Annapurna Circuit Adventure
A thrilling trek and cultural feast taking you around the entire Annapurna massif and up to the 5,416m summit at Thorong La Pass. Explore rice farms, forests and friendly villages in the lower realms of the Annapurna Conservation Area. Along with breathtaking views of some of the world’s tallest mountains – Annapurna I, Dhaulagiri and Poon Hill – you’ll enjoy:
- A trek through Kali Gandaki, the world’s deepest gorge
- Over 10 culturally-rich ethnic groups
- Beautifully diverse landscapes, flora and fauna
- Sightseeing in Kathmandu
- The amazing Muktinath Hindu Temple
What makes our trip different?
An utter delight to keen trekkers, our expedition avoids the road construction in the Annapurna Region. We wind through remote villages where we stay with Nepalese families, enjoying home-cooked food and local culture. Then we continue along unspoilt trails, avoiding the dusty new roads. Our guides are experienced and thoroughly knowledgeable of the area, guiding you safely though the many alternative routes when necessary.
This 21-day trek is a great introduction to Annapurna for physically fit travellers. For shorter vacations, we also have a 16-day Annapurna Sanctuary Adventure.
Annapurna Circuit Adventure – 21 days
DAY 01 Arrival in Kathmandu (1,300m/4,264ft)
Upon your arrival at Kathmandu airport [2] (TIA), you will be greeted by a representative from Himalayan Adventures. After completing your customs formalities (visa, etc), collect your luggage and look for our representative holding a Himalayan Adventures display board at the arrival gate.
You will be then transferred to the Hotel Shanker or another hotel of a similar standard. After checking in, if time allows, you will visit our office to meet your trek leader and other participants and do some preparation for the trip. It all depends upon your arrival time. If you arrive a little late, all the preparation can be done on day 2, after sightseeing.
Later in the evening there will be a welcome dinner at an excellent traditional Nepalese restaurant where you will enjoy a Nepalese cultural programme along with a fine meal. Overnight in Kathmandu.
Includes dinner (D)
DAY 02 Kathmandu: Sightseeing and trek preparation
Today after breakfast we begin a guided tour of several of the most historic and spiritual attractions in Kathmandu. Some of these landmarks are considered World Heritage Sites, including the historic Durbar Square; the sacred Hindu temple of Pashupatinath; the famous ‘Monkey Temple’ (Swayambunath) and the Buddhist shrine (Boudhanath), which is one of the largest stupas in the world.
In the afternoon, there is a pre-trip discussion where you can meet the trek leader and other team members if you have not already done so. Himalayan Adventures will brief you about the trek and give you an opportunity to ask any questions about the upcoming adventure. Overnight in Kathmandu.
Includes breakfast (B)
DAY 03 Kathmandu – Besisahar – Khudi (800m/2,624ft): 8–9 hrs drive
We start our journey into the hills along the winding road by the Trishuli river. En route we see more of the Nepalese countryside: greenery, rivers, villages, farms and beautiful mountain scenery. From Mugling, we head along the road toward Pokhara. We leave the main road to Pokhara at Dumre, and head north to Besisahar. A half-hour drive from Besisahar takes us to Khudi, the starting point of our trek. Alternatively, you can get out at Besisahar, and then trek for an hour along the wide trail to Khudi. Khudi offers a first glimpse of the gorgeous Manaslu range. Overnight at Khudi.
(B, D, L)
DAY 04 Khudi – Sirung (2,200m/7,216ft): 6–7 hrs
Your first day’s trekking involves crossing a few suspension bridges, waterfalls, several uphill and downhill sections, rice paddies and subtropical forest. The walk starts off gently, then becomes steeper. The mountains we saw from the Khudi grow closer as we get higher. The villages and people are an interesting mix. On the way to Sirung, we come across an ethnic Tamang settlement, Taranche. We enjoy the close-up views of Nadi Chuli and Manaslu in Sirung.
Here there is an overnight stay in a local home and visitors also enjoy a cultural programme laid on by the villagers. If there are more than four in the group, they may have to split up to stay at different houses for the night. Sirung gives us our first glimpse of the gorgeous Manaslu range. Overnight in Sirung.
(B, D, L)
DAY 05 Sirung – Chamje (1,410m/4,626ft): 5–6 hrs
We trek through rice terraces shaped like amphitheatres, along a steep vertical cliff, through lush forests, and villages with fascinating local culture. Continuing along the Marsyangdi, we walk through a fantastic landscape of little waterfalls, forests and villages. The going is relatively easy until we reach Syange (1,100m), but from Syange the climb gets tougher up to Jagat (1,300m). From Jagat, there is a steep climb to Chamje. Overnight in Chamje.
(B, D, L)
DAY 06 Chamje – Dharapani (1,960m/6,430ft): 5–6 hrs
Today we enter the Manang region, passing through fields of corn, barley and potatoes, and then through forests of bamboo and rhododendrons. We pass the village of Tal, which lies on a flat plain next to the sandy beach and river at the base of a large waterfall. As we hike along the trail, we may have to give way to a large donkey train. Overnight in Dharapani.
(B, D, L)
DAY 07 Dharapani – Chame (2,710m/8,891ft): 5–6 hrs
Today we negotiate a few steep forested ridges, along with several landslides. Remember to look up, though, as we will be treated to some sensational views of Lamjung Himal, Annapurna II and Annapurna IV (7,525m/24,688ft). Small hot springs offer relief from the long day’s trek. Overnight in Chame.
(B, D, L)
DAY 08 Chame – Pisang (3,300m/10,824ft): 5–6 hrs
A steep, narrow path through very dense forest brings us to a dramatic curved rock face, rising 1,500m from the river. The forests and thick vegetation disappear. We cross and recross the river on suspension bridges. As the trail opens up, we find ourselves surrounded by majestic Himalayan peaks. We walk through the wonderful U-shaped valley of Manang, hanging between two giant snow peaks, to Pisang. Overnight in Lower Pisang.
(B, D, L)
DAY 09 Pisang – Manang: 6–7 hrs
There are two possible routes today. We recommend the upper route, through Upper Pisang via Geru, which offers stunning scenery. It feels as though you are face to face with the majestic peaks. The panoramic views of the mountain peaks, such as Annapurna, Pisang Peak, and several others are irresistible. From today we notice the contrast in the landscape and vegetation as the cold, dry climate creates a much harsher environment. A visit to Barge monastery, the largest in the entire district of Manang, will be memorable. Overnight at Manang.
(B, D, L)
DAY 10 Manang: Rest
Today is the scheduled acclimatisation day. We do not recommend that you simply laze about – instead, we suggest a short walk to a higher altitude to help you get acclimatised. Manang is a good place to do that as the next two days’ trek will be very challenging and tiring, with a rapid gain in altitude. It is important never to be overconfident with regard to altitude – always be cautious.
Bhojo Gompa or Gangapurna lake are worth visiting from the point of view of acclimatisation. Another possibility is an easy excursion to Vraga, a little old village with a monastery, a short distance away. Also worth a visit is the Himalayan Rescue Association, where you can learn about mountain sickness. Overnight in Manang.
(B, D, L)
DAY 11 Manang – Yak Kharka (4,110m/13,484ft): 3–4 hours
From Manang village, the trail crosses a stream, climbs to the village of Tenki above Manang, and then continues to climb out of the Marshyangdi valley, turning northwest up the valley of Jarsang Khola. The trail follows this valley northwards, passing a few pastures and a scrub of juniper trees as it steadily gains height. It passes close to the small village of Ghunsa, a cluster of flat mud roofs just below the trailhead, and then on through meadows where horses and yaks graze. After crossing a wooden bridge spanning a small river, the trail leads past an ancient Mani wall in a pleasant meadow before coming to the small village of Yak Kharka. Gradual ascent is the key to avoiding altitude problems. Overnight in Yak Kharka.
(B, D, L)
DAY 12 Yak Kharka – Thorong Phedi (4,600m/15,092ft): 3–4 hrs
We make our way to the foot of the pass, Thorong Phedi today. Thorong Phedi is a busy little settlement catering to the needs of tired trekkers and climbers, who use this point as a base camp.
Some people also attempt to hike to High Camp today so that tomorrow is easier for them. However, we do not recommend attempting High Camp and spending the night there because sleeping at the higher altitude is not really advisable. Although we will have a tough day tomorrow, we stop at Thorong Phedi so that we can get a good night’s sleep rather than risk sleeping at higher altitude at High Camp. Overnight at Thorong Phedi.
(B, D, L)
DAY 13 Thorong Phedi – Muktinath (3,800/12,467ft): 7–8 hrs
We reach the climax of our Annapurna Circuit Trek today. Crossing the famous high pass, Thorong La, will be an unforgettable experience. An early start is important in order to complete the mission.
Every moment of the icy high-altitude trail will be hard work today, but the high Himalayan scenery is so outstanding that our attention will be drawn to that rather than the rigours of the trail. We reach Muktinath with the setting sun. This is an important place of pilgrimage for both Hindus and Buddhists. The area hosts a Vishnu temple, with a monastery nearby, and embodies the religious harmony in Nepal. Overnight at Muktinath.
(B, D, L)
DAY 14 Muktinath – Marpha (2,670m/8,760ft): 4–5 hours
Muktinath is an important pilgrimage site for both Hindus and Buddhists. In the morning, we visit the Vishnu temple and gompa. Descending from the village of Ranipauwa down the steep and barren hillside, the trail tumbles down toward Kagbeni and then to Jomsom, finally arriving at Marpha.
The scenery today is quite surreal as we trek along a plateau above Kali Gandaki, the world`s deepest gorge. The barren landscape of this area resembles Tibet. Marpha is also famous as the apple capital of Nepal where one can enjoy different apple products. The local apple brandy of Marpha is famous all over Nepal. Overnight at Marpha.
(B, D, L)
DAY 15 Marpha – Kalopani (2,530m/8,300ft): 5–6 hours
From Marpha, we take a new route toward Kalopani via the village of Chokhopani. Today, we encounter traditional villages of the ethnic Thakali people and get to see apple gardens. The 360-degree panorama of Himalayan peaks awaits us here: Dhaulagari, Tukuche Peak, the three Nilgiris, Fang and Annapurna I. From Chokhopani we continue to Kokhethanti. After crossing a river, we meet the newly constructed road before reaching Kalopani. Overnight at Kalopani.
(B, D, L)
DAY 16 Kalopani – Tatopani (1,200m/3937ft): 6–7 hrs
To avoid the new roads, we take a new route to Tatopani from Kalopani. The journey is mostly downhill. We cross the bridge at Ghasa. As we descend, we re-enter subtropical forests, lush with vegetation. We continue along by Rupse Chahara (a popular waterfall). Avoiding the road, we carry on down the east bank from Kopchepani via Garpar to a bridge at Dana.
Around Narchyang Besi, we notice more villages, where we can observe the everyday lives of the local people. On reaching Tatopani, we relax and bathe in the hot spring. Overnight at Tatopani.
(B, D, L)
DAY 17 Tatopani – Ghorepani (2,850m/9,350ft): 7–8 hrs
As we walk, we observe the lifestyle of the people in the villages of Ghara and Sikha, with their terraces and hill farms. The trail gradually ascends to Ghorepani. Passing through Phalate and Chitre, we walk through rhododendrons, birches, and magnolias and some meadows. As we gain height, the peaks ahead look wonderful. We stay at Ghorepani since we have to make the climb to Poon Hill early tomorrow morning. Overnight in Ghorepani.
(B, D, L)
DAY 18 Ghorepani – Tadapani (2,710m/8,891ft): 6–7 hrs
Very early in the morning, we climb Poon Hill (3,210m/10,531ft) to catch the spectacular sunrise over the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri massifs and surrounding rice terraces. Poon Hill has been nicknamed ‘the photographer’s paradise’. After breakfast, we follow the ups and downs of the trail to Tadapani through the rhododendron forests. Keep looking up as this is a day of absolutely dazzling scenery. Overnight at Tadapani.
(B, D, L)
DAY 19 Tadapani – Ghandruk – Pokhara (850m/2,789ft): 5–6 hrs trek, 1 hr drive
The trail leads all the way down through the rhododendron forest to Ghandruk. This is the second-largest Gurung settlement in Nepal. After lunch we continue the trek to Nayapul to complete the trail, followed by a short bus ride back to Pokhara. This is a peaceful lakeside city, which uniquely combines a tropical climate and vegetation with the dramatic backdrop of the Himalayas. Overnight in Pokhara (850m/2,789ft).
(B, D, L)
DAY 20 Pokhara – Kathmandu: 6 hrs drive
After breakfast, we start our drive back to Kathmandu. You will get a better view if you sit on the left-hand side of the vehicle. Upon arrival in Kathmandu, we are transferred to our hotel and spend a leisurely afternoon, perhaps catching up on some last-minute shopping. In the evening, we have a celebration dinner with Himalayan Adventures staff. Overnight in Kathmandu.
(B, D)
DAY 21 Farewell, Friend
You have to say goodbye to the mountains as your journey in Nepal comes to an end today! We hope you enjoyed the trek, and are sure you will be back trekking somewhere in the Himalayas again. Approximately 3 hours before your scheduled flight, a representative from Himalayan Adventures will take you to the airport. On your way home you’ll have plenty of time to plan your next adventure in the wonderful country of Nepal.
(B)
What we’ve included
- All airport/hotel transfers
- 3 nights in a 4-star hotel in Kathmandu (the Hotel Shanker or one of a similar standard) and 1 night in a 2–3-star hotel in Pokhara (both on a B&B basis)
- Welcome and farewell dinner
- Sightseeing in Kathmandu with a tour guide and all temple/monument entrance fees
- All accommodation and meals during the trek
- Transport: Pokhara to Kathmandu in tourist bus and all other transport such as Kathmandu to Khudi via Besishahar and pick-ups and drops in a private car
- An experienced English-speaking trek leader (trek guide), assistant trek leader (4 trekkers:1 assistant guide) and Sherpa porters to carry luggage (2 trekkers:1 porter). Their wages, insurance, equipment, flight, food and lodging are included
- Down jacket, 4 seasons sleeping bag, duffel bag, t-shirt, and trekking map
- All necessary paperwork and permits (ACAP, trekking permit)
- A comprehensive medical kit
- All government and local taxes
What isn’t included
- Nepal visa fee (bring the correct money in US$ and two passport photographs)
- Excess baggage charges
- Extra nights’ accommodation in Kathmandu and Pokhara because of earlier arrival, later departure, or earlier return from the mountains (for whatever reason) than the scheduled itinerary
- Lunch and evening meals in Kathmandu (apart from the celebration dinners) and Pokhara (and also in the case of earlier return from the mountains than the scheduled itinerary)
- International and domestic flights (Pokhara – Kathmandu: $98)
- Travel and rescue insurance
- Personal expenses (phone calls, laundry, bar bills, battery recharge, extra porters, bottle or boiled water, shower, etc)
- Tips for guides and porters
The trekking group
For the Annapurna Circuit Adventure, there will be one leader, assistant leaders (4 trekkers:1 assistant guide) and Sherpa porters to carry luggage (2 trekkers:1 porter). This arrangement ensures that, should anybody in the group become unwell, the trip can still go ahead as planned. We can run the Annapurna Circuit Adventure for groups of any size, but generally have a maximum of 12 people, as we’ve found this to be the optimum number for a successful trip. However, if you’d like to make a group booking for more than 12 people, we can arrange this too.
Fitness and experience
Our 21-day Annapurna Circuit Adventure offers moderate trekking suitable for passionate walkers who are able to walk for at least 5–7 hours a day with a light day pack. On some days, you might need to walk for even longer. Walking at higher altitudes is physically more demanding than walking at lower altitudes; however, if you are in excellent health, with average physical fitness, a positive attitude, self-confidence and strong determination, you can complete the Annapurna Circuit Adventure successfully.
Exercising and jogging regularly for some weeks prior to the trip is good idea, to enhance your strength and stability. Past hiking experience would be an asset, but no technical skill is required for this trip. It is vital that you consult your doctor before you commit to the Annapurna Circuit Adventure. Participants with pre-existing medical conditions such as heart, lung, and blood diseases should inform Himalayan Adventures before booking the trek.
Accommodation
All accommodation for the Annapurna Circuit Adventure is in shared twin rooms and costs are calculated on this basis. Accommodation is chosen on the basis of standards of hygiene, service and food, location, etc. Two styles of accommodation are used during the trek. You will spend three nights in a 4-star hotel (the Hotel Shanker or one of a similar standard) in Kathmandu and one night in 2–3 star hotel in Pokhara.
During your trek, you will spend 16 nights in standard teahouse/lodge/hotels, which have unheated rooms with wooden beds and foam mattresses. En suite rooms are provided in some places. Elsewhere, teahouses/lodges only have shared washing and toilet facilities.
If you are a solo traveller, you will share a room with someone else of the same sex from your group. If you would prefer a single room, you may indicate your preference and obtain single rooms on request by paying a single supplement of US$350. We can offer single rooms in Kathmandu and Pokhara and at lower altitudes during the trek, but you need to understand that in some teahouses/lodges at higher altitudes a single room is not always feasible, although we will do our best.
Meals
All meals will be provided while we are trekking in the mountains. Three meals a day will be provided from the teahouse/lodge menus – the meals on this particular route are usually great. Each day dinner and breakfast are taken in the lodge where we spend the night. Lunch will be taken en route in a tea shop. Breakfasts are provided in Kathmandu and Pokhara.
Acclimatisation and AMS
Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) is a medical condition caused by going up to high altitudes too fast – and it can prove fatal. The higher the altitude, the less oxygen there is in the air. During this trek, for example, at the high pass Thorong La (5,416m/17,769ft) there is 45% less oxygen than at sea level. It is absolutely essential to allow sufficient time for acclimatisation because our bodies need a few days to adapt safely to this lower-oxygen environment.
Himalayan Adventures does it’s best to minimise the risk of AMS through an acclimatisation-focused itinerary. However, it is important to remember that some people can be more vulnerable to AMS than others, so we advise guests with known heart, lung or blood conditions to consult their doctor before travelling.
Mild headaches, fever, loss of appetite or stomach disorders are symptoms of AMS. Read more about it in “Altitude Illness” by Dr Jim Duff.
Your guides
The most significant element that makes your Annapurna Circuit Adventure successful, enjoyable and memorable is the skilled, experienced, courteous and helpful trek leader and the crew members who make your days in the mountain run smoothly. Your trip will be led by the best and most professional leaders. All of our trek leaders are carefully selected on the basis of their experience, leadership skills and personal aptitude.
Himalayan Adventures aims to sustain local communities and only employs Nepalese staff who are knowledgeable about the culture, ecosystem, flora, fauna, geography, and history of Nepal. Our trek leaders also receive training in potential medical problems that may arise during the trek, biodiversity and environmental issues, English language, etc:
- Intensive wilderness first aid
- Trekking guide training
- Eco trekking workshop & adventure meet
- English language
- Conservation and biodiversity
- Rock climbing, ice climbing and mountaineering (for expedition leaders)
What to pack
For trekking over suspension bridges, climbing along mountain ridges and chilling out at thousands of metres high – check out our list of essential gear.
When to go
Spring (March to mid-May) and Autumn (mid-Sept to Dec) are the best seasons for the Annapurna Circuit Adventure. The weather is sunny and warm, with outstanding views, but the nights are cold and temperatures can fall to freezing at higher altitudes. Winter (Dec, Jan, Feb) is also good for the Annapurna Circuit Adventure; the only issue is the cold (obviously) and there might be problems due to passes being blocked by ice/snow. The trekking routes are crowded during spring and autumn but during the monsoon and winter the routes are not packed and you could enjoy the best nature has to offer.
