ANNAPURNA CIRCUIT TREK 10 DAYS
ANNAPURNA CIRCUIT TREK 10 DAYS
This fabulous Annapurna Circuit Trek has considered one of the greatest treks in Nepal’s Annapurna Conservation Area with its massive snow-covered ranges, deep gorges & high altitude passes.
This trek takes you along a trail that circumnavigates the Annapurna Massif with a special feature being crossing the high altitude Thorong La Pass (5419m). The trail passes through the world's deepest gorge in the world – the Kali Gandaki Gorge and has views of the gigantic Mt. Annapurna I (world’s 10th highest - 8091m) and Mt.Dhaulagiri (816 m) to the west – the 7th highest mountain in the world. Trekkers will also get extensive panoramic views of several famous Himalayan Mountains, such as Mt. Manaslu and Himal Chuli. This area is rich in culture and traditions of the local people in the Manang district, such as the Gurung and Thakali castes, and offers you an opportunity to appreciate their unique stone-walled villages and religious artifacts.
This 10 day trek takes you to the very heart of the Annapurna Region starting at Besisahar, to Chame and then to the Pisang Valley. Sherpa Trekking & Expedition’s experienced guide will take you to the villages of Manang, Yak Kharka, Thorong Phedi, Thorong La Pass, Muktinath and ultimately, Jomsom.
You are in safe hands with Sherpa Expedition & Trekking whose 40 plus years in this business and reputation are second to none. We will take care of all permits, meals and accommodation on the trek. We strive to make this the most enjoyable time of your life!
ITINERARY
Day 1 : Drive from Kathmandu to Besishahar to Chame (2760m) Duration:8-9 hours.
Today’s road trip crosses several rivers, the Trishuli River – where you may see people rafting and the Marsyangdi River close to Chame. Our first destination is Besisahar and then finally to Chame. This is a good opportunity to take in the local scenery and get a feel for what lies ahead of your trek.
Day 2 : Trek to Upper Pisang (3300m) Duration: 4-5 hours.
Leaving Chame we pass through the village of Telekhu and on the trail have some wonderful views of the Annapurna Ranges and Mt. Pisang (6091m) until we have to re-cross a suspension bridge to the south side of the Marsyangdi River. After crossing the river we ascend and pass a pine-forest following the trail through the upper reaches of the Manang Valley before arriving at Pisang.
Day 3 : Trek to Manang (3500m) Duration: 5-6 hours.
Pisang is the start of our trek in the upper Manang area. Today we trek to Braga; a Tibetan village with its distinctive architecture and houses constructed one upon the other. One of Manang’s main attractions is its Gompa, being the largest in the Manang region. Manang is also popular with trekkers who stay here in order to acclimatize before heading to higher altitudes.
Day 4 : Exploration & Acclimatization at Manang.
Health and climbing professionals recommend that before heading to higher elevations that trekkers should spend some time acclimatizing. They also strongly recommend staying active. From Manang you will have some great views of Annapurna II; Annapurna III (7555m); Gangapurna (7454 m); and to the south to Tilicho (7132 m); and the Grand Barrier (a 7000m ridge) to the west; Chulu West (6583m) and Chulu East (6059m) to the north. In order to better acclimatize to these higher altitudes, we will trek up to Mt. Khangsar (3756m) and then return to Manang.
Day 5 : Trek to Yak Kharka (4,000m) Duration: 4-5 hours.
Today we have a 10.4 km uphill trek to Yak Kharka passing through juniper forests and along the trail will see yak grazing in these alpine pastures. On the route, we also pass the only teahouse at Thorong Khola (river). Depending on the weather and trail conditions we may decide to go a little further and stay the night at Ledar.
Day 6 : Trek to Thorang Phedi (4,450m) Duration: 4-5 hours.
As we slowly ascend higher our body progressively gets used to the higher altitude. We follow along the east bank of the Jarang Khola (river) and view steep bluffs before reaching Thorong Phedi (meaning foot-hills). We may also decide to follow the trail for one more hour to High Camp (4800m). If we are fortunate we will see the famous blue sheep and possibly a snow leopard! This is also home to Lammergeyer (bearded vulture). There is also a belief legendary griffons are in this region!
Day 7 : Trek to Muktinath (3,800m) via Thorang-la Pass (5,416 m) Duration: 8-9 hours
Today is probably going to be one of the most physically demanding days of the trek, hiking for between 8 and 9 hours. The higher altitude certainly makes it more difficult, and sometimes the strong winds in these upper regions make it harder too. Along the trail, we might pass sheep, yaks, and merchants transporting their goods by Yak or donkey. Once we reach Thorong La Pass we will have some truly amazing views of Annapurna, Gangapurna, and the eye-catching peak of Khatungkang (6484m). Crossing the pass we then descend about 1600 meters. Dhaulagiri (Dhavali Giri, meaning “White Mountain”) and the highest mountain that is entirely in Nepal is also visible. The trail is more undulating and quite easy before coming to Muktinath.
Day 8 : Trek to Jomsom (2,720m) Duration: 5-6 hours.
After leaving Muktinath we follow the trail through lush meadows, past orchards and streams. We also pass the village of Kagbeni before reaching Jomson located in the Kali Gandaki Valley. Kagbeni has a reputation for its intense horticulture industry.
Day 9 : Drive from Jomsom to Pokhara (8,50m) Duration: 7-8 hours.
Today we drive to Pokhara by local bus on a 7-8 hour journey, firstly arriving at Tatopani via Beni Bazaar and then on to Pokhara. Pokhara is famous for its lake – Phew Tal, and is popular with travelers. It has all the facilities of a small city. Your hotel will be by “Lakeside”. You may wish to watch the sunset over the lake and the mountains. It is a great way to end the day and relax.
Day 10 : Drive back to Kathmandu (1,350m) Duration: 6-7 hours.
Today we head back on a 6 to 7 hour drive to Kathmandu with many warm memories of Nepal and its unique culture, village people and geography. These memories will be with you for a long time - and as you look back on them they will put a smile on your face.
SERVICES
Cost Included In Your Package
- Kathmandu - Besisahar transfers on a local bus, Besisahar to Chame by Sharing Jeep Pokhara - Kathmandu transportation on a Local bus
- One night hotel accommodation in Pokhara with breakfast
- Jomsom To Pokhara transportation by Bus.
- Three Meals a day [Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner] during the trek
- Accommodation on beautiful cozy tea houses as per the itinerary
- Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP) entry permits and Trekkers Information Management System (TIMS) cards
- Experienced English-speaking, government licensed and ministry of tourism trained trekking guide with meals, accommodation, salary and insurance
- Strong experienced Sherpa helpers [porters] with meals, accommodation, salary, and insurance
- Assistant trekking guide for groups over 8 people with meals, accommodation, salary, and insurance
- Use of sleeping bag, down jacket, duffel bag and walking poles (if you don’t have your own, to be returned after trip completed).
- Comprehensive first aid medical kit carried by the guide / American medical association approved Oximeter
- Necessary paper works, all government, and local taxes, company service charges
- Trip achievement certificate after successful trip completion.
- Oxygen meter to check your pulse and oxygen saturation and heart rate twice daily (Very useful to check Altitude Mountain Sickness(AMS) symptoms) which will ensure your health during the trek.
Costs Exclude
- Meals whilst you are in Kathmandu & Pokhara - lunch, and dinner.
- Hotel accommodation In Kathmandu
- Nepal entry visa fee (easy to obtain the visa on arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport – Kathmandu). $30 USD for 15-day, $50 USD for 30 Days, and $125 USD for 90 Days visa.
- Personal travel and medical insurance.
- International airfare.
- Your personal expenses.
- All the alcoholic and nonalcoholic, soup, tea, coffee, hot chocolate, cocoa, mineral water, extra food, cold and hot drinks on trek ( i.e. those you choose to purchase along the way and during evenings in the tea houses)
- All desserts & sweet things like chocolate, cake, pie, pudding.
- Hot shower and battery charging at the tea houses.
- Tips for the guide, porter, and driver (tipping is expected)
EQUIPMENTS
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.
General
- All season sleeping bag and down Jacket (we can provide if you need it, but has to be returned after the trek)
- Duffle bag ( Sherpa Expedition & Trekking provide duffle bag during the trek but has to be returned after the trek)
- A wind and waterproof thin layered jacket (a must-have for morning and evenings above 3,000m)
- Daypack
Upper Body- Head / Ears / Eyewear
- A pair of half gloves
- A warmer hat that covers the ears
- Sunglasses
- Neckwarmer
- Sunscreen (35 to 60 SPF)
- Headlamp and an extra set of batteries
Hands
- A pair of half gloves for walking poles(if you prefer)
- Warmer shell gloves and liner
Upper Body
- long sleeve t-shirts
- Thermal tops
- wool jacket or pullover
- Sports bras for women and girls
- Water and windproof shell jacket
Lower Body
- Thermal underwear (especially trousers)
- windproof and waterproof trousers
- warmer trousers
- Comfortable trekking pants
- Extra casual sport pants
Footwear
- A pair of good waterproof trekking boots
- Pair of sandals
- 4-5 pairs of woolen socks
- Sock liners
- Light shoes and sneakers
- First Aid Kits and Medicines
- Assorted adhesive bandages (fabric preferred)
- Blister treatment cream or similar
- Insect / anti-itch ointment
- Ibuprofen or other pain-relief medication
- Diamox (125mg to 250mg tablets for altitude sickness)
- Warps, splints, and wound coverings butterfly bandage
- Water purifying pills
(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)
Miscellaneous - but must useful on the trek
- 4 passport size photos with original passport
- Water bottle & filter
- Flight details (please make a copy and leave one pic at our office in KTM because in case you want to change your flight date)
- Bathroom kit (conform, should be included toilet paper, plastic bags, hand wipes, towel, and soap, etc.)
Extra things
- Comfortable trekking poles
- Quality energy dry foods (up to you)
- Power bank and music players
- Camera (memory card, chargers, and extra batteries)
GOOD TO KNOW
Accommodation
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.
Meals during the trek
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.
Transportation
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.
Physical fitness
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.
Remember – The better prepared – the more enjoyable your trek!
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FAQS
What is the Annapurna Circuit Trek?
The Annapurna Circuit Trek is a popular trekking route in Nepal that takes you around the Annapurna massif, offering stunning views of the Himalayas, diverse landscapes, and rich cultural experiences. It is known for its challenging mountain passes and varied terrain.
How long is the Annapurna Circuit Trek?
The duration of the Annapurna Circuit Trek can vary depending on the specific itinerary and trekking agency. Typically, it takes around 8-20 days to complete the full circuit. This includes the trekking days and acclimatization/rest days.
What is the best time to do the Annapurna Circuit Trek?
The best time to do the Annapurna Circuit Trek is during the spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) seasons. These months offer pleasant weather, clear skies, and favorable trekking conditions. However, the trek can be done throughout the year, with the exception of the monsoon season (June to August) when the trail can be muddy and prone to landslides.
Do I need a permit for the Annapurna Circuit Trek?
Yes, you will need a TIMS (Trekkers' Information Management System) card and an Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) to do the Annapurna Circuit Trek. These permits can be obtained in Kathmandu or Pokhara.
What is the difficulty level of the Annapurna Circuit Trek?
The Annapurna Circuit Trek is considered to be a moderately to strenuously challenging trek. It involves long days of walking, crossing high mountain passes, and navigating varied terrain. A good level of fitness and prior trekking experience are recommended.
What is the maximum altitude reached during the Annapurna Circuit Trek?
The highest point on the Annapurna Circuit Trek is Thorong La Pass, which stands at an elevation of 5,416 meters (17,769 feet). This is a challenging and physically demanding part of the trek.
What are the accommodation and food options during the trek?
Accommodation during the Annapurna Circuit Trek is usually in basic teahouses or lodges along the trail. These provide simple rooms with shared facilities. As for food, you can expect to find a variety of Nepali and international dishes, including dal bhat (rice and lentil soup), momo (dumplings), and noodles.
Is a guide necessary for the Annapurna Circuit Trek?
While it is not mandatory to hire a guide for the Annapurna Circuit Trek, it is highly recommended, especially if you are not familiar with the area or have limited trekking experience. A guide can provide valuable insights, help with navigation, and ensure your safety throughout the trek.
What should I pack for the Annapurna Circuit Trek?
Some essential items to pack for the Annapurna Circuit Trek include sturdy trekking shoes, warm clothing, a good-quality backpack, a sleeping bag, a water bottle, a hat, sunscreen, insect repellent, and a first aid kit.
Can I combine the Annapurna Circuit Trek with other treks in the region?
Yes, it is possible to combine the Annapurna Circuit Trek with other treks in the Annapurna region, such as the Annapurna Base Camp Trek or the Tilicho Lake Trek. This allows you to customize your trekking experience and explore more of the stunning landscapes and cultural diversity of the area.
Latest Traveller’s Reviews
Travel experiences of our clients who recently returned from their trips.
100%
Based On 11 Reviews
Nancy Jermaine
Australia
January 1, 2024
Reasonable Price with Great Service!
Our Sherpa guide was amazing on the Annapurna Circuit Trek. He was incredibly knowledgeable about the area and made sure we were safe and comfortable throughout the entire trek. The food at the teahouses was also great, and our porter was so helpful and friendly. It was truly a trip of a lifetime.
Kazumi Lee Cloud
Australia
December 19, 2023
Best Trek ever!
We had an incredible experience trekking the Annapurna Circuit with our Sherpa guide and porter. They were both so kind and knowledgeable, and made the trek enjoyable and memorable. We would definitely recommend them to anyone looking to do this trek.
Maratz Pongkiyes
Austria
November 8, 2023
Challenging Trekking Experiences
Our Sherpa guide and porter were the best! They were always there to help us with anything we needed and made sure we were comfortable and safe on the Annapurna Circuit Trek. We learned so much from our guide and had a great time hiking with them both. Highly recommend!
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