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.
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.
Day 1
Arrival in KTM, transfer to hotel, briefingDay 2
Kathmandu Sightseeing Tour, Necessary preparation & PackingDay 3
Drive to Besishar (760m) 7-8 hours, O/N GuesthouseDay 4
Jeep drive to Dharapani (1,860m) 5-6 hoursDay 5
Trek to Chame (2,670m), 4-5 hoursDay 6
Trek to Pisang (3,200m), 5 hoursDay 7
Trek to Manang (3,540m), 4-5 hoursDay 8
Acclimatization and rest day at Manang (3,540m)Day 9
Trek to Yak Kharka (4,050m), 4-5 hoursDay 10
Trek to Thorang-Phedi (4,525m), 4 hoursDay 11
Climb Thorongla (5,416), Descend to Muktinath (3,748m), 8-10 hoursDay 12
Trek to Kagbeni (2800m), 3-4 hoursDay 13
Drive to Tatopani (1,190m), 4-5 hoursDay 14
Trek to Shikha Danda (1935m), 4 hoursDay 15
Trek to Ghorepani (2,750m), 4 hoursDay 16
Trek to Tadapani (2,590m), 5 hoursDay 17
Short trek to Ghandruk (3 hrs) and drive (3hrs) to Pokhara same dayDay 18
Fly to KTM, transfer to hotel and relaxDay 19
Departure for flight to homeThis 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.
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.
Published on : December 03, 2024
Nov 2024 • FriendsWe did the Annapurna Circuit Trek with Nar-Phu and Tilicho Lake deviations with Dream Himalaya Adventures in Oct/Nov 2024. The guide Dorje was knowledgeable about the area, and he and our porter Phurba were very attentive to our needs. We had a great time on the trek. I have done several treks with Dream Himalaya and all of them were well organised. I do not hesitate to recommend them to anyone.Sushila Rajagopal , Bangalore. INDIA
Published on : January 17, 2024
We chose Dream Himalayas because my partner, Twyla, previously engaged with them in 2013 to trek the Everest Base Camp. She had a wonderful experience with Dawa and his team; they made her EBC dreams come true and she fondly remembers how very well taken care she her trekking partner were on their private trip. So when the opportunity to visit Nepal came in 2023, we did not hesitate to contact Dawa and to inquire if he could customize a bike-trek-bike itinerary for us.
For the past years, we have transitioned from trekkers to bike tourers and we wanted to take on the challenge of biking the Annapurna Circuit but we wanted to do it with an experienced outfitter that we can trust and be sure we’d be taken care of in case of emergency. Dream Himalaya did not disappoint; not only did Dawa present us with options – a bike-trek-bike through the Annapurna Circuit, he also accommodated our request for a side trip to Tilicho lake. He also presented us with the opportunity of being with our bikes the whole bike-trek trip with an offer of guide and porters helping us through difficult sections of pushing including crossing Thorong La. For 15 days we were with our guide Pasang, and our porters Galgyen and Pemba, and for the first time since we started bike touring, we experienced how it felt to be taken care of – we only had to worry about biking from one section to another, and the boys took care of finding us the best accommodation with the best views our stop could offer, helping us unpack and find places for bikes, and ensuring we had our meals on time even when tea houses were busy and full packed. Pasang, our guide, was also very skilled and with particular attention to detail and safety. Whenever my partner had a problem with her bike, Pasang was able to fix the problem. Our porters Pemba and Galgyen were always attentive and full of energy – always ready to help, but also allowing us to push and carry our bikes on our own for as long as we are able to. We have grown to love the Dream Himalaya boys during our 15 day trip- feeling like saying goodbye to good friends when the our trip ended.
Even beyond our 20 day trip package with Dawa, Dawa still took care of us when in Kathmandu, when my partner had to go to the ER due to an arrhythmia attack. Such concern and attention, such wonderful and lifelong memories that even before leaving Nepal, we are already dreaming of going on another trip with the Dream Himalaya team.Rosanne Marie, Manila, Philippines
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
Excellent communication with Dawa! We had some WhatsApp calls and discussed everything necessary in advance. I appreciate the assistance with the rental in KTM and the prompt solution for transporting luggage. Additionally, I am grateful for arranging the rental of crampons when I realized in BC that my crampons didn’t fit my large boots.
Annapurna Circuit Trek with Nar-Phu and Tilicho Lake Nov 2024 • Friends We did the Annapurna Circuit Trek with Nar-Phu and Tilicho Lake deviations with Dream Himalaya Adventures in Oct/Nov 2024. The guide Dorje was knowledgeable about the area, and he and our porter Phurba were very attentive to our needs. We had a great time on the trek. I have done several treks with Dream Himalaya and all of them were well organised. I do not hesitate to recommend them to anyone.
Excellent private Kanchenjunga circuit trek, with Drohmo Ri ascent, Nupchu Pokhari side trip and more Oct 2024 • Couples While we were looking for a support agency for a customized trekking program for the Kangchenjunga area, we immediately appreciated the fact that Dream Himalaya Adventures already included the possibility of climbing Drohmo Ri, a non-technical but almost 6000m high viewpoint, above the North Base Camp of Kangchenjunga. The Managing Director Dawa Sherpa then answered very accurately and quickly all our additional questions about other possible optional excursions, the possibility of managing the stages in a flexible way, the possible overnight stay in Pangpema, the difficulties of the itinerary, the conditions of the accommodation and the current possibilities of road access to the
Family trip to EBC Aug 2024 • Family Dream Himilaya provided superb comms and logistics and bespoke service for my family. Dawa and the team are real experts with good contacts. Would definitely recommend.
Great experience! Oct 2024 • Couples Great experience with the agency and all of the employees who are extremely professional yet warm, welcoming and always ready to help. Everything from beginning to the end was easily arranged and worked perfectly. I definitely recommend it 200 %
Amazing Everest Base Camp Trek Nov 2024, Had an amazing time with Dream Himalayan Adventures. Despite such short notice, they were able to organise an EBC trek and assigned a very capable and competent local guide who happens to be an excellent photographer.
I highly recommend Dream Himalaya. They have a first-rate operation with personal attention to trek planning, good communication before and during the trek, and excellent trek organization. In spring 2024 I contacted Dream Himalaya to arrange a custom solo private trek. Dream Himalaya came recommended by a Sherpa friend who has used their services a lot. Dream Himalaya’s manager, Dawa Sherpa (Lama), corresponded with me via email to plan the trek and made all arrangements. Dawa Sherpa fine-tuned the trip arrangements exactly as I wished and came through on every detail, including arranging a private jeep to and from trailheads, telephoning lodges to reserve rooms (this is important during busy times of the year on popular routes), and providing an
The trip was excellent! This was our third trip to Nepal after Annapurnatrek and Kailash and agencywise it was by far the best one! Already the time in Kathmandu was greatly planned. During the trek and climb (14 days) everything worked out perfectly. Our guide (Nigma, a multiple Everest summiter (!)) was more then experienced and summit days was a blast for me and my son (16 y.). On ChoLa Pass (5.300 m) we got in a little trouble, since my wife had problems with the altitude, but this was solved immidiatly by our guide with a bottle of oxygene and she got down safely. As far as I can tell, we always stayed in the nicest guest- and teahoues
Très bonne organisation de la planification jusqu'au départ. Professionnel. L'équipe au BC est top Merci Dawa. In English translation Very good organization from planning to departure. Professional. The team at BC is great Thanks Dawa.
From the first morning meeting, when Dawa Sherpa Lama (our trip organizer and guide) carefully advised us on what to pack and what to leave in hotel in Kathmandu while we were on our high altitude trek, to the hike from Lukla to Namche Bazaar to the Sherpa village of Thame, to Everest View Hotel and then up to Tengboche Monastery -- and finally back to the city for tourist sites and shopping, we were in the best of hands. We had fun, we felt adventurous and always safe and well accommodated at nice tea houses and lodges. Such an amazingly stunning country! All the special requests I had made for research for my book were met and then some.
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