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Annapurna Circuit-12 Days | Cultural Gems & Himalayan Vistas
Overview
The Annapurna Circuit Trek is a 12-day adventure through Nepal’s diverse landscapes, from lush subtropical forests to the arid Tibetan Plateau. This classic route spans ~140-160 km (varies by route), crosses Thorong La Pass (5,416m), and offers cultural encounters in Gurung and Tibetan villages.
Why This Itinerary Works
- Saves Time: Uses jeep transport to skip road sections (Besisahar-Chame, Muktinath-Tatopani).
- Keeps Highlights: Retains Thorong La Pass, Manang, and Poon Hill.
- Safer Acclimatization: Rest days in Manang and Muktinath.
FAQs
1. Is 12 days enough for the Annapurna Circuit?
Yes, with strategic road transport. However, 14–18 days are ideal for a full, traditional trek.
2. How hard is the shorter route?
Still challenging due to altitude (Thorong La Pass). Train with cardio and leg exercises.
3. Are roads affecting the trek?
Roads exist in parts, but this itinerary follows original trails for key sections.
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu (1,400m)
- Activities: Gear check, briefing, and welcome dinner.
- Stay: 3-star hotel.
Day 2: Drive to Chame (2,670m) via Besisahar
- Drive: 8–9 hours (Kathmandu → Besisahar → Chame).
- Landscape: Terraced farms, Marsyangdi River, and first mountain views.
- Stay: Teahouse in Chame.
Day 3: Chame → Upper Pisang (3,300m)
- Trek: 5–6 hours | 15km | Pine forests, apple orchards, and Braga Monastery.
- Views: Annapurna II and IV.
- Stay: Teahouse in Upper Pisang.
Day 4: Upper Pisang → Manang (3,540m)
- Trek: 6–7 hours | 18km | High trail via Ghyaru village (best mountain vistas).
- Stay: Teahouse in Manang.
Day 5: Acclimatization in Manang
- Activities: Hike to Gangapurna Lake (3,900m) or visit the Himalayan Rescue Association.
- Tip: Hydrate and avoid alcohol.
Day 6: Manang → Yak Kharka (4,050m)
- Trek: 3–4 hours | 10km | Gradual ascent into alpine terrain.
- Wildlife: Spot blue sheep.
- Stay: Basic teahouse.
Day 7: Yak Kharka → Thorong Phedi (4,450m)
- Trek: 3–4 hours | 7km | Steep climb to base of Thorong La.
- Stay: Lodge at Thorong Phedi.
Day 8: Thorong La Pass (5,416m) → Muktinath (3,800m)
- Trek: 8–10 hours | 15km | Cross Thorong La Pass → descend to sacred Muktinath.
- Highlight: Prayer flags and panoramic Himalayan views.
- Stay: Teahouse in Muktinath.
Day 9: Drive to Tatopani (1,190m) via Marpha
- Drive: 5–6 hours | Scenic drive through Kali Gandaki Valley.
- Relax: Soak in Tatopani’s natural hot springs.
- Stay: Riverside teahouse.
Day 10: Tatopani → Ghorepani (2,860m)
- Drive + Trek: 1-hour drive to Ghasa → 6–7 hour trek to Ghorepani.
- Views: Rhododendron forests and Magar villages.
- Stay: Teahouse in Ghorepani.
Day 11: Poon Hill Sunrise (3,210m) → Drive to Pokhara
- Sunrise Hike: 1-hour climb to Poon Hill for Annapurna/Dhaulagiri views.
- Trek: Descend to Nayapul → 2-hour drive to Pokhara.
- Celebrate: Lakeside dinner in Pokhara.
- Stay: 3-star hotel.
Day 12: Fly/Drive to Kathmandu
- Option 1: 25-minute scenic flight to Kathmandu.
- Option 2: 6–7 hour drive.
What's included
- Accommodation: Teahouses + 3-star hotels in Kathmandu/Pokhara.
- Transport: Private jeep (Kathmandu → Chame, Muktinath → Tatopani).
- Pokhara to Kathmandu by private transport
- Breakfasts, lunches, and dinners during the trek
- Government-licensed, experienced trek guide, assistant trekking guide (for a group of 10 or more trekkers), and porters to help trekkers' luggage (1 porter for 2 trekkers, combined porter weight limit -18kg).
- First Aid Kit.
- Duffel Bags for porters to carry your main luggage
- Guides' and porters' expenses - meals, insurance, salary, lodging, transportation, and other necessary equipment.
- Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) fee.
- Trekkers Information Management System (TIMS) card fee.
- All government, local taxes, and official expenses.
- Rescue operations arrangement in case of complicated health conditions (funded by your travel insurance).
- Farewell dinner at the end of the trek in Kathmandu.
What's not included
- All accommodation and meals in Kathmandu, before and after the journey
- Lunch and dinner in Pokhara
- Extra night accommodations and meals in Kathmandu and Pokhara due to early arrival, late departure, or early return from the trek.
- Personal expenses - shopping, snacks, hot (tea, coffee) and cold drinks, bar bills, bottle or boiled water, shower, Wi-Fi, laundry, telephone call, battery recharge costs, extra porters, etc.
- Personal clothing and gear
- Travel insurance that has to cover emergency high-altitude rescue and evacuation is compulsory
- Additional costs or delays are caused by circumstances beyond our control, like landslides, bad weather conditions, itinerary modification due to safety concerns, illness, change of government policy, strikes, mass movements, etc.
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