17 days
5416 m
6 days
Kathmandu/Kathmandu
Trip Overview
Annapurna Circuit Trek is obviously one of the best and popular trekking routes in Nepal known for its beautiful and diverse scenery. This trek makes the circuit around the Annapurna massif. While trekking through Annapurna Circuit you’ll see many beautiful peaks, rivers, waterfalls, natural bridges and other beautiful scenery which are natures creation at its best. Trekking your way up you’ll find a myriad of landscapes from sub-tropical jungles to barren landscapes that resemble the Tibetan plateau. Furthermore, you’ll encounter suspension bridge made high above cliff which is the path to cross the rivers used by local people. Then after you’ll see terrace farm in various villages which will fill your heart with joy.
While making your way from beautiful city Besisahar up to the top of Annapurna region you’ll see outstanding panoramic views of various mountain ranges, traditional villages, diverse cultures and peoples which will fascinate you and be in your memories forever. From there as you walk your way up to Manang region you’ll experience contrasting landscapes while approaching a harsher and barren region due to the cold and dry climate. Every year thousands of people from all over the world came to visit Manang for its deserted landscapes and beautiful scenario. Next, you make your way to Thorung Phedi via Yak Kharka from where you can see admiring view of the snowcapped mountain burning golden due to the sunlight. Afterwards, there is a difficult climb up to the zenith at Thorung La Pass (5416 m) which is the highest point of the trek. Then you descend towards Muktinath, one the famous pilgrimage place in Nepal. Later, you head towards Jomsom where you can encounter the Kaligandaki gorge, the world’s deepest gorge. You can do the sightseeing there in Jomsom. Next day, you take the flight to Pokhara. If you are planning for this beautiful trip then following are the details that can help you see what your trip is going to be.
Trip Itinerary
Arrival in Kathmandu (Tribhuvan International Airport), transfer from airport by private bus to Kathmandu Guesthouse or equivalent. Free evening, short pre-tour briefing before dinner.
Guided tour around Kathmandu, which includes visits to places listed in UNESCO World Heritage Sites and some historic and religious significance, such as Pashupatinath, Boudhanath & Swayambhunath (Monkey Temple), Hindu temples, Old palaces (in and around Durbar Square Area) and inner-city market squares.
Drive to starting point Besi Sahar (gateway to Annapurna Circuit) by chartered vehicle from Kathmandu. A long walk through Besi Sahar bazaar leads to off road tracks, the small roads and then comes the climb up the rocky steps. There are several ups and downs as the trail makes its way through sub-tropical forests. Before reaching Bhulbule traverse a long suspension bridge across Khudi Khola and walk through magnificent terrace farm to get to Ngadi community.
As Bhulbule is left behind, the trail traverses the Marshyangdi River via long, feeble suspension bridge. Once the Ngadi River is crossed, the trail gently ascends and descends through scrub forests which then leads to few teashops and cold-drink stalls located opposite the rice paddies of Lampata, eventually leading to Bahundanda (hill of the Brahmans), an attractive village in the saddle of a long ridge.
The route traverses high above the river on an exposed trail whilst crossing through Lili Bhir. It goes past several small streams and climbs over a ridge. As we move towards our destination, we come across serene and pleasant villages of Kanigaon, Ghermu Phant and Jagat, a nice stone village, opposite to the long waterfall with a medieval atmosphere.
As the trail makes its way ahead, it traverses to the east bank of the Marshyangdi River and tags along the river embankment on rocks and exposed wire cases filled with rocks known as gabion, which is expansively used throughout Nepal to stabilize river banks and road cuttings. Much of the trail ascends throughout the day with local teahouses, lodges and waterfalls along the way to Bagarchhap.
You are already in Manang district and the valley here is made up of virgin forest of fir and pine. The tempting peaks of Lamjung Himal, Annapurna II and Manaslu Himal can be sighted in route. The trail traverses through tiny settlement at Timang Besi, and soon it turns up at Lattemarang, eventually leading to our night stop at Chame, the administrative headquarters for the Manang District.
From Chame, the trail crosses a side stream, then the Marsyangdi river itself on a large suspension bridge. The trail proceeds through fields of barley and descends to a bridge. The village just across this bridge is Bhratang, where you can see the marvelous waterfall. From here on, the trail goes through deep forests. Climbing over a ridge, the trail continues the steep ascent to the upper Marsyangdi valley leading us to the lower portion of Pisang, a cluster of houses and a long mani wall near a bridge being its prominent features.
The trail traverses through different villages including Bryaga where the stone houses are piled one atop the other, each with an open balcony created by a neighbour’s rooftop. Here lies the largest Gompa of the Manang district, perched on an elevated cliff overlooking the village. It has an outstanding display of statues, thankas and manuscripts estimated to be 400-500 years old. A short walk, past chortens and mani walls and across a stream, gets you to the flat, arid terrain of Manang.
The special trading privileges conferred on people of Manang in 1784 by King Rana Bahadur Shah has made the local inhabitants dress in fashionable Western clothing brought from their trading excursions throughout Asia especially Hong Kong, Bangkok and Singapore. The shopkeepers here have figured out accurately what trekkers require and hotel menus, to your utter surprise, consist of hamburgers and steaks. Use up an additional day in Manang to acclimatize and to ramble around the old part of the village, a compact settlement of 500 flat-roofed houses separated by narrow alleyways, which has a remarkable setting with the summits of Annapurna and Gangapurna less than 8kms away.
The trek now begins an ascent of almost 1500m to Thorung La and continues to climb out of the Marshyangdi valley. Leaving the large vegetation below, the route traverses through scrub juniper and alpine grasses. The route is now through meadows where horses and yaks to graze, and sparse forests of juniper, rose and barberry. Across a large stream that flows from Chulu Peak and Gundang, and past ancient mani wall in serene grassland, the trail reaches Yak Kharka, also known as Koche, where the visit to the yak herders’ camp in the late afternoon is customary.
Leisurely strides are taken due to the large elevation gain. Owing to the harsh local conditions, it is imperative to take at least two days to do this trip. Once at Phedi, there will be abundant time to rest and acclimatize to the higher elevations you will encounter while crossing Thorung La Pass, which is located at the highest altitude of the Annapurna Circuit.
The set off is exceptionally early in the morning to go across Thorung La Pass at 5416m. The trail becomes steep instantly after leaving Phedi but easy to follow. 4-6 hours ascent leads to the apex of the Pass, which is replete with prayer flags, a chorten and stone cairn built by travellers. The views from the trail and from the pass are majestic. Further along, the trail descends steeply proceeding towards Chabarbu. From here on, the trail crosses meadows, drops into a deep ravine, climbs out and follows a wide trail into Muktinath, a pilgrimage site held in great reverence by both the Hindus and Buddhists.
After an arduous previous day, it is a relaxed day's walk. Late morning start is the order of the day- for tired ones, few extra sleeping hours and for the religiously and culturally inclined, a visit to the highly revered and venerated, both by Buddhists and Hindus, Muktinath temple complex. Refreshed, purified and blessed, you descend out of Ranipauwa to Jharkot (3550m) through farmlands and clusters of poplar trees. Beyond Jharkot, the trail descend gradually to Khingar (3200m). Further ahead of Khingar, in a short while, you get your first glimpse of the Kali Gandaki river as it is met by the Jhong Khola. As you continue on the trail, the path forks: the lefthand trail leads to Eklaibhatti and one on the right leads to your destination. The trail leaves Kagbeni down the left bank of the broadening river bed. Soon you reach Eklaibhatti. Beyond Eklaibhatti, the trail drops to the riverbed. Then, the trail leaves the bed to climb the riverside slope, past the suspension bridge and to the left bank of the river. After the couple of up-and-downs, the trail drops to the riverbed and stays there until you get close to Jomsom, the administrative headquarters for the Mustang region with facilities of an air strip, bank and hospital. It is better to pass the riverbed an hour or so before noon to avoid the gale.
Wakeup early morning to get airport for flight to Pokhara which is 20 min flight from Jomsom. Flight will start from 06:00 am in the morning.
Free Day at Kathmandu
Transfer to airport by chartered vehicle.
Important Information
Include:
- Arrival/Departure
- 1 day tour in Kathmandu
- All Private transport
- Jomsom-Pokhara flight
- Pokhara-Kathmandu by tourist bus
- Guide for all tour/Trek
- Hotel in Kathmandu & Pokhara
- All meals in trekking
- Porters
- Tea house Accommodation, All permits
Exclude:
- Travel Insurance
- Meals at Kathmandu & Pokhara
- Tipping
- Personal equipment
- International flight
Cost:
USD 1050 per person
Single supplementary: USD 300
Trekking season in Nepal: The usual trekking season starts from September to May. During the remainder of the year, Monsoon makes travelling difficult due to wet areas and offers little in the way of mountain views. Some treks that cross high passes are better attempted in months other than December and January because of the heavy snowfall in some parts of the country. The temperature rises considerably under altitudes of 3000 ft. in April and May in some parts of the country, therefore it is wise to plan accordingly.
Teahouses in mountain: Teahouses are in the mountains where you will be staying are simple yet hospitable with good enough food and stunning views. Compare to city area teahouses are very basic but after 5-6 hours walking in the mountain you will relish the comfort. Most of these lodges have 08-to 12 room can sleep 15 to 20 people, with good food and fairly high hygiene levels. The basics of conversation and ecology are now being practiced with some success.
Guide and Porters: All guides who work with Skylark Himalayan have considerable local experience. The guide concern is his group’s welfare, health, safety and he aims to ensure you are relaxed while providing the best possible food and accommodation. And he’ll also strive to earn your friendship and will be keen for you to come to know and love Nepal.
And all the guides who work with Skylark Himalayan have guiding license from Nepal government, basic first aid training from red cross Nepal, wilderness training from SOLO outdoor school (locally known Initiative Outdoor), Child protection training and others.
Most porter come from rural areas and a farmers for 6 to 7 months of the year. These porter work hard and with care and have aims to progress into guides. Typically they live hard and frugal lives and they are used to carrying heavy loads.
Meals-Food on mountain region of Nepal
A large variety of food is found in the mountain region during trek. Even our clients say there is better food in mountain than in hotels of city. The food variations are defendant on the culture and region background but the tea-house have a menu and they do have varieties of food. Some common day meal is follow:
Breakfast
Porridge, eggs any style-usually scrambled, boiled or fried eggs, toast local bread (Gurung bread), chapatti (Indian flat bread), honey or peanut butter, organic fresh tea, coffee and many more.
Lunch
In many regions, the chief will provide a simple common hot meal in lunch. That could be potatoes, noodles, curry, salad, rice and lentil, fresh meat, vegetables and fruits. Sometimes when walking through high passes, there will be a packed lunch which may consist of common packed able lunch like bread with jam and honey, sandwich, boiled eggs, fruits, chocolates, bottle of juice. While arriving to teahouses there will be tea, coffee.
Dinner
With basic equipment they manage to make excellent cake, apple tarts, pizzas, fried potatoes, chips, spaghetti, pasta. Chefs in tea-houses are well trained in producing a variety of food and almost always ready to serve the food of specific request.
While trekking in Nepal our chefs, and assistant guide are well trained to serve and take order of the food in hygienically way. Vegetarian and vegan meals are easily catered for.
Transportation: Skylark Himalayan using a best transport company for our clients. Before departing on a trip, we using vehicle, we always check insurance of vehicle, good condition of vehicle (seatbelt, seat, wheel, looking glass, all windows etc.), Driver (driver attitude, make sure drunk or not, smartness, driving speed etc.)
Airlines: In Nepal, we have more than 10 Airlines Company but at Skylark Himalayan we only use 3 airlines which we recognize at the most reliable, safest, good companies, 1 airline company (Tara Air) for rural area like short length runway. And another 2 airlines companies (Yeti airlines & Buddha Airlines) for urban area like Pokhara, Kathmandu, Chitwan etc.
Insurance: As strongly recommended by Skylark Himalayan Travel to the clients agree to effect what they consider to be adequate Travel Insurance to cover their person and their personal effects for duration of the tours, Trekking, Rafting or any of activities in Nepal
Health and Safety: Fundamentally we have experienced staffs that have been trained in how to look after clients safely, and what to do in the event of an emergency. Almost all the company’s staffs are experienced, all leaders have done advanced first-aid training from Initiative Outdoor school, Nepal (authorized by SOLO WILDERNESS MEDICINE SCHOOL), Child Protection training, and they are well aware of the high standards that we want in maintain. We also have strong relationships with local communities, health care facilities
Responsible Travel: Skylark Himalayan completely follow tall rules, regulation and code of Nepal responsible trek organizer of responsible tourism. Responsible tourism is an action based on a sustainable idea. We work under eco-friendly environment and we want you to follow and help to save the environment. Skylark Himalayan are keen to preserve and protect the historical places and mountain to show the value of those things to coming generation.
Skylark Himalayan Travel are always aware to operate tours, trekking and other activities in eco- touristic destination to preserve natural and cultural heritages. Skylark Himalayan always aim to make extensive use of the local available products to help local communities. Skylark Himalayan staffs and guides are also employed from local communities, which helps more authentic experience for travellers. We believe that all the staffs including guide, porter, Sherpa are the back bone of organization so its our responsibility to make them happy by providing protections insurance, good salary and outdoor gear. So that, they are happy to serve good service. Without them organization can't serve the costumer need.
Customizing a Trip: The itineraries of all the trips on our website have been organized and put together by us however it does not mean you have to follow the program. If you have your own itinerary or you want to add or decrease number of days or place, we are more than happy to design your own unique itinerary with your entire favorite elements. Choice is yours with the flexibility of our tailor made itineraries.
For the more advice, please contact us via e-mail or telephonically – contact details below.
Skylark Himalayan Travel & Treks
Lakeside-6-Pokhara, Nepal
Contact no: 061-464946
Mobile: +977-9856010460 / 9801050460
Whatapps: +9779801050460
Skype: tara.gautam2
E-mail: sales@skylarkhimalayantravel.com
skylarkhimalayan@gmail.com
Visa Information: Nepal Government makes things easy for foreign travellers. The easiest way to get a tourist visa in Nepal is by applying on arrival in Kathmandu at international airport (TIA) or at any of the land border crossing open to foreigners (each has immigration offices). But you can also apply in advance at one of Nepal's foreign consulates from abroad.
There are three options for the length of a tourist visa (for south Asian country, the first 30 days is free. The cost of visa is depending upon the days you stay. The multiple-entry visa valid for 15, 30 and 90 days costs $25, 40 and 100 USD. It is good idea to keep a number of passport photos with your passport. Indian passport holder doesn’t need a visa to enter Nepal.
Visa Extensions
You can extend your visa from immigration office in only Kathmandu and Pokhara up to 150 days per calendar year. It will cost $30 USD for 15 days and $2 USD per day after 15 days. Visa extension required your passport, the fees, one passport sized photo and an application form to complete the process.
And for more information about visa please click below link: https://www.welcomenepal.com/plan-your-trip/visa-nepal-information.html
Feedback Please: If you have any complains to report, comments or any question about the trip (food, tea-house, guide, porter, management of office or anything) you took with Skylark Himalayan, please send us your feedback because we would like to solve problems that arise uplift our company. If you don't have a specific question, we’re always eager to hear what visitors think of this company.
High Altitude Sickness:
1) What is altitude sickness?
- Altitude sickness is a negative health effect of high altitude on ones health, caused by acute exposure to low amounts of oxygen at high altitude.
- The exact cause of AMS is not exactly known. It is thought to be a response of the brain to the lower oxygen levels in the blood at higher altitudes. This produces some swelling of the brain.
2) Acute mountain sickness (AMS)
- AMS is also called altitude sickness.
Acute mountain sickness (AMS) is the effect on the body of being in a high altitude environment. Especially while people are trekking around the Himalayas they face problem related to moving in high altitude areas. AMS is common at high altitudes, that is above 8,000 feet (2,440 meters). Three-quarters of people have mild symptoms of AMS over 10,000 feet (3,048 meters). The occurrence of AMS depends on the altitude, the rate of ascent, and individual susceptibility and activeness.
3) Acute mountain sickness common symptoms?
Symptoms usually start 12-24 hours after arrival at altitude and include
- Headache (not relieved by medication)
- Dizziness
- Fatigue
- Decreased coordination (Normal activity is difficult.)
- Shortness of breath,
- Loss of appetite
- Nausea
- Disturbed sleep
- General feeling of malaise.
- Inability to walk
- Decreasing mental status
- Fluid build-up in the lungs
- Vomiting
- Loss of energy
- Difficulty in urination
#These symptoms tend to be worse at night when respiratory drive is decreased.
4) Prevention of AMS?
- Take special care if you have previously had acute mountain sickness (AMS).
- If symptoms of AMS develop, delay further ascent.
- If symptoms become worse, move down (descend) as soon as possible.
5) Treatment of AMS?
- The most important treatment if you start to develop symptoms of mild AMS is to stop your ascent and to rest at the same altitude
- For most people, symptoms will improve within 24-48 hours with no specific treatment.
- Simple painkillers such as ibuprofen or paracetamol will help the headache.
- Anti-sickness medication may also be used. (Acetazolamide)
- Treatment with oxygen and the medicine nifedipine may also help symptoms but does not replace the need for descent.
Note- all the trekking leaders and guide from skylark Himalayan are well trained about altitude sickness, AMS and other related sickness in mountain. You should mention, if you previously have any health problem.
TREKKING SUGGESTED EQUIPMENT
(Up to 5,500 m.)
- 1 Pair strong mountain / hiking boots (well worn-in and with ankle support)
- 1 Small daypack
- 1 Sleeping bag (comfortable to -10C)
- 1 Down jacket / all weather Anorak
- 1 Light water & windproof jacket
- 2 - 1-litre water bottles
- 1 Inner sleeping sheet (?)
- 1 Torch / flashlight & spare batteries
- 1 Medium sized travel towel (quick drying)
- 1 Washing kit: include Personal toiletries
- Talcum powder, Blister plasters, Toilet paper
- Bio degradable soap / shampoo
- Anti-bacterial gel for 'washing' hands
- First-Aid kit (please make sure it is trek and wilderness specific) and any personal medication
- 1 Pair sport shoes/sandals (for the time off the trek)
- 2 Pairs lightweight trousers
- 2 Pair shorts
- 1 Fleece / warm sweater
- 1 Sweatshirt / light sweater
- 2 T-Shirts
- 2 Long sleeve cotton (or polypropylene) shirts
- 3 Pairs heavy wool socks
- 2 Pairs light socks
- Walking poles
- Underwear (including thermals)
- Cotton Headscarf / bandanna
- Sunglasses (with side shields and UV protective lenses) and sunhat
- Sunscreen Lotion (30-50 SPF), Money belt (?)
- Warm hat and gloves (preferably waterproof)
- 3 to 4 Plastic bags (for wrapping clothes)
- Water purification tablets/ solutions (preferably iodine)
- Insect repellant
- Adapter plug (for charging camera batteries and other electronic devices)
Trip Gallery
