Annapurna Circuit Trek

21 Days

A/D from Kathmandu

Autumn / Spring

September – November / March – May

Medium

For all people

Annapurna circuit trek is one of the popular hiking destinations of Nepal that commands to explore dozens of ancient settlements, pilgrimage sites, mysterious places, and hidden valleys. Apart from religious sites, the Annapurna circuit trek purpose to see numerous snow-capped peaks including three top ten mountains of the world known as Annapurna first 8091m, Dhaulagiri 8167m and Manaslu 8163 meters high above the sea level.

Annapurna circuit trek starts from Besisahar which is 175 kilometers far from Kathmandu City and the trail passes through the number of settlements with the view of agricultural terraced field, green forest, waterfalls, narrow river valleys and rugged rocky hills in the lower region. After 6 to 7 days walked we will enter the higher region of the Annapurna region which is extended with enormous mountain chain of Annapurna I 8091 m, Annapurna II 7937m, Annapurna III 7555m, Annapurna IV 7525m, Gangapurna 7454m, Glacier Dome 7069m, Khangshang Kang 7485 meters high and numerous snow-caped peaks and glaciated Lakes.

Apart of the astonishing view of high mountains the higher region of Annapurna region purpose to explore dozens of settlements which are inhabitant by the Bhotia, Tibetan and Gurung people who are practicing Buddhist religion; therefore trekkers get chance to see well-decorated stupa, prayer wheels, Mani walls, ancient and mystic caves, historical places and monasteries which are believed to be more than 600 years old.

After the Thorong-La pass trekkers enter into another region know as Mustang which is one of the forbidden areas of Nepal but still allows to trek in lower mustang with normal trekking permits. The lower mustang is extended with dozens of settlements, gigantic pastureland, wide river valleys, green forest, and dozens of snow-capped peaks including one of the top ten mountains known as Dhaulagiri which is 8167 meters high above the sea level. The lower Mustang has a number of pilgrimage sites as Buddhist monasteries, Hindu shrines, mystic caves, and as well as the holy river called Kali Gandaki river where can be found the fossil of Mollusca known as an ammonite.

The google and media say that the Annapurna circuit trek is destroyed by the road construction of up to Manang, although trekkers ignore the road using by the alternative trail that leads through the pleasant path and ancient settlements which commands to see better views than main trekking route. the alternative trail passes through the forest of Juniper, grassy land, river beach and top of the hill with an astonishing view of river valleys, charm landscapes, green forest, waterfalls, and high mountains and another benefit to walk via alternative trail is to know about local people’s culture, traditions, costumes and their living life beyond the moderns.

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Tour Details

Day 01 – we will pick you up from the Tribhuwan international airport on your arrival date and escort to the hotel. Your hotel will be the center of the Thamel; which is one of the tourist hubs of Kathmandu city.

Day 02 – sight trip to the ancient and historical places of Kathmandu valley such as Pashupatinath temple, Baudhanath Stupa, Patan Durbar Square and Swayambhunath; which is also known as monkey temple. After the exploration of these places, you will return back to the hotel and your guide will brief you about the trekking trip, trekking gears, and over the related topics for you.

Day 03 – Drive to Besisahar and trek to Bhulbhule (840m.a.s.l) – 06 hours drive and 03 hours walk – Besisahar is 175 kilometers far from Kathmandu city so you guys have to drive about 6 hours to get there. While heading to Besisahar you will have beautiful views of green hills, waterfalls, agricultural terraced field, and dozens of towns and villages; which are settled beside the Trisuli River and over the vertical land. You will have our lunch in Besisahar and trek continuously to Bhulbhule village; which may take approximately two hours or a little bit more depending on your walking speed. Begins of the trek we will walk 45 minutes on the road then you will take an alternative trail to get Bhulbhule village with the view of agricultural terraced field, green forest, rugged rocky hills, and the beautiful view of Marshyangdi river valley.

Day 04 – Trek to Ghermuphat (1130m.a.s.l) – 6 hours walk – Begin of the trek; you will walk on the flat trail an approximately two hours to get upper Ngadi village then the trail gently ascends to the Bahundanda where you will stop for the lunch. After lunch you will head towards Ghermuphat; which is three hours further than Bahundanda. The trail leads you through the paddy-terraced field with an awesome view of rocky hills, waterfalls, the neighboring village of Bahundanda, and Ghermuphat. There are half dozens of guesthouses in Ghermuphat which offers comfortable bed and organic meals grown their own farm.

Day 05 – Trek to Tall (1700m.a.s.l) – 6 hours walk – From the yard of the guest house you will walk downhill trail for 30 minutes to get Shyage village then you will be again on the motor road until Chyamche village because there isn’t any alternative trail. When you reach in Chyamche village you will have your lunch with the view of huge waterfalls called Chyamche waterfalls and wild honeycombs; which are hanging over the huge cliff. From here; you will head towards Tall village taking by NATT (New Annapurna trekking trail) trail pass by sat tale village with the view of waterfalls, Marshyangdi river valley, and rocky hills which are standing our both hand side.

Day 06 – Trek to Timang (2400m.a.s.l) – 6 hours walk – Begins of the morning; you will follow the Marshyangdi River until Danaque village so the walks would be very pleasant due to walk on the flat and gradual. There are half dozens of villages between Tall and Timang village which are inhabitant by the Gurung and Tibetan people and religiously they are Buddhist so you can see some of the monasteries, Chhortens, Mani walls and Kani gates. You will have your lunch in Danaque village then have to climb up about two hours to get Timang village that offers you to see a stunning view of Manaslu 8163 meters to the south and stunning view of Namun peak to the north.

Day 07 – Trek to Dhukur Pokhari (3060m.a.s.l) – 06 hours walk – The morning purpose to see the magnificent view of Manaslu and Namun peak from the table of breakfast so it would be one of the joyful morning of the trip. After breakfast you will head towards Dhukur Pokhari; which is 3060 meters high above the sea level and takes about 06 hours to get there. The trail ascends gradually pass by Thanchowk, Koto, Chame, Talekhu, and Bhratang villages with the astonishing view of Lamjung Himal 6983 m, Annapurna II 7937 meters and charms landscapes. There are dozens of guest houses in Dhukur Pokhari and provides a comfortable bed, meals, and drinks.

Day 08 – Trek to Ngawal village (3660m.a.s.l) – 6 hours walk – There are two trails to get Ngawal village called lower and upper trail. Comparatively, the upper trail is better than lower due to better views.you will turn to the right-hand side and the trail leads you through the huge grassy land with a stunning view of Annapurna two, Swargadwari Himal, Chulu peak and Pisang peak. After an hour walk appear the upper Pisang village where you will do second tea break to have a fascinating view of high Himalayas and to explore a beautiful monastery which is situated top of the Upper Pisang village. From here you have to walk another 30 minutes on the flat trail to get small suspension bridge then the trail gently ascends to the Ghyaru village which would be bitter climb but still offers to see all of the Annapurna mountain ranges as Annapurna Two, Annapurna three, Annapurna four, Pisang peak, Gangapurna, Khangshar Kang, Glacier Dome, Tilicho peak, Chulu peak and beautiful Manang valley.

Day 09 – Trek to Manang (3550m.a.s.l) – 05 hours walk – From here; you have two options to choose trail either lower or upper trail but still recommended trail is to choose upper trail because upper trail commands to see better mountain views. The trail passes through a small village known as Julu; which is probably the smallest village of the Annapurna region, consisting of 5 households. Trek from Ngawal to Manang takes about 05 hours and offers to see a panoramic view of Annapurna II, III, IV, Gangapurna, Chulu peak, Tilicho peak, Linga peak, Tarkekang, Glacier dome, Pisang peak and as well as far view of Manaslu. We will have our lunch in Bhraka village where we also can explore an old and beautiful monastery.

Day 10 – Day trip to (Ice lake 4600m.a.s.l) – 7 hours trip – Normally trekkers spend two nights in Manang to do acclimatization. There are many sight trips around the Manang valley. Among of them sight trips to Ice-lake is being very popular sight walk; which is a beautiful glacial lake, situated the north side of the Manang and Bhraka village an elevation with 4600 meters high from the sea level and commands to the trekkers to see the panoramic view of Annapurna two, Annapurna three, Annapurna four, Gangapurana, Tarkekang, Tilicho peak, Lamjung Himal, Pisang peak, Chulu peak, Manaslu and the awesome view of Manang valley. There are two trails to go Ice lake either from Manang or from Bhraka village but both trails are bitter uphill and may take approximately four hours to reach the Ice Lake.

Day 11 – Trek to yak kharka (4100m.a.s.l) – 04 hours walk – you will head towards yak kharka ascending by the Gradual trail through the Tanki Manang and Gunsang village. The pleasant walk from Manang to Yak Kharka offers to see a panoramic chain of Annapurna ranges including Gangapurna, Pisang peak, Chulu peak, Thorong peak, Tarke Kang, Tilicho Peak, Khangsar Kang, Glacier Dome and its beautiful ranges.

Day 12 – Trek to Thorong Phedi (4450m.a.s.l) -3:30 hours – Thorong Phedi is not so far from Yak kharka but still it takes approximately three and half hours to get there due to high elevation where you may feel shortness of your breath. The trail ascends gradually to Thorong Phedi pass by a village called Ledar and a teashop. You will cross once the Thorong River and appear a teashop where you can sip some hot drinks then 45 minutes walk brings you to Thorong Phedi. There is a landslide between the teashop and Thorong Phedi so you have to pay big attention to safe with falling rocks. You will have your lunch in Thorong Phedi and if you are still fit and fine then you can head towards Thorong high camp which may take another one and twenty minutes.

Day 13 – Trek over the Thorong-La pass (5416m.a.s.l) and trek down to Ranipauwa – 8 hours walk – you will start your trek earlier than previous days due to cross over the Thorong-La pass and long walk down to Ranipauwa village. The trail to Thorong -La is not really steep climb, the long zigzag trail ascends gradually on a roller or icy trail will depend on the season. After 04 hours walk from the guesthouse you will be top of the Thorong-La pass that purpose to see dramatic mountain views and gigantic deserted land into the Upper mustang. After snapping some photographs we will head towards Ranipauwa which may takes about three hours. There are numerous of good guesthouses in Ranipawa village and possible to have comfortable attached bathroom with running hot shower.

Day 14 – Trek to Kagbeni Via Jhong Putak (2820.a.s.l.) – 5 hours walk – There is a very popular Hindu pilgrimage site in Ranipauwa village called Muktinath temple where can be seen 108 taps, holy pool, and natural flaming gas inside the monastery so early in the morning you will visit the shrine and head down to Kagbeni village via Chyonkar, Jhong and Putak villages which are historical and ancient settlements and a part of the restricted area of Upper mustang but still you can walk with normal trekking permit for one day. Trek from Ranipauwa to Kagbeni would be really impressive due to walk on the deserted land, exploration of old monasteries, ruined old royal palace, and the stunning view of Nilgiri, Thapa peak, Tukuche peak, Muktinath peak, Thorong peak, Yakawakang peak and Dhaulagiri. You will have our lunch in Kagbeni after that you will explore the Kagbeni village; which offers to see old monastery and amazing houses, made of clay, wooden log, and stones.

Day 15 – Trek to Marpha (2760m.a.s.l) – 6 hours walk via NATT trail – After an early breakfast in Kagbeni we will start our trek following by the Kali Gandaki river to get Marpha village. The trail is mostly flat until old Jomsom; which is situated just the bottom of the Nilgiri Mountain. From Old Jomsom you will turn to the left-hand side to take alternative trail that passes through the Thini and Dhumba villages with the view of Dhumba Lake, series of Nilgiri Mountain, Tukuche peak, Thapa peak and dramatic view of mount Dhaulagiri. There are numerous of good guesthouses in Marpha and available comfortable bedrooms. Marpha is known as the kingdom of Apple in Nepal so possible to have delicious Apple pie, Apple cider, and fresh apple juice and offers to explore a beautiful monastery, built top of the Marpha village.

Day 16 – Trek to Kalopani (2530m.a.s.l) – 06 hours walk – the whole day you will trek on the flat and forested trail of juniper due to follow the Kali Gandaki river with the view of high mountain views known as Dhaulagiri, Nilgiri, Tukuche and its huge glaciers. There are many small villages along the trekking trail known as Chairo, Chimang, Sauru, and Sirkung villages; which are inhabitant by the Thakali and Tibetan people and almost untouched by the trekkers. The kalopani offers to see a beautiful sunset view on the background of Dhaulagiri, Tukuche, and top of the Annapurna one. There are numerous good guesthouses in kalopani village and available attached bathroom and hot shower.

Day 17 – Trek to Tatopani village (1190m.a.s.l) 06 hours walk – kalopani offers us to see a splendid and closer view of Dhaulagiri and as well as the top of Annapurna first 8091meters. After breakfast the trail leads you to Tatopani village; pass by dozens of small villages called Ghasa, Pahiro thopla, Kopchepani, Gadpar, and Narchyang villages; which are inhabitant by the Magar and Gurung people. The major attractions of the day would be the agricultural terraced field, huge rocky hills, green forest, Rupse waterfalls, and Kali Gandaki gorge; which is recorded as the deepest gorge of the world.

Day 18 – Trek to Ghorepani (2860m.a.s.l) – 7 hours walk – you have to climb up 1670 meters to get Ghorepani which may takes about 7 hours. The trail passes through the half dozens of villages called Ghara, Shikha, Phalate, and Chitre; which are inhabitant by the Magar peoples. During the day you will have a delightful view of paddy terraced field, green landscapes, Rhododendron forest, and as well as massif view of Annapurna south and Hiuchuli mountain. Ghorepani is a huge village and one of the touristic hubs of the Annapurna region where you will get comfortable bedrooms and delicious meals.

Day 19 – Hike up to poon hill (3210m.a.s.l) and trek down to Hille (1430m.a.s.l) -06 hours walk -Poon hill is one of the best viewpoints to see panoramic view of Annapurna mountain range that offers you to see more than 32 mountains like Annapurna I, II, III, IV, Gangapurna, Dhaulagiri, Nilgiri, Fishtail, South Annapurna, Tukuche, Mardi Himal, Hiuchuli, Garbuja peak and the beautiful view of sunrise. After sight trip to Poon hill; we will trek down to Hille village through the dense forest pass by many villages called Banthati, Nangethati, Ulleri, and Tikhedhunga with the view of South Annapurna and Machhapuchre.

Day 20 – Trek to Nayapul and drive back to Pokhara – Today you will trek only three hours to get Nayapul; which is the endpoint of the trek. You will trek just bank of the Bhurungdi River with the view of green forest, verdant paddy field, and waterfalls. From Nayapul you will drive either bus or Taxi to get Pokhara that may takes approximately one and half-hours.

Day 21 – Drive or fly back to Kathmandu – There are dozens of tourist buses are available to go Kathmandu. Normally all of the buses departure 7:30 AM and takes about 7 hours to get Kathmandu. If you have a tight schedule then you can also fly from Pokhara to Kathmandu which may take 25 minutes and offers to see the panoramic view of Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, Manaslu, and Ganesha Himal range from the window of the plane.

Autumn season – is considered the best season for the Annapurna circuit trek because trekkers can see clear mountain views without any clouds and obstructions. If you are planning your trip in the autumn season, from the middle of September to the end of November would be the best time to explore into the Manning and Jomsom valleys.

Spring season – is the second-best time to do Annapurna circuit trek because of the good weather, clear mountain view, blue sky and another advantage would be the blooming of Rhododendron and other blossoms. If you are thinking to do this trek in the spring season from the middle of February to the end of April would be the best time for them.

October to November – In general the first two months of the dry season offer the best weather for trekking and the main trails are heaving with trekkers at this time, for good reason. the air is crystal clear, the mountain scenery is superb and the weather is still comfortably warm.

December to February – These months are also a good time for trekking trips to a higher region but the cold can be bitter and dangerous at high altitudes. Getting up to the higher region and high passes can be a real endurance test and high passes are often blocked by snow.

March to April – These months are dry weather and dusty; means poorer Himalayan views but the compensations are several; fewer crowds, warm weather and spectacular Rhododendrons, magnolias, and Orchids blooms.

Required permits – The Annapurna region is one of the protected areas of Nepal so for those trekkers who want to trek into the Annapurna region then they have by Trekking permit and TIMS card to allow to access into the conservation. There are two colors of TIMS cards as blue for grouping trekkers and green for individual trekkers. Individual trekkers can obtain both cards directly from the office of Annapurna conservation area project and who going to trek with Nepali guide or porters then they the permit and TIMS card need to be organized by the trekking agencies of Nepal.

Food – All tea houses have similar menus that feature local traditional Nepali items such ass local hand made breads, potatoes, and Dal Baht which rice served with lentil soup with vegetable curry and typical pickles and selected western dishes like pasta, macaroni, pizza, noodles and burgers. Keep in mind most dishes are vegetarian.

Water – water bottle is available in all tea houses however, be mindful of the environmental impact your purchase/plastic bottle will have. Untreated water is available in all teahouses free of charge. Carry your own water treatment system. Boiled water is available for an additional charge.

Accommodation -You will be sleeping in private rooms in teahouses. They usually have two single beds with mattresses and blankets are available by request. Bathrooms (squat style) are mostly shared; you will need to carry your own toilet paper. Toilet paper is available for purchase throughout the trek. Cold showers are always available. Hot showers or hot buckets are available in some teahouses for an additional charge.

High altitude sickness and prevention of it – Altitude sickness, mildest from being acute mountain sickness is the negative health effect of high altitude, caused by rapid exposure to low amounts of oxygen at high elevation. Acute mountain sickness can progress to high altitude pulmonary edema (HAPE) with associated shortness of breath or high altitude cerebral edema (HACE) with associated confusion. Chronic mountain sickness may occur after long-term exposure to high altitude.

Symptoms of high altitude sickness – Headache, Dizziness, Nausea, Vomiting, Fatigue and loss of energy, Shortness of breath, insomnia, loss of appetite, skin discoloration (change into the blue, gray or pale), confusion, coughing, coughing of bloody mucus, chest tightness, decreased consciousness, difficult to walk in a straight line and shortness of breath even at rest.

How to skip high altitude sickness? – Ascend slowly, Get good rest, drink plenty of water, eat appropriately, avoid the alcoholic beverage, do well acclimatization, and take advice from your doctor before getting high elevation.

One can get fairly excited about a trip to a previously unknown location. But while traveling you need to make sure that you have all materials that you would require to be ready for every possible situation. And here in Nepal, you will most definitely need to pack a few things for your stay to be as smooth and memorable as possible.

 

  • Sleeping bag (-15C rating)
  • Hiking boots (preferably waterproof)
  • Camp shoes
  • Down jacket (heavy)
  • Wind/waterproof shell
  • Waterproof pants
  • Fleece jacket
  • Wool thermals
  • Sun hat
  • Beanie
  • Gloves
  • Sunglasses
  • Sunscreen and chapstick
  • Water treatment system
  • Medical kit
  • Headlamp
  • Trekking poles
  • Personal toiletries
  • (Optional) Crampons
  • (Optional) Gaiters

For a quote, please contact us at: gobinmuhong@hotmail.com

All quotes include:

  • Airport pick up and drop off.
  • One day sightseeing around the Kathmandu valley.
  • Accommodation in Kathmandu including breakfast.
  • All required permits and TIMS cards.
  • Transportation to/from trek start and endpoints from Kathmandu/Pokhara.
  • Professional English speaking guide with a medical kit and porters (including their meals, drinks, accommodation and insurance).
  • Accommodation and meals.
  • 13% government tax and 10% service charge.

All quotes do NOT include:

  • Client insurance
  • Tips for guide and porters
  • Personal expenses (phone calls, laundry, extra beverages bill, battery charge, wifi charge, hot shower charge, mineral water, snacks)
  • Extra porter

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