Nepal

Annapurna Circuit Trek

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Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Best Season: All Year Round

Max Altitude: 4,130 m

Group Size: Min 2 Pax

Transport: Flight KTM-Pokhara-KTM

Trip Grade

Difficulty

difficult

Duration:
14 Days

Trip Overview

The Annapurna Region is the most popular and highly diverse trekking region in Nepal. Annapurna circuit trek route takes you around the whole Annapurna massifs along with crossing the highest pass at Thorung La (5,416 m), strolling through the Kaligandaki gorge, deepest gorge of the world, witness the sunrise from Poonhill over the Himalayas, and a major pilgrimage site Muktinath temple.

The trek is not too demanding, suitable for everyone, and is fun that stretches to the historic Mustang district. Rather than the other remote trekking area of Nepal, you can spend nights in convenient lodges where food is good and fresh here.

We get the chance to learn about the Tibetan way of life, which is prevalent in the Mustang valleys. We also have a modest chance of witnessing a snow leopard as well as blue sheep in Yak Kharka.

Due to the construction of roads, the western part of the trek route is accessible to vehicles. Over the years, it has changed the typical nature of this trek. It is still a beautiful trek which can be accomplished in a distinct way. It can be a customised short 9-day trek to a maximum of a month-long journey. 

After a picturesque drive from Kathmandu, the trek to Annapurna Circuit begins in Bhulbhule and follows the Marsyangdi River valley to Jagat, Dharapani, Chame, and Pisang.

We walk to Manang, where we will rest and acclimate before climbing the Thorung La pass. We proceed on the trail from Manang to Yak Kharka. We climb up to Thorong Phedi the next day. Also, between Thorong Phedi and Thorong La Pass (5,416 m/17,769 ft). We descend to Muktinath after traveling across the Thorong La pass, which is a sacred Hindu and Buddhist pilgrimage site.

We then drive from Muktinath to Tatopani and spend the night there. The next day, we drive to Ghorepani, Poon Hill and Berithanti before returning to Kathmandu via Pokhara.

This Annapurna circuit trip is for trekkers who want to go on a more challenging tour in Nepal's Himalayas and see the Annapurna circuit's diverse scenery, topography, and climate zones. The ideal seasons to trek the Annapurna Circuit are in the spring and fall season. It's only in the winter that there are problems, as the Thorung La pass is frequently closed due to heavy snowfall.

Teahouses are provided throughout the Annapurna Circuit, as like other Nepalese treks and all meals, snacks, and water can easily be purchased along the way.

Itinerary

Day 1: Kathmandu Arrival and – Bhulbhule

Our first day of the Annapurna Circuit Trek begins early in the morning with a local bus ride to Bhulbhule. The path leads out of the valley along the beautiful Trishuli River to Pokhara, from there we travel north to Besisahar and Bhulbhule, both of which are located along the Marsyangdi River. We will be able to witness the wonderful scenery of villages, terrace fields and the snowy high peaks of Manaslu and Ganesh along the trip.

 

Day 2: Trek from Bhulbhule to Jagat

Along the running Marsyangdi river, the journey follows a beautiful track through beautiful forest and cultivated crops. We stop for a relaxing lunch break before continuing on to the quiet village of Jagat, a former trading post, passing through various small communities and fields.

Day 3: Trek From Jagat to Dharapani

We're going to walk along the Marsyangdi River today. We enter the Manang region in the village of Tal after a steep hike, where we can view multiple waterfalls forming a river along the sandy beaches. We will travel down a trail that passes through rice, potato fields and barely as well as the settlement of Kodo. After crossing a suspension bridge and climbing up stone Kani, we will reach Dharapani. 

Day 4: Trek from Dharapani – Chame

Today we will travel down the Marsyangdi river through a forest of oak, pine, fir and maple trees to Chame. It is the district headquarters of Manang district. We'll be surrounded by greenery on all sides, with spectacular views of Annapurna II, Lamjung Himal and Annapurna IV (7,525 m). 

Day 5: Trek From Chame – Pisang

We will trek down a narrow and steep valley to get our first glimpse of Paungda Danda rock face. It is a curved rock face standing 1500 meters above the river and considered sacred by the locals. We can also see Annapurna 2 in the south and Pisang Peak in the northeast from here. We next make our way down to the Manang Valley's level to reach Pisang.

Day 6: From Pisang to Manang

Today, we will trek on the higher trail via upper Pisang through Geru. We will choose this trail because it provides spectacular views of Annapurna II, III, IV, Tilicho, Gangapurna and Pisang Peak.

The route passes through Tibetan settlements and we will have the opportunity to learn about Buddhist culture during a brief visit to Manang's main monastery, Barge Monastery. The trail is lined with Buddhist shrines as we pass through additional monasteries and arrive in Manang. It is a major village with a thriving bazaar that attracts travelers.

Day 7: Acclimatization Day

We spent this day exploring Manang, hiking up to Gangapurna Lake and Base Camp in the early morning. We will spend the day admiring Annapurna III, Tilicho, Pisang, and Chulu Peaks. We will also wander through Manang Village and Monasteries. In the afternoon, we will go to the Himalayan Rescue Association in Vraja village, to learn about acute Mountain Sickness, symptoms and its treatment.

Day 8: Trek From Manang to Yak Kharka

We'll cross a river and reach up to Tenki village from Manang. We will then head northwest up Jar Sang Khola valley to exit Marshyangdi valley. Following the path, we'll pass through Gunsan, a village with flat mud roofs and then pass-through grasslands with horses and yaks.   We will make our way up the gorgeous valley to an open, peaceful spot called as Yak Kharka after crossing a river on a wooden bridge.

Day 9: Trek from Yak Kharka to Thorong Phedi

Today we will travel to Throng Phedi, which is located at the foot of the Thorong La pass. We walk to the top of a ridge, then descend down to a wooden bridge that spans the Marsyangdi River. Following a small track across a slope, we drop to Thorung Phedi after ascending the mountain way. The barren and rocky landscape seems bizarre than the path we went through on the way up during the first stage.

Day 10: Trek from Thorong Phedi to Muktinath

Today is the most difficult day of the trek, as we cross Thorong La pass, one of the world's highest passes and the expedition's highest point. We'll have to struggle through the freezing air and high elevation, but the view from the pass will be worth the effort.

We will then descend all the way down to Muktinath, a Hindu and Buddhist pilgrimage site. Chumig Gyatsa is the Buddhist term for it, which in Tibetan is "Hundred Waters".

Day 11: From Muktinath to Tatopani

We pay a visit to Muktinath Temple before continuing our journey to Tatopani in a local bus. It'll be a difficult journey through the world's deepest gorges. We'll travel from the dry highlands to the beautiful green jungles. Tatopani is known for its natural hot springs.  It is a spot where we will relax and soak ourself in hot water. 

Day 12: Trek from Tatopani to Ghorepani

We will make our way to Ghorepani through the villages of Sikha and Chitre, which are ethnic thakali settlements. We will pass across a terraced field surrounded by mountains. Then we'll drive through beautiful forests of rhododendron, magnoli and birch.  We will stop at Ghorepani today which is a lovely village perched on a hilltop.

Day 13: Trek from Ghorepani – Poonhill – Pokhara

Today is our last day on the trek. Early in the morning, we will climb to Poon Hill (3210m) for a dawn sight of the Annapurna, Dhaulagiri massif including Mt Machhapuchhre and adjacent rice terraces. It is a Photographers favorite location.  We will then return to our Ghorepani resort for breakfast after viewing Poonhill, then walk down to Birethanti and drive to Pokhara, where we will spend the night.

Day 14: Drive from Pokhara to Kathmandu

We take a tourist bus back to Kathmandu after breakfast. It's a 200-kilometer journey that begins with the Marsyangdi River and ends with the Trishuli River.

Cost Includes

  • Pick-up and drop service by a private vehicle
  • Twin sharing accommodation with breakfast in a star category hotel in Kathmandu and Pokhara
  • Kathmandu-Besisahar by private vehicle
  • Pokhara-Kathmandu transportation by tourists bus/flight
  • Other ground transportation to and from trekking destination
  • Necessary documents and permits including ACAP Permit and TIMS card
  • Experienced English-speaking trekking guide, assistant guide and porters and the expenses for their flights, food, accommodation, insurance, salary, equipment and so on
  • Breakfast, lunch and dinner during the trek(with tea and coffee)
  • First aid Medical kit
  • Sightseeing in Kathmandu
  • All government and local taxes (including 13% VAT and 10 % service charge)
  • Transportation on private vehicle as agreed on the itinerary

Cost Excludes

  • Your Nepal entry visa fee
  • All kinds of beverages (soft/hard)
  • Travel insurance and emergency evacuation expenses
  • Extra baggage charges in domestic flights­­­­­­­­­­­­ 
  • All entrance fees during KTM sightseeing
  • Additional days accommodation expenses 
  • All personal expenses 
  • Tips for guides and porters

Accommodation

 Firante Treks and Expedition Manages for best and comfortable accommodation and also provides you hygienic food. Standard (3 Star) are booked in the cities such as Kathmandu and Pokhara, whereas a tyical trek lodge will be booked on remote areas. 

Luxurious rooms from 5 Star hotels are also made avaiable on demand in the cities on additional cost but remote regionss dont have such facilities.

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