Annapurna Circuit Trek
Annapurna Circuit Trek is an adventure in the wilderness you dont want to miss, at any cost. This is a memorable hike that views the Annapurna massif, displaying some of the most outstanding scenery on the planet. With tarred roads built on both sides of the geographical division, the expression circuit that this trek is so famous for will soon lose its shine; & the backpackers of today will soon look for the conveniences of the jeeps & buses sooner than later; however, take heart from the fact that in the massive never-ending Himalayas, there are always off the beaten paths that find new routes in the wild, leading trekkers into cut off village settlements that are still un-noticed by contemporary development, which attracts diehard trekkers who are always prepared to go the extra mile in their quest for the unknown
The Annapurna circuit trek is an epic route loved by trekkers all over the world. This trek is also known as the Round Annapurna trek. Annapurna is physically placed in the north-central part of Nepal. And this trekking is said to be the best long distance hike on the planet & was opened to globe trotter since the 1980s. The trek starts from the rural mid-hills and it reaches a height of 5,516 meters at the Thorung La pass. Thorong La is the highest and most challenging pass on the circuit. This impressive pass is the most advantageous point on earth to view stunning beauty of the great Himalayas. The trek crosses two different river valleys encircling the Annapurna range. Trekking Annapurna Circuit begins at Beshisahar in the Marshyangdi river valley and ends up in the Kali Gandaki gorge. This is the deepest gorge in the world. The trail moves along paddy fields, sub-tropical forest, incredible waterfalls, huge cliffs, and several lovely friendly villages. Depending on the hikers speed, duration of side trips and rest days taken, it usually takes about 15 days to complete the journey. Cozy Teahouse accommodation and hygienic meals are available along the trek
& those delicious apples pies are the best found anywhere on earth in these teahouses
♣ you walk from lush sub-tropic to the highest mountains in the world
♣ surreal light in the arid Trans-Himalayan region
♣ wonderful cultural experiences with the Tibetan and mountain people
♣ Buddhist temples, architecture, and tradition
Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu – (1360m)
After your arrival at Tribhuwan International Airport in medieval and modernized Kathmandu, you will be warmly greeted by our office representative and transferred to the hotel. After check in and some refreshments, our senior guide will come to meet you and give you a brief orientation about Annapurna Circuit Trek. You can then go for a stroll down the street to get familiar with the neighborhood, have supper and go to bed. This is your first overnight in the valley of temples and cows, probably the most in the world.
Day 2: Sightseeing Day in Kathmandu
The capital city of Nepal, Kathmandu, being the historical and cultural heart of the country, is a popular destination for tourists, trekkers and other types of adventure seekers. The city is a marvelous amalgamation of Hinduism, Tibetan Buddhism, and Western cultures and influences. Patan and Bhaktapur are its two major neighboring cities. These two cities, like Kathmandu, have a rich historical, cultural and religious legacy which is reflected in the many temples, monuments, and artifacts that they contain. You will be taken on a half-day guided tour of Kathmandu and Bhaktapur cities. In Kathmandu, you will be visiting Pashupatinath, the most famous and revered Hindu shrine in the country; Boudhanath, the largest Buddhist stupa in Nepal, Soyambhunath, which contains both Buddhist and Hindu shrines and stands as testimony to the religious harmony that exists in the country; and the 15th-century 55-window palace in Bhaktapur. An orientation session for the trek, which commences the following day, will be organized in the evening.
Day 3: Kathmandu to Besisahar – (760m) 7 hrs Drive
You drive along the Kathmandu-Pokhara Highway to Dumre and then follow the narrow and paved road by the Marshyangdi River to Beshisahar, the district headquarters of Lamjung district. All the local government offices are based here. From here, you get to see some well-known mountain peaks, a lot of natural green landscapes surrounding the valley and the daily activities of the happy local folks. This headquarters is the center from where the daily usable commodities are supplied to the different villages and numerous towns. Stay overnight at lodge.
Day 4: Trek to Bahundanda – (1300m) 6 hrs Trek
The first part of the trail passes on a flat level along the bank of the Marshyangdi River. You can enjoy the sceneries and the local culture of the Gurung community. After lunch, the trail goes steeply upwards to Bahundanda which takes about 2 hours. From this point, you can see the area surrounded by eye-catching scenarios with snow-capped mountains. Stay overnight at lodge.
Day 5: Trek to Jagat – (1400m) 5 hrs Trek
We enjoy our healthy hot breakfast and start our trek for Jagat. The route goes through paddy and muddy fields while observing high hillocks, mountains and beautiful waterfalls on the way. It is about 5 hours trek to Jagat. We will have our lunch on the way at Syange. Overnight at Lodge.
Day 6: Trek to Dharapani – (1960m) 7 hrs Trek
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, and at one point, where a tributary flows in from the opposite bank, the main river becomes covered with huge boulders that hide the water. Climbing the zigzag path to the top of the hill, you see the level, plain of Tal (1700m.). Though it is enclosed by cliffs, the level area looks reassuring after the harrowing mountain paths just traveled on. 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 your camp for the night. Stay overnight at lodge.
Day 7: Trek to Chame – (2630m) 5 hrs Trek
You climb through forests of pine and oak as you pass through Danaque (2210m.). Soon, there comes a small wooden bridge that will take you on a steeply ascending path up to Timang which lies at the bottom of Lamjung Himal. The trail goes then on a flat level until you reach Chame, where you will find government offices, shops, and hotels. Chame is the administrative headquarters for the Manang district. Stay overnight at lodge.
Day 8: Trek to Pisang – (3200m) 6 hrs Trek
With Lamjung Himal (6893m) sparkling in the morning sun, you set off for Pisang. 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 you. 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.
Day 9: Trek to Manang – (3540m) 6 hrs Trek
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. After a short steep climb, you reach Manang which is a surprisingly large village for this remote mountain region. Stay overnight at lodge.
Day10: Acclimatization Day (Optional hike to Gangapurna lake or Melaripa cave)
We will hang around for one more day in Manang for acclimatization by observing beautiful views of green landscapes, silvery mountains, Chortens, and Monasteries. We can also explore unique culture and lifestyles of local people. We bunk out overnight at our Lodge.
Day11: Trek to Ledar (You may stop at Yak Kharka) – (4250m) 5 hrs Trek
The trek to ledar gives you much more memorable moments as you reach the apex of Annapurna circuit crossing the famous high pass Thorung La at (5,416m). After we cross the pass, we ascend a steep trail through Tenki Manang, leaving Marshyangdi valley behind. And walking along the Jarsang river, we will reach Yak Kharkha and then on to Ledar. Overnight at Lodge.
Day12: Trek to Thorang Phedi – (4420m) 4 hrs Trek
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 scree slope and then descend to Thorong Phedi. Stay overnight at lodge.
Day13: Trek to Muktinath (Visit Muktinath temple in the morning) – (3800m) 8 hrs Trek
You start early today for your crossing of Thorong La [5416m]. The views are dramatic, to say the least, from the snow-covered mountains above to the head of the Kali Gandaki valley below and the brown and purple hills of Mustang which are spread out before you. 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.
Day14: Trek to Jomsom (via Lupra or Kagbeni) – (2600m) 5 hrs Trek
Today is the last day of our trek on these wonderful mountains, we will move through the trail of Kagbeni or Lupra to reach Jomsom. This day we will trek along Kali Gandaki River to reach Jomsom. Jomsom is a strong windy little town in a cold valley. You can get startling memorable views of Tilicho Mountain and beautiful wet hills. Overnight at lodge.
Day15: Fly back to Pokhara – (823m) 30 minutes flight
This takes about 25 minutes and stays overnight at our hotel in Pokhara. The flights are available during the morning time. The strong breeze blows during the after and frequent change of the weather prevent the flight being landed and taken off in the afternoon. During the flights in the morning, the sky looks very clear which makes you able to enjoy the splendid views of different mountain peaks. Overnight hotel including breakfast.
Day16: Drive back to Kathmandu
While driving from Pokhara to Kathmandu, we head up to Damauli, Dumre, Mugling, and Kurintar where Nepal’s first Cable car is operated to reach Manakamana Temple, this is a temple where most Nepalese come to have their wishes granted before leaving home or getting married. From Naubise we climb up to Thankot, the gateway to Kathmandu and finally reach our hotel & a lovely soft warm bed.
Day17: Departure to your destination
After breakfast and our last day in Kathmandu, our vehicle and escorts will be on standby to drop you to the international airport three hours before our scheduled flight back home. At Travel away, meeting you has been a great honor and we pray for your Safe journey home and will reflect on the wonderful times we spent together. Bon Voyage!!! We hope to see you again someday
