Annapurna Circuit Trekking

The Annapurna Circuit Trek takes you around the world's tenth highest mountain, Annapurna I ( 8,091m./26,700 ft.), crosses the Throng La Pass (5,416m/17,872ft.) from Manang to Muktinath, and takes in the magnificent mountain views from Poon Hill (3,210m/10,593ft).

This trip is truly an amazing part of Nepal. The trek takes you from a low elevation of 830m/2739ft., to 5,416m/17,872ft and back. While you are on this trek, you will encounter ten different ethnic groups and pass through four different climate zones. Your efforts will be rewarded with the completion of this fantastic trek around the entire Annapurna massif. This magical trek reaches its zenith at 5,416m/17,872ft and traverses all the way through agricultural villages to high mountain passes that resemble mountain peaks and also to the beginning of the Tibetan Plateau.

This ambitious adventure begins from the town of Besi Sahar. From there, the next seven days will be spent walking through rice farms, forests and friendly villages belonging to the lower realms of the Annapurna Conservation Area. The peaks of Annapurna-I (8,091m/26,700ft) and Manaslu (8,187m/26,860ft) provide the backdrop for the initial stage of this journey, passing the quaint villages of Chamje and Pisang. The village of Manang (3,500m/11550ft) marks the beginning of the next stage, where a day will be spent acclimatizing to the higher altitude. A number of excursions in the area can help the acclimatization process, e.g., visiting various monasteries or viewing Gangapurna Lake that lies at the foot of a large icefall.

The Annapurna Circuit Trek will continue over Throng La Pass (5,416m/17,872ft). From here, you can marvel at the fabulous Mustang peak and the snow-clad bulk of Mt. Dhaulagiri (8,167m/26951ft). On your descent, you will have an opportunity to visit the Hindu pilgrimage site of Muktinath (3,800m/12540ft) and wonder at the presence of 108 holy taps and mysterious natural gas fires. Further down, the village of Marpha is a welcome stop. Here you can test the different varieties of foods and juices produced from apple, such as apple fritter, apple pie, apple crumble, apple juice, apple brandy and apple cider. In addition to being very tasty and delicious, they are probably the cheapest and best in the world !

You now descend further, down into the deepest gorge in the world on the Kali Gandeki River, all the way to Tatopani where you can relax and bathe in its natural hot springs. An early morning hike will lead you to Poon Hill (3,210m/10593ft) to see the most spectacular sunrise on earth, lighting up the picture-perfect Annapurna range. The trail leads you to another gorgeous site of Annapurna through a beautiful walk in a rhododendron forest. You will enjoy a close-up, panoramic view of Himchuli, Annapurna south and Machhapuchre( Fish tail) and many other snowcapped mountains. Descending further down to Ghandruk village, it will be time to bid farewell to the wonderful mountains as you reach Naya Pul and make your way back to civilization and Pokhara.

Fact of this trek
Trip Duration      11 days trek
Max. Altitude: 5416m./17872 ft.
Minimum Altitude: 850m./2805 ft.
Grade: Moderate
Activities: Trekking
Accommodation: Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner 
Transportation: Plane and Bus
Trek Departure: Every day throughout the week
Group Size: 1 person to 16 persons (maximum)
Best season: March, April, May, Sep,Oct & Nov.
Available Time: All months
Per day hiking: 4 to 6 hours

 

Suggested Itinerary

Day 1: Drive to Besi Sahar ( 850m./2805ft.) - 05 hours
Drive to Bulbule via Besisahar by bus then stay overnight at lodge.
Meals included: Lunch, Dinner 

Day 2: Drive to Chame ( 2710m./8943ft.) -05 hours
Drive through amphitheatre-shaped rice terraces, along a steep vertical cliff, lush forests, and some culturally intriguing villages, then you will pass by fields of corn, barley and potatoes on your way through small villages of Khorte and Karte and after a pleasant drive, you will arrive at Chame . Stay overnight at a lodge.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner 

Day 3: Trek to Upper Pisang ( 3400m./11220ft.) -05 hours
A steep, narrow path through a very dense forest will bring you to the dramatic curved rock face, rising 1500m from the river. As the trail opens up, you will be surrounded by majestic Himalayan Peaks. After beautiful scenic drive through these amazing sites you will reach upper Pisang  then stay there overnight at lodge. We take alternative route to avoide road and better scenic view from upper pisang route. 
Meals included : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner 

Day 4: Trek to Manang ( 3500m./11550ft.) - 04 hours
Enter the upper Manang region, where you will notice a contrast with the landscape and vegetation. The cold, dry climate creates a much harsher environment. Incredible views of the towering Himalayan Peaks. You will reach Manang then stay there overnight at lodge.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner 

Day 5: Acclimatization
Rest day for acclimatization. Enjoy the fascinating village and immerse yourself in its wonderful culture. There are many opportunities for both easy and strenuous day. Explore with spectacular side trips to Bhojo Gompa or Gangapurna Lake and Glacier. Stay at same place overnight at lodge.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner 

Day 6: Trek to Yak kharka( 4110m./13563ft.) - 04 hours
Today is a short walk up to Yak Kharka, a small settlement and Gradual ascent is the key to avoiding altitude problems. Stay there overnight at the lodge.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner 

Day 7: Trek to Phedi ( 4600m./15180ft.) - 05 hours
Make your way to the village of high camp. You will reach this small, busy settlement which caters to both trekkers and climbers. It is used as a base camp as well as the starting point for the climb up to the famous pass – Throng La. Stay overnight at lodge.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner 

Day 8: Trek to Muktinath ( 3800m./12540ft.) -10 hours 
An early start is important to begin a long day's trek over the pass. Crossing the famous Throng La pass {5,416m/17872 ft} will be an unforgettable experience. Breathtaking scenes of the high Himalayan peaks are presented from both the trail and the summit of the pass. Stay overnight at Muktinath at lodge.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner 

Day 9: Trek to jomsom (2713m./8952ft.) - 05 hours
Muktinath is an important pilgrimage place for both Hindus and Buddhists. You will visit a Vishnu Temple and Gompa in morning. The trail today is quite surreal as you trek along a plateau above the Kali Gandaki, the world`s deepest gorge.Trek to Jomsom then day trip to Marpha.  Stay overnigth at lodge.
Meals included : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner 

Day 10: Drive to Pokhara - 06 hours 
Enjoy the pristine Himalayan sights of Annapurna and Dhaulagiri range as you jumb to bus. You will drive through a beautiful scenic places as Tukuche, Kalopani , Rupse waterfall, Tatopani, Beni and Nayapul.  Overnight in Pokhara.

Meals included: Breakfast

Day 11 : Drive to Kathmandu
Drive to Kathmandu by tourist bus. 

Trek Ends

Annapurna Conservation Area Project ( ACAP)

The provision of  ACAP is to maintain and build local tourism infrastructure and preserve the nature.  Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP)  permit is necessarily required for Annapurna Circuit Trekking. It can be obtained from government registered trekking company as Nepal alternative treks & Expeditions.  It's fee is fixed by NTNC Rs. 3000 ( Three thousand rupees) per person to Mardi himal Trekking. You can not obtain along the entry point, they may return you without carrying ACAP permit. You need passport copy, one passport size photograph and fee in Rs. 3000 ( Three thousand  rupees) or equivalent  in cash to apply the permit. This permit you can use only single entry in the area but no limitation of period.

Trekking Clothing equipment for Annapurna Circuit Trekking

When you select your personal items, keep in mind the number of days you will be trekking, the time of year and the altitude. We advise our clients to bring these items:

- Lightweight walking boots "walked" them in prior to arrival in Nepal to avoid blisters. 

- Light weight pants, shorts

- At night -track top, pants 

-  T-shirts. 

- Long sleeve shirt, if susceptible to sunburn. 

- Sun hat - sunburn is severe at rarefied altitudes. 

- Thick outer wooden socks, thin inner cotton 

- Vaseline for feet and crutch.

- Water bottle - 2 liters.

- Sunglasses and strap 

- Small headlamp/flashlight /torch

- Personal medical supplies - do not forget ban - aids, elastic bandage 

- Sunscreen, sun bock, sun - tan lotion. 

- Small daypack - 25 liters. 

- Rain jacket - poncho style to cover backpack. 

- Small towels 

- Warm down fiber filled jacket ( You can get on rent at Thamel) 

- Sleeping bag to -15c with inner sheet ( You can get on rent at Thamel) 

- Thermal underwear, woolen shirts and thick sweaters. 

- A pair of gloves 

Travel insurance 

It is a condition of joining any of our trips that be protected against comprehensive expenses potential to incur due to medical issues or accidents (to include air ambulance, helicopter rescue, and treatment costs). Please be noted that we don’t arrange or sell insurance. A relaxed trip is not possible without good travel insurance. In the event of any sickness or injury, the cost of emergency treatment and evacuation is shocking. Therefore, travel insurance is strongly recommended for everyone who signs up with Nepal alternative Trekking. 

Recommended Travel Insurance Companies

For Travelers from Thailand

  • AXA insurance Thailand - https://www.axa.co.th

  For Travelers from USA and  CANADA

For Travelers from ENGLAND

  • Ali Ramzi | Operations Specialist Specialty Group (UK) Limited - Europoint, 5/11 Lavington Street, London, SE1 0NZ, United Kingdom UK tel:  + 44 (0)20 7902 7405 UK fax: + 44 (0)20 7928 4748 USA tel: +1 215 489 3785 USA fax: +1 215 489 8525 Email: Ramzi@specialty-assist.comwww.specialty-group.com  For Urgent : ops@specialty-assist.com
  • FirstAssist Services Limited Wheatfield Way, Hinckley Fields Industrial Estate, Hinckley Leicestershire LE10 1YG England Telephone 01455 251155 Fax +44 (0)1455 254001

 http://firstassist.co.uk

For Travelers from EUROPE and SLOVENIA

For Travellers from AUSTRALIA and NEW ZEALAND

  • Cover More Travel   Insurance covermore.com.au
  • CGU Insurance Limited cgu.com.au
  • Worldcare Travel Insurance PO Box 162 Toowong Qld 4066 Australia Phone: 1800 008 614 between 0800 and 1800 AEST Monday to Friday E-mail: sales@worldcare.com.au

For Travelers from SOUTH AFRICA Travel insurance Consultants Pty .Ltd 5th Floor, 296 Kent Avenue Randburg Johannesburg Cremerview, 2060 South Africa www.tic.co.za

What is Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) ?

Acute mountain sickness is an illness that can affect trekkers at high altitudes, usually above 8,000 feet (2,400 meters). The highest point is Thorong la which is elevated at 5415 meter, you have very little chance of AMS. If you be precautious about high altitude and follow our guide then you can avoid it. 

How do we know if I get AMS ?

Your symptoms will also depend on the speed of your climb and how hard you push (exert) yourself. Symptoms are as below:

  • Difficulty sleeping
  • Dizziness or light-headedness
  • Tiredness
  • Headache
  • Loss of appetite
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Rapid pulse (heart rate)
  • shortness of breath with exertion
  • Cannot walk in a straight line

Treatment 

  1. Rest, Rest , Rest
  2. Go down, down, down
  3. Diamox

Diamox may be given to help you breathe better. It can help reduce mild symptoms. This medicine can make you urinate more often. Make sure you drink plenty of fluids and avoid alcohol when taking this drug. This medication works best when taken before reaching a high altitude.

Prevention and pre-cautious 

Keys to preventing acute mountain sickness include:

  • Climb the mountain gradually and slowly
  • Sleep at a lower altitude when possible
  • Learn how to recognize early symptoms of mountain sickness
  • Drink plenty of fluid – 3 liters per day
  • Avoid alcohol
  • Eat regular meals, high in carbohydrates
  • Sleep well
  • Be well equipped

First aid

Owing to a sudden change in climate, altitude and other factors, it is obvious that there could arise some alterations in your health. It would be hard to know all aspects of Nepal's health problems.You will be eating and drinking in various outlets. Diarrhea is a common illness that a tourist would be facing. So, it is recommended to drink purified water and eat in clean outlets. Drinking and eating precautions will surely help to take care of many health problems that could arise during the trip. Staying hydrated during the travel, trekking, tours is highly recommended too. If any problem should arise during the trip. Being on good health before leaving for a trip would help you to enjoy your trip to the fullest.Though Nepal alternative treks will be carrying first aid medical kid, you are also suggested to take personal basic first medicines for in case.

Accommodation

We will leave you free to choose hotel in Kathmandu and Pokhara as there will be various choices. We will arrange twin share basis room in lodges during the trek. We will arrange shared washing room and toilet.

Meals

During our trek, we can enjoy authentic Nepalese food as well the more common international cuisine (Tibetan, Continental, Italian, Indian, etc.) in lodges. Threre will be provided breakfast, lunch and dinner three times along the route on your choice from MENU .

Physical Condition & Experience Requirements

Annapurna circuit is moderate level of trek,  suitable for passionate walkers who have the ability to walk at least 5-6 hours a day with a light rucksack. As we will  get the highest elevation 5415 meter, you are preferred an excellent health with average physical fitness, have a positive attitude and strong determination, we can accomplish the trek successfully. Exercising and jogging regularly is good idea to enhance our strength and stability. Past hiking experience would be an asset but no technical skill is required for this trip. Participants with pre-existing medical conditions such as heart, lung, and blood diseases should inform Nepal alternative treks before booking the trek.

George Henry Beger
Germeny

I was glad about to show my children the Annapurna circuit. It was amazing to go with them and show there the rhododendron forests and feel the mountains again. I liked to see Dhan again. He is a wonderful guide and he has a nice family. The lunch at his home was really good. All this make to happen by Nepal alternative treks so I want to use this office again for next time.

Regina Krug and all group
Germeny

First of all, Our guide Dhan is very nice person, he was always taking care  for us and the days were flying trekking together with him. We felt always save with him. Dhan has the wonderful character to inspire and encourage us even in hard walks because of the high mountain sickness. We enjoyed his company very much. The tour was well planned. Thanks very much to Nepal alternative family.

Rene Beger
Germany

Hello all,
I have a really nice trip (Annapurna circle) with my family made ( My Father, Sister and brother ) We have the best guide become to travel Dhan. They show us the world of Nepal with the nice and friendly people. We really had great time. Thanks for this trekking Dhan, Dal and Nepal alternative trkes ! See you next time soon !

Maik Reger
Germany

Hi All,
I have a nice trip with my family. My guide Dhan was the best. I will come back. Thank you !

Ruby and group of ten
Hongkong

We are fully satisfied with your services Tej,Your guide Singbir is well experienced and we felt comfort the trekking 5000m according to his” guide rule”.

The hotel and standard of the accommodation were perfect. Porters do their job well. Especially one of them actually looks the hotel in advance and helped us in the most difficult rout from Phedi to High camp. It is very good decision to tailor our pace with the overnight stay in high camp. It made us easy to pass the thorong la pass without any problem in next morning. The acclimatization at the high altitude was very tough but is needed and done professionally.

Mr. Robert Locke, Ms. Melanie Ralhign, Mr. Allan wickham and Ms. Peta Williams, UK

From the moment we arrived at Kathmandu, we felt well looked after when we saw Dhan waiting for us. The trekking was definitely wonderful with Dhan. The highlight with him knowing his way around and remaining flexible to our needs. The rafting, Everest Mountain flight and female tour guide Sarita showing us around the city were also excellent.
In the end, everything was great!
We would definitely use Dhan and Nepal alternative treks again when we come back trekking next year!!

Rita Beger
Germany

Really good trek with Dhan and Dal ; We met a lots of people from all over the world. We saw the life in mountains and it was amazing. I enjoyed the thorong la pass by horse. It was really nice and helpful. I will do the trek again to go over the pass.  The services we got from this company is appreciated. We never forget !

 

Map

TESTIMONIAL

Lea-pp-size.jpg

Thank you Tej and Nauser For ever ...

10th.September.2014 

We did the Manaslu circuit and Tsum valley. ...

Nepal Alternative Treks

Thamel, Kathmandu, Nepal
Cell: 00977-9851130491
E-mail: gurungtej2003@yahoo.com
Website:
www.nepalhikingtrip.com

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