The Annapurna Circuit Trek has been recognised as one of the world’s best trekking routes. This is a dramatic odyssey around the mighty Annapurna range, a journey that is regarded as one of the top ten walks in the world.

Our expansive pilgrimage of the Annapurna Range offers a unique insight into the physical and cultural diversity of Nepal. This teahouse/lodge-based trek is certainly a classic journey that is appreciated by trekkers from all around the globe. Since it opened to foreign tourists in 1977, the Annapurna Circuit Trek is renowned as one of the most spectacular and diverse walks on the planet with lush green valleys and fascinating villages that offer impressive snow-capped views of the White Himalayas.

Starting at an elevation of less than 1,000m it gives us a chance to explore the spectacular Himalayas from bottom to the top including many different angles and perspectives. The trek exposes itself moderately, ascending through subtropical scenery to a Tibetan-influenced valley and then over the soaring Thorong La Pass to the desert-like Trans-Himalayan Kali Gandaki Valley.

This thoughtfully designed itinerary completes the circuit with a few new variations due to heavy road construction that will enhance this magnificent expedition. From Kathmandu, we travel by bus to Besi Sahar (760m) and Chamje village (1,410m) to commence the Annapurna Circuit trek. The long journey follows the Marsyangdi River through rice paddies, terraced fields and Hindu villages under the shadow of the Annapurna and Manaslu Ranges. As we ascend, the valley becomes narrower, waterfalls plummet from high above, and the scenery gains a rugged alpine appearance.

The highest point of the Annapurna Circuit trek is crossing the Thorong La Pass (5,416m) at the top of the valley. We will traverse the pass in a counter-clockwise direction from east to west. Travelling clockwise the longer ascent and shorter descent from west to east is too demanding for many trekkers to manage in one day.

As we trek and descend north of the Great Himalayan Divide there is a dramatic change as we enter the stark landscape of the Tibetan Plateau where the culture becomes predominantly Buddhist to reach the village of Muktinath (3,760m). Well-known temples mark significance to both Hindus and Buddhists. From Muktinath, there is now an extensive motorway availability, therefore, to avoid walking on long sections of roads we take a private bus or jeep to explore and view the barren panoramas of the Tibetan Highland and great Kali Gandaki Valley, said to be one of the deepest gorges on earth with Annapurna I (8,091m) and Dhaulagiri (8,172m) towering above. 

We will stay in the villages of Kalopani (2,530m) and Tatopani and experience the famous Tatopani Hot Springs (1,190m). Trekking to Ghorepani (2,860m) from Tatapani involves an ascent through tiny villages and terraced fields and pretty villages of rhododendron jungle. Ghorepani means ‘horse water’ and was a stopping place for the huge mule trains that used to ply this route. Entering Ghorepani village mountain views emerge and we begin to appreciate what awaits us the next morning. The final highlight of this incredible trek will involve an unforgettable morning hike to Poon Hill (3,210m). A sunrise view from Poon Hill offers a breathtaking panorama of the awe-inspiring high mountains peaks of Annapurna I (8,091m), Annapurna II (7,937m), Annapurna III (7, 555m), Annapurna IV (7,525m), Annapurna South (7,219m), Nilgiri South (6,839m), Tilicho Peak (7,134m), Dhaulagiri (8,172m), Machhapuchhre-Fishtail Mountain (6,997m), Singa Chuli – Fluted Peak (6,501m), and many more incredible peaks that comprise the spectacular Annapurna Range. 
After the sunrise walk to Poon Hill, we will trek to the village of the Gurung settlement, Ghandruk (1,940m). This interesting village is a chief enrollment hub for the well-known Gurkha soldiers and holds the important Annapurna Conservation Area Project. The final day of the trek will see us hike to Khimche (1,640m) before returning to Pokhara for two nights and finally return to Kathmandu where we complete our exhilarating Annapurna trekking expedition.

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival at Kathmandu International airport (1400m). Transfer to Radisson Hotel (D)

Day 2: Nepal time zone acclimatisation day in Kathmandu. Trek orientation with Cherie & Nepalese guides. Clothing & equipment check. Full day sightseeing of Kathmandu.Visit: Durbar Square, Swoyambhunath, Boudhanath & Pasupatinath – Radisson Hotel (B/B)

Day 3: Private Bus drive to Besi Sahar (760m) 6-7 hours – Teahouse (B/L/D)

Day 4: Local private jeep drive to Chamje (1,410m) 4-5 hours, trek to Tal (1,700m) 2-3 hours – Teahouse (B/L/D)

Day 5: Trek to Bagarchhap (2,160m) 6-7 hours – Teahouse (B/L/D)

Day 6: Trek to Chame (2,670m) 6-7 hours – Teahouse (B/L/D)

Day 7: Trek to Pisang (3,200m) 4-5 hours – Teahouse (B/L/D)

Day 8: Trek to Manang (3,540m) 3-4 hours – Teahouse (B/L/D)

Day 9: Acclimatisation day in Manang (3,540m) 3-4 hours return. Teahouse (B/L/D)

Day 10:Trek to Yak Kharka (4,018m) 4-5 hours – Teahouse (B/L/D)

Day 11: Trek to Thorong Phedi (4,450m) 3-4 hours – Teahouse (B/L/D)

Day 12: Trek to Thorong-La Pass (5,416m) and trek down to Muktinath (3,760m) 9-10 hours – Teahouse (B/L/D)

Day 13: Local Jeep/Bus drive to Kalopani (2,530m) 5-6 hrs- Teahouse  (B/L/D)

Day 14: Local Jeep/Bus drive to Tatopani (1,190m) 4-5 hrs- Teahouse (B/L/D)

Day 15: Reserve day in Tatopani/Hot Springs (1,190m) or reserve day for Thorung-La Pass crossing if needed due to inclement weather and/or acclimatisation requirements – Teahouse (B/L/D)

Day 16: Trek to Ghorepani (2,860m) 4-6 hours – Teahouse (B/L/D)

Day 17: Sunrise trek to Poon Hill (3,210m) & Trek to Tadapani (2630m) 5-6 hours – Teahouse (B/L/D)

Day 18: Trek to Ghandruk (1,940m) 3-4 hrs Teahouse (B/L/D)

Day 19: Trek to Khimche (1,640m) 1-2 hrs. Drive to Pokhara (820m) 3-4 hrs. Half-day sightseeing in Pokhara city – Pokhara Grande Hotel (B)

Day 20: Free day in Pokhara and/or half-day sightseeing tour  – Pokhara Grande Hotel (BB)

Day 21:  Private bus drive to Pokhara Airport & fly to Kathmandu – Radisson Hotel (BB)

Day 22:  Departure to International Airport. End of the trek (B)

B/B = Bed & Breakfast, B = Breakfast, B/L/D = Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner

* Itinerary subject to change
* Single room supplement available at an additional cost of $800 USD
* Detailed trek itinerary and information (clothing & equipment list; medical information; FAQ’s) issued upon booking
* Due to commercial development in the Annapurna Range this expedition will bypass extensive walking along roads and experience a private bus or jeep exploration through various sections of this diverse landscape. 

Trek Inclusions:             

• Arrival/Departure transfers on both domestic and international flights
• Deluxe Hotel accommodation in Kathmandu – Radisson Hotel (twin-share – bed & breakfast as per itinerary)
• Deluxe Hotel accommodation in Pokhara – Pokhara Grande (twin share basis – bed & breakfast as per the itinerary)
• Highest quality Teahouse accommodation with the attached bathroom when available on a twin share basis during the trek (single room supplementary charge available if requested
• Unlimited breakfast, lunch, and dinner from a full teahouse menu of your choice while trekking
• Unlimited hot drinks at each meal (excluding carbonated & alcoholic drinks)
• 4-5L of boiled or filtered drinking water per day while trekking
• Welcome or farewell traditional Nepalese dinner with cultural dance & folk music
• Half-day guided city tour in Kathmandu
• Half-day guided city tour in Pokhara
• All domestic flights and airport tax (Pokhara-Kathmandu)
• Transportation to and from the starting and ending points of the trek
• Free use of quality trekking gear – sleeping bag, fleece liner & jacket for the duration of the trek (these items are to be returned at the end of the trek)
• Free loan of local mobile SIM card (twin-share) to communicate with family & friends during the trek (credit not included)
• Cherie Horne Adventure Trekking (CHAT) duffle bag & hat
• Professional Nepalese trekking co-guide & assistant guides well trained in Wilderness First Aid
• Porters to carry all personal gear and group equipment
• First Aid Kit (excluding personal prescription medication)
• Gamow Bag/PAC – (Portable Altitude Chamber – portable hyperbaric chamber to treat severe forms of altitude illness – AMS, HAPE &, HACE). 
• TIMS card & any other required permits, taxes, or official documentation for trekking
• Trekking map
• Emergency helicopter rescue Evacuation Coordination Service  (You are responsible for travel/trekking insurance to cover this contingency)

Trek Exclusions:

• International airfares (approximately $1000-$1600 return from Melbourne to Kathmandu
• Travel & emergency helicopter rescue insurance (Please make sure your  insurance covers helicopter evacuation services)
• Excess baggage charges of more than 15kg (which includes carry-on bag)  for domestic flights
• Visa fees
• Extra night accommodation in Kathmandu or Pokhara because of early arrival, late departure, and early return from the mountain (due to any reason) than the scheduled itinerary
• Drinks (carbonated and alcoholic)
• Hot shower and battery charges during the trek
• Entry into Poon Hill ($4USD)
• Expenses of personal nature (laundry, phone calls)
• Lunches and dinners whilst not trekking (approximately $5-$10 per meal in Kathmandu & Pokhara restaurants, $20-$30 per meal in Radisson Hotel)
• Tips for Nepalese co-guides & porters
• Pre-Trek Simulated Altitude & Group Training program