Annapurna Circuit Trek

Itinerary

Day 01:-Arrive in Kathmandu (1,300/4,264ft) :

Upon your arrival at Kathmandu International Airport, you will be welcomed by a representative from Volunteer Society Treks. After sorting out your custom formalities (Visa etc) you will be then transferred to the hotel. The representative will help you check into your designated hotel and give you some time to freshen up. After this, we will attend an orientation about your trek led by our Trekking leader over a typical Nepali welcome dinner that will include a scintillating cultural dance performed by the local belles. You then return to your hotel for your first overnight in the valley of the gods! *Included Meal Dinner. (B,B)

Day 02: Kathmandu: sightseeing & trek preparation (1,300/4,264ft) :

Kathmandu is the cultural heart of Nepal and has been a famous destination for tourists ever since Nepal opened its borders to visitors. The city displays an interesting combination of Hinduism, Tibetan Buddhism and Western influence in the Valley. Patan and Bhaktapur, the two important neighboring cities bear much cultural and religious significance to Nepal’s landscape. There will be a full day guided tour to the histori Durbar Square, unique architectures and Kumari (living goddess), the sacred Hindu temple of Pashupati Nath, the famous ‘Monkey Temple’ (Swayambunath) and Buddhists shrine (Buddha Nath), in the evening, there will be a pre-trip discussion where we meet our trek leader and other stuff for your adventure trip.Overnight at hotel, included meal: (B,B)

Day 3: Drive Kathmandu – Besishahar, 5 –6 hours trek :

We drive from Kathmandu for about 7 hours to Besishahar. We drive along the Trisili River through the beautiful countryside of Nepal. We can see many beautiful villages, farms, rivers and magnificent mountain scenarios. From Mugling we head along the roadway Pokhara. We leave the highway to Pokhara at Dumre and continue drive towards north to Besishahar. Besishahar offers us a first glimpse of the beautiful mountain range. We stay overnight at guesthouse (B, L, D)

Day 4: Trek Besishahar- Chame, 6-7 hours trek :

We drive from Besishahar for about 7 hours to Chame. The trail follows the river Marshyadgdi upstream passing by the villages of Latamanang and Koto before further half an hour brings us at Chame. We stay overnight at guesthouse (B, L, D)

Day 5: Trek Chame – Pisang (3, 300m) 5-6 hours trek

Today we will experiences a dramatic change of scenery. The trail then follows the steep narrow valley through pine woods and small villages with several ups and downs till you reach orchard village of Bhartang where you can have apple garden. We continue through the garden path up to a bridge and we cross the river where the impressive curved rock faces of Paungda Danda rises from the riverbank, and climb to the village of Pisang at (3,300m.) We stay overnight at guesthouse (B, L, D)

Day 6: Trek Pisang -Manang (3, 500m.) 6-7 hours trek :

After Pisang, there are two routes that we can follow to reach Manang. If taken lower, less strenuous route follows valley floor via Hongde, and upper route through upper Pisang via Geru, upper route is almost 3 hours longer than normal lower route, the sceneries are outstanding on the way to upper Pisang. We feel like we are horizontally in front of the magnificent peaks .The panoramic views of towering peaks such as Annapurna 2, 3, 4, Pisang peak Gangapurna, and several others will definitely attract us. Passing carved Mani walls we arrive at the village of Manang. We stay overnight at guesthouse (B, L, D)

Day 7: Rest &acclimatization day at Manang :

It is important to have an extra day in Manang for acclimatization as we start the climb towards the higher altitude, Thorong La. There are spectacular views of the majestic Himalayas peaks around the Manang valley, it’s not good idea to stay idle but short walk to higher altitude is recommended to get acclimatized with the altitude. Manang is right place to do that as next two days will be considered as a challenging trek for us with rapid gain in altitude. There are lots of options for day walks around Manang. One possibility is to walk to Khangsar village on the way to Tilicho Lake or a longer walk to Ice Lake above Braga. Also worth visiting is the Himalayan Rescue Association to get some ideas about rapid mountain sickness. We stay overnight at guesthouse (B, L, D)

Day 8: Trek Manang – Yak Kharka (4, 110m) 4-5 hours trek :

From Manang, the trail ascent steady to the Tenki above Manang, and then continue to climb out of the Marshyadgdi valley to see the view of the Annapurna, Gangapurna and Tilicho peak from close distance. The trail follows this valley northward; passing through beautiful forest and turning northwest up the valley of Jarsang Khola. Now the trail goes through meadows where horses and yaks graze. After crossing a small river on a wooden bridge, the trail passes an ancient old Mani wall in a pleasant meadow and then reaches another small village of Yak Kharka. We stay overnight at guesthouse (B, L, D)

Day 9: Trek Yak Kharka – Thorong Phedi (4, 600m) 4-5 hours trek :

Today we trek slowly to make our way to the foot of the pass, Throng Phedi. It is a small busy settlement with an amazing view of mountains and landscapes. People use this place as a base. Some travelers also attempt a hike to the High camp to make easier for next day although we don’t recommend ascending High camp to stay overnight there because sleeping at higher altitude is not really advisable. Phedi means foot of the hill is a common Nepali name for any settlement at the bottom of a long climb. We stay overnight at guesthouse (B, L, D)

Day 10: Trek Thorong Phedi – Muktinath (3, 800m.) via Throng La pass (5,416m) 6-7 hours trek :

Today is the longest and hardest day of the entire trip. We leave Phedi early in the morning for climb to the pass with packed lunch. It is lifetime experiences- crossing the famous high pass, Throng –La. An early morning is highly recommended to complete this challenging pass. The first part of the trail becomes steepest initially and reaches at the high camp. Each moment we have to work hard through icy high- altitude eventually, after numerous false summits, we reach the pass itself at 5416. Ahead there is an outstanding panorama of majestic Himalayan peaks extending northwards into Tibet, and looking back we can see several of the main peaks of Annapurna. We reach Muktinath with the setting sun. Muktinath is an important pilgrimage place for both Hindus and Buddhist. . Muktinath itself demonstrates the religions harmony in Nepal. We stay overnight at guesthouse (B, L, D)

Day 11: Trek Muktinath – Beni (2, 670m.) 7-8 hours drive :

We drive to Beni along the Kaligandaki river.

Day 12: Drive to Pokhara or Kathmandu and we go for a farewell dinner in the evening :

Early morning at around 7:00 am, we drive by tourist bus to Kathmandu along the Trishuli and Marshyadgdi River through the beautiful countryside of Nepal that offers villages, Rivers greeneries, rice fields and wonderful mountain sceneries. After nearly 5-6 hours drive we arrive to Kathmandu. Your day is free, however, at even tide; you will be taken to a well known Nepali kitchen for a delicious farewell dinner of the original Nepalese cuisine. As you enjoy your meal, you will also be entertained to an exciting cultural dance performed by the local belles. You will enjoy this experience which is complimentary on behalf of the Volunteer Society Treks. We stay overnight at hotel (B, D).

Day 13: Transfer to airport for your onward destination :

Our office representatives will escort you to the airport for your connecting flight home. It’s been wonderful meeting you & knowing you all of these weeks. We are doubly sure you’ve had the vacation of a lifetime & we hope you will pass on your experiences to the generations to come. We will remember you and also hope you will remember us in the days ahead. Bon Voyage!! & take care!!! (B)

Note: The above-mentioned program itinerary is a sample. The period of tour or trekking can be changed or extended as per travellers availability of duration.