Annapurna Circuit Trek - 16
Days
Annapurna Circuit Trek lets you tread on ancient trails and walk through a diverse landscape. Stay at family-run teahouses and enjoy local hospitality. Explore ancient village squares and monasteries. Walk past sacred mani walls and spin Buddhist prayer wheels, sending out a prayer to the mountain gods. Interact with locals and experience indigenous mountain cultures. Get awed by the magnificence of the towering peaks and frozen lakes. Ascend the high pass of Thorong La and reach the edge of the Tibetan plateau. One of the classic long-distance treks in the world, Annapurna Circuit (also called Annapurna Round Trek), is a Himalayan adventure beyond compare!
Annapurna Circuit Trek, a classic trek in the Nepal Himalaya, takes you to one of the world's most popular trekking trails. A favorite of many trekkers who have been to the Himalayas, hiking the Annapurna Circuit allows you to complete a loop in the Annapurna region. The journey takes you from lush green terraced farms to barren landscapes surrounded by soaring icy mountains.
Your Annapurna Circuit Trekking begins from Lower Pisang. Tread on ancient trails used by locals and traders trading along the old Tibet trade route. Cross one of the highest mountain passes in the world, Thorong La Pass.
There are many highlights of this trek: the fascinating journey past the two river valleys, Marshyangdi and Kali Gandaki, crossing the challenging Thorong La Pass (bordering Tibet), the exciting hike through the Kali Gandaki gorge to Muktinath, a holy mountain shrine sacred to both Hindus and Buddhists. But the one which will remain etched in your mind is the walk through the high altitude lakes of Tilicho Lake Thorong La pass and Ice Lake. After crossing the Thorong La, head down to Muktinath. And make your way to the mountain town of Jomsom.
Throughout your journey, our experienced trek leader will be there to guide you. He will dispense valuable advice and nuggets of information about the people and places along the trail. Many who have completed the Annapurna Circuit swear that Nepal has to offer this is the best trek. All trekkers highly recommend the circuit as a spectacular trekking route. The diversity of landscape, mountain views, culture, and people you encounter during the trek are incomparable.
Short on time or a first-time trekker? Do check out these treks! Annapurna Base camp Trek-11 days, Annapurna Sanctuary Trek-13 days, Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek-7 days, Mardi Himal Trek-9days and Khopra Ridge Trek-10 days,
Tobias Schneider
| March 19, 2020
Henrik Petersen
| March 01, 2020
Barbara Kinward
| November 26, 2019
Patrick Kelly
| November 17, 2019
Craig Hanson
| November 09, 2019
| Day | Highlights |
|---|---|
| Day 1 | Arrival in Kathmandu (1,400m/4,428ft) |
| Day 2 | Drive to Jagat (1,300m/4264ft) via Besisahar |
| Day 3 | Drive to Lower Pisang (3,200m/10,498ft) via Chame (2670m/8,759ft) |
| Day 4 | Trek to Manang (3,540m/11,613ft) |
| Day 5 | Acclimatization hike to Ice Lake (4,600m/15,091ft) and return to Manang |
| Day 6 | Second Acclimatization Day in Manang (3,540m/11,613ft) : Visit Himalayan Rescue Association’s Clinic |
| Day 7 | Trek to Sri Kharkha (4,000m/13,122ft) |
| Day 8 | Trek to Tilicho Base Camp (4150m/13,614ft) |
| Day 9 | Hike to Tilicho Lake (4,920m/16,141ft/) and return to Sri Kharkha |
| Day 10 | Trek to Yak Kharka (4,050m/13.286ft) |
| Day 11 | Trek to Thorong Phedi (4,525m/14,845ft) |
| Day 12 | Cross Thorong La Pass (5,416m/17,769ft) and trek Muktinath (3760m/12,335ft) |
| Day 13 | Visit Muktinath Temple and trek to Jomsom (2,720m/8,923ft) |
| Day 14 | Fly to Pokhara (800m/2,625ft) |
| Day 15 | Drive to Kathmandu (1,400m/4,593ft) |
| Day 16 | Final Departure |
Annapurna Circuit Trek Map
Enjoy the view of Kathmandu spreading below before your plane lands at Tribhuvan International Airport. Upon your arrival, our representative will meet you at the airport terminal and drive you to your hotel. Freshen up and take some rest. Later in the afternoon or evening attend a pre-trek briefing.
Meet your trek leader and if you have any questions about the trek you can ask your trek leader. Get your trekking gear and equipment checked. If you have missed out on any items you can always buy them in Kathmandu. Thamel, Kathmandu’s tourist district is lined with stores selling trekking gear and equipment- from budget to branded stuff.
As you will have an early start on Day 2 it is advisable to schedule your arrival to Kathmandu in the morning or during the daytime. This will allow you to attend the pre-trip briefing and give you ample time to rest before the start of your Annapurna adventure.
Overnight in Kathmandu
You leave Kathmandu and drive along the winding road down to Naubise. Mesmerizing views of green hills and local farms fill the landscape. Drive beside the glacial river of Trishuli before reaching the confluence of Marshyangdi and Trishuli rivers. Cross a bridge spanning the Marshyangdi river and drive along the Prithvi Highway.
The road winds along a verdant forest. Drive past the charming town of Besisahar, set beside the Marshyangdi river. Your destination is Jagat, an ancient settlement that was once the point where taxes were collected from travelers traveling along the old Tibet trade route. Once you reach Jagat head to a teahouse and take a well-deserved rest.
Overnight in Jagat.
Valley Near Pisang
From Jagat drive to the ancient village of Lower Pisang via Chame. You follow a rough jeep track past a landscape filled with brown hills, cascading waterfalls, snowy peaks and pine trees. Drive past a lunar landscape before reaching the village of Lower Pisang. Head to a teahouse and after a brief rest, explore this ancient village.
Pisang is divided into Upper and Lower Pisang. Lined with prayer wheels mani walls and chortens, Upper Pisang is the old settlement. The village is filled with ancient traditional houses and an old monastery. Most of the teahouses and business establishments are located in Lower Pisang. There’s not much greenery in this part of the world and the landscape is barren.
The inhabitants of Upper and Lower Pisang are descendants of Tibetan settlers. They follow Tibetan customs and their lifestyle is similar to Tibetans. From here you can savor close-up views of Pisang Peak, Lamjung Himal, and Annapurna II.
Overnight in Lower Pisang.
You begin your Annapurna Circuit Trek from here. Today you will be walking along with one of the toughest but also the most beautiful section of the trail. The hike involves steep ascents with glorious views of the Annapurna Massif and other peaks and the Marshyangdi River valley. The landscape is partly arid (like the Tibetan plateau) with some sections covered with pinewood forest.
Walkthrough the picturesque settlements of Ghyaru and Nawal. It is a tough climb but the views are awesome. The pointed summit of Annapurna III and Tilicho or Tent Peak look over the trail. Braga is an old village filled with traditional houses built by Tibetan settlers. The village has one of the oldest Buddhist monasteries in Nepal.
From Braga take a short walk to Manang. The trail is even and easy. Within a short duration of just 40 minutes, you will reach this ancient settlement. Head to a teahouse once you reach the settlement and take a well-deserved rest.
Overnight in Manang.
Gangapurna Lake at 3,540m is a glacial lake in the Manang district of Nepal
Spend a day in Manang acclimatizing. The village of Manang lies at the foot of Annapurna III and offers splendid views of Gangapurna and Annapurna. Take an acclimatization walk today to Ice Lake. Locally known as Kicho Tal, the trail to the Ice Lake winds along the northern slopes of Chulu East. The lake is fed by the Chulu River that flows down the slopes of Chulu East. Spend some time soaking in the peaceful and heavenly ambiance. Take pictures before retracing your steps back to Manang.
Overnight in Manang.
You spend an additional day in Manang acclimatizing. Inhabited by Manages, the settlement is known as the home of merchants trading along the Upper Mustang and Tibet route. Explore the village, visit the monastery and interact with the locals. Take an acclimatization walk and visit the Himalayan Rescue Association’s Clinic. The clinic was established in1981 to aid trekkers and climbers suffering from sicknesses related to high altitudes. Doctors manning the health aid post daily hold talks and lectures on high altitude sicknesses (AMS, HACE, HAPE) - how to recognize the symptoms and prevent it.
Overnight in Manang
Leaving Manang to take an uphill ascent and cross a suspension bridge spanning the Manang River. Continue climbing up. After a couple of hours walk, you reach Khangsar village. From the village take the upward trail leading to Shree Kharka. After hiking for just over an hour or two you reach the village of Shree Kharka. Head to a teahouse and take a well-deserved rest.
Overnight in Sri Kharkha.
On the way to Tilicho Base Camp
Follow an easy trail to Tilicho Base Camp. There are only a few gentle ascents en route. But be careful at the landslide area before reaching Tilicho Base Camp. There are loose rocks and pebbles and you need to watch your step. Walk cautiously along the narrow path until you reach Tilicho base Camp. Once you reach the base camp, walk to a teahouse where your rooms are booked and take a rest.
Overnight in Tilicho Base Camp.
Tilicho Lake
This day is memorable as you visit the second-highest lake in Nepal, Tilicho Lake situated at an elevation of 4,920 meters. You follow a trail that goes up and up till you reach the lake. The dark emerald waters of Tilicho Lake surrounded by pure white snow and ice will surely captivate you. Take pictures and soak in the heavenly views before retracing your steps back to Sri Kharkha. Once you reach the settlement, head to a teahouse and relax.
Overnight in Sri Kharkha.
Head to Yak Kharka following a gentle ascent. After reaching an abandoned settlement the trail dips down and goes past cultivated grounds and farmlands. There is a gentle ascent again, up to a hill from where one can view Yak Kharka. Take a steep descent, cross the river and amble up again till you reach the settlement of Yak Kharka. The settlement is actually a grazing pasture used by yak herders. There are only a handful of teahouses offering accommodation and food.
Overnight in Yak Kharka.
This is the last leg of the walk before you make the challenging traverse to Thorong La pass. You are walking above 4000 meters and your body is gradually getting used to high altitude. Take it slow and keep yourself hydrated. Have Diamox if you feel the altitude is affecting you. The trail to Thorong Phedi goes along a secluded and solitary landscape. Enjoy the solitude and the views. Thorong Phedi is a glacier valley surrounded by snowy mountains on three sides. Usually, it’s freezing out here. Once you reach this stopover point, head quickly to a teahouse and warm yourself. Retire early as you have a long day ahead of you tomorrow.
Overnight in Thorong Phedi.
Thorong La Pass 5,416m
Today’s walk is difficult. You make an early start and head off at the crack of dawn. The trail is steep but easy. The last 600 meters to the highest point of the trek tends to be the toughest. When you finally reach the top of Thorong La Pass, spectacular views of the mountains greet you. Dhaulagiri rises in all its glory. In the distance, you can see the ancient kingdom of Upper Mustang and the Tibetan plateau. Take pictures and celebrate this wonderful moment with your teammates. Afterward, head down to the holy pilgrimage site of Muktinath. Named after a temple that is sacred to both Hindus and Buddhists, Muktinath is regarded as a place to receive salvation. As you reach this small settlement, make your way to a guesthouse and rest your aching muscles.
Overnight in Muktinath.
Before leaving Muktinath, visit the Muktinath Temple and seek blessings from the guardian deities, Lord Vishnu for Hindus and Avalokiteshwara for Buddhists. Other small shrines and Buddhist Gompa surround the main temple. It is believed that the Buddhist guru Padmasambhava blessed this place. After visiting the temple, board a vehicle and drive to Jomsom. The rough jeep track winds along the banks of the pristine Kali Gandaki river. The river is a source of ammonites or saligrams (fossilized mollusks worshipped by Hindus as a representation of Lord Vishnu). After walking for a couple of hours you reach Jomsom, a picturesque small town and the headquarters of the Mustang district.
In Jomsom, you will find internet cafes, bakeries selling delectable pies and pastries, restaurants, bars and a range of accommodation choices(budget to high end). The town is filled with white-washed traditional houses. After checking in at the lodge stroll around the ancient part of the town or simply call it a day and take a rest. Congratulations, you have completed the Annapurna Circuit and this calls for a celebration. Get together with your teammates and crew and celebrate in the evening.
Overnight in Jomsom.
Jomsom Airport
Take a flight from Jomsom to Pokhara. From the window, you can see the Annapurna mountains and Dhaulagiri rising up almost to touch the sky. On reaching Pokhara head to your hotel and check in. The rest of the day is free. You can spend it as you wish. Stroll around the lakeside or explore more of the city on your own or book a guided tour at an extra cost. The lakeside area is lined with shops selling handicraft items in case you need to shop for souvenirs.
Overnight in Pokhara.
Drive to Kathmandu by a comfortable tourist coach. Enjoy the scenic landscape as your bus winds along the Prithvi Highway. Once you reach Kathmandu check-in at your hotel and take a rest. Evening, head to an authentic Nepali restaurant for a farewell dinner (complimentary). Enjoy a sumptuous Nepali feast and a cultural show.
Overnight in Kathmandu.
Bid goodbye to Nepal. Our representative will drive you to the international airport three hours prior to your flight’s departure. If you are interested in exploring more places do let us know. We run tours to some of the most fascinating and exotic destinations.
Spring (March to May) and autumn (mid-September to November) are considered the best seasons to complete the Annapurna Circuit hike. The weather stays dry and clear during these times, making it ideal for trekking and enjoying unobstructed mountains' views. The days are warm and the nights chilly. On the downside, however, these are peak seasons, and the trails get crowded and busy.
During spring, the trail is filled with wildflowers. Blue Sheep and Musk Deers come out to graze on alpine meadows. Walking through the hills covered with colorful blooms against the backdrop of the snowy Himalayas will seem heavenly.
Autumn is the most popular season for Annapurna Trek. With the end of the wet monsoon season, which clears the skies of dust and impurities, you can enjoy crystal clear views during this season. Timing your trek around late September or October will allow you to experience the most important festivals of the Nepalese Dashain and Tihar. These festivals, celebrated by Hindus, last for several days. Expect good food, merry-making, dance, and music at all the villages along the trail.
Yartung, one of the oldest festivals in the Himalayan region, is celebrated in Manang, Upper Mustang, and Muktinath. It is a horse racing festival where riders from Manang and Mustang compete with each other and show off their horse-riding skills. Though according to custom it is observed for 3 days, the celebration continues for a week. Unfortunately, this festival falls during the rainy season (July or August). If you can brave inclement weather, you can be a part of this ancient and wonderful festival. You can do half the circuit and trek only up to Manang and skip the Thorong La crossing.
This trek involves walking across Thorong La (5,416m), one of the highest mountain passes in Nepal, which can be quite risky during bad weather. Taking this route during the monsoon or winter season can be hazardous.
The classic Annapurna Circuit route takes around three weeks to complete. It involves walking across two river valleys with diverse cultures and landscapes. With the development of a road network in this remote region in recent years, it is now possible to complete the circuit in a short timeframe of two to three weeks.
While the classic itinerary involves trekking from Besisahar or Khudi, now it is possible to drive up to Chame or Lower Pisang and begin your trek from there. The Besisahar-Chame Sadak (Highway), also known as the Manang Sadak, is a rough and narrow jeep track built along a steep mountainside. The off-road journey past narrow hairpin bends, canyons, and waterfalls, is an adventure in itself.
To reach the trailhead, you can take a drive directly from Kathmandu to Besisahar and change vehicles to reach the starting point of your trek. If you are in Pokhara, you can find local and private transportation to whichever point your trek starts (Besisahar, Khudi, Jagat, or Chame).
Local buses and micro vans depart daily for Besisahar from Gongabu and Naya Bus Park in Kathmandu. While the micro vans leave at around 6:30 AM and 7 AM, the buses depart somewhere around 8 or 9 AM. Besisahar lies 190 km from Kathmandu, and it takes nearly six and a half hours to drive to reach the place.
As per our itinerary, your trip lasts for 16 days. You take a ride from Kathmandu to Jagat via Besisahar on a private vehicle. After spending a night at Jagat, you drive further to Lower Pisang via Chame. Your Annapurna Circuit adventure begins from Lower Pisang and ends in Jomsom, from where you take a flight back to Pokhara. The flight, which lasts for around 25 minutes, offers grand views of the Himalayan mountains. From Pokhara, you return to Kathmandu by tourist bus. Depending on the traffic, it will take around 6 to 7 hours to reach the capital city by road.
The permits you need for Annapurna Circuit Trek are
Both Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP) Entry Permit and TIMS Card can be obtained from the Nepal Tourism Board’s Office in Kathmandu or Tourist Information Centre in Pokhara.
To get these permits, you need to provide the following documents and information:
Permit Fees: Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP) Entry Permit: NRS 3000 per person for foreigners, NRS 1000 for citizens of SAARC countries, and NRS 100 for Nepalese.
TIMS Card: NRS 1000 if you are trekking with a guide. NRS 2000 for free individual trekker (FIT). For SAARC country nationals, NRS 300 if trekking with a guide and NRS 600 for a solo trekker.
You won’t have to worry about queuing up to get the permits as the company, or our guides will arrange all the permits for you.
You will be trekking under the foothills of 8,000 and 7,000-meter peaks and crossing one of the highest mountain passes in the world, the Thorong La (5,416m)., the highest point of your trek. In this environment, there is less oxygen which will lead to breathing difficulty.
To let your body get used to the thin air, you need to walk slowly, steadily and keep your body hydrated. If you try to hasten and walk fast to reach your destination in less time, chances are you may suffer from AMS or Acute Mountain Sickness.
AMS symptoms like dizziness, headache, nausea, shortness of breath, fatigue, etc., are seen at elevations above 2,000 meters. Taking Diamox and a good night’s rest may work for mild cases. Drinking plenty of fluids (water, tea, soup, etc.) and keeping your body hydrated will also help keep the sickness at bay. One should take the necessary precautions to ensure that the condition does not worsen. But if the symptoms persist even after taking Diamox, one may have to return to a lower elevation and get medical help.
A medical aid post run by the Himalayan Rescue Association (HRA) in Manang offers treatment for high altitude sickness and basic care for minor ailments. In the worst-case scenario, an air evacuation will be arranged, where the patient will be flown to Kathmandu or Pokhara to receive medical aid. AMS, if untreated or ignored, can take your life.
Trek to Annapurna Circuit is a high-altitude trek for which acclimatization is very important. Your body needs time to get used to thin air which can be done by resting at a lower altitude before ascending higher. Our experts have included two days in the itinerary for acclimatization. You will be spending 2 days in Manang (3,540m) for acclimatization to adapt your body to thin mountain air before going higher.
The chart given below will give you a rough idea about the oxygen level in the atmosphere on the trail.
|
Altitude |
Oxygen Level |
|
1,000m/3,281ft |
88% |
|
2,500m/8,202ft |
73% |
|
3,000m/9,843ft |
68% |
|
3,500m/11,483ft |
64% |
|
4,000m/13,123ft |
60% |
|
4,500m/14,764ft |
57% |
|
5,000m/16,404ft |
53% |
|
5,500m/18,044ft |
50% |
It is important to keep your body hydrated on the trail as dehydration also causes AMS. One should drink at least 3-4 liters of fluid.
Inside the Annapurna Conservation Area, you will find several safe drinking water stations. We highly recommend you carry a reusable water bottle with you, which can hold hot water. You can use one with a steri pen or an inbuilt filtration system like LifeStraw.
You can also use water purification tablets to treat the water. While the water in the mountains tends to be pure and without impurities, it’s better not to take chances and filter or treat the water before drinking.
Using chlorine or iodine tablets to treat the water may alter its taste. You can add flavored electrolyte powder (readily available at pharmacies in Kathmandu) to mask the bitter chemical taste. Adding electrolyte to your drinking water may also be beneficial as the minerals (sodium, potassium, magnesium, etc.) you lose while walking gets replenished.
Teahouses offer boiled and filter drinking water at an additional cost. At some stops, you will get to buy bottled drinking water. It can cost anywhere from USD 1 to 3. Charges vary according to altitude (the higher you reach, the more expensive it will be) and quantity.
Internet connection (though erratic and irregular at some places) is available in the Annapurna Region. You can connect with your loved ones while trekking, post updates, and upload pictures on social media. Wi-fi is available at all teahouses. Teahouses charge extra for using their Wi-Fi hotspot. You can also get a sim card (preferably Ncell) in Kathmandu and purchase internet data to use on your trek.
As opposed to popular belief, you don’t need much-complicated gear and equipment for an Annapurna Circuit adventure. Here’s a basic checklist of the essential items that you should not forget to bring with you during your Annapurna Circuit Trek:
These are only some of the essential items. Find a more Nepal trekking packing list.
Most of the trekking equipment is available on hire in Kathmandu. You can keep your baggage light by only packing the essential items and renting or buying the rest in Kathmandu. Shops in Thamel offer branded as well locally made gear and equipment.
You can leave your spare luggage in your hotel’s storage room. It is entirely safe and free. But do make sure to lock your luggage before leaving it at the storage unit.
A trek along the Annapurna Circuit takes involves walking under the shadows of 8,000 and 7,000-meter peaks. You cross one of the highest mountain passes globally, Thorong La, and visit two high-altitude mountain lakes (Tilicho lake and Ice Lake).
Having an experienced local guide accompanying you will enrich your trip in so many ways. Trekking with a person who has in-depth knowledge of the mountain will also keep you safe and secure.
When you book a trek with us, we pair you up with one of our local guides. All our guides have experience of more than 10 years and have a vast knowledge of the area you are visiting. They have completed the trekking guide course and have the required government license to work as mountain guides. They can communicate in English and have received training on wilderness first aid and crisis management.
The trek will be led by a chief guide or trek leader. For every 4 trekkers, there will be an assistant guide assisting them personally. One porter will carry the luggage of 2 clients. Make sure that your luggage does not exceed 15 kg, as the porter can only carry a weight of 30 kg.
We believe in the ethical treatment of our staff. All our Guides and Porters are provided with weather-appropriate gear and clothing to battle the harsh weather in the mountains. Before the start of a trek, we ensure that our mountain guides are fully insured. They are given fair wages and treated with respect.
We seriously follow the guidelines set by IPPG (International Porter Protection Group) and offer assistance to porters to develop other skills. A portion of the booking fee goes to fund the education of our field staffs’ kids.
For Annapurna Circuit Trek, you need a good travel insurance policy that offers you coverage for all activities and altitudes included in your itinerary. The highest altitude you reach is 5,416 meters, and your travel insurance should offer you suitable coverage up to this elevation.
Though we take your safety as our number one priority, we cannot rule out mishaps and emergencies that may occur at this altitude. There is less oxygen in the environment, and trekkers usually suffer from Acute Mountain Sickness, which could prove to be fatal if not treated on time.
Walking in a treacherous mountain environment also exposes you to physical injuries. Therefore make sure that your insurance covers the cost of all injuries and emergencies that you can face during this trekking adventure.
Your insurance policy should especially cover the cost of helicopter evacuation and hospitalization in case of an accident or medical emergency, as these happen to be quite expensive. Check for vaccination requirements as some travel insurance policies make it mandatory to immunize yourself before leaving your country.
Before you decide on a policy, be mindful and don’t forget to read the fine print. It would be advantageous for you to choose a company that offers insurance cover on domestic and international flight cancellations and lost or stolen baggage.
We ensure the safety of our clients by following all safety protocols during the trip. This itinerary has been designed by travel experts and veteran guides who have trekked on this route innumerable times.
To prevent AMS, the required number of rest days has been added to the itinerary. Our guides always carry a first-aid kit and pulse oximeter (to measure the oxygen level in your blood) with them. The guides assigned to you have more than 10 years of experience and know what steps to take during an emergency. They are well-trained in wilderness first aid and crisis management.
If a client shows symptoms of AMS and needs to descend to a lower elevation, an assistant guide will escort him/her and follow the safety protocol. He will closely monitor the client’s condition and take the required steps needed for the client's well-being.
If he/she feels alright after a night’s rest, the guide will escort the client back to join the group. But if the condition worsens, the client will be escorted down to a lower elevation or airlifted to Pokhara or Kathmandu for expert medical aid.
A typical day on the trail begins with a wake-up call at around 6 AM by your guide. Freshen up and get ready. Pack your belongings and head to the dining area for breakfast by 7 AM. Check your luggage for the final time and fill your water bottle before you hit the trail by 8 AM, along with your guide.
To avoid walking in the heat and enjoy clear mountains' views, you make an early start. En route, there will be short breaks to enjoy the views and take photographs. You stop for lunch at a local teahouse around noon or mid-day. After a quick rest of about an hour or 40 minutes, you get back on the trail and continue till you reach your overnight stop.
Upon reaching the stop for the night, you head to your teahouse, check in, and have some rest. Tea with some light refreshments (cookies or biscuits) will be served at 5 PM. As the rooms are not insulated, you can warm yourself by the heater or stove in the communal area.
Exchange stories or play cards with other trekkers till dinner is served (around 7 PM). After dinner, your guide will brief you about the next day’s trek – the route you will take, difficulty, where you will stop for lunch, etc. Afterward, retire for the night and have a well-deserved rest.
On average, you may have to walk 5 to 6 hours daily. The toughest day will be Day 12, when you cross Thorong La Pass (5,416 m), one of the highest mountain passes in the world. You have to make an early start on this day to cross the snow-covered pass before the trail gets battered by strong winds and fog in the afternoon.
Travel responsibly and try to limit any negative impact on the environment. Limit the use of plastic and be mindful of throwing waste in the mountains. When you trek with us, you will be supporting local communities (from the guides and porters to teahouse owners). We, as a company, support sustainable tourism and patronize local businesses. We partner with service providers who work towards saving the environment. As an active member of KEEP (Kathmandu Environmental Education Project), we make sure that our trips are environmentally friendly.
Annapurna Circuit Trek Altitude-Map
If you have booked a package with us you won’t be spending much as accommodation and 3 meals are already included in your trip price. You may have to personally pay for items like beverages and drinks, extra snacks, hot showers, electronic device charging, wifi etc. USD 20 to 30 (NRS 2000-3000) per day will suffice.
Please do note that if you are traveling in a group, a member falling sick won’t disrupt your trip. While the sick person will be taken care of, the rest of the group will be able to continue with the trip.
If someone becomes ill on the trail your trekking guide will take the sick person’s condition on account and decide he or she shall continue with the trek or return to a lower elevation and wait for the rest of the group. If his or her condition is serious then the person will be flown by air ambulance to Kathmandu or Pokhara for expert medical attention. An assistant will take care of the sick person, while the rest of the group shall proceed onwards and complete the trip as per the itinerary.
If you want to add extra activities and sites to your itinerary it can be done. Our Travel Consultant will help you customize your trip. Just let us know which places you want to visit and what you want to do and we will add these in your itinerary.
We usually provide private comfortable vehicles to individual tourists. For groups we provide comfortable luxury buses for pick up and drop-offs.
While tipping is not mandatory it is a nice way of showing your appreciation to the people who have helped you enrich your holiday experience. It all depends on how far you are pleased and satisfied with their services. There is no fixed amount, but many of our clients offer 8-10 percent of the total tour price as tips.
Each day you can expect 5 to 7 hours of walking, covering around 10 to 14 km. However when you reach 3500m, you will be walking around 5 to 7 hours but the distance covered will be less as you will be walking slowly at higher altitudes. We want you to know that all our itineraries are flexible and can be altered by weather, geographical and physical condition of the individual participants.
The permits needed are - Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP) entry fee and TIMS(Trekkers’ Information Management System fee).
The quality of teahouses in the Annapurna Region is pretty good and most of them offer facilities like western toilets, hot showers (may charge cost) and a wide range of items on their menu. The rooms are usually furnished with two separate beds with mattress, pillows, blankets and bed sheets. Most of the teahouses are family or community run establishments. Teahouses are like an extended home and have a warm and cosy feel to them.
We provide sleeping bag and down jacket but you need to bring your own personal gear. We can recommend some good stores where you can hire or buy new ones.
Teahouses offer boiled and filtered drinking water to trekkers for a price. Though you can purchase bottled water, we discourage the use of plastic bottled water on the trail because of the adverse effect on the environment. You can bring along with you a reusable bottle nd fill it up with drinking water.
Your guide will check the condition of the water of the filtered water before you purchase it. Please be assured that our guide will thoroughly check whether the water has been boiled and treated properly before you drink it.
Teahouse trekking is one of the most popular ways of trekking in Nepal. Teahouse trekking has almost replaced old style camping treks in Nepal along the popular trekking routes of Annapurna and Everest regions. Teahouse Trek involves resting or stopping at teahouses or lodges scattered along the trail for the night. The teahouses are locally owned and they provide accommodation and food. While the standard of teahouses varies, most of these establishments usually offer basic services - small rooms (usually on a twin sharing basis with comfortable beds), shared washroom, a heated communal dining area and a menu with a range of dishes. Some may offer wi-fi and hot shower. As these teahouses are located in remote locations, one should not expect the service of a city hotel while staying in one. But in popular trails like Everest Base Camp trail and Annapurna Base Camp trail one can expect luxury standard accommodations too.
You can store it at your hotel (most hotels in Kathmandu have storage facilities) or you can leave it at our office.
Yes, single supplement will be available in the cities and at lower elevations while trekking. At higher elevations there are very few teahouses. During peak season when there is high demand for rooms, it will be difficult to book single rooms. However if you are travelling during off season a single room can be arranged at all places.
Most of the guides in our adventure company come from the mountainous areas. They are carefully selected on the basis of their experience, leadership skills and personal aptitude. We provide guides that are experienced and fluent in English. With the objective of sustaining local communities, we employ guides from different ethnic backgrounds who have adequate knowledge about the culture, ecosystem, flora and fauna, geography and history of Nepal.
Our guides have the required government license to guide tourists. They have all gone through intensive training programs like wilderness first aid, trekking guide training, eco training workshop and rock climbing, ice climbing and mountaineering, which are certified and approved by the government of Nepal.
We carry a first-aid box with us while trekking. But if you want you can carry along some essential medicines like ibuprofen, codeine, paracetamol, lozenges, anti-diarrhea tablets and diamox for AMS.
Please do note, all our trekking itineraries incorporate adequate number of acclimatization days. You will get an extra day’s rest at a lower elevation to prepare your body for a walk up in the higher reaches.
AMS or Acute Mountain Sickness usually occurs due to the lack of oxygen in the atmosphere in high altitudes. Our body is not used to walking in high altitude and it requires a lot of time to adapt to thin air in the mountains. Technically there is no way of stopping AMS but you can surely prevent it by following the given tips:
We would recommend all our clients to purchase travel insurance before booking any of our treks. Trust us you will have a pleasant holiday knowing that you have a good insurance cover. In the event of any sickness or injury while trekking in the mountains, the cost of emergency treatment and evacuation will be considerable. Therefore, traveling with an insurance cover is strongly recommended for everyone who signs up for any of our trips. But be careful while choosing a policy as some policies make special exceptions for adventure travel.
Do read the fine print. Before buying insurance make sure your insurance company is aware of your travel itinerary and is agreeable to cover all activities being undertaken during the trip. Such as if you are planning to trek or climb (mountaineering expedition) in the Himalayas, your insurance must cover emergency air ambulance/helicopter rescue including medical expenses. For a group tour in an urban area, insurance cover of air ambulance or helicopter rescue is not mandatory. While booking a trip with us you need to send us a copy of your insurance policy (e.g. your insurance certificate) or carry it with you while you come for the trip.
No, you cannot get insurance in Nepal. Please also note that Third Rock Adventures does not arrange or sell insurance.
If you have to leave the expedition due to ill-health or injury, an emergency air rescue will be arranged whereby an air ambulance/helicopter will fly you out of the mountains to Kathmandu for medical attention. Make sure your insurance covers high altitude mountain rescue. If you are able to walk down, one of the assistant guides will guide you down to a lower elevation where you can wait for the rest of the team or fly out to Kathmandu ahead of the group. Whether for health or personal reasons, please do note refunds for the unused days of your trip will not be given. Even if you leave the expedition beforehand, we are committed to pay the porters, and guides for the duration of the trip for which they are hired.
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