Annapurna Circuit Trek (round annapurna)
Annapurna Circuit has often been voted as the best long distance trek in the world, as it combined, in its old full form, a wide variety of climate zones from tropics at 600m also to the arctic at 5416m at the Thorong-La pass and cultural variety from Hindu villages at the low foothills to the Tibetan culture of Manang Valley and lower Mustang. Although continuing construction of a road has shortened the trail
Highlights of Annapurna Circuit Trek (round annapurna)
Duration: 21 days
Activities: Trekking, culture
Max. Altitude: 5416m
Best season: March, April, May, September, October, November
Accommodation: hotel/lodge/homestay
Level of difficulty: Medium - Strenuous
Places to visit: Kathmandu, Annapurna region, Pokhara
Itinerary
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Upon arrival in Katmandu, Tribhuvan International Airport, you will be welcomed by the representative from Rural Journeys and transferred to hotel by private vehicle.
Although the fertile Kathmandu Valley has been inhabited for thousands of years, its rich and varied cultural legacy essentially began during the 14th century under the Malla Dynasty. Patronized by the nobility, Newar artisans constructed temples, monasteries and elaborate courtyards that constitute a fascinating architectural history.
Rest of the day at leisure or stroll around the hotel
Evening: Briefing about the prorgramme along with questions/answers session with tour/trek leader.
Overnight at the hotel
Sightseeing tour of Kathmandu Durbar Square also called the 'City of Glory’. Visit includes, Durbar Square, KumariGhar - Home to the World's only living Goddess. A short visit to Bhairab - the God of destruction, Taleju Temple - built in 1549 AD and Hanuman Dhoka Palace. Thereafter visit SwoyambhunathStupa, resting on a hillock 3km west of Kathmandu, it is one of the holiest Buddhist Chaityas in Nepal. It is said to have evolved spontaneously when the valley was created out of a primordial lake more than 2,000 years ago. This stupa is the oldest of its kind in Nepal and has numerous shrines and monasteries on its premises. Thereafter, visit Boudhanath, is one of the UNESCO World Heritage sites in Kathmandu. The 36-meter-high stupa of Boudha is massive and dominates the skyline in the area. With countless monasteries around it, Boudha is the center of Tibetan Buddhism in Nepal. Take an early morning or evening stroll around the inspiring white dome buzzing with energy; observe the devout people circumambulating, light a butter lamp and say a little prayer, look around for souvenirs, or enjoy the view from a rooftop restaurant with a hot cup of coffee, Boudhanath is always full of life.
Overnight at the hotel
A scenic drive to Chamje from Kathmandu passing through local villages, terrace fields, rivers, streams, waterfalls etc.
Overnight at the lodge
Our day begins with the rocky trail following the Marsyandi Rivers steadily uphill to Tal at 1675m. We make a trail verse crossing a wide, flat valley. The journey continues up and down to Dharapani at 1890m. Upon reaching Bagarchhap at 2160 m the typical flat roofed stone houses of local Tibetans can be seen along with the village surrounded by apple Orchards and maize fields.
Overnight at the lodge
The trail climbs to Tyanja at 2360m, then continuing through forest, but near the river to Kopar at 2590m. As we reach the Chame, the headquarters of the Manang district, we are rewarded by the fine views of Annapurna II as you approach Chame and two small hot springs by the town. Along this route we are introduced to a local community of which the residents are said to have migrated from Tibet centuries ago, noticeable by their distinct physical features and lifestyle as well as architecture and livelihood unique to Tibet.
Overnight at the lodge
The day starts through a deep forest in a steep and narrow valley, crosses a river on a long bridge at 2,910m. We then cross another bridge at 3040m from there the view of the soaring PaungdaDanda's rock face really begins to appear. From there the trail joins to climb to Pisang, which sprawls between 3,200m and 3,300meters.
Overnight at the lodge
Today we continue through the drier upper part of the Manang district, cut off from the full effect of the monsoon by the Annapurna Range. People of this region herd the yaks and raise crops for a part of the year. Leaving Pisang, we have alternate trails form the north and the south of the Marsyangdi River which meets up again at Mungji. The southern route by Hongde, with its airstrip at 3,325m, involves less climbing than the northern route via Ghyaru, though there are better views on the trail that follows the northern bank of the river. From Mungji, the trail continues past the picturesque but partially hidden village of Bryanga at 3,475m to the nearby Manang at 3,540m.
Overnight at the lodge
We spend a day acclimatizing in Manang. The whole day we spend doing some fine day walks and viewing the magnificent sights around the village.
Overnight at the lodge
Continuing on from Manang, the trails ascends by nearly 500m to Yak Kharka. We make the climb steadily through TenkiManang, leaving the Marsyangi Valley. Continuing along the JarsangKhola Valley, we reach Yak Kharka at 4,000m. Herds of yaks and vegetations appear to thin out.
Overnight at the lodge
After a two-hour ascent the trail descends to cross the river at 4,310m. We then climb up to ThorongPhedi at 4,450m where decent guesthouses have been built in the recent years.
Overnight at the lodge
Today is a long trek starting before sunrise at 4 am to reach the pass by 9-10am otherwise weather conditions (strong winds) will greatly affect the journey, particularly at the Thorong La Pass (5416m). We climb steeply on a regular route which is quite easy to follow. However, some problems may arise due to the altitude and snow. It often causes problems to cross the pass if it is covered by heavy snow. About four hours climb up to the pass marked by the chortens and prayer flags will reward you with stunning views from the top of the pass. Another four hours of walking will take you to the holy town of Muktinath.
Muktinath means place of Nirvana and is home to the Muktinath temple as well as several monasteries. It is a scared pilgrimage site for both Hindus and Buddhists. The Temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and has 108 waterspouts around it. Another attraction nearby is the Jwala Mai Temple which has a gorgeous natural spring and an eternal flame fueled by natural gas.
Overnight at the lodge
Our descent continues through the Kali Gandaki Valley to Marpha, home to the legendary apple orchids. You will be able to taste the apples and the myriad apple products like pies and wine. Apple Brandy is another local specialty that you may be lucky enough to taste en route.
Overnight at the lodge
We descend through the valley following the Kali Gandaki River to Ghasa. We walk along the bank of Kali Gandaki River.
Overnight at the lodge
We will walk through the world’s deepest gorge, Kopchepani. We then continue descending through the Kali Gandaki River valley to Tatopani. This place is famous for its hot springs, where it gets its name (tato - hot; pani - water). This is the best place to relax your body after a long day's trek. We will spend another day relaxing at this spot.
Overnight at the lodge
Bathe is natural Hot spring at Tatopani.
Overnight at the lodge
Today is a big day, it take about 7 to 8 hours from Tatopani to Ghorepani. We climb about 1650 meters up. We will pass couple of Magar and Gurung village on the trail.
Overnight at the lodge
Very early in the morning, we start an hour hiking to Poon Hill at an elevation of 3,210m - a brilliant spectacle. This vantage point provides unobstructed views of the early morning sunrise over the high Himalayas, weather permitting. There we spend about 1 hour, then return to Ghorepani where we take a hot breakfast at the hotel then trek down to Tikhedunga (1,570m). We head off towards Tikhedunga, walking down along the ridges and through rhododendron forests of a large Magar village of Ulleri at 2,070m, finally reaching Tikhedhunga after a descent.
Overnight at the lodge
After some light trekking, we reach Nayapul (1,010m). Then after an hour drive, we reach Pokhara, the serene valley which boasts fabulous views of the Himalayan Mountains.
Overnight at the lodge
Fullday at leisure for relaxation or explore the lake city. Surrounded by beautiful snow-capped mountains, with a magnificent lake of crystal-clear Himalayan water, Pokhara is a serene hill town in the foothills of Himalayas. Pokhara offers fascinating view of Annapurna range including the Fishtail peak (Machapuchare).
Overnight at the hotel
Fly back to Kathmandu (30mins) or drive back (7-8hrs) and check-in at hotel.
Rest of the day at leisure or free for individual activities or explore Thamel which is known by its narrow alleys crowded with various shops and vendors. Commonly sold goods include food, fresh vegetables/fruits, pastries, trekking gear, walking gear, music, handicrafts, souvenirs, woolen items and clothes. Small grocery stores, budget hotels, restaurants, pubs and clubs also line the streets.
Overnight at the hotel
Free till departure transfer to international airport for onward flight
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