Annapurna Circuit trek is widely known as naturalists’ paradise for terrace field, rhododendron forest, diverse Himalayan culture, range of Massif Mountains. Most spectacular mountain scenery, fascinating insight into the life of middle hill Nepalese culture of Gurung, Manangi and Thakali are the reward that a trekkers get from Annapurna Circuit Trek. Considered by many as one of the world's classics, Round Annapurna Trek is an awe inspiring trek of incredible diversity and recognized as one of the World’s best trekking trails according to a survey by Modern Maturity (US).
The anticlockwise route of Annapurna Circuit trek, also know as Round Annapurna trek follows the masryangdi river upstream, gaining altitude gradually as you trek north through lamjung district populated mainly by gurung, after ghermu. The trail of Annapurna circuit trek crosses the left bank and ascends through narrow gorge that extends up to bagarchap in lower manang district, the marsyangdi bends towards west so does the trail, gradually entering a drier, rugged terrain ,after crossing chame, headquarter of manang district, the land scope gets even more arid as you enter upper manang also called nyeshang. At humde there is an airfield with flights to pokhara. At manang village which you eventually reach after short walk from humde, where a day rest to acclimatize the body before the onward trek to the Thorang - La pass (5416m)the highest point of the trail. From thorang Phedi (4430m)a bleak, chilly polecat the base of the pass, it is a rather steep climb to Thorang - La and very long descent to Muktinath (3800m)this is the most strenuous part of the entire trek and snow is not unusual here. From this part hills turn green again the descent is mostly gradual as you follow the Kaligandaki, passing village like Tukuche, ghasa and dana the trail works its way through narrow George and pass great waterfall.
Only a few places in the world offer a variety of superb natural beauty as the Annapurna Region. This magnificent, Annapurna circuit trek takes you through distinct scenery of rivers, flora, fauna and above all-majestic mountains. Annapurna Circuit trek goes counter-clockwise and reaches its summit in Thorung La (pass) at the height of 5,416m, or 17,769 feet. On this route, you’ll pass mountains like 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 rivers with the world's deepest gorge in between those two 8,000-plus meter peaks. Poon Hill, at the end of the Annapurna Circuit trek, affords views of those two mountains, as well as South Annapurna and Macchupucchre, the "Fishtail Mountain.". Annapurna Circuit trek also goes through Buddhist villages where you can see friendly locals from different ethnic groups and Hindu holy sites, most notably the village of Muktinath, a holy site for both Buddhists and Hindus.
A Quaint, Timeless Place
Setting foot on the Annapurna trail is like stepping back in time. The trappings and distractions of modern society vanish. Life goes on in the mountain villages much as it must have a century ago. Gone are the sounds of cars, motorcycles, or machines of any sort. Here the sounds of rivers and waterfalls, of women tending gardens, children walking to and from school, men porting goods or playing cards is common. Local products are made by hand; buildings are erected without the aid of machines. Because everything has to be carried up the mountains on the backs of porters, luxury items such as sweets and beer are a bit scarce.
Views during Annapurna Circuit trek
As the route continues to the north of the main Himalayan range on to the high and dry Tibetan Plateau, the scenery is equally breathtaking. Its unique blend of crystal clear lakes is also an attractive sight not to miss. The highest point of the Annapurna Circuit trek is Thorungla pass at the top of the valley at 5,416m high. Due to the difficulties of crossing the pass, the Annapurna circuit trek is usually walked in a counter clockwise direction. Traveling clockwise the longer ascent and shorter descent from west to east is too much for many people to manage in one day.
As you descend to the west at Muktinath from Manang, you will continue to the barren Tibetan-like village of the Kali Gandaki River- the world's deepest gorge which passes between the giant Annapurna and Dhaulagiri mountains. After you cross the Thorung-La pass from Manang to Muktinath the final seven days of the Annapurna Circuit Trek are the same as the Jomsom Trek from Pokhara, but in reverse. Moreover, the way to the sanctuary is through a patty of rice fields, misty forests & tiny local villages. Once you reach there, you can also go explore the surrounding glaciers and view points.
Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu (1345 meters)
Arriving Kathmandu from your homeport, where Mosaic Adventure representative meets you at the airport, transfer you to the hotel nearby Thamel as per your requirement. Great food from all over the world, fabulous shopping and Durbar square with its several temples and markets are nearby Thamel. Overnight at hotel.
Day 2: Sightseeing around Kathmandu Valley
You will meet your trekking guide, discuss the trekking program and coordinate any last-minute arrangements. After staff meeting, with our professional tour guide we visit Pashupatinath, Boudhanath Stupa, Swaymbhunath and Patan Durbar Square. Rest of the time you can use for travelling around Thamel and buying needed equipment and other necessaries. Overnight at hotel.
Day 3: Drive Kathmandu to Besi Shahar (823m) 8 hrs approx
Six to seven hours scenic drive from Kathmandu to Besisahar is the beginning of the Annapurna Circuit trek. Overnight at Guesthouse.
Day 4: Besishar to Bahundada (1430m) approx 7 hrs
Trail start from Besisahar with ascend to Khudi famous as Gurung village, elevated at 790 meters. Then we keep on hiking onwards towards Bhulbhule (825 m), Lampata (1135 m) and finally we reach Bahundada, the Brahmin village situated at a top of the hill.
Overnight at Teahouse.
Day 5: Bahundanda to Chamje (1560m) approx 6 hr
Fram Bahundanda trail descend steeply to syange at the elevation of 1070 mt passing the suspension bridge on Marshyangi River entering the Nyingma. Nyingma is one of the Buddhis influenced are in northern part of Nepal. Following the river to stone village of Jagat and hiking thought the forest we reach Chamje at the height of 1560 meters. Overnight at Teahouse.
Day 6: Chamje to Dharapani (1881m) approx 6 hrs
We begin the day with the rocky trail following the Marsyandi Rivers gradually uphill to reach Tal at 1675m. This is our first day in Manang district. Crossing a wide, flat valley, climbing a stone stairways gives you taste of exciting adventure of Annapurna circuit trek. Journey goes up and down until we reach Dharapani at 1890 meters. Overnight at Teahouse.
Day 7: Dharapani to Chame (2725m) approx 6 hrs
Trail continues with often jagged and rocky, climbs to Tyanja at 2360m and then through the forest near the bank of river we reach Kopar at 2590m. Annapurna Circuit trek now enters into conifer woodland and reaches Chame the official district capital of Manang district. As we approach Chame, we are rewarded by the fine views of Annapurna II and two small hot springs by the town. Overnight at Teahouse.
Day 8: Chame to Pisang (3100m) approx 5 hrs
Hiking though the deep forest and narrow valley at the bank of Marshyangdi river, we will see a long suspension bridges at 2910 meter and another at 3040 meter. Paungda Danda rock emerges from the second suspension brige and the trail joins to climb Pisang. Passing the Oble Dome rock wall the trail of Annapurna Circuit trek continued to upper Pisand, the place famous for architecturally magnificent village at 3100 meters. Overnight at Teahouse.
Day 9: Pisang to Manang (3500m) approx 5 hrs
After Pisang, we have alternate paths at north and south of the Marsyangdi River that meets up again at Mungji. The southern route by Hongde, with its airstrip, at 3325m involves less climbing than the northern route via Ghyaru, despite the fact that there are better views on the trail that follows the northern bank of the river. From Mungji, the trail continues past the quaint but partially hidden village of Bryanga at 3475m to nearby Manang at 3500m. Walking along the valley through the drier upper part of Manang (the unofficial trekking capital of the Annapurna Circuit) we can view Annapurna range. People of this area herd yaks and raise crops for leaving, beside this during winter they move to other places for trades. Overnight at Teahouse.
Day 10: Acclimatization day at Manang
Today we explore Manang valley to take some rest and acclimatization for next days. We spend our day walking and sightseeing around Manang village, learn some Manang culture and the daytime is best to gain altitude. Overnight at Teahouse.
Day 11: Manang to Yak kharka (4090m) approx 4 hrs
Leaving Manang the trail ascent steadily along the Jarsang Khola valley and reached Ledar at 4250 meter. Walking and glancing over the steadily sparse vegetations, we reach Yak Kharka at 4090 meter.
Day 12: Yak kharka to Throung Phedi(4420m) approx 4 hrs
Descending the trail, crossing the river at 4310 meters and again climbing through the trail takes you to Thorong Phedi at 4420 meters. At the foot of Thorung La Pass, this place gives your pleasant view of massive Annapurna region.
Day 13: Throung Phedi to Thorungla - la (cross over 5416m), then trek down to Muktinath 3802m) approx 8-9 hrs
The journey starts early in the morning from the foot of the hill to the Thorung La Pass, highest place of our twenty days Annapurna Circuit Trek. Crossing the steeply made pass, covered with stone, we hike gradually looking at magnificent views. Pass marked by Chortens and prayer flags looks nice and magnificent views imprinted in your memory. Passing Thorung we reach the sacred site of Muktinath at the elevation of 3802 meters. Hindus and Buddhists alike visit Muktinath. The temple is built in the pagoda style dedicated to Lord Vishnu or Avalokiteshwara as the Buddhists call him. For Hindus, Muktinath is one of the most important places of pilgrimage.
Day 14: Muktinath - Kagbeni – Jomsom - Marpha (2670m) approx 7 hrs
Finally, the Annapurna Circuit trek heads downhill, through the arid landscape to the ancient town of Kagbeni on the Kali Gandaki river. A maximum of three hours trek from Muktinath to Kagbeni (2800), where you can visit some two thousand five hundred years old monasteries and get to know some Himalayan culture. Looking back, Jomsom going out of sight. The landscape is truly amazing. The Annapurna Circuit trek threads its way along the Kali Gandaki riverbank to reach Marpha.
Day 15: Marpha to Ghasa (2480m) approx 6 hrs
Tall mountains line up on both sides of the river bed. Walking here, there are very few thoughts in the head and all you have to do is watch yor path ahead. The huge mountains stand quietly in the distance. Every once in a while you meet a trekker or two walk towards you, a nod and a hello starts and ends the brief acquaintance. The valley opens out, and great views of Dhaulagiri are visible.
Day 16: Ghasa to Tatopani (1219m) approx 6 hrs
Continue down the Kali Gandaki to the resort town of Tatopani, with its welcome hot springs and excellent restaurants.
Day 17: Tatopani –Beni- Pokhara approx 6 hr
The hike keeps going down, along single track, until Galeshwor. We take Jeep from Galeshwor and drive for around 16 Km before we reach Beni. Then another approximate five hours scenic drive by bus/car/van for Pokhara. Ovrnight at hotel.
Day 18: Pokhara rest & sightseeing
Pokhara is remarkable place, situated at 827 meters, for its natural beauty. Our guide will take us around Pokhara where we will visit Phewa Lake, Barahi Temple, Devi's Fall, Mahendra Cave, Seti Gandaki Gorge and Begnas Lake. You have some time in the evening to enjoy nightlife of Pokhara. Overnight at hotel.
Day 19: Pokhara to Kathmandu Approx 6 hrs driving
Around six hours scenic drive from Pokhara to Kathmandu. You can spend you rest of the time for personal shopping or individual sightseeing.
Day 20: Departure to destination country
Farewell and transfer to airport for flight back to destination country.
Although we do our best to follow the schedule above; on such adventurous trip like Annapurna Circuit Trek, itinerary is subject to change due to weather, route conditions, local politics, transport or and other factors beyond our control. Mosaic Adventure guide/leader would decide the best alternatives considering the best concern of the whole group.
| Trip Starts | Trip Ends | Availability | Price USD | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| February 26, 2012 | March 16, 2012 | US$ 1135 | ||
| March 4, 2012 | March 23, 2012 | US$ 1135 | ||
| March 11, 2012 | March 30, 2012 | US$ 1135 | ||
| March 18, 2012 | April 6, 2012 | US$ 1135 | ||
| March 25, 2012 | April 13, 2012 | US$ 1135 | ||
| April 1, 2012 | April 20, 2012 | US$ 1135 | ||
| April 8, 2012 | April 27, 2012 | US$ 1135 | ||
| April 15, 2012 | May 4, 2012 | US$ 1135 | ||
| April 22, 2012 | May 11, 2012 | US$ 1135 | ||
| April 29, 2012 | May 18, 2012 | US$ 1135 | ||
| May 6, 2012 | May 25, 2012 | US$ 1135 | ||
| May 13, 2012 | June 1, 2012 | US$ 1135 | ||
| May 20, 2012 | June 8, 2012 | US$ 1135 | ||
| May 27, 2012 | June 15, 2012 | US$ 1135 | ||
| June 3, 2012 | June 22, 2012 | US$ 1135 | ||
| June 10, 2012 | June 29, 2012 | US$ 1135 | ||
| June 17, 2012 | July 6, 2012 | US$ 1135 | ||
| June 24, 2012 | July 13, 2012 | US$ 1135 | ||
| July 1, 2012 | July 20, 2012 | US$ 1135 | ||
| July 8, 2012 | July 27, 2012 | US$ 1135 | ||
| July 15, 2012 | August 3, 2012 | US$ 1135 | ||
| July 22, 2012 | August 10, 2012 | US$ 1135 | ||
| July 29, 2012 | August 17, 2012 | US$ 1135 | ||
| August 5, 2012 | August 24, 2012 | US$ 1135 | ||
| August 12, 2012 | August 31, 2012 | US$ 1135 | ||
| August 19, 2012 | September 7, 2012 | US$ 1135 | ||
| August 26, 2012 | September 14, 2012 | US$ 1135 | ||
| September 2, 2012 | September 21, 2012 | US$ 1135 | ||
| September 9, 2012 | September 28, 2012 | US$ 1135 | ||
| September 16, 2012 | October 5, 2012 | US$ 1135 | ||
| September 23, 2012 | October 12, 2012 | US$ 1135 | ||
| September 30, 2012 | October 19, 2012 | US$ 1135 | ||
| October 7, 2012 | October 26, 2012 | US$ 1135 | ||
| October 14, 2012 | November 2, 2012 | US$ 1135 | ||
| October 21, 2012 | November 9, 2012 | US$ 1135 | ||
| October 28, 2012 | November 16, 2012 | US$ 1135 | ||
| November 4, 2012 | November 23, 2012 | US$ 1135 | ||
| November 11, 2012 | November 30, 2012 | US$ 1135 | ||
| November 18, 2012 | December 7, 2012 | US$ 1135 | ||
| November 25, 2012 | December 14, 2012 | US$ 1135 | ||
| December 2, 2012 | December 21, 2012 | US$ 1135 | ||
| December 9, 2012 | December 28, 2012 | US$ 1135 | ||
| December 16, 2012 | January 4, 2013 | US$ 1135 | ||
| December 23, 2012 | January 11, 2013 | US$ 1135 | ||
| December 30, 2012 | January 18, 2013 | US$ 1135 |
**Departure dates and itinerary arrangements can be custom-tailored to your needs, so please contact us by feeling this form or by sending mail to info@trekntour.com with your inquiries regarding your Annapurna Circuit trek departure date.
**Please feel free to compare the prices with other companies, if you feel that our charges are superfluous. But, be sure to compare the category of hotel, the qualification and experience of trekking guide, legitimacy of the company and other inclusions/exclusions. You might find other expensive prices and/or cheaper prices but Mosaic Adventure has included the items that are Essential for a great trip to Annapurna Circuit.
**Above quoted price could be changed with the alternation in the category of hotel, mode of transportation (by plane or by bus or by jeep etc) & any alternation in your Annapurna Circuit trek itinerary. Please contact us with these details if you are planning for customized itinerary made with your requirements.
Guaranteed: Trip is Guaranteed to run.
Limited: Trip is Guaranteed to run, but only with limited spaces. Please contact us.
Booked: Trip full or unavailable, but we can open new departure so please contact us.
1. Domestic Airport picks up & drops by private vehicle.
2. Three night's hotel accommodation in Kathmandu and two night in Pokhara, with breakfast.
3. City sightseeing tour in Kathmandu and local English-speaking guide throughout the tour as described in the program by private vehicle.
4. All your standard Meals (breakfast, lunch and dinner) during the trek.
5.Teahouse accommodation during the trek.
6. English speaking, government license holder guide and required number of Porters to carry your luggage during the trek, their food, accommodation, salary, insurance, equipments, medicine.
7. Al surface transport for you, guide and porter.
8. Annapurna Conservation are fee.
9. Trekker’s information management system(TIMS) card fee.
10. Entrance & monument fees at various sightseeing places.
11. Down Jacket, sleeping bag to use during the trek and T-shirt (yours to keep).
12. Travel & Rescue arrangements.
13. Farewell dinner in Kathmandu
14. All our government taxes and official expenses.
1. Lunch and dinner during your stay in Kathmandu and Pokhara.
2. Personal expenses such as laundry, telephone calls, sweets, snacks, tips, etc.,
3. Beverages like mineral water, juice, Coke, Fanta, Sprite as well as alcoholic drinks.
4. Travel Insurance (Essential).
5. Personal trekking equipment except stated above.
6. Tips for staffs and driver's.
7.Any loss arising due to unforeseen circumstances that is beyond Mosaic Adventure control
8. Other cost that are not mentioned above as include(s).
How fit do I have to be?
The hiking days during Annapurna Circuit Trek are approximately six hrs that include stops in few places. Maximum altitude is 5416m, with an average of 2500 meters. However, you will get enough time to acclimatize; especially our stay for acclimatization in Manang at 3540 meters would be very helpful. Annapurna Circuit trek combines low and high altitude hiking, mostly well established single-way tracks, with a variety of weather conditions.
Only that you be in good physical conditioning and be able to walk for four to six hours over hilly terrain with a light bag pack and a healthy lung is essential criteria for Annapurna Circuit Trek.
What is the level of accommodation like?
In Kathmandu and Pokhara you'll stay in a twin room with private facilities like attach bathroom, air conditioner etc (twin room not applicable if you have booked for only one person).
Tea house accommodation will be available during trekking period. According to the availability we will sleep in dormitories, twin and triple rooms. The bed are available with mattress of various thickness therefore you will be provided a sleeping bag to use throughout the trek.
Is pick up service available if my arrival in Kathmandu is before the actual trip starting date?
Definitely yes, if you let us know your airways name, arrival date and time, one of us will be there to guide you to the hotel you will be staying.
Is enough drinking water available? How many liters of water shall we carry in our day pack?
You will have enough water available throughout the trip. But, we recommend you to buy mineral water available in plastic bottles that can be bought at all teahouses.
You can carry 3-4 liters of water; you can get your bottle refilled at teahouses available throughout the trip.
Where can I keep my luggage?
You can keep the unnecessary items in the hotel in Kathmandu for free of charge.
Do I need to take walking poles?
Walking poles are not essential but would be useful especially on the way down. Poles help you balance on the way down and take the strain off of your legs (quad muscles) on some of the steep climbs.You can buy or hire those in Kathmandu.
Can I buy any equipment in Kathmandu or Pokhara before the start of the trip?
There are plenty of trekking shops in Kathmandu and Pokhara selling equipments for cheaper price comparing to the price in developed countries. You can get it for cheaper but cannot guarantee the quality.
Can I recharge my iPod, batteries while on the mountain?
Yes, you can recharge your iPod, batteries etc with solar system.
Plug types – 2 pin and 3 pin; Voltage- 250V; Frequency- 50Hz. Please remember that plugs might be different so don’t forget to buy adaptors in Kathmandu before the trip. Those are sold in the many stores and stalls on the street in Kathmandu. Recharge service is paid service, you can expect around 2-3$ per hour.
Is it recommended to get Nepalese visa in advance or at the airport?
Obtaining Nepalese visa at arrival is easier expecting some time queuing. If you get your visa in advance, you can avoid the queue.
Don’t forget to carry two passport size photographs and to bring cash as ATM is not available at the site.
Note: If you are staying for than 15 days, don’t forget to ask visa for 30 day.
Download Nepalese visa application form and fill it advance to avoid some que.
Can we take showers during the trek?
You can get hot shower service throughout the trip. You will find a common bathroom in most of the places.
How much money per day do you think I will need? What currency should I take?
Local currency in Nepal is rupees. Dollar is recommended as you can get it exchange easily. Though you get less rate on travellers cheque we suggest you to carry mixture of both depending on your need. Depending on your drinking habit around $10 per day for your extra drink and bar bill during the trek and around $20 for lunch/dinner in Kathmandu.
What do I have to carry with me on trek?
You will only have to carry a daypack, which should be a reasonable size to carry a water bottle, sunscreen, camera, etc. Your other packs are carried by porters.
What if I get sick while on trek?
It depends on nature of sickness. Normally if you get sick you will descend to lower altitude with help of support staff. But if the case is critical we will arrange emergency helicopter evacuation service. Our guide will take immediate action according to the situation.
These are the questions we are often asked and we hope that you will find the answers useful. Please don’t hesitate to contact us if you have any further queries.