Annapurna Circuit Trek
Overview
The Annapurna Circuit Trek is a captivating journey through the Annapurna region of Nepal, offering a remarkable blend of natural beauty, cultural encounters, and challenging adventure. Spanning 160 to 230 kilometers, this iconic trek also takes around 10 to 21 days to complete, depending on the chosen route and pace.
The trek’s starting point is often Besisahar, and the trail gradually ascends through lush forests, terraced fields, and charming villages inhabited by diverse ethnic communities. As trekkers advance, they are also rewarded with awe-inspiring vistas of snow-capped peaks, including the mighty Annapurna I, Dhaulagiri, and Machhapuchhre (Fishtail), among others.
The highlight of the journey is conquering the formidable Thorong La Pass at 5,416 meters, a challenging ascent that demands physical fitness and proper acclimatization. The sense of accomplishment and the breathtaking panoramic views from the pass make it all worthwhile.
Throughout the trek, teahouses and guesthouses dot the trail, providing basic accommodation and nourishing local meals. These cozy rest stops also serve as meeting points for fellow adventurers from around the globe, fostering a sense of camaraderie and shared experiences.
Experiencing the Annapurna Circuit Trek: Best Seasons, Permits, and Cultural Encounters
The best times to embark on the Annapurna Circuit Trek are spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November). During these seasons, the weather remains stable, and clear skies offer uninterrupted views of the majestic mountains.
Obtaining the Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) and the Trekkers’ Information Management System (TIMS) card is mandatory before setting out on the trek. Many trekkers opt to hire local guides and porters to enhance their experience, as they provide invaluable insights into the region’s culture, history, and natural features.
As trekkers traverse this picturesque route, they encounter the distinct traditions and hospitality of the Gurung, Thakali, and Manangba communities, among others. Their colorful festivals, monasteries, and ancient traditions enrich the trekking experience, offering a glimpse into the cultural tapestry of the Himalayas.
Conclusion and Summary
While the Annapurna Circuit Trek is a once-in-a-lifetime adventure, trekkers should be mindful of altitude sickness, stay hydrated, and allow time for acclimatization to ensure a safe and enjoyable journey. With its mesmerizing landscapes, cultural encounters, and physical challenges, the Annapurna Circuit Trek remains an unparalleled adventure for all nature enthusiasts and trekking aficionados.
Itinerary
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DAY 1: Arrival Kathmandu -1,350m/4,428ft
Upon your arrival in the Kathmandu airport (KTM), you will be greeted by a representative from Everest Expeditions Nepal. After completing your custom formalities (Visa, etc) pick up your luggage and look for our representative with a Everest Expeditions Nepal display board at the arrival gate. You will be then transferred to Hotel. After check in, you can take a rest, hang around in the city, visit our office – it all depends upon your interests and condition. In the evening we will organize a “Welcome Dinner” at an excellent traditional Nepalese Restaurant where you will enjoy a Nepalese cultural program as well as a fine meal. Included meal: (D)
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DAY 2: Kathmandu [1300 m/4264 ft]: Sightseeing and Preparation
After breakfast, we can enjoy a free day on our own or participate in a sightseeing program. The sightseeing program is focused to introduce some highlights and UNESCO World Heritage sites of Kathmandu such as Durbar square, Swoyambhunath, Pashupatinath and Bouddhanath. After some hours’ sightseeing, we get to the office and get our equipments checked by the climbing leader, prepare things as per need, introduce with fellow participants, and after Everest Expeditions Nepal briefs us about the trip, we get chance to ask questions we might have regarding the trip. Overnight at hotel. Included meal: Breakfast (B)
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DAY 03: DRIVE FROM KATHMANDU TO BESISAHAR 760M TO BHULBHULE- JAGAT (8/10 HOURS)
We take a bus for the five-hour drive to the end of the road, either at Besi Sahar or a bit farther depending on the road conditions, after reaching Beshishar we will drive to Jagat by Local jeep and we will stay the overnight. At Jagat.
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DAY 04: JAGAT - DHARAPANI 1860M - 6HRS
We awake to a morning climb, head steeply up through a forest to a wonderful teahouse just before Chamje and marked by a magnificent waterfall on the opposite bank. Chamje is an atmospheric village of traditional-style teahouses, often packed with saddled local horses. After descending to the river and crossing a suspension bridge, we begin a steep climb to some small teahouses at Sattale. After chai, we continue on an undulating path above the river, climb the switch-backing path to the top of the hill, and are treated to the sight of Tal below us on a wide plain by the river. Though it is enclosed by cliffs, the level area is reassuring after the slightly harrowing mountain paths on which we have just traveled. Beyond Tal and the checkpost, the valley narrows and the path becomes high and winding, and in several areas is actually hewn from the rock. Beyond the small village of Karte, there is a bit more exposed trail walking before the path drops again to the river. We cross a suspension bridge, and climb the short distance to the stone kani marking the entrance to Dharapani
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DAY 05: JAGAT - DHARAPANI 1860M - 6HRS
We awake to a morning climb, head steeply up through a forest to a wonderful teahouse just before Chamje and marked by a magnificent waterfall on the opposite bank. Chamje is an atmospheric village of traditional-style teahouses, often packed with saddled local horses. After descending to the river and crossing a suspension bridge, we begin a steep climb to some small teahouses at Sattale. After chai, we continue on an undulating path above the river, climb the switch-backing path to the top of the hill, and are treated to the sight of Tal below us on a wide plain by the river. Though it is enclosed by cliffs, the level area is reassuring after the slightly harrowing mountain paths on which we have just traveled. Beyond Tal and the checkpost, the valley narrows and the path becomes high and winding, and in several areas is actually hewn from the rock. Beyond the small village of Karte, there is a bit more exposed trail walking before the path drops again to the river. We cross a suspension bridge, and climb the short distance to the stone kani marking the entrance to Dharapani
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DAY 06 : DHARAPANI - CHAME 2670M -5 HRS
Continuing to climb through forests of pine and oak, we pass through Danagyu before coming to a thundering waterfall, where we turn left and head up the high trail to Koto. After an hour of lovely, open forests, we reach a clearing at the top of the trail and a charming Tibetan teahouse where we will stop for a break. Pausing for breath, we can look back for views of Manaslu. An hour away is the wonderful Gurung village of Timang, where the villagers might be harvesting their crops of buckwheat or stuffing local sausages. Heading back down to the village of Koto Qupar, our base for the trek up to Nar Phu, we can look straight up at nearby Annapurna II – a stunning sight convincing us that we are deep in the Himalayan mountains! Many of the villagers are the from Nar Phu valley; this is the gateway to their region. Less than an hour brings us to Chame, the local administrative center of Manang, and a large village packed with small shops and tea-houses, an army post and a large school. We bed down here for the evening.
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DAY 07: CHAME - PISANG 3200M - 5 HRS
It’s a beautiful walk from Chame to Pisang, through woods with some small ascents, and wonderful views of the peaks soaring above us. It’s just a five hour day, so we’ll have the afternoon in Pisang to explore the village, with it’s Tibetan mani stones and gompa, perhaps taking a walk up to Upper Pisang for amazing views of Annapurna II and Annapurna III. Overnight.
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DAY 08: PISANG - MANANG 3540M- 6 HRS
6 hours walk past a series of unique and colorful chortens to Manang, at 3500m, a village of 500 or so flat-roofed houses, the headquarters for the region, and an interesting village packed with trekkers, bakeries and lodges. Manang is dominated by high peaks – Annapurna III and Gangapurna tower over it, and a dramatic icefall sits just across the river. There is an old gompa on the edge of town, many local teahouses, and some atmospheric, winding streets in the village leading out toward the Thorung La. Finally, guest houses, showers, cold beers! There is a 3 o’clock lecture on altitude by the Himalayan Rescue Association for anyone interested. Overnight.
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DAY 09: MANANG REST DAY
Today is our acclimatization day, with lots of options; a long day-hike to the Ice Lake, a visit to the ‘Hundred Ruppee Lama’ at the cave gompa above Manang, a two-hour hike to Milarepa’s cave across the river from Braga, the HRA talk, or a tour of Manang’s many bakeries. A hike up 300 meters or so for acclimatization is recommended, but nothing too strenuous is required. The guest house is wonderful, a sunny and warm place to gaze at the peaks in the afternoon. Overnight at Manang.
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DAY 10: MANANG - YAK KHARKA 4018M - 4 HRS
It’s not a long day today, but we gain some altitude, so should take it slowly. En route, we will undoubtedly be passed along the trail by galloping Manangi horses, saddled with wonderful (and expensive) Tibetan wool saddle blankets, and their jubilant Manangi riders, bells jingling as they gallop by. We climb past Tengi and Gunsang to Yak Kharka. Overnight.
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DAY 11: YAK KHARKA - THORUNG PHEDI 4450M - 3HRS
An easy two or three hour walk up to the Thorung La Base Camp Hotel at Thorung Phedi, and after an early lunch, another hour or so to hike up to the lodge at High Camp, where we will stay the night, getting to bed early for our early morning start the next day; pass day! If anyone is having problems with altitude, we have the option of staying at Thorung Phedi Base Camp, where we had lunch, a nice spot to spend the afternoon with its glass windows. Overnight.
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DAY 12: THORUNG PHEDI- THORUNG LA PASS 5416M -MUKTINATH 3760M- 10 HRS
Up early for the three or four hour walk to the top of the Thorung La at 5400m, where we are treated with spectacular views over Mustang and the surrounding peaks. The descent is almost as demanding as the ascent to the top of the pass, so a cup of chai and a snack at the local tea house at Chabarbu, at the bottom of the descent, is a required stop. And on to lower Mustang, which we have actually reached just after the pass, and the serene temple complex of Muktinath.
Muktinath is an important pilgrimage site for Buddhists and Hindus situated in a tranquil grove of trees, and contains a wall of 108 waterspouts in the shape of cows heads spouting sacred water, the Jwala Mai temple with a perpetual spouting flame and the pagoda-styled Vishnu Mandir, all of which make up the auspicious combination of earth, fire and water. We stay just five minutes down the trail from Muktinath at Ranipauwa
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DAY 13: MUKTINATH - JOMSOM 2670M- 4 HRS
We have a nice morning’s walk down the Kali Gandaki riverbed, looking for saligrams along the way, to Jomsom, the administrative center for the region. The Kali Gandaki valley gets incredibly windy in the early afternoon, so important to arrive before noon; we’ll have lunch in Jomsom, and there is a bank if anyone needs to change money. Here there is an airport with regular flights to Pokhara, a bank, post office, hospital and few hotels. Permits are checked here.
Later confirm the flights to Pokhara Take a Shower , Rest day, Sightseeing around etc Overnight in Jomsom Hotel.
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DAY 14: JOMSOM – POKHARA FLIGHT 25 MINUTES OR DRIVE TO POKHARA BY JEEP
Early morning wake up and take the 25 minutes flight to Pokhara. The flight operates only in the mornings before the wind blows up. Pokhara, at 915m, is the country’s second largest city, located on the West bank of the Seti River. Only foothills separate Pokhara from the full height of the Himalayas, and the magnificent 8000m peaks of the Annapurna range. It is a vacationer’s paradise with its crystal clear lakes and fantastic views of the Annapurna range including the Fish Tail Mountain.
Upon arrival, check into the Hotel.
The rest of the day is free to roam the lakeside bazaar with its quaint shops and the lakeside restaurants.
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DAY 15: DRIVE OR FLY BACK TO KATHMANDU
After breakfast, we say goodbye to the beautiful lake city of Pokhara and drive towards Kathmandu. After reaching Kathmandu we have the rest of the day off to rest or do some souvenir shopping. To celebrate the successful completion of our journey, we will have a farewell dinner in the evening.
Driving: 6-7 hrs
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DAY 16: Fly back to HOME
you are saying good bye to the mountains as your adventurous trip in Nepal comes to an end today! There is nothing to do but trade emails with your travel companions and organize your photos. If you have more time you can do some shopping or sightseeing. Approximately 3 hours before your scheduled flight a representative from Everest Expeditions Nepal will take you to the airport. On your way home you’ll have plenty of time to plan your next adventure in the wonderful country of Nepal. (B)
Important note on itinerary: Although Ever effort will be made to follow the schedule above, this itinerary is subject to change due to weather conditions, route conditions, conditions of trekkers, conditions of staff and other factors which is beyond our control.
Enjoy Trek!
Include / Exclude
Cost Includes:
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- Airport Pick-up and Drop Off,
- Licensed and trained trekking guides,
- potters for carrying goods and supplies,
- Meal on full board (breakfast, lunch, dinner) basis during the trek
- 3 Nights Accommodation in the 3 Star Hotel in Kathmandu with B & B. (Bed & Breakfast) on Twin Sharing Basis.
- All accommodation on Tea House during the trek on sharing Basis.
- All meals and hot beverages during the trek.
- Transportation to and from trail head by Private and Sharing Transport
- All necessary documents and permits for trekking (where applicable)
- National Park/Conservation Area entry Permit, Insurance, and
equipment for the staffs. - Coordination of quick Rescue service (Costs covered by your Insurance Plan)
- Trekking staffs wages etc.
- Welcome dinner in a Nepali Cultural Dance restaurant in Kathmandu.
- Trekking Map, T-shirt, and Trekking certificate.
- Exclusive of Medical Kit Bag
- All Government and local Taxes
- International Flight ticket re-confirmation.
- Meals will be Start when your Trek starts.
- Domestic Flights
- Domestic Flights for Trekking Guide.
- Trekking Staff Insurance of $10,000 Per Person.
Cost Excludes:
- International Airfares,
- Travel/Trekking Insurance,
- Excess baggage charges More than 16kg and hand bag more than 5 kg in domestic flights.
- Visa fees.
- Airport Departure Taxes.
- Drinks (Cold and Alcoholic) Rescue charge.
- Tips for The staffs.
- Expenses of Personnel nature and Permit and Liaison officer fee (where Applicable.
- Meals during stay in the Kathmandu
- Extra Domestic Ticket of Jomsom, Pokhara etc.
- Extra Hotel in Kathmandu and Pokhara
Price per person
Trekking Area: Annapurna Circuit Trek ( Throng La Pass)
Trekking Days: 12 ( Besishar To Jomsom-Pokhara)
2 Pax: $1400 Per Person.
4 Pax: $1050 Per Person.
6 Pax: $1020 Per Person.
8 Pax: $980 Per Person.
10 Pax: $950 Per Person.
12 Pax: $930 Per Person.
15 Pax: $850 Per Person.
Usefull Information
Equipment List
FAQs
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Best Seasons Spring and Autumn
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Group Size 2-15
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Duration 16 DAYS BOOKING OPEN FOR 2024
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Maximum Altitude 5416M
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Trek Difficulty Moderate
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