Annapurna circuit trekking

This classic trek circles the entire Annapurna massif and in so doing offers a spectacular look at the variety of people and landscapes of this vast area, from the lowland farming country to alpine meadows to the arid and windswept desolation of the Tibetan Plateau to the north of the Himalayas. The 300 kilometer Anapurna Circuit Trek (ACT) is probably one of the best known treks in the world. Taking an average of three weeks to complete, the trek features some of the highest and most gorgeous mountains in the world. All along this circuit are tea houses. These vary from basic guest house accommodations to private homes and are invariably an extremely good value. This trek can be done in its entirety or you can hike only one or two of the sections if your time is limited. The ACT route begins in the sub-tropical area of Nepal– at Besisahar, surrounded by dense rain forest. Continuing on from Besisahar, the counter-clockwise route climbs through terraced farmland, temperate forests and alpine meadows, before entering the high valleys with the glacier-locked Anapurnas towering almost 5000m above you. Six days of walking takes you to the settlement of Manang (3500m) where we acclimatize and enjoy the mountain views. You progress north of the Himalayan watershed, into the dry desert area which is actually part of the Tibetan Plateau with its eerily stark atmosphere, but with amazing views of the Anapurna massif to the south. On day 10 we cross the famous Thorung La (Pass) 17,758 ft (5414 m), the highest point of the trek.The trek progresses through the Hindu and Buddhist Pilgrimage site of Muktinath, with the descent through the Nepali-Tibetan trading villages along the dramatic Kali Gandaki valley, the world’s deepest river gorge, back-dropped by sensational views of Mount Nilgiri and Dhaulagiri, with a stop at the hot springs of Tatopani. Along the way, you will encounter the Gurung and Thakali People with whom you can trade. From there you will head down to Gorepani, once again into rhododendron forests and meadows before returning to Pokhara.

We start in the foothills at Besisahar and rise We continue to ascend and , at 5416m, to Muktinath, an important pilgrimage site for Hindus and Buddhists.

From here we descend into the Kali Gandaki, with Annapurna and Dhaulagiri towering on either side. En route back to Pokhara we pass through the many beautiful hill villages that populate this ancient trading route between Tibet and India. We also visit the hot springs at Tatopani, and climb up Poon Hill, above Ghorepani, to enjoy magnificent mountain views. Accommodation and food is provided in the local lodges. Transport to Besi Sahar is by private coach and the return to Kathmandu from Pokhara is by air.

• Back to Anapurna Region

No. Of days: Starting point: Max. Elevation: Grade: Mode of trek: Ending point: Season: Max. Walking: Mode of travel: 23 KATHMANDU 5410 Medium Teahouse KATHMANDU Sep/Dec and Mar/May 7-8hrs. Drive or Fly In/Drive or Fly Out

Departure Dates Destinations Day 01: Arrive in Kathmandu and transfer to hotel Day 02: Sightseeing in Kathmandu Day 03: Drive Kathmandu to Beshisahar Day03: Trek to Bahundanda(760M) Day 05: Trek to Chame(1310M) Day 06: Trek to Dharapani(1340M) Day 07: Trek to Chame(1860M) Day 08: Trek to Pisang(2670M) Day 09: Trek to Manang(3200M) Day 10: Rest at Manang for Acclimatization Day 11: Trek to Yak Kharka(4018M) Day 12: Trek to Thorong Phedi4450 Day 13: Trek to Muktinath(3800M) Day 14: Trek to Kagbeni(2800M) Day 15 Trek to Marpha(2670M) Day 16 Trek to Kalopani(1190M) Day 17 Trek to Tatopani(1935M) Day 18 Trek to Shikha(2275) Day 19 Trek to Ghorepani(1950M) Day 20 Trek to Ghandruk(1025M) Day 21 Trek to Nayapool and drive to Pokhara Day 22 Drive/Fly to Kathmandu Day 23 Final Departure

Cost Includes National Park entry permit Trekking permit, Land transportation to and from, Necessary air flights Accommodation in lodges during the trek Three meals a day except GAP trek in tourist standard hotels on twin sharing basis(Bed and Breakfast), airport pick up/drop A guide & required number of porter (s), Essential equipment

Cost Excludes Personal expenses Lunch & dinner in Kathmandu Personal gears & clothing (available on hire), Insurance, Tips Guided sightseeing in KTM Emergency evacuation by Helicopter cargo custom clearance Airport tax and custom clearance Alternative transportation in case of heavy rain, landslide, strike, road

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