Overview
Annapurna Circuit trek information l Round Annapurna trekking package l trek itinerary and cost l route map l altitude and grade l best seasons l organizer company / guide in Nepal l recommended equipment's
Annapurna Circuit crossing adventure Thorang-La pass trek in Nepal
Annapurna circuited or round trekking is supposed to be one of the best trails for the trekkers. Few places in the worlds have such a splendid variety of natural beauty as the Annapurna region. It is a rare combination of long arrays of snow capped peaks, crystal clear lakes, turbulent rivers with deep gorges, Tibetan monasteries, hot-springs, and picturesque villages inhabited by simple and friendly local people.
From the verdant lowlands, through lush subtropical forests, to alpine meadow and on to the barren, wind-swept Tibetan Plateau, You will see it all! You will experience the lifestyles of diverse ethnic groups along the trail, which follows ancient trading routes and passes through prosperous trading villages. Add the crossing of the 17,700 -ft. Throng La Pass, and you have the perfect adventure. Beginning at only 500m from Beshishar, near historic Gorkha, The trail leads north along the Marshyangdi river valley, while the peaks of Manaslu, Himalchuli and Lamjung Himal soar above. The lush forest of this region is a complete contrast to the arid northern terrain ahead.
Acclimatize in the colorful Buddhist valley of Manang, home of the shrewd Managi traders. Crosses the Thorong LA and descend to Muktinath. Here, eternal blue flames of natural gas are revered in Buddhist and Hindu temples, to which pilgrims journey from afar. From here the trail descends into the deepest river gorge in the world, the kali Gandaki, and trek all the way to Pokhara through busy villages, banana groves, mandarin orange orchard, green forest and terraced hillside. Taking natural bath at Tatopani (Hot Spring) is also wonderful experience. Finally you will be trekking to Birethanti and drive to Pokhara.
Trip Itinerary
Day 1 : Welcome to Kathmandu 1300m
Arrive in Kathmandu airport; the staff from our agency will meet you then transfer to the Hotel.
Day 2 : Kathmandu Sightseeing
The following morning you will be taken on a half day Sightseeing tour of the many holy temples and interesting Surrounding sights of Kathmandu.
Day 3 : Kathmandu – Bulbule 840m 8hrs drive
Early morning drive to Bulbule through beautiful country side scenery and reach to Beshisahar, a small beautiful town the district head quarter of Lamjung district, set on the banks of the Marshyangdi river.
Day 4 : Bulbule - Sange 1100m 6hrs trek.
the then trail ascends through the rhododendron forest to Chamje, a small settlement then the trail climbs beside the river through bamboo groves viewing a dramatic waterfall before reaching Tal, a large village on a suddenly emerging open plateau and reach to Sange village.
Day 6 : Sange -Timang 2470m 7hrs trek.
We cross Dharapani and begin to climb to Bagarchhap. The trail climbs along the mule track through pine and fir forest then follows the river through higher oak and maple trees to reach Timang village
Day 7 : Timang - Chame 2610m 6hrs trek
The trail climbs along the mule track through pine and fir forest then follows the river through higher oak and maple trees. We pass through scattered small villages before arriving at Chame.
Day 8 : Chame – Pisang 3200m 6hrs trek.
The trail undulates through the river valley, ascending through deep forest to Pisang with good views along the way of Pisang peak and the high Annapurna II.
Day 9 : Pisang - Manang 3500m 6hrs trek.
Tibetan culture begins in earnest as we start to climb towards Manang through fields of grazing yak and a wide variety of crops. This large Tibetan settlement commands good views of Annapurna II, IV and Tarke Kang.
Day 10 : Rest day at Manang
This is a rest day to acclimatize to the higher altitude. You have great opportunity to visit Monasteries, take advice from the Himalayan Rescue Association and observe the spectacular views of the Himalaya.
Day 11 : Manang - Latdar 4230m 5hrs trek.
The trail climbs to Latdar along the riverside and as the altitude increases, we move through alpine pastures to scrubby forests of juniper and rose
Day 12 : Latdar - Thorung Phedi 4410m 4hrs trek.
The trail undulates near the river, before climbing a steep screed slope north west of the tributary valley of the Jargeng Khola. It is sometimes possible to see herds of blue mountain sheep along the dramatic cliffs that surround the camping meadow at Thorung Phedi.
Day 13 : Thorung Phedi - Muktinath 3750m 9hrs trek
We ascend steeply to the flat top of Thorung La (5416m. pass providing a magnificent views of the Annapurna range to the south and Mukut Himal bordering Dolpo to the West. The trail descends steeply over glacial moraine, which gives way to grassy meadows before we reach Muktinath.
Day 14 : Muktinath - Jomsom 2790m 6hrs trek.
Descend gradually through fields and poplar groves, then into the Kali Gandaki river valley. Follow the valley southwards to Jomsom. The Kali Gandaki valley here is called the Thak Khola, from the ethnic group the Thakalis, the main inhabitants of this area.
Day 15 : Jomsom - Tatopani 1100m drive
Drive down to Tatopani through beautiful Thakali villages following the Kali Gandaki River and reach to Tatopani village with natural hot spring.
Day 16 : Tatopani - Pokhara drive
Drive to Pokhara Birethanti via a beautiful Beni bazaar through the beautiful scenery along the way crossing suspension bridges for about 5hrs.
Day 17 : Pokhara – Kathmandu 6hrs drive
Early morning start driving to Kathmandu through beautiful country side scenery. Arrive in Kathmandu and transfer to hotel.
Day 18 : Kathmandu
Rest day at leisure or final souvenir shopping. Join the farewell dinner in the evening most probably with cultural program. Evening Join the farewell dinner with live Nepali cultural program hosted by the company.
Day 19 : Departure
If you have time and are interested for other adventure like white water rating, wild life safari or any other activities can extend your holiday or transfer to airport and fly back to sweet home.
Inclusions
What is included?
- Arrival/departure transfers
- 4 night 2-3 star category hotels with breakfast in Kathmandu.
- Sightseeing tours by private vehicle with tour guide, entrance fees
- Lodge accommodations and all meals during the trek, down jacket, sleeping bag
- Cost for a first Aid and Eco trained English speaking guide and Porter
- Emergency rescue arrangements, medical kit bag
- All necessary paper works and trekking /entry permits
- All government and local taxes where applicable.
- Welcome or farewell dinner
What isn't included?
- International airfare and Nepal visa fee
- Lunch / dinner in Kathmandu
- Emergency rescue and medical expenses
- Personal expenses e.g. phone calls, laundry, bar bills personal porters
- Tips for the trekking crew
- Other optional trips/activities and sightseeing if required
Complimentary
Introduction and trip briefing
We give a short brief about the trip in Kathmandu on the same day of your arrival and introduce your trip guide and team members. At the mean time, we provide an opportunity for individuals to ask questions if any about the trip.
Accommodation: Lodges in the mountains are not as comfortable and clean as in the city but not the very basic. The lodges we use normally have combination of dormitories, twin, triple room and beds have foam mattress. There are few factors that affect our choice of a particular lodge which may not always be immediately obvious but the great looking lodges from outside may not be the cleanest and may not provide the best service or food. Please note that we also do not use lodges that will not provide accommodation for porters and guides as we believe that we have a duty to look after all our staffs. Some of the lodges now have attached bathrooms but we do not include this in the price of your trips. However due to availability issue you may be given a room with a bathroom and we will not charge extra.
Meals: Three meals as per your choice are provided in a day. Every lodge has a food menu and ordering book and you should write down in it everything you order under you name and room number. Guide will assist it actually and check at kitchen how busy they are. However it is good to order the food in one hour advance. Lunch is normally taken in a lodge along the way and we suggest the group tries to order similar dishes to make easier and shorter time. Nepali, Tibetan, Continental etc. dishes are available though. However local food like vegetables, potatoes, soups are fresh, hygiene and healthy.
Guide: English speaking, well experienced and knowledgeable holding license from government institutions. They are well trained about the high altitude problem, eco tourism, social responsibilities and sincerely dedicated on their duty.
Actually our guides play an invaluable role in ensuring that our clients have the best opportunity to experience, learn about, and enjoy their trip presenting them whenever you need any help. Porters: Normally we use only regular porters working for the company. Our porters are fully equipped and insured having knowledge of walking on snow and high altitude passes. They are very honest, reliable, strong and of curse get good pay.
They can speak English and will be referred to take the guide training after they are well experience and confident. Travel Insurance
We suggest and t is a condition of traveling with us that you must be fully insured, including air rescue services and all medical expenses. You decide and choose what amount and types of is insurance is suitable for your trip nature as some does buy cancellation and only for certain period of time.
Itinerary: Given itinerary is flexible so if needed there is often there will be possibility on the trek to extend or shorten the walking days. In the special case if the trips is ended a week or more earlier, there will be given an optional for a short trip. Please discuss this with your trek guide and express your wishes.
Washing and Toilet: Most of lodges offer hot shower now. Some times a hot shower means a bucket of hot water and ask your trek guide about the availability. For ecological reasons please try and limit your use of hot water if the water is not solar-heated. Please note that higher place and cold time there is very little chance to have enough and hot water. Every lodge will have some kind of hand washing facility but ask your trek guide about the place where you can wash and clean your teeth. In any event it is good idea to carry a bar of soap with you. If the water frozen then ask your guide to get warm bowl of water which does not cost money.
Toilets are usually Asian squat style and vary in how clean they are. Normally toilets are out side the lodge but now some lodge are have inside the room or lodge. They tent to be cleaner in the lower and Annapurna region than the Everest or other remote and high region because of water shortage and temperature. The rubbish bin in the toilet is kept for your used toilet paper.
Drinking water: Most of the stomach problems are faced from drinking water in the mountain so you should really care of it. Bottle of mineral water is normally available but environmentally unfriendly options so we recommend filtered and boiled water that should be treated with iodine / purifying tablet before you drink it. The lodge people charge minimum for boiled water as fuel is used to boil the water and wait about half an hour before adding any fruit powder etc.
Transportation: Deluxe private vehicle are provided while on city tour, airport transfers and local bus to trek starting point and tourist bus from Pokhara to Kathmandu or private vehicle/ flight will be arranged at an extra cost if required.
Electricity: Small scale electricity schemes are running is several mountain communities but as they by definition small the light may not be strong enough to read by and is not always guaranteed to be working. Kerosene lamps, candles or solar light bulbs are often used is the dining room where there is no electricity. A touch light, with extra batteries is essential. Some lodges have recharging facilities for which there is a small charge. Nepal use voltages, 220-240 volts to power your appliances. The sockets are fit both round and flat.