ANNAPURNA CIRCUIT TREK - NEPAL

FROM THE WORLD'S DEEPEST GORGE TO THE WORLD'S HIGHEST PEAKS
20 days - Nepal's Classic Trekking Pilgrimage around the World's Highest Mountain Range

 View / download a detailed trip itinerary

The classic Annapurna Circuit trek first became accessible to the world of adventure travelers as recently as 1977, when the Nepalese Government derestricted the Manang Valley, which had previously been closed on account of its proximity to the Tibetan border. Providing a combination of spectacular high mountain scenery, picturesque lowland farms and villages, a wealth of cultural interest and a challenging pass crossing, the Annapurna Circuit trek is justifiably popular. After a sightseeing day in colorful Kathmandu, we start out from Besisahar, ascending the surprisingly wild and unspoiled Marsyangdi Valley to reach the north side of the Annapurna Massif. In terms of its sheer scale, the valley of the Marsyangdi is surpassed only by the valley of the Kali Gandaki which we trek through on the second part of this exceptional trip. Throughout our walk, we enjoy regular contact with friendly villagers, as well as ever-changing panoramas of some of the world's greatest peaks, including Manaslu and the Annapurnas.

Even from Pokhara, the views are tremendous, with Annapurna South, Machhapuchhre, Annapurna I and Manaslu dominating the northern skyline. Traveling from the Hindu-dominated farmland of Nepal's "middle hills" into the high alpine world on the north side of the Annapurnas, which is the domain of Tibetan Buddhism, this trip also offers exposure to the whole range of trekking environments for which Nepal is famous. Beyond the Tibetan Buddhist village of Manang, the high point of the trip is reached after a stamina-sapping ascent to the Thorung La (17765ft/5416m.). We then descend to the deep valley of the Kali Gadaki, where a wealth of new experiences awaits us – the first of which is the bizarre collection of temples at Muktinath, at the base of the pass. Trekking through the Kali Gandaki Valley for 4 quite leisurely days, we then climb to cross the ridge at Ghorepani and make the traditional excursion to Poon Hill for spectacular dawn views of Dhaulagiri and the Annapurnas. Finally, arriving at Nepal 's second city of Pokhara, there is time to enjoy the splendid Fish Tail Lodge with its magical views of the Annapurnas, reflected in the waters of Phewa Tal.

2013 GROUP TRIP DEPARTURE DATES:
March 10 to March 29, 2013
April 14 to May 3, 2013
May 5 to May 24, 2013
September 15 to October 4, 2013
October 13 to November 1, 2013
November 10 to November 29, 2013
November 17 to December 6, 2013
December 1 to December 19, 2013

The Annapurna Circuit Trek (Lodge Trip) is part of our Himalayan Classic Trek Series. Our Classic Treks are led by an experienced, English-speaking Sherpa Guide and full support crew. In addition to our fixed group dates, we are also able to arrange this trek starting on any day of the week during the months of March through May and September through December for groups of 1 to 12 people. Please contact us with any questions or to receive a detailed day to day Trip Itinerary.

2013 LAND ONLY PER PERSON TRIP PRICE:
1 Person: $3710.00
2 to 4 People: $2975.00
5 to 8 People: $2750.00
9 to 12 People: $2555.00
Single tent and hotel room supplement: $440.00 per person

TRIP SNIPPETS:
Hotels: 4 nights hotels
Lodge Trek: 15 nights in comfortable lodges
Trek Grade: 15 days STRENUOUS trekking
Max. altitude: 17,765 feet / 5,415 meters on the Thorong La pass

Strenuous Trekking = physically very challenging and more suited to hikers who are used to extended days (6-10 hours) and who are competent over uneven and difficult terrain. This trek involves lengthy periods at high altitudes.

TRIP OUTLINE:
Day 1: Arrive Kathmandu. Transfer to group hotel.
Day 2: Drive to Ngadi via Beshishar. 7 hour drive.
Day 3: Drive to Chamje. Trek to Tal. 5,580 feet. 3-4 hour trek.
Day 4: Trek to Danakyu. 7,545 feet. 5-6 hour trek.
Day 5: Trek to Chame. 8,760 feet. 6-7 hour trek.
Day 6: Trek to Pisang. 10,500 feet. 5-6 hour trek.
Day 7: Trek to Manang. 11,615 feet. 4-5 hour trek.
Day 8: Rest and acclimatization day in Manang.
Day 9: Trek to Yak Kharka. 13,415 feet. 3-4 hour trek.
Day 10: Trek to Thorong High Camp. 16,010 feet. 6 hr trek.
Day 11: Cross the Thorong La to Muktinath. 12,460ft. 8-9 hrs.
Day 12: Trek to Marpha. 8,760 feet. 6 hour trek.
Day 13: Trek to Kalapani. 8,300 feet. 6 hour trek.
Day 14: Trek to Tatopani. 3,900 feet. 6-7 hour trek.
Day 15: Trek to Ghorepani. 9,380 feet. 5- 6 hour trek.
Day 16: Poon Hill sunrise and trek to Tirkhedhunga. 4,690 feet. 5-6 hour trek.
Day 17: Trek to Nayapul and drive to Pokhara. Hotel.
Day 18: Fly to Kathmandu. Afternoon free. Hotel.
Day 19: Sightseeing and free day in Kathmandu. Hotel.
Day 20: Transfer to airport for departure.

Country Information: About Nepal
The Annapurna Range: About the Annapurnas