Annapurna Circuit Nepal
Day 1 - Arrive Kathmandue
Arriving at Trivhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu, you'll be met and receive a private transfer for the short distance into central Kathmandu and to the "KGH" Hotel in the heart of the Thamel district. You'll be given a briefing on your forthcoming adventure, and in the evening can take dinner at your leisure in one of the many choices of cafes & restaurants in Kathmandu, although the open air courtyard cafe of the hotel is as good as anywhere. Overnight in Thamel Kathmandu.
Day 2 - Fly to Pokhara - Start of the Trek!
A private transfer to the airport for the 25min flight to Pokhara. A private transfer then takes you to the start of the trek at Nayapul. Here the two day climb up to Ghorepani begins as you follow a trail that rises ever upward to reach the village of Tirkhedhunga (approx. 1600m). Walking time is around 6 hours with approx. 580m of ascent. One option would be to overnight in Pokhara as an extra day and have a bit of chill out time by the lake before setting off on trek. Overnight in Trekking Lodge, Tirkedhunga.
Day 3 - Trek to Ghorepani
It's a very steep climb of around 2 hours to walk up to Ulleri (2070m). Although the gradient eases in places it's still all uphill just about as you continue to Banthanti. Here you are greeted to some fabulous Himalayan views of Machhapuchhre, Hiunchuli and Annapurna South. Crossing a mountain stream, the trail now climbs up the hill side to reach Nangethanti. The relentless uphill continues virtually all the way until you arrive at Ghorepani (2900m). Ghorepani is quite a bustling sort of place as it has always been a stopping place between the Kali Gandaki Valley (from which it is a long steep climb up to Ghorepani) and Pokhara, hence Ghorepani means 'horse watering place'.Walking time approx 6-7 hours with around 1300m of challenging ascent. Overnight in Trekking Lodge, Ghorepani.
Day 4 - Poon Hill sun rise & trek down to Tadapani
A pre-dawn wake up so that you can ascend to the top of nearby Poon Hill (3210m) in order to witness the sunrise at this classic Himalayan view point. Across the Kali Gandaki the stupendous peak of Dhaulagiri begins to glow surreal colours as the first light of the sun hits it, whilst closer and above you is Annapurna South. This now very popular view point ensures that some enterprising locals will have a hot brew for sale. Back down to Ghorepani for breakfast and then it's time to begin descending. It's now virtually down hill for the next two days, with some little climbs and hillside contouring.....but, primarily down. Today you'll descend as far as Tadapani (2650m). Walking time is around 5 hours, plus an hour or two for the earlier excursion to Poon Hill. Total descent 580m. Overnight in Trekking Lodge, Tadapani.
Day 5 - Trek to Chhomrong
At first the trail contours the steep hillside, with some minor sections of ascent and descent as you drop down to Chuile (2309m). The trail then begins to descend more steeply to cross a river by way of a suspension bridge, followed by a couple of hours more contour walking to reach Chhomrong (2210m). Walking time approx 6hrs. Overnight in Trekkers Lodge, Chhomrong.
Day 6 - Trek to 'Bamboo'
The day starts by descending down a stone-stepped trail, and then annoyingly you have to ascend up through forests and to emerge at Sinuwa Hill. Thankfully there are some great views of the Annapurnas and Fishtail to make it worthwhile. The trail then mostly contours the hill side before dropping down to 'Bamboo' (2315m). Not really a village as such, a collection of trekking lodges. Walking distance is about 8km with 850m of ascent and 785m of descent and takes around 5hrs to walk. Overnight in Trekkers Lodge, Bamboo.
Day 7 - Trek to Deorali
You continue to trek up the Modi Khola Valley and about 90 minutes beyond Dovan the trail can sometimes vary as this bit is prone to avalanches and so the detours required are always uncertain. Passing the Hinko Cave, it's then a continual rise to walk to Deorali (3170m). Walking distance is almost 12.5km with a stiff 1000m of ascent and 190m descent, taking around 5-6hrs to walk. Overnight in Trekkers Lodge, Deorali.
Day 8 - Trek to Machhapucchare Base Camp (MBC)
There's no hurry today and after the past few days a later start may be welcomed as in comparison to previous days the walk today is much shorter. You're also heading above 3000m and it is usually around this mark that the effects of altitude can be felt. So, go slowly as you ascend up and up and pass through the narrow 'gateway' in to the Sanctuary. From here things open out scenery wise. It's around 3hrs walking and 3.5km distance to reach the collection of lodges that form MBC (3700m), and afer 620m ascent and with minimal descent you'll be glad that the rest of the day can be at rest.
Overnight in Trekkers Lodge, MBC.
Day 9 - Trek to the Annapurna Sanctuary
The 'prize' for your efforts as you now head up and up, sometimes quite steeply. There's always the possibility of having to walk up through snow. One final steep section and 'bingo!', the mountain amphitheatre of the Sanctuary is your reward for todays struggles. The distance is just 3.5km and involves about 550m of ascent, with just over 100m descent. It takes around 3-4hrs walking. Overnight at 4130m.
Overnight in Trekkers Lodge, Annapurna Sanctuary.
Day 10 - Down to Dobhan
Virtually downhill all day today. Your legs will certainly know all about it as you descend steeply for much of the way to Dobhan (2540m) and it'll likely also start to feel warm once more. Walking distance is 13.5km with 1710m descent and just over 100m ascent. Around 5-6hrs walking.
Overnight in Trekkers Lodge, Dobhan.
Day 11 - To Chhomrong again
Into the forest once more, past Bamboo and Sinuwa Hill Top and then a descent to the Chhomrong Khola. A sting in the tail as you then have to ascend to Chhomrong itself. Walking distance is almost 14.5km with 430m ascent and 710m descent over 5hrs.
Overnight in Trekkers Lodge, Chhomrong.
Day 12 - To the roadhead and transfer to Pokhara
“Down and Out”. It’s an initial short ascent from Chommrong before descending sharply to Jhinu. The walking then becomes mostly downhill with the odd short bit of uphill as you walk past villages and cultivated terraces to reach a 4WD track in the lower Modi Khola at Syauli Bhatti . Here you’ll transfer to Pokhara (approx. 2-3hrs) by private vehicle, perhaps arriving late afternoon. Walking time is around 5 hours with around 300m ascent and 1260m descent. Overnight in Pokhara Hotel.
Day 13 - Fly to Kathmandu
A private transfer to Pokhara Airport for the short flight back to Kathmandu. A private transfer will take you from the airport back to the KGH Hotel. However, you may wish to consider some additional contingency for this trek, whether it be for any delays/cancellations that can and do occur for internal flights , or any difficulties that may arise on the trek. Overnight in Thamel, Kathmandu
Day 14 - Depart Nepal
A private transfer will take you to the airport for your return international flight.
NOTE: Itinerary can be modified to your needs and preference and is subject to weather.
Itinerary can be modified to add or subtract days or pick up and drop at any other city in India. Please enquire.
Inclusions
3 Nights - 3 star hotel, 10 nights in trekking lodges
Breakfast 2 to 14 / Lunches Days 2 to 12 / Dinner Days 2 to 11
Private air-conditioned vehicle on Days 1, 2, 12, 13, 14
Domestic flight Kathmandu to Pokhara return economy
Airport arrival and departure transfers in Kathmandu
1 English speaking guide, assistant guide/s + 1 porter for every 2 pax from Day 2 to Day 12
Permits: Annapurna Conservation Area fee, Trekking permit
Excluded
International & Domestic flights except for ones included in itinerary
Drinks of all kinds
Medical/evacuation/cancellation insurance strongly suggested
Personal expenses such as laundry, bar bills, room service, etc
Any charges levied by teahouses for hot shower, battery charging etc
Activities/ tours/ visits in Kathmandu & Pokharac
Additional expenses in the event of delays or itinerary changes
Gratuities of any kind (Guides/Porterage/Hotel and Restaurant Staff/Drivers/etc)
Visas to enter Nepal