Annapurna Circuit Trekking

Trip Facts

  • Duration: 18 Days
  • Challenge level : Moderate
  • Group size : 2 - 16 People
  • Best TimeSpring / Autumn
  • Destination :Nepal

About Annapurna Circuit Trekking

This is one of the classic and most rewarding treks in Nepal. The southern slopes of Manaslu and Annapurna range are heavily settled and formed, except the higher region which support thick forests of rhododendron and fir. Most of the tribes inhabiting this area are Gurungs, Magars, Chhetris and Newars.
As one turns westwards into the Manang valley and into the rain shadow of the Annapurna ranges dramatic changes occur. There are small fields supporting some crops of millet and wheat, and small flocks of sheep and goats, the Manang tribes are traditionally a trading race, they are also Tibetan by origin and Buddhist by religion, and their architecture and life-styles are quite different to those tribes on the southern slopes.
Thakali and Mustang tribes control the busy trading and pilgrimage trail along the Kali Gandaki, until we move through the gap between Dhaulagiri and Annapurna into the wetter zones, where one can meet Gurungs and Magars again. On the whole trek there in not one day during which one does not have magnificent views of all the ranges.

Itinerary

This itinerary is intended as a guide only. Local conditions and weather may necessitate variations to the program and can affect the availability of views and panoramas described.
Be aware that all time stated are approximate and may vary with individual and group fitness, weather, Trekking route, river level and road conditions.

Today is the day you been waiting for! After breakfast we leave Kathmandu for our Annapurna circuit trek and drive by local bus to our trek starting point Bhulbule via Beshishahar. Travel through the beautiful Nepalese countryside, after we reach to Bhulblue will then start the trek to Nagdi which is around two hours and stay overnight in Nagdi.

Today’s journey will be up hill as we walk along the Marsyhangdi river crossing some local wooden & bamboo bridges passing through some wonderful scenery. Pause in a village for lunch. Admire lush waterfalls while walking along the river bank before reaching Bahundanda for the overnight stay. This is a nice village on a top of hill and you may have a chance to explore in the evening time, the village and around the school areas if you are not that tired from your walk.

After our lovely breakfast we will continue walking,  enjoy a fantastic day trekking approximately 6 hours walking from Bahundanda. The track continues northwards up the valley crossing several suspension bridges and passing several beautiful waterfalls,  enjoy the view of the tower of Mt. Lamjung (22,291ft), Manaslu (26,760ft), and Peak 29, (24652ft) walking distance about 6 hrs.

Climb steadily all day along to Taal; a small village at the foot of a large waterfall. Now the trek enters the Manang district. After leaving Taal cross a large bridge to the village of Dharapani (6,103ft) where trekking permits are checked. Enjoy a cup of tea then climb through forests to Bagarchhap, the first village on the trek, it is approximately 6 hours walking distance.

The trail is now bearing west to Manaslu forming a splendid backdrop and Annapurna II (26,041ft) appearing occasionally to the south. Continue through forests of pine and fir, resting at the hamlets of Charku, Thangje and Kuparkoo. As you continue on to Chame, views of the Annapurna improve dramatically. Walking distance about 6 hours.

Continuously cross the river all day, passing through the narrow and steep sided gorge, nearing the village of Passing get on top of the ridge to get first views of the Manang valley. See the wide U-shaped valley hanging between two lions of snow peaks. It also takes approximately 6 hours trekking today.

Descending to the broad forested valley floor, follow the trail through the flat valley, passing a small airstrip under construction and cross the river once again to Braga. This is a village of about 200 houses stacked on top of each other, flat roofs forming verandahs. Walking distance about 5 hours.

Spend the morning visiting Barge Monastery. The largest in the district, it has an outstanding display of statues, thankas and manuscripts. From here it is only a short walk to Manang. Walking distance about 2 hours.

A necessary day to rest and acclimatize. Enjoy some time to explore Manang. The village, of about 500 flat roofed houses, is picturesquely set amongth the spectacular scenery of ; Annapurna II, Annapurna III (24,787ft), Gangapurna (24,457ft) and Chulu East (19,880ft) to the north.

Branch away from the Marsyandi Khola ( River )  steadily climbing into quiet distinct alpine areas. Keep your eyes open for thar and ghoral, mountain sheep. Crossing the Jarsang Khola climb to a small grassy valley and camp. Walking distance approximately 5 hours.

Though the crossing of the pass is not technically difficult, take it slowly to take into account the complications of altitude and possible snow. After about four hours reach the top (17,771ft) and enjoy some absolutely stunning high Himalayas scenery. The entire Annapurna ranges in the south, the Mukut and Mustang Himal to the west; and the incredibly deep Kali Gandaki valley; and the peaks of Thorungste (21,268 ft) and Chulu to the north. The descent; is steep and rough, but soon you have excellent views of Dhaulagiri (26,795 ft) southwest and Damodar Himal to the north. Walking distance approximately 7 hours.

The trail descends very quickly to the valley floor more than 500 feet below. The descent is through a dramatic arid landscape and continues to Jomsom.  After the last few days Jomsom seems almost busy in fact it is a major village on the Kaligandaki trading route. Walking distance approximately 6 hours.

The Thakali are the dominant tribe of the valley, interestingly related to Gurung and Magars of the southern slopes. You then pass through Marpha and Tukche, beautiful Thakali villages and camp at Ghasa. Walking distance approximately 5 hours.

A dramatic change in the vegetation, from dry arid deserts, to pine and conifer forests occurs when passing between Dhaulagiri and Annapurna.  Passing through Kalapani the view of the Annapurna is magnificent. Camp at spectacular Tatopani (Hot spring) Tatopani means hot water and it is possible to bath in the spring. Walking distance approximately 5 hours.

Cross the Kali Gandaki river and climb steadily to the Magar village of Sikha for lunch. Then the trail ascends to Ghorepani (Poon Hill ). Walking distance approximately 6 hours.

The guide will wake up early for the one hour walk up to Poon hill, where one may witness the sunrise for a life time memory. From Poon Hill  one can view over 30 white capped peaks, the whole Annapurna range. Many people talk about having a life changing experience after watching the sunrise over this awesome panorama of the Himalayas. Then walk through many forests filled with wild flowers (in the spring).

Today's descent is almost as tiring as the day from Muktinath. See mule trains, loaded with goods to keep you entertained. Camp on the banks of the Modi Khola River. Walking distance approximately 5 hours.

Today we will do a couple of hours trek and drive back to Pokhara by local vehicle. Drive time approximately 1 hour to reach Pokhara and enjoy a well deserved hot shower and rest.

From here you can choose to continue on your next adventure or drive back to Kathmandu the next day.

What's included

Included

  • Permits and all the entry fee
  • Breakfast , Lunch and dinner while you are on the trek
  • Porter and guide while you are on the trek
  • Satellite phone
  • Comprehensive wilderness first aid kit
  • Transportation to trekking starting point by bus or van
  • Map of the Annapurna region for you take home
  • Adventure Hub Nepal 1 free T-shirt
  • 1 night hotel in Pokhara
  • Accommodation tea house or lodge
  • 3 hot drinks per day with your meal

What's Excluded

Excluded

  • International flights to Nepal
  • Nepalese visa (this costs US 65$ for 30 days and you need two passport photos) this can be issued on arrival in Kathmandu international airport.
  • Extra snacks while during the treks and meals not listed on itinerary in Kathmandu and Pokhara.
  • Extra Beverages for on the trip i.e.) alcohol and soft drinks during the trek
  • Travel Insurance
  • Any optional tours or activities during the free time
  • We recommend tipping the local guides at the end of the trip please as it’s an expectation.

About Adventure Hub Nepal

Adventure Hub  Nepal has been operating adventure holidays trips since 2007. Today we can help you discover whole Nepal and we can offer high-quality, excellent –value, small group adventure to your interested area of Nepal,Extend your holiday by booking some pre or post tour accommodation- ask Adventure Hub Nepal

Other Information

This itinerary is intended as a guide only. Local conditions and weather may necessitate variations to the program and can affect the availability of views and panoramas described. Be aware that all times stated are approximate and may vary with individual and group fitness, weather, trekking route, river level and road conditions.

Travelling with responsibility

We care about the place and people that we meet on our journeys, and we try to ensure that we give something back, as well as taking away so many incredible memories, for more information on our commitment to people of Nepal and responsible tourism please visit.http://www.sharmilafoiundation.org

Price from US$ 1990
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