Annapurna Circuit Trek (17 Days)

    Annapurna Circuit Trek

    Basic Info ( Annapurna Circuit Trek 17 Days ) $ 1250 per person

    Duration 17
    Group Size 2 or more
    TransportaionPrivate car & Tourist bus
    Altitude 4,600m/15,092ft
    Accomodations Hotel in Kathmandu & Pokhara, Tea House/Lodge during trek
    Best Seasons Spring (March to May) and Autumn (September to November)
    Activities Trekking, Hiking
    Meals Welcome and Farewell dinner at Katmandu, All meals during treks

    Basic Intro

    Annapurna Circuit trek allows you to explore the vicinity of the inner Mustang that takes us from 830m/2,723ft to 5,416m/17,769ft through the deep valleys and high mountains encircling the giant Annapurna Himal. Annapurna region is finest explained as the most happening enticement trekking trail of about 300 kms trails in the Annapurna mountain ranges in the Nepal Himalayas. Annapurna is a Sanskrit word which literary means ‘ Goddess of the Harvests.’ The world 10th tallest mountain Annapurna surrounded by many Himalayan ranges which include the Annapurna range, Dhaulagiri and Machhapuchhre - the famous fish-tail mountain that dominates the skyline above Pokhara. In addition this area possesses the Kali Gandaki, the world's deepest gorge.

     

    This trek starts right from Besishahar which is 7 hours drive from Kathmandu city and goes along the Marshyangdi River, with great view of Manashlu and Himal Chuli. The trek accomplishes an altitude of 5,416m at the Thorung La pass, connecting the periphery of the legendary Tibetan plateau. We trek to the scared Hindu Temple, ’Muktinath’ (place of salvation) from Manang valley. Other days we trek down further to reach Marpha, a very beautiful village with mesmerizing apple gardens. We trek down to Poonhill, a vantage to see the Annapurna and its range. We trek down to reach natural charming city of Pokhara via Ghandruk (a typical Gurung village) where we end our trek.

    Day 01: Arrival, transfer to Hotel 

    Day 02: Kathmandu: Sightseeing and Trek Preparation 

    Day 03: Kathmandu - Besisahar [800 m/2624]: 8-9 hrs drive 

    Day 04: Besisahar – Bahundanda (1,310m.) 5-6 hours walk 

    Day 05: Bahundanda – Chamje (1,430m.) 5-6 hours walk 

    Day 06: Chamje – Dharapani (1,920m.) 4-5 hours walk 

    Day 07:  Dharapani to Chame [2,710m/8,891ft]: 5 - 6 hrs 

    Day 08: Chame - Pisang [3,300m/10824ft]: 5-6 hrs 

    Day 09: Pisang to Manang (3,500m/11,482ft), 4-5 hrs walk 

    Day 10: Manang: Rest (Acclimatization day) 

    Day 11: Manang – Letdar (4,250m.) 4-5 hours walk 

    Day 12: Letdar - Thorong Phedi [4,600m/15,092ft]: 3-4 hrs 

    Day 13: Thorong Phedi –Thorong La - Muktinath [3,800/12,467 ft]: 7-8 hrs

    Day 14: Muktinath - Jomsom [2,670m/8,760ft]: 4-5 hours 

    Day 15: Jomsom - Pokhara [2530 m/8300 ft]: 7-8 hours 

    Day 16: Pokhara - Kathmandu [1,200m/3937ft]: 6-7 hrs 

    Day 17: Departure from Kathmandu for next trip or to your home 

    Includes

    ·         All airport/hotel transfers.

    ·         Three nights 3-star hotel in Kathmandu(Hotel Bliss International or simalar catagory)  and 2 night 3-star hotel in pokhara(Hotel Crystal Palace or similar catagory) with breakfast.

    ·         Welcome and farewell dinner.

    ·         A full day sightseeing tour in Kathmandu valley including tour guide by private car. (6-8 hrs)

    ·         Teahouse/Lodge accommodation during trek with All meals (16 Breakfast, 11 Lunch, 11 Dinner).

    ·         Jomsom – Pokhara flight with all flight taxes.

    ·         Kathmandu-Besisahar & Pokhara-Kathmandu tourist bus tickets.

    ·         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, food and lodging.

    ·         Four seasonal sleeping bag, and trekking map (sleeping bag are to be returned after trip completion).

    ·         All necessary paper work and permits (National park permit, TIMS ).

    ·         A comprehensive medical kit.

    ·         All government and local taxes.

    Not Includes

    ·         Nepal Visa fee (bring accurate USD cash and two passport photographs).

    ·         International airfare to and from Kathmandu.

    ·         Entrance fee during the sightseeing in Kathmandu.

    ·         Private vehicle (Kathmandu-Besisahar and Pokhara-Kathmandu cost $120 one way).

    ·         Excess baggage charges.

    ·         Lunch and evening meals in Kathmandu and Pokhara(and also in the case of early return from the mountain than the scheduled itinerary).

    ·         Extra night accommodation in Kathmandu because of early arrival, late departure, and early return from the mountain(due to any reason) than the scheduled itinerary.

    ·         Travel & Health Insurance – Emergency Helicopter Rescue Insurance (Most recommended).

    ·         Personal expenses (phone calls, laundry, bar bills, battery recharge, extra porters, bottle or boiled water, shower etc).

    ·         Tips for guides and porters.

    Arrival, transfer to Hotel

    Day 1 : Arrival, transfer to Hotel

    According to your flight detail, you will be greeted by our representative at international airport with your name and Himalayan Club Tours and Travel written on it. Then, we will assist you in transfer to Hotel where you are be welcomed by tea/coffee. At evening we have a welcome dinner organized by our team to get to know each other. Overnight at Kathmandu.
    Kathmandu: Sightseeing and Trek Preparation

    Day 2 : Kathmandu: Sightseeing and Trek Preparation

    After short introduction with our tour guide, today we are having tour to Kathmandu UNESCO world heritage site with our tour guide which include Pashupatinath Temple “Nepal biggest Hindu temple” it is also place for the body crimination of Hindu religion. Then we drive to Bouddhanath Stupa whch is nearby Pashupatinath temple. Bouddhanath is Asian biggest stupa. It was damage by earthquake on 2015 AD however, it is completely repaired recently. Then after we drive to Swayambhunath Stupa, popularly known by “monkey temple” this stupa is on the small where we can see the whole Kathmandu valley from there. At last we drive to Patan durbar square, “Ancient Royal Palace”. Inside the square you can see different Hindu temple which are Bhimsen temple, Vishwonath temple, Taleju Bhawani temple and Krishna Temple which is most popular temple among them. Beside it you can study the Newar architecture, arts and their culture where, our tour guide help you to describe about its history of every place. At evening we have a meeting with our trekking guide and make our trekking preparation. And check our equipment for trekking. Overnight at Kathmandu.
    Kathmandu - Besisahar [800 m/2624]: 8-9 hrs drive

    Day 3 : Kathmandu - Besisahar [800 m/2624]: 8-9 hrs drive

    After breakfast drive to Besisahar from Kathmandu which will take around 8 hours in local bus. Besisahar, the prosperous town of the British Gurkhas is very entertaining giving you ample opportunity to know how locals live up to drive through these winding roads in local bus which are often enormously packed. Overnight in Besisahar
    Besisahar – Bahundanda (1,310m.) 5-6 hours walk

    Day 4 : Besisahar – Bahundanda (1,310m.) 5-6 hours walk

    Today after breakfast we start our first day trek with so much excitement. We start our trek from Besisahar and walk to Bahundanda where we will spend our first night. It will take around 5 hours to reach there.
    Bahundanda – Chamje (1,430m.) 5-6 hours walk

    Day 5 : Bahundanda – Chamje (1,430m.) 5-6 hours walk

    After breakfast we will continue our trek and walk to Chamje for around 5-6 hours. he trail next descends down to the famous Marshyangdi River and then finally takes us to Chamje where we will spend the 2nd night of trek.
    Chamje – Dharapani (1,920m.) 4-5 hours walk

    Day 6 : Chamje – Dharapani (1,920m.) 4-5 hours walk

    We will enter the beautiful valley of the Manang District. We pass by villages and small terraced farms of barley, potatoes and corn. At end part of trek we will leave the farms behind as we enter to rhododendrons and bamboo forest. We will stay overnight in Dharapani. Trekking time is 4–5 hours.
    Dharapani to Chame [2,710m/8,891ft]: 5 - 6 hrs

    Day 7 : Dharapani to Chame [2,710m/8,891ft]: 5 - 6 hrs

    From Dharapani we start off with a gradual trial to Bagarchap and eventually get to another settlement of Danagyu. Next we climb through the amazing woodland trail to the village of Timang for lunch. After lunch once again we start off with gradual trail and drop all the way to Thanchok and finally reach the pleasing settlement of Chame, the administrative headquarter for Manang district.
    Chame - Pisang [3,300m/10824ft]: 5-6 hrs

    Day 8 : Chame - Pisang [3,300m/10824ft]: 5-6 hrs

    Leaving Chame we cross the suspension bridge and walk a gradual trial with apple and peach orchard everywhere that will take us to the village of Talekhu. Now the valley starts opening up and we walk the broader version of the trail to Brathang, legend says that it used to be the settlement for Khampas (the Tibetan warriors). Soon we walk the forested trail of pine and fir to Dhukure Pokhari (holy pond) for lunch. Next hour and a half of beautiful trail lands us to Pisang
    Pisang to Manang (3,500m/11,482ft), 4-5 hrs walk

    Day 9 : Pisang to Manang (3,500m/11,482ft), 4-5 hrs walk

    Today we make our way to the major village of the Manang District which is Manang. There are two ways to reach Manang; we will take the upper trail because it offers us the best views of the mountains. You can see Annapurna massive to the south whereas mysterious Mustang to the north. We will visit Barge monastery, the largest in Manang District. The environment will become colder and drier as we climb upwards. We would already trek for around 5 hours before reaching to Manang for overnight stay.
    Manang: Rest (Acclimatization day)

    Day 10 : Manang: Rest (Acclimatization day)

    We will spend the day in Manang to acclimatize our body with the elevation. Acute mountain sickness could be serious problem in mountain so, it is important to take a day rest here. However it will not be only a day of rest, we recommend visiting around or take a short hike nearby.
    Manang – Letdar (4,250m.) 4-5 hours walk

    Day 11 : Manang – Letdar (4,250m.) 4-5 hours walk

    The walk from Manang to Letdar is not very long but since we reach the limit in terms of altitude, we will walk only for 4 to 5 hours in the maximum. We would begin late and we would walk slow. We would go through the stone walls and exit Manang. Soon the valley opens up and the views of the mountains get bigger and broader. Depending upon the season, you may as well see a lot of yak herdings in the field. We would stop at Yak Kharka to enjoy watching the Yak grazing in vast field over the tea or just a break. We walk further about an hour and call it a day in Letdar. Overnight in Letdar.
    Letdar - Thorong Phedi [4,600m/15,092ft]: 3-4 hrs

    Day 12 : Letdar - Thorong Phedi [4,600m/15,092ft]: 3-4 hrs

    We continue with the gradual trail and cross a footbridge, short steep climb to the ridge for a short break at the tea shop. Another 45 min walk through the technical landslides trail takes us the Thorang phedi. Overnight at Thorang Phedi.
    Thorong Phedi –Thorong La - Muktinath [3,800/12,467 ft]: 7-8 hrs

    Day 13 : Thorong Phedi –Thorong La - Muktinath [3,800/12,467 ft]: 7-8 hrs

    The early morning trek is required to assault the Throng La Pass, as it is the toughest leg of the trail. The trail goes steeply upwards to the High Camp. With brief stops in between, you will reach to the top of Thorang La pass, which is the highest point of the trek. You can spend some time here and start descending the other way towards the Muktinath.
    Muktinath - Jomsom [2,670m/8,760ft]: 4-5 hours

    Day 14 : Muktinath - Jomsom [2,670m/8,760ft]: 4-5 hours

    After breakfast we will start our trek towards Jomsom. This is the last day of trek where we will be going to one of the most developed city of Mustang district. Overnight in Jomsom.
    Jomsom - Pokhara [2530 m/8300 ft]: 7-8 hours

    Day 15 : Jomsom - Pokhara [2530 m/8300 ft]: 7-8 hours

    After breakfast we will drive to Pokhara by local jeep. It will be a long journey by jeep as it take almost 7 hours to reach the beautiful city Pokhara.
    Pokhara - Kathmandu 6-7 hrs drive

    Day 16 : Pokhara - Kathmandu 6-7 hrs drive

    We drive to Kathmandu early in morning in cozy tourist bus by following the same Prithivi highway. While driving we can see river on the left while high hills on the right side. In evening we have a farewell dinner with our office team leader where you can share your experience about the Annapurna Base Camp Trek. Overnight at Kathmandu.
    Departure from Kathmandu for next trip or to your home

    Day 17 : Departure from Kathmandu for next trip or to your home

    Last day in Nepal our office staff will drop you at airport before 2 hours of your actual flight, with some good memory about us and unforgettable memories about trekking.

    Equipment List

    Head: 
    - Sun hat or scarf
    - Light balaclava or warm fleece hat
    - Sunglasses with UV protection

    Lower Body: 
    - Lightweight cotton long pants/ Hiking shorts 
    - Fleece or wool pants (seasonal) 
    - Waterproof (preferably breathable fabric) shell pants

    Feet :
    - Thin, lightweight inner socks 
    - Thick, warm wool hiking socks 
    - Hiking boots with spare laces 
    - Camp shoes (sneakers and/or sandals)

    Upper Body: 
    - T-shirts 
    - Fleece jacket or pullover 
    - Waterproof (preferably breathable fabric) shell jacket 
    - Down vest and/or jacket *

    Hands: 
    - Lightweight gloves

    Accessories: 
    - Sleeping bag rated to zero degrees F * 
    - Headlamp with spare bulbs and batteries 
    - Trekking Bags/Duffel bag 
    - Basic First Aid Kit 
    - Large plastic bags 
    - for keeping items dry inside trek bag 
    - Trekking Poles * 
    - Water bottles 
    - Toiletries (Small wash towel, Toilet papers etc)

    Toiletries (it’s up to your comfort lable): 
    - 1 medium sized quick drying towel 
    - Tooth brush/paste (preferably biodegradable) 
    - Multipurpose soap (preferably biodegradable) 
    - Deodorants 
    - Nail clippers 
    - Face and body moisturizer 
    - Feminine hygiene products 
    - Small mirror

    Personal Hygiene (it’s up to your comfort lable):
    - Wet wipes (baby wipes) 
    - Tissue /toilet roll 
    - Anti bacterial hands wash 
    - Diamox (Drugs for altitude sickness if incase) 
    - Water purified pills

    Extras/Luxuries (it’s up to your comfort lable) 
    - Binoculars (optional) 
    - Reading book 
    - Journal & Pen 
    - Pencils and small notebooks 
    - Travel game i.e. chess, backgammon, scrabble

    Useful Information

    Autumn (Sept. to Nov.) and Spring (March to May) are the best seasons for the Annapurna Circuit Trek. The weather is sunny and warm with outstanding views. If you wish to avoid crowds and enjoy some alone time with nature then taking this trip during winter (Dec., Jan. and Feb.) could also be an option. However, the temperature during winter could be harsh for most guests. Trekking in the Summer or Monsoon seasons (June to Aug.) will be affected by rain but the Summer trek could be a boon for a keen botanist.