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Trip Details:

 

Embark on the Annapurna Circuit trek to find yourself walking around the entire Annapurna massif through Manang (3,519 m/11,546 ft), Thorong La (5,416 m/17,769 ft), Muktinath Temple, Marpha, Ghorepani, and Poon Hill.

 

Annapurna Circuit can be seen as one of the most extended and diverse treks with the most challenging heights to ascend: Thorong La (5,416 m/17,769 ft). It has a mixture of all to enjoy: diverse topography, Tibetian-Nepali culture, temples and monasteries, and most of all, the best view of the Annapurna Range along with other peaks.

 

Despite all the talk of it being stuffy and unsatisfying compared to the route before, it is still more fun, challenging, and equally challenging and beautiful.



Is the Annapurna Circuit Trek for you?

 

This is an adventure with lots of trekking and exploring to do. Because the routes have teahouses at many stops, it is already less difficult for you. The construction has also made it possible to choose your start or stop points.

 

You have to make sure you have little experience hiking or trekking to find it less strenuous during the Annapurna Circuit exploration. Also, make sure you acclimatise a lot to avoid high-altitude sickness.

 

If you have shorter days or are new to trekking, obviously the ABC or Poonhill-Ghorepani trek is suitable, but if you want more challenge and more days on the trail, consider the Annapurna Circuit.

 

Trip Summary:

The trek starts with a day drive to Jagat. Walking through Dharapani, Chame, and Pisang, you will reach the hub spot of Annapurna, Manang. Manang has a lot to explore including Praken Gompa, Gangapurna Lake, Gangapurna Glacier, Milarepa Cave, Local Manang Museum and the beautiful streets of Manang. You will acclimatize here for the day and head on for Thorong La (5416 m/17769 ft), one of the hardest pass in the trail. Then the journey will turn a bit religious as the trail will pull your feet to Muktinath and Jwala Mai temple with rich history, and its own speciality and popularity among the devotees. Walking further, you will reach Jomsom and then Marpha where you can enjoy the apple orchard. The trek is about to end with your last visit to Poonhill but before that take a relaxing break at Tatopani in the natural hot spring. Enjoying the sunset from Poon Hill early in the morning and getting all the snow-capped mountain views. Finally trekking back to Nayapul through Tikhedhunga, you will end the trek within Annapurna Circuit.

 

Trip Highlights:

 

  • Experience all kinds of topography on the Annapurna Circuit: sub-tropical to alpine vegetation, rocky ridges, wide yak pastures, green valleys, and many more to see with your own eye.
  • A religious trip with Upper Pisang Monastery, Braga Monastery, Muktinath Temple, and more
  • You have more options for side trips, including Ice Lake, Tilicho Lake, and Gangapurna Lake.
  • Explore the culture and local people on the trail, including the Manangi and Thakali people.
  • Challenge yourself with the world's widest pass: Thorong La (5,416 m/17,769 ft).
  • Beautiful view of mountains and peaks including Annapurna Range, Dhaulagiri Range, Gangapurna, Lamjung Himal, Manaslu, and Nilgiri
  • Enjoy the apple orchards of Manang and Marpha.
  • Relax in the natural hot spring at Tatopani.

 

Itinerary:



Day 1: Arrival at Tribhuwan International Airport

As your flight lands at Kathmandu Airport, your plans for the Annapurna Circuit are already in place. Complete all your visa and airport customs formalities, and meet us at the arrival gate. We will help you with transportation as well as hotel check-in. If you have time, visit us to have a quick briefing on your plan for Annapurna Circuit routes.

 

Day 2: Drive Kathmandu to Jagat

 

Stay in your comfortable backseat as you take a ride to Besisahar through the Kathmandu-Pokhara highway. Cross small streams, find yourself travelling parallel to the direction where the Trishuli River flows, and as you cross the bridge in Mungling, the Trishuli River is replaced with the Marshyangdi River. With glimpses of the Himalayas, you will reach Besisahar, the headquarter of Lamjung district, in about 7 hours. Driving past an hour more leads to Jagat.

 

The Marsyangdi River flows nearby Jagat village, and houses are typically stone-built, with prayer flags fluttering on the bridge. This is where you will rest—a stop with a glimpse of local culture and breathtaking views of the Himalayas.

 

Day 3: Jagat to Dharapani (2,630 m/8,890 ft)

 

Trekking time: 6-7 hours

Trekking distance: 15 km

Highest Altitude: 2,630 m/8,890 ft

 

The walk is full of beautiful things to look for, including waterfalls just outside Chyamche, but it begins with challenging stairs. Chyamche has not much to say, so we head to Tal, where the path is threaded under huge boulders and past more waterfalls. Chyamche to Tal has the best views today, with waterfalls and incredible rock formations. From Tal, the next stop is Dharapani, where the path gets wider. On this path, you will walk past small villages and terraced fields before you come across suspension bridges.

 

Day 4: Dharapani to Chame (2,630 m/8,890 ft)

Trekking Distance: 16 km

Trekking Time: 6-7 hours

Highest Altitude: 2,630 m/8,890 ft

 

Today the hike begins with ascending up to Danaque through oak and pine trees. Trekking past Dabaque, you will be able to enjoy farmlands, orchards, and forests with some glimpses of snow-capped mountains. Crossing a small bridge, you will then ascend to Temang, a settlement at the base of Lamjung Peak. Taking a break here, you can enjoy a beautiful view of Annapurna II, Annapurna IV, and Lamjung Himal. Then, continuing the trek, you will reach Thanchowk settlement after an hour of walking, and within 30 minutes from here, you will reach Chame.

 

A quick fact: Chame is the district headquarters of the Manang region.

 

Day 5: Chame to Pisang (3,200 m/10,824 ft)

Trekking distance: 14.5 km

Trekking time: 5–6 hours

Highest Altitude: (3,200 m/10,824 ft)

 

Start the day with a beautiful view of Lamjung Himal early in the morning. There will be a steep climb to Bhartang; follow the path through the jungle. Coming out of the jungle will give you impressive views of Pisang Peak and Chulu Peak. With a small descent from the ridges, you will end the trek for the day in Pisang village.

 

Day 6: Pisang to Manang (3,560 m/11,611 ft)

Trek distance: 22 km

Trek duration: 5–6 hours

Highest Altitude: 3,560 m/11,611 ft

 

With a crossing 3500m of altitude, there will be a change in topography where the surrounding area will be much drier in the upper half of Manang.

 

Leaving Pisang, you will climb a steep ridge, giving you a great glimpse of Manang Valley already. Walking further along the southern route at Hongde, you will pass through Ngwal village. Enjoy your trek further with views of snowcapped mountains and yaks grazing—all in alpine-tundra topography. It will take a further walk of an hour that takes you to Manang, where you will explore and acclimatise for a day.

 

Day 7: Acclimatise at Manang (3,560 m/11,611 ft)

 

Highest Altitude: 3540 m/11,611 ft

 

Acclimatising does not mean resting. Wake up and train your body to be at this high altitude to get used to it. And even if you want some more sleep, you cannot push off the urge to explore the beauty of Manang.

 

There is a Himalayan Rescue Association if you are interested in volunteering here in Manang. You may assist a western doctor here. Otherwise, you can also stroll around the streets and visit the local museum here.

 

Perhaps have a short climb to Praken Gompa and tour Gangapurna Lake and Gangapurna Glacier. Gangapurna Lake is just half an hour away and gives you a beautiful view of Annapurna Range, Braga village, and Manang Valley. The lake itself has an alluring aura with turquoise-blue water caused by the sediments of Gangapurna Glacier.

 

For a more religious exploration, try Milarepa Cave, as it is a Buddhist shrine significant to the locals. On the way, you can see the statue of Milarapa and a glimpse of Marsangdi Valley.

 

Manang Valley will need more days to explore to your heart’s content because of its alluring beauty.

 

Day 8: Manang to Yak Kharka

Trekking distance: 10.5 km

Trekking Time: 4-5 hours

Highest Altitude: 4,110 m (13,484 ft)

 

We will leave Manang and its beauty today. You will have a challenging walk today because of the higher altitude. Arriving at the small Tenki village, you will descend towards Jarasng Valley and cross the river. With a short break, you will take a strenuous, steep climb towards Yak Kharka, where you will enjoy the view of yaks grazing in the daylight. Above here is no greenery; it is all barren and droughty and has all alpine surroundings.

 

Day 9: Yak Kharka to Thorang Phedi (4,525 m/14,846 ft) or High Camp (4,925 m/16,158 ft)

Trek Distance: 7.3 km

Trek Time: 4-5 hours

Highest Altitude: 4,925 m/16,158 ft

 

Leaving Yak Kharka, there will be a short descent towards Ledar, but there is no point resting here. Continue till you reach the Marsyangdi River. From the river, cross the suspension bridge, after which there will be an ascent towards Thorong Phedi, the base of Thorong La.

 

Do acclimatisation and climb a few hundred metres towards the high camp, as it will be quite a tough day tomorrow. If you wish, you can also settle in High Camp.

 

Day 10: Thorang Phedi or High Camp to Muktinath (3800 m/12467 ft)

 

Trek distance: 15.6 km

Trekking time: 7-8 hours

Highest Altitude: (5416 m/17769 ft)

 

Today is the toughest challenge, as you have to cross the Thorong La, the highest point of this trek. You ought to start the day early, before sunrise, as strong winds and clouds will make it impossible in the afternoon. From Thorong La, enjoy the views of the Annapurna range, Yakgawa Kang peak, Khatung Gang peak, and many more.

 

Descending down further will be steeper, moving towards Muktinath. Muktinath is a religious site important to all Buddhist and Hindu followers. Make sure to run around 108 water spouts to wash out all your sins, as per the beliefs of the locals.

 

Jwala Mai Temple is another major attraction you can visit that has an ever-burning flame.

 

Day 11: Muktinath to Marpha (2,670 m/8,760 ft)

Trekking Distance: 20 km

Trekking Time: 4-5 hours

Highest Altitude: (3800 m/12467 ft)

 

Take the blessings from Muktinath early in the morning and descend to Ekley Bhatti through quite a steep trail. Descending from Jhong to Jhing Khola and then Kagbeni, the route might seem a bit depressing. Pushing yourself further, you will reach Jomsom. It is quite a windy place, so make sure to have a full face mask and windstopper jacket to avoid a wind blast. To avoid stronger winds in the afternoon, make sure to reach Marpha before noon.

 

Marpha has a famous apple orchid that you must surely visit and have a taste of on your own, as well as wander around the maze-like house construction.

 

Day 12: Marpha to Tatopani (1,190 m/3,904 ft)

Trekking distance: 45 km

Trekking time: 9–10 hours

Highest Altitude: 2,670 m/8,760 ft

 

Carry some of those juicy apples or have a last taste of them. We will walk towards Kalopani while appreciating the amazing views of Annapurna I and more other peaks. The walk will be relatively easier as you will be walking on a flatter surface. Further, you will walk across Tukuche village and witness the famous Dhaulagiri icefall. The trail to Kalopani will also have more places to explore, including Largung and Kobang village, on a less flatter surface. Today, as you make your way to Kalopani, you can even have an industrial visit to the Tikuche distillery that supplies drinking water.

 

Descending further, you will get to see the world's deepest gorge, Kali Gandaki gorge. Trekking downhill for 3 hours more, you will reach Tatopani. Here, you will find the natural hot spring as your trekking escapade for the day.

 

Day 13: Tatopani to Ghorepani (2,874 m/9,840 ft)

Trekking distance: 15,5 km

Trekking Time: 6-7 hours

Highest Altitude: 2,874 m (9,840 ft)

 

The trek is just not over yet without another magical sunrise. It is a challenge for the day to ascend 2780m to Ghorepani. Crossing the villages of Ghare, Shika, Phalate, and Chhitre, interact with locals (Magars and Gurungs) on your way while enjoying their hospitality, way of life, and culture. In the middle, the trail will go through a forest. As you reach Ghorepani, you will get to enjoy a beautiful sunset with views of Annapurna and other peaks. But get some rest, because the next day is going to be more exciting than this.

 

Day 14: Hike to Poon Hill and trek to Tikhedhunga (1480m)

Trekking distance: 13 km

Trekking Time: 7-8 hours

Highest Altitude:

 

Today, take a break from sleep and get up before the sun rises. Hike for roughly an hour with warm clothes and a torchlight in hand to Poon Hill to view the trip's highlight: the sunrise as the sun's rays glitter up the mountains in golden hues. View different mountains, including Hiuchuli, Nilgiri, Dhaulagiri, Tukuche, Annapurna South, Annapurna I, II, III, IV, Lamjung Himal, Machhapuchhre (Fishtail), and many more.

After you've soaked up the vistas and memories of this magnificent morning at Poonhill, you'll return to Ghorepani for breakfast. Trace your way towards Tikhedhunga, the destination of the day. Your path will be heavenly when you travel in the month of April, when the forest blooms with rhododendrons against the backdrop of the snow-capped mountains.



Day 15: Tikhedhunga to Nayapul and drive back to Pokhara

Trekking distance: 9.2 km

Trekking Time: 3-4 hours

Highest Altitude: 1480 m

 

The route ends here for your Annapurna Circuit trek. Tracing your way to Nayapul, take a drive back to Pokhara. Celebrate your memories from the Annapurna circuit, explore the streets, and enjoy the nightlife here.

 

Day 16: Drive back to Kathmandu.

After a leisurely breakfast, return to Kathmandu by a 6-hour drive or a 30-minute flight. Buy mementos to take home as a reminder of your vacation to Nepal and the Annapurna region, and spend your final night with us.

 

Day 17: Fly home (international departure)

We will arrange transportation to Tribhuvan International Airport an hour before your planned flight. I hope you enjoyed your days in Nepal.

Include and Exclude

PACKAGE INCLUSIVE:-

  • Transportation
    • National/ International airport pickup and drop with private transportation
    • Private jeep or tourist bus for Kathmandu to Jagat and Tatopani to Kathmandu
  • Accomodation
    • Twin sharing room of a 3 star hotel of Kathmandu with breakfast.
    • Tea houses./ lodge during the trek
  • Documentation
    • ACAP permit and TIMS Card
    • All other necessary documentation process
  • Meals
    • Three meals per day (Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner)
    • fruits during dinner (apples, oranges, etc)
    • Farewell dinner with Nepali cultural programs
  • Trekking region services
    • Duffel bag, sleeping bag
    • Licenced, experienced, English speaking guide
    • Assistant guide for group with 6+ trekkers
    • Porter to help with your bags (2 trekkers: 1 porter)
    • Travel & rescue arrangement
    • First aid box with guide all the time
  • Others
    • Transprotation, insurance, salary, food and accomodation of entire staff
    • Trekking achievement certificate.

 

 PAKAGE EXCLUDED:-

  • International airfare
  • Travel insurance
  • Nepal entry visa
  • Lunch and dinner in Kathmandu or other city areas
  • Additional Days than mentioned in the itinerary
  • Additional costs due to delays caused by health, weather, or other circumstances
  • Extra facilities in trekking region including:
    • phone calls, wifi, battery recharge,
    • Laundry
    • bar bills
    • extra porters
    • bottle or boil water
    • Alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks
  • Tips for guides, porters and drivers (they are expected)
  • Any other expenses than mentioned in the inclusive list

 



 

 

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