Annapurna Circuit Trek – 15 Days

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15 days Annapurna Base Camp trek is the most popular moderate trek offering great views of the Annapurna range
Group size: Min 2 pax Max-Altitude: 5,416m
Destination: Nepal
Arrival on: Kathmandu, Nepal Departure from: kathmandu
Meals: Full board meals during the trek
Accommodation: Hotel in Kathmandu & Lodge on a trek
Fitness level: Moderate

Trip Introduction

Annapurna Circuit Trek is one of the popular trekking routes in Annapurna area in Nepal. This trekking package is specially designed for those trekkers, who is looking to explore the Annapurna region, in the minimum possible time. Short Annapurna Circuit Trek takes you along the horseshoe shaped fascinating trail that encircles amazing Annapurna is the world’s most popular trek beyond doubt. It is the most frequented trek in Nepal as well.

The trek highlights exceedingly beautiful Manang Valley settled by the endogenous Gurung. The cultural encounters in numerous ethnically inhabited villages are the wonders of Nepal’s cultural diversity seen during the trek. The floral and faunal biodiversity of the Annapurna Conservation Area Project is great sights. The rawness of nature that include pure cascading waterfalls, Rocky Mountains and deep gorges are mesmerizing.

The most important highlights of the trek are the Himalayan vista from the top of the Thorung La Pass. The incredibly adventurous walk to the top of the Thorung La Pass and down to Muktinath is beautifully challenging. The shifting views of Annapurna and its neighboring peaks are always the prime highlights of Annapurna Circuit Trek. Last but not the least Jomsom the last stopover point of the trek is simply cherry on the top.
Treks Planner Nepal 15 days Annapurna Circuit Trek package ensures full board (all meals and accommodation), during the trek, all ground transportation, and an English speaking guide. However, the package can be customized to your requirements and needs.

Outline Itinerary

Day 01: Arrive in Kathmandu.

Day 02: Spare Day
Meal: Breakfast

Day 03: Drive from Kathmandu to Besisahar Drive: 6/7 hrs | Meal: BLD

Day 04: Jeep drive to Chame (Stopover for acclimatization)
Altitude: 2670 m/8810 ft. | Drive: 4/5 hrs | Meal: BLD

Day 05: Trek Chame to Pisang
Altitude: 3200 m/10524 ft. Trek: 5/6 hrs | Meal: BLD

Day 06: Trek Pisang to Manang, Overnight at the local lodge
Altitude: 3400 m/11152 ft. | Trek: 5 to 6 hrs. | Meal: BLD

Day 07: Rest day at Manang for acclimatization
Altitude: 3400 m/11152 ft. | Meal: BLD

Day 08: Trek from Manang to Yak Kharka
Altitude:4,050m/13,287ft | Trek: 4-5 hour | Meal: BLD

Day 09: Trek from Yak Kharka to Thorung Phedi
Altitude:4,833m/15,856ft | Trek: 5 hours | Meal: BLD

Day 10: Trek from Thorung Phedi to Muktinath
Altitude:3,760m/12,335ft via Thorung La Pass - Altitude: 5,416m | Trek: 8 hours. | Meal: BLD

Day 11: Trek from Muktinath to Kagbeni
Altitude: 2,804 m/9,199 ft | 4-5 hour. | Meal: BLD

Day 12: Trek from Kagbeni to Jomsom
Altitude: 2810 m. Trek: 3-4 hours. | Meal: BLD

Day 13: Fly from Jomsom to Pokhara and transfer to hotel.
Meal: BLD

Day 14: Drive back to Kathmandu 
Altitude: 1350/4428 ft. | Meal: B

Day 15: Departure transfer
Meal: Breakfast

Day to Day Itinerary

Day 01: Arrive Kathmandu. 
The first view of Nepal from the window of your plane could be a lifetime memorable view as the clear wide and white range of Himalayas shine straight in-front of your eyes. The ecstatic beauty is so rare that you won’t be able to blink your eyes. Welcome to Nepal; large heaven within this small planet Earth. As you step out of the airport our representative and a driver will receive you with a pleasant smiling welcome. Then, you will be escorted to the hotel and take complete care in processing your check-in into the hotel. 

Day 02: Spare Day | Meal: Breakfast

Day 03: Drive from Kathmandu to Besisahar Drive: 6/7 hrs | Meal: BLD
After having breakfast, our guide will meet you at the hotel to drive to Besisahar. Recheck your luggage and be ready for a drive. Following the River Marshyangdi, you will reach Besisahar. On the way, you can explore the Green Mountain, a scattered village, and a refreshing landscape. Stay overnight at the local lodge.

Day 04: Jeep drive to Chame (Stopover for acclimatization) - Altitude: 2670 m/8810 ft. | Drive: 4/5 hrs | Meal: BLD
From Besisahar, catching a local bus, you will start to drive on a bumpy road towards Chame. It is a small village of the Annapurna Region at an elevation of 1430 m. You can enjoy the waterfall that attracts both the local and tourists. Stay overnight at the local lodge.

Day 05: Trek Chame to Pisang - Altitude: 3200 m/10524 ft. Trek: 5/6 hrs | Meal: BLD
Today, you will have a steep walk through dense forest into a narrowed valley. Crossing the raging Himalayan River at two points 2,910m & 3,040m are absolute highlights of the trek. Just crossing a suspension bridge at 3040m, the stunning view of Rocky Hill Paungda Danda feasts catch by the eyes. Beyond here, the course connects towards Pisang on a steep trail. Pisang nestles between 3,200m and 3,300meters. Stay overnight at the local lodge.

Day 06: Trek Pisang to Manang, Overnight at the local lodge - Altitude: 3400 m/11152 ft. | Trek: 5 to 6 hrs. | Meal: BLD
After breakfast, you will walk through the arid & higher region of Manang.  As you trek higher, the region affected is at the rain shadow of Annapurna comes into sight. Natives of this county flock yak most of the times of the year and cultivate crops for a very short period of the year. As you leave Pisang, you will tread along the northern via Ghyaru for the better views of the Himalayan peaks throughout the trail that chases along the northern bank of the river. Now, you will arrive at Munchi. Beyond Munchi, the trail passes the charming and the authentic village of Braga 3475m. The last push brings to Manang.

Day 07: Rest day at Manang for acclimatization - Altitude: 3400 m/11152 ft. | Meal: BLD
Starts a day with morning tea and explore the surrounding. Today, you will take a rest day. Hence, it is your time to use as you like. You can hike for a while to get familiarize with altitude. You can go nearby Gangapurna glacier or visit the Manang village, Gompas, and cave exploring native people and culture. Spend overnight at Lodge.

Day 08: Trek from Manang to Yak Kharka - Altitude:4,050m/13,287ft | Trek: 4-5 hour | Meal: BLD
Today, you will trek to the higher altitude. After a day rest in Manang, you will not have acclimatization issue. However, gaining 500 m height trekking along the gradual uphill climb is quite an adventure. As the trek begins, you will cross a stream, climbs to a village of Tenki and continue to ascend the Marsyangdi Valley, turning northwest up the valley of Jarsang Khola. You will further pass the small village of Ghunsa and following the trail through the meadows. Here, you can see the horses and yaks grazing. Crossing a wooden suspension bridge, you will encounter a series of mani wall, eventually, you reach Yak Kharka at 4,000m. Yak Kharka is the yak graze the land and hence signs of yak herders and thin vegetation can be seen there. Overnight at Yak Kharka.

Day 09: Trek from Yak Kharka to Thorung Phedi - Altitude:4,833m/15,856ft | Trek: 5 hours | Meal: BLD
Today, you will walk uphill to the Thorang Phedi. Walking for a while in an easy trail, you will cross a suspension bridge leading you towards Ledar village. Then, slightly ascend and passing through towering cliffs, you will reach Thorang Phedi. It is the last village before Thorang-la Pass. During the trail, you can click the views of Mt. Gundang, Thorang Peak, Mt. Syangang and Mt. Khatungkan. Overnight in Thorang Phedi.

Day 10: Trek from Thorung Phedi to Muktinath - Altitude:3,760m/12,335ft via Thorung La Pass - Altitude: 5,416m | Trek: 8 hours. | Meal: BLD
Here comes the most exciting and adventurous time as you are going to cross the world’s largest pass- The Thorong-la pass. Hence, today’s trek will be lengthy, you will starts trek early. Five hours of steep strenuous walk from the camp at Thorung Phedi brings you to the top of Thorung La Pass 5416m. The regular course to Thorung La Pass seems easy. However, a number of difficulties might encounter due to the elevation and snow. Getting up to the pass may be tough but the acme of the pass marked by revered chortens and colorful prayer flags will reward you with the most eye-catching views of the Himalayas that include Annapurna at its best.

Day 11: Trek from Muktinath to Kagbeni - Altitude: 2,804 m/9,199 ft | 4-5 hour. | Meal: BLD
After breakfast, we'll first descend through a desert-like trans-Himalayan landscape to the dramatic village of Jharkot (3500m), with its large chörten, a gompa, and atmospheric animist totems. The trail continues to Khingar (3400m) and then follows the road down steeply to the medieval-looking village of Kagbeni (2840m), situated at the confluence of Kali Gandaki and Jhang River and stay there overnight.

Day 12: Trek from Kagbeni to Jomsom - Altitude: 2810 m) 3-4 hour. | Meal: BLD
You will descent through the Kali Gandaki Valley to Jomsom, the windy city & the home to the apple orchard of Nepal.  Coming downhill, you always have to be cautious and not be excited to reach the destination. Spend overnight at the local lodge.

Day 13: Fly from Jomsom to Pokhara and transfer to hotel. | Meal: BLD
From the windy city, Jomsom and you will take a flight back to Pokhara. Leaving the tranquil isolation, as you land at Pokhara, you will be once again transferred to your hotel in the city. Rest of the time at your own.

Day 14: Drive back to Kathmandu - Altitude: 1350/4428 ft. | Meal: B
While driving back to Kathmandu the 1st half of the trip is along the highway above Seti and Marsyandi Rivers and the latter half winds along Trisuli River. Green hills along the spiral roads, stopping in between for snacks (fish) are the trip highlights. Upon arriving at Kathmandu, you will be transferred to the hotel in the city. 

Day 15: Departure transfer | Meal: Breakfast
Our tour officer will pick you up from your hotel three hours prior to your departure time. You will be escorted in a private vehicle to the airport for your final departure. Have a safe flight home.

Important Note

During the trip weather, local politics, transport or a multitude of other factors, that are beyond our control can result in a change of itinerary. It is, however, very unlikely that the itinerary would be substantially altered, if alterations are necessary the leader will decide what is the best alternative, taking into consideration the best interests of the whole group. Where a change does occur, we do everything we can to minimize its effect, but we cannot be responsible for the results of changes or delays.

Included / Exclude

Cost Includes: 

  • Airport pick up & drop off service in a private vehicle
  • 3 Night accommodation in Kathmandu at Apsara Boutique Hotel with Breakfast on a sharing basis
  • 1 Night accommodation in Pokhara at Hotel Batika Classic with Breakfast on a sharing basis
  • 10 Night accommodation during the trekking in a Mountain Lodges run by the local community in a sharing basic- occasionally dormitory-style rooms.
  • Full board meal during the trek (B/L/D) 
  • Accompanied by English speaking, government license, trained local guide
  • Required number of porter as per the group size (2:1)
  • Food, accommodation, insurance, equipment, and medicine for all staff.
  • Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP) permit
  • Trekkers Information Management System (TIMS) card permit
  • Kathmandu to Besisahar drive in a private vehicle [car]
  • Besisahar to Chame jeep drive in sharing vehicle
  • Domestic  Airfare Jomsom to Pokhara
  • Pokhara to Kathmandu transfer in a Tourist sharing Bus
  • Sleeping Bag during the trekking- should return after return back from a trek
  • Down Jacket during the trekking- should return after return back from a trek
  • Treks Planner Nepal T-Shirt, Duffel Bag, and Adventure Certificate (as a souvenir)
  • All local and Government taxes

Cost Exclude

  • Any Airfare and Nepal Visa
  •  Your personal expenses for mineral water, soft beverages, confectionaries, laundries, phone calls, hot drinking water, bar bills, showers, etc. 
  • Internet facility, battery chargers, multi plugs, etc. 
  • Your travel insurance that covers Helicopter evacuation.
  • Medical expenses and trip cancellation. 
  • Any other extended trips and accommodation.
  • Tips of the guide, porters and driver as a token of appreciation. 
  • Any other expenses or charges that are not mentioned in the “cost includes” list. 
  • Nepal arrival visa.

Best time to travel

September to December and March to May

Physical Condition and requirement

Walking in higher altitudes is more physically demanding than walking in the lower altitudes, however, if we are in excellent health with average physical fitness, have a positive attitude, self confidence and strong determination, we can accomplish the trek successfully. Exercising and jogging regularly for some weeks prior to the trip is a good idea to enhance our strength and stability. Past hiking experience would be an asset but no technical skill is required for this trip. It is important that we consult with our doctor before we decide and set up for the Annapurna Circuit Trek. Participants with pre-existing medical conditions such as heart, lung, and blood diseases should inform Treks Planner Nepal before booking the trek.

Additional info

Trekking in the Himalayan region goes through unexpected complication like natural and health challenges resulting changes in the itinerary for your a security reason, If such incident happens during the trek our professional Guide, Porters and leader take you to final point safely for evacuation so, please be friendly with your guide for more achievements and protection.Flights in the Himalayan region often get cancelled even in the best season due to bad weather so we request our travelers to carry luggage for extra days.

Our website contains as much information as possible about this trip but if you want , we can still customize the itinrary according to your wish and preferable time for visit. Fell free to write to us or you can even give us a call if you would like to discuss any aspect regarding the trip.

Important notes

During the trip weather, local politics, transport or a multitude of other factors, that are beyond our control can result in a change of itinerary. It is, however, very unlikely that the itinerary would be substantially altered, if alterations are necessary the leader will decide what is the best alternative, taking into consideration the best interests of the whole group. Where a change does occur, we do everything we can to minimize its effect, but we cannot be responsible for the results of changes or delays.


Source:www.treksplannernepal.com