Annapurna Round Trek
The Annapurna circuit trek is an extraordinary trek, still one of the world’s best in terms of culture and environmental diversity. Annapurna Circuit trek provides you dramatic changes in landscape, culture and climate. Following a careful acclimatization program, we head north-west over the 5400 metre Thorung La (pass) and descend steeply down to the sacred shrine of Muktinath in the Mustang district. From Muktinath to Pokhara you can enjoy terraced hills, forests, alpine pastures and villages from different cultures.
The trek ends with your flight from Jomsom to Pokhara. The road has now built up in the Thak Khola Valley from Beni to Jomsom. Therefore if you prefer to experience this section of the old trek by bus, by Enfield Motorbikes, off road bikes or even Mountain bikes, then it would be possible to do so, but it is no longer a nice trek.
Details
Description
- Trip Length:
- 13 days / 12 nights
- Highlights:
- The arid rain shadow (Trans Himalayan) region and semi-Tibetan Buddhist cultural experiences, holy pilgrimage site, stunning mountain views
- Start City:
- Kathmandu
- End City:
- Pokhara
- Physical rating:
- Culture rating:
- Transportation:
- Local Bus, walking, Flight Tickets.
- Departure days:
- Every day
- Included in the price:
- 12 nights in tea house/Lodge while on trek, 13 breakfast, 12 lunch, 12 dinner, TIMS + Conservation Area Permit, Ground transfer from Kathmandu to trek starting point, Sleeping bag and down jacket if required; please advise us in Kathmandu prior to trek commencement if these are required, Trekking crew of local trekking guide, sherpas and porters (numbers appropriate for group size), with all their food/ accommodation/ insurance/ equipment, Flight Tickets Jomsom-Muktinath.
- Group size:
- Maximum group size is 16 people.
This is not included
- International flights and departure tax (if applicable; see below)
- Nepal Visa
- Clients personal expenses (such as laundry, phone calls, cigarettes, bar bills/soft drinks /mineral water, extra snacks on the way etc)
- Clients personal items such as medications, clothing and equipment (other than sleeping bag and down jacket which will be supplied with advance notice)
- Hot showers and attached bathrooms; should these be available in the tea houses and should the lodge owner charges extra for these
- Comprehensive travel insurance that covers emergency evacuation from remote mountain locations as well as the standard cover like trip cancellation, lost baggage etc.
- Tipping – it is good manners to tip the guide / driver / restaurants etc (see recommendations)
- Pre and post tour accommodation outside that detailed above
- Optional excursions - Please note on this tour there will not be much time for optional excursions, if you choose to do so, please note that it is not covered in the tour cost.
- Any unforeseen expenses due to delays or diversions due to events outside the operators control, for example landslides or strikes
Season
Nepal has the widest altitude range of any country on the earth. Each altitude has its own weather, from tropical heat to Arctic cold. In the main trekking seasons in the spring and autumn, the weather is generally stable and even the high passes may be free of snow and relatively easy to traverse at times.
Some trekkers who have encountered an easy day at altitude may spread the word that boots and warm clothing are not required. This is mistake. Sudden storms occur at any time, dumping snow on the passes without warning. At that point any one poorly equipped will not be able to proceed and may even be stranded for a number of days risking their life and the lives of others. You are heading into the worlds highest mountain range. Be prepared for changes of temperature and weather!
Day 1: Drive from Kathmandu to Besisahar
You leave in the morning for the five-hour scenic bus drive to 'the end of the road'. This could either at Besisahar or a bit further along depending on the road conditions.
Driving time: approx.5 hours
Heights: Kathmandu 1350m, Besisahar 760m
Overnight in tea house.
Day 2: Besisahar to Bahundanda
After breakfast you hit the trail with about 3 hours of hot but pleasant walking. You trail follows the river, in the typical scenery of the Nepali middle hills. You cross the river on a suspension bridge, pass a waterfall and traverse the rice terraces with magnificent views of Manaslu. To end the day you have a steep climb up to Bahundanda literally means "hill of the Brahmins" where we stay the night.
Trekking time: approx. 6 hours
Heights: BahunDanda 1310m
Overnight in tea house.
Day 3: Bahundanda to Jagat
A steep trail descends from Bahundanda through green rice terraces before crossing a stream at the bottom of a small waterfall. The trails continues to follow the river valley as it narrows and you have some time on a winding mountain path in cliff terrain, before reaching the beautiful village of Jagat. This village is situated on a shelf which juts into the precipitous Marsyangdi valley, where you spend the night at a local lodge.
Trekking time: approx. 5 hours
Heights: Jagat 1300m
Overnight in tea house.
Day 4: Jagat to Dharapani
You start the day with a climb up through forest to Chamje, with a magnificent waterfall on the opposite side of the valley. You descend to cross the river on a suspension bridge and climb up on an exciting trail to the village of Tal, situated on a wide plain, surrounded by cliffs. The valley narrows again and you continue along an exposed trail until you drop again to cross the river on another suspension bridge. From here it is a short distance to the stone kani marking the entrance to Dharapani.
Trekking time: approx. 6 hours
Heights: Dharapani 1860m
Overnight in tea house.
Day 5: Dharapani to Chame
Today you climb through forests of pine and oak, passing through Danagyu before coming to a thundering waterfall, where you turn left and head up the high trail to Koto. You pass through forests and the village of Timang looking back along the way for views of Manaslu and ahead for views of Annapurna II. Tonight you stay in Chame, the administrative centre of the Manang district. It is a large village packed with small shops and tea-houses, an army post and a large school.
Trekking time: approx. 5 hours
Heights: Chame 2670m
Overnight in tea house.
Day 6: Chame to Pisang
It's a beautiful walk from Chame to Pisang, through woods with some small ascents, and wonderful views of the peaks high above. It's a shorter trekking day, so you will have the afternoon in Pisang to explore the village, with it's Tibetan mani stones and gompa.
Trekking time: approx. 5 hours
Heights: Pisang 3200m
Overnight in tea house.
Day 7: Pisang to Manang
Today you walk through the classic Tibetan landscape, complete with colourful chortens as you walk to Manang, a village of 500 or so flat-roofed, Tibetan style houses. Manang is the headquarters for the region, and an interesting village packed with trekkers, bakeries and lodges. From here you see Annapurna III and Gangapurna towering over town and a dramatic icefall just across the river. There is an old gompa on the edge of town, many local teahouses, and some atmospheric, winding streets in the village leading out toward the Thorung La. There is usually a 3 o'clock lecture on altitude by the Himalayan Rescue Association for anyone interested.
Trekking time: approx. 6 hours
Heights: Manag 3540m
Overnight in tea house.
Day 8: Manang rest day
Today is an acclimatization day, to rest and let your body adjust. If you feel good you have many options for exploring - a long day-hike to the Ice Lake, a visit to the 'Hundred Ruppee Lama' at the cave gompa above Manang, a short hike to Milarepa's cave across the river from Braga, the HRA talk, or a tour of Manang's many bakeries.
Day 9: Manang to Yak Kharka 4018m
Today is not a long day, but you do gain height, so no need to rush. There is stunning scenery to enjoy as you climb past Tengi and Gunsang to Yak Kharka.
Trekking time: approx. 4 hours
Heights: Yak Kharka 4018m
Overnight in tea house.
Day 10: Yak Kharka to High Camp
Today you have an easy two or three hour walk up to the lodge at Thorung Phedi, and after an early lunch, another hour or so to hike up to the lodge at High Camp, where we will stay the night, getting to bed early for our early morning start the next day; the big pass day.
Trekking time: approx. 3 hours
Heights: Thorung Phedi 4450m
Overnight in tea house.
Day 11: High Camp - Thorung La - Muktinath
Today you hit the trail early for the three or four hour walk to the top of the Thorung La at 5400m. Here you are met with spectacular views back over Manang and ahead over Mustang and the surrounding peaks. The descent is almost as demanding as the ascent to the top of the pass, with a steep rough trail down to Muktinath. Muktinath is an important pilgrimage site for Buddhists and Hindus, sacred for its auspicious combination of earth, fire and water.
Trekking time: approx. 9 hours
Heights: Thorung La 5416m, Muktinath 3760m
Overnight in tea house.
Day 12: Muktinath trek to Jomsom
This morning you have an easy walk down to the Kali Gandaki riverbed, which you follow down to Jomsom, looking for saligrams along the way. The Kali Gandaki valley gets very windy in the afternoons so it's a good idea to keep moving on the trail and get into Jomsom in time for lunch if possible.
Trekking time: approx. 6 hours
Heights: Jomsom 2670m
Overnight in tea house.
Day 13: Jomsom - Pokhara
In the early morning you have an amazing 25 minute flight down the Kali Gandaki River Valley toPokhara.
Index of notes:
Emergency Contact - Emergency Funds - Additional Expenditures - Tipping - Weather and Unpredictables - Meals - Group Leaders and Guides - Arrival - What to bring - Checklist - Visas - Laundry - Share Your Trip - Respectful Dress - Money, Dough, Loot & Booty - Departure Tax - Communications - Expect the Unexpected - Health & Fitness - Travel Insurance - Your Travel Buddies - Responsible Travel - The law and "the man"
Emergency Contact
In the event of a genuine crisis or emergency, Visit Beyond’s Nepal Office can be reached on Tel: +977 1 4700563 or 977-9851039480 (Hari Dharel). For further contact details please use the following page: http://www.visitbeyond.com/top-menu/contact-us
Emergency Funds
We advise that you keep 20000 Nepalese Rupees for unforeseen incidents and circumstances beyond our control (eg. a natural disaster, civil unrest, etc.)
Additional Expenditures
Take into account your personal spending habits when deciding how much money to bring. How much will you drink and party? How many souvenirs to you intend to bring? How many gifts? Remember to include tips in your calculations.
Tipping
Visit Beyond employs local guides who greatly appreciate recognition of services rendered. Tipping about NPR 200 per day (if you are happy with the service) is appropriate, but not compulsory. We suggest NPR 100 per day for porters (if applicable). For drivers who render services for several days in a row, 100 NPR per day is appropriate. Remember, a tip is not compulsory and should only be given when you receive excellent service.
Restaurants and hotels often levy a 10% service charge on the bill. If there is no 10% extra on the bill then a small tip is normal.
Weather and Unpredictables
Nepal has the widest altitude range of any country on earth. Each altitude has its own weather, from tropical heat to arctic cold. During the spring and autumn trekking seasons, the weather is generally stable and even the high passes may be free of snow and relatively easy to traverse at times.
Some trekkers who have encountered an easy day at altitude may spread the word that boots and warm clothing are not required. This is incorrect. Sudden storms occur at any time, dumping snow on the passes without warning. At that point anyone poorly equipped will not be able to proceed and may even be stranded for a number of days, risking their life and the lives of others. You are heading into the world’s highest mountain range. Take that fact seriously and be prepared for changes of temperature and weather!
Meals
As every meal is provided, Visit Beyond gives you the opportunity to try authentic Nepalese food. You will enjoy the variety of food the cook prepares!
Group Leaders and Guides
Visit Beyond will often provide experienced, local, English-speaking guides who know the destination and region well. Kindly note that it is sometimes necessary to change the guide at the last minute due to unforeseen circumstances. Your guide is there for you. He will offer recommendations, history, useful phrases and more. We encourage you to ask questions. At Visit Beyond, we aim to support local guides who have specialized knowledge of the regions we visit.
Arrival
If you have booked an arrival package then you can expect a Visit Beyond representative waiting for you with your name on a signboard at the Kathmandu airport. If you cannot find your agent at the airport, please call Visit Beyond office in Nepal, +977 1 4700563 or take a cab to the Visit Beyond office or your hotel in Thamel. We will refund the transportation charge. Visit Beyond does not offer refunds for missed transfers due to a change in flight or delays.
What to bring
Pack according to the tour you have chosen. If you’re going trekking, bring appropriate shoes; if you’re going diving, bring your suit, etc. Visit Beyond encourages you to pack only necessities. Although there are some tours and trips in which you can leave your luggage behind for a day’s excursion, we generally require you to carry your own gear. For this reason, we strongly encourage you to pack using a backpack with straps and back support in addition to a smaller daypack. We strongly discourage traditional luggage!
Responsible travel (see below) dictates that we respect local cultures. Bring a camera and take pictures and video, but never intrude on people’s lives.
See our checklist below for more specifics.
Checklist
This checklist is intended as a reference guide; it is not a complete packing list. Always keep in mind weight restrictions according to your airline of choice.
Travel documents: Passport and visas, travel insurance documents, tickets, Visit Beyond vouchers (if any).
Money: Cash, credit card, money pouch.
Day pack: First-aid kit, medication/prescriptions (consider carrying a doctor’s letter if you require a large amount of medication), sunscreen, refillable water bottle and purification tablets, flashlight, insect repellent, hat and sunglasses, traveler’s diarrhea tablets, prescription glasses, contact lenses and solution, phrasebook.
Large pack: Alarm clock, international outlet adapter, swimsuit, lightweight towel, earplugs and eye mask, comfortable walking shoes, raincoat, umbrella, waterproof jacket, outdoor sandals with good grip, waterproof bags for the rainy season, appropriate clothes for temples and religious sites. And, of course, your camera, film or memory cards and spare batteries!
Visas
Please note it is your responsibility to arrange visas before you travel. Your travel agent can assist you. The following are the visa requirements at the time of printing: All foreign nationals (except Indians) require a visa to enter Nepal. Visas are obtainable from embassies abroad or on arrival at Kathmandu's Tribhuvan airport. If you are obtaining your visa at the airport then be prepared for long queues. You will need to provide one passport photo and the following fees in US dollars cash only: single entry visa valid for 15 days - US $25: Single Entry Visa for 30 days - US $40 and multiple entry visa valid for 90 days - US $100
Laundry
Some hotels offer laundry services for an additional charge. You can find additional laundry services in all major cities. If you choose to do your own laundry, kindly use non-polluting and biodegradable soap
Share Your Trip
Go on, show off a little! Share your pictures on our Facebook page. We occasionally hold contests for those who provide the best shots, so stay on the lookout and you could win a free trip!
Respectful Dress
Remember that styles of dress are generally conservative throughout Asia. This is especially true outside of major cities. Visit Beyond therefore strongly recommends modest clothing that covers your shoulders and knees. Loose, lightweight, long clothing is both respectful and cool in the predominantly hot Asian climate. Avoid tank tops on the beach and never sunbathe topless. Men and women alike are often required to wear pants the cover the legs in temples and religious sites.
Money, Dough, Loot & Booty
We recommend withdrawing money from ATMs, which are widely available throughout Nepal. This has the advantage of keeping your money safe in the bank; not vulnerable in your back pocket. Remember to bring your bank’s emergency contact details in the event that your card is stolen. In addition, notify your bank of your travels before you depart, as banks often place a temporary hold on cards due to transactions in foreign countries or other suspicious activities.
Visit Beyond does not recommend traveler’s cheques. Exchanging them can be a lengthy process and can pose difficulties due to banking hours and holidays. In addition to a commission, unfavorable exchange rates often apply to traveler’s cheques. If you insist on bringing traveler’s cheques then purchase them with a major brand and strong currency. Old cheques are rarely, if ever, accepted
Departure Tax
There is no departure tax at Tribhuvan International Airport now. This is subject to change without notice and Visit Beyond is not liable for unexpected charges levied on departing tourists.
Communications
The most reliable method of communication during your travels will be email. Although internet access is widely available in Nepal, we do visit areas of the country for several days at a time in which internet access is limited or unavailable. Please take this into account when planning your trip.
It is a good idea to leave your booking agent’s contact details or Visit Beyond’s contact information with friends or family in your home country in case of emergencies.
Expect the Unexpected
Visit Beyond, as the name implies, brings you places that are beyond the well-worn tourist path. Out here, things sometimes go wrong and if they do, it is imperative that you tell your guide or tour leader immediately. They are best suited to help however they can. If this does not suffice then your guide will contact our manager.
Health & Fitness
There are no health requirements for this trip. However, to get the most out of your trip, all travelers should be in good physical health. You should consult your doctor or physician before leaving your home country and you should honestly assess your ability to complete your vacation based on the detailed Visit Beyond trip itinerary. In general, the more you physically prepare for the trip, the more you will enjoy it. Depending on your trip, expect variable and difficult terrain and both high and extremely low temperatures. Visit Beyond and its guides reserve the right to exclude a participant without refund if said traveler is unable to complete the itinerary without undue risk to himself/herself or to the group.
Small and very handy first aid kits should be readily available in your home country. We recommend you purchase a kit before departure along with any personal medication you may require. Read the trip itinerary closely and bring medicine accordingly, as many trips entail travel on long, windy roads and require that you eat authentic Nepali food. Do not rely on trip leaders or guides, as they are legally prohibited from administering any type of drug including headache medicine and antibiotics.
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is obligatory to join a Visit Beyond trip. We recommend Gouda Travel Insurance for our European customers.
Your Travel Buddies
Traveling in a group can be a very positive experience. You are likely to find that your travel buddies hail from all over the world. Therefore, you will get the double pleasure of experiencing a new part of the world and new friends to enjoy it with. In order to get the most out of your trip, each traveler must respect every member of the group, arrive on time according to the trip itinerary, and practice patience with one another. These are your responsibilities as a member of a group and we expect each member to follow them. For reasons of privacy, Visit Beyond will not provide personal information or contact details of your fellow travelers prior to departure.
Responsible Travel
Traveling responsibly is a pillar of the Visit Beyond philosophy. To us, it means two things: respect for the environment and respect for local cultures. We practice low-impact tourism and make every effort to preserve the environment. We refuse to treat local people as mere photo-ops and insist that you engage with locals as human beings. You will have a better trip for it. Please refer to our Responsible Travel page for further details and suggestions for responsible travel.
The law and "the man"
Visit Beyond does not tolerate illegal drugs nor do we tolerate visiting prostitutes. Both of these may be common among certain communities we visit but they are illegal nonetheless. Engaging in such activities puts you and your group at serious risk. Visit Beyond and group leaders reserve the right to immediately expel from the group anyone engaging in these activities.
