Annapurna Circuit Trek is the top 10 trekking trails among the best trekking routes in Nepal and most celebrated treks in the world which takes you into the heart of the high mountains of Nepal. This trek is only possible as a camping trip as we go off the beaten path for the first 7 days of the trek, which is one of the best parts of the trek. This is a strenuous trek, taking about three weeks to complete.
The Annapurna Circuit trek begins from Besisahar to which you will be driven for six hours from Kathmandu. It is a municipality having a sub-tropical climate with deciduous forests due to which it has quite a pleasant environment and atmosphere. In addition to it, it offers beautiful views of Annapurna, Himal chuli and Lamjung Himal. Your camping for a night will be cheerful. Obviously, before getting to Besisahar, you will go for sightseeing in different places of Kathmandu. It has a myriad of world heritage sites, like Pashupatinath Temple, Swoyambhunath Stupa, Boudhanath Stupa, Kathmandu Durbar Square, Bhaktapur Durbar Square, and Patan Durbar Square. It has a lot of different other temples, pagodas, monasteries, historical and cultural monuments. They have distinctive architecture and aesthetic elements. You will be amazed. Hence, this trek delightfully combines beautiful city, culture, village, and nature. Indeed, the most thrilling point of your trek will be ascending the Namun Pass and the Thorong La Pass that will allow you fabulous panoramic views, but the trail doesn’t pass through less exciting terrain and landscape.
One of the most admired and adored treks inevitably demands camping—you will be walking off the beaten path for the first seven days. It is quite strenuous and equally stimulating and fulfilling. This gradually builds up with gradual ascent from Besisahar onward. You will get to see and feel this walking across villages and paddy fields. From a hill in Kapur Gaun, you will be able to have a fantastic view of Manaslu, Himal Chuli, and Ngadi peak. Henceforth, you will be going through many charming and elegant places like Maidu Kharka, Kyuper Kharka, Taunja Lek, Thurchu Lek, Danfe Lek, Timang, Pisang, Manang, Yak Kharka, Thorong Phedi, Muktinath, and Jomsom. During this, the highest point of the Trek will be Namun Bhanjyang at 5,560 m. you will enormously rejoice mountain views, alpine deserts, rice terraces, the Tibetan Plateau, rivers and gorges, placid blue lakes, waterfalls, and diverse vegetation.
Thus, the Annapurna Circuit trek has a hugely wide range of beauties and thrills to offer.
Day 01 : Arrival in Kathmandu
Day 02 : Visit Swoyambunath, Patan & Kathmandu Durbar Square
Day 03 : Drive Kathmandu to Besisahar
Day 04 : Trek Besisahar to Kapur gaun
Day 05 : Trek Kapur Gaun to Maidu Kharka
Day 06 : Trek Maidu Kharka to Kyuper Kharka
Day 07 : Trek Kyuper Kharka to Taunja Lek
Day 08 : Trek Taunja Lek to Thurchu Lek
Day 09 : Trek Thurchu Lek to Danfe Lek
Day 10 : Trek Danfe Lek to Timang
Day 11 : Trek Timang to Pisang
Day 12 : Trek Pisang to Manang
Day 13 : Acclimatization day at Manang
Day 14 : Trek Manang to Yak Kharka
Day 15 : Trek Yak Kharka to Thorong Phedi
Day 16 : Trek Thorong Phedi to Muktinath
Day 17 : Trek Muktinath to Jomsom
Day 18 : Flight Jomsom to Pokhara
Day 19 : Flight Pokhara to Kathmandu
Day 20 : Departure
Day 01 : Arrive in Kathmandu airport and you will be transferred to the hotel by one of our representatives. Welcome dinner at one of the Nepali Traditional restaurants in Kathmandu.
Overnight: Hotel
Elevation: 1334m.
Day 02 : Visit Swoyambunath, Patan and Kathmandu Durbar Square: start our tour visiting Swoyambunath, a magnificent Buddhist stupa situated on a hill overlooking Kathmandu valley. Then we will drive for about half an hour to visit Patan; a true open air museum with its pagodas, temples, and monasteries followed by the visit of Kathmandu's Durbar Square, including the old royal palace and the house of the Kumari (a living goddess who is the reincarnation of Kali).
Overnight: Hotel
Elevation: 1334m
Day 03 : Drive Kathmandu to Besisahar (760m): The Annapurna Circuit trek begins with a road journey from Kathmandu to Besisahar which takes about six hours.
Overnight: Camping
Drive Time: 6 hours (200Km)
Difference in Elevation: - 574m.
Day 04 : Trek Besisahar to Kapur gaun (1890m): The first day of the trek starts with gradual uphill from Besisahar. We go through small villages walking on the paddy fields. After couple of hours, trail gets steeper before we get to Baglungpani (1590m) which is pretty small but really beautiful village. We continue our walk towards the north. And after few more hours walk we reach to our tonight's camp, Kapur gaun. Manaslu, Himal chuli & Ngadi peak can be seen from near by hill.
Overnight: Camping
Walking Time: 5 hours
Difference in Elevation: + 1130m
Day 05 : Trek Kapur Gaun to Maidu Kharka (3100m): Today's trek starts with gradually; going through maize; paddy fields. Our first stop would be at the place called Ghalegaun (2050m) which is one of the biggest villages and really popular for home stay trips. Then our trek continues towards Ghan-Pokhara, which is one of the highest settlements in the region. After Ghan-Pokhara trail goes through lush Rhododendron forest. Most part of the trek is on steep uphill. We could see some herds of buffaloes in the forest. We camp at the place called Maidu Kharka.
Overnight: Camping
Walking Time: 6 hours
Difference in Elevation: + 1270m
Day 06 : Trek Maidu Kharka to Kyuper Kharka (3645m): Today's trek starts with steep up hill through flourishing forest. We stop on the top of the hill for the lunch. Then again our trek starts with another steep hill going through a huge rock face which is basically the top of the hill. Then, the trail gets little gradual. We camp in Kyuper Kharka (3645m) tonight.
Overnight: Camping
Walking Time: 6 hours
Difference in Elevation: + 545m
Day 07 : Trek Kyuper Kharka to Taunja Lek (4220m): As we go higher, the views of the mountain peaks such as Manaslu and Himalchulu on the right and Lamjung on the left get even better. As for today's trek, first part of is fairly easy with decent up hill going through rhododendron forest. Once we get to the top of the hill, trail gets even easier so it is pleasant walk for the morning. We stop in a Kharka (3890m) for the lunch where we could see some sheep herds grazing on high plateau. Then our trek resume with steep up hill towards Taunja pass (5100m). We spend the night just before the pass which is called Taunja Lek (4220m). It is one of the best camp sites on this trek. It has the views of Taunja pass, and the eastern valley of the Annapurna region.
Overnight: Camping
Walking Time: 6 ½ hours
Difference in Elevation: + 575m
Day 08 : Trek Taunja Lek to Thurchu Lek (4265m): We start our trek towards Taunja Pass (5100m) this morning, which is about 1 ½ hours walk to the pass. This is our first pass of the trek. This is where the two trails meet, trails from Siklis (Pokhara) and Lamjung. After spending for a while at the pass; we resume our trek towards our camp which is at the bottom of the hill so we have sharp descend from the pass for an hour and half. It is fairly short day so if anyone interested to explore the area, they can hike towards Dudh Pokhari (Lake).
Overnight: Camping
Walking Time: 3 hours
Difference in Elevation: + 45m
Day 09 : Trek Thurchu Lek to Danfe Lek (4515m): Today's trek starts with gradual down hill. Once we cross a river, we start climbing up hill towards the pass. It takes about 4 hours to get to the Namun Bhanjyang (5560m), locally known as Danfe pass, this is the highest elevation you climb on this trek. The trek to the pass is demanding on steep up hill. The view from the pass is superb. You can get the views of Manaslu, Himalchuli, Peak 29 & many more. After crossing the pass, we start descending to our camp site by recently built trail, which is fairly easy.
Overnight: Camping
Walking Time: 5 ½ hours
Difference in Elevation: + 250
Day 10 : Trek Danfe Lek to Timang (2500m): As we continue our trek today, eastern valley offers splendid views of Manaslu, Himalchuli and Timang valley in front of us. We cross a small pass called Danfe deurali then continue our down hill trek all the way to Timang. This is where we get back to classic Annapurna trail.
Overnight: Camping
Walking Time: 5 hours
Difference in Elevation: - 2015
Day 11 : Trek Timang to Pisang (3200m): The trek continues through a dense forest to reach Kotho village (2590m) before reaching Chame (2630m). Chame is the central (Administrative) headquarter of the Manang District. Today's trek is a bit longer but we can 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 and leads through dense forests until we cross one suspension bridge which is situated at 3040m before reaching Pisang (3200m). Pisang is a large village and it has been divided into upper and lower villages.
Overnight: Camping
Walking Time: 7 hours
Difference in Elevation: + 700m
Day 12: Trek Pisang to Manang (3440m): We take upper route through Ghyru and Ngawal which offers you spectacular view of Annapurna range. Our trek takes about 7 hours to reach today's destination, Manang (3440m). Manang is a fairly large traditional village and it is significantly important point as it is the gateway to Throngla pass.
Overnight: Camping
Walking Time: 7 hours
Difference in Elevation: + 240m
Day 13: 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 help you to acclimatize more for higher altitude. In the afternoon, we can visit the clinic (run by Himalayan Rescue Association (HRA) Centre) to get more information about high altitude trekking.
Overnight: Camping
Elevation: 3440m
Day 14: 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 about 4 hours trek to Yak Kharka and do some day hike in the afternoon to get more acclimatized.
Overnight: Camping
Walking Time: 3-4 hours
Difference in Elevation: +578m
Day 15: 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: Camping
Walking Time: 3-4 hours
Difference in Elevation +432
Day 16: Trek Thorong Phedi to Muktinath (3760m): 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 great view of 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: Camping
Walking Time: 8-10 hours
Difference in Elevation: - 690m
Day 17: Trek Muktinath to Jomsom (2750m) via Kagbeni: Continuing our descend enjoying the view of Mustang valley, gradually towards 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 interesting 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 separate 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: Camping
Walking Time: 6-7 hours
Difference in Elevation: - 1010m
Day 18: Flight Jomsom to Pokhara (820m): With our trek successfully completed, today our flight takes us from Jomsom to Pokahara (20 minutes).
Overnight: Hotel
Flight Time: 20 mins
Difference in Elevation: -1930
Day 19: Flight Pokhara to Kathmandu (1334m): A scenic flight in the morning for about 30 minutes and during your flight you get a panoramic view of the Himalayas again and be able to take some spectacular pictures.
Overnight: Hotel
Flight Time: 30 minutes
Difference in Elevation: + 514m
Day 20 : 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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