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Considered by many to be one of the world's greatest treks, this is an awe-inspiring trip full of incredible diversity, panoramic views and soaring peaks. We take you from sub-tropical zones right up to the very edge of the arid Tibetan plateau. It is an unparalleled trek that combines the Marsyangdi Valley with the Sacred Kali Gandaki Valley and encircles the entire Annapurna Himal.
The Annapurna circuit trek probably offers the greatest diversity of flora, fauna and landscape of any trek in Nepal. From sub-tropical to alpine forests and from lush jungle to arid wind-swept valleys, few other treks enable you to walk through such a constantly changing environment.
After a bus ride from Kathmandu, we head for the Marsyangdi River. We pass Manaslu and Himalchuli to our east as we ascend through the Manang valley to the highest point of our trek, the Thorong La pass. The pass is at the very edge of the Tibetan plateau and affords unsurpassed panoramic views. Once across, we visit the pilgrimage town of Muktinath, before descending along the Kali Gandaki valley, towards Pokhara. Trekking past the Dhaulagiri Ice flow, we encounter the world's deepest gorge, where the powerful Kali Gandaki River has cut deep through the Himalaya between the massive peaks of Dhaulagiri and Annapurna. Hot springs await us at Tatopani followed by a magnificent sunrise at Poon Hill, before descending back to Pokhara. Superb.
THE ITINERARY
The following itinerary is for guidance only, as things are subject to change at the last minute. We will, however, endeavour to keep as close to this as possible.
Day 01: Arrive in Kathmandu. Meet our staff and transfer to your hotel. Welcome dinner and briefing about the trek/tour. (D)
Day 02: Kathmandu sightseeing. Optional (price included) sightseeing trip to Bouddhanath, the biggest Buddhist stupa in Nepal, and then to Pashupatinath, the biggest Hindu Temple and finally to Bhaktapur, a typical Newar village where the culture has remained unchanged for many years. (B)
Day 03: Kathmandu to Besisahar (800m). We take the 7 hour drive from Kathmandu to the village of Besisahar. From here, the impressive Annapurna Massif can be seen in the far distance. It is a short walk of 15 minutes down to our night-time halt by the Marsyangdi River. (B, L, D)
Day 04: Besishar to Bahundanda (1311m). We cross the Marsyangdi River and continue upstream until we reach Nadi Khola from where it is a climb up to the Bahundanda ridge. This mainly Hindu village has a small temple and there are some hot springs a half-hour walk beyond the village. (B, L, D)
Day 05: Bahundanda to Tal (1700m). We descend towards the river and once it is crossed the trail climbs slowly into an increasingly narrow canyon. We cross the river on a good suspension bridge near Chamcha and ascend past a canyon eminating from rock barriers of Peak 29 and Namun Bhanjyang. We spend the night at Tal, the gateway to Manang district. This is a beautiful flat meadow with several Tibetan houses and a splendid waterfall coming from the lower reaches of Peak 29. (B,L,D)
Day 06: Tal to Danaque (2300). Crossing through barley and potato fields, we arrive at Dharapani. We now start to climb to Bagarchhap, the first Tibetan Buddhist Monastery, which offers you views of Annapurna II and the Lamjung Himal. After visiting the monastery we trek up to Danaque for the night, from where the views are superb. (B, L, D)
Day 07: Danaque to Chame (2713m). The trail climbs along the mule track through the forest, past a rough trail, hot springs a waterfall and a wooden bridge to arrive at Chame. This is the administrative headquarters of Manang district, and from here there are great views of the mountains. (B, L, D)
Day 08: Chame to Pisang (3165m). Today we walk along the side of the river and through a deep forest to cross a suspension bridge and arrive at Pisang with good views of Pisang peak and Annapurna II. The views throughout the day will have been excellent. (B, L, D)
Day 09: Pisang to Manang (3351m). This day, we may choose a higher route that goes to upper Manang, which offers great mountain views and takes about 2 hours longer than the normal route. It is narrower and a little more difficult than the normal route, so we will decide once we are there. Manang is the largest Tibetan settlement and has good views of Annapurna II, IV and Tarke Kang. (B, L, D)
Day 10: Manang (Rest day). This is a rest day to acclimatize to the higher altitude. There will be time to visit monasteries or take advice from the Himalayan rescue association post, as well as just relaxing and making the most of the superb views on offer. (B, L, D)
Day 11: Manang to Latder (4250m). This trail climbs to Latder along the riverside , passing meadows where horses and yaks graze, to an elevation of 4250 m and the second to last camp before the pass. (B, L, D)
Day 12: Latder to Thorong Phedi (4,405m). The trail turns northwest up the tributary valley of the Jargeng Khola. As well as the views, it is sometimes possible to see herds of blue mountain sheep along the cliffs. We cross a covered cantilevered bridge and ascend to Phedi. (B, L, D)
Day 13: Cross the Thorong La (5,416m) to Muktinath (3,810m). We have an early start today for the big climb over the Thorong La. The trail ascends steeply for a couple of hours to a rock ledge and notch at 4,679m, then along an undulating trail to the top of the Thorong La (5,416m). From here we have incredible views of the Annapurna Range to the south and the Mukat Himal, which borders Dolpo to the west. The peak immediately north of the pass is Thorongtse, to the south is the unnamed peak at 6,625m. The descent to Muktinath is steep and takes about 3 hours. There are splendid views of the Dhaulagiri and Tukuche Peaks during the descent. Muktinath is one of the most important pilgrimage sites for Hindus. It is mentioned in the classic Indian epic, the 'Mahabharata', and we may see pilgrims bathing in the holy water flowing from the 108 carved spouts surrounding the Vishnu Temple. Muktinath is also home to many ethnic Tibetans and is holy to Buddhists as well, particularly for the temple in which fire miraculously burns in a stream of water! This is a long but rewarding day of about 10 hours trekking in total. (B, L, D)
Day 14: Muktinath to Marpha (2,670m). We descend into the Kali Gandaki river valley, reaching the floor at Eklaibhatti at 2,775m. From here, we follow the valley southwards to the headquarters of Mustang District, Jomsom, a large settlement with an airstrip, police station and bank. The Kali Gandaki here is called the Thak Khola, from the ethnic group the Thakalis, many of whom live in this area. Enterprising and ambitious, the Thakalis formerly dominated the salt trade with Tibet in this region. After its collapse, they diversified into running hotels along the trekking route, construction and various other businesses. We continue into Marpha, a lovely village of white-washed houses, fields and orchards. (B, L, D)
Day 15: Marpha to Kalopani (2,530m). Passing the government vegetable and horticultural farm below Marpha, we continue down the Kali Gandaki, reaching the former Thakali trading centre of Tukuche. Tukuche has large, richly carved homes, though these are now largely deserted or converted into trekking lodges. We continue down along the Kali Gandaki to the twin villages of Kalopani and Lete through an area of beautiful pine woods and grassy meadows. (B, L, D)
Day 16: Kalopani to Tatopani (1,189m). As we emerge from the barren Tibetan landscapes, water buffalo, banyan trees and poinsettias return to the trailside. The trail climbs high above the river through a narrow gorge, descending again to cross a bridge near a spectacular waterfall where we usually stop for lunch. We leave Thakali country at Ghasa and enter an area of high caste Brahmin and Chetri hill farmers and hill tribes, Gurungs and Magars. In Tatopani there are natural hot water springs, which can be used for a welcome bath! (B, L, D)
Day 17: Tatopani to Beni (830m). This day we trek along the Kali Gandaki river to our overnight stay at Beni. (B)
Day 18: Beni to Pokhara by bus. We arrive in the early aftenoon in Pokhara, with the rest of the day at leisure. (B)
Day 19: Pokhara at Leisure. This day is for you to spend relaxing around Pokhara, perhaps boating, hiking to the World Peace Monastery or just relaxing in a restaurant by the lake. (B)
Day 20: Fly to Kathmandu. We take afternoon flight back to Kathmandu. (B)
Day 21: Kathmandu at leisure. Free day. In the evening we will have a farewell dinner. (B,D)
Day 22: Drive to airport for yourr journey home. (B)
PRE-TRIP MEETING.
We wll be offering at least one informal pre-trip meeting, at a date and locaion to suit group members. This will be so that everyone can get together and meet prior to the trip, at a place where we can walk or climb, as well as having a meal and a beer or two in the evening.
FLIGHTS
This trip is priced excluding international flights. This is to allow a flexible approach for anyone wishing to travel out early, stay on later, or join from another country. We will, however, give you full help and guidance in booking an appropriate flight, and this often means that many of the team will travel together. Further details will be supplied with your booking confirmation, but as a guideline you should allow a cost of around £600 for a return flight from the UK.
COST
Tthe cost for the trip KTM-KTM is £1095.00.
To book, enquire about availability or for further information, please email Pete or call 01340 871071.
DATES 2008
2008: September 21st.
2009: March 8th, September 20th.
WHAT IS INCLUDED
International and domestic airport pick-up and drop-off.
Welcome and farewell dinners.
3-star hotel in Kathmandu and Pokhara.
Sightseeing with English speaking guide.
Sightseeing entry fee and transport.
Bus transport to trek starting and ending points.
Flight ticket from Pokhara to Kathmandu.
Tea House and camping accommodation during the trek.
Highly experienced and first-aid trained English speaking trekking guide.
Meals as detailed above (B,L,D).
Conservation permit.
Trekking registration certificate.
Required numbers of porters including insurance and equipment.
Meals/accommodation/salary/insurance/equipment for guide/cook/porters.
WHAT IS NOT INCLUDED
International flights.
Personal trekking equipment.
Meals other than mentioned above.
Drinks and bar bill.
Tipping.
Personal insurance, emergency evacuation insurance and visas.
Airport departure taxes.
Any other things that are not mentioned in 'included'.
For any further information please email Pete and we'll answer any questions that you may have. To book, email Pete in the first instance and we'll get further details to you.