Annapurna Circuit Trek

Annapurna Circuit Trek

Duration: 13N14D
Destination Covered: Kathmandu, Besisahar, Chame, Pisang, Manang, Yak Kharka, Muktinath, Jomsom, Pokhara
Tour Themes: Cultural, Natural, Religious, Mountain
Price: On Request

Background

Regarded as one of the best long treks in the world, Annapurna Circuit Trek is not just a venture into the natural majesty but a cultural journey through and through. Spanning over 200km in four different districts of Nepal, the trail encircles the entire Annapurna Conservation Area and the Annapurna massif. Annapurna Circuit Trek is well suited for trekkers of any age and experience. The gigantic peaks including those inAnnapurna, Dhaulagiri, and Manaslu massifs, and others like Machhapuchhre (6997m), Tilicho Peak (6920m), and Pisang Peak (6019m) are also easily visible during the trek.

The15-days trekcommences upon your arrival at Kathmandu. You’ll begin the trip with a cultural sightseeing tour of the Kathmandu city whereyou’ll get to witness some of the most popular UNESCO World Heritage Sites including Pashupatinath, Swayambhunath, Kathmandu Durbar Square, and Boudhanath.Afterward, you’ll embark on a road journey to the northwest of Kathmandu to Besisahar. After spending a night at Besisahar, you’ll resume the commute until the next village of Chame. The trail moves anti-clockwise and passes through the high altitude villages of Lower Pisang, Manang, and Yak Kharka before crossing over the Thorung La Pass (5416m) to Mustang district.  Due to its close proximity to Tibet in the north, the villages here resemble Tibetan lifestyle, culture, and tradition. Across the pass, you’ll make your way to the pilgrimage site of Muktinath, where thousands of Buddhist and Hindu pilgrims visit each year to performthe pilgrimage. Once in Mustang, the landscape is entirely semi-arid and desert-like.You’ll descend further and make your way to Jomsom, the windy city of Nepal. From Jomsom, you’ll catch a trans-Himalayan flight to Pokhara. At Pokhara, you can decide either to drive back to Kathmandu or take a brief flight back. This trek can be undertaken during spring (Mar-May) and autumn (Sep-Nov).

Himalayan Summit Club offers the wide range of services to our clients and these services are available at a reasonable rate too. We also offer friendly ambiance and personal touch on all our trips so that our clients can get a taste of Nepali hospitality as they continue on the trip.

Trip highlights

  • A brief tour of UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Kathmandu
  • Cultural, Natural, Religious overview of the mid-western Himalaya regions
  • Explore the Tibetan-Buddhist influenced villages to the north of the Annapurna Himalayas
  • Visit the holy Muktinath Temple and learn the history and myths surrounding it
  • Cross one of the biggest passes in the world, Thorung La Pass (5416m)
  • Witness Himalayan grandeur of mountain ranges of Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, and Manaslu



Itinerary

Day 01: Arrive Kathmandu|1300m

Upon your arrival at Kathmandu, the representative will warmly receive you at the Tribhuvan International Airport and escort you to your hotel. After checking-in, you will meet your trek guide and discuss the trip. Overnight stay at a hotel in Kathmandu.

 

Day 02: Kathmandu Preparation and sightseeing

After an early morning breakfast, you’ll embark on a cultural and sightseeing tour of the historical Kathmandu city. The historical city is home to numerous UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Some of the temples in the valley date almost 500-1200 years. Some of the tourist landmarks you’ll get to visit during the day tour are namely Kathmandu Durbar Square, Swayambhunath, and Pashupatinath. Overnight stay at a hotel in Kathmandu.

 

Day 03: Drive to Besisahar By Private Vehicle|830m| By Jeep/Bus 6hrs

Today, you’ll embark on a road journey to the north-west of Nepal. The 172.9km stretch of serpentine road goes through the swirling hills, large gorges, and along the massive river to Besisahar. A small town, Besisahar serves as the gateway to the Annapurna circuit trail. The 6hr drive from Kathmandu to Besisahar will be filled with the mesmerizing sights of various towns, villages, and mountains. Overnight stay at Besisahar.

 

Day 04: Drive to Chame by 4wheel jeep|2670m| By Jeep5-6hrs

Today, you’ll drive 65.7km north of Besisahar to the village of Chame. It may take well over 4hr to reach Chame which goes along the Marsayangdi River. It serves as the headquarters of Manang district. The scenic village contains no more than 1500 inhabitants. The local peak of Lamjung Himal (6983m) will be clearly visible from the village. The trek officially begins at Chame village. Overnight stay at Chame.

 

Day 05: Trek to Lower Pisang |3200m| 5-6 hrs

The trail ascends gradually through the forested path to the picturesque village of Lower Pisang. You’ll cross the villages of Telekhu, Bhratang, and Dhikur Pokharibefore reaching Lower Pisang. It is a small village located in the Marsayangdi River valleyand directly south of the magnificent Pisang Peak (6091m). You can witness the mesmerizing sights of Annapurna massif and Pisang peak from the Lower Pisang village. Overnight stay at Lower Pisang.

 

Day 06: Trek to Manang |3540m| 5-6 hrs

Today, you’ll trek further from Lower Pisang and make way into the Manang village. Due to its close proximity to Tibet in the north, the trail is populated with villages that resemble the Tibetan style of house making. You’ll pass throughUpper Pisang, Ngawal,and Ghyaru village en route. You’ll also cross Humde and Braka villages before arriving at Manang. Overnight stay at Manang.

 

Day 07: Acclimatization day

You’ll spend the day acclimatizing at Manang before ascending further. You can choose to make a short hike around the Manang village and altitude-train to prepare for the upcoming trek. Manang has a history of yak herding and salt-tradingwith Tibet in the north. From Manang, you can enjoy the magnificent views of Gangapurna (7454m), Tilicho Peak (6920m), Kangaru Peak (6981m), and Thorung Peak (6144m). Overnight stay at Manang.

 

Day 08: Trek to Yak Kharka |4050m|5-6hrs

You’ll ascend further from Manang village and head throughthe stream towards Tengi village. The trail leads directly into the Marsayangdi valley and Jharsang Khola valley in the northwest. You will encounter rich juniper trees on both sides of the trail. You’ll pass through the Tibetan influenced Ghunsang village with the flat-mud roof houses and yak pastures before reaching Yak Kharka. Overnight stay at Yak Kharka.

 

Day 9: Trek to Thorung Phedi |4525m |5-6hrs

As you gain more altitude, you’ll head directly to the Thorung Phedi, a tiny settlement located at the foot of Thorung La Pass (5416m). The area resembles more of a desolate landscape with zero vegetation. You’ll walk along the cold currents of Marsayangdi River. The area is mostly covered with snow during monsoon and winter. It’s essential to stay overnight at Thorung Phedi before heading out to cross the Thorung La Pass. Overnight stay at Thorung Phedi.

 

Day 10: Trek to Muktinath |3802m| via Thorung La pass |5416m| 8-9hrs

Today, you’ll make a head start and ascend the pass at the earliest. As you advance to the top, you’ll encountera thick snow path. Once at the top, you can witness the magnificent panorama of majestic Himalayan peaks lying inside Tibet. Thorung La is the highest altitude you’ll cross during this trek. As you start descending to the other side, you’ll encounter a more desert-like landscape which is endemic to Mustang district. The day ends at Muktinath, a pilgrimage site for both Hindu and Buddhist pilgrims. Overnight stay at Muktinath.

 

Day 11: Trek to Jomsom |2720m| 5hrs

You’ll visit the temple and the surrounding in the morning. The temple premise boasts a small temple at the center surrounded by 108 stone-taps. After exploring the Muktinath, you’ll make your way towards Jomsom. You’ll pass through the Kagbeni village en route. You’ll trek through the Kali Gandaki valley and reach Jomsom in the noon. You can enjoy the locally produced Apple brandy called ‘Marpha’ and relish the local Thakali cuisine at Jomsom. Overnight stay at Jomsom.

 

Day 12: Fly from Jomsom to Pokhara|820m| 25 mins and sightseeing at Pokhara

You’ll catch the earliest flight back to Pokhara city. The trans-Himalayan flight takes you over the Annapurna massif with the scenic view of the Himalayas and dense forests of Annapurna Conservation Area below. Once at Pokhara, you’ll begin the day tour of the touristic city. Popular for its adventure activities such as paragliding, bungee, zip-lining, and boating, you can choose to explore some of the unique historical and cultural sites namely Davis falls, Mahendra cave, Peace Pagoda, and Phewa Lake. Overnight stay at a hotel in Pokhara.

 

Day 13: Drive |7 hrs| to Kathmandu

Drive back to Kathmandu privet vehicle. The road traverse may account for 7hr of the adventurous ride through the spiraling hills. Overnight stay at a hotel in Kathmandu.

 

Day 14: Transfer to airport for departure

Our representative will drive you to the airport in a private car. Your transfer to the international airport will be approximately 3 hours before the scheduled flight.

 

More Details

Included in the Cost

  • Airport pickups and drops in a private vehicle
  • Hotel accommodation in Kathmandu and Pokhara with breakfast
  • Teahouse accommodation during the trek
  • All meals (breakfast, lunch and dinner) during the trek
  • All ground transportation on a comfortable private vehicle as per the itinerary
  • An experienced, English-speaking and government-licensed trek leader
  • 1 Assistant Guide
  • 4 Porters service
  • Kathamndu welcome and farewell dinner
  • Staff costs including their salary, insurance, equipment, food and accommodation
  • Info Trekking Nepal’s trekking bag/duffel bag.
  • All necessary paperwork and trekking permits (ACAP, TIMS)
  • Medical kit (carried by your trek leader)
  • Jomsom to Pokhara Flight
  • All government and local taxes 

 

Not Included in the Cost

  • Nepalese visa fee
  • International airfare to and from Kathmandu
  • Excess baggage charges
  • Kathmandu Sight seen
  • Lunch and dinner in Kathmandu and Pokhara
  • Extra night accommodation in Kathmandu and Pokhara in case of early arrival, late departure, and early return from the mountain(due to any reason) than the scheduled itinerary
  • Travel and rescue insurance
  • Personal expenses (phone calls, laundry, bar bills, battery recharge, extra porters, bottle or boiled water, shower, etc.)
  • Tips for guide, porter and driver(s)

Meals

During our trek, we can enjoy authentic Nepalese food as well the more common international cuisine (Tibetan, Continental, Italian, Indian, etc.). Breakfast and dinner will be served from the teahouse or from a lodge menu where we spend the night whereas lunch will be served on the way to the next destination. All meals will be provided during trekking.

Physical Condition & Experience Requirements

This is a moderate trek suitable for passionate walkers who have the ability to walk at least 5-7 hours a day with a light day pack. Walking in higher altitudes is more physically demanding than walking in lower altitudes; however, if we are in excellent health with average physical fitness and have a positive attitude, self confidence and strong determination, we can accomplish this trek successfully. Exercising and jogging regularly for some weeks prior to the trip is a good idea to enhance our strength and stability. Past hiking experience would be an asset but no technical skill is required for this trip. It is vital for participants with pre-existing medical conditions such as heart, lung, and blood diseases to consult their doctor before taking the trip.

Best Time to Travel

Spring (March to May) and Autumn (September to November) are the best months for this trip. Although this trip can be taken during winter, there might be a problem due to obstructed pass due to ice or snow. The trekking routes are crowded during Spring and Autumn but during Monsoon and Winter the routes are not packed and we could enjoy rather best of nature.

Payment Terms & Methods :
* Some Advance Percentage of total booking amount
* Airfare/Transport fare to be paid full at one time in advance.

Cancellation & Refund Policy :
* Upon cancellation, refund will be made after deducting the Retention Amount.
* Retention Amount varies as per the number of days left before your package start date.