Trip Overview
Duration: 15 days |
Country: Nepal |
Max. Altitude: 5,416 m / 17,764 ft. |
Walking Per Day: 5-6hrs |
Accommodation: N/A |
Grade: Fair Strenuous
|
Best Season: Autumn and Spring |
Group Size: 1 |
Mode: Tent-Camp/Lodge |
Culture: Sherpa, Tamang, Magar, Gurung |
The Annapurna Circuit Trek in the western region of Nepal is one of the best trekking trails in the world. This provides an opportunity to immerse oneself in its unmatched natural beauty and gain insights into Buddhist and Hindu culture. During our Annapurna Circuit Trek, we encircle the whole Annapurna Himalaya passing through beautiful forests, picturesque landscapes, striking waterfalls, deep gorges, shining glaciers, diverse cultures, and pristine lakes with awesome views of the snow-capped Himalayas all the way.
A special Trekking Permit will be arranged to enter Annapurna Conservation Area, where we discover unique flora and fauna. The route of the Annapurna Circuit Trek involves crossing Thorong La Pass at 5,416m/17,770ft which is a great challenge and will provide rewarding memories that will last forever.
Getting Started: Annapurna Circuit Trek
Our Annapurna Circuit Trek commences shortly after a short sightseeing tour around culturally rich Kathmandu valley. Firstly, we take a drive to Dharapani via Besisahar from Kathmandu on a newly constructed road. Then our trekking kicks off as we hike from Dharapani towards Chame. The trail passes through the Annapurna conservation area surrounded by enchanting mountains with a massive glacial plateau in the center. As we gain altitude, the vegetation around us slowly changes from dense forests to small shrubs; finally, we arrive at a point similar to a Tibetan plateau called Manang. There we can get insights into Tibetan influenced culture and traditions and also acclimatize for a day.
Thorong La Pass and Muktinath
Analyzing your fitness level and physical skills, our trek leader will decide whether to stop at Thorong Phedi or push onwards towards the Thorong high camp for an overnight stay. We will then cross Thorong La Pass at an altitude of 5,416 meters. Thorong La Pass blesses us with stunning views of Annapurna, Kali Gandaki valley, Dhaulagiri, and other peaks as never seen before.
The trail further leads us to Muktinath, the pilgrimage site where we can see a perfect unification of Hinduism and Buddhism. We then visit the red monastery at Kagbeni where we can view the golden book of the Dalai Lama. Then we descend towards Marpha, the apple kingdom famous for local apple products. We will then take a dip at Tatopani, a natural hot spring for relaxation.
Ending the short and memorable trek in Nepal
While we return back after the end of our Annapurna Circuit Trek, we get the remembrance of all Annapurna Himalayan ranges from Ghorepani Poon Hill Viewpoint which is famous for best sunrise views. We descend towards the Gurung inhabited village of Ghandruk and get back into Pokhara. In this way, our trek ends and we drive or fly back to Kathmandu.
Equipment Checklist
Equipment lists for 15 days Annapurna Circuit Trek - Short
HEAD
Sun hat or scarf
Light balaclava or warm fleece hat
Sunglasses
Head Torch
Suncreams(40+) and Lip Balms
UPPER BODY
Cotton t-shirts and thermals
Fleece jacket
Waterproof jacket
Down jacket
LOWER BODY
Lightweight cotton pants (long)
Waterproof pants
Inner thermals
FEET
Thin inner socks (3 pairs)
Thick, warm wool hiking socks
Comfortable hiking boots
Shower sandals
HANDS
Gloves (Cotton and Waterproof)
Creams
Sanitizer
ACCESSORIES
Sleeping bag rated to -10°C +
Trekking bag (Rucksack)
Duffel bag
Large plastic bags (for keeping items dry inside trek bag)
Trekking poles (optional, recommended)
Water bottle or camel bag
Toiletries and Tissue Papers
First Aid Kits
Personal Regular Medicines
Knee Caps
Bandages
Ointments
Blister Tape
MISCELLANEOUS
Medicines: We recommend you to bring your regular medicines; we will provide first aid kit from our side.
Light-weighted Towel
Swiss Knife
Passport and extra passport photos
Water Purifying Iodine Tablets, Drop or Sterilizer