to 8 hours’ drive to Tatopani, a famous place for natural hot springs – where we relax our tired body with a dip in one of them.

Outline Itinerary

  • DAY 01: Kathmandu (1300m)
  • DAY 02:  Kathmandu : Sightseeing and Trek Preparation
  • DAY 03:  Drive from Kathmandu to Bulbuley via Besisahar: 7 hours
  • DAY 04: Bulbuley – Jagat (1100m)  6-7 hours
  • DAY 05: Jagat – Dharapani (1,960m)   7-8 hours
  • DAY 06:  Dharapani-Chame (2,710m)   5-6 hours
  • DAY 07:  Chame- Pisang (3,300m)   5-6 hours
  • DAY 08:  Upper Pisang-Manang (3,500m)    6-7 hours
  • DAY 09:  Manang: Rest
  • DAY 10:  Manang-Yak Kharka (4,110m)    3-4 hours
  • DAY 11:  Yak Kharka – Thorong Phedi (4,600m)3-4 hours
  • DAY 12:  Thorong Phedi  to Thorong La (5416m) to  Muktinath (3,800)  7-8 hours
  • DAY 13:  Muktinath to Jomsom (2720m)  6-7 hours
  • DAY 14: Fly to Pokhara : 25 minutes flight
  • DAY 15: Pokhara
  • DAY 16:  Fly from Pokhara to Kathmandu
  • DAY 17:  Final Departure

DAY 01: Kathmandu (1300m)

Upon your arrival in the Kathmandu airport (KTM). After completing your custom formalities (Visa, etc) pick up your luggage and look for our representative with a company  display board at the arrival gate and you will be picked up by one of our representative or your trip leader.You will be then transferred to hotel.After check in, you can either take a rest, wander around in the city,it all depends upon your interests and condition. In the evening we will organize a “Welcome Dinner” at an excellent traditional Nepalese Restaurant where you will enjoy a Nepalese cultural program followed by a set Nepali dish(Dal Bhat) for dinner.

DAY 02:  Kathmandu : Sightseeing and Trek Preparation

Today after breakfast your trek leader will introduce you to rest of the members of the group and brief you about the trek . After the group briefing, you will be taken for a guided sightseeing tour to two of the most historical and spiritual attractions in Kathmandu. Both of these landmarks are considered World Heritage Sites; including the sacred Hindu temple of Pashupatinath and the famous Buddhists shrine (Bouddhanath) which is one of the largest Stupas in the world. After lunch you have an opportunity to prepare yourself for the entire trip and next day’s drive to Jagat.

DAY 03:  Drive from Kathmandu to Bulbuley via Besisahar: 7 hours

After breakfast we catch a private bus for ourself and start our journey through an amazing landscape of west of Nepal enroute we see more of countryside of Nepal that offers greeneries, rivers, villages, farms and beautiful mountain sceneries. However, the condition of road is not equally fine in all portion of our drive today. The road to Besishahar is coal-tarred road, whereas after Besishahar the road is dusty and coarse though we can easily overlook it as we watch the outstanding sceneries through the windowpane..We will stop by for tea and toilet breaks along the way.We will also be stoping for lunch accordingly.After we reach Besisahar,it’s an option to catch a Jeep or walk for couple of hours to reach to our camp in Bulbule.Overnight in Bulbuley.

DAY 04: Bulbuley – Jagat (1100m)  6-7 hours

Upon our breakfast, we start to walk gently for an hour by the river and then slowly start to climb up a bit to Bahundanda for lunch.After lunch we descend down and walk through different villeges and here we are on and off the newly built road.Walking gently mostely on the road will get us to Jagat.Overnight in Jagat.

DAY 05: Jagat – Dharapani (1,960m)   7-8 hours

Upon our breakfast, we begin our jouney today relaxly. We enter Manang district after crossing a large bridge near Tal. Our upcoming trail continuously traverses us  through barley, rice, potato fields, and along with the village of Kodo till to Dharapani. Dharapani is one of the big villages in the Manang valley. Overnight at Dharapani.

 

DAY 06:  Dharapani-Chame (2,710m)   5-6 hours

 

Today we negotiate a few steep forested ridges along with several landslides on route on the west. We should not 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 hard trek. Overnight at Chame.

DAY 07:  Chame- Pisang (3,300m)   5-6 hours

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

DAY 08:  Upper Pisang-Manang (3,500m)    6-7 hours

Today, we will have disjunctures of two routes that we follow. If taken upper route (Himalayan Glacier recommends), i.e., the route through Upper Pisang via Geru, we will have outstanding sceneries. We feel like we are horizontally in front of the majestic peaks. The panoramic views of the mountain peaks, such as Annapurna, Pisang peak, and several others will definitely allure us. We experience a contrast with the landscape and vegetation from today. On the way, the cold and dry climate creates a much harsher environment. Our short visit to Barge monastery, the largest in the entire district of Manang will be memorable. Overnight at Manang.

DAY 09:  Manang: Rest

Today is the scheduled acclimatization day. It is not recommended to stay idle but a short walk to higher altitude is suggested to get acclimatized with the altitude. The upcoming next two days will be very challenging and tiring trek for us with rapid gain in altitude. We should never be confident with the altitude and always be cautious. Bhojo Gompa or Gangapurna Lake is worth visiting sites from acclimatization point of view. Further, we pay an easy excursion to a little distance away to a village called Vraga, upon wherre we will be at a village’s monastery. At this site, we also visit at the Himalayan Rescue Association where we can get some ideas about Mountain Sickness. Overnight at Manang.

DAY 10:  Manang-Yak Kharka (4,110m)    3-4 hours

From Manang village, the trail crosses a stream, climbs to a village of Tenki above Manang, and then continues to climb out of the Marshyangdi Valley turning northwest up the valley of Jarsang Khola. The trail follows this valley northward, passing a few pastures, a scrub of juniper trees, as it steadily gains elevation. The trail further passes near the small village of Ghunsa, a cluster of flat mud roofs just below the trailhead. Now the trail goes through meadows where horses and yaks graze. After crossing a small river on a wooden bridge, the trail passes an ancient old Mani wall in a pleasant meadow and then reaches another small village of Yak Kharka. Little but Gradual ascent is the key to avoiding altitude problems. Overnight at Yak Karka.

DAY 11:  Yak Kharka – Thorong Phedi (4,600m)3-4 hours

We make our way to the foot of the pass, Throng Phedi today. Thorong Phedi is a small busy settlement catering to the needs of tired trekkers and climbers. Trekkers like us use this point as a base camp. Some visitors also attempt a hike to the High Camp today so that the next day can be easier for them. But,your team leader does not advise for this. Although we will have a tough day tomorrow, we stop at Thorong Phedi so that we can sleep sound rather than a risky sleep in higher altitude at High Camp. Overnight at Thorong Phedi.

DAY 12:  Thorong Phedi  to Thorong La (5416m) to  Muktinath (3,800)  7-8 hours

We reach the climax of our Annapurna circle trek today. It will be a lifetime unforgettable experience- crossing the famous high pass, Thorong La (5416m/17764ft). An early start is important to complete the mission. Each moment we have to work hard today through the icy high-altitude trail. But the outstanding high Himalayan scenes are such tempting that our eyes love to watch more over the horizon than on our trail. Upon setting sun we will be at Muktinath. Muktinath is an important pilgrimage site for both Hindus and Buddhist. The area hosts a Vishnu temple and a Monastery nearby. Muktinath itself demonstrates the religions harmony in Nepal. Overnight at Muktinath.

DAY 13:  Muktinath to Jomsom (2720m)  6-7 hours

Muktinath is an important pilgrimage for both Hindus and Buddhists. In the morning, we pay our visit to Vishnu Temple and Gompa. Descending from Ranipauwa village down the steep and barren hillside, we tumble down toward Kagbeni and stop there for lunch.After lunch it’s a gentle walk to Jomsom or given an option you can drive to Jomson.And overnight in Jomsom.

DAY 14: Fly to Pokhara : 25 minutes flight

After breakfast we take a flight to Pokhara.After getting there to Pokhara you can relax for the rest of the day.If you still have some energy then some activities such as canoing,zeepline,paragliding could be an option to do.Also it’s a great place to buy souvenir for your friends and family back home.

DAY 15:Pokhara

Today is a day to explore Pokhara and have a good rest trying different varieties of food in different restaurant and many shopping oppertunities around the lakeside shops.You can also do many outdoor activities like paragliding,Jeepline,boating in the lake,short hike etc

DAY 16:  Fly from Pokhara to Kathmandu

We fly to Kathmandu in the morning.The left side of the airplane offers some amazing views of the Himalayas. Upon arrival in Kathmandu, we will be escorted to our hotel. We enjoy the day leisurely or catch up on some last minute shopping or explore any landmarks we missed during our first day in Kathmandu. In the evening, we will attend a celebration dinner together. Overnight in Kathmandu.

DAY 17:  Final Departure

The journey within the mountains of Nepal comes to an end today!If you have more time then you can do some shopping or just wander around thamel and relax before your flight. At last approximately 3 hours before our scheduled flight, your leader will escorts you to the airport.

 

Your Cordial Travel Adviser