Annapurna circuit trek

The following are what we advise you obtain in the way of equipment and gear before trekking in Nepal, and are meant to keep you mobile and comfortable in a range of expected weather conditions. Trekking gear can be rented or purchased in Kathmandu at cheaper prices, remember Nepal is the home of Mount Everest, there is plenty of choice and our staff can assist you with the necessary arrangements. Except for your day pack, all luggage will be carried by porters. There is an allowance of 33lbs/15kg per person. Additional personal items not needed for the trekking portion of the trip can be checked in the hotel’s storage room for no extra cost.

Head

• Sun hat or scarf
• Light balaclava or warm fleece hat
• Sunglasses
• Head torch

Upper Body

• Cotton T-shirts or Thermals
• Fleece jacket
• Waterproof jacket
• Down jacket

Lower Body

• Lightweight cotton pants (long)
• Waterproof Pants

Feet

• Thin inner socks
• Thick, warm wool hiking socks
• Comfortable Hiking boots

Hands

• Gloves

Accessories

• Sleeping bag rated to – 20°C
• Trekking bags/duffel bag
• Large plastic bags (for keeping items dry inside trek bag)
• Trekking poles (optional, recommended)
• Water bottle or camel bag
• Toiletries

Day 01 – Kathmandu: Arrival Day
Altitude: 1350m/4428ft
Welcome to Nepal and the start of our adventure! One of our Airport Representatives will be on hand to greet you when your plane lands and transfer you to your hotel in Kathmandu. We’ll have a final briefing in the evening and then turn in early in advance of a big day tomorrow.

Day 02 – Kathmandu: Sightseeing Day
We’ll meet up today bright and early after breakfast for a full morning of sightseeing around Kathmandu Valley. The capital and surrounding geographical area contain more UNESCO World Heritage Sites than anywhere else on Earth, and we’ll be visiting some of the highlights. Bring your camera as we tour Pashupatinath temple, Boudhanath, Swayambhunath (the ‘monkey temple’), and Durbar Square. Afternoon and early evening bring a final briefing and preparations for trekking.

Day 03 – Kathmandu to Besisahar
Besisahar 820m/2700ft Driving (7 hours)
We have a lengthy drive today from the capital to Besisahar as we come nearer to the trek’s physical starting point. You’ll catch your first glimpse of snow-capped mountain scenery today!

Day 04 – Besisahar to Syange, Chamje
Chamje 1385m/4540ft Trekking (4 hours)
This is it! We leave Besisahar bright and early and drive to Syange, where we’ll take the first, easy stroll of the journey. It’s downhill and steep to start, as we head in the direction of Bahundanda. The sight of a roaring waterfall is our cue to cross over the Marsyangdi River via suspension bridge. The path of the river will bring us initially through the stone village of Jagat before ending the day in Chamje.

Day 05 – Chamje to Bagarchhap
Bagarchap 2160m Trekking (5.5 hours)
We’re still following the Marsyangdi as a new day begins, climbing steadily towards Tal, the first village of the Manang district. Beyond that, our trail crosses a wide, flat valley, and then zip-zags up and down towards Dharapani. We’ll know we have arrived when we see the chorten, or stone entrance, typical of Tibetan-influenced architecture. The views give way to many flat-roofed homes, set against orchards of apple trees and fields of waving maize. We’ll stay the night in neighboring Bagarchhap.

Day 06 – Bagarchhap to Chame
Chame 2710m/7090ft Trekking (6 hours)
We pass through Tyanja first on Day 5, and then through the forest and parallel to a river on the way to Kopar. Chame, our stop for the evening, is the seat of the Manang district. The people of Chame followed the Nepal-Tibet trade route a long time ago, and settled here. They brought with them the customs and building style of the Tibetans, and have upheld the culture through the centuries. Chame has lovely views of Annapurna II, and is crossed by a pair of burbling hot springs.

Day 07 – Chame to Pisang
Pisang 3250m/10660ft Trekking (4 hours)
Through the forest, across a steep valley, over a river and some bridges our path to Pisang is not a boring one! On the way we’ll be treated to spectacular views of the soaring Paungda Danda rock face.

Day 08 – Pisang to Manang
Manang 3540m/11600ft Trekking (4 hours)
We’re moving through the higher, drier portion of Manang, which receives little monsoon hydration due to the natural shield of the Annapurnas. The farmers here breed yaks and raise crops, while taking advantage of special trading dispensations that they’ve had since the 18th century. We’re back following the Marsyangdi as of Mungji village, and then on our way through either Hongde, with a little less climbing, or Ghyaru, which has more picturesque views. Either one will bring us to our guesthouse at Manang.

Day 09 – Manang: Acclimatization Day
Manang 3540m/11600ft Rest Day
We’ll linger in Manang today for a much-needed acclimatization day. We’ll keep our legs stretched with some scenic, peaceful day walks around the sprawling village. Not only will we see the sights, but we’ll gradually adjust to the altitude. At night time, we’ll return to our guesthouse to rest up for a steeply-ascending leg of our trek.

Day 10 – Manang to Yak Kharka
Yak Kharka 4050m/13290ft Trekking (3 hours)
Our trail ascends a steep, dizzying 500m to the Yak Kharka, and then up through the Tenki Manang as we exit the Marsyangi Valley. Continuing along the Jarsang Khola Valley, we reach Yak Kharka at 4,000m. As the name suggests, there are a lot of yaks here! The vegetation grows sparse, however, as we continue to hit higher altitudes.

Day 11 – Yak Kharka to Thorong Phedi
Thorung Phedi 4450m/14600ft Trekking (3.5 hours)
We’ll climb high for about two hours before descending slightly to cross the river. It’s all uphill again after that until we reach Thorong Phedi. Some of the newest guesthouses of our trek are located here. We’ll be up extremely early tomorrow, so a full night of rest is important!

Day 12 – Thorong Phedi to Muktinath via Thorung La Pass
Muktinath 3800m/12460ft via Thorung Pass 5416m/17800ft Trekking (6.5 hours)
We’ll start trekking at 4 am today in order to reach the pass before 10 am. It’s a necessary evil, because if we arrive any later, we’ll risk detrimental weather conditions negatively impacting our progress. Considering that we are 5,416m up at this point, the strong winds later in the day can be dangerous! It’s a steep climb, but one that it safe and routinely used. Heavy snow can also be a problem. Conquering the foibles of nature reaps rich rewards at this point, however, for the magnificent view from the top of the pass and our arrival in the holy town of Muktinath. The name means “place of Nirvana”, and it is said that pilgrims visiting the temple there are relieved of all sorrows. It is a place sacred to Hindus and Buddhists, and filled with fascination and ethereal power. We’ll overnight here.

Day 13 – Muktinath to Marpha
Marpha 2670m/8760ft Trekking (6 hours)
Today we travel the scenic, beautiful trail between Muktinath and Kagbeni, via Jhong. This is a less-frequently traveled leg of the Annapurna Circuit, but one that we feel is richly worthwhile for its outstanding views. There are a number of distinctive homes here, all typical of the sect of mountain people who live here, as well as an old gompa.

Day 14 – Marpha to Ghasa
Ghasa 2010m/6600ft Trekking (6 hours)
Marpha at (2960m) is a charming village with many canals and where you can find a variety of fruit. Make sure you visit the big Gomba in the city centre. After lunch we will head towards Ghasa a small Thakali settlement with welcoming people and lodges. You will notice on climate as it becomes drier and colder.

Day 15 – Ghasa to Tatoponi
Tatopani 1200m/3940ft Trekking (5 hours)
Today is a relatively short trek, which means that we have the ability to move at a leisurely pace and really enjoy the sights we pass.
The name “Tatopani” means “hot spring”, and that is what today’s destination is best known for. The villagers are ethnically Thakali and Tamang, and have enjoyed their home’s reputation as a significant trading post between Nepal and Tibet. This Buddhist village has about six hundred homes. Although we are moving up rather steeply in elevation, the walk is enjoyable as we pass colorful villages, gorgeous flowers, and plenty of lush greenery.

Day 16 – Tatoponi to Ghorepani
Ghorepani 2870m/9410ft Trekking (6 hours)
This is it, believe it or not, the last truly challenging leg of our adventure. We’ll pass through sizeable Shikha, watching village children running off to school and farmers working their fields. Ghorepani is a major stop for trekkers doing all varieties of the Annapurna Circuit, and is always bustling with activity.

Day 17 – Ghorepani to Poon Hill, Pokhara
Poon Hill 3200m/10500ft Trekking (6 hours)
We’ll be up before dawn today, but with good reason: our day kicks off with an excursion to Poon Hill and an indescribably wonderful panorama of three Himalayan peaks (Dhaulagiri I, Annapurna I, and Manalsu) illuminated by the glowing rays of sunrise. From here, we’ll also be treated to views of the 6,000m-deep Kali Gandaki Gorge and the visual border of Nepal and Tibet as divided by the trans-Himalayan ranges.
The last walk of our trek is an easy one as we stroll downhill from Tikhedhunga to Nayapul. Here, our trek officially ends. We’ll load our tired feet into a taxi and an hour away to gorgeous Pokhara, and a comfy hotel.

Day 18 – Pokhara to Kathmandu
Pokhara 1000m/3280ft Flight (1 hour)
We fly from Pokhara back to the Nepali capital today, so that you can spend one more night in our beautiful country before heading home. It’s our pleasure to take you out for a farewell dinner tonight, and get your feedback on our trip.

Inclusive of costs

• Airport pick up and drop
• Sightseening in Kathmandu valley (by car or jeep)
• 15 days adventure, 15 days include 3 meals a day
• 2 nights of accommodation in Kathmandu, breakfast included
• Kathmandu to Besisahar by bus van, Pokhara to Kathmandu by flight
• 1 night in Pokhara hotel
• Accommodation while trekking
• Annapurna conservation trek permit
• TIMS (traveler security) Card
• Fully-licensed, English-speaking guide
• Porter service (if needed)
• Local and government taxes
• Office expenses
• Farewell dinner

Exclusive of costs

• Your insurance (compulsary for your safty)
• International air fare
• Beverages, water, beer, chocolates
• Shower, charge for your equipements, laundry
• Personal gears and clothing (aviable on hire)
• Tip for guide porter
• Incurred in emergancy evacuation/road block due to any reason
• Drinks and snacks while walking

Why you should book the tours with Pinnacle Trek?

• Best price with better hospitality
• You have a big group? We can help!
• Local experienced guides and porters
• Top-notch customer service
• Depature date is guaranteed
• We can help you to make it fits for your budget
• We can customize the trip for your need
• 15 years of experiences of trekking field

Cancellation Policies

We understand things happen and plans change and will refund your deposit minus a $170 cancelation fee. Once we have booked your flight between Pokhara to Kathmandu or Kathmandu to Pokhar your deposit is non-refundable. If your travel dates change we can generally reschedule you at no extra charge, but please provide at least 7 days advance notice.