Annapurna Circuit Trek

Duration: 16 Days | Based on 2 Reviews | Trip Map

Destination: Nepal
Trip Difficulty: Moderate
Transport: Private Vehicle / Tourist Bus
Food: Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner
Accommodation: Lodge to lodge
Max Elevation: 5416m

Annapurna Circuit Trek is a grand excursion encircling the Annapurna Conservation Area. It begins from the lower altitude of the Marshyangdi River valley, goes through the ethnic communities and cross over the world’s highest Himalayan pass, which is known as the Thorung La Pass (5416 meters). Round Annapurna Trek combines the Annapurna region and beyond of it.

After sightseeing in the Kathmandu valley, you drive to Bhulbhule and start the foot hill excursion. The cascading waterfalls and sub-tropical forests are fabulous. Numerous ethnical villages as Pisang and Manang are culturally loaded and highly influenced by the Tibetan Buddhism. Monasteries and Chhortens are prevailed on the trail of Annapurna Circuit Trek.

The treeless region begins as you are about to reach the Thorung Phedi. Climbing the Thorung high pass is a bit challenging as the climbing trail is steep and slippery. Reaching the top of the Thorung pass, you will be blessed with the majestic views of Mt. Annapurna, Manaslu, Nilgiri and the neighboring snow-capped peaks. The descending trail is also technical and leads you to Muktinath temple, a highly venerated sacred place for both Hindus and Buddhists.

The trek continues through the Kali Gandaki valley and the deepest gorge of the world.From Tatopani, the trail splits to Ghorepani and trek leads you to to the phenomenal view-point of Poon Hill. Sunrise over Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, Himchuli and others can be seen stunning. With the snow-capped mountains all around, it is undoubtly a photographer's paradise. Walking through the rhododendron forest, you reach to Nayapul and conclude the trek.

Related Trip you may like: Annapurna Base Camp Trek

Marvel Adventure organizes Annapurna Circuit Trekking by offering professional Annapurna guides, customized itinerary and the holistic aspect of the trip. We are fully committed to make your trek outstanding and memorable. Feel free to contact us for more details regarding this trek.

Highlights

Kathmandu and Pokhara valley sightseeeing
Explore culturally loaded Manang village
Crossing Thorang La Pass (5416m)
Visit the sacred Muktinath Temple
Kali Gandaki Gorge, the deepest gorge in the world
Panaromic mountain views of Annapurna range
Natural hot spring at Tatopani

Day to Day Itinerary

Day 1 Drive to Bhulbule (923m)
About 7-8 hours' drive to Besisahar from Kathmandu by bus. Then you will have to change the vehicle to reach up to Bulbule. It will take about 45 minutes to reach there. Overnight stay at a hotel.
Day 2 Trek to Chamje (1410m)
On the first day of the trek, we cross through various suspension bridges, waterfalls and forests. Once we reach the cliff in Jagat, we can have a view of the Marsyangdi River below and rocky hills all around. The bee hives at the top of the cliffs is an attraction of the day’s trip. Then we will reach Chamje where we spend overnight.
Day 3 Trek to Bagarchhap (2160m)
As we move past narrow and steep valleys, among rhododendron, pine and bamboo forests, in the rocky folds of a mountain, we come across a bridge that takes us to a quick ascent and finally atop a climb to reveal a widening valley. After reaching the village of Tal, we have to move across barley, wheat and potato farms for a while to reach Dharapani. From there we turn west through the fir and pine forests to reach Bagarchhap.
Day 4 Trek to Chame (2710m)
From Bagarchhap we start ahead to reach a Danaque village and then a steep climb to reach a Timang village with exquisite views of Manaslu, Lamjung , Annapurna and other mountain beauties. As we trek through a Tibetan village that acts as a transition between the lowlands and high hills, we follow a gradual flat path to Thanchowk, Koto and finally to Chame.
Day 5 Trek to Lower Pisang (3240m)
We first pass through the older part of Chame, climb up to Telekhu and continue on a long, leveled path through forests to Brathang. The trails rounds a bend and once we continue ahead we need to cross back to the south bank of Marsyangdi River on a suspension bridge. Then the trail forms a steep climb for about 45 minutes over a pine forested ridge. Then we reach Dikhurpokhari and levels again as we move from the upper part of Manang valley to Pisang.
Day 6 Trek to Manang (3540m)
The town of Pisang is the beginning of the upper region of the Manang district. On this day, the trek climbs to Braga, a Tibetan styled village. The main attraction is the Gompa, the largest in the district, with a vast array of statues in display and perched on a high crag with the view of the entire village. After a while we reach Manang, where we refresh and spend the night.
Day 7 Acclimatization day at Manang
As we are moving to higher elevations, we need to acclimatize to avoid the risk of altitude sickness. Manang is the perfect spot with its beautiful natural setting and a hike up to Khangsar. In the same day we will have a view of Gangapurna Lake as well. Also you will have view of whole of the Manang Valley.
Day 8 Trek to Yak Kharka (4120m)
After the rest, we feel rejuvenated to continue forward on our trip. As we move past the alpine grass and junipers, we reach meadows with a few horses and a number of yaks grazing around. The serene environment with meadows and steep slopes of Yak Kharka is the perfect place for us to spend the night. We can also choose to walk for an hour to reach Letdar and spend the night there
Day 9 Trek to Thorung Phedi (4,560m)
Trekking to Letdar helps in getting acclimatized to the increasing heights as we climb along the east bank of Jarang Khola. In some time we reach a meadow surrounded by vertical cliffs, the Thorung Phedi. Sighting of blue sheep and snow leopards have been reported a few times in the area, whereas Lammergeyers and griffons are quite common. We spend the night here.
Day 10 Over Thorung La (5,416m) to Muktinath (3,802m)
On this day, we make the quite long hike of about 7-8 hours. The trail is comparatively easier having been trodden for years, but could get difficult with strong winds at the upper regions. The trail is believed to have been used for hundreds of years to take sheep and yaks in and out of Manang along with other trading goods. We reach Thorung Phedi in about 6 hours.

After we reach Thorung la pass, our entire hard walk will be rewarded by the beautiful views of Annapurna, Gangapurna and a heavily glaciated peak of Khatungkang. After a 1600m of descent, we will have a view of the glorious Dhaulagiri standing in the distance. After a while, the trail becomes less steep and enters grassy fields and meadows to finally reach Muktinath.

In Hindu religion, Muktinath refers to a place of nirvana which houses a temple and a number of monasteries, making it a holy site for Hindus and Buddhists alike. The main attractions of the site are the Jwalamai temple with a spring and an eternal flame as well as the 108 water sprouts that pour holy water. These are visited by thousands of pilgrims every year.
Day 11 Trek to Kagbeni (2840m) and to Jomsom (2720m)
From Muktinath, we follow a path of the Jomsom trek where we descent through meadows, streams and fruit trees to reach Kagbeni where we will visit the site containing architecture of the 14th century. We will have lunch here and continue heading towards Jomsom.
Day 12 Drive down to Tatopani (1190m)
Day 13 Rest day at Tatopani.
We spend one more day at Tatopani. It is a relaxing feeling to spend the day either dipped in the hot spring or around it either reading books or mingling with the other tourists. It gives us a chance to revive and socialize and relive the exciting events of the trip. As we unwind, we get more excited about the remaining trip.
Day 14 Trek to Ghorepani (2750m).
Now we move from Tatopani through villages of midland Nepal with terraced fields and inclined farmlands. As we hike an ascent we move past rhododendron, magnolia and other vegetation of the area. We finally reach Ghorepani as we witness the beautiful mountains in the evening sky. We rest in Ghorepani to make an early start to Poonhill in the morning.
Day 15 Trek up to Poonhill and Trek down to Nayapul, then drive to Pokhara
Early morning climb up to Poonhill for the sunrise view over Dhaulagiri and Annapurna range. Once you see the snowcapped peaks highlighted in the changing golden rays of the sunrise, it will be one of the unforgettable moments of one’s life. The peaks in the scenery include the Annapurna range and Dhaulagiri. Also known as a photographer’s paradise, we can spend some time here taking breathtaking pictures of the spellbinding surrounding, capturing the spectacular moments in a frame. Then we go down to Ghorepani breakfast then 6 hour trek down to Nayapul first part of the trek down until Tikhedhunga is quite steepen downhill with lots of steep.From there we move past terraced fields for a few hours to reach Nayapul. From there a short drive will finally take us to Pokhara.
Day 16 Drive back to Kathmandu
After enjoying the beautiful Pokhara and its natural and cultural beauty, we start our drive towards Kathmandu. After a 6-7 hours' drive, we finally reach Kathmandu. You can either rest or roam around the tourist attraction centers in the capital city.

What to Expect

What's included

Standard meals (breakfast, lunch and dinner) during the trek
Government license holder guide
Strong and helpful porter with proper equipments (1 porter for 2 people)
Salary,food,accommodation and insurance for guide and porters
Tea house/lodge accommodation during the trek
All land transportation
TIMS (Trekking Information Management System) card
Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP) entry permit
Two nights standard Hotel in Pokhara
Comprehensive first aid kit
Government taxes and official expenses

What's not included

International airfare and taxes
Nepal entry visa fee
Your Travel Insurance (compulsory)
Lunch and dinner whilst in Kathmandu
Entrance fee in the heritage sites during city tour.
All the expenses of personal nature
Any kind of drinks and desserts during the trek
Tips for guide and porter (Tipping is expected)

PRICES & DATES

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Useful Information

1. Insurance

Travel insurance is mandatory for all clients undertaking any trip. It should provide adequate security for the full duration of the tour to cover personal injury, medical expenses, repatriation expenses, helicopter rescue and loss of luggage. Make sure that your insurance policy covers up to 2500-5000 meters of altitude.

2. Packing List

Sunglasses
Sun-Cream and Lip Balm with high SPF
Hat/Cap
T-shirt, Vests and Shirt
Fleece/Sweater
Fleece Jacket
Down Jacket
Waterproof Jacket and Trousers
Warm Gloves
Hiking Boots
3-4 pairs of socks
Day pack (30-40 liters)
Torch light
Water bottle (Minimum 2 liters)
Small Hand Towel
Sleeping Bag for up to -15 Degree Celsius

3. Guide and Porter

We provide experienced, knowledgeable and honest guide with good communication skills in English language to make your trip wonderful. The guide will provide all the information about the mountains, different histories, cultures, traditions and many more. We will provide 1 porter for 2 people. The porters are helpful as well as strong and will carry a maximum of 25 kgs combined. After giving the best services along with the hard works up in the mountains, guides and porters expect some tips from your side. Tipping culture is very common in tourism sector.

4. Altitude Sickness

Altitude sickness, also known as Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS), is a pathological effect of high altitude on humans, caused by acute exposure to low partial pressure of oxygen at high altitude. It commonly occurs above 3000 meters. It presents as a collection of nonspecific symptoms, acquired at high altitude or in low air pressure, resembling a case of "flu, carbon monoxide poisoning, or a hangover". However, most people can ascend to 3000 meters without difficulty.

Primary Symptoms of Altitude Sickness:

Lack of appetite, nausea, or vomiting
Fatigue or weakness
Dizziness or lightheadedness
Swelling of hands, feet, and face
Insomnia
Shortness of breath upon exertion
Nosebleed
Persistent rapid pulse
Drowsiness
General malaise

Prevention:

Ascending slowly is the best way to avoid altitude sickness. Avoiding strenuous activity such as skiing, hiking, etc. in the first 24 hours at high altitude reduces the symptoms of AMS. Alcohol and sleeping pills are respiratory depressants, and thus slow down the acclimatization process and should be avoided. Alcohol also tends to cause dehydration and exacerbates AMS. Thus, Marvel Adventure strictly suggests avoiding alcohol consumption in the first 24–48 hours at a higher altitude.

Guides and porters from Marvel Adventure are very much familiar with this problem due to their experience. All of them are trained with basic medical trainings and hence they definitely can help you.

Testimonials

Emeline Tenor, France
Nice guide and super trek
Last summer, I went to Nepal with friends to trek. I met Nir who‘s a really good trekking guide. He was really nice, reliable and knowledgeable. He cares about everything during the trek : accomodation, food, travel from Kathmandu to the first step of trek... Moreover his website is clear and attractive. He answers quickly to messages. This was a great eperience, thanks to Marvel Adventure.
Alan R, Nepal
Annapurna Circuit
Nir was our guide for the Annapurnna Circuit, which we completed this December (2018). We had a fantastic time and would really recommend this trek.Nir was a very informative guide, nothing was too much trouble and he and the team really went out of their way to look after us. Especially making sure we ate well and looking after our health. He made sure the kitchen each night prepared fresh food and no-one had any stomach trouble (something which can't be said for many of the other hikers we met). We felt in good shape for the big day hiking over the pass and we were confident of making it over with Nir as the guide. Kumar was a great co-guide, very cheerful and Anup, Mr Lok and Prem were really great porters. So helpful and always with big smiles despite trekking while carrying so much stuff.Thank you so much!