Annapurna Circuit Trek leads us to the entire Annapurna massif stretching as far as making an incredible trekking journey through one of the best trekking circuits in the world. Annapurna Circuit Trek leads us to the entire Annapurna massif stretching as far as the unequaled Thorong La Pass. Considered and preferred as one of the best long-distance trekking circuits in the world. The splendid pass is not only a challenging entity but one of the exquisite points on the earth to get splendid views of the sublime beauty of the mighty Himalayas. Annapurna Circuit Trek presents with thrills of walking through the world’s deepest gorge Kali Gandaki along with the Marsyangdi river valley which is truly stunning.
Annapurna Circuit Trekking commences from Besisahar and traverses through lush subtropical forests and traditionally carved rice-terraced fields on a vehicle. As we move on through the interesting fields, paths, mountainous backdrop, and ridges, every ridge brings a Himalayan Panorama with Annapurna and Himchuli complimenting and glorifying each other’s formidable presence. The Annapurna Circuit Trek offers an excellent opportunity to familiarize yourself with diverse ethnic communities, cultures, and unchanged daily lifestyles for centuries. Next, the trial steadily traverses through the magnificent Manang Valley and some parts of the lower Mustang with traces of Tibetan influence can be sensed all along the trail. Here we get hold of a breathtaking glimpse of Mt. Dhaulagiri (8,167), Machhapuchhre (6,993), Manaslu (8,156m), Gangapurna (7,455m), and Tilicho Peak (7,134m) around the circuit. As we move on along the circuit getting acquainted with various natural splendors, we visit the sacred site of Muktinath revered and held high by both the Hindus and the Buddhist communities. To avoid the dusty traditional route along the Kali Gandaki Valley newer sections are traced out and are relatively easier and pollution-free leading through impressive villages and meeting at the traditional route to Marpha. After visiting some Gompas here we unwind our Annapurna Circuit Trek under our expert trekking guides and head back towards Pokhara and fly back to Kathmandu.
Destination Himalaya Treks & Expedition has customized itineraries to give you the best option and season for trekking to derive the best when the weather is clearer and the circuit is less crowded. Be a part of this journey with us the unequaled Thorong La Pass. Considered and preferred as one of the best long-distance trekking circuits in the world. The splendid pass is not only a challenging entity but one of the exquisite points on the earth to get splendid views of the sublime beauty of the mighty Himalayas.
Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu (1350m)
Day 02: Travel to Chamje (1430m) through Besisahar 8/9 hours drive
Day 03: Chamje to Danakyu (2190m), 6/7 hours walk
Day 04: Danakyu to Chame (2710m), 5/6 hours walk
Day 05: Chame to Pisang (3300m), 5/6 hours walk
Day 06: Trek to Manang, 5/6 hours walk
Day 07: Acclimatization day at Manang
Day 08: Manang to Yak Kharka (4050m), 3/4 hours walk
Day 09: Yak Kharka to Thorong Phedi or High Camp (4900m), 4/5hours walk
Day 10: Thorong High Camp to Muktinath via crossing Thorong La (5416m)
Day 11: Muktinath to Jomsom (2720m), 5/6 hours walk
Day 12: Flight from Jomsom to Pokhara
Day 13: Pokhara to Kathmandu
On your arrival at the Tribhuvan International airport, the representative of Destination Himalaya treks gives you warm welcome in the adventurous Himalayan country Nepal.
We start our Annapurna Circuit trek from Kathmandu after breakfast. The public bus runs over the Prithvi highway along with the Trishuli River. You can see the additional landscape of the Himalayan country Nepal. Green forest and hill, constant Trishuli River, rivulet, farms, grassland, Himalayan views, and village. Your bus has stopped at Dumre and will be headed to Besisahar. We have to change our bus at Besisahar as there is no direct bus to Chamje. Within 2 hours, we will be able to reach Chamje. You can enjoy local food, vegetables, fruits, and the culture of the local people. Overnight in Chamje.
The day starts with crossing the suspension bridge, time and again. Today we will mostly walk uphill through the Marsyangdi river. We will pass some beautiful settlements of Tamang ethnic, inspired by Tibetan Buddhism. After walking for about 6-7 hours you will reach Danakyu where every hotel or house has an apple garden. You will see the tremendous Lamjung Himal on the left side of the hill. Overnight in Danakyu.
Today after breakfast we start our trek toward the forest. We have 5/6 hours that day. On the way walk to the green forest, sparkling views of Annapurna IV, Annapurna II, and Lamjung Himal add joy. The hot spring on the way can be seen. Overnight in Chame.
You have been walking in the area surrounded by the white Himalayas. The days have been passing through the bank of the river, crossing the suspension bridge time and again. You will be able to see the U-turned Manang valley and reach Pisang. Overnight in Pisang.
To go to Manang you can choose one way among two at Pisang. The upper one was offered by the representative of Destination Himalaya treks because it offers massive views of various mountains of the Annapurna range. You have got a chance to see the biggest monastery in the Manang district. Overnight in Manang.
Today is our first acclimatization day. It is necessary for your health and makes the body balance. We can hike near Manang. We prefer you to walk to Gangapurna Lake, Ice Lake, or a cave monastery where a Lama used to live for blessing. When we go up you have got a chance to see the mountain clearly and nearly. The Himalayan rescue situated at Manang helps you with your possible problem. Overnight in Manang.
Today we leave Manang and ascend to the Thorong La pass. We make the climb steadily through Tenki, leaving the Marsyangdi Valley. Continuing along the Jarsang Khola Valley, we reach Yak Kharka at 4050m, where we see the vegetation steadily more sparse. Overnight in Yak Kharka.
Today you walk gradually ascending to Thorong Phedi and be able to see some white peaks like Akwakang, and Thorong peak. After walking for about 3-4 hours you will reach Thorong Phedi, 4450m where tourists used to stay when there was no tea house (lodge) at High Camp. We will have lunch here and walk steeply up to Thorong High Camp which may take another hour. If we stay overnight here, it makes a reasonably easy day for tomorrow.
We begin our journey today early in the morning. It's a most challenging day as you are crossing Thorong La (5416m). About four hours to climb up to the pass marked by the chorten and prayer flags. As you reach the top, you can enjoy the magnificent view of the Nilgiri and the massif of Dhaulagiri (8167m). In Muktinath, we could see the pilgrims purifying themselves in the 108 sacred water fountains. Overnight in Muktinath.
Today it's an easy walking day, but we can still have a problem in the afternoon as it is too windy through the Kaligandaki Valley. So we started walking on time. After walking for 3 hours, we will reach Kagbeni, a very old village, it's a gateway to Upper Mustang. We will have a look at a very old monastery at Kagbeni before taking lunch. Now we head on to Jomsom through the Kaligandaki River. From Jomsom, trekkers can continue to walk to Marpha for an overnight stay. We can also fly from Jomsom to Pokhara. Overnight in Jomsom.
We will take a scenic flight to Pokhara. If we will fly on time today then we will have to look around Pokhara City, especially Lake Side around Phewa Lake. Overnight in Pokhara.
Enjoy a scenic ride and drive back to Kathmandu. Spend the rest of the time relaxing or exploring nearby places. Overnight in Kathmandu.
Accommodations in the Annapurna Circuit Treks are mostly teahouses/guesthouses. The teahouses are comfortable with basic facilities. The extra charge must be paid for the use of facilities like hot water buckets, laundry, charging, internet, and electricity in the guesthouses.
Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner are provided during the trekking from the guesthouses. The meals are basic and suitable for the health of the trekkers. The main dish is Nepali Dal Bhat which provides enough energy throughout 7/8 hours of the trek. The variety of meals is hard to find but meals prepared from home-grown crops are a treat during this trek.
Drinking water is easily available at the teahouses. You can buy a mineral water bottle but you should do proper disposal of plastic bottles. You can also fill boiled water at teahouses paying extra charges. Always carry a water bottle and water purification medicine to prevent from unwanted health issues. During trekking, drink direct freshwater from the flowing stream using water purification treatment.
The internet facility is easily available in the vicinity of the Annapurna region. The internet is fairly stable in the lower regions. A little instability or no availability at high altitudes. By paying extra charges at teahouses, internet facility, electricity for charging can be used. The phone signal is also good but may not work at high altitudes. Using a local sim card, an internet facility can also be used.
The starting point of the Annapurna Circuit Trek is from Chamje and ends in Jomsom. Take a flight to Pokhara and return to Kathmandu.
Chamje-Danakyu-Chame-Pisang-Manang-Yak Kharka-Thorong Phedi-High Camp- Thorong La Pass-Muktinath-Jomsom
Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP) and Trekkers Information Management System (TIMS) permits are required.
a. ACAP permit cost charge: NPR 3000 (Foreigners), NPR 1000 (SAARC)
b. TIMS permit cost charge: NPR 2000 (Foreigners), NPR 600 (SAARC)
Travel Insurance is very helpful and a safety net for travelers/trekkers. Travel Insurance must cover all medical emergencies, flight cancelations, emergency evacuations, loss of luggage, and altitudes over 3000 m.
We assure you 100% when it comes to safety. Our client’s safety is our main concern. Our guides are certified and well-trained with years of expertise in this field. They are technically competent and have excelled in safety performance. They always carry essential safety equipment, gear, and first-aid kits. For the safety of our trekkers, the itinerary is properly scheduled and acclimatization rest days are properly set up to adjust to the high altitude and prevent altitude sickness. If any queries concerning safety, feel free to share them with our guides. We are always there for your services.
Spring and Autumn seasons are the best time followed by the summer season for Annapurna Circuit Trek. The weather is clear and sunny during these seasons. The trail is also comfortable to walk. Rainy and Winter season treks are for experienced trekkers. Only a few adventurous trekkers dare to trek during these seasons. We recommend you plan carefully if you want to trek during the off-season.
Annapurna Circuit Trek’s difficulty is moderately challenging. The trek includes a trail having many steep ascends, descends, rough trails, and icy and slippery during winter and rainy seasons. The trekker with average physical fitness and good health condition can complete the trek. Proper preparation and guidance before starting the trek are fruitful. So, we recommend you participate in exercises, day hikes, and physical training months before starting the trek. Also, take necessary health tests before trekking to high altitudes. You can completely trust our assistance and guidelines throughout the trekking journey.
Acclimatization rest is necessary during trekking. The trek starts from Chamje (1,430m) and the altitude rises to Thorong La Pass (5,416m) during the trek. Manang valley is our acclimatization rest day. It helps prevent altitude sickness and adapt to the environment.
Symptoms of Altitude Sickness
Primary: Headache, nausea, gasping, appetite & sleep loss, dizziness, fatigue, vomiting
Extreme: primary symptoms and hallucinations & unconsciousness
Shoes: Pair of hiking boots, Rubber sandals
Clothes: Windcheater jacket, Thermals, Down Jacket, Fleece, Long sleeve shirts, Gloves, Towels, Inner garments, Trekking pants, Trousers, Shorts, Socks
Accessories: Sunglasses, Ski Goggles, Hats/Caps, Beanie, Sunscreen, Lip Balm, Head Lamp, Pocket Knife, Personal Hygiene &Toiletries
Equipment: Warm Sleeping bags, Map, Trekking poles, Duffel bag
Medicine Kit: Wash Kit, First-Aid Kit, Blister Repair Kit, Medicines for preventing Altitude sickness, Prescribed Medicines (Personal use)
Rainy season: Waterproof clothes, boots, Raincoat, Anti-leech socks
Winter Season: Woolen clothing items (light)
Extras: Heat/Leak proof water bottles, Water Purifying solution (Iodine based), Water filters, Insulated cup/flask, Map, Binoculars, Travel Documents, Sewing kit, Cash, Extra batteries, Power bank, Pen, Diary, Book, Reusable (spoon, cup, plate), Reusable bags, Large Waterproof Disposable Bags, Snacks (Choco-bars, Mints, Nuts, Granola Bars)
It is best to bring the clothes and essential equipment from your home from the provided checklist. Also, you can buy or rent equipment and clothes in Kathmandu. You can customize the checklist as a necessity.
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