Annapurna Circuit Trek - 19 days

Trip Info

Trip Code: DHA/ACT-19

Destination: : Nepal

Trekking Duration: 14 days

Trek Type : Teahouse Basis

Grade:

Maximum Elevation : 5,416M.

Avg. hours of walk / day : 5-6 hours

Best Month of the Year : April, May, October and November

Hotel Accommodation : 4 nights, 3-star twin sharing BB basis

Introduction to Annapurna Circuit Trek

The Annapurna Circuit Trek is rightly considered Nepal’s classic trek. More than any other equivalent length hike, it passes through virtually every type of scenery and terrain Nepal has to offer. It is also an excellent introduction to hiking in Nepal. The trek begins at the middle-hills village of Besi-Sahar on the Marshyangdi River, and then follows the river all the way from the Brahmin-Chhetri-Gurung settlement, through the Tibetan Buddhist region of Manang, and finishing at the beautiful city Pokhara in west Nepal.

assing through the monsoon rainforest and rhododendron forest, there are also many views of the tallest mountains in the area, including Fishtail, Dhaulagiri, Annapurna I, II, III, South, Tent Peaks and others. The high point of the trek is crossing Thorong-La Pass at 5,416 m, before descending into the Kali Gandaki Valley and stopping at the famous shrine of Muktinath. There are more villages, including Thakali, Magar and Gurung settlements before reaching the end at Pokhara.

Journey Outline of the Circuit

We start this classic trek driving 8 hours toward west Nepal to Beshishar, and next morning we continue driving with a local jeep to Dharapani. Only after Dharapani, we start our hiking following the Kali Gandaki river, passing some of the most beautiful landscapes and waterfalls. Sometimes we walk on the
jeep-able road and some time on the proper trekking trails. These days local jeeps can drive up to Manang.

Along the way, we can have the opportunity to visit the Buddhist monasteries to gain insight into Buddhist cultures and traditions. We stay 2 overnights in Manang for better acclimatization, and possibly hiking to Ice Lake (4,600m). Manang allows superb mountain views of Annapurna II, Annapurna III, Gangapurna and Tilicho Peak.

From Manang, we trek to Yak Kharka viewing the stunning views of Mt. Annapurna and its sister's peaks. After spending night in Yak Kharka, now we move to Thorang Phedi, it’s base to the Thorang La Pass (5,416m), from Phedi we start very early morning about 4:30 am as it will be the longest walking and climbing day of the trip over the Thorang La Pass and all the way down to Muktinath, it will be about 10 hour of walk with all most 1,000m ascent and 1650m descent. Muktinath is important holy temple of Hindu and Buddhist as well. We stay a night at Kagbeni and another night in Marpha, and both are small beautiful towns in the area and Marpha has huge Apple farms.

From Marpha we will take bus/jeep drive to Tatopani (hot spring) and finally, we will get into another part of the Annapurna, Ghorepani and Poonhill area. Before leaving Ghorepani, early morning we will hike to Poonhill for sunrise views of the mountains and also express a hearty thankfulness to the mountains to allow us a safe and successful trek in the Annapurna area. After walking about 3 hours from Ghorepani, we will take a jeep drive to Pokhara where our trip ends.

TRIP HIGHTLIGHTS

Thakali and Magar’s community
Local cultures of Gurung
Crossing over Thorang Pass (5,416m)
Mt. Annapurna (8091m) and other mountains
Breathtaking views of Mt. Dhaulagiri (8,167m)

DETAILS ITINERARY

Day 1
Arrival in KTM, transfer to hotel, briefing

After you arrive at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu, you will have to go through custom formalities. You will be greeted by our representative who will be anxiously waiting for you with a placard displaying your name in his hand. You will be transferred to the 3-Star category hotel in a private vehicle. Once you get refreshed, you will get briefing regarding the itinerary and you will also be introduced with your crewmembers and other trekkers who are going to join you on the trip. Enjoy welcome dinner in the evening where you can taste authentic Nepali dinner. Stay overnight in a hotel.

Day 2
Kathmandu Sightseeing Tour, Necessary preparation & Packing

In the morning after breakfast, we will organize half day sightseeing tour during which you will be taken on memorable UNESCO Heritage Tour. Tour begins with visit to Nepal’s holiest Pashupatinath Temple Complex and takes us through Nepal’s largest Bouddhanath Stupa and 2500 years old Swoyambhunath Stupa. We will return to hotel in the afternoon and time for shopping of any missing items, packing and getting ready for the trip

Day 3
Drive to Besishar (760m) 7-8 hours, O/N Guesthouse

After early breakfast, we will gather at Tourist Buspark, Kantipath and then drive through scenic Prithvi Highway with beautiful views of Nepal’s first cablecar at Kurintar and Marsyangdi River to Besisahar. We will leave the main trail towards Pokhara at Dumre and follow the branched road to Besisahar. We will pass through several Gurung, Magar and other villages before we reach Besisahar which is the District Head Quarter of Lamjung. There is a huge market area in Besisahar. It has a subtropical temperature and one can find deciduous forest at Besisahar. Stay overnight at Guest House.

Day 4
Jeep drive to Dharapani (1,860m) 5-6 hours

After breakfast, we will take a local jeep to Dharapani via Syange. Following the bumpy road, we will reach Syangewithin few hours of drive. We will pass through many ethnic villages on our way; such as Jagat, Chamje, Sattale, Tal etc. We beginour walk only from Dharapani. It takes about 5-6 hours to reach at Dharapani driving on bumpy and muddy road. Stay overnight at Dharapani.

Day 5
Trek to Chame (2,670m), 4-5 hours

We will notice change in vegetation from Dharapani onwards.Temperature also drops down from this point. Leaving Dharapani behind, we will follow the raised path through pine forest to reach Bagarchhap which is the first Tibetan fashioned village that we will meet in our way. From Bagarchhap, we will climb uphill to Danake. Moving through the farm land, we will enter forest area. Enjoy the views of Lamjung Himal, Annapurena II Mountain and other peaks and mountains. We will walk past Latamanang and Koto villages to reach Chame where we will stay overnight.

Day 6
Trek to Pisang (3,200m), 5 hours

We will start the trek on this day from the other side of river. We will walk along the northern edge of river and pass through pine forest. Moving through the dispersed villages, we will reach Bhartang which is famous for its apple garden. We will follow the gradually ascending path to bridge. The trail escalates uphill through pine forest to the top of Dhukur Pokhari hill. We will enjoy the close-up view of Pisang peak and Chulu peakas we walk along tree lines. Lowering down from the ridge over an hour, we will reach Pisang village. We will visit the local monastery and climb to the upper Pisang to enjoy view of Annapurna Range. Stay overnight at Pisang.

Day 7
Trek to Manang (3,540m), 4-5 hours

After an early morning tea, we will leave Pisang and walk through dense pine forest. We will enjoy the scenic views of surrounding Mountains as we walk through the forest to the top of the ridge from where we can get our first view of Manang valley. We will also get the view of Humde village and its small air-strip. Gangapurna Mountain, Annapurna II Mountain, Annapurna III Mountain, Tilicho Peak, Chulu East peak and Pisang peak also comes into view. We will proceed further to Humde village. The trail takes us uphill to Braga village. Depending on the time, we will visit Braga Monastery where we can see thankas and paintings. Climbing uphill for an hour, we will reach Manang where we will stay overnight.

Day 8
Acclimatization and rest day at Manang (3,540m)

This is the acclimatization day. We will utilize this day to take leisure stroll around Manang. Manang is a large village comprising of more than 500 houses. Manang allows unobstructed views of Annapurna II Mountain, Annapurna III Mountain (7,555 m), Gangapurna Peak (7454 m), Tilicho Peak (7132 m), Chulu West (6583) and Chulu East (6059 m) peaks. There also exists Himalayan Rescue Association in Manang where we can visit. Stay overnight in Manang.

Day 9
Trek to Yak Kharka (4,050m), 4-5 hours

Early in the morning, we will leave Manang and follow the ascending path from Manang to Tenki. The lush green area, Tenki allows views of close-up views of Annapurna Mountain, Gangapurna Peak and Tilicho peak. We will climb uphill through juniper bushes and reach Yak Kharka for overnight stay.

Day 10
Trek to Thorang-Phedi (4,525m), 4 hours

This is going to be a short and easy trek which will last for around three hours. We will follow the descending path with scenic views of mountains. After almost an hour, we will reach Ledar. The trail escalates uphill from Ledar through eastern edge of Jorsang River. Following the lowering path, we will reach river. We will cross the river over wooden bridge and reach to the tea shop. Following the narrow path, we will reach Thorong Phedi which is a small settlement located at the base of Thorong La Pass. Stay overnight at Thorong Phedi.

Day 11
Climb Thorongla (5,416), Descend to Muktinath (3,748m), 8-10 hours

This is the most difficult part of our trek. We will start our trek early before sunrise. After quick tea, the porters will arrange packing and then we will climb through the steep slope to reach the high camp (4,925m). We must not hurry and take slow stride. Enjoy the sunrise view over mountain. From High Camp, it takes almost three hours of gradual ascend to reach the top of Thorong La. We will enjoy mountain views and view of Kaligandaki valley and then we will lower down to Muktinath where we will stay overnight.

Day 12
Trek to Kagbeni (2800m), 3-4 hours

Muktinath is the holy temple that is sacred to both hindus and Buddhists. Muktinath means the Lord of Salvation. Visit Muktinath temple to see 108 water sprouts. There is also a Jwala Mai temple where fire lights up eternally. We will lower down from the temple and follow the descending path through dry land with no vegetation. We will reach to the bank of Kaligandaki River. Following the river, we will reach Kagbeni. We will visit monastery and stay overnight at Kagbeni.

Day 13
Drive to Tatopani (1,190m), 4-5 hours

After an early morning tea and breakfast, we will take jeep/bus drive about 4/5 hours to Tatopani via Jomsom, incase If we walk then its all on the jeepable road, so its better to drive and save the time. Jomsom is a headquarters of Mustang region which has an airstrip located above Kaligandaki River. Jomsom is one of the major trade post that exists in ancient trade route used by locals to trade with neighbouring Tibetans. Leaving Jomsom, we will follow the drive along the Kali Gandaki River and mountains. In couple of hours, we will reach Tatopani (Hot spring) and we will enjoy the hot spring there. Stay overnight in Tatopani in a guesthouse.

Day 14
Trek to Shikha Danda (1935m), 4 hours

Leaving Tatopani, we cross a suspension bridge over the Kaligandaki River, we will reach the point where trail branches off. One of the path takes us through river to Beni. We will turn left and climb uphill through farms and villages, and finally we reach to Shikha village and we stay there for overnight in a teahouse.

Day 15
Trek to Ghorepani (2,750m), 4 hours

After a warm breakfast in the morning, we will start our journey to Ghorepani, and its quite a climb uphill to the top and walk through farms, village and forest. Walking through the rhododendron forest, we will reach Ghorepani where we will stay overnight in a teahoouse.

Day 16
Trek to Tadapani (2,590m), 5 hours

We will prepare for trek quite early in the morning as we do not want to miss the opportunity of capturing sunrise view from Poon hill. 40 minutes of walk uphill from Ghorepani will take us to Poon hill. We will follow the scenic path through the Rhododendron forest. The name Poon hill is named after Pun ethnics, the inhabitant of the area. We will enjoy the panoramic views of far western Himalaya of over 600km of range including Dhaulagiri Mountain, Tukuche Peak, Dhampus, Nilgiri Peak, Annapurna Mountain, Machhapuchre Mountain (Fish Tail), Hiunchuli Peak, Manaslu Mountain, Lamjung Himal and other peaks and mountains. We will return to Ghorepani for breakfast. Lowering down from Ghorepani, we will traverse forest to reach Banthanti and reach Tadapani. Enjoy the views of Annapurna and Fishtail Mountains. Stay overnight in Tadapani in a local teahouse.

Day 17
Short trek to Ghandruk (3 hrs) and drive (3hrs) to Pokhara same day

We will walk about 3 hrs to Ghandruk through the forest, and get a local jeep to Pokhara the same day. Ghandruk is the main village of the area where the teahouses are better and nicer. The village has large inhabited for Gurung community, and every house has at least man already served or has been serving for British Gorkha army.

After lunch in Ghandruk, we take jeep drink to most beautful city of Nepal, Pokhara and we will enjoy the evening in Pokhara with most missing food and drinks.

Day 18
Fly to KTM, transfer to hotel and relax

We will drive to Pokhara Airport in the afternoon. Scenic flight from Pokhara will take us to Kathmandu. Take rest. Write a journal and arrange your photo albums. Stay overnight at hotel.

Day 19
Departure for flight to home

We will transfer you to the Airport as per your scheduled flight for your onward destination. Safe journey. We hope to see you soon.

Start Date

End Date

Availability

Price

Min.

HIRING OPTIONS

Down jacket (450 grams down) - USD 2 per/day
Sleeping bag (-20 degree rated) - USD 2.5 per/day

COST INCLUDES

Conservation/National park fees and all govt. taxes
All required trekking permits
4 (four) nights 3 star hotel accommodation on twin sharing BB basis
KTM - Beshishar - Dharapani by private vehicle (Car/Jeep/Bus)
Pokhara –KTM domestic airfares with domestic airport taxes
All airport/hotel/airport transfers by private vehicles
An Experience Sherpa Trek Guide
Support Sherpa staffs
Required number of porters
Trek sleeping bag and Down Jacket (on rental basis)
Trek duffle bag to each trek member
All meals of high quality and hygienic (breakfast, lunch, dinner)
All hot drinks and beverages (tea, coffee, hot chocolate, treated drinking water etc.)
Trek First Aid Kit
Insurance of all local team members
Equipment for porters
Half-day world heritage sites tour with guide & private transport
Farewell celebration dinner

COST EXCLUDES

Medical/personal high risk insurance
International departure taxes
Personal trek gears
Major meals in Kathmandu
Cost of personal expenses i.e. telephone calls, laundry, Toiletry items etc.
Bottle water, boiled water, soft drinks, beers
Tips to the local staff

Fitness Requirement Annapurna Circuit Trek

This kind of trek is challenging but doesn’t really require previous trekking and mountaineering experiences and also doesn’t require any technical experience. But if you have any previous experiences would be really helpful. Your fitness is crucial for this trek; therefore we strongly suggest preparing yourself in good physical condition. You need to be trained at least for about 3 to 5 months to prepare yourself as a strong candidate. You can go to the fitness center every morning for about 1.5 hours, do hiking every weekend with increasing weights on your pack, manage some time for cycling for a couple of hours for 2 or 3 times a week. However, at the high altitude, there might be little symptoms of altitude illness like mild headache, fatigue, etc. but take it as normal and just drink enough water (4 – 5 liters) every day. On this trek, you need to be able to hike 4 – 8 hours over hilly terrain up to 5,500m of altitude with a daypack.

Trekking and Hiking Experience

If you have any previous experiences of similar grade trek would be helpful, but if you don’t have is also not a really important matter of issue. This trek will introduce you to high altitude trekking in the Himalayas and also about the local cultures, traditions, and local people.
Even if you are around the age of 65 years, you can be a candidate for this trek.

Buddha statue at Muktinath Annapurna Circuit tre

Buddha statue at Muktinath Annapurna Circuit trek

Acclimatization trip from Manang Annapurna circuit trek

Thorang La Pass (5,416m) Annapurna Circuit Trek

Published on : November 03, 2022

Very well organised by Dawa Lama & his team . Our guide and porter were extremely helpful . At times our guide suggested slight changes to our itinerary which made it easier for us to approach & get over Thorang La pass. A brilliant trip for Mick & myself, Thanks to Dream Himalaya. On our return to Kathmandu Dawa again looked after us , highly recommended .

Colin Banner , Perth, Australia

Published on : January 17, 2018

This was my second trip with DHA and Dawa. My husband and I were part of group of 7 South Africans. Some of the team had never hiked before, whilst others were more experienced, Dawa and his professional team of Sherpas and Guides were able to read each personality and accomodate our needs and concerns with a gentle apporach. Every day was different - some days were long and hard others were short and we were were able to enteract with the incredible surroundings and with the gentle mountain people. We all became one family that were traveling across the most beautiful landscape. I highly recommend DHA and Dawa to anyone that has a desire to experience the Himalayas. This range of mountains has a way of getting under your skin and becoming part of you, hence my second visit. Dawa is always able to communicate promptly and ensures that you always feel well looked after and safe. Thank you to DHA and Dawa, we will be back for another visit. M and DiDi.

Maria and Derek Lawrence, Hout Bay, South Africa

Published on : January 08, 2018

Dream Himalaya Adventures gets my full endorsement! We were a group of seven South Africans trekking the Annapurna Circuit over sixteen days, with DHA taking care of all the admin in advance and on the trek, as well as providing wonderful and competent guides and porters who inspired complete confidence and were great company. Our guides were experienced mountaineers who looked after us with kindness, humour and enthusiasm. Dawa not only promptly and helpfully responded to queries beforehand, but also was able to join our trek which was an added bonus. Our itiniary remained flexible day-to-day to meet our specific needs and preferences. The respect between Dawa and his staff is palpable and added another positive layer to the experience. All in all, highly recommended!

Karla, Cape Town, South Africa

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Testimonials

Maicen Stuart

Vancouver, Canada

I had the amazing opportunity of trekking through Khumbu, Nepal over Renjo La towards Gokyo lake and back down through Namche Bazaar. This trip would have been impossible without the incredible support of the Dream Himalaya Adventures team. They handled all of the logistics and support throughout the trip so that our experience could be completely stress free. The amazing staff is so kind, friendly, and some of the best people that you'll have the opportunity of becoming acquainted with. I'll be going back soon with Dream Himalaya and I recommend you do the same!

Melissa Karadana & Archie Gilmour

Nederland & United Kingdom

Dream Himalaya provided an unforgettable adventure led by our exceptional guide Karma. His expertise, coupled with his genuine love and joy for the mountains, made him an absolute joy to be with for three weeks. With his support and the rest of the team, we successfully climbed Lobuche Peak. We couldn't have achieved it without Dawa's professionalism, meticulous planning, and genuine care.

Pasang Yangjee Sherpa

Vancouver, Canada

Dream Himalaya Adventures is a great service provider. We trekked along the Bhote Koshi towards Nangpa La. Then, crossed Renjo La and spent some time in Gokyo before heading south along the Dudhkoshi to Chumoa. Pema and Kami are extremely helpful, thoughtful, and reliable. They made our trek very comfortable. Our hosts at the guesthouses were kind and generous. Dawa and his team provided great service. I highly recommend Dream Himalaya Adventures.

Declan Taylor

Vancouver, Canada

We took a slow pace trekking clockwise up and over the Renzo pass. It was a stunning journey: all of the guesthouses we stayed in were lovely (warm, clean, with delicious food), and our guides were so kind and caring! Pema and Kami were so fun to spend the trek with, flexible in our group's plans, and very thoughtful, helping us achieve all that we wanted to do. I hope to do another trek with Dream Himalaya Adventures in the future!

Jerick Ilao

Philippines

To: Dream Himalaya Adventures c/o Dawa, The service you have provided during my trek was superb. Your services are excellent and worthy of recommendation. You deserve this recognition and appreciation!!! There is always a touch of excellence in your work! Thank you and God bless! Keep it up!

Rex Poblete

Manila, Philippines

Thank you to Dawa and Dream Himalaya Adventures for making our trip an adventure of a lifetime! Very professional with outstanding communication even during our preparation. All our expectations were exceeded! Staff was very kind and professional as well. Shout out to our Sherpa Pasang and our porters for a job well done. They took care of us well. Thanks to my hiking buddies Gary and Vlad your the best! Dream Himalaya Adventures is the way to go! 🙏

Jordan Puchar

Perth, Australia

A great experience & adventure even though quite challenging. Dawa from Dream Himalayan Adventures was excellent & very accommodating ,he makes sure you are well equiped for the adventure ahead. The accommodation on the trek is serviceable & the food surprisingly very good considering the remoteness. The staff at base camp ,sherpas & porters are all friendly ,helpfull & know their stuff. I would be very happy to use Dream Himalaya Adventures again.

Gary Genio

Manila, Philippines

I’m so glad I chose Dream Himalaya to handle the logistics for my EBC Trek this April 2023. Everything was meticulously planned, handled and executed from the get go which enabled me to enjoy a great hassle free trek. Everything from thé coordinator, guides and sherpa were awesome. Truly world class service from the day you arrive at KTM until you say your goodbyes . These are the stuff dreams are made of .

Brian Pugsley

Perth Western Australia.

What an adventure ! in a beautiful location surrounded by beautiful people. I was treated like family by Dawa and Pasang. All I have is beautiful memories and superb photos. I loved Nepal / Himalayas/ Everest region and would only recommend Dawa and the team to trek with in Nepal.

Joe and Jenny

Perth, Australia

We had the best time with the team from Dream Himalaya Adventures they went above and beyond for me and my wife before, during and after our trip I will be 100% returning to do my trips with Dawa and his team

19 days

Price 2023 : USD 1890 Price 2024 : USD 2095

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