Duration

15 - 21 Days

Grade

Strenuous

Max Altitude

5,635 M

Description

The Annapurna trek offers an opportunity to escape the crowds and journey towards the Tibetan border, where you can experience the unique culture and traditions of remote villages. The trek takes you through areas where locals still practice ancient customs such as yak herding, gathering medicinal herbs, and trading across the border. It's like taking a step back in time, and the journey concludes with a section of the classic Annapurna Circuit.

Departure Seasons
2023 March - May September - November
2024 March - May September - November
We also do custom private trips according to your time and availability.

The Annapurna area in Nepal has been a sought-after destination for trekkers due to its unparalleled natural beauty. The Annapurna Circuit is considered a legendary trek, as it traverses through a variety of stunning landscapes, each with its own unique charm. Beginning in the verdant subtropical foothills, the trail takes you across the central Himalayan range and into the rain shadow highlands of the Buddhist north before descending through historic settlements and the Kali Gandaki Gorge, the world's deepest canyon.

Day 1: Trek briefing and Preparation

Day 2: Drive Kathmandu – Besisahar (820m), 7 hrs. Private Jeep Besisahar – Chamje (1,470m), approx. 2 hrs

Day 3: Trek Chamje – Bagarchhap (2,164m), approx. 6-7 hrs

Day 4: Trek Bagarchhap – Chame (2,730m) via Timang, approx. 6 hrs

Day 5: Trek Chame – Pisang (3,186m), approx. 6-7 hrs

Day 6: Trek Pisang – Manang Village (3,540m) via Ghyaru & Nagawal, approx. 7-8 hrs

Day 7: Acclimatisation day in Manang.

Day 8: Trek Manang – Yak Kharka (4,050m), approx. 6 hrs

Day 9: Trek Yak Kharka – Thorong Phedi (4,510m), approx. 4 hrs

Day 10: Thorong Phedi – Muktinath (3,760m) via Thorong La Pass (5,416m), approx. 9 hrs

Day 11: Trek Muktinath – Kagbeni (2,810m), approx. 4 hrs

Day 12: Rest and exploration day in Kagbeni

Day 13: Trek Kagbeni – Jomson (2,743m), approx. 3 hrs

Day 14: Fly Jomsom to Pokhara

Day 15: Fly/bus Pokhara to Kathmandu

Notes:

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

EquipmentQuantityComments
T-Shirts – walking2We recommend merino wool, Capilene or other synthetic fabric as they wick away the moisture and dry quickly. No cotton.
T-shirt – sleeping1This can be cotton
Base layers (ie thermal top)1Lightweight or mid-weight long-sleeved t-shirt of merino wool, polyester, Capilene, or Polartec power dry
Top insulating Layers1Mid-weight fleece that can be worn over other layers
Fleece Vest1 
Rain jacket1 
Down Jacket1 

LOWER BODY LAYERS

EquipmentQuantityComments
Underwear Sufficient for the trek (remember you can wash them)
T-shirt – sleepingThermal long johns/long underwear1 
Trekking Trousers2Lightweight quick-dry trousers (no cotton). Zip offs are good
Evening/sleeping trousers1(optional)1 pair of lightweight tracksuit bottoms (sweat pants) or yoga style trousers for evening wear and sleeping in. No jeans.
Hiking Shorts1If no zip-off trousers. Below the knee for ladies
Rain Pants1 

PACKS & BAGS

EquipmentQuantityComments
Day pack1Approx. 35ltrs. We will provide you with a duffle bag for your trekking gear
Sleeping bag with compression sack1Minimum 3 season
Sleeping bag liner1Optional

FOOTWEAR

EquipmentQuantityComments
Hiking boots1Must be well worn and comfortable with ankle support
Socks3 
Flip flops/Camp shoes1Lightweight for evening use

MISCELLANEOUS ITEMS

EquipmentQuantityComments
Water bottles2One liter each, Nalgene or Sig style or a bladder if preferred
Water purification drops1Cheap and easy to buy in Kathmandu (Piyus)
Lip Balm1With SPF factor
Sunscreen1We recommend SPF 30 or greater
Mosquito repellent1 
Personal first aid kit1To include any prescribed medications
Sunglasses1 
Bandana/Buff1Useful for a variety of purposes.
Flashlight /head torch1Head torch is best as it leaves your hands free + extra batteries
Travel towel1Lightweight and compact
Wash kit Travel size items for the trek & eco friendly if possible
Instant Hand Sanitizer1Alcohol-based for keeping hands clean
Sun hat1 
Warm hat1 
Gloves1 
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 game1For 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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