Annapurna Circuit Trek

Trip Duration 17 Nights/18 Days
Trip Code NAP-ANC-104
Trip Grade Moderate to Strenuous
Trip Cost Prices on request
Best Time Sept – Nov / March - April

Overview

Annapurna Circuit trek is a classic Himalayan trek which circles the giant Annapurna massif. This amazing hike gives you the chance to see some of the highest and lowest landscapes on Earth. The route starts in the foothills, climbs past mountain settlements, crosses the Thorung La Pass (5,416m), then descends into Kali Gandaki -the deepest gorge in the world. Pilgrimage sites, ethnic villages, hot springs, views to Mt. Dhaulagiri (8,167m) and a dawn trek to see the sunrise over Annapurna are some of the highlights.

Highlights

  • Visit temples, Art/architecture/Pagodas and heritage sites in Kathmandu
  • A classic trek on ancient trade routes
  • Both mid-hills and Trans Himalayan semi-Tibetan cultural experiences
  • Visit to old Buddhist monastery in Braga
  • Explore beautiful Manang Village
  • Stunning mountain views\
  • One of the world's most popular high pass journeys (Thorong-La) offering views of Lamjung Himal, Annapurna Himal family (I,II,III,IV), Machhapuchhre Himal, Manaslu Himal, Dhaulagiri range, Dhaulagiri ice-flow, Tilicho peak, Tibetan ranges etc
  • The Pilgrimage town of Muktinath
  • Journey through deepest gorge of the world, Kali Gandaki valley
  • prings at Totopani
  • Magnificent Himalayan sunrise sight from the Poon hill
  • Vast range of bio-diversity on trail conserved wild life and vegetation
  • Cultural exchange with different community with majority of Gurungs, Magars, Brahmin, Ksetri and Thakali.
  • Lake valley of Pokhara

Trip Summary

Trip Grade Moderate to Strenuous
Trip Duration 17 Nights/18 Days
Trip code NAP-ANC-104
Trip Start/Ends Kathmandu to Bulbule and Nayapul to Pokhara
Maximum Altitude Thorong -La pass (5416m)
Trip Cost Prices on request
Group Size Minimum 2 upto 16 persons in one group
Accessibillity Drive to Khudi/Chamje to trail-head from Kathmandu or Pokhara, start the trek according to the itinerary.
The Route Maximum altitude (5416m) Thorong -La passes 5-7-hrs average walking per day moderate to strenuous trail.
Season Sept – Nov / March - April
Trip Facilities 3+ hotel in city on B/B and best available teahouse/lodge on mountain

Itinerary

Upon our arrival in the Tribhuwan International Airport (TIA) in Kathmandu, we will be greeted by a representative from Nepal Adventure Point who will drop us off at our hotel. After checking in, we take a rest or we may also stroll in the streets of Thamel, a tourist hub in Kathmandu for some souvenir shopping.

This day we visit to Kathmandu Durbar Square, the place of the Malla and then the Shah Kings of Nepal. Places of interest here are the Kasthamandap, a medieval rest said to give Kathmandu its name, Kumari Temple, abode of the virgin goddess. Followed by driving onto Swoyambhunath Stupa on top of the hillock about 77m above the level of the Kathmandu valley. It is said to be 2000 years old. The Stupa painted on the four side of the spire bases are the all seeing eyes of Lord Buddha. We then finally visit to Patan Durbar square which is situated the heart of the city constitutes the focus of visitor's attraction. The square is full of ancient palaces, temples and shrines, noted for their exquisite carvings. Tour of Patan includes of Krishna temple, Patan king’s palace, Golden temple and much more.

Starting the day early for the trek would be a good idea; we will travel by road from Kathmandu to Chamje village which will be the starting point of the trek. Chamje is a small village in the Annapurna Region at an elevation of 1430 meters. There is a waterfall which is an attraction for both locals and tourists alike. The beautiful greenery all around will fuel us for the trek ahead. 

We begin the trek early in the morning. The trail takes us through various vegetable plantations, waterfalls and mixed communities that are believed to have migrated from Tibet.  After crossing the suspension bridge below Chamje and climbing two steep sections, we reach the village of Tal. From Tal, we enter the Manang District. On the way we also pass through Kodo village and walk on the trail that rises and falls and cuts across a mountain side to one of the biggest villages in the Manang district, Dharapani. 

Today we negotiate a few steep, forested ridges along with several landslides on route to Chame. We should not forget to look up though, as we will be greeted with remarkable views of Lamjung Himal, Annapurna II, and Annapurna IV (7,525m). We also come across small hot springs which will be a sweet respite from the tiring trek and help us relax for a while. Chame is the headquarters of Manang District in the Gandaki Zone of northern Nepal Overnight in Chame.

Today the trail continues up and down, passing several rivers and sparsely populated settlements. We walk through a steep and narrow valley to have our first view of Paungda Danda rock face, a dramatic curved rock face rising 1500 meters from the river. From here, we also gain excellent views of Annapurna II to the south and Pisang Peak to the north east. We descend to the Manang Valley floor enjoying the captivating landscape.

From Pisang there are two routes to Manang. We choose the one which passes through Upper Pisang via Geru as it guarantees outstanding views of Mt. Annapurna, Pisang Peak, and others. As we near Manang, the climate becomes colder and drier. However, a short visit to Barge Monastery, the biggest monastery in the Manang District, should cheer us up. 

In order to keep fit on the trails that follow, we keep ourselves busy today with a short hike to either Bhojo Gumba or Gangapurna Lake. If we have the energy, we can even hike to Vraga Village where we can visit the Himalayan Rescue Association which will give us some idea about Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS). 

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 further 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.

It is an uphill walk to Thorang Phedi. After walking for some time we cross a suspension bridge and reach Ledar village. We ascend furthermore and pass through towering cliffs before reaching Thorang Phedi, the last village before Thorong La.  On this trip we are rewarded with one of the best views of Mt. Gundang, Mt. Syagang, Thorung Peak and Mt. Khatungkan

Today is a long trek starting before sunrise at 4 am to reach the pass by 9-10 am otherwise weather conditions will greatly affect the journey. We cross over at an altitude of 5416 meters we can be exposed to strong winds if crossing too late. We start to climb steeply that is regularly used and easy to follow. However, the problem may arise due to the altitude and snow. It often causes terrible problems to cross the pass if it is covered by snow but it is all depending on the weather condition. About four hours climb up to the pass marked by the chortens & prayer flags. As you reach the top, you are rewarded by the magnificent view from the top with another 4 hours trek will take to the holy town of Muktinath. Muktinath means place of Nirvana and is home to the Muktinath temple as well as several monasteries. It is said that all sorrows you feel are relieved when visiting the Temple, which is a scared pilgrimage site to both Hindus and Buddhists. The main pilgrimage normally takes place in September. The Temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and has 108 waterspouts around it from which Holy water pours. Another attraction nearby is the Jwala Mai Temple this contains a spring and an eternal flame fed by natural underground gas.

In the morning we visit the Muktinath temple which a sacred place for both Hindus and Buddhists. In Hinduism, the temple is believed to be a sacred place called Mukti Kshetra, which literally means the "place of liberation or Moksha". After a visit to the sacred place, we trek down to Jomsom.

After breakfast we drive to Tatopani through the Kali Gandaki river valley to reach to natural hot spring. Those with shorter time limits can fly to Pokhara form Jomsom

We leave the Kali Gandaki and headed up the Ghar Khola valley. The trail leads us through a terraced farmland with mountains all around. We pass through the villages of Shikha and Chitre before reaching a beautiful rhododendron forest. When in bloom the rhododendron trees with its average height of up to 100" will be covered with pink or red flowers. Walking furthermore we reach Ghorepani, a beautiful village located at a ridge top. Those tied to climb up can ride bus to Pokhara form Beni/Baglung

To catch the sunrise over the Himalayas, we make an early morning climb along the steep trail to the viewpoint of Poon Hill (3210m), the most popular trekking destination of the Annapurna region. It is also a great viewpoint to enjoy the amazing views of Mustang, Pokhara and more than 20 of the highest mountains including the close-up views of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges. The snowy peak

The morning views of Annapurna South and Machapuchare are stunning, and will remain with us as we walk for around 4 hours on a broad trail that traverses and descends to Shauli Bazaar (1140m), on the banks of the Modi Khola. Passing through the lovely birch forest you will get to Birethanti an interesting village with traditional architecture, before continuing to the road-head at the busy market of Naya Pul. We transfer by coach to Pokhara and evening we will have a celebratory dinner with our trekking teams.

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 meeting in the evening.

Our adventure in Nepal comes to an end today! A Nepal Adventure Point representative will escort us to the airport approximately 3 hours before our scheduled flight. On our way home, we have plenty of time to plan our next adventure in the wonderful country of Nepal.

Cost Included

  • Fee: ACAP entrance permit and TIMS card 
  • Activities: Sightseeing & trekking trip as per itinerary. 
  • Accommodation: : 3 night’s hotel in Kathmandu, 1 night hotel in Pokhara on twin sharing bedroom and 13 nights lodges on twin or multi share bedroom on mountain
  • Food: Full board on teahouse [Breakfast, lunch and dinner] during the trekking on mountain and 3 breakfast in city. 
  • Staffs: Leader/Guide and supporters and their daily wage, food, and accommodation 
  • Transportation: Airport arrival/departure transfer, Kathmandu to Besishar and besisahar to Chamje by regular bus, Nayapul to Pokhara by car and Pokhara to Kathmandu by tourist bus.
  • Company & Government’s service charge: All applicable Government taxes & official service charges. And Crew’s, daily wages/salary, food, equipment, air and road-head transportation

Cost Excluded

  • International and domestc flight
  • Travel/medical insurance coverage personal accidents, medical and emergency Helicopter rescue
  • Personal travel and trekking equipments.
  • All lunch & dinner while in City
  • Items of a personal nature such as normal drinks, hot shower, dessert, laundry, internet and phone call.
  • Expenses occurred due to unavoidable Events i.e. road wrecks, flight delays etc.
  • Tips/Gratuities for your trekking crews
  • Temple and Monastery entrance fees
  • Optional activities
  • And unforeseen expenses which are out of control by Nepal Adventure Point

Trip Notes

Please request our Trip Note advice and detailed itinerary.

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