Registration No: 359804/81/82
Email: [email protected]
Upon your arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport, Kathmandu, you will be warmly welcomed by a representative from Himalayan Escape Adventure. You will then be transferred to your hotel in the vibrant Thamel area. The rest of the day is free for you to relax after your journey or to explore the local area at your leisure. Kathmandu is a bustling city full of culture, so you might want to take a short stroll around the neighborhood or enjoy a traditional Nepali meal.
Today is dedicated to sightseeing and trekking preparations. You will visit several of Kathmandu’s famous UNESCO World Heritage Sites, such as Swayambhunath Stupa (Monkey Temple), Pashupatinath Temple, and Boudhanath Stupa. Each of these sites offers insight into the rich culture, history, and spirituality of Nepal. After the sightseeing tour, you will meet with your guide and finalize all trekking arrangements. The evening is free for you to relax and check any gear or essentials for the trek ahead.
This morning, you will board a private vehicle or a tourist bus for a long drive to Syange or Jagat. The journey takes approximately 8-10 hours, and the drive offers stunning views of the Nepali countryside, with terraced fields, rivers, and mountain vistas. You will pass through small villages and reach the starting point of your trek, Syange or Jagat. Upon arrival, you will check into your lodge and rest for the evening.
After breakfast, your trek begins. The trail ascends gradually, passing through lush forests and traditional villages. You will cross several suspension bridges and walk along narrow mountain paths before reaching the village of Dharapani. Dharapani is located in the Manang district and offers beautiful views of the surrounding hills and valleys. After a long day of trekking, you will rest overnight in a local lodge.
The trek from Dharapani to Chame takes you through scenic landscapes of pine forests, lush valleys, and beautiful rivers. As you climb, the views of the Annapurna Range become more pronounced. Chame is the administrative headquarters of the Manang District and provides a great opportunity to take in panoramic views of Annapurna II, Lamjung Himal, and other surrounding peaks. After reaching Chame, you will spend the night at a lodge.
Today, you will trek from Chame to Pisang, following a trail that leads through pine forests and several small villages. The route gradually gains altitude, and you will notice the landscape becoming more alpine as you get closer to higher elevations. Pisang, nestled in a beautiful valley, is surrounded by snow-capped peaks and offers spectacular views of the Annapurna Range. You will overnight in a guesthouse in Pisang.
On this day, you will take the upper route via Geru, which offers more scenic views of the Annapurna Mountains and the surrounding valleys. The trail leads through alpine forests and past high-altitude pastures, giving you an excellent opportunity to enjoy the natural beauty of the area. After a steady ascent, you will reach Manang, a beautiful village that sits in a wide valley with incredible views of the surrounding peaks. You will spend the night here to help with acclimatization.
This is an important rest day to help your body acclimatize to the higher altitude. You are encouraged to explore Manang, visiting the local monasteries and taking short hikes around the village to further aid acclimatization. You may also visit the Himalayan Rescue Association clinic to learn more about altitude sickness and the importance of acclimatizing properly. This day will help prepare you for the challenging trek ahead.
The trek today takes you to Yak Kharka, a small settlement situated at the foot of the Thorong La Pass. As you leave Manang, the trail climbs gradually, offering amazing views of the surrounding mountains, including Gangapurna and the Annapurna Massif. You may spot yaks and other livestock grazing in the high pastures. After a short but steady climb, you will reach Yak Kharka, where you will rest for the night.
Today's trek is relatively short, but the altitude will be noticeably higher, so it’s important to take your time and pace yourself. Thorong Phedi, located at the base of Thorong La Pass, is the last stop before the challenging ascent of the pass. The stunning views of the surrounding mountains, including the famous Thorong Peak, will inspire you as you prepare for the next day’s trek to the pass.
Today is one of the most challenging days of the trek as you will cross the Thorong La Pass (5,416m/17,769ft), one of the highest trekking passes in the world. The ascent is steep, and the altitude will make the climb difficult, but the panoramic views from the top are well worth the effort. After crossing the pass, you will descend towards Muktinath, a sacred pilgrimage site for both Hindus and Buddhists. Muktinath is known for its temples, holy water springs, and spectacular views of the surrounding peaks.
After reaching Muktinath, you will drive to Tatopani, known for its hot springs. The drive is long and bumpy, but it offers fantastic views of the Kali Gandaki River and the surrounding landscapes. Once in Tatopani, you can relax in the natural hot springs, which will help soothe your muscles after the long trek and provide a well-deserved rest. You will spend the night in Tatopani.
Today, you will undertake on a long and steady climb to Ghorepani. The route takes you through dense forests of rhododendron, with views of the Dhaulagiri and Annapurna ranges in the distance. Ghorepani is a beautiful village known for its panoramic views of the Himalayas, including the iconic peaks of Annapurna South and Dhaulagiri. You will spend the night in a guesthouse in Ghorepani.
In the early morning, you will hike to Poon Hill (3,210m) to witness one of the most beautiful sunrise views in the world, with golden light illuminating the towering peaks of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges. After enjoying the sunrise, you will trek down through forests of rhododendron and oak, passing through small villages until you reach Tadapani. Tadapani offers spectacular views of the Annapurna Massif, and you will overnight here.
Today marks the end of your trek. You will first trek to Ghandruk, a charming Gurung village with magnificent views of the surrounding mountains. From Ghandruk, you will descend to Nayapul, where you will catch a vehicle back to Pokhara. Upon arrival in Pokhara, you will check into your hotel and have time to relax, reflect on your journey, and enjoy a well-earned rest.
After breakfast, you will take a scenic drive back to Kathmandu. The journey takes about 6 hours, passing through picturesque valleys and rivers. Upon arrival in Kathmandu, you will be transferred to your hotel. You will have some free time to shop for souvenirs or explore more of the city.
On your final day, you will be transferred to Tribhuvan International Airport for your departure flight. Your Annapurna Circuit Trek with Himalayan Escape Adventure has come to an end, and we wish you safe travels and hope to see you again on your next adventure!
The Annapurna Circuit Trek is one of the most renowned and diverse trekking routes in the world, located in the central Himalayas of Nepal. The trek takes you around the entire Annapurna Massif, providing stunning views of some of the highest peaks in the region, including Annapurna I, Dhaulagiri, and Machapuchare (Fishtail). The trek’s highlights include crossing the Thorong La Pass (5,416 meters), the highest point on the circuit, and experiencing the varied landscapes of subtropical forests, alpine meadows, and high-altitude desert terrain. The trek offers cultural experiences through local villages and monasteries, making it a well-rounded adventure.
Himalayan Escape Treks & Expeditions offers a wealth of experience and expertise in organizing safe and enriching trekking experiences in Nepal. Our team is composed of knowledgeable and friendly local guides, who are highly trained in high-altitude trekking and first aid. We ensure a smooth and enjoyable trek by taking care of all logistical details, from permits to accommodation, so you can focus entirely on your adventure. We also emphasize sustainable trekking practices that benefit local communities and protect the natural environment.
The Annapurna Circuit Trek typically takes 14 to 21 days, depending on the chosen itinerary and the pace of the trek. The trek begins in Besi Sahar, and you will gradually ascend through various villages, valleys, and forests before crossing the Thorong La Pass and descending towards Jomsom or Tatopani. The duration of the trek varies based on how many rest days or acclimatization days you include along the way.
The best times to trek the Annapurna Circuit are during the spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November). During these seasons, the weather is stable, and the views of the mountains are clear. Temperatures are moderate, making the trek more enjoyable. The winter season (December to February) can be harsh, especially at higher elevations, and the monsoon season (June to August) brings heavy rain, making trails slippery and difficult. Therefore, spring and autumn are the optimal times to complete the trek.
The Annapurna Circuit Trek is considered a challenging trek due to the high altitude and varying terrain, but it is achievable for trekkers with good physical fitness and some previous trekking experience. The trek involves long days of walking over diverse landscapes, including steep ascents and descents. The Thorong La Pass, which is crossed at an altitude of 5,416 meters, requires acclimatization to prevent altitude sickness. Our guides at Himalayan Escape Treks & Expeditions will assist you in maintaining a manageable pace, ensuring proper acclimatization, and making the trek as comfortable as possible.
For the Annapurna Circuit Trek, you need two primary permits: the Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) and the Trekkers’ Information Management System (TIMS) card. Himalayan Escape Treks & Expeditions will handle all the paperwork and ensure that your permits are ready before the trek, allowing you to focus on your adventure without any worries.
Proper preparation is key to ensuring a successful Annapurna Circuit Trek. You should be physically fit, with a focus on endurance and strength-building exercises such as hiking, walking, and stair climbing. Preparing for altitude by hiking in mountainous areas and getting used to carrying a light pack is also beneficial. Mentally, the trek requires patience, as some days can be long and physically demanding. At Himalayan Escape Treks & Expeditions, we provide a comprehensive pre-trek briefing, a detailed packing list, and advice on how to prepare for the trek.
Accommodation on the Annapurna Circuit Trek is primarily in teahouses, which are simple and comfortable family-run lodges that provide basic amenities. Rooms are typically shared with fellow trekkers, and some teahouses offer private rooms if available. The teahouses serve traditional Nepali meals like dal bhat, momo, and soups. As you ascend higher, the facilities may become more basic, but the hospitality and warmth of the hosts make for a welcoming environment.
Yes, at Himalayan Escape Treks & Expeditions, we provide a licensed, experienced guide for your trek. The guide will ensure that the trek runs smoothly, provide information on the route, and keep an eye on your safety. You also have the option of hiring a porter, who will carry your heavy gear, allowing you to trek with a lighter load. This service is highly recommended, especially if you want to focus on enjoying the journey without the added physical strain.
Altitude sickness is a concern at higher altitudes, especially after crossing the Thorong La Pass. However, the Annapurna Circuit Trek is designed to give you ample time for acclimatization, and our guides will take steps to ensure a safe ascent. It's important to stay hydrated, avoid alcohol, and take it easy on your rest days. In the event of any signs of altitude sickness, such as headaches or nausea, our guides are trained to act promptly, and we will make adjustments to your itinerary as necessary.
Packing for the Annapurna Circuit Trek requires careful consideration of the changing weather conditions at different altitudes. Essential items include a good pair of trekking boots, waterproof clothing, warm layers, a sleeping bag, sun protection (sunglasses, hat, sunscreen), a headlamp, and a water bottle. At Himalayan Escape Treks & Expeditions, we provide a detailed packing list based on the season and personal needs.
