16 Days Nepal Annapurna Explorer
Trek through the incredible Annapurna region and be awed by the Nepalese Himalayas.
These snow-capped peaks, mist-shrouded valleys, isolated communities and remote monasteries will inspire those with a bold spirit and a yearning for a definitive nature experience. Reach altitudes of more than 5,000 m, discover the ancestral traditions of the local people and immerse yourself completely in the spectacular mountain wilderness of the Annapurna Circuit.
- Trek Annapurna Circuit
- Knowledgable/Experience Guides
- Pokhara’s lakeside cafes
- Experience mountain culture
- Vegetarians catered for
- Trek to isolated monasteries
- All Accommodation
- All Transport
- Welcoming Bandipur's locals
- Explore colourful Kathmandu
- Trip length:
- 16 Days
- Group size:
- Max 12
- Start:
- Kathmandu
- End:
- Kathmandu
- Vehicle:
- Bus, Plane
- Sleep:
- Guesthouse (3 nights), Teahouse (10 nights), Hotel
- Physical Demand:
- Comfortlevel:
Itinerary
Day 1: Kathmandu
Namaste! Welcome to Nepal. Please arrive by 2pm on Day 1 as we will have an important group briefing. Your leader will leave a note at reception telling you where and when this important meeting will take place. Please ask a member of reception for this information. Kathmandu, the colourful capital of Nepal, is a fascinating blend of traditional architecture and symbols of the 20th Century. Its rich artistic and cultural heritage is evident where ornately carved balconies mingle with beautiful shrines and temples. If you arrive early we recommend you check out Durbar Square with it's temples, markets and busy atmosphere. It is also worth the climb to visit the Swayambhunath - the 'monkey temple'. Explore the network of street markets and alley bazaars and Pashupatinath. For those with a few extra days in Kathmandu, the neighbouring towns of Patan and Bhaktapur are well worth a visit.
Accommodation: Guesthouse (1 night)
Optional Activities
- Kathmandu - Everest Scenic Flight - USD200
- Kathmandu - Path to a Hidden Monastery Urban Adventure - USD57
- Kathmandu - Spiritual Nepal Urban Adventure - USD80
- Kathmandu - Exploring Patan & Bhaktapur Urban Adventure - USD97
Day 2: Ngadi
This morning, drive to Besisahar (approximately 5.5 hours) to immediately immerse yourself in the spectacular mountain wilderness that encompasses the Annapurna Range. At 8,091 m, Annapurna 1 is one of the highest mountains in the world. Its surrounding sister mountains are equally imposing, creating magnificent panoramas from any viewpoint. After lunch you’ll begin your trek straight away, heading to Ngadi. Throughout this trip’s trekking you’ll come across isolated mountain communities, each with different ancestral customs and traditions, meaning a visually and culturally memorable expedition. You’ll meet warm and welcoming locals herding yaks and goats on the grassy pastures and visit their monasteries and temples, pass waterfalls of melted snow, cross icy rivers, walk along broad plains and hike up high mountain passes.
When you arrive in Besisahar, hit the trail that takes you through Besisahar bazaar leading downstream, followed by the climb up the rocky steps. There are several ups and downs as the trail makes its way through sub-tropical forests and rice paddies of Sera. Further along, traverse a suspension bridge across Khudi Khola and arrive at Bhulbule. Resume on the trail that traverses the Marshyangdi River on a long suspension bridge as Bhulbule is left behind.
Once the Ngadi River is crossed, the trail gently leads upwards through scrub forests and across landslides for a short distance, which then leads to few teashops and cold-drink stalls located opposite the rice paddies of Lampata, eventually leading to Bahundanda (hill of the Brahmins), an attractive village in the saddle of a long ridge.
Accommodation: Teahouse (1 night)
Special Information
- Travel time: drive 5 hours and 3.5 hours approx. trekking.
Day 3: Chamje (1430m / 4691ft)
Dazzling cascades en route as the trail makes a way through a deep wooded canyon with few stretches steep climb.
Accommodation: Teahouse (1 night)
Special Information
- Total walking time today approximately 6 hours.
Day 4: Dharapani (2100m / 6889ft)
Trek continues through the deep wooded canyon embellished by stunning waterfalls as you venture into the Manang district. Much of the trail ascends throughout the day.
Accommodation: Teahouse (1 night)
Special Information
- Total walking time today approximately 7 hours.
Day 5: Chame (2710m / 8891ft)
Marking the end of the great Marsyangdi gorge, make a steep climb to Timang, then the trail settles into gentler slopes as the vegetation transforms from dense pine forests to drier slopes. The district headquarters of Manang, Chame, is the largest settlement after Besisahar.
Accommodation: Teahouse (1 night)
Special Information
- Total walking time today approximately 6 hours.
Day 6: Pisang (3300m / 10826ft)
A slew of breathtaking scenery this day as the trail goes through a deep gorge, then past the great sweeping slope of Paungi Danda. Mostly easy walk with few ascending stretches of trail.
Accommodation: Teahouse (1 night)
Special InformationTotal walking time today approximately 5 hours.
Day 7: Manang (3540m / 11614ft)
Trek the northern trail via upper Pisang and Ghyaru, an area renowned for its spectacular views. It is now drier and you are sure to come across local farmers herding yaks. (Tip: Tibetan yaks take a special interest in people wearing red!).
Accommodation: Teahouse (1 night)
Special Information
- Total walking time today approximately 6 hours.
Day 8: Manang (3540m / 11614ft)
Spend a day here to acclimatise to the altitude by doing some high climbing then return to the lower altitude of Manang to sleep. Manang, a village of about 500 flat-roofed houses offers excellent views of Annapurna II, Annapurna III, Gangapurna and Chulu East.
Accommodation: Teahouse (1 night)
Day 9: Yak Kharka (4018m / 13182ft)
Covering approximately 7 kilometres, steadily climb into the alpine region, taking around five hours.
Accommodation: Teahouse (1 night)
Day 10: Phedi (4450m / 14599ft)
Due to the altitude, take the next section of the climb at a leisurely pace, which means we'll have time to admire the magnificent views from this part of the route. Once at Phedi, there will be plenty of time to rest and acclimatise to the higher elevations ready for the next part of the climb where we will encounter the Thorung La Pass, the highest point on this Annapurna Explorer.
Accommodation: Teahouse (1 night)
Special Information
- Total walking time today approximately 5 hours.
Day 11: Muktinath (3800m / 12467ft)
Setting off very early to cross the Thorung La Pass (5,416 m), the trail is steep but easy to follow. After between four to six hours climbing, reach the Pass's peak, adorned with prayer flags, a traditional stupa (chorten) and stone cairns built by travellers. Stop to admire the stunning views and marvel at how far you've climbed. Further along, the trail descends steeply proceeding towards Chabarbu. From here on, the trail crosses meadows, drops into a deep ravine, climbs out and follows a wide trail into Muktinath, a pilgrimage site held in great reverence by both Hindus and Buddhists.
Accommodation: Teahouse (1 night)
Special InformationTotal walking time today approximately 8-9 hours.
Day 12: Jomsom (2800m / 9186ft)
Veer off the main trekking trail to make a side trip to an ancient village of Purang. Further up from the village, continue to take the less frequented route going past another village with a medieval feel to it, Jhong. From Jhong, descend to the Jhing Khola (river) following the course which you emerge on to Kagbeni. From Kagbeni, rejoin the Annapurna circuit route to make a gradual descent through scenic, desert-like terrain, past charming villages and following the windy riverbed to Jomsom.
Total walking time today approximately 7 hours.
Accommodation: Guesthouse (1 night)
Day 13: Pokhara
Early morning flight to Pokhara (approximately 20 minutes). Toast your achievement over a celebratory dinner in the character-filled Nepalese town of Pokhara (827 m). Pokhara is a peaceful lakeside location which rests beneath the snow-capped peaks of the Annapurna Range. Sip on a cold brew and gaze up at the dramatic pass that you have just conquered. There are plenty of lakeside cafes where you can enjoy international cuisine, while the main street is full of shops and stalls selling a wide range of Nepali and Tibetan souvenirs. Pokhara is part of a once vibrant trade route extending between India and Tibet. This is the land of Magars and Gurungs, hardworking farmers and valorous warriors who have earned worldwide fame as Gurkha soldiers. The Thakalis, another important ethnic group here, are known for their entrepreneurship.
Take time to wander around the town and get to know its friendly residents. Your simple hotel in Pokhara is set 100 m back from Fewa Lake and with a back-drop of Machhapuchhare (Fishtail mountain) rising beyond. It has twin-bedded rooms with attached bath and a hot shower facility.
Accommodation: Hotel (1 night)
Special Information
- We are currently using Goma Air or Tara Air for this flight route.
Day 14: Pokhara
Enjoy a free day in Pokhara to unwind, relax, and give those muscles a rest after all that trekking. Your leader can advise you of sightseeing opportunities. It is worth taking a boat for a row out on the lake, especially if the weather's fine. The lakeside area has great shopping opportunities and internet cafes. Pokhara has an interesting old area as well as an elaborate Hindu temple and a Buddhist monastery. Perhaps visit the Peace Pagoda, where spectacular views of the mountains await. You can see the Annapurnas from here, and the famous fishtail peak, Machhapuchhare, and back across to Pokhara. You will also visit the fascinating International Mountain Museum to learn some amazing tales of past climbing expeditions.
Accommodation: Hotel (1 night)
Day 15: Kathmandu
Return to Kathmandu by tourist bus (approx. 7 hours including stops) for further sightseeing or for some last minute shopping for friends and family at home. The options are plentiful – Kathmandu has many markets where Nepali specialties include clothes, embroidery, carpets and ceramics. On arrival in Kathmandu, check back into your hotel.
Accommodation: Guesthouse (1 night)
Special Information
- Some travellers enjoy Pokhara so much that they decide they want to stay extra days rather than continuing with the group to Kathmandu. Others decide that they would prefer to fly from Pokhara to Kathmandu to conclude the trip instead of travelling overland. You are welcome to sign off the trip to do either of these, however we aren't able to reimburse any unused services or cover the cost of alternate onward travel arrangements.
Day 16: Kathmandu
There are no activities planned for the final day and you are able to depart the hotel at any time. Check out time from the hotel is at 12 noon. If you are departing later, you can arrange luggage storage at the hotel. Check out the range of Urban Adventures in Kathmandu if you've got some more time here.
Optional Activities
- Kathmandu - Rickshaw Night Explorer Urban Adventure - USD68
- Kathmandu - In Focus: Cook in Kathmandu Urban Adventure - USD93
- Kathmandu - Kathmandu by Bike Urban Adventure - USD100
- Kathmandu - Kathmandu Living Urban Adventure - USD66
What to bring
CLOTHING
- Wind and waterproof Jacket & Pants
- Comfortable and sturdy walking shoes (worn frequently prior to departure)
- Socks: thick wool blend and thin cotton to be worn in combination - ensure boots fit such combination
- Running shoes or sandals for evening
- Wool jumper / sweater / fleece. Lightweight during summer, 1 heavyweight or 2 lightweights during winter months. Down jackets in winter. Down jackets can be hired in Kathmandu.
- Fleece Jacket
- T Shirts 2 or 3
- Shirt - Long Sleeved
- Pants - lightweight long trousers (jeans are unsuitable)
- Thermals upper and lower
- Extra warm clothing during winter (December to March) layered clothing - thermals
- Pocket hand warmers (for winters)
- Sleeping Bag/Sleep sheet - Four season bag is recommended for high altitude
- trekking in summers and -20 degrees sleeping bag in winters. Sleeping Bags can be rented in Kathmandu at reasonable rate.
- Light weight Towel
- Hat - Beanie with ear flaps or balaclava for nights, peaked 'French Legionnnaires' style that will keep neck protected. Sunglasses
- Gloves - wool or fleeced and gore tex
- Scarf
- Sarong a multitude of uses
EQUIPMENT/OTHER
- Passport (with photocopies)
- Photos for Nepal visa on arrival
- Travel insurance (with photocopies)
- Airline tickets (with photocopies)
- USD cash
- Credit or debit card (see personal spending money)
- Any entry visas or vaccination certificates required
- Hand sanitizing lotion
- Reading/writing material
- Binoculars
- First-aid kit (should contain lip salve, Aspirin, Band Aids, anti-histamine, Imodium or similar tablets for mild cases of diarrhea, re-hydration powder, extra prescription drugs you may be taking, Chlorine Dioxide (water purification tablet for water sterlisation).
- wet wipes for cleaning can be purchased at Kathmandu.
- Protein bars, chocolate, dried fruits, candies and snack foods.
- Travel documents: passport, visa, travel insurance, air tickets, voucher,passport photo (x 3)
- Health requirements arranged
- Swiss army knife
- Whistle to attract attention in the event of an emergency.
- Spare Boot Laces
- Toiletries
- Day pack to carry your personal needs during the day
- Alarm clock and torch/flashlight - headlamp style is ideal
- Insect repellent, sunscreen and lip balm
- Ear plugs & eye mask can assist light sleepers
- Refillable water bottle - Min 1 Litre Aluminium or Nalgene polypropylene are best
- Nepali phrase book
- Bag Liners to waterproof your bags
- Sewing Kit
What is included
TRANSPORT
- Bus, Plane
ACCOMMODATION
- Guesthouse (3 nights), Teahouse (10 nights), Hotel (2 nights)
MEALS
- Allow USD 440 for meals not included
OTHER
- Intrepid Group Leader
Trip Info
Preparing for the trip
Where do I get more information about the tour?
If you find that this tour page doesn't answer all your questions, then please get in contact with us! Our passionate team are always available to answer any queries you may have.
What should I pack for my trek?
You can see a full list under the “what to bring?” section above. This is specific to the tour itinerary. For packing tips and advice please follow this link - https://worldlypeople.org/trekking-gear-list
What immunisations do I need for Nepal?
Immunisations vary from country to country and we strongly recommend you contact the Travellers Medical and Vaccination Centre or local doctor to discuss health requirements for your trip. They will advise you about appropriate inoculations. In some places anti-malaria medication may also be required. Some vaccines need to be administered a few weeks before departure, so allow plenty of time. It is also important that you obtain a certificate of vaccination and you must carry this with you on your trip. Please note that in some cases a certificate of vaccination is compulsory in order to obtain a visa.
Why is a guide necessarily?
I've trekked/hiked/camped before - can't I guide myself? While it is not a legal requirement, we cannot overstate the importance of trekking with a licensed, experienced guide. You'll be traveling through wilderness, remote countryside, and high elevations - from an aspect of pure safety, it is highly dangerous to go it alone. Additionally, very few locals in Himalayan villages speak English. Should you get lost (and, with many paths crossing through many, many villages, this is more a likelihood than a possibility), it would be difficult to communicate directions or obtain food and shelter. Additionally, our guides are experts in Himalayan treks with an average of over 15 years trekking experience. No matter how confident you feel in your skills or knowledge, it is almost certain that we can help enhance your experience.
Do I need to take any medical supplies?
We recommend you carry personal medical items for managing common minor ailments such as colds, diarrhoea, blisters and sore throats etc. Travellers who take regular medication should take an appropriate supply. Asthma sufferers should ensure that they have an adequate supply of their routine medicine, as some major cities have high levels of smog.
How much luggage do I take?
As a general rule, the less luggage you bring with you, the better. You’ll probably be buying souvenirs and the like along the way, so leave some space! Suitcases aren’t suitable for these types of holidays. A comfortable quality backpack that you are familiar with is best to bring. Trekking porters are included or available for hire on all tours. Please check in the inclusions section if you are unsure.
Do I need a sleeping bag for the Himalayas?
Yes you will. A -20 degrees sleeping bag in winters is needed. Sleeping Bags can be rented in Kathmandu at a reasonable rate.
How do I get a visa?
Please note that visas for Thailand, Vietnam and Cambodia are the responsibility of the individual traveller. The Visa requirements for your trip vary depending on where you are from and where you are going. For the most up to date information please check your governments foreign ministry website or with your travel agent as rules do change. It is important that you check for yourself. For most travellers there will probably be an embassy and consulate in the country that you live in. *Please have extra USD on hand in case the customs officials charge more at the border crossing.Please be aware that you will require two clean pages (minimum) in your passport and at least six months validity.
Do I need travel insurance?
It is compulsory that you have comprehensive travel insurance. Domestic government medical insurance and private health schemes will not cover you in most overseas countries. Your policy MUST cover medical costs in case of hospitalisation, emergency travel and repatriation. Once you have paid your deposit or full payment, certain fees will apply if you cancel your holiday. Insurance should therefore be organised at the time of booking to protect yourself against unforeseen circumstances that would require you to cancel before travelling. Your tour guide will need two copies of your policy - the Tour Guide and our Ground Operator will keep one copy each in the unlikely event of an emergency. The copies must show the policy number and the emergency hotline phone number.
Where does the tour start?
Tours will always start in a specified hotel and we will let you know exactly when you need to be at that hotel. We can organise airport transfers, if you wish.
Can I book accommodation at the start and/or end of the tour?
Yes. In all cases, we can organise extra accommodation for the start and end of the tour. Just let us know and we’ll organise a quote for you.
What form of transport do we use around the Himalayas and Nepal?
As a general rule, we travel on local transport, mixing with the locals and getting involved. In some places, the best way to explore is on foot, in others we’ll jump on boats, bemos, canoes, camels, tuk-tuks, songthaews… you get the picture. The style of transport will be as varied as it is fun…. we don’t like sealing you up in a 50-seater coach. Sometimes, however, local transport is not practical – you just can’t jump on a No. 96 bus in northern Thailand – so in these instances, we hire our own vehicles.
Private tours and families
Can I organise a private tour?
Of course! If there’s a minimum of two people, pick an existing itinerary and contact us and we can arrange the trip as a private tour. Or if you’re after something a bit different, if you have a minimum of four people for a trip, contact us and we can put together a tailored and personally designed itinerary for you
Booking the trip
Do I need to book online?
No. Whilst this site is designed to make booking as easy as possible, we appreciate that sometimes it’s nice to talk to a human being, so give us a call! We can do the whole booking procedure over the phone.
How do I know if the tour is available?
To see the scheduled departure dates just click the “Check Dates” button on the top right of the page. To ensure the scheduled departure is going ahead send us an email to info@worldlypeople.org and we get back to you within a couple of hours.
When is final payment on tours due? (for deposit payments)
The final payment is due in full 30 days before the departure of your trip. If you’ve booked your trip within 30 days of the departure date, full payment is needed
Who travels with us
Do you use local tour guides?
One of the main reasons many travellers choose us is the fact that we exclusively use tour guides who were born and raised in the region. They are highly qualified, speak excellent English and their intimate knowledge of their homeland enables them to show you things that other travellers miss out on. Travelling with a local tour guide means that you enjoy a uniquely local perspective, meeting your guides’ friends along the way, eating at restaurants where the locals eat and seeing things that you won’t find in any guidebooks. Aside from the benefit to you, by employing locals, we are providing income and training to local people. And we work to ensure our staff and local partners are the best in the business. Throughout the regions we visit, our operators possess a wealth of knowledge and experience, so you can be confident you’re in safe hands. They are out in the field, continually monitoring and refining our adventures to ensure we offer the most innovative trips, as well as the best value for money.
How much free time is there?
It is an integral part of all our trips to give you enough free time to explore by yourself. Many of your most memorable experiences will occur when you branch out and do your own thing. We understand that different people have different interests, so we build in free time to make your own discoveries. The framework is in place and the details are taken care of, but on many days, you decide what you want to see and do. After all, you might be thoroughly sick and tired of temples, while another group member just can’t get enough of them. It’s your holiday, so it’s your choice.
Im a single travellers, is that OK?
Most of our travellers are ‘flying solo’ and like the thought of travelling with like-minded souls. Your tour will have a strong social element and you'll almost certainly come home with some new friends. Some of the tours offer single supplement option. You can see these prices under the “Join Tour” drop down menu.
Cost and Fees
What's included in the tour price?
Please refer to the “what’s included” section on your tour page for the most up to date information.
Will I need additional money?
Visitors are advised to bring some cash as ATMs and banks can be few and far between depending on where we are during the trip. It’s handy to have some extra cash as we do stop by local shops and cafe.
Can I pay the local payment in local currency?
The local payment needs to be paid in the currency indicated in the itinerary and final invoice. Most tours will have this included in the tour price. Please check the included section above.
How much spending money do I need?
Not a lot! Your accommodation, transport, local leader and some meals are included. Depending on where you are, you'll generally get by on about US$25 a day, covering meals, drinks and souvenirs.
What is the best way to take money with me?
A combination of cash, an ATM card and perhaps a credit card as back-up is good. Travellers cheques are a safe way to carry money, however travellers can find it difficult in some areas to exchange them.
As a general rule, American dollars are accepted throughout the world, but make sure you have small denomination bills, and that they are not ripped or marked, as this may affect your ability to change them. And remember to check with your bank about using your bank cards overseas.
Do I need to tip the local guide?
Your tour guide works hard to ensure you have a great trip, so please don’t hold back if you feel they have earned a tip for their efforts. If you would like to reward your tour guide for his or her services, you can choose to do so individually or make a group presentation at the end of the tour.
Whilst on tour
Can I get on the internet/phone service whilst on tour?
You will be without internet for the majority of the tour. Please make sure that an emergency contact is aware of when you will be gone and returning to civilisation.
Can I do a section of the tour and not the whole trip?
Unfortunately it is not possible to just do sections of the tour. Some of the longer tours are made up of smaller tours completed back-to-back, and hence might be possible to book separately. It may be possible to arrange a private charter for you from a section of the tour so please contact us.
Will there be time to explore the cities we start and finish in? Or should I arrange extra time?
With all of our tours, we strongly believe we have well balanced itineraries to enable you to explore all the places you are visiting. There is generally no need to arrive early or leave later. However, there is always more to discover and we can arrange additional accommodation, should you need it.
What standard of accommodation should I expect?
Your lodging will be basic, but clean and comfortable, locally run, and usually reflecting the character of the region. Aside from being a more interesting place to stay than a bland internationally-run hotel, this also helps to keep the cost down and by supporting local businesses you help the local economy. Ask us about upgrading your accommodation as this is possible on most tours.
What about if I am a vegetarian? Or if I have a special diet?
No problem at all! The only important thing is that you let us know in advance, so we can inform our local tour guides. That way, they can look out for you and make sure you are looked after in the local restaurants. It is important to realise that in some places your diet might be slightly limited, as meat can form an integral part of the local diet. If in doubt, ask our consultants for their first-hand knowledge of each individual destination.
What will the food be like?
Experiencing the local flavours is definitely a highlight on our trips. Our local tour guides take you to out of the way places and experience the best and most interesting cuisine of the cultures you visit. The guides’ local knowledge will mean you can decipher menus, get useful tips on what to try, and visit all the most interesting restaurants and markets. There will always be a very strong local influence in the food, which we believe is what travel is all about.
Are any permits required for trekking?
Some trekking areas require a special permit for trekking, while as others require only permits to enter conservation or national parks. We handle all permits for you, so you have one less thing to worry about!