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Annapurna Circuit Trekking


12 days 11 nights

Code NPACT14D

Category Nepal Trekking

  • Group Size 2-16 Person
  • Difficulty Level 4
  • Rating Popular
  • Highest Altitude 5,416 m (17,764 ft) at Thorung-la pass
  • Trip Starts From Kathmandu
  • Trip Ends At Pokhara
  • Accommodation Hotels, guesthouses and homestays
  • Type Trekking
  • Destination Kathmandu Besi Sahar Dharapani Chame Pisang Manang Yak Kharka Thorong Phedi Muktinath Jomsom Pokhara
Dates & Prices
Please, contact us for the price and the dates for this trip

Overview

Annapurna Circuit Trekking also called Round Annapurna Trekking or Around Annapurna is one of the most famous trekking of Nepal and among the world's top ten trekking.

Annapurna Circuit trails offer far-fetched views of several most famous Himalayan high peaks, sparkling lakes, thundering rivers with deep gorges. Also hot springs and varying panoramas from verdant tropical paddies and moss-laden rhododendron bushes to Tibetan fortresses floating to rocky crags and insight to the lifestyle of intriguing ethnic groups. Thorang Pass at 5,416 m (17,764 ft.) is the highest point and the climax of the trip and of course quite challenging! Those looking for diverse landscape and culture, Annapurna Circuit is the only trekking we would like to recommend.

Initially, Annapurna Circuit used to be three weeks long trekking. Now, jeep tracks have replaced the much of the lower part. But the upper part still provides excellent 10-11 days trekking which is a boon for many trekkers with less time. Now, we begin trekking from Jagat Village, which initially was reached in 3 days strenuous trekking. Likewise, the road from Pokhara city has connected Jomsom and further up to Muktinath. So, we conclude trek at Muktinath, take a jeep ride to Jomsom and then fly out. If the flight gets canceled due to weather, we will provide a four-wheel-drive vehicle for transportation to Pokhara.

One night decent economy hotel in Kathmandu and ten nights mountain lodge accommodation, total ten days of trekking. You end the trek in Muktinath from where you will be transported by vehicle to Jomson, and then you fly to Pokhara. 

Trip Cost (Land+ Internal Air)

US$ 1299 on double occupancy basis
US$   150 private room supplement.

Note: The trip is guaranteed with a minimum of two participants. Are you a group of three persons or more? Ask for an exclusive discount.

Detailed Itinerary

Day 01~Kathmandu

Arrive in Kathmandu.

Meet the group and the trek leader this afternoon. 

Overnight: Holy Himalaya
Day 02~ Drive by private mini-bus to Besi Sahar and then by local transport (jeeps) to Jagat

(Altitude 3600 ft., 8-9 hours)

Following early morning breakfast, today we head to the Annapurna Circuit Trek trailhead. We depart Kathmandu by a private vehicle with driver to Besi Sahar (110 miles) which used to be the trekking starting point prior road construction began. It can take up to 6 hours to get to Besi Sahar where we stop for lunch (in a local restaurant). Then we switch to locally available jeeps for 2 hours (approximately) bumpy ride to the village of Jagat. There is road little further up, but this probably will be too much for today.

Overnight in the guest house.

Meals : Lunch, Dinner
Day 03~ Trek from Jagat to the Tibetan village of Dharapani

(Altitude 6,430ft., trek 5-6 hrs.)

Today is the first day of the celebrated Annapurna Circuit Trek, also called Round Annapurna Trekking. Following breakfast, we are ready to hit the trail. There are two options to choose from when we leave the village of Jagat. One - follow the jeep track straight ahead but we prefer the second one that follows the old trekking route. We will come across various abandoned trekking guesthouses and a waterfall before we arrive at Chamje Village at 4, 543 ft that takes about 1.5 hours. From this point, we have a steep 400 m (1312 ft.) ascent along the forested trail to the beautiful village of Tal which can take about 2.5 hrs. The village is in the slope, and so we descend further 15 minutes to reach the village proper. There is a blue lake beside the village. We will have our lunch stop here.

After lunch, we find ourselves back on the trail, but the rest of the trail for today is gentle. We pass through a sleepy little village of Kharte at (6134 ft., 1.5 hr.) and in another 45 minutes, we arrive at the Village of Dharapani (6, 232 ft.) where we overnight today. Dharapani village lies in a canyon with mountains rising so high on both sides. The majority population here is of Tibetan origin.

Overnight in the guest house.

Note: We may not feel thirsty but keep drinking water to avoid dehydration!

Meals : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 04~ Trek from Dharapani to Chame Village (altitude: 8,891 ft., trek 6 hrs.)

On the second day of the Annapurna Circuit Trekking, the trail continues to go through the pine forests - the bleak terrain of the likes of yak Kharka is still four days away. We walk one hour to cover the distance of little more than 1 mile and arrive at the beautiful village of Bagarchap that is amidst the apple orchards. The presence of prayer wheels, mani stones, and Tibetan style prayer flags indicate that now we are leaving the Hindu culture behind and entering the Buddhist areas. Please keep the prayer wheels or any shrines that you always see at your right. Another gentle 2 km (1.25 miles) stretch brings us to Damaq (7, 216 ft.) in one hour. Then we struggle the toughest 6 km (3.75 miles) stretch which is practically a 45-degree incline. The route continues to be beautiful and woody, and you can see the Manaslu peak in the distance if the clouds do not blanket it. We will have our lunch stop in Thanchowk (8, 430 ft., 2.5 hrs.).

After lunch, we find ourselves back on the trail for the afternoon walk, which is 3.75 miles easy stretch and takes about 2 hours. This part of the path is beautiful with great views, and if we have time, we may stop to visit the Tibetan monastery at Koto Village, just before Chame. After walking in so much quiet beauty for hours, the bustle in Chame comes as a shock as it serves as the administrative headquarters of Manang district. It also has multiple shops that sell practically everything. They have police headquarter here, a doctor and the most significant surprise - the Internet! There is also a large school and a stupa in Chame Village. There's a miniscule hot water spring too, which you can reach by crossing a bridge at the end of the village.

If the weather is good, we will enjoy the sensational views of Lamjung Himal, Annapurna II, and Annapurna IV (7,525m/24,688 ft.). We check in our guest house, wash and change and take a stroll in the town like a village.

Overnight in the guest house.

Meals : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 05~ Trek from Chame to Pisang

(Altitude: 10824ft., trek 5-6 hrs.)

On the third day of the Round Annapurna Trekking, we advance to the Pisang Village. We wake up early in the morning for the chances of morning views outside. On a clear weather day, we can see the Manaslu and Lamjung Himal covered in snow and the sunshine from Chame. After breakfast, we leave Chame for Pisang. The first two hours of walk to Bhratang is moderately a level walk with about 150 m (4, 92 ft.) ascent. From Bhratang to Dudhpokhari is 1280 ft ascent and takes about 1.5 hrs. The path continues by the river, but the pine forests are less dense here. Few parts of the trail are thrilling as its cut on the side of a cliff, but the views are great! Some parts of the trail are steep, particularly after the old bridge. You can feel the strong smell of the pine cones in the air. We will have our lunch in a tea-house here. We will start feeling the altitude after Dudhpokhari. Avoid dehydration, and you may want to take the first pill of Diamox if you experienced altitude here.

After lunch, we will be back on the trail. The trail is dusty through tall pines and rhododendron bushes and not steep at all. After walking an hour and a half in complete silence and wilderness, interrupted by the occasional herd of mules, crossing a couple of streams, we find ourselves in the busy village of Lower Pisang. If we are ok with the altitude, we may hike further up to Upper Pisang; otherwise, we will settle in a guesthouse in lower Pisang.

Upper Pisang lies 60 meters higher and 30 minutes away from Lower Pisang, and you can reach by crossing a bridge near the prayer wheel. Upper Pisang Village lies on the slopes of a forested hill and is a remnant of medieval Tibetan culture. We visit the Urgen Choling Monastery of the village - probably the most beautiful in the region. We will have the opportunity to meet the monks, and sometimes they offer tea to the visitors. Here, we will find ourselves horizontally in front of the snow-clad peaks of Annapurna, Pisang peak, and several others. From Upper Pisang, the landscape and the vegetation changes from green subtropical to barren sub-alpine and alpine. The air becomes dry, cold, and chilly.

A lot of trekkers prefer to sleep in Upper Pisang than Lower Pisang because they want to take the upper trail to Manang on the following day. And it also has the advantage of getting better acclimated (recommended). That's a decision you will have to take today. If the altitude symptoms are intense, then you may choose to stay in Lower Pisang and the next day, take the shorter route to Manang.

Overnight in the guest house.

Day 06~Trek from Pisang to Manang

(Alt: 11, 482 ft., trek 6-7 hrs.)

Following breakfast, we leave guesthouse heading to Manang. If you stayed in Lower Pisang, it makes sense that you take the lower shorter trail that goes through the last pine forests of this circuit. I am saying the previous pine forests of the trekking because, from Manang onwards, we will see the landscape stark and barren. If you spent the last night in Upper Pisang, then you would follow the upper trail, which is about 2 hours longer than the lower path. The upper trail offers some great mountain views and also higher acclimatization chances. So, for the sake of acclimatization, it's recommended to spend the night in Upper Pisang and take the upper trail.

You will fall in love with the village of Manang at first sight. Beautiful views surround the village more like your computer screensaver! Recently, Manang has been a very touristy village with every convenience money can buy. We keep going, and the street will bend, and you will find yourself transported back in time where Manangis live as they've lived for centuries. The Manang architecture is unlike anything you have ever seen; the alleyways look like the only black, and white pictures should be taken of them.

Overnight in the guest house.

Meals : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 07~Another day in Manang for acclimatization.

From Manang, you will start experiencing breathlessness due to the low oxygen concentration in the air. Take it easy and do not overly exert yourself. Drink plenty of water and consume preferable liquid food.

Himalaya Rescue Association attends daily lectures in Manang for the trekkers, and it will be worth attending one of those lectures. They give some useful tips on how to battle through the next three days to Thorungla pass. They will also explain the acclimatizing principle of "climb high and return to sleep in the low." Although we might be experiencing the effects of altitude, we need to stay active (but not overexert ourselves). So we take some acclimatization hikes above Manang Village. Usually, we hike the Bhojo Gompa or Gangapurna Lake or little further the Vraga Village for acclimatization. And the trip also provides an excellent opportunity to familiarize the local Buddhist culture and religion.

Overnight in the guest house.

Meals : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 08~Trek from Manang to Yak Kharka

(Altitude 13,484ft., trek 3-4 hours)

Annapurna Circuit trail from Manang to Yak Kharka passes through an utterly treeless plateau, dusty and morbid but beautiful. As we leave the village behind, we cross a stream and climb to the village of Tenki above Manang, and then continue to climb out of the Marshyangdi Valley turning northwest up the valley of Jarsang Khola. Then, the path follows this valley northward, passing a few pastures, a scrub of juniper trees, as it steadily gains elevation.

We pass near a small village of Ghunsa, a cluster of flat mud roofs just below the trailhead. Now the trail leads you through meadows where horses and yaks graze. Soon we cross a small river on a wooden bridge, and we pass by an ancient old Mani wall in a pleasant meadow. Then reach another small village of Yak Kharka. Mount Annapurnas II, III and IV peaks stand to greet you at Yak Kharka. As we are quickly gaining altitude, we stay overnight in Yak Kharka.

Overnight in the guest house.

Meals : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 09~Trek from Yak Kharka to Thorong Phedi-the base of the Thorong la pass

(Altitude 15,092ft., trek 3-4 hrs.)

Following breakfast, we leave Yak Kharka for a bleak three and a half hour climb to Thorung Phedi - the foot of the famous pass. With some exceptions, the slope is not that steep, but we still need to be prepared for low oxygen concentration in the air that causes deep breathing and fatigue due to the effects of the altitude as by now, we will have crossed the distinguished 4000-meter (13, 120 ft.) threshold. Today, we will walk less than the previous day, but it will be more like an offset for tomorrow. Tomorrow is the big day, the climax of the Annapurna Circuit trekking.

We walk through the moon-like landscape and reach Thorang Phedi in about three hours. Even the short bush es that appeared till Yak Kharka have now completely disappeared. The last 45 minutes stretch of the trek is on the hair-raising cliff-side trail which is also prone to landslides! So, be careful. You will feel a welcome relief when you see in the distance the two lodges of Thorong Phedi.

Thorong Phedi - a small settlement at the foot of the mighty Thorong Pass has the hustle and bustle of trekkers and climbers as they prepare to conquer the pass. Some people also attempt a hike to the High Camp today so that the next day can be more relaxed for them. We do not recommend trying High Camp and overnight there because sleeping in higher altitude is not advisable. Although we will have a tough day tomorrow, we stop at Thorong Phedi tonight so that we can sleep sound rather than a risky sleep in higher altitude at High Camp.

Overnight in the guest house.

Meals : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 10~Across Thorungla pass to Muktinath

(Altitude 12,467ft., trek 7-8 hrs.)

Today is the climax of the Annapurna Circuit Trekking and the day we have been working! It will be a lifetime unforgettable experience- crossing the famous high pass, Thorong La passes at 17,764 ft. Wear layers, windbreakers, and headlamp and start early, as early as 4 a.m. to accomplish our goal. Today, each moment we combat through icy high-altitude path but the views of the majestic Himalayan mountains are so alluring that we focus more on the horizon than the trail. We will climb for 4 hours to the Thorung La pass and then downhill to Muktinath, another 4 hours!

The first hour, you will walk in darkness and silence till you reach the High Camp, which is a steep climb. We continue plodding over the curved pathways, through the loose rocks and screes with a feeling that you are walking on the moon! As the sun rises, things start looking beautiful and then come in view a guesthouse where we will stop for a cup of coffee. We keep walking in the barren landscape, and there will be occasions that we will see a pass, but it will turn out to be yet another place to cross. Finally, we arrive at the mighty crossing, marked by prayer flags and a chorten, photographed by everyone who trekked here. Spend some time on the pass celebrating the conquest with a cup of tea in a guesthouse nearby and then prepare for a long and steep descent. The path is endlessly long but has some great views of the Dhaulagiri, and some delightful photo opportunities. After 3 hours of descent from the pass, we will stop for lunch in the place called Phedi.

After lunch and some rest, we again continue on the trail, which now becomes less steep and vegetation starts to reappear. We arrive at Muktinath - the holy shrine both for Hindus as well as Buddhists - in the late afternoon. We have a brief stop here to visit the temples, and we push half an hour further down to our lodge.

Overnight in the guest house.

Meals : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 11~Drive by local jeeps from Muktinath- Kagbeni- Jomsom

(Altitude 8758 ft., trek 5 hrs.)

If you didn't visit the Muktinath temple complex the previous day, visit in the morning, The temple complex has Hindu temples and Buddhist chortens in the enclosed compound. The recently added Vishnu Temple just below the spring is probably the most interesting one. The temple is surrounded by 108 water spouts under which shower the Hindu pilgrims and clean all their sins of a lifetime!

The path to Jomsom is no longer the trekker's path. So, technically, we had concluded the Annapurna Circuit Trekking yesterday, so today, we take jeeps to Kagbeni and further down to Jomsom. We strongly recommend a stop in Kagbeni for its castle and monastery. The village of Kagbeni lies at the confluence of two holy rivers near the border of the Lost Tibetan Kingdom of Mustang and has a castle and the monastery. We will also stop by the museum housed at the complex that also has the check post for Mustang Trekkers.

We will have lunch in Kagbeni and again hop on the bumpy yet exciting ride to Jomsom. We arrive at Jomsom late afternoon. The road goes through streams and boulders, and the journey will be an experience! Jomsom is a bustling town with good hotels and food, ATMs and an airport.

Accommodation in one of the top-end accommodations in Jomsom.

Overnight: Om's home
Meals : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 12~Flight to Pokhara.

Early morning breakfast and we bid farewell to our porters and then head to the airport for flight to Pokhara. A short 20 minutes flight whisks us between the mountains to the glacial valley of Pokhara.  Service ends.

If you need us to book the hotel in Pokhara, please, let us know.

 

Meals : Breakfast

Trip Map

Trip Info

Trip Includes

  • Trekking permits.
  • All ground transportation, as indicated in the itinerary.
  • A 2-star hotel in Kathmandu (1 night, pre-trek).
  • 10 Nights basic mountain lodge accommodation with shared toilet and shower.
  • Three breakfasts (while in Kathmandu) and three meals a day while in trekking
  • English speaking local certified trekking leader.
  • One porter for every two trekkers.
  • Ground transportation from Kathmandu to the trailhead and airport transfer as indicated in the itinerary.
  • Airfare Jomsom-Pokhara.
  • Trekking crews insurance.
  • 1 Duffel bag to use during trekking or for you to keep.
  • Primary first aid kit.

Trip Does Not Include

  • International arrival and departure transfers (You can book it for $10 per person).
  • Nepal visa fee.
  • Drinks, tip, and other personal expenses.
  • Personal travel insurance. (Travel health and personal accident insurance including emergency medical rescue and transportation).
  • Meals in the hotel portions.
  • Extra expenses caused due to nature and unforeseen events such as illness, accident, inclement weather, flight cancellation, road blockade, civil unrest, etc.
  • International airfare to Kathmandu and return.
  • Emergency evacuation and medical transportation expenses.
  • Nepal Visa fee.

Pre-trip preparation

Physical Consideration
It's a challenging trip. So, you are recommended to begin preparing for the trip several months before the trip. We advise you to start some jogging, cycling, swimming, and other cardio exercises that help build stamina in your body. It will also increase your confidence level, and help minimizes the chances of getting sick in the mountain. Set up an appointment with your physician for a physical, update the routine vaccinations, and take suggested additional vaccinations by your physician. If you use prescription drugs, make sure the supplies are enough during the tour. Maybe you have to refill the prescription.

Travel Arrangement
Book your international airfare to Kathmandu about 5-6 months ahead of the trip. The longer you wait, the higher the fare may go up. Our office in Minneapolis, Kathmandu can help you book the international airfare as we have access to the consolidator's fare and usually they are competitive. Request your preferred seat assignment in advance. If you have any dietary restriction or special meal requirement, please request that in advance, too. If you are a frequent flyer member of the airline, ask your travel agent to add that in your reservation so that you can earn miles when you fly.

At least two weeks before and again a few days before your departure, double check your flight itinerary to make sure there are no schedule changes. Sometimes, airline suspends or cancels the flight and rebooks you on a different plane that may not work for you. If you become aware of these changes in time, you can work with the airline to rebook the reservation that works for you.

Passport: Make sure your passport is not going to expire soon, or you are running out of blank visa pages. Remaining validity on your passport when you return from the trip must be a minimum of 6 months. Nepal visa needs one entirely blank visa page. They also stamp on space when you arrive and again when you depart. If you are traveling to other countries before or after this trip, make sure you have enough blank visa pages and check out the visa requirement for these countries.

Passport Pictures: Bring three passport pictures. Size specification for the image in Nepal is different, but they are not strict about the size.

Note on the Itinerary/Trip dossier.

The information and trip details are given in good faith and are correct to the best of our knowledge, but information keep changing all the time. The road and trail conditions can change, and planned overnight stop places can change. We try our best to update the changes, but it may not always be 100% accurate.

We continue to make improvements in our trips based on the feedback of past travelers and our field staff. Itinerary also changes in the practical ground due to weather, trail conditions, and other local factors that are beyond our control.
You will be sent the final trip dossier about 8-10 weeks before the trip date, and we try to adhere to it, there may be still chances of changes. Please, note that the day to day details are brief and generic as the travel can be unpredictable. The mentioned trail can disappear, a concrete bridge may replace suspension bridge, etc.

It's a group adventure

As it's a group trip, you will have the opportunity to meet other amazing people. But sometime, you may come across some frustrations as everyone is different and behave differently. There can be travelers from different countries or geography, race, sexual orientation, and follow a different religion, culture, and political belief. We request you to be respectful to the others.

We also request you to be punctual on the tour programs. If the trekking leader asks you to be at a place at a specific time, please be there on time. Nobody likes waiting for you as you don't like waiting for others. Smoking, drinking, or using drugs in shared transport or group activities is not accepted. Please, refrain from arguing, verbally, or physically abusing other fellow travelers. It's unlikely to happen, but your trip leader reserves the right to remove a participant from the trip if he or she is found involved in such misconducts. In case of removal from the tour, you are responsible for your onward travel arrangements. And you also lose the right of claiming for any kings of refund or reimbursement in whatsoever form.

Nepal Visa

You can obtain Nepal visa from any Nepali embassies or consulates abroad or wait until you arrive at Kathmandu airport or any other port of entry to Nepal. You will need to complete the visa application form and attach a passport picture (No fuss about the picture size, bring whatever is in use in your country). Make sure remaining validity on your passport is a minimum of six months when you depart Nepal. And that you have at least one blank visa page for the visa sticker and some empty spaces for arrival and departure seals.
If you plan to apply for a visa on arrival, we can email you visa form in advance. You can read it before you arrive at the port of entry and save your time. Beside visa application, you also need to complete the "arrival card" that is usually distributed by the crews of the airline or these forms are readily available in the immigration hall.
If you arrive at Kathmandu International Airport, that most travelers will do, you will need to line up first to pay the visa fee. Then move on to the next line that says, "tourist without a visa." Sometime, there will be significant delays in visa fee counter if several flights land about the same time.
You need to pay the visa fee in cash US$ or other convertible foreign currency.
- Multi entry visa valid for 15 days - US$30.
- Multi entry visa valid for 30 days - US$50.
- Multi entry visa valid for 90 days - US$100.

How to get to the hotel

After you clear immigration and custom, you follow the exit sign. If you have booked the "meet and greet service," you will find our representative displaying the poster of your name at the arrival gate. You follow him or her. If you haven't booked the transfer service, the only way to get to the hotel is by taxi. Prepaid taxi counter is just outside the arrival gate. Currently, the taxi fee is Nepali Rupee 600 during the day time (6 a.m. to 8 p.m.) and Nepali Rupees 800 at night time (8 p.m. to 6 a.m.). If you have time and you don't mind haggling, you may find a cheaper deal outside. Be aware of the airport touts who offer you the baggage help and ask you for a change! One really may be helping with your baggage and others are simply following for the share of what you pay.

Hotel Address (Hotel is subject to change. We will advise you if we have booked a different hotel for you).
Hotel Holy Himalaya
Bramhakumari Marg, Thamel, Kathmandu
Tel: +977 (0)1-4258648

Your trekking leader meets you in the hotel lobby at 5 p.m. on day 1 of the itinerary. It's an important meeting, and so, please be on time. If the hotel changes, you will be notified in time.

Solo Travelers

If you agree to share the room with another participant, you save the single room supplement. We try to room you with the same gender participant in a twin or multi-share accommodation. If we could not find another suitable participant to room you with, you will need to pay the private single room supplement.

Money Matters

There is money changing counter right outside the baggage claim. You can change a small amount of $10-20 at the beginning for taxi and the baggage help. The rate here is terrible. Once you are in the town, you will see lots of money changing outlets with competitive prices. Always ask for a receipt when you exchange money. US$ and other foreign currencies such as British Pound, Australian Dollars, New Zealand Dollars, Japanese Yen, Chinese RMB, Canadian Dollars, etc. are excepted.  If you are coming from India, Indian currencies can be used here except the large bills of Rs 500 and 1000. If you bring cash, please bring new crispy notes only as dirty, old, wrinkled or ripped bills may not be accepted.

There are ATMs in Kathmandu and Pokhara, and they dispense money in local currency.  You can use credit cards for major purchases but sundry items such as water, snacks, etc.; you are expected to pay in local currency. Some travelers reported that they couldn't use their credit cards in Nepal for some reason. Do not forget to notify your bank of your travel.  Cash withdrawal by Debit card or credit card purchases may attract international transaction fee by your bank, which is usually 2 to 3%. Please, check your bank before you leave.
Uses of traveler checks have almost disappeared now.

Emergency Fund
Do not always rely on plastic cards. Bring enough cash in case of emergency use.

Departure Taxes
Airports in Nepal no longer collect departure taxes. The ticket price usually includes it.

Tipping Suggestions
Although they act shy, your guide, porter, and driver do expect to tip at the end of the trip, although it's not compulsory. Tipping is a form of appreciation and shows how much you are satisfied with their job. There is no standard tipping structure in practice in Nepal, and you can tip with your best judgment, but our general recommendation is as below.

Trekking Guide: $3-4 per person per day.
Trekking Porter : $1-2 per person per day.
Driver: $1-2 per person per day.
Luggage help at your hotel: Nepali rupees 50-100 (Less than a US Dollar).
Room Service: Nepali rupees 50-100 (Less than a US Dollar).
Servers: In a tourist class restaurant, usually there is a 10% service tax already added in the bill, and you are not obliged to tip. If there is no service tax added, then you can generally tip 10% of the bill. On highway inns or local Nepali restaurants, you can leave some lose changes.

House Keeping: You can slide some loose changes under the pillow when you check out. Or usually, there is a tip box at the reception area where you can drop some loose changes.

Annapurna Circuit is a challenging trek

Annapurna Circuit is strenuous trekking, and a prior trekking experience will be an advantage but not required. Of course, participants must be physically fit, have a positive attitude, and well acclimatized to attempt the trekking. The fitter you are, the better you can enjoy and complete the trip. Travelers with hearts and lungs issues consult with their physician before they decide to go on this trip.

The Annapurna Circuit Trek demands in average 6-7 hours of daily uphill and downhill walking. Some days can be longer, particularly the crossing of Thorung pass which can take up to 8 hours. The passing of Thorung pass (5416m/17769ft) is the biggest challenge of this trip due to its high elevation as well as chances of snow condition. We have to start climbing early in the morning, before the day breaks. It usually snows up here in late December and January, but snow also can block the pass at any time of the year if there is any storm.

The first day of the trip is a long day drive. The road condition is generally good up to Dumre that's where you leave the main highway, and the remainder of the road to the trailhead has varied conditions. There are sometimes unexpected traffic delays due to strike for political reasons or the blockade due to the monsoon slide, and your patience is essential.

Altitude Sickness and other Health Concerns

As the trek involves high altitude, trekkers might experience mild symptoms of altitude sickness. But with preparation and proper acclimatization, the chances of getting sick can be minimized. Headache, disorientation, dizziness, breathlessness are the common symptoms of altitude sickness that you are likely to experience at the altitude 3000 m or 9840 ft and above. The trip itineraries are carefully designed and tested by our experienced guides, and so they allow you proper acclimatization.

Here are some resources to learn about altitude sickness, also called acute mountain sickness.

http://www.altitude.org/altitude_sickness.php
http://www.healthline.com/health/acute-mountain-sickness
http://www.webmd.com/a-to-z-guides/altitude-sickness-topic-overview
https://montemlife.com/common-hiking-injuries-and-how-to-treat-them/


Vaccines: There are no mandatory vaccinations for travel to Nepal, but generally recommended are Hep A, typhoid, Manengitis, etc., apart from the routine vaccines. Travelers also consider Japanese encephalitis, rabies, Hep B, and Yellow fever.

Please, check out the website of the Center for Disease Control and Prevention vaccination suggestions for travelers to Nepal.
http://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/destinations/traveler/none/nepal?s_cid=ncezid-dgmq-travel-single-001

You need to pay attention to what you eat and drink. Please, eat cooked food only and make sure you drink boiled water, filtered and medicated.

Please, consult your physician for proper medical advice and suggestions for vaccinations. Recommendations listed above are for general use only and is no substitute for formal medical consultation.

Accommodation In The Cities

Except for the first night, accommodation Kathmandu and Pokhara are not included. However, we can book a hotel for you at an additional cost.

Accommodation In The Annapurna Mountains

Annapurna Circuit trails are abundant with guesthouses run by locals, and so, we will sleep and eat in these guesthouses which are more comfortable than camping. They are also known as tea houses. Forget the luxury of modern hotels of the cities; the mountain lodges are very basic, provided with dorm-style rooms with futon or foam mattress and quilt or blankets. We will also provide you with a down sleeping bag for use during trekking. We will provide one room for every two trekkers.

Please, be prepared for all kinds of toilet facilities. Sometimes, luckily, we have a private western-style flush toilet. And other times, we have to use the shared toilet which is usually in a separate building near the guest house. Although most of the lodges do have running water, they may not always have hot water. There may be somewhat lukewarm, but that is also if we had plenty of sunlight that day. Some lodges have water pipes running through the fire in the dining room or kitchen. If hot shower does exist in the lodge, it will be a luxury, and it may not include in the room rent. Some places provide hot water in the bucket and charges fee about $3-4 per bucket.

Usually, there is no electricity in the rooms. The dining room, which is also a shared lounge or common room, usually has solar lighting, and some of them have electricity and outlets for charging appliances. But they charge some nominal fee for recharging your camera battery or phones! We suggest you bring spare batteries or power banks.

The lodges in the mountain usually are not pre-reserved as there may be chances of not making to the booked lodges at all due to weather and trail conditions. Or even due to the slow pace of the trekkers. But our guide will try to get the best of the available accommodation in each village we stop for overnight.


We try out best to have a room with 2-twin beds, but during the busy season, you may have to adjust in the multi-share accommodation.

Transport

International arrival and departure transfers are not included. You can book that on additional fee $10 per person. All other transports are as per the itinerary. Depending on the final group size, you will have a private or public bus transport from Kathmandu to the trailhead. The trek concludes in Muktinath from where you will transport to your guesthouse in Jomsom and from there you will fly to Pokhara. At Pokhara, both way group transfers to the hotel/airport include a shared vehicle. Airfare Jomsom-Pokhara-Kathmandu is also included, but if the airfare significantly increases since the trip was announced, we reserve the right to collect the difference from the participant. Failure to utilize the group transport and airfare, you are not entitled to the refund or any reimbursement in whatsoever form.

Meals

The hotels in Kathmandu provide buffet style breakfast included in the plan. Breakfast includes toasts, cereals, choices of eggs, fresh fruits, Indian style chapati bread and curry, and sometimes Chinese style noodles. There will also be Tea, and coffee served with breakfast. There is no Lunch and dinner included in Kathmandu. There are good numbers of western style, Asian, Indian and local restaurants in the town and you can expect to spend $7-8 for a decent meal. If you eat local Nepali food, a non-vegetarian meal set should cost about $4.

The trip includes three meals a day during trekking. Although the food is usually plentiful and delicious, you should be aware that the menu is not often extensive. Most teahouses offer a variety of rice and noodle dishes, as well as soup and seasonal vegetables. A variety of cereals, bread and egg dishes are generally available for breakfast.

Trekking Permits

All necessary permits are procured by us for you and will be ready when you arrive at Kathmandu. You need to provide us the scan of your passport and picture so that we can obtain the permits for you in advance.

Drinking-Water in the Annapurna 

Please do not drink the water from the tap on the trek or anywhere. Many foreigners are unable to handle the local bacteria and amoeba. The main two options for trekkers is to use the Safe Drinking Water Stations along the trek for a fee (About Rs 50 per liter) or bring your water purifiers. You can buy chlorine in Kathmandu or Pokhara. A small Nepal made a blue bottle of chlorine costs about Nepali Rupees 50 to 70 (less than a US$). For this trip, about two bottles of Chlorine should be enough.

We do not encourage buying bottled water on the trail as there is no proper recycling system. This will help save money as the price goes crazy in higher elevations. A bottle of 650 ml of water bottle that costs Rs 20 in Kathmandu or Pokhara will cost more than ten times up in the mountain!

Guide and Porter

You will have local English speaking certified Guide, accompanying you as from Kathmandu. All Far & High Guides are trained by KEEP (Kathmandu Environmental Education Project) on first aid, environment, conservation, and biodiversity. As required by law, all our trekking guides are licensed by the Tourism Department’s academy. Most importantly, they are professional, helpful, and always willing to provide you with personalized care and services.

Your guide leads you along the trail, selects the lodge for accommodation and help you choose your meal, and deals with local bureaucracy whenever required. As you pay all trekking charges in advance, the guide will take care of the bills. We provide one porter for every two trekkers, and he carries 15 kilograms (33 lb.) which is the standard set by International Porters Progress Group (http://ippg.net/). We firmly stand on porters' rights and discourage any forms of exploitation.

A Typical Trekking Day In The Annapurna Circuit

Each morning after packing our bags and having a good breakfast, we set off on the day's walk. All we need to carry is a small day pack containing a water bottle, camera, sun cream, hat, rain jacket, and warm jumper, just in case. The porters will carry the rest of our gear for us.

After walking for 3-4 hours, we stop for lunch at around midday. The afternoon's walk is generally shorter, and we usually arrive at our destination in time for afternoon tea. The remainder of the afternoon can be spent exploring the village, doing a bit of washing or simply relaxing with a good book. On some days we will arrive at our destination by lunchtime and the entire afternoon will be free.

After dinner, the evening will often be spent playing cards and reliving the day's adventures, before heading off to bed for a well-earned sleep.

Best Time To Trek The Annapurna Circuit

The best time for Annapurna Circuit Trekking is from October through the end of November and from the beginning of March through the end of May. Although the lower parts of the trails receive monsoon rain, the upper part lies in the rain shadow zones, and so you can trek in the Annapurna Circuit even during summer. We recommend avoiding the winter months of December-February due to snow on the Thorungla pass, which can be impassable.

Clothing and Equipment List for Annapurna Circuit

Clothing and equipment for trekking Annapurna Circuit will not be much different than that when you hike in the Alps or Colorado mountains in the winter.

Our local office in Kathmandu provides a bag to carry your trekking gear. As there is one porter provided for every two trekkers and they take maximum 15kg (33lb), so your pack should weigh less than 7.5 kg (16.5lb). Please bring clothes and gears of lightweight material. So, bring enough for two or three changes only. You can carry a piece of regular luggage (Suitcase or Duffel). Once you are in Kathmandu, your trek leader gives you Far & High bag for your trekking gears and clothes. You can leave your main luggage at your hotel in Kathmandu while you are going for a trek.
It's advisable that you first pack your clothes in a plastic bag to avoid getting wet in case of rain. Bring a medium-size comfortable waterproof day-pack for your camera, wallet, phone, sunscreen, water bottle, snacks, etc. While your porter carries your trekking bag, you will take only your day pack.

Equipment Rental: Sleeping bags, down jackets and other equipment such as water bottle, walking sticks, etc. are available to rent in Kathmandu, and they cost $2 or less per day in average. With advance notice, we can already read them before you arrive in Kathmandu or you can pick your choice on your own once you are in Kathmandu. Our trekking leader will be more than happy to help you with find the rental stores. We do not recommend renting trekking boots, though.

General packing suggestions are listed below.

Clothing

  • Socks x3 – Wool, not cotton.
  • Trekking Boots x1 – With ankle support that is well broken-in.
  • Walking Shoes x 1 Broken in.
  • Flip flops x1 – Great for wearing in the evening, and good to have for the shower as well.
  • Pants x2 – Nylon hiking pants will do you fine.
  • Short sleeve shirt x2 – Capilene.
  • Long sleeve shirt x2 – Capilene.
  • Underwear x2 – Patagonia or similar.
  • Compression shorts x2 – Minimize chafing.
  • Fleece/down jacket x1 – You can rent them in Kathmandu for $1-2 per day. With advance notice, we can have it ready one for you.
  • Shell jacket x1.
  • Shell pants x1 – Optional.
  • Sun hat x1 – baseball cap style is g, but the floppy hats are nice too.
  • Warm hat x1 – woolen or with fleece.
  • Gloves x1 –Thermal lined.

Equipment

  • Big pack – will be carried by your porter. Bring 110L pack or similar.
  • Day pack – Depends on what you want to carry during the day. 35 L bag is fine.
  • Sleeping bag (Rating -15°C) and inner liner– You can rent them in Kathmandu for $2 per day. With advance notice, we can have it ready one for you.
  • Thermarest pillow – If you wish.
  • Headlamp – The power outage is common in Nepal, and there is no electricity in some places at all.
  • AA Batteries – Fit my headlamp and camera flash.
  • Water purification.
  • First Aid Kit
  • Knife (Swiss Army style).
  • Carabiners – Good for hanging extra items off packs, or heavy bundles together.
  • Camelbak.
  • 1L water bottle – For water purification.
  • A pair of collapsible trekking poles.

Toiletry Items

  • Sunblock.
  • Chapstick.
  • Hand cream.
  • Toothbrush.
  • Toothpaste.
  • Floss.
  • Hand sanitizer.
  • Bar of soap in a travel case – Can be used for washing clothes also.
  • Shampoo.
  • Toilet paper – Maybe start with three rolls, and you can buy more along the way.

Miscellaneous

  • Watch.
  • Cards.
  • Book.
  • Trek map (Far & High provides one map to each trekker).
  • Writing materials.
  • Camera.
  • Camera batteries – at least two, three is better.
  • Camera charger.
  • Camera memory cards – lots.
  • Snacks – nonperishable items that won’t melt are best.
  • Cord – Always useful.
  • Clothespins – Not all of the lodges have right places to dry things; can be used with cord for a makeshift line.
  • Earplugs – Teahouse walls are thin, and people snore!


First Aid Kit Containing

  • Tape.
  • Bandages.
  • Band-aids.
  • Bacitracin.
  • Petroleum jelly.
  • Liquid band-aids.
  • Moleskin.
  • Safety pins.
  • Tweezers.
  • Nail clippers.
  • Scissors.
  • Ibuprofen.
  • Diamox – prescription.
  • Cipro – prescription.
  • Imodium.
  • Suture kit.
  • First aid book – added functionality as additional reading material.

Traveler's Safety in Nepal

We recommend that you check your government's travel advice for the latest travel information. US travelers can enroll in STEP and get the safety updates in Nepal or other destinations you are visiting on the trip.

You can get the latest travel warnings from the following site of US government.

http://travel.state.gov/content/passports/en/alertswarnings.html

We actively monitor and update the travel safety conditions in the destination we go. As most of you are aware, there was a 7.8 magnitude earthquake in Nepal on 25th Apr 2015. In Kathmandu and elsewhere, some buildings were collapsed, and some roads were impassable, and there was a total of about 10,000 deaths recorded. But things have gotten much better since then. Recently, there are no significant aftershocks. Rubbles have been cleaned up. You will see some houses or monuments under scaffolding for the restoration. There was no epidemic breakout and no issues of food and water supplies.


For a few months, there were border closures along the Nepal-India border. It was because of the agitation the people of lowland made by demanding more powers and rights in the constitution. This resulted in a shortage of fuels and supplies in Nepal. But now situations have remarkably been in control after they were in dialogue with the government. Border protests are now entirely relaxed with regular supplies of fuels and supplies laden trucks are entering in Nepal. In whatsoever condition, this political issue does not cause any threat to the safety of our travelers.

However, we urge our travelers to exercise general cautions all the time. During the trekking or sightseeing, always walk together with other group members. Do not go too far ahead or left too far behind. We recommend that you be watchful when walking alone and avoid dark thoroughfares. Have your belongings always at your sight. Once in the guest house, you may have some free time, and you may want to explore the areas on your own. Please, do ask your trek leader before you leave and do return to your accommodation before its dark. Far & High will not be responsible for any incident that may occur during the activity that is not part of our itinerary.

You can leave your passport and other valuables in the safety deposit boxes at your hotel in Kathmandu. If you decide to leave your passport, that's fine but bring a photocopy with you.

When traveling, we recommend the use of a neck wallet or money belt for your passport and monies. In public transport or crowds, sometimes, there are reports of pick-pocketing. Do not accept food or drinks from strangers on public transport or along the trekking trail.

In general, people are friendly, and they are always eager to talk with foreign travelers. But you also need to be careful if someone is trying to be overly helpful and kind or trying to help you more than necessary.

The hotels and lodges or guesthouses we use on this trip may not comply with western safety standards. 

In Nepal, they drive on the left side of the road, and traffic rules are not strictly enforced. There is not much to count on Pedestrian's right. When you are crossing the street, please watch both ways and keep eye contact with the drivers. Most older model vehicles do not carry seat belt. We try our best that we use the car with seat belts.

The hotels we use in the city do have fire exit, fire extinguishers or smoke alarms but it's not the same case in the mountains. Mountain guest houses are private houses turned to the guesthouse and may not comply with western standard safety codes.

Some Ethics and Etiquette

Nepali people practice cultural etiquettes that may sometimes appear unusual to visitors. However, a handful of tips could acquaint visitors with these otherwise strange practices.
1.    The form of greeting in Nepal is 'namaste' performed by joining palms together.
2.    As a mark of respect Nepalese usually take off their shoes before entering someone's home, temple or stupa.
3.    Food or material that contains another's saliva is considered 'jutho' or impure. So, never ask a Nepali to taste the food from your plate or give the leftover.
4.    While drinking water out of bottle or jug, they pour the water in the mouth from little higher so that they don’t touch the vessel with their mouth.
5.    Touching something with feet or using the left hand to give or take is considered offense among Nepalese.
6.    Women wearing skimpy outfits are frowned upon, especially in the rural parts of the country.
7.    As a part of the tradition, some Hindu temples do not allow non-Hindus to enter.
8.    Leather articles are prohi bited inside the temple precinct.
9.    Walking around temples or stupas is traditionally done clockwise.
10.    Do not take photos without permission or take a long zoom snapshot!!
11.    Public displays of affection between man and woman are scandalous. But it's common to see the same sex holding hands in the street, although they are not homosexual.
12.    Unlike westerners, Nepalese nod  head slightly dangling from left to right to say “Yes” and shake head to say  “No.”

Booking and cancellation terms and conditions for Annapurna Circuit Trek

When you are sure you are traveling, please don't delay in booking. The internal flights are the key factor in determining whether your trip can be realized or not. We request a deposit of US$300 along with the complete trip application form and passport copies. Balance payment is due 60 days before your departure. Depending on the number of applicants, we may set an early payment date. Credit card payment attracts an additional fee.
 

Cancellation Fee

  • Ninety days prior departure: Administrative fee US$ 150 per person.
  • Sixty-eighty-nine day's prior departure: US$ 250 or 25% of the land cost whichever is higher.
  • Forty-five days to Fifty-nine days prior departure: US$ 450 or 50% of the land cost whichever is higher.
  • Thirty days to Forty-four days before departure: US$ 600 or 75% of the land cost whichever is higher.
  • Less than Thirty days: 100%.

Travel Protection Plan

We plan and do our best to make your trip smooth and seamless. But there still may be chances of unforeseen events and conditions such as illness, accident, inclement weather, and flight cancellation or missed connection or loss of baggage, etc. It may cause interruption or delay or total cancellation of your trip, putting your hard-earned travel investment in jeopardy. It’s also possible that you may need medical assistance, emergency evacuation by helicopter, or medical transportation when you are traveling in remote areas. Far & High's trip cost does not cover any of these expenses or losses. So we strongly recommend you that you should protect yourself and your travel investment against those unfavorable conditions.

Any Issues on your trip?

Our local operator and trekking leader always do their best to ensure a seamless trip and provide you the best holiday experience. However, sometimes, things can and do go wrong. Things planned may not happen for various reasons such as inclement weather, delay of travel, local factors, etc. Maybe at a certain point, you may think, things could have been better or done differently. Please feel free to talk to the trip leader or our local representative straight away. They will do their best to resolve the matter. If your trip leader is not able to address the issue, feel free to contact our manager in the Kathmandu office.

Add Ons

Chitwan Jungle Safari

US$ 170

Chitwan Jungle Safari

A 2 nights and 3 days jungle safari package in Chitwan National Park proves great scope of jungle safari rides and its worthy taking this trip as an add on to your trekking or cultural tour of Nepal Himalayas.

Ride on elephant back or drive your four-wheeler to view wild animals in their natural habitat or you might escape for a canoe rides on the jungle rivers. One can also have a memorable nature walks, bird watching excursions, village and cultural tours.

Chitwan National Park stands today as a successful testimony of nature conservation in South Asia. The park covers a pristine area of 932 sq. km and rich in flora and fauna. Situated about 160 km (100 miles) Southwest from Kathmandu, Chitwan National Park has been listed by UNESCO as World Heritage Site in 1984. The national park is home to the Great One Horned Rhinoceros, Royal Bengal Tiger, Sloth Bear, Leopard, 4 species of deer and many other mammal, reptiles and birds.

Package Price

River View Jungle Camp or similar: US$ 180 per person for 2 nights/3 days' package.

Jungle Villa Resort or similar: US$ 250 per person for 2 nights/3 days' package

Barahi Jungle Camp: US$ 550 per person for 2 nights/3 days' package.

Package includes:

2 nights' accommodation on double occupancy basis, full board, national park fee and jungle safari activities.

Package does not include:

Transportation, personal expenses such as drinks, tipping, laundry etc.

 

Kali Gandaki River Rafting

US$ 175

Kali Gandaki River Rafting

Kali Gandaki River-named after Hindu goddess Kali is deservedly a popular and medium length river trip that combines exhilarating white water with fine scenery. Kali Gandaki has its source in Mustang-a lost Tibetan Kingdom in the Trans Himalaya. As it tumbles down between the majestic Dhaulagiri and the Annapurna ranges, it creates one of the world's deepest gorges. The explorer Michael Peissel ran this stretch of the river in a small hovercraft in 1973 and at least two other groups have rafted and kayaked in this section.

All day you have to continuously keep paddlers busy against all technical rapids on the Kali Gandaki River. Both experienced and novice rafters love this. Nowhere else is it possible to find such diversity on a 3 day raft trip. Nice drops, sparkling chutes and turbulent rapids provide class III to IV+ runs during the fall and spring seasons.

1 After your exhilarating white water trip you have options either to drive or fly back to Kathmandu or to visit the Royal Chitwan National Park or again you can go for the trekking trip in the popular area of Annapurna region for few days.

Bhote Koshi River Rafting

US$ 100

Bhote Koshi River Rafting

The Bhote Koshi means Tibetan River and actually this River originates in the plateau of Tibet. Tibet. Kathmandu-Lhasa highway follows the bank of Bhote Koshi River. You can run a day trip or do a two-day expedition and run parts of the river twice. It's a great beginner river for rafters and fun for kayakers at all levels. It has upper sections of grade 5+ but most of commercially rafted sections are an overall grade of 4 with a couple or so harder rapids that warrant a 4+ or 5-.

Bhote Koshi is the beautiful for adventure trip with very steep and basically non-stop mountain river only 3 hours drives from Kathmandu offering two days of intense and challenging river activity. You are beginning to understand what this great trip in Nepal offers you nothing less than the ride of a lifetime. If you have never rafted before and if you have limited time but desire an adrenaline overload, then this is a perfect introductory trip package for you because of the Bhote Koshi is probably the most exciting short rafting trip in Nepal and best white water adventure in the world.

Trishuli River Rafting

US$ 70

Trishuli River Rafting

Trishuli River is the first choice of a rafting enthusiast and is also suitable for family adventures. It’s 3+ and 4-graded river and can be run throughout the year. The rafting put in and take out locations are in convenient distance from Kathmandu, Pokhara and Chitwan National Park. Rafting trip in Trishuli can be made for a varied duration, depending upon the availability of time and interest. Scenic valleys and impressive gorges, exhilarating rapids and easier sections as well as the right amount of time all make it the perfect trip for first-time as well as experienced rafters. Rafting trip down Trishuli River provides an excellent opportunity to observe the diversity of demography, landscapes, and cultural heritage and the flora and fauna. We can experience the thrills of white-water on the course of three days trip. The river trip is best done in two days and traveler with time constraint can also do a day trip.

During the monsoon, Trishuli River promises a more challenging ride, with powerful rapids and whirlpools. When the river is running high and wild, there are hardly any rafters around, and rafting on the Trishuli River is without a doubt the most exciting thing you can do in Nepal during monsoon and quite possibly one of the best two days big water rafting trips offered anywhere. There are numerous exciting rapids as the name of Snail's nose, Teendevi, Malekhu rapid, Monkey rapid, Upset, Surprise, Monsoon, Cotton Pony, Ladies Delight, S-Bend, Highway, Monsoon and Pinball Rapid. This makes your fun more challenging during high flows with a good mixture of continuous rapids and pleasant calm water.

Kuringhat, a small and picturesque village is an ending spot from where you can drive to Kathmandu or Royal Chitwan National Park or Pokhara to continue your adventure in the Himalayas.

Everest View Flight

US$ 215

Mountain Flight

Buddha Air and other major domestic airlines of Nepal operate one hour daily mountain flight over the Himalayas - a wonderful opportunity to view Mount Everest and other majestic peaks without venturing into a laborious trekking. Of the fourteen peaks higher than 8000 meters, eight are in Nepal. Although there is no denying that walking up and down the hills for a close up view of the Himalaya is very much worth the effort, this we have to confess is not for everyone, due to the physical and time requirements. Buddha Air’s Everest Experience is meant especially for those who don’t want to leave Nepal without touching the sacred and majestic Himalaya. To get the best of the weather conditions in the mountains where strong winds start blowing gathering clouds and raising snow plumes which block the view as the day progresses ahead, mountain flights take place early in the morning. Mountain flight is something you don’t want to miss while you are traveling in Nepal.

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