Destination | Nepal |
---|---|
Activity | Annapurna Treks |
Accomodation | Hotel in Pokhara and Hotel/Lodge/Tea House during the trek |
Region | Annapurna Region |
Start / End point | Kathmandu / Kathmandu |
Duration | 12 days |
Max. Altitude | 5,416m at Thorong La High Pass |
Meals Included | Breakfast in Pokhara Hotel and all Meals (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner) during the trek |
Group size | 2-30 |
Nature of Trek | Lodge to Lodge Trekking |
Best Season | Feb, Mar, Apri, May, June, Sep, Oct, Nov & Dec. |
Activity Per Day | Approx. 4-6 hrs walking |
Transportation | Kathmandu to Bhulbhule, Jomsom to Pokhara in a plane, and Pokhara to Kathmandu by tourist bus |
Grade | Medium |
About the Trip
The Annapurna Circuit 12 days package takes you to the remote trans-Himalayan region, home to several stunning snow peaks, including Annapurna, Gangapurna, Dhaulagiri, and Machhapuchhre. In addition, this portion of the Annapurna Circuit takes you past the unique ethnic settlements, several monasteries, Gumbas, holy temples, high passes, and natural hot springs to Jomsom, from where you will fly to Pokhara.
Highlights of the Annapurna circuit 12 days
- Cross Thorong La Pass (5,410m), one of the highest altitude passes in Nepal
- Lush dense forests that give way to trans-Himalayan deserts, glacial lakes, waterfalls, and pristine blue rivers
- Typical ethnic Tamang, Ghale, Gurung, and Thakali villages
- Muktinath Temple, a common holy site for Hindus and Buddhists
- Kali Gandaki Gorge, one of the deepest gorges in the world
- Observe the yak pastures
- Jomsom, the headquarter of Mustang
- Stunning views of Mt. Annapurna, Thorung Peak, Nilgiri, Chulu West, and Chulu East, Tukuche Peak, Dhaulagiri, Lamjung Himal, Annapurna II, and Annapurna IV
- Visit Barge Monastery, the largest in Manang.
- Thrilling mountain flight from Jomsom to Pokhara
Benefits of Annapurna Circuit 12 days with Discovery World Trekking
- Free airport pickup during arrival and drop off during departure
- Pulse oximeter to monitor for blood oxygen saturation level at high altitudes to detect signs of altitude sickness and other potential health risks early
- Medical kits for emergencies
- Sleeping bags and Down jackets arrangements if you do not have your own
- Free excess luggage storage service during the trek
- Online trip briefing after booking confirmation
- Easy booking and reservation system
- Multi-channel communication (Email, WhatsApp, Facebook, WeChat, Viber, Skype, Zoom)
- 24/7 phone communication at +977- 9840055491
- Easy payment system.
Online Trip Briefing
The online briefing will clear all your doubts about the trek, including things to bring (equipment checklist) for the hike, the itinerary details, and what you can expect on the trails. As soon as you complete the booking, we will email you the available date and time for the trek briefing. Please note that we conduct trip briefing only once either online or in person.
Comprehensive Overview
It is a modified Annapurna Circuit trek, in which you will circle the Annapurna ranges in the northwest direction and reach Jomsom, then take a flight back to Pokhara. Thus this trek is less intensive but covers the main highlights and remote trek regions of Annapurna Circuit.
You will start your trek from Bhulbhule (845m), cross Thorong La Pass (5,416m), and reach Jomsom (2,720m).
Throughout your trek, you will be able to view panoramic sceneries of the Himalayas, including Mt. Dhaulagiri (8,167m), Mt. Annapurna I (8,091m), Mt. Manaslu (8,163 m), Mt. Annapurna II (7,937 m.), Mt. Annapurna III (7,555m), Mt. Annapurna IV (7,525m), Mt. Annapurna South (7,219m), Mt. Nilgiri (7,041m), and Tilicho peak (7,134m).
In addition to the exotic Himalayan sceneries, you will be able to experience traditional ethnic Nepali settlements and Tibetan-style villages. With some luck, you might even get a chance to spot rare wildlife like blue sheep and snow leopards along the way.
Your trek starts with a drive along the Prithvi Highway and progresses to Dumre, followed by Besishar, and then to Bhulbhule (845m) trek start point.
From Bhulbhule, you will hike to the west, rapidly gaining elevation. You will spend a night at Jagat, and Dharapani, to reach Chame, the headquarters of the Manang district.
Then onwards, you will be on your way to Pisang and then reach Manang, where you will acclimatize for a day. While acclimatization, you can visit traditional Kangsar village, Gangapurna and Ice lakes, and Milarepa Cave. After spending a day at Manang, you will head to Yak Kharka - an alpine meadow.
The next day will take you from Yak Kharka to Thorong Phedi. After staying for the night at Thorong Phedi, we start very early in the morning to cross Thorang La Pass before the afternoon winds start.
From Thorong La Pass, you will enjoy the views of the Khatungkang, Gangapurna, and Annapurna ranges and descend to Muktinath, where you will be spending one more night in the trek region. The following morning, you will take a flight from Jomsom to Pokhara.
Your trek ends at Pokhara. You are free to explore Pokhara, the tourist capital of Nepal, for one day. The next morning, you will return to Kathmandu on a tourist bus. We hope that your trip was fabulous and you will return to Nepal for some more trips.
You can choose to fly for 20 minutes from Pokhara to Kathmandu at your own expense.
Photos & Videos
Day to Day Itinerary
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day
1
Drive from Kathmandu to Bhulbhule (845m / 2,815ft) west of Kathmandu
Itinerary Facts Driving Hours (200km / 124 miles) 7-8 hrs. Highest Altitude 1,350m / 4,450ft After breakfast, we will catch a bus at Kathmandu and head west to Bhulbhule. The bus will follow the Prithivi Highway, which runs by the side of the Trishuli river, until Dumre. From Dumre, you will head north past Besishahar and finally, arrive at Bhulbhule, which lies by the banks of the Marsyangdi river.
Throughout your ride, you can enjoy the views of terraced farms, traditional villages, and the Ganesh & Manaslu mountains. It will take almost eight hours to reach the Gurung village Bhulbhule, where you will be spending the night.- Overnight stay at Holiday Trekkers Lodge
- Included standard meals (Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner)
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day
2
Trek from Bhulbhule (845m / 2,815ft) to Jagat (1,300m / 4,265ft)
Itinerary Facts Trek Distance 16km / 9.9miles Highest Altitude 1,300m / 4,265ft Trek Duration 5 hrs We leave Bhulbhule early morning and head on the trails to Jagat. You will be trekking on a pleasant path that passes through lush forests, terraced fields, and traditional villages. From Bhulbhule, you will pass Bahundanda and Ghermu before reaching Jagat, a former trading post.
- Overnight stay at Tilicho Guest House (room with attached bathroom)
- Included standard meals (Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner)
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day
3
Trek from Jagat (1,300m / 4,265ft) to Dharapani (1,860m / 6,200ft)
Itinerary Facts Trek Distance 15km / 9.3miles Highest Altitude 1,860m / 6,200ft Trek Duration 5 hrs From Jagat, we follow the Marsyangdi river, the path then ascends through a tropical forest, ultimately leading to the Gurung village of Chamje. As you trek, you will get views of a scenic waterfall and the Annapurna ranges. After Chamje, you will again follow the Marsyangdi river on a zigzag path that climbs to a hill to the village of Tal. Tal means lake in Nepali.
However, you will continue to trek further, reaching Karte Village, then the path progresses by the cliff side and again descends to Marsyangdi. You will then cross a suspension bridge and head up to reach Dharapani - the destination for the day.
- Overnight stay at Hotel Gorkha's inn (room with attached bathroom)
- Included standard meals (Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner)
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day
4
Trek from Dharapani (1,860m / 6,200ft) to Chame (2,610m / 8,890ft)
Itinerary Facts Trek Distance 15.5km / 9.6miles Highest Altitude 2,610m / 8,890ft Trek Duration 6 hrs We leave Dharapani and follow the trails through the forests with pine, fir, oak, and maple trees. This region is comparatively flat, and you will follow the Marsyangdi River to reach the headquarters of Manang - Chame (2,670m). From Chame, you will get remarkable views of Annapurna II, Annapurna IV, and Lamjung Himal. On the way, we will not forget to stop by a small hot spring.
- Overnight stay at Four Season Guest House (room with attached bathroom)
- Included standard meals (Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner)
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day
5
Trek from Chame (2,610m / 8,890ft) to Upper Pisang (3,115m / 10,200ft)
Itinerary Facts Trek Distance 13.2km / 8.2miles Highest Altitude 3,115m / 10,200ft Trek Duration 5 - 6 hrs From Chame, we head to Pisang on a trail that mostly progresses through an open area. After walking along the narrow valley, you will reach a massive rock called Paungda Danda Rock, which the locals consider as sacred. The rock itself rises 1,500m from the Marshyandi river and looks stunning. As you continue the trek, you will see Annapurna II in the south and Pisang Peak in the northeast. Just before reaching Pisang, the path descends to the Manang Valley floor.
- Overnight stay at Hotel Mandala (room with attached bathroom)
- Included standard meals (Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner)
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day
6
Trek from Pisang (3,115m / 10,200ft) to Manang (3,540m / 11,300ft)
Itinerary Facts Trek Distance 17km / 10.6miles Highest Altitude 3,540m / 11,300ft Trek Duration 5 - 6 hrs We start trekking on the upper trails that pass through Upper Pisang and Geru to reach Barge village, famous for the Barge Monastery - the largest in Manang. Throughout the path, you will witness several Buddhist shrines and monasteries before reaching the tourist town of Manang. The trekking trails provide fantastic views of Annapurna II, III, IV, Gangapurna, Pisang Peak, and Tilicho.
- Overnight stay at Hotel Himalayan Singi (room with attached bathroom)
- Included standard meals (Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner)
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day
7
Rest and acclimatization day at Manang (3,519m / 11,545ft)
Itinerary Facts Highest Altitude 3,519m / 11,545ft We have set this day for rest and proper acclimatization to avoid altitude sickness. However, we will remain busy, exploring nearby places and enjoying the scenery. Manang is well situated and provides access to interesting places. You can visit Gangapurna and Ice lakes, the traditional Kangsar village, and Milarepa Cave - believed to be the meditation bode of Buddhist Guru Milarepa. We will also take you to the Himalayan Rescue Association in Vraja village, where you will learn more about acute mountain sickness.
- Overnight stay at Hotel Himalayan Singi (room with attached bathroom)
- Included standard meals (Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner)
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day
8
Trek from Manang (3,540m / 11,300ft) to Yak Kharka (4,050m / 14,275ft)
Itinerary Facts Trek Distance 9.4km / 5.8miles Highest Altitude 4,050m / 14,275ft Trek Duration 3-4 hrs After resting and acclimatizing for a day, we continue our trek toward Yak Kharka. You will now notice that the tall trees along the path give way to alpine grass and junipers. There is a chance that you might witness a few horses or yaks grazing on the meadows. Moreover, as you continue on the trails, you will come across a small village - Gunsan, known for its flat mud roofs. When you cross a small river on a wooden bridge, you should know that Yak Kharka - a peaceful meadow - is nearby.
- Overnight stay at Hotel Gangapurna
- Included standard meals (Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner)
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day
9
Trek from Yak Kharka (4,050m / 14,275ft) to Thorong Phedi (4,525m / 14,525ft)
Itinerary Facts Trek Distance 8.5km / 5.2miles Highest Altitude 4,525m / 14,525ft Trek Duration 4-5 hrs It is time to leave the Marsyangdi Valley and head towards Thorong Phedi, following the Jharsang Khola. You will leave pine and fir forests to enter the high Himalayas, which looks completely different than the lush lowlands, you passed during the initial trekking days. With some luck, you might catch views of blue sheep and snow leopards while trekking. Thorong Phedi is ideally located for travelers to spend the night before attempting to cross the Thorong La High Pass.
- Overnight stay at Thorong High Camp Hotel
- Included standard meals (Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner)
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day
10
Trek from Thorong Phedi (4,525m / 14,525ft) to Muktinath Temple (3,760m / 12,623ft) via Thorong La High Pass (5,416m / 17,756ft)
Itinerary Facts Trek Distance 15.6km / 9.6miles Highest Altitude 5,416m /17,756ft Trek Duration 9 hrs Today will be the most challenging trekking day as you ascend the Thorong La High Pass, one of the highest passes in the world, before descending to Muktinath. To avoid the afternoon wind, we will start the trek early morning, battling icy air and high altitude but still enjoying the views. From the top of the pass, you will see fantastic views of the Khatungkang, Gangapurna, and Annapurna ranges. As you descend, you will be greeted with majestic views of Dhaulagiri.
The descent continues until you reach Muktinath, a holy temple for both the Hindus and Buddhists. This temple is known for its 108 water sprouts and an eternal flame that has been burning here for centuries. If time permits, we will drive to Jomsom for the night, or else, you will spend the night at Muktinath.
- Overnight stay at Hotel Town House Muktinath (room with attached bathroom)
- Included standard meals (Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner)
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day
11
Trek from Muktinath to Jomsom (3,760m / 12,623ft) and fly to Pokhara (820m / 2,690ft)
Itinerary Facts Driving Hours 1 hour Highest Altitude 3,760m / 12,623ft Flight Duration 35 minutes On this day, early morning, we drive from Muktinath and reach Jomsom to catch an early morning flight from Jomsom to Pokhara. The 35-minute flight lets you enjoy the spectacular views of Nilgiri (23,166 ft), Dhaulagiri (26,795 ft), and Annapurna Himal. You are free to explore the fabulous Pokhara, the tourist capital of Nepal.
- Overnight stay at Hotel Silver Oaks Inn (room with attached bathroom)
- Included standard meals (Breakfast)
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day
12
Drive from Pokhara (820m / 2,690ft) to Kathmandu (1,350m / 4,450ft) 6-7hrs
Itinerary Facts Driving Hours (200km / 124miles) 6-7hrs Highest Altitude 1,350m / 4,450ft Today marks the last day for the Annapurna circuit 12 days trek package. After having early morning breakfast at Pokhara, you will board a tourist bus to Kathmandu. The bus will traverse 200km to finally reach Kathmandu. You have the option to fly from Pokhara to Kathmandu at your own expense.
- Included standard meal (Breakfast)
What is included?
- Kathmandu to Bhulbhule (trek start) by local bus
- Muktinath to Jomsom by local transport
- Jomsom to Pokhara in a plane
- Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) fee
- Trekkers Information Management System (TIMS) card fee
- Snacks (cookies) and seasonal fresh fruits every day
- Pokhara to Kathmandu on a tourist bus
- One night accommodation at Silver Oaks Inn Pokhara with breakfast
- Total 10 nights - 7 nights room with attached bathroom in Jagat, Dharapani, Chame, Pisang, Manang (2N), and Muktinath. 3 nights standard rooms - Bhulbhule, Yak Kharka, and Thorang Phedi (twin sharing room)
- 11 breakfast, 9 dinners, and 9 lunches during the trek
- Government licensed, experienced trek leader (guide), assistant trekking guide (for a group of 12 or more trekkers), and porters to help trekkers luggage (1 porter for 2 trekkers, combined porter weight limit -18kg.)
- Guides and porters expenses - meals, insurance, salary, lodging, transportation, and other necessary equipment.
- All government, local taxes, and official expenses
- Rescue operations arrangement in case of complicated health conditions (funded by travel insurance).
- Souvenirs - a company T-shirt & Cap
- Discovery World Trekking appreciation certificate after the successful trek
- Farewell dinner at the end of the trek in Kathmandu
What is excluded?
- International flight costs
- 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 which has to cover emergency high-altitude rescue and evacuation compulsory
- Excess baggage charges (limit is 9kg per person)
- Nepal entry visa fees required on arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport (USD 50 for a 30-day stay)
- 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.
- Tips for guide and porters
- Additional costs caused by circumstances beyond our control like landslides, bad weather conditions, itinerary modification due to safety concerns, illness, changes in government policy, strikes, mass movements, etc
- All the costs and expenses not listed in - "What is included?" above
Equipment Checklist
The gear and equipment you require for the trek depend on personal preferences and the season you are trekking. However, here is a list of probable items we recommend our clients bring to the trek. We advise you to pack only the basics. Though porters will carry your luggage, the luggage weight limit per trekker is 9 kg.
Head
- Sun hat or scarf
- Winter hat or insulating hat or a wide-brimmed hat
- Headlight with extra batteries
Face
- Sunscreen
- Sunglasses with UV protection
- Face/body wipes
Hands
- Lightweight gloves
- Heavyweight winter gloves
Body
- Hiking shirts
- Long-sleeved shirt
- Polypropylene underwear
- Down jacket (available for rent in Kathmandu)
- Sweater
- Waterproof jacket and pants
- Hooded rain jacket
- Fleece jacket
- Lightweight cotton pants
- T-Shirt (bring lightweight wool)
Footwear
- Hiking boots
- Thick wool socks (Take an extra pair of thick light socks)
Essential gear
- Backpack or daypack (Size depends on whether you take porter or not)
- Water purification tablets
- Trekking pole
- Thermal bottle
- Sleeping bag (-15 degree bag is best in high altitude trekking)
Toiletries
- Medium size drying towel
- Deodorant floss
- Biodegradable bar soap
- Nail clippers
- Small mirror
- Toothbrush
- Toothpaste
Personal accessories
- Money
- Watch
- Cell phone
- Camera
Extra items
- First aid kit
- Extra passport-size photos and photocopies of passport
- Notebook and pen
- Binoculars
Trip Information
Free Airport Transfer
Discovery World Trekking provides free airport-to-hotel transfer during arrival and hotel-to-airport transfer during departure. Hence, please send us your flight details as soon as you book your trip. We provide this service, so you do not need to worry about navigating a foreign country that speaks a different language. Moreover, we want you to know that we are always near your if you need help. When you arrive at the airport, you will find our company representative holding a pamphlet with your name on it. After greeting you, our representative will present you with a garland and then take you to your hotel.
Getting to the trek region
You will arrive at Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA) by three pm, at least one day before the trek departure day for last-minute preparations. If, in case, you missed the online trip briefing, it will also provide us time to conduct an in-person trip briefing. During the trek briefing, we will provide you with vital information about your trek and go through your luggage to ensure that you have not missed packing any essential items. On the trek departure day, we will board a local bus to Bhulbhule. The bus will follow along the Prithivi Highway to Dumre and then turn northwards, reaching Besishar and then Bhulbhule (845m), your trek start point.
Accommodation
You will spend ten nights in the trek region at the best available lodges/teahouses. Out of these ten nights, you will spend seven nights in rooms with an attached bathroom at Jagat, Dharapani, Chame, Pisang, Manag (2N), and Muktinath. You will stay in standard rooms in Bhulbhule, Yak Kharka, and Thorang Phedi. All rooms are twin sharing basis. In Pokhara, you will stay in Silver Oaks Inn in a room with an attached bathroom.
You will require at least a one-day hotel stay at Kathmandu before beginning the trek and one more after trek completion. However, this package does not include these stays. You are free to choose your own hotel based on your preferences.
Meals
Annapurna circuit 12 days trek takes you to high elevations in the vicinity of the highest mountains on earth, and to complete this mammoth trek, you will need enough nutrient-rich food. We will arrange plenty of nutritious food throughout your hike, but you will not have all the options that large cities provide.
This trek package includes 11 breakfasts, 9 lunches, and 9 dinners in the trek regions. Here are some options.
Breakfast - Oatmeal, Corn Flakes, Pancakes, Muesli Breads, Fruits and Vegetables, French toast with Jam, Butter, Cheese, Honey Tibetan bread or Chapati, Local Tsampa porridge, Eggs, Hot drinks (varieties of teas and coffees, hot chocolates, etc.)
Lunch - Dhal, Bhat, & Tarkari, Tibetan Bread, Vegetables, Salad Pizza (Tomato, Mushroom, Mixed), Various Soups, Sherpa Stew, Steaks, Sandwiches, Momo (dumplings), Macaroni dishes, Tenduk Spaghetti Noodles, Thukpa, Pasta, Vegetable curry, Potatoes, Snacks (Papad, Prawn), Desserts, (Rice Pudding, Apple pie), etc
Dinner - Dhal, Bhat & Tarkari, Tibetan Bread, Potatoes items, Vegetable and salad Pizza (Tomato, Mushroom, Mixed), Various Soups, Sherpa Stew, Steaks, Sandwiches, Momo (dumplings), Macaroni, Tenduk Spaghetti, Noodles Thukpa, Pasta, Vegetable curry, Snacks (Papad, Prawn), Korean Raman, Desserts items (Rice Pudding, Apple pie), Steaks, etc
Your food choices include traditional local, Asian, and Western cuisine, but as you go up, your food choices start to get limited.
During the trek, we highly recommend you take plenty of liquids - ginger tea, green tea, lemon tea, hot lemon, garlic soup(must), and fresh vegetables at high altitudes.
Though non-veg items are available in the trek regions, we don’t recommend them for hygiene concerns. We also encourage you to avoid alcoholic drinks, dairy items, caffeinated drinks, and hot chocolates.
All personal bills (alcoholic, hot (tea, coffee), and cold drinks) in tea houses/lodges/cafes except standard meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner with seasonal fruits) are excluded from the package. Note, that this package doesn't include lunch and dinner in Pokhara.
Best season for the trek
Since you cannot escape the influence of the weather, you need to pay attention to the weather as you plan this trek. The trek gets easier in certain seasons, but you can complete the Annapurna circuit 12 days trek throughout the year.
If you love easy treks, we suggest you choose the spring (March-May) and autumn (Sept-Nov) seasons. During these seasons, the skies are clear, there is no rain, the paths are in perfect condition, and you can get clear views of the picturesque terrain.
The winters are cold with snowfalls in the trek region, while the monsoon season, which coincides with summer, brings in a lot of rain. So treks during these seasons become challenging. However, some trekkers enjoy overcoming challenges and decide to trek the Annapurna Circuit during these months. Discovery World Trekking organizes safe and secure Annapurna circuit treks throughout the year.
Here is a summary of the trek conditions you will face in high trek elevations during different seasons.
March-May (Spring)
The weather is mild, the rainfall low, and the trek conditions are perfect. The average daily temperature at high elevations ranges from 0 to 8 °C. Lower trek regions are warmer, making your trek quite comfortable.
Trekking season dawns after March. By April, the trek routes are adorned with red, pink, and white rhododendron flowers, making your trek experience life-lasting.
From mid-March and lasting till mid-May, the temperatures start to increase. Yet, the temperatures remain cool, and the skies are clear, allowing you to enjoy the clearest views of the mountains.
June to August (Summer)
Nepal experiences summer from June to August, but the monsoon also becomes active during summer, bringing a lot of rain to the trek regions, making the trek trails wet and slippery.
Monsoon often begins around the end of June and continues till the second week of August. Daytime temperatures range from 10 to 23°C, while the nights are a little cooler at 5 to 10°C.
Most mornings are clear, but clouds start building in the afternoon and disappear at night. Despite trek difficulties, the blooming plants during this season provide a green cover to the valleys, providing lush overall views.
September to November (Autumn)
Autumn (September, October, and November), like spring, attracts travelers from around the world to this region. Mild wind, moderate temperatures, and low precipitation make autumn a perfect trek season.
The sun shines brightly, the days are warm, the skies are clear, and you can get superb views of the mountains. The nights are also cool, and the starry skies provide you time to gaze into the heavens.
Monsoon retreats in early September and results in warm to mild days. Daytime temperatures can reach 20°C in high altitudes, but the nights are colder at around 5°C. The monsoon greens now look golden, providing a stunning contrast to the bright blue skies. The grains start to ripen in the lower valleys, and the Dashain and Tihar festivals add a festive mood to the whole trek region.
December to February (Winter)
Annapurna circuit treks during winter are mildly popular. The higher regions of the Annapurna circuit trek regions get very cold, with the daytime temperature reaching as low as -10 °C. However, some trekkers prefer to see the trek regions during the winter, braving the snow and cold temperature.
The coldest time in the trek regions starts in December and lasts through early February. After late February, the weather warms up with the sunshine. Though winters are cold, the skies are very clear, and snow-capped mountains look incredible. It is also the season when the trails are least crowded, allowing you to enjoy the mountain peace. Winter is not the right season for trek beginners, but experienced trekkers will find no problems.
The weather in the Himalayas (at high altitudes) is very unpredictable, and the temperature changes quickly.
A typical trekking day
Each trekking day will bring a new experience, including hiking, enjoying the scenery, taking pictures, exploring villages, and tasting local food. As you explore new places, our expert guide will provide you with information about these places. We assign porters to carry your luggage, but you will need a small backpack to keep your essentials safe.
Your day begins with an early morning hot cup of tea/coffee. The trek starts around 7 to 8 am, depending on the trail length and the nature of the trek.
You will have lunch around midday, often en route to that day’s destination. After lunch, we will rest for about an hour and then continue the trek.
Most afternoon treks will be shorter, lasting only a few hours. Once you reach the destination for the day, you can snack on your extra dietary food, and then explore the new place.
We serve dinner around 6 to 7 pm. After dinner, your trek leader will brief you about the next day. After this briefing, and before going to bed, you can entertain yourself by engaging in activities like playing cards, monopoly, or chess, reading books, watching documentaries, or learning light and fun Nepali words.
Acclimatization
This Annapurna Circuit 12 days package includes a rest day in Manang (3,540m) for acclimatization to avoid altitude sickness, also called acute mountain sickness. There are several ways to minimize getting altitude sickness. However, if you ignore its symptoms, it can be life-threatening.
We have designed the itinerary to minimize the chances of getting altitude sickness. You will start at 845m at Bhulbhule and gradually elevate, reaching Manag (3,540m) after five days. We believe this time is enough for your body to cope with high altitude.
Our trekking guides have completed extensive first aid training and are ever ready to respond if altitude sickness or other ailments strike. Your trek guide will use oximeters to monitor your oxygen level so that altitude sickness is detected earlier.
With Discovery World Trekking, your health is in reliable hands. Our trek leaders will suggest ways to avoid altitude sickness. Walking at your own pace and drinking plenty of water during the trek reduces the chances of altitude sickness.
If someone in your group shows signs of altitude sickness, your group leader has the authority to decide whether to proceed with the trek or descend immediately.
Insurance policy
Annapurna Circuit 12 days is a challenging trek, which reaches 5,416m at Thorong La Pass, which is even higher than Everest Base camp. As this is a challenging trek, it comes with several risks, such as altitude sickness, landslides, and sudden weather changes.
Hence, adequate travel insurance is compulsory. Your insurance, in addition to treatment costs, must cover helicopter rescue and evacuation at the highest trek altitude (5,500m).
If you need, we can suggest insurance companies based on our previous clients’ experiences, but we do not sell insurance policies.
We request you send your detailed insurance policy document within a week of booking the trek. In emergencies, we will use your insurance and other informational documents to arrange a quick rescue and transfer you to health facilities.
Please call your insurer and confirm if their policy covers helicopter rescue and evacuation up to 5,000m in addition to treatment costs. Do not just rely on what insurers state on their website.
Group/private trek
We organize both private and group treks. If you have your group, you will get discounts based on your group size. However, you are not eligible for any discounts for groups we assemble. Moreover, we can handle any group size and add an assistant guide for a group of 12 or more.
Water during the trek
You can easily buy bottled water from en-route shops or at lodges/teahouses/hotels you will be staying. However, some trek regions may not allow plastic bottles. So, it is always a great idea to bring a water bottle and fill it with boiled water available at tea houses/lodges. We also advise you to use purification pills. If you do not have water purification pills, we can provide them for you.
However, you should not drink from the taps, wells, or rivers in trek regions because the water may not be potable.
Electricity and communication
Trek regions do have electricity. You can charge your electronic devices such as cell phones, cameras, power backups, and laptops at lodges/hotels/tea houses you are staying in. You might need to pay a small fee.
Similarly, you can use the Internet to communicate with your friends and families from the lodges/hotels. However, you might need to pay a service fee. You can buy a local sim in Kathmandu, but the signals may not be strong enough at high elevations.
Discovery World Trekking office remains in contact with all its trek teams at least once a day through the lead guide using mobile. We want to ensure that all treks progress as planned.
Extra personal expenses during the trek
This trek package covers most costs, but it does not cover all the costs. You might need at least two-night stays in Kathmandu, which is not covered by this package. Similarly, you need to pay for the meals during your stay in Kathmandu and Pokhara. Both these cities provide plenty of food choices, and we want you to feel free and choose your meal. In addition to these costs, you will need to spend money on insurance purchases, beverages (hot (tea/coffee), cold and alcoholic drinks, snacks, souvenirs, tips, etc.
We estimate that you might require USD 10 to 20 as spending money for each trekking day. We advise you to bring cash (major currencies) and exchange them for Nepali Rupees in Kathmandu.
Money exchange
Nepali Rupee (NPR) is the local currency. (1 USD = ~ Rs 125 NPR).
Money exchange in Nepal is quite easy. You can exchange major currencies at the banks and legal money exchanges in Kathmandu and all over Thamel. Legal money exchange will display their ongoing rates publicly.
You can also withdraw money in Nepali Rupees from various ATMs all over Kathmandu. Most of them are also open 24/7. However, your limit is Rs.35,000 for a Rs 500 fee.
If you have Indian Rupees, please note that only INR notes of 100 and 2,000 are legal in Nepal.
We advise you to cash exchange to avoid lengthy processes and high commissions at banks and other financial institutions. Most banks charge four percent or more for currency exchange. Please note trek regions only honor Nepali Rupees.
Established banks in Asia accept new and crisp notes only. So make sure your notes are not faded, old, or torn.
Passport and visa
All foreigners except Indians require a visa to enter Nepal. Most foreigners are eligible for an on-arrival visa. To apply for an on-arrival visa, you will need a passport that is valid for at least six months, a visa application fee, and a passport-size photo. The current visa fee for a 30-day stay is USD 50, and you can pay this amount in cash. Children under 10 get free visas.
SAARC (Bangladesh, Maldives, Bhutan, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka) countries and Chinese citizens are eligible for free visas.
Citizens from some countries (Nigeria, Ethiopia, Iraq, Palestine, Ghana, Zimbabwe, Swaziland, Cameroon, Somalia, Liberia, and Afghanistan) may not receive a visa on arrival. So if you hold a passport from these countries, you must contact your local Nepalese embassy.
Nepal government can change visa rules without prior notice, so for the latest information, we advise you to visit - https://www.immigration.gov.np/.
Luggage
We assign porters to carry your luggage, but your luggage weight limit is 9 kg. One porter will carry the luggage of two trekkers, but they will not carry more than 18 kg combined weight. We suggest you bring only the essential things to the trek. You can store your excess luggage at the Discovery World Trekking store. We will check your luggage at the trek briefing to ensure you have not missed packing the essentials.
In addition, we expect trekkers to carry a small backpack for valuable items, essential documents, and often used items, like a water bottle.
Trek safety
Discovery World Trekking guarantees client safety, security, and satisfaction. We take several precautions to ensure your safety.
- We carry standard necessary gear, equipment, and first aid kits.
- Our trek guides are extensive wilderness first aid trained.
- If someone falls sick, guides have the authority to decide whether to continue the trek or descend immediately.
- In emergencies, we will arrange a helicopter for evacuation (covered by insurance).
- You will be trekking together as a group.
Traveling responsibly
We strongly believe in sustainable eco-tourism. If we do not protect the trek regions today, tomorrow, no visitors will visit the present trek regions. Hence, Discovery World Trekking partners with Kathmandu Environmental Education Project (KEEP) to organize environmentally friendly trips. We focus on balancing the expectation of the trekkers and the communities. Our goal is not only to dispose of waste properly but also to leave the campgrounds in better condition than before we arrived.
Discovery World Trekking Team
During the trek, our well-experienced guide/Sherpa will be with you to ensure a great trek experience. Our crew members come from the high Himalayas and have phenomenal endurance at high altitudes. All our crew members are precious to us. We pay them well and take care of the clothing, food, lodging, and insurance during the trek/expedition. They also receive medical care when ill or injured. We believe that only happy persons can keep others happy. Hence, we leave no stone unturned to keep our crew satisfied.
Our trek leaders have:
- Completed intensive wilderness first aid training
- Government-authorized trekking guide certificate
- Fluency in speaking English and other major languages
- Completed conservation and biodiversity training
- Rock climbing experience
Tipping in Nepal
Nepali culture accepts tipping and views it as a validation of good service. We expect you to tip based on the service received, the length of the trek, and the cost of the trip. It is always best to tip, as a group, at the end of the trek.
Booking and payment process
We are a government-authorized, bonded trek and tour operator in Nepal, providing service for over a decade. Furthermore, we are members of the Trekking Agency Association of Nepal (TAAN) and the Nepal Mountaineering Association (NMA).
Hence, you can confidently book your trips with Discovery World Trekking. We require 10% of the trek cost to confirm the booking, which you can pay through bank transfer, Western Union, and online. You can pay the rest in cash, using credit cards, or bank transfers after arriving in Nepal. We will also email you payment details along with available modes of payment.
We request you to email us your necessary documents like passport copy, travel insurance policy, arrival and departure flight details, and passport-size photos within a week of booking.
Last-minute booking
We advise you to book your trek in advance as far as possible. However, if you are unable, Discovery World Trekking provides a special provision for last-minute bookings. For last-minute booking, you must complete 100% of the trip cost 24 hours before the intended trip departure date.
We try our best to operate treks at any time but, in case of last-minute booking, you cannot hold us responsible for delays caused by circumstances beyond our control like bad weather, landslides, unavailability of lodging, etc. If you need more information, you can call us at 977- 9840055491 (Paul Gurung) or email [email protected].
Trip extensions
After completing the Annapurna circuit 12 days trek, you might want to stay a couple of days extra in Nepal. If you decide to stay for a few more days, we can arrange fun activities for you. There are several options - sightseeing in and around Kathmandu Valley, Chitwan jungle safari, rafting, paragliding, canoeing, and maybe another trek.
Feedback
After you complete your trek, Discovery World Trekking will organize a farewell dinner at Kathmandu. After the dinner, we will present you with a trek completion certificate, and it is also an opportune time to provide feedback so that we can better serve our future clients.
Useful Info
Please Note: The Annapurna circuit 12 days trek includes fixed departure dates from Kathmandu. However, we request you to review your designated departure date, and if it does not suit you, tell us we can arrange this trek at a time that suits you.
We advise you that the itinerary listed above is a general guideline. In rare cases, we might need to modify the itinerary due to unavoidable circumstances, such as unstable weather, unavailability of lodging, or inaccessibility. In such cases, you cannot hold us accountable for the delays or circumstances that might arise due to delays.
If itinerary adjustment is required or there is a need to divert to other trails, the trek leader has the authority to decide on which trails to take, keeping in mind the interests of the group.
Join Upcoming Trips
Book this trip with us. Here are the upcoming dates. Feel free to share this trip with your friends and family. For custom trips or general inquiries contact us.
Departure Date | Price | Trip status | |
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12 Days01 Sep, 2023 - 12 Sep, 2023 |
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Departure Guaranteed | Book Now |
12 Days04 Sep, 2023 - 15 Sep, 2023 |
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Departure Guaranteed | Book Now |
12 Days08 Sep, 2023 - 19 Sep, 2023 |
|
Departure Guaranteed | Book Now |
12 Days11 Sep, 2023 - 22 Sep, 2023 |
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Departure Guaranteed | Book Now |
12 Days15 Sep, 2023 - 26 Sep, 2023 |
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Departure Guaranteed | Book Now |
Benefits
Group Discount Prices
No. of Persons | Price per Person |
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1 Pax | US$ 1100 |
2 Paxes | US$ 850 |
3 Paxes | US$ 830 |
4 - 6 Paxes | US$ 800 |
7 - 12 Paxes | US$ 770 |
13 - 18 Paxes | US$ 750 |