Annapurna Circuit Trek

Overview

12 DAYS ROUND ANNAPURNA

Our Annapurna circuit trek is an extraordinary trek, one of the world’s best in terms of culture and environmental diversity. Annapurna Circuit trek provides you dramatic changes in landscape, culture and climate. From Muktinath to Pokhara you can enjoy terraced hills, forests, alpine pastures and villages from different cultures.

Taking a flight from Jomsom to Pokhara can shorten this trek. Jomsom is one day walk away from Muktinath. The road has built up in the Thak Khola Valley- Jomsom to Beni. Therefore if any one is interested to combine this section of the trek by Enfield Motorbikes, off road bikes and Mountain bikes then it would be possible to do so.
Our idea is to assist you in finding the optimum adventure with blend of unique cultures you’ve been looking for. Finally your quest for a place where a blend of religious values, cultural dignities and enthralling adventures fuses at a junction ends right here.

12 DAYS ROUND ANNAPURNA

Our Annapurna circuit trek is an extraordinary trek, one of the world’s best in terms of culture and environmental diversity. Annapurna Circuit trek provides you dramatic changes in landscape, culture and climate. Following a careful acclimatization program, we head northwest over the 5400 meter Thorung La (pass) and descend steeply down to the sacred shrine of Muktinath in the Mustang district. From Muktinath to Pokhara you can enjoy terraced hills, forests, alpine pastures and villages from different cultures.

QUICK VIEW:

STARTING/ENDING: KATHMANDU/POKHARA
GRADE: MODERATE-DIFFICULT

PHYSICAL RATING:
HIGHEST ACCESS OF THE TREK: 5416M (THORANG LA PASS)
CULTURE: GURUNG, MAGAR, THAKALI, SHERPA, TAMANG
HIMALAYAN SIGHTS: DHAULAGIRI, FISHTAIL, ANNAPURNA RANGE, MANASLU, NILGIRI ETC
MOST ATTRACTION OF THE TREK: RAIN SHADOW (TRANS HIMALAYAN) REGION SEMI-TIBETAN CULTURAL EXPERIENCES, HOLY PILGRIMAGE SITE, BUDDHIST SOCIETY, PINNACLE SCENERIES AND LANDSCAPE, STUNNING MOUNTAIN VIEWS

DETAILS VIEW:

DAY 01: DRIVE FROM KATHMANDU TO BESISAHAR 760M TO BHULBHULE (8 HOURS)
We take a bus for the five-hour drive to the end of the road, either at Besi Sahar or a bit farther depending on the road conditions, where we stay the overnight. At Bhulbhule.

DAY 02: BHULBHULE – BAHUNDANDA 1310M – JAGAT 1300M 1310M (7HRS)

After early breakfast we hit the trail. We have about three hours of hot but pleasant walking; we are trekking in the typical Nepali middle hills now, and the scenery is gentle, muted. After crossing a suspension bridge at Bhulbhule, the trail passes a cascading waterfall, and as we traverse the rice terraces, the views of Manaslu are magnificent. Following a gentle incline we come to the village of Ngadi with its picturesque shops,From here we climb, steep and hot, to Bahundanda. Bahundanda literally means “hill of the Brahmins” and it is the most northerly Brahmin settlement in the Marsyangdi Valley, situated high up on a ridge.
A steep trail descends from Bahundanda through green rice terraces before crossing a stream at the bottom of a small waterfall. It then climbs again and traverses the hillside high above the river before reaching the village of Hani Gaon. Ahead, the Marsyangdi valley forms a steep V-shape, and we follow the winding mountain path down through Syange 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. Eventually we descend to the atmospheric village of Jagat, situated on a shelf which juts into the precipitous Marsyangdi valley, where we spend the night at a Tibetan-run lodge.

DAY 03: JAGAT – DHARAPANI 1860M – 6HRS

We awake to a morning climb, head steeply up through a forest to a wonderful teahouse just before Chamje and marked by a magnificent waterfall on the opposite bank. Chamje is an atmospheric village of traditional-style teahouses, often packed with saddled local horses. After descending to the river and crossing a suspension bridge, we begin a steep climb to some small teahouses at Sattale. After chai, we continue on an undulating path above the river, climb the switch-backing path to the top of the hill, and are treated to the sight of Tal below us on a wide plain by the river. Though it is enclosed by cliffs, the level area is reassuring after the slightly harrowing mountain paths on which we have just traveled. Beyond Tal and the checkpost, the valley narrows and the path becomes high and winding, and in several areas is actually hewn from the rock. Beyond the small village of Karte, there is a bit more exposed trail walking before the path drops again to the river. We cross a suspension bridge, and climb the short distance to the stone kani marking the entrance to Dharapani

DAY 04 : DHARAPANI – CHAME 2670M -5 HRS
Continuing to climb through forests of pine and oak, we pass through Danagyu before coming to a thundering waterfall, where we turn left and head up the high trail to Koto. After an hour of lovely, open forests, we reach a clearing at the top of the trail and a charming Tibetan teahouse where we will stop for a break. Pausing for breath, we can look back for views of Manaslu. An hour away is the wonderful Gurung village of Timang, where the villagers might be harvesting their crops of buckwheat or stuffing local sausages. Heading back down to the village of Koto Qupar, our base for the trek up to Nar Phu, we can look straight up at nearby Annapurna II – a stunning sight convincing us that we are deep in the Himalayan mountains! Many of the villagers are the from Nar Phu valley; this is the gateway to their region. Less than an hour brings us to Chame, the local administrative center of Manang, and a large village packed with small shops and tea-houses, an army post and a large school. We bed down here for the evening.

DAY 05: CHAME – PISANG 3200M – 5 HRS
It’s a beautiful walk from Chame to Pisang, through woods with some small ascents, and wonderful views of the peaks soaring above us. It’s just a five hour day, so we’ll have the afternoon in Pisang to explore the village, with it’s Tibetan mani stones and gompa, perhaps taking a walk up to Upper Pisang for amazing views of Annapurna II and Annapurna III. Overnight.

DAY 06: PISANG – MANANG 3540M- 6 HRS
6 hours walk past a series of unique and colorful chortens to Manang, at 3500m, a village of 500 or so flat-roofed houses, the headquarters for the region, and an interesting village packed with trekkers, bakeries and lodges. Manang is dominated by high peaks – Annapurna III and Gangapurna tower over it, and a dramatic icefall sits just across the river. There is an old gompa on the edge of town, many local teahouses, and some atmospheric, winding streets in the village leading out toward the Thorung La. Finally, guest houses, showers, cold beers! There is a 3 o’clock lecture on altitude by the Himalayan Rescue Association for anyone interested. Overnight.

DAY 07: MANANG REST DAY
today is our acclimatization day, with lots of options; a long day-hike to the Ice Lake, a visit to the ‘Hundred Ruppee Lama’ at the cave gompa above Manang, a two-hour hike to Milarepa’s cave across the river from Braga, the HRA talk, or a tour of Manang’s many bakeries. A hike up 300 meters or so for acclimatization is recommended, but nothing too strenuous is required. The guest house is wonderful, a sunny and warm place to gaze at the peaks in the afternoon. Overnight

DAY 08: MANANG – YAK KHARKA 4018M – 4 HRS
It’s not a long day today, but we gain some altitude, so should take it slowly. En route, we will undoubtedly be passed along the trail by galloping Manangi horses, saddled with wonderful (and expensive) Tibetan wool saddle blankets, and their jubilant Manangi riders, bells jingling as they gallop by. We climb past Tengi and Gunsang to Yak Kharka. Overnight.

DAY 09: YAK KHARKA – THORUNG PHEDI 4450M – 3HRS
An easy two or three hour walk up to the Thorung La Base Camp Hotel at Thorung Phedi, and after an early lunch, another hour or so to hike up to the lodge at High Camp, where we will stay the night, getting to bed early for our early morning start the next day; pass day! If anyone is having problems with altitude, we have the option of staying at Thorung Phedi Base Camp, where we had lunch, a nice spot to spend the afternoon with its glass windows. Overnight.

DAY 10: THORUNG PHEDI- THORUNG LA PASS 5416M -MUKTINATH 3760M- 10 HRS

Up early for the three or four hour walk to the top of the Thorung La at 5400m, where we are treated with spectacular views over Mustang and the surrounding peaks. The descent is almost as demanding as the ascent to the top of the pass, so a cup of chai and a snack at the local tea house at Chabarbu, at the bottom of the descent, is a required stop. And on to lower Mustang, which we have actually reached just after the pass, and the serene temple complex of Muktinath.

Muktinath is an important pilgrimage site for Buddhists and Hindus situated in a tranquil grove of trees, and contains a wall of 108 waterspouts in the shape of cows heads spouting sacred water, the Jwala Mai temple with a perpetual spouting flame and the pagoda-styled Vishnu Mandir, all of which make up the auspicious combination of earth, fire and water. We stay just five minutes down the trail from Muktinath at Ranipauwa

DAY 11: MUKTINATH – JOMSOM 2670M- 4 HRS
We have a nice morning’s walk down the Kali Gandaki riverbed, looking for saligrams along the way, to Jomsom, the administrative center for the region. The Kali Gandaki valley gets incredibly windy in the early afternoon, so important to arrive before noon; we’ll have lunch in Jomsom, and there is a bank if anyone needs to change money. Here there is an airport with regular flights to Pokhara, a bank, post office, hospital and few hotels. Permits are checked here.

Later confirm the flights to Pokhara Take a Shower , Rest day, Sightseeing around etc Overnight in Jomsom Hotel.

DAY 12: JOMSOM – POKHARA FLIGHT 25 MINUTES
Early morning wake up and take the 25 minutes flight to Pokhara. The flight operates only in the mornings before the wind blows up. Pokhara, at 915m, is the country’s second largest city, located on the West bank of the Seti River. Only foothills separate Pokhara from the full height of the Himalayas, and the magnificent 8000m peaks of the Annapurna range. It is a vacationer’s paradise with its crystal clear lakes and fantastic views of the Annapurna range including the Fish Tail Mountain.

Upon arrival, check into the Hotel.

The rest of the day is free to roam the lakeside bazaar with its quaint shops and the lakeside restaurants.

DAY 13: POKHARA TO KATHMANDU OR SIGHTSEEING

Enjoy your self in pokhara.

Q: How long hours do I have to walk each day?

A: There is no fixed time to walk each day. From 2 hours minimum to 7 hours maximum, you shall walk. Check the itinerary to see how long you shall walk each day.

Q: How difficult is the trek?

A: The walk into the Himalayas are never easy ones. You have to face the steep hills, sloppy trials, frequent climatic changes and other several hindrances.

Q: How long does the trek last for?

A: As mentioned in the itinerary, the trek lasts for 17 days.

Q: What kind of food do I get there?

A: During a Tea House trek you will have breakfast and dinner in the Tea House, lunch will be eaten at one of the trail side restaurants. During a Camping Trek, all food will be cooked by our experienced cook. Every Tea House serves the traditional Nepali meal Dal Bhat (rice and lentil soup). All Tea Houses of our routes have a variety of different food items, such as rice, vegetables, noodles, potatoes, and soup. Many of them have western food on the menu. Soft drinks, snacks, and beer are available in most of the Tea Houses and trail side restaurants.

Q: Is it safe to eat during the trek?

A: Food safety is always a big concern and we take it very seriously. That is why we have chosen the cleanest and most hygienically kept Tea Houses for our roots. During a Camping Trek, our cook prepares safe and tasty meals from carefully chosen food items and only hygienic cleaning facilities are used.

Q: What are the sources of drinking water supply during trekking?

A: All Tea Houses have boiled water for trekkers. And on the trek, you will be provided with drinking water by your guide. The guide will make sure that water is safe for drinking.

Q: What is the best time for trekking?

A: Best time for trekking is autumn (October-November) and spring (end of February-April). Short treks and some Tea Houses treks can be done during the winter season as well.

Q: What is the weather like?

A: You need to be prepared for sudden weather changes while trekking. That’s why trekking equipment should be chosen carefully before the trip. Sudden rainstorms or snow are always a possibility which needs to be considered. The weather during the trekking season is somewhat more stable. We pay big attention to the weather forecast, so you will be told about weather prognosis and you will be given advises before the trek.

Q: What kind of clothes is needed for trekking?

A: Choosing the clothes for trekking is very important. Please, check our trekking equipment list for details.

Q: What type of shoes should I have?

A: For shorter treks, comfortable tennis shoes or snickers is enough while longer treks require carefully chosen hiking boots which should be kind of strong, well-made but light boots. Shoes and boots are best to buy before arriving in Nepal. Proper fit is a must for boots and we advise you to wear your new shoes for some time before trek for your feet to feel absolutely comfortable during trekking.

Q: Should we bring all trekking equipment with us?

A: You can easily rent needed equipment for reasonable price in Kathmandu before trek but it’s always preferable and more convenient to have your own equipment during trekking, so we advise you to bring equipment with you or to buy here as most of the outdoor equipment can be bought in Kathmandu in one of the many outdoor gear shops.

Q: What happens in the case of emergency?

A: We are prepared for any emergency situation and know how to handle it. Our guides are trained in first aid and can deal with most of the basic ailments that occur during a trek. Every client should have his own insurance before coming to Nepal for the case of emergency.

Q: What if I finish the trek before the time mentioned in Itinerary? Will I be refunded the amount?

A: You may/may not be refunded the amount if u finish the trek before the time mentioned in the itinerary. If you are not refunded, the equivalent refund amount will be spent on other packages.

Q: Can I extend the day if I become unable to complete the trek on time?

A: Yes, you can extend day if you become unable to complete the trek on time. You will be charged necessary local charges accordingly.

Q: Do I have to share my accommodation?

A: Depending on the availability of the room, you may/may not have to share your accommodation.

Q: How much weight of luggage can I carry?

A: You can carry light handbags with you. Porters are available to carry your luggage. A porter can carry up to 20 kg weight.

Q: Can I get my batteries recharged?

A: Yes, you can get your batteries recharged in some places.

Q: What about the phone? Does it work there?

A: Yes, the telephone service exists in the place you stay. However, the network might fluctuate from time to time during the trek.

Q: Do I have to carry Passport, Money, Id with me during the trek?

A: Yes, you have to carry Passport, Money, Id and Travel permit along with you during the trek.

Q: What is the risk of wild animals?

A: There is little risk of wild animals but our guide is experienced enough to deal with the situations so, no worrying there.

Q: What problems can arise on altitude?

A: Altitude sickness is a serious problem. We, having many years of experience in trekking and good knowledge of the problem, organize treks very carefully. The extra day of acclimatization is included in all our high altitude treks. Our guides are trained to spot any signs of altitude sickness and know how to deal with it.

Q: What if I get altitude sickness?

A: Altitude sickness is a very normal problem while trekking in the Himalayas. However, the guide can deal with the situation if it’s just normal. If the condition becomes critical, you can request chartering a chopper. Let the office know about it and we shall negotiate the price and proceed to rescue. You will be under very good medication in one of the best hospitals in the country. Your insurance is supposed to cover all the expenses of the rescue.

Q: What sort of experience do your guides have?

A: Our guides have many years of guiding experience in Nepal as well as Tibet. Most of them have been spending years exploring the country. Our guides are trained in first aid and know how to handle any situation. All our guides speak fluent English and happy to share their deep knowledge of the country and beauty of Nepal with you. We believe in and follow the idea that it’s not enough to take visitors to special places or special cultures, we need to provide guides who can get people feel involved in what they are experiencing, explain it thoroughly and keep them entertained. Our main concern is to make your trip to Nepal safe, memorable and fun.