Annapurna Circuit Trek – 20 Days

Day 1: Arrival to Kathmandu (1,300 m)
On the first day of our trip, we send our organization front men to pick you up at Tribhuwan International Airport. You will be heartily welcomed and shifted towards tourist standard hotel by our private vehicle. We also plan on meeting at our office for discussion regarding our trek.

Day 2: Sightseeing and preparation
Kathmandu valley is considered as ultimate spot to sight major cultural and historical sites. On the second day after finishing our morning breakfast, we move on for sightseeing some historical places which are listed on UNESCO World Heritage Site. Therefore exploring these locations, we return back for finalizing our trekking equipment, which is required during our upcoming trek and this night we are spent at a same hotel in Kathmandu. 

Day 3: Kathmandu to Besisahar (760 m)
Early morning of the third day, you will be shifted towards bus station by our private vehicle to catch a tourist standard bus to Besisahar. After some moment, our journey starts by heading toward the west of valley till Dumre by catching Prithvi Highway. Therefore changing the direction towards north from Dhumre, we reach Besisahar along our accommodation and dinner will be arranged at a lodge there.

Day 4: Besisahar to Bahundanda (1,398 m)
Today, we step our walk forward towards north from Besisahar by following a dusty path along passing sub-tropical forest and terraced rice fields with marvelous views of high waterfalls and snow-capped mountains including Mt Manaslu and many more others till we step Nagdi (small town). After there, moving forward by the cross suspension bridge over Nagdi River takes to Bahundanda. Tonight’s accommodation and dinner will be arranged at the lodge in Bahundanda.

Day 5: Bahundanda to Chamje (1,410 m)
On the fifth day after sweet breakfast, we steeply drop down to view glorious waterfall at Syange and from that point, trail develops comparatively tougher than earlier. Therefore, we cross a suspension bridge over Marsyangdi River and head towards Jagat by following the trail side by the river and vertical ascend finally takes to Chamje. This night will be spent at a lodge in Chamje.

Day 6: Chamje to Bagarchhap (2,080 m)
Today, we enter Manang district by triggering Lamjung district behind. Early morning developed trek, drops down to cross the bridge over Marsyangdi River along after crossing the bridge, we follow the bank of Marsyangdi River and climb up to Tal Phedi which is an opening village of Manang District. Catching our trail, we move forward by passing Tibetan settlements and apple orchards to reach Bagarchhap for stay overnight. 

Day 7: Bagarchhap to Chame (2,720 m)
On day seven, our trail ascends up to Danaque and following higher route from there, we pass numerous of settlements with a dramatic view of high mountains including Mt. Annapurna and Mt. Manaslu to reach Tyana. After that, crossing pine forest along following the rough trail with lots of up and down and crossing river several times takes to Chame. Accommodation and dinner will be managed at a lodge in Chame for this night.

Day 8: Chame to Pisang (3,060 m)
Today leaving Chame, we develop our walk forward through the steep trail that takes into the dense Oak and Maple forest. Therefore crossing two long bridges, we move forward till the trail bends to join the trail that takes us to Pisang. Finally, after steeping lower Pisang, we ascend upward to the village of upper Pisang for stay overnight. 

Day 9: Pisang to Manang (3,440 m)
Leaving Pisang behind, we move forward towards a drier segment of Manang district. After covering some distance, two routes are offered to step Mungi for you. If you wish to trek through easy route then we follow the southern route (via Hongde) otherwise we trek through northern one which is a bit harder and longer route (via Ghyaru) and finally after steeping Mungi, we cross Bryanga en route to reaching Manang for staying overnight.

Day 10: Acclimatization day
Till this day, we have already steeped above the height of 3,400 m from sea level so focusing upon acclimatization, we don’t develop our trek forward but we stay active and plan to hang out on different options like exploring settlement, inspecting ancient monasteries or ascending to Changer viewpoint to enjoy views of magnificent mountains. This night will also be spent at same lodge in Manang. 

Day 11: Manang to Ladar (4,230 m)
After full day acclimatization in Manang, we start steep climb through alpine and juniper forests leaving Marsyangdi River and crossing numerous of pleasing settlements with the giant view of high mountains including Annapurna and Tilicho peak takes to Yak Kharka. Continuing our walk forward enjoying yaks and horses grazing throughout meadows, takes to Ladar for staying in the lodge there. 

Day 12: Ladar to Thorong La Phedi (5,416 m)
Triggering Ladar, we move forward catching an easy trail which drops down to the river to cross a wooden bridge. Therefore climbing up to the tea house by crossing river, makes your trail more challenging than earlier and takes to Thorong la Phedi through the cliff. After facing that challenging walk and steeping day aimed destination, accommodation and dinner will be arranged at a lodge in Thorong la Phedi.

Day 13: Throng la Phedi to Muktinath (3,710 m)
From Throng la Phedi, we start our walk early morning towards the highest elevation of entire Annapurna circuit (top of Throng la pass – 5,416 m) to avoid day wind. We reach at the top before day wind starts and after enjoying a view of stunning Annapurna circuit and Dhaulagiri with numerous of other magnificent peaks throughout being decorated by morning sun rays, we descend downhill to Muktinath to spent night.

Day 14: Muktinath to Marpha (3,500 m)
Today, our morning developed trail drops down towards Kali Gandaki Valley following its bank to reach Jomsom. From there, continuing the walk forward passing through apple orchards and numerous settlements takes to Marpha (apple capital of the nation). We utilize remaining hours by exploring nearby apple brandy factory and this night will be spent at a lodge in Marpha. 

Day 15: Marpha to Ghasa (2,010 m)
After attending morning breakfast at Marpha, following our rough and dusty trail bypassing valley along the Kali Gandaki River with a magnificent view of towering mountains including Annapurna. Dhaulagiri, Nilgiri and many more others take to Ghasa. Accommodation and dinner will be arranged at the lodge in Ghasa.

Day 16: Ghasa to Tatopani (1,190 m)
Quitting village of Ghasa behind, the trail drops down and make us cross the suspension bridge. Continuing trail leads towards biggest waterfall along takes us to deepest George of the world before reaching Tatopani. Finally, after steeping there, we relax our tired muscles by enjoying a dip in natural hot stream and night will be spent at a lodge in Tatopani. 

Day 17: Tatopani to Ghorepani (3,194 m)
Early morning, we develop our trek forward to cross long walk from Tatopani. Moving forward by crossing the bridge over Kali Gandaki River takes to the junction point of two trails Beni and Ghorepani. We move forward by following the upper trail to Ghorepani, by steeping upward difficult stone steps and crossing pleasing forests with the wonderful view of towering mountains along encountering numerous of settlements till Ghorepani. The night will be spent at a lodge in Ghorepani. 

Day 18: Ghorepani to Poon hill and Pokhara
Today is last day to walk, early morning we hike up to Poon hill aiming to reach on vantage point before morning sunrise. View of morning sunrays striking on high towering snowcapped mountains is really stunning and breathtaking. After enjoying and capturing some moments throughout, we return back and hike until we step Nayapul and leaving Nayapul, we catch a bus towards Pokhara and join tourist standard hotel there for spending overnight.

Day 19: Pokhara to Kathmandu
After having early morning delicious breakfast, we leave Pokhara and move ahead to catch tourist standard bus towards Kathmandu. Finally, after reaching Kathmandu, our private vehicle picks you up and to transfer towards fine tourist standard hotel. We host for welcome dinner in the famous local restaurant, where you can enjoy Nepalese ethnic dance and music with delicious Nepali food items.

Day 20: Departure day
On the final day of our trip, you can go out to buy some gifts for your loving one by managing time before your flight. Our private vehicle provides drop off service for you towards airport focusing your flight time, for your final departure and our representative wishes for your safe journey and successful forward steps ahead on upcoming days.

Visa Information

All visitors are required to arrange a visa in order to enter Nepal. A Nepalese visa can be easily obtained upon arrival on arrival in Kathmandu at the airport or Nepalese embassy abroad. But nationals from Afghanistan, Iraq, Cameroon, Ghana, Somalia, Swaziland, Palestine, Zimbabwe, Nigeria, Ethiopia and Liberia cannot secure the Nepalese Visa upon arrival. The Visa can also be secured at entry point at Nepalese borders. A valid passport for at least six months, recent digital photo (size: 1.5" x 1.5") will be required and you can obtain visas for Nepal from the Nepalese Consulate in your country or up on arrival in Kathmandu Airport. Nepalese visas cost USD 25 for 15 days and USD 40 for 30 days till date.

Official Papers

Some of the required official documents are your valid passport, 4 extra passport sized photographs (for trekking permits), travel insurance, airline tickets and luggage tags. Visas can be obtained upon entry into Nepal.

Weather Information

Weather in the mountains is pretty difficult to predict.  Nights are generally cooler and days are warm.  Months of winter (January and February) are bit colder but the days can be quite beautiful and warm if the sun is out. It snows during the month of January, February and December in Himalayan areas.

Best time to travel

Nepal offers diversified geographical regions and so as the climatic condition differs from the Himalayas to the plains. The climate varies as per the season. Nepal generally offers 4 seasons amongst which autumn and spring are the two most favorable ones for visiting Nepal. It is always wise to know about the weather and climatic condition of the place you visit. The best time to travel really depends on your destination, activities and season of travel. Our destination specialists will recommend certain travel times after learning more about your preferences. The favorable months for trekking and climbing are usually September – November, and February – April. The monsoon season is June – August.

Physical Fitness

Even though the physical fitness plays an important role in trekking you don’t have to be super athletes or a marathon runner to trek in Nepal.  Many people of good fitness for their age can complete the trek. You can prepare yourself before hand by doing some yoga which will prepare you in your breathing as you will be going to the higher altitude. Running or hiking to hills, going for a long walk will also help you. And if you live in urban area running in the stairs of a tall building will also work better in keeping you fit for trekking. All though these preparations aren’t strictly compulsory, you can do well even when the preparations you do aren’t rigorous like that of some ultra-athletic person. Do these things in moderate pace for two months or even less.  And you are set to complete any trekking to Nepal.

Travel Insurance

Doing the insurance while trekking is Nepal is not compulsory but will surely help you a lot if you do one, as it covers any comprehensive expenses possible to acquire due to medical issues or accidents. Your travel insurance must protect air ambulance, treatment charge, rescue and evacuation, product cancellation and refundable charges, flight delay and cancellations. We suggest you to bring you travel insurance certificate or send us scan copy and it must be issued from your home land. We do not arrange or sell insurance so you can find your local travel insurance for this.

Vaccination for Nepal

All travelers should consult with their physician or update on vaccination requirements before travel. (Your doctor or health-care provider will determine what you will need, depending on factors such as your health and immunization history, areas of the country you will be visiting, and planned activities) For traveling to Nepal; we recommend you to take a vaccination of Polio, Tetanus, Typhoid, Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, Rabies etc, it is not really must but recommended.

Booking Process

While you chose which trip you wanted to go with, contact us to our head office Thamel Marg, Kathmandu Nepal by email or phone, email is more easy and clear options, as soon as we get your email or call we will process for your booking. We need 20% booking amount to confirm your booking, the payment can be made through the Bank transfer, Credit card payment (Master/Visa card) or through online money transfers also Money Gram, Western Unions or others. After we get the 20% amount we will confirm your booking and you will get the official booking and payment receipt. The final balance for the tour will be paid upon arrival in Kathmandu.

Safety Guidelines

• Do proper research about the company that you are planning to trek with and make sure they are legally registered travel agency.
• You should be well acquainted about the travel health and travel insurance before travelling.
• Have idea about the climate, geography, temperature and environment of Nepal before starting your trip.
• Using credit cards instead of cash is a wiser idea.
• Majority of the Nepalese people are nicer but there are few scammers you will come meet on your way and need to avoid them, for example ‘holy men’ who will try to plant a tika (a red paste denoting a blessing) on your forehead demanding a payment for it on streets.
• Be careful while buying the medicinal herbs as some may be illegal for you t take home and also be aware of duplicate products.
• Never get yourself involve in doing drugs, trafficking and sexual relations with children as there is a strict rules for these cases and might get yourself into a big problem.
• Take copies of your passport, visa, air ticket and trekking permits and keep them separately from the originals.
• Prepare yourself for altitude sickness and be familiar with its symptoms so that you can follow the guidelines for safe acclimatization.

Where is Nepal?

Nepal is a landlocked country located in Southern part of Asia sharing the border with China form north and India from the south, east and west. It is especially known for its multi-cultural, multi-racial, multi-linguistic and multi-ethnic diversity in unity. It is a small country with many world's most beautiful mountain ranges, art, culture, and wildlife, no wonder it is the paradise for the trekkers from all around the world. Kathmandu, the capital city of Nepal is also known for its most unique culture and heritages which directly grabs the attention and takes you to the time of old civilization from 12th century.

What is Nepal known for?     

Nepal is mostly known for Mt.Everest, highest peak in the world. It is also known as the birthplace of Lord Buddha, who was the pioneer of the Buddhist religion. Eight of the fourteen eight-thousanders are located in the country, either in whole or shared across a border with China or India. Besides that, it is also known as multi-ethnic, multiracial, multicultural, multi-religious and multilingual country. Overall, Nepal is known for its hospitality as there is a saying in Sanskrit  “Atithi Debo Bhaba”. (Guest are god).

How can I obtain a Visa?

All visitors are required to arrange a visa in order to enter Nepal. A Nepalese visa can be easily obtained upon arrival on arrival in Kathmandu at the airport or Nepalese embassy abroad. But nationals from Afghanistan, Iraq, Cameroon, Ghana, Somalia, Swaziland, Palestine, Zimbabwe, Nigeria, Ethiopia, and Liberia cannot secure the Nepalese Visa upon arrival. The Visa can also be secured at the entry point at Nepalese borders. A valid passport for at least six months, recent digital photo (size: 1.5" x 1.5") will be required and the following fees either in USD dollars cash or the equivalent local currency:

Is the country politically safe and stable?

Nepal is one of the newly democratic countries in the world with many active political parties, ideas, ideologies, and leaders. Now Nepal has the communist government elected with 2/3 of the majority so, now it has the fully stable government it does not affect the daily life of the residents and the tourist. Life moves on, as usual, unperturbed.

When Is The Best Time To Travel?

Nepal offers diversified geographical regions and so as the climatic condition differs from the Himalayas to the plains. The climate varies as per the season. Nepal generally offers 4 seasons amongst which autumn and spring are the two most favorable ones for visiting Nepal. It is always wise to know about the weather and climatic condition of the place you visit. The best time to travel really depends on your destination, activities and season of travel. Our destination specialists will recommend certain travel times after learning more about your preferences. The favorable months for trekking and climbing are usually September – November, and February – April. The monsoon season is June – August.

What kind of weather (how cold does it get) can we expect during trekking?

Weather in the mountains is pretty difficult to predict. Nights are generally cooler and days are warm. Months of winter (January and February) are bit colder but the days can be quite beautiful and warm if the sun is out. It snows during the month of January, February, and December in Himalayan areas.

Are Vaccinations Required?

Immunizations are not required to visit Nepal. (Exception: if you are traveling from an area infected with Yellow Fever, you must have a certificate.) Depending on the season and region of travel, certain vaccinations and/ or medications are suggested and we will recommend preventative measures. We do encourage all travelers to be current on routine immunizations. Also, we recommend the vaccines for polio, Diphtheria, Tetanus, typhoid, yellow fever, hepatitis A/B, Influenza (Flu), Japanese encephalitis, and Tuberculosis. Meantime, it is better to consult your professional doctor about your travel and he/s might recommend you properly. You can also take the suggestion of local travelers who have traveled Nepal before and know more about the required precautions. Please note that the protection that can be gained from vaccines varies from 50% to almost 100%. So remember that even if you have taken a vaccine you might still get the disease, although you will have greatly reduced your chances of getting ill.

How fit do I need to be for the trek?

You don’t have to be a super athletic person but despite the ages should be moderately fit. We recommend to running, hiking to hills and long walk as a preparation.

Are ATM booths easily available?

Yes, ATM booths are easily available around the major city area where you can use both credit and debit cards. But there are only few ATM booths on the way to your trek, so it’s better you withdraw your cash before to trek.

What type of food to expect during the trek? 

Nepal is rich in cultural diversity. Meal habits of the Nepalese vary with the ethnicity and the geographical differences. Normally, the local has a habit of taking milk/black tea in the morning, before noon take lunch after mid-day take light snacks as Khaja and Dinner in the evening. The lunch and dinner comprise Dhido (short of porridge), Dal, Bhat, Tarkari, Achar (Lentil, Rice, Curry, and Pickles). However, you can have a choice of Indian/Continental/Italian/ Chinese food even in some trekking regions.

Is drinking water safe while trekking? 

Drinking water should be treated by boiling and water purification by medicine or with filtered. We suggest carrying a water purifier while trekking to be on a safe side.

Are there any tourist police in Nepal?

Of course, there is tourist police located near the Nepal Tourism Development Board's Office. Also, there are complaint counters at the airport, Basantapur Durbar Square, Thamel and so many other places. Tourist police are specially trained in English and have the detailed local knowledge to assist tourists. For security and travel related assistance, you can reach any of the officers from telephone 4-247041, 4-4268969 from 11 am to 5 pm.

Is Nepal safe? Is a woman traveling alone safe with your company?

Absolutely Nepal is safe for the traveler. Firstly, Nepal is considered as one of the peaceful countries in the world (chances are it's safer here than your home-country). Secondly, while you're on one of our trips, we take personal responsibility for your well-being, a responsibility we commit very seriously.

What about Time in Nepal?

Nepal is +5 hours 45 minutes ahead to Greenwich Mean Time (GMT: +0545). For example, when it is noon in Kathmandu, the standard time of London is 6.15am, 4.15am in Sydney, 1.15am in New York and 10.15 pm the previous night in San Francisco. The strange 15-minute difference is said to be a reflection of the exact time at the summit of Mt. Gaurishankar.

Travel Insurance

Doing the insurance while trekking in Nepal is not compulsory but will surely help you a lot if you do one, as it covers any comprehensive expenses possible to acquire due to medical issues or accidents. Your travel insurance must protect air ambulance, treatment charge, rescue and evacuation, product cancellation and refundable charges, flight delay and cancellations. We suggest you bring your travel insurance certificate or send us scan copy and it must be issued from your homeland. We do not arrange or sell insurance so we suggest you to do a research on the company and do the travel insurance.