Annapurna Circuit Lodge Trek, 22 Days
This is one of the classic and most rewarding treks in Nepal which was opened to foreign trekkers providing the opportunities to explore the scenery of both the Northern and Southern Himalaya since 1977. It is the most popular trek which circles the Annapurna Massif. You start from Marsyangdi valley through Manang and Thorong-La Pass and descent to Muktinath & the Kaligandaki valley. It offers spectacular scenery of the high Himalayan Ranges and the dry Tibetan Plateau, which are inhabited by different ethnic groups. There are also lakes on the high land and wild animals. We cross from North to South Himalaya, over the difficult Thorong-La pass, we visit the holy temple of Muktinath and encounter buddhist monuments descending towards the world deepest gorge; the Kaligandaki valley. The high point of the trek entails crossing of the 5414m high Throng Pass, from the arid valley of the upper Manang, home of Tibeto- Buddhists, down to the Hindu pilgrimage site of Muktinath, and the Kali Gandaki valley, the world's deepest river gorge, before heading down to Pokhara. Besides the mountain views, we encounter on this trek a variety of mountain communities of the Gurung, Manangi and Thakali people. Annapurna region is best described as the most happening incentive trekking destination of Nepal. The Annapurna Circuit Trek has been proved as a highly praised and spectacular trekking route in the Annapurna region since it opened to foreign trekkers in 1977. This three weeks trek starts right from Besishahar and goes along the Marshyangdi River, with great view of Manashlu and Himal Chuli to the east. This magnificent trek leads you to the fine village inhabited by a wide diversity of people from different ethnic groups, offering spectacular and majestic view of the white Himalayas. As it continues to the north of the main Himalayan range on to the high and dry Tibetan Plateau, the scenery is equally breathtaking.
This circuit is considered one of the best treks in the world though road construction is threatening its reputation and its future as a classic trek. Yet no one disputes that the scenery is outstanding: 17 to 21 days long, this trek takes you through distinct regional scenery of rivers, flora, fauna and above all - mountains. There are four regions that are passed through on the trek; Lamjung, Manang, Mustang and Myagdi. Lamjung and Myagdi of the lower elevations are both predominantly Hindu and with lush green subtropical valleys with villages and terraced farming. Manang and Mustang are of the higher elevations and are predominantly Tibetan Buddhist. The Manang people are Gurung (not Tibetan descent) and are very proud of their unique cultural heritage and merging of lower land Gurung and Tibetan cultural influences. People of Mustang identify themselves a lot closer with Tibet and the Mustang region has actually been part of Tibet in history. Mustang also is one of the last places in the world to view the ancient Bonpo Religion in action. Villages to note for Bonpo are Thini and Lupra near Jomsom, and Nargon near Kobang. The trek goes counter-clockwise from Besisahar to Nayapul and reaches its summit in Thorung La (pass) at the height of 5416m. The route goes past the following mountains: Manaslu (an 8,000-plus meter peak), Langtang Himal, Annapurna II and IV, Annapurna III and Gangapurna, and, of course, Annapurna I and Dhaulagiri -- passing through the world's deepest gorge in between those two 8,000-plus meter peaks. Poon Hill, at the end of the trek, affords views of those two mountains, as well as South Annapurna and Macchupucchre, the "Fishtail Mountain." The trek also goes through Buddhist villages and Hindu holy sites, most notably the village of Muktinath, a holy site for both Buddhists and Hindus, and Braga, one of the oldest monasteries in the region. From Dharapani to Kagbeni you will be walking the Annapurna section of The Great Himalaya Trail, a long distance trekking route that connects Nepal from East to West. The eastern portion of the trek follows the Marsyangdi River upstream, to its source near the village of Manang. To get there several days of up-hill hiking are required. Then the route goes over the pass, a grueling day of hiking, and back down the other side, where it meets up with the Kali Gandaki River.
Highest elevation: -5416m
Trek style: -Lodge/Tea House Trek
Trek start/end: -Kathmandu Airport
Major Attraction: -Waterfall, Gangapurna lake, Chunker view point, buddhist
monasteries, highest pass, majority of Manangies (Bhote-
Gurung), mix cultures, Hindus holy temple and panoramic
view of Annapurna massif.
Highest Mountains: -Annapurna II 7939m, Annapurna III 7555m, Annapurna IV
7525m, Gangapurna 7454m, Lamjung Himal 6932m,
Manaslu 8163m, Peak 29 7871m ,Tilicho Peak 7134m,
Pisang Peak 6092m, Chulu Peak 6558m, Dhaulagiri 8167m
and Nilgiri 6940m etc.
Itinerary in details
Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu and meet our staff at airport and transfer to hotel. Welcome drink and short briefing about tour and trek. Stay overnight in Hotel.
Day 2: Sightseeing in world heritage sites by private car.
Our tour guide introduces you to in the world heritage sites such as Bouddhanath, Pasupatinath, Swayambhunath and Kathmandu Durbar Square by private vehicle. Stay overnight in Hotel.
Day 3: Kathmandu to Bhulbhule by tourist bus(7/8 hours) and trek to Ngadi 930m (1/2 hours).
In the morning, drive from Kathmandu to Bhulbhule by AC tourist bus passing by the Trishuli and Marsyangdi River. We get out of the bus. Then you cross the suspension bridge and continue through wonderful rice terraces until reaching Ngadi village which takes about 1 hour. You can see three snow peaks like Lamjung Himal, Peak 29(Nadi Chuli) and Manaslu during the trail. Overnight in Lodge.
Day 4: Ngadi to Jagat 1300m (5/6 hours)
You begin your trek after breakfast, you cross the suspension bridge and the trail ascends to Bahundanda after 2 hours walk. Then the trail descend passing the terraced rice fields and small streams until you reach Syange. It takes 1 and half hours. You have lunch break here. There's a very beautiful waterfall in Syange. After lunch the trail ascends steeply and brings you to Jagat village where Tamang and Gurung are the main inhabitants. It takes 2 hours to arrive here. Overnight in Lodge.
Day 5: Jagat to Dharapani 1860m (5/6 hours)
You start your trek in the morning after breakfast, the trail goes gradually up till Chamje and you cross on a suspension bridge and follow the steep rockey trail until to reach in the Tal village which takes 3 and half hours. You can see again very beautiful waterfalls in Tal. You have lunch break here. Then you continue again a rocky trail till to Kotro which takes about 2 hours. You continue straight and cross the suspension bridge near the Lower Dharapani and continue a little more climbing and finally you arrive in Higher Dharapani. Overnight in Lodge.
Day 6: Dharapani to Chame 2670m (5/6 hours)
You begin your trek in the morning until to reach Bagarchhap which takes about 1 hour passing the pine and fir forests. You can visit the white washed monastery in that village. Then you continue your trek till Danaque which takes about 1 hour. The trail is ascending steeply until Timang which takes about 1 and half hour. You have a good view of Mt. Manaslu and Peak 29. Now your trail continues through pine forests till to Latamarang which takes about 1 and half hour. You have lunch break here. After lunch, you walk again through forests and you have a short glimpse of Annapurna II. Finally you arrive in Chame village after 2 hours walk. Overnight in Lodge.
Day 7: Chame to Pisang 3200m (5/6 hours)
In the morning, you continue your trek crossing on a suspension bridge and follow the trail through the pine and fir forests until reaching Bratang, which takes about 2 hours. Then after you cross again a bridge and follow the steep ascent till Dukurpokhari. It takes 2 hours and you have lunch break here. You have a very good and close view of Mt. Lamjung Himal, Annapurna II, Annapurna IV and Pisang Peak. After lunch your trail is almost flat until reaching Pisang. Then you go with your guide to Upper Pisang for visiting the newly constructed monastery and enjoying the view of the Annapurna Range. Overnight in Lodge.
Day 8: Pisang to Manang 3540m Upper trail (6/7 hours)/Lower trail (5/6 hours)
In this day, you can choose to go the upper or lower trail. Via Ghyaru is the upper trail. You can see the Mringchho Lake on the way. The trail which steeply ascends, brings you to Ghyaru Village which takes about 2 and half hour. You can visit the old monastery. Then you continue your trek until Ngawal village for 1 and half hour. You have lunch break here. After that, your trail is slightly descending until reaching Braga village. Visit the monastery. It takes 1 and half hour. Then 30 minutes walk from Braga to Manang. This is the right option for a great view of the Annapurna Range. Overnight in Lodge.
Day 9: Acclimatization Day: Hike to Chunker view point - Gangapurna Lake & Cave Gompa
Today is acclimatizing day. You can hike to Chhunker view point which takes about 1 and half hour. You can see the Gangapurna Lake as well, as the Annapurna range like Annapurna I, II, III, IV, Tilicho peak, Pisang peak, Chulo peak, Thorong peak and so on. Then you return back to your lodge and have lunch there. After lunch you hike with your guide to the Cave Gompa which is situated at the elevation of about 4500m. It takes 2 hours to reach there. This is also a very good place to have magnificent view of Annapurna Range. Then you return back to your lodge. Overnight in Lodge.
Day 10: Manang to Thare Gompa 4070m (4/5 hours)
You begin your trek to Khangsar viilage, about 2 hours. You visit the monastery here. Then you continue your trail slightly ascending until Thare Gompa which takes about 2 hours. You have a lunch here and stay also here for overnight.
Day 11: Thare Gompa to Tilicho BC 4150m (4/5 hours)
Today, you start your trek passing the big landslide area till reaching Tilicho Basecamp(4 hours). You have lunch and overnight here.
Day 12: Hike to Tilicho Lake 4920m (3/4 hours) & back to Tilicho BC
Early in the morning the steep trail ascends to Tilicho Lake which takes 3 hours. Today we have packed lunch. You can enjoy the highest lake in the world and a spectacular view of mountains. Then you return back to your lodge in about a 2 and half hour walk. Overnight in Lodge.
Day 13: Tilicho BC to Thare Gompa 4070m (4/5 hours)
You start your trek passing big landslide area and you arrive in Thare Gompa after 4 hours walk. You have lunch and overnight here.
Day 14: Thare Gompa to Yak Kharka 4018m (4/5 hours)
You begin your trekking until to reach Yak Kharka which takes about 4 hours. You rejoin the classic trail now. You have lunch breakhere. You can do short acclimatization in afternoon. Overnight in Lodge.
Day 15: Yak Kharka to Thorong Phedi 4450m (4/5 hours)
The trail ascends to reach Letder which takes about 1 hour. Then you continue the trail until Kaligandaki River and cross the Wooden Bridge. It takes about 2 hours. The steep short climb up and difficult landslide trail brings you to Thorong Phedi after 1 and half hour walk. You have lunch here. Overnight in Lodge.
Day 16: Thorong Phedi to Thorong-La Pass 5416m to Muktinath 3800m (7/8 hours)
Today is better to leave early in the morning. The steep trail ascent brings you to Thorong High Camp which takes about 1 hour. Then the trail is gradually ascending until to reach Thorong-La Pass which takes about 3 hours. Then you can enjoy with taking pictures of you in the highest elevation, then better to descend as soon as possible. You continue to descend till to Chabarbu which takes about 3 hours. You find few lodges to have lunch. Then after lunch, you continue until to reach Muktinath village. Overnight in Lodge.
Day 17: Muktinath to Kagbeni 2800m (4/5hours)
Early in the morning, you hike to secret place for Hindus and Tibetan Buddhist in about 30 minutes in its compound. You can see the 108 spouts, Muktinath temple stands enshrining Vishnu, a Hindu god. Below the temple there is another Buddhist monastery where the combination of earth-water-fire that gives for Muktinath’s great religious significance. And you also see the magnificent view of Nilgiri Himal and Daulagiri I. Overnight in Lodge. Then you have breakfast and start from Muktinath to Jharkot which takes about 1 hour. You visit the old monastery and continue your trek until to reach Kagbeni which takes about 3 hours. You have lunch break here and in the evening time you go with your guide to visit old Monastery. Overnight in Lodge.
Day 18: Kagbeni via Lubra 2790m to Jomsom 2710m (4/5 hours)
In the morning, you begin your trek passing the River bank of Kaligandaki until to reach Lubra which takes about 3 hours. You visit Bon-Po monastery and continue your trek till to Jomsom which takes 2 hours. You have lunch here. Overnight in Lodge.
Day 19: Jomsom to Pokhara by flight (40 minutes) and sightseeing in Pokhara
Early in the morning, you fly back to Pokhara and transfer to Hotel. You can do sightseeing with your guide in Pokhara. Overnight in Hotel.
Day 20: Pokhara to Kathmandu by tourist bus (6/7 hours)
Early in the morning, drive from the Pokhara to Kathmandu by AC tourist bus and it takes around 7 hours to arrive in Kathmandu and transfer to hotel.
Day 21:Sight seeing in world heritage sites by private car
Our tour guide leads you again other world heritage sites like Bhaktapur Durbar Square and Patan Durbar Square. Overnight in hotel.
Day 22: Transfer to International airport.
Our Tour Package Includes:
* Airport / Hotel / Airport pick up & transfer by car / Van.
* 5 nights accommodation with breakfast at Standard hotel in Kathmandu and Pokhara.
* Kathmandu city tour as per the above itinerary.
* Meals (breakfast, lunch and dinner) with Tea & coffee and hot water during the trek.
* Lodge to lodge accommodation during the trek.
* All transportation by tourist bus/car.
* Domestic flight from Jomsom/PKR and airport tax.
* Annapurna Conservation Area Permit and all necessary permits.
* First Aid Medical Kit box.
* Tourist service charge, Vat.
* Office Service charge.
* Government taxes.
* Guide & support staffs and their insurance and salary.
Doesn't include:
* Any meals in Kathmandu other than breakfast.
* Travel insurance.
* International air fare to and from Nepal.
* Nepal Tourist Visa fees.
* Items and expenses of personal nature.
* Any kind of alcoholic drinks, hot shower, cold drinks, snacks, laundry, phone call, internet.
* Personal Trekking Equipments.
* Emergency Evacuation (Helicopter Rescue).
* Any costs which arise due to a change of the itinerary, because of landslides, political disturbance, and
strikes etc.
* Any other costs whatsoever, that is not mentioned in the cost included.
* Horse renting and additional porters during the trek.
* Tips for guide, porters, driver...
Tipping is expected but it is not mandatory.
N.B : The package can be redesigned or redeveloped as per your taste. For more information please e-mail us at snftnepal@yahoo.de .
Note: In case of emergency during the trip, Helicopter will be arranged by Swiss Nepal Family Trekking & Expedition (P) Ltd. The charges must be paid by the clients themselves.
Grade:
(Moderate to strenuous) [ Explain ]
Price
USD
EUR
SFr
USD
EUR
SFr
2,502.00
2,001.60
2,274.55
Trip Dates
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| Trip is available | >> Book now |
TOUR CANCELLATION:
There will be a cancellation fee of 25% for any cancellation three weeks prior to Tour departure date, 50% two weeks prior to Tour departure date and no refund thereafter. No refund for no shows & delay arrivals whatsoever reason.