Compare Annapurna Circuit Trek by Epic Adventures vs Langtang Valley Trek – 12 Days by Ace the Himalaya
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| Trip |
5 | Excellent
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5 | Excellent
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| Duration | 17 days | 12 days |
| Price From | $ 999 | $ 1,310 |
| Price Per Day | $ 59 | $ 109 |
| Highlights |
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| Trip Style | Group tour | Group tour |
| Lodging Level | Standard | Standard |
| Physical Level |
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| Travel Themes |
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| Countries Visited | ||
| Cities and Attractions |
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| Flights & Transport | Ground transport included | Ground transport included |
| Activities |
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| Meals Included | N/A | N/A |
| Description |
Annapurna Circuit Trek, one of the most well-known classic treks in the world. The region is also rich in terms of unique culture, tradition and lifestyle of people. Magnificent scenery, assorted cultures, forests, lakes and glaciers combine to make it one of the most charming areas for the travelers. |
A trek to the Langtang valley has to be one of the most rewarding of the short treks available anywhere in Nepal. The east-west running valley is the site of some spectacular alpine scenery as well as being a great place to meet unique people. A minimum of one week is required but trekkers are well advised to add a few extra days for acclimatization and for side trips in the valley. Along our journey, you will walk through the Langtang National Park. Although wildlife is never easy to spot in a forest setting, here you get the chance to see some interesting animals and birds. Among those found in the park are monkeys, musk deer, Pika and the national bird of Nepal, the colourful Danphe. The trek is best started either from Dhunche or from Syabru Besi. |
Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu
Upon your arrival at Kathmandu airport, you will be greeted by a representative from Epic Adventures. After completing your custom formalities (Visa, etc) pick up your luggage and look for our representative with a Epic Adventures display board at the arrival gate. You will be then transferred to your hotel.
Day 2: Kathmandu Sightseeing & Preparation for the Trek
Meals: Breakfast
Today after breakfast we start a guided tour to several of the most historical and spiritual attractions in Kathmandu. The day will also be for finalizing official procedure and other necessary arrangements. You will be also briefed on the nature of the trek, equipments and team composition. Some of landmarks we visit include the World Heritage Sites of Kathmandu Durbar Square, the sacred Hindu temple of Pashupati Nath, the famous ‘Monkey Temple’ (Swayambhu Nath) and Buddhists shrine (Bouddha Nath). In the afternoon, there will be a pre-trip discussion where we can meet our trek leader and other team members. You can also make your last minute buying of personal items as you will be flying to the Himalayas tomorrow.
Day 3: Drive Kathmandu to Syange/ Jagat [1100m/3608 ft]: 8 to 10 hrs
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.
Overnight stay at Syange or Jagat Guesthouse.
We begin our journey at dawn as we have an 8 to 10 hour drive to arrive at our trek starting point at Syange or Jagat via Besishahar. While enroute we see the beautiful countryside Nepal has to offer – rivers, villages, farms and spectacular mountain scenery. The road to Besishahar is coal-tarred road, whereas after Besishahar the road is dusty and rough, though we can easily overlook it as we watch the outstanding scenery go by.
Day 4: Trek Syange or Jagat to Dharapani [1,960m/6,430ft]: 7 to 8 hrs
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.
Overnight stay at Dharapani.
After breakfast we begin our trek. We enter the Manang district after crossing a large bridge near Tal. Our upcoming trail continuously traverses through barley, rice and potato fields to the village of Kodo to Dharapani. Dharapani is one of the large villages in the Manang valley.
Day 5: Dharapani to Chame [2,710m/8,891ft]: 5 to 6 hrs
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.
Overnight at Chame.
Today we trek on steep forest ridges. Don’t forget to look up though as we will be treated to some of the most sensational views of Lamjung Himal, Annapurna II, and Annapurna IV (7,525m/24,688ft). Small hot springs add relief on our long day of hard trekking.
Day 6: Chame to Pisang [3,300m/10824ft]: 5 to 6 hrs
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.
Overnight at Lower Pisang.
A steep and narrow path through a very dense forest will bring us to a dramatic curved rock face, rising 1500m from the river. As the trail opens up we welcome the surrounding views of the majestic Himalayan Peaks. We find ourselves in the U-shaped valley of Manang between two giant snow peaks. After walking through these wonderful sites we reach Pisang.
Day 7: Upper Pisang to Manang [3,500m/11,482ft]: 6 to 7 hrs
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.
Overnight at Manang.
Today we will have the choice of two routes. If we take the upper route (highly recommended), through Upper Pisang via Geru, we will be treated to outstanding Himalayan sceneries. The panoramic views of the mountain peaks, such as Annapurna, Pisang peak, and several others will definitely tempt us. We experience our first contrast with the landscape and vegetation today, the cold and dry climate creates a much harsher, barren environment. Our short visit to Barge monastery, the largest in the entire district of Manang will be memorable.
Day 8: Manang: Rest Day
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.
Today is our scheduled acclimatization day. It is not recommended to stay still so a short walk to higher altitude is suggested to help get acclimatized with the altitude. The next two days will be very challenging and tiring, with a significant gain in altitude. We should always be cautious. Bhojo Gompa or Gangapurna Lake are sights worth visiting for acclimatization and offer beautiful views. We have an easy excursion to a village called Vraga, where we will see the village’s monastery. At this site, we also visit at the Himalayan Rescue Association where we receive important information about Mountain Sickness.
Day 9: Manang to Yak Kharka [4,110m/13,484ft]: 3 to 4 hrs
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.
Overnight stay at Yak Karka.
From Manang village, the trail crosses a stream, climbs to the village of Tenki above Manang and then continues to climb out of the Marshyangdi Valley turning northwest along the valley of Jarsang Khola. The trail continues northward, through pastures and a scrub of juniper trees as it steadily gains elevation. The trail passes near the small village of Ghunsa, a cluster of flat mud roofs just below the trailhead and passes through meadows where horses and yaks graze. After crossing a small river on a wooden bridge, the trail passes the ancient Mani wall in a pleasant meadow and then reaches another small village of Yak Kharka.
Day 10: Yak Kharka to Thorong Phedi [4,600m/15,092ft]: 3 to 4 hrs
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.
Overnight at Thorong Phedi.
Today we make our way to the foot of the pass, Thorong Phedi. Thorong Phedi is a small busy settlement catering to the needs of tired trekkers and climbers. Trekkers use this point as a Base Camp. Some visitors also attempt a hike to the High Camp today to assist in acclimatization and help make the next day easier. Although we will have a tough day tomorrow, we stop at Thorong Phedi so that we have the best chance of a good night sleep rather than a risky sleep at the higher altitude of High Camp.
Day 11: Thorong Phedi to Thorong La (5416m/17764ft) to Muktinath [3,800/12,467ft]: 7 to 8 hrs
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.
Overnight at Muktinath.
We reach the climax of our Annapurna circuit trek today. It will be an unforgettable experience of a lifetime – crossing the famous high pass, Thorong La (5416m/17764ft). An early start is important to complete the task ahead and ensure the best of the day’s weather. Each moment we have to work hard through the icy high-altitude trail but the outstanding high Himalayan scenes are so mesmerizing, that our eyes watch more over the horizon than on our trail. Once we have reached the top of Thorong La we are rewarded with panoramic Himalayan views. From here we begin the slow decent to Muktinath. Muktinath is an important pilgrimage site for both Hindus and Buddhists, the area hosts a Vishnu temple and a Monastery nearby. Muktinath itself demonstrates the harmony of religions throughout Nepal.
Day 12: Drive Muktinath to Tatopani [1,200m/3937ft]: 6 to 8 hrs
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.
Overnight stay at Tatopani.
Today, as there are vehicles available (bus or jeep), we take advantage of it to drive along a plateau above the Kali Gandaki – the world`s deepest gorge. The barren landscape of this area resembles the Tibetan Plateau. We have to adjust ourselves in a public vehicle on a sharing basis. Along this route the road can be rough and dusty and at some point we’ll have to change vehicles. On arrival at Tatopani, we relax our weary muscles with a dip in some of the hot spring pools.
Day 13: Tatopani to Ghorepani [2,850m/9,350ft]: 7 to 8 hrs
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.
Overnight at Ghorepani.
While walking, we see the lifestyle of the people in the midland villages of Nepal. Ghara and Sikha are the villages with terraced and inclined farmlands. We gradually walk up the steep ascent to Ghorepani. Passing through Phalate and Chitre, we walk through a non-inhabited area, through rhododendron, birch, magnolia forest and meadows. As we reach the top of our climb, the peaks ahead look spectacular. We stay at Ghorepani as we have a climb to reach Poon Hill early tomorrow morning.
Day 14: Ghorepanito Tadapani [2,710m/8,891ft]: 6 to 7 hrs
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.
Overnight stay at Tadapani.
At dawn, we ascend to Poon Hill (3,210m/10,531ft) to catch the moment of the spectacular sunrise over the whole Annapurna and Dhaulagiri massifs and surrounding rice terraces. Poon Hill is a photographer`s paradise with incredible panoramic views. After breakfast we continue along the up and down trail trek to Tadapani through the rhododendron forests. Be sure to keep one eye on the horizon as the scenery is equally dazzling throughout the day along the trek.
Day 15: Tadapani to Ghandruk toPokhara [850m/2,789ft]: 6 to 7 hrs trek and 1 hr drive
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.
Overnight in Pokhara
Through the Rhododendron forest, we trek down today to Ghandruk, the second-largest Gurung settlement in Nepal. Gurung is one of the most popular and culturally rich ethnic groups in Nepal. After lunch, we continue to Nayapul where we finally conclude our trek followed by a short drive from Nayapul to Pokhara. Pokhara is a peaceful city of lakes with the dramatic backdrop of the Himalayas.
Day 16: Pokhara to Kathmandu: 6 hrs drive
Meals: Dinner.
After breakfast, we start our drive back to Kathmandu. It will be better to sit on the left side of the bus to enjoy the scenery along the way. Upon arrival in Kathmandu, we will be escorted to our hotel and we spend a leisurely afternoon, perhaps catch up on some last minute shopping. To celebrate the successful completion of our journey, in the evening, there will be dinner and Cultural show hosted by Epic Adventures.
Day 17: Farewell Friend
Meals: Breakfast
We are saying good bye to the mountains as journey in Nepal comes to an end today! There is nothing to do but trade emails with travel companions and organise the photos. If you have more time you can do some shopping or sightseeing. Approximately 3 hours before the scheduled flight a representative from Epic Adventures will take you to the airport. On your way home you’ll have plenty of time to plan your next adventure in the wonderful country of Nepal.
Day 1: Arrive in Kathmandu (1,4 m)
Overnight at a Hotel.
Our airport representative will be receiving you at Tribhuvan International Airport, Kathmandu and s/he will be displaying an Ace the Himalaya signboard outside the airport terminal. You will be then transferred to your respective hotel in our private tourist vehicle.
Note: If you happen to arrive after 4 pm you would be briefed about the trip by our guide, this will be the pre-trip meeting for you, so please make sure that you ask all the questions. But if you arrive earlier than 4 pm, your pre-trip meeting would be on that very day at our office. During the meeting, we will introduce your trek leader/guide. For the meeting, please make sure you bring the passport, three copies of passport-size photos and a readable copy of your travel insurance policy. During this meeting, please clear the due balance, if any, and sign the legally binding trip form as well as the non-liability disclaimer.
Day 2: Guided Sightseeing in the Kathmandu Valley
Meals: Breakfast
After a hearty breakfast, at 8.30 am your sightseeing trip will start. You will have a private vehicle and a professional tour guide at your disposal. Today we will visit some heritages listed below:
Pashupatinath Temple:
Pashupatinath Temple is one of the most significant Hindu temples of Lord Shiva in the world, located on the banks of the Bagmati River. Though you are not allowed to go inside the temple as it is strictly for Hindus only, you can clearly see the temple and the activities from the eastern bank of the Bagmati River. It is a square two-tiered pagoda temple built on a single-tier plinth which is famous all over the world.
Boudhanath Stupa:
Boudhananath is one of the holiest Buddhist sites in Kathmandu. It was built in the 5th century with four pairs of eyes of Lord Buddha in four cardinal directions keeping an eternal watch over the people and their doings. You will find Buddhist pilgrims from Tibet going round the stupa spinning the prayer wheels.
Bhaktapur Durbar Square:
Visit the Bhaktapur Durbar Square, the Royal Residential Quarter of Bhupatindra Malla, famous five-storied temple of Nyatapola in Pagoda style Batsala temple, Bhairavnath temple, Duttatraya temple, Pujari Muth and Palace of 55 windows.
The rest of our time in Kathmandu is free for further exploration and some last-minute shopping in Thamel area for trekking essentials.
Overnight at a hotel
Day 3: Drive to Syabru Besi (1,462 m) on a Public Bus8 hours
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Overnight at a guesthouse
Early in the morning, we drive from Kathmandu to Syabru Besi which takes about eight hours on a public bus. Driving through scenic foothills and ridgeline vistas to Syabru Besi passing Dhunche, we’ll get a glimpse of Ganesh Himal after driving along the mighty Trishuli River. Terraced green hills and lush forests make the drive very pleasurable. Parts of the road though may be bumpy and under construction.
Day 4: Trek to Lama Hotel (2,5 m)5 hours. Overnight at a Guesthouse.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Overnight at a guesthouse.
The first part of the trail crosses through the Bhote Koshi River and follows the Langtang Khola. This trail gradually ascends up to Bamboo (1,960 m) passing rugged paths. Afterward, our trek climbs gently to Rimche (2,400 m). We can have lunch at this place and at the end of our trail is the Lama Hotel. En route we could see red pandas, monkeys and bears if we are lucky.
Day 5: Trek to Langtang village (3,37 m)5 hours
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Overnight at a Guesthouse
The trek route follows Gumanechok at Ghoda Tabela which literally means the Horse Stable. After this the trail climbs gradually to the beautiful valley with yaks about. Langtang is a typical village and one of the oldest along this trekking route. The views of the mountains are spectacular and become more imposing as we trek closer.
Overnight at a guesthouse.
Day 6: Trek to Kyanjin Gompa (3,798 m )4 hours
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
It is shorter walk today, but adequate for acclimatizing. There are some interesting things to explore, especially the famous cheese factory – don’t forget to try some locally produced cheese as fresh as it could get. This beautiful valley is on the lap of the Langtang Lirung. This is the spot where we can explore the valley and climbs several small peaks (hillocks).
Overnight at a guesthouse.
Day 7: Kyanjin Gompa Exploration Day
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Overnight at a Guesthouse.
Today is a day to rest as we explore the area. You can visit the monastery and the cheese factory, walk up the moraine to see the spectacular ice faces and tumbling glaciers of Langtang Lirung or ascend Cherko Ri (4,984 m) which is the highest point of this trek, directly behind the village, for a breath-taking panorama of the Langtang peaks.
Overnight at a guesthouse. Breakfast, lunch and dinner included.
Day 8: Trek Back to Lama Hotel (2,5 m)5.5 hours
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Overnight at a Guesthouse
We rejoin the trail to Lama Hotel.
Overnight at a guesthouse. Breakfast, lunch and dinner included.
Day 9: Trek to Syabru Bensi (1, 462 m)5 hours
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Overnight at a Guesthouse
Leaving the mountains behind us, our descent takes us to the Sybru Besi where our trek started a week earlier.
Day 10: Drive Back to Kathmandu on a Public Bus8 hours
Meals: Breakfast
After breakfast, we drive back to Kathmandu from Sybru Bensi which will take some 8 hours on a public bus.
Overnight at a hotel
Day 11: Leisure Day and Farewell Dinner in Kathmandu
Meals: Breakfast and Dinner
If you are interested in extending the trip, there are many options such as Chitwan jungle safari, river rafting adventure, Kathmandu shopping tour, mountain biking and other activities.
In the evening we will have a farewell dinner in a traditional Nepalese restaurant with cultural performances.
Overnight at a hotel
Day 12: Transfer to the International Airport for Your Final Departure
Meals: Breakfast
The trip concludes – our airport representative will drop you to Kathmandu’s Tribhuwan International Airport for your flight departure from Nepal.
