Annapurna round(circuit) trip
Trip Code:
apple-ac
Max. Altitude:
5416M
Routes:
Kathmandu- Besi sahar- Manang-Muktinath-Jomsom-Pokhara
Annapurna Circuit Trek is a classic trek around the world's tenth highest mountain, cross the classic Throng La Pass (5,416m/17,769ft) from Manang to Muktinath, take in fabulous mountain views
Annapurna round(Circuit) Trek
21 days
Trip Introduction
Annapurna Circuit Trek is a classic trek around the world's tenth highest mountain, cross the classic Throng La Pass (5,416m/17,769ft) from Manang to Muktinath, take in fabulous mountain views.
This is truly an extraordinary part of Nepal. The Annapurna Circuit Trek takes you from 830m/2,723ft to 5,416m/17,769ft and back. While on this trek you will meet ten different ethnic groups and pass through four different climate zones. Your efforts will be rewarded with the completion of this fantastic trek around the entire Annapurna massif. This magical 21-days trek reaches its zenith at 5,416m/17,769ft and traverses all the way through agricultural villages to high mountain passes that resemble mountain peaks and also to the beginning of the Tibetan Plateau.
This epic adventure begins from the town of Besisahar, and from there the next seven days will be spent walking through rice farms, forests and friendly villages belonging to the lower realms of the Annapurna Conservation Area. The peaks of Annapurna-I (8,091m/26,545ft) and Manaslu (8,187m/26,860ft) provide the backdrop for the initial stage of this journey passing the quaint villages of Chamje and Pisang. Manang (3,500m/11,482ft) marks the beginning of the next phase, where a day will have to be spent acclimatizing to higher altitudes. Time here, however, will be well spent observing Buddhist Monks praying at one of the many monasteries. Another option is exploring Gangapurna Lake and the impressive glacier beside it.
The Annapurna Circuit Trek will continue over the Throng La Pass (5,416m/17,769ft) from where you can marvel at the fabulous Mustang peak and the snow-clad bulk of Mt. Dhaulagiri (8,167m/26,795ft). Starting a descent you will have the chance to visit the Hindu pilgrimage site of Muktinath (3,800m/12,467ft) and wonder in amazement at the presence of 108 small waterfalls and mysterious natural gas fires. Descending further down, via Marpha, into the deepest gorge in the world on the Kali Gandeki River, all the way to Tatopani and its natural hot springs, where you can relax with a dip in one of them.
ITINERARY
Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu, pick up from the airport and transfer to hotel, rest and refresh for couple of hour and complete the official formalities:
Day 02: Kathmandu: sightseeing and trek preparation:
The day will start with a guided tour of Kathmandu's historical and spiritual attractions; including the historic Durbar Square, the sacred Hindu temple of Pashupati Nath, the famous 'Monkey Temple' (Swayambunath) and Buddha Nath, one of the largest stupas in the world. In the afternoon there will be pre-trip discussion where you can meet your trek leader and other team members, as well as ask any questions you may have about the upcoming adventure.
Day 03: Drive to Besi Sahar (823m)
The journey by bus to Besi Sahar takes approximately about 9 hours. This is a small town at the head of the Annapurna Circuit where you can find many shops and a pharmacy where you can buy little things that you might have forgotten. Lunch will be provided at the restaurant on the way to Besi Sahar and dinner will possible at your own camp or lodge.
Day 04: Besi Sahar to Ngadi (880m)
After a long walk through the Besi Sahar Bazaar, the trail drops, then follows the gentle slope of the Marsyangdi Khola to Khudi at 830m. This is the first Gurung Village you reach (many of Nepal’s Gurkha soldiers are Gurungs). Most of the people in the wide river valley are Brahmans and Chhetris although there are a few Gurung villages in the side valleys and slopes above the river. The Khudi trail offers fine view of Himalchuli (to the northeast) and Ngagdi Chuli (aka Manaslu II) as it climbs to Bulbule at 840m. You enter the Annapurna Conservation Area here and must register at the ACAP check point. Your guide will be completing all the necessary formalities in here. We soon reach the small settlement of Ngadi where we will overnight.
Day 05: Ngadi to Syange (1080m)
Today we start our walk by crossing a long suspension bridge to reach a Tibetan settlement and porter stop on the east side of the Ngadi Khola (river). There are excellent campsites beside the river on both sides of the bridge. The trail then moves gently upwards through scrub forests for about half an hour, then climbs to some bhattis and cold drink stall opposite the rice terraces of Lampata. The trail then makes a short steep climb to Bahundanda (hill of the Brahmins), an attractive village in the saddle of a long ridge at 1310m. The trail then descends steeply through amphitheatre-shaped rice terraces. Often flocks of parakeets are seen in the rice fields. Contour across terraces and eventually drop to a log bridge across a stream at the foot of a waterfall. The trail traverses high above the river to the pleasant village of Kanigaon where there is a Chinese restaurant. The trail drops to cross the Marsyangdi on a long rattling suspension bridge at Syange, our next camping stop. Syange is the last of the rolling Middle Hills before entering the main Himalayan range.
Day 06: Syange to Dhorepani (1920m)
From Syange the trail follows the river to the stone village of Jagat perched strategically in a steep sided valley and looking for all the world like the toll station that is was for the Tibetan salt trade. The trail descends before climbing through forest to Chamje at 1400 m. After Chamje, the trail again follows the Marsyangdi steadily uphill to Tal at 1700m. Here the valley has been filled by ancient landslides and the river meanders through the fertile flat land before disappearing under some huge boulders. Tal is the first village in the Manang district. The trail crosses the valley floor then climbs a stone stairway before dropping down to another crossing of the Marsyangdi and it continues to Dhorepani at 1920m, which is marked by a stone-entrance chorten typical of the Tibetan influenced villages.
Day 07: Dhorepani to Chame (2710m)
From Dhorepani we continue to Bagarchap meaning "the butcher’s place". This place has flat roofed stone houses of typical Tibetan design although the village is still in the transition zone before the dry highlands. The trail, often tough and rocky, climbs to the Lattemarang at 2440m and then continues through fir and pine forests to Kotho. Chame – at 2710m – is the headquarters of the Manang district and its buildings include many hotels, a health post and a bank. At the entrance to the villages you pass a large Mani wall with many prayer wheels. There are fine views of Annapurna II as your approach Chame and two small hot springs are across the river. The route crosses Marsyangdi Khola here.
Day 08: Chame to Pisang (3190 m)
We continue up a narrow valley of pine, hemlock and cypress forest. The trail leads serenely through the forest to lower Pisang; a side trip to higher Pisang (100m higher) is a must for an amazing view of Annapurna II. This arid region is in the rain shadow of the Himalaya. The men here are traders – and may sell or trade almost anything – and part-time farmers, and the women are full-time farmers.
Day 09: Pisang to Manang (3500 m)
There are 2 routes from here: a low road and a high road, the latter taking longer but affording outstanding views of the Annapurna Himal and few trekkers. Both routes converge in the large and interesting village of Braga, which is the seat of the oldest monastery in the area. The gompa is about 900 years old and belongs to the Kargyupa sect of Tibetan Buddhism, and contains some unique works of art. Manang is 30 minutes from here. Overnight at Manang.
Day 10: Manang (3500m)
Today is acclimatization day. For some, it is best spent being active and climbing to higher elevations for views and returning to the lower elevation for sleep. Manang itself is in a spectacular location with many rest-day options: there are lakes, caves, moraine-hills, monasteries or local activities in town. You can buy film, batteries, and sunscreen, Snickers bars and just about anything else a trekker could break, lose, forget or crave. The Manangis’ legendary trading skills are seen at their keenest here – buy with caution.
The setting of the Manang is most dramatic, with the summits of Annapurna and Gangapurna less than 8km away, and a huge icefall rumbling and crashing on the flanks of the peaks. The old part of the village is west of the hotels and is a compact collection of 500 flat-roofed stone houses separated by narrow alleyways. To reach a doorway you must ascend a steep log notched with steps. Exploring this fascinating area is one of the highlights of the journey.
Day 11: Manang to Yak Kharka (4090 m)
Facilities become scarcer upon leaving Manang. The trail begins to ascend, crosses a stream, climbs to Tengi then continues to climb out of the Marsyangdi Valley, turning north-west up the valley of the Jarsang Khola. The trail passing a few goths (yak huts) as it steadily gains elevation. You climb above the tree-line, the vegetation changing to scrub juniper and alpine grasses. The trail continues to the small village of Gunsang, a cluster of flat mud roofs just below the trail. The route passes through sparse forests of juniper, rose and barberry and a few meadows where horses and yaks graze. After the peaks of Chulu West and Gundang, the trail passes an ancient mani wall in a pleasant meadow at 3990 m. Beyond is Yak Kharka, also known as Koche, which is our next camping spot. We will probably see a large herd of yaks grazing in the fields nearby. Villagers from Manang collect firewood from the slopes above, which also support herds of blue sheep. The night in Yak Kharka is important for acclimatization.
Day 12: Yak Kharka to Thorong Phedi (4420 m)
One hour further, we reach Letdar, cross the river at 4310m and then climb to Thorung Phedi situated in a rock-strewn meadow surrounded by vertical cliffs. We get an early night in preparation for crossing over Thorong La in the morning. Local people have used this trail for hundreds of years to bring sheep and yaks in and out of Manang; the trail is well defined and easy to follow. The pass is usually snowbound from mid-December to late February and is occasionally blocked by unseasonable storms.
Day 13: Thorung Phedi - Thorong La (5416m) - Muktinath (3800m)
The trail now leaves the river valley and climbs steadily over a lateral moraine surrounded by icy peaks. The pass, marked by a traditional chorten (prayer flags and stone cairn), is the high point of our trek. It is an exhilarating geographical feature, dividing two mighty Himalayan valleys. Far below to the west is the Kali Gandaki River. Their is a teashop on top of the pass! The steep descent down the other side enjoys amazing views of the Mustang region, a shocking new desert landscape that distracts you away from your complaining knees. One's sense of scale boggles from the immense vertical relief of the Himalaya. We descend in that direction for the village of Muktinath, located in a poplar grove. It is a sacred shrine and pilgrimage site for Hindus and Buddhists. Dhauligiri comes into view for the first time, standing alone in the distance across the valley.
Day 14:Muktinath-Marpha: (2,670m)
Muktinath is an important pilgrimage place for both Hindus and Buddhists. Morning visit Vishnu Temple and Gompa. The trail today is quite surreal as you trek along a plateau above the Kali Gandaki world's deepest gorge. The barren landscape of this area resembles Tibet.
Day 15: Marpha-Ghasa: 2,120m
A day's trek through Kali Gandaki valley. There is a 360* panorama of peaks: Dhaulagari, Tukuche Peak, the three Nilgiris, Fang and Annapurna I. Continue trek to Ghasa.
Day 16: Ghasa-Tatopani:1,200m
Emerge back into subtropical forests, lush with vegetation. You will see more villages in this area; enjoy observing the everyday lives of the local village people.
Day 17: Tatopani-Ghorepani: 2,850m
After a long, gradual walk up, you will stay at Ghorepani in order to make the climb to Poon Hill early in the morning. From this point you receive spectacular views of the Annapurna & Dhaulagiri massif. Overnight in Ghorepani
Day 18: Ghorepani- Tadapani: 2,710m
Early morning ascend Poon Hill (3,210m. /10,531ft); from where you will see a spectacular sunrise over the whole Himalayan range and surrounding rice terraces (a photographer`s paradise!). After breakfast you will continue the trek to Tadapani for overnight. From the trail you will see panoramic views of Dhaulagiri and Annapurna range. Also a possibility to see monkeys.
Day 19: Tadapani-Ghandruk - Pokhara: 850m
The trail leads all the way down through the Rhododendron forest to Ghandruk. This is the second-largest Gurung settlement in Nepal. After lunch you will continue your trek to Nayapul to complete the trail. Followed by a ride back to Pokhara, a peaceful lakeside city harboring a unique setting of tropical climate and vegetation with the dramatic backdrop of the Himalayas. Overnight in Pokhara
Day 20: Pokhara-Kathmandu
Flight or tourist bus to Kathmandu, you'll head to your hotel. Today is a well-earned day to put up your weary feet and gratefully rediscover all of civilization's peaks. You could catch up on some last minute shopping or explore any sights missed during your first day in Kathmandu. Finally there'll be an evening celebration dinner together.
Day 21: Fly back to your next destination
Note: Itinerary can be modified according to your time availability . Like we can use jeep from kathmandu to Sange if the road excess is good, but the cost will be extra for the Jeep. Likewise we can reduce few days of trekking according to your walking experiences. For more detail you can contact to our office .
