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This route is said to offer the most varied scenery of any classic Nepal trek
Those on the group flight from London will arrive into Kathmandu today and will be transferred to our hotel. Those not travelling with the group from London will meet us in the hotel. There will be a full trek briefing at the hotel this afternoon/evening. *Hotel Royal Singi* (or similar)
We leave Kathmandu early in the morning and drive towards Pokhara. After leaving the Kathmandu Valley we follow the river to Mugling. We then continue to Besisahar and on to Ngaddi, from where we begin our trek - the total drive time to the trailhead can vary depending on road conditions and traffic but is usually in the region of 7 hours. We begin trekking from Ngaddi with great views ahead of Himalchuli and Peak 29. We now have a 2.5hr walk steadily uphill through scrub forest through Lampata, a Manangi village with Tibetan style prayer flags, with a final short ascent to the village of Bauhundanda (Brahmin’s Hill), perched on a ridge. *Teahouse (sleeping altitude 1290m)*
Distance in Km: 6
Distance in Miles: 4
Activity Hours: 2.5-3
Altitude Gain: 440
The trail starts with a steep descent towards the Marsyangdi River. We then head up the valley on an undulating trail to Germu. From here, we start a steep ascent through fields and forest, reaching Tallo Chiple in time for lunch in a small homestay. This beautiful village is so far untouched by the new road which is being built. We descend a little and then have a short but steep climb (to avoid a landslide) towards Maththillo Chipla. Just before the village, we descend steeply for a short time to the Marsyangdi River, which we cross by a suspension bridge. Heading steeply uphill for around 20-minutes, we rejoin the main trail at the village of Jagat, where we spend the night. *Teahouse *(sleeping altitude 1,300m)
Distance in Km: 13
Distance in Miles: 8
Activity Hours: 7.5
Altitude Gain: 1070
Immediately after leaving the lodge, a small old trail turns off the road up to the left and undulates through the forest all the way to Chyamje, after which we cross a suspension bridge and climb through oak forest. An undulating ascent brings us to a level valley where 'Tal', the next village is situated at the foot of a grand waterfall (1,700m). From Tal, we stay on the same side of the river and climb up above the river to Kotro (this trail is susceptible to landslides in the monsoon so your leader will check the situation on the day). From Kotro, we descend to the Marsyangdi River, cross it via a bridge and then have a short ascent to Dharapani. *Teahouse *(sleeping altitude 1,890m)
Distance in Km: 17
Distance in Miles: 11
Activity Hours: 8
Altitude Gain: 980
Beyond Dharapani we leave the jeep trail and turn sharply up to the left and have a steep hour's climb up a stone staircase to the pretty village of Odar. Passing traditional farms and homesteads we trek through Galenchowk before descending to the main trail at Bagarchap at 2,164m. The name of this village means 'butcher's place' and, although Buddhist, the people of this region used to hunt animals. Continuing, we follow the jeep track for a short while past apple orchards to Dhanagyu. From here we turn sharply up into the forest and we have a fairly long climb to Temang, where we have lunch with magnificent views of Manaslu and Peak 29. The trail then descends through fir and pine forests to Thanchowk and further on through Koto to Chame (2,713m), the administrative centre of the Manang district. (Please note that for those who do not want to climb up to Odar village there is an alternative trail on the right side of the river through Thonche to Dhanagyu – this trail is a bit easier). *Teahouse *(sleeping altitude 2,700m)
Distance in Km: 18
Distance in Miles: 11
Activity Hours: 6.5
Altitude Gain: 1350
We now experience a dramatic change of scenery. Leaving the forests and vegetation of the alpine regions behind we enter the upper district of Manang, known as Nyeshang. At first, our trail follows the river closely through a deep canyon on the jeep track for a couple of hours to Brathang at 2,919m where there is now a large apple plantation. We can stop for fresh coffee and cakes (and maybe some fresh apple juice) before we begin our climb this morning. The trail then crosses the river and leaves the jeep track to climb on forest trails through fir and pine trees from where the impressive curved rock face of Paungda Danda rises nearly 1,500m from the riverbank to Dukha Pokhari, where we stop for lunch. From here we veer off to the right and take the trail that climbs away from the road track and to Upper Pisang village, where we stay in a simple lodge for the night. There is an impressive monastery in the village which we can visit in the afternoon. From here to the pass we are the closest we will be to the mountains and today the views of Annapurna 2 are particularly impressive (weather permitting) and worth all the climbing. *Teahouse *(sleeping altitude 3,300m)* *
Distance in Km: 15
Distance in Miles: 9
Activity Hours: 6-6.5
Altitude Gain: 950
A shorter but spectacular day for acclimatisation. From Upper Pisang we take the fantastic high-level route towards Manang via the villages of Gyaru and Ngawal. This is a wonderful walk with great views across to the Annapurnas. We start with a short descent through the forest and then we have a very steep climb up to Gyaru for a tea break. The views across the valley become ever more spectacular the higher we go. From here the trail undulates high above the river with magnificent views across the Annapurnas to Ngawal, where we stay tonight. There should be time in the afternoon to explore this pretty mediaeval village and visit the gompa. *Teahouse *(sleeping altitude 3,650m)
Distance in Km: 11
Distance in Miles: 7
Activity Hours: 4.5-5
Altitude Gain: 655
Another day for acclimatisation. From Ngawal we take a spectacular high trail which contours high above the valley with amazing views across to the Annapurnas and Gangapurna. As we leave Ngawal village, we pass a large chorten before the trail drops down to Julu village. We take the route which climbs steeply out of Julu onto a wonderful high trail above the valley. The trail climbs to a plateau and we contour around the valley through forests with great views across the valley to the Annapurnas and Gangapurna. The trail drops down to the pretty village of Braga, dominated by a large ancient gompa. We can stop for a cup of coffee or lunch at the Super Bakery and visit the gompa and the small tree nursery, a project that Exodus has supported for many years. Passing carved mani walls we arrive at the village of Manang at 3,530m. We have time this afternoon to explore Manang and enjoy the magnificent views of the whole Annapurna Range and the enormous icefall that crashes and rumbles down from Gangapurna. This is the part of the trek where we are closest to the mountains. Across the valley the huge bulk of Gangapurna and the Annapurnas tower way above us - the sunset and sunrise over this great amphitheatre is one of the most beautiful mountain views in the country. Manang has many bakeries and coffee shops and is an ideal place to spend the afternoon. *Teahouse *(sleeping altitude 3,530m)
Distance in Km: 12
Distance in Miles: 7
Activity Hours: 5.5
Altitude Gain: 530
Leaving Manang we head towards the base of the Thorong La. We climb out of the Marsyangdi Valley and turn northwest up the valley of the Jarsang Khola. Looking back the views are ever more spectacular as we are above the forests now and pass through dry, alpine country, with scrub juniper and occasional clumps of birch. We spend tonight at a lodge in Yak Kharka. We will reach the lodge by lunchtime and in the afternoon, we will have an acclimatisation walk onto the surrounding hills. Look out for the Blue sheep that inhabit this cold, windy spot. *Teahouse *(sleeping altitude 4,000m)
Distance in Km: 10
Distance in Miles: 6
Activity Hours: 4-5
Altitude Gain: 560
Another short day to aid acclimatisation. The scenery becomes wilder as we continue ascending the valley. At one point we descend to cross the Jarsang Khola, then traverse a scree slope to the lone teahouses at Phedi (4,420m) at the foot of the Thorong La. Thorong Phedi can be very cold and windy. In the afternoon we can go for a walk up to Thorong High Camp which is the last lodge and is about an hour above Phedi. *Teahouse *(sleeping altitude 4,420m)* *
Distance in Km: 7
Distance in Miles: 5
Activity Hours: 4-5
Altitude Gain: 560
A long day as we leave Phedi very early in the morning for the climb to the pass. The first part of the ascent is very steep, but it eases somewhat as we approach the top, although the altitude still makes the going tough. Eventually, after numerous false summits, we reach the pass itself at 5,416m. Ahead there is a magnificent panorama of snow-capped peaks soaring above the Kali Gandaki Valley looking towards Dolpo and Mustang and looking back we can see several of the main peaks of Annapurna. Directly in front of us is the great chasm of the Kali Gandaki, 2,500m. It's a very long descent that begins gently and becomes steeper, as we follow a series of switchbacks down to more grassy slopes. We stop for a break at Phedi where there are a few tea houses. From Phedi it’s another hour of gentle descent to Muktinath (3,700m). (Please note that conditions on the pass vary. It can be calm and clear with no snow but there can also be snow and ice and high winds on the pass. We recommend you carry Yaktrax or microspikes in case of snow or ice and take enough warm layers in case of high winds). *Teahouse *(sleeping altitude 3,700m)
Distance in Km: 16
Distance in Miles: 10
Activity Hours: 10-13
Altitude Gain: 940
An easier day after the exertions of yesterday. From Muktinath, we pass through a landscape of bare, eroded hills with a backdrop of snow-capped high peaks. After visiting the temples above Muktinath, we cross the Jhong Khola and climb up to Chongur, a small traditional village. The monastery was founded by a Sakya monk and the whole village is painted with the colours of the Sakya sect. Continuing along a mixture of trekking trails and jeep tracks we come to Jhong – another beautiful village. There is a very old monastery here dating back to the 7th or 8th Century and the ruins of an old fortress. Passing wind-eroded cliffs in an array of beautiful colours we continue down the valley through Putak village and finally have a steep descent into the Kali Gandakhi Valley and the interesting village of Kagbeni (approx. 2,800m). We have a long morning today (so take some snacks) and have a late lunch in Kagbeni. There is time in the afternoon to explore this magical place. With narrow lanes and tunnels between the houses, it has an almost mediaeval feel. (Please note that in the event that we are delayed due to bad weather, this day will be missed out and we will trek directly from Muktinath to Marpha). *Teahouse *(sleeping altitude 2,800m)
Distance in Km: 13
Distance in Miles: 8
Activity Hours: 4-4.5
Altitude Gain: 190
The trail now follows the jeep track down the Kali Gandaki River down to the outskirts of Jomsom, a large administrative centre, at 2,713m. Most of the time we walk along the jeep track, although at certain times of the year when the river level is low we can walk along the rocky river bed. We do not cross the river into Jomsom but instead, we stay on the left side of the valley and trek to the village of Thini, where we stop for a simple lunch. From here it is about half an hour to Dumba Lake. This very small lake is considered holy by the local Thakali people. A short climb brings us to Dumba Gompa for magnificent views of the Kali Gandaki Valley, Dhaulagiri and Tukuche Peak. From the gompa we have 2 trails – the shorter one descends down through Dumba village to the suspension bridge across the Kali Gandaki to Marpha. Another longer trail continues on the same side of the river towards the Tibetan refugee camp of Chairo. A bridge crossing the Kali Gandaki takes us to the pretty village of Marpha (2,690m) with its clean paved streets and white-washed houses. Marpha is famous for its locally-made apple and peach brandy, which you might like to sample to celebrate your crossing of the Thorong La. (Please note that in December 2019 a truck track was being bulldozed to Chairo and it was not possible to trek the longer route through Chairo. Your leader will have up to date information and will take you the best way). *Teahouse *(sleeping altitude 2,690m)
Distance in Km: 23
Distance in Miles: 14
Activity Hours: 7-8
Altitude Gain: 690
Today we follow the Kali Gandaki Valley, a major trade route. We are now in the deepest gorge in the world - to the east Annapurna I rises to 8,091m, to the west the peak of Dhaulagiri at 8,167m soars above us. Leaving the dry, barren landscapes we walk through pine, cypress and juniper forest, sometimes on the valley floor and at other times on a trail high above. From Marpha we cross back over the Kali Gandaki to avoid the road. Walking through fir and pine forests we climb up to the pretty Thakali village of Chimang. Descending to a side stream we follow the side valley down for a short while before climbing again into the forest. We ascend for about an hour and then the trail undulates for a while before descending to the valley floor at Sauru. We stop here for a break and then cross the Kali Gandaki to Kobang and on to Larjung (2,550m). We stay tonight in a simple lodge. In the afternoon we have a walk up to the village of Naurikot, another traditional Thakali village and it’s definitely worth the walk for the sunset views across the valley on Niligiri. *Teahouse *(sleeping altitude 2,550m)
Distance in Km: 15
Distance in Miles: 9
Activity Hours: 5-6
Altitude Gain: 550
A long day today but a fantastic trail. We start with a short walk along the road to the large suspension bridge below Larjung. After crossing the river, the trail climbs up through the forest to Titi Tal, a very small lake (pond) but an important marsh zone for waterbirds in the Mustang area. We follow the trail through Taglung and to Kunjo, where we have a simple lunch. We then descend steeply through the forest to a rocky riverbed. Crossing a suspension bridge, we have a gradual climb up to Jhipre Deurali. The trail then descends to cross the Mistri Khola and then undulates through forests of dwarf bamboo. The trail hugs the cliff with some short steep up and down sections with ropes along the side for safety. Finally, the trail comes to the old bridge across to Ghasa. Crossing the bridge, we have a short 30-minute climb up to our lodge. (Please note that the trail in the afternoon has some steep and narrow sections across landslides. For those who are not comfortable walking along such trails one of the assistant guides will take you from Kunjo to the Lete Khola on forest trails to Ghasa). *Teahouse *(sleeping altitude 1,950m)
Distance in Km: 23
Distance in Miles: 14
Activity Hours: 8-9
Altitude Gain: 1035
From Ghasa we follow the road for 30 minutes and then cross the river on a new suspension bridge. The trail now climbs high above the river to Pairothaplo and then descends to Kopchepani. Across the river, we can see the huge waterfall at Rupse Chhara. We continue on the same side of the river and follow the undulating roller coaster trail up and down all morning. We have lunch in the small village of Dharap and continue through Narcheng and past a hydroelectric project just before Tatopani. A suspension bridge brings us right into Tatopani, where we spend the night. Tatopani means ‘hot water’ and is famous for its hot springs just below the village and there is time in the late afternoon to enjoy a welcome soak - guaranteed to ease any aching limbs! *Teahouse *(sleeping altitude 1,250m)
Distance in Km: 16
Distance in Miles: 10
Activity Hours: 6
Altitude Gain: 640
The last stage of the trek takes us over a high ridge to the end of the trek. Today is a sting in the tail as we have a long climb to Ghorepani. The trail climbs all day through small hamlets and terraced fields. We start with a short descent on the road track for 45 minutes to a couple of bridges. From the second bridge, we have 30 minutes along a track and then the trail starts climbing on a series of stone staircases. It’s fairly steep up to Durbin Danda from where we have a short descent through Ghara. We then mostly follow the old trail as it climbs up through the villages of Shika and Chitre. From Chitre we enter a huge rhododendron forest and the last couple of hours take us up to Ghorepani. Meaning ‘horse water’, Ghorepani was once a stopping place for the huge mule trains that used to ply this route. As we climb today the mountains start to appear and from Ghorepani we get fabulous views of the Annapurnas from the lodge. *Teahouse *(sleeping altitude 2,900m)
Distance in Km: 17
Distance in Miles: 10
Activity Hours: 7.5-9
Altitude Gain: 1840
An early start for those who want to trek the hour up to the top of Poon Hill for the sunrise (approx. two hours return trip including stops - in addition to the 7.5hrs walking to Birethanthi). The effort is well worth the 310m climb (again, in addition to the 320m of total ascent today) for the superb views over the Annapurnas, Dhaulagiri and Machhapuchhare. We return to our lodge for breakfast and then it’s all the way downhill today through the forest to Banthanti and then down a stone staircase through Ulleri and Tirkhedunga to Birethanti by the Modi Khola, where we stay in a very simple lodge. *Teahouse *(sleeping altitude 1,025m)
Distance in Km: 20
Distance in Miles: 12
Activity Hours: 7.5 (9.5 including Poon Hill)
Altitude Gain: 320
From Birethanti it is a very short walk to Naya Pul, where we will pick up transport back to Pokhara. We usually arrive by lunchtime and have the afternoon to explore this pretty lakeside town. *Hotel Lakefront / Hotel Dahlia* (or similar)
Distance in Km: 2
Distance in Miles: 1
Activity Hours: 1
We have the whole day in Pokhara. There are many options to choose from today. You might want to hire a bike and cycle around part of the lake, or you could take a boat across the lake and walk up to the Japanese Peace Pagoda with great views of the mountains and the lake (from the pagoda carry on up the ridge to Raniban Resort for lunch), or you might want to visit the Mountaineering Museum, the Gurkha Museum, take a trip to the nearby Tibetan refugee settlement and craft centre, or simply relax in one of the many lakeside restaurants and stroll around the shops. *Hotel Lakefront / Hotel Dahlia *(or similar)
We fly to Kathmandu. Weather depending there should be good views on the flight. *Hotel Royal Singi *(or similar)
The trip ends after breakfast. Those not on the group flight will leave us after breakfast.
* 4 nights standard hotels and 17 nights teahouses
* 18 days point-to-point walking with full porterage
* Group normally 4 to 16, plus tour leader and local staff. Min. age 16 yrs
* Altitude maximum 5416m, average 2800m
* Travel by private bus and one internal flight
* Snow and ice may be encountered
Breakfast is included throughout the trip.
In the teahouses breakfast will comprise of a choice of bread (a slice of
toast, chapatti or Tibetan bread), a choice of egg (boiled, fried or
omelette), and a choice between either muesli or porridge each day. Hot
tea/coffee will also be served. On specific days, there will not be a choice
for breakfast and either a trekkers breakfast (egg, hash brown, baked beans
and toast) or a pancake with jam/honey will be served - these options are not
available in all teahouses and so we have only included them in locations
where they can be guaranteed.
Lunch will be taken at a teahouse en route - sometimes one of your guides
will go ahead with the group's order to make it more expedient. Dinner will
be in the same teahouse that you sleep at (this is custom in Nepal as
teahouses base their room rate on it).
Although most lodges have almost identical menus, they are reasonably
extensive and offer a varied selection, ranging from traditional Nepalese
dhal bhat to pizza and apple pie. Dhal bhat is the staple diet in Nepal and
comes in many different forms but generally comprises some curried lentil
dhal and meat or vegetables, some rice, and a pickle/chutney. Another popular
snack is momos; a type of Nepalese dumpling, fried or steamed, filled with
meat or vegetables.
Although meat is available in the teahouses, we advise against eating it on
trek. The meat has often been carried in the heat from lower altitudes for
several days before reaching the lodges and can cause stomach upsets or
illness. Germs can also be spread by handling dirty money - we recommend
using hand sanitiser.
If you have a gluten free diet, then we strongly recommend you bring some
extra food and snacks with you to supplement the food on trek as there will
be little variety available for you, particularly for breakfast. Even many of
the soups are powdered and contain gluten. Gluten free breakfast options will
be limited to vegetable fried rice and a choice of egg, and on specific days
only, a trekkers breakfast (without the toast / with an extra egg) will be
served. Breakfast options for vegans will be limited to a choice of
muesli/porridge with water each day, and on specific days only, a trekkers
breakfast (without the egg), or vegetable fried rice will be served. If you
are lactose intolerant as opposed to vegan then the same will apply although
you will also have a choice of egg each day.
If you buy imported food and drink whilst on trek you will spend more than
the suggested amount.
*Drinking Water*
Staying hydrated is important when undertaking any physical activity but
particularly so at altitude where it is generally recommended to drink at
least 3-4 litres per person per day.
We strongly encourage you not to buy bottled water on trek as this
contributes to the growing problem of plastic pollution in Nepal’s trekking
areas.
Some villages along the Annapurna Circuit route have safe drinking water
stations selling UV treated water for Rs40-50 per litre but these are not
always open.
The teahouses also sell boiled water for approx. Rs150-300 per litre (the
price increases the higher you trek) which should not require treating. This
is also perfect for a bedtime refill as it can double up as a hot water
bottle.
Alternatively, all teahouses will provide cold water free of charge, if
requested. Although this should not be drunk untreated, we recommend that you
bring a reusable bottle (or two) and use an effective form of water
treatment. There are a wide range of products available these days which are
more effective than traditional purification tablets - we recommend talking
to an outdoor retailer for the latest advice as technologies are improving
all the time: make sure to check the product’s performance in cold/freezing
conditions and consider its volume and battery life (lithium batteries are
best in cold conditions).
Handheld UV filters such as a ‘SteriPEN’ are widely available to purchase
from online retailers such as Amazon and eBay – they’re very effective,
can treat 1 litre of water in a couple of minutes and the water is ready
immediately – look for lightweight lithium battery models and remember that
you will need to bring a wide-mouthed bottle (e.g. Nalgene) for use with
these devices.
There are also an array of water filter and purifier bottles on the market
but be wary of their weight, bottles with a small capacity and the product's
performance in freezing conditions. Exodus has partnered with Water-to-Go, a
filtration system that eliminates over 99.99% of all microbiological
contaminants from any non-salt water source – please visit
https://watertogo.eu/exodus/"
target="_blank">Water-to-Go for more information*. Exodus customers can claim
15% off your first order, and better still, 15% of the purchase value will be
donated to the **Exodus Travels Foundation [1]**.* Please note that if the
water freezes it will clog up the filter – in this event, defrost before
use by sitting the filter in lukewarm water for 10-15 minutes.
[1] node/211076
* 4 nights standard hotels and 17 nights teahouses
* 18 days point-to-point walking with full porterage
* Group normally 4 to 16, plus tour leader and local staff. Min. age 16 yrs
* Altitude maximum 5416m, average 2800m
* Travel by private bus and one internal flight
* Snow and ice may be encountered
This is a Challenging grade (Activity Level 5) lodge-based trek with 18 days
point-to-point walking and full porterage throughout – you need only carry
a daypack. Please read a description of our Activity Levels [1], found on
our website.
The maximum altitude is 5,416m, and the average altitude is 2,800m - we ask
you to refer to the 'altitude warning' within the Trip Notes. Much of the
walking is at moderate altitude with the exception of the Thorong La - a high
pass with a steep approach.
The Annapurna Circuit is renowned for offering particularly varied scenery
and we recommend it to those who want a thorough overview of the Nepalese
Himalaya and have three weeks to spare. It is suitable for those confident of
their physical fitness, ideally with some previous trekking experience. If
you do not partake in regular exercise or hillwalking then you should do some
training or physical preparation beforehand. You may find our
https://www.exodus.co.uk/assets/pdf/Exodus_WT_Fitness_Training_Guide.pdf"
target="_blank"Walking & Trekking Fitness Training Guide a useful
reference.
Apart from the Thorong La, the walking is generally quite moderate, and the
first few days do not involve any long or steep ascents. On most days we walk
for between approximately five and seven hours a day but the Thorong La
crossing is a long day, taking around twelve hours. The walking is almost
entirely on well-established trails. During the crossing of the Thorong La,
some snow or ice may be encountered and it will be extremely cold. It is also
likely to be below freezing on several nights.
Although we schedule this trek at times of the year when conditions should be
favourable, there can be unseasonal snowfall which very occasionally makes
the Thorong La impassable. In this case, we can spend one day waiting, and
then if it is still not possible to cross the pass we must then retrace our
steps to Besisahar.
The trail crosses numerous modern suspension bridges, all of which have mesh
sides and none are especially high, however, anyone with a strong fear of
heights or vertigo may find them difficult.
A dirt road is currently under construction along part of the main Annapurna
Circuit route, however, our Base Manager recce'd the route again in December
2019 and our itinerary now takes alternative trails (NATT – New Annapurna
Trekking Trails) wherever available to avoid the road as much as possible.
There are a series of small wooden bridges over the Kali Gandaki which are
constructed every November after the monsoon. Treks in October and November
will use the suspension bridges and trips departing late November to April
will use the wooden bridges to cross the river.
Walking hours stated within the itinerary are given as approximates only.
Timings stated exclude lunch stops and will vary depending on the pace of
your group. 'Altitude gain' given within the itinerary refers to the total
ascent that day (i.e. all the uphill sections added together). Unfortunately,
we do not have this data for the 'altitude loss' at present so this is left
blank.
To help you better prepare for your Nepal holiday, please also see our *
https://www.exodus.co.uk/sites/exod/files/2020_nepal_destination_guide.pdf"
target="_blank"Nepal Destination Guide.*
*Why Trek with Exodus?*
• Over 30 years’ experience of organising treks in Nepal.
• ‘Ask an expert’ – talk to Exodus office staff who have done the
treks themselves.
• Experienced English-speaking local leaders who are qualified in first aid
and trained in recognising and dealing with altitude sickness.
• One of the highest staff to client ratios on trek - 1 staff member: 4
clients.
• All staff (leaders, guides and porters) are fully insured and paid a fair
wage.
• Carefully planned ascent rates and itineraries with built-in
acclimatisation and contingency days.
• Staff carry oxygen and a first aid kit.
• Self-assessment AMS cards used to monitor every client at altitude.
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Hotels & Lodges
This tour spends four nights in standard hotels and seventeen nights on the
trek in lodges (teahouses).
In Kathmandu, we usually stay at the Hotel Royal Singi, located within
walking distance of the Thamel district. All rooms have en suite facilities
and there is a restaurant, a bar and an outdoor courtyard. There is
complimentary Wi-Fi in the hotel lobby and Wi-Fi codes are available from
reception for the rooms. There is an Exodus desk in the hotel reception area
and an Exodus representative will usually be available daily in the mornings
and evenings. In Pokhara, we usually stay at Hotel Lakefront or Hotel
Dahlia.
The teahouses are basic but adequate; please be realistic about what to
expect in the mountains.
The hub of the teahouse is the dining room, usually decorated with colourful
traditional rugs, sometimes with a stove or heater (some lodges charge a fee
to put the heater on). All teahouses sell snacks and other essentials such as
tissues, soap and toilet paper. All lodges have electricity but it is not
wholly reliable and lighting may not be bright enough to read by – a torch
is essential. In many locations on the Annapurna Circuit, there are
electrical plug sockets in the teahouse bedrooms so you can recharge devices
free of charge but in some locations, charging facilities may only be
available in the dining room for a small fee (approx. Rs100-200 per hour per
device). Most of the lodges on this route have Wi-Fi for around Rs100 per
day. Sometimes the Wi-Fi may not work because of the poor network coverage
or power cuts.
The bedrooms are mostly twin-share but occasionally during peak seasons, you
may be asked to share a dormitory room (3-5 people max) for the odd night.
Beds with foam mattresses, bedsheets and a pillow are provided. Bedrooms are
generally unheated and can get cold at night so you will need to bring or
hire a sleeping bag.
Most lodges have only one or two basic toilets and sometimes these are
located outside the main lodge building. Toilets are usually Asian
’squat’ style; although many lodges have now installed ‘western
style’ seated ones. Toilet paper is not provided so you should bring your
own or buy it locally (please dispose of it in the bin provided – do not
put it in the bowl). If there is not a flush handle, there should be a
container of water to pour down – if it is empty (or frozen) please either
refill it or ask the lodge to do so. Laundry facilities are available in
Manang if you need to wash a few items.
Most lodges now have hot gas or solar showers (charged at approx. Rs100 per
shower) but don’t expect them every night. Sometimes a hot shower is simply
a bucket of hot water and not a showerhead.
Standards of cleanliness vary especially in the peak trekking season and in
winter when the water freezes at night. Please report any problems to your
leader or the lodge and be vigilant in your personal hygiene regime – use
soap or hand sanitizer gel before and after toilet breaks, snacks and
mealtimes.
On this particular trek, the standard of lodges varies quite a bit from one
night to the next - with some of the most basic accommodation being in
Larjung, Birethanti and Thorong Phedi.
*Extra Accommodation*
If you require any additional accommodation in Kathmandu either before or
after the tour, we can book this for you (subject to availability), please
enquire with your Sales Consultant.
*Single Accommodation*
If you prefer your own room, we offer a single supplement for the four nights
in Kathmandu and Pokhara only (subject to availability). While in the
tea-houses, single rooms cannot be guaranteed but if a single room is
available that night, you can pay locally on a day by day basis.
The group will generally be between 4 and 16 people.
We have representatives in Kathmandu who will look after your transfers to
and from the airport and will be around to answer other questions you may
have about your trek. There is an Exodus desk and noticeboard in the Royal
Singi Hotel in Kathmandu, which is manned morning and evening.
All departures will have an English-speaking Nepali Tour Leader throughout
the trip who will be assisted by Nepali Trekking Guides. All Exodus leaders
are highly experienced and as well as Exodus leader training courses they are
all trained in wilderness first aid. The Trekking Guides are licensed by the
Trekking Agencies’ Association of Nepal (TAAN) and also receive additional
training through Exodus.
On all of our Nepal treks, there will be one member of trek staff for every
four clients - this ratio may change if for any reason a guide has to stay
behind with a member of the group. The leaders are assisted by additional
guides and as many porters as necessary to carry the kitbags. All your main
gear is carried for you and you only have to carry whatever you require for
that day's trek. Porters are given porter clothing for treks above 4,500m
(windproof jacket and trousers, boots, socks, gloves, hats, sunglasses). All
of the trekking staff are insured by our local partner in Nepal.
Breakfast is included throughout the trip.
In the teahouses breakfast will comprise of a choice of bread (a slice of
toast, chapatti or Tibetan bread), a choice of egg (boiled, fried or
omelette), and a choice between either muesli or porridge each day. Hot
tea/coffee will also be served. On specific days, there will not be a choice
for breakfast and either a trekkers breakfast (egg, hash brown, baked beans
and toast) or a pancake with jam/honey will be served - these options are not
available in all teahouses and so we have only included them in locations
where they can be guaranteed.
Lunch will be taken at a teahouse en route - sometimes one of your guides
will go ahead with the group's order to make it more expedient. Dinner will
be in the same teahouse that you sleep at (this is custom in Nepal as
teahouses base their room rate on it).
Although most lodges have almost identical menus, they are reasonably
extensive and offer a varied selection, ranging from traditional Nepalese
dhal bhat to pizza and apple pie. Dhal bhat is the staple diet in Nepal and
comes in many different forms but generally comprises some curried lentil
dhal and meat or vegetables, some rice, and a pickle/chutney. Another popular
snack is momos; a type of Nepalese dumpling, fried or steamed, filled with
meat or vegetables.
Although meat is available in the teahouses, we advise against eating it on
trek. The meat has often been carried in the heat from lower altitudes for
several days before reaching the lodges and can cause stomach upsets or
illness. Germs can also be spread by handling dirty money - we recommend
using hand sanitiser.
If you have a gluten free diet, then we strongly recommend you bring some
extra food and snacks with you to supplement the food on trek as there will
be little variety available for you, particularly for breakfast. Even many of
the soups are powdered and contain gluten. Gluten free breakfast options will
be limited to vegetable fried rice and a choice of egg, and on specific days
only, a trekkers breakfast (without the toast / with an extra egg) will be
served. Breakfast options for vegans will be limited to a choice of
muesli/porridge with water each day, and on specific days only, a trekkers
breakfast (without the egg), or vegetable fried rice will be served. If you
are lactose intolerant as opposed to vegan then the same will apply although
you will also have a choice of egg each day.
If you buy imported food and drink whilst on trek you will spend more than
the suggested amount.
*Drinking Water*
Staying hydrated is important when undertaking any physical activity but
particularly so at altitude where it is generally recommended to drink at
least 3-4 litres per person per day.
We strongly encourage you not to buy bottled water on trek as this
contributes to the growing problem of plastic pollution in Nepal’s trekking
areas.
Some villages along the Annapurna Circuit route have safe drinking water
stations selling UV treated water for Rs40-50 per litre but these are not
always open.
The teahouses also sell boiled water for approx. Rs150-300 per litre (the
price increases the higher you trek) which should not require treating. This
is also perfect for a bedtime refill as it can double up as a hot water
bottle.
Alternatively, all teahouses will provide cold water free of charge, if
requested. Although this should not be drunk untreated, we recommend that you
bring a reusable bottle (or two) and use an effective form of water
treatment. There are a wide range of products available these days which are
more effective than traditional purification tablets - we recommend talking
to an outdoor retailer for the latest advice as technologies are improving
all the time: make sure to check the product’s performance in cold/freezing
conditions and consider its volume and battery life (lithium batteries are
best in cold conditions).
Handheld UV filters such as a ‘SteriPEN’ are widely available to purchase
from online retailers such as Amazon and eBay – they’re very effective,
can treat 1 litre of water in a couple of minutes and the water is ready
immediately – look for lightweight lithium battery models and remember that
you will need to bring a wide-mouthed bottle (e.g. Nalgene) for use with
these devices.
There are also an array of water filter and purifier bottles on the market
but be wary of their weight, bottles with a small capacity and the product's
performance in freezing conditions. Exodus has partnered with Water-to-Go, a
filtration system that eliminates over 99.99% of all microbiological
contaminants from any non-salt water source – please visit
https://watertogo.eu/exodus/"
target="_blank"Water-to-Go for more information*. Exodus customers can claim
15% off your first order, and better still, 15% of the purchase value will be
donated to the **Exodus Travels Foundation [1]**.* Please note that if the
water freezes it will clog up the filter – in this event, defrost before
use by sitting the filter in lukewarm water for 10-15 minutes.
[1] node/211076
For airport transfers, we use a private minibus. For the journey to
Besisahar, we will use a privately hired bus. For the journey from Besisahar
to Ngaddi we will swap into a local style bus as these are better for
negotiating this section of road which is in a poor condition.
For the flight from Pokhara to Kathmandu, we will use the scheduled services
of one of the airlines operating within Nepal.
This point to point trekking holiday requires customers to walk between each
overnight stay under their own steam. Other forms of transport may be
available along the route (horses, jeeps etc) but Exodus is not able to take
responsibility for the safety or the cost of any transport that customers
choose to take even if provided with the assistance of our leader or staff.
*Flying in Nepal*
Many of our treks in Nepal use domestic flights to reach the trekking areas.
The mountainous terrain is often subject to changeable weather which makes
flying conditions complex. In addition, the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) of
Nepal does not operate to the same standards as those of western nations. The
EU has chosen to highlight the relatively poor safety record in Nepal, and as
of December 2013, all Nepalese registered airlines have been included on the
EU ‘Banned list’ preventing them from flying in EU airspace. While no
Nepalese-registered airlines currently fly within the EU, the EU have
instigated this ban to encourage the CAA of Nepal to tighten its systems
governing Nepalese aviation. Flying within Nepal is, therefore, a known risk
and the current travel advice issued by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth &
Development Office provides an overview which we encourage you to read.
In response to general concerns over this safety record, Exodus asked
independent air safety experts to visit Nepal on our behalf to assess the
suitability of the available carriers. Following these comprehensive audits
(undertaken approximately every 2 years), Exodus decided to restrict our use
of airlines to only those approved as part of the most recent audit. It
remains our firm policy to only use these approved carriers for our customers
and further audits will take place regularly. For emergency situations, we
also have an approved list of helicopter companies for our use.
Exodus is supportive of the EU’s move to put pressure on the CAA of Nepal
in this way. We are hopeful that, alongside our own risk control measures,
this will make a difference to all who fly in Nepal. Please consider the
information above when deciding to book this holiday.
*Travelling flight inclusive from London:* *23 days*
The group flight from London is an overnight flight departing the day before
Day 1 of the itinerary.
*Flights from London*
We use the scheduled services of various different airlines to Kathmandu:
usually Turkish Airways, Qatar, Oman Air (depending on availability). As
flight timings and schedules change regularly we recommend you call one of
our specialist sales staff or your agent to confirm up‐to‐date timings.
Please note timings may change at a later date and cannot be confirmed until
approximately two weeks before departure.
Internal flights during the trip are with a local airline.
*Travelling land only: 22 days starting and ending in Kathmandu*
Your trip normally starts at our hotel in Kathmandu in the afternoon of Day 1
of the itinerary. Details of how to reach the start point are provided in the
Final Joining Instructions ‐ sent approximately two weeks before departure.
The cost of a taxi is likely to be about £6/US$10 should you decide to make
your way independently.
The main trekking season in Nepal is from October to mid-May when daytime
temperatures at most altitudes are generally comfortable for walking, the sky
is clear much of the time and rain and snow are occasional occurrences.
Daytime temperatures will vary from 15ºC to 35ºC in the Kathmandu Valley to
around 10ºC at 3,600m and progressively lower the higher we go. Different
seasons offer different advantages for trekking.
The crossing of the Thorong La can be cold at any time of year. Sometimes
the pass is clear of snow and there is no wind whilst at other times it is
covered in snow (or ice) and it is extremely windy and cold. We cannot
predict the weather, so you must have adequate clothing and equipment for
very cold temperatures. We cannot guarantee you will need them but we suggest
you take YakTrax or microspikes (the ones with spikes on not coils) in case
of snow or ice as it is best to be prepared.
Snow can be expected on any departure, usually at the higher altitudes above
Manang.
*Post Monsoon/autumn: Mid-September to November.* This is the main trekking
season in Nepal. Day temperatures in Kathmandu are approximately above 20ºC.
Skies are usually clear and days on trek are sunny and mild with clear
mountain views (particularly in late autumn). Nights will be colder with
temperatures dropping as low as to minus 5ºC at the higher altitudes.
*Winter: December to end February.* Despite the colder conditions, this is an
ideal time to trek in Nepal. Skies are usually very clear especially in
December and the mountain views are at their best. Nights will be very cold
with temperatures down to minus 10ºC or lower at the highest altitudes but
days are pleasant and sunny. The trails are also much less busy at this time
of year. In Kathmandu, maximum daytime temperatures are 19ºC.
*Pre-monsoon: March to May*. Both day and night temperatures will be warmer
in general but haze will often build up in the afternoons. It is very hot in
the lowlands and temperatures rise to 35ºC in Kathmandu. Flowers bloom in
this season and this is one of the reasons people chose to trek in spring. A
buff is highly recommended as protection against the dusty winds that can
occur on certain sections of the trip.
All luggage for the trek should be packed in an Exodus kitbag (which you can
claim free of charge upon booking) or in a similar soft duffel bag. Many
people find it easiest to pack the kitbag inside a wheelie case which can be
left at the hotel in Kathmandu free of charge with anything not needed for
the trek, whilst the kitbag will be carried by your porter on the trek.
Each porter carries two kitbags, therefore please respectfully limit your
kitbag to 10kg maximum per person.
The weight allowance on the flight from Pokhara to Kathmandu is 15kg check-in
baggage and 5kg hand baggage. If your luggage exceeds these weight limits
then you will have to pay the excess (approx. £1 per kg).
Many Nepalis are still traditional in the way they dress. You should,
therefore, dress conservatively. Tight, revealing clothing is not advised and
T-shirts are preferable to sleeveless tops. Long knee-length shorts are
acceptable. Trousers or a long skirt are preferable for women.
2 passport photos for your trekking permit (plus an additional 1 if getting
your visa on arrival in case the electronic visa kiosks are out of order)
4-season sleeping bag (with liner for December departure)
3/4-season jacket (4-season for late November and December departures)
2 x 1-litre water bottles (with a wide opening for us with a SteriPEN, e.g.
Nalgene or similar)
Waterproof walking boots (worn in)
Waterproof jacket and trousers
Gaiters for winter and spring departures
Trainers/sandals for the evening
Warm hat
Scarf/Buff (which can be pulled over your nose and mouth to protect against
fine mountain dust)
Warm gloves
Several pairs of walking socks
Tracksuit or thermals
Mid layer (fleece)
Light to mid-weight trousers (warmer for winter)
Shorts
Shirts, t-shirts, base layers
Sunhat, sunglasses, sunscreen and lip salve with sun protection
Daypack
Towel
Head torch
Plastic bags (bin liners) to line daypack and for packing clothing in the
kitbag
Toilet paper
Trekking pole(s)
Small personal first aid kit
Hand washing gel
Universal plug adaptor (there are three different electrical socket types in
Nepal)
Water treatment: SteriPEN / water purification tablets etc.
Biodegradable soap/shampoo
Swimwear (for the hot springs)
Solar charger/spare batteries/power bank
Although the Thorong La is often clear of snow and ice, there can be snow and
ice at any time of year, but particularly in winter and spring. Snow can make
the steep descent slippery. We recommend carrying a pair of Microspikes,
Yaktrax or similar (with spikes rather than coils) with you just in case.
YakTrax are readily available in Kathmandu and are cheap to buy.
*Equipment hire*
There are many equipment shops in Kathmandu where you can buy much of the
above clothing. The quality does vary and cannot be guaranteed so you should
choose carefully.
The following equipment can be hired through Exodus - the equipment is good
quality and will keep you warm but it is bulky and you should take this into
account when packing due to the weight limits for both porterage and domestic
flights. Hire equipment should be requested and paid for in advance of travel
but will be provided locally in Kathmandu. Approximate hire prices are as
below:
Down jacket (approx. 1.8kgs): from £73.50
4 season sleeping bag (approx. 2.3 kgs): from £73.50
Package including a down jacket and a 4-season sleeping bag: from £84
*Donations for porters, children and the elderly*
If while packing, you find a spare bit of space in your bag then you may be
interested in donating to one of Exodus' projects. Exodus supports a Porter
Clothing Bank in Kathmandu, as well as children in local schools in Kathmandu
and various villages, and an old people's home in Kyanjin Gompa in the upper
part of the Langtang Valley. If you have any old walking gear this can be
donated to porters, and similarly, any warm clothing or blankets would be
appreciated by the old people's home - please leave these items with your
leader or at the Exodus desk at the Royal Singi Hotel. Books, stationery,
games, warm clothes/underwear etc. suitable for children aged 5-18 years
should be taken to the Ambassador Garden Home in Thamel and given to Prakash
Lammichanne. Contact No: +977 1 4700724.
You can either bring your spending money to Nepal in cash to exchange or use
a combination of cash and card withdrawals from ATMs. Most major currencies
(including Pounds Sterling, Dollars and Euros) can be exchanged in Nepal but
notes must be in good condition – torn, tatty or marked notes will not be
accepted. However, Scottish or Irish Currency cannot be changed in Nepal and
nor can travellers' cheques.
There are money change facilities at Kathmandu airport both before and after
immigration – whilst exchange rates are generally good here, it’s
worthwhile checking the fees. You sometimes get a better rate for changing
larger denomination notes. Most large hotels also offer a currency exchange
service (including the Royal Singi Hotel) and there are also countless money
changers in the Thamel area of Kathmandu. Remember to keep your exchange
receipts in case you want to change any Rupees back into hard currency when
you leave Nepal.
You will need to take out enough money in Kathmandu to last for the duration
of your trek – to cover meals, drinks, tipping and other incidentals. It is
a good idea to carry some spare cash on the trek in case of an emergency.
Carrying a large amount of cash is unavoidable so we suggest splitting it up
into a few different places - but remember to keep track of how much you have
stashed where.
It is possible to buy things like beer, soft drinks, chocolate, toilet paper
etc. from the teahouses en route. Spending habits are subjective, so it is
impossible to give an exact amount of spending money required, however as a
rough guideline, we recommend between GB£350-450 (approx. US$434-560) per
person in total (inclusive of tips, expenditure on the trek, and meals in
Kathmandu). Imported drinks and snacks are relatively expensive. Your
expenditure will be towards the top end if you buy boiled water rather than
treating cold water, and depending on how many hot showers you take, if you
pay to charge electrical devices, drink alcohol, use Wi-Fi on the trek, and
so on.
*Optional Excursions*
A number of optional tours and activities can be booked locally through your
tour leader or at the Exodus desk at the Hotel Royal Singi in Kathmandu.
Prices for a half-day Kathmandu sightseeing tour start from around GB£25
(approx. US$40) per person, based on a group of 6 and above. Return transport
and a qualified sightseeing guide are included but lunch or entry fees are
not included.
An optional Everest sightseeing flight is available on your free day (weather
permitting) from around GB165 per person (the price may be subject to
change). Anyone taking an internal sightseeing flight in Nepal should pay
attention to the statement 'Flying in Nepal' below.
Tipping is very much part of the culture in Nepal and although entirely at
your discretion, it is usually expected. Often people would like to tip in
recognition of good service but are unsure how much would be appropriate in a
foreign country - for this reason, we have listed guideline amounts below
(these are intended as a guideline only and you may see fit to give more or
less depending on the service that you have received).
For the tipping of your trek staff and your tour leader, we suggest passing
an envelope for each staff member around the group so that everyone can put
in what they feel comfortable with anonymously.
*The following are /guideline/ amounts received by each staff member from the
group as a whole... *
* Tour Leader: Rs30,000 - 35,000 (usually tipped on the last night in
Kathmandu)
*Your trekking crew *(tips are usually given on the last evening of the trek
in Birethanthi):
* Head Trekking Guide and Assistant Guides: Rs20,000 - 25,000 for each guide
* Trek Porters: Rs10,000 for each porter
*General tipping guidelines: *
* Drivers: Kathmandu to Besisahar (full day) - Rs1,000 in total from the
group. Nayapul to Pokhara (half-day) - Rs500 in total from the group
* Hotel Porters: Rs100 each time for each room
* Teahouses and lunch stops on the trek: it's customary to round your bill
up to the nearest Rs50 or Rs100
* Restaurants: 10% of the bill if good service
* Travel insurance
* Single accommodation (available on request from £90, Kathmandu and
Pokhara only)
* Visas and vaccinations
* Sleeping bag (hire in advance from £73.50*)
* Down jacket (hire in advance from £73.50*)
* *Hire package incl. down jacket and sleeping bag from £84
Ved skriftlig aksept av vårt tilbud bekrefter du/dere at våre betingelser er både lest og forstått og at evt kansellerings gebyrer kan tilkomme ved en evt. avbestilling av reisen.
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