Head
Warm Hat
Cap
Face Mask / Muffler
Khumbu Alpine Travel has made two kinds of trips to Annapurna Circuit. One is a flight back by Plane from Jomsom and another is a whole round trip by walk. The Annapurna Circuit Trek part 2 trip is a whole round walk. It is an anti-clockwise round of the Annapurna region. Our trip starts from Kathmandu by Vehicle drive to a Place called Besisahar. These days the vehicle roads are available place till 5 days of walking from Besisahar but because of the rough track, we prefer to walk while exploring and enjoying natural beauties as well as local customs and culture. From Besisahar our trip begins within the Annapurna mountain range of central Nepal. This is a long trek for travelers. The trek rises to an altitude of 5,416m on the Thorung La pass, touching the edge of the Tibetan plateau. Our trail follows the Marsyangdi River to Manang, trekking trails are filled with lush vegetation and fields. After acclimatizing in Manang our trip moved forward towards Tilicho Lake which is the highest-located lake(4949 Mtr). After 16 days of soft walking on the beautiful trail that leads us to the Thorong La Pass, one of the highest passes in the mountain. Crossing the Thorangla pass and descending to Muktinath temple is sacred to both Hindu and Buddhist people with the wonder of amazement at the presence of 108 small waterfalls and mysterious natural gas fires. Now our trip moves forward toward Down Valley through the world's deepest Kaligandaki gorge and natural hot spring. After enjoying the hot spring again our trail takes us on to steep climb toward Gorepani Poon hill which provides us with a spectacular massif Annapurna himalayan range. Having all done this we will head down to Pokhara to end our trip. If we get to Pokhara on time, we would get a chance to do a variety of activities such as Paragliding, Bungee Jumping, Zip flyer, Boating, and sightseeing around the city. The next day our flights to Kathmandu will be early for final departure.
Day 1
Upon your arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport, Our airport representative will be there with a name board and drop us in hotel. After check in we may roaming out in Thamel,tourist hub in Kathmandu for some shoping of clothes or gears. . There will be a full trek briefing this evening .After that We will host the welcome dinner in excellent nepali restaurant.
Day 2
After breakfast, our city tour guide with the luxury vehicle will come to pick you up for the city sightseeing of some UNESCO world heritage sites including the historic Durbar Square, the sacred Hindu temple of Pashupatinath, the famous 'Monkey Temple' (Swayambhunath) and Buddhist shrine (BouddhaNath) which is one of the largest stupas in the world for half day. After that your free time for leisure and gear preparation for the trek. ( Exchanging the money, shopping, gear check etc)
Day 3
Duration: 5 hours Drive to Besisahar then 2 hours trek
Walking Dis: 7 KM
Elevation Loss: 600 Mtr
Our journey begins today to the western side of Nepal by drive in a Luxury vehicle to Besisahar for maximum 5 hours from Kathmandu along the Prithivi highway. The condition of highway is smooth.We will have the lunch before getting to BesiSahar in Bimalanagar.From besi sahar our trips begin with smooth walk up to Khudi in Marshyangdi river overnight stay in Khudi just 2 hours.
Day 4
Duration: 6 hours trek
Walking Dis: 8 KM
Elevation gain: 300 Mtr
Easy start from Khudi along the Marshyangdi river with naturally beautiful scenery passing several villages, steep climb up to Bahudanda at the top of the formidable ridge. It is settlement of Gurung community, where we can explore the culture, tradition and lifestyle of people of western Nepal.
Day 5
Duration: 5 hours trek
Walking Dis: 7.5 KM
Elevation gain: 200 Mtr
Our day begins with descends, crossing the terrace,crossing the Marshyangdi river continue walk along the river.Now we meet the motor road to go to Manang.Should always try to walk from hill side.After lunch steep climb with zigzag path with gradual up in some section. We get up to our camp for tonight.
Day 6
Duration: 5 hours trek
Walking Dis: 7.5 KM
Elevation gain : 500 Mtr
Our walk begins with descend for while to cross the another suspension bridge over Marshyangdi river again with beautiful scenery and a range of gradients. We are in non motorable road now. We enjoy the walk along the river for while until we climb up in steep zigzag path up to beautiful valley of flat land of Tal which is the first village of Manang district. Many spectacular waterfalls are here to enjoy after the rain fall.
Day 7
Duration: 7 hours trek
Walking Dis: 14 KM
Elevation gain : 1010 Mtr
We past this flat and wide valley , our track goes on bank of the river , crossing to left side of river. Continue walk along the river gets up in Dharapani, from where the way to Mount Manaslu starts. Crossing of several villages of typical flat roofed stone houses with traditional chortens ( Stupas) , our steps onwards to northward.Steep zigzag climbs begins for 1.5 hours to get to beautiful highland village Timang, from where we can explore the view of Mount Manaslu and beautiful landscape.
Day 8
Duration: 3hours trek
Walking Dis: 12 KM
Elevation loss : 10Mtr
Begins to walk in the forest, gradually ascending as usual , it takes 4 hours to get to this beautiful village , headquater of Manang district. From where we can view the Mount Annapurna2, and there are two hot spring as well .
Day 9
Duration: 6 hours trek
Walking Dis: 13.7 KM
Elevation gain: 600 Mtr
We start our journey through the forest in steep and narrow valley, Crossing several bridges.We enter in different landscape with beautiful scenery of giant rock face ,some rocky mountains, we get up to this beautiful Pisang village in the flat land.
Day 10
Duration: 5 hours trek
Walking Dis: 11 KM
Elevation gain : 240 Mtr
Now we enter in different landscape , tree line is over, feels like dry. Todays walk up to Manang village is gradual up, No steeps , no descents. We feel this landscape as another land, another country as the tradition ,culture,lifestyle of the people of here are different. The mostly mouses are made stone and mud with flat roof top.
Day 11
We walk up to some higher altitudes for the acclimatization and explore some local cultures and traditions. Remaining days for full rest.
Day 12
Duration: 5 hours trek
Walking Dis: 9 KM
Elevation gain : 520 Mtr
The trail begins to steep climb passing out of Manang to our journey to Tilicho lake.( Worlds highest located lake) Crossing the bridge , Straight ahead in steep slopes with great view of Mount Gangapurna,Annapurna IV,II. After passing the khangsar village, the trail steeply past the Monastery and small stupas,mani walls through juniper and sea buckthorn bushes we arrive in shiri Kharka where we spend the night before Tilicho lake
Day 13
Duration: 4 hours trek
Walking Dis: 6 KM
Elevation gain: 80 Mtr
Our journey begins after the breakfast crossing some streams,zigzags trail brings us in Tilicho basecamp.Where we spend night and enjoy the view of Tilicho Mountains and many others
Day 14
Duration: 8 hours trek
Walking Dis: 12 KM
Elevation gain: 809 Mtr while in Tilicho lake
Elevation loss: 80 Mtr
We have a day trip to Tilicho lake and retrace the trip to Shrikharka where we stayed on the way up.The path to the Tilicho starts quite early with walk on traverse onto a moraine,long climb up to Lake.After spending the memorial moments in Tilicho lakes and explore the views of surrounding mountains we steps downwards towards Shrikarka.
Day 15
Duration: 5 hours trek
Walking Dis: 8 KM
Elevation Loss: 140 Mtr
Today we follow the same trails that we took on the way up. The trail follows the Marshyangdi valley to the north, passing old Khangsar and following the unmarked trail which will bring us in bridge over the marshyangdi river. The views of Annapurna III is amazing.Yak Kharka where we spend night.
Day 16
Duration: 5 hours trek
Walking Dis: 10 KM
Elevation gain: 400 Mtr
Our day starts with walking on pastureland , which is grazing land for yaks, sheeps and horses. Our trails goes on graudual up , after crossing the suspension bridg should walk in small trail in steep slopes gradually up all the way to Thorang phedi ( Basecamp) on terminal moraine,rocks Which is the second last point before crossing the Thorang Pass.
Day 17
Duration: 2 hours trek
Walking Dis: 3 KM
Elevation gain : 450 Mtr
Not long walk but walking in altitude is much harder. Our day starts with steep climb up to Thorang highcamp which in 2 hours from Thorang Basecamp.Walk around in evening for some sunset views of beautiful mountain.
Day 18
Duration: 9 hours trek
Walking Dis: 15 KM
Elevation gain :566 Mtr while in Thorang La
Elevation Loss : 1050 Mtr
Quite a long day as we going to cross over the Thorang la(5416 Meter). We begins our day quite early after the breakfast.We climb up , the trails on the terminal moraine glacier to the pass. Steep climb in some part, mostly zigzag, Normally the walk on glacier is much harder.Views are amazing from the summit of pass. We descent steep down for three more hours to get in flat and normal track. Muktinath temple is one of the most popular sites for both hindusm and budhism where there is naturally burning fire, and 108 water flown tap
Day 19
Duration: 5 hours trek
Walking Dis: 7.5 KM
Elevation Loss: 1080 Mtr
Easy walk after the late breakfast. We descent gradually down towards kaghbeni, one of the unique and beautiful settlement in the bank of Kaligandaki river in junction of way to upper mustang.It is too windy place in every time. Again easy walk in flat lands about 2 hours from khagbeni , we get to this beautiful Jomsom town.Our last night of the trek before flight to Pokhara.
Day 20
Duration: 2 hours trek
Walking Dis: 7.5 KM
Elevation Loss: 156 Mtr
Descending gradually down following the Kaligandaki river, We walk down in motorable road and option to hire the jeep to our destination but the road is not that excellent. Should be careful, walk always on the hillside. Most of the settlements upon here are Gurung and Thakali.
Day 21
Duration: 4 hours trek
Walking Dis: 7.5 KM
Elevation Loss: 534 Mtr
We still walk on the motorable road along the Kaligandaki River. We have an option to ride the Jeep until Ghasa but the road is not that satisfactory.
Day 22
Duration: 5 hours trek
Walking Dis: 13 KM
Elevation loss:800 Mtr
We have the option to take jeep again to Tato Pani. Where there is hot spring, we can go there for enjoy the bathing, and over night stay in Tato pani.
Day 23
Duration: 8 hours trek
Walking Dis: 15 KM
Elevation gain: 1655 Mtr
The motorable road is over, Our journey begins towards Gorepani Poon hill view point which is one of the best view point of Annapurna range. Today we have no other trails than steep climb in forest for birch, rhododendron and pine forest.
Day 24
Duration: 5.5 hours trek
Walking Dis: 14 KM
Elevation Loss: 915 Mtr
Early in the morning quick hike up to Poonhill viewpoint, which takes 40 minutes walks from Gorepani. Spend there for moments to explore the views and take photos. After get down to Gorepani again , we take step towards Gandruk, one of the popular and beautiful Gurung village. The trails goes steep climb about one hour in forest, then steep down all the way down to Gandruk with zigzag steep down. This is our last night in the village in this trip.
Day 25
We still have go down till Nayapul, sometimes get chance to ride the Jeep from Gandruk as well. From there we directly go to Pokhara. Pokhara is one of the beautiful city of nepal , having lots of beautiful natural features as well as many kinds of adventure activities such as ultra light flying,boating, paragliding, bunjee jumping, Zip flying and so on. We can roam out for these varieties of activities in pokhara.
Day 26
After breakfast, we will be again transfer to airport for the flight to Kathmandu. Trip is over now, you can take your own time for shoppinp,sightseeing and relaxing in Kathmandu.Thamel area is full of shops and restaurants and coffee shops for those who want a more relaxing day.We will have the farewell dinner in typical Nepali restaurant with nepali cultural music and dances to celebrate the successful completion of our journey.
Day 27
Transfer to airport for final departure.
Warm Hat
Cap
Face Mask / Muffler
Wind stopper/Waterproof Jacket
Down Jacket
Fleece Jacket/ trousers
Thermol
T-shirts
Woolen gloves/Water/wind proof gloves
Trekking Trousers(light weight long Paint)
Underwear
Wind stopper/waterproof Paint
Fleece or woolen pants
Thin Lightwear/heavy poly or wool Socks
Sandals
Trekking Boot
Gaiters
Spare Shoes
Medium Rucksack (50-70 Ltr)
Small Day Pack
Personal Medical Kit
Chapstick/Sunscreen
Water bottle
Large Duffel bag
Trekking Pole
Spare batteries for the Camera and Flash Light
Hand Towel
Head lamp with extra Batteries
Sun Glasses with UV protection
Suitcase (For stored in Kathmandu hotel for not needed items for trek)
Annapurna region in Nepal is a popular destination for trekkers and climbers from all over the world. Every year thousands of trekkers and climbers come to Annapurna region to explore the beautiful Himalayan range as well as wonder natural beauties. The main attraction of this trek is Tilicho Lake, a view from Poon hill, Annapurna Himalayan range, Muktinath temple, and Thorang la pass (5416 Mtr). As we cross the Thorang la pass we reach another district, the landscape and geographical structure are different.
In Nepal, there are four different seasons such as Spring, Summer, Autumn and winter. Spring and Autumn are most popular for trekking in Nepal.But the best season of your travel might be differ as per your purpose and your suitable time for travelling in Nepal.
To enter in Annapurna area, we have to take several permits as follows.
1) Annapurna conservation area project permit
2) Trekking information and Management services (TIMS)
Safety is our first concern. As we provide the experienced guides and leaders for the particular trip who are well trained about the high altitude sickness, first aid ,friendly attitude and ability to provide useful and important instructions. All our itineraries are designed with proper acclimatization days in order to reduce the risk of altitude sickness. In every group we provide the first aid kit bag incase of any injury and emergency.We make the proper decision according the regular updated weather report, if there is any chances of big snow falls or stroms, we decide and do the action as per the situation.
Along the trail to Annapurna circuit , there are well facilited lodges are available with various types of foods. We provide you three meals a day with your own choice. We always provide the seasonal fruits as well. We always book in lodges with well management and facilities. if you buy single supplementory package you will get single room. But single rooms are very hard to get, sometimes we should share with another person/group.
After your arrival in Kathmandu airport, we recommand to buy One ncell sim card. In Annapurna circuit region, Ncell works in some parts, but internet services is available in every lodges.
You can pay by oriegn currency as well, but the exchange rate will not be same as Kathmandu, so we recommand you to exchage the money in kathmandu and take a nepalese Rupees. In annapurna region credit cards are accepted only in some place.
Spring season starts from March, but until third week of march tempreture will still be cold even in day time. But actually tempreture depends on weather, if weatheris mild tempreture ranges from 10-15 Degree Centigrate.If the weather is clear, days will be warm.After the April it will be warm with sunny weather. Especially in Morning and Evening time will be little cold.
Autumn season starts from September, September will still be warm even the weather is not good. From october normally in morning and everning will be cold.
1) Physical Fitness
One should be physically fit before to do the any trekking and mountaineering. It is long hike so without any training the first two/three days will tough for you. So some basic physical fitness like squat, Mountain climbers ( which can be done in home),running,biking , stair climbing,and swiming will help lot to do trekking in the mountains, so it is highly recommanded 2/3 months prior to your departure for the trekking or mountaineering.
(2)Foods and Drinks
While in the mountain, it is highly recommanded you to drink plenty of fluids like water,soups, teas as well as foods. We will provide the sufficient and hygiene food as per your choice in whole trek.However some private snacks as chocolates bars, cookies are also highly recommanded which you can take from kathmandu or you can buy on the way in lodges or in shops.
(3)Drinking water
One should drink at least 3-4 litres of water every day in order to get hydrated the body which helps lot to be away from altitude sickness.Although bottled waters are not highly recommanded as well as we are environmentally sensitive. But in Annapurna region the bottled mineral water is not in. We highly recommend you to carry the reusable water bottle and buy boiled water in lodges/teahouse which also makes your sleeping bag very warm while going to bed, to use sterpin or take chlorine or iodine tablets to purify the drinking water and there is facility of filtered water on the way for Rs 50 Per litre( equivalent to 50 Cents).
(4)Best time to Travel
Spring ( Mar-May)and Autumn ( Sep- Nov) are known as best months to trek in Nepal becuase of the stable clear dry skies which permits to enjoy the spectacular mountain views but mostly lodges, hotels and trails are busy and crowded. Spring season is pleasant and suitable with warm tempreture for trekking and climbing the big mountains as well. At this time in every mountain there will be groups to climbing and conquering the summits. Untill end of october, the tempreture will be mild cold. Weather will be stable with clear blue sky, dry at the same time you will get the chance to experience the many hidus festivals like dashain and Tihar. In spring the rhododendron forest covering the whole area in Annapurna basecamp and Gorepani area.Winter and summer are also good if you would prefer less crowdy, and ready to face the some challanges like snow, cold, and rain.Even in winter weather will always be clear but the these three months are coldest month of the year and sometimes snow falls. In Summer, It is very good to do trekking, tempreture will be warm, those who are keen to botanist, summer is the best but the due to unstable weather the views of mountains are very rare.
5) Altitude Sickness
Trekking in Annapurna circuit area is one of the popular trekking in world.In high altitude , the mass of oxygen will be less, so everyone feels difficult to breath as well as mild headache, dizziness etc.This is one of the biggest challanges in mountain.In the altitude, there are many rules to make our body adaptable to the altitude. Acclimatization is one of the important factor to adjust our body get used to the altitude. All our itineries are designed with proper acclimatization.The most important rules that we have to follow in altitude is walk slowly, keep drinking plenty of fluids as water , soups etc to make our body hydrated, and keep our body warm. Our staffs and guide will always do their best as they can, eventhough incase of any sickness,injury one should avoid their rest trip and should come down.
(6)Travel Insurance
It is compulsory to buy the proper travel insurance policy with genuine insurance company, it should cover the emergency helicopter evacuation as well as medical treatment incase of severe injury or sickness and Policy should include coverage at the altitudes up to 5500 Mtr if you are doing just trekking and if you are doing mountaineering should be 6500 Mtr.
(7)Bag pack and duffel bag
Our duffel bag should be maximum 15kg including hand bag. Only the neccesary things should be packed and the stuffs which are not neccesary on trek will be stored in hotel in Kathmandu.One porter will carry max 30 Kg,among two clients one porter will be provided.
(8)Internet Connectivity and cell phone Signal
As per your arrival in Kathmandu airport, there you can buy nepalese Sim card ncell or you can buy anywhere around city. In Annapurna region Ncell signal works for phone call as well as internet connectivity in some part of places.But there is well facility of internet wifi in every teahouses or lodges so You can enjoy with social media or connects with your family, friends or loved one.
(9)Road to Besisahar and Flight to/ from Pokhara
For Annapurna Circuit trek Besishar is the entry gateway and Pokhara is ending point of Annapurna circuit trek,It takes 5 hours to get to besisahar from kathmandu.We have an option to fly from Jomsom to Pokhara and From Pokhara to pokhara. There is motorable highway connection from Pokhara to kathmandu. It is absolutely your choice to use either flight or vehicle. It takes only 35 minutes to get to Kathmandu. By road it takes 6-7 hours from Pokhara to kathmandu.
(10)Sanitation
In mostly places toilet are common and need to use the same toilet using by everyone else. Mostly place there may not be available of hand washing water, so highly recommend to take hand sanitizer by yourself and most importantly toilet papers or wet tissue paper should always be in your day bag.
(11)TIMS and Conservation Area permit
To enter in Annapurna region you have to buy Annapurna conservation Area project (ACAP) entry permit and TIMS permit,the cost will be included in trip cost.Your guide will manage everything. For that you have to provide 2 passport sized photos.
(12)Guiding and staffing
In Annapurna region average walk per day is 6-7 hours. Leisurely and pleasant guiding will definitely take you to destination. More you gaining altitude more hard to walk. Only toughest day in this trek is to cross the Thorang la pass , that day we should start quiet early .Your experieced guide and porter will always be there to help you in every moment.Guide is the key factor for the every challanging in mountain so one should follow the instruction of guide pleasantly.Every day after dinner your guide will do brief about the next days trip.
(13) Budgeting
Budegeting depends upon many factors specially in Kathmandu where there are too many choices.Hotels in Kathmandu include in trip cost on basis of BB plan. So average expenses per day in Kathmandu will be Rs 2000 for lunch and Dinner, if you prefer some other activities as drinks, to do massage, or to go in bar/pub Rs 5000 ( equivalent to USD 50 ) is enough. On the trek, all the meals and hot drinks will be provided by company, Extra expeses as Hot shower, battery charging, wifi, boiled water for bottle, extra snacks bars, Soft drinks and hard drinks should borne by oneself,In average Rs 2000(eqivalent to 20 USD) is enough on the trek. Finally few tipping is highly recomended and compulsory in the last day to your guide and porter as per your budgeting.
