Annapurna Circuit This is truly an extraordinary part of Nepal. The trek takes you from 830m/2,723ft to 5,416m/17,769ft and back. While on this trek you will meet ten different ethnic groups and pass through four different climate zones. Your efforts will be rewarded with the completion of this fantastic trek around the entire Annapurna massif. This magical 21-day trek reaches its zenith at 5,416m/17,769ft and traverses all the way through agricultural villages to high mountain passes that resemble mountain peaks and also to the beginning of the Tibetan Plateau.
This epic adventure begins from the town of Besisahar, and from there the next seven days will be spent walking through rice farms, forests and friendly villages belonging to the lower realms of the Annapurna Conservation Area. The peaks of Annapurna-I (8,091m/26,545ft) and Manaslu (8,187m/26,860ft) provide the backdrop for the initial stage of this journey passing the quaint villages of Chamje and Pisang. Manang (3,500m/11,482ft) marks the beginning of the next phase, where a day will have to be spent acclimatizing to higher altitudes. Time here, however, will be well spent observing Buddhist Monks praying at one of the many monasteries. Another option is exploring Gangapurna Lake and the impressive glacier beside it.
The trek will continue over the Throng La Pass (5,416m/17,769ft) from where you can marvel at the fabulous Mustang peak and the snow-clad bulk of Mt. Dhaulagiri (8,167m/26,795ft). Starting a descent you will have the chance to visit the Hindu pilgrimage site of Muktinath (3,800m/12,467ft) and wonder in amazement at the presence of 108 small waterfalls and mysterious natural gas fires. Descending further down, via Marpha, into the deepest gorge in the world on the Kali Gandeki River, all the way to Tatopani and its natural hot springs, where you can relax with a dip in one of them. An early morning hike will lead you to Poon Hill (3,210m/10,531ft) to witness the most spectacular sunrise on earth, lighting up the picture-perfect Annapurna range. From Poon Hill it will be time to start bidding farewell to the wonderful snow-capped mountains as you descend down to Naya Pul to make your way back to civilization and Pokhara.
{tab=Trip Highlights} | Trip Name/Code | Annapurna Circuit Trek - This is a classic trek around the world's tenth highest mountain, cross the classic Throng La Pass (5,416m/17,769ft)
| | Trip Duration | 24 days
| | Activity | As advised by Tour Guide | | Grade | Moderate/Hard
| | Accommodation | Lodge to Lodge
| | Transport | Private transport, Plane | | Meals | Full Board inclusive domestic flight | | Group Size | Private | | Not included | Your personal activities, insurance, tips | {tab=Day to Day Itinerary} Friday- Day 01 Depart London Heathrow with Gulf Air 10.00pm
Saturday- Day 02 Upon your arrival in Kathmandu, Himalayan Glacier will officially meet and greet you at airport & transfer you to Hotel Encounter. You will have leisure time, followed by an evening welcome dinner at a typical Nepalese Restaurant. Overnight in Kathmandu (1,000m/3,280ft).
Sunday- Day 03 Morning Breakfast, followed by Kathmandu Valley Sightseeing tour such as Kathmandu Durbar Square, Pashupati NathTemple (cremation place), Buddha Nath stupa and Syambu Nath Stupa (Monkey Temple). Last minute preparation for trek. O/N Hotel Encounter
Monday- Day 04 Kathmandu-Besisahar Early start to make the bus journey around 8 hours to Besi Sahar (850m), the starting point of the trek. Your adventures begins.
Tuesday- Day 05 Besisahar-Bahundanda Your first days walk involves crossing a few suspension bridges, waterfalls, several up and down sections, across rice paddies and subtropical forest. You will see a different mix of villages and people.
Wednesday- Day 06 Bahundanda-Chamje Trek through amphitheatre- shaped rice paddy terraces, along the edge of a steep vertical cliff, through lush forests and culturally intriguing villages.
Thursday- Day 07 Chamje-Darapani Today you enter the Manang district after passing fields or corn, barley and potatoes. You will then pass through forests of bamboo and rhododendrons.
Friday- Day 08 Darapani-Chame Village Today you will negotiate a few steeper forested ridges along with several old landslides en-route. Remember to look up though as you will see some sensational views of major Himalayan peaks,
Saturday- Day 09 Chame Village-Pisang A narrow steep path through a very dense forrest will bring you to a dramatic curved rock face, rising 1500m from the river. As this trail opens up you will be surrounded by the Himalayan peaks.
Sunday-Day 10 Pisang-Manang Enter the upper Manang region where rainfall is much lower. You will immediately notice the contrast with the landscape and vegetation. The cold climate creates a much harsher environment.
Monday- Day 11 Manang- rest day Today a rest day is necessary for acclimatisation. The village itself is fascinating, there are some spectacular side trips not far away.
Tuesday- Day 12 Manang-Yak Kharka Today is a short walk up to Yak Kharka a small settlement at 4090m. Gradual ascent is vital to avoid altitude problems.
Wednesday- Day 13 Yak Kharka-Thorong Phedi Make your way up to the base of the Thorong Phedi pass (4600m). A small but busy settlement catering to the needs of a multitude of trekkers and climbers that use this point as a base camp.
Thursday- Day 14 Thorong Phedi-Muktinath An early start is important to cope with the long day across Thorong La pass (5416m). Crossing this famous pass will take you into a world beyond reality.
Friday- Day 15 Muktinath-Ghasa 5/6 hours hiking through the Kali Gandaki valley.
Saturday- Day 16 Ghasa-Tatopani Emerge back into subtropical forests lush with vegetation. Villages today are more frequent so you can enjoy seeing the villagers going about their daily business.
Sunday- Day 17 Tatopani-rest day Today there is nothing planned just enjoy the day, relax and bathe in the hot spring.
Monday- Day 18 Tatopani-Godepani A steep climb up to Godepani. You will stay here in order to make the climb up Poon Hill in the early morning. From Poon Hill you will get spectacular views of the Annapurna and Dhaulagari massif.
Tuesday- Day 19 Godepani-Tadapani After the walk up Poon Hill you will continue to Tadapani, You will get a 180º panoramic views of the Dhaulagari and Annapurna range. You may even get to see some of the local monkeys.
Wednesday- Day 20 Tadapani-Ghadruk The trail descends all the way down through Rhododendron forest.
Thursday- Day 21 Ghadruk-Pokhara A short walk in the morning to complete the trail and driving back to Pokhara a peaceful lakeside city harbouring a unique setting of tropical climate and vegetation with the dramatic backdrop of the Himalayas. Free shopping day
Friday- Day 22 Pokhara-Kathmandu Fly back to Kathmandu and enjoy an evening hosted by the Himalayan Adventures in conjunction with the trekking company and all your guides and porters.
Saturday-Day 23 Free day
Sunday – Day 24 Depart Kathmandu for London {tab=Trekking Map} Annapurna Circuit Trek Route Map
{tab=Includes & Excludes} Includes Food, Lodge accommodation, two ltrs of water, unlimited tea, guides, porters, internal flights Does not includes Tips and Gratuities, personal beverages, laundry services, showers, electricity for charging phones etc {tab=Price / Trip Cost} {/tabs} |