| Package Name: | THE GRAND TOUR OF ANNAPURNA CIRCUIT |
| Group Size: | Min 1 / Max 6 |
| Highest Access of the Trek: | 5416m |
| Grade: | Moderate |
| Note / Best Time: | Spring & Autumn |
| Accommodation: | Guesthouse / Camping |
| Culture: | Hindus & Buddhist |
| Duration: | 22 days |
| Entry: | Besisahar |
| Exit: | Birenthanti |
This circuit was once considered one of the best treks in the world though road construction is threatening its reputation and its future as a classic trek. Yet no one disputes that the scenery is outstanding: 17 to 21 days long, this trek takes you through distinct scenery of rivers, flora, fauna and above all – mountains. The trek goes counter-clockwise and reaches its summit in Thorung La (pass) at the height of 5416m, or 17,769 feet. The route goes past the following mountains: Manaslu (an 8,000-plus meter peak), Langtang Himal, Annapurna II and IV, Annapurna III and Gangapurna, and, of course, Annapurna I and Dhaulagiri passing through the world’s deepest gorge in between those two 8,000 – plus meter peaks. Poon Hill, at the end of the trek, affords views of those two mountains, as well as South Annapurna and Macchupucchre, the “Fishtail Mountain.” The trek also goes through Buddhist villages and Hindu holy sites, most notably the village of Muktinath, a holy site for both Buddhists and Hindus.
The eastern portion of the trek follows the Marsyangdi River upstream, to its source near the village of Manang. To get there several days of up-hill hiking are required. Then the route goes over the pass, a grueling day of hiking, and back down the other side, where it meets up with the Kali Gandaki River. The trek follows this river downstream. At the end of the trek, several options are available: following the river further to the road proper and catching a bus to Pokhara where one hikes up to Ghorepani and Poon Hill, or adding on a trek to the Annapurna Base Camp, known as the Annapurna Sanctuary Trek.
This is a “teahouse trek,” meaning there are villages with lodges and restaurants to eat and stay in along the entire route. You are expected to eat in the same lodge where you are spending the night. Prices of rooms are seemingly inexpensive because of this — lodge owners tend to make more money on the food and drinks they are selling you than on the room where you are sleeping.
Tilicho Lake (Tal)
This is the highest lake in the world at 4920 m. and requires 2-3 days from Manang. Walk through Khangasar. One to two hours after Khangasar you will find Tilicho Peak Hotel where you can have lunch or spend the night. Tilicho Base Camp Hotel is a further three hour walk from there. The lower route is the safest but has many landslide areas. The lake is reached by walking three hours up from the Tilciho Base Camp Hotel at approximately 4100 m. Snow leopards are around in this area but you are more likely to see blue sheep and yaks. Being at the lake can be cold as it can be very windy. Going back, it is possible to walk from Tilicho Peak Hotel directly to Yak Kharka via Old Khangasar so you do not have to backtrack all the way to Manang.
Day 01: Arrive at Kathmandu & transfer to the hotel.
Day 02: Pre-trip Meeting and Sightseeing around Kathmandu valley.
Day 03: Drive to Besisahar 950 m and jeep to Dharapani 1860m/8h.
Day 04: Trek to Chame 2630 m/5 hrs.
Day 05:Trek to Upper Pisang 3300 m/5 hrs.
Day 06: Trek to Manang 3540 m /7 hrs.
Day 07: Acclimatization day at Manang village.
Day 08: Trek to Tilicho base camp 4200m/5hrs.
Day 09:Excursion of Tilicho lake 4900m and return to shreekharkha 3900m /7hrs.
Day 10: Trek to Letdar 4230 m/4 hrs.
Day 11: Trek to High camp 4800 m /4 hrs.
Day 12: Trek to Muktinath 3800 m via Thorung La pass 5416 m /8 hrs.
Day 13: Trek to Jomsom 2800 m /5 hrs.
Day 14: Trek to Marpha 6700 m/2 hrs.
Day 15: Bus to Tatopani 1190 m /4 hrs.
Day 16: Trek to Ghorepani 2810 m/6 hrs.
Day 17: Hike to Poon Hill 3210m in the morning and trek to Tadapani 2630m/6 hrs.
Day 18:Trek to Ghandruk 2012m / 4h.
Day 19: Bus to Pokhara 800m/3.5h.
Day 20: Visit day at Pokhara.
Day 21: Tourist bus to Kathmandu/7hrs.
Day 22: Departure.
Note: The conditions stated on the itinerary are for the visitors who prefer the full package program. Based on your interest, we also serve you customized packages. The itineraries can be amended according to the length of your stay and financial procurement. Please do not hesitate to contact us at panoramatreks@gmail.com
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