Duration

15 Days

Grade

modrate

Max Altitude

4,510m

Description

The Annapurna region presents the perfect blend of unbeatable panoramic views of the Himalayas, including mt. Annapurna, mt. Manaslu, Mt. Fishtail, and Mt. Dhaulagiri, among others. The cultural landscape comprises various ethnicities, including Gurung, Tamang, Thakali, and Sherpa, whose villages are visible along the route. Dramatic geography includes Kali Gandaki, the world’s deepest gorge, and Thorong La Pass, the busiest in Nepal. Come hike in one of the most-visited regions on an unforgettable Annapurna trekking trip

Course Dates and Location
Date Location
3rd sep 2024 annapurna region Book Now

The Annapurna region of Nepal is a land so beautiful it has long been the ultimate trekking dream for hikers. One of the all-time classic treks, the Annapurna Circuit takes you through some of the most spectacular and diverse landscapes of any trek in Nepal. Starting in the lush semi-tropical foothills, you will climb across the main Himalayan range up to the rain shadow high plateau in the Buddhist north and back down through ancient villages and the world’s deepest gorge, the Kali Gandaki Gorge.

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 Jomson 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 Annapurna Circuit Trek 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

Trek FAQ

 

Am I too young or old?

Most of our clients have completed their treks from 3 years old to some in their 70s with almost no exercise or training.

Do you offer hotel/airport pick-up?

We offer hotel and airport pick-up. As you continue with your booking, there will be an option to input flight details or hotel names.

Do I need a Visa?

A visa for Nepal can be acquired on arrival at the Tribhuvan International Airport, Kathmandu, and at border entry points in Kakadvitta, Birgunj, Bhairahawa, Nepalgunj, Gaddachowki on the Nepal-India border, and Kerung on the Nepal-China border.

A visa can also be obtained outside of Nepal at the nearest Nepal Embassy or Diplomatic Mission.

For more information, visit the Department of Immigration, Kalikasthan, Kathmandu.

What should I bring on a Trek?

Being adequately equipped is one of the keys to a successful trek. For information to help you select the best type of clothing and equipment for your trip, please see our what to bring section.

Also, see our Links page for details of specialist retailers who will offer further advice and assistance with purchasing new clothing or equipment.

If you have more questions, please check this article to reference equipment to pack or contact us.

Is this trip safe for solo/female/LGBT+/minority/POC travellers?
You are safe if you respect the culture, do not show affection in public, and dress decently (this won’t pose too much of a problem as you will be covered up in layers to stay warm).

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