Annapurna Circuit Trek

Overview

Annapurna Circuit Trek is one of the most amazing adventures where one can experience all types of climate and its unique landscapes. The journey leads from warm sub-tropical farmlands to cooler Himalayan hills, then a high cold zone within the scenic Manang valley.

A delightful walk that includes all the charms of the Himalayas, exploring lovely villages lined with interesting prayer monuments. As the trek progress where views of snow-capped mountains follow you throughout the trip, with ever exciting moments to experience.

Annapurna Circuit Trek is listed as the world’s top ten adventure destinations due to its dramatically varied bio-diversity on daily walks. Besides Spectacular Mountain views of Annapurna, Manaslu, and Lamjung Himal, Chulu’s peaks with Dhaulagiri, the local culture is equally fascinating.

An adventure that one will never forget throughout their lifetime, as the region around offers more than one can expect. The outstanding scenery of high peaks in the harmony of local impressive traditional heritage, staying in lovely inns and lodges. Annapurna Circuit Trek leads to ever-present views of Snow Mountains from the beginning to the end of an adventure.

Throughout the delightful walks, one will never get tired of overlooking the beautiful scenery that surrounds it. Starts with a long interesting drive from Kathmandu towards Nepal North Mid-East to reach around Lamjung district at Besisar town. Drives continue taking a local vehicle suitable for mountain road to reach Dharapani village the starting point of the trek.

A lovely place within Manang district, as walk follows towards Manang valley, past nice villages of Bagarchap, Danque, and Timang. Where one can catch super views of Manaslu, Lamjung with Annapurna peaks, entering a cool forest of pine and rhododendron.

Then reaching Chame, a headquarter town of the Manang area, a walk follows the Masrsyangdi River. As climb takes you up above Pisang village facing the grand vista of Annapurna II and A-IV with Chulu’s and Pisang peaks. From here on within the scenic Manang high valley, walking on a nice wide path to reach Braga. Herewith time to visit its old impressive monastery and then at main Manang village, enclosed between high peaks.

Spend an extra day in Manang at 3,550 m high, a perfect place for acclimatization and a short hike around. From Manang adventure continues heading far end of the valley to reach the foot of high Thorang-La Pass. Rising early morning for the Big Day! the toughest walk of the adventure to reach the highest point of the trip.

A steep climb of a few hours leads you atop Thorang-La Pass at 5, 416 m high, facing a fantastic panorama of the Himalayas range. Views include from Manaslu to Dhaulagiri Himalayas with Annapurna, Chulu’s, and Damodar Himal in the north direction. After achieving great success, head downhill to the Mustang area around Muktinath Temple premises, a nice village with views of the Dhaulagiri mountain range.

Muktinath is a holy temple and an important pilgrimage spot for Hindu and Buddhist followers. From here our trek completes on reaching Jomsom, a large town and headquarters of Mustang district.

Staying for final overnights, next morning taking an exciting drive to Pokhara city, or one can take a short flight. At Pokhara, our wonderful adventure completes, after a memorable time and experience on Annapurna Circuit Trek.

Best Seasons for Annapurna Circuit Trekking:

Spring time from March to May is most preferable as well as a high peak season for treks around the Himalayas, and the Annapurna Circuit trek.

When days are longer with sun-light hours, warm and pleasant day but late afternoon can get cloudy and cold till night time to morning time.

Can expect snow sometimes during the trek around higher altitudes from Pisang village onward to Jomsom.

Next, the best time is in autumn from September to November, a fine and clear day for walks and views, but the shorter day with sun-light hours. Can be much colder evening, night, and morning. Expect snowfall sometime above 2, 500 m onward.

The difficulty level of the Annapurna circuit track:

As you are exploring the 5,416-meter-high Thorang La Pass, the trek is more difficult than the Annapurna base camp trek (17764 feet). Additionally, this hike is made more difficult by long distances with vertical climbing and minimal facilities. Because it is a demanding journey, you should be in excellent physical condition and be able to walk at least 5 to 7 hours per day.

Still, beginners can complete this walk if they have taken physical training before the walk. Cycling, swimming, acrobatics, hiking, jogging, and aerobic exercise are all great ways to prepare your body for hiking in the Himalayas.

Annapurna Circuit Trekking accommodation and food:

You can stay in 3-star hotels in Kathmandu and Pokhara. During the trek, we will stay in lodges/teahouses. You can find comfortable and good quality teahouses - attached bathrooms on the ground floor - until you reach a higher altitude, where accommodation with empty necessities is more basic.

In Kathmandu and Pokhara, your hotel includes breakfast, while all meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) will be provided during the trek. The staple foods of the Manang and Mustang regions are potatoes, oats, buckwheat, Thakali and Gurung locals food, and Tibetan bread.

locals started cultivating potatoes in the early '90s when the first seeds came to the area. There is a limited choice of food at high altitudes and except for many potato dishes. Potatoes are high in carbohydrates - an excellent source of energy needed at high altitudes.

Annapurna Circuit Trek Permit Cost:

For the Annapurna circuit track, you need two permissions, which you will use to check in at different checkpoints along the track. Below are the permissions and costs:

ACAP entry permit fee for foreigners: 3,000 NPR (approximately USD 30)

TIMS permission: 1,000 NPR (approximately USD 10)

Equipment & Packing List for Annapurna Circuit Trek:

This list outlines the required things to bring during the Annapurna Circuit Trek. The weight limit for your luggage is 15 kg. Remember that your luggage will be carried by our porter. However, you are required to carry a small day- pack with your valuables or anything important. We advise you to pack only what is necessary.

Important Items: Airline tickets; Valid passport; 2 extra passport size photos; Photocopy of your passport; Insurance paper; Dollars, Pounds, or Euros in cash for purchasing a Nepalese visa at Kathmandu airport, for paying at restaurants and hotels, for gratuities, snacks and to purchase your own drinks and gifts; Credit Card (Visa/ Master Card) for withdrawing cash from cash machines if needs.

For Head: Sun Hat; Bandana or head scarf; Headlamp with extra batteries; Sun Glasses with UV protection.ftr5cwszxtrfw

For Upper Body: Shirts (1 half sleeve and 2 long sleeves); Lightweight thermal tops; Fleece Jacket or Wool Sweater; Wind Cheater jacket; Down Jacket

For Lower Body: 1 pair of lightweight thermal bottoms; 1 pair of fleece or woolen trousers; 1 pair of waterproof shell pants and 1 pair of hiking trousers.

For Hands: 1 pair of lightweight wool or fleece gloves and 1 pair of lightweight poly liner gloves.

For Feet: 2 pairs of thin inner socks; 2 pairs of poly or wool socks; 1 pair of Hiking boots (sturdy soles, water-resistant, ankle support); 1 pair of running shoes and/or sandals.

Other Useful Items: 1 sleeping bag (good to -20 degrees C or 28 degrees F); Rucksack and Travel Bags; 1 large duffel bag *; A small daypack/backpack for carrying your valuables; Small padlocks for duffel- bags; 2 large waterproof rucksack covers (optional).

Medical: Your daily taking medicine if any; small personal first aid kit; Aspirin, plasters (band-aids); Sunscreen; lip balms; Anti-diarrhea pills; Anti-headache pills; A cough and/or cold medicine; Anti-altitude sickness pills: Diamox or Acetazolamide; Stomach antibiotic: Ciprofloxacin.

Digital camera; 2 water bottles (1 liter each); disposable rubbish sacks; Toiletries: 1 medium-sized quick-drying towel; Toothbrush/paste; Multi-purpose soap; Deodorants; Nail clippers; Face and body moisturizer; Tissue /toilet roll; hiking poles, snack food (chocolate/ biscuits); umbrella; reading book or pack of cards (for leisure time during trekking).

Note: If any items are not available in your hometown you can buy them in Trekking Store in Kathmandu before you embark on trekking.

Trip Itinerary

Day 1 : Arrival in Kathmandu (1,396 m) :

On reaching Kathmandu via various international airlines, at the airport our guide and staff for a short transfer to the heart of Kathmandu city. Where is your hotel located, after checking into your rooms, and then meeting other members of the trip at the hotel lobby for a briefing?

Regarding Annapurna Circuit Trek, information includes other useful information to make your holiday in Nepal more enjoyable.

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Three-star category Hotel in Kathmandu
Distance: 5 kilometers From Airport to Thamel

Day 2 : Kathmandu sightseeing and Trip preparation:

We can organize a half-day tour of some of the monuments like Kathmandu Durbar Square, Pashupatinath, Boudhanath, and Swayambhunath. The half-day sightseeing is organized so that you receive enough leisure time for rest and prepare for the following day’s trip to Annapurna Circuit.

We will be meeting our trekking guide the same evening briefing about the entire trek at the hotel. The evening group welcomes dinner in a lovely Nepalese Restaurant with an introduction to the culture of Nepal with folk dance and music. Overnight at the hotel in Kathmandu.

Meals: Breakfast, Welcome Dinner
Accommodation: Three-star category Hotel in Kathmandu

Day 3 : Drive to Besisar 823 m and then to Chamche 1, 430 m, -8 hrs:

After early breakfast, a scenic drive leads towards the scenic highway. This is an interesting drive through the foothills of the Himalayas. The road has been greatly improved in recent years. As our route diverts from Dumre town towards north to Besisar from the main highway.

A large town and headquarter of the Lamjung region. From here drive continues on a rough track following Masrsyangdi River, as the road follows upstream to reach Syange village. The drive continues high above the river valley to reach Jagat and then at Chamche village for an overnight stop, after a long exciting overland journey from Kathmandu.

Transfer into a nice local lodge and get rest for the next morning's walks towards Bagarchap.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Accommodation: Teahouse Chamche
Distance: 207.9 Kilometers

Day 4 : Trek to Bagarchap 2, 160 m, -07 hours:

Morning from Chamche, walk leads to cross a suspension bridge over raging Masrsyangdi river, after the bridge climb for another 2-3 hours till Tal Besi is reached, the village situated on a wide valley by the side of the Masrsyangdi River.

From here on into Manang district, on leaving Tal walk gets easier on the gentle path till to a bridge, from here a short climb to a small place with few teahouses, the walk winds on the up and downhill path coming to a large bridge, after the bridge another hour of great walk brings to the village of Dharapani.

From Dharapani the vegetation, people, and the landscapes changes and the air gets cooler, the trail then climbs through forests to Bagarchap, the first village on the trek with typical Tibetan architecture, facing views of Annapurna peaks. Transfer to a nice lodge, around this quaint village with strong Tibetan culture of Buddhism religion.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Accommodation: Teahouse Bagarchap
Distance: 14 Kilometers

Day 5 : Trek to Chame- 2,710m, -6 hour:

Today our trekking destination is Chame, which is the Headquarters of the Manang District, we will walk through of forest with amazing views of Massif Annapurna, Annapurna IV, Manaslu, and Lamjung Himal. On this day we will cross the local village and some small hot springs as well. Overnight Lodge in Chame.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Accommodation: Teahouse Chame
Distance: 13.5 Kilometers

Day 6 : Trek to Pisang 3,000 m, –06 hrs:

After breakfast, we start our trek negotiating a steep and narrow path through the lush forest. Eventually, we reach a dramatic curved rock face soaring 1,500m above the river.

This is probably the steepest section of Marshyangdi valley. As we cross the rock, the valley opens up with incredible views. We continue walking until we reach Lower Pisang.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Accommodation: Teahouse pisang
Distance: 13.6Kilometers

Day 7 : Trek to Manang 7, 3,450 m, –05 hrs:

Today we have trekking options to Manang but we follow the Upper Pisang route via Geru. This trekking route ensures majestic views with stunning landscapes and mountains including Annapurna and Pisang.

Gradually we start noticing a change in landscapes and vegetation. The climate becomes rough and dry as we reach Manang. On the way, we visit Bagre Monastery – the largest monastery in the Manang district.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Accommodation: Teahouse Manang
Distance: 13.7 Kilometers

Day 8 : Rest day at Manang for local hikes and acclimatization:

An important rest day for acclimatization before reaching high altitude and up to Thorang –la, here with a short hike exploring Manang village beneath towering Annapurna and Gangapurna peaks, a nice short hike up for views of Gangapurna Glacier and the Manang glacial Lake.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Accommodation: Teahouse Manang
Distance: 3-4 Kilometers

Day 9 : Trek to Ledar 4,230 m, –05 hours:

After a good rest at Manang, walk towards after breakfast leader, an interesting high-altitude walk with views of mountains, crossing small streams to reach Yak Kharka, a small settlement with incredible views of Gangapurna, Annapurna III, and Chulu Peaks.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Accommodation: Teahouse Ledar
Distance: 9.2 Kilometers

Day 10 : Trek to Thorang High Camp 4,600 m –05 hrs.

The morning walk leads closer to Thorang-la as the walk progresses crossing a bridge and then a climb along the Jarjung river, then leading to Thorung Phedi for short rest and then climb the last hour uphill to Thorang High Camp for an overnight stop.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Accommodation: Teahouse High Camp
Distance: 4.9 Kilometers

Day 11 : Trek to Thorung La Pass (5,416m) - continue to Muktinath, -7hrs:

Today, another highlight of the adventure as the walk starts after an early breakfast is a long climb to Thorang-la with a steep and winding path to reach atop Thorang La Pass at 5,416 m / 17,700 feet high.

The highest spot of the journey enjoys the spectacular panorama high mountain range of Annapurna, Chulu, and Damodar Himal with Dhaulagiri snow-capped peaks. The pass festooned with Buddhist prayer flags, and from here a long downhill to Muktinath around the Lower Mustang area.

After an easy walk from the bottom of Thorang-La reach Muktinath for an overnight stop, a holy spot for both Hindus and Buddhists the word Muktinath means a place for Liberation from the present life to Nirvana.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Accommodation: Teahouse Muktinath
Distance: 16 Kilometers

Day 12 : Muktinath to jomsom 2743m, 6 hours:

You will start your trek from Muktinath towards Jomsom. The final leg of the trek via Kagbeni offers fine Himalayan scenery and glimpses of the restricted and highly secluded region of the 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.

You will pass through the bank of the Kali Gandaki passing through the Eklebhatti. After the walk of 7 hours, you finally reach Jomsom. Jomsom is the headquarters of Mustang and it is split into two towns between these two towns and passes through the Kali Gandaki river. You can enjoy the magnificent views of Nilgiri and Tilicho peak from Jomsom. Overnight in Jomsom.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Accommodation: Teahouse Jomsom
Distance: 20 Kilometers

Day 13 : Fly / drive to pokhara (9 hour drive, 25 Minuit flight):

A perfect day to rest your feet without missing out on the stunning views. Climb in, grab a seat and enjoy this breathtaking drive on mountain tracks and across riverbeds with unforgettable views of Nilgiri peak, an impressive 6995m high. We'll stop en route at natural hot springs. The perfect way to indulge your tired muscles after trekking. Further drive to Pokhara, overnight at Pokhara.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Accommodation: Teahouse Muktinath
Distance: 159.4 Kilometers

Day 14 : Drive Back to Kathmandu by Tourist Bus:

After breakfast, drive from Pokhara to Kathmandu which takes around 6 hours. Upon arrival at Kathmandu, you can opt to take a rest or go for a half-day sightseeing tour to UNESCO world heritage sites.

In the evening, attend a farewell dinner hosted by Adventure Great Himalaya to celebrate the successful completion of the trip.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Three-Star Category Hotel
Distance: 200 kilometers

Day 15 : International departure homeward bound:

Your adventure holiday in Nepal comes to an end today. An airport representative from Adventure. Hiker Himalaya will transfer you to the Tribhuvan International Airport for your final departure.

We trust you made some incredible memories with us. Thank you, have a safe journey home.
Meals: Breakfast Included.

Trip code	ACT-57
Package name	Annapurna Circuit Trek
Duration	15 Days
Max. elevation	5416 Meter
Level	MODERATE
Transportation	Private vehicle, flight ticket, Public local transportation as per itinerary
Accomodation	Three-star hotel in Kathmandu and Pokhara; Teahouse lodges during the trek
Starts at	Kathmandu
Ends at	Kathmandu
Trip route	Kathmandu-Besi Sahar-Chame-Pisang-Manang-Yak Kharka-Throng Phedi-Throng la pass-Muktinath-Jomsom-Pokhara-Kathmandu
Cost	USD 985 per person