An epic journey around Annapurna Massif with Tilicho Lake, one of the highest lakes in the world.
An epic journey around Annapurna Massif with Tilicho Lake, one of the highest lakes in the world, experience of the diverse ethno-culture, tradition and lifestyles.
Annapurna Circuit Trek is one of the world's classic and the most diverse trekking route. The journey to Annapurna circuit trekking follows ancient Nepal Tibet trade route, which has facilitated the flow of culture and religions, Tibetan Mahayana, Buddhism, Hinduism and the mysterious Bon - Po religion still co-exist and interpenetrate' one another. The sheer diversity of the mountain landscape, the exhilaration of crossing a high mountain passes and the unsurpassed views of the Annapurna, Dhaulagiri and Manaslu ranges are the hallmarks of this Annapurna circuit trip. Together with the ever-changing landscape you will be exposed to a variety of ethnic cultures from lowland Thakali villages to high Buddhist settlements near the boarder of Tibet and visit to the deepest gorge in the world.
Your adventure to Annapurna circuit trek begins through terraced farmland, temperate forest and alpine meadows, before entering the l.igh valleys with the glacier-dollop Annapurnas towering almost 5000m above you. The views from the Thorongla pass is truly spectacular spreads from the northwest once Forbidden Kingdom of Mustang to incredible mountain ranges of Annapurna and Dhaulagiri to the south .. Descend towards Kali Gandaki valley from the pass is challenging but rewarding as we trek to the shrine of Muktinath enjoying and exploring-the arid beauty of Tibetan plateau.
The journey continues southward valley to the world deepest gorge back dropped by sensational views of Mount Nilgiri and Dhaulagiri. The final highlight of this Annapurna Circuit trekking is a sunrise view on Dhaulagiri and Annapurna massif from the famous Peon Hill. Exploration of Kathmandu's wonder heritage sites and pristine lake city Pokhara adds charm in your adventure holiday trekking trip to Annapurna circuit.
Office representative welcomes you on your arrival in Kathmandu airport and transfer be the hotel in Kathmandu where pre-trek arrival briefing and other information will be given. Arrangements are made today for the distribution of your kit bag, down jacket, sleeping bag etc. For your kind information your group leader will be happy to assist you in any way he can. The evening you have sight seeing to the Hindu cremation temple and the Boudhanath Stupa both world Heritage sites.
Departing Kathmandu early in the morning, for the drive to Besishahar and then Nyadi. Along the way you will enjoy firie views of tumbling Whitewater Rivers, amazing terraced hillsides, and superb mountain panoramas. From the lodge the views of the mountains are spectacular with Lamjung Himal (6931m) dominating the skyline. The views from Nyadi are tremendous, with the snowy peak of Himalchulee (7893m) dominating the skyline. In the afternoon you cross the Marsyandi to the east bank and after a short distance, views of Manaslu (8156m), Peak 29(7541m) and Lamjung (6986M) open out on the horizon.
3 Lagat (1341m/4,520 ft) walk approx, (6hrs.)
From Nyadi you cross a small suspension bridge over the Musi Khola to start a gradual climb to the village of Bahundanda (1311 m) located on a ridge top. After a short descent you again follow the river valley to lunch at Syange (1136). In the afternoon the track follows a road in the near vertical cliffs high above the river although at no time does it become difficult. You will spend the night at Jagat (1341), a Tibetan village that served as a customs post on the old trading route from Tibet.
Dharapani (1960/ 6,430 ft. Walk approx 6-7 hrs.)
Today the vegetation changes to rhododendron and pine forest and the valley becomes narrower and steeper. You leave the village and soon cross the river on a large suspension bridge. From here the trail steepness and consequently the angle of The river does the same, sending the water rumbling through a maze of large boulders. After reaching the top of a zigzag climb, amazingly the valley widens out to reveal the village of Tal, which nestles amongst the fields of barley, wheat and potatoes. You have now entered the district of Manang and you will take lunch in one of the many fine hotels here. The afternoon's walk follows river valley crossing back to the west bank before gradually ascending to Dharapani (1960m) where you where you will end the trekking day.
Chame (2710 m/8,891 ft.) Walk approx, 5/6 hrs.
The valley now extends westward through dramatic fir and pine forests. After half an hour, you reach Bagarchhap (2160m), the first village on the trek with typical Tibetan architecture. Here you may observe firewood stacked on the roofs in preparation for the long, hard winters, The village marks the transition between the lower, we valleys and the higher, dry arid area of the Manang Valley. From here there are excellent views of Lamjung Himal," Annapurna II (7937M), and Annapurna III (755:5m) up the valley. Down the valley to the west Manasiu and Peak 29 soar magnificently to the trekkers. Leaving Bagarchhap, you cross a small wooden bridge beside a beautiful waterfall, and ascend to Latamarang (2360m) where you may wish to relax over a cold drink. Your permit may be checked at police post at Koto, a short distance from before Chame (2685m) that boast among other things, a wireless station, bank, health post and well run hotels.
Pisang (3300m/ 10,824 Ft) walk approx, 5-6 hrs.
A trail now leads through fields of barley and buckwheat, to reach the apple orchards at Brathang (2840m), a formal Khampa (Tibetan rebels) settlement. Here you will stop for lunch, before crossing the river into thick fir forest where you will have glimpse of Lamjung and Annapurna towering high above the trail. After spending some time in the forest we will suddenly reach a clearing to reveal the huge rock slabs of Paungda Danda. From here you continue to follow the valley to reach the flat roofed with stone houses of Pisang village (3:300m) and our lodge in full view of Annapurna II and Pi sang Peak (6092rn).
Manang (3535m/11,482 ft) walk approx. 5 hrs.
You follow wooden irrigation canals through Pisang village, an indication of the arid trans-Himalayan terrain. Here the soils are poor and only one crop per year of barley, wheat, buckwheat or potatoes can be grown. To supplement their living many locals run hotels and teahouses as well as having herds of goats and yaks that graze on the hillsides high above the valley. The walking is fairly easy but there is one steep climb to a saddle that leads down to the airstrip at Hongde where you will take lunch in the afternoon you have an easy walk along valley to Braga (3475m) where the houses are stacked on top of each other perched high on the valley cliffs. Above the houses is a Monastery, the oldest and most interesting in the area, estimated to be above 500 years old. From the village of Braga it is only a short walk to the village of Manang.
Manang (3500m/11,482 ft) Rest and exploration.
Manang is a tight compact village of about 500 flat roofed houses set among spectacular scenery. The huge icefall of Annapurna rears over the village. Annapurna II and IV (7525rn) tower dramatically above the valley floor to the southeast, with Tilicho (7132m), Roc Noir (7485m) and the Grand Barrier to the west. Chulu West (6630m) and East (6200m) lay behind the village a hauntingly beautiful panorama. The rest here is designed to aid to acclimatization and you can choose to relax or trek above the village where you will be rewarded with great views' of the Annapurnas. You may even see elusive mountain goats (Himalayan Thar) and blue sheep on the craggy higher slopes.
Manang to Khangsar (3745 m/12,286 ft.) 2-3 hrs.
After breakfast leaving Manang our trek continues up to the village of Khangsar. As we walk ahead, the trail cuts down through a gorge and the Tilicho Peak can be spotted shrouded in clouds far above. We pass through small scenic settlements and the Tore Mastery walking along the Khangsar river. Great views of Grand barrier reaching Khangsar.
As we begin the trek from Khangsar to Tilicho lake Base camp, we come across wide grassy fields and after making a slight climb up a small hill, witness the glorious views of the entire valley. After trudging down on steep inclination, you enter the Tilicho Base Camp.
Visit Tilicho Lake (4,949 m/16,138 ft.) then trek back to Base Camp, 5-6 hrs.
After the initial ascent, our trial traverses into a moraine and then cuts along the side of the mountain. However, the spectacular views of Tilicho Peak, Nilgiri, Khangsar and Muktinath peaks are always close by to cheer us up.. Upon reaching the Tilicho Lake we get to admire its tranquil beauty. Sometimes reflection of the surrounding peaks are seen on its turquoise water, at other times the lake remains frozen. We spent some moment beside the color water and soak in the astounding views before heading back to the base camp.
Tilicho Base Camp to Yak Kharka (4040m/13,020 ft) 4-5 hrs.
When returning from the Tilicho Base Camp, the trial leads out of the Marsyandi valley and the abrupt change in the surrounding can be noticed as the trees are left behind and replace with more alpine vegetation. Our trial continues through the rains of the old Khangsar village. We cross a Jog bridge over the river between Gunsang and Yak Kharka. A typical Himalayan village of Yak Kharka is an accolade to its name, as lots of yaks can be seen grazing around. From here we also get breath taking views of Annapurna III.
Yak Kharka to Phedi (4400 m/14,501ft.) Walk approx, 3-4 hrs.
Today is another short day to ensure we arrive at the base (meaning Phedi) of the Thorong pass feeling well acclimatized. You will cross the Jarsang Khola on a covered bridge and then follow the left bank of the river over loose screes on the steep sided valley. You arrive at Phedi (4420 meter) in time for lunch, and you will have the afternoon free to relax and prepare for the crossing of the pass.
Muktinath (3800m/12,467 ft) Via Thorang La Pass (5416 m/ 17,764 ft) Walk approx. 7-9 hrs.
Though the pass poses no technical problems you need to start very early, around 4 am, so you can proceed slowly and safely. The trail is not steep and long, gradual approach passes several false summits before reaching some stone cairns making the crest of the pass at 5416 m. in fine conditions the views from the pass are truly fantastic. Spread out before you is the entire Annapurna range to the south, the Mukut and Mustang Himal to the west, and the incredibly deep Kali Gandaki valley below. Peaks of Chulu west and east lie to the north, and on either side of the pass are Thorungtse (6482m) to the north and snow dome of Thorung peak (6484m) to the south. The steep descend from the pass is-guaranteed to make the knees wobble, but you are compensated with the view of mighty Dhaulagiri (8167m) and Tukuche peak (6920m). You will arrive at the first village on the other side of the pass, Muktinath, in the early afternoon. This will be tiring day so we have allocated the following day for rest and relaxation.
Drive to Jomsom (2,715m/8,910ft.), Lunch and Trek to Marpha (2660m/7930ft.) 2 hrs.
From Muktinath, the road descends towards the Kali Gandaki valley. You pass through the village of Jharkot back dropped by sensational views of Dhaulagiri and Nilgiri (7061m). The yellow, barren, almost moonlike landscape is dotted with patches, of green cultivation, man-made canals cut across the terrain, irrigating the-crops and fruit trees. A short steep descent leads to the Eklaibhati on the floor of the Kali Gandaki Valley. You follow the river: heading south, through the wide, windswept and barren valley that has little fertile land, to Jomsorn, a dusty and windswept village. From here you cross to the western bank and follow the river to Marpha, a beautiful village in full view of Nilgiri Himal, noted for its apples and locally produced brandy.
Tatopani (1180m/3780 ft.) Walk approx, 7 hrs.
You leave Marpha and follow the valley, descending through alpine forest to Ghasa, the last major Thakali settlement of the region. You have now descended, gradually, over 4,000 meters since the Thorong Pass, and you now find yourself in warm, sub-tropical surroundings, in stark contrast to the colder, higher altitudes. Our ride will take us pass the spectacular Rupse Chhara waterfall you continue to descend through the Magar village to Dana to arrive at Tatopani by mid-afternoon. Here there is a chance to bathe in the hot springs and to eat oranges and pumpkin pie in beautiful surroundings. Tatopani was once a large and thriving village: sadly in the last 15 years two major floods have washed a major part of the old village away.
Tatopani to Shikha (1935m/6570ft)
Leaving Tatopani we walk along the motor road for sometime until we cross the Gandaki river over a suspension bridge. The trial gradually begins to climb through the lush green village. There are some short steep uphill sections on rocky stairs to reach the top of the hill where we see the quarry of Slater. From here the trial is gradual slope until lunch stop in a quiet village. Not a long walk after lunch takes you to Shikha a good local settlement surrounded with farmlands. This village offers great views of Mt. Dhaulagari the 7th highest in the World.
Ghorepani (2830 m) Walk approx, 8 hrs.
After the previous days' descents, tills is a long day and all uphill. Leaving the Kali Gandaki valley, you ascend steeply to the Magar village of Ghara passing porters and mule trains ferrying supplies to the villages of the Kali Gandaki valley. You will cross a large landslide before reaching the village of Sikha for lunch. The views one again fantastic with Dhaulagiri and Annapurna dominating the horizon while. trekking to Ghorepani, In the afternoon you walk through rhododendron forest, arriving at Chitre (2390m) before a final pull up through oak and rhododendron forest to the village of Ghorepani. Spectacularly site, this busy village supplies food and shelter for the drivers of the many mule trains moving along the caravan route. Your lodge is located in the heart of the village.
Ghorepani to Ulleri and drive to Pokhara.
This morning you rise early, and walk by torchlight up to Poon Hill, one of Nepal's best viewpoints. You will arrive just before sunrise to enjoy fabulous mountain views, In fine conditions Dhaulagir. I(8,167m) and its satellite peaks dominate the western skyline. Annapurna I (8019m), Fang (7647m), Annapurna South and Nilgiri North (7061m) to the east are separated from the Dhaulagiri range by the 6,000-meter-deep Kali Gandaki gorge. To the north lies Tukuche Peak (6920m) and behind it the trans-Himalayan ranges forming the border of Nepal with Tibetan China, To the east you can see Annapurna II (7937m), Annapurna III (7555m), Annapurna IV (7525m), Annapurna South (7237m), Machhapurchhare (6993 m) and Lamjung Him,ai (6931m) and even further east Manasalu (8156 m) and Ganesh Himal (7406 m). To the south the rolling middle hills slowly disappear into the great plains of India You quickly drop back down to Ghorepani for breakfast and then begin the day's walk, which is all downhill on a wide trail through beautiful forests to the village of Ulleri where you take lunch. After lunch short walk down to Jeep point. We first drive to Nayapul and transit to tourist van that will take us to Pokhara.
Second Leisure day at Pokhara
Drive to Chitwan after Breakfast, 4-5 hrs.
Full day Activities in Chitwan
Drive back to Kathmandu, 5 hrs.
Departure/Trip Concludes
Airport pick up and drop in a private vehicle as per the itinerary.
Hotel accommodation on B.B Basis in Kathmandu and Pokhara as per the itinerary.
Teahouse(lodge) accommodation during the trek.
Meals during the trek as per the Trip package. For Full Board all meals B.fast, lunch and dinner with a cup of hot beverage of choice.
Welcome Dinner in a typical Nepalese restaurant with cultural show, beverages not included.
Use of warm gears such as Sleeping bag, Liner, Down jacket and Big Duffle bag.
Domestic flights as per the itinerary.
All applicable Permits for National Park entrance and tours to World heritage sites as per the trip package.
An experienced English speaking Group Leader and Guide for the Trek and Tours.
Service of Assistant Sherpa and Porters during the trek.
Staff Cost including the Insurance, Wages, Meals and Domestic flights during the trek and Climbing is covered.
All necessary Government and Local Taxes.
International Fare and Visa Fee ( US$25 FOR 15 Days, US$ 40 FOR 30 Days);
Any Travel and rescue insurance.
Lunch and Dinner in Kathmandu and Pokhara, also in some tours as per the trip package.
Personal expenses on laundry, beverages, cameras and gadgets charging and hot showers in treks and tours.
Excess Baggage charges at the Domestic airport.
Extra expenses due to flight delays and cancellations.
Extra Night in Kathmandu or Pokhara hotel because of early arrival, late departure, early return from mountain ( due to any unforeseen reason ).
Lunch and dinner in Kathmandu ( also in the case of early return from mountain ).
Gratuity and Tips for the Local trekking staff, guides and drivers.
Note: No Visa required for Indian nationals.
Definitely! Our airport representative or your group Leader will be there catering you from day of your arrival till departure. Do check for MNT clip board on your arrival in Kathmandu airport outside the arrival terminal hall. Make sure you have provided your flight details to us in advance.
Yes, you can obtain Nepal tourist visa on arrival at Kathmandu International Airport. In fact for some countries Nepal visa is to be prearranged from their country itself prior to their entry to Nepal. For more details please check Nepal Visa and Entry Procedure in our website.
Any sort of vaccination is not mandatory while visiting Nepal. But we strongly suggest for a personal medical consent before you sign up for ‘ Visit Nepal’ packages if you have any pre medical history.
MNT has no overhead expenses on overseas offices. This means we can offer top quality service and facilities at a competitive price to exceed your expectation. No Hidden cost. The trip cost includes from your accommodation, local flight, private transportation, tours, trek permit, National Park or conservation fees to all meals (breakfast, lunch and dinner) while on trek, for details link to Cost inclusion and exclusion. In every detail, we set the highest possible standards from safety to the high quality type of warm gears and food provided to meet the international standard. We balance of exploration and relaxation, comfort and adventure at its best.
To book your spot on any of our trips, please fill up the online booking form at our website www.mysticalnepaltreks.com and send it to us along with the trip Security Deposit of 20% per person. Deposit can be paid by bank swift transfer, please see details in the website. On receipt of your booking details we will send you Trip Confirmation Receipt of your booking.
Typically our trekking days involve 4 to 8 hours of walking per day, including a lunch stop.The trail varies from easy hiking on the lower elevation to the strenuous walking over 5000 meter in Himalayas. A common misconception is that if you are a slow walker you may hold people back – Not So. The group members string out and there will always be one local staff walking with the last one, usually the Group Leader stays last. You walk at your own pace and stop when you feel like. There will always be our Trekking Sherpa, the assistant to guide who will be leading from the front ensuring that no one gets lost.
Trekking Days are so designed that the walking is enjoyable and safe. The companionship of other trekkers and staff positive attitude creates great environment and many memorable events. The day begins early at 6.30 am with a wakeup call. Before breakfast pack your gears into duffle bag by keeping some essential things in your daypack. After breakfast, we are usually on the trail by 8am and following a good morning walk, we stop for lunch break for about an hour. Continuing our walk for the second part of the day we reach the days destination usually around 4.00 pm as the afternoon walk is usually shorter than the morning. Having afternoon tea you can relax, read or have some game activities involving the local staff. Dinner is usually served around 6.30 to 7.00 pm.
We book clean and comfortable teahouse which we know very well. Our standard trips are based on twin bedded sharing accommodation. We can book private room for you if you like to add a supplement cost as per your requirement.
We offer the OPEN AND CHOICE MENU in our teahouse trek where you can select the food on your breakfast, lunch and dinner time. Your guide will help with menu selection and ensure that you get the hygienic, plentiful and nutritious food. Most teahouse offer a variety if rice and noodle dishes, as well as seasonal vegetables. A variety of cereals, bread and egg dishes are generally available for the breakfast.
We have our own experienced trek cook on all of the camping trips. We adhere to strict hygiene guidelines. To start the day, breakfast consists of a choice of porridge, muesli and cereal followed by omelet, fried or scrambled egg with bread. Lunch is generally a selection of salad, cooked vegetable dishes, pasta and traditional bread. Dinner is a hearty 3 course meal, starting with soup followed by main course and sweet dessert, tea coffee etc. Your trek leader is generally taking good supervision of how things are done in the kitchen keeping in control for hygiene and safety.
We are aware about the protection of our fragile environment while organizing trekking and climbing trips. We discourage in buying the plastic bottled mineral water as currently there is no proper provision for waste management. For that matter in our Everest treks for anything over a group of 4 persons we provide boiled water every evening prepared and served by our Sherpa into your personal drinking water bottles. We also recommend use of purification stuff for your personal use. And for the Annapurna treks the villages provide Safe Drinking water at stations and teahouse.
There is a beautiful saying that if you want to come up with any new ideas go walking. Trekking in the wilderness of Nepal has so much variation and also depends on the choice of your destination. Terrain varies from effortless to strenuous plus yet with a very well organized itinerary and enough time for adaptation makes a difference in the genre of trekking.
As for the level of fitness and trek preparation we suggest that trekking in Nepal mountains is not appropriate for someone with very weak ankles, knee, heart or lungs problems and for all these your doctor’s advice is obligatory. But even the kids of early age to the adults of 70 plus have walked to varied landscapes of Nepal. However Mystical Nepal Treks designed itinerary are flexible and attainable. Nevertheless trekking is not a walk in the park, it includes tremendous amount of ups and downs so to prepare for any trips in Nepal you need to train yourself with the everyday undulating walking with the amount of weight you could carry in your daypack.
We are committed on the welfare of our staff from trek Leaders/Guides to Sherpas, Cooks, and Porters. We ensure good wages, salary provident fund, proper insurance, to the equipment and clothing. They are the most valuable members of our organization and the people who make every trip a success.
You need general travel insurance and trip cancellation insurance, as well as rescue insurance. Read your policy’s fine print to make sure it covers you for trekking or climbing, depending on what trip you have booked, and that it covers you for helicopter evacuation.
In case of a serious sickness or a casualty, which we believe will not happen; you shall be rescued by a helicopter. Since you are entirely liable for all the expenses incurred in evacuation please make sure that it is covered by your insurance before assigning for it or be prepared to pay on your own after getting back in Kathmandu.
MNT trip itineraries have been professionally designed to minimize the effects of High Altitude sickness. Extensive medical kit is carried on all our trips. In addition Portable Altitude Chamber Bag ( a life saving device) is brought as a safety backup on high elevation treks and expeditions. All our Leaders and Guides are well trained in Wilderness Medicine and First Aid Course who are competent to recognize any mountain ailment and act accordingly on the spot.
Trekking in Nepal Himalayas is an adventure holiday thus do not expect shower each day. Now days, some of the teahouses up to 4000 meters have hot shower facilities depending on the trekking regions. Laundry services are available at limited place on trek.
You will be carrying your day pack with warm clothes, rain pocho, drinking water, snacks, sun block, camera etc. you need for the day. Generally it will be light around 3 to 4 kilos.
Most airlines fly direct to Bangkok from North America, Europe and Australia and New Zealand. From there Thai Airways fly direct to Kathmandu 10 times a week. Silk Air ( Singapore Airlines) and Cathay Pacific via Hong kong also has regular flights and there are many flights via Doha, Qatar, New Delhi, Hong Kong to Kathmandu.
All our trip itinerary have an arrival and departure day from Kathmandu so you can arrive and leave Kathmandu as per the program. You are also welcome and encouraged to arrive a day earlier or leave Nepal a day later to have a look around the vibrant Kathmandu Valley. MNT arrange any extra activities as per your interest outside the main package.
Yes, the facility is available almost each teahouse at a cost of usually about 2 to 3 US$ per hour. We use the voltages 220 – 240 volts to power and 2 point plugs is recommended to bring.
It depends if you are used to it is very handy. It is recommended for knee support and for down hills specially. The walk is manageable without them at times.
Yes there are dozens of trekking shops in Thamel area of Kathmandu. Our trekking guide will be happy to assist you in this regard.
It works in most major cities. Check with your service provider before you go if they have a reciprocal agreement with countries you are travelling to and make sure you remember to get international roaming turned on. You can also buy a local mobile SIM card in Kathmandu.
It is notoriously difficult to predict the weather conditions in the Himalayas. Normally days are warm and nights are cold. There can be snow or rain storms at any time. Between 1000 and 3500 meters the temperature could go as high as 20 degree celsius to 5 degree. At higher altitude the temperature ranges from 20 degrees to -10 degree celsius. During winter month of December the days are 10 degree colder. Good polarizing sunglasses for high altitude and large brimmed hat are really helpful. Expect the unexpected.
Tipping is an accepted part of trekking although it is completely personal matter. The amount depends on your budget and appreciation of their work. Up to 10% of the trip cost as tipping could be a guideline.
Before we depart for the trek all your left luggage and valuable is to be deposited in the safety store and safety deposit box at the hotel or you could also feel safe with MNT office for storage which you can claim effortlessly on your return after trek.
The maximum weight they allow you is 15 kilos that is including your hand carry bag.