Learning by Experience

Annapurna Circuit Trek


The Annapurna Circuit involves a 100-mile plus circumnavigation of the Annapurna Range.


DURATION

15 - 21 Days


DIFFICULTY

Strenuous

MAX ALTITUDE

5,635 M

DESCRIPTION

Annapurna trek will take you up high away from the crowds towards the Tibetan border before dropping down to join a small section of the classic Annapurna Circuit. Trekking through remote villages steeped in Tibetan heritage and still following their ancient traditions of yak herding, harvesting wild herbs for medicinal purposes and trading across the Tibetan border it will be like stepping back in time.

DEPARTURE SEASONS

2021

March - May

September - November


We also do custom private trips according to your time and availability.


Trip Overview


The Annapurna Circuit involves a 100-mile plus circumnavigation of the Annapurna Range. Known for its scope of diversity, from wilderness to high snow capped, you go through ethnic towns with incredible views of the Annapurnas, Macchupucchre, Dhaulagiri, Manaslu and Langtang Himal. Its prevalence is evidence that you won't be disillusioned, additionally a justifiable reason to do this trek in the shoulder season to keep away from the group. A visit Tilicho Lake, a day-trip most of the way around the circuit to a 4950m perfect elevated lake.


  • Day 1: Arrival in Nepal and passport to Initiative Outdoor.
  • Day 2: Trek briefing and preparation
  • Day 3: Drive Kathmandu – Besisahar 7 hrs. Private Jeep Besisahar – Koto (2,600m), approx. 5 hrs.
  • Day 4: Trek to Meta (4,204m) via Meta Pass (4,635m), approx. 8 hrs.
  • Day 5: Trek to Phu (4,204M), approx. 9 hrs.
  • Day 6: Trek to Loang (4,680m) via Phu Pass (5,200m), approx. 7-8 hrs.
  • Day 7: Trek Checkhu (4,410m) via Nar Pass (5,400m), approx. 6-7 hrs.
  • Day 8: Trek to Nar Village (4,110m), approx. 5 hrs.
  • Day 9: Trek to Kangla Phedi (4,620m), approx. 3 hrs.
  • Day 10: Trek to Ngawal (3,360m) via Kangla Pass (5,210m) approx. 10 hrs.
  • Day 11: Rest day in Ngawal
  • Day 12: Trek to Manang (3,519m), approx. 4 hrs.
  • Day 13: Trek to Letdar (4,250m), approx. 5-6 hrs.
  • Day 14: Trek to Thorong Phedi or High Camp (4,600m), approx. 5 hrs.
  • Day 15: Trek to Mukitnath (3,800m) via Thorong La Pass (5,416m), approx. 8-9 hrs
  • Day 16: Trek to Jomson (2,710m), approx. 5 hrs.
  • Day 17: Fly Jomson to Pokhara and Pokhara to Kathmandu
  • Note:
    * The trek itinerary is a guide only and may be subject to change at short notice.
    * In order to obtain your Nar Phu restricted access permit, we need your original passport at least 2 working days before departure


Initiative Outdoor uses a layering system where different pieces of clothing are worn together or separately to achieve optimum body temperature control. The upper body garments listed here are either synthetic or merino wool garments that retain their insulating properties when wet, or nylon or Gore-Tex layers which help prevent heat loss by cutting wind, rain, and snow.

UPPER BODY LAYERS
Equipment Quantity Comments
T-Shirts – walking 2 We recommend merino wool, Capilene or other synthetic fabric as they wick away the moisture and dry quickly. No cotton.
T-shirt – sleeping 1 This can be cotton
Base layers (ie thermal top) 1 Lightweight or mid-weight long-sleeved t-shirt of merino wool, polyester, Capilene, or Polartec power dry
Top insulating Layers 1 Mid-weight fleece that can be worn over other layers
Fleece Vest 1
Rain jacket 1
Down Jacket 1
LOWER BODY LAYERS
Equipment Quantity Comments
Underwear Sufficient for the trek (remember you can wash them)
T-shirt – sleepingThermal long johns/long underwear 1
Trekking Trousers 2 Lightweight quick-dry trousers (no cotton). Zip offs are good
Evening/sleeping trousers 1(optional) 1 pair of lightweight tracksuit bottoms (sweat pants) or yoga style trousers for evening wear and sleeping in. No jeans.
Hiking Shorts 1 If no zip-off trousers. Below the knee for ladies
Rain Pants 1
PACKS & BAGS
Equipment Quantity Comments
Day pack 1 Approx. 35ltrs. We will provide you with a duffle bag for your trekking gear
Sleeping bag with compression sack 1 Minimum 3 season
Sleeping bag liner 1 Optional
FOOTWEAR
Equipment Quantity Comments
Hiking boots 1 Must be well worn and comfortable with ankle support
Socks 3
Flip flops/Camp shoes 1 Lightweight for evening use
MISCELLANEOUS ITEMS
Equipment Quantity Comments
Water bottles 2 One liter each, Nalgene or Sig style or a bladder if preferred
Water purification drops 1 Cheap and easy to buy in Kathmandu (Piyus)
Lip Balm 1 With SPF factor
Sunscreen 1 We recommend SPF 30 or greater
Mosquito repellent 1
Personal first aid kit 1 To include any prescribed medications
Sunglasses 1
Bandana/Buff 1 Useful for a variety of purposes.
Flashlight /head torch 1 Head torch is best as it leaves your hands free + extra batteries
Travel towel 1 Lightweight and compact
Wash kit Travel size items for the trek & eco friendly if possible
Instant Hand Sanitizer 1 Alcohol-based for keeping hands clean
Sun hat 1
Warm hat 1
Gloves 1
Trekking poles (Optional)
Trekking snacks Good selection available in KTM
Camera With charger &/or extra batteries
Toilet paper & rubbish bag
Book/journal
Pack of cards/travel game 1 For evening entertainment
Passport photos Always useful and a must-have if you want a local sim card
Photocopies of all your important documents
A great sense of humor & a positive attitude Essential – don’t come without it!! J
This is a guideline only



Your trek cost includes:

  • Pre-trip advice and detailed information
  • Expert trip leadership and motivated staff for the duration of the trek
  • Airport transfers in Nepal (where applicable)
  • 2 nights accommodation pre-trek & 1-night post-trek in Kathmandu
  • 1-night accommodation pre or post-trek in Pokhara (where applicable)
  • Transportation to and from trek start and finish for you and your trekking team (different budget options available)
  • Basic teahouse/lodge/camping accommodation during the trek on a twin sharing basis
  • During the trek all meals on a full board basis (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) to include tea/coffee during the meals, but excluding any drinks outside of the meal times
  • All permits, conservation area, and restricted area fees
  • Porters
  • Insurance and equipment for Nepali staff
  • Rescue assistance
  • Group medical kit

Your trek cost does NOT include:

  • International flights to and from Kathmandu, Nepal
  • Visa for Nepal
  • Travel insurance (insurance to include evacuation is mandatory. Please make sure you are covered to the correct altitude)
  • Personal expenses such as fizzy drinks, chocolate, gifts, snacks, hot showers during the trek, etc.
  • Meals unless specified
  • Sightseeing
  • Gratuities
  • Excess baggage on internal flights
  • Charges incurred as a result of delays beyond the control of Initiative Outdoors


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