Classic Annapurna Circuit Tour

This classic trek around the Annapurna Massif is one of the country's finest with an unmatched diversity. You can experience the exhilaration of crossing high mountain passes at the barren windswept edges of the Tibetan plateau, trek across ridges, through gorges and also descend to sub-tropical forest, rice-fields and banana groves. Along the way you'll encounter many of the different tribal groups that make up Nepal and pass sacred Buddhist and Hindu shrines.

WHAT'S INCLUDED

Maximum Group Size: 18
Trek Grade C: Strenuous
Arrival Transfer: Not Included
Fully Escorted: By Imaginative Traveller trek leader, services of porters and local representatives
Transport: Public bus
Activities: 18 day trek
Accommodation: 4 nights simple hotels & 17 nights teahouse lodges during trek
Meals: No meals. Allow US$10-15 per day
Entrance Fees: Park fees and trekking permit included. Other entrance fees not included. Allow US$15

FLIGHT SUPPLEMENT: On occasion when it is not possible to travel by road between Kathmandu and the Annapurna region, a flight surcharge of approx. US$152 will apply.This surcharge is to be paid locally to your tour leader on arrival.

TOUR HIGHLIGHTS

• Stunning Himalayan scenery
• Trekking through rhododendron forest
• Spectacular views of the Annapurna massif
• Explore the exciting city of Kathmandu
• Relax in Pokhara at the end of your trek

BRIEF ITINERARY

Day 1, KATHMANDU: Arrive and transfer to hotel.

Day 2, KATHMANDU: Morning walking tour of the market area of Asan, Durbar Square and Swayambunath Temple.

Day 3, BESI SAHAR (820m): We drive to Besi Sahar where we meet our team and spend our first night on the trek.

Day 4, NGADI (950m): Wonderful views of Himal Chuli (about 7,200m) welcome us as we commence our trek across rice-fields. Tonight we camp near a torrent at Ngadi.

Day 5, JAGAT (1,310m): Trek to our night halt at Jagat.

Day 6, DHARAPANI (2,000m): Passing through quaint villages we arrive at Dharapani for our first view of an 8,000m peak - Manaslu.

Day 7, CHAME (2,700m): There’s a chance to take a bath in Latamrang Hot Springs to soothe your trekking muscles! The day ends at Chame, with superb views over Himal Chimal.

Day 8, PISANG (3,200m): After a beautiful walk through forests, we end near Pisang where we can visit the gompa and Buddhist temple.

Day 9, MANANG (3,500m): Trek to Manang via the village of Braga. Enjoy a fantastic panorama of the Annapurnas.

Day 10, KHANGSAR GOMPA (3,920m) – MANANG: A rest day to enjoy the superb scenery for those who wish others may prefer to hike to Khangsar Gompa.

Day 11, LEDER (4,200m): Half day trek to the village of Leder.

Day 12, THORUNG PHEDI (4,500m): To allow for the altitude, today's trek through the barren landscape is fairly short.

Day 13, MUKTINATH (3,700m): A strenuous day as we cross the Thorung La pass (5,350m) to arrive at the doorstep of Mustang, the forbidden kingdom once known as Lo.

Day 14, MARPHA (2,700m): Visit the amazing old fortresses of Jarkhot and Kagbeni, then trek to Marpha.

Day 15, KALOPANI (2,500m): Following the donkey caravan route the trail reaches Kalopani. There are wonderful views of Annapurna 1.

Day 16, TATOPANI (1,200m): We cross from the alpine zone to the sub-tropical zone and camp at Tatopani, famous for its hot springs.

Day 17, GHOREPANI (2,850m): A long but worthwhile trek uphill to Ghorepani, with its stunning views.

Day 18, GHANDRUNG (2,100m): You have the option to rise early to climb up Poon Hill (3,194m) to watch a magnificent sunrise over the Himalaya. West to east you can see Dhaulagiri, Tukuche, Dhampus Peak, Nilgiri, Annapurnas and Machapuchare - breathtaking! After breakfast, our trail passes through rhododendron forests and many small villages to Ghandrung.

Day 19, DHAMPUS (1,600m): Our last full day trekking brings us to the village of Dhampus, located along a ridge. This is a great spot that affords lovely views of the magnificent Annapurnas and Machapuchare.

Day 20, POKHARA (900m): A short morning trek to pick up our vehicle for the journey to Pokhara.

Day 21, KATHMANDU: Drive to Kathmandu.

Day 22, KATHMANDU: Tour ends.

DEPARTURE DATES

TRAVEL STYLE

You love the sometimes tough but ultimately rewarding nature of adventure travel and you want to spend more time enjoying every experience rather than wasting time on travel arrangements.

Maximum Group Size - 18: You love the whole concept of travel. Getting there is as much fun as being there and you love using public transport, local restaurants and small family run hotels where you get the best chance to really get under the skin of a destination. You love the sometimes tough but ultimately rewarding nature of adventure travel and you love spending more time enjoying every experience rather than wasting time on travel arrangements.
Included: All accommodation (usually twin share but occasionally multi share), transportation
Not included: Most meals, entrance fees
Single Supplement: Not available. [Read more about Imaginative Traveller travel styles]