Kathmandu
Kathmandu
Accommodation: Hotel and Lodge (Tea House)
3 Course Meals
Moderate to fairly challenging
5416m
Spectacular views of Mt. Annapurna & Dhaulagiri Range
Magnificent lakes, glaciers, deep gorges, and stunning waterfalls
Cross Thorong La Pass at 5,416 meters
Visit Muktinath
Trekking & Cultural Tour
Traverse through the incredible Annapurna region, awe at the richness of Marshyangdi and Kali Gandaki Valleys and witness the breathtaking display of Himalayan beauty at its best!
This globally popular trekking adventure, Annapurna Circuit Trekking is also well known as RAT, Round Annapurna Trek. This is a magnificent trek in Annapurna region that follows Marshyangdi River from the subtropical lowlands to the Manang basin and then crosses the Thorong La Pass (5416m), the highest navigable pass in the world, before descending down to the deepest gorge in the world, the Kali Gandaki. Trekkers’ first pick Annapurna Circuit Trekking surpasses any trek in terms of landscapes diversity – from the lush green rice paddies of the Marshyangdi Valley to the arid high altitude Himalayan interior. The common pilgrimage site for Hindus and Buddhist, Muktinath Temple is the sacred highlight of the latter half of the trek. As you hike along the way, the sights of beautiful mountain sceneries and fascinating village life keep you enthralled, day after day. Throughout the trek, you can see the breath-taking majestic views of some of the world’s gigantic mountains including Annapurna I (8091 m), Annapurna II (7937 m), Annapurna III (7555 m), Machhapuchhare (6993 m), Manaslu (8156 m) and Dhaulagiri (8176 m). You pass across four regions i.e. Lamjung, Manang, Mustang and Myagdi. Manang and Mustang are of the higher elevations whereas Lamjung and Myagdi are of lower elevations with lush green subtropical valleys with villages and terraced farming. All in all, the ecological and cultural diversity of Annapurna Circuit Trekking provides you a complete experience of trekking in Nepal that is sure to leave you with some unforgettable memories.
You will be greeted by a panoramic view of snow-capped mountain peaks sprawling down below once you fly in the sky of Kathmandu. A representative and driver from our office will meet you at the airport and escort you to your hotel. The representative will help you check into your designated hotel. At the hotel you will be briefed about your daily activities.
Kathmandu is the historical and cultural heart of Nepal and has been a popular destination for tourists ever since Nepal opened its doors to visitors. The city presents a wonderful mix of Hinduism, Tibetan Buddhism and Western influence. There will be a guided tour to UNESCO World Heritage Sites namely Boudhanath- the largest Buddhist Stupa in Nepal, Pashupatinath- most popular Hindu shrine dedicated to Lord Shiva and Patan or Lalitpur (the City of Artisans), which is 5km away from Kathmandu. At Patan Durbar Square, you delight in the architectural wonders of Malla era. Mahaboudha Temple, Kumbeshwor Temple, Krishna Temple and Golden Temple are the major attractions at the square.
Driving along the Kathmandu-Pokhara Highway to Dumre and then following the rough route by the Marsyangdi River, you pass through the low-lying sub-tropical forests and rice paddies. After 6 hours’ long drive, you reach Besi Sahar, the headquarter of Lamjung District. From there, you continue our journey passing through small local settlements that jut out into the precipitous Marshyangdi valley to reach the beautiful Gurung village situated on the base of the hill, Chame which is also the largest settlement in Manang District. The village is the starting point of Annapurna Circuit Trek. Not a very densely populated place, Chame offers warm greetings and great hospitality from local people. You can see the magnificent view of Mt. Manaslu (8163 m) on the way to Chame.
The trial begins across the steep narrow path and goes through a deep gorge and then passes through the great sweeping slope of Paungi Danda. En route, you can capture the splendid landscapes of Annapurna II (7937 m), Mt. Lamjung (6983 m) rearing up on the east and Pisang Peak (6091 m) on the north-east. The trial is mostly gradually flat with the pine tree forest and passes through the huge Manang Apple farm in Bhratang. Once in Upper Pisang, saunter through the woods, explore the village, with its Tibetan-inscribed mani stones, gompas and enjoy the beautiful view of Pisang.
The trip follows hard climb in the further interior of Marshyangi Valley and uphill path towards Ghyaru which continues to Ngawal, known as a little jewel of the region. The panorama over the Himalayan giants standing over 6,000 metres tall - Annapurna II (7937 m), Pisang Peak (6091 m) is breathtaking! You can witness the Tibetan style stone houses and Tibetan style Gumbas in the traditional village of Ghyaru and Ngawal. Ngawal village is a beautiful Tibetan style settlement and a perfect place to witness the spectacular landscape views.
As you continue further afield from Ngawal, you head along a steep ridge savoring beautiful sights of the Manang valley and the Tilicho peak towering above 7132 meters. You descend down a steep trail straight down to a valley floor and follow the northern trail towards Manang. As you go further, you notice a contrast in vegetation and landscapes. This trail guarantees excellent views of the beautiful landscape and the stunning mountains including Annapurna (8091 m), Annapurna II (7937 m), Annapurna III (7555 m) and Annapurna IV (7525 m). En-route, you can also see Barge monastery, the largest monastery in Manang made in beautiful Bhutanese style.
Take a day off for complete rest and adequate acclimatization at a height of 4230 meter around Gangapurna Lake. Spend a day here to acclimatize by doing some hike to the viewpoint from where exclusive view of Gangapurna Lake and Manang village can be seen. You can see the tremendous ice-fall cascading down from the glaciated mountain peaks or go watch the beautiful Tibetan style stone houses village of Manang. The astonishing views of mountains such as Annapurna II (7937 m), Annapurna III (7555 m), Gangapurna (7455 m), Tilicho (7134 m), Chulu range and Pisang (6091 m) seen from this place is difficult to forget!
Trek continues in a newly constructed path after passing a monastery up towards a high ridge that goes through Manang Marshyangdi Valley and continues from Khangsar, a local traditional village. On the way, you can see the long narrow path traversing through the steep debris slopes which is also known as landslide zone. The trial to Tilicho Base Camp is almost uphill with sandy track in some places. Beautiful landscapes of mountains such as Gangapurna (7455 m), Annapurna (8091 m), Annapurna IV (7525 m) can be seen along with some faunas such as Himalayan Thar, Yaks, Himalayan birds on the way. Except Khangsar, other en-route villages are settled for commercial propose with shops and mainly lodges.
Today’s trek is a bit strenuous that begins with hike through high alpine landscapes with plenty of snow covered rocks. The trail is totally uphill and follows a blue-and-white trail signs that points the way to Tilicho Lake which takes around 3.5 hours. This amazing lake is one of the most magnificent highest altitude lakes situated at the height of 4919 meters. The view of spectacular landscapes with Mount Tilicho (7134 m) in front of Tilicho Lake, Gangapurna (7455 m) and Annapurna IV (7525 m) is stunning! After exploring Tilicho Lake, you continue to Sri Kharka for the overnight.
A yak territory, Yak Kharka is an alpine pasture. Trek to Yak Kharka starts from steadily uphill climb with the trail following the valley northward, through few pastures and a scrub of juniper trees, picturesque meadows and rich forests of barberry. Enjoying a true experience of Himalayan trekking with the beautiful backdrop of Annapurna (8091 m) and Gangapurna (7455 m) and scenic view of buckwheat fields and yaks grazing, you reach Yak Kharka.
The trail from Yak kharka passes through a slender track that moves transversely to an uneven hill followed by an ascent to Thorong Phedi which takes around 4 hours. Thorong Phedi is also known as base of the Thorong La. Himalayan Thar, Horses and yaks can be seen grazing in the meadows along the way. You still follow the beautiful landscapes of kaleidoscopic mountains such as Gangapurna (7455 m), Annapurna III (7555 m) and Annapurna (8091 m).
You have an early start today for the crossing of Thorong La (5416m). The trail becomes steep immediately on leaving your teahouse, but as local people have used this trail for hundreds of years, the path is well defined. The gradient then eases and after around 4 hours of steady climbing, you reach the chorten and prayer flags of the Pass. From the snow-covered mountains above, to the head of the Kali Gandaki valley below and the brown and purple hills of Mustang, which spread out before us, you will be presented with a dramatic tableau at the top of the Pass. The descent to Muktinath is a 1600m trek. But the excellent views of Dhaulagiri, more than makes up for the tiring journey. Not just the astonishing mountain views, in today’s trek you can also have wildlife encounter with Himalayan Thar, Himalayan Birds and if lucky then Snow Leopard as well. Eventually the moraines give way to grassy slopes before a pleasant walk along the Jhong Khola Valley to Muktinath, where your adventurous Annapurna Trek comes to an end. From Muktinath, an hour drive through the Kali Gandaki valley will take you to Jomsom, a large town sprawled along both banks of Kali Gandaki River.
You take an early morning flight to Pokhara (20/25 minutes). It is a spectacular flight along the Kali Gandaki Gorge and provides wonderful views of both Dhaulagiri and Annapurna ranges. Then you will go for the city tour. You will visit the popular landmarks of Pokhara like Devis waterfall, Seti gorge, Bindabasini temple and Guptseshwor Cave.
You will take about half an hour flight to Kathmandu. During the flight you will get the mesmerizing views of Mt. Annapurna, Mt. Machhapuchre, Manaslu. And after reaching Kathmandu you will transfer to hotel.
Our Nepali support team will take you to the airport for your flight home. On the other hand, if you prefer to stay longer, you can go for short tours such as game drive at National parks, rafting, Tibet tours, mountain biking etc., please ask us.
TRIP GRADE: Moderate to Challenging
This is a long Annapurna trek that goes right into high mountain country and over the Thorong La pass (5416m), the highest point on this trek. Physically quite tiring, it involves approx 6-8 hours trekking along rocky ridges. No previous experience is required, you should be moderately fit, used to some regular exercise and enjoy walking in the high-altitude conditions.
TREKKING TYPES
Trekking in Nepal is categorized in three different types based on their way of organization (Camping Trek, Tea House Trek and GAP Trek). Annapurna Circuit Trek is organized in two ways (Tea House Trek and GAP Trek) due to the abundance of accommodation facilities available in the region.
1. Tea House Trek: This trek includes services like guide, food, accommodation in local Tea Houses and porters.
2. GAP Trek: This trek includes services like Guide (G), Accommodation (A) in the Tea Houses, and Porters (P). Food bills are to be paid directly by the client.
ACCOMMODATION
Annapurna trekking doesn’t need tremendous logistics in terms of accommodation as you will find plenty of clean and friendly lodges along the trail. You often have to share rooms but you can also stay in single rooms where possible. Rooms are basic, normally just a bed with a pillow and blankets. A few have electric blanket, hot bags (luxury lodges) and all have a spacious dining room-lounge. We will accommodate you and your group in comfortable local lodge each day. Please remember that some of them are very basic and a sense of adventure is necessary.
FOOD
LODGE TREK:
Meals are included in our price and are taken in lodges available along the trail. You can find a considerable variety of Nepali (rice, curry & lentil, momo, noodles, chapatis etc.) and Western food (pizza, pasta, sandwich, chips, porridge, toast, pancake, soup etc) as well as drinks (coffee, tea, milk, soft drinks, and beer). The Guide suggests you the best option as per the availability.
GAP Trek:
You will have to make your own eating arrangements in the lodges available along the trail. Expect to spend around $25-$30 a day for food. Guide, accommodation and porters are covered in the price.
WATER
On GAP trek and Lodge trek, you will be provided filtered water about 3-4 liters per person per day. The good thing about such water is it doesn’t smell chlorine. We normally use Sawyer Filters. However, you can also buy bottled water in tea houses. You can also bring water purification pills in case you want to drink water from local taps.
PERSONAL EXPENSES– MONEY TO TAKE ON TREK
Money requirement depends largely on type of trek style, duration and trekking region.
For a two-week Annapurna trek, you can take about $200-$300, more if you intend to get more table drinks (alcoholic/non-alcoholic beverages), snacks while walking (a few smaller shops are available along the trail in some areas), souvenirs, battery charge, internet, hot shower (available in some places) etc. If you are on ‘GAP’ trek style you need to pay for all your meals. Approximately $25-$30 a day should be enough to cover your meals. We pay for your accommodation at mountain hut (teahouse) along the trail and bear all the expenses of staffs assigned by us, plus extra bar bills, snacks, hot shower, battery charge, internet etc.
CHANGING MONEY
You can change money at a bank or the money exchange counter in cities like Kathmandu and Pokhara. Many Tourist class Hotels have money exchange facilities. For Trekking, there are banks and exchange counters at major Tourist hubs in Everest and Annapurna regions like Namche, Lukla, Ghorepani and Jomsom. These days, there is availability of ATMs everywhere in Kathmandu, Pokhara and some major trekking hubs.
TIPS
Tips are appreciated by your support team after the completion of your trekking in Nepal. The amount depends on your budget and appreciation of their work. As a suggestion, we advise that you can allocate 5- 10 % of the total tour cost as tips. It is recommended that you talk to the members and hand it over individually as per the hierarchy on the last day of the trek.
GROUP SIZE ON FIXED DEPARTURE
If you opt to join our ‘fixed departure trip’, you are likely to be joining people from different countries of any age group except minors. The size of group varies, minimum no of persons required to operate a trip is 2 the maximum is 15 people.
For a Private Booking, any number size from 1 Pax to 20 is acceptable and can be comfortably organized. We go for special planning for handling group size bigger than 20 Pax.
GROUP LEADER AND CREW
We provide different options concerning leadership in order to match your requirements:
1) Western leader
2) Trained Nepali Trek leader (experienced and knowledgeable)
3) Sherpa Guide (handles the logistics and guides you and your team on the trek)
The Sherpa guide (commonly called Sirdar) will be accompanied by a crew of porters. We provide 1 porter for 2 members.
COMMUNICATION
There are a plenty of telephone facilities in the Annapurna region You can also use Ncell and NTC network (both for internet and mobile network) but they don’t work properly in some places as you go higher. If it is crucial for you to keep in contact with your family or others, we can provide you a mobile satellite phone (rental charge on request).
FLIGHT / LAND TRANSFERS
The starting point of the Annapurna Circuit trek is Chame, which is connected by a 10/11 hours’ drive from Kathmandu. On your return, you will fly from Jomsom to Pokhara. You can choose between flying and driving back from Pokhara to Kathmandu. We will arrange the transportation from your hotel to the airport (Kathmandu). Please check with us for price difference between flying and driving back to Kathmandu.
LUGGAGE WHILE TREKKING
During Annapurna trek, your main luggage will be carried by porter. Please keep your luggage as light as possible around 12 to 15 kgs for flight safety and porter welfare as per IPPG standard. You simply carry a daypack with water bottle, camera, sun-screen, spare jacket etc. You can leave your valuable items at your hotel in Kathmandu while trekking. Many hotels have a locker system and provide a deposit slip for the valuables kept under the hotel’s safekeeping.
TYPICAL DAY ON TREK
Lodge/ Tea House Trek, GAP Trek
A typical day while trekking in Nepal consists of about 7-8 hours of activity. Each morning after packing our bags and having a good breakfast, we set off on the day’s walk. After walking for 3-4 hours we stop for lunch at around midday. The afternoon’s walk is generally shorter and we usually arrive at our destination in time for afternoon tea. The remainder of the afternoon can be spent exploring the village, doing a bit of washing or simply relaxing with a good book. On some days, we will arrive at our destination by lunchtime and the entire afternoon will be free. After dinner, the evening will often be spent playing cards and reliving the day’s adventures, before heading off to bed for a well-earned sleep.
TREKKING GEARS & EQUIPMENT
You will need walking boots, sleeping bag (4 seasons/ -20C rated), waterproof jacket and trousers, fleece jacket, warm hat and gloves, sunglasses, water bottle, sun-screen and day pack. Comprehensive list of equipment will be provided once you book your trip. It’s not necessary to spend a lot of money buying extra equipment and clothing before your trip. Majority of these gears can be bought or hired at reasonable rates in Kathmandu.
GEARS AVAILABLE IN KATHMANDU
There are numerous suppliers of trekking gears in Kathmandu supplying genuine branded items or imitations depending on your choice and price. You can get anything from down jackets and sleeping bags to socks or thermal wears that you need for your trek. They might not be the best but good enough for the trek considering the price.
TREK SECURITY
Security of our clients is our foremost priority. All our guides are licensed by Nepal Government. Our guides and support crew are carefully chosen for your trips. They will ensure your safety and security throughout your trip.
During the Annapurna trek, you will be sleeping in local teahouses. You have to take precautions yourself at all times. Never leave your baggage unattended and keep your lodge room locked when you go out.
MEETING AND GREETING AT AIRPORT
You need to pass on your international flight details to us for a “meeting and greeting” service at airport. You just pass the customs desk and come out of the terminal building where you will see someone standing with a placard with either ‘Explore Himalaya’ or your name written on it. Our airport representative or tour officer will greet you and welcome you with a garland.
TREK DURATION
We ensure liability as indicated in itinerary and list of services. If the holiday is cut short or completed earlier than the projected period upon client’s wish, we shall not be responsible or make refund against unutilized days or services. Clients need to pay for hotels/services incurred in Kathmandu or elsewhere in such cases.
CLIMATE AND BEST TIME TO GO
The best seasons for trekking in Nepal are Autumn (from mid-September till November end), and Spring (from the beginning of March until mid-May). Temperatures will drop considerably as you trek higher every day. The nights are cold (between -10 C to 5C) but the days are sunny and hot (between 10C to 20C). The mornings are usually clear, with clouds building up during the afternoon, disappearing at night. Trekking during the monsoon and winter is not recommended, as the visibility during monsoon is limited, upper parts and high passes could be covered with snow in winter. March, April, October and November are the most favored months. Please choose the date that is convenient for you.
ITINERARY CHANGES
The itinerary for this Annapurna trekis a standard itinerary. Depending on the prevailing situation while on trek, you can modify it to some extent after consulting with your guide. However, the date of trek completion should always coincide with the original itinerary. You should keep in mind that this is an adventure trip into the remotest region, where many unforeseen events may contribute to the need for a change in itinerary. In such cases, we or your guide will suggest the best alternative similar to your original.
HEALTH ISSUES AND VACCINATIONS
As vaccination requirements change frequently, we suggest you consult your doctor at least 2 months prior to the beginning of your trip. We recommend protection against malaria, tetanus, typhoid, hepatitis and polio. The main health consideration during the Annapurna Trekking is Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS). You may experience some mild symptoms initially, such as headache, lethargy, nausea and difficulty sleeping, but these should lessen within a few days. To avoid Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS), people take pills called ‘Diamox’. You can also use these pills after consulting with your doctor and purchase them in Kathmandu. Our itinerary will allow your body to acclimatize properly and handle the low oxygen rate.
If you have ever suffered from altitude sickness, or have a heart or breathing complaint, we highly recommend you to consult your doctor about your suitability for trekking in high altitude areas before booking. We suggest that you take some pain-killing pills with you and enough medicine for cold, diarrhea, nausea and fever. Some nasal ointment and throat-moistening pills will greatly help for those who are sensitive to chilly or freezing weather conditions.
FIRST AID KIT
We supply a medical bag with standard medicines prescribed by trekking doctors and a user’s manual. Since our staffs/guides are not qualified for suggesting medications to western clients, we would request you to use the medicines upon your own risk. It is safer and more reliable if you have your own medicine kit and not depend on what we have.
VISA
All visitors except the Indian nationals must hold passport and valid visa. Visa can be obtained at the Nepalese diplomatic missions and consulates abroad. You can also get “On Arrival Visa” at entry points. For doing Annapurna Trek, you can come with a 30 days visa which costs US $ 50. You should have a passport size photo to get it at airport upon arrival. Some countries’ nationals need to get visa prior their arrival. Please check http://www.nepalimmigration.gov.np/page/tourist-visa for detailed information.
JOIN A GROUP OR PRIVATE TRIP
Our trips are available on both fixed departure and private basis. If you are looking for a group to join this Annapurna Trek, please check our ‘Fixed departures’ link for availability, dates and price. If you would like to travel independently, or with your friends, families & colleagues, you are invited to choose any of the trips at your convenient timeframe for any number of people (minimum 1 & maximum 20 at a time). If you want to do something that is not included in our trip list, we are ready to tailor your trip to suit your exact requirements. In short, we will make every effort to meet your needs.
RESCUE / EVACUATIONS
We take your safety and security very seriously, and make sure that nothing untoward happen to you. However, if anything serious like sickness or a casualty occurs, we will do everything to transfer you to the nearest hospital. As you are responsible for all the expenses incurred in evacuation, please make sure that it is covered by your insurance before assigning for it.
INSURANCE
Before joining this short Annapurna Trekking, we recommend you take a travel insurance which should cover cancellation, medical expenses, helicopter evacuation and emergency repatriation. Our staff will collect your insurance details before you leave for the trek.
RESPONSIBLE TRAVEL
We are among the few companies in Nepal to receive Travelife Certificate Award https://www.travelife.info for our long-term efforts in sustainable practices.
1. Care for porters and staffs
We ensure that all the porters and other staffs going into high altitude conditions during theAnnapurna treks are provided with adequate clothing and equipment.All our porters carry less than 30 kg and underage porters are strictly prohibited in our operations. We run the trek according to the guidelines of the International Porter Protection group (IPPG – www.ippg.net)
2. Environmental Responsibility
Wonderful environment of the Himalayas is also an extremely fragile one. Increasing population density and numbers of trekkers threaten the very beauty of Nepal. At Explore Himalaya, we are extremely conscious about the environment and aim to minimize our impact as much as possible. As deforestation is one of the greatest environmental threats, we do not have campfires and use LPG gas or kerosene for cooking as an alternative fuel to wood. We don’t use plastic bottles. We also discourage trekkers from using wood-fuelled hot showers in lodges along the way. Many lodges, however, now provide solar hot showers, a far more eco-friendly alternative.
Garbage disposal is another major problem and some of the busier trails can, at times, appear strewn with litter. Our staff members are well motivated towards eco-friendly practices. Our staff carry garbage bag with them all the time and collect our garbage and other litters they find on trail, and dispose them on the designated area. We also volunteer to bring garbage down to Lukla while returning back. Our aim is to help protect and preserve this beautiful environment for future generations of trekkers to enjoy.
3. Social Responsibility
Explore Himalaya works with the motto ‘Development through Tourism’. Keeping in line with this motto, Explore Himalaya Community Service Project (EHCSP) has been conceived to empower underprivileged, marginalized, poor and minority segments of Nepal.
Since its inception, EHCSP has been incessantly facilitating and advocating for school education, health, community development, forest conservation, agro practices and culture preservation. A certain amount of your trip money goes to these projects. For more details on our CSR initiatives, please visit https://www.explorehimalaya.com/csr/
• Lodge trek with guide, accommodation & porters only (Standard rooms on twin sharing)
• All meals during Annapurna trekonly
• English speaking local expert guide, porters (2 members= 1 porter: 15 kg only per member)
• Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP)
• Trekkers’ Information Management System fees (TIMS)
• Transfer from Kathmandu to Besisahar by private vehicle
• Pokhara to Kathmandu Airfare
• Trek transfers as per the itinerary
• 3 nights hotel accommodations in Kathmandu (3*) on twin sharing with breakfast
• 1 night hotel accommodation in Pokhara (3*) on twin sharing with breakfast
• 1 sightseeing tour in Kathmandu with English speaking local guide
• Entrance fees to sightseeing monuments
• Airport transfers and tour transfers in private vehicle
• Insurance for all staff & porters
• Equipment & clothing for all staff& porters
• First Aid Kit bag carried by guide
• Nepal visa fees
• International flight and airport taxes
• Lunch and dinner in Kathmandu and Pokhara
• Personal expenses (like, communication, laundry, bar bills, internet, camera/mobile battery recharge, hot water/shower on trek, extra meals, snacks while walking etc.)
• Personal gears & clothing
• Tips for guide, porters, drivers, local staff etc.
• Personal insurance and medical expenses
• Any expenses incurred in emergency evacuation/rescue due to any unforeseen reasons
• Any other services other than mentioned under “Price Includes”
Your booking of this Annapurna Circuit Trek will be confirmed by email once we receive your deposit of $500 and the signed copy of booking form and contract. The balance is due no later than two months prior to departure. If you book a tour less than 2 months prior to departure, you must send the full payment within 7 days of confirmation by us.
If you cancel your booking, the following scale of charges will apply: • 2 months before departure – Loss of deposit (US$ 500) • 29 days to 2 months before departure – 30% of total trip cost • 10 to 28 days before departure – 60% of total trip cost • Less than 10 days before departure – 100% of total trip cost
In addition to your Annapurna Trek, we can organize extensions both within Nepal, Tibet, Bhutan etc. You may want to try water rafting or a jungle safari in Nepal or Nepal Cultural Tour. You may as well take a trip to Tibet or Bhutan, whichever seems more appealing to you.
It is fundamental to acknowledge that Annapurna Trekkingis an adventure tour. This requires some flexibility. The day to day itinerary is taken only as a guideline. We cannot be held responsible for any delays caused by International or domestic flights, strikes, Government regulations, weather or natural casualties etc. In such cases, Explore Himalaya shall provide suitable alternatives which will be decided upon mutual agreement. If you have any questions regarding this trip, please feel free to contact us at enquiry@explorehimalaya.com or directly by phone: +977-1-4418100. We answer all enquiries within 24 hours.
Annapurna region lies in the western part of Nepal covering Gandaki and Dhaulagiri zones. Known around the world for its exemplary trekking trails, the region boasts of being the home to some of the highest peaks in the world including Annapurna, world’s deepest Valley Kali Gandaki river Valley, world’s highest navigable Pass Thorong-la, world’s highest freshwater lake Tilicho, diverse flora and fauna and the native homeland of world class Gurkha tribe the Gurungs and Magars. The region is regulated and managed by Annapurna Conservation Area Project, the first Conservation Area and the largest protected area of Nepal. The region’s biological diversity complimented by equally fascinating cultural diversity have made it a dream destination for trekking in Nepal.
The climatic zone that you find during Annapurna Trek varies from subtropical to alpine. The southern slopes of the area has the highest rainfall rate in the country- 3000mm per year, whereas the northern slopes lying in the rain shadow has the lowest rate – less than 300mm per year. The difference in the climatic conditions in this region is responsible for its varied flora and fauna. The Annapurna region possesses a variety of flora and fauna. It stretches from the subtropical lowlands and the high temperate rhododendron forest in the south, to a dry alpine steppe environment in the North. The Southern lowlands are lush with subtropical forests consisting of chirpine and alder. In the Northern highlands temperate forests of oaks, rhododendron, fir, and blue pine are found. The wet regions yield a variety of bamboo species. The higher altitude further North give rise to forests of birch, blue pine and juniper trees, which are replaced by juniper and rhododendron in the far North. In the semi-desert rain shadow region, behind the Himalayas, bushes of caragana and juniper species are evident. It has several species of wildlife. There are around four hundred and seventy-four species of birds, and around a hundred species of mammals. The Annapurna region serves as an excellent habitat for rare and endangered mammals like the snow leopard, musk deer, blue sheep, red panda and many of Nepal’s brilliantly plumaged pheasants.
The Annapurna massif contains six major peaks over 7,200 m: Annapurna I (8091m), Annapurna II (7937m), Annapurna III (7555m), Annapurna IV (7525m), Gangapurna (7455m) and Annapurna South (7219m), all of which can be seen at close quarters during Annapurna Base Camp Trek. Annapurna I, standing at a height of 8,091 m, is the tenth highest summit in the world. It is located east of a great gorge cut through the Himalaya by the Kali Gandaki River, which separates it from the Dhaulagiri massif.
Annapurna was the first 8000m peak scaled by a climber. Till 1948, Nepal was closed to all foreigners. It was in the year 1949 that the kingdom opened its doors to mountaineers. In that year two foreign teams received permission to enter the country, one Swiss and another American. In 1950, a French mountaineering team led by Maurice Herzog succeeded in climbing Annapurna, an 8000m peak. They had no information about the peak they would climb. With little or no information, they decided to take on the Annapurna. On 3rd June, Maurice Herzog and Louis Lachenel reached the summit of Annapurna I, after climbing for eight hours. They had to suffer from severe frostbite which cost Maurice Herzog his toes and fingers. Herzog has written about the climb in his book The Conquest of Annapurna 1950.
Annapurna II, the eastern anchor of the range, was first climbed in 1960 by a British/Indian/Nepali team led by Jimmy Roberts, via the West Ridge, approached from the north. Annapurna III was first climbed in 1961 by an Indian expedition team led by Mohan Kohli. The summit party comprised Mohan Kohli, Sonam Gyatso, and Sonam Girmi. They climbed from the Northeast Face.
Tharpu Chuli (Tent Peak), shaped like a tent, at 5663m is an ideal peak for a short expedition. Lying across the Annapurna glacier, the peak offers excellent views of its neighboring peaks from its summit.
Pisang Peak (6091m) forms part of Manang Himal. Towering above the Marshyangdi valley, this peak was first ascended by J. Wellenkamp, a German climber, in 1955.The start of the ascent to this peak starts at a village which shares its name: Pisang.
Machhapuchhre (6997m) Machhapuchhre lies in the center of the Annapurna Himal. Machhapuchhre possesses the rare beauty that makes it one of the world’s most photographed peaks. In 1957 Wilfred Noyce and David Cox climbed Machhapuchhre (6997m) up to about 6947m, within 50m of its summit. After this attempt, the government prohibited further climbing the mountain on the ground of it being sacred to locals. So, technically Machhapuchhre is unclimbed.
Poon Hill (3193m) is the westernmost crest of a spur that juts into the Kali Gandaki. The hill is named after the Magars called Poon, who lives in that area. To watch the sunrise over the Dhaulagiri and Annapurna Himal from this hill is an experience of a lifetime.
ACAP was established in 1986 under the guidance of King Mahendra Trust for Nature Conservation. The project encompasses more than 7600 sq km. of the Annapurna range. As an innovative approach towards environmental protection, this area was declared a “conservation area” instead of a national park. In an effort to avoid any conflicts of interest, ACAP has sought the involvement of local people and has emphasized environmental education. ACAP projects include the training of lodge owners, with an emphasis on sanitation, deforestation and cultural pride. They have trained trekking lodge operators and encouraged hoteliers to charge a fair price for food and accommodation. ACAP encourages the use of kerosene/gas for cooking and made its use compulsory above Chhomrong in the Annapurna Sanctuary and on the route between Ghandruk and Ghorapani. ACAP is supported by ACAP entry fee collected from all trekkers who obtain permits for the Annapurna treks.
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