- 5 star Hayatt hotel or similar standard
- Ayurveda massage
- Sightseeing of Kathmandu - 1 day
This trek is one of the most famous ones in Nepal, from dense forest to arid Tibetan plateaus. The most interesting part of this trek is the encounter with the different ethnic groups like the Gurungs, Magars and Thakalis. Trekkers crossing the Throng-La pass can admire the stunning views of various beautiful mountain peaks as Annapurna, Dhaulagiri along the Marshyangdi and Kali Gandaki River flowing through the deepest gorges in the world. This region is still virgin land and attracts people from all over the world.
Itinerary
- Day 01 : Arrive at Kathmandu. Transfer to your Hotel. alt. 1,300m. O/N Hotel on B&B basis.
- Day 02 : Free day in Kathmandu. Prepare your bag and last minute shopping gear. O/N Hotel.
- Day 03 : Drive to Besisahar, alt. 820m. O/N at Guesthouse.
- Day 04 : Trek to Chamje, alt. 1,400m. O/N at Guesthouse.
- Day 05 : Trek to Tal, alt. 1,700m. O/N at Guesthouse.
- Day 06 : Trek to Chame, alt. 2,630m. O/N at Guesthouse.
- Day 07 : Trek to Pisang, alt. 3,300m. O/N at Guesthouse.
- Day 08 : Trek to Manang village, alt. 3,520m. O/N at Guesthouse. - Day 09 : Rest day to ease acclimatization in Manang. O/N at Guesthouse.
- Day 10 : Trek to Letdar, alt. 4250m. O/N at Guesthouse.
- Day 11 : Trek to Thorong Phedi, alt. 4500. O/N at Guesthouse. - Day 12 : Cross the Thorong La alt. 5,416m to Muktinath. O/N at Guesthouse.
- Day 13 : Trek to Jomsom, alt. 2,710m. O/N at Guesthouse.
- Day 14 : Trek to Kalopani. O/N at Guesthouse.
- Day 15 : Trek to Tatopani, alt. 1,189m. O/N at Guesthouse.
- Day 16 : Trek to Ghorepani, alt. 2,775m. O/N at Guesthouse.
- Day 17 : Trek to Birethati. O/N at Guesthouse.
- Day 18 : Trek to Nayapul and drive to Pokhara. O/N Hotel. - Day 19 : Rest day in Pokhara. O/N Hotel.
- Day 20 : Drive to Kathmandu with private minibus. O/N Hotel
- Day 21 : International Depature
Annapurna Circuit
The Annapurna circuit is an outstanding walking journey to the magnificent western valleys of Nepal. The trek’s an amazing discovery of the Himalayas from green valley’s to the snowed Thorong-La high pass at alt. 5,416m. The trek starts at Besisahar for an extraordinary circuit around the Annapurna range with splendid views of Manaslu, the Chulu Peaks and the Tibetan plateau. The Annapurna circuit is also a fantastic cultural experience while crossing villages and discovering ethnic groups along the paths. The circuit follows the traditional trade routes to Manang Village and reaches the Thorong-La pass in high altitude mountain landscapes. The Annapurna Himal circuit heads downhill to Jomsom leaving clouds and icy snow behind to cross hilly valleys along the restricted Mustang region. You finalize your trip in Pokhara to admire a golden sunrise mountain along the Phewa Lake.
Highlights
The Annapurna circuit is a breathtaking trek around the Annapurna Massif. It connects the Manang district with the temple of Muktinath and the Mustang district. The ascent through Marshyangdi River valley brings you to fascinating villages that open up to stunning sceneries. As you get closer to Mustang you feel the strong influence of the Buddhist and Tibetan cultures. The most interesting part of this trek is the encounter with various ethnic groups. Colorful monasteries, isolated villages and spectacular views have built up the reputation of this fabulous trek as one of the most spectacular and diverse since its opening in the late seventies.
Our Acclimatization Program
We provide 5 days to trekkers between their arrival in Manang and the crossing of the Thorong La high Pass to allow the body to fully acclimatize to altitude. An extra day of acclimatization is also planned in Manang. This rest day dramatically reduces the effects of Altitude Sickness. You spend a night a Thorung Phedi at 4,500m altitude to offer you the maximum opportunity possible for altitude acclimatization. This special program will allow you to be fully acclimatized to cross the Thorong-La pass and appreciate the stunning views of the Annapurna range.
Thorong La is the highest point on the Annapurna Circuit trek. The pass separates two districts: Manang and Mustang. Manang is a relatively green village whereas Mustang is a more alpine desolate land. Crossing the pass is arduous due to altitude and the potential altitude sickness effects. Harsh weather is also a challenging aspect of the crossing. The trail is often covered by snow and ice. Gusty winds increase the wind-chill effect which makes the ascent quite strenuous. It is highly recommended to cross the pass before midday to avoid the clouds and enjoy a memorable view of the surrounding peaks.
Accommodations
This is a Tea House accommodation trek. You sleep and eat in comfortable village lodges along the route. Meals and overnight stays are included in your itinerary (except drinks and personal food). Rooms are well maintained and comfortable. Food is good with plenty of traditional meals (as Dal Bhat and Momos) and extra care is taken on hygiene to avoid stomach bugs. Bring a towel, comfortable shoes for evening time, warm clothing for the night (fleece jacket), toilet paper and soap.
Meals
3 meals a day are provided during your trek. We take extra care on your personal diet and hygiene. The food is carefully selected to prepare tasty local and western courses to vary the menu on each day’s trek. Hygiene is particularly respected to avoid any illness related to food in order to maintain an excellent condition during your trek.
Local Food we recommend to sample:
- Momos: dumplings filled with either meat or vegetables and spices.
- Dal Bhat: lentil soup (dal) with rice (bhat). Add a curried vegetable dish to spice it up.
- Swiss rosti or Aloo cake: potato pancake mixed with vegetables, spice and herbs. Ideal for breakfast!
- Yak Cheese: snacks with biscuits or soup
This Nepalese food is safe to order if you want to have a taste of the local dishes.
Equipment recommended
All trekkers have to bring their own personal gear. Optionally, you could do some shopping in the streets of Kathmandu. You will find various clothes, backpacks, hiking shoes and other small equipment in the local shops. Be aware that most of sleeping bags, jackets and rucksacks are locally manufactured in Thamel and are counterfeit.
Thorong La is a very windy and snowy pass and can be very cold especially in late season. Please, take a warm jacket and plenty of thermal underwear to face dropping temperatures.
Experience required
This Annapurna Circuit Trek is suitable for good walkers who can walk for 5 - 7 hours per day with a backpack. Some of the days are quite long and the walking is more arduous with the altitude. The trail is on a good track, but occasionally it will be rough, bumpy and rocky with high altitude passes to cross. Annapurna Circuit Trek is a non-technical trek, but walking for long hours to villages up to alt. 5000m and trekking through steep slopes on snow mountain ridges, can be exhausting and does expose you to Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS). Prepare yourself physically and mentally as the walk can be strenuous at altitude especially whilst crossing the passes. Altitude has to be considered as it is possible to suffer from AMS. We will require a medical certificate that you are able to take part of the Annapurna circuit trek.
Nepalese team
Our Sherpa guides are native from the mountain regions of Nepal. They are very experienced, well-trained and have vast experience on the trails of Nepal. They have years of knowledge and experience and believe in sharing their passion of adventure providing an incomparable cultural insight of the country. They are assisted by a strong team of outgoing and experienced cooks, assistant guides, porters, and Yak-men. Along the way, Yaks carry most of the gear to keep you in good shape during the trek.
What About Tipping?
In Nepal tipping guides and porters is expected and common although it is not compulsory. If you feel your guide or Sherpa has done a good job, please allow approximately USD 20 to 50$ per person to be divided equally between the crew staff. Living standards are very low, so if you feel that the service is good, we recommend leaving a tip.
Eco-Friendly Behaviour
During the trek, although villages crossed are supplied with electricity and running water, those places remain remote and hard to access. Always make sure you bring your litter with you and do not throw away anything without regards. Some villages have difficulties to properly collect and bring down waste (always by road and mainly on foot). Always be respectful and do not leave things behind that could spoil or damage the environment.
Hiring a Photographer
You can hire a photographer that will help you capture memorable moments at all stages of your trip. DVD for each member is included.
- For a group of 8 people, please add €15 euro per day and per person.
- For a group of 6 people, please add €20 euro per day and per person.
- For a group of 4 people, please add €30 euro per day and per person.
What does the trip include
Price Includes
- Welcome at the airport
- Airport/Hotel transfers in Kathmandu.
- 3 nights hotel in Kathmandu, 3 star hotel, double occupancy, B&B basis
- 2 nights hotel in Pokhara, double occupancy, B&B basis
- Annapurna Conservation Permit fee
- All meals during the trek in best available restaurant
- One experience trekking English speaking guide
- Necessary local staff and Porters
- Transportation from & to Kathmandu
- Insurance, salary and proper equipment for Guide & Porters
- Accommodation during the trek in best available guesthouses/teahouse
- Comprehensive medical kit.
- Portable Altitude Chamber (PAC) for safety in altitude.
Price does not include
- International flight to / from Kathmandu with applicable airport taxes.
- Lunch & dinner in Kathmandu and Pokhara
- Personal clothing, equipement and gear for trekking*
- Travel / Personal / Medical insurance including Helicopter rescue
- Emergency Rescue evacuation insurance
- Trekking Sleeping bag*
- All personal expenses (laundry, telephone calls, internet ...)
- All drinks including Bar bills & Mineral water
- Departures taxes in Kathmandu
- Visit or activities not included in your itinerary
- Tips
- Visas
- Dates are flexible. Notify your trip dates upon PayPal payment (dd/mm/yyyy).
- Your trip dates must match the itinerary duration. See the dates >
- This trip is available for groups and individual travellers (solo departure).
- Solo travellers must select the "Single Traveller" option on Final Installment.
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