15 DAYS ANNAPURNA CIRCUIT TREK

The Poon Hill Ghorepani Trek

One of the historical short treks offering unforgettable magnificent views of the Himalayas to time starved travelers who want to view these things and don't want to experience high altitudes. You will pass the thick forests of rhododendron and indigenous Magar villages and finally arrive at Poon Hill (3,210 m ), the world's magnificent scenery of sunrise over the Dhaulagiri and Annapurna range. So this trek is also known as a preview of Nepal's dramatic mountain landscape.

Annapurna Sanctuary Trek (Annapurna Base Camp Trek)

You will be stepping on a trip that will journey you into the heart of a natural open space arena located at the high peaks of the Himalayas, surrounded by towering Himalayan mountains. From the start of your trek, the path will introduce you to the bamboo forests and the Gurung villages as you walk up toward our adventure’s heart, Annapurna Base Camp, which lies at 4130m. When you reach ABC, as we will commonly refer to base camp for short, you are blessed with a great view of Annapurna 1, Machhapuchhre, and South Annapurna surrounding you, so get yourself prepared for incredible scenery from in front, from the sides and from behind the mountains; we call it a phenomenal experience for the eyes.

Read Before You Choose Annapurna Circuit Trek

Best Time for Annapurna Circuit Trek

Spring Season – (March to May)

During this time, the rhododendrons and other wild alpine flowers bloom with colors all over the mountainsides. This is also a good period for trekking since the temperature gets more pleasant due to warmer weather.

Monsoon Season – (June to September)

The summers bring heavy rains that cause trails to be muddy. The humidity levels increase, leading to leeches coming out on trails along with the rivers in the lower elevations. There could be landslips, especially during August and September when the rains are heavier, and there may even be cloudy days where you cannot get an unobstructed view of the mountains. Therefore, it's best avoided unless you're experienced. However, the area of Manang and Mustang remains relatively dry under the rain shadow area.

Autumn Season – (September to November)

This is probably the best period to visit if you want to do the circuit as the weather is quite stable. Because of no or little rainfall in autumn, there are clearer skies this time of year compared to the monsoon. Autumn makes the nights very cold at altitudes above 4,000 m, and the air becomes cold in high mountains due to a fall in temperature. So try to book your accommodation ahead.

Winter Season (December – February)

This season can bring freezing temperatures, heavy snowfalls and biting winds to high elevations.

Thorong La Pass will be either snowed-in or icy during winters, which makes this trek very dangerous and highly technical for most trekkers. We do not recommend departure of our treks on winter season unless you have extensive experiences with cold weather trekking.

Explore Kathmandu: A City of Nepali Culture

Instead of immediately jumping out onto the trail, lose yourself for a few days with exploring the cultural heritage sites around Nepal’s capital Kathmandu. Gaze at the ancient stupas of Swayambhunath and Boudhanath, admire all types of construction designs in Kathmandu’s Durbar Squares, or have the opportunity to immerse yourself in culture by walking around the Kathmandu city markets.

Get Your Tourist Visa After Arrival at Airport

The visa can also be obtained efficiently at Tribhuvan International Airport upon arrival in Kathmandu – simply use the electronic kiosk to apply and then take it along to the officials along with your passport and cash payment ($30US/15-days, $50US/30-days, $125US/90-days – cash only).

Accommodation and Teahouses on Annapurna Circuit Trek

Rooms

The Annapurna Circuit teahouse rooms are modest, clean and twin shared consisting of two single beds and a basic foam mattress. Be sure to carry your own sleeping bag for additional warmth as there is no heating in higher altitude rooms, apart from the centrally heated dining room at times.

Toilets and Showers

While western style toilets will be attached or shared lower down the circuit, only squat toilets are available at higher camps. Solar and gas geysers are used for hot showers which may be scarce above 4,000 meters high. You will be charged from 2 USD to 5 USD for a shower.

Meals

There's a good selection of high-energy fresh, cooked-to-order meals available at most teahouses. The basic staple of Dal Bhat - lentils, rice and vegetables is available at most establishments and the second helpings are free, and don't be shy of having more of everything. International variations on basic principles include western-style food such as pasta dishes, Indian curries, Tibetan noodle soups and momo dumplings, as well as porridge and sweet dishes, so one never has to miss out too much.

Wi-Fi

Wireless internet is available for $2-$4 a day in most of the teahouses along the lower and mid sections of the trail. Quality diminishes drastically above Manang, especially with poor weather.

Food and Drink

Eat Well and Trek Well

In order to continue climbing, stay charged on long walking days with good nutrition. When it comes to eating at high altitudes, opt for freshly cooked vegetarian meals in high altitudes avoid tummy issues and stick to calorie and nutrient-rich food such as Dal Bhat, oatmeal, and potatoes to get sufficient mountain-ready energy to make it all the way to the top.

Drink Water and Hydrate Your Body

To help prevent altitude mountain sickness it is vital to have a healthy amount of water. It is best to make sure you take enough on the trail – anywhere from 3 to 4 litres per person per day for your trek. Take reusable water bottles and filter water, purify water with tabs or be more mindful of the plastic.

Annapurna Circuit Trek Permits

Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP)

This permit and entryway passageway goes toward the conservation of the nature around the area and pays for path upkeep and improvement of networks inside it. An individual must have a substantial ACAP entry pass with them always in the trekking territory as it's required at different trail entrances.

Types of Permit

Trekking Permits for Nepalese Citizens

Nepalese natives are not necessitated for the ACAP permit or TIMS card for the Annapurna Circuit trek. In spite of that, they would be asked to verify standard identification on the off chance that it's important to make any stops along the trail.

Trekking Permits for Foreigners

Foreign citizens require two types of trekking permits - ACAP and the Trekkers Information Management System (TIMS) Card. The permit price is lower for the SAARC nations.

Annapurna Circuit Trek Cost (Total Cost)

Guide and Porter Tipping

In Nepalese trekking circles, tipping is one of the social traditions with a motive of expressing appreciation for your trekking guide and porter group's unending efforts. A safe estimate would be $10 – $15 for a guide and $8 – $12 per day for a porter.

Extra Cost on the Trail

During the trek, the extras include drinking water, hot showers, device charging, Wi-Fi availability, washing your garments, desserts and liquor. Since not all the cash changers offer credit/charge processing in far off areas of Nepal, it's shrewd to have local currency close by.

Transportation Cost

The transportation arrangements incorporate costs incurred by traveling by means of normal neighborhood buses, tourist coaches and even a four-wheeled-drive Jeep – for example in going among Kathmandu, Besisahar, Syange, Muktinath, Tatopani and Pokhara.

Hot Shower Cost

At teahouses, an additional charge is applied for hot water showers with expenses ranging from NPR 300 to NPR 600 ($2 to $5) relying on altitude of the region. At extremely high camps like the one at Thorong Phedi, finding and utilizing steam warmed via gas or utilizing thermal energy can be difficult.

Wi-Fi Cost

With prices for Wi-Fi ranging from NPR 200-NPR 400 for day passes and Wi-Fi codes for local teahouse Wi-Fi hotspots, they might not be cost-effective for long-term needs. Taking into consideration Wi-Fi expenses, a Ncell or Nepal Telecom SIM card for cellular coverage up to Manang might also be efficient.

How Much Extra Money Should You Have During the Trek?

It is prescribed to bring the spending plan of approximately NPR 25,000 to NPR 35,000 ($200-$300) for additional money needs per person for paying for consumables, refreshments, hot showers, portable chargers, Wi-Fi accesses, clothing wash, desserts and alcoholic drinks. Tipping of your guide, porter and others, as per custom in trekking, would additionally be the best usage for some other cash in light of different expenses.

Ethnic Cultures and Wildlife of the Annapurna Conservation Area

Unique Culture of Gurung, Magar, Manangi and Thakali

Gurung

The main area where they reside is on the lower southern slopes, such as at Ghorepani and Ghandruk. They are well known among others due to their rich cultural heritage and traditional honey hunting practices, along with animistic traditions and their historic legacies as brave Gurkha soldiers of the world's militaries.

Magar

Magars live in the medium height valleys, on the shores of Kali Gandaki River. They are followers of both religions, Hindu and Buddhism. Magar people also have a rich history and culture with traditional farming, stone houses and rich folk music. It's good that they welcome outsiders with hospitable gestures.

Manangi

The habitat of the high altitude rain shadow region of Upper Manang, Manangi has strong cultural relations with Tibetan Buddhists. They are famous for their ancient monastery, stone hamlet, prayer flags and history of the trans-Himalayan trading network.

Thakali

From the origins of Kali Gandaki Valley, Thak Khola and Marpha the Thakali community is renowned all over Nepal with their wonderful hospitality, well-maintained stone lodge and best ever delicious authentic Dal Bhat cuisine.

Wildlife in the Annapurna Circuit Region

Occupying 7,629 sq km of protected habitats ranging from subtropical forest to cold desert in the high alpine areas, ACAP is home to the region's fascinating and numerous rare and endangered Himalayan animals. The region contains habitats varying dramatically from low altitude sub-tropical forests up to the frigid and barren cold desert of the high alpine region of Upper Manang and Mustang. These habitats include:

• Snow Leopard (Panthera uncia): the "ghost of the mountains" prowling in the high alpine region around the Annapurnas in Upper Manang and Mustang
• Himalayan Blue Sheep (Bharal), easily spotted in herds grazing the mountain sides above Manang and on the cliff edge north of Thorong Phedi
• Himalayan Musk Deer: hiding in the forests; Himalayan Tahr, Black Bears (roaming the forested sides between Chame and Pisang
• With many species of birds and at least 470 species of birdlife that include; and the national bird of Nepal.
• The brightly coloured Danphe (Lophophorus/Impeyan Pheasant) and spectacular soaring Himalayan Griffons.

Transportation Service

Access of the Starting Point

We'll start the trekking part with a drive from Kathmandu to Besisahar via highway and then from Besisahar there is a dirt road and continue it to the Marsyangdi River till Syange and from Syange this will officially begin the trekking.

Off-Road Jeep Service

Rugged 4-wheel drives used for the off-road tracks which connect Besisahar with all the upper villages like Syange and Chame on the trek to Thorong La Pass and from Muktinath all the way down to Tatopani along Kali Gandaki Valley.

Why Consider Hiring a Porter?

Because you want to hike with a light pack we transport most of your luggage for you. It gives you an easy hike as you're free from all heavy baggage to experience nature. It will significantly reduce physical tiredness, save your joints while trekking steeply upwards and help you not lose energy at high altitudes. Moreover, you are creating a direct job for the Nepalese trekking community, the mountaineer family.

Share the Porter with Another Trekker

Sharing a porter is a cost-effective idea. One porter can carry the weight of 15 kg which is 7.5 kg per trekker, you would just be carrying a small rucksack for your daily needs.

How Much to Tip

To Guide

We strongly recommend tipping your trekking guide somewhere around 10 to $15 in dollars each day per whole team, for their leadership, trekking knowledge and safety management.

To Porter

We recommend tipping your trekking porter somewhere around 8 to $12 in dollars each day per whole team, for carrying your heaviest belongings throughout the mountain.

Altitude Sickness and Difficulties on the Annapurna Circuit Trek

Altitude Sickness

Types of Altitude Sickness

•  Acute Mountain Sickness - Mild and most likely altitude illness type which causes headaches, nausea, dizziness, sleepiness and loss of appetite.
• High Altitude Cerebral Edema (HACE) - More dangerous form of AMS when fluid enters in your brain and makes you disoriented, weak and unable to coordinate.
• High Altitude Pulmonary Edema (HAPE) – HAPE is considered a critical medical emergency with accumulation of fluid inside the lungs leading to acute breathlessness and severe cough along with bluish skin.
•  HRA Clinic – Manang 3,500m: Doctors here give public lectures every day about altitude safety, do health checkups and will tend to your emergency medical requirements while you acclimatise to thin air. Medical support HRA (Himalayan Rescue Association) provides basic healthcare at their clinics situated in various remote areas of Nepal.

Who is at Risk?

People trekking at altitudes of 2,500m (8,200ft) and above may get AMS - it's independent of gender, age, physical condition or the traveler's experience level.

When You Need Emergency Evacuation?

Helicopter emergency evacuation is immediately required if a trekker experiences symptoms like HACE and HAPE - such as can't walk straight, extreme lethargy, confusion and cannot sleep due to shortness of breathing, constant rattle sound on chest. Descending into lower altitudes, as well as oxygen treatment, are mandatory in such cases while a rescue chopper is on the way.

Difficulties and Challenges

Weather Factors

Due to sub-zero temperatures during winter on higher passes combined with harsh wind at Thorong La Pass and heavy rainfall during monsoon at lower altitudes, a varied and challenging environment is created. Accurate planning of a technical layer system can save trekking trips.

Trekking Duration

You should trek five to nine hours a day for nearly fifteen days. For this, you need a lot of diligence, stamina and adequate caution towards your legs for extreme ups and downs over there.

Remoteness

After trekking from Manang of the Himalayas, you have limited options for any basic medical facilities, mobile connectivity or even regular teahouse accommodation. Helicopter evacuation will be made on an emergency basis if needed.

Acclimatization Strategy for the Annapurna Trek

We follow a well-established “climb high, sleep low” model that will encourage your body to safely acclimatise to the higher altitudes. We follow a programme of ever-increasing day time altitude, with an obligatory full rest and acclimatisation day at the village of Manang (3,500m) which will involve short day hikes with high day time altitude gains. The day leading up to Thorong Phedi is kept shorter in order to allow us to rest before attempting to tackle Thorong La (5,416m).

Is the Annapurna Circuit Trek Suitable for Beginners?

Yes, first-timers can complete this trek if they really have guts, some cardio, and the right preparation. No technically complex climbing skill is needed; it's all about cardio training before the trek; moving slowly, hydrating, and listening to altitude acclimatization tips given by your guide or trek lead at certain stations.

Age Requirements

Trekkers' age to join trips typically range between age 12-70yrs for boys/girls respectively. Kids less than 18 years should come with parents or their respective guardians, to avoid problems while processing their documents at the airport. Elderly people (Above 60 years) need to possess a good level of physique and need prior medical advice from a physician for joining the trips.

What if I Cannot Complete the Trek?

If for some medical reason, over fatigue, or you don't want to continue with the trek, your guide will take you to the nearest station and arrange ground and vehicle transportation from one point to another. They will take down the nearest accessible trail, such as Jomsom, Muktinath, and Manang, where you can reach Pokhara or Kathmandu.

Booking Cancellation Policy

All cancellations must be made in writing; the non-refundable deposit will not be refunded. 30 days before trip date: retaining 50% of total amount. 25 days before trip date: retaining 70% of total trip cost. 15 days before the trip date: retaining 90% of total trip cost. Within 7 days of departure: No refund is issued (100% retention).

For postponements: If you wish to postpone your trip then the new departure date may be booked without much additional cost except the difference of cost and fee of $150 USD by providing a minimum 30 days' written prior notice.