Annapurna Circuit
OVERVIEW
We feel proud to introduce you to one of the major fascinating trekking routes of Nepal Annapurna. Annapurna Circuit Trek is located in the western part of Nepal. The Annapurna Circuit trek has been considered one of the world’s greatest treks. Like all great journeys, the trek reveals itself gradually climbing through subtropical scenery to a Tibetan-influenced valley and over the High Thorong La to the Kaligandaki valley, a desert-like Trans-Himalayan region that was once a vital trade corridor to Tibet. The side trips that line the circuit rank among Nepal’s most spectacular, so this one of the treks is not too rush.
The mountain views are flawless the variety of scenery is hard to match and the villages and monasteries you pass offer an exotic slice of Nepali, Tibetan, and Trans-Himalayan culture. It will offer such massive waterfalls and excellent meals and accommodation whenever you need it. If you have enough time Annapurna circuit trek offers to combine various sorts of trekking routes such as Nar Phu, Annapurna Circuit Trek with Tilicho Lake, Mesokanto La 5120m, Thorong La 5416m, Short Annapurna Base Camp Trek, Ghorepani, Annapurna Base Camp, etc. which you never get such an opportunity in another trek. You will have another great chance to explore the deepest gorge of the world Dana Gorge comparing two eight thousand peaks Dhaulagiri(8167m) and Annapurna first(8091m).
COUNTRY
Nepal
DURATION
16 Days
DIFFICULTY LEVEL
Strenuous
ACTIVITY
Trekking/Hiking
GUIDE
English Speaking, Trained
PRICE
US$ 2000
TRIP HIGHLIGHTS
- Endless waterfalls and glorious scenery
- Walking amidst majestic Himalayan peaks such as Gangapurna, Glacier dome, Tilicho, and Dhaulagiri
- Braga monastery
- Kagbeni monastery
- The scenic setting of Manang
- Reaching the pinnacle of Thorong La 5416 meters
- Diverse cultural experiences
- One of the most famous Hindu shrines, Muktinath
ITINERARY
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DAY 1 | Welcome at the Tribhuwan International Airport Kathmandu and transfer to Hotel.
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DAY 2 | Free day for trekking preparation.
Prepare for trekking and spend a day the way you prefer. -
DAY 3 | Drive from Kathmandu to Bhulbhule 6-7 hrs/191km.
Transfer from your hotel to the New Bus Park, then drive to Bhulbhule, which may take 7-8 hours along Nepal’s famed Trishuli and Marsyangdi rafting rivers. Overnight in Bhulbhule, 840 meters by bus.
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DAY 4 | Bhulbhule to Jagat 6 hrs/21km.
After breakfast, the trail leads out through Bahundanda towards Ghermuphant, offering fine scenery and views of numerous waterfalls, forests, and crop fields as the trail follows the course of the Marsyangdi River. -
DAY 5 | Jagat to Dharapani 6 hrs/16km.
More waterfalls await as the trail leads over ever-suspenseful suspension bridges toward the picturesque village of Tal (meaning lake) and continues to Dharapani along further stone steps. -
DAY 6 | Dharapani to Chame 5 hrs/15km.
The day begins with a continuation of the trail as it follows the Marsyangdi River through additional forests, with views of Manaslu and the Annapurnas becoming clearer during the ascent. A brief pause at the village of Timang gives a perfect opportunity to further bathe in the scenery before the trek starts again towards Chame and a welcome rest after climbing over 700 meters in the day. -
DAY 7 | Chame to Upper Pisang 5 hrs/14km.
Two routes are available at this point, though the trail to Upper Pisang is easily the most rewarding as it offers some of the best views across the Marsyangdi valley towards the looming Annapurna massif. The village itself is scenically perfect in its setting and provides unique insights into the traditional lives of the valley’s inhabitants. -
DAY 8 | Upper Pisang to Manang 6-7 hrs/16km.
The path leads on again through Gheru and Nagwal, each showcasing contrasting building styles from the upper valley. Further along the trail the old village of Braga offers up a perfectly situated monastery to pause and reflect on, after which the path heads toward Manang.
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DAY 9 | Manang - Acclimatization day.
A rest day, the main purpose of which is to allow the body to acclimate to the increase in altitude. Several possibilities are available, including hiking in the nearby hills to help the acclimation process or simply just relaxing in the town and taking in the magnificent views.
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DAY 10 | Manang to Yak Kharka 3-4 hrs/10km.
Leaving behind the pine and fir forests from the lower slopes, the trail leads on through Old Manang into the pure alpine regions of the upper valley. The trek is a shorter one by necessity because of the altitude gain, and the day’s hike concludes with a pleasant hike to Yak Kharka.
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DAY 11 | Yak kharka to Thorong Phedi 3-4 hrs/7km.
Another short day of hiking through the mountain wilderness thanks to the need to acclimate to the higher altitudes. By midday, the trail leads into Thorong Phedi, the penultimate destination before reaching the trek’s apex at Thorong La.
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DAY 12 | Thorong Phedi to Muktinath crossing over Thorong La (5416m/17769ft)7-8hrs/15km.
The grand finale of the steady climb through the valley, peaking at one of the Himalayas’ highest passes, Thorong La, after a pre-dawn departure from Thorong Phedi. It’s a day to celebrate a worthy achievement, not least for the effort taken to make the last final push to the pass and its myriad prayer flags fluttering in the mountain breeze. From there the trail descends steeply towards Muktinath and its glorious outlook towards Dhaulagiri. Muktinath is held to be sacred by both Buddhists and Hindus, who view the town and its temple as a pilgrimage site to be visited at least once in their lives.
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DAY 13 | Muktinath to Jomsom 5 hrs/18km.
The final leg of the trek via Kagbeni offers fine Himalayan scenery and glimpses of the restricted and highly secluded region of Upper Mustang. Kagbeni itself, situated in peaceful surroundings by the Kali Gandaki River, is also sacred to Hindus. The trail leads on by the river all the way to Jomsom, a sizeable town that serves as the central administrative and transport hub for the region.
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AY 14 | Jomsom to Pokhara by drive 9 hrs/154km.
The drive from Jomsom to Pokhara is a lengthy, if adventurous, journey, while the much shorter option of a direct flight is also an option. With enough time, a side trip to nearby Tatopani and its natural hot springs is also available and certainly worth considering for its recuperative effects on weary limbs.
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DAY 15 | Drive back to Kathmandu 7 hrs/205km.
Drive back to Kathmandu by tourist bus( 7 hrs)
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DAY 16 | Departure
INCLUDE
Cost Includes
- Complimentary airport pick-up and drop-off
- Complimentary welcome dinner
- Two-night stay on arrival in Kathmandu with breakfast included (on a twin-share basis)
- One-night stay in Pokhara with breakfast included (on a twin-share basis)
- All necessary trekking permits, such as the Annapurna Conservation Area Permit, and TIMS Card
- All accommodations during the trek
- Three meals a day during the trek
- A cup of tea or coffee each time with the meal
- Fresh fruit each day, if and when available
- First aid kit
- Return travel by bus between Kathmandu and Pokhara
- Kathmandu to Bhulbhule by bus
- Jomsom to Pokhara by bus
- Staff insurance, meals, accommodation, equipment, transportation, etc.
- Agency service charge and government tax (VAT)
- Certificate of achievement
Cost Excludes
- International airfare and Nepal visa fee
- Lunch and dinner in Kathmandu
- Porters to carry your backpacks (we provide porters on request)
- Personal insurance, personal expenses, loss of property, theft, etc.
- Sightseeing fees (temples, monasteries entrance fees, etc.)
- All beverages, snacks, and additional expenses such as laundry, hot showers, battery charging, wifi, etc.
- Tips for staff
FAQs
Accommodation at the Annapurna Circuit Trek
There are plenty of tea houses to choose from in the famous Annapurna region of Nepal, so there’s no need to carry camping or cooking supplies. The Annapurna routes are well-loved and well-traveled, meaning that tea houses ranging in quality have been established to meet the range of needs of travelers. At lower elevations and busier areas, you can choose more fully equipped tea houses with electricity, Wi-Fi, and ensuite bathrooms with hot showers and toilets. There are also more rustic, basic tea houses available, especially at higher elevations, that have simple rooms and basic services. Bathrooms might be shared and have a squat-style toilet. At these tea houses, you can pay a small fee for services such as Wi-Fi and hot showers.
Meals at the Annapurna Circuit Trek
Food in the Annapurna Region of Nepal is delicious and plentiful, with a range of options to suit your preferences. The menus at tea houses are usually quite large, especially considering you are trekking into the Himalayas, but it’s important to note that most tea houses offer similar food options. You can choose from a variety of local dishes, including Dal Bhat (rice, vegetable curry, and lentil soup with unlimited refills!), fried rice or noodles, Mo Mo (local dumplings), Thukpa (Tibetan noodle soup), spring rolls, or western dishes like burgers, pasta, pizza, and potatoes. For breakfast, you can enjoy local chapati bread or Tibetan bread with curry or go for more familiar eggs, porridge, muesli, or pancakes. This trek is vegetarian and vegan-friendly, but if you have any other dietary restrictions, you can let us know, and your guide will communicate with the kitchen staff.
Your package with us includes dinner in Kathmandu before you leave for your trek and three meals a day (with tea or coffee) every day of the trek, including travel days. If you’d like, you can purchase extra snacks, desserts, or fancy coffees when they’re available.
Transportation at the Annapurna Circuit Trek
All transportation fees and arrangements are included in your trekking package when you book with us.
Battery Charging
Despite trekking deep into the Himalayas, most of the tea houses have either electricity or solar power. Depending on the tea house, you might be able to charge your devices in your rooms. Otherwise, you can pay a few dollars (paid in local rupees) to charge your battery in the main dining hall. Carrying a power bank is recommended during your trek in the Annapurna region.
Telephone availability around the Annapurna Circuit
Nowadays, most villages have phone service and mobile reception, although it can be quite unpredictable. NCELL and Nepal Telecom are the two major SIM card providers. Nepal Telecom is recommended by NTE for better reception in the Annapurna region. You can purchase a SIM card in Kathmandu when you arrive.
Internet
Many tea houses have Wi-Fi to purchase for around 3-5 dollars per hour, which is paid in local Nepali rupees. Please be aware that internet services may not be completely reliable due to weather and other issues.
Porter
Our tailor-made packages do not include a porter, so you can make the decision based on your own needs and preferences. Although not necessary, having a porter can make a massive difference in the enjoyment of your trek. If you are new to trekking at high altitudes, then we would recommend having a porter in the Annapurna region carry your bag across the rugged terrain.
