Annapurna Circuit Trek

based on 6 reviews
Trip Information
  • Trip Duration 16 Days
  • Difficulty Level Challenging
  • Destination Nepal
  • Max. Altitude 5416m
  • Things To Do Trekking & Hiking
  • Best Season Mar-May | Sep-Dec

Highlights

  • Enjoy the breathtaking views of Annapurna Himal, Pisang peak, Dhaulagiri, and many more.
  • Observe the village lifestyle and try authentic cuisines in Tamang and Gurung villages.
  • Cross the high Thorong La pass.
  • Hike through the stunning KaliGandaki and Marshyangdi river valleys.
  • Explore the religious shrine Muktinath and the 108 water sprouts there.
  • Enjoy the natural hot springs at Tatopani.
  • Sightseeing in the city of 7 lakes, i.e., Pokhara
  • Witness the breathtaking sunrise view from Poonhill
  • Enjoy walking and driving with the view of nature everywhere.

Annapurna Circuit Trek is famous as one of the best trekking routes in Nepal in the Annapurna Region with the eight highest mountain range of Annapurna, offering lush green forests and a spectacular view of the Himalayas draped in white snow. This beautiful journey explores village lifestyle, cultural practices, religious places, flora, and fauna.

You will be amazed to see the habitat of varied groups of people up there on the lap of the Himalayas. We will trek through many small villages till we reach Manang village. Leaving Marshyangi River behind, we will ascend the highest point of this trek, Thorong La Pass, at 5416 meters.

Enjoy the moment at Thorung La Pass and descend to a famous religious place, Muktinath. It is believed that one can get salvation here. The trail continues, and we will enjoy the natural hot springs at Tatopani. Our weary muscles will get adequate rest there. After, we will be a part of the best sunrise view witnessed from Poonhill.

The exploration continues, and we will go on sightseeing in some famous places in Pokhara. The final drive features our drive back to Kathmandu with the Annapurna circuit’s beautiful trekking memories crossing numerous suspension bridges including snow-capped mountains, temples, monasteries, adventures, flora/fauna, culture, and many more.

The walk is enjoyable and social, not too strenuous, and nights are spent in cozy lodges with delicious meals. The walk circles around, ascending one valley, crossing the Thorung La Pass high peak (5412m), and then descending another valley. The western portion of the path is now open to vehicles, which regrettably means that due to traffic and dust, this route is better traveled by vehicle currently.

Nevertheless, this only gives the feet daybreak because the rest of the walk is breathtaking. We customized the base itinerary with two days of the vehicle in the first two days to overcome the dusty vehicle route.

What to expect during Annapurna Circuit Trekking

You will find great Himalayas trails in Nepal but Annapurna Circuit is beyond the beauty, the majestic Himalayan ranges, clear water flowing underneath the trail, and the scenically cascades flowing from the Himalayas are all the traits of Annapurna Valley. you will admire Purity in another hand, the trails are full of peace, joy, and laughter the people who are beyond the normal towns, and some vast culturally different people will support and share the bonding.

Annapurna Circuit Trek is an itinerary to experience the diversity of the Annapurna Sanctuary region, however, the trail does not follow the Annapurna Base Camp route and trek through the Thorong La pass to reach Muktinath.

While walking in the Annapurna region, stunning vistas of verdant valleys between the beautiful green and lush hills and snow-capped mountains with the experience of Annapurna Sanctuary. There are old sculptures, monasteries, and Tibetan-style small Buddhist towns in several parts of the valley and native residents will accompany you, you will experience thick woods in the trail and plain grounds for the grazing of the animals everywhere we pass. raging rivers and deep gorges are some additional attention-grabbing features of Anapurna Circuit Trek.

More than 60,000 hikers from all around the world participate in this journey each year. This hike encircles the Annapurna range, covering between 110 and 130 kilometers by the route. Embark on this trail to be part of the happy travelers to enjoy the purest and most loved Himalayan trek.

Is Annapurna Circuit appropriate for you?

If you are performing Annapurna Circuit Trek, there is one prior thing you need to understand. it is not only about trekking in the mountains. Mountains are great and will astound you with their higher stand and awesome white flames but there are many diversities in nature and to enjoy almost all of its admirable beautiful nature, the Annapurna Circuit Trek is among the Nepalese trail with such diversity.

The Annapurna circuit trail offers you magnificent terrain and cultivation with diversity. It is the dream that anyone wishes to take because of the different landscapes, towns, and populations along the way, as well as the gorgeous mountains of course. You can also learn about the nation's various facets, cultures, and geographies as you go across the Annapurna range.

Hindus revere Muktinath's temple and its 108 waterspouts, which are also a significant component of Nepal's cultural heritage. The settlements of Jharkot and Kagbeni, just a brief stroll along the trail, reintroduce the traveler to a Buddhist culture of monasteries and prayer flags.

A new trail opens up into Upper Mustang from the picturesque settlement of Kagbeni, and near yak Kharka you can experience yak and mule caravans carrying cargo north constantly passing through.

There are numerous interesting sights to see when exploring the tiny settlement, including nearly ancient ceramic relics. This walk is unquestionably exciting, full of everyday discoveries and engaging encounters, and supported the entire route by close-up mountain vistas.

How to cross the Thorong La pass

Supposed to be one of the toughest passes in Nepal, Thorong La Pass is one of the most iconic, scenic, and beautiful destinations to cross at a high altitude. Our main objective will be to traverse the Thorong La Pass, one of the highest passes in the world. The simplest and safest way to traverse the pass is from east to west (Manang to Muktinath). We understand that our trek was worthwhile when we reach the summit. Before traveling to Muktinath Valley at the base of the Thorong La Pass, we can take a few pictures.

Reaching Muktinath via Thorung Phedi. Even if the day is demanding, the reward for the exertion is the scenery from the summit of Thorung La (5416m). Bide your time, drink lots of water, and maintain the well-traveled and straightforward track. There are prayer flags and monasteries to indicate the pass and a tea shop nearby. The view of the Annapurnas from the Kali Gandaki Valley is breathtaking.

Trekking poles will come in handy as there is a steady and occasionally treacherous descent to Muktinath from the pass. It takes 3 12 hours to trek back down from the pass. Spend some time in Muktinath seeing the Tibetan merchants and monasteries hidden among the woods. They consist of the Jwalami (Goddess of Fire) Temple, a Vishnu temple, and a Buddhist stupa. The springs and gas jets that give Muktinath its renowned perpetual light are safeguarded by this temple.

Annapurna Circuit Preparation Tips

If you don't reside in the Himalayas, preparing your legs for greater elevations will be difficult. Nepal is the highest country on Earth after all. Determining this upfront is necessary because: Unless you've already hiked at a greater altitude

It is exhausting to hike continuously for fourteen to seventeen days, and being in shape is undoubtedly advantageous. However, keep in mind that while hiking, you are working out every day and will become incredibly mountain-fit. On day 13, we also take a break while we descend along the western route. So do some walking with a day bag and prepare accordingly, but don't go overboard. When you hike the Annapurna circuit, there are several hills to climb and descend.

Concentrate on the muscle in your thighs, calves, and back for carrying the backpack (it weighs just about 5 kg, but it seems like 10 when you're going uphill in the warmth). The high pass is pretty difficult.  if you've trained on your endurance before the trip, you'll cherish this trip rather more. This trip would be ideal for individuals who want to lose weight. Come back a few pounds lighter, healthier, and more toned.

Itinerary
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Our airport representative will be waiting for you at the Tribhuwan International Airport. You will be transferred to a hotel where you will complete all the check-in procedures. Make yourself comfortable! You can explore some local markets in the evening. The streets are busy; they can perfectly define the bustling culture in Kathmandu.

  • Accommodation: Hotel
  • Meals: Welcome Dinner
  • Max. Altitude: 1310m

Mount Annapurna II and III, Mount Machhapuchhre, and Mount Lamjung will accompany us throughout the trail if the weather isn’t gloomy. It takes about 7-8 hours to reach Syange. The path after near Besisahar can be a little adventurous as it isn’t as concrete and paved as before. However, the views of waterfalls, hills, forests, and mountains will keep us entertained. Note:- Breakfast at Your Hotel. Drive to Besisahar By Local Bus/Jeep. ( Private jeep is possible as an option).

  • Accommodation: Tea House
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
  • Max. Altitude: 760m

Next Day we will drive to Chame, the headquarter of Manang, which is a beautiful little town. The trail to Chame is more accessible than before. We will enjoy the view of mountains and forests throughout the drive and skip the dusty road.

  • Accommodation: Tea House
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
  • Max. Altitude: 2710m

We will start hiking toward Upper Pisang after a hearty breakfast. Annapurna II stands beautifully on our south as we stand on Upper Pisang to observe the view. The trail features a lush green forest, Marsyangdi river, and panoramic views of snowcovered mountains. We will also be rewarded with the very first glimpse of Paungda Danda's rock face. After some hours of toiling harder, We will finally reach the Upper Pisang, where we will rest overnight.

  • Accommodation: Tea House
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
  • Max. Altitude: 2710m

The trekking program continues. features trekking through the extensive forests, wetlands, and monasteries. The Lama school and the beautiful landscapes keep us busy capturing pictures. After 5 hours, we will finally reach Manang. It is trendy among trekkers as it is small but beautiful.

  • Accommodation: Tea House
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
  • Max. Altitude: 4573m

As the altitude rises, our body needs to adapt to the change. Acclimatization is essential if we are on high-altitude treks. Thus, we will roam around the Manang village and visit some monasteries, glacier lakes, and some village houses. Acclimatization doesn't mean complete rest. You should keep yourself active instead. Stroll around the village.

  • Accommodation: Tea House
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
  • Max. Altitude: 3519m

We will have to ascend 500 meters from the Manang village to reach Yak Kharka. The rest day at Manang rejuvenates our soul and body. So, we will continue trekking through Tenki Manang and Jarsang Khola valley. We will leave the Marshyangdi valley behind and continue walking till we reach 4000 meters(Yak Kharka). Kharka translates to Alpine pasture. Yaks used to graze here. So, they named it Yak Kharka. You can witness the herd of yaks here.

  • Accommodation: Tea House
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
  • Max. Altitude: 3519m

We will climb for about 2 hours after breakfast. Then, we will have to descend to cross the river at 4310 meters. A final climb from there takes us to Thorong Phedi and High Camp. It is a small village full of life. The lodges and Tea Houses here are full of people who want to venture the high Thorong La pass.

  • Accommodation: Tea House
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
  • Max. Altitude: 4900m

The day is going to be hectic but worth the hard work. Tighten your shoelaces, folks! We are going to climb the highest altitude site of this trek. We don't want the weather to cause problems and ruin our view. So, we will start early in the morning. We will wake up and begin at 4 am. If the trek goes as planned, we will reach the pass by 9/10 am. Heavy snow can cause a significant problem.

We will climb the regular route steeply for about 4 hours. The view from the top is jaw-dropping. The colorful prayer flags and chortens add glory to the idea. Rest and enjoy for a while because you may need some time to let all that sink in. We will have to climb for the next 4 hours to reach the holy shrine, i.e., Muktinath. It is a very famous religious destination among both Hindus and Buddhists.

The natural 108 water sprouts are the significant attractions of Muktinath. It is believed that one can cleanse all their sins if one takes a bath in these sprouts. After exploring a bit, we can also visit the Jwala Mai temple.

  • Accommodation: Tea House
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
  • Max. Altitude: 4600m

We will descend through the Kali Gandaki river valley, where the streets are a little busier than any other trail in the Annapurna Circuit. We will stop by the world's deepest gorge, i.e., Kopchepani, and explore nature. We will finally reach Tatopani. It is a natural hot spring where you can relax and rest your weary muscles. It is said that the water beholds healing power as it contains the essence of medicinal herbs as well.

  • Accommodation: Tea House
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
  • Max. Altitude: 5416m

we will be energized to fathom the rugged trails awaiting us. It takes about 6 hours to reach Ghorepani from here. We will have to climb up from Tatopani. Our eyes will enjoy the visual treat of Tukuche Himal, Annapurna South, and the Himchuli mountains as we finally reach Ghorepani.

We will enjoy the local delicacies as we take breaks amidst the Tamang and Gurung villages trek. The lifestyle and practices seem very different from the people of Kathmandu. You will be able to witness authenticity here.

  • Accommodation: Tea House
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
  • Max. Altitude: 1200m

Today, we will have to start early in the morning because there is a lot to cover. It takes about an hour to hike to Poonhill from Ghorepani. The sunrise view and the rays of the sun striking over the mighty Himalayas are something you will cherish forever. We will stay there for a bit, enjoying the sunrise and the Himalayas' utmost beauty.

After that, we will return to Ghorepani for our breakfast. We have a long day, so we will start walking downwards via ridges and beautiful rhododendron forests to reach Tikhedhunga. We will rest for some time in Tikhedhunga. We will soon begin to drive towards Pokhara through Nayapul. The road is filthy and uneven as we push for 1.5 hrs in a local Jeep or bus.

Later, we will drive in a private vehicle on an easy concrete paved road until we reach Pokhara. The transfer arrangements are all on us. Please make yourself comfortable and make the day count. It is going to be a roller-coaster ride overnight in Pokhara.

  • Accommodation: Tea House
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
  • Max. Altitude: 2850m

Today we will lower down to Ghandruk Village, often mentioned and famous as Gurung ethnic village in Annapurna Areas. Ghandruk is a perfect example of the Gurung community's settlements and culture.

  • Accommodation: Tea House
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
  • Max. Altitude: 2700m

We will drive to Pokhara from a Ghandruk on a scenic road but bumpy as an adventure in itself.

Additionally, you can see some famous attractions of Pokhara like Bindabasini Temple, Davis falls, Gupteshwor cave, etc. If you are into adventures, you can go on paragliding or bungee jumping.

You will have to inform us about this during booking so that we can plan the schedules accordingly. After a long day of sightseeing, we will enjoy our dinner with authentic Thakali cuisine and live performances in the hotel.

  • Accommodation: Hotel
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
  • Max. Altitude: 1940m

Today, we will return to Kathmandu, enjoying the sights of mountains, and villages, and changing in a bird's eye view. It takes about 7 hours by Drive and 25 minutes by flight to reach Kathmandu. Thus, we will dart towards Kathmandu early in the morning. We will directly go to our hotel upon reaching Kathmandu and stroll around Thamel, where the farewell dinner awaits us with authentic Nepali traditions

Note:

  • Ground Transportation for Bronze Package
  • Flight for Silver and Gold Package
  • Accommodation: Hotel
  • Meals: Breakfast, Farewell Dinner
  • Max. Altitude: 822m

After early morning breakfast, our airport representative will transfer you to the Tribhuwan International Airport. You will have memories of adventures, trek experiences, and exploration of this mighty land. We wish you all the very best and hope that you will visit again very soon.

  • Accommodation: N/A
  • Meals: Breakfast
  • Max. Altitude: N/A
Route Map
Annapurna Circuit Trek map
Cost Includes
  • Airport Transport (Pickup and Drop)
  • Boating in Pokhara (Phewa Lake)
  • All Ground Transportation
  • Domestic Flight for Gold and Silver (Pokhara-Kathmandu)
  • Hotel Accommodation in Kathmandu and Pokhara with Breakfast (Twin Sharing Basis)
  • Tea House Accommodation en route on Twin Sharing Basis
  • All necessary Trekking Permits and National Park Entry fees
  • Government Licensed and Experienced English-speaking Guide
  • Porter Service (1 porter for 2 pax)
  • 3 meals during the trekking route (Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner)
  • Local and Government Tax
  • Complementary Company Cap and Certificate of Completion
  • First Aid Medical Kit (Carried by Guide)
  • Documentation and Rescue Arrangements
  • Farewell Dinner with Cultural program

We Care About Budget Travelers. You can reduce your cost with a Guide who will also Carry your Bag. This will be best to reduce the cost of Porter.

You can customize your Trip as per your Travel Plan and the days you have. We will totally handcraft your itinerary from Scratch and provide you with a custom cost for the Trek.

Cost Excludes
  • Extra night accommodation, Meals, and Sightseeing in Kathmandu because of early arrival, late departure, or early return from the mountain (due to any reason) in addition to the scheduled itinerary
  • Lunch and Dinner in Kathmandu except for Farewell Dinner
  • Travel Insurance
  • International Airfare
  • Nepal Visa and Entry Fees
  • Trekking Gears and Equipment
  • Private room Accommodation (This does not apply to Solo Travelers)
  • Tips for Guide and Porter (Expected as a Gesture)
  • Hot Water Shower, Extra Drinks, and Beverage, Water
  • Internet and Phone Bills (Wi-fi is free sometimes)
  • Personal Expenses (Energy Bar, Snacks, etc.)
  • Anything not mentioned in Cost Includes Section

We can also help you Hire equipment at an affordable cost for a day's basis payment.

  1. Down Jacket (1.5 USD per day)
  2. Sleeping Bag (2 USD per day)

Traveling Solo? Know about Single Supplementary Cost

Lets Trek Himalayas will charge a single supplement cost to clients who are traveling alone and want a room to themselves. Its purpose is to pay for the additional space that is not being shared with anyone else. Depending on the trip package, the kind of hotel, and the services being reserved, the single supplement's cost may fluctuate.

Single supplement costs can be quite significant, with some tour operators charging as much as 50-100% more for a single occupancy room. This can make it difficult for solo travelers to afford to take a trip.

Lets Trek Himalayas will offer a reduced single supplement or even waive it together during periods when we have lower occupancy rates. We specialize in serving solo travelers and offer affordable rates for single-occupancy rooms.

Additionally, we also offer a "share twin" option, where single travelers can opt to share a room with a same-sex traveler. you can see our Fixed Departure dates to join the journey.

Trip Details

The difficulty of Annapurna Circuit Trek

The Annapurna Circuit is a moderately difficult trek. You must be physically fit since you'll be hiking long distances every day for two weeks. The journey from Thorong Phedi to Thorong La pass is the most difficult portion of the circuit (5,416m). At this high elevation, there is a sharp 1-hour climb that will take your breath away. However, the views are well worth it!

The Annapurna Circuit Trek is a real challenge but not an excessively tricky trek unless you experience altitude sickness. meet some of the kindest and most generous locals on this trek, as well as many cheerful pupils wanting portraits. And indeed, the scenery is breathtaking, as is the peace, and makes your journey easier.

While you are worried about the route and backpacks, we provide you with very practical and experienced Guides and porters for your safety and carry your extra weight of 10 to 12 kg each porter and in our Gold Package can take three porters for a pair of pax up to 10 Kg.

Food and Drinks during Annapurna Circuit

While moving through the frost in your direction to Thorong La pass, you'll most likely be fantasizing about your favorite foods: a chicken parma, killer vegetarian tikka masala, or Fried stuffed with all the croutons you want.

Trekkers don't have to worry about their sense of taste; the meal in the Annapurna region is delicious and diverse. Prepare for a lot of carbs, seasonal vegetables, rice dishes, momos, Tibetan dishes, and the most iconic highland food of all time Dal Bhat.

Dal Bhat is a traditional Nepalese meal made up of rice, lentil soup, and some other food ingredients, and it's usually everything that you can enjoy, ensuring that you'll never go desperate for food. 'Dal Bhat Power! 24 hours' people say in Nepal.

Dal Bhat and Lentis with various soups, Macaroni Dishes, Mo:mos, Muesli Breads, Steaks and Sandwiches, Eggs, Sherpa Stew, and Local Tsampa porridge are some great food to try during Annapurna Circuit Trekking in Nepal.

The number of bakeries selling all unique and great quality desserts will astound you. We recommend visiting these because they are fantastic!

Accommodation while trekking to Annapurna Circuit

We will stay in tea houses during Trek days and 3-star hotels while on the hike in Pokhara and Kathmandu. The lodgings are all twin-shared rooms. A single supplement will be provided in the silver and gold packages. Although we will arrange for restrooms with adjacent rooms, some teahouses only have shared sinks and commodes.

Accommodation is a primary factor during a Trek that is one of the reasons to choose among various price options Lets Trek Himalayas provides to plan better on your vacation with extra luxury which will make your trek far more pleasurable.

Private rooms are easy to find in Kathmandu, Pokhara, and the lower-level hiking destinations, but may be hard to locate at higher altitudes. In the offered lodges, solo hikers will receive a single private room with an attached bathroom.

Best Season for Annapurna Circuit Trekking

There are particular seasons when the climate is best suited, much like many treks in Nepal. The best months for trekking on the Annapurna Circuit are generally regarded to be October and November or March to May. It is usually not too cold when traveling to high elevations during these two seasons because the weather is usually clear and smooth.

Due to the large number of trekkers entering the Mountain during these two seasons, it is also the busiest time to be on the trail. Trekking is possible throughout the rest of the year, but you will need to be slightly more prepared for rough weather.

Blue skies and breathtaking views are possible during the winter season, which lasts from December to March. Higher elevations, however, can experience extreme cold and heavy snowfall, which frequently results in the Thorong La Pass being forced to shut down unexpectedly.

Ensure you have additional layers, a thick sleeping bag appropriate for temperatures of at least -20°C, and crampons are a must during winters and can be purchased in Kathmandu and Pokhara.

Road Construction Update

The Annapurna Circuit Trek used to last for 21 to 25 days and included many additional diversities, but we now have to make sacrifices if we want some comfort. The trek has become easier due to road construction, but it will be tedious to walk along all the recently built, dusty roads while trekking through Jagat or Dharapani.

The majority of the western and eastern portions of the Annapurna Circuit are now accessible by bus and jeep following recent road improvements. The new route drives you to Chame, where you can begin your trek on a fantastic trail.

Although the roadways are rough dirt paths, many hikers now choose to take a shortened version of this trek that begins 3 to 5 days into the usual approach.

Equipments

Below are very critical and essential trekking equipment list 

  • Daypack (25–35 liters), Pack cover, Comfortable Sleeping Bag (Depends upon the season, weather forecast, and personal preference), and it is possible to rent it from Kathmandu which cost 2$ per day.
  • Crampons, Headlamp/flashlight, and extra batteries
  • High-Quality Trekking Shoes, Camp shoes (Down Booties or Running Shoes)
  • Warm clothing (fleece, down jacket, thermals)
  • Rain gear (jacket, pants)
  • Camelbak water bladder or sipper (water bottle) and purification tablets/straw.
  • Sun protection (hat, sunglasses, sunscreen)
  • Maps and compass or GPS device
  • Trekking poles (optional)

Besides the Essentials list of Equipments and Packing, some other packing lists can come in handy for you in different situations in the Himalayas.

  • Sleeping pad and Insect repellent
  • Food and snacks
  • Multi-tool or Easy knife
  • Personal hygiene items (toothbrush, toothpaste, wet wipes, etc.)
  • Cash, credit card, and documents (passport, visa, travel insurance, etc.)
  • Extra batteries or Solar charger
  • Portable water filter or purification system
  • Emergency whistle and Signal mirror
  • Trash Bag

It is important to note that the specific requirements for long journey treks may vary based on the destination and the duration of the trek. Hence, it is always advisable to consult a local guide or trekking company to have a comprehensive understanding of the equipment needed for a particular trek.

Also, check the weather conditions and specific requirements for the trek you plan to undertake and pack accordingly.

Client Reviews
  • B

    Annapurna Circuit trek

    Best trip ive ever been to! Everything was amazing. The guide and porters were very friendly and were always ready to help throughout the hike. They always made sure we were happy and explained every part of the hike in detail, making sure we were ready for the challenging journey. I highly recommend this company for exploring the himalayas in the future!

     

    TripAdvisor
    Bhavish, wrote a review on May 2024India
  • A

    Journey of a lifetime

    An unforgettable experience with breath-taking views and charming villages along the way. Suman and Narayan were of great help during the whole time and supportive as well. Narayan was always checking out for everyone and made sure we were given the best treatment. The guide and the porters made the journey more memorable with their humour. The trek definitely required some physical fitness but it was totally worth it. It was challenging yet a rewarding experience . Highly recommned @letstrekhimalayas ! if you are up for such an adventure .

    TripAdvisor
    Alpana J, wrote a review on Apr 2024United Kingdom

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