Annapurna Region Treking

Trekking in Nepal

Nepal Adventure Options

Travellers Information

Client Testimonials

I visited Nepal in September 2006 for the purpose of trekking in the Annapurna Sanctuary area. I was introduced to Clan Treks and Bishwa Chapagain by a mutual friend from the United Kingdom.

The level of service I received from Clan Treks was second to none, in fact a close friendship has developed as a result of the 10 days we spend trekking in the Sanctuary...

Ian Harries Grantham,
Lincolnshire , UK

Annapurna Journey Trekking

Annapurna Circuit Trek provides you dramatic changes in landscape, culture and climate. It will take you to the sacred shrine of Muktinath and the Mustang district. From Pokhara to Mustang, you can enjoy terraced hills, forests, and village cultures. The toughest part of the trek is to cross the high mountain pass of Thorung La (5416 meters).This is one of the most popular treks in Annapurna region. It blends diverse countryside and people with the exhilaration of crossing a high pass Thorong - La and the never-ending views across the beautiful landscape and towering peaks of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges.

Explore one of the topmost trekking trails in the world laden with cultural and geographical diversity. View the stunning landscape of Rhododendron forest at Ghorepani; intuit the marvellous beauty of Jomsom and get caressed with softly blowing wind. Get blessed at Muktinath, one of the most popular Hindu pilgrimages – the Shiva temple; experience the bizarre Gurung culture and life style at Ghandruk – a purely Gurung village. High altitude semi desert – the southern façade of Tibetan plateau make you feel akin to be amid of Tibet. The wonderful Kali Gandaki Valley enchants your eyes. The circuit holds extensive cultural and natural enigmas; discover it once and feel its worth.

A classic Himalayan trek! A rewarding trek, providing the opportunity to explore the scenery of both the northern and southern Himalaya. From thick fir and rhododendron forests to the harsh, thin atmosphere of the Tibetan plateau the ethnic groups encountered, lowland Hindu and highland Buddhist, are as varied as the landscape. From the dizzying heights of the Thorung Pass (5416m) line upon line of snow ridges stretch before you whilst below lies the sub-tropical Kali Gandaki Gorge a busy pilgrimage and trade route controlled by Thakali and Mustang tribes. Few places in the world have such a splendid variety of natural beauty as the Annapurna region. It is a rare combination of long arrays of snow capped peaks, crystal clear lakes, turbulent rivers with deep gorges, Tibetan monasteries, hot-springs, and picturesque villages inhabited by simple and friendly ethnic people.

Summary of Annapurna Journey Trekking

1 Day Kathmandu City Tour
13 Days Trek through Marshyangdi valley and its magnificent scenic routes
1 Day Leisure in Kathmandu
1 Day Pokhara Valley – The Magical Land

Fact of Annapurna Journey Trekking

	Title:	Annapurna Circuit Trekking
	Category:	Highly Adventurous
	Grade:	Strenuous & Difficult
	Total Days:	18 Days
	Group Size:	2 to 15 Pax
	Departure Date:	Everyday During the Season
	Maximum Elevation:	5,416m. (17332ft.)
	Transportation:	Drive / Flights
	Accommodation:	Lodge Trekking
	Trekking Hours:	Approximately 4 to 6 hrs. Each Day.
	Best Season:	Sep. to Nov. / March to May
	Trip cost:	USD 1,272.00

Day to Day Outline Itinerary

Day 01.	Arrive at Kathmandu, Traditional Nepali Dinner
Day 02.	City Tour and freelancing.
Day 03.	Drive to Besisahar
Day 04.	Trek to Bhahundanda
Day 05.	Trek to Chamje
Day 06.	Trek to Bagarchhap
Day 07.	Trek to Chame
Day 08.	Trek to Pisang
Day 09.	Trek to Manang
Day 10.	Manang Rest day
Day 11.	Trek to Yak Kharkha
Day 12.	Trek to Thorong Phedi
Day 13.	Trek to Muktinath (Thorong-La Pass)
Day 14.	Trek to Jomsom
Day 15.	Fly back to Pokhara
Day 16.	City tour in Pokhara
Day 17.	Fly back to Kathmandu / leisure, Traditional Nepali Dinner
Day 18.	Departure

Day to Day Detail Itinerary

Day 01.	ARRIVE IN KATHMANDU: Pick up from the airport and transfer to hotel. While in Kathmandu fascinating Buddhist and Hindu temples and shrines reflecting ancient local traditions are highlighted on our guided tour. There's time to explore the city's scores of charms on your own too. In the evening delicious traditional Nepali welcome dinner will be awaiting you.
Day 02.	KATHMANDU CITY TOUR: Which is the oldest of the three major cities in the Kathmandu Valley - famous for its Buddhist monuments and Hindu temples, and you can catch the views of the traditional artisans working with wood, stones and metals. Pashupatinath: It is one of the most known holy places for Hindu pilgrims in the Kathmandu valley. The whole vicinity of Pashupatinath is packed with ages old pagoda model temples with golden plated roofs and the gorgeous woodcarvings on the doors and windows. To the south of the temple, the holy Bagmati river flows down sweeping the burnt dust of dead bodies produced from the cremation on its side. A small green holy wood forest breeze maintains the site cool all the time. Kathmandu Durbar Square: Around the square there are some temples stood upright piercing the sky canopy and through the thousands of pigeon they spread the message of peace. Kumari temple is one of the most important parts of the square site where the ‘Living Goddess’ resides. Apart from those temples, a museum will be waiting for its visitors with an opportunity to unravel the treasures unabashedly. To visit this site is a golden opportunity to be acquainted with the historical facts of Nepal. Soyambhunath: It is also known as ‘Monkey Temple’. The wide area of this stupa is a hillock surrounded by small forest with some golden temples of Lord Buddha at the western gate and the main stupa is at the top of the hill. The most interesting thing with Soyambhunath is the nice view of Kathmandu valley to be seen from the hilltop. Various kinds and sizes of monkeys are seen guarding the hillock. A lot of monasteries with big prayer wheels are the main attraction for the visitors. Boudhanath: It is one of the nice places to visit in Kathmandu valley, which has the biggest stupa. When someone enters the gate the holy prayer to sense peace is heard all around. All the Buddhists want to visit Boudhanath to feel the real sense of Buddhism. Boudhanath Stupa - one of biggest stupas in the valley, has been built on 17th Century.
Day 03.	KATHMANDU – BESISAHAR (760m): After breakfast you will be transferred to Besisahar (by drive) for a 6-hour journey and you'll experience one of the most Beautiful drives passing through villages, streams, rivers and paddy fields. Overnight stay will be at Lodge.
Day 04.	BESISAHAR – BHAHUNDANDA (1310m): The route follows the Marsyangdi River upstream, crossing a long suspension bridge and passing a beautiful thin waterfall with a fine bathing pool. We ascend to the town of Bhahundanda, which means cast of Brahman reserving the Hill. There are good views to the north and a little-known hot spring as well.
Day 05.	BHAHUNDANDA – CHAMJE (1430m): The gorge becomes narrower as we cross a cantilever bridge followed by a suspension bridge. We pass a few small settlements along the route and Chamje, the destination for the day, is one of them. Having traveled upstream, we observe many changes in the people, architecture and vegetation. Houses are now built of rocks, the vegetation is less tropical and the culture more Tibetan-like.
Day 06.	CHAMJE – BAGARCHHAP (2160m): Leaving Chamje, the gorge becomes more impressive. We cross into the district of Manang and see more Bhotia people. These are primarily agro-pastoralists and the real trans-Himalayan traders of the region. The route climbs gradually to the town of Bagarchhap meaning (butcher’s place). The houses here have flat roofs, indicating that there is less rainfall here than in the south. There is a temple here worth visiting, and views of the Mt. Annapurna II and the Lamjung Himal.
Day 07.	BAGARCHHAP – CHAME (2670m): Leaving Bagarchhap, the valley becomes slender and picturesque. The vegetation is temperate with broad-leaved forest. Chame the district headquarter of Manang. There are interesting religious buildings and hot springs to witness.
Day 08.	CHAME – PISANG (3200m): We continue in an unrelenting narrow valley of pine, hemlock and cypress forest. The trail through a serene forest leads to lower Pisang; a side trip to higher Pisang (100m higher) is a must for an amazing view of Annapurna II. This arid region is in the rain shadow of the Himalaya. The men here are traders - and may sell or trade almost anything - and part-time farmers, and the women are full-time farmers.
Day 09.	PISANG – MANANG (3540m): There are two routes from here: a lower route and a higher route, the latter taking longer but offering outstanding views of the Annapurna Himal and few trekkers. Both routes converge in the large and interesting village of Braga, which is the seat of the oldest monastery in the area. The Gompa is about 900 years old and belongs to the Kargyupa sect of Tibetan Buddhism, and contains some unique works of art. In the end of the day you will be in Manang, the place having cultural display of Sherpa and Gurung people.
Day 10.	MANANG (3540m): Today is acclimatization day, which is best spent being active and climbing to higher elevations for views but returning to lower altitudes to sleep. Manang itself is in a spectacular location with many attractions. There are lakes, caves, moraine-hills, monasteries or local activities in town.
Day 11.	MANANG – YAK KHARKHA (4018m): Leaving Manang, facilities become scarcer. We cross small tributaries and contour along pleasant meadows with occasional birch groves. There is a chance to see herds of blue sheep. Through the estuary of the Marshyangdi River you can have the sunset view in the mountain all around.
Day 12.	YAK KHARKHA – THORUNG PHEDI (4420m): Today we gain altitude gradually, and spend the night at the Phedi, meaning 'foot of a hill'. Leaving the Marshyangdi River we are at the hilltop. If you are lucky enough, you may spot a snow leopard near by here at dusk! It’s a base camp for crossing the Thorung-La Pass.
Day 13.	THORUNG PHEDI – THORUNG-LA (5416m) - MUKTINATH (3800m): The trail now leaves the river valley and climbs steadily over lateral moraine. The pass, marked by a large cairn, is the high point of our trek. It is an exhilarating geographical feature dividing 2 mighty Himalayan valleys. Far below to the west is the Kaligandaki River. We descend in that direction for the village of Muktinath, located in a poplar grove. It is a sacred shrine and pilgrimage site for Hindus and Buddhists.
Day 14.	MUKTINATH – JOMSOM (2710m): From Muktinath to Jomsom, we see people from Mustang, a restricted area to the north, who come to sell handicrafts to pilgrims. Among their merchandise is the highly revered mollusk fossil called saligram. We will pass some ancient caves and see the impressive White Mountain that is the Mt. Dhaulagiri. We also transit at the significant town of Kagbeni, which is at a junction of two rivers and the border of the restricted area.
Day 15.	JOMSOM – POKHARA BY FLIGHT: Today the flight to the Pokhara early in the morning, descends through green forests hills, all the way to the valley floor, with biggest gorge, spectacular mountain views, from where we make our way to the city of Pokhara.
Day 16.	POKHARA CITY TOUR: After breakfast, our city guide leads the tour to Pokhara valley. We’ve sightseeing around the Pokhara valley to explore the various interesting places like David Falls, Mountain Museum, Barahi Temple, Bindhabasini Temple and many interesting Caves including Mahendra Cave. Boating in Fewa Lake viewing the Mt. Fishtail along with the members of Mt. Annapurna is an exciting and fascinating lifetime experience. This city is really blessed with natural jewels and is regarded as a Shangri-La for nature’s lovers. Every nook and cranny of this place is worth visiting.
Day 17.	POKHARA - KATHMANDU: Fly back to Kathmandu in the morning. Arriving in Kathmandu you will be free so that you can go for shopping and picking up some last minute souvenirs. In the evening Traditional Nepali Dinner will be awaiting you.
Day 18.	DEPARTURE: After the breakfast we transfer you to the international airport for your final destination.

Click here for Detail Itinerary

Trekking Season for Annapurna circuit Trek

Autumn (Sept, Oct & Nov) & Spring (March, April & May) are the best seasons for attempting Annapurna Circuit Trek and December, Jan & Feb are consider as a good Trekking months. The weather is sunny and warm, although the nights are cold and temperatures can fall to freezing. Weather can change rapidly and be unpredictable. Please note that when climbing to Annapurna Circuit Trek, you will be moving from warmer climates at low levels to conditions of well below freezing. Be prepared for all eventualities! Summer (June, July & August) is okay and trekking can be done but not so clear visibility and raining Too.

Equipments Check List for Annapurna Circuit Trek

The following basic equipments checklist should help you with your packing before you travelling. Please remember that you should always try to keep the weight of your equipments to a minimum while you are in the Trekking. At the start of the trek your packed trek bag should weigh not more then 20 kg.

01. Sunglasses with UV protection
02. Sun hat / scarf
03. Light balaclava or warm fleece hat
04. T-shirts
05. Light and expedition weight thermal tops
06. Fleece jacket or pullover
07. Fleece Wind-Stopper jacket (optional)
08. Waterproof (preferably breathable fabric) shell jacket
09. Down jacket
10. Heavyweight gloves or mittens with a waterproof shell outer
11. Small wash towel
12. Underwear’s
13. Hiking shorts
14. Lightweight cotton long pants
15. Fleece or wool pants
16. Waterproof (preferably breathable fabric) shell pants
17. Thin, lightweight inner socks
18. Thick, warm wool hiking socks
19. Hiking boots with spare laces
20. Camp shoes (sneakers and/or sandals)
21. Gaiters for hiking in winter to the base camp
22. Sleeping bag rated to zero degrees F
23. Headlamp with spare bulbs and batteries
24. Basic First Aid Kit (see Health and Medicinal)
25. Daypack (approximately 2500 to 3000 cubic inches)
26. Water bottle
27. Toiletries

Trip Cost Includes

English Speaking Tour / Trekking guide (First Aid and Eco trained)
All Local Transport, Airport pickup and drop, Domestic flights.
Accommodation During the Trekking
Deluxe Hotels in Kathmandu with B/B plan
National Park fee and Trekking Permit
Breakfast and Dinner During the Trekking
Sightseeing at Kathmandu Valley, Each Place with all Entrance Fees
Necessary Sherpa Porter, Mule, Yak during the trekking
Each Sherpa (Asst. Guide) for Each Group
Travel & Rescue arrangements
Down Jackets and sleeping bag
Insurance for Trekking Crews
Clan Treks Kit Bag
All Government and Local Taxes if Necessary
Welcome & farewell Dinner

Trip Cost Excludes

Your Personnel Equipments / Travel & Rescue Insurance
Your Visa Fee for Nepal / International Airfare To / From Home City
Lunch During The Trekking
Emergency rescue evacuation
Cost arising from outside the control of Clan Treks
Your Personal Expenses, Telephone, Laundry, Bar Bills & Extra Porters
Tips for the Trekking Crews

Pre - Meeting Before Trip

Prior to all our expeditions and treks, we host a Pre-Trip meeting here in Kathmandu on the 2nd day of your itinerary starts in the morning during the breakfast and introduced your trek Leader mean time and it will provide an opportunity for individuals to ask questions about the your trek and to introduce you to other team members.

Accommodation in Kathmandu and Pokhara

Accommodations are included in the trip cost and Clan Treks has chosen accommodation options based on the following criteria; standard of hygiene, standard of service, location, food standards and cost. There are two styles of accommodation and this depends on the itinerary you choose. During the Annapurna Circuit Trek you will spend five nights at 3 -star in Kathmandu or Pokhara and 12 nights at the locally best available guest houses/lodges in your trekking route. All accommodation is based on twin share, and will provide you single supplement if there is different sex; at no extra charge.

Meals During Annapurna Circuit Trekking

All Meal will be provided during the spent on trekking, accept Lunch during the day. There are (Nepali, Sherpa, Tibetan, Continental, Italian and Indian cusion) a day will be provided from the teahouse / lodge as they have few different items in a menu Card. Each day dinner and breakfast are used to take in the same lodge you spend the night. Lunch will be taken on the way to destination.

Trekking Staff:

The Guide is in overall charge of your trip and of looking after you. This is the person you should go to with all problems, concerns and questions. All our guides are highly trained in all aspects of trekking, conservation, and high altitude medicine, first aid and emergency procedures. They are professionals selected for their knowledge and passion for Nepal and its peoples. Remember the trekking guides are local citizens and their English may be basic and limited to trek related topics while the city guide have the excellent English with the broad knowledge of the destination involved. Porters transport your luggage – one porter between every two trekkers.

Clan Treks currently train all their Guides in the following courses and your trek leader will be one of the fully train Trek Leader.

Intensive Wilderness First Aid KEEP (Kathmandu Environmental Educational Project)
Trekking Guide Training - Nepal Government's Ministry of Tourism & Civil Aviation department of Hotel Management & Tourism Training Centre of Nepal.
Eco Trekking Workshop & Adventure Meet TAAN (Trekking Agents Association Of Nepal)
English Language
Conservation & Biodiversity
Rock & Ice Climbing & Mountaineering (optional) Nepal Mountaineering Association

Acceptance of risk:

The Client acknowledges that the nature of the tour is adventurous and may involve a significant amount of personal risk. The Client hereby assumes all such risk and does hereby release the Company from all claims and causes of action arising from any damages of injuries or death resulting from these inherent risks.

INSURANCE:

It is mandatory that all Clients obtain travel insurance with a minimum coverage of US$ 50,000 while travelling with the Company and this insurance must cover personal injury, medical expenses, repatriation expenses and emergency evacuation expenses. It is strongly recommended the coverage be extended to include cancellation, curtailment, loss of belongings and all other expenses, which might arise as a result of loss, damage, injury, delay or inconvenience occurring to the Client. The Company shall have no liability for loss, theft of or damage to baggage or personal effects

Climate:

Nepal has a generally temperate climate, however altitude makes distinct variations.

The monsoon sweeps up from India each summer, making mid June to mid September humid and wet. The three other distinct seasons are all suitable for trekking and each has its own advantages. Changing global weather patterns have had their effect on the Himalayan climate making mountain weather notoriously changeable. Always be prepared for a change in conditions and note that if severe or dangerous weather conditions occur your guide’s decision on any course of action is final.

Autumn (September – November): This season offers excellent weather and tantalizing mountain views.

Winter (December – February): This season is noted for occasional snowfall only at higher elevation. Hence it is ideal for trekking at lower elevations, generally below 3000 meters.

Spring (March – May): Different varieties of wild flowers, specially the rhododendrons make the hillside above 5000 meters a haunting paradise during this season. It is mildly warm at lower elevations and at higher elevation over 4000 meters the mountain views are excellent and temperature is quite moderate.

Summer (June – August): Summer months, continues up to mid September making travel wet and warm. These times are blessed for the keen botanist as the higher valleys and meadows blossom with flowers and lush vegetation. It is recommended to carry insect repellent when trekking during summer months.

Health:

There are no specific health requirements for entry into Nepal. Nevertheless, preventive measures such as a thorough medical check up can save you from unexpected hazards. Nepal does not require any particular inoculation but Cholera, Meningitis, Tetanus and Diphtheria, Typhoid and Gamma Globulin are some of the vaccinations that should be considered for your trip. Since the remote places of Nepal are not supplied with necessities that are essential for modern medical facilities, it is imperative to make a comprehensive First Aid Box consisting of basic drugs and accessories as part of the paraphernalia for your trip. Modern dentistry is unknown in the hills of Nepal, so it is advised to have a checkup before departure from home. Tooth fillings sometimes loosen in cold temperature and at high altitudes, so it is recommended having them checked

Altitude Sickness:

Altitude sickness often known as Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) is particularly an important medical consideration while trekking in Nepal. Altitude sickness means the effect of altitude on those who ascend too rapidly to elevation above 3000 meters. The initial symptoms of AMS are as follows:

Nausea, Vomiting
Lose of appetite
Insomnia/Sleeplessness
Persistent Headache
Dizziness, Light headiness, Confusion
isorientation
Weakness, Fatigue, Lassitude, Heavy legs
Slight swelling of hand and face
Breathlessness and breathing irregularity
Reduced urine output

These symptoms are to be taken very seriously. In case of appearance of any of the above symptoms, immediately contact your travel guide.

Client Details:

In order for the Company to confirm and guarantee the Client’s travel arrangements the Client must provide all Client details with their final payment as per the dates specified. Client details include passport number; passport expiry date and medical form (where applicable), full name as it appears in the passport you are travelling with, date of birth and nationality.

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