Annapurna Circuit trek

Degree of Difficulty

• Considered a moderately difficult challenge, a good level of fitness is required. 
• Expect to cover long distances on foot, over rocky and uneven ground. 
• Altitude makes the adventure more challenge, experience of hiking at high altitude is beneficial, though acclimatisation is factored into the itinerary.

Eating and drinking

• Meals are not included in the cost of the challenge, Lodges along the route offer a wide choice of menus, from traditional Dhal Bhat to more sophisticated and western orientated choices. 
• Budget around £20 to £25 per day for meals and drinks. 

Himalayan accommodation

• Accommodation is taken in tea houses and lodges along the route. These offer hostel style accommodation, with running water, indoor toilets and electricity commonly available.
• Where available, internet access and hot showers are available at an extra cost. 
• The more remote accommodation offers a more rustic style of accommodation, with showers not always available. Personal sleeping kit will be needed in the more remote areas. 
• Accommodation in Kathmandu is provided in a comfortable B&B style .

Season

• Jan
• Feb
• Mar
• Apr
• May
• Jun
• Jul
• Aug
• Sep
• Oct
• Nov
• Dec

Meeting point

Tribhuvan International Airport
Ring Rd
काठमाडौँ
Kathmandu
44600
Nepal

Getting to Kathmandu

• Fly to Tribhuvan International Airport, Kathmandu. a number of airlines fly to Kathmandu from the UK, with connections in the Middle East, including Qatar, Gulf Air and Emirates. 
• Layovers in the Middle East can be lengthy, Qatar Airlines usually offer the best options in terms of these connections. 
• It's also possible to make a connection through New Delhi, with BA, Air India and Jet Airways offering flights, where connecting flights to Kathmandu are offered by Air India, IndiGo and Vistara.

Annapurna Circuit Itinerary

• Day 1 | Arrival in Kathmandu

  Fly to Kathmandu, take a transfer to the hotel for a pre-trek briefing in the evening.

• Day 2 | Kathmandu to Bhulbhule

  Take a transfer along the Kathmandu to Pokhara highway, following a rough road along the Marshyangdi River upon reaching Dumre. Starting the trek from the village of Besisahar, follow a trail to Pam Khola, climbing to the village of Denauti. Overnight in the Gurung village of Bhulbhule.

• Day 3 | Trek to Jagat

  Descend via a steep trail to cross a stream before climbing to the village of Hani Gaon. A winding mountain path leads through Syange and along the river before climbing steeply above the river bed. Reach the village of Jagat to overnight, overlooking the Marshyangdi valley.

• Day 4 | Trek to Bagarchap

  A descent to a river crossing to start the day, before climbing through lush forest, climbing to a sharp-edged cliff face. Crossing over a suspension bridge, climb to Sattale en route to Tal. As the path grows more rugged and winding, visit the villages of Karte and Dharepani before reaching Bagarchap, a Bhotia village.

• Day 5 | Trek to Chame

  Climb through forests of pine and oak, passing the village of Dhanakyu, following a rock strewn path along a gorge in the Marshyangdi valley. Climb through rhododendron forest before the trail flattens out, in the direction of Kotho. Reach the village of Chame, the administrative headquarters of Manang District to overnight.

• Day 6 | Trek to Pisang

  Crossing a large suspension bridge over the Marshyangdi, trek in the direction of Pisang, passing the settlements of Teleku and Bratang. Climb to an altitude of 3040 to gain great views of Paungda Danda before arriving in Pisang to overnight.

• Day 7 | Trek to Manang

  Start the day with a steep climb along a ridge offering great views of the Manang Valley. Descend to the village of Hongde, situated in the shadow of Annapurna III. Follow a trail leading to the plains of the Sabje Khola Valley, where Annapurna IV arrives into view. Continue through cultivated fields and farmland, passing the village of Bryaga before descending to Manang.

• Day 8 | Acclimatisation day

  A rest day, to help with acclimatisation to the altitude. Take a short hike, gaining 300m of altitude, before returning to Manang to help grow accustomed to the Himalayan high altitudes.

• Day 9 | Trek to Letdar

  An initial climb to Tengi, before continuing to ascend past the Marshyangdi valley, following the Jarsang Khola. The change in altitude is marked by the scrub juniper and alpine grasses which line the route. Pass through the small village of Gunsanf at 3960m before following a mountain stream to Letdar.

• Day 10 | Trek to Thorung High Camp

  Leaving the village of Letdar, climbing to a ridge before a descent into the Marshyangdi valley, crossing a stream at the valley floor. A short climb on the opposing bank, as a narrow trail leads to Thorung High Camp. 

• Day 11 | Trek to Muktinath

  An early start to commence the crossing of Thorung La, a high mountain pass at 5416m. A steep climb along the trail, which has been used for hundreds of years, before the path flattens on the approach to the pass itself. Enjoy dramatic views over the Kali Gandaki valley and the purple hills of the Mustang. A tough descent from this high point, albeit with sublime views of Dhaulagiri to occupy the mind. Arrive into more grassy and lush terrain, as the trail flattens out along the Jhong Khola valley, arriving in Muktinath

• Day 12 | Trek to Jomsom

  Commence the descent along the Kali Gandaki valley, through arid terrain, passing through Tibetan styled villages en route to the valley floor. Arrive in the large town of Jomsom, on the Kali Gandaki river to spend the night. 

• Day 13 | Fly to Kathmandu

  An early morning flight from Jomsom to Pokhara, to take a subsequent flight to return to Kathmandu.

• Day 14 | Departure

  Take a transfer to the airport to start the journey home. 

Included

• Hotel stay for the nights before and after the trek
• All airport transfers
• Flight from Jomsom - Pokhara and Pokhara - Kathmandu
• Conservation Area entry and TIMS fees
• A fully supported trek with a qualified mountain guide
• All drinking water on the trek
• Teahouse accommodation on a room only basis
• Access to emergency oxygen and first aid kit

not Included

• Flights
• Visas
• Tips for guides and porters
• Personal items
• Travel insurance (must be insured specifically for treks up to 6000m)
• Personal trekking gear
• Meals and drinks on the trek
• Meals and drinks in Kathmandu (breakfast is included)
• Additional hotel nights before or after your trek

This trip takes responsibility seriously and ‘goes the extra mile’ to ensure that your presence in this country is entirely positive.

Central to this is

• Caring for the crew
• Caring for the local environment
• Caring for the local communities

All guides and partners are hand picked to ensure that every aspect of your trip operates to the highest standard and reflect the strong values, ethics and joy of travel.

This commitment to Responsible Travel is mutually beneficial without compromising the countries and communities touched or the depth and uniqueness of your adventure.

Key values of this trip

• Leave nothing behind
• We’re the visitors, let’s be respectful at all times
• Deliver a breathtaking experience
• Let’s benefit local communities and environments

Let’s help keep these wonderful places precious.

Porters and crew

All crew are paid proper wages and are treated with respect and dignity. This trip with IMEC, IPPG and KPAP, all not-for-profit organisations that focus on improving the working conditions of porters.

Friends of Conservation

Travellers are given the opportunity to mitigate some of the environmental impacts of flying by supporting community and conservation initiatives.

Travellers Against Plastic

This trip is a proud supporter of the Leave No Trace and Travellers Against Plastic campaigns, which help educate travellers on the impact of travel and provide practical guidance for enjoying the outdoors responsibly.

Costs

Everything went perfect from the very first interaction with the account person in the office, till arrival in Kathmandu, meeting with the guides, as well as during the trekking. We’ve had the best & joyful team of guides & porters, who’ve taken very good care of our needs.
During the trek they also proved very flexible with the small itinerary changes we requested, which added even more satisfaction to our trip. | Tamara

I recently completed the Annapurna Circuit. It was a beautiful, awe-inspiring trek. Can't speak highly enough about our guide, Phurpu and his team of two porters, Jomjo and Sangbu. Loved their ethos of Caring and Sharing and how supportive (and fun!) they were along the way! It was a small group, we had a great time and felt really well taken care of! | Anne

The UK team were extremely helpful and so too were the small ground team in Kathmandu. Our guide Phurpu and our two porters, Jomjo and Sangbu were a great bunch. Nothing was too much trouble and everything was done with a smile. Phurpu is clearly a very experienced guide and his whole demeanour was calm, confident, and reassuring. 10 out of 10 for my three new friends! | Arthur