Annapurna Circuit Trek

Itinerary


Outside Kathmandu, its teeming capital, Nepal is a land of remote mountain villages, whose people survive by growing their own food on the thousands of hill terraces that scale even the steepest slopes. Mechanized farming is unheard of here; the fields are ploughed by water-buffalo, the corn harvested and threshed by hand and ground by water mills. If you stay in a trekking lodge, your bread will likely as not be made from flour ground that day, your vegetables freshly harvested from the fields.
Few places in the worlds have such a splendid variety of natural beauty as the Annapurna region. It is a rare combination of long arrays of snow capped peaks, crystal clear lakes, turbulent rivers with deep gorges, Tibetan monasteries, hot-springs, and picturesque villages inhabited by simple and friendly local people. This three-week trek takes you far away from the road, into the heart of the high mountains.

Day 01: Welcome to Kathmandu
Arrive Kathmandu airport and you will be met by the staff from my agency in Kathmandu. Transfer to the very friendly Hotel in Kathmandu.

Day 02: Kathmandu Sightseeing
The following morning you will be taken one day Sightseeing tour of the many holy temples and interesting surrounding sights of Kathmandu including the sacred Pashupatinath Temple and Nepal's oldest cities. The remainder of the day is yours to explore the many shops and bazaars and eating-houses of Kathmandu.

Day 03: Kathmandu - Besisahar
We spend 2 nights in Kathmandu before boarding our 6 -hour drive to Besisahar, a small beautiful town the district head quarter of Lamjung district, set on the banks of the Marshyangdi River. It is smaller and much less hectic than Kathmandu and is the perfect starting point for our trek.

Day 04: Besisahar - Bahundanda
We walk through the deep river gorge, rice fields, sub-tropical forest and small hamlets to the Gurung village of Khudi. From here, the trail continues along the riverside past a majestic waterfall to Bahundanda, watched over by the towering peaks of Himal Chuli and Manaslu.

Day 05: Bahundanda - Chamje
A steep and slippery trail runs up and down along the valley side through paddy fields, dips to cross the river and then snakes steeply up the cliffs on the other side. Passing through tiny Tibetan villages, the trail ascends through the rhododendron forest to Chamje, a small settlement at 1430m.

Day 06: Chamje - Bagarchhap
The path climbs beside the river through bamboo groves, before a dramatic waterfall heralds our arrival at Tal, a large village on a suddenly-emerging open plateau. We cross barley and potato fields to reach Dharapani and begin to climb to Bagarchhap (2160m,) site of our first Tibetan Monastery and with views of Annapurna II and Lamjung Himal.

Day 07: Bagarchhap - Chame
The trail climbs along the mule track through pine and fir forest and then follows the river for a time amongst the higher oak and maple trees. We pass through scattered small villages before arriving at Chame (2630m.)

Day 08: Chame - Pisang
The trail undulates through the river valley, ascending through deep forest to Pisang (3190m) with good views along the way of Pisang peak and the high Annapurna II.

Day 09: Pisang – Manang
Tibetan culture begins in earnest as we start to climb towards Manang (3535m) through fields of grazing yak and a wide variety of crops. This large Tibetan settlement commands good views of Annapurna II, IV and Tarke Kang. It is no problem to trek here in the summer as rainfall is low.

Day 10: Manang
This is a rest day to acclimatize to the higher altitude. Time to visit Monasteries, take advice from the Himalayan Rescue Association and observe the spectacular views of the Himalaya. We will have side walk on this day for acclimatize.

Day 11: Manang - Latdar
The trail climbs to Latdar along the riverside and as the altitude increases, we move through alpine pastures to scrubby forests of juniper and rose. We camp at an elevation of 4250m.

Day 12: Latdar - Thorung Phedi
The trail undulates near the river, before climbing steep screw slope North West of the tributary valley of the Jargeng Khola. It is sometimes possible to see herds of blue mountain sheep along the dramatic cliffs that surround the camping meadow at Thorung Phedi (4420m.)

Day 13: Thorung Phedi - Muktinath
We ascend steeply to a 4590m, then along an undulating trail to the flat top of Thorung La (5416m.) From here there are views of the Annapurna range to the south and Mukut Himal bordering Dolpo to the West. The trail descends steeply over glacial moraine, which gives way to grassy meadows before we reach Muktinath. This is one of the most important pilgrimage sights for Hindus. Holy water flows from the 108 carved spouts surrounding the Vishnu temple in a grove of poplars. Muktinath is also home to many ethnic Tibetans and holy Buddhists, who come here for the temple in which fire miraculously burns in a stream of water inside a small but very holy temple.

Day 14: Muktinath - Jomsom
Descend gradually through fields and poplar groves, then into the Kali Gandaki river valley. Follow the valley southwards to Jomsom. The Kali Gandaki valley here is called the Thak Khola, from the ethnic group the Thakali, the main inhabitants of this area.

Day 15: Jomsom -Kalopani
Descend to Marpha, a lovely village of whitewashed houses and fertile fields. Continue down the Kali Gandaki reaching the old Thakali trading centre of Tukuche. As the trail continues, the Himalayan rain shadow end and open spaces make way for coniferous forest and Kalopani (2560m.) From here there are spectacular 360 degree views of Dhaulagiri and the Annapurna high above.

Day 16: Kalopani – Tatopani
A beautiful walk, with another transition into sub-tropical vegetation and the return of water buffalo, banyan trees and poinsettias. The trail follows the river through a narrow gorge, and descends to cross a bridge near a spectacular waterfall, before winding through the valley to Tatopani. The hot water springs that give the village its name provide the perfect opportunity for a good 'scrub.'

Day 17: Tatopani - Ghorepani
Steadily climbing all day, we eventually leave behind the terraced fields and walk through thick rhododendron forest to the village of Ghorepani. We camp at the pass for the best views of the sunset over the spectacular, snow-capped Dhaulagiri and the Annapurna Range.

Day 18: Ghorepani - Tadapani
A short early-morning climb to the Deurali pass for a spectacular panorama over Dhaulagiri and the Annapurna, and all the way south to the plains of India. Trail descends steeply through dense moss-covered forest rich with birdlife to Tadapani (2540m) for beautiful sunset views of Annapurna South and Machhapuchhre.

Day 19: Tadapani - Ghandrung
Trail descends steeply through dense damp forest, where you may see monkeys, and continues down over a series of rock-cut steps that follow a leaping stream. Arrive in Ghandrung (1940m) and explore the maze-like streets of this thriving Gurung settlement.

Day 20: Ghandrung – Dhampus
The path descends for about 2 hours, before climbing steeply to another Gurung village, Landrung. We then follow the hillside south to the Dhampus. The mountain views are superb and far away to the south lies Fewa Tal (lake.) We continue down the ridge to the village of Dhampus, from where the distant mountains are still visible.

Day 21: Dhampus - Phedi - Pokhara
Steep descent through the river valley to Phedi, then drive to Pokhara.

Day 22: Pokhara – Kathmandu, drive to Kathmandu.

Or stay longer or for short tours such as game drive at National parks safari, do some wild-water rafting, a Tibet tour or even mountain biking, etc- please ask us).  

Cost per person:

US $1453.00
Pound £925.00
EURO €1016.00
Australian $1453.00
Canadian $1453.00

Fixed group departure 2011:

11th, 15th, 20th and 26th February 2011
1st, 5th, 7th, 13th, 18th, and 24th March 2011.
2nd, 9th, 12th, and 22nd April 2011.
3rd, 7th, and 12th May 2011.
5th, 14th and 19th June 2011.
7th, 12th 20th and 26th September 2011.
4th, 9th, 14th, 19th, 24th and 29th October 2011.
6th, 10th, 15th, 23rd, and 25th November 2011.
8th, 15th and 23rd December 2011.

Fixed group departure 2012:

10th and 29th February 2012
2nd, 10th, 22nd, and 27th March 2012.
6th, and 25th April 2012.
5th and 18th May 2012
6th and 15th June 2012
12th, 19th, and 27th September 2012.
3rd, 7th, 15th, 21st, 25th and 29th October 2012.
16th, and 25th November 2012
5th and 11th December 2012

For the convenience of our travelers to Nepal and fallow up the fixed departure itinerary of Explore Alpine adventure guarantees all fixed group departures dates.

Group Departures are for an adventurous individual person willing to join a small group of other travelers. We can arrange group trekking tours or individual trekking tours, to suit your requirements. Please you can choose any dates which will be suitable for you and please match your arrival in Kathmandu and departure from Kathmandu. 

PRICE INCLUDES:

• Breakfast, lunch, dinner and accommodation in lodge during the trek period. 
•  English speaking local expert guide, porters
• Accommodation at 2 star hotels in Kathmandu/ Pokhara on double sharing with breakfast as per itinerary.
• All guided sightseeing tour in Kathmandu/ Pokhara and entry fees as per itinerary.
• Airport transfers and escort
• Insurance of the guide and porters as per itinerary.
• All necessary paper works and national park entry permits.
• Travel & Rescue arrangement if necessary.
• TIMS (Trekkers’ Information Management System)
• All government taxes.

PRICE EXCLUDES:

• International flight & departure tax
  
• Lunch & dinner in Kathmandu and Pokhara
  
• Personal Trekking gears (available on hire in Nepal)
  
• Tips, any expenses of personal nature, client's insurance.

Equipment List for trekking:

 FOOT WEAR

• Trekking boots: (one pairs), Thick socks (4 pairs)
• Light socks (3 pairs)
• Camp shoes (1 pair)
• Sandals (1 pair)

 CLOTHING

• Down or fiber filled waterproof jacket and trousers (1)
• Fleece jacket or pullover ( 1)
• Warm cotton trousers (2 pairs)
• Shirts and T-shirts ( 4 pieces)
• Lightweight cotton long pants ( 3 pairs)
  
• Long under wear (2 pieces)
• Short under wear (4 pieces)
• Sun hat or scarf ( 1) Woolen hat (1)
• Sunglasses (1)
• Lightweight gloves (1)
• Rain coat(1)
• Heavyweight gloves or mittens with a waterproof (1)

OTHER EQUIPMENT

• Sleeping bag (4 seasons) 1
• Down jacket -1
• Day pack – 1
• Water bottle – 1
• Sun cream
• Sunglasses
• Flash light with spare bulbs, batteries, lip salve,  gaiters.

Booking & Payment Conditions

Explore Alpine Adventure and Alpine Explore Nepal tour and trek is a well-known government licensed trekking and touring company in Nepal. We accept your bookings under the following terms and conditions.

1. When you confirmed trip, we need photo copy of your passport and 30% down payment of the total price for advance flight tickets, hotel booking and permit process.

2. Payments can be wired by bank transfer to our company bank account or Master Card and Visa Card. but we give preference bank transfer to our company account.

Please inquiry for bank accounts for your convenience.

3. Bank service charge should be paid by the clients themselves at the time of deposit.

4. In addition, payments can be made by Cash, Travels Cheque, Master Card or Visa Card as well. If you would like to make the payment by Master Card or Visa Card, the cards payment handling bank service charge 3.5% will charge to the card holder. 

5. After receiving photo copy of your passport, and 30% advance form you, we send you final confirmation receipt.

6. Remaining balance can be made after your arrival in Nepal. Full payment should be made before trip departure. Be mindful, we also reserve the right to cancel your trip provided full amount is not paid in time.

7. Travel insurance is compulsory for all Clients undertaking any tour. It should provide adequate protection for the full duration of the tour or Trek to cover personal injury, medical expenses, repatriation expenses, helicopter evacuation, loss of luggage, etc.

8. If you wish to arrange your travel insurance from our Company, we will arrange travel insurance for you.

9 Cancellation by the Client: Cancellation of a confirmed booking must be made by the Client in writing either in written documents or on an email. Cancellation shall valid with approval from the company after receiving document. Trip shall then be termed as cancelled and as a cancellation charge, 30% of the trip amount would be deducted from the advance paid.

10 Risk & Liabilities:

We are committed to providing the best services which will give you a once in a life time journey in this connection, we perform our duties honestly & seriously to make your journey very smooth & pleasant. However, the entire programs in Nepal/Tibet/Bhutan are conducted strictly under the rules and regulation of theirs’ own policies.
There for Explore Alpine Adventure and its related organization shall not be responsible for any changes in the itinerary due to unavoidable circumstance such as govt. restriction, Land slide, road blockage, flood, snow political unrest, cancellation of flight, delay, sickness or accident, Any extra cost incurring there of shall be borne by the clients on the spots.

Thank you for choosing Explore Alpine Adventure. We look forward to meet you In Nepal and serve you better.

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