Annapurna Circuit Trek
Nepal
10 Nights/11 Days
Annapurna Circuit Trek
ADV-41Trekking Tour
10 Nights/11 Days
CALL : +91 97490 61941Pick-Up & Drop : Bagdogra / NJP
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Tour Overview
Place : Nepal.
Duration : 11 Days.
Highest Altitude Gain : 5,416 Mtr. ( 17,769 Ft. ).
Grade : Difficult.
Approx Trekking Km : Kms.
Activities : Trekking, Camping & Photography of Nature.
Best Time to Go : March-May & September-November.
Annapurna Circuit Trek is usually popular as the most classic trek which will let you experience the unique biodiversity of Nepal. Annapurna circuit trekking provides an astonishing panorama of Annapurna (8,097m), Dhaulagiri (8,167m) Manaslu, Machhapuchhre (6,993m), Lumjung, Tukuche peak etc. This trek mostly follows the very old paths which were used as business paths between Nepal and Tibet. Apart from the landscape of northern and southern Himalaya, you will also see thick fir and rhododendron woods to the unkind atmosphere of the Tibetan upland.
Detailed Itinerary
"Meet & Greet" with our company representative on arrival at Kathmandu and drive to Besi Sahar ( 173 kms., 4-5 hrs. ). Along the journey you will witness some spectacular scenery of white mountains, green hills, rivers and hamlets. Overnight Stay in a hotel at Besi Sahar.
After breakfast Trek from Besi Sahar to Bahundanda ( 4,692 ft., 6-7 hrs. ). Our first day’s trekking introduces us to the diverse cultural elements of Nepal and we hike past many typical local houses and the faces of varied ethnic tribes exchange greetings (namaste) as we pass. Our trek makes its way through subtropical forests and the rice terraces of Sera to the village of Khudi ( 2,756 ft. ) and we have views of Manaslu (8,156m). The mountain views disappear as we hike toward the small town of Ngadi, where we cross the Ngadi Khola via a long suspension bridge. From here the trek moves gently upwards to Bahundanda, an attractive village in the saddle of a long ridge at 4,692 ft. Overnight Stay at Bahundanda in tent.
Early morning trek to Chamje ( 4,626 ft., 5-6 hrs. ). We start the day by trekking down a steep slippery trail past amphitheatre-shaped rice terraces to a small hot spring and most of the day we hike along the river and it’s adjacent waterfalls. As we near the village of Jagat we have a steep 650 ft. trek up to a trail that has been blasted out of the rock face and 15 minutes below this village we can visit another small hot spring. From Jagat we hike up to Chamje. Overnight stay in Tent at Chamje.
After breakfast trek towards Bagarchhap ( 7,087 ft. ). Today we make the 3084 ft. hike up to Bagarchhap through bamboo and rhododendron forests on a trek high above the river bank. At 5,577 ft. we hike past the village of Tal at the foot of a large waterfall before crossing a broad, flat valley that was once a lake. After this we cross the Marsyangdi via a 60m long suspension bridge and trek up from a second suspension bridge to a stone kani (an arch over the trail), which marks the entrance to Dharapani ( 6,430 ft. ). All old villages from here to Kagbeni have these arches and they become more elaborate and picturesque as the Tibetan influence becomes stronger. The trek slowly climbs from here through a forest of blue pine, spruce, hemlock, maple and oak to Bagarchhap. This is the first village on the trek with typical Tibetan architecture, closely spaced stone houses with flat roofs piled high with firewood. Overnight stay in Tent at Bagarchhap.
After breakfast trek to Chame ( 7,119 ft. ). We first trek along the south bank of the river climbing to Syal Khola (the river of jackals) at 7,250 ft, from which we cross the river over a cement bridge near a spectacular waterfall. The trek crosses several landslides as it works it’s way uphill through a walnut tree forest and past apple orchards until we arrive at Chame, at the entrance of which is a long wall with many prayer wheels. Throughout the day there are views of Lamjung Himal, Annapurna II and Annapurna IV (7,525m). Overnight stay at Chame.
After breakfast trek to Pisang ( 10,466 ft. ). We first trek up to Telekhu (2,840m) and continue with a long, pleasant and mostly level hike through the forest to Brathang (2,950m). After the trek rounds a bend we see the first view of the dramatic Paungda Danda rock face, a tremendous curved slab of rock rising more than 1,500m from the river. We cross back to the south bank of the Marsyangdi via a suspension bridge at 3,080m and then make a long gentle hike over a ridge through blue pine forests. After this the trek will be reasonably level as it heads toward Pisang. Overnight stay in Tent at Pisang.
After breakfast trek to Manang ( 11,614 ft. ). Today trek slowly and spectacularly climbs up to the Tibetan-style village of Braga ( 11,385 ft. ), where we can see houses stacked one atop the other, each with an open veranda formed by a neighbour’s rooftop. The gompa, perched on a high crag overlooking the village, is the largest in the district and has an outstanding display of statues. We then hike on through a very arid countryside, dominated by weird cliffs of yellow rock, eroded into dramatic pillars alongside the trek to reach today’s destination, the village of Manang, where the shops are surprisingly well stocked with all the things you might want to refuel on. Overnight stay in tent at Manang.
After breakfast trek from Manang to Letdar ( 13,944 ft. ). Trekking slowly upwards to Thorung La we leave the large trees behind and see vegetation consisting mainly of scrub juniper and alpine grass and we hike past meadows where horses and yaks graze. After hiking to Yak Kharka (meadow) we should see herds of blue sheep grazing the steep slopes and after about 1 hour’s trekking we arrive at Letdar. Overnight stay in tent at Letdar.
After breakfast trek from Letdar to Thorong Phedi ( 14,600 ft. ) (or Thorong High Camp (4,925m). Again a relatively easy trekking day to get used to the altitude before we hike over the highest point on the trek. From Letdar we will continue to trek up along the east bank of the Jarang Khola to Thorong Phedi, a rock-strewn meadow surrounded by vertical 14,500 ft. cliffs where blue sheep and even snow leopards can sometimes be seen. High in the skies above us we can see lammergeiers and Himalayan griffons circling. Overnight stay in tent at Thorong Phedi.
Trek to Muktinath ( 12,467 ft. ) via Thorong La ( 17,769 Ft. ). Today is a long trek starting before sunrise at may be 5am to reach thela (pass) by 10/11am at the latest, as we can be exposed to strong winds if hiking across too late. Local people have used this route for hundreds of years to bring herds of sheep and yaks in and out of Manang, thus the trek, while often steep, is well defined and easy to follow, though the many false summits mean the hike seems to go on for ever. Snow can block the pass at any time of the year, though this is rare and least likely in October or November. At Thorong La, with its traditional prayer flags and stone cairn, the views are outstanding. Here you can see the Annapurnas, Gangapurna and Khatung Kang, a heavily glaciated peak and, amazingly, there is a tea-shop on top of the pass! From here we start a long hike down of about 5,250 ft. with great views of Dhaulagiri standing alone in the distance across the valley. The trek becomes less steep as we enter grassy fields and hike across meadows to our destination of Muktinath, place of Nirvana, home to the Muktinath Temple as well as several monasteries. It is said that all the sorrows that you feel are washed away when visiting the temple, a scared pilgrimage site for both Hindus and Buddhists. The temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and has 108 waterspouts around it from which holy water pours and the main pilgrimage normally takes place in September. Another attraction nearby is the Jwala Mai Temple and this contains a spring and an eternal flame fed by natural underground gas. Overnight stay in a hotel at Muktinath.
After breakfast drop to Pokhara ( 174 km., 4-5 hrs. ) for your onwards journey.
How to Reach
By Bus :
Pokhara is well connected with regular AC / Non AC Government / Private bus service from all the major cities of Nepal. Kathmandu is few of them.
By Flight :
Flying to Pokhara Airport at Pokhara or PKR is another option that you can choose. Pokhara Airport is well connected with regular direct flight from Kathmandu.
1. Accommodation : As per the current availability over there we can provide you Dormitory room at Besi Sahar & Muktinath & you will be accommodated in Tents / Trekkers hut during the trek.
2. Meal Plan : Day 1 Lunch to Day 11 Lunch.
3. Transportation : We will provide you : Kathmandu to Besi Sahar & Muktinath to Pokhara return - Non-Luxury vehicle - seat capacity maximum 8 to 9 seats ( Sumo / Sumo Gold / Spacio / Mahindra Maxx / Similar ).
( Please Note : Vehicle will be taken for all transfers (Point to point drop) & the mentioned sightseeing points including fuel expenses on hire basis ).
4. All Car Permits, Parking, Toll-Taxes, Tips / Bata for the said vehicle & driver.
5. One group leader from our company.
6. Local Guide.
7. Local Porters, Yak / Mule / Horse for ration & equipment carrying only.
8. Cook during trek.
* Any Airfare / Train fare / Bus fare.
* Any extra porter for personal luggage.
* Any services not specifically mentioned in the inclusions.
* Any transportation which is not mentioned in the itinerary.
* Still Camera / Video camera fees at any sightseeing points.
* Any meals / food during transit outside menu or other than those mentioned above.
* Any expenses of personal nature like Room Heater charges / Hot Water Bag charges / Mobile charging fees etc.
* Any kind of Entry Tickets / Fees at sightseeing points/ Monument / Parks / Boating Points / Museum / Zoo / Any Excess Waiting Charges or Parking charges at any Riding point, Example - Ropeway, Boating, Horse Riding points etc.
* Any portage at airport / rail station / hotels / on the way / during trek / or anywhere, all Tips / Bata, Any Insurance / Travel Insurance, Beverages & Soft drinks, Mineral water, Telephone charges etc and all items of personal nature.
* Expenses caused by the factors beyond our control like any rail and flight delays, any roadblocks, any vehicle disturbances/malfunctions, any political disturbances, any Natural Calamities like earthquake, flood, land slide, snow-falls, storm, heavy rain-fall etc.
Fitness Required for Trek
To prepare for a trek, we need to strengthen our 2 prime M’s – Mind and Muscle, the body. Only then, the spending of the 3rd M – Money; a little or more, can bring to us an intense lifelong experience like trekking.
At high altitude as the air gets thinner oxygen becomes less abundant. The percentage saturation of haemoglobin with oxygen determines the content of oxygen in our blood. After the human body reaches around 2,100 m (7,000 feet) above sea level, the level of oxygen in our haemoglobin begins to plummet. However, the human body has both short-term and long-term adaptations to altitude that allow it to partially compensate for the lack of oxygen.
You can train yourself to run 3 kms in 30 minutes as per the schedule given below. Remember always start your training program with stretching and warm up exercises.
You can follow this stretching before run
- Ankle Rolls
- Wrist Stretch
- Standing Hamstring Stretch
- Standing Quad stretch
- Calf Stretch
- Finish with leg swings
After 15 min of stretching you can follow this training schedule for trekking fitness required.
Week 1: Start with 10 minute of brisk walk and then jog for 10 minutes and finally 10minutes of easy walk.
Week 2: 5 minutes of brisk walk 15 minutes of jog 5 minutes of easy walk
Week 3: 5 minutes of brisk walk 15 minutes of jog 5 minutes of easy walk
Week 4: 5 minutes of brisk walk and jog for 25 min and cool down your body.
MIND, THE MENTAL ENDURANCE :
To build our physical endurance prior to trek, we workout in a gymnasium or outdoors nearby. In both the cases, we actually choose a suitable environment for us to sweat. So, even if you get extremely fit before the trek, you don’t get exposed to the versatile environmental or climatic challenges that nature offers during a trek. All these environmental conditions have a deep impact on our body and mind too. A walk through heavy rains or snowfall, even in a normal gradient, becomes more challenging than the same trail in a pleasant weather. And it happens not only because of rain or snow makes the walk more difficult. Also, you need to adjust, tolerate and fight the adverse nature psychologically in which your body and mind are not habituated. Here, your mind comes into play. This is where the game becomes more mental than physical.
1. Bulid your own motivation system.
2. Use your passion to bring more motivation.
3. Study about your trek route to gain knowledge to plan and prepare yourself appropriately.
4. Think positive & stay focused.
5. Visualization is a common technique for handling stress.
Developing mental strength is not a one day game. Your experiences are the best teacher. You become more confident after every trek. Cherish your journey after completion of the trek. Sense, the achievement. These will build your mind stronger forever, no matter where you want to use it for, a trek or a life.
THUMB RULES FOR BETTER IMPACT
1. Hire a digital trainer for free. The key is to do it perfect than more in numbers. Use video tutorial, mobile apps, read blogs and use a mirror to make it perfect.
2. Be a regular, rather inconsistent & intense.
3. Drink more water during the exercise routine and more importantly in the time of trekking. Keep dehydration, muscles cramps, and life-threatening hypothermia away.
4. Food is fuel. Maintain a well-balanced diet consist of carbohydrate, fat, and protein during your exercise and trekking days.
5. Sleep well. Finally, the lack of sleep can spoil your whole preparation for a trek.
Below are the list of personal articles which are required for a trek on the Himalayas. This guide helps you to give an idea about the things that you need to bring in as a trek member. Depending upon the number of days of trek, the articles quantity may vary and this list is made considering the trek duration being 5 to 7 days (week long treks).
Trek essentials:
- 01. Sun hat.
- 02. Torch with extra battery.
- 03. Light Jacket.
- 04. Heavy Jacket.
- 05. Trousers.
- 06. T-shirt.
- 07. Socks.
- 08. Identity Card with photocopy.
- 09. Ruck Sack
- 10. Water Bottle.
- 11. Raincoat or Umbrella.
- 12. Pullover.
- 13. Balaclava or woolen cap.
- 14. Hand gloves.
- 15. Passport size photo.
- 16. Mattress.
- 17. Sleeping Bag.
- 18. Sports shoe.
- 19. Slipper.
- 20. Cold cream.
- 21. Tissue paper.
- 22. Soap Paper.
Always try to avoid unnecessary Cloths, toiletries which are heavy and of little use on mountain. Pack light.
For selection of personal gear/equipment and backpacking please read the articles carefully, before buying an item:
Rucksack/Back Pack : A Must item. Between 40 to 50 Litres. Don’t buy more than 60L unless you are in expeditions. These will be heavier and can cause discomfort if not fully loaded. You can buy it online or offine from trekking gear store. We can help you to find the right one.
Sleeping Bag : You can hire from us or bring your personal one rated for high altitude in case you have. Personal one is always better for hygiene. You can purchase from us. http://www.majestichimalayan.com/final/hire-a-guide
Trekking Shoe / Boot : A must item. A good quality trekking shoe/boot must have the following specs :
i) A sticky rubber sole with lug (indentations for better grip).
ii) Ankle support (Medium or high ankle).
iii) Waterproofing membrane. (A must for high altitude and winter treks).
Mattress (Foam/Rubber) : It is very cheap. You can buy it from Hardware shop or trekking gear shop.
Micro spikes/Anti slip grip & Gaiters : Its necessary only for snow trek, specially in winter time.
Rucksack cover (Waterproof): Advised. MUST for protection from rain/dust/stain etc. (Alternately you can keep your clothing and warm jacket inside polythene pack. Do get the pack(s) back to home and re use/recycle).
Daypack/Knapsack : Optional (Can carry along with you with water bottle, food, camera and wind/water proof etc.) if you want to offload your Rucksack in permissible routes.
T-shirt (Base layer while you are hiking) : A must item and as per need. Take at least one Dry fit/Quick dry type which can ventilate sweat/moisture wicking. These are made of synthetic materials. Cotton T-shirts are NOT advised and avoid especially when you walk.
Warm Jacket (Mid layer clothing for warmth ) : A must item. Warm Fleece Jacket/Synthetic fill (Some refer as Hollow Fill Jacket/Down feather Jacket.
While hiking you will not require this unless you are hiking in cold conditions. Use this when you cool down at campsite. You can but from us - http://www.majestichimalayan.com/final/hire-a-guide
Windproof Jacket/Wind Cheater (Outer layer clothing for protection from wind and rain/snow fall) : A MUST item. A hooded one made of water resistant/repellent material is highly advised.
Use this along with Base layer (t-shirt) while hiking unless it is warm and sunny weather. Wear this always as outer later to protect from wind chill be while hiking or at camp site.
Thermal wear (Base Layer once you reach campsite) : Upper and lower (Woolly cot). Must for winter treks.
Trek pant : A must item. Can be Track pants (avoid cotton), 3 quarter/Cargo or Convertible kind.
One Dry fit/Quick dry track pant is advised. Water repellent/proof quality is a plus.
For altitude above 5000m/16400ft you should use wind proof and water proof trek pants.
Raincoat/Poncho/Waterproof clothing: Waterproofing is MUST during your trek in the Himalayas, be it in summer or winter.
This can be achieved by any of the following:
i) Use your windproof jacket and hiking pant having water repellent/proofing quality.
ii) A Poncho/Raincoat.
Balaclava/Woolen skull cap/Monkey Cap : A Must item for protection from cold. Made of woolen/synthetic warm material.
Sun cap/Wide-brimmed Hat/Bandana : For protection from sun while you hike.
Under garments/Inner wear : As per need.
Hiking Socks : 3/4 pair. Use full length socks (Don’t use tennis socks). 100% Cotton socks are NOT recommended as these absorb sweat and dry slowly. A pair of woolen material is nice to have especially in winter treks.
Woolen gloves : A Must item.
Waterproof gloves : Optional. Useful especially on high altitude treks where snow/ice is encountered.
Camp sandal : Can be a strap on sports sandal or a Hawaiian sleeper.
Walking Sticks/Trekking Poles/Ski Poles : Nice to have, reduces the pressure on knees and gives balance specially while descending. Advised at least one pole for treks involving snow/ice.
Knee cap : Optional. Makes a difference especially if you have knee injuries/problems (Neoprene added variant is better).
Water bottle/Hydration pack : Must. Good quality plastic bottle.
Sunglasses : This is MUST for all the high altitude treks and winter treks. Polarised/Anti-glare is always a better option in snow with UV400 (UV A & B) protection. Trekkers using spectacle can order custom make powered sunglasses.
Torch/Head Lamp with extra batteries : A MUST item. Head torch keeps your hands free.
Accessories/Toiletries : Optional and try to share when you travel in group.
Sunscreen lotion – Optional. At least 30/40 SPF.
Chap Stik/Cold & Moisturising cream – Optional. As per need. Use small tubes/bottles.
Tooth brush and tooth paste – Carry smallest available tube of tooth paste.
Soap/Soap strip – Carry small pocket size soap, or Soap strip.
Hand sanitizer – Optional. Small bottle.
Tissue roll ( Toilet paper) – This is a must item as water may not be available in the vicinity.
Towel – Medium size (light weight).
Anti-Fungal Powder – Optional. This helps to keep the socks and the trek shoe drier and odour free to an extent. Carry smallest container.
Camera with extra cells: Optional. Normally there is no charging point on the Himalayan trek routes, carry spare batteries/power bank.
Dry food items(Kit): Must. Carry some dry fruits, chocolate/energy/protein bars and GluconD/Tang/Getorade.
Personal First-Aid Kit: Optional – Anti septic cream, Betadine/Dettol/Savlon, Band aid, cotton, crepe bandage, safety pin etc.
Medicines Kit: This is a simple guide line and a doctor’s consultation is recommended.)
- a) General medicines comprising of headache, fever, vomiting, stomach upset and pain killer (Volini gel/spray)
- b) Anti Diarrhoearal
- c) Antibiotics – ( choose broad spectrum antibiotics for treating a variety of infections – carry a course of each)
- d) Mild analgesics – (Aspirin/Paracetamol etc but DONOT take Codeine based painkillers).
- e) Strong analgesics (Co-Proxamol/Ponstan/Temgesic, use with care).
- f) Anti-inflammatory (Nurofen or diclofenac sodium)
- g) Diamox – This helps in acclimatisation (a proper dosage is must if taken. Drink lot of water as this is a diuretic drug.
Policy Regarding Cancellation / No Show / Early Departure
In case of cancellation of tour/travel services due to any avoidable/unavoidable reason/s we must be informed in writing. Cancellation charges would be effective from the date we receive letter in writing and cancellation charges would be as follows:
- 30 days & prior to arrival – 10% of the tour/service cost.
- 20 days to 18 days prior to arrival – 20% of the tour/service cost.
- 14 days to 16 days prior to arrival – 25% of the tour/service cost.
- 10 days to 08 days prior to arrival – 50% of the tour/service cost.
- 07 days & less, prior to arrival or no show – NO REFUND.
Please note – Irrespective of above mentioned cancellations slabs – in case of cancellation of tour services after the booking is made with us – a minimum 10% service charges would be applicable.
In case you cancel the trip after commencement refund would be restricted to a limited amount that too would depend on the amount that we would be able to recover from the hoteliers we patronize. For unused hotel accommodation, chartered transportation and missed meals etc. we do not bear any responsibility to refund.
Refund
In regard to refund of unused / unutilized services (which are paid for and cancelled in advance) the refund amount would be worked out on the basis of cancellation policy as described above and the money would be accordingly refunded to the person who has made the payment to us. Please note that the refund process may take 2 – 4 weeks due to banking procedures. If the refund is made to the credit card account OR to Bank account, the bank charges would be debited from the refund amount.
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