Annapurna Circuit

                                        
                                        destination
                                        Manang, Thorong La, Muktinath, Jomsom
                                    
                                        duration
                                        16 Days
                                    
                                        grade
                                        Moderate Difficult
                                    
                                        start/end point
                                        Kathmandu/Kathmandu
                                    
                                        max altitude
                                        5,416m
                                    
                                        meal
                                        Available
                                    
                                        accommodation
                                        Available
                                    
                                        season
                                        Mar to May / Sep to Nov

Overview

One of the most well-known treks in the world, the Annapurna Circuit Trek takes you through the Marshyangdi and Kali Gandaki river basins in Nepal's Annapurna area. The Thorong La Pass, which is at a height of 5416 meters (17769 feet), marks the highest point of the walk. This breathtaking walk is a wonderful chance to get to know the Himalayan mountain culture, including its people, scenery, and inspiring attitude. Over the years, road building has altered the nature of this journey, but it is still a lovely trek that may be completed in a variety of ways. We will hike the Annapurna circuit trek regardless of its difficulty level, across the world's deepest Kali Gandaki gorge, with Mt. Dhaulagiri hovering at 8,167m (26,795ft) to the west and Mt. Annapurna I to the east. Additionally, the Annapurna Circuit Trek leads us to the Manang, Jomsom, and Muktinath districts, where we may learn more about the varied Nepalese scenery and culture. In addition to the Annapurna Circuit Trek, other popular treks in the area include those to Tilicko Lake and Nar Phu Valley. However, this journey in the area is less traveled and off the usual road. The recently proposed Nar Phu Circuit trek by Wilderness Excursions can conclude in Jomsom and traverse Mesokanto La Pass (5200m). In a single sentence, the Annapurna circuit is the combination of countless snow-capped mountains including the 3 major mountains, cultural confluence, unique traditions, and experience of natural diversities in the short period, landscape, Himalayan Shangri la, and living Paradise.
In our travel guide, you can find a comprehensive schedule and route for the Annapurna Circuit Trek in Nepal. We completed the Annapurna Circuit walk in 16 days, a substantial portion of which was on foot.

Trip Highlights

Historical, cultural city of the heritage places in Kathmandu valley
Scenic and thrilling drive Kathmandu to Jagat, Besi Sahar or Chame
Scenic flight or drive Pokhara to Kathmandu
Views of all major mountains Mt. Annapurna, Thorung Peak, Nilgiri, Chulu West, Chulu East, Tukuche Peak, Dhaulagiri, LamjungHimal, Annapurna II, and Annapurna IV are breathtaking and eye-catching.
If you are doing classic Annapurna Circuit, you have chance relax in the Hot Tub at Tatopani (Natural Hot Spring), Myadgi on the way back to Pokhara
Grandiose lakes, glaciers, chasms, and breathtaking waterfalls.
Visit Muktinath, a Buddhist and Hindu holy site famous for its perpetual light and 108 stone faucets.
Baraga Monastery, the biggest Monastery in the Manang District
Cultural diversity; Tibetan-like culture in Manang and Mustang; and Hindu settlements in the low foothills.
Discover a different side of the Himalayas by hiking through woods of oak and rhododendron, as well as terraced rice fields in the Annapurna region.
Enter the Kali Gandhaki, one of the world's deepest gorges.
Reach Thorung La at 5,400 meters, the trek's highest point.
Visit Tilicho, a high-altitude lake at 4,919 m, as a side trip.
Take a detour into the isolated valleys of Nar and Phu.
Make this voyage unique in a number of ways to suit your interests.
Annapurna Conservation Area Project - ACAP
Beautiful rivers
Beautiful city - the city of the Lakes, Pokhara
Several climatic zones, ranging from subtropical to alpine zones,
Flora and fauna

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive to Kathmandu (1350m), transfer to Hotel

You will be greeted by a representative of “Rai Treks and Expedition Pvt Ltd”; at Tribhuvan International Airport when you arrive in the country of breathtaking mountains and temple-filled metropolis. Our personnel will accompany you to your Hotel where you will overnight for 2 nights. In the evening, we will host a dinner program in a traditional Nepali restaurant as well as offer you a briefing on the trekking itinerary. Attending the welcome meeting is crucial because this is when we will be gathering information about your insurance and next of kin. Please notify the front desk of your hotel or travel agency if you anticipate being late.

Day 2: Guided sightseeing in Kathmandu and trek preparation day in Kathmandu

SIGHTSEEING INCLUDES:

PASHUPATINATH TEMPLE

Pashupatinath is one of the most significant and the biggest Hindu temples of Shiva in the world, which is in the heart of Kathmandu nearby the airport. There is no certain data how old the temple is, however; it is believed that the site had been existed since 400 BC. The current temple was built in 1692 CE. Shiva is the God of Gods symbolizing the “destruction” among three main Gods according to Hinduism – Brahma, Bishnu and Maheshwor (Shiva). Brahma creates living things, Bishnu preserves them and Shiva destroys them at the end. Pashupatinath is listed in the World Heritage site in the lists of UNESCO World Heritage Sites. It was enlisted in 1979 AD. Pashupatinath is one of the 275 Paadal Petra Sthalams (Holy Abodes of Shiva)..

BOUDHANATH STUPA

It is also called Baudha, is the larget spherical stupa in the world. It was built in the 6th century CE, in the Licchavi regime. It was expanded around the 14th century. It is situated in the northeastern outskirts of Kathmandu, about 6 km from far from the heart of Kathmandu, Thamel. It was enlisted in the UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1979AD. Buadhanath is one of the popular places to visit on your visit to Nepal.

SWAYAMBHUNATH (MONKEY TEMPLE)

It is also called Monkey temple as you can see hundreds of monkeys around there when you visit there, which is the oldest religious site in Nepal. It was built in the 6th century CE, in the Licchavi regime. It was expanded around the 14th century. There is no enough proof when it was built, however; it is believed that it was built around 2500 years ago. It is also believed that it was created itself at the beginning so it is named Swayam (self) bhu (earth) nath (god) – which means it is created itself from the earth. It was enlisted in the UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1979AD. It is situated around 3 km far from Thamel, in the west direction. Swayambhunath is one of the popular places to visit on your visit to Nepal.

Day 3: Drive to Jagat (1300m). Overnight at Lodge

Day 4: Trek from Jagat to Dharapani (1860m)

Day 5: Trek to Chame (2610m)

Day 6: Trek to Pisang (3300m)

Day 7: Trek to Manang (3540m)

Day 8: Acclimatization day in Manang

Day 9: Trek to Yak Kharka (4050m)

Day 10: Trek to High Camp (4880m)

Day 11: Trek to Muktinath (3760m) passing Thorong La (5416m)

Day 12: Trek to Jomsom (2743m)

Day 13: Fly to Pokhara (830m)

Day 14: Drive back to Kathmandu - check into the Hotel

Day 15: Independent sightseeing and shopping

Day 16: Final departure for your home country

Inclusion / Exclusion

Inclusion

Airport transfers in Kathmandu on private vehicle
4 Nights’ accommodation in Kathmandu at Standard Hotel on Bed & Breakfast Basis
1 Night's accommodation in Pokhara at Standard Hotel on Bed & Breakfast Basis
Guided sightseeing in Kathmandu including all transportation and entry permit to enter to the Heritage sites
All inbound transportations as per the dossier on flight or on private vehicle
Trek on Full Board Basis (BLD - Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner with Hot drink - tea/coffee) and accommodation in the Lodge during the trek.
Trekking Permit, National Park & TIMS card fee
1 professional English speaking guide including all his meals, transportation and daily wages
1 assistant guide between the team of 5 people including all his meals, transportation and daily wages
1 porter between two people including all his meals, transportation and daily wages
All insurance for trekking crew members
Medical kits including basic medicines for the trekking crew members
Trekking Map
Farewell dinner in Kathmandu

Exclusion

International Airfare
Nepal Entry Visa Fee, which is USD50 for 30 days and USD30 for 15 days
Personal Insurance (Travel, Emergency Medical, Rescue)
Personal Trekking Gears, extra expenses Phone Calls, Water, Laundry, Bar Bills, Battery Recharge, Internet etc.
Main meals in Kathmandu and in Pokhara
Tipping for guides and porters, which is not mandatory but it is customary in Nepal

Overview

Kathrin Schröder

Germany

I know Devendra for 6 years now and since we did the Poon Hill Trek together, I wanted to come back to make the Annapurna circuit... We always stayed in touch since then and when I came back this time it felt like seeing a friend. And even when he could not make the trek with me himself, he organized everything, I literally didn't have to take care of anything. From arrival til departure 4 weeks later, everything was settled and yet flexible, so if I had any need or idea he would help me with it! Now when the trek started I got introduced to my guides Mauli and Kamal and it turned out they were just as nice and sweet as Devendra himself and even though I was solo traveling, it felt like traveling with friends after a short time and they made me feel very comfortable! Even the unfortunate weather conditions couldn't change our good mood and made it even more special to me! Everyone can be happy when there's blue sky and the Himalayans just in front of you, but even with the clouds and fog and rain and snow I had the best time thanks to Mauli and Kamal! They would always make sure I was alright and be friendly to everyone we met on the trek! It was very special and apart from the hiking experience, wich was just amazing, I also learned a lot about the people and nature, they tought me some nepali words and along the way we made good friends with many people! And even when we finished the trek, and I had some more time in Kathmandu they still took care of me and made sure I would have a good time ! I'm really grateful for everything they did for me and I'm definitely coming back! I love Nepal, I love the people and Rai Trek really feels like a family now!