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Trekking Expeditions

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Annapurna Circuit

Altitude 5,416m/17,769ft » Duration 23 Days » Grade T1

A superb circular trek of the Annapurna Massif, crossing the Thorong La

Introduction

The Annapurna Circuit is renowned as one of the most spectacular and varied walks in the world. Starting from less than 1,000 meters in lush green valleys, it gives us a chance to explore the Himalayas from bottom to top and from many different angles and perspectives. The scale never fails to astound. Clouds sweep up in the afternoons, high overhead, and yet showing through beyond all comprehension are peaks rising out of the mists above - the myth of Shangri-La reborn. Dawn from Poon Hill, with the sun rising over Machhapuchhare and illuminating Dhaulagiri in a rush of daylight, while the mists start to well up from the dark valleys, is a vision one will never forget.

We follow valleys and canyons up one side of the Annapurnas and down the other, often walking along rushing streams, pounding down over white granite rocks and through deep pools. We pass through farms, villages and rural terraces, before heading higher into more traditional Tibetan style architecture, and then into the alpine heights and over the snow on the Thorong La pass at 5,416 metres. On the way, we experience multiple Nepali sub-cultures, from farmers in the low valleys, to descendents of Tibetan traders living in the higher regions. The rhythm of walking: of rising early, of setting out with just a light pack, of feet that know how to step over rocks and hop across streams intuitively, of knowing how to weave past a Yak train and balance across a swinging rope bridge set high over a gorge - it doesn’t happen on day one, or two. But after a few days, the connection to the earth is much more solid, the mind and feet connected, leaving the spirit much more room to soar.

At night we fall asleep in comfortable lodges to anything from a background splashing of small stream to the cacophony of water pouring from the high glaciers above and rushing out the deep gorges. In Kathmandu, we relax in the pleasant surroundings of the Summit Hotel, before venturing into the heart of the city, with its lively markets and serene temples.

Jagged Globe in Nepal

Our aim is to provide you with a safe, enjoyable and successful trek in Nepal. This remarkable Himalayan country is the centrepiece of our worldwide activities and we provide all of our trekkers and climbers with a smooth and efficient service to maximise both your enjoyment and your chances of a successful trip. The benefits of joining Jagged Globe on our Annapurna Circuit Treks are:

Additional benefits include:

We are here to make your trek a great and memorable experience, so why not join us for your Himalayan adventure!

Trek Itinerary

Day 1:Fly London to Kathmandu
Evening departure from Heathrow.
Day 2:Arrive Kathmandu
In Kathmandu, we will stay at the Summit Hotel; positioned well away from the noise and bustle of the city centre, it has extensive gardens, a swimming pool and an atmosphere of quiet, restful charm. It is a Dutch owned, British managed establishment with a friendly and helpful Nepalese staff. Team members will be accommodated on a twin share basis in large en-suite rooms. Single rooms are available if you prefer, for which a supplement is payable.
Day 3:At leisure in Kathmandu
A chance to explore this fascinating city. It is a wonderful mixture of crowded bazaars, temples and shrines, in a blend of ancient, colonial and modern architecture.
Day 4:Kathmandu to Kudi
We drive for 7 or 8 hours, mostly following river valleys to the small town of Kudi at the confluence of the Kudi Khola and the Marsyangdi River.
Day 5:Kudi to Syenge
Easy walking along the start of a new road brings us to the first suspension bridge. After this is crossed we stay on paths through fields until a steep hill brings us to Bahundanda. After lunch in this very pleasant Gurung Village, we contour easily above the river through terrassed maize fields to Syenge. (6 - 7 hours).
Day 6:Syenge to Tal
We immediately cross the river to the west bank and climb up to Jagat. The scenery now becomes more impressive with deep canyons and a spectacular waterfall near Chemche. A steep uphill stretch in the afternoon brings us to Tal (lake). 1,700m. (6 - 7 hours).
Day 7:Tal to Temang
Passing a group of splendid waterfalls just outside the village, we soon reach a deep gorge where the path is cut out of the rock directly above the Marsyangdi. Nearing Darapani we can see up huge valleys to Larkya, c.7000m. After lunch at Bagarchhap we walk up into more alpine country, then steeply through Rhododendron forest to the new road. Look out for Langur Monkeys in this area. We stay in Temang, high above the river and below snow peaks. The local people may want to dance round the fire with us this evening. (5 - 6 hours).
Day 8:Temang to Lower Pisang
Most of the way today is on the new road, but through spectacular country below Annapurna II (7,937m) and Kang Guru (6,981m). We cross the river again at Chame and leave the village under a beautiful new decorated archway. After lunch at Telaku we have an easy afternoon cruising along the new road below huge walls and possibly past the winter's avalanche debris, if we're trekking in the spring. We trek beyong Bratang (2,850m) to Lower Pisang (6 hours).
Day 9:Lower Pisang to Manang
Today we have a couple of options, depending on the health and fitness of the group. We can either walk on the flat to Braga, or for more superior views of the Annapurnas, we may choose to take a higher trail, leading to Ghyaru and Nawal, before dropping back down to Braga From Braga, we press on to Manang (7 hours).
Day 10:Rest day in Manang
This is a great place for a rest day, with a good atmosphere and a bakery serving coffee and cakes. For those with the energy, it is an easy hour to the Emerald Lake at the foot of the Gangapurna Icefall. Keep an eye out for the huge Griffon Vultures as you sip your sea buckthorn juice!
Day 11:Manang to Yak Karka
Today is another fantasic day's walking through ever-changing scenery. At first we climb fairly steeply out of Manang past Stupas and prayer flags. Don't forget to look back across the valley to the amazing mountain chain of the Annapurnas opposite. After leaving the fields behind we enter dry Juniper country heading towards Thorongtse, the Thorong La and the Chulu Range to the East. This is the area to look out for Blue sheep and Lammergeyers. We spend our first night over 4,000m (5 - 6 hours).
Day 12:Yak Karka to Thorong Phedi
Mostly easy walking today with a few stiff ups to appreciate the altitude through Juniper and Azalea. We follow the Jharsang Khola all the way to Thorong Phedi, a large collection of hotels in an impressive situation. Electric light, satelite phone ($5 / min) and showers are something of a surprise at this altitude ! 4,441m. (4 - 5 hours).
Day 13:Cross Thorong La (5,416m) to Muktinath
We start well before dawn today to get to the pass before the wind picks up and the snow gets soft. As the sky lightens, the views open up to reveal the Annapurnas to the south and closer Shya Gang, Thorongtse and to the north Yakawakang, (the Yaks Head). 4 hours of steady walking brings us over undulating snow to the level pass at 5,416m and a welcome tea shop! Time to sit with a cup of tea and enjoy the incredible position. The descent is first on snow, then scree with superb views of Dhaulagiri and Tukuche, after 3 hours we should reach the Chabarbu tea shop. It is worth making a short detour to the temples near Muktinath, the flames burning in a stream of water are particularly miraculous! A short walk into town is all that's needed now and a well-deserved rest after a memorable day. Approximately 8-10 hours.
Day 14:Muktinath to Marpha
We could stop at Muktinath for a day but it makes more sense to press on to Marpha, the apple capital of Nepal. A long gradual descent through spectacular scenery, with Nilgiri and Dhaulagiri to the south and the Kaligandaki River flowing down from Mustang to the north. We reach the river at Eklobatti and head south on the gravel plains, which can be hot and very windy here after mid-morning. We have lunch in Jomsom, then continue on though apple orchards to Marpha (2,670m), where we can enjoy a welcome shower. (7 hours).
Day 15:Rest day in Marpha
This is an excellent place to stop for the day, as it is a very pretty town with shops, a monastery, orchards and fields. Marpha is famous amongst other things for its apple brandy.
Day 16:Marpha to Kalopani
We follow the path on the west side of the river then on the new road through beautiful Thakali Villages with decorated houses and wide paved streets. We cross the river for lunch in Koketanti, then back again to follow the stone path through pine woods and fields to Kalopani. Kalopani is a very smart town nestling below the Dhaulagiri Icefall (5 - 6 hours).
Day 17:Kalopani to Tatopani
It is nearly all downhill today, mostly on paths through fields and orchards, but sometimes on the road being built by hand up to Muktinath. We stop for lunch at Rukse Chhahara, close to a huge waterfall. We continue on down into the deepest valley in the world to the town of Tatopani (hot water) where for 20 r/s we can soak in the hot springs by the river before indulging in fish and chips in the town. 1,190m. (6 - 7 hours).
Day 18:Tatopani to Ghorepani
Today is a complete contrast to the last few, as it's all uphill, for 1,600m. Bistari Bistari (slowly slowly). Look out for the many orchids in the trees and great views of Dhaulagiri. (8 hours).
Day 19:Poon Hill then on to Hille
An early start is needed to get to Poon Hill by dawn and the breathtaking views of Dhaulagiri, Annapurna South and Machupuchare, amongst many other mountains. After breakfast we start the long descent down to the Bhurungdi Khola via 3280 stone steps and through beautiful rhododenron woods to the Dipak Hotel.
Day 20:Hille to Nayapul
Our last day walking is down the river to Biritanti, where we cross, then easily to Nayapul where we meet our transport to Pokhara. We stay at the Meera Hotel. (3 hours).
Day 21:Fly Pokhara to Kathmandu
An early morning flight to Kathmandu.
Day 22:At Leisure in Kathmandu, evening departure
A whole day to explore Kathmandu and visit the bazaars and shop for mementoes, before our evening flight home. We can choose from a host of eating venues, ranging from the famous KC's, the Nepali Kitchen or even the Summit Hotel itself, in which to celebrate the success of our trek in fine style.
Day 23:Arrive London
We arrive back in the UK mid-morning.

IMPORTANT NOTE: Every effort will be made to keep to the above itinerary, but as this is adventure travel in a remote mountain region, we cannot guarantee it! Weather conditions, availability of porters and the health of climbers can all contribute to changes. The guides and their Sherpa assistants will try to ensure that the trip runs according to plan, but please be prepared to be flexible if necessary.

Acclimatisation

Approximate altitude profile of Annapurna Circuit: Annapurna Circuit altitude profile, 14 kb
Please note: This profile does not represent the gradient of the mountain!

Team Composition

The trek will be led by an experienced Jagged Globe British trek leader. In selecting suitable leaders, we not only look to ensure that they have the relevant qualifications but we also ensure that they have a good track record of trekking at high altitudes. Whilst qualifications and experience are essential requirements, we also make sure that our leaders have the right temperament to lead a trek group comprised of individuals who have a range of previous experience and expectations. The leader is a vital contributor to the enjoyment and well-being of the trekking members and he or she will be there to deal with any unexpected problems. To that end, we aim to provide a leader who will make the expedition both successful and enjoyable throughout.

Our leaders hold current mountain first aid certificates and have experience of dealing with mountain related medical conditions.

The leader will be supported by one of our excellent Sherpa guides, who know the region very well. Our team of local porters will carry your personal gear.

We will take a maximum of 14 people on each trek, although the number may well be less than this.

Food and Accommodation

You are accomodated in lodges/tea houses whilst on trek. There are now good lodges all the way round the Annapurna Circuit, so it makes sense to use them. Lodges are more comfortable to relax in the evenings and allow us to interact more with the local Sherpa families that run them. The cost for food (not including alcohol, bottled water or fizzy drinks) is included in the trek price.

Experience Required

Annapurna Circuit is graded T1.

The Annapurna Circuit Trek is suitable for keen walkers who are able to walk for 6 - 7 hours in a day, with a light rucksack. Some of the days are quite long, and the walking feels more strenuous at altitude. Generally the trail is a good track, but occasionally it will be uneven and rocky. There may also be some snow cover on the Thorong La.

You are welcome to contact us if you would like to discuss the trek and your experience in more detail.
Our Scottish Winter Courses and our Alpine Courses provide good skills preparation for an expedition.

Jagged Globe supports the work of the Kathmandu Environmental Education Project (KEEP) and trekkers are asked to adhere to its guidelines, which we provide.

Porter Protection

Any trek or expedition to Nepal relies on the hard work of local porters. It is their carrying of our supplies and baggage that makes a journey into the mountains possible. Jagged Globe is therefore careful to ensure that they are well treated, not exploited and have good protection from the elements. We work closely with our Nepal based partner, Kit Spencer of Summit Trekking, to provide shelter, clothing and footwear that match the severity of the environment. Porters who become sick are treated with the same care and attention as team members, and we have used helicopters, at our expense, to rescue porters from hazardous situations.

Jagged Globe supports the work of the International Porter Protection Group (IPPG) and Tourism Concern, and provides help and advice to those organisations to improve the working conditions of the porters on whom we depend. All trekkers are asked to provide feedback on porters' working conditions in post-trip questionnaires.

Pre-Trip Meeting

Prior to all our treks and expeditions, we host a Pre-Expedition Weekend in North Wales. The primary purpose of the weekend is to provide an opportunity for individuals to ask questions about the forthcoming trek and to introduce them to other team members. The weekend covers topics as diverse as personal equipment and acclimatisation and usually involves a hike and some skills training. To find out more about our Pre-Trip Weekends [click here].

Equipment

Find out about our comprehensive Equipment Hire Service.

Trekkers need to provide their own personal clothing and equipment. Some items of equipment are available for hire from us but we strongly recommend that you purchase your own personal equipment and test it before departure.

A complete kit list is contained in the Trek Dossier, which is sent to you on receipt of your booking deposit.

What the price includes

What the price does not include

Insurance

Special travel insurance is available from us which provides a wide range of cover. The premium for this trek is detailed in the Prices & Booking section. A full explanation of the Jagged Globe Insurance Scheme is available on the website and in our brochure.

Additional Information

If you wish to discuss any aspect of the trek or your suitability for it, please contact us by telephone:

Alternatively, you can contact us by email via the Contact Page on the website.

Booking

If you would like to book a place on this trek, you can do so on our secure on-line booking facility, on our website. The £300 deposit for this trek will secure you a place on your chosen departure. You will receive an automatic email confirmation, followed by a written confirmation of booking, experience questionnaire and Trek Dossier. Alternatively, you can book over the telephone or by sending in a booking form by post. Book Now!