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ANNAPURNA CIRCUIT TREKS

Annapurna circuit trek is one of the best treks in Nepal that is famed as a marvelous trek in the world. Trekkers have a chance to explore the great views of himalayas in addition to the stunning landscape, sunrise and sunset from poonhill, captivating terraced fields, Thorung-la pass (5416m), fascinating people and villages with outstanding hospitality, Muktinath temple, natural hot spring, deserted tibetan plateau, waterfalls and a huge species of flora and fauna. Superb views of Dhaulagiri (8167m), Manaslu (8156m), Annapurna (8091m), Nilgiri north (7061m), Fishtail (6993m), Lamjung himal (6988m), Tukuche (6920m) and plenty of peaks. The trek begins from Kathmandu (City of temples). We drive on Kathmandu-Pokhara highway to reach Besisahar where we start the trek. The journey passes through waterfalls, river, suspension bridge, wooden bridge, rocks and delightful jungle of oak, maple, blue pine, spruce, hemlock as well as breath taking view of Lamjung, Gangapurna, Manaslu, Himalchuli, Thorung peak and many other. Final days of this trek descend to Nayapul for a drive to pokhara (city of lakes and mountains) where one can enjoy a leisure time and experience diverse activities while being around. You may return to Kathmandu or proceed to another destination.

Overview

Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu (1400m)
Day 02: Sightseeing in Kathmandu valley
Day 03: Drive to Besisahar (820m) and trek to Ngadi (890m) via Khudi
Day 04: Trek to Bahundanda (1310m)-6 hr
Day 05: Trek to Chamje (1430m)-6 hr
Day 06: Trek to Bagarchhap (2160m)-7 hr
Day 07: Trek to Chame (2630m)-6 hr
Day 08: Trek to Pisang (3230m)-5 hr
Day 09: Trek to Mananag (3540m)-7 hr
Day 10: Rest day at Manang (3540m)
Day 11: Trek to Letdar (4250m)-5 hr
Day 12: Trek to Thorung phedi (4500m)-6 hr
Day 13: Trek to Muktinath (3800m)-8 hr
Day 14: Trek to Marpha (2665m)-5 hr
Day 15: Trek to Ghasa (2010m)-6 hr
Day 16: Trek to Tatopani (1190m)-5 hr
Day 17: Trek to Shikha (2210m)-4 hr
Day 18: Trek to Ghorepani (2810m)-5 hr
Day 19: Sunrise trip to Poonhill and trek to Tikhedhunga (1525m)-8 hr
Day 20: Tikhedhunga to Nayapul (1070m) and drive to Pokhara (900m)-7 hr
Day 21: Return to Kathmandu or proceed to another destination

Itinerary Details

Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu (1400m)

We receive and welcome you at Tribhuvan international airport in Kathmandu, showing our signboard outside the airport terminal. You are then transferred to the respective accommodation for a wonderful stay.

Day 02: Sightseeing in Kathmandu valley

After breakfast, sightseeing experience starts with city tours and some heritage sites.

Day 03: Drive to Besisahar (820m) and trek to Ngadi (890m) via Khudi

We drive on Kathmandu-Pokhara highway to reach Besisahar where we start the trek. It then follows a rough trail down to Puwa khola and passing through forest and terrace lands to reach Ngadi via khudi.

Day 04: Trek to Bahundanda (1310m)-6 hr

After following the trail to Bulbule crossing Marsyangdi river and the junctions, we keep on the journey through Tibetan settlement, forest, trails and steep climb to Bahundanda.

Day 05: Trek to Chamje (1430m)-6 hr

We descend a steep slippery trail through rice terraces from Bahundanda and the climb over a ridge leads us to Kani gaau. The path then descends crossing the Marsyangdi river through suspension bridge at Syange. The valley narrows down and turns into a steep canyon, leading to shree chaur, past which the trail climbs quite high on an exposed trail carved into almost vertical cliffs. It’s a quick descent past a waterfall to Jagat. From Jagat, we descend close to Ghatta khola, from where we take an extended climb through forests passing a waterfall to Chamje.

Day 06: Trek to Bagarchhap (2160m)-7 hr

Passing across the Marsyangdi river, we climb a rocky path and a steep trail to reach tea shops in Sattale, then make descend to Tal Besi after which we head for Karte. We go across the bridge to Dharapani. Beyond Dharapani, we pass through wooded regions of blue pine, spruce, hemlock, maple and finally reach Bagarchhap.

Day 07: Trek to Chame (2630m)-6 hr

The route crosses a bridge that reaches a junction and a stretch of trail leads us through forest and waterfall. We climb over a ridge on a steep rocky path and descend to a settlement. After ups and downs over forested ridges, one can find a breath taking view of mountains. We keep on our walk to reach Chame, headquarter of Manang district.

Day 08: Trek to Pisang (3230m)-5 hr

We have a walk inside the forest, to a massive apple orchard. The valley goes extraordinarily steep as we follow the route to Bratang. There is a bridge leading us to the old part of Bratang, which used to be a Khampa settlement. We pass Marsyangdi river through a suspension bridge and the trail leads to Pisang.

Day 09: Trek to Mananag (3540m)-7 hr

We make a climb over a forested ridge that extends across the valley. A quick descend will lead us to the valley ground to Manang airstrip at Hongde. We further pass a mani wall and past the airport is Sabje valley, with annapurnas just above, and the fields of barley and buckwheat over a low ridge at Bryaga. A walk beyond chorten and mani walls, will lead us to the plateau of Manang.

Day 10: Rest day at Manang (3540m)

We spend an entire day at Manang taking a rest before crossing Thorung-la pass. We go above the village for a complete panorama of Manang valley as well as Annapurnas. We can walk to Bhojo Gompa too. We have a pleasant easy day.

Day 11: Trek to Letdar (4250m)-5 hr

We climb to Tengi, which has the rewarding views to offer. The path climbs to a small village of Gunsang as we move towards forest of juniper, rose, barberry and a historic mani wall in a meadow. Past it is Yak kharka, additionally known as Koche. An hour walk from there is Letdar.

Day 12: Trek to Thorung phedi (4500m)-6 hr

The trail follows Jarsang khola, then descends and crosses a stream on a wooden bridge. We make a brief ascent across a high steep slope after which we descend to Thorung phedi.

Day 13: Trek to Muktinath (3800m)-8 hr

It takes hours to reach Thorung pass. The views are remarkably stunning. We then start descending down the barren Kali Gandaki valle. The descent is steep and hard. Sooner or later, descent walk to Muktinath is a pleasant one along the top part of jhong Valley. We crossing the meadows, drop right into the beginning of Jhong khola and climb out to follow a path to Muktinath (Hindu temple of Vishnu, located in Muktinath valley at the foot of Thorung La in Mustang region), whereas to Buddhists, it is a place where the great sage Guru Rinpoche (Padmasambhava) who brought Buddhism to Tibet, came to meditate. It is known as Mukti Kshetra (Place of liberation/moksh).

Day 14: Trek to Marpha (2665m)-5 hr

The descent down the Kaligandaki gorge passes through Jharkot and Khingar. As the trail keeps closer to Jomsom, the panorama goes arid and impressive with its combination of brown, grey and yellow, contrasting with white snowcaps of Tilicho and Nilgiri. At afternoon, winds always begin around on the way to Jomsom. Passing through stone-walled orchards, a stone gate marks the entrance to Marpha (Apple paradise) with endless himalayan apple orchards. This region is famed for its pie and unique apple whiskey.

Day 15: Trek to Ghasa (2010m)-6 hr

Moving across the kali gandaki and passing the mule trains coming down from Tibet to Tukuche (village with a massive gompa), we walk towards Larjung. Narrow pathways connect houses with enclosed courtyards protect winds blowing around. With the pristine views of Annapurnas, we go through pine, cypress and juniper forests to Kalopani and furthermore to Ghasa.

Day 16: Trek to Tatopani (1190m)-5 hr

Descending to Ghasa (Thakali village), we cross the steepest and narrowest part of gorge and reach a waterfall at the hamlet of Rupse. On the way to Dana, Annapurna south may be visible throughout the valley. The trail then descends to Tatopani that literally means ‘Hot water’ which offers a plunge into the geothermal water.

Day 17: Trek to Shikha (2210m)-4 hr

The trail from Tatopani leads us to cross the river through suspension bridge and we leave kali gandaki behind, to reach the village of Sikha.

Day 18: Trek to Ghorepani (2810m)-5 hr

We start our trek to Ghorepani through the village of Chitre, where we ascend to Deurali. The pass offers a superb view of Annapurna, Dhaulagiri and Nilgiri. Just beyond the pass is a village of Ghorepani that means ‘Horse water’ as it is a water spot for the horse and mules.  

Day 19: Sunrise trip to Poonhill and trek to Tikhedhunga (1525m)-8 hr

Upon waking up early morning, the trip begins with a visit up to poon hill (3210m), to see a breath taking sunrise that is among the world’s best ones. Then we go all the way down to Ghorepani and furthermore to Tikhedhunga.

Day 20: Tikhedhunga to Nayapul (1070m) and drive to Pokhara (900m)-7 hr

The trek will be heading to Nayapul through Bhurungdi river and passing through the villages. Upon reaching Nayapul, we drive to pokhara (City of lakes and mountains).

Day 21: Return to Kathmandu or proceed to another destination

You may opt for returning back to Kathmandu or proceeding to another destination.

Essential Information

Passport & visa
All foreigners beside Indians have to get a visa to enter Nepal. Unlike other countries, Nepali consulates and embassies issue visas without much fuss. On-arrival visas also are issued instantly at Tribhuvan international airport or at the border checkpoints. It may without difficulty be acquired at the Nepal/China border too. While you arrive at the airport you have to fill in a form and submit a passport photo. A single entry visa is valid for 15, 30 or 90 days. At the airport, you could pay this sum in any major foreign currency. Kids below 10 are required to have a visa however are not charged. In case you are making plans to go to India, Tibet and Bhutan you can follow for a more than one entry visa. You could change your single entry visa to multiple visa at Kathmandu’s immigration office. Your passport needs to be valid for at least 6 months. All foreign nationals getting into Nepal are required to arrange a visa either on arrival or in advance. A Nepalese visa may be received both prior to your arrival at a Nepalese embassy abroad and on arrival in Kathmandu at the airport. Note: Citizens of Afghanistan, Iraq, Cameroon, Ghana, Somalia, Swaziland, Palestine, Zimbabwe, Nigeria, Ethiopia and Liberia are not subjected to obtain the Nepalese visa upon arrival. Nepalese visa can also be secured at entry at Nepalese borders.

Lukla [Everest]
Please note the flights to and from Lukla rely on weather conditions. Awful weather might delay flights. While planes are grounded due to terrible climate, helicopter charter organizations operate mountain flights to Lukla. On your request, we even arrange a helicopter flight (to or from Lukla) for you. Whilst trekking in the mountains we stick to the standard itinerary. However if bad weather persists or if something occurs (natural calamities like landslide, avalanche or so), our trek leader regulates the itinerary. For instance, if horrific climate persists for days that disrupts your journey time table, you get the choice to cancel your trek to Everest and book other trekking regions – Annapurna, Langtang and many others or a cultural excursion. We assist on proper itinerary for you; one which fits your budget and time.

Weather 
The coldest month is January and the hottest is July. We say weather of Nepal is mild which means winter is dry and summer is hot. Monsoon lasts from around June to August. However rest of the year is dry. March to May is spring and September to November is autumn and they are additionally the most pleasant seasons. During winter (December, January and February), temperature drops down with snowstorms mainly in the high mountain areas.

Banking and foreign exchange
Payment in hotels, travel offices and airways can be made in foreign exchange. Credit card payments are common at major business institutions. There are plenty of machines or ATMs in towns and most will receive cards issued through any of the banking networks. Cards like Visa, Master, JCB and American express are simply universal at hotels, restaurants, airlines and major visitor centers.

Custom formalities
Upon arrival in Nepal, your luggage should be cleared by customs at the entry. You are allowed a private computer, digital camera, movie/video camera or so.  If you buy an antique item in Nepal and need to take it back home with you, it needs to be licensed by the department of Archaeology. In Nepal, it is unlawful to take items abroad that are 100 years or older.

Emergency 
Please do not forget to provide your emergency contact records whilst filling out forms.  You could mention the contact information of a member of the family or a person close to you.

Safety and security
Nepal is one of the most secure and hospitable destination for tourists. Nepalese are friendly and most of them assist visitors. Crime rate is very low as Nepal police is strict and smart. Tourism police is always on high alert and stand by. As per the review, it has been found that travelers rarely experience any hassle and difficulties while in Nepal. 

Phone/SIM/data plan
Upon arrival in Nepal, you can get a sim card at ease under certain terms & conditions. We can arrange it on your behalf. While in mountains, you may face some difficulties to receive internet range. In that case, you might need mobile data plan since it works everywhere. We assist on this if you require. Yet wireless internet works in majority of cities & towns nowadays. Internet system has already been installed even in Mt. Everest. These days you can mostly get a good internet access in Nepal. 

Electricity 
In Nepal the standard voltage is 220 – 230V and the frequency is 50 HZ. In cities, maximum hotels have multi-adapter style sockets but in the mountains the teahouses may or may not have these.  It would be good to have international adapter with you to fit your devices. Some teahouses along the trail use solar too.

Vaccinations 
We advise you to go to a health practitioner specialized in travel associated illnesses months before your trip departure. Take the specified boosters and vaccinations. You ought no longer to fear about tropical illnesses in case you are hiking in the mountains.

Baggage
On the path while your heavy baggage is carried by porters, you shall be carrying a light daypack of your valuables and accessories. Please make sure the baggage for a porter does not weigh more than 20 kg. One porter usually carries the bags of two guests. The luggage allowance for domestic flights is 20 kg. Maybe you ought to pay for extra luggage if your general bag weight exceeds it.

Body condition & experience
Walking in higher altitudes is physically demanding. In case you are in proper health; have common physical wellness, positive attitude, self-confidence and strong determination; you can easily do the trek. We would suggest exercising and walking regularly for some weeks prior to the experience. This may assist you on your energy and balance. Participants who have coronary heart, lung and blood illnesses are required to seek advice from their physician before participating.

Altitude sickness & Acclimatization
At higher altitudes, air gets scanty and oxygen level decreases. One has to acclimatize properly before going higher. Going too rapid will result in acute mountain illness. The symptoms consist of issue in breathing, nausea, headache, dizziness, irregular heartbeat, vomiting and many others. If left untreated, it might affect major organs too. All our itineraries permit enough time for acclimatization. One or two relaxation days have been allocated at lower elevations before you challenge into the higher levels (3500 to 4000 meters and above). This could supply your body enough time to get used to thin air. Additionally our guides bring a first-aid kit to stop and minimize the signs and symptoms of altitude sickness. On the trail, keep yourself hydrated with fluids as dehydration doubles the risk. To be more secure, we advise you to consult your medical doctor earlier than booking a trek.

Equipment & packing list
We also want you to take into account that the clothing items may vary with season and the trek duration. The listing given below is a basic guideline that may help you for your adventure:
Valid passport, passport size photos, airline tickets, insurance
Dollar, euro, pound or major currencies
Payment cards, ATM, coins
Required clothing … etc …

Travel coverage
It is a good idea to have a travel insurance policy whilst traveling to Nepal. Nepal is a great destination where most of the travelers encounter grand himalayan peaks and enjoy special adventure excursions. You will attain above 4000m in most of the treks in Nepal and it is fine to have a policy that covers clinical and emergency rescues. Helicopter rescue and emergency evacuation is common in Nepal so that you ought to pick out insurance accurately. It is a wise selection to have insurance coverage that can pay directly to hospitals as opposed to you having to pay for it.

Arrival & Departure
We offer airport pick up and drop off. On arrival at the Tribhuvan international airport in Kathmandu, we are there to welcome you. On the final day, you will be transferred to the international airport well in time (3 hours prior to your flight’s scheduled departure) to catch your flight.

Include/Exclude

*Airport / hotel / pick up & drop off on a tourist vehicle ✓
*Guided town tour in Kathmandu valley or related attractions ✓
*All meals throughout the trek (Breakfast, lunch and dinner) ✓
*Guesthouse accommodation during the trek ✓
*Required trek staff, guides and porters for your bags ✓
*Trekking equipment and special clothing ✓
*Food, accommodation, coverage, device and medicine ✓
*National park permits, TIMS permits & tickets ✓
*Vehicles to/from Kathmandu ✓
*Sightseeing/monument entry tickets in Kathmandu ✓
*Government tax, vat & revenue ✓
*Official costs ✓

*Visa fees ✖
*Travel insurance that covers emergency rescue and evacuation ✖
*International flight fares and airport tax ✖
*Alcoholic, canned or any beverage ✖
*Gratuities & private expenses ✖
*Any other that is not mentioned within the prices include section … ✖