Compare Annapurna Circuit Trek by Epic Adventures vs Tamang Heritage Trail by Travel Max Guide
Compare details and see what other travelers are saying.
| Trip |
5 | Excellent
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5 | Excellent
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| Duration | 17 days | 14 days |
| Price From | $ 999 | $ 1,750 |
| Price Per Day | $ 59 | $ 125 |
| 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 |
13 Breakfasts, 10 Lunches and 11 Dinners |
| 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. |
When 99% treks have derived their names from famous places, then why this trek is called the Tamang Heritage Trail? The fact is this trek helps you to explore the culture of the Tamang people, and as you do this under it, the beautiful mountain of the Langtang Region will win your heart in the most unimaginable way. What you see there is rare, not only this, you also see rare beauty in rare, isolated place of the world. Where you trek is also one of the best national parks of Nepal, and the best always has a value that can be felt only during the trekking. Tamang Heritage Trail is true to what it sounds, and there is nothing better than this when it comes to studying the Tamang Culture and looking at magnificent mountains. This trail does not stick only to these, only to the above-mentioned because it also has the mountain lakes, such as the Parvathi Kunda, the Dudh Kunda and the Bhairav Kunda which have a source in the Himalayas, which are as sacred as the mountains that the Hindu believe, and which shimmer under the blue sky in the lonely place of the world that we city dwellers often call to tell what it is. The trail is also scenic, and we give so much importance to it while saying that the person listening to us fall in love as they hear about the description of the mountain; the description of the Jugal and the Ganesh Himal; the description of the touching soul mountain. Many mountains are there, and some of these are unheard, and it is better not to make them public; it is the best point of the Tamang Heritage Trail because surprise is always beautiful. |
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: Arrival in Kathmandu (1,400 m)
Accommodation: Overnight at a Hotel
The "City of Temples" welcomes you with wide open arms. Experience the airport service of the third world country. The service may be different, but our service towards you is full of satisfaction. We have already booked a hotel for you, and we have come to pick you up with the private transportation. You will enjoy our hospitality service right from the beginning.
Day 2: Kathmandu: Sightseeing and Trek Preparation
Meals: Breakfast included
Accommodation: Overnight at a Hotel
On this day you will receive the TMG’s staff and move to the Kathmandu valley sightseeing with the private vehicle.
During sightseeing, you will visit the UNESCO World Heritage Sites that are in Kathmandu. Their names have been given below.
Kathmandu Durbar Square is located at the heart of Kathmandu. It was a palace, and the locals call it Hanuman Dhoka. It was a palace where kings were crowned and have spectacular Nepali architectures. Now, this palace is a museum, and the monuments that you see here such as temples and statues date back to the 17th and 18th centuries. Some are older than these.
Swayambhunath is more than 2,000 years old. It is also known as Monkey Temple and located on the top of the hill. It’s four sides bear the faces of Lord Buddha. It is also a stupa which has statues on its base, and they represent five Dhyani Buddhas – Vairocana, Ratnasambhava, Amitabha, Amoghasiddhi, and Aksobhya. Each of these represents the five qualities of Buddhist wisdom.
Pashupatinath is the temple of Lord Shiva and located not far away from the heart of Kathmandu. It is one of the holiest temples of the Hindus. Only Hindus are permitted to enter from the main gate to Pashupatinath Temple. As a visitor, you will enjoy the rich architectures of the temple from a distance. Inside the temple, there is a sacred Linga or the phallic symbol of Lord Shiva. If you are lucky, then you might see the Hindu Cremation taking place on the bank of the Bagmati River.
Bouddhanath is also a stupa. It is one of the holiest pilgrimages of the Buddhists. It has a white doom just like Swayambhunath and contains the bones of Kasyapa Buddha (Buddha incarnation), while others say it contains the bone of Lord Buddha. Around the base of the stupa are 108 small images of the Dhyani Buddha Amitabha.
As your request, you can make it happen by the private vehicle, cycling, rickshaw, by walk near the hotel. Other you need to take the vehicle or by cycling.
Day 3: Drive from Kathmandu to Syabrubesi (1,550m/5,100ft)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner included.
Accommodation: Overnight at a Guesthouse
Duration: 8-9 hours
From the capital of Nepal, you head off to a village known as Syabrubesi. The road is narrow as well as winding. This road offers the spectacular view of mountains; these mountains are Manaslu (8156 m), Annapurna (8091 m) and Ganesh Himal (7422 m). The downhill trail takes you to Syabrubesi.
Day 4: Syabrubesi to Gatlang (2,200m/7,217ft.)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner included.
Accommodation: Overnight at a Guesthouse
Duration: 5 hours
We walk through the Goljung Village enjoying the view of the Ganesh Himal, Shishapangma, Langtang Lirung, and others. Following up trekking trail, you reach Gatlang which is a small village on a hillside, and it has traditional stone houses. They will impress you with their designs.
Day 5: Gatlang to Tatopani (2,607m/8,550 ft)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner included.
Accommodation: Overnight at a Guesthouse
Duration: 6-7 hours
At first, we descend to Thangbuche and enjoy the magnificent view of the Ganesh Himal and the Langtang Ranges. Then, we come across the Chilime Hydropower dam and ascend until Tatopani. Tatopani means 'hot water' in Nepali. Tatopani is also the name of the place; it also means a hot spring.
Day 6: Tatopani to Thuman (2,400m/7,874 ft) via Brimdang and Nagthali
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner included.
Accommodation: Overnight at a Guesthouse
Duration: 6 hours
Today, we trek to Thuman via Brimdang and Nagthali, the two prominent villages. We reach a dense alpine forest; we walk uphill until Nagthali hill. From there, we enjoy the stunning view of Langtang, Sanjen, Kerung and Ganesh Himal. Further down trekking trail takes you to Thuman.
Day 7: Thuman to Briddim (2,345m/7,693 ft)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner included.
Accommodation: Overnight at a Guesthouse
Duration: 6 hours
Briddim is a Tibetan Buddhist village and located on the lap of the Langtang Himal. There, we visit the Dukchu Gomba monastery. In Briddim, many houses are built of stones Briddim resembles a typical Tibetan village.
Day 8: Briddim to Lama Hotel (2,470m)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner included.
Accommodation: Overnight at a Guesthouse
Duration: 6 hours
We follow the up trekking trail and then descend to Ghopche Khola which is a small stream. Again, we follow the up trekking trail and reach Rimche. Lama Hotel is located on the bank of the Langtang River and surrounded by lush forests and shows the panoramic view of the mountains.
Day 9: Lama Hotel to Langtang village (3,430m/11,253ft)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner included.
Accommodation: Overnight at a Guesthouse
Duration: 6-7 hours
There is an uphill trail. Walk on it; you see the magnificent view of mountains; you also come across beautiful waterfalls. There is a pasture on the way, and this pasture is in Ghoda Tabala which is a horse stable in the Nepali language. You also see the Langtang Himal. You also trek through small villages, meet herders, and visit Buddhist monastery on the way to Langtang Village.
Day 10: Langtang village to Kyanjin Gompa (3,870m/12,697ft)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner included.
Accommodation: Overnight at a Guesthouse
Duration: 4 hours
After you have your breakfast, you walk uphill. On the way, you come to a village called Mundu. You also come across water mills, prayer wheels, and Chortens which are the places of worship for the Buddhists. And it is during this trekking that you reach the largest mani wall of Nepal. Kyanjin Gumba has not only has the famous monastery of the Langtang Region but also has the best viewpoint.
Day 11: Trek back to Lama Hotel (2,380m/7,830ft)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner included.
Accommodation: Overnight at a Guesthouse
Duration: 4-5 hours
Descending is full of fun but tiring. The trekking trail goes all the way downhill from Lama Hotel. There is no ascending trekking trail for the moment. The view of mountains keeps on coming to your eyes, for example, Langtang Lirung. You have to walk slowly on the downhill.
Day 12: Trek ends: Lama Hotel to Syabrubesi
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner included.
Accommodation: Overnight at a Guesthouse
Duration: 5 hours
Today is the last day of the Tamang Heritage Trail. After breakfast, we trek down to Syabrubensi, and the trek is easy through a lush forest. After reaching Syabrubesi, we take our lunch.
Day 13: Drive to Kathmandu
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Overnight at a Hotel
We take a bus early in the morning and head to Kathmandu, the city of temples. We pass through scenic countryside. When we reach Kathmandu, we will check into a hotel.
Day 14: Final departure
Meals: Breakfast
From the haphazard city, as well as from nature's dramatic set, you fly out from Nepal. The proceedings of your flight begin by picking you up from the hotel. You trekked in a paradise, and now you are heading to your native land. Before you head, we pick you up from the hotel prior to 4 hours.
