Annapurna Circuit Trek – 15 Days
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Annapurna Circuit Trek – 15 Days

  • Duration15 Days
  • Trip DifficultyStrenuous
  • Best SeasonSpring / Autumn
  • Arrival CityKathmandu
  • Departure CityKathmandu
  • Altitude maximum5416m (Throng- La Pass)
  • TransportVehicle / Flight
  • AccomodationLodge
  • MealsFull Board

Overview

Annapurna Circuit Trek is one of most celebrated treks in the world which takes you into the heart of the high mountains of Nepal. This trek has only been possible since the mid 1980s when the Manang area was officially opened to foreigners. This is definitely a strenuous trek, starting from 2670m (Chame) and ascending to 5416m (Thorong-La Pass, the highest point of this trek). During the trek you will be able to enjoy: dramatic mountain scenery; alpine deserts; rice terraces, the Tibetan plateau; turbulent rivers with deep gorges; crystal clear lakes; waterfalls and a wide variety of vegetation. In addition, you will be able to observe different cultures and ways of life of people who live in this region, as well as different birds and animals. One of the highlights is our visit to the well-known Muktinath temple used by Hindus and Buddhists. Certainly the ‘peak’ experience will be ascending to the Thorong-La pass where the views are superb. This could be one of the highest elevations you would attain during your traveling life – you will feel on top of the world!

This classic circular trek is a reasonable proposition for a first time visit to Nepal, completing an epic journey through a wide variety of terrains of the Himalaya.

You don’t need any previous mountaineering training or technical experience for this trek as the terrain is not very difficult. However, some vigorous hiking experience and good physical condition is very useful.

Detailed Itinerary

You will be transferred to the hotel by one of our representatives. Welcome dinner at one of the traditional Nepali restaurants in Kathmandu.
Overnight: Hotel
Elevation: 1334m

Start our tour visiting Swoyambunath, a magnificent Buddhist stupa located on a high hill which is just 10 minutes drive from Thamel followed by a visit of Patan, a true open air museum with its pagodas, temples, and monasteries.
Overnight: Hotel
Elevation: 1334m.

The Annapurna Circuit trek begins with a road journey from Kathmandu to Besisahar which takes about 5 hours followed by rough road drive to Chame for about another 6 hours. The drive from Kathmandu to Besisahar is relatively smooth; then we leave our car in Besisahar and hop onto a local jeep for a rough drive on a recently built dirt / rough road which takes us to Chame.
Overnight: Lodge
Driving Time: 5 + 6 hours
Difference in Elevation: + 1336 m.

Today’s trek is a bit shorter so we get plenty of time to enjoy wonderful scenery as we cross the northern side of the river and trek west on the very easy trail to the Bhratang Village (2840m). From here the valley is steep and narrow leading through dense forest until we cross a suspension bridge which leads to gradual uphill through pine forest to our lunch spot, Dhukkur pokhari. Then continue our trek on an easy track to Pisang. Pisang is a large trans Himalayan village and has been divided into upper and lower parts. You get spectacular view of Pisang Peak (6091m) directly in front of you along with unforgettable view of Annapurna range.
Overnight: Lodge
Walking Time: 5 hours
Difference in Elevation: +530m

As we continue our trek, the view of the mountain ranges gets better. We start our day little early today to catch the clear view of the Annapurna range from Ghyaru (3670m). Trek starts with gentle walk through pine forest and climbs steeply from Ghyaru khola. It is about 2 hours climb on this steep uphill. The view from the top (Ghyaru) is superb. Then the trek continues on a gradual pace to Ngwal, a traditional village with a rich Tibetan culture.
Overnight: Lodge
Walking Time: 6 hours
Difference in Elevation: +457m

About 5 hours gentle walk to reach today’s destination, Manang (3440m). Manang is a large trans Himalayan village with rich Tibetan culture and gateway to Thorang-la pass.
Overnight: Lodge
Walking Time: 5 hours
Difference in Elevation: – 217m

Spending two nights allow you to become adjusted to thinning air and lessening pressure for your approach to Thorong-La. We go for day hike towards Gangapurna Lake which help you to acclimatize more for higher altitude. In the afternoon, we can visit the clinic run by Himalayan Rescue Association (HRA) to get more information about high altitude trekking.
Overnight: Lodge
Elevation: 3440m

After getting well acclimatized, we continue our trek towards Thorang la. We climb gradually now on, giving enough time to get adjusted to the elevations we gain every day. It is about 4 hours trek to Yak Kharka and do some day hike in the afternoon to get more acclimatized.
Overnight: Lodge
Walking Time: 3-4 hours
Difference in Elevation: +578m

Our final day of the preparation for Thorang la pass takes us to the base of the Thorang la. It is called Thorang Phedi (4450m). It is about 4 hours trek to Phedi so we get enough time to repeat our acclimatization hike this afternoon as well, to get well acclimatized for the next day.
Overnight: Lodge
Walking Time: 3-4 hours
Difference in Elevation +432

Today is the most strenuous day of this trek because of the altitude and long hours of walking (as we ascend almost 1000m and descend about 1600m). Hence, we set off about 4 or 5 AM in the morning and commence the long climb up to the Thorong-La Pass (5416m). You need to have plenty of water and a warm outfit (down jacket / windproof trousers) with you. The trek Phedi to Thorong- La takes about 4-5 hours, depending on your fitness and acclimatization level. Upon reaching Thorong-La we can see the traditional chorten, cairn and prayer flags. We take a short break here before descending to Muktinath (3760m). The panoramic view from Thorong-La is superb. As we start descending, we get a great view of Dhaulagiri (8167m) and Tukuche (6920m) to the south-west and Mustang valley in North West. The descent is long and tiring (about 4 – 5 hours) but offers a great view of the surrounding peaks and Mustang valley. Muktinath is a fascinating village with sacred temples for Hindu and Buddhist. You may see lot of pilgrims bathing in the holy water flowing from the 108 spouts carved in the shape of cow’s heads surrounding the Vishnu Temple. The temple is built in Tibetan style and contains huge brass idols of Shiva, Vishnu, Kali and Brahma.
Overnight: Lodge
Walking Time: 8-10 hours
Difference in Elevation: – 690m

Continuing our descend enjoying the view of Mustang valley, gradually towards Jharkot, which is another traditional village with flat roofed houses (Tibetan style) and lot of green fields. The trail continues descending to Kagbeni for about two and half hours. Kagbeni (2800m), located near the Kali Gandaki river, is a very fascinating medieval village with stone houses, narrow alleys, green fields and view of the high mountains. Kagbeni is gateway of legendary Mustang and Lo Monthang.

NOTE: Upper Mustang is a controlled trekking region; a special permit is required to travel in upper part of the Mustang.

Then we continue our trek following the Kali Gandaki river down to Ekle Bhatti (2730m), where we join the alternative and more direct route from Muktinath. From here it is an easy walk to Jomsom; the administrative headquarter of the region, at 2750m. This is our trekking ending point so in the evening; we celebrate the completion of our epic journey.
Overnight: Lodge
Walking Time: 6-7 hours
Difference in Elevation: – 1010m

With our trek successfully completed, today our flight takes us from Jomsom to Pokhara (20 minutes).
Overnight: Hotel
Flight Time: 20 mins
Difference in Elevation: -1930

A scenic drive for about 7 hour to Kathmandu by a tourist bus.
Overnight: Hotel
Driving Time: 7 – 8 hours
Difference in Elevation: + 514m

start our day visiting Pashupatinath, ancient and holiest temple of Hindu religion followed by a visit of Boudhanath, the largest Stupa of Nepal built in 14th century.
Overnight: Hotel
Elevation: 1334m

Note: Motor-able / Drive able dirt road has been built in some parts of this trek so you might see some vehicle movements at the beginning and end of the trek.

Tour Price Includes

  • Transfers airport / hotel / airport
  • Welcome dinner at one of the traditional Nepali restaurants
  • Hotel in Kathmandu and Pokhara on twin sharing BB basis
  • Transport, guided visits & entry of the monuments in Kathmandu
  • Private vehicle Kathmandu – Besisahar
  • Local Jeep Besisahar – Chame
  • Domestic flight ticket Jomsom – Pokhara
  • Domestic airport taxes
  • Tourist Bus Tickets Pokhara to Kathmandu
  • Trekking permit / TIMS, and conservation area entry fee (ACAP)
  • A professional tour / trekking guide, porter, assistant guide
  • Your international flight re-confirmation.
  • All necessary documents and government tax
  • Insurance for all staff (including guide, porters, assistant guide)

Tour Price Does Not Include:

  • International flights
  • Meals for whole trip
  • Accommodation during the trek
  • Travel Insurance (compulsory and we strongly advise you to take out to cover accident / repatriation helicopter / medical care)
  • Personal expenses such as snacks, cold drinks, mineral water, alcoholic drinks, telephone, Hot shower etc.
  • Emergency evacuation rescue charge, if needed.
  • Alternative / additional transportation (flights / vehicles), Accommodation in case of bad weather, flood, landslide, heavy rain, strike, road blockade etc.
  • Tips for trekking staff or bus driver

NOTE: The price of the tour will be adjusted according to the group size.

Climate

Climate:
From the eternal snow of the high peaks to the extensive tropical lowlands, Nepal has a wide variety of climates.

Spring: March to late May: In this season, Kathmandu is in full bloom, lots of different types of flowers can be seen at this time of the year.  Temperature is mild, end of the cold winter and approaching warm and hot summer.  Temperatures vary between 10 ° C to 28 ° C but can rise up to 30 ° C.  Between 2000 and 3000m, temperature rarely drop below 0 ° C. However, few frosts or snowfalls are possible in March above 4000 m.

The summer/monsoon period – It interrupts the majority of trekking from late June to late August. Some of the trekking regions “trans-Himalayan”, Dolpo and Mustang, however, remain protected from monsoon prevailing rest of the country. They are the only channels available in Nepal in the summer.

Autumn: mid September – mid December – Perfect temperature and weather for trekking. Brings cooler days, but clear skies. Above 3000 m altitude, temperatures can drop to -10 ° C at night.

In winter: mid-December – mid-February – Nights are generally cold, dry climate, Above 3000m, temperature drop down to 0 ° C to – 15 ° C at night, the days are often sunny.

Equipments

TREKKING GEAR 

  • Day back-pack
  • Gore-Tex Jacket
  • Down Jacket
  • Fleece Jacket
  • Micro Fleece
  • Trekking Trousers
  • Hiking shoes (Boots)
  • Runners (sport shoes)
  • Trekking Socks
  • Rain poncho
  • Sun-glasses
  • Water bottles
  • Thermal underwear(long)
  • T- shirts
  • Sunscreen/lotion
  • Flip flop (sandal)
  • Towel
  • Hat(Baseball cap)
  • Pristine drops (Water purifier)
  • Head light / flash light
  • Sleeping Bag
  • Gloves
  • Wind Proof Trouser(s)
  • Personal medical kid
  • Toiletries

Annapurna Circuit Trek – 15 Days Gallery

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