The Annapurna Circuit Trek begins with an overland journey to Besishar, 130 km West of Kathmandu. Due to the recent road develop in the area we plan drive Jeep to Dharapani where we break the journey for an overnight. Our trek follows the gorge of Marshyangdi River through lush fields of paddy, innumerable tiny streams, waterfalls and beautiful villages, eventually emerging into high desert country at Manang (3597m.). The trek gains in height, gently reducing the chances of altitude sickness, although, we do spend a day acclimatizing before crossing the Thorung-La (5416 m.). From a high camp we are up early for our crossing of the Thorung-La (tremendous high mountain feelings) before our decent to Muktinath in the Lower Mustang region, one of the holiest pilgrimage sites for Buddhist and Hindu people in Nepal.
We continue through the dry arid landscape to Kagbeni, a fascinating historical fortress town. The trail back cuts across the Kali Gandaki River to Jomsom (optional fly out here) beneath the shadow of immense Himalayan peaks and through the deepest canyon in the World. It’s just fascinating!!! We descend to Tatopani before ascending to Ghorepani and Poon hill for some tremendous sunrise views of both the Dhaulagiri and Annapurna Himal. A further four days are spent trekking through beautiful Rhododendron bamboo and Oak forest before eventually culminating at Kimche for a day drive to the beautiful lakeside town of Pokhara. Annapurna Circuit Trek is considered to be a ‘Classic Trek’ in Nepal where you experience the vast bio diversity and cultural heritage Nepal is renowned for. The Annapurna Circuit Trek is ‘a-must-do-venture’ and the most famous trekking route in the Annapurna Regions.
Day 01 : Kathmandu to Besisahar by Bus (6-7hrs)
Day 02 : Jeep drive to Dharapani (4-5hrs) {1860m}.
Day 03 : Trek from Dharapani to Chame (4-5hrs) {2670m}.
Day 04 : Trek from Chame to Pisang (6-7Hrs) {3200m}
Day 05 : Trek from Pisang to Manang (5-6Hrs) {3540m}
Day 06 : Rest day in Manang for acclimatization & explore around the area.
Day 07 : Trek from Manang to Ledar (3-4Hrs) {4200m}
Day 08 : Trek from Ledar to Thorung Phedi (3-4Hrs) (4450m)
Day 09 : Trek from Thorung Phedi to Muktinath via Throng La Pass
(5416m) {8-9Hrs} [3760m]
Day 10 : Local bus drive from Muktinath to Jomsom (2hrs) and Sharing Jeep
Drive to Tatopani (Hot Spring) {4-5hrs} [1190m]
Day 11 : Trek from Tatopani to Sikha (4-5hrs) {1935}
Day 12 : Trek from Sikha to Ghorepani (4-5hrs) {2860m}
Day 13 : Hike to PoonHill (45Minutes) {3210m} back to Hotel and rest day to
explore around Ghorepani.
Day 14 : Trek from Ghorepani to Tadapani (5-6Hrs) {2630m}
Day 15 : Trek from Tadapani to Ghandruk (4-5hrs) {19400}
Day 16 : Trek from Ghandruk to Kimche (2hrs) and Jeep drive to Pokhara (820m) {4-5hrs}
Day 17 : Tourist bus drive from Pokhara to Kathmandu {6-7hrs}
“The above information is a guideline and standard outline of what we provide. Our Annapurna Circuit Trek can be customized at your request to accommodate your specific requirements.” Please email us at: info@higherlimitstrek.com
NOTE: On adventure trek of this type, weather, local politics, transport or a multitude of other factors beyond our control can result in a change of itinerary. It is, however, very unlikely that the itinerary would be substantially altered; if alterations are necessary the leader will decide what is the best alternative, taking into consideration the best interests of the whole group. Where a change does occur, we do everything our best to minimize its effect, but we cannot be responsible for the results of changes or delays.
Your Detailed Itinerary:
Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu
When flying into Kathmandu on a clear day, the views of snow-capped mountain peaks sprawl down below you & are almost breathtaking, beginning a whole link of memorable experiences that stay with you for a real, long time. Our escort and driver from our office will meet you at the airport and escort you to your hotel. Our representative will help you check into your designated hotel; & at your hotel, you will be briefed about your daily program. This is your first overnight in the valley of the gods.
Day 02: Sightseeing of Kathmandu Valley
Kathmandu is the historical heart of Nepal and has been a popular destination for tourists ever since Nepal opened its doors to visitors. The city presents an interesting combination of Hinduism, Tibetan Buddhism and Western influence in the Valley. Patan and Bhaktapur, its two major neighboring cities bear vast historical, cultural and religious significances. There will be a half day guided tour to the famous and biggest Hindu shrine of Pashupatinath, the largest Buddhist stupa in Nepal Boudhanath, & the 15th century Palace of 55 windows and Swoyambhunath. Overnight at your hotel.
Day 03: Drive to Besi Sahar [820m] [drive approx 6 hours]
After getting adequate acclimatization and good logistic support, we begin our Annapurna trekking. Cruising along the Kathmandu-Pokhara Highway to Dumre and then sticking to the rough route by the Marsyangdi River, we pass through low-lying villages and rice fields. After 6 hours long drive, we finally reach Besi Sahar. Besi Sahar is the capital of Lamjung District. This is a bustling town. Overnight
Day 04: Trek to Khudi [790m]
From Besi Sahar, we trek along the trail turning right at the canal on the outskirts of the village and descending the narrow path to Pam Khola {river}. We then cross a stream, & ascend towards the village of Denauti where we get to see absolute Nepalese rural lifestyles at close quarters. The route further goes to the banks of the Marshyangdi Khola, passing through paddy fields and subtropical forests. As the trail nears the Khudi Khola, we come to the Gurung village of Khudi. Overnight.
Day 05: Trek to Bahundanda [1310m]
The hike goes northwards up the Marsyangdi Valley, away from Khudi; we get to see the magnificent Annapurna mountain ranges. The trail winds through a suspension bridge and continues through terraced rice fields, offering breathtaking views of Manaslu and cascading waterfalls. Further, as the trail climbs uphill, we spot several shops and teahouses at Ngadi village. On leaving Ngadi after a brief rest, we skirt through the challenging trails to Bahundanda. Bahundanda literally means “Brahmin hill” and as the name suggests Bahundanda is largely inhabited by Brahmins. Here, we conclude our trekking journey for the day.
Day 06: Trek to Jagat [1290m]
A steep trail descends from Bahundanda, through rice fields, before crossing a stream at the bottom of a small waterfall. It then climbs again and traverses the hillside high above the river before reaching the village of Hani Gaon. Ahead, the Marshyangdi valley forms a steep V – shape. We follow the winding mountain path down through Syange and along the river for some distance. The trail then climbs steeply and the path is cut into the sheer cliff-face some 200-300m above the riverbed. Eventually, we descend to the stone village of Jagat, situated on a shelf, which juts out into the precipitous Marsyangdi valley.
Day 07: Trek to Dharapani [1920m]
The trail from Jagat descends until it reaches the river and then continues through a flourishing forest. Further ascent leads to sharp-edged cliffs facing the riverbank. En route, Chyamje comes into picture amidst the glorious backdrop of towering Annapurna mountain ranges. After crossing a suspension bridge, we climb steeply towards the slippery and physically challenging path to Sattale. On treading along a succession of rock-strewn trails, we descend to a grassy riverbank that leads to Tal. As we hike away from Tal, the path becomes rugged and winding. Then we approach steep forested village of Karte. Meandering along the waterfalls and cliffs, we finally reach Dharapani after crossing a suspension bridge. We then prepare for the night.
Day 08: Trek to Chame [2630m]
We evade a narrow field from the village. The Dudh Khola, which originates from the south face of Manaslu and then Marshyangdi, steers to the left. Sinuous trails of the. Annapurna II becomes visible as we arrive at Bagarchhap, a Bhotia village with colorful prayer flags fluttering in the breeze. As we continue ascending through forests of pine and oak, we pass through Dhanakyu before coming to a thundering waterfall. Further on, the Marshyangdi River enters a gorge and the trail follows a rock-strewn path.
We now grab a breather for a while and take in the splendor of the picturesque Manaslu. When the steep incline ends, we follow a path amid magnificent rhododendrons and continue on a gently rising path. We cross a stream before entering a pine forest. We then enter the pristine hamlet of Kotho, from where we can grasp the most enchanting view of Annapurna II. Treading further, the route reaches a large white gate with a corrugated iron roof, which is the entrance of Chame. Chame is the administrative headquarter of Manang district. There is electricity, wireless station, schools, shops, health post, post office, police check post, hotels, lodges and banks that are found in Chame. The hot springs are the major attraction of this place.
Day 09: Trek to Pisang [3190m]
After a mesmerizing sight of the glowing Lamjung Himal [6893m] in the morning, we head off for Pisang. En route, we cross a large suspension bridge along Marshyangdi and approach houses and lodges on the northern side of the river. Our trail then meanders through barley field leading to Teleku at 2775 meters. As we leave undulating mountain passes, we enter fascinating apple orchards near a bridge at 2840 meters. On crossing the bridge, the pristine hamlet of Bratang appears. History has it that Bratang used to be a Khampa settlement. A stone memorial of a Japanese climber has been built in this place. After leaving the forested village, the valley changes from a V-shape to a gentle U-shape. Before us, the Annapurna mountain range rears up. Further on, we continue our steep rock-strewn trails to the south side and cross a long suspension bridge at 3040 meters. At this vantage point on the bridge, we get to view Paungda Danda rock rising more than 1500 meters from the river. En route, we get to capture splendid views of Annapurna II rising up on the east with Pisang Peak on the north-east. We cross a bridge and enter the village of Pisang. We bunk out at Pisang.
Day 10: Trek to Manang [3520m]
The trek continues further beyond Pisang as we hike along a steep ridge basking in the beautiful sights of the Manang valley and the Tilicho peak towering above 7132 meters. As we descend through Manang’s airstrip, we reach Hongde lying beneath the gigantic Annapurna III on the north-east face. The route further leads to the wide plain of the Sabje Khola Valley from where we get majestic views of Annapurna IV [7525m].
Further on, we cross a wooden bridge, as the Marsyangdi Khola gushes below us. We enter the beautiful village of Mungji. We continue treading along the cultivated fields and after a while we arrive at the village of Bryaga with a splendid monastery. On trekking down to Manang, we enjoy the majestic views of the Annapurna range – Annapurna II, Annapurna III, Annapurna IV, Gangapurna [7455m] and Tilicho Peak [7134m].
Day 11: Rest day in Manang [3520m]
We go in for a well earned breather and adequate acclimatization on reaching Manang, before crossing the Thorung La. this day can be spent strolling down the river to view the marvelous ice-fall overlapping down from the glaciated mountain peaks or we can simply take in the panoramic beauty of the Annapurna mountain range and the Manang Valley. A short visit to the Himalayan Rescue Association [HRA] aid post makes an interesting visit.
Day 12: Trek to Letdar [4250m]
After we’ve acclimatized, we advance towards Thorung La. On the way, we cross a stream, climb to Tengi, and 120 meters above Manang and ascend further past Marshyangdi Valley turning north-west up the valley of the Jarsang Khola. Amidst the spectacular vistas of the Annapurna mountain range, we trek beyond the lush green vegetation of scrub juniper and alpine grasses to reach the small village of Gunsang. Gunsang is a cluster of flat mud roofs just below the trail at 3960 meters. Along the route, we see several lodges.
As we approach picturesque meadows and rich forests of barberry, juniper etc, we come across horses and yaks grazing. The trail takes us further along a large stream that flows from Chulu West and Gundang, and leads to a rich pasture at 4000 meters.
Day 13: Trek to Thorung Phedi [4500m]
As we hike away from Letdar, we climb gradually to a ridge before descending to the headwaters of the Marshyangdi and cross via a covered wooden bridge. After a short ascent up the mountain path on the right bank, we follow a narrow trail across an unstable steep slope and then descend to Thorung Phedi.
Day 14: Trek to Muktinath [3800m]
It’s an early start today for the crossing of Thorung La [5416m]. The trail gets steep immediately on leaving camp, but then the local folks have used this trail for hundreds of years & the path is well defined. The gradient then eases and after around 4 hours of steady climbing, we reach the chorten and prayer flags of the pass. From the snow-covered mountains above, to the head of the Kali Gandaki valley below and the brown and purple hills of Mustang, which spread out before us, we are presented with a thespian landscape, that’s stunning to the eyes.
The descent to Muktinath is a 1600m trek. But the excellent views of Dhaulagiri, more then rewards us for the tiring journey. Eventually, the moraines give way to grassy slopes before a pleasant walk along the Jhong Khola Valley to Muktinath, with its shrines and temple.
Day 15: Trek to Marpha [2665m]
It’s now a descent down the dramatic Kali Gandaki Gorge. After passing through Jharkot and Khingar, villages with original Tibetan architecture, we follow the valley floor most of the way to Jomsom. Jomsom is spread along both banks of the Kali Gandaki and from here we get superb views of the Nilgiri peaks. We continue down to Marpha, a delightful Thakali village, with a well-planned drainage system. Its narrow alleys and passageways provide good shelter from the strong winds of the Kali Gandaki Gorge. Marpha is particularly well known for its apples, apple cider and apple, apricot and peach rakshi {local wine}.
Day 16: Trek to Lete [2470m]
We go on descending the Kali Gandaki Gorge to Tukuche, a Thakali village with a large gompa. Beyond Tukuche we walk along the west bank of the Kali Gandaki towards Larjung. Here, as in many of the villages in this area, narrow alleyways and tunnels link houses with enclosed courtyards, providing protection against the wind blowing up the valley. We make our way through pine, juniper and cypress forests to Kalopani, enjoying fine views of Annapurna I and Fang. We then reach Lete, which lies just twenty minutes beyond Kalopani.
Day 17: Trek to Tatopani [1160m]
Our trail now descends steeply through forests to Ghasa, the last Thakali village and the southern-most limit of Tibetan Buddhism. We get into the steepest and narrowest part of the gorge shortly after Ghasa. At the hamlet of Rupse, a magnificent waterfall cascades down beside the trail. Continuing on, we come to Dana, a Magar village from where the massive peak of Annapurna South can be seen across the valley. The trail then descends to Tatopani where we can treat ourselves to some apple pie and bathe in the hot springs.
Day 18: Trek to Ghorepani [2775m]
A little hike downstream from Tatopani, we cross the flowing river on a large suspension bridge and leave the Kali Gandaki behind. After passing through the villages of Sikha and Chitre, we climb through the forest to Deurali, a 2834m pass from where we get excellent views of Dhaulagiri, Nilgiri, Annapurna I, Annapurna South, and Hiunchuli. Just 10 minutes beyond the pass is the village of Ghorepani. Ghorepani literally means “horse water” and is a welcome watering spot for the pack of mules, faithful animals that have been plying this route for centuries between Pokhara and Jomsom.
Day 19: Trek to Birenthanti [1050m] & drive to Pokhara
Just beyond Ghorepani is Poon Hill [3193m]. An hour-long pre-dawn ascent gives us the opportunity to see the mesmerizing views of the Annapurnas and Dhaulagiri glistening in the morning sun. After breakfast, we begin the long descent to Birethanti through magnificent oak and rhododendron forests. From the village of Ulleri, we hike upfront a long steep stone staircase that seems to go on forever before we eventually reach Hille. A more gradual descent then brings us to Birethanti, from where it is a short distance to the road and our transport that takes us to Pokhara.
Day 20: Flight/drive to Kathmandu.
We fly or drive to Kathmandu. We choose an option that suits us best.
Day 21: Depart Kathmandu
Our escort team will take you to the airport for your flight home. On the other hand, if you prefer to hang around some more, you can go for a short tour such as game drive at National parks, or do some go – wild rafting. Tibet overland or mountain biking are other options etc. – just let us know your needs, we’ll offer you something to suit your budget.
Start | End | Price (USD) | AVAILABILITY | Booking |
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MEALS
Every day’s Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner is included in the package during the trek. This will be a dish of Nepali, Indian or Continental source cooked by the lodgings you stay at.
PACKING LIST:
While packing for “Annapurna Circuit Trek,” warm clothing is important to ensure comfort and safety, while non-essential gear such as a knife may simply come in handy. Here we have a suggested packing list to guide you in preparation:
(Note: This is just a guideline to help you on your packing)
ACCLIMATIZATION:
Keep in mind that you will be passing above 5000m/16400ft during the journey with Thorung La. Walking fast at such elevation could lead to medical complications (Acute Mountain Sickness) which could be serious. There is less oxygen compared to sea level in high-altitudes places. The higher, altitude will be the less oxygen in air. Your body needs a days to acclimatize to this environment, which is why we will stop one day rest in Manang. Although we provide information regarding AMS insurance, the only option for treatment is descending (evacuation). We advise that clients with known heart, lung or blood diseases, or clients over the age of 60 to discuss with their doctor before traveling. Symptoms of AMS include mild to severe headaches, dizziness, fever, loss of appetite or stomach pain; it is important to alert our staff if you are feeling poorly to ensure that illness does not progress.
HEALTH & EXPERIENCE REQUIRED
This trekking involves five to seven hours walking per day. However, it is some part of this trek at very high altitude, which will take a physical toll. There are no special physical or training requirements, but high altitude experience & walking is a benefit.
Is Annapurna Circuit Trekking for me?
Ans: Yes if you are physically fit enough.
Hello,
My name is Michael Addison (47yrs old, from USA) and If you are considering taking a trekking adventure with Higher Limits trek, but would first like some references from those who have trekked with them.
I can tell that my experience with Higher Limits was very good. I actually trekked the Annapurna Circuit with one of their guides, Bhakta (good guy) last October. My trek was 18 days and what I liked about Higher Limits (vs. other companies I interviewed) was that 1) they were professional 2) informative, yet fun and 3) flexible. Regarding the flexibility, Higher Limits was the only company I interviewed that was willing to go on my particular schedule during the trek. Specifically, other companies would not deviate from their itinerary, but Gopal guaranteed that my guide would go at my pace. Most days I went further than most people (I am lucky to be in very good shape), and loved a quick pace. On one particular day, I needed to go slowly and my guide (Bhakta) said whatever pace I wanted would be fine. So Gopal was right, and I was very pleased with my experience.
I will not hesitate to go to Gopal again when I return to Nepal for another trek next year. I would not have taken the time to write this if I did not truly enjoy my experience. You will enjoy yours with Gopal’s team, I am sure. I’ve attached a picture of me and another guy on a mountain…..I’m on the right.
Have a great time, and if you have any questions, feel free to write me.
Michael Addison (Mike)
addisonmi@hotmail.com
U S A
20/09/2010