Introduction
The Annapurna Circuit takes you right around the Annapurna Massif. It is widely regarded as Nepal’s ‘trek-with-everything’.Green forests, tremendous mountain scenery with a mosaic of fascinating cultures, from Hindu farmers to Tibetan Llamas.
The trail leads northwards initially through some fascinating villages, crossing fields of paddy before dissecting the Marshyangdi river gorge.The ascent towards The Manang Valley is fairly steady before it eventually emerges into the valley with a dramatic change of scenery. The valley is predominantly Tibetan in lifestyle and outlook, the following few days are spent traveling through some delightful Tibetan like settlements with tremendous views.
A day is taken side trekking for acclimatization before the taxing ascent of the Thorong-La (5416 m). This day over the pass is a long but a very rewarding one, with splendid views of Nilgiri, Dhaulagiri and Dhampus Peak, among others. From the pass, a steep descent of two to three hours leads to the pilgrimage site of Muktinath. The settlement has been a holy place for both Hindus and Buddhists for many centuries.
Our return follows the Kali Gandaki River gorge (the deepest gorge in the world) through some very interesting Lower Mustang and Thakali villages. Kagbeni for example has great Tibetan style architecture and culture. Marpha is renowned for its production of world class (and extremely potent !) brandy and Tatopani (which means ‘hot water’) is a great place for food and also where you can take a bath in the hot springs.
Tatopani has been a stopping point for pilgrims for many years, it has been regarded as an idyllic halt for trekkers since trekking began to become popular in the early 1980s.We spend a day enjoying the hot springs – and some great food before a further two days hike upwards to Ghorepani. The next morning we need to be up early for the trek to Poon Hill, one of the best spots to see and photograph the sunrise over the Himalayas.
On our return we rest for our final night in the beautiful large Gurung village of Ghandruk. The last day is an easy descent to Nayapul where transport awaits for the one and a half hour journey back to Pokhara.
Inclusion
What's included ?
- Accommodation in Kathmandu on bed and breakfast basis as per the itinerary
- City tour in Kathmandu with guide by private vehicle
- Entry fees when sightseeing in Kathmandu
- National Park Trekking/Entry Permit
- Trekkers’ Information Management System (TIMS) registration fee
- Round trip / internal flights / overland transport / if needed / as per the itinerary
- Accommodation in guest houses/lodges during the trek
- Three meals (Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner) a day during the trek and seasonal fresh fruit after every dinner
- Qualified and experienced trekking guide and porter services
- Transportation, accommodation, meal allowance, equipment and insurance for trekking staff
- All the official paper work and all the applicable government taxes
- Airport transfers for internal flights
- Sleeping bag, down jacket and rucksack if required
- Farewell Dinner with typical local cultural program
- Airport pick-up on arrival and drop-off on departure
What's not included ?
- Meals other than breakfast when staying in hotels
- Personal expenses and bar bills
- Clients’ travel insurance
- Tips and gratuities
Day to Day Itinerary
-
Day 01 : Arrival in Kathmandu
Warm welcome from the airport / transfer to hotel / introduction program and briefing about the trip. -
Day 02 : City tour of Kathmandu Valley
A full days sightseeing of the Kathmandu Valley to include all important heritage sites / Afternoon pre-trip discussion regarding the trek /overnight Kathmandu. -
Day 03 : Kathmandu-Besisahar
Bus to Besisahar 850m / approx 8 hours / overnight in Besisahar. -
Day 04 : Besisahar to Bahundanda: 6-7 hours (Trekking times only; stops not included)
First day`s walk involves crossing a few suspension bridges / waterfall / several up and down hill sections / across rice paddies and subtropical forest / villages and people are an interesting mix / overnight in Bahundanda (1,310m/4,298ft). -
Day 05 : Bahundanda to Chamje: 6 hours
Trek through amphitheatre-shaped rice terraces / along a steep vertical cliff / lush forests / some culturally intriguing villages / overnight in Chamje (1,410m/4,626ft). -
Day 06 : Chamje-Dharapani: 5-6 hours
Today enter the Manang district / passing fields of corn, barley and potatoes / through forests of bamboo and rhododendrons. overnight in Dharapani (1,960m/6,430ft). -
Day 07 : Dharapani-Chame 6-7 hours
Today negotiate a few steep forested ridges / along with several landslides on route / sensational views of Lamjung Himal, Annapurna II, and Annapurna IV (7,525m/24,688ft) / small hot springs / relief long day trek / overnight in Chame (2,710m/8,891ft). -
Day 08 : Chame-Pisang: 5-6 hours
A steep, narrow path through a very dense forest / to the dramatic curved rock face rising 1500m from the river / trail opens up / surrounded by majestic Himalayan Peaks / overnight in Pisang (3,700m/12,139ft). -
Day 09 : Pisang-Manang: 4-5 hours
Enter the upper Manang region / contrast with the landscape and vegetation / cold, dry climate / much harsher environment. Incredible views Himalayan Peaks / overnight in Manang (3,500m/11,482ft). -
Day 10 : Manang
Rest day for acclimatization / fascinating village / opportunities for both easy and strenuous day hikes / side trips to Bhojo Gompa or Gangapurna Lake and Glacier / overnight in Manang (3,500m/11,482ft). -
Day 11 : Manage-Yak Kharka: 3-4 hours
Short walk up to Yak Kharka / small settlement set at 4,110m/13,484ft. / gradual ascent is the key to avoiding altitude problems / overnight in Yak Karka (4,110m/13,484ft). -
Day 12 : Yak Kharka to Throng Phedi: 3-4 hours
Make way to the foot of the pass Throng Phedi /small busy settlement / trekkers and climbers use this point as a base camp / overnight in Throng Phedi (4,600m/15,092ft). -
Day 13 : Throng Phedi to Muktinath: 7-8 hours
An early start is important to begin a long day / trek over Thorong La pass {5,416m/17,769ft} / unforgettable experience. The views from the trail and from the pass itself are outstanding high Himalayan scenes / long steep descent to Muktinath / overnight in Muktinath (3,800/12,467ft). -
Day 14 : Muktinath-Marpha: 4-5 hours
Muktinath is an important pilgrimage place for both Hindus and Buddhists / morning visit Vishnu Temple and Gompa / trail is quite surreal / along a plateau above the Kali Gandaki / world`s deepest gorge / barren landscape resembles Tibet / overnight in Marpha (2,670m/8,760ft). -
Day 15 : Marpha-Ghasa: 6-7 hours
A day’s trek through Kali Gandaki valley / 360* panorama of peaks / Dhaulagari, Tukuche Peak, the three Nilgiris, Fang and Annapurna I. / continue trek to Ghasa (2,120m/6,955ft) / overnight. -
Day 16 : Ghasa-Tatopani: 6-7 hours
Emerge back into subtropical forests / lush vegetation / more villages in this area; enjoy observing the everyday lives of the local village people. overnight in Hot Springs village – Tatopani (1,200m/3937ft). -
Day 17 : Hot Spring
Rest .Today / no set plans / take an easy day and relax in the hot spring / overnight at hot spring. -
Day 18 : Hot Spring-Ghorepani:7-8 hours
Long, gradual walk up / stay at Ghorepani in order to make the climb to Poon Hill early in the morning / morning next day / spectacular views of the Annapurna & Dhaulagiri massif. overnight in Ghorepani (2,850m/9,350ft). -
Day 19 : Ghorepani-Tadapani:6-7 hours;
Early morning ascend Poon Hill (3,210m. /10,531ft);spectacular sunrise over the whole Himalayan range / surrounding rice terraces / after breakfast continue trek to Tadapani (2,710m/8,891ft) / panoramic views of Dhaulagiri and Annapurna range. -
Day 20 : Tadapani-Ghandruk: 2-3 hours
The trail leads all the way down through the Rhododendron forest to Ghandruk / second-largest Gurung settlement in Nepal / overnight stay here / lo0vely well preserved old village. -
Day 21 : Ghandruk – Nayapul- Pokhara: 4 hours
trek to Nayapul / mainly all down / takes about 3 hours / drive Nayapul to Pokhara. overnight in Pokhara (850m/2,789ft). -
Day 22 : Pokhara
A day at leisure / boating / paragliding / zip lining -
Day 23 : Pokhara-Kathmandu
Drive to Kathmandu / transfer to hotel / rest of the day free -
Day 24 : Departure Day
Transfer to airport / fly onward destination