Best Season: Autumn (September - December & March - May)
Grade: Challenging
Treks Type: Teahouse
Highlights
Up Close view of Himalayan
peaks - Mt. Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, Manaslu, Gangapurna, Macchapuchhre, Nilgiri
and more
Chance to observe the
lifestyle and culture of Gurung and Magar communities
Diverse experience in-terms
of landscapes - sub-tropical, alpine and snowy barren pass
Walking through
world-deepest gorge - Kali Gandaki Gorge
Crossing of Dramatic
HImalayan Pass - Thorong La Pass at 5,416m
The Annapurna Circuit Trek
- rightly known as classic Himalayan trek - offers the most diverse sceneries
than any other equivalent length trek, encompassing virtually every type of
landscape that Nepal has to offer. This lush majesty of nature is glorified by
a diversity of culture, the region being common home to Gurng and Magar
communities.
On this 16 day classic
Himalayan journey, you can enjoy the dramatic view of Annapurna and Dhaulagiri
and amazing variety of landscapes ranging from sub-tropical through subtropical
to alpine and snowy barren landscapes resembling Tibet. The stunning trekking
routes of Annapurna circuit is blessed with gigantic waterfalls, torrent
-rivers, lush forests and high mountains and lakes.
Annapurna was the first
ever 8,000m+ peak first ever 8,000m+ peak climbed, by a french expedition and
at 8,091, it is the 10th tallest peak in the world. The gigantic missive of
Annapurna includes 13 peaks over 7,000m and 16 peaks over 6,000m along with
countless glaciers, alpine hills, deep gorges, lakes and rivers.
From Kathmandu, “the Venice
of culture”, where the civilization of Nepal started, you will drive to
Besisahar and then to Khudi to start the trek. The trek follows the
anti-clockwise route and makes gradual gain in altitude which supports in
acclimatization. As you gain altitude, the lowland Hindu communities gives way
to Tibtean group and vegetation changes accordingly. The upper-pisang to Brage
trail offers the great architecture and mesmerizing view of Gangapurna and
Annapurna III. Two nights are spent at Manang for acclimatization before
endeavoring Thorong La Pass at 5,416m - a great highlight of the trek. Then you
will drop down to Muktinath valley which in local dialects translates to the
place of liberation. After paying homage to Temple and gompas, you will walk
through deepest gorge Kali Gandaki to prosperous town of Jomsom to conclude the
trek.
Annapurna Circuit Trek
difficulty
Firstly, it is important to
note that Annapurna circuit trek requires no climbing expertise and technical
skills.
With some determination and
fitness, you should be able to tackle the route. There are many examples of old
and overweight people completing the trek - with a smile on their faces.
Well being said that, there
are some factors that should be considered prior to the trek - like altitude,
length and training.
Annapurna Circuit Trek
difficulty in terms of distance
Distance always plays a
major role when it comes to calculating the challenge of any sort of hikes. The
Annapurna Circuit Trek covers approx. 160 - 230 km depending on the starting
and concluding point of the trek. You have to walk for at least 7 - 8 hours a
day coverning 15 - 20 km. Sometimes you may even have to walk for 8 - 9 hours
and gain more than 2,000m.
Tips: Train yourself for a
few months before the trek to overcome the challenge of the distance.
Cardio-vascular exercise, leg squats and weight training are good training to
build strength and stamina.
Annapurna Circuit Trek
Difficulty in terms of Altitude
The most difficult aspect
of round Annapurna trek is it's daunting altitude. Starting from a
comfortable altitude 1,000m, you will cross the high Thorong La Pass 5,416m
within a week of the trek. No matter how fit you are, once you rise above
2,500m - you will start feeling the deficiency of oxygen. It is said that
Thorong La Pass offers about half of the amount of oxygen than at sea level. If
the symptoms of AMS are ignored, the result can be fatal.
TIPS: Make sure to acclimate
your body before rising up the significant altitude. The key to altitude
sickness is to walk slowly and stay hydrated. If the symptoms like difficulty
in breathing, sleeping, headache, nausea and vomiting trigger you, make sure to
drop down to low-altitude as quickly as possible.
onceyou arrive in Kathmandu (TIA), you have to make passport, immigration and visa procedures in the immigration department of the Airport. Our airport representative will be waiting for you outside the terminal hall (look for your name on a placard). S/he will receive you and escort you to the pre-booked hotel: afternoon free. Evening: attend welcome dinner, introduction to your trek leader and briefing on the trek with the check on the necessities.
Today, you will explore the five auspicious heritage sites of Kathmandu valley - Swayambhunath- also known as the monkey temple, Boudhanath - the world’s largest stupa, Kathmandu Durbar Square - the ancient royal seat of Nepal with many timeless art, temples and monuments and the most venerated & sacred Hindu temple, Pashupatinath.
After exploration, you will drive back to the hotel and make necessary preparation for the next day’s trip. Your trek leader will brief you about the trip and check on the necessities.
Today, you will start your journey with an exciting drive through a winding road along the Trishuli River. On the way, you can admire the stunning terraced fields and countryside villages. At juncture in Mugling , you will veer towards Pokhara. Upon reaching Dumre , you will leave the previous trail and move north towards Besisahar. About half an hour drive will take you to Besisahar and from here, you will drive for an hour to reach the small village of Khudi. Khudi offers the first view of astonishing Manaslu range.
The first day of the trek involves crossing a few suspension bridges and waterfalls including several ascents and descents across cultivated fields and sub-tropical forest. The first few hours of walk is gradual but later it becomes steep. The mountain is getting closer now. You will pass the beautiful settlement of Taranche before reaching the village of Sirung. Sirung offers the tantalizing view of Nadi Chuli and Manaslu mountain ranges.
Today, you will leave Sirung and move towards Jagat via a relatively easy trail. You will walk through a terrace village and forest where you can spot different species of birds and animals. Later passing several villages and a few temples, you will cross a suspension bridge over Sangu River and then cross suspension bridge one more time over the Marshyangdi River. You can admire the view of the waterfall nearby the bridge. Walking alongside the mighty Marshyangdi River, you will finally reach the Jagat.
After breakfast, you will start slowly by descending until you reach the river and then hit the dense forest. Then you will gradually ascend to the sharp edged cliff that faces the riverbank. On the way, you can admire the stunning view of Annapurna mountain ranges. Crossing suspension bridge, you will climb steeply through the slippery and challenging path to Sattale. Walking through the succession of rock-strewn tails and descending to the grassy riverbank, you will reach Tal. The onwards the Tal becomes rugged and winding. As you reach Karte village, you will walk through the waterfalls and cliff to reach the prosperous village of Dharapani.
Today, you will walk through a few forested ridges on the way to Chame - the district headquarter of the Manang. On the way, you can admire the stunning view of Himalayas that includes Lamjung Himal, Annapurna II and Annapurna IV (7,525m/24,688ft). On the trek, you will walk across the small hot spring where you can soothe for a while.
A steeply narrow path through lush forest will take you to the stunning curved rock face that stands above 1500m from the river. This section will probably be the steepest part of the Marshyangdi River. After scrambling the last bit of cliff, the valley becomes wide and the view becomes more clear and magical. Few hours of trek onwards will take you to the lower pisang where you will spend overnight.
There are two routes that connect Manang and you will follow the Upper Pisang route via Geru. This trail offers excellent views of landscapes and the mighty mountains that includes Annapurna and Pisang. You will notice a contract change in landscape and vegetation today. The cold and dry climate creates a much harsher environment. A short visit to Barge monastery will be memorable.
In order to be fit, you will keep yourself busy today with a short walk to Barga monastery or Gangapurna lake. If time permits, you can walk to Varge village to explore the Himalayan Rescue center to gain some idea about the AMS.
From Manang, you will cross a stream and climb to the small village of Tenki and then walk steeply to cross the Marshyangdi Valley. Once you reach the valley of Jarsang Khola, you will climb northward passing few pasture and scrub and juniper trees. The trail further goes through Ghunsa village and then walks through meadows where horses and yaks grazes. After crossing a small river on a wooden bridge, you will pass an ancient old Mani wall in a peasant meadow and then reach another village of Yak Kharka.
Today is an uphill walk to Thorong Phedi. After walking for a while, you will cross a suspension bridge and reach the Ledar village. Further you will ascend and pass the towering cliffs before reaching Thorang Phedi - the last village of Thorong La Pass. On this trip, you will get the stunning views of Mt. Gundang, Mt. Syagang, Thorong Peak and Mt. Khatungkan.
Crossing the Thorong La Pass, the highest pass in the world is the major objective of the trek. Today, you will cross the pass from east to west which is the easiest and safest route. You will get up at around three in the morning and walk up the mountain. As you reach the summit of the pass, you will realize how worthy this endeavour is. After some moments here, you will descend towards the Muktinath valley at the base of Thorong La Pass.
Muktinath is the most sacred pilgrimage site for both Hindus and Buddhists. In the morning, you will pay to the temples and Gompas and then begin descending from Ranipauwa village down through the steep and barren hillside. You will drop down to Kangbeni and then finally to Jomsom.
After breakfast, you will bid goodbye to the beautiful lake city of Pokhara and drive or fly towards Kathmandu. On you reach Kathmandu, you will take a rest day off to relax and refresh.
In the evening: you will attend a farewell dinner to celebrate the successful completion of the trip.
Your adventure holiday in Nepal comes to an end today. Our airport representative will drive you back to Tribhuvan International Airport right on the scheduled time.
Farewell!!!!
Meals
Breakfast
Cost Includes / Excludes
Cost Include
Airport/Hotel pick up and drops via private vehicle
Star hotel accommodation in Kathmandu and Pokhara on B&B basis
Welcome and Farewell dinner in Kathmandu
Teahouse accommodation during the trek
All the meals (Breakfast, Lunch & DInner) during the trek
All the ground transportation as per itinerary on a private and comfortable vehicle
Domestic Flight Fare (Jomsom - Pokhara - Kathmandu)
An experienced english speaking and government licensed guide and assistant trek guide (4 trekkers: 1 assistant guide)
Porter service (2 trekkers: 1 porter)
All the staffs - guide, assistant guide, porter, driver transportation, food, accommodation, equipment and insurance
All the necessary paper works and trekking permits (ACAP & TIMS)
All the government and local taxes
A comprehensive medical kit
Cost Exclude
Lunch & Dinner in Kathmandu and Pokhara (except welcome and farewell dinner)
Nepal entry visa fee
Excess baggage charges
Travel and rescue insurance
Personal nature expenses - Phone calls, laundry, bar bills, internet and more
