Annapurna Circuit Trek, one of the most popular classic treks in the world takes us around the world's tenth highest mountain, the Annapurna. From a mere height of 800m/2,625ft to the high altitude of 5,416m/17,770ft, we will pass through a diverse geographical and cultural variation with an amazing range of flora and fauna in between as we cross through three different regions of Lamjung, Manang and Mustang. The Annapurna trek is known for its amazing variety of landscapes taking us through virtually every type of scenery that Nepal has to offer. We start trekking through rhododendron forests along the valley of Marshyangdi river, then mountain foothills and progressing across barren, rocky landscapes and further to the challenging snow covered pass - Thorong La Pass (5,416m/17,770ft) where we are rewarded with dramatic views of the Annapurna range and smaller ranges northwards into Tibet before descending to the holy village of Muktinath. The pass was originally used by locals as a trade route, herding agricultural products on yaks and donkeys.
After crossing the pass we begin to observe a different landscape, it’s the Trans Himalayan region, protected from the monsoon by the high passes and mountains to the south. There is a dramatic change in scenery as we trek north of the Great Himalayan Divide and across Thorong La. We are now on the Tibetan Plateau with a stark and rugged landscape, where the culture is predominantly Buddhist. Here we can encounter holy temples in Muktinath and old Buddhist monasteries in Kagbeni, Marpha and Jharkot. We end our journey in Jomsom, from where we fly back into Pokhara.
Along this trail we pass through many traditional, old style stone villages like Chame, Pisang, Manang and Braga for a unique experience of the local culture. This trek offers an amazing variety of landscapes ranging from sub-tropical through alpine peaks to an arid semi-desert akin to Tibet. We will pass by old stupas and maniwalls with countless prayers carved in stone and we will witness yaks grazing on abundant high pastures. Based in teahouses throughout, we also get to spend time in villages inhabited by many of Nepal's different ethnic groups like Gurung, Tamang or Chhetri. This trekking route cannot be rivalled by any other in terms of the variety of landscapes and cultural experiences in provides, however it is a strenuous trek so we recommend it only for people who are fit and who are not afraid to experience trekking into very high altitude.
| Trip Details |
| Best Season | : | Sep - Nov / April - June |
| Trekking Duration | : | 14 Days |
| Trekking Grade | : | III (Strenuous Trek) |
| Maximum Altitude | : | 5,416m / 17,770ft |
| Destination | : | Thorong La Pass |
| Trip Region/Area | : | Annapurna |
| Trip Route | : | Pokhara - Besisahar - Jagat - Tal - Dharapani - Pisang - Manang - Yak Kharka - Thorong Phedi - Thorong La Pass - Muktinath - Jomsom - Pokhara |
| Trip Style | : | Lodge / Tea House |
| Group Size | : | Min. 2 People |
| Starting From | : | Kathmandu, Pokhara and Besisahar |
| Ending Point | : | Jomsom and Pokhara |
| Culture | : | Local communities with ethnic majority of Gurung, Tamang & Tibetan |
| Mode of Trekking | : | Tea house style (lodge trek) |
| Himalayan Sights | : | Manaslu North, Cheo Himal, Himlung Himal, Kang Guru, Pisang Peak, Chulu West, Thorungtse, Nilgiri, Tilicho Peak, Dhampus & Annapurna II, III & IV |
| Highlight | : | Extremely Varied Landscapes, Dense Forest, Rice-Terraces, River Valleys, Local Villages, Sunrise, Sunset, Water Falls, Local Flora & Fauna, Mountain Desert, Kali Gandaki & Marshyangdi River Gorges |
| Days | Destinations | Hours (hr) |
| 01 | Kathmandu - Pokhara | |
| Early morning tourist coach transport from Kathmandu to Pokhara. During the drive you will already have stunning views over the mighty Himalayan massifs as well as green hills and dramatic river valleys. Overnight stay in Pokhara. Preparation activities for yoga trek - detailed briefing, last minute shopping and packing. | ||
| 02 | Pokhara - Besisahar - Bhulbhule 840m/2,755ft | 3hr drive, 4hr trek |
| We depart Pokhara early morning after yoga and breakfast with private transport to Besisahar. From Besisahar it's a gentle day's walk through some forest to Bhulbhule. Today's walk offers a short and relatively easy day, which allows us to become used to the experience of trekking in Nepal. Overnight in a teahouse. | ||
| 03 | Bhulbule - Jagat 1,300m/4,265ft | 5hr trek |
| Today the trail drops steeply to Syange at 1070m from Bahundanda crossing the Marshyangdi River on a suspension bridge. We then follow the river to the stone village of Jagat or before climbing through forest to Chyamje at 1400m. | ||
| 04 | Jagat - Tal 1,700m/5,580ft | 5hr trek |
| The day begins with the rocky trail following the Marshyangdi Rivers steadily uphill to Tal at 1675m, the first village in the Manang district. We make a trailverse crossing a wide, flat valley and stay at a colorful village of Tal. | ||
| 05 | Tal - Dharapani 1,860m/6,100ft | 6hr trek |
| The trail continues through a wide flat valley and then climbs up a stone stairway to 1860m till another stairway. The journey continues going up and down until we reach to Dharapani at 1890m. There we find a stone entrance chorten typical of the Tibetan influenced villages from here northwards. | ||
| 06 | Dharapani - Chame 2,670m/8,760ft | 7hr trek |
| Often rough and rocky, the trail climbs to Tyanja at 2360m, & then continues through forest, but near the river, to Kopar at 2590m. As we reach Chame, the headquarters of the Manang district, we are rewarded by the fine views of Annapurna II as you approach Chame & two small hot springs by the town. | ||
| 07 | Chame - Pisang 3,200m/10,500ft | 6hr trek |
| The day starts through deep forest in a steep and narrow valley, crosses a river on a long bridge at 2910m. We then cross another bridge at 3040m, from there the view of the soaring Paungda Danda rock face really begins to appear. From there the trail joins to climb to Pisang, which sprawls between 3200m & 3300m. We have a choice to stay at Lower Pisang (better accommodation but less mountain view) or to climb and extra hour on steep trail to Higher Pisang with more basic facilities but better mountain views. | ||
| 08 | Pisang - Manang 3,540m/11,615ft | 5hr trek |
| Today we continue through the drier upper part of the Manang district, cut off from the full effect of the monsoon by the Anapurna Range. People of this region herd yaks & raise crops for part of the year and they also continue to enjoy special trading rights gained way back in 1784. Leaving Pisang, we have an alternate trails north and south of the Marshyangdi River which meet up again at Mungji. The southern route by Hongde, with its airstrip, at 3325m involves less climbing than the northern route via Ghyaru, though there are better views on the trail that follows the northern bank of the river. From Mungji, the trail continues past the picturesque but partially hidden village of Bryanga at 3475m to nearby Manang at 3500m. |
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| 09 | Manang - Rest day & acclimatization | |
| Today we spend a day acclimatizing in Manang. The whole day we spend by doing some fine day walks and enjoying the magnificent views around the village. At the end of the day, we return back to our accommodation & have a good night rest. | ||
| 10 | Manang - Yak Kharka 4,000m/13,125ft | 4hr trek |
| Today we leave Manang, & the trail makes a gradual ascent towards Yak Kharka. We make the climb steadily through Tenki, leaving the Marshyangdi Valley. Continuing along the Jarsang Khola Valley, we reach Yak Kharka at 4030m, where we begin to notice the vegetation is steadily getting more sparse. We spend the night in Yak Kharka or continue to Ledar at 4250m and stay there. | ||
| 11 | Yak Kharka - Thorung Phedi 4,420m/14,500ft | 5hr trek |
| The trail descends to cross the river at 4310m and then we climb up to Thorong Phedi at 4,420m/14,500ft. We have a choice to stay overnight here and start very early the next morning or to just take a rest here and then continue for another 45min to High Camp on the elevation of 4,880m/16,010ft where we can spent the night – it is much colder up there and it’s more difficult to sleep due to higher altitude so it's a personal choice. | ||
| 12 | Phedi - Thorung La 5,416m/17,770ft - Muktinath 3,710m/12,170ft | 10hr trek |
| This is a long and tiring day and we have to start very early. We make a steep climb that is regularly used and easy to follow. However, the problem may arise due to the altitude and sometimes snow. It takes about 3-4 hours climbing up to the top of the pass marked by the chortens & prayer flags. As you reach the top, you are rewarded by the magnificent view from the top. From there the path leads all the way down to Muktinath, take care of your knees on the way down, you have another 4-5 hrs to walk before reaching this holy town. | ||
| 13 | Muktinath - Jomsom 2,720m/8,925ft | 6hr trek |
| This is an easy day walking back to Jomsom, but can be tedious if we are unlucky to get the strong winds. From Muktinath to Jomsom, you will see the people of Mustang, a restricted area to the north, who come to sell handicrafts to pilgrims. We will pass some ancient caves and see the impressive White Mountain that is the Dhaulagiri. Overnight at guest house in Jomsom. | ||
| 14 | Jomsom - Pokhara | 30min flight or 8-9hr drive |
| We take a morning flight back to Pokhara. In case that flight is cancelled due to bad weather, we have to drive down using local jeeps and buses (8-9hr drive). Overnight in Pokhara. |
Morning:
Afternoon:
Evening:
Note: Each day & trek is different, depending on a number of factors ranging from availability of some facilities and trail conditions to the general pace of the whole group. Exact timetable cannot always be followed and would in fact destroy the free and easy going atmosphere of the trek that you have come along to enjoy. Therefore the following schedule serves as a general guideline only.
On your request we can arrange an extension of your holiday and there are many activities you can choose from, depending on your personal preferences. Here is what we can help you arrange:
We have various residential yoga retreat programs available from 1-21 days in duration. Typical daily program includes meditation, two yoga classes, jala neti, sound immersion with singing bowls and gong, guided relaxation and daily wellness activities of foot bath, steam bath, mud bath or aromatherapy steam inhalation. Our food is organic and delicious, always cooked fresh by our skilled chef with accordance to ayurvedic principles. You can also learn to make a hand-crafted mandala, have a private sound healing session or get an ayurvedic massage during your stay on request.www.purnayoga.com.np
Seated high on the back of an elephant, gain a unique viewpoint of the Chitwan National Park which is a home to significant populations of one horned rhino, tigers, leopards, wild hogs, sloth bears, many species of deer, monkeys, langurs, Gharial crocodiles, Indian bisons and many beautiful peacocks. Packages start from 3 days/2 night and longer with a variety of activities including elephant jungle safari, river canoe trip, cultural performance of Tharu stick dance, elephant bathing, jeep safari and more.
Nepal is a home to many raging mountain rivers and streams originating from the Himalayas, which makes it a perfect destination for a river rafting adventure. The excursions start from a short half day rafting tour on Upper Seti river, 1 day for Trisuli river and 2 days for Lower Seti and Marshyangdi. A longer 3 day camping excursion is required for rafting on Kali Gandaki. There are rafting tours suitable for beginners as well as more experienced thrill seekers, grades from II to V, changeable with the seasons.
Pokhara is a paradise for paragliding, on one side towering snow-capped mountains, on the other side a stunning lake surrounded by hills and terraced fields. Such landscapes are sure to take your breath away as you glide through the air seamlessly like a bird in flight. Tandem flights are perfect for beginners, a 30min adventure that gives you a taste of thermal lifts and even some acrobatics if you’re keen. Cross country is the next step with a 60min flight that takes you higher and further. All flights start from Sarankot hill, nearby Pokhara.
There are two bungee jump locations in Nepal. Pokhara has a 70m vertical drop tower bungee, located just 20 minutes away from Lakeside. The jump site offers a spellbinding view of the Himalayas, the hills and the rivers that will take your breath away. The second bungee site is located on a suspension bridge hanging over a 160m deep Bhote Kosi river gorge, 100km east from Kathmandu. Both locations offer superb adrenaline rush and an unforgettable experience.
Take this 1 day tour and journey through intimate passages of contorted rock and powerful blasts of water as experienced guides lead you climbing, abseiling, jumping, scrambling, sliding & swimming down steep canyon walls to pristine natural pools below. Jalberi Canyoning Zone, which is located half way between Pokhara and Kathmandu, features breath-taking scenery of untouched jungle, karst rock formations and multiple cascading waterfalls dropping one after the other into refreshing pools and rainbow gardens.
Pokhara has the world's longest, fastest and steepest zipline, which is over 1.8km long, with a 600 metre vertical drop and which can travel at speeds up to 100 miles per hour. The descent is only 2min long but it is sure to leave a lasting impression as you're flying over treetops, Pokhara Valley with Seti River below you and a vast space in front of you with beautiful mountain panorama in sight. Make the most of your trip, you can't zipline to such extreme anywhere else in the world.
Pokhara offers a range of ultralight flight experiences. The shortest flight is just 15min and it takes you around Pokhara Valley with a mountain panorama view. A 30min flight can take you around the valley and also bring you close and personal with the Fishtail Mountain.
The 60min flight takes you into the heart of the mountains, where you will fly in between the Himalayan mountain ranges for a once in a lifetime experience and an incredible vantage point to snap some stunning photos.
Mountain flights operate from Kathmandu airport and once you take off you don't have to wait long before you see spectacular mountain views beneath you. You get to fly over the highest mountain ranges in the world and you will also see what Mt Everest looks like from above. This is as close as you can get to the world's tallest mountain without trekking. This flight is operated in a 17 seater Beech aircraft and everyone gets a window seat, the flight duration is approximately 1 hour.
Please note these Terms and Conditions contain important information. It is essential that you read them carefully and understand them prior to making your reservation with Purna Yoga & Treks Pvt. Ltd. Please note that while booking a trip, you are agreeing to be bound by these Terms and Conditions as well as the cancellation policy and certain limitations of liability. When making your booking with Purna Yoga & Treks Pvt Ltd it is implied that you have read, understood and accepted all these terms and conditions and agree to abide by them.
1. Booking
To make your reservation you must fill out the booking form and make a booking deposit payment. Your reservation will be confirmed by email once we have received your booking deposit and a copy of your booking form duly filled out.
All treks require a booking deposit of 200 USD per person at the time of booking. Some longer treks like Everest Base Camp and Upper Mustang require a booking deposit of 500 USD per person at the time of booking.
2. Payment Methods
Booking deposit payment can be made by bank transfer, by Visa / MasterCard or by Western Union. The remaining balance can be cleared upon your arrival in Nepal by cash or credit card (credit card payment incurs a 4% charge).
a. Payment by Credit Card (MasterCard or Visa Only)
There is a 4% surcharge when you make your payment with a credit/debit card. Please download the credit card payment form and complete the necessary details in the form including your complete card details, signature (same as in your passport & credit card) and send a scan/photo of this filled form as well as a scan/photo of your passport and both sides of your card by email to info@nepalyogatrek.com
Your credit card will be charged by Alpine Travel Service (Credit Card Division) on behalf of Purna Yoga & Treks Pvt. Ltd. Please do not send the form details directly to Alpine Travel Services.
b. Payment by Wire/Bank Transfer
Please use the below details to complete a wire/bank transfer. Please note that Nepal banks do not operate the IBAN system, the below details are full and complete:
Beneficiary Name: PURNA YOGA & TREKS PVT.LTD
Beneficiary Address: TEKU, KATHMANDU, NEPAL
Bank Name: MEGA BANK NEPAL LIMITED
Bank Address: KANTIPATH, KATHMANDU, NEPAL.
Bank Account No: 0010010103716
Bank Swift Code: MBNLNPKA
Please put down your own name as the transaction reference for easy recognition.
Please note that your transfer may be subject to an intermediary bank fee on the way to Nepal as well as your own bank's transfer fee. Purna Yoga & Treks Pvt. Ltd is not liable for any bank charges incurred at any stage of the transfer process.
c. Payment by Western Union or Moneygram
Send the payment option "pickup at location" to the following receiver details:
Company Name: Purna Yoga & Treks Pvt. Ltd
First Name: Manohar
Last Name: Shrestha
Address: Teku, Kathmandu, Nepal
City: Kathmandu
Country: Nepal
Telephone Number: +977 9841436877
Note: After making the transfer please email us the receipt of your payment to info@nepalyogatrek.com We need the MTCN code, full sender name & address to receive the money in Western Union office.
Please note you can only send the payment in NPR (Nepali Rupee) to Nepal so we will use the current exchange rate NPR/USD to calculate the deposit amount received in USD
3. Cancellation
a. Cancellation by Guest
Written cancellation notice must be received and acknowledged by Purna Yoga & Treks Pvt. Ltd. Such notice commences from the day your cancellation note is received and cancellation shall be valid with acknowledgement from the company. Trip shall then be termed as cancelled and the cancellation charge would be deducted from the advance paid. Any cancellation by a Client must be made in writing and acknowledged by the Company. The Client is strongly advised to take out cancellation insurance at the time of making the booking.
The cancellation charges are expressed hereafter as a percentage of the total tour price
| DATE OF CANCELLATION | CHARGE INCURRED |
| 60 days or more before departure | Loss of deposit |
| 59 - 21 days before departure | 50% of services booked |
| Less than 21 days before departure | 80% of services booked |
Please note no refunds will be made if you voluntarily or involuntarily leave the trip for any reason after the trip has begun. No refunds will be made for any accommodation, transport, sightseeing, meals and any other services not utilized. Under no circumstance will there be a refund of any kind if you don't show up on the trip departure date or if you leave the trip after the trip has started for any reasons.
Guests have to pay for the hotel or any extra costs incurred after leaving the itinerary, Purna Yoga & Treks Pvt Ltd is not financially responsible to provide alternative accommodation after the guest has left the itinerary voluntarily or involuntarily. However we will do our best to assist if help is requested to make any alternative arrangements.
b. Cancellation by Purna Yoga & Treks Pvt. Ltd
The tour once confirmed will not be cancelled unless we are forced to do so due to circumstances outside of our control (force majeure) such as major natural disaster, major political unrest or war - only when it directly affects our operations, not due to singular localized events in any part of the country.
In the event of cancellation of the booked trip due to reasons out of our control, you are free to reschedule your trip or take an alternative trip of the same category. While rescheduling the trip, you will receive the full credit from your previously booked trip, and you will only pay the difference amount between old and new prices if the price increases for the rescheduled departure. Refunds are not possible in such circumstances but credit transfer is offered. toward an alternative trip within 24 months.
Purna Yoga & Treks Pvt Ltd shall not be liable to refund any additional expenses that you may have incurred (such as flight costs, insurance, accommodation and any other costs).
4. Change of itinerary due to reasons beyond our control
Travelling in Nepal requires a degree of flexibility, good humour and understanding as unforeseen changes to the itinerary, modes of transportation and accommodation can occur at any time. Purna Yoga & Treks Pvt. Ltd shall not be responsible for any changes in the itinerary due to unavoidable circumstances such as government restriction, extreme weather, road blockage, political unrest, flight cancellation or delay, sickness or accident, any natural disaster (earthquake, landslide, flood, snowfall, avalanche, etc) or any other circumstances beyond our control. The given itinerary is an indication of what the group should accomplish, but not a contractual obligation. No refunds are given for unused services or unrealized dreams. But we will always do our best to keep your itinerary unchanged as much as possible.
If a domestic flight is part of the itinerary at the end of the trip (ie Jomsom-Pokhara or Lukla-Kathmandu) and the flight becomes cancelled or delayed, the guest is responsible to bear all additional expenses incurred including food and accommodation costs. If you wish to make alternative arrangements such as helicopter flight to avoid international flight delays, all additional cost would be your responsibility. Moreover, Purna Yoga & Treks does not accept any responsibility for costs incurred as a result of missed international flights, but would assist to make alternative transport arrangements wherever possible.
5. Risk & Liabilities
Your safety is our number one priority and the tour leaders have an authority to make changes in the itinerary based on their risk assessment due to weather or trail conditions while the trek is in progress. Purna Yoga & Treks Pvt Ltd will not be liable for any accident, injury, health problem, emotional distress or any other health condition suffered by the client during the trip. Our packages do not include any kind of personal insurance so it is guests' own responsibility to purchase travel insurance from their own country before their trip starts. Similarly Purna Yoga & Treks will not be liable for any loss or damage of property, lost or stolen valuables or luggage.
6. Insurance
Personal travel insurance is not included in the prices quoted. While every effort is made to ensure the safety of all participants at all time, it is a condition of booking that you take out a personal travel insurance policy. To protect against unforeseen circumstances it is advisable to take a comprehensive travel insurance cover from your own country and before your arrival to Nepal. Such insurance should cover personal injury, medical expenses, death, repatriation expenses, land and helicopter rescue from high altitude (up to the max altitude of your trek - please check this carefully with your insurance provider before booking).
We also recommend that the insurance cover includes trip cancellation, curtailment and loss of luggage and personal effects.
7. Privacy & Publicity
Purna Yoga & Treks Pvt Ltd has to collect your personal information in order to obtain the necessary trekking permits and for records purposes. No private or personal information that you supply to us when making a booking will ever be used for any other purposes.
You agree that Purna Yoga & Treks Pvt Ltd may use images of you taken during the trip without compensation to you, for publicity and promotion purposes through whatever medium it chooses.
