Annapurna Circuit Trek :

It takes threek weeks to walk the entire Annapurna Circuit. For scenery and cultural diversity this has long been considered the best trek in Nepal and one of the world's classic walks. It follows the Marsyangdi Valley to the north of the main Himalayan range and crosses a 5416m pass to descend into the dramatic desertlike Tibetan-style scenery of the upper Kali Gandaki Valley. Since it opened to foreign trekkers in1977, the trek around Annapurna has been the most popular in Nepal. It passes picturesque Gurung villages and Thakali settlement with spectacular mountain views of the numerous 7000m-plus Annapurna peaks.

Road construction is having an effect on the popularity of the Annapurna Circuit. The first half of the circuit in the Manang side is little affected but the former Jomsom trek through the Kali Gandaki Valley on the west side is now cut by a dirt road. Some trekkers now end their trek in Jomsom. If you want to still continue there are new trails on the eastern side of the valley avoids the new road, the scenery is equally and the lodges are still excellent.The nature of trek is a series of day hikes from bases on the road.

The circuit is usually walked counter clockwise because the climb to the Thorung La from the western side is too strenuous and has too much elevation gain to consider in one day.At 5416m the Thorung La is often closed due to snow from mid-December to mid-march and bad weather can move in any time. The trail to the pass can be hard to find in fresh snow and you should be prepared to turn back incase of bad weather. It's essential to take your time between Manang and the pass in order to acclimatise properly. All the trekkers, including the porter must be equipped with proper clothing for severe cold and snow.

Duration: 15 to 19 days

Maximum elevation: 5416m

Best season: october to November

Trip Highlights:

  •  The classic trek around the Annapurna Mountains
  • An ever changing landscape, dramatic mountain scenery & fascinating culture
  • Magnificent panorama of mountains, alpine deserts & the Tebetan Plateau
  • Visit Poon Hill for Spectacular Sunrise Views of Annapurna & Dhaulagiri.
  • The world deepest gorge in the Kali Gandaki River.

 

Trip Informaton

Activities:

Trekking and Hiking

Departure:

Any day during season

Max Altitudes:

5416m at Thorong Pass

Trip Duration:

17 days

Trip Grade:

Moderate

Accommodation:

 Teahouse on trek, hotel in city

Meals:

Full board on trek, breakfast in city

Transportation:

Tourist bus/private car/local bus/private jeep

Best Season:

September-November & March-May

Walking Hour

4-6hrs per day

Day 01  

Arrival in Kathmandu - You will be warm welcomed at airport by NEAT Airport representative and then you will be transfer to hotel. Our tour advisor will meet you at your hotel and brief about your program. This day, you can take a rest at the hotel or enjoy the walk near by your hotel to get familiar with Nepalese life style and culture.

Day 02

Sightseeing in Kathmandu-We will be visiting three of the World heritage sites and other interesting places in Kathmandu.

Swayambunath Stupa:You will first visit the Swayambunath Stupa (Monkey Temple). It is said that Swayambunath Stupa is more than 2,000 years old, and it symbolizes knowledge. The painted eyes on all four sides symbolize the all-seeing power of Buddha.It is situated to the west of the city on a hill some 77 meters above the valley.

Boudhanath Stupa:Boudhanath Stupa is another important Buddhist pilgrims site. This ancient Stupa is considered one of the biggest in the World. Every morning and evening, many Buddhist devotees come here to pray and circumambulate enabling the visitors to observe local religious practices.

Pashupatinath Temple:The sacred Hindu temple Pashupatinath is considered the holiest cremation ground, and people bath in the Bagmati River with a faith of cleansing themselves spiritually. Many Sadhus or Hindu Ascetics live here. During religious festivals, Hindus come to make offerings, and it is sometimes very crowded. Drive back to your hotel. Enjoy the evening at you own.

Day 03

Kathmandu to Besisahar - (760m) 7 hrs Drive After breakfast , we take a drive to Beshishar (approximately 7 hours) observing the beauty and  lifestyle along Prithivi highway. Overnight at lodge with full board of meals.

Day 04

Trek to Bahundanda - (1300m) 6 hrs Trek We start our trek to Bahundanada after breakfast from where we can seeing beautiful scenery of Annpurna ranges, Khudi and Ngadi peak. After a walk of one and half hour, we will reach Ngadi where we will have our Lunch. After Lunch we will head towards Bahundanda in about two hours and overnight at Lodge.

Day 05

Trek to Jagat - (1400m) 5 hrs Trek We will start our walking through the paddy and muddy fields observing hills,mountains and beautiful waterfall. We will stop at Syange for lunch and again continues our trek for Jagat. After about two hours walk we will reach Jagat and overnight at Lodge with full board of meals.

Day 06

Trek to Dharapani - (1960m) 7 hrs Trek We will continue our journey by trekking through off road and bank of Marshyandi river viewing beautiful waterfalls. Then we will reach to beautiful valley called Taal and will have lunch there. We will enter the Manang district walking through barely rice, potato fields and pine forests and we reach to Dharapani, one of the big village of Manang. Overnight at Lodge with full board of meals.

Day 07

Trek to Chhame - (2630m) 5 hrs Trek After our breakfast, we start our trek with ascend trail along the mile track through fir forest, higher peaks and maple trees. We will have awesome views of ManasluLamjung Himal and Annapurna II. Then we will reach Chame, district headquarter of Manang where we can enjoy HOT SPRING. Overnight at Lode with full board of meals.

Day 08

Trek to Pisang - (3200m) 6 hrs Trek Today also we have to climb along mile track observing beautiful scenery. After reaching Pisang, we will visit Pisang’s monastery and view massive mountains. Overnight at Lodge in Pisang with full board meals.

Day 09

Trek to Manang - (3540m) 6 hrs Trek We walk through the valley floor via Hungde observing the field of gearing Yak and a wide variety of crops, spectacular views of Annapurna II, III IVGangapurna. Then we have to reach Jharsang river and walk through pine forest to reach Khausar village, a gurung village. We can see small monastery, Chortens, Mani walls and prayer flags. Overnight at Lodge with full board of meals. 

Day 10

Acclimatization Day (Optional hike to Gangapurna lake or Melaripa cave) We will stay one more day in Manang observing beautiful view of greenery, mountains, Chortens and Monasteries. We can also explore unique culture and life style of local people. And overnight at Lodge with full board of meals. 

Day 11

Trek to Ledar (You may stop at Yak Kharka) - (4250m) 5 hrs Trek To reach Ledar, we have to trek through Thorung La Pass(5416m.) and make steep climb through Tenki Manang, leaving Myarshyandi valley behind. And walk along the Jarsang river, we will reach Yak Kharkha and then to Ledar. Overnight at Lodge with full board of meals.

Day 12

Trek to Thorang Phedi (Optional of hiking up to the High Camp) - (4420m) 4 hrs Trek The trail continues through Throng Phedi along the bank of Jarsang river, where we may see herd of mountain sheep. Then we will reach to Phedi and overnight at Lodge with full board of meals. 

Day 13

Trek to Muktinath (Visit Muktinath temple in the morning) - (3800m) 8 hrs Trek We have to move ascend and descend hills to reach Muktinath. On the way we can see the beautiful scenery of Gangapurna, Annapurna, Thorang peak and Khatung Kang peak. Then we will reach to Muktinath temple, a famous holy place for Hindu, Buddhist and many Tibetan peoples. Overnight at lodge with full board of meals. 

Day 14

Trek to Jomsom (via Lupra or Kagbeni) - (2600m) 5 hrs Trek We will move through trail of Kagbeni or Lupra to reach Jomsom. This day we will trek along Kali Gandaki river to reach JomsomJomsom is a strong windy and a little cold valley but like the beautiful wet hills and the view of Tilicho mountain as well. Overnight at lodge with full board of meals. 

Day 15

Fly back to Pokhara After our breakfast, we go to airport for flight to Pokhara. (Flight depends on weather) or we also take a local bus/ private van to reach Pokhara from Jomsom.

Day 16

Drive back to Kathmandu (Flights also available) After our breakfast, we take a drive to Kathmandu or take a flight from Pokhara to Kathmandu.

Day 17

Departure to your destination  We will drove you to the International airport to catch your flight back to your home and wish for you a Safe journey.

Note: The above itinerary is just a tentative itinerary. If our itinerary is not suitable for you, please inquiry us, we can tailor you a customized itinerary that suits you perfect.

 

 

Cost Includes:

• All airport/hotel transfers
• Welcome and farewell dinners
• All accommodation and meals during the trek
• All Ground Transportation according to the Itinerary.
• An experienced English-speaking trek guide, assistant trek guide and porters to carry luggage (2 trekkers: 1 porter)
• Salary, insurance, equipment, flight, food and lodging of Guide,Assi. Guide & Porter
• Duffel bag (if needed)
• All necessary paper work and permits (National park permit, TIMS )
• A comprehensive medical kit
• All government and local taxes.

Cost Excludes:

• Nepal Visa fee
• Airport departure tax
• International airfare to and from Kathmandu
• Excess baggage charges
• Lunch and evening meals in Kathmandu (and also in the case of early return from the mountain than the scheduled itinerary)
• Extra night accommodation in Kathmandu because of early arrival, late departure, and early return from the mountain(due to any reason) than the scheduled itinerary
• Travel and rescue insurance
• Personal expenses (phone calls, laundry, bar bills, battery recharge, extra porters, bottle or boiled water, shower etc)
• Beverage( soft drink and other hard drink)
• Tips for guides and porters

Pre Departure Planning

Trekking in Nepal is a unique experience. So, to get maximum enjoyment you should be physically and mentally prepared. During the trek, you might have to hike approximately 5-6 hours almost everyday or 500-600m uphill or downhill. So, preparation should commence months before-walking, jogging, hiking and physical training would be very helpful. To learn more about trekking pre fitness consult our trekking fitness expertise http://www.trekprepfitness.com.au/

Food and accommodation

Meals will be provided by NEAT during the whole trek as per your service besides mentioned in city. We offer open and the choice menu in the tea house where you can select the food for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Our guide will recommend or take you to the guest houses which serve the hygienic and nutritious food and best accomodation. Snacks, bottle drinks including mineral water and alcohol are not included in price.

Trekking group

It would be easy for you if you have your own group if not also we can arrange a group trek according to your request. You would be joining the group in Kathmandu. If you want to have a solo trip then we are always ready to help you again with single supplement charge. We try our best to make your comfortable holiday in the beauty of Annapurna Region.

Trekking guide and porters

Trekking guide are very responsible person who will assist you in your whole trek. They have a very broad knowledge about geography, Flora, Fauna, culture, himalayas and trails. Trekking guide will assist and brief all your questions and confusion during trek. The company will provide you the best and authorized guide to make your holiday. Potters are very strong and poor Nepali people who will carry all your baggage where ever you go. Don’t Forget to tip them for their service .

Acclimatization

When NEAT plan your itinerary, we take everything into consideration about the altitude and other factors to minimize the chance of getting AMS.

Altitude gains-your trek is designed to gain around 600 meters (vertical) altitude daily.

Acclimatization - rest days are included in itinerary to help body adjust to new altitude.

Each trekker must accept responsibility and trek slowly - observe the steps at which the porters and guide walks. There are no worthwhile prizes for getting to destination in record time - generally AMS.

Treatment: Mild symptoms - staying at same altitude may resolve symptoms. If there is no improvement, descend to lower level.

Severe (HAPE + HACE) - descend immediately, as failure to do so could result in death. If symptoms persist you may need to be carried to nearest medical facility or evacuated by helicopter.

Travel Insurance 

We strongly recommend the purchase of trip cancellation and travel insurance. This comprehensive travel insurance provides coverage for trip cancellation and interruption, travel delays, loss of baggage and travel documents, baggage delay, medical expenses and emergency assistance.

Climate and Weather of Nepal

Climate in Nepal is diversified depends on season. From the low level to highest point of the World, it start from hot to cold region from South to North. You can travel Nepal in any season but the best time to visit in Annapurna Region is autumn & spring. If you are in autumn the weather is perfect and sky is crystal clear but in spring the weather seem little cloudy but the full blossoming Rhododendrons are awesome. In Summer visibility is poor and there is less chances to see the himalayas and in winter it is very cold in mountain but still possible to do this trip.

Nepalese Visa Requirements And Process

Before you travel to Nepal please check your passport and validity date. Passports must have at least 6 months validity after finish date of your trek. During booking, it is necessary to send us the passport copy. To travel in Nepal, you will require a visa which you can obtained from Nepalese Embassy at your country or you can get on arrival visa at the TIA airport in Kathmandu.

Here is general list of Nepalese visa fee as below and for more detail visit http://immi.gov.np/

Cost to be levied while issuing tourist visa by the Mission or entry point:

• US Dollars 25 or other convertible foreign currency equivalent thereto for 15 days multiple entry visa.
• US Dollars 40 or other convertible foreign currency equivalent thereto for 30 days multiple entry visa.
• US Dollars 100 or other convertible foreign currency equivalent thereto for 90 days multiple entry visa.
Notwithstanding anything written in above, no visa fee shall be applicable to the passport holder of member states of the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) for 30 days.

Trekking Permits and Entry Charge

While you travel Annapurna Region, you need to obtain the  entry permits and TIMS permit. All the applicable permits and entry fees are including on the given cost except personal contribution and donations. In case of extra charge and payment, the agency will inform you.

Trekkers health and medical information

Trekkers health is very important for the tour operator as we should know your health condition before making reservation with us. To do this trek, the trekkers should have good fitness and require great stamina and good health. All our Trekking guide and potter are insurance before trekking. For the medical information you should contact your medical consult before planning your trip to Nepal.

Environmental & social concerns

NEAT is highly aware with Environmental concern and keep right ecological system. There shouldn’t be awful impact while you travel around the Annapurna Region. So, we involve some campaign of cleaning trekking trails, works with KEEP project etc.

Booking procedure

Support the local company and the money directly goes to local community which helps to improve the economic condition of developing countries. Please contact us via e-mail or phone to check the availability and possibilities to book the trip in your date. We will gladly answer your each quires promptly so that you can make your decision faster.

Annapurna Region Trekking

Annapurna Base CampTrek

Annapurna Base CampTrek

The Annapurna Sanctuary is a high glacial basin lying forty kilometers directly north of Pokhara, and concealed within the folds of two great southward projecting ridges of the Annapurna Massif, lies the secret mountain fastness of the Annapurna Sanctuary......

DURATION: 18 Days
DESTINATION: Nepal
GRADE: Moderate
MAX. ALTITUDE: 4130m

Gorepani Poonhill Trek

Gorepani Poonhill Trek

Ghorepani Poonhill Trek is an easy and most famous trek in Annapurna region. It means, trekking to Ghorepani is suitable for beginners and of all age group...

DURATION: 18 Days
DESTINATION: Nepal
GRADE: Moderate
MAX. ALTITUDE: 4000 m

Annapurna Circuit Trekking

Annapurna Circuit Trekking

The classic Annapurna Circuit trek first became accessible to the world of adventure travelers as recently as 1977, when the Nepalese Government derestricted the Manang Valley..

DURATION: 17 Days
DESTINATION: Nepal
GRADE: Moderate
MAX. ALTITUDE: 5416m

Jomsom/Muktinath Trek

Jomsom/Muktinath Trek

Jomsom is more correctly known as Dzongsam or New Fort. It spreads over both the banks of the Kali Gandaki. The towering peaks of Dhaulagiri and Nilgiri form an attractive backdrop...

DURATION: 14 Days
DESTINATION: Nepal
GRADE: Moderate
MAX. ALTITUDE: 3800m

Fishtail Model Trek/Mardi Himal Trek

Fishtail Model Trek/Mardi Himal Trek

The New, short, extremely beautiful and less explored trek in Annapurna Region which takes you close to Fishtail(Machhapuchhare) Mountain, Annapurna, Mardi and other himalayas..

DURATION: 5 Days
DESTINATION: Nepal
GRADE:
MAX. ALTITUDE: 4500m

Upper Mustang

Upper Mustang

This isolation helped the people of Mustang to maintain their lifestyle and heritage that remained almost unchanged for centuries. Hidden behind the majestic Himalayan ranges, Mustang is filled with beautiful trekking zones. ..

DURATION: 17 Days
DESTINATION: Nepal
GRADE: Moderate
MAX. ALTITUDE: 4210m

Narphu Valley Trek

Narphu Valley Trek

Narphu valley Trekking is probably the best trek of Annapurna region and for those who want to explore hidden valley and trek off the beaten crossing through Challenging high passes like Masokanto La (5099m), Kangla pass (5200m) & Tilicho Pass (5230m) .....

DURATION: 27 Days
DESTINATION: Nepal
GRADE: Moderate
MAX. ALTITUDE: 5230m

TRIP PHOTOS

Click on thumbnail photo to have larger view.
  • Mt. Fishtail  » Click to zoom ->

    Mt. Fishtail

  • Sunset  » Click to zoom ->

    Sunset

  • MPC  » Click to zoom ->

    MPC

  • Annapurna South( 7219m)  » Click to zoom ->

    Annapurna South( 7219m)

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From Our Client

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We have known Mr. Chandra, Managing Director of NEAT for 8 years and have come to Nepal for 5 treks, including the Annapurna Circuit and Everest Base Camp. We have found NEAT to be a very professionally ..." Read More

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This has been one of the best managed trips I have taken. I have been struck by the expertise and experience of everyone, from the owner, Chandra, to the guide, Kedar. Every detail of the trip was well ..." Read More