Annapurna Circuit Trek

Annapurna Circuit Trek: DAY 01: Arrival in Kathmandu [1,300m/4,264 ft]

Upon your arrival in the Kathmandu airport.after completing your custom formalities (Visa, etc) pick up your luggage and look for our representative with a display board at the arrival gate. You will be then transferred to Hotel Shanker or a similar category hotel. After check in, if time allows, you will meet your trekking leader as well as other participants and for final preparation for the trip. It all depends upon your arrival time. If your arrival is late, all preparation can be done on day 2 after sightseeing. Later in the evening we organize a welcome dinner at an excellent traditional Nepalese restaurant where you will enjoy a Nepalese cultural program along with a fine meal. Included meal: Dinner (D)

Annapurna Circuit Trek: DAY 02: Kathmandu: Sightseeing and Trek Preparation
Today after breakfast we will start a guided tour to several of the most historical and spiritual attractions in Kathmandu. Some of these landmarks are considered World Heritage Sites; including the historic Durbar Square, the sacred Hindu temple of Pashupati Nath, the famous ‘Monkey Temple’ (Swayambunath) and Buddhists shrine (Buddha Nath) which is one of the large Stupas in the world. In the afternoon, there will be a pre-trip discussion where we can meet our trek leader and other team members. Himalayan Glacier Trekking briefs us regarding our trek as well as provides us opportunity to ask any questions we may have regarding our upcoming adventure. Included meal: Breakfast (B)

Annapurna Circuit Trek: DAY 03: Kathmandu to Besisahar to Khudi [800 m/2624]: 8-9 hrs drive
We start our journey into the hills through the winding roads along the Trishuli River. Enroute we see more of countryside of Nepal that offers greenery, rivers, villages, farms and beautiful mountain scenarios. From Mugling, we head along the road toward Pokhara. We leave the highway to Pokhara at Dumre, and head north to Besisahar. A half-an-hour’s drive from Besisahar takes us to Khudi, the starting point of our trek. Alternatively, we can get off at Besisahar, and then trek for an hour to get to Khudi along the wide trail. Khudi offers us a first glimpse of the gorgeous Manaslu range. (B, L, D)

Annapurna Circuit Trek: DAY 04: Khudi to Sirung [2200m/7216 ft]: 6-7 hrs

Your first day`s walk involves crossing a few suspension bridges, waterfalls, several up and down hill sections, across rice paddies and subtropical forest. Initially, the walk is gradual then it becomes steeper. The mountains that were seen from the Khudi become closer as we walk higher. The villages and people are an interesting mix. On the way to Sirung, we come across an ethnic Tamang settlement, Taranche. We enjoy the close-up views of Nadi Chuli and Manaslu in Sirung. Sirung offers us a home-stay where we also enjoy the cultural program organized by the villagers for the visitors. If the number of visitors is more than four, the group may have to split to stay at different houses for the night. first glimpse of the gorgeous Manaslu range.(B, L, D)

Annapurna Circuit Trek: Annapurna Circuit Trek DAY 05: Sirung to Chamje [1,410m/4,626ft]: 5-6 hrs

We trek through amphitheater-shaped rice terraces, along a steep vertical cliff, lush forests, and some culturally intriguing villages. Always following the Marsyangdi, we walk in a fantastic landscape through little waterfalls, forests and villages. We will not feel tough until we reach Syange (1100 m), but after Syange the climb gets tougher up to Jagat (1300 m). From Jagat, we make a steep climb to Chamje. Overnight in Chamje. (B, L, D)

Annapurna Circuit Trek: DAY 06: Chamje to Dharapani [1,960m/6,430ft]: 5-6 hrs
Today we enter the Manang region passing through fields of corn, barley and potatoes, and then through forests of bamboo and rhododendrons. On the way is the village namely Tal. Tal lies on a flat plain next to the sandy beach and river at the base of a large waterfall. While we are hiking, sometimes we may have to give a pass to a large group of donkey caravan. Overnight in Dharapani.(B, L, D)

Annapurna Circuit Trek: DAY 07: Dharapani to Chame [2,710m/8,891ft]: 5-6 hrs
Today we negotiate a few steep forested ridges, along with several landslides on route. Remember to look up though, as we will be treated to some sensational views of Lamjung Himal, Annapurna II, and Annapurna IV (7,525m/24,688ft). Small hot springs relief your long day trek. Overnight in Chame. (B, L, D)

Annapurna Circuit Trek: DAY 08: Chame to Pisang [3,300m/10824ft]: 5-6 hrs

A steep and narrow path through a very dense forest will bring us to the dramatic curved rock face, rising 1500m from the river. The forests and heavy vegetation would now be gone. We cross and re-cross the river again and again on suspension bridges. As the trail opens up we get surrounded by majestic Himalayan Peaks. We find ourselves in U-shaped valley of Manang hanging between two giant snow peaks and after walking through these wonderful sites we reach Pisang. Overnight in Lower Pisang. (B, L, D)

Annapurna Circuit Trek: DAY 09: Pisang to Manang: 6-7 hrs

There are two routes that we can follow today. If taken upper route (we recommend), i.e., the route through Upper Pisang via Geru, the sceneries are outstanding. It feels like we are horizontally in front of the majestic peaks. The panoramic views of the mountain peaks, such as Annapurna, Pisang peak, and several others will definitely allure us. We notice the contrast in the landscape and vegetation from today. The cold, dry climate creates a much harsher environment. A visit to Barge monastery, the largest in the entire district of Manang will be memorable. Overnight at Manang (B, L, D)

Annapurna Circuit Trek: DAY 10: Manang: Rest
Today is the scheduled acclimatization day. It is not recommended to stay idle but a short walk to higher altitude is suggested to get acclimatized with the altitude. Manang is a good place to do that as the next two days will be very challenging and tiring trek for us with rapid gain in altitude. We should never be over-confident with the altitude and always be cautious. Bhojo Gompa or Gangapurna Lake is worth visiting sites from acclimatization point of view. An easy excursion to a little distance away to a village called Vraga, a small old village with a monastery is also possible. Also worth visiting is the Himalayan Rescue Association where we can get some ideas about Mountain Sickness. Overnight in Manang. (B, L, D)

Annapurna Circuit Trek: DAY 11: Manang to Yak Kharka [4,110m/13,484ft]: 3-4 hours
From Manang village, the trail crosses a stream, climbs to a village of Tenki above Manang, and then continues to climb out of the Marshyangdi Valley turning northwest up the valley of Jarsang Khola. The trail follows this valley northward, passing a few pastures, a scrub of juniper trees, as it steadily gains elevation. The trail passes near the small village of Ghunsa, a cluster of flat mud roofs just below the trailhead. Now the trail goes through meadows where horses and yaks graze. After crossing a small river on a wooden bridge, the trail passes an ancient old Mani wall in a pleasant meadow and then reaches another small village of Yak Kharka. Little but Gradual ascent is the key to avoiding altitude problems. Overnight in Yak Kharka (B, L, D)

Annapurna Circuit Trek: DAY 12: Yak Kharka to Thorong Phedi [4,600m/15,092ft]: 3-4 hrs
We make our way to the foot of the pass, Thorong Phedi today. Thorong Phedi is a small busy settlement catering to the needs of tired trekkers and climbers. People use this point as a base camp. Some people also attempt a hike to the High Camp today so that the next day can be easier for them but we do not recommend attempting High Camp and overnight there because sleeping in higher altitude is not really advisable. Although we will have a tough day tomorrow, we stop at Thorong Phedi so that we can sleep sound rather than a risky sleep in higher altitude at High Camp. Overnight at Thorong Phedi. (B, L, D)

Annapurna Circuit Trek: DAY 13: Thorong Phedi to Muktinath [3,800/12,467ft]: 7-8 hrs
We reach the climax of our Annapurna circuit trek today. It will be a lifetime unforgettable experience- crossing the famous high pass, Thorong La. An early start is important to complete the mission. Each moment we have to work hard today through the icy high-altitude trail but the outstanding high Himalayan scenes are such tempting that our eyes love to watch more over the horizon than on our trail. We reach Muktinath with the setting sun. Muktinath is an important pilgrimage place for both Hindus and Buddhist. The area hosts a Vishnu temple and a Monastery nearby. Muktinath itself demonstrates the religions harmony in Nepal. Overnight at Muktinath. (B, L, D)

Annapurna Circuit Trek: DAY 14: Muktinath to Marpha [2,670m/8,760ft]: 4-5 hours
Muktinath is an important pilgrimage for both Hindus and Buddhists. In the morning, we visit Vishnu Temple and Gompa. Descending from Ranipauwa village down the steep and barren hillside, we tumble down toward Kagbeni and then to Jomsom finally arriving at Marpha. The trail today is quite surreal as you trek along a plateau above Kali Gandaki, the world`s deepest gorge. The barren landscape of this area resembles Tibet. Marpha is also famous as the apple capital of Nepal where one can enjoy different items made from apple. The local apple brandy of Marpha is famous all over Nepal. Overnight at Marpha. (B, L, D)

Annapurna Circuit Trek: DAY 15: Marpha to Kalopani [2530 m/8300 ft]: 5-6 hours
From Marpha, we take a new route toward Kalopani via Chokhopani village. Today, we come across traditional villages of the ethnic Thakali people. Also, we get to see apple gardens. Waiting here is the 360 degrees panorama of Himalayan peaks: Dhaulagari, Tukuche Peak, the three Nilgiris, Fang and Annapurna I. From Chokhopani we continue to Kokhethanti. After crossing a river, we meet come across the newly constructed road site at before reaching Kokhethanti of Kalopani. Overnight at Kalopani. (B, L, D)

Annapurna Circuit Trek: DAY 16: Kalopani to Tatopani [1,200m/3937ft]: 6-7 hrs
Again to avoid the new roads we take a new route to Tatopani from Kalopani. The journey is mostly downhill. We cross the bridge at Ghasa. As we drop to lower elevations, we emerge back into subtropical forests, lush with vegetation. We continue along Rupse Chahara (popular waterfall). We avoid the road and continue down the east bank from Kopchepani via Garpar to a bridge at Dana. At Narchyang Besi, we get to see a powerhouse that supplies electricity in the area. We notice more villages in this area where we can observe the everyday lives of the local village people. Upon reaching Tatopani, we relax and have a bath in the hot spring.(B, L, D)

Annapurna Circuit Trek: DAY 17: Tatopani to Ghorepani [2,850m/9,350ft]: 7-8 hrs
While we walk we observe the lifestyle of the people in the midland villages of Nepal. Ghara and Sikha are the villages with terraced and inclined farmlands. We gradually walk steep up to ascent Ghorepani. Passing through the Phalate and Chitre, we walking through a no-habitation area through rhododendron, brich, and magnolia and some meadows. As we gain height the peaks ahead look wonderful. We stay at Ghorepani for we have to make the climb to Poon Hill early tomorrow morning. Overnight in Ghorepani.(B, L, D)

Annapurna Circuit Trek: DAY 18: Ghorepani to Tadapani [2,710m/8,891ft]: 6-7 hrs
Early at dawn we take an ascend to Poon Hill (3,210m/10,531ft) to catch the moment of spectacular sunrise over the whole Annapurna and Dhaulagiri massifs and surrounding rice terraces. Poon Hill has been nicknamed as the photographer`s paradise. After breakfast, we continue ups and downs of the trail trek to Tadapani through the rhododendron forests. Keep inspecting the horizon as sceneries are equally dazzling throughout the day today. (B, L, D)

Annapurna Circuit Trek: DAY 19: Tadapani to Ghandruk to Pokhara [850m/2,789ft]: 5-6 hrs trek, 1 hr drive

The trail leads all the way down through the Rhododendron forest to Ghandruk. This is the second-largest Gurung settlement in Nepal. After lunch we continue trek to Nayapul to complete the trail which is fllowed by a short bus ride back to Pokhara, a peaceful lakeside city harboring a unique setting of tropical climate and vegetation with the dramatic backdrop of the Himalayas. Overnight in Pokhara (850m/2,789ft). (B, L)

Annapurna Circuit Trek: DAY 20: Pokhara to Kathmandu: 6 hrs drive

After breakfast, we start our drive back to Kathmandu. Better to hold on the left pane of the vehicle to enjoy the scenery through the route. Upon arrival in Kathmandu, we get transferred to our hotel; and we spend the afternoon leisurely, perhaps catch up on some last minute shopping and in the evening celebrate dinner together with Himalayan Glacier Trekking staffs. Overnight in Kathmandu.(B, D)

Annapurna Circuit Trek: 21: Farewell Friend
You are saying good bye to the mountains as your journey in Nepal comes to an end today! We take you to the airport as per your flight time. We hope you enjoyed the trek, and are sure you will be back trekking somewhere in the Himalaya again. Approximately 3 hours before your scheduled flight a representative 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)

Annapurna Circuit Trek: Pricing due to currency fluctuations and seasonal changes please inquire for the best possible price.

Annapurna Circuit Trek: Annapurna Circuit Trek: What’s Included:
All airport/hotel transfers
Three nights 4-star hotel in Kathmandu (Hotel Shanker or similar standard) and 1 night 2-3 star hotel in Pokhara (Both on B&B basis)
Welcome and farewell dinner
Guided sightseeing in Kathmandu with a tour guide and all temples/monuments entrance fees
All accommodation and meals during the trek
Transportation:Pokhara to Kathmandu in Tourist Bus and all other transport such as Kathmandu to Khudi via Besishahar and pick ups and drops in private car
An experienced English-speaking trek leader (trekking guide), assistant trek leader (4 trekkers: 1 assistant guide) and Sherpa porters to carry luggage (2 trekkers:1 porter) including their salary, insurance, equipment, flight, food and lodging
Down jacket, four seasonal sleeping bag, Himalayan Glacier Trekking duffel bag, t-shirt, and trekking map (down jacket and sleeping bag are to be returned after trip completion)
All necessary paper work and permits (ACAP, Trekking permit)
A comprehensive medical kit
All government and local taxes.

Annapurna Circuit Trek: Annapurna Circuit Trek: What’s NOT Included:
Bring 2 passport size photographs
Excess baggage charges
Extra night accommodation in Kathmandu and Pokhara because of early arrival, late departure, early return from mountain (due to any reason) than the scheduled itinerary
Lunch and evening meals in Kathmandu and Pokhara (and also in the case of early return from mountain than the scheduled itinerary)
International and domestic flights (Pokhara to Kathmandu)
Travel and rescue insurance
Personal expenses (phone calls, laundry, bar bills, battery recharge, extra porters, bottle or boiled water, shower etc)
Tips for guides and porters