Annapurna Circuit Trek
Trip Introduction
Embark on a magical 21 days Annapurna Circuit Trek which takes us around the entire Annapurna massif reaching the Zenith at Thorong La Pass (5,416m/17,769ft). Just imagine the thrills of walking through world's deepest Kali Gandaki Gorge, with Annapurna I rising to 8091m to the east and Dhaulagiri hovering at 8167m to the west! Cross the highest pass, Thorong La on the way from Manang to Muktinath, savor the fabulous mountain views from the summit of Poon Hill at 3,210m (10,531ft) and discover more than ten different culturally rich ethnic groups that reside in different climate zones of Annapurna Circuit. Annapurna Circuit Trek, one of the most popular classic treks in the world takes us within the world's tenth highest mountain, the Annapurna. From a mere height of 800 meters to the high altitude of 5,416 meters, we will pass through a diverse geographical and cultural variation with an amazing range of flora and fauna in between. Beginning the trek from Khudi after about 8 to 9 hours of drive from Kathmandu, the initial days of the trek involves walking through rice farms, forests and friendly villages in the lower realms of the Annapurna Conservation Area.
Day to Day Itinerary
Day 01 Arrival in Kathmandu
Upon arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA) in Kathmandu, the guests will be warmly greeted by a representative from The Matrix Adventure. After completion of our custom formalities (Visa, etc), they pick up their luggage and search for our representative from The Matrix Adventure Trekking display board at the arrival gate. The guests will be then escorted to the Hotel in Kathmandu. After check in, you have the option to lay back and relax or take a walk through the bustling region of thamel and visiting The Matrix Adventure office.
Day 02 Kathmandu Sightseeing
Today upon our breakfast, we will start a guided tour to several of the most historical and spiritual attractions in Kathmandu. Some of these landmarks are considered the World Heritage Sites; including the historic Durbar Square, the sacred Hindu temple of Pashupatinath, the famous 'Monkey Temple' (Swayambunath) and Buddhists shrine (Bouddhanath) which is one of the largest Stupas in the world. At the noon, there will be a pre-trip discussion where we can meet our trek leader and other team members. The Adventure Matrix briefs us regarding our trek as well as provides us opportunity to ask any questions we may have regarding our upcoming adventure.
Day 03 Kathmandu - Besisahar - Khudi
We start our journey into the hills through the winding roads along the Trishuli River. En-route we witness more of countryside of Nepal that offers greenery, rivers, villages, farms and beautiful mountain scenarios. Upon arrival at Mugling, we head along the road toward Pokhara. We leave the highway to Pokhara at Dumre, and head north to Besisahar. A half-an-hour's drive from Besisahar takes us to Khudi, the starting point of our trek. Alternatively, we can get off at Besisahar, and then trek for an hour to get to Khudi along the wide trail. Khudi offers us a first glimpse of the gorgeous Manaslu range.
Day 04 Khudi - Sirung
Our first day`s walk involves crossing a few suspension bridges, waterfalls, several up and down hill sections across rice paddies and subtropical forest. Initially, the walk is gradual then it becomes steeper. The mountains that we see from Khudi become closer as we walk higher. The villages and people are very interesting. On the way to Sirung, we come across an ethnic Tamang settlement, Taranche. We enjoy the close-up views of Nadi Chuli and Manaslu in Sirung. Sirung offers us a home-stay where we also enjoy the cultural program organized by the villagers for the visitors. If the number of visitors is more than four, the group may have to split to stay at different houses for the night. At this juncture, we will have first glimpse of the gorgeous Manaslu range.
Day 05 Sirung - Chamje
We trek through amphitheater-shaped rice terraces, along a steep vertical cliff, lush forests, and some culturally intriguing villages. Always following the Marsyangdi River, we walk in a fantastic landscape through little waterfalls, forests and villages. We will not feel tough until we reach Syange (1100 m), but after Syange the climb gets tougher up to Jagat (1300 m). From Jagat, we make a steep climb to Chamje. We enjoy an overnight stay in Chamje.
Day 06 Chamje - Dharapani
On this day, we enter the Manang region passing through fields of corn, barley and potatoes, and then through forests of bamboo and rhododendrons. On the way is the village namely Tal. Tal lies on a flat plain next to the sandy beach and river at the base of a large waterfall. While hiking, sometimes we may have to give a pass to a large group of donkey caravan. We enjoy an overnight stay in Dharapani.
Day 07 Dharapani - Chame
On this day we, negotiate a few steep forested ridges along with several landslides on route on the west. We should not forget to look up though, as we will be treated to some of the most sensational views of Lamjung Himal, Annapurna II, and Annapurna IV (7,525m/24,688ft). Small hot springs add relief on our long day hard trek. We enjoy an overnight stay at Chame.
Day 08 Chame - Pisang
A steep and narrow path through a very dense forest will bring us to the dramatic curved rock face, rising 1500m from the river. The forests and heavy vegetation would now be gone. We cross and re-cross the river again and again on suspension bridges. As the trail opens up we get surrounded by majestic Himalayan Peaks. We find ourselves in U-shaped valley of Manang hanging between two giant snow peaks. Upon walking through these wonderful sites we reach at Pisang. We enjoy an overnight stay at Lower Pisang.
Day 09 Pisang - Manang
On this day, we will have disjuncture of two routes that we follow. If taken upper route (The Matrix Adventure recommends), the route through Upper Pisang via Geru, we will have outstanding sceneries. We feel like we are horizontally in front of the majestic peaks. The panoramic views of the mountain peaks, such as Annapurna, Pisang peak, and several others will definitely allure us. We experience a contrast with the landscape and vegetation from today. On the way, the cold and dry climate creates a much harsher environment. Our short visit to Barge monastery, the largest in the entire district of Manang will be memorable. We spent overnight in Manang.
Day 10 Manang Rest Day
This day is the scheduled acclimatization day. It is not recommended to stay idle but a short walk to higher altitude is suggested to get acclimatized with the altitude. The upcoming next two days will be very challenging and tiring trek for us with rapid gain in altitude. We should never be confident with the altitude and always be cautious. Bhojo Gompa or Gangapurna Lake is worth visiting sites from acclimatization point of view. Further, we pay an easy excursion to a little distance away to a village called Vraga, upon wherre we will be at a village's monastery. At this site, we also visit at the Himalayan Rescue Association where we can get some ideas about Mountain Sickness. We enjoy an overnight stay in Manang.
Day 11 Manang - Yak Kharka
We make our way to the foot of the pass, Throng Phedi on this day. Thorong Phedi is a small busy settlement catering to the needs of tired trekkers and climbers. Trekkers like us use this point as a base camp. Some visitors also attempt a hike to the High Camp today so that the next day can be easier for them. But, The Matrix Adventure's team leader does not advise for this. Although we will have a tough day tomorrow, we stop at Thorong Phedi so that we can sleep sound rather than a risky sleep in higher altitude at High Camp. We spent an overnight stay in Thorong Phedi.
Day 12 Yak Kharka - Thorong Phedi
We make our way to the foot of the pass, Throng Phedi on this day. Thorong Phedi is a small busy settlement catering to the needs of tired trekkers and climbers. Trekkers like us use this point as a base camp. Some visitors also attempt a hike to the High Camp today so that the next day can be easier for them. But, The Matrix Adventure's team leader does not advise for this. Although we will have a tough day tomorrow, we stop at Thorong Phedi so that we can sleep sound rather than a risky sleep in higher altitude at High Camp. We spent an overnight stay in Thorong Phedi.
Day 13 Thorong Phedi - Thorong La - Muktinath
We reach the climax of our Annapurna circle trek today. It will be a once in a lifetime, unforgettable experience- crossing the famous high pass, Thorong La (5416m/17764ft). An early start is important to complete this objective. Each moment we have to work hard today through the icy high-altitude trail. But the outstanding high Himalayan scenes are such tempting that our eyeas love to watch more over the horizon than on our trail. Upon setting sun we will be at Muktinath. Muktinath is an important pilgrimage site for both Hindus and Buddhist. The area hosts a Vishnu temple and a Monastery nearby. Muktinath itself demonstrates the religions harmony in Nepal. We spent an overnight stay in Muktinath.
Day 14 Muktinath - Marpha
Muktinath is an important pilgrimage for both Hindus and Buddhists. In the morning, we pay our visit to Vishnu Temple and Gompa. Descending from Ranipauwa village down the steep and barren hillside, we trek down toward Kagbeni and then to Jomsom finally arriving at Marpha. The trail today is quite surreal as we trek along a plateau above Kali Gandaki, the world`s deepest gorge. The barren landscape of this area resembles Tibet. Marpha is also famous as the apple capital of Nepal where one can enjoy different items made from apple. The local apple brandy of Marpha is famous all over Nepal. We will be spending overnight in Marpha
Day 15 Marpha - Kalopani
From Marpha, we take a new route toward Kalopani via Chokhopani village. On this day, we will come across traditional villages of the ethnic Thakali people. Also, we will get to see apple gardens. Waiting here is the 360 degrees panoramic views of Himalayan peaks: Dhaulagari, Tukuche Peak, the three Nilgiris, Fang and Annapurna I. From Chokhopani, we continue to Kokhethanti. Upon crossing a river, we come across the newly constructed road site before reaching Kokhethanti of Kalopani. We will be spending overnight in Kalopani.
Day 16 Kalopani -Tatopani
Again to avoid the new roads, we take a new route to Tatopani from Kalopani. The journey is mostly downhill. We cross the bridge at Ghasa. As we drop to lower elevations, we emerge back into subtropical forests, lush with vegetation. We continue along Rupse Chahara (popular waterfall). We avoid the road and continue down the east bank from Kopchepani via Garpar to a bridge at Dana. At Narchyang Besi, we get to see a powerhouse that supplies electricity in the area. We experience more villages in this area where we can observe the everyday lives of the local people. Upon reaching Tatopani, we relax and have a bath in the hot spring.
Day 17 Tatopani - Ghorepani
While walking, we observe the lifestyle of the people in the midland villages of Nepal. Ghara and Sikha are the villages with terraced and inclined farmlands. We gradually walk steep up to ascent Ghorepani. While traversing through the Phalate, Chitre and a no-habitation area, we encoounter with rhododendron, brich, magnolia and some meadows on the way. As we gain height, the peaks ahead look wonderful. We stay at Ghorepani for we have to make the climb to Poon Hill early next morning. We will spent overnight in Ghorepani.
Day 18 Ghorepani - Tadapani
Early at dawn, we ascend to Poon Hill (3,210m./10,531ft) to catch the moment of spectacular sunrise over the whole Annapurna and Dhaulagiri massifs and surrounding rice terraces. Nick name of Poon Hill is itself a photographer`s paradise. Upon breakfast, we continue through the up and down trails to trek to Tadapani for an overnight stay through the rhododendron forests. We like to keep inspecting at the horizon as sceneries are equally dazzling throughout the day at the trek.
Day 19 Tadapani - Ghandruk - Pokhara
The trail leads all the way down through the Rhododendron forest to Ghandruk. This is the second-largest Gurung settlement in Nepal. Upon our lunch, we continue trek to Nayapul to complete the trail which is followed by a short bus ride back to Pokhara, a peaceful lakeside city harboring a unique setting of tropical climate and vegetation with the dramatic backdrop of the Himalayas. An overnight stay in Pokhara (850m/2,789ft).
Day 20 Pokhara - Kathmandu
After breakfast, we start our drive back to Kathmandu. It will be better to hold on the left pane of the vehicle to enjoy the sceneries through the route. Upon arrival in Kathmandu, we will be escorted to our hotel; and we spend the afternoon leisurely, perhaps catch up on some last minute shopping. To celebrate the successful completion of our journey, we will have a farewell dinner at a local resturant where we can pick our meal from their carefully crafted menu that offer a wide range of choices. An overnight stay in Kathmandu.
Day 21 Final Farewell
Our adventure in Nepal comes to an end today! The Matrix Adventure escorts us to the airport for our flight time. Approximately 3 hours before our scheduled flight, a representative from The Matrix Adventure will escort us to the airport and bid farewell greetings. On our way to home, we will have plenty of time to plan our next adventure in the wonderful country like Nepal.
What is Included
- All Airport pick up & drop.
- Necessary Flight tickets as per itenary.
- Kathmandu city tour as per the above itinerary.
- Meals (breakfast, lunch and dinner) with Tea & coffee and during the trek.
- Lodge to lodge/tented camp accommodation during the trek as per itenaries.
- All necessary permits and paper works.
- First Aid Medical kit box.
- Tourist service charge, Vat.
- Office Service charge.
- Guide & support staffs and their insurance and salary, food and accomodation.
What Is Not Included
- Any meals in Kathmandu other than breakfast.
- Travel insurance
- International air fare to and from Nepal.
- Nepal Tourist Visa fee
- Items and expenses of personal nature
- Any kind of alcoholic drinks, hot shower, cold drinks, mineral water bottles, snacks, laundry, phone call, and internet.
- Personal Trekking Equipments
- Tips for guide, porters, driver...