Annapurna Circuit Trek would be an adventurous and mind-refreshing trek in the Annapurna region. Annapurna Region is one of Nepal's most geographically and culturally diverse regions. Manang Annapurna circuit route was first opened to foreigners in the early 1980s. Trekkers have been praising the 128-mile course that circles Nepal’s paradise high Annapurna as the heavenly vessel of trekking since it was first opened to the non-natives in the mid-1980s.
The Annapurna Circuit Trek itinerary explores Nepal's Himalayan wonderland, typically spanning 14 to 16 days. Our 16-day Annapurna circuit trek with Tilicho Lake will take us through charming villages, terraced fields, rhododendron forests, and the challenging Thorong La Pass at 5,416m (17,689), the highest point of the Annapurna circuit where you can see mountains reflecting the sun's rays and the picturesque scenes of the tallest mountains. Due to its length, high altitude, and varying terrain, the Annapurna Circuit trekking is moderate to difficult.
Annapurna region trek offers breathtaking vistas of Annapurna Massif (8,091 meters-26545 feet), Dhaulagiri (8,167 meters-26794 feet), Manaslu (8,163 meters-26781 feet), and Tilicho Peak. After passing through the arid Mustang region, Tilicho Lake, Muktinath, narrow cobbled streets, apple orchards, and hot springs at Tatopani, the journey continues to Poon Hill Viewpoint. You can also enjoy and see exotic wildlife, innumerable rivers, stunning waterfalls, and the deepest gorge in the world, the Kali Gandaki Gorge.
The Annapurna Circuit Nepal, a renowned trekking route in the majestic Himalayas of Nepal, offers a breathtaking journey through diverse landscapes, picturesque villages, and the Annapurna range. The circuit encompasses a variety of terrains, from lush valleys to arid highlands, providing trekkers with an unforgettable experience of nature's beauty and cultural richness. To navigate this captivating trail, the Northern Trekking Team offers a comprehensive and reliable Annapurna Circuit Map, guiding adventurers through the intricacies of the route and ensuring a safe and awe-inspiring expedition amidst some of the world's most awe-inspiring scenery.
Completing 16 Days Annapurna Circuit Trekking requires a trekking permit to enter Nepal Annapurna conservation area. The trekking permit for Annapurna Circuit can be obtained from the Nepal Tourism Board in Kathmandu or Pokhara, or from the immigration office in Besisahar, which is the starting point of the trek.
Two types of permits are required for the Annapurna Circuit Trek: the Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) and the Trekkers' Information Management System (TIMS) card. The ACAP costs around NPR 3,000 for foreign nationals and the TIMS card costs around NPR 2,000. Both permits are necessary to enter the Annapurna Conservation Area.
Namaste and welcome to Nepal. Northern Trekking Team will receive you at Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA) and will transfer you to the hotel.
You can stroll around the streets of Thamel if time permits. Thamel is the key touristic site in Kathmandu.
We will introduce you to the guide who will get you to the Annapurna region under the Annapurna Circuit Trek package. He will assure all the requirements prior to the trek.
We will reach Jagat by road. It will take nearly 9 to10 hours to get there from the capital, Kathmandu. You will get an opportunity to acquaint yourself with countryside Nepal while on this ride.
Here begins our trekking! After breakfast, we proceed toward Dharapani. We will be entering into Manang district and is also known as the desert area of Nepal due to least rainfall. Waterfalls on the way to Dharapani is quite fascinating for trekkers. Crossing Kodo and walking for a few more minutes, we reach in Dharapani.
Trek today will attract you as you will get an astounding view of a couple of minor peaks while on the way to Chame. It (Chame) is the headquarter of the Manang district. Gurungs are the major inhabitants of this place. There are popular for valor and unique culture and traditions.
Before arriving in Chame we have to experience a steep climb for roughly two hours from Danakyu. It will lead us to Tamang village followed by Chame.
Ah! What a pleasant hike! As we proceed toward Pisang, we will start getting closer views of Annapurna II (7,937m-26040ft) at South and Paung Danda at north-east. Despite a few up and down, we will be walking on a flat trail.
Nawal village is the first on the way destination to Manang. Gurung, Magar, and Ghyarung are the major natives of this small settlement, Nawal. As we head further, the site will gradually unfold the majestic view of mountains.
Manang will present the beauty of Annapurna II and IV, Gangapurna, Tilicho Peak. Gangapurna and Tilicho glaciers.
Acclimatization is most while on the trek as it will help your body to adjust with increasing elevation. Despite the rest day, we will be going for a short hike. You will be visiting monasteries that will reveal the grip of Tibetan Buddhism in this part of the country. We will also pave the way to Ice Lake.
Hold your breathe and have patience! You will be passing through challenging trail today. The path is not even of a foot at some places and you have to cautiously put your feet. But the best part of mastering this trail is that it will reward you with an astounding view of Tilicho Peak.
We will start our hike early in the morning as this will help us to avoid wind that blows harshly during noon. It will take us nearly four hours to get to Tilicho Lake. We return to Base Camp after spending a couple of minutes and back to base camp.
It is a relatively easy trail as we will be a following ascending trail. We cross Jarsang Khola Valley and arrive at Yak-Kharka leaving Marshyangdi Valley beyond. The view of Annapurna III is truly mesmerizing.
The initial part of the trek is an uphill climb which will bring us to Ledar village. We walk for a few more hours to enter the village of Thorong Phedi which is the last settlement before Thorong La Pass. Major attractions of this place are Mt. Gundang, Mt. Syagang, Thorung Peak, and Mt. Khatungkan.
So, are you ready for the pass, Thorong La Pass? You have to be because uneasiness will lead you nowhere and the only way out is to master the challenge. We will be crossing the pass from Manang to Muktinath—east to west. The spectacular view that you will experience from the pass-the highest point of the trek is something which could not be expressed in words. In short, marvelous.
Muktinath is a religious site of this country. It is a common shrine of both—Hindus and Buddhists. Lord Bishnu (Hindu god) is worshipped here and the priest performs rituals based on Buddhism.
Trek to Jomsom is really a great experience and quite easy. The destination, Jomsom, is popular for an apple orchard and local wine made of apple. You can enjoy the wine today.
It is scenic but thrilling drive as the road is uneven at some places. Despite this, the experience of a ride at this part of the world is worth. We will be in Pokhara by late noon.
Early in the morning, we will catch a tourist bus to get in Kathmandu. By 2 pm you will be in a capital where you can roam around. We will offer you a farewell dinner in the evening.