Annapurna Circuit Trek is one of our most special and exotic trek that we take pride in. The Annapurna circuit trek was regarded as one of the top 5 treks in the world prior to the road construction threatened its reputation. We have designed this special itinerary to revive its reputation by avoiding the road and including even more exotic and intriguing valleys of the restricted area of Nar & Phu, which has been opened only since 2003. After Nar Phu Valley we visit the world’s highest lake, Tilicho Lake at 4949m, which surpasses all superlatives when its deep blue water reflects the surrounding 7000m mountains.
Overview
Beginning with a couple of days hiking on the Annapurna circuit trail we reach Koto, from where, we enter into the restricted area of Nar & Phu valley in an off the beaten trail. The trek passes through narrow canyons and beautiful valleys of the Nar & Phu, where very few trekkers have explored. The expression “just me and the mountains” is in solidarity with the solace and serenity of this valley.
After a week exploring this exotic landscape with beautiful pine forests, stunning gorges and waterfalls, picturesque villages and ruined forts, we cross the Kang La, leaving behind Nar Phu valley, to join the Annapurna circuit trail.
Entering the Manang valley, we will immediately come across throngs of tourists which feels nice to socialize for a while, but it somehow steals the serenity of the adventure that we experienced along the Nar Phu Valley. Therefore we leave the highway at Manang and enter an even more fascinating valley leading to the Grand Barrier which is a massive 7000m mountain barrier, and to the world’s highest lake, Tilicho at 4949m. Then we cross the Mesokanto la pass at 5190m, which at any given comparison of beautiful scenery, surpasses the popular Thorung la by leaps and bounds. The Mesokanto la offers breath taking views of Tilicho Lake and soaring peaks of Annapurna II, III and Ganga Purna, Mt Manaslu range and the Chulus. Crossing the Mesokanto La, we leave the Manang valley and enter into another exotic valley of Mustang to end this fascinating dream trip.
What Makes this trip Special
- Explore restricted area of the Annapurna’s eco touristic destination
- Magnificent views of 3 of the worlds fourteen 8000m peaks- Mt. Manaslu, Mt. Dhaulagiri and Mt. Annapurna I and several surrounding dramatic mountains.
- Trek the restricted area of the Nar and Phu valley which was opened only in 2003
- Experience the time immortal cultures of the ethnically Tibetan Nomadic tribes.
- Camp at the breath takingly beautiful highest Lake in the world, Tilicho lake 4949m
- High mountain passes Mesokanto La (5190 m) and Kang-La (5322 m).
- Visit ancient monasteries, ruined fortresses along the part of the Trans Himalayan trail.
- Breathtaking views from the mountain flight from Jomsom, through the world’s deepest gorge.
Itinerary
Price Includes
- All internal transportation, in private vehicle.
- Services of English or/and Swedish speaking guide.
- Porter's and sherpa's assistance.
- 3 nights at Hotel Manaslu on bed and breakfast basis while in Kathmandu.
- Welcome dinner.
- 1 night at Hotel Barahi while in Pokhara.
- Half day guided Kathmandu Valley sightseeing tour with all entrance fees and lunch.
- Drive Kathmandu/ Besisahar/ Chyamje in private vehicle
- Drive Pokhara/ Kathmandu in private vehicle
- Flight Jomsom to Kathmandu
- Use of a personal trek pack consisting of a duffle bag, down jacket and sleeping bag with a fleece inner-liner
- All meals while on trek and Pokhara
- Afternoon tea/coffee service on arrival at the lodge
- Twin share accommodation in trekking lodges with shared .and toilet facilities
- Restricted Area permit for Nar Phu Valley
- Annapurna Area conservation fee
- Trekkers Information Management fee
- Staff insurance, tourist service fee and all taxes applicable as per state law.
Price Excludes
- Personal accident and rescue insurance. You must provide your own rescue insurance
- Mineral water, beer, soft drinks and extra tea/coffee outside of normal meal times.
- Private room accommodation in Kathmandu unless a single supplement is paid.
- Optional tips to guides and porters.
- Visa costs.
- Helicopter evacuation in the unlikely situation, although we do arrange for it and make the necessary documents so that you can claim from your insurance.
Map
About Nepal
Nepal a tiny country, nestled in the Himalayas between India and China, is one of the most diverse and fascinating countries in the world. Covering an area of only 147,181 sq. km, Nepal encompasses the world’s highest mountains and the deepest valleys as well as low elevation rain forest.Although the width of the country is only 200 km North to South, Nepal has the highest altitude variation of any country on earth, from 20m above sea level to 8 848 meters above sea level (Top of Everest).
The country is divided in to 3 elevation Zones viz. the low Terrain, the Midhill region and the High Himalayas, which contains 1/3 of the Himalayan range with 9 of the world’s highest mountains. This wide diversity of landform gives Nepal an incredible wealth of flora and fauna.Nepal is not only famous for its landscape but also renowned for the friendliness of its people. The people of Nepal are as variable and intriguing as the country’s geography. There are more than 37 ethnic groups with their own language and culture.Hinduism is the official religion, which the majority of the people practice. Many people throughout the country are Buddhist and the two religions have co-existed in harmony over the ages. A small number of people practice Christianity and Islam.
Nepal at a glance:
Longitude: 26’12’ and 30’27’ No
Latitude: 80 degree 4′ and 88 degree 12′ East
Population: 22 million
Capital: Kathmandu
Area: 147,181 sq. km.
The Annapurna
The Annapurna is a mountain range in the Himalayas, which lies in the North- Central Nepal. It is 55 km long range and the surrounding area is protected within an area of 7,629 square km under Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP). It is the first and largest conservation area in Nepal. This region is home to several world-class treks, including the Annapurna Circuit.
The Annapurna Range includes one peak over 8,000 meters (Annapurna I- 8091m), thirteen peaks over 7,000 meters, and sixteen more over 6,000 meters. It is bounded by the Kali Gandaki Gorge on the west, the Marshyangdi River on the north and east, and by Pokhara Valley on the south.
Annapurna is a Sanskrit name that means “abundance of food”, but is normally translated as Goddess of the Harvests. The foot hills of this majestic mountains has a rich agricultural fertile land where the local inhabitants grow plenty of food crops form rice, wheat, barley, corn, potatoes to apples, oranges and plenty of vegetable.
Recommended preparation:
Stamina is essential, as walking days are long. We recommend previous trekking experience, preferably at altitude. Walking or jogging 45 mins to 1 hour for at least two times a week on undulating terrain or on a tread mill with inclined angle for at least 3 months prior to departure. Cycling is recommended. Long day hikes on weekends with a daypack in variable weather conditions is also recommended.
A Day On Your Trek
Although each day is different, considering the weather, general pace of the group and length of the days walk, in general your day begins with a wake up tea at around 6 to 6:30 in the morning. You will then be provided with a bowl of warm water for washing. Then you will need to pack your duffel bag and your daypack and come to the dining room for breakfast.
After breakfast we will hit the trail and usually walk for about 3 to 4 hrs before we stop for lunch. We will give you about an hour and a half rest during lunch, which will also give enough time for the staff to prepare lunch, wash dishes and have their lunch and pack. Usually after 3 to 4 hrs of walking we finish the days walk by 4 PM. Tea/ Coffee and snacks will be served on arrival to the camp. Your Group Leader will often organize side trips in the afternoon. Your dinner will be served around 7 PM.
Food and water
The cook and the kitchen crew prepares hot food which is normally a very balanced diet comprising of fresh vegetables and breads, to pastas and sandwiches and occasionally even cakes and pizzas. Breakfasts are usually bread eggs and cereals, and lunch and dinner are a three course meals. We make sure that you get the required amount of carbohydrates and proteins and vitamins as you burn a lot of calories walking uphills, so plenty of vegetables, canned meat and fish and eggs and cereals are carried.We provide boiled and treated water 4 times a day.
High Altitude
On this trek you will be going up to 5120m, so it is very important to understand the affects of altitude. The greatest provocation is going too high too fast. Hi On Life’s itinerary has been carefully designed to minimize the effects of altitude. We ascend slowly and surely allowing enough time for safe acclimatization.
Headaches and breathlessness are common at altitude which in itself is nothing to worry about. In rare cases, this may worsen to Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS), so a close watch is kept on all trekkers by the group leader who is trained to recognize the symptoms of AMS which are severe headaches, nausea, lethargy, loss of appetite serious breathlessness even at rest. If any trekkers show such signs they will be descended to relatively lower and safer altitude. The Group Leader’s decision on evacuating such person to a safe altitude is final. Do not medicate yourself without first informing your group leader. Going to altitude slowly with adequate rest and adequate intake of fluid (3 to 4 litres per day), you will most likely have no problems apart from breathlessness on hills which is completely normal as the percentage of Oxygen in the air is relatively lower to that at sea level. The most important thing is not to worry about altitude because our team is there to take care of you.
Staff
Group leader: your most important member of your staff. Our Group leaders are highly trained in all aspects of the trek, conservation, first aid specializing on altitude sickness, emergency procedures and have extensive knowledge of the natural history of the area.
Sirdar: His job is to manage and organize staff duties, select and organize campsites. He is responsible for the actual operation of the trek.
Sherpas: Their job is to lead your way and distribute equal loads to the porters and also help clients and other staff when need arises.
Porters: They are responsible to transport your duffle bags and their job finishes once they reach the designated lodge. Our porters are provided with Gore-Tex suits, trekking boots, gloves, hats, socks, snow gaiters and snow goggles. Most importantly, we regulate them on a 25 Kg carrying load. Our clients can therefore feel comfortable knowing that our porters are working in a good humane condition.
Weather
Oct/Nov and March/AprilOn the trek at lower altitude (1500m to 2500m) during daytime the Max temp can be around 22C to 25C and the Min temp can be 8C to 15C.At mid altitude (2500m to 3500m) during daytime the Max temp can be around 15C to 20C and the Min temp can be 2C to 8C.At higher altitude (3500m to 5500m) the daytime Max temp can be between 5C to 12C and Min temp can be between -4C to 2C
Recommendations for things you should bring:
- Water bottle: 3 bottles min 1 liter each, should be able to hold hot water)
- Day pack: medium size 35-40 liters
- Sunglasses: Poloroid/ UV protection 2-4
- Duct tape: Small roll for emergency fixing of torn jacket/ sleeping bags etc.
- Stuff bags: Small stuff bags or plastic bags to organize you duffle bag
- Money belt
- Toiletries: Your essentials. We provide toilet papers
- Towel: Quick dry travel towel
- Torch: Preferably head lamp
- Penknife
- Disposable lighter
- Sewing kit
- Medical kit: As per your prescriptions. It should be noted that the group leader will be carrying a first aid kit.
Optional
- Walking sticks ( highly recommended)
- Cameras
- Knee guard for those with bad knees.
- Daytime snack (chocolates/ dry fruit trail mix)
Clothing
- Trousers: 2 lightweight for easy walking and 1 warmer for colder days preferable wind/water proof, 1 stretchable running trousers
- Shorts: 1 (Not too high cut revealing ones)
- T-shirts: 2 light cotton or preferably polypropylene
- Full sleeves T- shirts: 2 preferably poly propylene or wool.
- Hats: 1 Sunhat and 1 woollen one for colder days
- Buff (cover for your mouth and keeps your neck warm)
- Gloves: 1 warm woollen/ fleece and 1 medium weight Gore-Tex
- Thermal underwear: 2 pair light weight tops and trousers, preferably woollen, and 1 pair medium weight
- Socks: At least 4 pairs (both thin and thick woollen ones)
- Jackets: 1 fleece/ wool and 1 Gore-Tex wind/waterproof. Please note that we provide down jackets.
- Walking boots: Preferably waterproof
- Gym shoes/sandals For evenings
Healthy and trouble free holiday
There are no compulsory vaccinations required for entering Nepal. However please consult a doctor for vaccination against Typhoid, Meningitis, polio, and hepatitis. If you have special dietary requirements or allergies, please through your agent, give us a list of what you can and can’t eat so that we can provide proper food for you. If you are undergoing a course of prescription medicine, please ensure that you have sufficient supplies for the entire holiday. Some types of drugs including antimalarias have side effects at high altitude; therefore please consult your doctors regarding these drugs. The places you trek are mosquito free and there has been no report on malaria in Kathmandu for the past couple of decades.
Insure yourself:
We highly recommend you to take a comprehensive Personal Travel Insurance before leaving home. This should cover for your loss of baggage, airline delays, sickness, and accidents. And it should also cover you for Emergency Helicopter Evacuation.
Money Matters
The ideal currency to bring with you is US$ or Euro. You can exchange them in Kathmandu. You can also draw money from ATM machines in Kathmandu.
In Kathmandu: Each meal will cost around 4 to 7 US$ + drinks. Plus 10 to 20 US $ for your taxis if you wish to go around the city.
On trek: you will need around 5 to 7 US$ per day. This money is for your hot showers, chocolates, soft drinks and beers etc and also for small donations in the monasteries.
Tipping
Although tipping is entirely optional and personal matter the following is recommended as a guideline
In Kathmandu: for bellboys, waiters and porters 50 to 100 Nepali Rupees
On the trek: At the end of the trek it is a customary to tip the field staff. The recommended amount is 100-120 US$ depending on group size. The Group leader will collect the tip and then split it between the staff and put it in envelops so that the trekkers can give it to the staff during the “Farwell Ceremonies”. Please note- the Group Leader is not included in this tip. If you want to tip the Group Leader, you can do it when you come back to Kathmandu.
Some Do’s and Don’ts
Nepalese people treat visitors as special guests. Although they will never rebuke you publicly for unknowingly offending them, we must consider their culture.
While in Nepal please observe the following:
- Full or partial nudity is not accepted.
- Over display of affection between men and women, especially in temples and monasteries are discouraged.
- Please remove your shoes before entering monasteries and temples.
- Never point the soles of your feet at a person or shrine.
- Many Hindu temples are closed to non-Hindus. Please ask before entering.
- Locals walk around the Mani walls and Stupas in a clockwise direction as a respect and they expect you to do the same although it is not compulsory.
- Please ask before taking pics of a person or his/her child
“TODAY IS YOUR DAY! YOUR MOUNTAIN IS WAITING, SO… GET ON YOUR WAY!”
DR. SEUSS
