Annapurna Round Trek
Annapurna Round Trek is the 2 weeks over long adventure trekking around the Annapurna massifs and other giant mountains in the Annapurna Region of Nepal. This trekking is also popularly known as Annapurna Circuit Trek.
Annapurna Round Trek route goes counter-clockwise from Besisahar to Nayapul reaching its summit in Thorung La Pass at altitude of 5416m. During this Annapurna circuit trek you will encounter and pass the following mountains: Manaslu, Langtang Himal, Annapurna II and IV, Annapurna III and Gangapurna, Annapurna I and Dhaulagiri. You will also cross through the world's deepest gorge in between Annapurna I and Dhaulagiri Mountains. The trek also goes through Buddhist villages and Hindu holy sites, most notably Muktinath. Walking though the Kali Gandaki valley you pass through fascinating trading villages like Marpha and Tukuche.
The Himalayan adventure of Annapurna Round trek starts from Kathmandu and follows the highway route of Thankot with the fresh view of White Mountains and Himalayas. Then the route goes with the view of Natural beauty of Trishuli River until the destination reach to Mugling Bazaar. Then goes ahead with the view of Manang Marsyangdi River.
The landscape changes from thick greenery to bare rock and windswept plains. The way up the Kali Gandaki Gorge follows the ancient trade route to Tibet. On leaving the Thakali village of Tukuche (2590m), a dramatic change occurs in the vegetation, from pine and coniferous forests to dry and desert-like terrain. Marpha is another important Thakali village of flat-roofed houses and narrow stone-paved alleys. Further up the trail, the Tibet-like country north of the Himalayan is a magical experience - bizarre rock formations carved out by the wind, vertical rock faces pockmarked with cave dwellings and high-altitude turquoise lakes.
Itinerary
Itinerary - 16 Days
Day 01: Arrival and meet day in Kathmandu Airport
First we welcome you to home of Mt. Everest, Nepal, country of Himalayas. Upon arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport our representative will welcome you and assists to transfer to your hotel in Kathmandu. You will have to make rest day in Kathmandu. Make permit day and you can look around in Kathmandu valley or make Sightseeing tour in the Kathmandu valley. After time to get refreshed, evening you will meet and transfer for the welcome dinner in Nepal Culture restaurant in the heart of Kathmandu and bring briefing about your trip and overnight hotel.
Day 02: Sightseeing tour around the Kathmandu Valley
Visit Kathmandu Durbar Square, Hanuman Dhoka, living goddess – Kumari, Pashupatinath, Baudhanath, Swayambunath etc. Overnight at hotel.
Day 03: Drive from Kathmandu to Besisahar by Car and Trek start to Ngadi Bazaar (930m), 1/2 hour
You will drive along the Prithivi Highway to Dumre and then drive towards Besisahar, the district headquarters of Lamjung district. All the local government offices are situated here. This headquarter is the centre for rural people for shopping daily usable commodities. And you can see nice view of the Himalayas. You will start the Annapurna Round Trekking from Besisahar to Ngadi for overnight.
Day 04: Trek Ngadi Bazaar to Jagat (1300m), 5/6 hour
The first part of the trail passes through flat level along the bank of the Manang Marshyangdi River. While passing from these area trekkers can observe local culture of Gurung community.
We reach Bahundanda for lunch. From Bahundanda the magnificent view of snow -capped mountains can be grasped through your eyes. A steep trail descends for early half an hour and then follows flat path through rice terraces. It then climbs again and traverses the hillside high above the river before reaching the village of Lali Gaon. Ahead the Marshyangdi valley forms a steep shape and you follow the winding mountain path down through Syange eventually you descend to the stone village of Jagat situated on a shelf which juts into the precipitous Marshyangdi valley.
Day 05: Trek Jagat to Dharapani (1860m), 5/6 hour
Day 04: Trek Bahundada or Sange to Chamje 1500m. 5/6 hour
Then we descend up and down through forest to Chamje. The first part of the trail descends to the river. After crossing suspension bridge we climb up to Sattale Climbing the zigzag path to the top of the hill, we see the level, plain of Tal before us. Though it is enclosed by cliffs, the level area looks reassuring after the harrowing mountain paths just traveled on. You descend to a grassy riverbank which leads to Tal with its hotels and teahouses. Here you can enjoy the exhilarating waterfalls .Beyond Tal, the valley narrows and the path becomes high and winding and in several areas hewn from the rock itself. Beyond the small village of Karte there is a bit more cliff-walking before the path drops again to the river. You cross a suspension bridge and climb the short distance to the stone mani marking the entrance to Dharapani and our camp for the night.
Day 06: Trek Dharapani to Chame (2670m), 4/5 hour
As you cut through a narrow field from the village, the Dudh Khola, which originates from the south face of Manaslu, enters on the opposite bank. The Marshyangdi then veers to the left and as Annapurna II becomes visible ahead, you arrive at Bagarchhap, a Bhote village with prayer flags fluttering in the breeze around Buddhist monastery. Continuing to climb through forests of pine and oak, you pass through Danaque There comes a small wooden bridge which takes you to follow steep ascent path up to Timang. It lies at the bottom of Lamajung Himal. The trail goes through flat level until you reach Chame where there are government offices, shops and hotels. Chame is the administrative headquarters for the Manang district.
Day 07: Trek Chame to Lower Pisang (3200m), 5/6 hour
With Lamjung Himal sparkling in the morning sun, you set off for Pisang. The mountain disappears as you climb the path up the valley, passing a huge apple orchard. You continue through a fir and pine forest, climbing to a high, rocky area as the opposite bank becomes an impassable cliff. From this point the valley becomes extremely steep-sided as you follow the path to Bhratang You now walk through a pine forest and as the forest ends, the valley changes from a V-shape to a gentle U-shape, opening up a wonderful vista before us.
Day 08: Trek Lower Pisang to Ngawal (3660m) 4/5 hour
You will really enjoy the wonderful trekking trail with the pastures by the Yaks, Horses and cattle. The trail offers some magnificent sights Annapurna. After short walk from Pisang village the trail forks and one climbs to the Ngawal from where the view of the Annapurna's is wonderful. Beyond Pisang, the trail climbs a steep ridge which affords good views of the Manang valley and Tilicho peak.
Day 09: Trek Ngawal to Manang (3540m) or Ghunsang
This day you start trek to the Manang valley. You can stay in Manang or after few hours rest hike about 2 hour to Ghunsang (3960m) and overnight stay there
Day 10: Trek Manang or Ghunsang to Yak Kharka (4018m), 3/5 hour
The landscape view is more like Tibetan plateau in Manang. It seems more gradual rather than up but hard to breathe and take longer time to cover the short distance. Now the trail ascends gently all the way to Yak Kharka passing through the Ghunsang village.
Day 11: Trek Yak Kharka to Thorung Phedi (4450m), 3/5 hour
Along the route, we will come across several lodges. As we approach the picturesque meadows and rich forests of barberry, juniper etc, we might be able to encounter horses and yaks grazing. The trail takes us further along a large stream that flows from Chulu West and Gundang. Lunch time at Letdar. From Letdar, we will ascend gradually to a ridge before descending to the headwaters of the Marshyangdi and will cross via a covered wooden bridge. After a short ascent up the mountain path on the right bank, we will follow a narrow trail across an unstable steep slope and then descend to Thorung Phedi.
Day 12: Trek early morning from Thorung Phedi to Thorung La Pass (5416m), and Muktinath (3700m) in 8/9 hour
You start early to cross Thorong La 5416m. The trail becomes steep immediately on leaving camp but as this trail has been used by local people for hundreds of years the path is well defined. The gradient then eases and after around 4 hours of steady climbing, we reach the chorten and prayer flags of the pass. From the snow-covered mountains above, to the head of the Kali Gandaki valley below and the brown and purple hills of Mustang, which spread out before us, we are presented with a dramatic tableau. The descent to Muktinath is a 1600m trek. Muktinath is a village of great religious significance and you will be transcended into a world of religion. It is a pilgrimage center for both Buddhists and Hindus alike.
Day 13: Trek Muktinath to Kagbeni (2800m) or Jomsom (2720m), 6/7 hour
You can visit the Temple of Muktinath, Buddhist Monastery and the famous natural gas light which is known as the flame of Muktinath. Enjoy the spectacular view of Nilgiri and Daulagiri mountains. After lunch, the trek to Kagbeni will start. The hike is downhill and easy, passing by Tibetan-like villages until you reach Kagbeni which is situated in the Lower Mustang district.
Day 14: Fly out from Jomsom to Pokhara, 20min and Pokhara sightseeing tour
You can fly out from the windiest place in Jomsom to the place of nature in Pokhara. It takes only 20 min on the Jomsom – Pokhara flight. Lunch time in Pokhara and go for sightseeing tour in the Pokhara city.
Day 15: Drive or fly back to Kathmandu, evening farewell cultural programme
It takes 6 to 7 hour if you wish to drive back to Kathmandu. You can also fly back to Kathmandu from Pokhara which takes only 30 min. It will be the best opportunity to experience the mountain Himalayan flight over the Pokhara valley and the Kathmandu valley. You will be transferred to the farewell and cultural programme in the evening. Transfer to the hotel and overnight.
Day 16: Departure from Kathmandu, Nepal to your home country
See you again wonderful Himalayan country in Nepal. Today is free or last minute you have few hour special shopping for your friend and family to gift, relatives for you until your departure flight to your home country. Or any extra trips or activities you may have booked with us. If departing, you will be transferred to the International Airport for your departure flight to your home country. Hope to see you again Nepal Himalayan country.
Itinerary – 21 days
Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu Meet Day in Airport
Day 02: Full day sightseeing in the Kathmandu valley
Day 03: Drive from Kathmandu to Besisahar by Car and Trek start to Ngadi Bazaar (930m), 1/2 hour
Day 04: Trek Ngadi Bazaar to Jagat (1300m), 5/6 hour
Day 05: Trek Jagat to Dharapani (1860m), 5/6 hour
Day 06: Trek Dharapani to Chame (2670m), 4/5 hour
Day 07: Trek Chame to Lower Pisang (3200m), 5/6 hour
Day 08: Trek Lower Pisang to Nawal (3660m) 4/5 hour
Day 09: Trek Nawal to Manang (3540m), 3/5 hour
Day 10: Acclimatization day at Manang and hiking etc
Day 11: Trek Manang to Yak Kharka (4018m), 4/5 hour
Day 12: Trek Yak Kharka to Thorung Phedi (4450m), 3/5 hour
Day 13: Trek early morning from Thorung Phedi to Thorung La Pass (5416m), and Muktinath (3700m) in 8/9 hour
Day 14: Trek Muktinath to Kagbeni (2800m), 3/4 hour
Day 15: Trek Kagbeni to Jomsom (2720m), and Jeep drive to Tatopani (1190m), enjoy hot spring and overnight.
Day 16: Trek Tatopani to Ghorepani (2860m), 6/7 hour and this day is hot day. And early morning visit Poon Hill (3200m) for super view point
Day 17: Trek Ghorepani to Tadapani (2630m), 5/6 hour, excellent Mountain View point
Day 18: Trek Tadapani to Ghandruk (1940m), 3/4 hour and visit Gurung Museum and old village
Day 19: Trek back from Ghandruk to Pokhara, 3/4 hour
Day 20: Fly back from Pokhara to Kathmandu, Farewell cultural programme
Day 21: Departure from Kathmandu, Nepal to your home country
Trekking Map
Price Info
This is the detail for the Group package tour and trekking: Group Size 2 / 4 / 6 / 10 Hikers and larger groups can also be arranged.
Price Includes
- Airport/hotel pick up & drop services
- Hotel accommodation with BB plan as per the itinerary in Kathmandu and Pokhara
- All ground transportation as per the itinerary program by private vehicles
- Kathmandu-Pokhara-Kathmandu domestic airfare if required
- All necessary paper works, temple/museum entry fee and National park fee
- Annapurna Conservation Permit and TIMS card (for 2 or 3 weeks trekking)
- An experienced English speaking guide (trained by Ministry of tourism) and porters, necessary meal/accommodation/transportation/salary/insurance
- All accommodation and meal (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Tea, Coffee in Tea House) during the trek
- Welcome and farewell dinner in a Nepali Restaurant
- All government and local taxes
Price Excludes
- International airfare and travel insurance
- Nepal Tourist Visa fee. Visa easily issued at Tribhuvan International Airport - Kathmandu
- Extra night accommodation other than itinerary
- Lunch and evening meals in Kathmandu and Pokhara
- Sightseeing in Kathmandu
- Travel and helicopter rescue insurance (incase altitude sickness in the mountain)
- Personal expenses (phone calls, laundry, bar bills, battery recharge, extra porters, bottled or boiled water, shower, heater, etc.)
- Tips, gifts for the staff
