Classic Annapurna Circuit Trek

Classic Annapurna Circuit trek is one of the great trekking routes in the world, making a complete circuit of the huge Annapurna Massif in central Nepal; this trek provides dramatic mountain scenery and a fascinating life of local people and culture. Trek: Starting from Besisahar we head north up the Marshyangdi Valley, through lush green foothills and terraced rice fields. Climbing higher we progress through alpine forests to a dry desert region and the Tibetan Buddhist village of Manang. The mountain views are fantastic, Lamjung, Himalchuli, Manaslu and the Annapurnas tower spectacularly over the valley. The highlight of this trek is crossing the famous Thorung La pass (5,416m) to enter the Kali Gandaki Valley and the long descent to the Hindu temple at Muktinath. We fly out to Pokhara (known as the city of Natural beauty) with the greatest Himalayan flight over the deepest gorge in the world.

Trip Details

Itinerary
Detail Itinerary
Cost details
Equipment

Itinerary:

Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu [1,338m] Transfer to the Hotel.
Day 02: Sightseeing tour of Bhaktapur, Pashupatinath and Boudhanath. [1,338m]. "B".
Day 03: Drive to Beshishar [820m] after lunch drive to Chamje [1,430m]. "B,L,D". (08-09 Hrs).
Day 04: Trek to Bagarchap [2,160m]. "B,L,D". Trek (05-06 Hrs).
Day 05: Trek to Chame [2,715m]. "B,L,D". Trek (05-06 Hrs).
Day 06: Trek to Pisang [3,230 m]. "B,L,D". Trek (04-05 Hrs).
Day 07: Trek to Manang [3,540m]. "B,L,D". Trek (03-04 Hrs).
Day 08: Rest day at Manang [3,540m]. "B,L,D".
Day 09: Trek to Letdar [4,200 m]. "B,L,D". Trek (03-04 Hrs).
Day 10: Trek to Throng Phedi [4,535 m]. "B,L,D". Trek (04-05 Hrs).
Day 11: Trek to Muktinath [3,802 m] Via Throg-La pass [5,416 m]. "B,L,D". Trek (08-09 Hrs).
Day 12: Trek to Jomsom. [2,730 m]. “B,L,D”. Trek (05-06 Hrs).
Day 13: Drive or fly to Pokhara. [930 m]. “B”.
Day 14: Drive or fly to Kathmandu [1,338m]. "B". (Car/Flight/Car).
Day 15: Free day in Kathmandu. [1,3380m]. "B".
Day 16: Trip ends! Fly back home, taking with you the memory of a life time. "B".

Note: If the above itinerary does not meet your needs, we can design individualized travel plans based on your preferences.

Detail Itinerary:

Day 01: Arrival to Kathmandu (1,330m):Upon your arrival, a representative from Adventure Treks Nepal will be waiting outside the airport gates to take you to the hotel. Depending on time of arrival, plans will be made for a briefing meeting once you have settled in. Please let us know if there is anything special you would like to do while in Kathmandu and we can help you arrange that. Overnight stay at Hotel.

Day 02: Cultural Tour in Kathmandu [1,330 m] - (B):After Breakfast we Proceed for sightseeing tour of Bhaktapur city 15 km from Kathmandu, known as city of Devotees and center of medieval art and architecture founded by King Anand Dev in 889 AD, visit Nyatpola temple, the most beautiful temple of Nepal, the 15th century palace of 55 windows, Golden gate and other place of Interest. Lunch Time: 1300hrs-14:00hrs PM: Visit Pashupatinath temple one of the most sacred Hindu shrine in the World. The holy river Bagmati and the burning ghats and also visit one of the oldest and biggest stupa of Boudhanath. Overnight stay at Hotel.

Day 03: Drive to Benshishar [820m] After Lunch drive to Chanmje [1,430m] - (B,L,D): After breakfast at Hotel in Kathmandu we drive along the Kathmandu-Pokhara Highway to Dumre and then follow the rough road by the Marsyangdi River to Besi Sahar. [drive approx 6 hours]. Besi Sahar is the starting point of the trek (In the past). After lunch we drive to Chamje, where we spend Night. Overnight stay at Tea House.

Day 04: Trek to Bagarchap [2,160m] - (B,L,D): Crossing the east bank of the Marsyangdi we follow the trail along the river embankment on rocks. Passing under an overhanging rock, we climb a rocky trail and a steep stone staircase to several tea shops in Sattale, then make a short to descend to Tal Besi and then head for Khorte and then to Karte. We climb from the bridge to a stone kani marking our entrance to Dharapani. Beyond Dharapani, we pass through a school and climb over a spur. 30 minutes walk through a forest of blue pine, spruce, hemlock, maple and oak will reach us to Bagarchhap. Overnight stay at Tea House.

Day 05: Trek to Chame [2,630m] - (B,L,D): Staying on the south bank of the river we climb through forests to Danaque. Beyond Danaque the route crosses a stream on a wooden bridge, and then reaches a trail junction, we follow the usual route to Manag, which is the right fork. A broad level stretch of trail will lead us through forests to a cement bridge near a spectacular waterfall. We traverse a rock ledge, climb over a ridge on a steep, rocky trail and descend to the tiny settlement of Temang Besi. We cross several landslides as it works its way uphill through a forest of walnut trees to Lattemarang. After making several ups and downs over forested ridges and landslides, crossing a large stream and the ridge we reach to the entrance chorten of Kotha, known as Kyupar from where we can look straight up at nearby Annapurna II - a sight convincing us that we are deep in the Himalayan mountains. From here climbing through a fir and pine forest we reach to Chame, the administrative headquarters for the Manag District. Overnight stay at Tea House.

Day 06: Trek to Pisang [3,230m] - (B,L,D): After breakfast at Chame, we set off for Pisang. We continue making a long and pleasant walk in the forests, crossing a short landslide, to a huge apple orchard surrounded by a stone wall. From this point the valley becomes extremely steep-sided as we follow the path to Bratang. There is also a bridge leading us to the old part of Bhratang, which used to be a Khampa settlement. We without crossing the bridge , staying on the northern side of the river follow a new trail that has been blasted out of the side of the cliff. We cross to the south bank of Marsyangdi on a suspension bridge. Further ups and downs from here will lead us to Pisang. Overnight stay at Tea House.

Day 07: Trek to Mananag [3,540m] - (B,L,D): Continue being at the Southern side of Marshyangdi, we cross a stream and make a long climb over a forested ridge that extends across the valley. A short descend will lead us to the broad valley floor. We follow along the valley floor to Manang’s airstrip at Hongde. We further pass a long mani wall and then the airport, thirty minutes beyond the airport there is Sabje Valley, with Annapurna III and IV just above. We cross to the north bank of the Marshyangdi on a wooden bridge near mungji and then climb past fields of barley and buckwheat over a low ridge at Bryaga. A short walk past chorten and mani walls, will lead us to the Plateau of Manang. Overnight stay at Tea House.

Day 08: Rest day at Manang [3,540m] - (B,L,D): We spend one whole day at Manang taking rest which is very important for us before crossing the Thorung La. We can spend the rest day by making visits to various places. We can climb high above the village for a full panorama of the Annapurna range and the Manang Valley. There is also a Himalayan Rescue Association [HRA] aid post in the village, which makes an interesting and educational visit. We can also walk to visit the Bhojo Gompa. Overnight stay at Tea House.

Day 09: Trek to Letdar [4,250m] - (B,L,D): From Manang, we cross a stream and climb to Tengi, which has the magnificent Annapurna Himal views to offer all the way. From here the trail climbs to a small village of Gunsang at 3960m. We pass through sparse forests of Juniper, rose and barberry and cross a large stream, then pass an ancient mani wall in a meadow at 3990m. Beyond is Yak Kharka , also known as Koche. An hour walk further from Yak Kharka is Letdar. Overnight stay at Tea House.

Day 10: Trek to Throng Phedi [4,500m] - (B,L,D): After an early breakfast at Letdar we continue with our trek for the day. From Letdar the trail continues to climb along the east bank of the Jarsang Khola, then descends and crosses a stream on a wooden bridge at 4,310m. We make a short ascent on a good trail to a tea shop, then we follow a narrow trail across a high, unstable scree slope and then descend to Thorung Phedi. Overnight stay at Tea House.

Day 11: Trek To Muktinath [3,802 m] (B,L,D): people for hundreds of years the path, though often steep is well defined and easy to follow. It will take us almost 4 hours from Thorung Phedi to reach to the pass. The views from the trail and from the pass itself, are outstanding high Himalayan scenes. We then start descending down the barren Kali Gandaki Valley, which is far below the to the west. The descent is steep and rough. Eventually the moraines yields to grassy slopes and the final descent walk to Muktinath is a pleasant walk along the upper part of the jhong Valley. We crossing the meadows, drop into a deep ravine the starting of the Jhong Khola , we climb out and follow a wide trail into Muktinath. Overnight stay at Tea House.

Day 12: Trek To Jomsom. [2,730 m] (B,L,D): We now begin the descent down the Kali Gandaki Gorge. After passing through Jharkot and Khingar, villages with typical Tibetan architecture, we follow the valley floor most of the way to Jomsom. As the trail continues towards Jomsom, the landscape becomes increasingly arid and impressive with its mixture of browns, yellows and greys, contrasting with the white snowcaps of Tilicho and Nilgiri. By afternoon, the stiff winds begin to blow, hastening our way to Jomsom. The wind generally picks up after about midday, but will at least be blowing at our backs as we head up to Jomsom. Overnight stay at Tea House.

Day 13: Fly To Pokhara. [930 m] (B): After early breakfast at your Tea House in Jomsom. We fly to Pokhara. It is 22 Minute exciting flight. Upon your arrival in Pokhara Airport we transfer to you to the Hotel. Rest of the day is Leisure. Overnight stay at Hotel. (If you wish to drive please infrom).

Day 14: Fly to Kathmandu [1,330 m] - (B): After breakfast in Pokhara, we have a mountain flight to Kathmandu; it is a thrilling exciting flight over forests, fields and villages with the Himalayas at the background. On arrival, we transfer to the hotel. The remainder of the day is at leisure. (22-25 m flight). Overnight stay at Hotel. (If you wish to drive please infrom).

Day 15: Free day in Kathmandu [1,330 m] - (B): There are plenty of interesting sites to visit in the Kathmandu valley like the Old Palaces at Patan, Bhaktapur, Durbar square, Swayambhunath (the monkey temple or you may wonder down town Thamel to shop for souvenirs and sample the various restaurants of Kathmandu. We are happy to offer you some recommendations. This evening we will have a farewell local dinner at the Local restaurent with Culture Show. Overnight stay at Hotel.

Day 16: Fly back home - (B): We will transfer you to the airport and assist with check-in procedures.

Detail Itinerary:

Trip Cost Includes:

Arrival and Departure Transport.
Sightseeing tour with entrance fee.
Accommodation in Kathmandu and Pokhara with breakfast.
Duffel Bag using for Trekking.
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner during the Trekking.
Accommodation in Tea house during the trekking.
Kathmandu Besisahar Transport.
Besisahar Chamje Transport.
Jomsom - Pokhara flights with airport Tax.
Pokhara - Kathmandu flights with airport Tax.
Trekking Porter with Insurance. (We Provide 01 Porter for 02 Pax).
Trekking Guide with insurance.
Trekking guide and porters food and accommodation, wages etc.
First Aid kit.
Classic Annapurna Circuit with Tilicho Lake Trekking Region map.
Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP) entry permit fee.
Trekker’s Information Management system (TIMS).
All Government taxes.
Office service charge.

Trip Cost Excludes:

International Airfare.
Your travel insurance of any kind
Nepal entry Visa fee (US$ 50 for 30 days you should get visa open your arrival)
Drinks, Dessert, Juice, Mineral Water, Heater charge, Hot Shower during the Trekking and main meals in cities.
Tips for Guide, Porter and driver.

Weather information

We offer trekking in Nepal from mid-September to May. However within this period there are clear seasons in the weather. From early September the monsoon rains decrease. By mid-October through to December the weather is usually stable with mild to warm days, cold nights and clear views. Daytime temperatures can reach 25-30 deg C at low altitude in October and nights can drop to below 0 deg C at higher altitudes.

Winter trekking, from December to February, offers cool to mild and clear days with often very cold nights. Daytime temperatures at low altitudes will be mild, around 20 deg C and at night may drop to 0 or as low as -10 deg C at the higher points. Occasionally winter storms can bring snow as low as 2500m.

In March the cold, dry winter season begins to give way to warmer, wetter spring conditions. Mornings are usually clear with cloud build-up occasionally bringing afternoon rainstorms. Daytime temperatures increase quickly in March, with temperatures of up to 30 deg C and mild nights at low altitudes. The increase in rainfall in the hills is more than compensated for by the spectacular displays of rhododendrons and other wildflowers at this time of year. Late spring conditions, as in April and May, are generally hot at low elevations and as the clouds build up to the next monsoon, daily afternoon rainstorms are common. This is a period that generally has clear weather at the higher altitudes and is traditionally a time when mountaineering expeditions commence their ascents.

The monsoon creates a rainy season in Nepal, which lasts from mid-June to mid-September. During this time the Nepal Himalaya is unsuitable for trekking, with the exception of a few remote valleys. We offer treks during this period in Low altitude Treks in the Nepal Himalaya, Tibet & India (Kulu, Ladakh).

The post-monsoon period: From early September the monsoon rain starts to decrease. By mid-October through to mid-December the weather is usually stable with mild to warm days, cold nights and clear views. Daytime temperatures can reach 25-30 degrees Celsius at lower altitudes and decrease as you gain height. Over 3000 meters the daytime temperatures can vary as much as 10 to 20 degrees Celsius, and may be hotter or colder, depending on whether it is sunny or windy etc. At night at lower altitudes, temperatures do not normally drop much, although as you approach November it does get colder and the days shorter. Up high it can drop sharply at night, from 0 to minus 10 or 15 and more when camped on the ice or snow.

The pre-monsoon period:In March the cold, dry winter season begins to give way to warmer, wetter spring conditions. Mornings are usually clear with cloud build-up bringing occasional afternoon rainstorms. Views of the mountains in the middle of the day and afternoon may often be obscured. Daytime temperatures increase quickly in March with temperatures of up to 30 degrees Celsius and mild nights. At higher altitudes it is similar to the conditions of the post-monsoon period, however there is usually more snow, which has accumulated over the winter period. There are spectacular displays of rhododendrons and wildflowers at this time of year. Late spring conditions ie April and May, are generally hot at low elevations and as the clouds build up to the next monsoon, daily afternoon rainstorms are common.

List of Clothing Equipments & Personal Effects

Lightweight Trekking (walking) (Waterproof) boots and spare laces. If new one is being bought, “walk then in” to avoid blisters. Also bring spare laces.
A pair of track shoes for evening and walk around campsite.
Warm Jackets (Fiber fill or down) down should be adequate.
A rainproof jacket with hood or ponchos (Get guaranteed Waterproof)
Woolen shirts and thick sweaters.
A pair of lightweight/heavyweight trousers. Jeans are unsuitable to wear on treks.
Thermal underwear.
A tracksuit.
2 pair of loose fitting long shorts/skirts.
Few pairs of cotton T-shirts.
At least 1 lightweight long sleeved shirt is particularly to avoid sun born.
A woolen hat for morning and evening and Sun cap (Hat) during the day and ensure it has a wide brim to cover the face and neck..
A pair of gloves.
A pair of sandals to shower and campsite.
Few pair of thin and thick woolen socks.
Underwear: normal quantity and swimming costume.
Sleeping bags for night. (At least -20 Celsius)

Equipment and Accessories

Duffle bag or kit bag to carry gears while trekking. (We provide)
Daypack to carry personal day requirements. (25-30 Ltr) This is a small rucksack to carry personal requirement for the day
Water bottle.
Snow glasses and sunglasses.
2-5 large plastic bags to separate clean and dirty clothes. Some small plastic bags for garbage.
Toiletries with large and small towels. Toilet paper can be by in Kathmandu and some villages in the mountains.
Wallet or money belt with compartment for coins.
Headlamp or torch light with spare batteries and bulbs.Candles or lighter to burn toilet paper and to lit on.
Snow gaiters essential during winter and High Altitude trekking.
Walking poles. (If you like to have).
Camera with spare batteries and films
Reading materials, game items (optional), note book, rubber band, pen and pencil, envelopes, a diary, a calendar, a pocket knife, binoculars (optional), a small pillow or headrest (optional). Thermoses (optional)- an inflatable sleeping mat, trekking map, adequate quantities of
passport photograph
First aid kit with enough Personal medicine.

Physically prepare yourself: It is important that your body is adequately prepared for the physical challenges of trekking. It is thus important that you assess your own condition and train accordingly. In general, the fitter you are, the easier it will be for you to handle the rigors of the trek. A well-rounded training program would include strength training, aerobic cross training, and hiking (ideally at high altitude but not necessary).

Mentally prepare yourself: Mental preparation is often overlooked. You should always keep a positive state of mind, but not ignore the signals your body sends you. Your mental stamina will, without a doubt, make the most difficult parts of the trekachievable.

We will keep the packing list update asnew equipment becomes available. If you have reviews or suggestions please send us an email.

Trekking in Nepal need not be considered risky affair as far as your health is concerned. Nevertheless, preventive measures such as a through medical checkup and inoculations before you start trekking can save you from unexpected hazards. Since the remote places of Nepal are not supplied with necessities that are essential for modern medical facilities and as the rescue and evacuation are measured in days, it is imperative to make a comprehensive first aid box consisting of basic drugs and accessories as part of the paraphernalia for trekking. Modern dentistry is unknown in the hill of Nepal so it is advised to have a checkup before departure from home. Tooth fillings; sometimes loosen in cold temperatures and high altitudes, so it is recommended to have them checked. Travelers are requested to bring medicine prescribed by their doctor at home. Common medicine for stomach problems, headache, and malaria is available in Kathmandu. Medicine is usually not available in remote areas. So necessary medicine is advisable to carry with you. Before going to Nepal, it is advised to get injections against typhoid, meningitis and hepatitis.

OVERCOMING ALTITUDE PROBLEM:
This is often known as Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS), which is particularly a matter of important medical consideration while trekking in the Himalayas. Altitude Sickness means the effect of altitude on those who ascend too rapidly to elevations above 3000 meters. Early mountain sickness will manifest itself in headache, nausea, shortness of breath, fatigue; etc can be encountered as initials of the sickness. The major information source on prevention and treatment of the sickness is Himalayan Rescue Association (HRA) and Adventure Treks Nepal (P). Ltd. is the confide life member of it. We assure every trekker that all our guides have followed the training conducted by HRA with the understated information.

CAUSE/FACTOR OF ALTITUDE SICKNESS
1. Less Oxygen
2. Low Pressure i.e. Barometric Pressure
3. Rapid Ascent
4. Possible Dehydration
5. Hypothermia TYPE OF ALTITUDE SICKNESS

TYPES ALTITUDE SICKNESS
1. AMS - Acute Mountain Sickness
2. HAPE - High Altitude Pulmonary Edema
3. Hace - High Altitude Cerebral Edema

SYMPTOMS
1. (AMS) ACUTE MOUNTAIN SICKNESS
Mild symptom feels like hangover/not feeling good
a. Headache
b. Fatigue/Tiredness
c. Nausea
d. Shortness of breath
e. Loss of appetite
f. Sleep disturbance
g. Dizziness

2. (HAPE) HIGH ALTITUDE PULMONARY EDEMA (Water in lungs)
a. Increasing shortness of breath even at rest
b. Severe cough-dry/Productive
c. Very tired-Unusual fatigue while walking
d. High Pulse rate i.e. 110
e. Blueness of face, lips, finger nails that means inability to transport Oxygen into the blood

3. (HACE) HIGH ALTITUDE CEREBRAL EDEMA (Water in the head)
Severe symptoms of altitude sickness
a. Severe Headache
b. Vomiting
c. Walking like a drunk (Ataxia)
d. Mental confusion/Altered mental status
e. Irritable-Does not want to be bothered by other people
f. Unconsciousness or Coma
TEST - Tandem walking test, Heel to toe step fall off from the line.

DECISION MAKING
1. Find out the main problem i.e. at altitude. Assume all problems are Altitude Sickness unless proven otherwise.
2. If it is an altitude problem with mild symptoms, stay at the same altitude until the symptoms are completely gone. Take an Aspirin tablet, try to go up but listen to your body. If symptoms are worsening, go down.

PREVENTION
1. Acclimatization: - After a 1000m. Ascent, stay one more night for acclimatization.
2. Do not make RAPID ASCENT; don't go too fast too high.
3. No alcohol, sleeping pills and smoking.
4. Drink more fluid 3-4ltrs a day… clean, boiled or treated water/tea/coffee/soup/juice etc.
5. Do not carry heavy packs.
6. Climb higher sleep lower.
7. Do not travel alone.

TREATMENT
1. DESCENT is the best medicine; do not wait for the Helicopter.
2. Medicine:
a. Oxygen.
b. Diamox…for AMS 125mg. Before dinner, for sleeping problem if feeling suffocated.
c. Nafedipine for HAPE
d. Steroids/Dexamethasone for HACE
3. Hyperbolic Bag - Gammow Bag
4. Golden Rules
a. Awareness of ALTITUDE SICKNESS
b. If you have mild symptoms, do not go higher. Take Aspirin.
c. If you have worsening symptoms, go down.
d. Do not leave your team member behind unattended, either trekker or porter.
5. IMPORTANT
a. Go up slowly.
b. Drink plenty of fluids (at least 3 liters per day)
c. Get all information about Altitude Sickness before your trekking tour that will make you confident to make your tour successful.

Our advice: Drink 3-4 ltr of water minimum a day, don't exhaust yourself so much and breathe deep and take rest more than usual.

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Classic Annapurna Circuit Trek