ANNAPURNA 24

An experience of a lifetime, the ultimate trek of the Annapurna Circuit in Nepal.

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Nepal 24 Details

The Annapurna Circuit

This 18 day trip will take us from the capital of Kathmandu to the Annapurna Circuit, staying in local teahouses and taking on the epic Thorong La Pass (5,416 meters).

DATES

May 1st – 18th, 2024

DETAILS

Price: £1600 / $2000 USD
20% non-refundable deposit

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Why Annapurna Base Camp?

1.​

The Incredible Scenery

Some of the most mind-blowing Himalayan scenery you’ll ever see.

Nepal Group Trip

2.​

The Achievement

Imagine making it to the Thorong La Pass, taking on the epic Annapurna Circuit. This a legend among classic treks.

3.​

The Nepali People

Nepal is one of the friendliest, most welcoming countries in the world. You’ll stay at local teahouses, eating Dal Bhat and momos.

The Itinerary​

Here’s what we’ll be getting up to in Nepal

Time to arrive to Kathmand and get settled in!

You’ll arrive in Nepal at Tribhuvan International, Kathmandu. Someone from our team of representatives will be outside the airport terminal to greet you.

After you meet them, they will help you check into your hotel. There, you can relax after a tiring international flight and meet the group!

Today starts with a small, informative meeting after breakfast. Our team will provide an overview of the trek, detailing the itinerary and addressing any queries you might have about the trip.

This pre-trip meeting is an essential step in preparing for the journey ahead, ensuring everyone is well-informed and ready for the adventure.

After the meeting, we’ll shift our focus to exploring the rich cultural heritage of Kathmandu. The city, known for its historical significance and architectural wonders, offers a plethora of UNESCO World Heritage Sites, and we have a full day planned for sightseeing.

Today we’ll go to the starting point of your trek – Jagat (1300 meters)

After a group breakfast, we’ll take private transportation to Jagat. As you leave Kathmandu, you can find the road winding as you cross several hills, beautiful farms, and various communities.

Driving to the south of the Himalayan highlands, you cross several rivers like Trishuli (the most popular of all rafting rivers in Nepal) and Marsyangdi. These rivers originate from glacial peaks of the Himalayas in the north.

Eventually, after a long but beautiful drive of 8-9 hours, we’ll reach Jagat which is our stop for the night.

WARNING: it’s Nepal, it’ll get bumpy. But we’ll have plenty of stops along the way.

After our breakfast, we’ll embark on our trekking journey together. Initially, our path leads us downhill, then we tackle an uphill climb to enter a rocky forest.

As we trek through this forest, we’ll reach Chamje, a quaint Tibetan village. Continuing from Chamje, we’ll find ourselves walking towards our first suspension bridge, that spans the Marsyangdi River.

Crossing this bridge, our journey takes us up a steady climb to Tal, situated at an altitude of 1700 meters. Tal, a charming village, sits on what was once a lakebed. Our trek from Tal then leads us through fields of barley, wheat, and potatoes, interspersed with some pine forests. Along the way, we’ll see the Marsyangdi river again near the settlement of Khotro.

After trekking for about 6-7 hours from Jagat, we will finally arrive at Dharapani, which is at an elevation of 1900 meters. The distance from Jagat to Dharapani is approximately 15.6 kilometers. Dharapani, a sizeable Tibetan village, marks our entry into the Manang valley.

Today’s trek to Chame takes us westwards. As we gain more than 800 meters in altitude, we’ll feel cooler winds and notice a change in vegetation. Our path winds past several forested ridges and areas affected by landslides until we reach Bagarchhap, a Tibetan village showcasing traditional Tibetan architecture.

While climbing to the south of the valley, breathtaking views of various mountains like Lamjung Himal, Annapurna II, and Annapurna IV (7,525m/24,688 ft) unfold before us. We then proceed to Dhanqui.

Trekking past Dhanqui, we’ll traverse through farmlands, orchards, and dense forests, with opportunities to catch magnificent mountainous views. Following a trail along the upstream of the Marsyangdi River, we’ll come across villages like Ratamanang and Koto. A gentle trek for about half an hour from Koto leads us to Chame, which is at an elevation of 2720 meters. Chame serves as the district headquarters of the Manang region.

Our journey today covers a distance of about 15 kilometers.

Our trail today is notably steep and narrow as we set out to the north of Chame. We’ll be walking through a dense pine forest, leading us to a large, curved rock face formed by ice, situated above the village of Bhratang. The trek up to this village takes about an hour.

Past Bhratang, our path takes us to a cliff, and then we cross the river on the southern side. We face a challenging hike through a steep uphill trail amidst pine forests, leading us to a ridge. This ridge serves as an excellent spot for mountain viewing, offering impressive views of Pisang Peak and the Chulu Peak.

From this vantage point, a gentle descent will bring us to our overnight stop at Pisang village, which is at an altitude of 3310 meters. The distance between Chame and Pisang is approximately 14 km, and it’s estimated that today’s trek will take us around 6 hours to complete.

Today’s trek will be graced with dramatic views of high snow-capped peaks. After our breakfast, we’ll resume our trek, starting with a steady uphill climb for half an hour. This will lead us to the top of a small hill, an excellent vantage point to view the Hongdre village below, including its airstrip. From here, we’ll also have a magnificent view of Mt. Gangapurna, Mt. Annapurna II, III, Tilicho Peak, Chuli, and Pisang Peak.

Following this, our trail slopes downhill towards Hongdre. Our first destination is Mungji, where a nunnery sits above the village. Continuing from Mungji, we’ll reach Braga, a village renowned for its picturesque houses. If we trek up a slightly rough slope, we can visit the Braga Monastery, the largest and oldest gompa in the valley. The monastery, with its beautiful statues and thangkas, showcases the rich culture of Tibetan Buddhism in this region.

After about an hour’s walk from Braga, we will arrive at our overnight stop, Manang, which is situated at an altitude of 3540 meters. The duration of today’s trek is approximately 5-6 hours.

Today serves as both a rest and acclimatization day in Manang. To aid in our acclimatization, we’ll embark on a short hike to a higher altitude and then return to Manang. We have the option to either walk to Bocho Gompa or visit the Gangapurna Lake, each offering its unique scenic beauty.

The village of Manang is surrounded by towering mountains, creating a breathtaking panorama. To the south, we’ll see Annapurna II and Annapurna III, with elevations of 7,555 meters and 7,454 meters respectively. The majestic Gangapurna, standing at 7,454 meters, also adds to the southern skyline. To the west, we’ll witness Tilicho, rising to 7,132 meters, and the imposing Grand Barrier. The north side features Chulu West and Chulu East, at 6,583 meters and 6,059 meters respectively, adding to the spectacular mountainous backdrop that encircles Manang.

This day not only provides us with necessary rest but also an opportunity to soak in the awe-inspiring natural beauty of the Himalayas.

After our delightful time in Manang, it’s time for us to venture to higher altitudes in our trek. Leaving Manang behind, we’ll come across a stream. After crossing this stream, our path leads uphill to the village of Tengi. From there, we’ll continue our journey, climbing out of the Marsyangdi Valley.

Next, we’ll take an upward trail to the northwest, aiming for the village of Jarsang Khola. It’s crucial for us to trek slowly and steadily at this stage to avoid altitude sickness. Our path will take us past several summer pastures and areas of scrub juniper as we make our way to Gunsang. As we trek upwards from Gunsang, we’ll notice a cluster of flat mud roofs just below the trail.

Our next destination is Ghyanchang, a small hamlet, where we’ll descend to cross a tributary. Walking past meadows, we’ll reach a small wooden bridge. The final stretch of our journey today involves trekking along ancient mani walls, leading us to our overnight stop in Yak Kharka. Yak Kharka, situated at an elevation of 4310 meters, is about a 3-4 hour trek from Manang.

Today, we’ll gain an altitude of 500 meters. Starting from the picturesque Yak Kharka, our first destination will be the settlement of Ledar. The trail from Ledar offers us scenic views of majestic mountains such as Annapurna II, Gangapurna, Tilache, and Chuli peaks.

As we continue our trek, we’ll pass through more desolate parts of this region, surrounded by beautiful landscapes and scrub vegetation. This path will also lead us through areas affected by landslides, showcasing the dynamic and changing nature of this terrain.

Eventually, our journey brings us to Thorung Phedi. Our tea house for the night is located at the foot of Thorong peak. It’s important to note that tea houses in this region do not operate during the winter season. If we still have time and energy, we have the option to trek up to High Camp. Reaching High Camp, which is at 4925 meters, will help reduce our trekking hours for the following day.

Today’s trek is expected to be about 5-6 hours long.

Today marks the most thrilling day of our Annapurna Circuit Trek as we cross the highest point of the trek – Thorong La pass. The trek to Thorong La pass traverses a high-altitude route, beginning with a challenging zig-zag path for the initial hour. This section is particularly strenuous as we gain significant altitude in a short distance, navigating the zig-zagging trail.

We’ll first reach a glacial pond before continuing our uphill journey for another hour to reach the mountain pass. Thorung La, at an elevation of 5416 meters, is nestled between Thorung Peak (6,211m/20,378ft) and Yakwakang (6,482m/15,434ft). From the east side of the pass, we can view a stunning panorama of snow-capped peaks, while the west offers a view of the Kali Gandaki and Mustang Valley.

After spending some quality time at the pass, we’ll begin our long descent to Muktinath. This descent involves a drop of over 1600 meters in altitude. Initially, the trail consists of loose gravel, making it a bit tricky, and then transitions to a rocky path. After trekking for 7-8 hours, we’ll arrive at the sacred site of Muktinath temple, situated at 3800 meters.

Muktinath is a significant pilgrimage site for both Buddhists and Hindus in Nepal. The temple, enclosed by a long surrounding wall, is adorned with numerous prayer flags. It holds special significance for devotees of Lord Vishnu and is equally revered by Buddhists due to various legends associated with the shrine. Surrounding the temple are 108 springs, and visitors often partake in a holy shower here.

A short 10-minute walk from Muktinath will bring us to the village of Ranipauwa, where we’ll stay overnight, concluding another momentous day on our trek.

Today, our trek from Muktinath involves descending more than 1,200 meters to reach the floor of the Kali Gandaki River. Along the way, we’ll pass through the settlement of Ekal Bhatte, characterized by a few houses scattered around. We can expect a noticeable wind as we make our way through this area.

After about two hours of trekking from Ekal Bhatte, we’ll arrive at Jomsom, the headquarters of the Mustang region. Jomsom is a significant stop, marking a change in both landscape and culture as we move through the Annapurna Circuit.

Continuing from Jomsom for a couple more hours of trekking, we’ll reach the quaint village of Marpha, situated at an elevation of 2670 meters. Marpha is known for its charming atmosphere and abundance of good lodges, making it an ideal spot for rest and relaxation. This village is particularly famous for its apple orchards and a brewery where local apple brandy is produced, a must-try for those interested in local flavors.

The total duration of today’s trek is approximately 5-6 hours, taking us through diverse landscapes and offering a glimpse into the unique cultural aspects of the Mustang region.

Another driving day folks! You’ll be welcoming it after all that walking.

From Marpha, our drive to Tatopani presents a scenic transition from the arid landscape of Mustang to the greener, warmer environment of lower altitudes.

As we descend, the terrain becomes lush and the air grows more humid. The drive, taking a few hours, winds through mountain roads with stunning views of the valleys and hills.

Tatopani, famous for its natural hot springs, offers a relaxing retreat in a serene valley setting, making this drive an enjoyable and essential part of our journey in the Annapurna region.

Today’s trek takes us from Tatopani to the village of Ghorepani, situated at an elevation of 2860 meters. This journey, spanning 6-7 hours, begins with our departure from Tatopani and crossing a suspension bridge over the Kali Gandaki River.

As we walk along the river, we’ll reach a junction of two trails. Our path then takes us alongside terraced fields, through charming settlements, and into dense rhododendron forests, which are particularly stunning when in bloom. The trek continues past several more forests, immersing us in the natural beauty of the region.

After a day of trekking through this varied landscape, we’ll eventually arrive at Ghorepani. This village is a popular stop for trekkers and is known for its spectacular views of the surrounding Himalayan peaks, providing a serene and picturesque end to our day’s journey.

Before sunrise, we’ll embark on an early morning walk to the stunning hill station of Poon Hill, located at 3,190 meters. This one-hour trek is quite challenging, involving the climb of hundreds of stairs to reach the top. However, the effort is well worth it for the astounding views of the sunrise from Poon Hill.

From this vantage point, we’ll also enjoy panoramic views of majestic mountains such as Dhaulagiri, Annapurna, Manaslu, and Machhapuchhre, among others.

After spending a wonderful time soaking in the breathtaking scenery at Poon Hill, we’ll descend back to Ghorepani for breakfast. Refreshed, we then set out towards Tikhedhunga. Our path will take us through rhododendron forests to reach an upper ridge, followed by a descent through temperate forests.

After trekking for about 4-5 hours, we’ll arrive at Tikhedhunga, where we’ll stay overnight, concluding another rewarding day of our trek.

The trek from Tikhedhunga to Nayapul covers a distance of 9.2 kilometers and is predominantly downhill. Along the way, we’ll pass through various villages such as Birethanti, Lamdawali, Sudame, and Hile before reaching Nayapul. This trek is expected to take us 3-4 hours.

Nayapul is a significant location as it’s often the starting point for many treks to Annapurna Base Camp. Upon reaching Nayapul, we’ll arrange for private transport to take us to Pokhara, a journey that should last about 1 hour.

Once in Pokhara, a range of activities awaits us. We can choose to rest in our hotel, rejuvenating after the trek. Alternatively, we might opt for a boating trip on the serene Phewa Lake, a relaxing way to enjoy the natural beauty of Pokhara. The city is also known for its fantastic selection of restaurants, offering us the chance to indulge in a delicious meal.

It’s also a great place for us to have some Nepali Everest beers and look back on our epic adventure.

Today, we’ll make our journey back to Kathmandu by bus, a ride that will take approximately 6-7 hours. The luxury tourist bus is designed to ensure our comfort throughout the trip. As we head towards Kathmandu, we’ll be treated to stunning views of beautiful hills running alongside the gushing waters of the Trisuli and Marsyangdi Rivers.

On bright, clear days, this route offers the added bonus of glimpses of majestic mountains such as Ganesh Himal and Manaslu peak. These views provide a fitting and scenic conclusion to our journey, allowing us to reflect on the natural beauty we’ve encountered throughout our trek.

Today marks the conclusion of oour journey in Nepal as we prepare to go home, or onwards!

We will arrange for your transportation to the airport, aiming to get you there approximately 3 hours before your scheduled flight. This should give you ample time for check-in and any airport formalities.

Nepal Group Trip
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How Much Will It Cost?

The total cost of this trip is £1600 GBP / $2000 USD

We make sure all activities, accommodation, transport costs & most meals are included in this price.

However, any additional extras (i.e. alcohol, tips, travel insurance) are down to you.

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Included:

  • All Transport
  • All Accomodation
  • All meals (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner) During the Trek
  • Hotel Stays in Kathmandu & Pokhara (B&B Plan)
  • All Permits
  • Experienced Trekking Guides & Porters
  • Airport transfers
  • All activities, as stated in itinerary

Excluded:

  • Visa
  • International Flights
  • Travel Insurance (mandatory)
  • Meals that are not specified
  • Personal expenses
  • Bar Bill and Drinks
  • Tips for guides etc
  • Any Additional Activities
  • Kathmandu Sightseeing Entry Fees (~$10)

The Details

During our trip, we will be staying in hotels in Kathmandu and Pokhara, and in local teahouses when trekking the Annapurna Circuit.

Accommodation throughout the trip is based on shared occupancy, with two people per room.

Typically, we pair you with another traveler for room sharing. However, if you are traveling with a companion, we can certainly arrange for both of you to share a room.

Please note that all accommodations are twin-shared, private rooms.

For a single room, a single supplement option may be available for an additional fee.

Annapurna Circuit Trek Difficulty

  • The Annapurna Circuit Trek is considered a moderate trek in terms of difficulty. However, lack of preparation can make it more strenuous.
  • The trek reaches altitudes over 5000 meters, so acclimatization and preparation for altitude sickness are crucial.
  • The total trip spans 18 days and includes several uphill sections, particularly up to Thorong La pass, which can be challenging.
  • Preparation is key. Engaging in activities like running, cycling, swimming, and undertaking a few preparatory hikes can significantly ease the trekking experience.

You can either bring all your gear with you, or rent gear while you’re in Nepal.

Guidance for Gear on the Annapurna Circuit Trek

Clothing:

  • Layering is Key: The weather can vary greatly, so bring layers. Include thermal underwear, fleece jackets, and a waterproof and windproof outer layer.
  • Trekking Pants and Shirts: Quick-drying fabric is preferable. Have at least two pairs of each.
  • Insulation: A down jacket is essential for colder altitudes.
  • Headwear: A sun hat for lower altitudes and a warm hat for colder conditions.
  • Gloves: Waterproof and insulated gloves are recommended.

Footwear:

  • Trekking Boots: Ensure they are well-broken-in and waterproof.
  • Socks: Woolen or synthetic socks that wick moisture away. Bring several pairs.
  • Sandals or Sneakers: For evenings at the tea houses.

Backpack and Bags:

  • Backpack: A comfortable, adjustable day bag with a rain cover.
  • Duffel Bag: For porters to carry non-essential items.

Sleeping Gear:

  • Sleeping Bag: A good-quality sleeping bag rated for at least -10°C.
  • Sleeping Bag Liner: Adds extra warmth and hygiene.

Health and Hygiene:

  • Water Purification: Tablets or a water filter.
  • First-Aid Kit: Basic medical supplies and any personal medications.
  • Toiletries: Including biodegradable soap and hand sanitizer.
  • Sun Protection: Sunscreen, lip balm with SPF, and sunglasses.

Miscellaneous:

  • Headlamp: With extra batteries.
  • Trekking Poles: Useful for stability and reducing strain on knees.
  • Reusable Water Bottle: To stay hydrated.
  • Snacks: Energy bars, dried fruits, and nuts (we can also buy in Kathmandu)

Remember to pack light and smart, as carrying unnecessary weight can be strenuous. It’s also recommended to prepare for unexpected weather changes and to prioritize eco-friendly and sustainable items where possible.

  • Destination: Nepal
  • Total Duration: 18 Days
  • Trip Price: 1750 GBP
  • Trek Grade: Strenous
  • Best Time: Mid of Feb to June.
  • Max Elevation: 5460 Meters
  • Start Point: Beshishahar
  • End Point: Birethanti
  • Max Group Size: Min.1 to Max. 15
  • Accommodation: Hotels, Guesthouse & Teahouse
  • Transportation: Overland

Your initial deposit is not refundable.

If you need to cancel due to an emergency, illness, or other reasons, you can receive a full refund of the remaining payment (excluding your deposit) as long as you cancel at least 60 days before the trip starts.

However, if you cancel less than 60 days before the trip, I’m unable to offer a refund.

To safeguard against unforeseen circumstances, we highly recommend purchasing travel insurance that includes coverage for trip cancellations. This way, if you need to cancel for reasons beyond your control, your insurance company will provide a complete reimbursement.

Please use the link below to make an enquiry and I’ll get back to you asap.

You can also email or message me if you have any questions at all.

business@lifeofjord.com

or

@thelifeofjord

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