Short Annapurna Circuit Trek 15 days

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Duration 15 days
Fitness Level Challenging
Max Elevation 5,416m
Meals Full Board Meal
Accomodation Basic Mountain Lodges and Tea Houses
Best month March - May and September - Mid December
Price USD 1295

Trip Introduction

Short Annapurna Circuit Trek is one of the popular treks located in the Annapurna region and is perfect for solo and small group adventure trekkers. The major highlight of this trek is diverse of flora and fauna, a wide range of climatic zone, untainted mixed culture, a glorious Himalayan range, cascading waterfalls, the world highest pass Thorong La (5416m) to the most unfathomable Kali Gandaki gorge comparing two 8000m in addition to mountains like Dhaulagiri (8167m) and Annapurna I (8091m). Annapurna Circuit Trek (15 Days) around the world's tenth tallest mountain Annapurna offers you a feeling of an unforgettable experience of nature's serenity and true form.

This Annapurna Circuit 15 days Trek follows the Marsyangdi River toward the north of the beautiful mountain peaks and crosses the amazing 5416-meter Thorong La from the sea level then, after that, quickly descends into the sensational desert-like beautiful Tibetan style scenery of upper Kali Gandaki valley. The climb passes pleasant villages home to Manangis, Gurungs, and Thakalis offers mesmerizing mountain views of the Annapurna range, Machhapuchhare, Nilgiri, Manaslu, Tilicho along many more other mountains and flaunts the absolute best trekking lodges in Nepal.

Outline Itinerary

Day 01:      Arrive in Kathmandu (1300m)
Day 02: Sightseeing Meal: Breakfast.
Day 03: Drive from Kathmandu to Besisahar Drive: 6/7 hrs | Meal: BLD
Day 04: Jeep drive to Chame (Stopover for acclimatization) Altitude: 2670 m/8810 ft. | Drive: 4/5 hrs | Meal: BLD
Day 05: Trek Chame to Pisang Altitude: 3200 m/10524 ft. Trek: 5/6 hrs | Meal: BLD
Day 06: Trek Pisang to Manang, Overnight at the local lodge Altitude: 3400 m/11152 ft. | Trek: 5 to 6 hrs. | Meal: BLD
Day 07: Rest day at Manang for acclimatization Altitude: 3400 m/11152 ft. | Meal: BLD
Day 08: Trek from Manang to Yak Kharka Altitude:4,050m/13,287ft | Trek: 4-5 hour | Meal: BLD
Day 09: Trek from Yak Kharka to Thorung Phedi Altitude:4,833m/15,856ft | Trek: 5 hours | Meal: BLD
Day 10: Trek from Thorung Phedi to Muktinath Altitude:3,760m/12,335ft via Thorung La Pass - Altitude: 5,416m | Trek: 8 hours. | Meal: BLD
Day 11: Trek from Muktinath to Kagbeni Altitude: 2,804 m/9,199 ft | 4-5 hour. | Meal: BLD
Day 12: Trek from Kagbeni to Jomsom Altitude: 2810 m. Trek: 3-4 hours. | Meal: BLD
Day 13: Fly from Jomsom to Pokhara and transfer to hotel. Meal: BLD
Day 14: Drive back to Kathmandu  Altitude: 1350/4428 ft. | Meal: B
Day 15: Departure transfer Meal: Breakfast

 

Day to Day Itinerary

Day 01: Arrive Kathmandu. 

The first view of Nepal from the window of your plane could be a lifetime memorable view as the clear wide and white range of Himalayas shine straight in-front of your eyes. The ecstatic beauty is so rare that you won’t be able to blink your eyes. Welcome to Nepal; large heaven within this small planet Earth. As you step out of the airport our representative and a driver will receive you with a pleasant smiling welcome. Then, you will be escorted to the hotel and take complete care in processing your check-in into the hotel. 

Day 02: Sightseeing | Meal: Breakfast

After breakfast the day will start with our guided trip to cultural world heritage sites in Kathmandu valley; the pilgrimage sites of Hindus temple Pashupatinath, the world biggest Bouddhanath stupa and visit Swyambhunath Stupa also known as monkey temple. After exploring the surrounding areas visit historical Kathmandu Durbar Square with a temple, unique architectures and Kumari (living goddess). Evening pre-trip discussion and introduce our fellow trekking staff for your adventure trip. Overnight at Kathmandu hotel

Day 03: Drive from Kathmandu to Besisahar Drive: 6/7 hrs | Meal: BLD

After having breakfast, our guide will meet you at the hotel to drive to Besisahar. Recheck your luggage and be ready for a drive. Following the River Marshyangdi, you will reach Besisahar. On the way, you can explore the Green Mountain, a scattered village, and refreshing landscape. Stay overnight at the local lodge.

Day 04: Jeep drive to Chame (Stopover for acclimatization) - Altitude: 2670 m/8810 ft. | Drive: 4/5 hrs | Meal: BLD

From Besisahar, catching a local bus, you will start to drive on a bumpy road towards Chame. It is a small village of the Annapurna Region at an elevation of 1430 m. You can enjoy the waterfall that attracts both the local and tourists. Stay overnight at the local lodge.

Day 05: Trek Chame to Pisang - Altitude: 3200 m/10524 ft. Trek: 5/6 hrs | Meal: BLD

Today, you will have a steep walk through dense forest into a narrowed valley. Crossing the raging Himalayan River at two points 2,910m & 3,040m are absolute highlights of the trek. Just crossing a suspension bridge at 3040m, the stunning view of Rocky Hill Paungda Danda feasts catch by the eyes. Beyond here, the course connects towards Pisang on a steep trail. Pisang nestles between 3,200m and 3,300meters. Stay overnight at the local lodge.

Day 06: Trek Pisang to Manang, Overnight at the local lodge - Altitude: 3400 m/11152 ft. | Trek: 5 to 6 hrs. | Meal: BLD

After breakfast, you will walk through the arid & higher region of Manang.  As you trek higher, the region affected is at the rain shadow of Annapurna comes into sight. Natives of this county flock yak most of the times of the year and cultivate crops for a very short period of the year. As you leave Pisang, you will tread along the northern via Ghyaru for the better views of the Himalayan peaks throughout the trail that chases along the northern bank of the river. Now, you will arrive at Munchi. Beyond Munchi, the trail passes the charming and the authentic village of Braga 3475m. The last push brings to Manang.

Day 07: Rest day at Manang for acclimatization - Altitude: 3400 m/11152 ft. | Meal: BLD

Starts a day with morning tea and explore the surrounding. Today, you will take a rest day. Hence, it is your time to use as you like. You can hike for a while to get familiarize with altitude. You can go nearby Gangapurna glacier or visit the Manang village, Gompas, and cave exploring native people and culture. Spend overnight at Lodge.

Day 08: Trek from Manang to Yak Kharka - Altitude:4,050m/13,287ft | Trek: 4-5 hour | Meal: BLD

Today, you will trek to the higher altitude. After a day rest in Manang, you will not have acclimatization issue. However, gaining 500 m height trekking along the gradual uphill climb is quite an adventure. As the trek begins, you will cross a stream, climbs to a village of Tenki and continue to ascend the Marsyangdi Valley, turning northwest up the valley of Jarsang Khola. You will further pass the small village of Ghunsa and following the trail through the meadows. Here, you can see the horses and yaks grazing. Crossing a wooden suspension bridge, you will encounter a series of mani wall, eventually, you reach Yak Kharka at 4,000m. Yak Kharka is the yak graze the land and hence signs of yak herders and thin vegetation can be seen there. Overnight at Yak Kharka.

Day 09: Trek from Yak Kharka to Thorung Phedi - Altitude:4,833m/15,856ft | Trek: 5 hours | Meal: BLD

Today, you will walk uphill to the Thorang Phedi. Walking for a while in an easy trail, you will cross a suspension bridge leading you towards Ledar village. Then, slightly ascend and passing through towering cliffs, you will reach Thorang Phedi. It is the last village before Thorang-la Pass. During the trail, you can click the views of Mt. Gundang, Thorang Peak, Mt. Syangang and Mt. Khatungkan. Overnight in Thorang Phedi.

Day 10: Trek from Thorung Phedi to Muktinath - Altitude:3,760m/12,335ft via Thorung La Pass - Altitude: 5,416m | Trek: 8 hours. | Meal: BLD

Here comes the most exciting and adventurous time as you are going to cross the world’s largest pass- The Thorong-la pass. Hence, today’s trek will be lengthy, you will starts trek early. Five hours of steep strenuous walk from the camp at Thorung Phedi brings you to the top of Thorung La Pass 5416m. The regular course to Thorung La Pass seems easy. However, a number of difficulties might encounter due to the elevation and snow. Getting up to the pass may be tough but the acme of the pass marked by revered chortens and colorful prayer flags will reward you with the most eye-catching views of the Himalayas that include Annapurna at its best.

Day 11: Trek from Muktinath to Kagbeni - Altitude: 2,804 m/9,199 ft | 4-5 hour. | Meal: BLD

After breakfast, we'll first descend through a desert-like trans-Himalayan landscape to the dramatic village of Jharkot (3500m), with its large chörten, a gompa, and atmospheric animist totems. The trail continues to Khingar (3400m) and then follows the road down steeply to the medieval-looking village of Kagbeni (2840m), situated at the confluence of Kali Gandaki and Jhang River and stay there overnight.

Day 12: Trek from Kagbeni to Jomsom - Altitude: 2810 m) 3-4 hour. | Meal: BLD

You will descent through the Kali Gandaki Valley to Jomsom, the windy city & the home to the apple orchard of Nepal. Coming downhill, you always have to be cautious and not be excited to reach the destination. Spend overnight at the local lodge.

Day 13: Fly from Jomsom to Pokhara and transfer to hotel. | Meal: BLD

From the windy city, Jomsom and you will take a flight back to Pokhara. Leaving the tranquil isolation, as you land at Pokhara, you will be once again transferred to your hotel in the city. Rest of the time at your own.

Day 14: Drive back to Kathmandu - Altitude: 1350/4428 ft. | Meal: B

While driving back to Kathmandu the 1st half of the trip is along the highway above Seti and Marsyandi Rivers and the latter half winds along Trisuli River. Green hills along the spiral roads, stopping in between for snacks (fish) are the trip highlights. Upon arriving at Kathmandu, you will be transferred to the hotel in the city. 

Day 15: Departure transfer | Meal: Breakfast

Our tour officer will pick you up from your hotel three hours prior to your departure time. You will be escorted in a private vehicle to the airport for your final departure. Have a safe flight home.

Trip Includes

  • Ground Transportation: Airport pick up and drop off service in private vehicle
  • Ground Transportation: Kathmandu/Bhulbhule drive in the local sharing bus.
  • Domestic Airfare: Jomsom to Pokhara and airport tax
  • Accommodation during Trek: 12 Nights'basic guesthouse accommodation during the trek in mostly twin-share and occasionally dormitory-style rooms. [Few nights in an attached bathroom in available places ]
  • Accommodation in Pokhara: 2 Nights' accommodation in Kathmandu in twin sharing accommodation with Bed and Breakfast plan
  • Meals: 3 Meals per day during the trek (BLD: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner. Each meal consist of one course of the meal)
  • Guide: Nepal Government licensed English-speaking trekking guide.
  • Porter: The required number of local staff and porters to carry your luggage during the trek (2 trekkers: 1 porter)
  • Permit: Annapurna Conservation Area Project [ACAP] Permit and Trekkers' Information Management Systems [TIMS] Card
  • Souvenir: Duffle Bag, Trekking T-shirt, Trekking Maps
  • Equipment: Sleeping Bag and Down Jacket during Trek (upon request)
  • Food, accommodation, insurance, equipment, and medicine for all staff.
  • Exclusive medical kit bag carried by trekking guide
  • All our government taxes, vat, tourist service charges.
  • Official expenses
     

Trip Excludes

  • Nepal arrival visa
  • Your personal expenses for mineral water, soft beverages, confectionaries, laundries, phone calls, hot drinking water, bbar bills showers etc. 
  • Internet facility, battery chargers, multi plugs etc. 
  • Extra baggage excess while flying to Lukla.
  • Medical expenses and trip cancellation. 
  • Any other extended trips and accommodation.
  • Tips of ga guides, porters and driver as a token of appreciation. 
  • Any other expenses or charges that are not mentioned in “cost includes” list.
     

Source:www.alphaadventuretreks.com