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Annapurna Circuit Trek (19 days)

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Trip Code: NET-TR-ANC

  • Trip Type Lodge Trek
  • Duration 19 days
  • Grade Moderate
  • Max.Altitude 5416 m.
  • Min. Group Size 1
  • Travel Mode Land
Annapurna Circuit Trek

Annapurna Circuit Trek

Annapurna Circuit Trek Circumambulates Annapurna Massif and passes Manang valley and the Lower Mustang Valley and The Thorung La pass.
 
Annapurna Circuit Trek is the longest and popular trek in the Annapurna region and it encompasses all the attractions from the highest mountains to enchanting Tibetan culture and valleys. 
 
 Highlights of the Annapurna Circuit Trek include fascinating Tibetan ethnic group such as Tamangs and Thakalis, incredible views of many of the Himalaya's tallest peaks, and constantly changing panoramas ranging from lush, tropical rice paddies and rhododendron forests, waterfalls to Tibetan fortresses clinging to rocky cliffs. 
 
Starting off with a drive to Ngadi, you ascend the Marsyangdi river valley. You will pass through forests, hills and picturesque villages and walk beneath highest peaks including Annapurna I, II, III and IV stretching north as far as Tibet. You then cross Thorung La pass (5418m), one of the highest passes in the Himalayas, on your way to the holy shrine of Chumig Gyatsa or Muktinath. Chumig Gyatsa is an important shrine for Buddhists as well as Hindus and hosts a mud statue of Buddha and an eternal flame.
 
The Thorung La pass provides spectacular views of Himalayas including Annapurna I (8091m), tenth highest mountain, and Dhaulagiri I 8167m), eighth highest mountain in the world. You then descend into the Kali Gandaki Valley that includes the deepest gorge between Dhaulagiri and Annapurna. The trail continues through a wonderful rhododendron forest on the Ghorepani Ridge and past Gurung villages before winding back in Pokhara. You will be able to experience hot springs, monasteries and rare wildlife such as blue sheep, Himalayan Tiger and snow leopard. 
 
As this is one of the most popular trekking routes in Nepal, there are many good lodges catering to the needs of the trekkers along this trail. Apart from being able to enjoy homely comforts, you will have the unique opportunity to know and appreciate the lifestyle of local people. 

 

overview

 Trip code: NET-TR-ANC
  Region Annapurna Region Trekking
 Trip Rating
 Trip Duration 19 days
 Trip Type: Lodge Trek
 Trip Grade: Moderate
 Min. Group Size 1
 Max Altitude: 5416 m.
 Trip Start: Kathmandu
 Trip Ends: Kathmandu
 Best Season: Autumn: SEP-OCT-NOV
Spring: MAR-APR-MAY
 Transportation: Land
 Meals: 3 Meals a day (breakfast, lunch and dinner)
 Accommodation: 2-3 Star Hotel Accomodation in Kathmandu and Pokhara
Lodge Accomodation during Trek

itinerary

After early-morning breakfast, our guide will pick you up from the hotel and take you to the bus station. Drive from Kathmandu to Ngadi via Besisahar takes about eight hours.
 
Stay overnight at lodge in Ngadi.

Trek from Ngadi (930m) to Chamje (1410m.) takes about six hours.  Ahead the Marshyangdi valley forms a steep V-shape and you follow the winding mountain path down through Syange (1100m.) where there is a beautiful waterfall above it and along the river for some distance. The trail then climbs steeply and the path is cut into the sheer cliff-face some 200-300m above the riverbed. Now the trail begins to observe small ups and downs to Chamje through the forests.
 
Stay overnight at lodge.

Trek from Chamje (1410m.) to Dharapani (1960m.) takes about six hours. The first part of the trail descends to the river and after crossing a suspension bridge, you begin a climb to Sattale (1550m.) on a path so steep that it seems one slip would send you hurtling down into the valley. You continue on an undulating path above the river. Climbing the zigzag path to the top of the hill, we see Tal (1700m.) before us.
 
You descend to a grassy riverbank that leads to Tal with its hotels and teahouses. Here you can enjoy the exhilarating waterfalls .Beyond Tal, the valley narrows and the path becomes high and winding and in several areas hewn from the rock itself. Beyond the small village of Karte (1900m.), there is a bit more cliff-walking before the path drops again to the river. You cross a suspension bridge and climb the short distance to the stone Mani marking the entrance to Dharapani (1960m.), and our camp for the night.
 
Stay overnight at lodge.

Trek from Dharapani to Chame (2675m.) takes about five and half hours. As you cut through a narrow field from the village, the Dudh Khola, originates from the south face of Manaslu, enters on the opposite bank. The Marshyangdi then veers to the left and as Annapurna II becomes visible ahead, you arrive at Bagarchhap, a village with prayer flags fluttering in the breeze around Buddhist monastery. Continuing to climb through forests of pine and oak, you pass through Danaque (2210m.). The trail goes through flat level until you reach Chame where there are government offices, shops and hotels. Chame is the administrative headquarters for the Manang district.
 
Stay overnight at lodge.

Trek from Chame to Pisang (3100m.) takes about five hours. With Lamjung Himal (6893m) sparkling in the morning sun, you set off for Pisang. The mountain disappears as you climb the path up the valley, passing a huge apple orchard. You continue through a fir and pine forest, climbing to a high, rocky area as the opposite bank becomes an impassable cliff. From this point the valley becomes extremely steep-sided as you follow the path to Bhratang (2950m.).
 
You now walk through a pine forest and as the forest ends, the valley changes from a V-shape to a gentle U-shape, opening up a wonderful vista before us. You can see the east peak of Annapurna II as well as Pisang Peak (6091m.) to the north-east. Continuing on, you come to a long Mani wall by a bridge and the lower village of Pisang. 
 
Stay overnight at lodge.

Trek from Pisang to Manang (3440m.) takes about five and half hours. Beyond Pisang, the trail climbs a steep ridge that affords good views of the Manang valley and Tilicho peak (7145m.). Descending past Manang's airstrip at Hungde (3320m.), you come to a level area from where the north-east face of Annapurna III rises majestically above you. From the wide plains of the Sabje Khola Valley, Annapurna IV (7525m.) also becomes visible. Just beyond this point you cross the considerably reduced flow of the Marshyangdi Khola via a wooden bridge to the tiny village of Mungji. Large Chortens and Mani walls abound and the tall peaks of the Himalaya spread out before us - Annapurna II, Annapurna III, Annapurna IV, Gangapurna (7455m.) and to the rear, Tilicho Peak (7145m.). After a short steep climb you reach Manang. 
 
Stay overnight at lodge.

 

Rest day at Manang and exporation. This is an important rest and acclimatization day today before crossing the Thorung La. There are optional day walks such as crossing the river to see the tremendous icefall coming down from the Annapurna, or climbing high above the village for a full panorama of the Annapurna range and the Manang Valley.
 
Stay overnight at lodge.

Trek from Manang to Yak Kharka (4350m.) as the trail ascends gently all the way to Yak Kharka passing through the Gunsang (3960m.) village. En route, you can see panoramic views all the day. 
 
Stay overnight at lodge.

Trek from Yak Kharka to Thorong Phedi (4420m.) takes about 3 and half hours. Leaving Yak Kharka, you climb gradually to a ridge before descending to the headwaters of the Marshyangdi and crossing via a covered wooden bridge. After a short ascent up the mountain path on the right bank, you follow a narrow trail across an unstable spree slope and then descend to Thorung Phedi.
 
Stay overnight at lodge.

Trek from Thorong Phedi to Muktinath (3850m.) via Thorong La (5416m.) Pass and it takes about seven hours. You start early today for your crossing of Thorung La. The trail becomes steep immediately on leaving camp but as this trail has been used by local people for hundreds of years the path is well defined. The gradient then eases and after around 4 hours of steady climbing you reaches the chorten and prayer flags of the pass. The descent to Muktinath is a knee pounding 1600m but it's compensated for with excellent views of Dhaulagiri. Eventually the moraines give way to grassy slopes before a pleasant walk along the Jhong Khola Valley to Muktinath and its shrines and temple. 
 
Stay overnight at lodge.

Trek from Muktinath to Marpha (2600 m.) takes about six hours. You now begin the trek descent down the dramatic Kali Gandaki Gorge to Jomsom, initially through arid country in the same geographical and climatic zone as Tibet. From Jomsom the trail is straight plain crossing to Marpha. Marpha is famous for apple orchard and its production and distillery. The ethnic settlers of this region are Thakali people.
 
 
Stay overnight at lodge.

Trek from Marpha to Ghasa (2010m.) takes about six hours. Your trail passes through the bank of Kali Gandaki. The trail is very windy after late morning and you will be able to see Dhaulagiri, Tukuche peaks and walk by Thakali village Larjung.
 
Stay overnight at lodge.

Trek from Ghasa to Tatopani (1190m) takes about six to seven hours. The trail is more horizontal up to Kalapani and then from here it descends to Tatopani. Nilgiri South, Annapurna I are clearly visible from the trail. Tatopani is a natural hot spring where you can relax and enjoy your time.
 
Stay overnight at lodge. 

Trek from Tatopani to Ghorepani (2860m) takes about seven hours. The trail ahead is an ascent passing by Sikhadhara, a beautiful and big village of mix ethnicities such as Gurung and Magar. En route, you could enjoy the mountain views of Dhaulagiri and Annapurna I, green sceneries, rice terrace fields, vegetable fields and people being engaged in their daily life activities.
 
Stay overnight in lodge. 

Early morning hike up to Poon Hill (3232 m.) takes about one hour. Poon Hill is a popular viewpoint to see sunrise/sunset and majestic views of Mt. Dhaulagiri (8167m.), Tukuche Peak (6920m.), Nilgiri (6940m.), Varaha Shikhar (7847m.), Mt. Annapurna I (8091m.), Annapurna South (7219m.), Annapurna III (7855m.), Machhapuchhare (6993m.), Annapurna IV (7525m.), Annapurna II (7937m.), and Lamjung Himal (6931m.). 
 
After spending sometime in Poon Hill, hike back to Ghorepani for breakfast and then continue trekking towards Tadapani (2630m) which takes about four and half hours.
 
Stay overnight at lodge.

Trek from Tadapani to Ghandruk (2950m) takes about 3 hours. It is a very easy trek descending gently all the way through rhododendron and oak forests. This is one of the popular destinations for the bird lovers. Ghandruk is a big Gurung village offering good views of Annapurna South, Hiunchuli, Gangapurna (7455m.), Annapurna III (7755m.) and Fishtail.

Stay overnight at lodge.

Trek from Ghandruk (1950m.) to Pothana (1990m.) takes about six hours. The early part of your trek is a steep descent following the stone staircase to Kimbu, which is also known as Bee Hive area. Kimbu is located at the elevation of 1200 meters on the bank of Modi Khola. Now, your trail steeply ascends following the stone staircase up to Landruk, which is a beautiful Gurung village.

The trail follows a leveled path for two hours and then ascends steeply for an hour to Deurali (2150m.) passing through Tolkha village (1850m.). From this point you can see the panoramic view of Dhaulagiri I (8167m.), Annapurna South (7219m.), Hiunchuli (6441m.), Fishtail (6997m.), Annapurna III (7755m.), Annapurna IV (7525m.), Annapurna II (7937m.) and Lamjung Himal (6930m.). Now, the rest of the trail descends gently down to Pothana village (1900m.).

Stay overnight at lodge.

Trek from Pothana to Dhampus Phedi (1113m.) takes about four hours. The trail descends gradually for at least an hour and follows leveled path for two hours and then steeply descends to Dhampus Phedi passing through Dhampus village, paddy fields and forest protected by local community. Upon your arrival at Dhampus Phedi, you will drive back to Pokhara that takes about 1 hr.

Stay overnight at hotel.

After breakfast early morning, drive from Pokhara to Kathmandu that takes about seven hours. While driving from Pokhara to Kathmandu, you pass through Damauli, Dumre, Muglin and finally Kurintar where Nepal's first Cable car is operated to reach to Manakamana Temple.
 
En route, you will enjoy the mountain views, green sceneries, rice terrace fields, vegetable fields and people being engaged in their daily life activities. Leaving Kurintar you head towards Thankot via Naubise. Thankot is the entry point to Kathmandu. If you choose to fly back to Kathmandu, it takes about 25 minutes. There are several flights from Kathmand to Pokhara from morning to afternoon.


SERVICE INCLUDES/EXCLUDES

The Trip includes following services:
  • Airport pick-up and drop-off services by private A/C car or Van
  • Trekking guide/s
  • Porter/s (1 porter carries 25 kilograms of luggage)
  • All meals three times a day (breakfast, lunch and dinner) during the trek
  • Accommodation in teahouses (lodges) during the trek
  • Sleeping bags, down jackets, duffle bags and trekking sticks etc.
  • Entry Permit for Annapurna conservation Area
  • Trekkers' Information Management system (TIMS) card
  • All land transportation wherever applicable
  • 1 night hotel accommodation in Pokhara with breakfast
  • Insurance and equipments for the trekking staffs
  • First aid kit
  • Rescue assistance (In case of emergency, we will organize prompt and professional rescue services. To arrange timely evacuation/rescue by helicopter, you must be well insured from a reliable travel insurance company that covers both helicopter evacuation and medical treatment cost.)
  • One farewell dinner in Kathmandu with live cultural performance at authentic Nepali restaurant on the last evening
  • Souvenir (t-shirt, mug, pen, bag, etc.) 
     
The Trip does not include:
  • Personal nature expenses
  • Drinks, beverages, hot shower, etc.
  • Travel insurance
  • Tips
  • Lunch and dinner in Pokhara
  • Meals and hotel accommodation in Kathmandu 

Note:  There are different categories of Hotels in Kathmandu ranging from budget to 5 star hotels. We are happy to arrange your hotel accommodation in Kathmandu as per your interest and budget. Please inform us in advance about the type or category or price range of hotel that you would like to stay in..

reviews

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    Vibek & Marianne,
    Norway

    Experience through Annapurna Circuit

    Thank you so much for your experience through Annapurna Circuit trek (21 days). Our guide (Ramesh) and porters (Harry & Krishna) were the best; so informative, cheerful, helpful, happy and good to walk together with.

    The company has really been helpful, organizing everything properly. We will always remember Nepal as a country with amazing nature, astonishing mountains and friendly, beautiful people. We will recommend this trip to everyone we know, an unforgettable memory! Thank you!!

    All the best
    Vibek & Marianne
    Stryn, Norway


    Kathleen Sweeney,
    Ireland

    Annapurna Circuit Trek

    18 days it was an excellent experience, it was hard work but we made it to the finish line and wouldn’t have made it with out our guide Hummas Jackson he made it all worth while. It was a different world for us and I am looking forward to returning to Nepal for my next back!!!!!


    Thoroughly enjoyed the experience. Excellent caring guide/porter. Delighted we didn’t join a big group- we met so many different people on the pressure of a large group. Hummas the guide was very supportive & alert at all time.


    Thank you!!!

    Kathleen Sweeney
    Aoife Marie Sweeney
    Ireland


    Alexandra and Carolina,
    Switzerland

    The high mountains ( especially Annapurna II ) were very impressive.

    Thanks a lot for the really well organized trip around Annapurna. We crossed a lot of different landscapes,what we liked very much.

    The high mountains ( especially Annapurna II ) were very impressive.

    A big thank you to our guide & porter and to you, Nava, for the great organization, you did for us ! ! Thanks ! !

    We really enjoyed in Nepal, please note, it would be great to have enough time in Pokhara as well, it’s really worth to visit .

    MANY THANKS !

    Alexandra and Carolina

    Switzerland

     

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