Annapurna Circuit Trek – 18 Days

Annapurna Circuit Trek starts right from Besi Sahar and goes along the Marsyangdi River. Unlike many other Himalayan ranges, the 55km/35 mile Annapurna Himal is entirely within Nepal and with a relatively easy trail that goes all around it called Annapurna Circuit. It is among the most fascinating and popular trekking routes in the entire world. Taking one through an amazing diversity of terrain and culture. Staring from lush green foothills with pretty terraces farms, picturesque villages, chasing waterfalls and river networks, traversing across ridges, and gorges, crossing the high Thorung-La pass and towards the barren, desert landscape on the backdrops of snowy mountain peaks. The Annapurna region is best described as the most happening incentive destination in Nepal. Along the Annapurna Circuit trek witness, isolated communities frozen in time. Learn about their culture and traditions and experience the side of Nepal that most travelers miss.

Overview:

The Annapurna Circuit Trek starts with a drive from Kathmandu toward Besi Sahar. Following the winding roads of the Prithvi Highway. Besi Sahar is the headquarters of Lamjung and has long been the starting point for the Annapurna circuit trek. From Besi Sahar traversing across the deep wilderness and scattered villages. Crossing suspension bridge over the rapids of the might Marsyangdi River reach Ngadi. Next, proceed towards Jagat trekking across terrace farms and lush agriculture belts. After that, make your way to Dharapani, an ancient settlement along this historic route. Traders traveling for the journey ahead used it as a water stop.

Continuing along the banks of the might Marsyangdi river. Along with the Manaslu, Lamjung Himal, Annapurna II proceed towards Chame. At, Chame visit various monasteries of the area and enjoy the splendid views of the sun setting over the Himalayas from the porch of your teahouse. Next pass by lakes nestled in heart of lush forest towards high mountain country. On the foothills of the towering snow-capped Pisang Peak (609m/19985ft) and Annapurna II (7937m/26041ft) to the settlement of Pisang. From Pisang trekking along the gap between jagged cliffs across dry arid landscape head to Manang. After an acclimatization day in Manang trekking on dry arid alpine land with dwarf juniper and birch head towards the highlands of Yak Kharka. Yak Kharka in summer is pastureland for the convoy of yaks and horses.

Pass of Thorung La

Following a narrow trail across an exposed slope on rocky terrain reach Thorung Phedi the base of the high Himalayan pass of Thorung La and towards Thorung La High Camp. Thorung La pass is perched in the Damodar Himal, north Annapurna Himal is the highest point of your trek. Cross the mountain pass witness a 360-degree panorama of snow-capped peaks extending northwards towards Tibet, Kali Gandaki gorge, and endless pasture lands. After crossing the pass head towards Muktinath. Muktinath is an ancient settlement perched at the foothills of the Pass. Explore the ancient Muktinath temple and learn about the legends and culture of the people. Next head towards Jomsom, nestled on the banks of the mighty Kali Gandaki river. Jomsom is one of the places where you will find basic to grandeur amenities.

Following across ridges, lush woodlands next head to Tatopani nestled on the banks of the Kali Gandaki corridor. Here visit the various hot water springs of the region and soak in your aching muscles. The following day proceed towards Ghorepani. A stop for horses and mule packs passing along this historic trading route nestled in the laps of Himalayan giants. Then head towards PoonHill the following day to catch the views of the sunrise. PoonHill is one of the most renowned vantage points in the region. Witness grand views of Dhaulagiri I, Tukuche, Nilgiri, Annapurna South, Annapurna I, Hiunchuli, Machhapuchhre, Tarke Kang, and endless green hills, and river networks. Next, head towards Nayapul and towards Pokhara. From Pokhara catch a flight towards Kathmandu.

Head on this perfect blend of nature and culture trek with the Alpine Club of Himalaya on the foothills of the frozen peaks of the Annapurna region.

Entry and Permits:

The following permits are required for trekking to Annapurna Circuit Trek:

• Upper Mustang Restricted Area Permit for all foreigners: US $500 per person for the first 10 days and US $50 per person per day thereafter.
• ACAP entry permit fee for foreigners: 3,000 NPR (Approx. US $30)
• ACAP entry permit fee for SAARC nationals: 200 NPR

TIMS Permit :

• NRP 1,000 per person for organized treks through an agency
• NRP 2,000 per person for independent trekkers (going without a guide or porter)

Note: All the trekking permits are handled by the Alpine Club of Himalaya.

Meals and drinking water:

Along the Annapurna Region Trek, you will be provided with various Nepali, and Tibetan ethnic cuisines, and varieties of continental as well as western meals. Hikers traversing this region will be delighted to find a variety of tea-houses scattered along the trail. Run by local inhabitants, these tea-houses offer a range of facilities, from basic and minimal to luxurious. They also present a unique opportunity to savor a delicious spread of cuisines, a welcome change from the limited options found on most Nepali trekking trails.

Annapurna Region is a plastic-free zone and has banned the use of bottled Mineral Water. Hikers will find natural water supplies from taps along the trekking trail. However, this water is untreated, so drinking directly is not recommended. Instead, you can refill your water bottle with boiled water or cold, filtered water from any of the teahouses.

If you buy a water purification tablet, chlorine drops or utilize SODIS (sunlight assisted) filtration procedures for further assurance, saving money, and reducing plastic pollution.

Accommodation:

Tourist-friendly hotels, lodges, and local accommodations are available on trekking trails and, providing with basic accommodation to luxury and grandeur ones. The trail offers a variety of accommodations, from luxurious hotels to cozy teahouses, all catering to your budget. You’ll find comfortable beds with pillows, electric blankets for warmth, hot and cold showers for refreshment, and free Wi-Fi to stay connected, along with many other amenities to enhance your experience.

Teahouse along Annapurna region provides you with hot shower, western attached bathrooms and the rooms mostly include twin sharing beds as well as a single bed, with hygienic and clean atmosphere, good mattresses, a pillow, and blankets.

Campsites are also available along the trail providing a special opportunity for campers to sleep under the stars.   

Best Time to Visit?

The best season for trekking in Annapurna Region is during autumn and spring.

The months of September, October, November, March, April, and May are the best time to visit. These months are better in terms of visibility and climate conditions.

During the autumn season, the months of September, October, and November are one of the best times for trekking in this region, as the weather is clear bringing great visibility of the endless mountain ranges and lush green forest with warm temperatures, the nights are clear and is a perfect opportunity for stargazing.

The spring season of March, April, and May is also the best time to visit the Annapurna Region, the end of the winter season brings a change in the region, varieties of colorful blooming trees of the sub-alpine forest, high green pasture lands covered with wildflowers, mild temperatures, and clear weather. In this season you will witness herds of sheep and yaks grazing in the green high lands.

Monsoon season is not favorable as the weather gets harsh and it’s hard to get around the country, with frequent rainstorms and landslides. So, monsoon season is mostly avoided by trekkers.

In the winter season, Annapurna Region receives high snowfall covering most of the trails and making it impossible to travel for this reason.

Travel Insurance:

All clients participating in any activity must have travel insurance. To ensure financial security in case of an emergency, secure a comprehensive insurance plan from a reputable company. This plan will actively cover you for personal injuries, death benefits, hospital bills, repatriation if needed, and even helicopter rescue in critical situations. Most other illnesses are also typically covered, but always double-check the plan details. Don’t wait – get peace of mind with comprehensive insurance.

Passport and Visa:

Every client must have a valid passport from the return date with a 6 months prior validity by the Nepalese consulate in your country or immigration office at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu.