Annapurna Circuit

Looking around at Everest’s famed awesome landmarks; you can really feel that you’re in the lap of highest mountains on earth.

Following Hillary’s historical first assent in 1953, legendary stories of summit expeditions have added to the attraction of Everest (8,850m), situated in the heart of the Tibetan Sherpa region called the Khumbu. This classic trek is special in its own right -  with quintessential Himalayan mountain views and staggering scenery unique to the Everest region including marvels such as the dramatic Khumbu icefall with its 15m ice ceraks. The Khumbu valley is home to the famed Sherpas, alive with traditional Sherpa villages, yak packs, tea-houses and Tibetan Buddhist monasteries to explore. Parts of the trail are challenging however, the breathtaking scenery is worth every step, and we allow time enough to appreciate the culture. A memorable trip that lives up to every bit of its’ reputation.

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Day 1 Arrival
Day 2 Kathmandu
Day 3-20 Trek
Day 21 Kathmandu Return
Day 22 Depart Home

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Day 1 Kathmandu
A Spirit representative will welcome you at Tribhuvan Airport and transport you to your Kathmandu hotel.  They will later join you for a welcome drink and cover off any questions you may have and give you helpful tips for your time in Kathmandu.  Later that afternoon we gather for a pre trek briefing and introductions to your trek leader and Spirit team, and make arrangements for your ‘trek pack’.  The evening is free but the guide usually organises dinner at a local restaurant in the heart of Kathmandu.

Day 2 Sightseeing Tour
First take a relaxing breakfast in Kathmandu before joining a guided tour of the amazing city sights and scenes of Kathmandu. You will visit Durbar Square, Swayambhunath ‘Monkey’ Temple, the famous Hindu temple – Pashupatinath and the largest Stupa in Nepal – Boudha.

Day 3 Fly to Lukla, start trek
Take an early morning flight to Lukla (2,840m), and get your first real peak of the Himalayas on the flight, arriving at the Lukla airstrip deep in the Khumbu region.  A short break to recount the flight excitement and for the Spirit team to organise the porters to carry the luggage and gear, a coffee, and then we commence our adventure with a short trek to the lovely Phakding (2,610m), set on the banks of the rushing Dudh Koshi River.

Day 4-20 Trek
We cross into Sagarmatha National Park (our permits are already arranged) and gain our first glimpse of Mt Everest – also providing a well-timed break on the steep climb up to the large Sherpa village of Namche Bazaar - here you really know you are in the mountains.  At 3450m an acclimatisation day is essential - so we spend two nights here.  The second day in Namche is spent exploring the amazing surrounds – including Sherpa villages Khunde (3,840m) and Khumjung (3,790m) and breakfast at the famous Everest View Hotel – at the same time gaining altitude to assist our acclimatisation process.  

Leaving Namche, we move slowly up to Mong (3940m) initially following the now deep Dudh Koshi valley, then down to Phortse Tanga and across the river to the sister village of Phortse (3800m) where we spend the night.  Looking back we gain wonderful views back toward Namche and the huge face of Kongde (6,187m)

A steep initial descent the following morning gets us unto a ridge path and as we near the first turn Ama Dablam (6812m) rises up in the valley.  This gorgeous peak dominates the skyline all the way on this wonderful high ridge path to our next destination of Pangboche (4,000m).  A lovely Sherpa village, Pangboche provides a viewing point for Everest (8850) and the giant Lhotse, Nupste wall.  We leave the following day heading to Dingboche (4,350).  We are at the foot of Ama Dablam and we spend an additional acclimatisation day in this comfortable village, where a number of day trip opportunities including the Ama Dablam Lakes.   We make our way to Chukhhung (4,730m) a 3-hour ascent the next day.  Nestled between two streams, the views from here are also incredible.  We are up close to some of the biggest mountains in the world.

We rise early for the long trek up to Lobuche (4,940m) to stay at the well earned comfort of the EcoLodge.  The following day we make another 250m ascent, to reach the highest lodge in the region at GorakShep (5,170m).  We stay two nights here.  This gives us plenty of time to trek to Everest Base Camp (5,360m) the next day, and an early rise on the following morning to Kala Pattar (5,545m), probably the best vantage point in the Himalaya for up close views of Everest.  The Base Camp and Kala Pattar literally are the high points of the trek.  On the same day, we descend to Pheriche (4,280m) for the night.  

Today we descend a total of 420 meters through Sherpa villages, including Pangboche (3,930m), crossing the Imja Koshi and gently strolling through another rhododendron forest to the gorgeous Tengboche (3,860m).  Saddled on a ridge, here we can enjoy the cultural highlight of the Khumbu’s religious centrepiece of the Tengboche monastery, see the shiny, blue black Himalayan Monal (Nepal’s rare national bird) and reflect on the inspiring panorama of the Himalayan giants, including Kwandge (6,187m), Tawachee (6, 542m), Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, Ama Dablam, Kantega (6,685m) and Thamserku (6,608m).  Sadly our trek is drawing to an end as we leave the Himalayan giants behind us and descend 4-5 hours and 750m the next day into Namche for a well earned rest and a visit to the local bakeries for homemade apple pie. The final trekking day is a long walk to Lukla – but you are probably in good shape by now - where we shed thermals and down jackets for a warmer nights rest.  

Day 21 Fly to Kathmandu
The following day is the flight out to Kathmandu giving us a last glimpse of the Himalayas and a reminder of our achievements.  After landing, the rest of the day is left to explore the shops and bazaars that offer unique gifts for you, your family and friends.  Our last evening together is spent at a traditional Nepali restaurant to dine, reminisce, view photos and talk about next year’s Himalayan adventure!

Day 22 Depart Kathmandu
Spend your last morning soaking up the unique life of Kathmandu before preparing to fly back home or onto another destination.

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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

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Please contact us for Price information.

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