HomeAnnapurna Panorama Trail Run

Annapurna Panorama Trail Run

Enroll on a fast packing on the foothills of Annapurna Range with Rashila Tamang, the Asia Trail Master trail running champion

per person from USD 2500 for private trip (1-2 person)

Best Season Best Season March to May and September to November
Trip Duration Trip Duration 12 Days & 11 Nights
Trip Difficulty Trip Difficulty Moderate
Accomodation Accomodation Hotels in cities and tea houses & lodges during the trek
 Max. Elevation Max. Elevation (4,200m/13,799ft)

Trip Highlights

  • No one has designed and created all of the best places in one program ever
  • Witness the Annapurna Himalayan Range every day in different ways from different angles.
  • Stunning sunrise and sunset views from many hilltop viewpoints
  • Pokhara Lake and the city
  • Observe the culture and traditions of many ethnic groups
  • Experience the typical Nepali village lifestyle.
  • Nature walk experience
  • Higher chance to come across wildlife and birds in the lush forest.

Introduction

Annapurna Panorama Trail Run is a unique fastpacking concept by Nepal’s best ultra/ trail runners. The famous trail runner and climber Rashila Tamang will guide this fastpacking trip.  She is the 2023/24 Asia Trail Master Champion. She has been guiding trail runners, trekkers, and mountaineers in Nepal from a very early age with proficiency.

Annapurna Panorama Trail Run is the ultimate trail running adventure for endurance challenges on the foothills of Annapurna massif.  This run provides you with unlimited views of wonderful sceneries. And heart-pounding vistas of snow-capped mountains, hills, rivers, and village lifestyle. Annapurna panorama trail run covers the entire Annapurna Range including the Dhaulagiri Range. The run starts from Banou, Kokhe Danda, Poon Hill, Ghorepani, Ghandruk, Mardi Himal, Korchan, Krapu, and Gurung Heritage Trail in the shortest days possible. This is the best way to explore the natural and cultural beauty of the Annapurna region of Nepal. This running trip is customizable per your pace, time, and preferences.

 

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Your journey starts with a fly/drive to Pokhara from Kathmandu.  Pokhara is a city with lakes, in central Nepal. It is a gateway to the famous treks in the Annapurna region.  Like Annapurna Circuit Trek, Annapurna Base Camp, and many more. Pokhara is popular for its pristine air, the speculator backdrop of the snowy peaks of the Annapurna range, and the serene Phewa, Begnas, and Rupa and others.  You will have quality time to stay in the best hotel in Pokhara before you begin your running trip to the heavenly Himalayas.

Some difficulties during the run 

  • Altitude can be a problem because you are coming from sea level so you must share with a guide if you feel any difficulty and keep hydrating all the time.
  • You might get muscle cramps during the run so drink at least 1 liter of water in every one and a half hours.
  • Do not consume any medication without letting the guide know.
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Itinerary

  • Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu and Trip Preparation

    Kathmandu (1,400m/4,600t)

    Today will be your arrival and introduction day in the capital city of Nepal, Kathmandu. Upon your arrival at the airport, our office representative will receive and transfer you to the hotel at Thamel. Then we will be having our introduction and briefing at the hotel and you can do the last preparation by buying the things you want for the trip.

  • Day 02: Kathmandu-Pokhara-Peace Pagoda Run

    Kathmandu (1,400m/4,600t) Pokhara (822m/ 2,697ft) - Peace Pagoda Run (1,100m/3,609ft)

     

    Today you will have an early flight to Pokhara and pick up at the hotel and you will have time to visit Phewa Lake and local markets before lunch after lunch we will have an inaugural run to Peace Pagoda and Lord Shiva Statue and Back to Lakeside. The run will start from Lake Dameside, and go up to the two popular destinations; Peace Stupa and Lord Shiva Statue. Enjoy the best view of Pokhara Valley and the lakes around. Then we come back, finish our run, and have dinner. We will have our leisure time to stroll around and just relax and rejuvenate by having our favorite drinks at the lakeside.

  • Day 03: Drive to Banou (20km/ 1:30 HR) and run to Mohare Danda

    Banou (1,640m/5,380ft) Mohare Danda (3,313m/10,867ft)

    Today you will be picked up early morning straight after your breakfast and will have a 1.5hour-2 hour drive to Banou village where the stage 2 run begins your first trail is from a small village and jeep road following the beautiful river, fertile farms of rice maize, millet field and some small waterfalls on the way passing some of the beautiful villages like Pang. After Banou, we hit a very well-known climb towards Haljure with the scenery of villages. You will have hotels and tea houses if you feel recharged for the next few hours. Then the trail winds through the lush forest of oaks and pines until you reach the Mohare Danda where you will be staying today.

  • Day 04: Run from Mohare Danda via Poon Hill, Ghorepani, to Tadapani

    Mohare Danda (3,313m/10,867ft) Poon Hill (3,210m/10,530ft), Ghorepani (2,840m/ 9,317ft), Tadapani (2,610m/ 8,562ft)

    Rise early to watch the sunrise from Mohare Danda. This is sure to be one of the highlights of your trip as you admire the sun rising over the panoramic Dhaulagiri and Annapurna mountain peaks. Marvel at some of the world’s largest peaks before descending to Ghorepani.

    After sunrise, follow a trail that will take you through a rhododendron forest, and over mountain ridges to reach Tadapani, where you will spend the night at another teahouse lodge.

  • Day 05: Tadapani- Ghandruk - Himal Pani - Landruk - Forest Camp - Low Camp

    Tadapani (2,610m/ 8,562ft) Ghandruk (2,012m/6,061ft) Himal Pani (1,350m/4,430t) Landruk (1,650m/5,414ft) Forest Camp (2,600m/8,530ft) Low Camp (3,035m/9,957ft)

    Today you will be gearing up early in the morning and start rolling down towards the Gurung settlement of Ghandruk through the beautiful lush forest. Keep descending again for a few kilometers towards Landruk, another beautiful Gurung village crossing the river and suspension bridge.

    After the first bridge, you will start climbing gradually and still Annapurna South will be watching you running from behind. After Landruk we will be heading towards a forest camp which is around 4 km with 805m elevation gain. That means a delicious climb through a beautiful forest and you will see only a few tea houses on the way. After forest camp, you will have another 4 km to arrive at your destination Low Camp (Badal Danda ) where you will spend the night.

  • Day 06: Low Camp - High Camp - Mardi View point

    Low Camp (3,035m/9,957ft) High Camp (3,600m/11,811ft) Mardi View point (4,200m/13,799ft)

    Today is just a short walk but with a bit of a high altitude.  So we will be going at a very slow pace just enjoying the beautiful views of the Himalayan view. It’s just a 5 km walk up to our lodge where we will have lunch and rest.  Those who want to see the sunrise from the Mardi High Camp can proceed and those who don’t want to can just stay at the hotel in Mardi High Camp. After a few hours rest we will go to Mardi View Point for the sunset which is another 3.5km with 600m of elevation gain.

  • Day 07: High camp - rest and recovery

    High Camp (3,600m/11,811ft)

    Today will be our rest and recovery day at the Mardi High Camp. In case you have not made it to the Mardi View Point, you can go today as well to see the stunning sunrise. Soaking in the beauty of sunrise, you can retrace the trail to the same hotel at Mardi High Camp and rest, relax, and recover for the next day’s running adventure.

  • Day 08: High Camp- Sidhing - Saidi Ghatta

    High Camp (3,600m/11,811ft) Sidhing (1,945m/6,381ft) Saidi Ghatta (1,300m/ 4,266ft)

    It’s mostly downhill trail today and the first part has magnificent views and the second part has a beautiful forest with a few small waterfalls and suspension bridges. Today you descend very low and your legs will be tired in any way. We will be in the village so we might try and enjoy delicious food and drinks. This will help us to recover fast. In addition to some local organic food in the village, we will also experience the culture.

  • Day 09: Saidi Ghatta - Korchan - Khumai

    Saidi Ghatta (1,300m/ 4,266ft) - Korchan (3,649m/11,971t) - Khumai (3,245m/10, 646ft)

    Today we will be going from very low to an elevation of 3,649 meters to Korchan Danda. Without a doubt, it will be a brutal climb but not much distance will be covered compared to other days.  Despite more incline, the trail is very beautiful. We will go to Korchan and descend a bit to Khumai Danda which is a very recently opened destination but you will not regret the view. It is an amazing and jaw-dropping view from the top.

  • Day 10: Khumai - Ghachok - Ghalekharka

    Khumai (3,245m/10, 646ft) – Ghachok (1,290/4,292ft) – Ghalekharka (1,507m/4,944ft)

    It’s again time to dance downhill but a quite short day to run and after arriving in the village you can have time for shower and village sightseeing. This is also another great opportunity to experience village life and culture. Take some good rest today at Ghalekharkaa and prepare for another long day ahead.  The day after we will be covering more distance.

     

  • Day 11: Ghalekharka to Sikles

    Ghalekharka (1,507m/4,944ft) - Sikles (1,981m/6,499ft)

    Today’s walk is long but beautiful crossing some charming villages and wild forests.  The trail is pristine with very few people on the trail. The distance today will be 15 km from Ghalekharka to reach the village of Sikles. Sikles is a beautiful indigenous Gurung settlement. It is one of the earliest and biggest Gurung villages in the Kaski district. The village offers a chance to experience the unique traditional culture and lifestyle of the Gurung tribe. Located at an elevation of 1,981 m, Sikles offers the splendor of the Annapurna range.

  • Day 12: Sikles - Tanting - Karpu tent house

    Sikles (1,981m/6,499ft) - Tanting (1,650m/5,413ft) - Karpu tent house (3,060m/10,039ft)

    Today we will have a long walk first starting downhill till the river. Then we will cross via suspension bridge and start climbing.  After 2-3 hours of running, we will arrive a beautiful village Tanting Village, and have our lunch.  After lunch break we will have to run mostly uphill until the top but once you arrive Karpu Tent house, the mesmerizing view will make you forget all your pain despite the hardest climb.

  • Day 13: Final Day: Karpu to Tanting and Pokhara

    Karpu (3,060m/10,039ft) - Tangting (1,750m/5,741ft) - Pokhara (822m/ 2,697ft)

    It is the final day of our fastpacking trip. For the last time, we will enjoy an early morning spectacular sunrise and we must wake up early for the sunrise. And the good news is that we have no more uphill today. We will descend from the same trail until Tanting village and we will be having lunch there. Our jeep will be at the standby and waiting to transfer us to Pokhara.

Cost Includes

  • 1 day hotel accommodation in Kathmandu and 2 days hotel accommodation in Pokhara  (3 star category)
  • 10 days hotels in the mountain (tea house)
  • Guide charge
  • Dinner 2 items from the menu
  • Breakfast
  • Tea 3 times a day
  • Airport pick-up and drop service on private transportation
  • Domestic flight tickets
  • Service charges and taxes
  • National park fees
  • ACAP and TIMS permit charges
  • Misc. Government tax

Cost Excludes

  • Personal expenses
  • Wifi
  • Hot water
  • Porter cost (if you need a porter you have to pay 25 USD per day)
  • Bottled drinking water
  • Any hard or soft drinks
  • Lunch
  • Hot shower
  • Extra food
  • Mobile charging
  • Cost of personal insurance
  • Any tipping
  • Upgrading your accommodation
  • Cost of your international flight
  • Travel Insurance
  • Any extra activities
  • Cost of Nepal visa (USD 30 for 15 days and visa on arrival)
  • Cost of emergency evacuation and medical expenses in case of need

Train Yourself

The best physical condition is required to do trail runs in Nepal’s high altitude. Without some pre-run training or a good level of basic fitness, it can be hard. We suggest running, walking, hiking on the hill, and climbing stairs rather than elevators to prepare for the fastpacking trail run trip. Include swimming, rowing, and biking in your daily base training.

Basic further experience and strength required for Trekking

  • One should be able to hike and run for 6-7 hours a day.
  • One should be able to carry 8 kg themselves in a backpack during the run.
  • We suggest you run about 4/5 miles in the home for the preparation with some load on your back for 2 to 3 months to make your climbing much easier. Or use a treadmill for everyday running and walking.
  • If you have an uphill location/mountain then once a week you should go hiking with a loaded bag pack on your back. If you do not have mountains and high hills then use stairs to go up/down than the elevator.
  • Regular swimming, biking, and rowing are also good ways to maintain your physical strength.
  • Fuel your body well with small but frequent healthy foods and drink plenty of water.
  • Go through a fast-packing trail run grading and know what type of fast-packing trip is suitable for you. The trail runs are graded as easy, moderate, hard, and challenging treks.
  • Go after what you want and what your physical capabilities will allow you to. Do not push too hard yourself. Fastpacking trail run is not a competition. It is relaxing and rewarding.
  • Walk, run and sprint at a pace you are most comfortable with.  An assistant guide will be always walking at the back of the group so you don’t have to rush to catch up with the faster walkers at the front.
  • Using trekking or running poles reduces the body and backpack’s weight on the legs and makes running more easier on inclines.
  • Invest in comfortable trail running shoes with ankle support and a sturdy Vibram sole that suits your foot to avoid blisters.

 

 

FAQs

  • Will someone come after my arrival to pick me up at the airport?

    Yes, Trekkers Paradise representative will be there to greet you outside of Terminal Hall. He will be displaying Trekkers Paradise name card with your name on it. You will be moved to the pre-select Hotel after that.

  • Do I need a visa to travel to Nepal?

    All foreign nationals, except Indian Citizens, need visas to enter Nepal.

  • What is the cost of the visa application process and Visa? Should we apply for a visa from our home country or will we get it at Nepalese Airport? Which documents are important that I should bring with me?

    After landing, you can obtain a visa at Tribhuwan International Airport, furthermore, it will be easier if you are fill-up the visa form online (http://online.nepalimmigration.gov.np/tourist-visa) before taking the flight to Nepal. Entry Visa fees- at present are $ 30 for 15 days, $ 50 for 30 days, and $ 125 for a three-month visa on entry to Nepal.

    You should bring the following essential documents on the trip:

    • Valid Passport: must be valid for up to 6 months.
    • Travel insurance: you need to provide a copy of the insurance paper to Trekkers Paradise before you start the trek.
    • Flight Tickets.
    • Emergency contact numbers for T/C’s bank, insurance, and family contacts.
  • Do I need permits?

    Yes, all foreign citizens require two permits for this tri[. You require an Annapurna conservation permit, and trekking permit (TIMS)

  • When is the best time to travel to Nepal?

    The weather is probably the best guide for deciding when to plan your trip to Nepal. The best time to visit Nepal is between September to November and March to May.

  • Is Annapurna Panorama Trail safe to run?

    The only potential hazard during the run is the possibility of altitude sickness to reduce the chances of it. We suggest a single day for acclimatization. You will also be guided by an experienced trail running guide and assisted by local porters (if any), who are there to take care of you during your whole trip.

  • What are the facilities available in case of emergencies during the trail run?

    In case you suffer from altitude sickness or any other problems, we will offer you the doctor’s prescribed medicines according to the type of problem facing you. We will descend you and in case of extreme cases, you will get rescued by the helicopter.

  • What are the accommodation like during the trip?

    Our accommodation will be the teahouse with private rooms and attached western-style bathrooms. The further you hike up, the more basic the accommodations get in the mountains.

  • What clothing gear is required for fast packing?

    The key to fastpacking is carrying minimal and lightweight gear. Remember more stuff means more weight. So, invest in ultralight equipment including a lightweight backpack, sleeping bag, tent, and cooking stove. And clothing required for the expected weather conditions. Consider using lightweight, freeze-dried meals to save weight and cooking time.

  • What are the essentials in the bag?

    Even though your goal is to carry as little as possible in the fast packing, you should never forget to pack some essentials. A map, compass, first aid kit, headlamp, multi-tool, water purification system, additional layers of clothing, and ample food and water supplies are among these. Finding the right balance between losing weight and securing your safety and health is essential.

  • What about the hydration and nutrition for the fast-packing trip?

    During fast packing, it’s essential to stay hydrated and properly fueled. Carry enough water, and base your itinerary on the locations of water sources. Additionally, bring nutrient-dense snacks and meals that are light and high in energy. During prolonged physical effort, electrolytes can also be replaced using electrolyte drinks and energy gels.

  • What are the safety considerations during the fast packing?

    Fastpacking may be physically demanding, so be aware of your limits and listen to your body. Drink plenty of water, consume healthy foods, and take breaks when needed. Inform someone about your travel plans and anticipated return date. For increased security, it’s always a good idea to travel with a friend or join a guided fast-packing group.

  • What types of trails and routes you will be traversing?

    Nepal offers a wide range of trekking trails suitable for fastpacking. Among them, the Annapurna Panorama Trail is a moderate-grade run in the lower elevation. The trail is mainly stone steps, rocky trails, and forest trails crossing many rivers and streams. Do research and choose the right trail or route that suits your skill level, time availability, and preferences.

Equipments

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