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Moderate Annapurna Circuit Trekking

Start From:   US$ 1985

Destination:Nepal

Total Duration:16 Days

Trip Grade:Moderate to Strenuous

Meals:Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Transportation:Private and Local Transportation

Accommodation:Hotel, Lodge and Tea House

Max. Altitude:5416m/17764ft

Activities:Sightseeing, Day hikes and Trekking including a high pass crossing

Trip Starts in:Kathmandu

Trip Ends in:Kathmandu

Trip Route:Kathmandu - Bhulbhule - Chame - Manang - Thorang La - Muktinath - Jomsom - Tatopani - Pokhara - Kathmandu

Best Season:March, April, May, October and November

Group Size:2 to 16 pax

Permits Needed:ACAP and TIMS Card

Daily Walking Hour:4 to 8 hours

Fitness Level:Good

Trip Code:AAMAC03

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The Annapurna Circuit is one of the most popular classic and spectacular trekking trails of the world. Starting at about 800 meters from subtropical mid-hills and green valleys, it gives us a chance to explore the Himalayas from many different angles and perspectives. The Annapurna massif is perhaps the most astonishing and extraordinary mountain range in the Himalayas and walking around this mountain range is simply spectacular. It is well known among the trekking enthusiasts that the Annapurna Circuit trekking is amongst the most highly regarded walking holidays in the world circumnavigating worlds tenth highest mountain, the Annapurna I (8091 m) and several other major peaks of Annapurna massif that offers most splendid Himalayan vistas. From a mere height of 800 meters to the high altitude of 5416 meters, you will pass through a diverse geographical and cultural variation with an amazing range of flora and fauna that prosper within the range.

The classic 21 days trek of Annapurna circuit now can be done in about two weeks with the advancements of the road expansion on both side of the pass. The Moderate Annapurna Circuit trek can be started from Bhulbhle after about 8 hours of drive from Kathmandu. Then we follow the Marsyangdi River towards north through pretty Nepali villages, beautiful valleys, farmlands and lush forests. As we climb higher we not only perceive the vegetation changes but also notice the change in lifestyle, tradition, culture and costume of the local people. The initial days of the trek involves walking through friendly villages, rice farms, forests  and in the lower realms of the Annapurna Conservation Area. The trek continues passing through dozens of lowlands and high mountain villages and some of the most spectacular natural scenery in the world. Just imagine the thrills of crossing the famous high pass, the Thorong La (5416 m/17764 ft) on the way from Manang to Muktinath with Annapurna I, world’s tenth highest mountain rising to 8091 m to the east and Dhaulagiri, world’s 7th highest mountain towering 8167 m to the west accompanied by several neighboring peaks.

Further down from the pass, on the windy Kali Gandaki valley we come along Holy pilgrimage site of Muktinath in a quiet poplar grove. Trekking ahead from Muktinath passing through the windy Kali Gandaki valley to Jomsom and the apple orchards of Marpha, enter the deepest gorge in the world, and before ending our trek in the foothills, we stop en route in the hot spring of Tatopani to take a dip in and soothe our weary feet and then drive back to Pokhara the next morning.

Trip Highlights

Sightseeing tour of UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Kathmandu valley
Exciting and scenic drive to Bhulbhule
Trekking through beautiful hill villages of different ethnicity and visiting interesting temples and age old Monasteries
Epic trekking experience through diverse landscape and over a high pass at 5416m/17765ft
Breath-taking views of high Himalayan peaks
Getting a bath in Tatopani Hot Spring

Day to Day Itinerary

Day 01:Arrival in Tribhuvan International Airport, Kathmandu/ Pick up from the airport and transfer to the Hotel

Day 02:Drive from Kathmandu to Bhulbhule (840m/2755 ft) 8-9 hours drive

Day 03:Trek from Bhulbhule to Jagat (1300m/4264ft) 6-7 hours trek

Day 04:Trek from Jagat to Dharapani (1860m/6101ft) 6-7 hours

Day 05:Trek from Dharapani to Chame (2710m/8889ft) 5-6 hours

Day 06:Trek from Chame to Upper Pisang (3310m/10857ft) 5-6 hours

Day 07:Upper Pisang to Manang (3540m/11611ft) 6-7 hours

Day 08:Acclimatization day in Manang/ Day hikes

Day 09:Manang to Yak Kharka (4020m/13776ft) 4-5 hours

Day 10:Yak Kharka to High Camp (4850m/15908ft) 5-6 hours

Day 11:High Camp to Muktinath (3800m/12464ft) via Thorang La (5416m/17764ft) 7-9 hours Drive to Jomsom (2760m/9053ft) 2 hours drive

Day 12:Trek from Jomsom to Kalopani (2530m/8298ft) 6-7 hours trek

Day 13:Trek from Kalopani to Tatopani/ Hot spring (1190m/3903ft) 6-7 hours

Day 14:Drive from Tatopani to Pokhara (885m/2903ft) 5-6 hours drive

Day 15:Drive or fly from Pokhara to Kathmandu (1335m/4379ft) 7-8 hours drive/ 25 minutes flight

Day 16:Transfer to the airport for farewell and departure

Cost Include

  • Necessary ground transportation and airport transfers on private vehicle
  • Two nights hotel accommodation in Kathmandu with breakfast
  • One night hotel accommodation in Pokhara with breakfast
  • Kathmandu valley sightseeing including all entry fees, tour guide and private transportation
  • Lodge/ Teahouse accommodation during the trek
  • All meals (breakfast, lunch and dinner with hot drinks) during the trek
  • Welcome and farewell dinners in Traditional Nepalese restaurant with cultural program
  • All ground transportation on a comfortable private vehicle and/or local transportation as per the itinerary
  • An experienced, English-speaking and government-licensed trek Guide and necessary number of strong and friendly Trekking Porters
  • Staff costs including their salary, insurance, equipment, transportation, meals and accommodation
  • Necessary trekking equipments including down jacket, sleeping bag, trek poles, gaiters, water bottles, emergency blanket, duffel bag, waterproof bag covers, micro spikes etc. (to be returned after the trek completion)
  • Authentic Adventures stickers, trekking map and Trip Achievement Certificate are yours to take
  • All necessary paperwork and trekking permits (ACAP Permit and TIMS Card)
  • Basic First-Aid Medical kit
  • Government taxes and office service charge

Cost Exclude

  • Nepalese visa fee
  • International and excess baggage charge
  • Domestic flights and excess baggage charge (if any)
  • Extra night accommodation in Kathmandu and/or Pokhara because of early arrival, late departure, early return from mountain (due to any reason) than the scheduled itinerary
  • Lunch and diners in Kathmandu and Pokhara besides welcome and farewell dinner
  • Expenses of personal nature like communication bills, laundry bills, spa, bar bills, cold drinks, mineral and boiled water, extra snacks, special coffee drinks (espresso, latte, mocha, cappuccino, americano etc.) during the trek
  • Personal trekking equipment and clothing
  • Extra expenses due to unexpected and unavoidable circumstances
  • Heli evac (if in case of emergency)
  • Tips and gratuities to the staffs

Detail Itinerary

Day 01Arrival in Tribhuvan International Airport, Kathmandu/ Pick up from the airport and transfer to the HotelOur airport representative will greet and welcome you at Tribhuvan International Airport, Kathmandu and s/he will be displaying Authentic Adventures signboard and Group Name-list outside the arrival gate. You will be then transferred to your respective hotel in our private vehicle.

Day 02Drive from Kathmandu to Bhulbhule (840m/2755 ft) 8-9 hours driveAfter breakfast, we start our journey into the hills on a winding road along the Trishuli and Marshyangdi River. On the way we admire terraced farms, mountain views and beautiful villages. After reaching a juncture Dumre, we leave the previous trail and head north to Besisahar. About an hour's drive from Besisahar takes us to Bhulbhule, the starting point of our trek. This drive gives us some insight of the local people, their lifestyle and culture.

Day 03Trek from Bhulbhule to Jagat (1300m/4264ft) 6-7 hours trekOur first day's trek involves crossing a few suspension bridges and waterfalls including several ascents and descents across rice paddies and a subtropical forest. Initially, the walk is gradual but is then followed by steeper trails. We start to see some beautiful mountain views. We trek through beautiful waterfalls, small settlements and jungle alongside the Marshyangdi River.

Day 04Trek from Jagat to Dharapani (1860m/6101ft) 6-7 hoursThe trail from Jagat descends until it reaches the river and then continues through a lush forest. Further ascent leads to sharp-edged cliff facing the riverbank. En route, Chyamje comes into picture amidst the glorious backdrop of towering Annapurna mountain ranges. After crossing a suspension bridge, we climb steeply towards the slippery and physically challenging path to Sattale. On treading along a succession of rock-strewn trails, we descend to a grassy riverbank that leads to Tal. As we walk away from Tal, the path becomes rugged and winding. Then we approach steeply-forested village of Karte. Meandering along the waterfalls and cliffs, we finally reach Dharapani after crossing a suspension bridge.

Day 05Trek from Dharapani to Chame (2710m/8889ft) 5-6 hoursWe trek through a few forested ridges on our way to Chame, which is the headquarters of the Manang District. Throughout the trek we can admire amazing views of the Himalayas including Manaslu and Annapurna ranges. In Chame, we also come across small hot springs where we can dip in and soothe our aching muscles. Chame is a little market town with many government offices, school, colorful shops, hotels and restaurants.

Day 06Trek from Chame to Upper Pisang (3310m/10857ft) 5-6 hoursA steep and narrow path through a very dense forest will bring us to the dramatic curved rock face, rising 1500m from the river. This is probably the steepest part of the Marshyangdi Valley, so steep that the trail is carved into the vertical rock. After crossing the Marshyangdi river on a swinging suspension bridge, we ascent about 45 minutes to Dhukure Pokhari, where the valley opens up with majestic vistas. We trek for about an hour to Upper Pisang overlooking the valley and breathtaking views.

Day 07Upper Pisang to Manang (3540m/11611ft) 6-7 hoursThere are two routes to Manang and we follow the upper trail that takes us via Ghyaru and Ngawal. This trail guarantees excellent views of the beautiful landscape and the mighty mountains including Annapurna and Pisang Peak. We begin to notice a contrast in the landscape and vegetation from today. The cold and dry climate also creates a much harsher environment. On the way, we pay a quick visit to the Braga monastery, the largest monastery in the entire district of Manang.

Day 08Acclimatization day in Manang/ Day hikesIn order to get well acclimatized, we keep ourselves busy today with a short hike to either Bhojo Gumba or Glacier view point. If we like something more challenging, we can even hike to the Ice Lake which offers absolutely amazing views.

Day 09Manang to Yak Kharka (4020m/13776ft) 4-5 hoursThe trail crosses a stream, climbs to a village of Tenki and continues to climb out of the Marshyangdi Valley turning northwest up the valley of Jarsang Khola. The trail follows this valley northward, passing a few pastures and a scrub of juniper trees, as it steadily gains elevation. The trail further passes near the small village of Ghunsa, a cluster of flat mud roofs just below the trailhead. Now the trail goes through meadows where horses and yaks graze. After crossing a small river on a wooden bridge, the trail passes an ancient old Mani wall in a pleasant meadow and then reaches another small village of Yak Kharka.

Day 10Yak Kharka to High Camp (4850m/15908ft) 5-6 hoursIt is an uphill walk to High Camp. After walking for some time we cross a suspension bridge and reach Chouri Ledar. We ascend furthermore and pass through towering cliffs before reaching Thorang Phedi, then we trek steeply about an hour to the High Camp. On this trip we are rewarded with one of the best views of Mt. Gundang, Mt. Syagang, Thorung Peak and Mt. Khatungkang. The view from the view point little above the High Camp is absolutely breathtaking.

Day 11High Camp to Muktinath (3800m/12464ft) via Thorang La (5416m/17764ft) 7-9 hours Drive to Jomsom (2760m/9053ft) 2 hours driveCrossing Thorong La pass, one of the highest passes in the world, will be our ultimate objective today. We will be crossing the pass from east to west which is the easiest and safest direction. We get up around 4:00 AM in the morning and walk up the mountain after some quick breakfast. When we finally make it to the top, we realize that our journey was worth it. We can take a few photos before heading to Muktinath Valley at the foot of the Thorong La pass. Muktinath is an important pilgrimage for both Hindus and Buddhists alike. We take our lunch in MUktinath and the drive to Jomsom for a comfortable stay after past few days of hectic and long days trek.

Day 12Trek from Jomsom to Kalopani (2530m/8298ft) 6-7 hours trekThe trail today is quite surreal as we trek along a plateau above Kali Gandaki River. From Marpha, we take a new route toward Kalopani via Chokhopani village. Today, we come across traditional villages of the ethnic Thakali people. Also, we get to see beautiful apple gardens. From here we get panoramic views of Dhaulagari, Tukuche, Nilgiri, Fang and Annapurna I mountains. From Chokhopani, we continue to Kokhethanti. We cross a river and come across the newly constructed road site before reaching Kalopani.

Day 13Trek from Kalopani to Tatopani/ Hot spring (1190m/3903ft) 6-7 hours Our journey today is mostly downhill. During the early part of today’s trek, we cross the bridge at Ghasa. As we drop to lower elevations, we emerge back into subtropical forests, lush with vegetation. Our trail continues along Rupse Chahara (one of the most beautiful waterfalls of Nepal). We continue down the east bank from Kopchepani via Garpar to a bridge at Dana. At Narchyang Besi, we get to see a powerhouse that supplies electricity in the area. There are bigger villages in this area where we can observe the everyday lives of the local people. Upon reaching Tatopani, we relax and have a bath in the hot spring.

Day 14Drive from Tatopani to Pokhara (885m/2903ft) 5-6 hours driveAfter breakfast, we take out on an interesting drive back to Pokhara which takes about 5 to 6 hours. The first part of the road is a bit bumpy and rough but it gets better after Beni.

Day 15Drive or fly from Pokhara to Kathmandu (1335m/4379ft) 7-8 hours drive/ 25 minutes flightThe last day of our trip, we take on a scenic drive or flight back to Kathmandu after breakfast. We get back to Kathmandu in the afternoon and check in to your hotel. You get a free evening to relax on your own.

Day 16Transfer to the airport for farewell and departureThe trip concludes here. Our airport representative will drop you at the international airport in Kathmandu for your final departure from Nepal.

Trip Map

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