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Annapurna inner circuit trek

Annapurna Inner Circuit Trek

Poonhill, hot spring and panoramic mountain views

Group Size

Min 1 Max 15

Duration

13 Days

Grade

Moderate

Max. Altitude

3,210m/10,532ft

Activity

Trekking in Nepal

Meals Included

All Meals

Accomodation

Teahouse/Lodge

Trip Overview

Highlights

  • Poonhill and Australian Camp
  • Panoramic mountain views and hot spring
  • Diverse landscapes and traditional villages
  • Moderate trek in Annapurna region

Annapurna Inner Circuit Trek or Mini Annapurna Circuit Trek is a short and moderate trekking route in Annapurna Region – popular for the insights of village life in this region.  Annapurna Inner Circuit Trek route takes you through landscapes ranging from rivers, peaks, forests and culturally rich ethnic villages where people still practise ancient traditions.  Enjoy the panoramic view of the Annapurna Mountain Range including Annapurna I, II, III and IV Mountains as well as Machhapuchhre Mountain and Lamjung Mountain.  It is the perfect escape from your mundane lifestyle by challenging yourself to the shorter version of the entire Annapurna Circuit Trek which can be done in less than 2 weeks. This is a moderate trek which does not rise above 3,210m in altitude and is suitable for people of all age group as one can enjoy diverse cultural variation without having to face the risk of Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS).

This trail follows Modi River to Birethanti and to reach Poon Hill which is the famous hill station in Pokhara.  There, one will enjoy witnessing the sunrise over Annapurna from Poon Hill before descending to Tadapani, a village from where we head towards Jhinu Danda.  A short stop at Jhinu Danda to enjoy a refreshing soak in a natural hot spring before moving on to Landruk village along the route to Annapurna Base Camp Trek.  Inner Annapurna Circuit Trek is possible throughout the year although the trail is more challenging during the Monsoon season.

So come and join us for an experience for an insight into the local village life and enjoy the taste of sumptuous local food.

Important Note::

Your safety is of imperative concern while traveling with Highland Expeditions. Please take care to note that your leader has the authority to amend or cancel any part of the itinerary if it is deemed necessary due to your safety concerns. Every effort will be made to keep to the above itinerary; however, since this adventure entails traveling in remote mountainous regions, we cannot guarantee that we will not deviate from it. Weather or health conditions of a group member, unexpected natural disasters, etc., can all contribute to changes in the itinerary. The trek leader will try to ensure that the trip runs according to plan, but please be prepared to be flexible if required.

Trip Itinerary

Day 01-

Arrival in Kathmandu

Arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport, Nepal. Upon completing the visa formalities and collecting your luggages in the airport, kindly proceed to the exit of the arrival hall. Your trip leader will await you just outside the arrival hall and will escort you to your hotel in Kathmandu. Please look out for a placard of Highland Expeditions at the exit of arrival hall. Welcome drinks will be served and after you’ve refreshed, your trek leader will brief you about your trip in the lobby of your hotel in the evening. Get familiar with your surroundings by taking a walk down the street

Accommodation:

Hotel

Max Elevation:

1,350m/4,430ft

Day 02-

Kathmandu exploration & trek orientation

Today we explore Kathmandu on an organized sightseeing tour. There are all altogether 10 UNESCO sites in Nepal and you will be amazed to find seven (7) of these sites still exist in the Kathmandu Valley alone within a mere radius of 20km. Your tour will include a visit to the Bouddhanath Stupa, one of the biggest Buddhist shrines in the world and Pashupatinath, the most famous Hindu temple in the country. Here we will see Hindu holy men (sadhus) and pilgrims performing ritual bathing, and occasionally, funeral pyres burning on the ghats. Your early afternoon will be free to relax in the hotel garden or visit Thamel for some curious shopping. You will be given your trek departure orientation in the afternoon by our senior guide.

Meals:

Breakfast

Accommodation:

Hotel

Max Elevation:

1,350m/4,430ft

Day 03-

Fly to Pokhara & explore

We will catch the early morning flight from Kathmandu to Pokhara. During the 20 – minutes flight, one can get close-up views of Annapurna and other mountains. Upon arrival at the Pokhara airport, we will be transferred to a hotel near the Lakeside. After refreshment, we will set out to explore Pokhara. Places of interest are Davis Falls, KI Singh Bridge. Mountaineering Museum, Seti Gorge, Mahendra Cave and Gupteswor Cave. Overnight in Pokhara.

Meals:

Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner

Accommodation:

Hotel

Max Elevation:

827m/2,714ft

Day 04-

Drive to Nayapul and trek to Ulleri

After having an early breakfast, we will drive towards Nayapul. The journey will take an hour from Pokhara. We will begin our trek from Nayapul, along the bank of the peaceful Modi River. Approximately after a 30-minutes trek, we will reach Birethanti village. Birethanti is a scenic village housing abundant of tea shops and guest houses. We will move eastwards to Ulleri along the edge of Burungdi River. On the way to Ulleri (2073m), we will pass through the valleys of Hile and Tikhedhunga (1525 m) which is a large Magar village.

Meals:

Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner

Accommodation:

Teahouse/Lodge

Duration:

6-7 hrs

Max Elevation:

2,050m/6,726ft

Day 05-

Trek to Ghorepani

This morning, we will make a slow ascend to Ghorepani going on a steep uphill stone-steps climb for about 2 hours. The route is scenic with views of Annapurna South and Machhapuchhre Mountains in the backdrop. On the way, we will pass sub-alpine forest of rhododendron to reach Deurali which greets us with views of Dhaulagiri, Annapurna South and other mountains. Following the old Trans-Himalayan Salt Trade Route, we will reach the Magar village of Ghorepani. We will enjoy the views of Dhaulagiri and Annapurna range and stay overnight in Ghorepani.

Meals:

Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner

Accommodation:

Teahouse/Lodge

Duration:

6-7 hrs

Max Elevation:

2,750m/9,033ft

Day 06-

Hike up to Poonhill and trek to Tadapani

Early morning call before dawn to catch and witness the famous and awesome sun rise. Poon hill is the famous hill station in Pokhara. This short hike to the hill station located at 3194m will take an hour. Here, we will enjoy the sunrise view over Annapurna. At Poon hill we can also marvel at the scenic views of surrounding mountains including Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, Fishtail and other peaks. After spending quality time in Poon hill, we will descend to Ghorepani for breakfast. Thereafter, we will trek for approximately 6 hours through rhododendron forests to Tadapani via Banthanti where we will stay overnight.

Meals:

Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner

Accommodation:

Teahouse/Lodge

Duration:

6-7 hrs

Max Elevation:

3,210m/10,532ft

Day 07-

Trek to Jhinu Dada and visit hot spring

We will follow the relatively easy trail from Tadapani to Jhinu Danda. On the way from Tadapani, we will arrive at Bhaisi Kharka while enjoying the view of Machhapucchre Mountain and continue through the forest to Ghandruk village which is one of the largest Gurung village in the region. From Ghandruk, we will descend further through the steep trail to Kimrong River. We will cross the River over a suspension bridge and continue to trek for about thirty minutes to reach Jhinu Danda.

Meals:

Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner

Accommodation:

Teahouse/Lodge

Duration:

5-6 hrs

Max Elevation:

1,760m/5,775ft

Day 08-

Trek to Landruk

A short walk from Jhinu Danda will transport us to the natural hot spring known as Tato Pani. Soaking in this refreshing hot spring is considered great for natural skin treatment. After lunch, a further descend and crossing the Modi River over a suspension bridge is a sensational experience where we can view honey bee hives dangling on the cliff. We will take an uphill climb to Landruk which is a pleasant mountain village.

Meals:

Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner

Accommodation:

Teahouse/Lodge

Duration:

4-5 hrs

Max Elevation:

1550m/5087ft

Day 09-

Trek to Australian Camp

Located along the route to Annapurna Base Camp, Landruk is the Gurung village which is famous for its honey hunting festival. After an early breakfast, we will leave Landruk village by an escalating path uphill through rhododendron and oak forest for few hours to reach the top of the ridge that promised scenic views of the Annapurna Mountain Range. Moving further on stone steps, we will arrive at the Australian Camp which is surrounded with great views of sunset over the mountains. Overnight in Australian Camp.

Meals:

Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner

Accommodation:

Teahouse/Lodge

Duration:

5-6 hrs

Max Elevation:

2,050m/6,562ft

Day 10-

Trek to Kande and drive back to Pokhara

From Australian Camp, we will follow the descending path through rhododendron forest.Tracing the stone staircases, we will descend to Kande. Annapurna Inner Circuit Trek ends at Kande. Upon arrival in Phedi, we take a 1 hour drive back to Pokhara. Overnight in Pokhara.

Meals:

Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner

Accommodation:

Hotel

Duration:

4-5 hrs

Max Elevation:

827m/2,714ft

Day 11-

Drive back to Kathmandu

We will return to Kathmandu, a city separated from Pokhara by 200km. Prithvi Highway links Pokhara with Kathmandu. It takes 6 hrs to reach Kathmandu from Pokhara by road. You will be transferred to the hotel where you will have a well-deserved and pleasant stay.

Meals:

Breakfast,Lunch

Accommodation:

Hotel

Max Elevation:

1350m/4430ft

Day 12-

Free day in Kathmandu

Free and easy day to spend, perhaps doing shopping or rest at hotel’s beautiful court-yard. At eventide, we will relish a farewell dinner to celebrate your successful completion of the ‘Annapurna Inner Circuit Trek.’ While enjoying our supper, we will also be entertained to a scintillating cultural dance performed by the local belles
Please do not hesitate to let us know if you would like to extend your stay. Kindly email us for more details on extensions.

Meals:

Breakfast,Dinner

Accommodation:

Hotel

Max Elevation:

1350m/4430ft

Day 13-

International departure

Thank you for joining us on this trek and it has been a pleasure getting to know you during this time. We hope this venture has enriched your experience with happy memories. Keep in touch and hope to hear from you soon. Bon voyage for a safe and pleasant trip home.

Meals:

Breakfast

Availability

Our trips are available on both group departure and private trip.

If you’re looking to join a group, click the Group Departures tab for details on dates, availability, and pricing. All our group departures are guaranteed to run once signed up.

If you prefer a private trip with your friends, family, or colleagues, please fill out the contact form in the Private Trip tab. We’ll organize a personalized trip for you on your preferred dates, accommodating any special requests you may have.

Have a big group? We’re here to assist! Contact us to discuss availability and group pricing options.

Ready to create your perfect adventure? Use our trip planner to customize your itinerary and schedule according to your preferences. We’re here to help you tailor every detail to fit your unique needs.

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Cost Inclusion

  • All meals (B,L,D) on OPEN/CHOICE Menu whilst on trek with tea & coffee
  • Twin sharing accommodation at Kathmandu guest house or similar category for 4 nights with breakfast
  • Twin sharing accommodation at Hotel Dandelion or similar category for 2 nights
  • Internal flight (KTM-PKR)
  • All required permits for trek (TIMS Card and ACAP)
  • Accommodation at clean and cozy teahouses on trek
  • Experienced local trek leader with 1:4 assistant guide to client ratio
  • Full support crew with 1 porter for every 2 trekkers
  • Kathmandu airport transfers and escorts on private A/C Vehicle
  • All ground transportation as per mentioned in the itinerary on private A/C vehicle
  • Sightseeing of Kathmandu including guide and entrance fees
  • Comprehensive first aid kit.
  • Duffel bag, Sleeping bag with liner and Down Jacket (Sleeping bag and down jacket must be returned after completion of trek)
  • Staff insurances and allowances
  • Trek completion certificate (Upon request)

Cost Exclusion

  • International airfare, Visa and travel insurance
  • Meals at Kathmandu
  • Extra night accommodation in Kathmandu or on trek for any reason (Early arrival or delay, Early arrival from trek due to any reason)
  • Personal expenses
  • Gratuities for staff

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