The Annapurna Circuit Trek, also known as the Round Annapurna Trek, is one of the most popular classic trekking routes in Nepal and leads over the Thorong La Pass. The trek circles the Annapurna massif and offers breathtaking views of some of the world's highest peaks, varied landscapes and a rich cultural experience.
The motor road now extends from Besi Sahar to Chame (The headquarters of Manang District), so it is no longer necessary to trek the lower parts of the Annapurna Circuit if you wish to shorten the Annapurna Circuit. You can start the trek from Chame or any other point along the road.
After crossing the Thorong La Pass, there is also a road connection from Muktinath to Pokhara, so you have the choice of either using transportation (Bus or Jeep) to Tatopani (Hot spring) or continuing the trek. However, if you want to do the classic Annapurna circuit trek, you have to take the old traditional route from low altitude into high alpine terrain. You have to go over the Thorong La Pass at 5,416 meters and to the Poon Hill viewpoint at 3,210 meters.
Annapurna Circuit and Poon Hill are two popular trekking routes in the region. They offer spectacular views of snow-capped peaks such as Annapurna, Dhaulagiri and Manaslu. The Annapurna Circuit Trek is one of the most famous trekking routes in the world for classic trekking. Our 21-day itinerary follows the age-old traditional classic route of Annapurna Circuit Trekking and traverses diverse landscapes, from subtropical forests to high altitude deserts and Himalayan backdrop, as well as different ethnic groups.
After a scenic drive from Kathmandu to Bhulbhule you will start the trek and follow the Mersyangdi river valley passing through villages like Jagat, Dharapani, Chame, Pisang and Manang.
From Manang, you will acclimatize with a rest day before ascending to Thorong La Pass (the highest point of the trek at an altitude of 5,416 meters). After crossing the pass, you will descend to Muktinath (3,800 meters) where you will visit the holy Hindu temple of Muktinath, explore the traditional village, and experience the local culture and hospitality of the people.
After Muktinath, you need to descend to the melodramatic valley of Kali Gandaki, on this day see an eyeful landscape view of the Mustang. Kali Gandaki has the deepest gorge on earth. After a few days of easy trekking in the Kali Gandaki valley then reach Tatopani (the place for natural hot spring). Bathing in a natural hot spring People believes that taking a dip in a hot spring cures your skin ailments and reduces stress due to the minerals it contains.
From Tatopani, after a few minutes’ walk, you have to cross the river to climb Ghorepani (2,855 m). Today is the longest and steepest climb of the entire route, but after reaching Ghorepani you feel that you are in heaven. Early next morning you need to hike up to Poon Hill (3,210 m), it is one of the best places on earth to enjoy the natural beauty. From Poon Hill, you can see the snow-capped mountains of the majestic Himalayan ranges with a beautiful sunrise.
After enjoying the views from Poon Hill, you need to return to Ghorepani to continue the trek to Tadapani and Ghandruk. It is also possible to go from Ghorepani to Pokhara in a single day if you do not want to do the long trek via Ghandruk. If you follow the path to Ghandruk it is long but takes you closer to the beautiful mountains – Annapurna South (7,219 m), Hiunchuli (6,434 m), Machhapuchhre/fishtail (6,993 m).
From Ghandruk village, it is also possible to go Pokhara in a single day. Easy walk from Ghandruk to Birethanti, Nayapul (New Bridge). From here, take a cab or private vehicle to Pokhara. It is also possible to approach Pokhara directly by private jeep from Ghandruk.
But our classic Annapurna Circuit trekking ends at Dhampus Phedi. The trail passes through the villages of Landruk, Tolka, Pitam Deurali, Pothana and Dhampus and finally reaches Dhampus Phedi. From Dhampus Phedi, we hire a taxi or private vehicle to take you to Pokhara. From Pokhara, you will return to Kathmandu by tourist bus or flight, depending on the service you have chosen.
21 days Classic Annapurna Circuit Trek includes 16 days trekking (18 days from Kathmandu) and one day sightseeing and one day rest in Kathmandu, two days for arrival and departure from Kathmandu.
The cost of the Classic Annapurna Circuit trekking package depends on various factors. These include the size of the group (Larger groups might be able to negotiate better rates, while solo trekkers or small groups may pay a premium for personalized services), the level of services included (budget, standard, luxury) and the reputation and standard of the trekking company you choose.
The Alpine Adventure Club announces the cost and some fixed departure dates for the Classic Annapurna Circuit Trek for groups joining in 2024 and 2025, the cost includes the standard service. If you wish to participate in a private trek, the cost will be different.
Day 01: Arrive at Kathmandu airport
Day 02: Kathmandu Sightseeing and trek Preparation
Day 03: Kathmandu drive to Besi Sahar (820 m) and Bhulbhule (840 m)
Day 04: Bhulbhule trek to Jagat (1,330 m)
Day 05: Jagat trek to Dharapani (1, 960 m)
Day 06: Dharapani to Chame (2,670 m)
Day 07: Chame trek to Pisang (3,200 m)
Day 08: Pisang trek to Manang (3,540 m)
Day 09: Acclimatization in Manang (3,540 m)
Day 10: Manang trek to Yak Kharka (4,110 m)
Day 11: Yak Kharka trek to Thorong Phedi (4,420 m)
Day 12: Thorong Phedi trek to Muktinath (3800m) Over the Thorong La Pass (5,416 m)
Day 13: Muktinath trek to Marpha (2,680 m)
Day 14: Marpha trek to Ghasa (2,010 m)
Day 15: Ghasa trek to Tatopani (1,190 m)
Day 16: Tatopani trek to Ghorepani (2,855 m)
Day 17: Visit Poon Hill (3210m) trek to Tadapani (2,610 m)
Day 18: Tadapani trek to Landruk (1,545 m) via Ghandruk
Day 19: Landruk trek to Dhampus Phedi and drive to Pokhara (820 m)
Day 20: Pokhara drive to Kathmandu by tourist bus
Day 21: Depart Kathmandu
Alpine Adventure Club Treks & Expedition (P) Ltd.
Kaldhara-16, Kathmandu, Nepal
Tel/Fax: 00977-1-5360765
Mobile: 00977-9841353904
E-Mail:
info@alpineadventureclub.com
nepalguide@gmail.com
Website:
http://www.alpineadventureclub.com
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