A WILD ADVENTURE AMONG SOARING PEAKS - THE DEEPEST VALLEY ON EARTH & EXPOSURE TO UNIQUE CULTURES.
THIS TREK HAS IT ALL!
The 15 Days Annapurna Circuit Trek is time well spent and will leave you with memories to last a lifetime.
Sherpa Expedition & Trekking will guide you every step of the way through some of the most amazing landscapes in Nepal.
Natural beauty with unique flora and fauna, deep valleys and rivers, cascading waterfalls, and of course a first-hand experience of the fascinating Sherpa culture with their amazing temples and religious beliefs makes this a full-on trek for the intrepid adventure. A highlight of this trek is reaching the high altitude and somewhat challenging wind-swept Thorong La Pass (5416m) – the highest pass of any trek in this region.
The Annapurna Circuit Trek has been the most popular trekking destination since it was first opened to the public in the mid-1980s. Its sub-tropical forests, Rhododendron and Cyprus forests, the awesome Kali Gandaki Gorge (world’s deepest), and amazing timeless architecture of Gurung and Magar villages will leave you feeling like you have stepped back in time.
Your first glimpse of the stunning Himalayan pinnacles, especially the two giant massifs of Annapurna and Dhaulagiri will leave you spell-bound and have your camera in overdrive!
Upon arrival at Kathmandu Tribhuvan International Airport, you will be met by a Sherpa Expedition & Trekking representative and taken by private vehicle to your hotel. After checking in at the hotel, you will be briefed on what to expect on your trek and given an itinerary. With time to spare you can wander around the tourist hub of Thamel or take in the sights of Kathmandu Valley.
Today we get an early start as we head off on a 190-kilometer and 6.5-hour road trip to Besisahar Village. From Besisahar we will travel by jeep drive to Syange (3,609ft). At Syange Village you will enjoy your first views of Mt. Annapurna II, Manaslu and Mount Lamjung. You will stay in a guesthouse tonight with breakfast, lunch & dinner included.
Today we take a road that is above the gorge, allowing us to peer down at the vegetation and occasional waterfalls below. Looking around from the road you can see several snow-covered peaks. We drive for two to three hours before coming to Jagat Village and then continue through terraced farmland until we reach Chamje Village. Leaving Chamje we continue for another hour until we reach Tal Village located on the banks of the Marsyangdi River. The road from here is less tortuous and eventually takes us to our overnight stop at Dharapani village where we will stay in a guesthouse. Breakfast, lunch & dinner is included.
As you would expect from higher elevations the vegetation and landscape noticeably changes. It is also cooler as we follow the trail through forested areas until reaching Bagarchhap, a typical Tibetan style village along with its unique architecture. We continue to climb higher and reach the apple orchards and farms at Dhanaqi Village. From this vantage point, we also have some amazing views of Lamjung and Annapurna II peaks. Continuing along the banks of the Marsyangdi River we head upriver to Ratamanang and Koto villages until we reach Chame. Chame also happens to be the district headquarters of the Manang region. Tonight we will stay in a guesthouse with breakfast, lunch & dinner included.
We follow along the northern bank of the Marsyangdi River, passing pine forests and a number of small villages on an undulating trail until we reach Bratang Village. Crossing the bridge we have a steep ascent, again through dense pine forest until we reach the top of the ridge. Once clear of the trees we can see Pisang and Chulu peaks, as well as the exposed village of Pisang far below us. Tonight we will stay in a guesthouse with breakfast, lunch & dinner provided.
The views on the trail from Pisang get better, and snow-covered peaks are a frequent occurrence. We trek higher and after around 30 minutes we come out on top of a hill that provides more fantastic views down into the valley and the pristine white peaks of Gangapurna, Annapurna II, Annapurna III, Tilicho, and in the east Chuli. Pisang Peak is also visible from this location. From the hill, we head down to Kongde Village and then on to Manang. Just prior to Manang we will visit the Braga Monastery, which happens to be the largest in the area with displays of religious artifacts, such as Thangkas (paintings) and Sanskrit manuscripts. An easy one hour trek takes us to Manang where we will stay overnight in a guesthouse with breakfast, lunch & dinner included.
For any trek to higher altitudes, it is critical that you acclimatize along the way before heading higher. It is recommended that during an acclimatization period you stay active. You may wish to take a short trek into the hills around Manang or explore the unique village of Manang with its 500 constructed stone flat-roofed houses and with views of Annapurna II, Annapurna III (7,555m), Gangapurna (7,454m) in the south with Tilicho (7,132m) and the Grand Barrier in the West, as well as Chulu West (6,583m) Chulu East (6,059m) directly to the north. Tonight we will stay in a guesthouse in Manang with breakfast, lunch & dinner included.
Leaving Manang all refreshed and ready to go, we now ascend on the trail for around one hour, all the while offering more stunning views of Annapurna II, Gangapurna and Chuli peaks. The terrain is now arider and less vegetated due to its exposure to the wind, with only the odd juniper bush surviving here at this high altitude. We eventually reach the rather small village of Yak Kharka where we will stay in a guesthouse for the night. Arriving early enough allows us time to scout around the village and surrounding countryside. Breakfast, lunch & dinner are included.
We have a steady climb to a tiny settlement where we can take in the views of Annapurna II, Gangapurna and Chuli peaks. As we continue the terrain becomes bleaker and exposed to high winds, and then we reach Thorong Phedi for our overnight stay at a guesthouse. If you have the energy, we can follow a winding trail to Upper Phedi or High Camp where there are a few teahouses and a lodge. We may decide to stay here instead of at Thorong Phedi. The reason being is that it will make tomorrow’s trek a little easier and shorter to Thorong La Pass. This is plan B and will depend on whether we have the energy to continue past Thorong Phedi. Breakfast, lunch & dinner are included.
This is a momentous day and requires an early – very early – start at around 3.30 a.m. The idea behind this is to reach the pass before the wind picks up later in the day. It can be quite cold, blustery and exposed at the pass. If we reach the pass early enough we will also have much improved, and spectacular views over the northern Annapurna, Damodar, Bhrikuti and Dhaulagiri range of mountains. The trail from Thorong Phedi follows a rocky path uphill, initially reaching a ridge before again heading higher to a small glacial lake and a teahouse. Another 1.5 hours has us at the pass. We must be cautious at this altitude due to the possibility of altitude sickness and maybe snow. At this high altitude of 5416m at the top of the pass we will have some breathtaking views of the Himalayan Mountains. Descending from the pass is rugged and steep, but there is some compensation as we are blessed with excellent views over Mt.Dhaulagiri (8,167m). We continue heading down to the bottom of the pass toward the holy village of Muktinath. We will stop at the bottom of the pass for a rest and tea. Another hour along the trail takes us to the Muktinath which is held sacred, and is a place where pilgrims come to from India and from within Nepal. It is sacred to both Hindu & Buddhists. We will stay at a guesthouse tonight with breakfast, lunch & dinner included.
Our day begins in the morning with a Bus ride to Tatopani that should take us about 5-6 hours. At Jomsom, there is an Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP) checkpoint. At Jomsom, we continue bus drives to Ghasa Village via several other villages, such as Marpha (apple growing district). At Ghasa we again change vehicles in order to reach Tatopani (meaning hot water in Nepali). After arriving at Tatopani we will check in to our guesthouse and then head for the hot springs and wash away any aches and pains – and dust too! Breakfast, lunch & dinner are included.
With breakfast out of the way, we head to Ghorepani along a descending trail to the suspension bridge at the bottom. From here on, after crossing the bridge, it is all uphill passing small villages, terraced cultivated farms along the side of the hills, as well as a trek through a rhododendron forest. At one point on the trail, you will have an awesome view of Nilgiri South. The trail continues on to the rather small village of Ghara and an hour further down the track to Sikhar Village. If you stand at the highest point in the village you can look all the way back down the trail to Tatopani. Looking across to the opposite hills are other scattered villages. From Sikhar we continue on the trail until we reach Ghorepani where we will stay the night. Breakfast, lunch & dinner is included. Prior to reaching Ghorepani you will also get glimpses of Dhaulagiri and Tukuche peaks.
An early morning start and we trek up to Poon hil to watch the sunrise, an eye-opening experience that will leave you breathless. As dawn approaches the change in colours will be a magical experience where you camera will go into overdrive! This has to be one of the best places, on any trek, to view the Annapurnas, Dhaulagiri and its many snow-capped peaks. This is an unforgettable experience and will give you photos to boast about! We then head back to Ghorepani for breakfast and after have a 5-hour trek downhill to Nayapul. The first leg of the trek down to Tikhedhunga is a very steep descent after which we pass terraced fields for several hours before reaching Nayapul, and then on to Pokhara for the night.
With breakfast out of the way, we will drive back to Kathmandu which should take about six to seven hours with a few rest stops along the way. On the trip back to Kathmandu you may wish to consider other options, such as a trip to Chitwan National Park, a rafting adventure, scenic flight to Everest, mountain biking adventure, or guided shopping/scenic tour of Kathmandu. Tonight you have the luxury of hotel accommodation with breakfast included.
Today Sherpa Expedition and Trekking will take you to the airport about 3 hours before your scheduled departure. On your flight home, you can daydream and imagine your next trip to Nepal and where you would like next to explore. Breakfast is included today.
The following information will give you some idea about what you need to bring for the trek. It is important you do not forget the essential items, as this will determine your comfort and safety on the trek. Equally important is that you do not burden yourself with unnecessary equipment on the trek.
(Note our company guide will carry the medicines and first aid kits during the trek. However, we recommend you bring your personal first-aid kit as well)
You will be accommodated in 3-star hotels in Kathmandu. During the trek, we will be staying at lodges/ teahouses. You may find comfort and better quality teahouses - having attached bathroom at lower levels- until you reach higher elevations, where the accommodation is more basic with bare necessities.
In Kathmandu, your hotel includes breakfast, whereas all meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) will be provided during the trek. A staple food of the Manang & Mustang regions is potatoes, oats, buckwheat, Sherpa stew, and Tibetan bread. Sherpa’s’ started farming potatoes when the first seeds were introduced to the region in the early 90s. There is a limited choice of food at higher elevations and except many potato dishes. Potatoes are high in carbohydrates – an excellent source of energy needed at high altitudes.
We use a private car for sightseeing and for the airport to hotel pick and drop off. We use public transportation or local buses during the trek.
This can be a challenging trek where you often have to walk 6-7 hours a day. You need past experience of hiking or trekking but if you have done any kind of trekking activities then it is always a plus! We have met people from all walks of life, shapes, and sizes who have completed the trek. The only difficult part is when altitude sickness strikes and the effect that it can have on your body. Before leaving for Nepal it is good if you can prepare yourself physically by increasing your stamina and oxygen intake.
Fill out the form below and a Travel Expert will reach out to create your perfect tour.
Yes, you can. No matter who you are, as long as you are reasonably fit, can walk for 5-6 hours a day and trek/hike a few uphill, Sherpa Expedition and Trekking team will support you to the fullest to transform your dream of standing at Annapurna Circuit into reality.
The pre-monsoon (February, March, April and May) and post monsoon (late September, October, November and December) are considered the best for the Annapurna Circuit trek as the weather conditions become favorable during this time, providing you with good visibility and a suitable atmosphere for Annapurna Circuit Trekking.
No, there is no age limit for the trek to Annapurna Circuit but, you need to be in good physical shape and have a positive attitude. We also suggest you to prior to the excursion though we suggest you to please see your doctor and obtain necessary permission and advice, as well as medications for traveling in extreme altitude prior to the excursion.
During trekking, you will be served meals in the teahouses. Typical meals are noodles, rice, pasta or potato dishes along with vegetables and egg/chicken/meat dishes. Other items mostly served as breakfasts include egg, pancake, bread, porridge, muesli, and toasts with peanut butter and honey.
A teahouse trekking accommodation will be made for you for the Annapurna Circuit Trekking whereby you will be able to stay at tea house (Local lodge) and have wholesome food and neat and clean comfortable bed throughout your trekking journey. This form of arrangement also allows you to carry less baggage; you can trek at your own pace and enjoy the Annapurna panorama on your own schedule. It is also an eco-friendly way of trekking whereby trekkers can have more contact with the local people.
Most of the teahouses on the Annapurna Circuit trail have squat toilet facilities but recently built lodges have western-style toilets as well. Nowadays, flush toilets are also being introduced with number of increasing foreign mountaineers each year. It is highly recommended to carry your own toilet paper and other required toiletries. Hot shower facilities are available. The most common type is a bucket shower, usual buckets with tap filled with hot water and placed in a shower room. Hot shower costs from US$ 2 to 5 per use and the price increases along with the elevation. Attached bathrooms and toilets are not available unless you book for a luxury lodge during the Annapurna Circuit trek.
What you want to wear depends on you but we suggest you wear warm clothes during the Annapurna Circuit Trekking. A down jacket, thermal longs and top, comfortable trekking trousers, t-shirts, fleece, windproof jacket, hat, scarf, and gloves might be useful. There are numerous trekking shops in the Thamel area of Kathmandu where you can get all of these items in both local and branded stores alike. Sherpa Expedition and Trekking may also accompany and assist you if required.
During the Annapurna Circuit Trekking, you will be on a long journey for which you will need two bags to keep your belongings. A rucksack/duffle bag and a day bag for personal items. Sherpa Expedition and Trekking will provide you with a duffle bag (which is need to refund after the trek) that you can use throughout your entire journey and even afterward. These bags are durable and hence perfect for any kind of trekking journey. While the duffle bag will be carried by the potters, you will have to carry a day bag on your own. A day bag is a small backpack that has enough room for everything you will need on a day hike such as lunch, water, extra clothing and perhaps a few personnel items like camera, battery chargers, etc.
If possible, we suggest you bring your own equipment. However, sleeping bags and down jackets will be provided to you by Sherpa Expedition and Trekking. With regards to trekking poles, if you are used to walking with it then take them with you, as you will probably find them useful especially on the way down. They are not essential though and the walk is manageable without them. It is mostly a personal preference. If you prefer to take the trekking poles with you on the trekking then you can either bring your own pole or buy it from numerous options available in Kathmandu itself.
Yes, if you have a bag of extra clothing for when you return from the trekking, you will be able to store it safely in Kathmandu Sherpa Expedition and Trekking office. The storage facility is provided by most hotels and lodges in Kathmandu or you can also store it in our office for the duration of the trekking.
Our itinerary has been specially tailored to prevent any kind of AMS (Acute Mountain Sickness) while moving up to higher altitudes. Normally, altitude sickness starts from 3,600 meters and above. You will be trekking at a relatively slow and gradual pace as part of the acclimatization process. Cut off caffeinated, alcoholic and smoking items. Drink at least 4 liters of water a day. Trek slow. Don't skip the acclimatization days. Better to continue with Diamox (if any symptoms show up). Drink Garlic Soup. In the higher elevation, there is less oxygen in the air and this is more so while crossing high passes. Our expert guides will advise you on how to avoid AMS and treat it when/ if required.
Make sure to have both medical and evacuation insurance before coming to Nepal for Annapurna Circuit Trekking. You should be careful in choosing a policy while traveling to a Himalayan country like Nepal as some insurance companies may make special exceptions for adventure travel. If you are confused about the insurance, please inform us and we will help you. It is usually better to arrange your insurance in your country before travel.
The trekking will be 5-7 hours a day depending upon the landscape and destination.
It takes 4 to 11 days to reach Base Camp depending upon the mode of transportation and packages of Sherpa Expedition and Trekking offers.
We at Sherpa Expedition and Trekking Team always have the safety, comfort, and satisfaction of our valued customers as our foremost priority at all times, and we assure you a wonderful and unforgettable time with us in our beautiful country. Sherpa team members of Sherpa Expedition and Trekking will be carrying all the necessary gear, equipment, and first aid kits and they have extensive first aid training. If a trekker falls sick on high altitude, the leader will decide whether to continue the trek. In case of emergency, Sherpa Expedition and Trekking have a rescue helicopter to bring you back from the higher elevation. Moreover, Sherpa Expedition and Trekking also provides oximeter to monitor the oxygen level at high altitude and offers regular health check-up facilities.
You can either trek on foot or by a flight. Sherpa Expedition and Trekking offer exciting and reasonable flight to Pokhara for 4 days and 10 days. Sherpa Expedition and Trekking can also customize your tour as per your necessity.
The flights are usually regular between September and May. But due to high altitude, bad weather and unforeseen technical issues, you may experience a delay or cancellation of the flight. On the occurrence of such events, Sherpa Expedition and Trekking tourist bus will be arranged.
Sherpa Expedition and Trekking will provide one porter for two trekkers to carry 20 kgs of luggage (maximum 10 kg for each trekker). Please be sure your porters are not overloaded because they do not carry only your equipment but also lift your spirit to reach new heights, and your love, affection, and generosity can be the reason for them to work hard to take you to your destination. However, the weight limit on flights to the Annapurna region, basically to Pokhara is a total of 20 kgs including hand bag and you need to pay an extra amount per kg for the excess baggage. Sherpa Expedition and Trekking pays up to 5 kgs of extra baggage making your total to 20 kgs with your hand bag.
Garlic soup is a must while trekking. Sherpa Expedition and Trekking recommend trekkers to drink green tea, lemon tea, hot lemon ginger tea and drink at least 2-4 liters of water a day. However, it is better to avoid alcohol and alcoholic beverages, caffeinated items, and hot-chocolates at high altitude.
Sherpa Expedition and Trekking won’t recommend non-veg items because the meat in such places may not hygienic and healthy. Sherpa Expedition and Trekking also encourage to avoid dairy and cheesy items and strongly suggest not to consume them during the trek. So, our packages are suitable for both vegan and vegetarians.
Your guide and porters are a big reason why you got a chance to feel something very few can have. Apart from guiding and carrying your necessities and being mindful of your safety, they want to see you happily succeeded more than anyone like family and help you successfully complete the trek safely. So, your tips reflect gratitude towards them. So, tipping is a recommended culture for porters and guide in Nepal as a gesture of thankfulness.
Sherpa Expedition and Trekking will introduce dozens of shops selling knock-off gear in Kathmandu. You can also barter those gears at the knock-off places but be sure you keep the receipt safely. Moreover, you can rent the needed gears if you do not want to buy them.
Yes, most guesthouses offer Wi-Fi, for a small charge. it cost USD$5 per day.
ATM services are available only in Pokhara & Jomsom. However, the services might not work or run out of cash. Therefore, we suggest you carry a small amount of money to buy snacks, etc during the trekking.
Most of the tea houses/ lodges have electricity whereby you will be able to charge your iPod or camera batteries. Please note that lodges/tea houses will charge you some extra money for the services. The fee may vary from 1 USD to 5 USD per hour.
100%
Based On 162 Reviews
My trek with Sherpa Expedition & Trekking on the Annapurna Circuit was a truly epic adventure. From the planning stages to the actual trek, everything was top-notch. Our guide had a wealth of knowledge about the local area and culture, which enhanced our experience significantly. Each day, we hiked through stunning landscapes that took my breath away. The accommodations were comfortable, and the food was delicious. The camaraderie among our group added to the overall experience. I can’t recommend Sherpa Expedition enough for anyone looking to explore the beauty of Nepal
My Annapurna Circuit trek with Sherpa Expedition & Trekking was an adventure with heart. The team was genuinely caring, and their support made the trek enjoyable and safe. Our guide’s knowledge of the area enriched our experience, and he was always eager to answer questions. The landscapes were diverse and breathtaking, from lush green valleys to snowy peaks. I loved experiencing local culture along the way, which added depth to the journey. This trek was a beautiful blend of adventure and cultural exploration. Highly recommend
Sherpa Expedition & Trekking made my Annapurna Circuit trek comfortable and enjoyable. The team took care of all logistics, allowing us to focus on the adventure. Our guide was friendly and knowledgeable, ensuring everyone felt included and supported. Each day brought new and breathtaking views, with plenty of opportunities to take photos. The local accommodations were cozy, and I appreciated the variety of food options available. This trek was not just about the destination; it was about the experience. I’m grateful for the memories created and can’t wait for my next trek!
Average Customer Ratings
How The Travellers Have Rated This Package
158
4
0
0
0
People Considering This Package Right Now Check availability
Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked*
Your email address is required for downloading package details.*
Sherpa Expedition and Trekking is one of the pioneers of Trekking, tour and expedition in Nepal which was established on January 07, 1977, with a motto: ‘Enhancing Tourism possibilities across the Globe’. Sherpa Expedition and Trekking is proud to be recognized as the fifth Trekking and Adventure company authorized by the Tourism Board of Nepal.
© Copyright Sherpa Expedition And Trekking. All rights reserved.
Made with in Nepal by TECH 101