Nepal - 18 Day Annapurna Circuit Adventure

Trekking the Annapurna Circuit 

Join me for a once in a life time adventure on the Annapurna Circuit. The 128 mile horseshoe shaped circuit circles Nepal's Annapurna range. The route starts in a jungle, winds through lush rice paddy tiered valleys, crosses suspension bridges over roaring rivers, travels into Tibetan and Buddhist villages, beside large buckwheat fields, past Hindu temples, and climbs high across the 17,768 foot high Thorung La Pass. At the Thorung pass on a clear day you can see four of the world's 10 highest summits.

Accommodations in Kathmandu and Pokhara will be at 3 star hotels. During the trek all accommodations will be in Teahouses. Teahouses are essentially small hotels found in local villages that offer both a place to sleep as well as home cooked meals. Teahouses in the Annapurna region are nice and many boast of western style flush toilets, hot water showers, a selection of beverages including beer and a wide range of menu items. Most have a restaurant area where you can meet other trekkers and enjoy a little warmth from the stove while you eat or enjoy a beer in the evening before sleeping. The most common meal in the Teahouses is dhal bhatt (rice and lentils) and is usually all you can eat. Most rooms are shared with two small cots that have mattress, pillows and sheets. You will use your sleeping bag but blankets are also available upon request but might not live up to your expectation of cleanliness. The Teahouse are not considered plush accommodations. If you are looking for resort accommodations, this is not the trip for you. There will be nights where the only shower available is a cold-water shower.

The cost of this trip includes one porter per person. The porter will carry up to 35 lbs. of gear. If you have more than 35 lbs, you will have to carry the additional items in your day pack.

A note regarding the Difficulty Ratings: The information on the number hours of trekking each day is provided by the outfitter. I have added the miles per day on as many of the trekking days as my research allowed. I tried to give as accurate a difficulty rating as possible for each trekking day. I took into account trekking in higher elevations. There are a few days where I was not able to calculate the mileage. This event is rated a D6 due to hiking in high elevation and the number of days hiking. 

Itinerary:

DAY 1 - October 2nd - KATHMANDU: ARRIVAL DAY

Altitude: 1350m/4428ft - No Trekking
Welcome to Nepal and the start of our adventure! One of our Airport Representatives will be on hand to greet you when your plane lands and transfer you to your hotel in Kathmandu. We'll have a final briefing in the evening and then turn in early in advance of a big day tomorrow.

DAY 2 - October 3rd - KATHMANDU TO BESISAHAR

Besisahar 820m/2700ft Driving (7 hours) - No Trekking
We have a lengthy drive today from the capital to Besisahar as we come nearer to the trek's physical starting point. You'll catch your first glimpse of snow-capped mountain scenery today!

DAY 3 - October 4th - BESISAHAR TO SYANGE, CHAMJE

Chamje 1385m/4540ft Trekking (4 hours) D3
This is it! We leave Besisahar bright and early and drive to Syange, where we'll take the first, easy stroll of the journey. It’s downhill and steep to start, as we head in the direction of Bahundanda. The sight of a roaring waterfall is our cue to cross over the Marsyangdi River via suspension bridge. The path of the river will bring us initially through the stone village of Jagat before ending the day in Chamje. 

DAY 4 - October 5th - CHAMJE TO BAGARCHHAP

Bagarchap 2160m Trekking 9.3 miles (5.5 hours) D4 
We're still following the Marsyangdi as a new day begins, climbing steadily towards Tal, the first village of the Manang district. Beyond that, our trail crosses a wide, flat valley, and then zip-zags up and down towards Dharapani. We'll know we have arrived when we see the chorten, or stone entrance, typical of Tibetan-influenced architecture. The views give way to many flat-roofed homes, set against orchards of apple trees and fields of waving maize. We’ll stay the night in neighboring Bagarchhap. 

DAY 5 - October 6th - BAGARCHHAP TO CHAME

Chame 2710m/7090ft Trekking 8.6 miles (6 hours) D4
We pass through Tyanja first on Day 5, and then through the forest and parallel to a river on the way to Kopar. Chame, our stop for the evening, is the seat of the Manang district. The people of Chame followed the Nepal-Tibet trade route a long time ago, and settled here. They brought with them the customs and building style of the Tibetans, and have upheld the culture through the centuries. Chame has lovely views of Annapurna II, and is crossed by a pair of burbling hot springs. 

DAY 6 - October 7th - CHAME TO PISANG

Pisang 3250m/10660ft Trekking 8.7 miles (4 hours) D4
Through the forest, across a steep valley, over a river and some bridges... our path to Pisang is not a boring one! On the way, we'll be treated to spectacular views of the soaring Paungda Danda rock face. 

DAY 7 - October 8th - PISANG TO MANANG

Manang 3540m/11600ft Trekking 7.5 miles (4 hours) D4
We're moving through the higher, drier portion of Manang, which receives little monsoon hydration due to the natural shield of the Annapurnas. The farmers here breed yaks and raise crops, while taking advantage of special trading dispensations that they've had since the 18th century. We're back following the Marsyangdi as of Mungji village, and then on our way through either Hongde, with a little less climbing, or Ghyaru, which has more picturesque views. Either one will bring us to our guesthouse at Manang. 

DAY 8 - October 9th - MANANG: ACCLIMATIZATION DAY

Manang 3540m/11600ft Rest Day No Trekking
We'll linger in Manang today for a much-needed acclimatization day. We'll keep our legs stretched with some scenic, peaceful day walks around the sprawling village. Not only will we see the sights, but we’ll gradually adjust to the altitude. At night time, we'll return to our guesthouse to rest up for a steeply-ascending leg of our trek. 

DAY 9 - October10th - MANANG TO YAK KHARKA

Yak Kharka 4050m/13290ft Trekking 5.6 Miles (3 hours) D4
Our trail ascends a steep, dizzying 500m to the Yak Kharka, and then up through the Tenki Manang as we exit the Marsyangi Valley. Continuing along the Jarsang Khola Valley, we reach Yak Kharka at 4,000m. As the name suggests, there are a lot of yaks here! The vegetation grows sparse, however, as we continue to hit higher altitudes. 

DAY 10 - October 11th - YAK KHARKA TO THORONG PHEDI

Thorung Phedi 4450m/14600ft Trekking 5.5 miles (3.5 hours) D4
We'll climb high for about two hours before descending slightly to cross the river. It's all uphill again after that until we reach Thorong Phedi. Some of the newest guesthouses of our trek are located here. We'll be up extremely early tomorrow, so a full night of rest is important!

DAY 11 - October 12th - THORONG PHEDI TO MUKTINATH VIA THORUNG LA PASS

Muktinath 3800m/12460ft via Thorung Pass 5416m/17800ft Trekking 8 miles (6.5 hours) D5
We'll start trekking at 4am today in order to reach the pass before 10am. It's a necessary evil, because if we arrive any later, we'll risk detrimental weather conditions negatively impacting our progress. Considering that we are 5,416m up at this point, the strong winds later in the day can be dangerous! It's a steep climb, but one that it safe and routinely used. Heavy snow can also be a problem. Conquering the foibles of nature reaps rich rewards at this point, however, for the magnificent view from the top of the pass and our arrival in the holy town of Muktinath. The name means "place of Nirvana," and it is said that pilgrims visiting the temple there are relieved of all sorrows. It is a place sacred to Hindus and Buddhists, and filled with fascination and ethereal power. We'll overnight here.

DAY 12 - October 13th - MUKTINATH TO MARPHA

Marpha 2670m/8760ft Trekking (6 hours) D4
Today we travel the scenic, beautiful trail between Muktinath and Kagbeni, via Jhong. This is a less-frequently traveled leg of the Annapurna Circuit, but one that we feel is richly worthwhile for its outstanding views. There are a number of distinctive homes here, all typical of the sect of mountain people who live here, as well as an old gompa. 

DAY 13 - October 14th - MARPHA TO GHASA

Ghasa 2010m/6600ft Trekking (6 hours) D4
Marpha at (2960m) is a charming village with many canals and where you can find a variety of fruit. Make sure you visit the big gomba in the city centre. After lunch we will head towards Ghasa a small Thakali settlement with welcoming people and lodges. You will notice on climate as it becomes drier and colder.

DAY 14 - October 15th - GHASA TO TATOPONI

Tatopani 1200m/3940ft Trekking (5 hours) D4
Today is a relatively short trek, which means that we have the ability to move at a leisurely pace and really enjoy the sights we pass.

The name "Tatopani" means "hot spring," and that is what today's destination is best known for. The villagers are ethnically Thakali and Tamang, and have enjoyed their home's reputation as a significant trading post between Nepal and Tibet. This Buddhist village has about six hundred homes. Although we are moving up rather steeply in elevation, the walk is enjoyable as we pass colorful villages, gorgeous flowers, and plenty of lush greenery. 

DAY 15 - October 16th - TATOPONI TO GHOREPANI

Ghorepani 2870m/9410ft Trekking 9.5 miles (6 hours) D4
This is it, believe it or not, the last truly challenging leg of our adventure. We'll pass through sizeable Shikha, watching village children running off to school and farmers working their fields. Ghorepani is a major stop for trekkers doing all varieties of the Annapurna Circuit, and is always bustling with activity. 

DAY 16 - October 17th - GHOREPANI TO POON HILL, POKHARA

Poon Hill 3200m/10500ft Trekking 5 miles (6 hours) D3
We'll be up before dawn today, but with good reason: our day kicks off with an excursion to Poon Hill and an indescribably wonderful panorama of three Himalayan peaks (Dhaulagiri I, Annapurna I, and Manalsu) illuminated by the glowing rays of sunrise. From here, we'll also be treated to views of the 6,000m-deep Kali Gandaki Gorge and the visual border of Nepal and Tibet as divided by the trans-Himalayan ranges. 

The last walk of our trek is an easy one as we stroll downhill from Tikhedhunga to Nayapul. Here, our trek officially ends. We'll load our tired feet into a taxi and an hour away to gorgeous Pokhara, and a comfy hotel. 

DAY 17 - October 18th - POKHARA TO KATHMANDU

Pokhara 1000m/3280ft Flight (1 hour) No Trekking
We fly from Pokhara back to the Nepali capital today, so that you can spend one more night in our beautiful country before heading home. It's our pleasure to take you out for a farewell dinner tonight, and get your feedback on our trip. 

DAY 18 - October 19th - KATHMANDU: DEPARTURE DAY

Altitude: 1350m/4428ft
Today we'll ensure that you get to the airport with time to spare, taking our final leave. Hopefully you have made the kind of memories that will last a lifetime.

All registrants will initially be put on the wait list. If I have not hiked with you in the past, I will contact trip leaders you have hiked with to make sure you are a good fit for this event in both fitness ability and your ability to get along well with others and not create drama on the trip. Physical fitness and social awareness are extremely important on a trek of this intensity. I will also have to consider the male to female ratio. Our accommodations are twin shared rooms. The group must work out for 4 shared rooms so that the group does not incur single room supplement charges.

I set the group size up for the maximum number for this event as 8 and the minimum group size of 6. This is the maximum and minimum group size that the outfitter allows for a private trek.  If there are enough AOC members that are interested in the event and meet the qualification to join the event, I can increase the group size to 12. The group would trek together during the day but be split into two groups for lodging at the Teahouses. If the group size is less than 6 people, the outfitter will open the group up to outsiders. As long as we have an even number of people no one from our group will share lodging with someone from outside the group.

Once you are moved from the wait list to the event I will give you my address to mail a check or my PayPal account information to send the $600.00 deposit. The deposit must be received within 5 days or you will be moved back to the wait list. The balance of $1230.00 will be due by June 1st.

Insurance with helicopter evacuation up to 6000 meters is required for this trek. I have included the cost of the insurance in the trip cost. The World Nomads Explorer insurance policy will be purchased for each participant. The policy covers accident and sickness medical expenses, evacuation and repatriation, trip cancellation. trip interruption, trip delay, baggage and personal effects, baggage delay, collision, accidental death and non-medical emergency evacuation services. I will purchase the policy in your name once you have purchased your airfare and I have the exact dates of your travel plans.Each participant will receive a copy of the full policy.

Note: The World Nomads Insurance will only sell a policy to people under 70. If you are 70 or above, I will have to find an alternative policy. The cost of this event includes $161 for the purchase of the World Nomads policy. Additional cost above $161 will be added to your trip cost.

Cost Includes:

• 18 Days Adventure, 15 of which includes 3 meals a day
• 2 Nights Accommodation in Kathmandu with Breakfast
• 1 Night Accommodation in Pokhara with Breakfast
• All Airport Transfers
• All overland transportation
• Accommodation on Twin Sharing basis, while Trekking
• Trekking Permit/TIMS Card - Trekkers Security Card
• English Speaking Guide, Government Licensed
• Porter service - One porter per person
• All Government and Local Taxes
• Flight from Pokhara to Kathmandu
• First Aid Kit
• Trip Completion Certificate
• Farewell Dinner
• 1 Himalayan Wonders T-shirt
• Travel Insurance (Required)
• Tips for Guide and Porters
• $25 nonrefundable AOC users fee
• $50.00 incidental fee that will cover the processing fee for the deposit and international banking fees. Any balance remaining of the incidental fee will be refunded to participants at the end of the trip.

Cost Does Not Include:

• Airfare
• Nepal Visa
• Drinking water
  
• Lunch and Dinner 2 Days in Kathmandu
• Lunch and Dinner 1 Day in Pokhara
• Optional Extra nights stay in Kathmandu - approximately $30.00 a night.  

Spending money - $20 a day recommended for extra cost:

• Drinking Water - between $1 and $3 a bottle or buy water treatment tablets in Kathmandu.
• Wifi when available $3 to $5 an hour.
• Charging electronics around $1.50 an hour.
• Hot showers when available around $4.
• Trail snacks
• Acholic beverages
• Tips for servers at the Teahouses

Schedule of Payments: Once you are moved from the wait list to the event I will give you my address to mail a check or my PayPal account information to send the $600.00 deposit. The deposit must be received within 5 days or you will be moved back to the wait list.   The balance of $1230.00 will be due by June 1st.

Please note that once you have signed up for this trip and paid your $600.00 deposit by the deadline, you are committed to going on this trip and your deposit is non-refundable.

Full payment of the balance of $1230.00 is required by June 1st. You may pay earlier if you wish.

Should you withdraw from the trip for any reason after your deposit is paid you will either need to ensure that there is someone on the wait list who can and will take your place, or you will be held responsible for the full amount of the trip. If a member is available to fill you spot in the group, your deposit will be refunded minus the AOC user fee. 

Once the outfitter has acquired trekking permits and plan tickets for the flight from Pokhara to Kathmandu there are no refunds for cancellations.

If the AOC event is cancelled, $348.50 of the initial deposits is non- refundable but any additional payments will be fully refundable. The initial deposit is used to pay the trek deposit, of which $150 per person is non refundable, the payment processing fee for the deposit and to purchase the travel insurance. If the AOC event is canceled, you will have the option of joining the outfitter on their open group on the same dates. If you choose to do this, your deposit would transfer and you would not be out any money for the trip.

Partial participation of the trek is not available. However, during the trek, if you must leave the group, the cost of transportation back to Kathmandu will be your responsibility. The tour company will not give partial refunds if the trek is not completed.