14 or 18 Day Annapurna Circuit

Annapurna CircuitDESCRIPTION

Embark on one of the world’s greatest treks and experience the journey of a lifetime on the Annapurna Circuit Trek. Rugged mountain massifs, sparkling streams and rivers are to be expected on this expedition paired with ancient Buddhist Temples and breathtaking landscapes that harbor Nepali Villages and incredible views at every turn. This trek passes through a variety of terrain from sub-tropical rice fields to high alpine passes and arid semi dessert plains. Highlights of this trip include the crossing of Thorung La pass which sits at 17,769 feet (5,416 m) above sea level. The 18 day trip also includes a stunning sunrise view from Poon Hill.

The trip begins and ends in lively Kathmandu, Nepal where your adventure begins with a 6 hour drive to Besi Sahar (approximately), where your Annapurna Circuit Trek begins. Accommodations along the way are in teahouses and lodges.  Meals are “a la carte,” allowing you the freedom to choose what you want to eat.

Our hand-picked guides are trained and licensed by the Nepal Mountaineering Association to ensure you have a safe and enjoyable trek.  The itinerary for this hike is designed with ample time to acclimatize safely, which is the key to any successful trek in the Everest region.  In addition, Nepal is home to some of the friendliest people and the most diverse scenery on the planet from the world’s deepest Kali Gandaki Gorge to the rising Annapurna I that towers over twenty six thousand feet (26,545 ft / 8,091 m) above sea level.  Nepal’s variety cultural traditions are waiting to be enjoyed by you.  Join us on the Annapurna Circuit Trek.

The Annapurna Circuit trek offers accommodations in teahouses.

annapurna-curcuit-trek-watermark

ITINERARY - 14 DAY TREK

DAY 1
Arrival Kathmandu

Namaste and welcome to colorful Kathmandu where our friendly Ultimate Expeditions representative will meet you at the airport and drive you to your hotel. During this meet and greet your guide will discuss the daily activities of your trip.

DAY 2
Drive to Besi Sahar, Trek to Bhulbule (2,690 ft / 820 m)

The day starts early with a drive towards the breathtaking landscape of Annapurna’s giants to Besi Sahar. From here the trek begins, passing through several villages, a tropical forest and crossing the Khudi Khola on a suspension bridge to Bhulbule.

DAY 3
Trek to Jagat (4,265 ft / 1,300 m)

The trail descends steeply and winds its way through the hillside toward Jagat. After passing through the village of Syange we begin to climb along the trail that is carved into the cliff side and make our ascent to the ancient village of Jagat located on a shelf, jutting out into the Marshyangdi valley.

DAY 4
Trek to Bagarchap (7,086 ft / 2,160 m)

Our day begins with another descend and meanders through a bamboo and rhododendron forest. A bridge crossing gets us to Sattale, then the large settlement of Tal. We follow the rugged trail to pass the village of Karte and Dharepani until reaching Bagarchap where Annapurna II comes into focus.

DAY 5
Trek to Chame (8,891 ft / 2,710 m)

We head up through forests of oak and maple to Dhanakyu and reach a large waterfall. Further on we pass the village of Latemarang as the trail winds its way across several forested ridges to Kotho, and finally Chame, the administrative headquarters for the region. Views of Lamjung, Annapurna II and Annapurna IV are a stunning backdrop for the night.

DAY 6
Trek to Pisang (10,859 ft / 3,310 m)

From Chama we will cross a bridge over the Marshyanghi and hike until reaching Teleku then pass the apple orchards to the village of Bhratang. Here the landscape unfolds dramatically as the peaks become more prominent. The trail continues steeply and after crossing two more suspension bridges before we enter the village of Pisang.

DAY 7
Trek to Manang (11,614 ft / 3,540 m)

The trail climbs along a ridge providing beautiful views of Manang valley and Tilicho peak, before descending into the valley and on to Hongde via Manang’s airstrip. We cross a bridge into the village of Mungji and continue on to Bryaga, until reaching our final destination Manang. Views of the Annapurna range today are abundant.

DAY 8
Manang (11,614 ft / 3,540 m) *Acclimatization Day*

As we gain elevation it is important to rest and recover, this allows our bodies to get use to the environment and thinner air. Today can be spent exploring the area, hiking short distances and relaxing. The crossing of Thorong La is still to come.

DAY 9
Trek to Letdar (13,943 ft / 4,250 m)

After a day of rest the trek today begins with a stream crossing and short climb to Tengi, we then head into the Jarsang Khola valley. The higher altitude reveals itself with displays of a sparse forest of juniper and alpine grasses, until reaching Letdar.

DAY 10
Trek to Thorung La High Camp (15,912 ft / 4,850 m)

A descend towards the Marshyangdi River leads to a bridge, once across we tackle the unstable sloping narrow trail and then descend to Thorung High Camp.

DAY 11
Cross Thorung La Pass and Descend to Mukinath (12,467 ft / 3,800 m)

The climax of the Annapurna Circuit starts with an early morning start on the steep yet well-defined trail that grants us passage. We reach prayer flags after approximately 4 hours of steady climbing and are greeted with an outstanding view of the Himalayan region. As we descend the moraine gives way to grassy slopes and the trek to Muktinath is pleasant.

DAY 12
Trek to Jomsom (8,900 ft / 2,713 m)

Heading towards Jomsom a large town that stretches along the river banks, the descent is easy and scenery dramatic. Spectacular views emerge of Dhaulagiri and Nilgiri as we continue down the Kali Gandaki valley through the Tibetan influenced villages of Jharkot and Khingar.

DAY 13
Flight to Kathmandu via Pokhara / Jomsom (3,280 ft / 1,000 m)

An early morning flight gets you from Jomsom to Pokhara and then onto Kathmandu. Once in Kathmandu you are free to explore the city, relax or get some shopping done.

DAY 14
Depart Kathmandu

Our Ultimate Expeditions representative will drive you to the airport in Kathmandu for your return flight home.

ITINERARY - 18 DAY TREK

DAY 1
Arrival Kathmandu

Namaste and welcome to colorful Kathmandu where our friendly Ultimate Expeditions representative will meet you at the airport and drive you to your hotel. During this meet and greet your guide will discuss the daily activities of your trip.

DAY 2
Drive to Besi Sahar, Trek to Bhulbule (2,690 ft / 820 m)

The day starts early with a drive towards the breathtaking landscape of Annapurna’s giants to Besi Sahar. From here the trek begins, passing through several villages, a tropical forest and crossing the Khudi Khola on a suspension bridge to Bhulbule.

DAY 3
Trek to Jagat (4,265 ft / 1,300 m)

The trail descends steeply and winds its way through the hillside toward Jagat. After passing through the village of Syange we begin to climb along the trail that is carved into the cliff side and make our ascent to the ancient village of Jagat located on a shelf, jutting out into the Marshyangdi valley.

DAY 4
Trek to Bagarchap (7,086 ft / 2,160 m)

Our day begins with another descend and meanders through a bamboo and rhododendron forest. A bridge crossing gets us to Sattale, then the large settlement of Tal. We follow the rugged trail to pass the village of Karte and Dharepani until reaching Bagarchap where Annapurna II comes into focus.

DAY 5
Trek to Chame (8,891 ft / 2,710 m)

We head up through forests of oak and maple to Dhanakyu and reach a large waterfall. Further on we pass the village of Latemarang as the trail winds its way across several forested ridges to Kotho, and finally Chame, the administrative headquarters for the region. Views of Lamjung, Annapurna II and Annapurna IV are a stunning backdrop for the night.

DAY 6
Trek to Pisang (10,859 ft / 3,310 m)

From Chama we will cross a bridge over the Marshyanghi and hike until reaching Teleku then pass the apple orchards to the village of Bhratang. Here the landscape unfolds dramatically as the peaks become more prominent. The trail continues steeply and after crossing two more suspension bridges before we enter the village of Pisang.

DAY 7
Trek to Manang (11,614 ft / 3,540 m)

The trail climbs along a ridge providing beautiful views of Manang valley and Tilicho peak, before descending into the valley and on to Hongde via Manang’s airstrip. We cross a bridge into the village of Mungji and continue on to Bryaga, until reaching our final destination Manang. Views of the Annapurna range today are abundant.

DAY 8
Manang (11,614 ft / 3,540 m) *Acclimatization Day*

As we gain elevation it is important to rest and recover, this allows our bodies to get use to the environment and thinner air. Today can be spent exploring the area, hiking short distances and relaxing. The crossing of Thorong La is still to come.

DAY 9
Trek to Letdar (13,943 ft / 4,250 m)

After a day of rest the trek today begins with a stream crossing and short climb to Tengi, we then head into the Jarsang Khola valley. The higher altitude reveals itself with displays of a sparse forest of juniper and alpine grasses, until reaching Letdar.

DAY 10
Trek to Thorung La High Camp (15,912 ft / 4,850 m)

A descend towards the Marshyangdi River leads to a bridge, once across we tackle the unstable sloping narrow trail and then descend to Thorung High Camp.

DAY 11
Cross Thorung La Pass and Descend to Mukinath (12,467 ft / 3,800 m)

The climax of the Annapurna Circuit starts with an early morning start on the steep yet well-defined trail that grants us passage. We reach prayer flags after approximately 4 hours of steady climbing and are greeted with an outstanding view of the Himalayan region. As we descend the moraine gives way to grassy slopes and the trek to Muktinath is pleasant.

DAY 12
Trek to Jomsom (8,900 ft / 2,713 m)

Heading towards Jomsom, the descent is easy and scenery dramatic. Spectacular views emerge of Dhaulagiri and Nilgiri as we continue down the Kali Gandaki valley through the Tibetan influenced villages of Jharkot and Khingar.

DAY 13
Trek to Kalopani (8,300 ft / 2,530 m)

The trail from Jomson to Kalopani passes through the villages of Sauru, Kobang and Larjung. The days trek is approximately 7 hours.

DAY 14
Trek to Tatopani (3,900 ft / 1,190 m)

Ah enjoy the thicker air! Today’s trek will lead us to the village of Tatopani which means “hot spring,” in the Nepali language. This soothing bath is a warm welcome after the days hike.

DAY 15
Trek to Ghorepani (9,383 ft / 2,860 m)

We begin the long ascent to Ghorepani, passing villages with terraced and inclined farmlands. The landscape is lush and contrasting to that of the Kali Gandaki valley. The Dhaulagiri range comes into focus, offering stunning views until we reach the village of Ghorepani.

DAY 16
Ascend Poon Hill, Trek to Birethanti (3,362 ft / 1,025 m)

To catch a breathtaking sunrise view over the Annapurna and Dhaulagriri massifs, will require an early morning rise to hike up Poon Hill. We then descend to Birethanti and finally Pokhara.

DAY 17
Fly Pokhara to Kathmandu

An early morning flight from Pokhara will take you back to Kathmandu, where you can spend the day relaxing in your hotel, sightseeing or shopping. Overnight in a hotel in Kathmandu.

DAY 18
Depart Kathmandu

Our Ultimate Expeditions representative will drive you to the airport in Kathmandu for your return flight home.

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INCLUDED

  • Airport transfers
  • 2 nights at hotel in Kathmandu (before & after trek)
  • All ground transportation to and from trailhead
  • Flights to and from Kathmandu to Lukla (Everest region treks) or Pokhara (Annapurna region treks)
  • National Park permits, fees
  • Expert guides and porters
  • Lodge accommodations during treks, double occupancy
  • Meals and beverages during trek

EXCLUDED

  • Airfare
  • Lunch or dinner at hotel
  • Beverages at hotel
  • Personal gear and equipment
  • Tips

Nepal Trips