The Annapurna Circuit
Hike the Annapurna Circuit - famously rated by National Geographic as the world's best high-altitude treks.
Itinerary
Welcome to the Land of Himalayas. Today our company representative will come to the airport to receive you. You will be transferred to the hotel in a private vehicle. If your arrival is in the morning or daytime, you can spend some time exploring Thamel- it's a tourist hub in Nepal. A company representative will meet you and explain to you about your trip.
Meals: no meals
Accommodation: Hotel
We have an early departure from Kathmandu buspark and take a local bus towards Beshisahar. Our first overnight will be in Beshisahar and we will have some time to explore surrounding.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner
Accommodation: Lodge/Mountain Teahouse
After our breakfast, we will take a shared jeep from Besisahar to Chame. Follow the off-road-bumpy road. You will get an opportunity to experience a drive in a mountain of Nepal. Drive through forests and valleys. Follow the mighty Marshyangdi River and continue through stunning Pine, fir trees, beautiful forests, and waterfalls. The nature of this part is amazing. Overnight destination of the day.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner
Accommodation: Lodge/Mountain Teahouse
After breakfast, we depart for Upper Pisang. Our first stop is at the abandoned Tibetan refugee camp Bhratang. Continuing our trek towards Pisang we take the Dhikur Pokhari, the gateway to heaven. Amazing scenery can be viewed from here that will take your breath away. After passing Paungda Danda we have an easy valley on the trail towards Upper Pisang. Our overnight stay of the day.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Lodge/Mountain Teahouse
Today we trek towards Manang village. After a strenuous steep ascends we reach Ghyaru from where we are rewarded with amazing views of the Mighty Annapurna II, III, and IV. Continuing we have some scenic views of Pisang Peak and Chulu Mountain. Hiking up and down through gulley we reach the main trail to Manang. Manang is a slightly more active village than others, and we will stay here for the night.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner
Accommodation: Lodge/Mountain Teahouse
Altitude sickness is no joke and we take it very seriously as so we have a rest day in Manang for acclimatization. Enjoy this beautiful city explore the surrounding valleys and enjoy this resting day.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner
Accommodation: Lodge/Mountain Teahouse
Trekking to Yak Kharka offers us great views of the Annapurna III and the Gangapurna Mountains. After leaving Manang we can view the pristine Gangapurna Lake laying majestically in the rocky valley. Passing through various rocky valleys and the villages of Tangki and Ghusang we finally reach the humble village of Yak Kharka for our overnight stay. From here we can see amazing views of the Muktinath Himal.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner
Accommodation: Lodge/Mountain Teahouse
Early breakfast, and we are ready for our departure towards Thorong Phedi. We have a hard day ahead of us, and we start by crossing the suspension bridge towards Ledar Village. After descending, we cross a small wooden bridge over the river and ascend back on small trails through the rocky valley. The views here are amazing, but safety is warned here due to landslides of rocks, we advise strongly you to walk at a distance of a few meters. Depending on how early we left Yak Kharka we plan to reach Thorong Phedi in the early afternoon. After a short rest we climb up to the Thorong High Camp to get used to the high Altitude as tomorrow we cross our highest point of the trek the mighty Thorong La Pass. In Thorong High Camp we can see amazing views of what to expect tomorrow. Overnight stay at Thorong Phedi.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner
Accommodation: Lodge/Mountain Teahouse
Today will be the most difficult as we have a very steep climb towards Thorong La Pass at 5,416m! After our early breakfast, we go for High Camp and continue towards a massif canyon. Climbing over the canyon can prove tricky as the ground below is loose and the ground up is unstable. But we are rewarded with amazing views of the Annapurna range. The climb becomes steeper now as we reach close to Thorong La Pass. We have to walk in a single line which means a slow pace with regular breaks to catch our breath. After a good climb, we can celebrate upon seeing a small teahouse which means the Thorong La Pass. We take some time to take pictures at the Thorong La signboard and enjoy a well-deserved victory. Now it’s time to continue our trek towards Muktinath. Descending the Thorong La is not to be underestimated as the trail is tricky and slippery. We leave the snow behind and traverse barren plains with a few bushes here and there and finally arrive at our end destination of the day Muktinath.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner
Accommodation: Lodge/Mountain Teahouse
Today after our breakfast we are taking a local bus to Tatopani. The scenery is completely different here offering views of massive canyons and desert-like plains. After Elke Bhatti, we follow the Kali Gandaki River. Kali means Black and seeing the river as black as night is spectacular. We reach Jomsom for our break. Pass through beautiful forests and grassy valleys. On a clear day, we can enjoy the views of Annapurna I, Nilgiri, and the mighty Dhaulagiri. Drive toward the village of Ghasa and finally reach the hot springs of Tatopani, a clear sign we reached our end destination of the day.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner
Accommodation: Lodge/Mountain Teahouse
Early breakfast and departure. We have a mostly uphill hike through beautiful valley landscapes. Upon reaching a small but much-welcomed tea house. A short break and we continue our valley hike towards Shika for our lunch. After Shika, that will lead us directly to Ghorepani our overnight destination for today.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner
Accommodation: Lodge/Mountain Teahouse
From Ghorepani, we wake up very early and hike up to Poon Hill also known as the photographer’s paradise. From here we can see some of the most stunning panoramic views of the Annapurna range, depending on how early we reach Poon Hill a scenic sunrise is a moment one can care about for the rest of one’s life! Breakfast in Ghorepani and we descend towards Nayapul through lush rhododendron forests. And drive to Pokhara in a private vehicle.
Meals: Breakfast, and lunch
Accommodation: Hotel
After our breakfast, we will drive to Kathmandu on a tourist bus and drop you at the Kathmandu Hotel.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel
Today we are going to explore Kathmandu valley monuments and UNESCO World Heritage sites- Swoyambhu, Patan Durbar Square, Boudha, and Pashupatinath. In the evening we will meet for the farewell dinner. Where we can enjoy the Nepali food- DAAL- Bhat. Discuss your trip and feedback for us.
Meals: Breakfast and farewell dinner
Accommodation: Hotel
This day your trip concludes here. The company representative will drop you at the Tribhuvan International Airport in a private vehicle.
Meals: Breakfast
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FAQs
Airport pick-up and drop in a private vehicle Twin sharing accommodation in Kathmandu and Pokhara at 3-star hotel or similar with breakfast Lodge/Mountain Teahouse accommodation during the trek in mostly twin-shared Public bus from Kathmandu to Besisahar Shared Jeep from Besisahar to Chame Private vehicle during the time of Kathmandu valley tour Local bus from Muktinath to Tatopani Private vehicle from Nayapul to Pokhara Tourist coach from Pokhara to Kathmandu Guided Kathmandu valley tour guided by an English speaking tour guide including with entrance fees Full board meal plan (Breakfast, lunch and dinner) with tea/coffee during trekking Nepal Government certified English-speaking trekking guide and porter (One Porter for each two trekkers) Insurance of field staff, including their meals, salary, lodging, and transportation Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP) permit Trekkers Information Management System (TIMS) card A comprehensive medical kit A trip accomplishment certificate What's not included: International flight tickets Travel insurance with a high-altitude rescue and evacuation Nepal entry visa charges Porter for solo trekker Personal expenses like trekking equipment, water, laundry, phone calls, and bar bills Tips to your guide, porter, and driver Anything not mentioned in the 'What's Included section
You need to be physically fit and able to walk approx.-5-6 hours a day
The maximum group size will be 14 people. Yes, we can run a solo trek as well.
Second best trekking destination after Everest Base Camp trek in all of Nepal City of Temples- Kathmandu City of Lakes- Pokhara Various rivers such as Marshyangdi and Kali Gandaki Thorung-La Pass (5416m) Annapurna Himal range- Annapurna I, II, III and IV, Nilgiri, Dhaulagiri, and Machhapucchre (Fishtail) and more… Traditional and rural villages Bath in hot spring at Tatopani Manang and the Tibetan culture Spiritual center- Muktinath and the windy Kaligandaki Valley World deepest gorge- Kali Gandaki gorge Nepal best viewpoint for sunrise and the panoramic view- Poon Hill National Geographic’s one of the world’s most famous trek
Start point: Our company representative will receive you outside at the airport (Tribhuvan International Airport) and transfer you to the hotel. The company representative will meet you and explain to you about your trip in detail. Endpoint: On your last day, the company representative will pick-up you from the hotel and drop you to the international airport in a private vehicle.
The start point of the trekking: Chame The endpoint of the trekking: Nayapul
It’s is not compulsory or mandatory. As your wish but in Nepal, trekking guide, the porter will expect some tipping over the completion of the trip.
Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP) Permit & Trekkers Information Management System (TIMS) card for trekking is included.
In Kathmandu and Pokhara you are going to stay at 3-star hotel. During the trekking, you will stay overnight at Lodge/Mountain Teahouse.
You can get an arrival visa at Kathmandu airport. 15 days- USD 30 30 days- USD 50 90 days- USD 125 For more details, please check this link: https://www.immigration.gov.np/page/tourist-visa
Yes, we will provide you the mountain rescue in case of emergency cases. So, its most important to do travel insurance before you head to Nepal. One copy of travel insurance needs to submit to the company before your trip. Our guides use a local sim card to communicate to the office. If in case it happens, they will inform directly to the Kathmandu office.
Yes, one of our company representatives will receive you outside at the airport and then transfer you to the hotel as well as drop you in the airport of your last day.
Most of the time, we have first-time trekkers, and they are doing good. Attempt a successful trip. So, you also can do it. We like to suggest jogging, swimming, and walking before coming to Nepal for trekking. It will be a plus point for you. And overall, you need to be mentally well prepared. And sure, you can do it.
It’s a sickness caused due to the lack of oxygen at a higher altitude in the mountain. One of the ways to overcome it is to drink plenty of water and soup. The other is descending to a lower altitude, and the medicine you can take to fight against it is Diamox (Acetazolamide)
You must be 100% physically fit, that means, you should not have acute health problem nor chronic health problem.
Lodge/Mountain Teahouse might charge approx. USD3-10 for Wi-Fi (this needs to pay by yourself). Another option is you can buy a local SIM card for internet and phone call. Or you can use our trekking guide phone and later you can reimburse him.
Yes, you can charge it. You need to pay approx. $1-$4 an hour for charging.
Yes, our guide will carry the first aid kit in the time of trekking but we recommend you bring your first aid kit.
If you are below 18, you need to do the trek with your guardians, there is no such age limit because we have had families who trekked with us with their kids like below 16 years old as well as senior people aged 70.
In Nepal, most of people use cash; that does not mean there is no ATM. You will easily find the ATM in the city areas like Kathmandu and Pokhara. We would like to recommend you to exchange into Nepali currency before you trekked.
Documents Passport Travel insurance details Boarding passes for flights Passport photos- 3 copies Cash USD Credit/Debit card Accessories Sleeping bag (comfort rating -15 Celsius recommended) Duffel bag Adjustable trekking pole (optional) Sunglasses, sunscreen, lip balm Toiletries, and a small washcloth Day backpack: 35 liters Gloves Water bottles (3 liters capacity) Headlamp, spare batteries Camera Footwear Hiking boots Hiking socks Sandals Headgear Brimmed sunhat and bandana Clothing Rain shell, waterproof/breathable jacket One or two cotton shirts Fleece jackets Warm top, such as a long-sleeved sweater Long pants Rain pants, waterproof/ breathable trekking pants
If you are seriously affected by altitude mountain sickness or get badly injured then you will be flown to Kathmandu for treatment.
If you are doing a private trek (private tour), you can add extra days but it’s not possible in a group trek. In a private trek or tour, we can do it accordingly what you want.
Travel Max Guide is not just the tour operator in Nepal but also a contributor for a good cause to our communities and the people. Companies donate certain funds annually for a good reason. We do have a team called First Act Nepal (FAN) working on behalf of the children of Nepal. Specially support in educational assistance. Right now, we are running child sponsorship programs for the needy children of Nepal. Support in fees, educational materials and do the counseling to the partners and the schools.
Your head guide is John
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