Short Annapurna Circuit Trek – 15 Days

Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu (1,300 m)
Following your arrival time at Tribhuwan International Airport, our company representatives will be there for your warm welcome and to shift you towards luxury tourist standard hotel. Therefore, we plan on gathering at our office discuss upcoming trek.

Day 2: Drive to Bhulbhule (840 m)
After attending morning breakfast, you will be shifted to the bus station by our private vehicle to catch a tourist standard bus towards Bhulbhule. Leaving Kathmandu behind, bus heads towards the west of valley following Prithvi highway to reach Pokhara. Finally, after steeping Pokhara, a bus will further continue its journey catching another secondary road until we step Bhulbhule. This night will be spent at a lodge in Bhulbhule. 

Day 3: Trek to Ghermu Phant (1,117 m)
This day before developing our trek forward, we complete some necessary considerations and formalities at the office of ACAP there. Walking through easy trail passing numerous of green forests, fields, and settlements takes to Ngadi along further continue walk following trail offers Hydro project to inspect. After that long steep climb along the terraced farms takes to Bahundandha and from there walking down through stone steps passing green fields and waterfalls finally Ghermu is steeped.

Day 4: Trek to Tal (1,700 m)
 Soon after leaving Ghermu, the trail descends towards suspension bridge to cross over Marsyangdi River and continue walking through the George takes to Jagat. After that, bypassing few crests and overhanging rocks, Chamje is offered. Crossing the bridge and walking through the bamboo forest by following the steep stone trail from Chamje a wide valley with a few houses, Tal is steeped for staying overnight.

Day 5: Trek to Danakyu (2,300 m)
Triggering our trek forward, we enter through alpine grassland and pine forest area. Therefore, crossing the bridge across Marsyangdi River and passing many settlements along viewing traditional stone houses and sharing a road with the caravan of donkeys transporting goods on way takes to Danakyu. Evening hours can be utilized by exploring throughout and night will be spent at the lodge in Danakyu.

Day 6: Trek to Chame (2,670 m)
Today, we continue our walk by catching upward steep stone case to reach beautiful Tamang village (vantage point of Annapurna Circuit) above Danakyu to sight 360° view throughout towering snow-capped mountains including Annapurna and Manaslu. After that passing several pine and rhododendron forests, bridges and settlements including Koto, we reach Chame. This night will be spent at a lodge in Chame.

Day 7: Trek to Pisang (3,060 m)
After enjoying breakfast, our beginning trail is fairly easy till Bhartang thereafter we continue up the steep into the dense oak forest to step Dhikur Pokhari for inspecting spectacular view of Pisang peak and Annapurna. Leaving Dhikur  Pokhari behind, we head forward passing lower Pisang towards upper Pisang. We can explore nearby monastery after steeping destination of the day and night will be spent at the lodge in Pisang.

Day 8: Trek to Manang (3,440 m)
Early morning developed trek enters the drier part of Manang district by catching the easy route via Humde. During the walk through the wide and dusty trail, you will be accompanied by stunning mini walls and a magnificent view of Pisang peak and Annapurna till we reach Manang. Finally, after steeping Manang, you can explore large Tibetan village with the best sunset view at evening time. The night will be spent at a lodge in Manang.

Day 9: Acclimatization day
As we are already above the height of 3,400 m above sea level so acclimatization is very essential before adding more elevations. This day we don’t develop our trek forward but we stay active and we also plan to hang out on different options like exploring settlement, inspecting ancient monasteries or climbing Chhongar viewpoint to enjoy views of towering mountains throughout. This night will also be spent at same lodge in Manang.

Day 10: Trek to Yak Kharka (4,050 m)
After full day acclimatization leaving Manang behind, we join steep climb through alpine and juniper forests leaving Marsyangdi River and crossing numerous of pleasing settlements with a giant view of high mountains including Annapurna and Tilicho peak takes to Yak Kharka. More chance to enjoy drove of blue sheep and herds of yak on way, which makes you amazing. This night will be spent at the lodge in Yak Kharka. 

Day 11: Trek to High camp (4,833 m)
Quickly after enjoying morning breakfast, we move forward by following the wide and steep trail leading towards Ledar by passing trail to Chulu peak. Continuing to ascend the trail; we also cross bridges and slope along walk up to Thorung Phedi to step high camp for sighting panoramic view of Annapurna peaks throughout. This night will be spent at the lodge in high camp.

Day 12: Trek to Muktinath (3,760 m) via Thorong La pass (5,416 m)
Early morning, we move forward to cross the most awaited and challenging day. Developing out walk through thin steep trail takes to the base of Thorong La pass and after crossing difficult way to reach on the top of the pass offers praying flags with a pleasing view of Kali Gandaki valley along numerous of high peaks around. Therefore passing long descent walk with a great view of stunning mountains takes to Muktinath for stay overnight.

Day 13: Trek to Jomsom (2,720 m)
Our day begins with exploring Muktinath and descending towards Jharkot for inspecting original palace of the king of Mustang. After that, we walk continue downward to reach Kagbeni and continuously following the old trading route of Mustang and Tibet Caravan takes to Jomsom. Remaining, evening hours can be spent by exploring Jomsom and night will be arranged at the lodge there.

Day 14: Fly to Pokhara and to Kathmandu
Early morning hour, we move to Jomsom Airport to catch (25 to 30 min) scenic flight towards Pokhara. According to your wish, we plan to explore attractions of Pokhara then flight will be scheduled at evening time otherwise we directly board a flight to Kathmandu. Finally, after landing on Kathmandu, our private vehicle will pick you up and escorts to fine tourist inn to spend our night. For evening hour, we arrange for farewell dinner in popular Nepalese restaurant enjoying ethnic dance and music with Nepalese food items.

Day 15: Departure day
Managing your time, you can go out for shopping to collect gifts for your loving ones. We help you with your arrangements and our private vehicle will be there to transfer you to the airport focusing departure time. Well-wishers and representatives will be there to wish your safe journey at the airport.

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.