Annapurna region is one of the most verdantly bright and beautiful regions of Nepal. Home of the Annapurna Mountain massif and many of its neighboring peaks, like the Dhaulagiri and the Machhapuchhre, the region is also one of the most visited trekking destinations in the country. Likewise, the trails on the Annapurna Circuit Trek are the home of the ethnic Gurung and Magar communities which harbor unique customs, traditions, and art forms. The inclusion of many of the region’s best destinations and facets regarding Himalayan views. The terrain of the coruscating river valleys, as well as the cultural diaspora. The Annapurna Circuit is regarded as one of the legendary oldest trekking in Nepal.
The Annapurna Circuit Trek starts in Nepal’s capital city of Kathmandu. You will drive to Beshisahar and then to Tal, where the journey begins. As the trek advances, the route passes through beautiful villages like Dharapani, Chame, and Pisang.
The terrain gets rougher as you go higher, and you’ll arrive at Manang, a beautiful settlement where you’ll need a day to get used to the high altitude. The journey continues to Thorong Phedi and Yak Kharka, leading to the difficult Thorong La Mountain Pass at an amazing elevation of 5,416 meters (17,769 feet).
You will descend to the holy town of Muktinath, which is renowned for its historic Buddhist and Hindu temple, after conquering the pass. Hereafter, the journey leads you to Tatopani on a drive. The place is popular for its pristine hot springs where you can recover your tired muscles.
Moving further, you come across a charming village, Ghorepani followed by an early morning hike to Poon Hill. The mesmerizing sunrise view of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges from Poon Hill lets you experience the heavenly charm of the Himalayas.
Eventually, you will drive back to Pokhara, a stunning lakeside city, after descending to Nayapul, and then you will return to Kathmandu.
Similarly, you will always be in the company of our most trusted guides at High Route Adventure. From accommodation and guidance services to meals and transportation, you are guaranteed the absolute best available services from us. We also offer many different packages throughout the country that you can alternatively choose from according to your preference. To boot, we are also extremely flexible and can arrange a customized itinerary for you according to your needs. Book your trip with us today!
Our representative will give you a warm greeting when you arrive at the airport in Kathmandu and help you with the transfer to the hotel that you have reserved.
We will have a pre-trip meeting at our office in the afternoon, where you can meet your trekking guide and discuss any questions or concerns you may have.
Remember to include a copy of your travel insurance policy, two passport-sized pictures, your passport, and the required travel insurance and disclaimers. We'll make sure you're ready for the great journey ahead during this meeting.
We leave Kathmandu after a filling breakfast and take a beautiful drive to Beshisahar, where our trekking journey begins. We go beside the banks of the Marsyangdi and Trisuli Rivers, which provide us with amazing vistas of rural communities, verdant mountains, and much more.
The excitement of the journey is increased by the 6-hour journey down the rough Marshyangdi River road. After arriving in Beshisahar, the district headquarters of Lamjung District, we get ready for the exciting trekking days that lie ahead.
Our trekking adventure starts as we drive from Besisahar to the little settlement of Tal. Along the popular walking path, we pass through charming villages and securely cross deep valleys and rivers on well-built suspension bridges.
Our journey leads us to Kodo, one of the biggest villages in the Manang Valley, by fields of barley, rice, and potatoes. We eventually arrive at Dharapani after across yet another suspension bridge and climbing a small stone staircase. Our first trekking section ends at Dharapani.
You will be trekking through the woods today, following a dirt-laden path that will take you to the village of Timang. From here, the views of the Annapurna and the Manaslu ranges are quite mesmerizing. Further from Timang lies the settlement of Thanchowk, connected via a relatively flat trekking trail. You can also see many chortens with prayer flags along the cobbled streets. From Thanchowk, you will then trek ahead towards Chame. Overnight stay at the guesthouse at Chame.
Views of the Lamjung Himal's north face from Chame are quite amazing, especially early in the morning. From Chame, you will follow the trail once again, passing under a Gumba-gate towards juniper hamlets that will eventually clear out towards streams. The environment is quite serene and the company of the mountain peaks makes the trip extremely charming. Along the way to Pisang, you will also come across an enormous 5,000 sculpted rock bowl. It goes by the name of Paungda Danda. Overnight stay at the guesthouse at Pisang.
From Pisang, the trail climbs sharply as you pass by the Dhikur Pokhari. The trail then relatively flattens out from there, and you will head due west where the valley opens up to a wide canyon. Along the way, you will come across the small settlement of Humde. Further ahead lays a beautiful monastery where you can enjoy a silent afternoon, taking in the Himalayan breeze that flutter the prayer fags gorgeously. Overnight stay at the guesthouse at Manang.
Manang is one of the biggest villages in the valley. It has bakeries and espresso cafes laden snugly with traditional houses and Mani stone walls with Gumbas as well as chortens adorned with prayer flags. Views of the Annapurna peaks, as well as sights of the Gangapurna Himal are extremely delightful from here. For the day, you can also choose to have a short trip to Tilicho Lake, one of the highest lakes in the world. Overnight stay at the guesthouse at Manang.
Walking on a new part of the village, you will first make your way to Tengi. Here, you can find beautiful stone houses with flat roofs. Squeezing through tight alleyways, you will leave the village behind and wander uphill through the grasslands towards Gunsang, with an altitude gain of over 300 meters. The trek to Yak Kharka from Gunsang is relatively easy, albeit longer. Passing by the pastures, you will reach Yak Kharka. Overnight stay at the guesthouse at Yak Kharka.
The trail is often extremely quite as you make your way from Yak Kharka to today's destination. Trekking through relatively flat fields, you will pass by many horses that are used for caravans by the village people. The first portion of the trail is easy, a gradual uphill climb with amazing views of the peaks. Eventually, you will arrive at Churi Ledar. Finally, you will reach the Thorong Phedi. Overnight stay at the guesthouse.
You will wake up early in the morning to make your way uphill to reach the top of Thorong La Pass (5416m). It is a gradual climb that is difficult and rock-strewn, so you have to be steady and careful. After the arduous trek uphill, you will reach the top of the pass from where vast views of the valley, snowy fields surrounding the foothills and the sight of the mountain peaks are spectacular. After spending time at the top taking in the views, you will then steadily make your way down towards Muktinath. Overnight stay at the guesthouse at Muktinath.
Early in the morning, we'll visit the Muktinath Temple. We will go to Tatopani by local bus after our spiritual experience at Muktinath Temple. The drive will take us past some of the deepest gorges on earth. The dry highlands will transform into lush forests as we travel through them.
When we arrive at Tatopani, which is popular for its natural hot springs, we'll get to enjoy a dip in the calming waters. The hot springs are well known for their ability to treat skin conditions. It's the ideal location to relax and revive ourselves after our tough hike over the Thorong La pass.
From Tatopani, you will be trekking on a much verdant terrain towards one of the famous villages of the region- Ghorepani. This pathway is also one of the last trails of the Annapurna Circuit. You will pass by Ghar Khola and slowly ascent towards Ghorepani, going through smaller settlements along the way, like Chhitre village. Finally, you will reach Ghorepani, from where breath-taking views of the Annapurna peaks greet your sight. Overnight stay at the guesthouse at Ghorepani.
From Ghorepani, you will make your way to the vantage point of Poon Hill early in the morning to witness the amazing sunrise view amidst the panoramic display of Annapurna peaks. It is a fantastic phenomenon and quite mesmerizing. After enjoying the sights at Poon Hill, you will then make your way to Nayapul, from where you will have a drive to Pokhara. Overnight stay at the Hotel at Pokhara.
You will bid the Annapurna Mountains goodbye for the last time today and have a drive back to Kathmandu via the Prithvi Highway that winds quite beautifully along the countryside. Upon arriving back at the city, you will be dropped off at the Hotel. Overnight stay at the Hotel in Kathmandu.
Approximately three hours before your scheduled flight, you will be dropped off at the airport for your departure.
Three nights in Kathmandu is in a luxurious hotel, one night in Pohara, and fourteen nights in teahouse accommodation on the Trek
Accommodations in Kathmandu, Pokhara, and on the path area unit this within the package price. You will be staying at 3-star deluxe hotels in Kathmandu and Pokhara located within walking distance from the major city and international airdrome. The hotels feature free Wi-Fi, clean air-conditioned rooms with clean bathrooms, a restaurant, an eating place, and a bar.
While trekking, fourteen nights’ accommodation at the simplest offered teahouses. This area unit passes by native families, warm hospitality, and an area unit supply of sustenance for mountain communities. As this is a lovely new trekking route the teahouse offered basic facilities like a bed, shared washroom, and cozy dining room. You need to pay extra for using the wi-fi, mineral water, hot shower, and battery charging.
Accommodation is organized on a twin-sharing basis. If pressure group solo, you get to share the area with a fellow individual of constant gender. a private room is offered for the asking, at an additional price. It’s attainable to induce one area in Kathmandu, Pokhara, and at lower elevations while trekking. However, at higher elevations, their area unit few lodges and single rooms aren't offered during tourist season.
In all treks including the Annapurna Himalaya region, good food is very important to keep all the members fit and healthy throughout the trip.
Meals are served in a large dining hall, some higher cold places furnished with the pot-bellied stove to keep the dining room warm and cozy. Items of foods can be ordered by choosing two types of ‘a la carte or set menus, for a la carte with wide listed food and drink menu from Farmers, American, or simple breakfast to Lunch, Dinner, and light snacks.
Most tourists standard average lodge, managed and run by family members including cooking, the menu is laden with popular and famous Nepalese meals, known as Dal-Bhat (boiled rice, lentil soup to add with mild seasonal vegetable curry), Continental, and Chinese to Tibetan with Indian as well Italian and Mexican dishes. In some good lodges on route trekking Korean and Japanese foods are also available.
Fresh meat products and items are rare in most areas of trekking, however in some lodges in a high country like Manang and Kaligandaki Valley, one can enjoy Yak steaks and other meat dishes. Fresh bakery items are also available in major villages on route trekking.
Nepal, has four main seasons, namely spring (mid-February to May), summer as well the monsoon and wet times (June to August), autumn/fall (September to November), and winter (December to mid-February).
One can travel around Annapurna Himalaya nearly all months of the year, the best time is spring from March to May and autumn/fall to pre-winter seasons. Depending upon your choice of interest and destinations, likewise for a short moderate trek, one can visit during winter months also.
For treks that involve high passes of above 5, 000 m like Thorang-La Pass, on the Annapurna Circuit trek, winter times can be quite risky due to heavy snow on higher trails and at the pass.
Springtime and autumn/fall, are the peak season for treks and other adventures around Nepal Himalaya, including the Annapurna region. The other best time is autumn/fall which is also a high season.
The symptoms of altitude sickness include dizziness, nausea, difficulty in sleeping, fatigue, and headache. You can also experience loss of appetite, rapid pulse, and shortness of breath. If you feel any of the mentioned sicknesses then immediately inform your tour guide or someone responsible and start climbing down to lower altitudes if you can.
The symptoms can have varying effects on different people. The most commonly felt symptom is shortness of breath. So, be mindful and keep out of these symptoms.
Trekkers joining Annapurna Circuit need to take precautions as it involves high altitude walks, walking at a slow pace with plenty of short rest with acclimatization days at certain heights, our guide as per the itinerary will advise and inform you regarding rest days, like in Manang at 3,600 m or any other high places, where rest day will be necessary before heading higher ground.
Preventive measures against AMS using Diamox or Acetazolamide tablets as per your doctor and guide advice. The major problem is when one catches symptoms of HACE (High Altitude Cerebral Edema) which is water in the brain and HAPE (High Altitude Pulmonary Edema), a symptom with some water in the lungs. Where the victim needs rescue or immediate evacuation for proper medical treatment.
All trekkers are required to obtain trekking permits known as TIMS (Trekking Information Management Service), for the Annapurna region. Issued and controlled by TAAN (Trekking Agent Association of Nepal).
Entry Permits TIMS will be collected by your guide from High Route Adventure, associated as well lifetime member of TAAN.
The entry permits TIMS, will be kept by your guide as it needs to be registered at every check-post in major villages on route trekking.
The TIMS card will be handed to you at the end of the trip, as a good memorable souvenir of the treks. The other permit required is the ACAP (Annapurna Conservation Area Project) entry fee ticket, which will be obtained by the company in Kathmandu, or at the first entrance of the ACAP check post. These are the main entry permits required on a trek around the Annapurna Himalaya region. The permits are important to ensure and safeguard all trekkers from safety, especially for individual or solo trekkers if they are lost this will help to track the missing person on route trekking.
To get the permits you need to provide the following documents and information
Drinking water is available in every shop and store as well as in restaurants, and in lodges where you stay, depending upon your requirement, medically on treks and in high altitudes, where one needs 3-4 liters of safe drinking water every day. One can buy safe drinking water served boiled and filtered. Where some trekkers enjoy free drinking water from the nearby fresh clear stream, water spouts, and creeks which need much filtration adding water purifying tablets, or iodine.
The best is to buy from the lodge, where drinking water is much safe boiled and cooled. Around Annapurna, there are some places with water stations, at affordable prices, like on route Annapurna Circuit. The water station is run and managed by the local community and ACAP (Annapurna Conservation Area Project).
Other options are bottled mineral water available in every village store and shop as well at the lodge, the cost can be dear as you trek further high. But we at High Route Adventure, do not encourage trekkers to buy bottled water, as it creates much rubbish we follow the concept of Responsible Tourism or Eco-Trekking to preserve the surrounding pristine environment.
Most importantly you purchase in the home country through good and reliable Insurance companies, that should cover medical conditions including rescue services, by the fastest means of transport like a chopper.
In all Himalayan countries including Nepal and Annapurna region, where even a healthy and physically fit can get sick, either from past personal medical side or other reasons like AMS (Acute Mountain Sickness).
For severe illness, one needs immediate evacuation, and the quickest way to reach a safe place with good medical facilities like in Pokhara city, or in Kathmandu.
Travel Insurance, should cover your holiday duration in case of bad unfavorable weather conditions even at the best time of the season.
In the Himalayas or in the Annapurna region, where trail conditions can be affected by landslides or heavy snow that might create a situation to delay or cancel the trip. For unforeseen circumstances where you will be safe with your Insurance policy, which you claim back at home after providing the official letter from your local agent or High Route Adventure Adventure.
Client safety is our top priority, including guides, field staff, and porters in all our programs and itineraries, which are well-planned and designed to keep our trip as per the standard itinerary. It is also a guideline, as it can be slightly changed in case of the client’s physical fitness and weather conditions.
If there’s too much danger to encounters like landside, broken trails, avalanches, snowstorms, or other major calamities, we plan and decide what is best for our clients and staff's safety.
We at High Route Adventure, are fully committed to keeping all our adventures safe and sound in all respects, sometimes it all depends on the clients themselves whether they have chosen the right trips at the right time.
All our expert guides and leaders will make your holiday adventure worthwhile and memorable, in case of an emergency our guides are reliable to cope with any situation for the safety of all members including staff.
Our guide has basic medical experience and First Aid, well well-versed in Eco-Trekking to make the trek and environment safe and enjoyable.
Contrary to popular belief, you don't require a lot of intricate gear and equipment for this journey. Here's a basic checklist of the vital elements you must remember to carry when embarking on your Annapurna Circuit Trek:
There are only a few of the essential items. Find a Packing list for the trekking in Nepal.
The majority of trekking gear can be rented in Kathmandu, alleviating the need for heavy baggage. By packing only the necessities and acquiring the remaining items through rentals or purchases in Kathmandu, you can travel light. Thamel's shops provide both branded and locally crafted gear and equipment.
You can leave your spare luggage in your hotel’s storage room. It is completely safe and free. But do make sure to lock your luggage before leaving it in storage.
