Annapurna Circuit Trekking

Destination: Nepal
Trip Difficulty: Moderate and Adventurous
Trip Style: Trekking and Tour
Transport: Private Transport+Tourist Bus
Food: None
Accommodation: Hotels and Teahouse / Lodge on treks
Group Size: Minimum 01 people and Maximum 10 pax
Max Elevation: 5,416 m / 17,769 ft high at Thorang-La Pass
Ultimate Destination: Around Annapurna via Lamjung-Manang-Mustang and Kaski areas
Activities: Sightseeing tour- exciting drive and trekking
Trekking Region: Lamjung- Manang and Mustang areas around Nepal North Mid West
Average Walks: 05 -06 hrs a day
Trekking Duration: 15 Nights / 16 Days (with drive both ways)
Best Seasons: March to May and Sep to December (March to May wild flowers blooming season)

‘adventure around picturesque Annapurna Himalaya within high beautiful Manang valley’

Annapurna Circuit Trekking one of the most unique and phenomenal adventure of a life time experience regarded as world’s best adventure destinations by many travel guide books and magazines, truly a fascinating place to be where you will enclosed within giant peaks of Annapurna which includes views of Manaslu and Dhaulagiri Himalayan range.

A mesmerizing adventure where memories of the great walk on Annapurna Circuit Trekking never fades as the trek offers incredible views of giant snow clad peaks on daily walks passing through interesting farm villages and towns of beautiful Manang and Mustang district, where you can marvel its ancient Buddhist culture and traditions as it was for hundred of centuries.

An interesting walk starting from low warm sub-tropic around paddy fields and terraces to follow the raging Marsyangdi River upstream right up to its source near Manang and beyond, as the trail leads on scenic routes passing through lovely forested areas and towards barren and arid landscapes at high Manang valley enclosed within peaks of Annapurna and Damodar Himal range.

On this walk visit of old and impressive Braga monastery with rest day at Manang to enjoy the views and local culture and then heading towards high Thorang-La pass with awesome scenery to reach at lower Mustang area at holy Muktinath and famous Jomsom town around Kaligandaki river valley.

Walk leads to a big drop into world deepest gorge of Kaligandaki River sandwiched between giant peaks of Annapurna and Dhaulagiri.

Finally our walk reach at scenic Ghorepani within beautiful forest of rhododendron and pines trees where a short hike to Poon Hill offers exceptional panorama of mountains with striking sunrise views.

Annapurna Circuit Trekking concludes on reaching back at warmer areas and towards picturesque famous Pokhara valley located on the laps of massive Annapurna Himalaya which reflects on its pristine Phewa and Begnas lakes. After an enjoyable and pleasant time at scenic Pokhara an interesting overland drive brings you to Kathmandu after a most fascinating adventure with fond memories of Annapurna Circuit Trekking.

Highlights

Moderate to Adventurous treks on world best adventure destination around scenic Annapurna region.
From low warm paddy fields to alpine terrain and beyond to remorseless ice fields and glaciers.
Exploring traditional and cultural Gurung-Magar-Manang and Thakali villages of immense Buddhist culture.
Walking into enchanting cool serene forest of tall rhododendron-pines-oaks-firs tree lines.
Amazing views on daily walks of Annapurna peaks with majestic Mt. Machhapuchare ‘Fish Tail’.
Walking on both sides the North and Southern face of massive Annapurna Himalaya.

Day to Day Itinerary

Day 01Drive from Kathmandu to Syange 1,140 m via Besisar - 06 hrs.
Day 02Trek to Dharapani 1,943 m - 06 hrs.
Day 03Trek to Chame 2,720 m - 05 hrs.
Day 04Trek to Pisang 3,190 m - 05 hrs.
Day 05Trek to Manang 3,540 m - 04 hrs.
Day 06Acclimatization day at Manang with short hikes
Day 07Trek to Yak Kharka 4,210m - 04 hrs.
Day 08Trek to Thorung- La High Camp or Phedi 4,450 m - 04 hrs.
Day 09Cross Thorung La 5,416m | 17,769 ft and trek to Muktinath 3,800 m- 06 hrs.
Day 10Trek to Kagbeni 2,780 m - 03 hrs.
Day 11Trek to Marpha 2, 670 via Jomsom 2, 715 m - 06 hours.
Day 12Trek to Lete 2,400m - 06 hrs.
Day 13Trek to Tatopani (hot-spring) 1,190 m - 06 hrs.
Day 14Trek to Ghorepani 2,860 m - 06 hrs.
Day 15Hike to Poon Hill and trek to Tirkhedhunga 1,440 m - 05 hrs.
Day 16Walk to Nayapul 1,070 m via Bhirethati and drive to Pokhara.

Check Day to Day Detail Itinerary

Price Inclusion

What's included

Registered and trained Guide.
Required number of insured Porter.
Tea House Accomodation during trekking.
TIMS and Annapurna Conservation Area fees.
All Surface transfer for your guide, porter and necessary cargo.
Salary, insurances , transportation and all meals for the guide and porters.
Pick up and drop to trek start and end point from Pokhara.
Government taxes and official charges. Visa charge not included here.
Attractive First Aid Kits.
Farewell Dinner in Kathmandu / Pokhara.

What's not included

Accomodation and meals in Pokhara.
All meals during the trek
Nepal Entry visa fee and airport taxes.
Expences of personal nature like laundry, telephone calls, sweets, snacks etc
Rescue and emergency cost/ Insurance cost but we will help to carry of the procedure.
Personal trekking equipments

Price & Dates

Useful Information

Pokhara Extension Activities:

With time in Pokhara, we have various adventure and scenic activities programs from Para-Gliding, Kayaking,
Kayak Clinic, boating, short hike, cultural tours to Zip Flyer, Ultra Light Flights on small single engine aircraft.

Trip Safety

Your safety is our paramount concern while trekking with Wild Stone Adventure. Your Leader has full authority to amend any part of the itinenary due to safety reason. Every effort will be made to keep up with the above itinerary however it is the adventure in remote himalayan zone we cannot guarantee it! Wether condition, physical condition of trekkers and unexpected natural disasters can force to alter the itinerary.Your Leader will forward you with the alternatives so please be prepared to be flexible.

Arrival

Upon your arrive at Tribhuban International Airport (TIA), you can use the prepaid taxi run by the Airport Management Committee for about $10 to transfer to your hotel. Else you can also book our arrival transfer facilitie so that our representative will greet you and transport you to your Hotel. The rest of the day depends on your interest and condition, you can either take a rest or visit our office.The next day you will be formally introduced to your Guide, brief about the trek and you can enjoy sightseeing tour of the city's most influential cultural and historical landmarks.

Accommodation

Accomodation in Kathmandu isnot included in the basic price. You can either book on your own or we can assist to book on your behalf. We will be happy to suggest on the best hotel and area of the city.

Whilst trekking we provide accommodation in lodges and teahouses and is of a basic standard. Rooms may be twin or multi share with basic shared toilet facilities. Hot showers and Laundry facilities are available in some places for a small charge.

Transportation

Wild Stone Adventure use high quality private transportation to get in and off the trekking put in point and put out point.On longer routes, we use private or tourist buses, which provide a slightly higher degree of comfort and safety.For air transportation Wild Stone uses modern, comfortable and most - reliable airline operator.In trekking region, transportation mean is hiking and in some cases Yaks / horses / mules / donkeys are used for baggage carriage. In this trekking route, hiking is the major mean of transportation while your baggage will be carried by porters and/or animals.

Meals

Annapurna Circuit Trekking basic cost exludes meals. This would cost roughly around $20 per day depending upon your appetite. We provide total freedom for the meals during your trip period. Although your guide will help with menu selection and ensure that you get the best value meals possible. You should be aware that the menu is not normally extensive due to the extreme locations. Most teahouses offer a variety of rice and noodle dishes, as well as soup and seasonal vegetables. A variety of cereals, bread and egg dishes are generally available for breakfast. There will also be plenty of snacks available such as biscuits, chocolate and soft drinks and in some areas you will find fresh fruit in season. You can buy bottled mineral water from local lodges and shops en route or you can also ask your guide to fill your water bottle with boiled water and treat with water purification pills.

Trekking Group

For annapurna circuit trek, there will be one leader (5 trekkers:1 leader)and the required number of sherpa porter(2 trekkers:1 porter).As you will be travelling in the group you will be exposed to all the pleasure of travelling in group. We can run annapurna circuit trek for any group size but generally we have maximum of ten people, we we found this to be best group size for the optimal success.

Group Leader and Support Staffs

All our trips are accompanied out by one of our local group Leaders. The aim of the group leader is make your annapuran circuit trek successsful, enjoyable, memorable and hassle free. Our leader will provide informationa on the culture, geography, ecosystem, flora and fauna of the place your are travelling. They will also offer suggestions for the optional activities and thing to do, recommend great places and introduce you to the local people. Our leader will also assist you to learn the local language.

All our outdoor guides are licensed from the Government of Nepal. Beside the license they have numbers of certificates including Wilderness First Aid, certificate from Kathmandu Education Projects, certificate from Nepal Academy of Tourism and Hotel Management, and Eco friendly guiding certificates.

Trip Grade
Our Annapurna circuit trekking is a moderate trek suitable for passionate hiker. Walking in the higher altitude with a day pack is physically demanding than in a lower elevation, however if you are physically fit, self confidence and have stronger determination, you can accomplish this trek successfully.
No previous experience required, you should be physically fit and enjoy walking in high altitudes.

Physical Preparation

For the Annapurna Circuit Trek the general rule is you will need to be very fit and the more preparation you have done for it, the more you will enjoy it. You will be walking at very high altitudes with your day pack, with the possibility of extreme variations in temperature. We recommend you to undertake regular aerobic exercise in the weeks before you travel, particularly if you are not in the habit of regular exercise. Walking, jogging, swimming or riding a bike are all good ways to boost your fitness, which will allow you to enjoy the trip to its fullest.

Best Season
Autumn (September - December) and Spring (March-May) are the best seasons for the annapurna circuit Trekking. The weather is excellent and offers tantalizing mountain views, but the nights are cold and can fall to freezing in higher elevations. Winter (Dec - Feb) is also good for annapurna circuit trek, only issue is cold and might be problem in the higher pass pass due to snow. Monsoon (June -August) can be the perfect time to capture the beauty of flowers and lush vegetation in higher valleys. The trekking routes are crowded during spring and autumn but during monsoon and winter the routes are not packed and you could enjoy the best of nature.

Weather and Climate
The Himalaya makes its own weather, which varies significantly over a few kilometers. There can be sudden storms and high winds and usually clouds in the afternoon. Annapuran circuit trek is likely to have a wide range of temperatures depending on the altitude and the time of day. In the mountains up to 3,500m the nights will be cold, normally around 5 degree C, and during the day temperatures sometimes rise to 25 degree C. At higher altitudes temperatures range from about 20 degree C to -15 degree C.

Acclimatization
We have decade long of experience in operating at high-altitude. Every trip we run has a gradual ascent at the higher altitude with the shorter walking hours with the time to acclimitise in the afternoon. There is no way of predicting who will suffer from altitude but, for the vast majority of people, a slow ascent to height will produce minimal effects. We can provide 'Gamow Bag' as a precautionary measure as per your request on hiring basis. Acclimatizing takes time and there are no safe shortcuts. All trips to altitudes in excess of 3,000 meters carry medicines essential to the treatment of altitude illness, and our leaders are trained to administer them and to know the symptoms.

Currency Exchange

The official currency of Nepal is Nepalese Rupee (NRs)

It is best to bring a mixture of cash and travelers checks in major currencies - USD, CAD, EUR, AUD - and ensure you have a mixture of large and small denominations. Money may easily be exchanged at Kathmandu airport on arrival and banks and licensed moneychangers in cities. Credit card cash advances and ATM withdrawals are in NPR only.

Before departing on your trek, make sure you have enough Nepalese currency in small denominations as change is hard to find in the villages ( 100 rupee are easy to trade ).

Extra Pocket Money

Wild Stone Adventure only offers the basic essential requirments for your trek including guide & porter, transportation to and from trek start and end point, permit for the trek and accomodation while on trek. Our price excludes meals and accomodation in Kathmandu and Pokhara providing your total flexibility to tailor as per your interest. You will need little amount of local currency for meals in Kathmandu, Pokhara and while on trek, extra snacks, soft drinks or souvenirs along the trail. Extra money dependa upon your spending habit and your appetite. Please consider your own spending habits when you count for extra pocket money.

Emergency Fund

Please also make sure you have access to at least an additional USD $200 as an emergency fund, to be used when circumstances beyond our control ( natural disaster, extreme weather, nepal strikes) require a change to our planned route. This is a rare occurrence!

Travel Insurence
Adequate and valid travel insurance is compulsory for all travelers. Your travel insurance must cover accidents, injury, illness and death medical expenses, including any related to pre-existing medical conditions, emergency repatriation (including helicopter rescue and air ambulance where applicable) and personal liability.

Etiquette

When visiting and entering temples and Nepalis house you must remove your shoes. In some temples, it is forbidden to wear any leather goods. Other temples, such as those in Pashupatinath, do not allow foreigner besides hindu to enter. These are normally marked with a sign in English, and we urge you to respect such practices.

Always ask permission before taking photos inside any temples, and before photographing any local people. When permission is granted, always be sensitive when photographing people, and non-intrusive when shooting inside temples when prayers are in progress. Generally, photography is allowed outside Buddhist and Hindu temples and at religious ceremonies and festivals.

You are guest in Nepal and it is appriciated if you behave like Nepali (Local):

Dress Respectfully (no short shorts or revealing clothes)
Do not show affection in public.
Do not buy antiques.
Do not point your feet (unclean) to people and point with full hand not with one finger.
Do not step over persons.
Do not touch or step over offerings (red powder, flowers/rice)
Do not use your left hand (dirty)
Receive and give with two hands.
Ask permission before taking people's photographs.
Discourage begging, pay fair price
Take off your shoes before entering a monastery or Nepali house.
Go clockwise roung the stupas, temples etc
Avoid touching monks / lamas.

Clothing
Dress respectfully with an awareness of local standards. To respect this and for your own comfort, we strongly recommend modest clothing. This means clothing that covers your shoulders and knees. Loose, lightweight, long clothing is both respectful and cool during hiking. In many rural areas women will need to wear modest clothing even to swim. Singlets, tank tops and topless sun bathing are all unaccepted. While visiting temples,monasteriesand other religious sites men need to wear long trousers and women a long skirt.

Laundry

Laundry facilities are offered by some of our hotels and tea houses for a small charge. There will be times when you may want to or have to do your ownlaundry so we suggest you bring biodegradable soap.

Tipping

Tipping is expected but not compulsory and shows an expression of satisfaction with the people who have assisted you on your trip.

Responsible Tourism

Being a responsible trek operator is at the heart of what Wild Stone Adventures is all about. The beautiful environment of the Himalaya is also an extremely fragile one. At Wild Stone Adventure , we are extremely conscious about the environment and aim to minimize the detrimental impact as much as possible.We are committed to responsible tourism and it is implemented in every trip through the following means.