Annapurna Semi Circuit TrekkingAnnapurna Semi Circuit Trekking

Annapurna Semi Circuit Trekking

Highlights
  • A great adventure of a week around massive peaks of Annapurna Himalayas
  • Delightful walks on the high scenic Manang valley enclosed within high peaks
  • Enjoy the magnificent journey exploring traditional lovely cultural villages
  • Thorang-La the highest point of the trek surrounded by giant mountain range.
  • An exciting walk from picturesque Manang valley to amazing areas of Mustang

 ‘A short and scenic, cultural adventure around massif Annapurna Himalayas’

Annapurna Semi Circuit Trekking, a short adventure of less than two weeks duration, allows trekkers to experience glorious scenic landscapes.

Walking around the massif Annapurna Himalayas range of peaks that extends from east to Lamjung Himal. As well towards the north of scenic Manang Valley and ends close to Mustang areas and Dhaulagiri Himalayas. A perfect journey covering most of the beautiful areas north and south of the Annapurna Himalayas.

The charm and beauty of the adventure is starting from low sub-tropical paddy fields to cooler alpine hills. Then heading towards an arctic zone of ice and glaciers at the end of Manang Valley and high Thorang-La Pass.

Annapurna Semi Circuit trekking takes you amidst a lovely forest of pines, oaks, firs, and rhododendron trees. Then the lush green vegetation and tree lines disappear, reaching mountainous terrains within a sheer wilderness. Along with incredible mountain scenery, the local cultures of Manang villages are equally impressive.

As the walk leads through lovely settlements adorned with age-old traditions and cultures of Buddhism heritage. The towering peaks of the Annapurna Himalayas and Chulu’s remain constant on entering the beautiful Manang Valley.

A great wonderful adventure trekking around the scenic valley of Manang and then ending at the picturesque country of Mustang. After a climb on top of Thorang-La Pass, the highest point of the journey; which forms the boundary between Manang and Mustang districts. An enjoyable and exciting trek starts with an interesting drive to the foothills of Annapurna and Lamjung Himal at Syange.

The trek leads towards the cooler region at Manang, leaving the low warm farmland. As the walk proceeds through lovely villages lined with prayer walls, and then reaches the northern side of the massif Annapurna Himalayas.

Amazing features of Annapurna Semi Circuit are following the Masrsyangdi River right up to its glacial source at Manang Valley. Spending extra days in Manang for acclimatization and enjoying a short hike on a rest day to its scenic viewpoints.

The walk finally leads towards the valley's western rim at Thorang Phedi, the bottom of the pass. A steep winding climb takes you to the top of Thorang-La Pass the highest place of the adventure. Encircled by a giant mountain range of Annapurna, Damodar, and Chulu Himal with views of Dhaulagiri, as far as Manaslu Himalayas. From the highest spot of the trek, a long descent to reach Mustang areas at the holy site of Muktinath. Revered as the holiest place around the Himalayas for pilgrimage by Hindu followers. Having time to visit the holy temple of Muktinath and get blessed after a successful trek crossing the high Thorang-La Pass.

Slowly the trek comes to an end, on reaching Jomsom, the major town and headquarters of Mustang areas. The next morning a short panoramic flight reaches the lovely and scenic city of Pokhara. A perfect and beautiful place to conclude our wonderful adventure Annapurna Semi-Circuit Trekking.

Itinerary

On arrival at Kathmandu, Nepal international airport, guide and staff meets to receive you for a short drive to your hotel in the hub of Kathmandu city.
After a refreshing rest, meet the other members of Annapurna Semi Circuit trek, guide will brief regarding the trek, local lodge on route, culture and sightseeing tour around Kathmandu heritage sites.

Evening a welcome dinner in a Nepali restaurants with cultural program as introduction of Nepalese culture and heritage custom.

 

    A day in Kathmandu for trek preparations, as well for sightseeing tour at places of interest, the city guide takes you around historical and cultural places listed in World Heritage Sites. After visiting historical and cultural sites, and then back to hotel for final preparation for Annapurna Semi Circuit trekking. 

      An early morning departure for the Annapurna Semi Circuit adventure, a long interesting drive on a private coach or in a four wheel drives.

      The drive leads beyond Kathmandu city and the valley heading down on winding main highway towards Besisar at Lamjung district.

      From here drive follows past town and farm villages as route divers heading
      Mid-West around Gandaki Zone. The drive leads to mid-hills at farm village to Jagat. From Jagat drive continues following the Masrsyangdi River and then on winding path to Tal Besi. The starting point of Manang district, after Tal Besi few hours to Chame past Dharapani village, driving within forested trail towards Chame. A large town and headquarter of Manang district, reaching Chame by late afternoon and evening time for dinner.

        From Chame morning walk through alpine forest of rhododendron and pine trees, following Masrsyangdi River with short up to Dukure Pokhari for lunch.

        Afternoon walk down to a flat valley close to the glaciers of Annapurna II and IV, as the day ends on reaching wind-blown village at Pisang. Grand views of Pisang peak and Chulu’s Himal range, transfer into a nice lodge for overnight halt.

          Morning a slow climb above lower Pisang village to high Pisang settlement a place with an old monastery. From here avoiding the main trails walk on scenic upper trail above the Manang valley reaching at a small village of Gheru.

          This hidden path rewards beautiful views of Annapurna Himalayas and Chulu’s with Pisang peak. Walk follows on windswept path and then down to Braga close to main Manang village. Before heading to Manang, visit the old Braga monastery enriched with old Buddhist relics, ancient wall painting and frescos. Offers stunning views of Annapurna Himalaya, from this high top of the monastery, after a pleasant visit of the monastery a short easy walk to Manang village.

            A necessary rest day at Manang for acclimatization before heading higher areas to Thorang-La pass. At Manang enjoy a short hike around Manang village, a large village situated on a windswept valley by the bank of Masrsyangdi River right at the bottom of Annapurna and Gangapurna mountain range, a nice walk uphill for views of Gangapurna Glacier and Manang glacial Lake.  

              After a good rest at Manang, walk towards Ghunsang village with short uphill to Yak Kharka. An interesting scenic walk facing views of snow-capped mountains, after crossing a small stream then reach at Yak Kharka for lunch and overnight stop. A lovely place facing views of Gangapurna, Annapurna III and Chulu Peaks. 

                Morning walk lead towards higher heading closer to the base of Thorang-La, after crossing a bridge with climb above the river. Then follow a gentle path to Thorang Phedi, depending upon the physical conditions of the members. If all goes well an hour steep climb leads to high Thorang High Camp for lunch and overnight stop. 

                  The main highlight of the adventure, having an early breakfast a long climb towards Thorang-La. A steep winding up to Thorang-La Pass at 5,416 m / 17,700 feet high. As well the highest point of the adventure, enjoy superb panorama of snow-mountains that surrounds the top of Thorang-La.  After a great enjoyable and hard climb a long descent to Muktinath, located in Mustang district.

                  On reaching Muktinath a holy spot for both Hindus and Buddhists the word Muktinath literally means ‘the place for Nirvana or Liberation’. From Muktinath a short drive of few hour downhill to Kaligandaki River valley, then reaching at Jomsom. The headquarter town of Mustang area, where old Trans Himalaya Trade Route of Nepal to Tibet follows through.

                  At Jomsom, enjoy the comfort of a nice hotels and lodge, with time to browse around this lovely town. The area of Lower Mustang and Kaligandaki valley, inhabited by Thakali people interwoven to Buddhism culture and religion.

                    Morning short walk to Jomsom airport, as the small plane arrives from Pokhara. After checking in and then board in the small aircraft for short scenic flight to Pokhara. On reaching at Pokhara airport a short drive to a nice hotel by the beautiful Phewa Lake side.  

                      Morning transfer for flight to Kathmandu, an interesting half hour air journey overlooking tremendous views of snow peaks. As plane lands at Kathmandu airport and then a short drive to your hotels with time for individual activities and shopping souvenirs.

                        Final and last day at Kathmandu and in Nepal, departure from the hotel as per your international flight time. Our guide and staff will accompany with short drive to the airport. Bidding farewell to the staff and guide, after a great wonderful adventure with memorable experience on Annapurna Semi Circuit Trekking.

                          What's Included
                          • Airport pick up and drop by private vehicle
                          • Three night Stander hotel in Kathmandu on twin sharing basis with B.B.
                          • one  night Hotel in Pokhara on twin sharing  Basis with B.B
                          • TIMS (Trekking Information Management System
                          • Tea house/lodge accommodation during the trek on twin sharing basis 
                          • Half Day sightseeing tour in Kathmandu as per the itinerary.
                          • Government license holder guide 
                          • Salary, food, accommodation and insurance for guide and porters
                          • Duffel bag for packing your things for the trek 
                          • transport from muktinath to Jomsom Local Bus or Local Jeep
                          •  flight from Jomsom to pokhara  
                          • Hire sleeping bag and down jacket for the trekking.,
                          • Transportation from Kathmandu  to Beshishar Tourist Bus  and from Beshishar to syange Local Jeep
                          • Transportation from pokhara to kathmandu by tourist Bus. 
                          • Annapurna Conservation Area Project ( ACAP) Entry  Permit.
                          • Government taxes and official expense
                          What's not Included
                          • Domestic flight from  Pokhara  to Kathmandu  
                          • Nepal entry visa personal travel and medical insurance
                          • Expenses of personal nature and as well  gratitude (tips) for your Guide and potters  
                          • Tips for porters ($70-100) and guides ($80-100)
                          • Food and drinks ($20-30 per day)
                          • Nepal Visa ($50
                          • Insurance (must include emergency evacuation by helicopter, check worldnomads.com
                          • In some places: hot water, wifi, battery charging - $2-5
                          • Drinking water, price depends on altitude (linear regression

                          Departure Dates

                          Select a Departure Month
                          Trip Dates
                          Price
                          Availability
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                          Trip DateOct 16, 2023 - Oct 27, 2023
                          PriceUS$975
                          AvailabilityAvailable
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                          Trip DateOct 18, 2023 - Oct 29, 2023
                          PriceUS$975
                          AvailabilityAvailable
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                          Trip DateOct 21, 2023 - Nov 01, 2023
                          PriceUS$975
                          AvailabilityAvailable
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                          Trip DateOct 23, 2023 - Nov 03, 2023
                          PriceUS$975
                          AvailabilityAvailable
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                          Trip DateOct 25, 2023 - Nov 05, 2023
                          PriceUS$975
                          AvailabilityAvailable
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                          Trip DateOct 27, 2023 - Nov 07, 2023
                          PriceUS$975
                          AvailabilityAvailable
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                          Trip DateOct 29, 2023 - Nov 09, 2023
                          PriceUS$975
                          AvailabilityAvailable
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                          Trip DateOct 31, 2023 - Nov 11, 2023
                          PriceUS$975
                          AvailabilityAvailable
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                          Useful Information

                          Insurance policy for Medical and Travel:

                          Should cover medical insurance for illness and emergency evacuation by Helicopter or other means of transportations including other expenses on treatment at respective countries hospitals, as for travel insurance against bad unfavorable weather conditions, delay or cancellation of domestic flights on mountainous area where flight involves on the start of trek and at the end.

                          Travel and Medical Insurance also needs to cover when clients break the journey in the middle of the trip, due to sickness-personal domestic problem etc………

                           Guide and Porters: 

                          On treks or climb where you will be accompanied by our expert guide who knows the area on route of the trek chosen, we have professional and veteran guides to led the trek where you can feel comfortable, as our guide are knowledgeable offers you various information of the country from history-geography, culture to flora and fauna.

                          All guides have gone through basic medical training that includes high altitude symptoms or AMS (Acute Mountain Sickness) can help you with simple medical First Aid and for severe condition will support taking you to safe area or to nearest hospitals by any means of quick transportation.

                          Our guides are well versed in Eco-Trekking and Responsible Tourism as well and are committed in keeping the environment on trekking route in pristine form as it was.

                          Porters are picked can be regular porter of the company of hired in Kathmandu-Pokhara or in Lukla on start of the trekking, with always a strong and cheerful porters to carry your heavier luggage, baggage of 15 to 25 kg maximum weights to carry by each porters, we do not allow underage porters of below 16 years of age or above 50 years.

                          Porters and guide are well looked after by the company with good wages, medical insurance, travel allowance including meals on treks and climb company also provides warm gear in winter as well for high and cold altitude trips.

                            Altitude Sickness or AMS (Acute Mountain Sickness):
                            Information of AMS and Precaution Measures:

                          High Altitude or Acute Mountain Sickness for short as AMS a symptom faced and can catch any people on high altitude adventure walks.

                          Due to high pressure and low oxygen level as certain height where some people feel uneasiness with shortness of breathiness, light headache, nausea, dizziness, lack of good sleep and with less appetite.

                          To avoid these whole symptoms where we always designed itinerary days accordingly with enough space, flexible days for acclimatization at high elevation, taking short walks up and sleeping and resting at low places.

                          The other good way to avoid AMS taking slow and steady pace on walks, stopping frequently to catch your breath and adding lot of fluid or safe drinking water at least 2-3 liters a day to support against AMS.

                          On high altitude take enough rest and with short slow hike above high hills to catch views as well to support acclimatization and sleeping and resting at low altitude will certainly helps you in avoiding AMS.

                          Useful in situations when you cannot make high ascent, the best ways to prevent altitude sickness doing it slowly, stopping for overnights at certain altitude to adjust to the new height, and taking it easy for first one or two 2 days.

                          In our list we always mention general medication to bring from home as well from your doctor advice also, your doctor might recommend you some basic medication list like medicine against diarrhea, headache, fever, cold-flu as well constipation including first aid for cuts-wounds and burns as well.

                            what to Bring 

                          **- can be bought in Kathmandu

                            Clothing and footwear

                          • trekking boots (should be warm, waterproof, breathable, cover and fix the ankle)
                          •  sports sandals with a closed toe or sneakers.
                          •  flip flops , Sun cap , Wool or fleece hat , 2 pairs of gloves/mittens (1 thin, 1 thick,}
                          • Bandana or neckerchief ,  Fleece jackets (1 thin, 1 thick) .
                          • Thermal underwear (merino wool!), preferably 2 sets (one for walking, the other for sleeping), buy at home.
                          • Trekking socks - several pairs (there is a limited possibility of washing)
                          •  Quick-drying sports T-shirts (e.g. Polartec PowerDry) - 2 pcs. or more.
                          •  Down jacket , Windstopper , Windproof warm jacket with hood.
                          • Trekking trousers ,  Warm synthetic pants like ski pants , Rain poncho.
                          • Sun Screen Cream , Sunglasses ,  Trekking pole , Water bottle.

                            Equipment

                           *Duffel bags for trek will be perovided on Day 2 should be returned after the trek is over.

                           *Backpack 20-30 liters with rain cover (optionally with drinking system)

                          *Sleeping bag (comfort temperature around -5 C). On the upper lodges they usually provide woolen blankets. You can rent a sleeping bag in    Kathmandu, $1-2 per day.

                          *A good quality headlight with new batteries and a spare set of batteries.

                           *Sunglasses (category 3-4) + hard case , Trekking poles , Thermos 0.5-1 liter.

                          *Sealed packaging for documents and money , Sitting mat (optionally), Power bank.

                           *A roll of dense garbage bags 50 liters. You will pack your items in it when you put them in a duffel bag to protect them from moisture and dust.

                           Personal usage

                          >Towel (light and quick-drying)  - Washing accessories - Disinfection wipes

                          >Antibacterial gel - Moisturizing hand cream - Sun cream with a high factor

                          >Lip balm with sun protection - Reusable water bottle - Snacks, nuts, chocolate

                          Annapurna Semi Circuit Trekking FAQs

                          • Normally this trek is called Annapurna Circuit or Around Annapurna, the full circuit takes more than two weeks of walks. That is from starting point of trekking and ending at lower southern hills of Annapurna near the road to Pokhara.

                            Instead of completing the whole treks, Annapurna Semi-Circuit walks ends near the halfway at Jomsom town. Avoiding more than 3-4 days walks to complete the whole circuit of Annapurna round.

                          • The main culture and custom is dominated by Buddhist religion, the Manang and Mustang people are interwoven to Buddhism. Trekkers can witness walking around the prayer walls and monuments, as well visiting monasteries en route trekking. The culture and custom of Manang and Mustang people are similar to their Tibetan predecessors.

                          • Not at all, as the walk heeds slowly and the altitude gains at gradual pace.
                            Having few stops and rest along the walks and climb will make the trek enjoyable along with lovely views. The only big climb and rise in altitude is uphill to Thorang-La Pass, by then trekkers will be acclimatized. As well getting used to rough terrains and steep climb and having rest days in Manang at 3,550 m high.

                            Besides climb up to Thorang-La pass, rest of the trek is moderate and pleasant until the end of walks at Jomsom.

                          • The motorable road connecting with Kathmandu and Pokhara has reached to main Manang village on the northern side of Annapurna Himalayas.

                            As well the motorable road on the other side of Manang after Thorang-La pass at Mustang areas has reached to Muktinath and at Jomsom.

                            Although the motorable road has been built, but the drive is quite bumpy and tiring on rough narrow dirt tracks. 

                          • The lodge accommodation are nice and cozy throughout the trek from Syange to Jomsom. The only simple and basic lodge is at High Camp before crossing Thorang-La Pass. All lodges have electricity either run by Hydro or Solar Power, where trekkers can charge their electronic items. As well facilities of hot showers but needs to pay extra for hot showers and charging the gadgets.

                            The food is surprisingly the best serving comprehensive food menufrom Continental, Chinese, and Indian to Nepali and Tibetan foods with delightful snacks and refreshing drinks. All meals are served in a nice large warm dining room, some lodge restaurants also serves fresh bakery items from cakes, pastries to pies.

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