Trek around the Annapurnas

The Annapurna mountain range is a 55km long Himalayan massif of spectacular 7000m+ and 8000m+ peaks. The area became famous by some legendary expeditions in 1950 who reached the most difficult summits of the highest peaks in the range. Nowadays, the Annapurna region is also popular for one the best and longest hiking trails in the world, the Annapurna Circuit 300km. The Annapurna Circuit is known for its contrasts in landscapes and religious cultures! The trail connects the Marshyangdi valley with Lower Mustang by crossing the high pass Thorong la (5416m), and Hindu’s and Buddhist’s have a shared goal in the holy Temple complex of Muktinath while trekking through one of the world’s deepest river gorges; the Kali Gandaki. You probably understand that al these aspects makes the Annapurna Circuit a popular trekking objective, but let’s be honest… it’s well worth it!

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+ Trip description

Part 1 - Beni to Manang

The starting point of this Annapurna trek is reached after a bus ride to the small village of Besi Sahar. From here you will follow the Marshyangdi river climbing steadily across ancient trails used as trade routes between Nepal and Tibet. The Tibetan Mahayana Buddhism, Hinduism and the mysterious Bon-Po religions are very alive here, having their own religious sites along the trail. As the trails starts in the hot and humid tropics, you will cross several climate zones before reaching the cold alpine region of the Thorung La. It’s like you’re walking from summer to autumn and winter to summer again! In Manang the landscapes changes dramatically, revealing wild peaks, huge glaciers and steep rock formations.

Part 2 - Across the Thorong La to Poon Hill & Gandrung

After a tiring climb to the Thorung La (5416m), you will be rewarded with stunning views at the ranges of Annapurna, Dhaulagiri and Mustang.The landscape changes again while descending into the arid region of Muktinath and Jomson, getting close to Tibet. From here you will continue your journey to the South, through the deep Kali Gandaki gorge with the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges at each side. The final part of this long trek leads you again up to the hot springs of Tatopani and Rhododendron areas of Ghorepani with its famous Poon Hill; the final view point with magnificent views at the impressive mountain ranges. The circuit ends in the village of Ghandrung, close to Pokhara. Nepal is a country of remarkable friendly and helpful people. You will be amazed by the peaceful lifestyle of various cultures and religions all living closely to each other. In combination with the spectacular mountain scenery, this classic Annapurna Circuit trek will create lasting memories of the impressive Himalayas.

+ Itinerary & different options

[ Arrival in Kathmandu / free days ]

Annapurna Circuit (Classic)		Different options
1 - Kathmandu - Briefing 2 - Besi Sahar 3 - Bhulbule 4 - Syange 5 - Tal 6 - Bagarchap 7 - Chame 8 - Pisang 9 - Manang 10 - Rest & acclimatization 11 - Yak Kharka	12 - Thorung Phedi 13 - Muktinath 14 - Kagbeni 15 - Marpha 16 - Ghasa 17 - Tatopani 18 - Ghorepani 19 - Ghandrung - Pokhara 20 - Pokhara 21 - Kathmandu	13 days - Annapurna Jomson Trek 14 days - Annapurna Sanctuary Trek Do you prefer a different route or itinerary? Just contact us and we will be more than happy to think with you and organize the tailor made trip you're looking for...

[ End of services / free days / departure / continue travelling ]

+ What's included & excluded in the price?

To make things easy for you, we have put together different service packages that suit most people. However, if you want to make it really special, we also provide full tailor made services. Have a look at the fixed packages first or download a detailed comparison sheet.

» Download Comparison Sheet (pdf)

Full Trekking Service - Pro
The Pro package provides you a full organized trek including all organizational arrangements, a complete professional, experienced staff & crew, all needed equipment, all services and luxuries that makes your entire trek as comfortable as possible. The staff takes care of all tasks and activities, you are not required to help.

Full Trekking Service - Basic
The Basic package provides you a full organized trek including all organizational arrangements, a small professional, experienced staff & crew, essential equipment & services only, without the luxuries of the Pro package. Although professionally organized, this package is much more basic and adventurous, you are required to help with all tasks and activities.

Lodge Service
This package provides you a full organized Lodge trek including all organizational arrangements, a professional, experienced guide and porter service that makes your entire trek as comfortable as possible. You will eat and sleep in cozy lodges on the way where you can easily order your food in yourself, so you will never pay more than you actually need. The food for the guide and porters is included. The porter carries 12kg of luggage, so if you are with 2 persons, you share one porter who carries 24kg for both of you. For the rest, the guide and porter take care of everything for you, just enjoy!

+ How difficult is this trip?

We have rated this Annapurna Circuit Trek with B0-C0. This means that it's a easy to intermediate trip without technical climbing sections. Have a look at a general description of these codes! Below we'll try to describe the specific difficulties of this trip.

[ Note: this trek has been created in a way that everybody with a general health is able to finish the Annapurna Circuit. A slow and very good acclimatization schedule allows anybody to adapt to the high altitude and to reach daily trekking goals easily. ]

In this trip you start with a bus ride to Besi Sahar, the starting point of this trip. During the entire circuit you will trek across very good trails, through little mountain villages with all kind of tourist facilities, deep, green valley’s, across suspension bridges and wild rivers up to cold alpine area’s. The warm and green Marshyangdi valley leads up to the colder alpine regions of Manang and the high pass Thorung La. The climb to the Thorung La may be long, tiring and slippery, but without technical climbing difficulties. Depending on the season, the Thorung La may be covered with deep snow, making the ascent and descent long and slippery.

In general...
This trek does not require specific experience or skills, although you should feel comfortable walking on steep, rocky, slippery and unstable terrain for at least some parts of the trek.

This trek is open for anybody who is fit. However, if you’re part of a group during demanding activities, you must prepare yourself for working and living in and with a group of people who share the same, common goal! An easy going, flexible attitude is a must.

+ What clothes & equipment do I need?

After booking we will send you a final, detailed clothes & equipment list with all the required clothes and (climbing) equipment that you need for this trip. To get a really good idea what you will get from us, you may download an example equipment list.

» Download an Example Equipment List (pdf)

+ What is the best time to make this trip?

An indication of best seasons to make this trip (stable weather and clear views)

• Spring: March, April, May
• Autumn: October, November, December

Indication of temperatures: (depending on weather conditions)

• Below 5000m varying from: Day time: +10ºC / +30ºC. Night time: -5ºC / +15ºC
• Above 5000m varying from: Day time: -5ºC / +15ºC. Night time: -5ºC / -15ºC

Rain may be expected in the lower areas from Besi Sahar to Thorung La. The Thorong La may be covered in deep snow. If you like to try to avoid a late monsoon and possible flight cancellations, you should start this trip from half October. Normally, the weather will be more stable by then. However, mountain storms and fog are unpredictable and can arise quickly, changing trekking & climbing conditions dramatically. Rain, snow and strong winds are always possible.