Tailor-made Annapurna Circuit
Itinerary
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Day 1 Kathmandu
Arrival in Kathmandu (1360m): Welcome to the capital of Nepal. We will greet you at the airport and transfer you to your accommodation. If your arrival time permits, you can discover Kathmandu with its old streets, temples and shops; a first glimpse into Nepalese life.
Accommodation: Hotel
Lunch not included -
Day 2 Route: Kathmandu - Jagat (1120m)
Early departure by minibus for the village of Besishahar (850 m) where your porters are waiting. Then you continue by car to Jagat, the starting point of your trek. This long day's journey is rewarded on arrival by the magnificent setting of the Annapurnas massif.
Route: 7 hours drive
Accommodation: Lodge -
Day 3 Jagat - Dharapani (1975m)
Follow the Marsyangdi River as it ascends to Chamje, then climb 300 m up to the village of Tal found near an old lake dominated by a large waterfall. This afternoon, you follow a gentle slope and walk down to Dharapani, a beautiful village at the confluence of two rivers.
Hiking: 7 hours
Elevation: +1000/-450
Accommodation: Lodge -
Day 4 Dharapani - Chame (2715m)
It is a steep climb up to Timang. You cross a beautiful pine forest and from Koto, you have remarkable views of Annapurna II and the Manaslu. At Chame you enter the Buddhist country and chortens, mani walls and prayer flags decorate the way.
Hiking: 6 hours
Elevation: +980m/-240m
Accommodation: Lodge -
Day 5 Chame - Pisang (3314m)
Today's trail crosses several Gurung villages and features lovely views of the Himalayan chain from Manaslu to Annapurna II. The landscapes become increasingly arid and few crops still persist. This afternoon, you can visit the village and monastery of Upper Pisang.
Hiking: 6 hours
Elevation: +750m
Accommodation: Lodge -
Day 6 Pisang - Manang (3550m)
Your journey continues to Manang, with views of a number of mythical Himalayan summits: Annapurnas IV, II, III, Gangapurna... You are walking through a truly exceptional setting... Depending on the form and the motivation of the group, it is possible to go through the old villages of Ghyaru and Ngawal along a beautiful balcony trail! (Count 1h of additional trekking for this alternative).
Hiking: 6 hours
Elevation: +400/-100
Accommodation: Lodge -
Day 7 Manang: Rest Day
A day of acclimatization in Manang, ideal for aiding our successful climb up of Thorong La passage. There are several possibilities of day or half-day excursions or just enjoy a the tour of the village.
Accommodation: Lodge
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Day 8 Manang - Yak Kharka (4220m)
This short and easy stage allows for regular acclimatization to the altitude. You leave the banks of the river Marsyangdi and begin an easy climb Yak Kharkha pasture Enjoy an afternoon at leisure to rest or take a gentle stroll.
Hiking: 4 hours
Elevation: +730m/-50m
Accommodation : Lodge -
Day 9 Yak Kharka - Thorong Phedi (4624m)
It is a short walk to Thorong Phedi (4624m). The path crosses yak pastures and alternates between uphill and downhill sections. You are slowly advancing towards the bottom of the valley to save your breath. This afternoon, you can enjoy a return trip to the base camp of the Thorong (+/- 400m).
Hiking: 4 hours
Elevation: +1030m/-550m
Accommodation: Lodge -
Day 10 Thorong Phedi - Thorong La (5416m) - Muktinath (3802m)
Very early morning departure for Thorong Pass, the highest point of our trek. The challenging climb is rewarded with simply fantastic views... After a tea and photo break at the pass, we begin the steep descent to Muktinath, the first Mustang village and religious sanctuary for Buddhists and Hindus alike. Visit the small sacred temple of Muktinath.
Hiking: 7 - 8 hours
Elevation: +940m/-1620m
Accommodation: Lodge -
Day 11 Muktinath - Lupra - Jomsom (2700m)
You leave Muktinath and traverse an easy pass, then the trek continues through beautiful alpine and arid high mountain landscapes. On the way, if you are little bit lucky, you may see the himalayan bharal or « blue sheep ». A relatively steep descent leads us to Lupra, Bon village hidden behind the gorges of the Lupra Khola. Far from the frequented trekking trails, Lupra has managed to preserve its charm intact. After a soothing stop in this calm village, you head towards the windy Kali Gandaki valley to reach Jomsom.
Hiking: 5 to 6 hours
Elevation: 100m/-1200m
Accommodation: Lodge -
Day 12 Flight Jomsom – Pokhara
Early this morning, you take an exciting flight from Jomsom to Pokhara. You will fly over Kali Gandaki Canyon, the deepest in the world, flanked by Annapurnas (8091m) and Dhaulagiri (8167m). Free time in Pokhara after lunch.
Accommodation: Hotel
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Day 13 Drive: Pokhara – Kathmandu
After Pokhara, we drive to Kathmandu through a vast stretch of Nepalese countryside. Upon arrival in Kathmandu, visit Swayambhunath, a huge hilltop Buddhist stupa which overlooks the sprawling valley of Kathmandu.
Accommodation: Hotel
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Day 14 End of our services
End of our services
Period & budget
When to travel?
The best period for travelling is during the following months:
Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
Price
The budget is an indication of the price per person, subject to availability. Your local agent will send you a customized quote with the exact price. The price can vary according to availability, level of services, period of travel, number of participants, booking time frame and other items.
Included
- Transport by local vehicle according to itinerary
- Accommodation in 3 * hotel or B&B in Kathmandu (Hotel Tibet, Manaslu or similar)
- Accommodation in a 2 * hotel in Pokhara (Hotel Lake View or similar)
- Trek includes breakfasts and lodge accommodation
- Accompaniment by an English speaking Altaï Guide
- Visits as per itinerary: with a cultural guide and a private vehicle
- Porterage of luggage: up to 12kg maximum per person during the trek
- Trekking support team: assistants and porters
- Trekking permits: ACAP and TIMS
- Staff Insurance
Not included
- Entrance to historical sites & monuments
- Meals in Kathmandu plus lunches and dinners throughout
- Nepalese visa: US $ 25
- International flights
- Insurance: Repatriation, Medical & Helicopter Services
- Drinks, tips and personal expenses - all that is not in "THE PRICE INCLUDES"
Notes
Level 4/5
Terms and conditions
Booking conditions
Invoice procedure
Cancellation policy
- Cancellation received more than 30 days prior to the departure date: No cancellation fees.
- Cancellation received 30 to 21 days before the departure date: 30% of trip price will be retained.
- Cancellation received within 20 days of the departure date: 70% of trip price will be retained.
Changes to travel contract
Pricing
Contract transfer
Insurance
Practical info
Staff
Food
Accommodation
Transportation
Budget & exchange
Tips
Vital equipment
- Warm Sleeping Bag
- Water purifiers (micropur, aguatabs ...)
- A cap or sunhat
- 1 or 2 sets of thermals: long-sleeved thermal tops and full-length long johns
- Long sleeved and short sleeved t-shirts, preferably in quick-drying technical material
- A light fleece or equivilent (plus extra warm layers if necessary)
- A breathable wind proof, waterproof jacket (Gore-Tex...)
- Lightweight waterproof over trousers
- Suitable shorts
- Walking trousers
- A pair of high-rise walking boots - strength, good grip of the foot and ankle (high stems) and impermeability are essential. Choose shoes with non-slip soles (vibram).
- A pair of trainers/sandels or equivilent casual shoes for cities, villages and evenings
- Thick walking socks
- Warm gloves, hat and scarf (it can be chilly in the mountains)
- Your personal toiletries and a fast drying towel
- Water bottle(s). Min. 2 litres, light and isothermal
- A good pair of sunglasses (think min. category 3)
- Sun-cream, face and lips
- Head torch and spare batteries
- A pocket knife
- A pair of hiking poles
- A waterproof bag cover (or plastic bags) to protect your belongings
- Toilet paper
- Anti-bacterial hand gel
- Your camera
- Notebook or travel diary
Material
- No cotton
- Always carry dry spares of everything, including underwear and gloves
- A warm breathable base layer
- A second thermal layer
- Wind and water proof protective outer layers
Luggage
- A rucksack (35-40L or 45-50L) for use as a day bag. This will contain your (vital) personal belongings for the day (sweater, spare t-shirt, water bottle, picnic-lunch, sunglasses, small things ... )
- We use porters to transport our other belongings when trekking. Please bring a flexible travel bag with zips for easy access max 80L and max 13kg (16kg with camping gear). Please do not bring suitcases or other hard bags which the porters cannot transport.
- You may also be able to store some belongings securely at the hotel in Kathmandu.