Don’t let Coronavirus (COVID-19) impact your mountain trip!
We at Mountain Planet prioritize safety and not only in the mountains. Thing are changing every day and there is so much that is still unknown. We want you to keep on planning your next mountain trip and not worry about cancellations. We guarantee 100% refund if you have payed deposit for the climb in the period of 15th March'20 - 15th June'20, and your plans have changed due to Coronavirus precaution measures (borders closed, flights cancelled, visa problems, etc). If you booked before or after that period, we are still very flexible and will be able to offer you change of dates or deposit transfer to another mountain destination free of charge.
Read More in the Blog: COVID and Mountains — What is the Future?
Annapurna Circuit Trek is one of the world's classic and the most diverse trekking route. The journey to Annapurna circuit trekking follows ancient Nepal Tibet trade route, which has facilitated the flow of culture and religions. Tibetan Mahayana, Buddhism, Hinduism and the mysterious Bon – Po religion still co-exist and interpenetrate one another. The sheer diversity of the mountain-scape, the exhilaration of crossing a high mountain passes and the unsurpassed views of the Annapurna, Dhaulagiri and Manaslu ranges are the hallmarks of this Annapurna circuit trip. Together with the ever-changing landscape you will be exposed to a variety of ethnic cultures from lowland Thakali villages to high Buddhist settlements near the boarder of Tibet and visit to the deepest gorge in the world.
Your adventure to Annapurna circuit trek begins through terraced farmland, temperate forest and alpine meadows, before entering the high valleys with the glacier-dolloped Annapurnas towering almost 5000m above you. The views from the Thorong la pass is truly spectacular, spreads from the northwest Once Forbidden Kingdom of Mustang to incredible mountain ranges of Annapurna and Dhaulagiri to the south. Descend towards Kaligandiki valley from the pass is challenging but rewarding as we trek to the shrine of Muktinath enjoying and exploring the arid beauty of Tibetan plateau. We take flight from Jomsom to Pokhara to avoid the newly made motor road while trekking down from Jomsom to Tadapani.
Most of the companies have narrow number of starting dates of the climbs. That limits the travelers flexibility and not always convenient.
We are different in that approach and offer a vast variety of starting dates - almost every day - to fit your schedules and desires.
We had very less to worry in terms of logistics, trail difficulty etc. and could just free our mind to enjoy a beautiful trekking experience, and the spectacular views. Staring from 800 m to crossing the Thorong La pass at 5,400 m, and climbing down to Muktinath at 3,800 m, while enjoying great views of Annapurna ranges, and diverse landscape each day, was an experience we will never forget in our life time.
The experience we all had was amazing. The trip was well organised and all of us enjoyed the friendship and company of our guides. They were always helpful and willing to adapt to any changes and had good knowledge and experience of the Annapurna circuit. Climbing and camping gear was provided. We had excellent cooks and comfortable base and high camps. The skill of our climbing guides Prakash and Santa gave us a lot of confidence to tackle this peak. This climb was one of the most rewarding challenges that both of us have experienced.
My wife and I, 59 and 57, completed the Annapurna Circuit trek successfully. The scenery was spectacular, the cultures fascinating. Our guide Gyanendra and Phurba were true professional but ended up being our family. From bringing tea first thing in the morning, to taking care of minor first aid, to monitoring food preparation, they took care of us every step. They shared their culture, religion and beliefs, pointed out things of interest and entertained us. If there was a hazard on the trail, they were right at our elbow to assist if need be. I miss their companionship. Our porters were amazing. Big loads, steep hills, and always a smile on their faces.
April to mid June during spring and September to November during autumn before the harsh winter is the best time to trek to Annapurna Circuit when the view of Annapurna massif is at its best state. Keen walkers from around the world come to visit during winter (December till February) despite the serious chill factor and low temperatures. However, there might be chances of closure of Thorong La pass due to snow fall. As the climate change has basically altered the pattern of weather factor, winter trekking is doable if there is no heavy snow, all you need to do is prepare for the worst of chill weather circumstance.
Acute mountain sickness (AMS) is something we get when our body fails to adapt to the thin air environment. Though Annapurna Circuit trek has very gradual ascent yet AMS has been reported among many trekkers. We provide medically professional leaders with medications, oxygen cylinders and oxygen chamber bag to deal with any altitude related ailments. Besides, your leader will put forth some basic guidelines to get away with AMS and as well there are multiple things you can do as precautions (taking diamox). So far there has not been any record of fatal altitude sickness misfortune with mountain monarch groups.
Because of environmental concern we very strongly oppose the use of plastic mineral water bottles. Instead our staff will supply you with appropriately boiled water every morning and evening. We suggest you to bring at least 2 metal or plastic Nalgene bottles so that you can have enough to last the duration of the day. If by any case you run out of drinking water you can always refill from the safe water drinking station with minimum charges which is all the way in Annapurna circuit trek. Besides the hot water we fill up in the night after dinner does really serves as a hot pack which you can use it in your sleeping bag and can still drink it in the morning when it's still warm.
Tea houses in Annapurna Circuit trail provides you with hygienic family oriented lodges with twin bed sharing rooms with clean common toilets and occasional rooms with attach toilet bathrooms. Since advance booking is not possible sometimes these tea houses during peak season provides you with dormitory facility or dining hall with heated chimney. However, we have always given our best to accommodate our group in rooms available. You have variety of choices for the food and in Annapurna circuit tea houses cooks are proficient in preparing the variety that is in their menu.
Natural Annapurna Trekking Trails (NATTs) has indeed introduced a latest trail to assist the embarrassment of the trekkers walking into the jeep road. Though we are giving our best to skip the jeep road and take the trekking trial and since NATTs isn’t fully functional due to the survey delay after the 2015 earthquake we would in some-way or the other encounter the motor way. For this purpose we will fly from Jomsom to Pokhara to avoid trekking along motorways.
As per the time convenient to you and the level of fitness you can always modify the Annapurna Circuit trek. Depending on your time schedule you can either book for the whole circuit via Poonhill or semi circuit i.e. flying from Jomsom airport to Pokhara after the highest Thorong La pass. We have always been successful in organizing customized trek for the clients as per their requirements.
