In March 2022 I had the great opportunity to trek the Annapurna Circuit and Annapurna Sanctuary with Govinda Panta as my guide and Nima as porter.
Thanks to the great care and experience of the Adventure Pilgrims Trekking staff it turned out to be a really great and memorable experience.
With his vast experience and flexibility, Govinda ensured not only a safe adventure but also shared his knowledge about the varying culture and landscape along the way.
Annapurna Circuit ( Round) Trekking
Overview
Trip Information
Annapurna Circuit Trekking consists of Thorong La pass which is among the Ten Highest Passes of the world.It is the Best Selling Trek of Adventure Pilgrims Trekking. You can encounter a gamut of topological variations in the Annapurna Circuit Trekking within the duration of a normal trek. Aptly titled as Nepal's classic trek the Annapurna Trek displays divergent landscape ranging from the sub-tropical region to the alpine region and the semi-desert region.
Annapurna Circuit is known as Annapurna Round as well. Go with local guides who been annapurna circuit for more than 200 times trekking and best guides for annapurna is Local trekking company based in nepal called Adventure Pilgrims Trekking !
The Annapurna Circuit Trek is demanding even for a seasoned trekker, but it is an exceptional introduction to walking in Nepal for those who are physically fit. This lodge-based trek offers you magnificent vistas of Annapurna and Dhaulagiri mountain ranges and the opportunity to observe at close quarters the lifestyle and cultures of the different tribes of Nepal. Because of the road explanation, you can drive directly to Chamje at your first day. If you really want you can drive in between Muktinath to Tatopani also. It makes your itinerary bit shorter. On your request you will make the itinerary as you like.
The Annapurna Circuit is a trek within the Annapurna mountain range of central Nepal. The total length of the route varies between 160–230 km (100-145 mi), depending on where motor transportation is used and where the trek is ended. This trek crosses two different river valleys and encircles the Annapurna massif. The path reaches its highest point at Thorong La pass (5416m/17769 ft), touching the edge of the Tibetan Plateau. Practically all trekkers hike the route anticlockwise, as this way the daily altitude gain is slower, and crossing the high Thorong La pass is easier and safer.The mountain scenery, seen at close quarters includes the Annapurna Massif (Annapurna I-IV), Dhaulagiri, Machapuchhre, Manasulu, Gangapurna, Tilicho Peak, Pisang Peak and Paungda Danda. Numerous other peaks of 6000-8000m in elevation rise from the Annapurna range. The trek begins at Besisahar , Bhulbhule or Chamje in the Marshyangdi river valley and concludes in the Kali Gandaki George. Besisahar can be reached after a seven-hour drive from Kathmandu. The trail passes along paddy fields and into subtropical forests, several waterfalls and gigantic cliffs, and various villages. Annapurna Circuit has often been voted as the best long distance trek in the world, as it combined, in its old full form, a wide variety of climate zones from tropics at 600 m asl to the arctic at 5416 m asl at the Thorong La pass and cultural variety with various ethnic groups from Hindu villages at the low foothills to the Tibetan culture of Manang Valley and lower Mustang. Continuing construction of a road has shortened the trail and changed the villages With construction of the road, mountain biking is becoming popular, with Mustang in particular becoming one of the world's most popular mountain biking destinations.
Note: Please Check the detailed itinerary. If you want to minimize or maximize the number of days , number of pax and the time of the year you're travelling, Please let us know. We will send you the customized itinerary.
Detail Itinerary
Day 01: Airport pick-up and transfer to hotel
One of Adventure Pilgrims Trekking's respondent will pick you from airport and transfer to hotel. Introduction about Nepal and the experienced trekking guide and short briefing about your trekking trip from the guide.In the evening, you'll have free or optional Nepalese Cultural Program with dinner.
Day 02 : Gear check up and rest day
Before we start our great trip to Annapurna Base Camp the guide will check your trekking gears and let you know about necessary items that you don't have. Hike around Thamel or optional City Tour in Kathmandu, Nepal
Day 03: Drive from Kathmandu to Via Besisahar (823m.) By Private bus then By Local jeep to Chamje.1430 mt takes about 8 hour.
You drive along the Kathmandu-Pokhara Highway to Dumre and then follow the narrow and paved road by the Marshyangdi River to Beshisahar, the district headquarters of Lamjung district. All the local government offices are situated here. From here, you can see some mountain peaks, natural Sceneries surrounding the valley and the daily activities of local people. This headquarters is the center from where the daily usable commodities are supplied to the different villages and numerous towns. Stay overnight at lodge At Chamje.
Day 04: Trek from Chamje to Dharapani (1860m.) takes about 6 hours.
After breakfast trail will ascend to Tall ,a very highly Greenhill mountain .All the local government offices are situated here. From here, you can see some mountain peaks, natural Sceneries surrounding the valley and the daily activities of local people. This headquarters is the center from where the daily usable commodities are supplied to the different villages and numerous towns. Stay overnight at lodge At Dharapani.
Day 05 : Trek from Dharapani to Chame 2660mt) takes about five hours.
You climb through forests of pine and oak as you pass through Danaque (2210m.). Soon, there comes a small wooden bridge that will take you on a steeply ascending path up to Timang which lies at the bottom of Lamajung Himal and Annapurna II. The trail goes then on a flat level until you reach Chame, where you will find government offices, shops and hotels. Chame is the administrative headquarters for the Manang district. Stay overnight at lodge in Chame
Day 06 : Chame to Pisang 3200mt) it takes about 5/6 hour.
With Lamjung Himal (6893m) and Annapurna II (7,937m)sparkling in the morning sun, you set off for Pisang. You continue through a fir and pine forest, climbing to a high, rocky area as the opposite bank becomes an impassable cliff. From this point the valley becomes extremely steep-sided as you follow the path to Bhratang (2950m.) You now walk through a pine forest and as the forest ends, the valley changes from a V-shape to a gentle U-shape, opening up a wonderful vista before you. You can see the east peak of Annapurna II as well as Pisang Peak (6091m.) to the north-east. Continuing on, you come to a long Mani wall accross a bridge and ascend to the upper village of Pisang which is surrounded by Monasteries and panaromic view of The Annapurnas .Stay overnight at lodge.
Day 07: Trek from Pisang to Nawal (3660m.) takes about five and half hours.
Beyond Pisang, the trail climbs a steep ridge that affords good views of the Manang valley and Tilicho peak (7145m.) Ascending through the upper route which is off the beaten path via the villages of Ghyaru and Nawal which provides the mirror view of Lamjung Himal , Gangapurna, Annapurna II III IV , Tilicho Peak and many others. In the afternoon , explore the Nawal village inhabited by Tibetan and Gurung Community and Monasteries.Stay overnight at Nawal.
Day 08: Trek Nawal to Manang(3540M) 4/5 hour,
After Breakfast Trek to Manang begening the trek Descent to Mugje While you will enjoy the views of Annapurnas ,Gangapurna and Tilicho on the left hand of your walk .You come to a level area from where the north-east face of Annapurna III rises majestically above you. From the wide plains of the Sato the tiny village of Mugje and Bhraka(Bhraga) Village with beautiful Park of traditional buddhist statues and havitences Build on wall very old houses ,with many yaks and ponny horses arround the trail .After a short steep climb you reach Manang which is a surprisingly large village for this remote mountain region. Stay overnight at lodge. At Manang.
Day 09: Rest day at Manang Day explore.
This is an important rest and acclimatization day today before crossing the Thorong La. Pass,There are optional day walks such as crossing the river to see the tremendous Icefall coming down from the Annapurnas, and Gangapurna Glacier or climbing high above the village for a full panorama of the Annapurna range and the Manang Valley or you can visit Ganagapurna Glacier Lake to make your rest day a memorable one. Also Our guide will advise for the group to climb to the ICE lake you can decide same day in Manang on your arrival at manang which is 4500mt high. you can decide climb to Ice lake or Gaangapurna glacier around or very old monk who stayson the cliff Cave above manang village. explore and Stay overnight at lodge Manang.(High Climb Low sleep).
Day 10: Trek from Manang to Yak Kharka (4,050m.) and it takes about 4 hour
Now the trail ascends gently all the way to Yak Kharka passing through Gunsang (3960m.) village. En route, you see panoramic views all day. The meaning Of Yak Kharka is every day around 3/4 pm all yak around the mountain overnight at Yak kharka next to your lodge that`s way the place name is yak kharka.after arrive you will explore high climb for to see beautiful view of Manang valley and Annapurnas . Stay overnight at lodge.Yak kharka.
Day 11: Trek from Yak Kharka to Thorong Phedi (4420m.) takes about 3 and half hours.
Leaving Yak Kharka, you climb gradually to a ridge before descending to the headwaters of the Marshyangdi and crossing via a covered Suspension bridge. arround both valley mountain you can see yaks are grazzing and blue ship in group as the colour of same nature After a short ascent up the mountain path on the right bank, you follow a narrow trail across an unstable spree slope with Risk of Landslide ware Marks for 100mt and then Ascending to Thorong Phedi. Stay overnight at lodge. Or If you are absolutely feeling very well after lunch we climb 400mt to Throng La height Camp hotel .It means very easy climb for tomorrow early moorning to Thorong La pass .you will decide to arrive in Throng phedi then)
Day 12 : Trek from Thorong Phedi Or high Camp to Muktinath (3850m.) via Thorong La (5416m.) Pass and it takes about (8 ) hours.
You start early today for your crossing of Thorong La [5416m]. The views are dramatic to say the least, from the snow-covered mountains above, arrive on the Top of Throng-la pass ,Sunrise at pass will be highly recommended so be there, you can wish to take a photograph then. Head of the Kali Gandaki valley below and the brown and purple hills of Mustang this step down is longer then climb up to pass different climb downhill then you except which you fill little tired but you are already normal altitude your body will recover energy next morning you are much more eneargative . Eventually the moraines give way to grassy slopes before a pleasant walk along the Jhong Khola Valley to Muktinath and its shrines and temple. Stay overnight at lodge.
Day 13: Trek Muktinath to Marpha 2650mt.takes about approximately 6 hours.
You now begin to descend down the dramatic Kali Gandaki George, initially through arid country in the same geographical and climatic zone as Tibet. After passing through Jharkot and Khingar villages with typical Tibetan architecture ,Oldest monastery about 2300 Years old,You may pass Kagbeni village which is the gateway to Upper mustang which looks nature arts of painting you follow the valley floor Monastery and landscape way to Jomsom. From here there are fine views of the Nilgiri , Dhaulagiri, and Tukuche peaks. You continue walking down to Jomsom a delightful Thakali village, provide welcome shelter from the strong winds of the Kali Gandaki George. Biggest apple garden and different fruits and most clean women kitchen in the Nepal is Marpha village.Stay overnight at lodge. At Marpha
Day 14: Marpha to Tatopani(Hot spring1190mt) It takes 4/ hour drive.
In the Morning after breakfast Drive with local bus to Tatopani (Hot spring) On the drive you will desend via world deepest George valley of Kali gandaki river to Tatopani and stay at hotel .after guide will bring you to the hot spring for hot bath on pond.Get ready with swimming customs and head down to the hotspring, one of the natural treatment for skin disease and uric acids. However, the cold through in your body from the high regions all exit while having the hotbath on the hotspring.overnight in (Hotspring )Tatopani .
Day 15: Tatopani to Ghorepani Poonhill 3210mt . It takes 7 hour,
All most for the day you have to walk through the villages with different ethinic people and really diffirent mountain views with kaligandaki valley, every step of your walk on the backyard, you will see the full face of Dhaulagiri and World's Deepest George Valley. Stay over night at Ghorepani 2960mt.
Day 16: Ghorepani to Pokhara : takes about 7 hours
This day, our guide will wake you up early in the morning . This will be a special day because we conquer Poon Hill- an icon of Annapurna region. We climb the steep trail to the viewpoint of Poon Hill (3200mtrs). It takes about 45 minutes to ascend with the stairs to the top. The efforts will be rewarded with spectacular sunrise view over Machhapuchre(6,993m), Dhaulagiri(8,167m), Nilgiri(6,650m), and the Annapurnas, Manasulu(8,163m). Three Highest Mountain above 8,000m in the world with spectacular view along with the sunrise. After taking photos and having some coffee or tea or hot chocolate, we return back to Ghorepani Village.With morning sunrise back to hotel and breakfast after brek fast climb down all the day via Ullery tikhedunga to Nayapool.Our cab will be stand by to pick you up drive to Pokhara . stay overnight at Pokhara.
Day 17 : Transfer to Kathmandu
We will arrange you tourist bus to Kathmandu , bus leave at 7 am from Pokhara , Or for next day after your require we will arrange tourist bus ticket to come to Kathmandu.
Or Please if you want to spend 1 more day in Mountain we will stay one night at Tikhe dhunga Or In Ullary 1960mt.
Day 18 : Departure to International airportAs we are saying farewell to Nepal for this trip, we will drop you to the airport for your safe journey to your sweet home or you can join us to our other activities like White Water River Rafting, Jungle Safari, Everest Base Camp Trekking, Nepal Tour and many more.
What's Included
Included in the Cost
- English speaking Trekking guide
- 2 Porter/s (1 porter carries the luggage up to 25 Kg of 2 participants)
- All meals three times a day during the trek (breakfast, lunch, and dinner)
- Accommodation in Tea house (lodges) during the trek
- Entry Permit for Annapurna conservation Area
- Trekkers' Information Management system (TIMS) card
- All land Transportation
- Insurance, food, accomodation and equipment for the Nepali staff
- Muktinath to Tatopani by sharing basis jeep.
- First aid kit
- Airport pick- up and drop-off service
- Government taxes and Our service charge
Not Included in the Cost
- Personal nature expenses
- Sleeping bag and down jacket.(available to Hire here)
- Personal equipments.
- Drinks, beverages,drinking water/bar bills etc. during the trek.
- Tips for staffs at the end of the trek
- Accomodation and Meals in Kathmandu and Pokhara
- Cost rise due to weather problem.
- In Case of emergency , your personal travel insurance includes your helicopter rescue, trip cancellation and medical expenses.
Trip Fact
- Duration: 18 Day(s)
- Trip grade: Medium/Hard , adventurous
- Activities: Trekking
- Group size: Min 1
Customer Reviews
Annapurna Circuit including Tilicho Lake and Mardi Himal. Duration 3 weeks
Shankar Khanal | Kathmandu
Proactive in returning emails and being in communication. Came to our hotel to introduce our guide. Made an itinerary that met our requests and timeline. Contacted us during the trip to confirm things were fine with guide. Conveniently located in Thamel. Meeting at the end of the trip to review.
Grows: My partner was unable to complete the trekking because his body was hurting from the strain. We made a suggestion to adjust the trip to spend time in Pokhara and Katmandu but APT said it was not possible to adjust, gave a reason that I think was factually true, but BS. A better company would have given some better options. My partner ended up going directly home after 2 weeks. If this is your first time trekking in Nepal make sure of the conditions to change itinerary.
Manoj(Guide)
Attentive to our needs. Ordered all meals and teahouses/hotels on the trek. Although he is only 23 he has a lot of experience, knows the trails very well, and the weather patterns to maximize our mountain viewing in the monsoon season. Several times a day he checked in with us about our body condition. He walked more slowly with my partner and took his water load, while I trekked ahead and he gave me some directions about where to stop. After my partner left our trekking was much faster - Manoj can go as fast as you like(93rd in a recent Nepal marathon). He did his best to answer my many questions about Nepal. When I wanted to trek by myself he let me trek at my pace. He shared good advice about trekking and was cognizant of our physical condition. He was focused on our satisfaction.
English comprehension was sometimes challenging. Communication sometimes unclear but we resolved many misunderstandings quickly. It is part of our challenge of visiting a foreign country and I was OK with his level. His English will get better and he was wanting to learn more.
The most amazing experience!
Sepi Katz | United State
I can fully recommend Adventure Pilgrims Trekking for adventures in the Nepalese Himalayas.
Olof H | Sweden
Great service!
Aritsugi Moe |
Annapurna Circuit - Unforgetable Experience with Adventure Pilgrims Trekking
Jeff Baden | Canada
In Kathmandu the owner, Govinda, was waiting for us at the Airport to drive us to our hotel. He then thoroughly explained the trip and ensured that we had all the right equipment to be comfortable.
The trip was amazing. The guide, Parshuram, and the two porters, Mama and Pawan, provided an excellent experience. The team took care to ensure that we were happy and healthy throughout the trek. Parshuram ensured that we did not go to fast as to over exert ourselves or be at risk for altitude sickness. All three were extremely knowledgeable about the trail, the communities we passed through, the religious sites we visited, and the local flora and fauna. Their knowledge ensured that we were always staying at comfortable tea houses with safe food, were hiking in a safe manor as to avoid traffic or washed out trails.
Once we were back in Kathmandu Adventure Pilgrims was able to organized a handful of tours of Kathmandu even though we did not book them in advance. Our new guide, Krishna, took us to several important Buddhist and Hindu sites in the city and provided us with detailed explanations of the sites, local customs, and history.
If I ever get the opportunity to return to Nepal I would without a doubt use Adventure Pilgrims again. The provided excellent service with every detail taken care of.
Jeff
Yadu | France
Manon and Valentin, from France.
Great experience!
Kenny Li | Canada
I suggest bringing a few hundred extra USD in case you want to hire a jeep at any point in the trek for emergencies. Layered clothing, Diamox for altitude, and hiking poles are recommended.
Annapurna Circuit Trek
Greg Baden | Calgary, Canada
Our Annapurna circuit trek was well planned and executed. From the start Porshu, our guide kept a close watch on all of us to ensure we were adjusting to the altitude and would be ready for the hike up to Thorung La. While the hike up to Thorung La was hard, the trek in overall was not difficult and a lot of fun. The fresh fruit we had every evening made us the envy of the other trekkers and to top it all off our guides arranged for a cake in Muktinath to celebrate my son’s birthday.
Govinda, Porshu and Krishna treated us like family. We have no hesitation in recommending Adventure Pilgrims to anyone considering a trek in Nepal. When I have a chance to return I will definitely book again with Adventure Pilgrims.
Highly professional local travel agency
MMM 123iii | Germany
When I arrived in Kathmandu I compared three different local travel agencies. Adventure pilgrims trekking clearly made the best impression on me! The owners, Krishna and his brother Govinda, are very professional and knowledgeable about all the possible treks in Nepal. I was not experienced with trekking at all nor was I trained or had any equipment before I arrived in Kathmandu. Krishna helped me a lot to organize the trek. He gave very useful advice and actually came to my hostel to check my luggage. He gave me advice on which equipment to buy and even helped my buying some in the shops in Tamel! As an unexperienced tourist I was very thankful for that because I wasn’t sure which equipment I would really need and how to judge the quality of the stuff that is offered in the shops of Tamel. They also made sure I didn’t have unnecessary stuff in my bag. The iternary they made for me was very well thought through including all the transportation. It all worked out perfectly. I did some parts of the trek by jeep and these parts were really the ones that were the least interesting. This was also confirmed in a lot of discussion with other tourists that I met on the trek. After all, they cared extremely well for me! They were also in touch with the guide when we were on the trek to discuss the weather forecast which was important to cross the 5400 meter high Thorung La pass. You can also rely on their advice to find the trek that is right for you, in case you haven’t decided yet. They are 100% trustworthy and reliable.
The guide
My guide was Pasang . He was probably the best guide I could think of! When you book a tour with a guide you should make sure you get a good one. You will spend the whole time with him! You will not be able to exchange him. A knowledgeable and experienced guide can make a big difference for your trip. It is also important that he speaks English well which is not necessarily the case for all nepali guides. Pasang, however, is highly professional and fulfills all these criteria perfectly! He is very experienced (I think more than 10 years…), grew up in the Everest region and is very knowledgeable about the nepali culture. His English is perfect. He seemed to know every peak that we saw on our trek and I learnt a lot about the landscapes, vegetation, tribes and Buddhist religion. I felt absolutely safe with him at all times even at the 5400 meter high Thorung La pass. He monitored my health all the time on the trek to make sure I didn’t get altitude sickness. The people at adventure pilgrims arranged a meeting for me with Pasang before I made the booking with them. This meeting was very useful. In a short discussion with him I could immediately notice that he is professional, sympathetic and speaks English very well. After the meeting I was 100% convinced that I want to book the tour! Other agencies couldn’t offer me to meet the guide or I had to insist on it myself. I recommend to always meeting the guide before you book. As I said, the guide is very important for a good trip as you will stick with him for the whole time. I highly recommend him and you can directly ask if he is available!
The porter guy
My porter was Saroj who is a student from Kathmandu and who works as porter during the semester break. He is a funny guy who is interested in photography. We got friends on our way and we are still in contact. He also taught me a lot about the Nepali culture. He had done the Annapurna circuit before and could even tell me some details on the route and gave me advice. And of course he did an amazing job carrying my bag!!! I think it is probably not usual to have an “academic porter guide” and I believe they selected him for me because they anticipated that we could get on well with each other.
After all I had an amazing time with the guide and porter and a very authentic nepali experience!
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