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The Ultimate Annapurna Adventure
All meals 'on tour' included
Duration
Grade
Max Altitude
Accommodation
Trip Overview
The world famous Annapurna Circuit re-imagined and revitalised on what must surely be destined to become one of the great Himalayan adventures.
This new and unique Nepal adventure breathes new life into one of the most epic journeys in Nepal to create the ultimate Annapurna adventure. The very best of trekking the Annapurna Circuit is retained, including the epic hike over the Thorung La and down to Jomsom. It is however impossible to avoid walking at times on the jeep road to Manang. Here our imaginative Himalayan adventure switches to mountain bikes and to utilise the rather bumpy jeep road on an amazing downhill ride into the Kali Gandaki Valley beneath the towering peaks of Dhaulagiri and Annapurna. Our creative Nepal journey is far from complete as you'll then take to the waters of the Kali Gandaki Valley to complete this amazing Himalayan adventure by raft, enjoying atmospheric riverside camping along the way. The Annapurna Circuit lives again, reincarnated as one of the worlds most exciting adventures. Spectacular trekking, downhill mountain biking, whitewater rafting and the Himalayas combined together in one very inventive journey through Nepal. Mountain bikes and helmets are provided for the biking and rafting all rafting equipment is provided, along with a qualified rafting guide, a cook/rafting/camp crew and all camping equipment.
Sleeping bags (4 season) will be required for nights spent in trekking lodges and at raft camps. We can arrange sleeping bag rental if required.
The world famous Annapurna Circuit re-imagined and revitalised on what must surely be destined to become one of the great Himalayan adventures.
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This new and unique Nepal adventure breathes new life into one of the most epic journeys in Nepal to create the ultimate Annapurna adventure. The very best of trekking the Annapurna Circuit is retained, including the epic hike over the Thorung La and down to Jomsom. It is however impossible to avoid walking at times on the jeep road to Manang. Here our imaginative Himalayan adventure switches to mountain bikes and to utilise the rather bumpy jeep road on an amazing downhill ride into the Kali Gandaki Valley beneath the towering peaks of Dhaulagiri and Annapurna. Our creative Nepal journey is far from complete as you'll then take to the waters of the Kali Gandaki Valley to complete this amazing Himalayan adventure by raft, enjoying atmospheric riverside camping along the way. The Annapurna Circuit lives again, reincarnated as one of the worlds most exciting adventures. Spectacular trekking, downhill mountain biking, whitewater rafting and the Himalayas combined together in one very inventive journey through Nepal. Mountain bikes and helmets are provided for the biking and rafting all rafting equipment is provided, along with a qualified rafting guide, a cook/rafting/camp crew and all camping equipment.
Sleeping bags (4 season) will be required for nights spent in trekking lodges and at raft camps. We can arrange sleeping bag rental if required.
Example Itinerary
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Day 1Arrive Kathmandu
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Day 2Drive to Dharapani
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Day 3Trek to Chame
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Day 4To Upper Pisang
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Day 5Trek to Ngawal
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Day 6To Manang
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Day 7Acclimatisation Day in Manang
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Day 8Trek to Letdar
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Day 9To High Camp
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Day 10Across the Thorung La to Muktinath
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Day 11Muktinath to Jomsom
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Day 12A Big Biking Day & Fast downhill to Tatopani
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Day 13Ride to Galeshowr then rafting on the Kali Gandaki River
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Day 14Rafting on the Kali Gandaki River
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Day 15More rafting & transfer to Pokhara
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Day 16Fly to Kathmandu
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Day 17Depart Nepal
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DAY
1Arrive Kathmandu
Arriving at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu, you'll be met and receive a private transfer for the short distance into central Kathmandu and to the "KGH" Hotel in the heart of the Thamel district. You'll be given a briefing on your forthcoming adventure, and in the evening can take dinner at your leisure in one of the many choices of cafes & restaurants in Kathmandu, although the open air courtyard cafe of the KGH Hotel is as good as anywhere.
DAY 1
Arrive Kathmandu
Arriving at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu, you'll be met and receive a private transfer for the short distance into central Kathmandu and to the "KGH" Hotel in the heart of the Thamel district. You'll be given a briefing on your forthcoming adventure, and in the evening can take dinner at your leisure in one of the many choices of cafes & restaurants in Kathmandu, although the open air courtyard cafe of the KGH Hotel is as good as anywhere.
DAY
2Drive to Dharapani
A private vehicle will take you overland to the village of Dharapani (1860m) with a stop for lunch along the way. The journey takes the best part of the whole day.
Accommodation: Trekking Lodge, Dharapani
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, DinnerFind out more about Trekking Lodges
DAY 2
Drive to Dharapani
A private vehicle will take you overland to the village of Dharapani (1860m) with a stop for lunch along the way. The journey takes the best part of the whole day.
Accommodation: Trekking Lodge, Dharapani
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, DinnerFind out more about Trekking Lodges
DAY
3Trek to Chame
It is impossible to avoid trekking on the 'road' that is being pushed through the Marsyangdi Valley. However, as much as possible it is avoided throughout the trek. Today you walk to Chame (2713m). It should take around 5hrs walking.
Accommodation: Trekking Lodge, Chame
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, DinnerDAY 3
Trek to Chame
It is impossible to avoid trekking on the 'road' that is being pushed through the Marsyangdi Valley. However, as much as possible it is avoided throughout the trek. Today you walk to Chame (2713m). It should take around 5hrs walking.
Accommodation: Trekking Lodge, Chame
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, DinnerDAY
4To Upper Pisang
Your climb further up into the Marsyangdi Valley continues and involves several crossings of the river (via suspension bridges) to emerge above forests and to a more open grazing landscape affording particularly good views of Annapurna 2 and onto Upper Pisang (3300m). Walking time is around 5hrs with an overall height gain of around 590m and involves a distance of just over 17km with around 1300m ascent and 650m descent.
Accommodation: Trekking Lodge, Upper Pisang
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, DinnerDAY 4
To Upper Pisang
Your climb further up into the Marsyangdi Valley continues and involves several crossings of the river (via suspension bridges) to emerge above forests and to a more open grazing landscape affording particularly good views of Annapurna 2 and onto Upper Pisang (3300m). Walking time is around 5hrs with an overall height gain of around 590m and involves a distance of just over 17km with around 1300m ascent and 650m descent.
Accommodation: Trekking Lodge, Upper Pisang
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, DinnerDAY
5Trek to Ngawal
Todays walk continues to climb higher up from the valley floor and along the upper slopes. The Tibetan influence becomes more apparent in terms of the villages you pass through with their Buddhist monuments. Passing through Gyaru (3680m) you walk as far as Ngawal. Overall this takes around 4hrs walking and a height gain of 300m. The distance is just over 10km with 650m ascent and 300m descent overall.
Accommodation: Trekking Lodge, Ngawal
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, DinnerDAY 5
Trek to Ngawal
Todays walk continues to climb higher up from the valley floor and along the upper slopes. The Tibetan influence becomes more apparent in terms of the villages you pass through with their Buddhist monuments. Passing through Gyaru (3680m) you walk as far as Ngawal. Overall this takes around 4hrs walking and a height gain of 300m. The distance is just over 10km with 650m ascent and 300m descent overall.
Accommodation: Trekking Lodge, Ngawal
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, DinnerDAY
6To Manang
The walk starts by dropping down towards the lower part of the valley and back onto the principle Annapurna Circuit trail as you head steadily up to the very Tibetan village of Manang (3540m). Walking time is around 4-5hrs. The distance is almost 12km and involves 350m ascent and 465m of descent.
Accommodation: Trekking Lodge, Manang
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, DinnerDAY 6
To Manang
The walk starts by dropping down towards the lower part of the valley and back onto the principle Annapurna Circuit trail as you head steadily up to the very Tibetan village of Manang (3540m). Walking time is around 4-5hrs. The distance is almost 12km and involves 350m ascent and 465m of descent.
Accommodation: Trekking Lodge, Manang
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, DinnerDAY
7Acclimatisation Day in Manang
Today's essential acclimatisation walk aims to get close to around 4000m and of course back down to Manang. There are various possibilities to achieve this and take up to 4-5hrs of walking.
Accommodation: Trekking Lodge, Manang
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, DinnerDAY 7
Acclimatisation Day in Manang
Today's essential acclimatisation walk aims to get close to around 4000m and of course back down to Manang. There are various possibilities to achieve this and take up to 4-5hrs of walking.
Accommodation: Trekking Lodge, Manang
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, DinnerDAY
8Trek to Letdar
The walking today only takes around 3-4hrs and as you're now going above 4000m to overnight the gradual climb up to Letdar (4250m) should be taken slowly. Height gain today is about 715m. The distance is just over 12km and there's just about 830m of ascent and 80m descent.
Accommodation: Trekking Lodge, Letdar
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, DinnerDAY 8
Trek to Letdar
The walking today only takes around 3-4hrs and as you're now going above 4000m to overnight the gradual climb up to Letdar (4250m) should be taken slowly. Height gain today is about 715m. The distance is just over 12km and there's just about 830m of ascent and 80m descent.
Accommodation: Trekking Lodge, Letdar
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, DinnerDAY
9To High Camp
Another short walking day that can usually be completed by lunch time, meaning the remainder of the day can be wisely spent resting at High Camp (4750m). Height gain 500m. It's under 7km to High Camp and overall there's 700m of ascent and 420m descent.
Accommodation: Trekking Lodge, High Camp
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, DinnerDAY 9
To High Camp
Another short walking day that can usually be completed by lunch time, meaning the remainder of the day can be wisely spent resting at High Camp (4750m). Height gain 500m. It's under 7km to High Camp and overall there's 700m of ascent and 420m descent.
Accommodation: Trekking Lodge, High Camp
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, DinnerDAY
10Across the Thorung La to Muktinath
The crux of the trek and for most the toughest day (as well as the highest too). The walking is made all the more challneging by the high altitude. A reasonably early start is required. It's a steep climb up to the Thorung La (5416m) but it does ease off a bit towards the top. Snow and ice are always a possibility. Usually it takes around 3hrs of walking to reach the pass and there are some fantastic views at the pass. It is then downhill virtually all the way to reach sacred Muktinath, which you'll be more than glad to have reached. Today you'll be walking for around 6-7hrs and ascending around 700m and descending almost 1800m. The distance is under 14.5km but it will feel much more.
Accommodation: Trekking Lodge, Muktinath
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, DinnerDAY 10
Across the Thorung La to Muktinath
The crux of the trek and for most the toughest day (as well as the highest too). The walking is made all the more challneging by the high altitude. A reasonably early start is required. It's a steep climb up to the Thorung La (5416m) but it does ease off a bit towards the top. Snow and ice are always a possibility. Usually it takes around 3hrs of walking to reach the pass and there are some fantastic views at the pass. It is then downhill virtually all the way to reach sacred Muktinath, which you'll be more than glad to have reached. Today you'll be walking for around 6-7hrs and ascending around 700m and descending almost 1800m. The distance is under 14.5km but it will feel much more.
Accommodation: Trekking Lodge, Muktinath
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, DinnerDAY
11Muktinath to Jomsom
There is now a jeep road from Jomsom all the way up to Muktinath. Indeed this jeep road is an extension of the 'road' that now has been forced all the way up the Kali Gandaki Valley from Beni. On the walk down to Jomsom most of this recently metalled road can't be avoided. From Muktinath it takes around 3hrs of descending to reach the Kali Gandaki Valley floor and there are great views of Dhaulagiri as well as tantalising glimpses of the arid landscapes of Mustang too. A further 2 hours of relatively level walking along the valley floor is required to reach Jomsom. Overall the distance walked today is just over 20km and there's around 1400m of descent and about 450m of ascent.
Accommodation: Trekking Lodge, Jomsom
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, DinnerDAY 11
Muktinath to Jomsom
There is now a jeep road from Jomsom all the way up to Muktinath. Indeed this jeep road is an extension of the 'road' that now has been forced all the way up the Kali Gandaki Valley from Beni. On the walk down to Jomsom most of this recently metalled road can't be avoided. From Muktinath it takes around 3hrs of descending to reach the Kali Gandaki Valley floor and there are great views of Dhaulagiri as well as tantalising glimpses of the arid landscapes of Mustang too. A further 2 hours of relatively level walking along the valley floor is required to reach Jomsom. Overall the distance walked today is just over 20km and there's around 1400m of descent and about 450m of ascent.
Accommodation: Trekking Lodge, Jomsom
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, DinnerDAY
12A Big Biking Day & Fast downhill to Tatopani
The mountain biking element begins rather innocently with a gentle downhill section to Marpha, then what appears to be fairly level riding over the Kali Gandaki River bed (a headwind can make this tougher), to then gradually lose height down the jeep road to Larjung. Then before you know it you’re riding down, down, down and the valley begins to narrow considerably. It’s a right boneshaker of a descent, and you pass through small villages and perhaps may notice everything is starting to look a little different…..people, vegetation, agriculture and temperature. You must remember to stop at the Mustang checkpost in Ghasa! Eventually after 6-7hrs riding you reach Tatopani and will have descended a whopping 1400m (with around 200m ascent) over 35km. Now at around a mere 1200m in Tatopani it can certainly be nice to feel warm, although in this narrow sided part of the Kali Gandaki Valley you lose the sun quickly, so a visit to the hot springs here before supper isn’t a bad idea. Your arms after today’s bumpy and furious descent may need some soothing and it’s a good way of getting the Kali Gandaki dust off too.
Accommodation: Trekking Lodge, Tatopani
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, DinnerDAY 12
A Big Biking Day & Fast downhill to Tatopani
The mountain biking element begins rather innocently with a gentle downhill section to Marpha, then what appears to be fairly level riding over the Kali Gandaki River bed (a headwind can make this tougher), to then gradually lose height down the jeep road to Larjung. Then before you know it you’re riding down, down, down and the valley begins to narrow considerably. It’s a right boneshaker of a descent, and you pass through small villages and perhaps may notice everything is starting to look a little different…..people, vegetation, agriculture and temperature. You must remember to stop at the Mustang checkpost in Ghasa! Eventually after 6-7hrs riding you reach Tatopani and will have descended a whopping 1400m (with around 200m ascent) over 35km. Now at around a mere 1200m in Tatopani it can certainly be nice to feel warm, although in this narrow sided part of the Kali Gandaki Valley you lose the sun quickly, so a visit to the hot springs here before supper isn’t a bad idea. Your arms after today’s bumpy and furious descent may need some soothing and it’s a good way of getting the Kali Gandaki dust off too.
Accommodation: Trekking Lodge, Tatopani
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, DinnerDAY
13Ride to Galeshowr then rafting on the Kali Gandaki River
The final day of biking. The 4WD track is fast turning from rocky to sandy/dusty and now lower down you pass through villages where you’ll see banana trees growing. A far cry from the high and barren landscapes of Mustang just a few days ago. Again, your ride is primarily one of descent, but the 4WD track undulates as you now remain close to the rivers course. After around 2-3 hours riding and 22km you'll reach the small town of Galeshowr. Here you end the biking part of your Kali Gandaki epic, as beyond here the riding ceases to be interesting and there’s traffic too, which takes the pleasure out of it. You’ll take lunch and a rest, change etc before moving on. You now travel by vehicle for around 40 mins to where you'll begin your mini-rafting expedition. Any baggage etc not needed for the rafting can be taken by vehicle back to Pokhara. As you’re now below 1,000m, it’s usually warm/hot in the day and mild/cool at night and you’re going to be camping wild too, as well as getting wet at times. What you need clothing wise etc for the next few days will travel with you in the raft/s in dry bags, and you'll be provided with the rafting equipment you will need (dry suit, helmet, life jacket). Say “hello” to your rafting guide/s and team. You'll be saying goodbye to roads and virtually all civilisation too. You'll certainly not see a road until the end of the rafting. Into the waters and off you go, swapping pedal for paddle and down the Kali Gandaki River. Around 3.5hrs of rafting and you reach a sandy riverside shore where camp is for the night and enjoy supper in the wilds of the Kali Gandaki River Valley, surrounded both sides by jungle clad hillsides.
Accommodation: Wild Camp1, Kali Gandaki River
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, DinnerFIND OUT MORE ABOUT FULL SUPPORT CAMPING
DAY 13
Ride to Galeshowr then rafting on the Kali Gandaki River
The final day of biking. The 4WD track is fast turning from rocky to sandy/dusty and now lower down you pass through villages where you’ll see banana trees growing. A far cry from the high and barren landscapes of Mustang just a few days ago. Again, your ride is primarily one of descent, but the 4WD track undulates as you now remain close to the rivers course. After around 2-3 hours riding and 22km you'll reach the small town of Galeshowr. Here you end the biking part of your Kali Gandaki epic, as beyond here the riding ceases to be interesting and there’s traffic too, which takes the pleasure out of it. You’ll take lunch and a rest, change etc before moving on. You now travel by vehicle for around 40 mins to where you'll begin your mini-rafting expedition. Any baggage etc not needed for the rafting can be taken by vehicle back to Pokhara. As you’re now below 1,000m, it’s usually warm/hot in the day and mild/cool at night and you’re going to be camping wild too, as well as getting wet at times. What you need clothing wise etc for the next few days will travel with you in the raft/s in dry bags, and you'll be provided with the rafting equipment you will need (dry suit, helmet, life jacket). Say “hello” to your rafting guide/s and team. You'll be saying goodbye to roads and virtually all civilisation too. You'll certainly not see a road until the end of the rafting. Into the waters and off you go, swapping pedal for paddle and down the Kali Gandaki River. Around 3.5hrs of rafting and you reach a sandy riverside shore where camp is for the night and enjoy supper in the wilds of the Kali Gandaki River Valley, surrounded both sides by jungle clad hillsides.
Accommodation: Wild Camp1, Kali Gandaki River
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, DinnerFIND OUT MORE ABOUT FULL SUPPORT CAMPING
DAY
14Rafting on the Kali Gandaki River
You'll raft today for around 5-6hrs. Like yesterday there’ll be plenty of non-whitewater paddling and can keep a close eye out at other times for the colourful birdlife that can be seen along the river….the occasional village/local, and other river wildlife too. Most of all you’ll be absorbing the over-riding sensation of pleasing serenity. Then of course there are fun sections of whitewater rapids too, which are usually grades 3 or 4, dependent upon river levels of course. The rafting guide has names for them all. You'll also stop at a suitable location for a picnic lunch. Once again you camp wild on the shores of the Kali Gandaki River.
Accommodation: Wild Camp2, Kali Gandaki River
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, DinnerDAY 14
Rafting on the Kali Gandaki River
You'll raft today for around 5-6hrs. Like yesterday there’ll be plenty of non-whitewater paddling and can keep a close eye out at other times for the colourful birdlife that can be seen along the river….the occasional village/local, and other river wildlife too. Most of all you’ll be absorbing the over-riding sensation of pleasing serenity. Then of course there are fun sections of whitewater rapids too, which are usually grades 3 or 4, dependent upon river levels of course. The rafting guide has names for them all. You'll also stop at a suitable location for a picnic lunch. Once again you camp wild on the shores of the Kali Gandaki River.
Accommodation: Wild Camp2, Kali Gandaki River
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, DinnerDAY
15More rafting & transfer to Pokhara
Around 2-3hrs more rafting and you reach the road. The road traffic after all these days may come as a bit of a shock. You now journey to Pokhara by private vehicle should take around 5 hours and you can then say hello to the luxury of a hotel room!
Accommodation: Hotel Karuna - Pokhara
Included Meals: Breakfast, LunchDAY 15
More rafting & transfer to Pokhara
Around 2-3hrs more rafting and you reach the road. The road traffic after all these days may come as a bit of a shock. You now journey to Pokhara by private vehicle should take around 5 hours and you can then say hello to the luxury of a hotel room!
Accommodation: Hotel Karuna - Pokhara
Included Meals: Breakfast, LunchDAY
16Fly to Kathmandu
A private transfer to Pokhara Airport for the short flight back to Kathmandu. A private transfer will take you from the airport back to the KGH Hotel. However, you may wish to consider some additional contingency for this adventure and for any delays/difficulties that can and do occur on such a very adventurous trip.
Accommodation: KGH Hotel, Kathmandu
Included Meals: BreakfastDAY 16
Fly to Kathmandu
A private transfer to Pokhara Airport for the short flight back to Kathmandu. A private transfer will take you from the airport back to the KGH Hotel. However, you may wish to consider some additional contingency for this adventure and for any delays/difficulties that can and do occur on such a very adventurous trip.
Accommodation: KGH Hotel, Kathmandu
Included Meals: BreakfastDAY
17Depart Nepal
A private transfer will take you to the airport for your return international flight.
Included Meals: Breakfast
Of course there's no reason to depart today, your Nepal holiday can be readily tailor-made
DAY 17
Depart Nepal
A private transfer will take you to the airport for your return international flight.
Included Meals: Breakfast
Of course there's no reason to depart today, your Nepal holiday can be readily tailor-made
IMPORTANT
This is an EXAMPLE ITINERARY and can be customised for you accordingly.
Please consider whether you want your customisable, private trip itinerary to also include CONTINGENCY.
See our ABOUT CONTINGENCY Information
Please CONTACT US to discuss CONTINGENCY and ADDITIONAL ACCLIMATISATION, as well as other CUSTOMISATION POSSIBILITES for your PRIVATE CUSTOM TREK
Price Guide
- £ GBP 1755
- $ US 2280
- € EUR 2014
What's included
The price shown is for guideline purposes only. The price is inclusive of all accommodation described in the detailed itinerary, all airport and land transfers, private overland travel, internal flights as indicated in the itinerary, meals as indicated in the itinerary (most meals), porterage on trek, baggage transfers by vehicle for the biking section, entry level front suspension mountain bike, all rafting equipment, all camping equipment (except sleeping bags), rafting crew and cook for the rafting element, permits & fees & Snow Cat Travel Guide. All guides are english-speaking, professionals and fully licensed.
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