Annapurna Circuit Trek is one of the most celebrated treks in the world which takes you into the heart of the high mountains of Nepal. This trek has only been possible since the mid-1980s when the Manang area was officially opened to foreigners. This is definitely a strenuous trek, taking about a week to complete, starting from 2670m (Chame) and ascending to 5416m (Thorong-La Pass, the highest point of this trek).
Starting from Chame the trek heads towards Pisang, Manang, Yak kharka, Thorang La Pass, Muktinath, Kagbeni, Jomsom and finally ending in Pokhara.
This Annapurna circuit trek is a boon for people seeking adventure and thrill in their life, yes definitely is a boon, after all, there isn’t any place except Annapurna circuit where an individual can see an ever-extending mountain range, the likes of the deepest gorge called kali Gandaki gorge and much more fascinating, hypnotizing iconic beauty.
We all must have seen the golden shine on Annapurna in as many pictures or from the distant cities but this trek makes the closest possible encounter with silent, massive snow-capped mountains. The golden rays of the sun reflected from the 10th largest mountain, Yes Annapurna with the height of 8,091 m is certain to pause your breath for a while creating waves of excitation and excitement.
The maximum height of the trek will be around 5416m in Throng la pass so it is recommended to start the trek in spring or Autumn because the past experiences show the climate to be stable and reliable at this part of the year. It is certain to have continuous snowfall in the winter that makes route way more tedious and adverse hence March, April, May and September, October, November are the best months to choose for the trek although the trek is open throughout the year.
Given the name Annapurna circuit trek, it is certain to see Mount Annapurna but an Individual will also get a chance to see other beautiful mountains like Mount Machhapuchre (fishtail), Annapurna I, Annapurna South, Annapurna III, Mount Dhaulagiri, Mount Annapurna and Mount Mardi.
In this trek, an individual can witness the local traditions, culture, and civilizations of local Gurung, Manangi and Thakali people with warm hospitality and love chanting the motto to treat guests as a god.
The Annapurna conservation area located in the route of the trek is home to various endangered species giving shelter to rarest of the rare animals like Snow leopard, Himalayan Thar, musk deer, blue sheep.
The variation and gradient saw in geography, climate, wildlife, and vegetation resemble a close pattern of life with ups and downs if thought deep and insightfully which will open another dimension to make a close connection with nature and soul.
The color of Rhododendron and Orchid shining in the background of white mountains is certain to soak all the stress and pain to bring back the shine, color, and charms in your life.
Day 01: Arrive in Kathmandu
Day 02: Visit Swoyambunath & Patan
Day 03: Drive Kathmandu to Chame via Besisahar
Day 04: Trek Chame to Pisang
Day 05: Trek Pisang to Ngwal
Day 06: Trek Ngwal to Manang
Day 07: Acclimatization day in Manang
Day 08: Trek Manang to Yak Kharka
Day 09: Trek Yak Kharka to Thorong Phedi
Day 10: Trek Thorong Phedi to Muktinath
Day 11: Trek Muktinath to Jomsom via Kagbeni
Day 12: Flight Jomsom to Pokhara
Day 13: Drive Pokhara to Kathmandu
Day 14: Visit Boudhanath & Bhaktapur
Day 15: Departure.
Day 01: Arrive in Kathmandu – Welcome Dinner: You will be transferred to the hotel by one of our representatives. Welcome dinner at one of the traditional Nepali restaurants in Kathmandu.
Overnight: Hotel
Elevation: 1334m
Meal Plan: Welcome Dinner
Day 02: Visit Swoyambunath, Patan and Patan museum: Start our tour visiting a magnificent Buddhist stupa, Swoyambunath which is 10 minutes’ drive from Thamel followed by a visit of Patan to witness its incredible architecture from medieval period.
Swoyambunath is one of the oldest stupa of the Kathmandu Valley. It is situated on one of the highest hills in the valley. It watches over the Valley from the top of a hillock on its western side just three kilometers west of the city center. The stupa is one of the holiest Buddhist sites in Nepal and its establishment is linked to the creation of the Kathmandu Valley out of a primordial lake. Swayambhu is also known as Samhengu and is recognized as a World Heritage Site. It is also one of the oldest and most glorious Buddhist shrines in the world which is said to be two thousand years. The four sides of the stupa are painted with the eyes of Lord Buddha.
Patan- the second largest town in the valley is situated to the south of Kathmandu. Patan's great building boom took place under the Mallas in the 16th, 17th and 18th centuries. Numerous temples of widely diverse styles, as well as many Buddhist monasteries, are scattered around the fascinating town. Patan is famous for its crafts and metal works which are wonderful souvenirs. We visit Patan Museum as well.
Overnight: Hotel
Meal Plan: BB
Day 03: Drive Kathmandu to Chame (2670m) via Besisahar (760m): The Annapurna Circuit trek begins with a road journey from Kathmandu to Besisahar which takes about 5 hours followed by rough road drive to Chame for about another 6 hours. The drive from Kathmandu to Besisahar is relatively smooth; then we leave our car in Besisahar and hop onto a local jeep for a rough drive on a recently built dirt / rough road which takes us to Chame.
Overnight: Lodge
Driving Time: 5 + 6 hours
Difference in Elevation: + 1336 m.
Meal Plan: BLD
Day 04: Trek Chame to Pisang (3200m): Start our trek with fairly enjoyable walk to Pisang. It is relatively short day so we get plenty of time to enjoy wonderful scenery as we cross the northern side of the river and trek west on the very easy trail to the Bhratang Village (2840m). From here the valley is steep and narrow leading through dense forest until we cross a suspension bridge which leads us to gradual uphill through pine forest to our lunch spot, Dhukkur pokhari. Then continue our trek on an easy track to Pisang. Pisang is a large Trans-Himalayan village and has been divided into upper and lower parts. You get spectacular view of Pisang Peak (6091m) directly in front of you along with unforgettable view of Annapurna range.
Overnight: Lodge
Walking Time: 5 hours
Difference in Elevation: +530m
Meal Plan: BLD
Day 05: Trek Pisang to Ngwal (3657m): As we continue our trek, the view of the mountain ranges gets better. We start our day little early today to catch the clear view of the Annapurna range from Ghyaru (3670m). Trek starts with gentle walk through pine forest and climbs steeply from Ghyaru khola. It is about 2 hours climb on this steep uphill. The view from the top (Ghyaru) is superb. Then the trek continues on a gradual pace to Ngwal, a traditional village with a rich Tibetan culture.
Overnight: Lodge
Walking Time: 6 hours
Difference in Elevation: +457m
Meal Plan: BLD
Day 06: Trek Ngwal to Manang (3540m): About 4 hours gentle walk to reach today's destination, Manang (3440m). Manang is a large Trans Himalayan village with rich Tibetan culture and gateway to Thorang-la pass.
Overnight: Lodge
Walking Time: 4 - 5 hours
Difference in Elevation: - 117m
Meal Plan: BLD
Day 07: Acclimatization day in Manang: Spending two nights allow you to become adjusted to thinning air and lessening pressure for your approach to Thorong-La. We go for day hike towards Gangapurna Lake which helps you to acclimatize more for higher altitude. In the afternoon, we can visit the clinic run by Himalayan Rescue Association (HRA) to get more information about high altitude trekking.
Overnight: Lodge
Elevation: 3540m
Meal Plan: BLD
Day 08: Trek Manang to Yak Kharka (4018m): After getting well acclimatized, we continue our trek towards Thorang la. We climb gradually now on, giving enough time to get adjusted to the elevations we gain every day. It is just about 4 hours trek to Yak Kharka so we go for the day hike (hike to the higher elevation / Climb High Sleep Low) in the afternoon to get more acclimatized.
Overnight: Lodge
Walking Time: 4 - 5 hours
Difference in Elevation: + 478m
Meal Plan: BLD
Day 09: Trek Yak Kharka to Thorong Phedi (4450m): Our final day of the preparation for Thorang la pass takes us to the base of the Thorang la. It is called Thorang Phedi (4450m). It is about 4 hours trek to Phedi so we get enough time to repeat our acclimatization hike this afternoon as well, to get well acclimatized for the next day.
Overnight: Lodge
Walking Time: 3 - 4 hours
Difference in Elevation + 432
Meal Plan: BLD
Day 10: Trek Thorong Phedi to Muktinath (3760m) via Thorong La Pass (5416m): Today is the most strenuous day of this trek because of the altitude and long hours of walking (as we ascend almost 1000m and descend about 1600m). Hence, we set off about 4 or 5 AM in the morning and commence the long climb up to the Thorong-La Pass (5416m). You need to have plenty of water and a warm outfit (down jacket / windproof trousers) with you. The trek Phedi to Thorong- La takes about 4-5 hours, depending on your fitness and acclimatization level. Upon reaching Thorong-La we can see the traditional chorten, cairn and prayer flags. We take a short break here before descending to Muktinath (3760m). The panoramic view from Thorong-La is superb. As we start descending, we get a great view of Dhaulagiri (8167m) and Tukuche (6920m) to the south-west and Mustang valley in North West. The descent is long and tiring (about 4 - 5 hours) but offers a great view of the surrounding peaks and Mustang valley.
Muktinath is a fascinating village with sacred temples for Hindu and Buddhist. You may see lot of pilgrims bathing in the holy water flowing from the 108 spouts carved in the shape of cow's heads surrounding the Vishnu Temple. The temple is built in Tibetan style and contains huge brass idols of Shiva, Vishnu, Kali and Brahma.
Overnight: Lodge
Walking Time: 8-10 hours
Difference in Elevation: - 690m
Meal Plan: BLD
Day 11: Trek Muktinath to Jomsom (2750m) via Kagbeni: Continuing our descent enjoying the view of Mustang valley, we walk through Jharkot, which is another traditional village with flat roofed houses (Tibetan style) and lot of green fields. The trail continues descending to Kagbeni for about two and half hours. Kagbeni (2800m), located near the Kali Gandaki river, is a very fascinating medieval village with stone houses, narrow alleys, green fields and view of the high mountains. Kagbeni is gateway of legendary Mustang and Lo Monthang.
NOTE: Upper Mustang is a controlled trekking region; a special permit is required to travel in upper part of the Mustang.
Then we continue our trek following the Kali Gandaki River down to Ekle Bhatti (2730m), where we join the alternative and more direct route from Muktinath. From here it is an easy walk to Jomsom; the administrative headquarter of the region, at 2750m. This is our trekking ending point so in the evening; we celebrate the completion of our epic journey.
Overnight: Lodge
Walking Time: 6 - 7 hours
Difference in Elevation: - 1010m
Meal Plan: BLD
Day 12: Flight Jomsom to Pokhara (820m): With our trek successfully completed, today our early morning flight takes us from Jomsom to Pokhara (20 minutes). We will have free afternoon to explore the lake city or simply relax at the hotel.
Overnight: Hotel
Flight Time: 20 minute (JOM - PKR)
Difference in Elevation: - 1930
Meal Plan: BLD
Day 13: Drive Pokhara to Kathmandu (1334): A scenic drive back to Kathmandu.
Overnight: Hotel
Driving Time: 6 hours
Difference in Elevation: +514m
Meal Plan: BL
Day 14: Visit Boudhnath and Bhaktapur
Start our day visiting Boudhnath, largest stupa in Nepal built in 14th century followed by an hour drive to visit an ancient city, Bhaktapur. It is one of the oldest cities of Kathmandu valley.
Overnight: Hotel
Meal Plan: BB
Day 15: Transfer to the airport and departure.
| Srl. | Description | Qty. | Remarks | |
| 01 | Day back-pack | 1 | ||
| 02 | Gore-Tex Jacket | 1 | ||
| 03 | Down Jacket | 1 | ||
| 04 | Fleece Jacket | 1 | ||
| 05 | Micro Fleece | 1 | ||
| 06 | Trekking pants(Trousers) | 2 - 3 | ||
| 07 | Hiking shoes (Boots) | 1 | ||
| 08 | Runners (sport shoes) | 1 | ||
| 09 | Trekking Socks | 3 | ||
| 10 | Rain poncho | 1 | ||
| 11 | Sun-glasses | 1 | ||
| 12 | Water bottles | 2 | ||
| 13 | Thermal underwear(long) | 1 - 2 | ||
| 14 | T- shirts | 2 - 3 | ||
| 15 | Sunscreen/lotion | 1 | ||
| 16 | Flip flop (sandal) | 1 | ||
| 17 | Towel | 1 | ||
| 18 | Hat(Baseball cap) | 1 | ||
| 19 | Pristine drops (Water purifier) | 1 | ||
| 20 | Head light/flash light | 1 | ||
| 21 | Sleeping Bag | 1 | ||
| 22 | Gloves | 1 | ||
| 23 | Wind Proof Trouser (s) | 1 | ||
| 24 | Personal medical kid | 1 | ||
| 25 | Toiletries | 1 | ||
Climate:
From the eternal snow of the high peaks to the extensive tropical lowlands, Nepal has a wide variety of climates.
Spring: March to late May: In this season, Kathmandu is in full bloom, lots of different types of flowers can be seen at this time of the year. Temperature is mild, end of the cold winter and approaching warm and hot summer. Temperatures vary between 10 ° C to 28 ° C but can rise up to 30 ° C. Between 2000 and 3000m, temperature rarely drop below 0 ° C. However, few frosts or snowfalls are possible in March above 4000 m.
The summer/monsoon period: It interrupts the majority of trekking from late June to late August. Some of the trekking regions "trans-Himalayan", Dolpo and Mustang, however, remain protected from monsoon prevailing rest of the country. They are the only channels available in Nepal in the summer.
Autumn: mid September – mid December - Perfect temperature and weather for trekking. Brings cooler days, but clear skies. Above 3000 m altitude, temperatures can drop to -10 ° C at night.
In winter: mid-December - mid-February - Nights are generally cold, dry climate, Above 3000m, temperature drop down to 0 ° C to - 15 ° C at night, the days are often sunny.
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