Annapurna Circuit Trek

The Annapurna Circuit trek (sometimes called "Around Annapurna trek") takes you through some of the most amazing and diverse landscape in Nepal. The trek begins in densely forested and terraced hills, a region inhabited by Hindu groups of Nepal. But past Pisang the landscape changes dramatically as the dense forests are replaced by barren landscape of the Tibetan plateau. Here you enter the Manang valley which is inhabited by gypsy traders of Tibetan origin. After several rest and short days for acclimatization, head north over Thorung pass and descend to Muktinath village. At Muktinath there is a shrine revered by both Hindus and Buddhists.

The Annapurna Circuit trek ends in Jomsom from where a flight through the Kali Gandaki gorge brings you to Kathmandu. You may opt to continue and complete the full circuit of Annapurna. There is a newly built unpaved road from Jomsom to Tatopani (3 days trek) but views of the Dhaulagiri range from here are awe-inspiring. Beyond Tatopani, ascend to Ghorepani Ridge and to Pun Hill from where a 360 degree view of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri mountains is possible. This is indeed one of the most spectacular mountain viewpoints in the world!

Our Nepal and Tibet treks and climbs are operated by our sister company based in Nepal - Crystal Mountain Treks - managed by our founder's family. Crystal Mountain Treks has been in business for over two decades and employs only the best guides with a minimum of 15 years experience. We treat our staff with the utmost care and respect. Each staff member is provided high-quality equipment, are insured and paid higher-than-average wages. Our clients have commented that our treks provide a better value (we provide more for less) than other companies they researched, comparing services, quality and price. We are happy to provide upon request references of people who have journeyed with us in the past.

Highlights

• Explore monasteries and palaces in the Kathmandu valley.
• Experience Nepal's varied culture as you trek through villages of numerous ethnic groups.
• Savor daily views of some of the highest mountains on earth.

Day 01 - Kathmandu
Arrive Kathmandu. You will be met on arrival at the Tribhuwan International Airport. Transfer to Hotel. Day Free. Enjoy welcome dinner. Briefing during dinner. (Dinner)

Day 02 - Kathmandu
Visit Pashupatinath, Nepal's most sacred Hindu temple dedicated to Shiva, with its two-tiered golden roof and silver door. Here, you'll probably witness a Hindu cremation along the banks of the Bagmati River.

Then drive to Bhaktapur, the City of Devotees, for lunch and a tour of the royal palace square. Bhaktapur is a medieval city in the Kathmandu valley and is least disturbed by modern life. Here, you can absorb the architectural splendor of the five-storied Nyatapola temple, or the sculptural delight of the Peacock Window. (Breakfast and Lunch)

Day 03 - Kathmandu to Bhulbhule (2,750 ft.)
A private vehicle will take you to Besi-Sahar. Begin Annapurna Circuit Trek. Trek a couple hours to Bhulbhule perched along the Marshyangdi river. Overnight Lodge. (All meals)

Day 04 - Bhulbhule to Jagat (4,350 ft.)
Today is mostly hiking up steep trails: first to Bahundanda and then to Jagat. Overnight Lodge. (All meals)

Day 05 - Jagat to Dharapani (6,500 ft.)
Trek past several waterfalls to Chamje and then to Tal Besi. From here, it is a grueling climb on switch backs to Tal where the valley opens into a large plateau. After lunch at Tal, continue to Dharapani. Overnight Lodge. (All meals)

Day 06 - Dharapani to Chame (8,800 ft.)
Today is a long day of hiking. Most of the day there are views of Lamjung, Annapurna II and Annapurna IV. Camp is at Chame, the district head-quarters. Overnight Lodge. (All  meals)

Day 07 - Chame to Pisang (10,500 ft.)
Today's highlight is the Paungda Danda rock face, an interesting and large rock slab. At our camp, Pisang peak (6,091m) looms over Pisang village. Overnight Lodge. (All meals)

Day 08 - Pisang to Manang (11,600 ft.)
Today, you will find yourself above tree-line. The mountain views from here are marvelous: Hiunchuli, Annapurna South, Annapurna I (8,091m) , Annapurna III (7,555m) and Gangapurna (7,454m) are visible. Overnight Lodge. (All meals)

Day 09 - Manang (11,600 ft.)
Acclimatization day in Manang. Overnight Lodge. (Dinner)

Day 10 - Manang to Yak Kharka (13,500 ft.)
A short day of 3 to 4 hours hiking to Yak Kharka. Overnight Lodge. (All meals)

Day 11 - Yak Kharka to Thorung Phedi (14,200 ft.)
Another short trek day of 3 hours to the base of the Thorung la pass. Overnight Lodge. (All meals)

Day 12 - Thorung Phedi to Muktinath
The day begins early with wake up call usually around 3:00 am. The steep ascent to the pass can take up to 5 or 6 hours. Then it is a long arduous descent to Muktinath. As you walk towards Muktinath, views of the Dhaulagiri massif dominate the horizon. Overnight Lodge. (All meals)

Day 13 - Contingency day
Contingency day for health or weather delays. If this day is not required, you can make a side trip to Kagbeni - the gateway to Lo in Mustang. Overnight Lodge. (All meals)

Day 14 - Muktinath to Jomsom
Descend to Jomsom. Overnight Lodge. (All meals)

Day 15 - Jomsom to Pokhara
Fly from Jomsom to Pokhara. Day free in Pokhara. Overnight Hotel Fairmount. (Breakfast and Dinner)

Day 16 - Kathmandu
After breakfast, fly to Kathmandu. Sightseeing in Kathmandu. Farewell dinner in Kathmandu. Overnight Hotel Tibet. (Breakfast and Dinner)

Day 17 - Kathmandu to home
Arrive breakfast, transfer to the airport for your flight home. (Breakfast)

FULL CIRCUIT EXTENSION

Day 15 - Jomsom to Kalopani
A longish day from Jomsom to Kalopani. Overnight Lodge. (All meals)

Day 16 - Kalopani to Tatopani
Descend to Tatopani. Overnight Lodge. (All meals)

Day 17 - Tatopani to Ghorepani
Long uphill day from Tatopani to Ghorepani. Start early to avoid the effects of the sun. Overnight Lodge. (All meals)

Day 18 - Ghorepani to Ulleri
Early morning, hike to Pun Hill for sunrise. After breakfast, descend to Ulleri. Overnight Lodge. (All meals)

Day 19 - Ulleri to Pokhara
Descend from Ulleri to Nayapul where the Annapurna Circuit trek ends. Board a chartered vehicle to Pokhara. Evening free in Pokhara. Overnight Hotel Fairmount. (Breakfast and Lunch)

Day 20 - Pokhara to Kathmandu
After breakfast, fly to Kathmandu. Sightseeing in Kathmandu. Farewell dinner in Kathmandu. Overnight Hotel Tibet. (Breakfast and Dinner)

Day 21 - Kathmandu to home
Arrive breakfast, transfer to the airport for your flight home. (Breakfast)

Per person Price - 2012

$2,145 USD per person
Single Supplement: $200 USD

Full Circuit Extension Supplement: $250 USD

(Did you know that the price for Grand Asian Journeys' Annapurna Circuit Trek is about 30% less expensive than other major US outfitters' prices? It's because we run a Nepal office and have direct access to the best rates and most reliable staff - without the middleman. Other outfitters sell the same trek package for an inflated price. Just ask our previous clients and they'll tell you we provide more for less.)

Price includes:

• Expert pre-trip advice and detailed information
• Motivated, well-cared-for staff
• All airport transfers
• Two full days sightseeing in Kathmandu as indicated in the itinerary and entrance fees to monuments.
• 3 nights twin sharing hotel accommodation at Hotel Tibet (3 star) in Kathmandu.
• 1 night twin sharing hotel accommodation at Hotel Fairmount in Pokhara
• Chartered Transfer: Kathmandu to Besi-Sahar
• Airfare: Jomsom to Pokhara to Kathmandu
• Meals as indicated in the itinerary
• Lodge trekking as indicated in the Annapurna Circuit Trek itinerary
  
  • Three meals a day
  • Boiled water for your bottles three times a day
  • Guide and staff wages, equipment and meals
  • Guide and staff insurance
• Annapurna Conservation Area Fee
• Trekkers Information Management Card

Price does not include:

• Your international airfare
• Nepal Visa
• Meals not indicated in the itinerary
• Tips and gratuities
• Personal equipment (a suggested list will be mailed to you)
• Travel insurance (required)
• Other expenses of a personal nature

2012 Dates:

Half Circuit = April 09 - 25, 2012 Full Circuit = April 09 - 29, 2012	AVAILABLE
Half Circuit = April 23 - May 09, 2012 Full Circuit = April 23 - May 13, 2012	AVAILABLE
Half Circuit = May 07 - 23, 2012 Full Circuit = May 07 - 27, 2012	AVAILABLE
Half Circuit = October 15 - 31, 2012 Full Circuit = October 15 - November 04, 2012	AVAILABLE
Half Circuit = November 05 - 21, 2011 Full Circuit = November 05 - 25, 2011	AVAILABLE
Half Circuit = December 03 - 19, 2012 Full Circuit = December 03 - 23, 2012	AVAILABLE

Cannot find a departure that fits your schedule? No problem. Contact us for private departures (two or more participants) for a date of your choosing. For private departures, add US$ 200 per person to advertised trip price.

Available:

Book this trip now as spaces are available.

Guaranteed:

This trip has the minimum sign ups required and is guaranteed to run.

Limited Availability:

Limited spaces are available so please contact us to inquire about the departure status.

Full:

This date is unavailable. please contact us to inquire about other trip departure dates or booking this trip as part of a Custom Itinerary.

Step 1: Contact Us
Contact us at 1-888-586-7750 or email to confirm availability for your preferred travel dates.

Step 2: Send Deposit and Registration Information
Make a copy of the photo page of your passport. If your trip involves a trek in Nepal, email or send us a passport-sized color photo. Mail a check for $500 per person for Nepal Treks or $1,000 for other journeys (non-refundable deposit), passport copy, photo and completed reservation form.

Our mailing address is:
Grand Asian Journeys
PO Box 608
Indianola, WA 98342
USA

Once we receive your payment and documents we will send you additional details of your trip including travel details, VISA information, packing list, specific trip information and insurance options.

If you are traveling to Bhutan, we are required to book your airfare so an additional payment will be required. Contact us for details.

Cancelation Policy

If you cancel:

• More than 60 days prior to departure; deposit is forfeited, the remainder is refunded
• 60 to 30 days prior to departure, 50% of tour cost subject to refund
• No refunds will be provided for any unused services or cancellations made within 30 days prior to departure