Annapurna Circuit Trekking
This is probably one of world' famous trek beginning at Besi Sahar and ending usually at Naya Pul, is considered the "classic" trek in Nepal. The walk starts off in sub-tropical forests and terraced farm lands and climbs through oak and rhododendron forests into fir and pine and finally into sub-alpine. Then the pure alpine regions of the magnificent Thorung La pass (5416m),the highest trekking pass in the world. The trek offers you the diversity of cultural and traditional variation in respect of caste and religious differences that shows the harmony and the eco-diversity. This route provides an excellent "window" through which you can view a wonderful cross section of Nepal. If you have the time to visit only one sector of this country-make it the Annapurna region. Spectacular, close-up views of soaring, ice-capped peaks, tumbling waterfalls, lush forests, craggy high passes provide the backdrop for ancient walled villages and people representing many of Nepal's ethnic groups.
Despite the length, some sections are moderately easy with the serious challenges beginning above Manang and crossing the pass. From Thorung Phedi the trail climbs 1000m to the Summit and then descends 1600m to the scared pilgrimage site of Muktinath. Thise side of the route is no less interesting than the eastern sector, although it is more developed. The villages of Kagbeni, Marpha and Tukuche are all worthy of extra time to enjoy and explore the typical landscape and people.This site leads to the desert valley of upper mustang where ,still exists a king of region.
Trip Facts
Trek Duration :
21 days
Starting from
: Besishahar
Ending at
: Pokhara
Trek Departure
: Every day throughout the week
Maximum Elevation
: 5416 m
Mode of Trip
: Teahouse (Lodge to Lodge)
Activities
: Trekking + Tour
Transportation
: Car/ Van/ Bus
Group Size
: 01 (minimum)
Per Day Hiking
: 5-7 hours
Best Time
: Jan, Feb, March, April, May, Oct, Nov, Dec
Trip Price::
USD 1365.00 per person
Trip Highlight
- Scenic drive to Besishahar
- Manang village,
- Thorung La Pass (5416m);
- The Pilgrimage town of Muktinath;
- Views of the Dhaulagiri Ice - Fall;
- The worlds deepest gorge in the Kali Gandaki river;
- Hot Spring at Tatopani; and Sunrise and mountains views from Poon Hill
Day to day itinerary
Detail Itinerary
On your arrival at Kathmandu Airport you will be met by our representative who will take you to the hotel for the night.
After having breakfast you take a sightseeing tour around Kathmandu valley. You will visit many Buddhist and Hindu temples which reflect the local culture and tradition of Nepalese society. In the afternoon you will be taken back to your Hotel.
You have a 6 hour scenic drive to Besi Sahar from Kathmandu. O/N at Besi Sahar.
On this day we begin our trekking. Walking through Besi Sahar village, the trail drops to a stream and crossing the sub-tropical forest you will reach to Khudi, a Gururng village. Following the route of the Marshyangdi valley which has great views of Manaslu and Himalchuli, you will get to Bhulbule. Crossing Marshyangdi Khola(river) on a along suspension bridge you will come to the ACAP check post, passing a majestic waterfall, watching langur monkeys along the way, the trail reaches to Ngadi and to Lampata. Then finally making a short steep climb you will reach Baundanda, an attractive village. O/N at Baundanda.
Descend on a steep, slippery trail and then climb to Lili Bhir, where you can visit the small hot spring. The trek to Khanigaon (1170m) and further on to Ghermu Phant with a huge waterfall. The trail descends, crosses the Marshyangdi on a bridge at Syange (1080m) and climbs to Shree Chaur. Passing a small waterfall, descend little bit and the trail reaches Jagat (1330m). After Jagat we take a long climb through the forest where we reach to Chamje. O/N at Chamje.
Crossing the Marshyangdi river and making several ups and down the trail forwards through bamboo and rhododendron forest to Tal Besi and to the foot of a large waterfall which is known as Tal (1675m). Descending following the east bank of river, the trek gets to Karte and climbs to Dharapani (1920m). Then the trek enters the east- west Manang valley in a forest of blue pine, spruce, hemlock, maple and finally reaches to Bagarchap. O/N at Bagarchap.
From Bagarchap the trail climbs through forest to Dhanakyu (2290m), crosses several landslides and travels uphill through the forest to Lattemarang (2360m). The trail climbs and then descends to Thanchok and to Kotho (2590m), a meadow surrounded by huge pine and spruce trees. Walking about half- hour you will reach to Chame, the administrative head quarters for the Manang district. From here you have the excellent view of Lamjung Himal, Annapurna II and Annapurna IV. O/N at Chame .
From Chama you will reach Bhratang after walking through the pine forest and huge apple orchard which is surrounded by a stone wall. The trail forward has admirable views of Annapurna II, Pisang peak, Himalchuli and Ngadi Chuli and reaches to Pisang, upper part of Manang Valley. O/N at Manang Valley.
The trail makes a long climb with excellent views of the Manang valley and Tilicho peak (7134m), before reaching to the Manang airstrip at Hongde (3325m). Crossing to the north bank of Marshyangdi on a bridge the trail reaches Mungji (3360m) and then climbs to Bryaga (3550m), a Tibetan-style village. Finally after leaving Bryaga, you will reach Manang. O/N at Manang.
After having breakfast you will climb the ridge to the north of the village for excellent views of Annapurna IV, Annapurna II and Tarke Kang (7193m). If you descend from the village you will see the glacial lake at the foot of the huge icefall that drops from Gangapurna (7454m). Back to Manang. O/N at Manang.
From Manang, the trail crosses a stream, climbs to Tengi, and then continues to climb out of the Marshyangdi valley before reaching the small village of Gunsang (3930m). The trail passes through a sparse forest of juniper, rose, and barberry and crosses a large stream to reach Yak Kharka (4090m). Walking about an hour further you will reach Letdar. O/N at Letdar.
From Letdar the trail continues to climb along the east bank of the Jar sang Khola then descends and cross the stream on a bridge. Then making a short descent you will reach to Thorung Phedi. O/N at Throung Phedi.
From Thorung Phedi, the trail becomes steep; following rocky ridges you will reach Thorung La (5416m), which is the highest point of this trek. From here the views are outstanding. The trail descends steeply and during the decent there are excellent views of Dhaulagiri. You will reach Chabarbu (4290m). The trail crosses a meadow and forwards to Muktinath where you can see the impressive temple of Lord Shiva. O/N at Muktinath.
From Muktinath the trail descends to Jharkot and to Khingar. Beyond Khingar you will meet the junction of two routes. The first one is Kagbeni (the entrance of upper Mustang) and another is to Jomsom. Then the trail proceeds to Eklebatti following the Kali Gandaki River. You will finally reach to Jomsom where you can see the Annapurna Conservation Project check post, hospital, airport and army camp. O/N at Jomsom. If you like to shorten your trek you can fly from Jomsom to Pokhara.
The valley opens out, and great views of Dhaulagiri are visible. O/N at Kalopani.
The route crosses the Kaligandaki River on a suspension bridge and descends to Thapla (1890m). Making a steep and rocky decent you will reach Kopchepani and Rupse Chhahara where you can see the beautiful water fall. From Rupse Chhahara walking about thirty minutes you will get to Dana (1450m). Crossing the Bhalu Khola on a suspension bridge the trail meets Guithe (1320m). Passing through a small tunnel you will reach to Tatopani where you can enjoy the relaxing hot springs. O/N at Tatopani.
From Tatopani the trail again crosses the river and then climbs Shikha, a large and prosperous Magar village and forwards to Phalate. Beyond Phalate you will meet the trail junction and going further you can get to Chitre. The trail forwards through rhododendron and Mongolia forest and finally reaches to Ghorapani. O/n at Ghorapani.
Early in the morning you can climb about one hour to Poon Hill (3210m), the viewpoint for sunrise taking in the views of Mount Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, Nilgiri, Himchuli and Machhapuchchhre. Return back to the Hotel for breakfast. After breakfast you will climb to Gurung Hill, crossing pine and rhododendron forest�s with excellent views you will trek down to Deorali (3090m), then further trek down to Banthati (2650m). Passing Banthati trek down to the small river and climbing up the trail heads to Tadapani. O/N at Tadapani.
The trail descends steeply through the forest to Baisi Kharka. Then the trail further descends to a stream, crossing the stream the trail proceeds towards Ghandruk, a beautiful village where you can have excellent views of Annapurna South and also the headquarters of Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP). O/N at Ghandruk.
From Ghandruk the trail descends to Chane (1690m) and to Kimchi (1640m). Following the ridge downhill to Kehone Danda then to Kliu (1390m) and on to a suspension bridge over the Sadhu Khola, finally arriving alongside the modi Khola you will reach to Shauli Bazaar (1140m). Passing through the lovely birch forest you will get to Lamakhet and then to Birethanti (1000m). Walking about half an hour you will reach to Napa Pul. From Nayapul drive back to Pokhara. O/N at Pokhara.
Sightseeing around Pokhara (Begnas Lake, Rupa Lake and David�s fall). O/N at Pokhara.
Drive back to Kathmandu (6 hours drive by car/van), Hotel, B.B. O /N at Kathmandu.
Altitute Sickness
Altitude sickness often known as acute mountain sickness (A.M.S.) in general may occur when people ascend too quickly normally in altitudes of over 3000 m. We ensure minimal risk by building in rest days into our trekking itineraries. Most people will feel some affect of altitude, shortness of breath and possibly a light headed, which is fairly common. Acute mountain sickness is very different and normally involves a severe headache, sickness and loss of awareness. In almost every potential case there are enough warning signs to take appropriate action.
Our expert and trained guides will advise you about any health requirements and also altitude sickness while you are trekking, so you should not worry about it, we do however recommend you get advice from your travel doctor or health advisor before you leave. The following information gives you an idea about high altitude sickness and how to minimize the affects
There are three stages of altitude sickness and symptoms.
1. Normal AMS Symptoms - Should expect but not worry.
Following are the normal altitude symptoms that you should expect but not be worried about. Every trekker will experience some or all of these, no matter how slowly they ascend.
- Periods of sleeplessness.
- Need more sleep than normal (often 10 hours or more)
- Occasional loss of appetite.
- Vivid, wild dreams especially at around 2500-3800 meters in altitude.
- Periodic breathing.
- The need to rest/catch your breath frequently while trekking, especially above 3500 meters.
- Runny nose.
- Increasing urination while moving to/at higher altitudes (a good sign)
- Dizziness.
2. Mild AMS Symptoms - NEVER GO HIGHER
Many trekkers in the high valleys of the Himalaya get mild AMS, admit or acknowledge that you are having symptoms. You need have only one of the following symptoms to be getting altitude sickness.
- Mild headache.
- Nausea
- Dizziness.
- Weakness.
- Sleeplessness.
- Dry Raspy cough.
- Fatigue/Tired.
- Loss of apatite.
- Runny nose.
- Hard to breath.
What to do if a mild symptom doesn't go way?
- If you find mild symptoms developing while walking, stop and relax (with your head out of sun) and drink some fluids. Drink frequently.
- If mild symptoms developing while walking, stop have rest, drink some fluids and take 125-250mg Diamox. Diamox generally takes one to four hours to begin alleviating symptoms. Drink more water and consider staying close by.
- If symptoms develop in the evening, take 125-250mg Diamox and drink plenty of fluids again.
- If symptoms partially go away but are still annoying it is safe to take another 250mg Diamox 6-8 hours later.
- If mild symptoms continue getting worse try descending for a few hours which may be more beneficial than staying at the same altitude. Going higher will definitely make it worse. You're here to enjoy trekking not to feel sick.
3. Serious AMS Symptoms - IMMEDIATE DESCENT
- Persistent, severe headache.
- Persistent vomiting.
- Ataxia (loss of co-ordination, an inability to walk in a straight line, making the sufferer look drunk)
- Losing consciousness (inability to stay awake or understand instructions)
- Mental confusion or hallucinations.
- Liquid sounds in the lungs.
- Very persistent, sometimes watery, cough.
- Difficulty breathing.
- Rapid breathing or feeling breathless at rest.
- Coughing clear fluid, pink phlegm or blood (a very bad sign).
- Severe lethargy/fatigue.
- Marked blueness of face and lips.
- High resting heartbeat (over 130 beats per minute)
- Mild symptoms rapidly getting worse.
Dangerous cases of AMS
High Altitude Cerebral Edema (HACE)
This is a build-up of fluid around the brain. It In most cases the first five symptoms on the mild and severe lists previously. Coma from HACE can lead to unconsciousness are death within 12 hours from the onset of symptoms, but normally takes 1-2 days to develop. At the first sign of ataxia begin treatment with medication, oxygen and descent. Usually 4 to 8mg of dexamethasone is given as a first does, then 4mg every six hours, Diamox every 12 hours and 2-4 liters /minute oxygen. Descent is necessary but a PAC (portable altitude chamber) bag will often be used first if available.
High Altitude Pulmonary Edema (HAPE)
This is an accumulation of fluid in the lungs and is very serious. It is responsible for all the other mild and serious symptoms and it is often accompanied by a mild fever. By far the treatment is oxygen at 4 liters a minute but using PAC (portable altitude chamber) bag treatment is a good substitute. If there is no PAC bag or oxygen then descent will be life saving. HAPE can lead to unconsciousness are death very quick.
Prevention of Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS)
- Allow sufficient time for acclimatization (After 3000 meters).
- Don't make rapid Ascent. Don't go too far too fast.
- No Alcohol, Sleeping pills and Smoking.
- Drink more fluid 3-4 Liters a day, clean water-boiled or treated / tea / coffee / soup / juice etc.
- Climb high and sleep low.
- Do not trek/travel alone, take guide/porter.
- Follow the advice from your guide, hotel, local, guide book.
- Descent if mild symptoms rapidly getting worse.
- Never leave or descent sick person along.
- Avoid getting cold.
- Take an easy and comfortable trekking route even if its longer.
First Aid Kit
This is the basic list to cover the more common ailments that affect trekkers. Climbing groups, expeditions and trekkers going to isolated areas will need a more comprehensive kit.
- Bandage for sprains
- Plasters/Band-aids
- Iodine or water filter (optional)
- Moleskin/Second skin - for blisters
- Antiseptic ointment for cuts
- Anti-bacterial throat lozenges (with antiseptic)
- Aspirin/Paracetamol - general painkiller
- Oral rehydration salts
- Broad-spectrum antibiotic (norfloxacin or ciprofloxin)
- Anti-diarrhea medication (antibiotic)
- Diarrhea stopper (Imodium - optional)
- Antibiotic for Guardia or similar microbe or bacteria
- Diamox 250/500mg (for altitude sickness)
- Sterile Syringe set (anti-AIDS precaution)
- Gel hand cleaner.
What to Pack
Essential Equipment List
Luggage should be restricted to a frameless backpack which must not weigh more than 20kgs (ideal – 15kg). We recommend a backpack over a suitcase for ease of transportation.
- Passport/Tickets/Vaccination Certificates/Spare Passport Photos/Travel Insurance Policy
- Money Belt
Recommended general packing list
- Travel towel (i.e microfibre material)
- Toiletries
- Biodegradable Laundry Soap
- Torch/Spare Batteries
- Sun Hat
- Anti-bacterial hand wipes/santitizer
- Sunglasses
- Camera – film/batteries/memory card/charger
- Travel alarm clock
- Sewing kit
- Reading material/Guide Books
- Padlocks
- Travel pillow
- Swiss army knife
- Travel clothesline
- Universal sink plug/Laundry Soap
- Student ID (if applicable)
- I-pod/MP3/Discman
- Pens and Notebook
Clothes and Footwear
- Light versatile clothes – cotton and quick drying (dark colours recommended)
- Underwear/socks
- Swimwear
- 2 x long trousers, these should be lightweight and comfortable, preferably cotton.
- 2 x shorts
- Skirt/dress
- Sarong/headscarf (particularly useful if you need to cover up quickly)
- 4 T-Shirts/2 Long-sleeve t-shirts
- Fleece (for cooler evenings)/Thermal underwear for high altitude areas
- 1 smart/casual outfit for evenings out
- 1 Waterproof/windproof jacket
- Comfortable walking shoes – trainers/sandals
- Hiking boots if any trekking involved
- Flip Flops/Thongs/Jandals – also for the showers
Recommended First Aid Supplies
- Sunscreen
- Plasters/Bandage/Steri-Strips
- Antiseptic
- Blister pads
- Pain killers
- Diarrhorea remedies
- Moisturiser/after sun cream/lip balm
- Malaria Tablets (if required)
- Any prescription medication required (please inform the tour leader at your pre-departure meeting about these)
- Contact lenses and solution
- Cold/flu decongestants
- Antihistamines
- Travel motion-sickness tablets (i.e. natural ginger tablets)
- Contraceptives
- Mosquito Repellent
- Insect bite cream
- Tampons
- Tweezers
- Rehydration salts (Gastrolyte)
Cost Includes/Excludes
Cost Includes
- Airport / Hotel / Airport pick up & transfer by car / Van.
- 3 nights accommodation with breakfast at 4 star hotel in Kathmandu.
- Kathmandu city tour as per the above itinerary.
- Meals (breakfast, lunch and dinner) with Tea & coffee during the trek.
- Lodge to lodge accommodation during the trek.
- 1 highly experienced, helpful and friendly Guide, porters (1 porter for 2 people), their food, accommodation, salary, equipments, insurance.
- Surface Transfer from Kathmandu to Besishahar and from Pokhara to Kathmandu.
- Annapurna conservation permit, and all necessary permits.
- Trekkers' Information Management System (TIMS) Permit.
- 2 nights accommodation in Pokhara inclusive of Government taxes & breakfast.
- Tourist service charge, Vat.
- Office Service charge.
Cost Excludes
- Any meals in Kathmandu & Pokhara other than breakfast.
- Travel Insurance.
- Nepal Tourist Visa fee US$ 25 or equivalent foreign currency with multiple entry for 15 days, US$ 40 or equivalent foreign currency with multiple entry for 30 days. You may easily issue the visa upon your arrival at Tribhuwan International Airport - Kathmandu.
- Disembarkation Airport Tax in Nepal - approx. US$ 24.
- Items of a personal nature
- Any kind of alcoholic drinks, hot water, hot shower, cold drinks, laundry, phone call, internet.
- Trekking Equipments (down sleeping bag and down jackets are available to hire or buy in Kathmandu, which would cost approximately US$ 1 per day per item to hire and US$ 60 to US$ 100 per item to buy).
- Tips for guide, porters, driver.
