Annapurna Circuit Trek on a shoestring - 16 Days
ANNAPURNA CIRCUIT HIGHLIGHTS:
- One of the most beautiful treks on the planet.
- Trek along the world’s deepest canyon – the Kali Gandaki.
- Immerse yourself in the Nepalese culture and sleep in local tea houses.
- Meet the Thakali families and experience the warm Nepalese hospitality.
- Impressive suspension bridges swinging high over rivers.
- Breathtaking vistas and spectacular views of Mt. Dhaulagiri, Mt. Nilgiri, Annapurna I, Annapurna South, Mt. Fishtail, Mt. Manaslu, Annapurna II and many other peaks.
- Visit Muktinath, a famous sacred pilgrimage site for Hindus and Buddhists.
- Enjoy the natural scenery of Manang.
- Stunning sunrise over towering peaks in Poon Hill.
- Cross Thorong La (5416m): highest point of the Annapurna Circuit.
Day 01. DRIVE FROM KATHMANDU TO BESISAHAR BY TOURIST BUS
Early in the morning, we will drive from Kathmandu to Besisahar via Dumre by tourist bus.
Accommodation: Guest house.
Day 02. DRIVE TO CHAME BY LOCAL JEEP (2710m)
We will drive from Besisahar to Chame (starting point of the trek) by local jeep.
Accommodation: Tea house.
Day 03. TREK FROM CHAME TO UPPER PISANG (3310m) | ≈ 6 hours
We will start our trek from Chame to Upper Pisang. We will walk through the valley and witness the stunning view of the beautiful Paungda Danda rock face (the Gateway to Heaven). We will stop for lunch at Dhukur Pokhari before reaching Upper Pisang.
Accommodation: Tea house.
Day 04. TREK FROM UPPER PISANG TO MANANG (3540m) | ≈ 7 hours
It'll be a long trekking day. We will continue our trek through the upper part of the Manang District, from Upper Pisang to Manang. The landscape will change and we will see clear panoramic views of the Annapurna range.
Accommodation: Tea house.
Day 05. MANANG - ACCLIMATIZATION DAY
The key to a successful trek is a proper acclimatization. Today, we will stay in Manang. Short hike to the Gangapurna Lake and visit of a Buddhist Gompa.
Accommodation: Tea house.
Day 06. TREK FROM MANANG TO YAK KHARKA (4020m) | ≈ 4 hours
We will trek from Manang to Yak Kharka (via Tenki and Ghunsang) and enter the Jarsang Khola Valley.
Accommodation: Tea house.
Day 07. TREK FROM YAK KHARKA TO THORONG PHEDI (4540m) | ≈ 3-4 hours
Short hike today (3-4 hours). We will trek from Yak Kharka to Thorong Phedi via Letdar. We will rest in the afternoon in order to be ready for tomorrow's challenge: crossing the "Thorong La Pass".
Accommodation: Tea house.
We will cross Thorong La Pass, the highest point of the Annapurna Circuit (5416m) and the most challenging part of our trek. Exceptional vistas on the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri massifs and Mustang high altitude deserts.
Then, we will continue our trek down to Muktinath. Temples and religious shrines are the major attractions of this holy place. Muktinath is an important pilgrimage site for Hindus and Buddhists. In Muktinath, if you have the courage to do so, you can follow Hindu devotees and take a holy bath under the 108 chilled fountains (Muktidhara).
Accommodation: Tea house.
Day 09. TREK FROM MUKTINATH TO MARPHA (2680m) VIA LUPRA VALLEY | ≈ 6-7 hours
After breakfast, we will trek through the beautiful Lupra valley, far from the crowds and avoiding (partially) the jeep road. Then, we will enter the Kali Gandaki valley and walk to Jomsom. We will continue our hike to Marpha on a flat trail through a desert-like landscape. Marpha is a charming town renowned for its apples and brandy.
Accommodation: Tea house.
Day 10. TREK FROM MARPHA TO KALOPANI (2530m) | ≈ 6 hours
We will leave the beautiful Marpha and trek to Kalopani, following the Kali Gandaki river. Kalopani is well-known for its wonderful views of Annapurna I.
Accommodation: Tea house.
Day 11. TREK FROM KALOPANI TO TATOPANI (1190m) | ≈ 7 hours
After breakfast, we will trek down to Ghasa. We will cross a suspension bridge. Then, we will trek through the subtropical forest to Rupse Chahara (famous waterfall). We will continue our trek to Tatopani and enjoy its hot springs. Do not forget your swimsuit!
Accommodation: Tea house.
Day 12. TREK FROM TATOPANI TO GHOREPANI (2874m) | ≈ 7-8 hours
It'll be a big and challenging ascent today. Steep climb up to Ghorepani, through a dense rhododendron forest.
Accommodation: Tea house.
Day 13. HIKE FROM GHOREPANI TO POONHILL (3210m) AND TREK FROM POONHILL TO TADAPANI (2630m) | ≈ 6-7 hours
We will wake up around 4 am and begin our hike to Poonhill at 4:30 am sharp (≈ 1 hour hike). Witness the spectacular Poonhill sunrise over towering peaks. Enjoy the breathtaking views of Mt. Dhaulagiri, Annapurna I, Annapurna South, Mt. Fishtail, Mt. Manaslu, Annapurna II and many other peaks.
We will hike down, enjoy a nice breakfast before continuing our trek to Tadapani through the dense rhododendron forest.
Accommodation: Tea house.
Day 14. TREK FROM TADAPANI TO GHANDRUK (1940m) | ≈ 4 hours
We will continue our trek down to Ghandruk, a beautiful Gurung village.
Accommodation: Tea house.
Day 15. TREK FROM GHANDRUK TO NAYAPUL (≈ 4 hours) AND DRIVE TO POKHARA BY LOCAL BUS
Our last trekking day. After breakfast, we will trek from Ghandruk to Nayapul. Then, we will drive to Pokhara by local bus.
Accommodation: Guest house.
Day 16. DRIVE FROM POKHARA TO KATHMANDU - END OF THE TOUR
- Rucksack or duffle bag.
- Daypack.
- Swimsuit (for the hot springs!).
- Outdoor clothing: Outdoor clothing should be tough and comfortable. Wearing several thin layers is better than a few thick layers.
- Trekking boots, trainers & sport sandals. Lightweight socks & med-heavy wool socks.
- Gaiters.
- Crampons.
- Water Bottle or Hydration Bladder with Water Purification Tablets. We recommend LifeStraw, an advanced water filter bottle.
- Trekking Pants & Shorts.
- Trekking shirts.
- Lightweight thermal pants.
- Breathable underwear.
- Fleece jacket.
- Down jacket.
- 1 waterproof jacket.
- Gloves.
- Scarf.
- Sun hat and knit cap.
- Balaclava.
- Trekking poles.
- Sunscreen.
- Sunglasses.
- Flashlight.
- Sleeping bag.
- Wash kit & Travel towel.
- Medicine (in particular, diarrhea medication): Isotonic Powder/ Basic First Aid Kit/ Bandages/ Diamox/ Oximeter / Ibuprofen for general aches and pains/ Imodium or Pepto Bismol capsules for upset stomach or diarrhea.
- Copies of important documents (passport, vaccination certificates, travel insurance), air tickets & extra passport photos.
- Power adapters.
- Padlocks.
- Insect repellent.
- Camera with extra cards and extra batteries.
- Little trash bags to carry your waste during your trek.
*THIS LIST IS NOT EXHAUSTIVE.
What’s included
- Pre-departure support.
- Experienced and government licensed English-speaking trekking guide.
- All ground transportation (tourist buses, local jeep and local bus).
- Accommodation on twin sharing basis (15 nights): tea houses during the trek and guest houses in Besisahar and Pokhara.
- Porter service (2 members : 1 porter).
- Trekking permits.
- First aid kit/s including a pulse oximeter to monitor your oxygen during your trek.
- Little trash bags to carry your waste during your trek.
- All government taxes, VAT and service charges.
What’s NOT included
- International flights and domestic flights.
- Meals.
- Tips for guide & others.
- Personal climbing boots, clothing & equipment.
- Personal expenditures, all bar bills, laundry, telephone calls, nutri-bars, etc.
- Medical examination (if required) & vaccination costs.
- Visa fees.
- Travel and rescue insurance.
- Anything else not specified in the ‘what’s included’ section above.
Health:
Excellent level of fitness.
Very active walker-climber in good health.
Experience:
You should be able to walk for 5 to 10 hours in a day.
You are required as a condition of booking to have an adequate travel insurance.
Please note: Before your arrival, we will send you a complete detailed brochure regarding Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) and how to prevent it. Please read this brochure carefully.
Our local trekking guides are highly experienced in preventing, recognizing and treating altitude sickness. They will monitor your health closely during your trek. A proper acclimatization is not only essential but also a necessary life-saving measure.
