Annapurna Circuit

Annapurna Circuit

This trip allows ample time to immerse you in the fantastic Himalayan environment. The Annapurna region offers an excellent trek through the huge Himalayan range with thehigh pass of  Throng-la at 5,416m. (17,700ft). The trek begins following the raging Marsyngdi River all the way to its source at near Manang, then leads through a beautiful valley following well established trails and passing traditional villages , forests, and snow covered passes. The walk continues with constant views of the massive mid Himalayan range along with its rich multi culture, Himalayan wildlife and serene verdant forest of oaks, rhododendron, hemlocks, pines, and Himalayan maple trees which remind you of theever present beauty and majesty as you engage in your trek. The Annapurna Circuit is one of the most popular treks not only in Nepal but in the world, and the Kali Gandaki Valley is renowned as being Nepal's most prosperous region. This is due in part to the Trans Himalayan & Salt Trade Route which passes through this region allthe way to Tibet. This section of the area is surprisingly wild and scenically varied. Thereare many settlements and isolated lodges and tea houses, all with open areas surrounded by enchanting forest and impressive views. Again, this trek has gained its reputation as one of the most renowned treks in the world;and this is due in part to the incredible views of the of the three highest 8000m mountain range Mt.Annapurna, Mt. Dhaulagiri, and Mt. Manaslu, plus an array of over 6000m snowcapped peaks. The trek leads towards a glacial lake in Manang, through the rural farm villages, and terraced farm fields from the sub-tropic climate to the arctic landscape andthrough the rain forest to the alpine woodlands. The dramatic deep valleys and mountain scenery is the foremost reason for this trek, and the experience is truly awe-inspiring.

Further north is inhabited by the Manang people of Tibetan origin. Our trek follows the Yak country and finally over to the Thorung-la, 5,420m pass with amazing views of the surrounding landscapes and magnificent peaks. After the strenuous walk up to the top of Thorang-la, we reach the highest point of this trek. The trail descends most of the way to Pokhara passing through the holy site of Muktinath.Muktinath is the headwater source of the sacred Kali Gandaki River. The deepest gorge in the world is located here, due to the Kali Gandaki River. You will also pass the charming villages of Jomsom, Marpha- Tukuche, and Tatopani (hot spring). We end our trek at Pokhara, one of the most picturesque places on this earth.

Itinerary

• Day 01

  Arrive Kathmandu (1300m) and transfer to hotel.

  Welcome to Nepal. Once through immigration and baggage collection, head to the meeting area outside the airport where you'll be met by one of our local team for the transfer drive to your hotel. After time to rest and get refreshed, you'll have an informal briefing and overview about the local area and tomorrow's guided tour of Kathmandu plus a chance to ask any questions. This evening we invite you to enjoy a complimentary welcome dinner at one of the finest traditional Nepalese restaurants in Kathmandu. Overnight Kathmandu.

• Day 02

  Trek preparation day - optional guided sightseeing available

  Today is a trek preparation day - a chance to rest and relax, make any last minute purchases or preparations for your trek and explore the local area.

  If it's your first visit to Nepal and you'd like a guided introduction to the key sites, we're happy to arrange guided sightseeing today as an optional extra. Please let us know and we'll be happy to arrange this for you. Your guided tour would include a chance to explore some of the key cultural and heritage sites of Kathmandu including Kathmandu Durbar Square, an impressive World Heritage Site and hugely important place in Nepalese history and culture. You'll be able to visit the ancient palace complex and the temple of the Living Goddess of Nepal , the Kumari. You'll also visit Hanuman Dhoka and Kasthamandap Temple. From here, we'll drive to a key Buddhist site, Swoyambhunath Stupa, also known as the "Monkey Temple" on the hill overlooking Kathmandu city. After time here we'll continue to Pashupatinath Temple, the holiest shrine for Hindus, situated on the banks of the holy Bagmati River, a popular cremation site. Before returning to your hotel we'll visit Boudhnath Stupa, an important Tibetan Buddhist pilgrimage site, with the huge stupa surrounded by many small monasteries, shops and cafes. 

  Today, your guide will also meet with you to provide a briefing on your trek and answer any questions you may have. The rest of your evening is at leisure to rest, relax or perhaps explore locally. Overnight Kathmandu.

• Day 03

  Drive Kathmandu to Besi-Sahar (760m) 06-07 hrs.

  After an early breakfast, we'll drive along the scenic Pokhara highway. This is a fascinating drive through the foothills of the Himalaya. The road has been greatly improved in recent years. Just two hours before the road that leads to Pokhara, our route diverts from the road and into the village of Dumre towards north to Beshishar where we'll rest overnight. 

• Day 04

  Drive to Chame (2650m) 08 -09 hrs trek.

  Today we drive to Chame, from where the trail follows the Marsayangdi River steadily uphill to Tal (1,700 m.), a small village at the foot of a large waterfall. Now the trek enters into the historically Tibetan Manang district. The trail crosses a wide, flat valley before climbing a stone stairway. (1,860m). The trail continues with its expected ups and down before reaching Dharapani. From Dharapani the vegetation, the people and the landscapes will begin to change before your eyes. The air gets cooler; and the trail then climb through forests to Bagarchhap, which is the first village on the trek with typical Tibetan architecture. The altitude slowly gains as we come closer to the apple country at Dhanaqi, and to the alpine region passing through farm, orchards, and beautiful pine forest with views of towering peaks of Lamjung and Annapurna II. The trail follows the river Marsayangdi upstream passing by the villages of Ratamanang and Koto before Chame. Chame; is the headquarters of the Manang district. There are fine views of Annapurna II from Chame. During the evening explore the market, and visit the small natural hot spring. Overnight at local teahouse lodge.

• Day 05

  Chame to Upper Pisang (3300m) 04 - 05hrs trek.

  The trail runs through a deep forest in a steep and narrow valley. We cross a river on a long suspension bridge (3,040m.) Nearing the village of Pisang, one has a view of the whole of the Manang valley, a wide U-shaped area between two huge snow peaks. Lunch will be at Dhukure Pokhari, the perfect spot for majestic views of the surrounding landscapes. After an hour walk will lead to Lower Pisang and overnight at the best available Lodge. In the same day a visit to Upper Pisang village is possible, which exemplifies more Tibetan houses with age old traditions and culture, with a paramount monastery and amazing view of Annapurna range. Overnight at local teahouse lodge.

• Day 06

  Trek to Ngawal (3660m)

  This morning we trek to Ngawal. Overnight at local teahouse lodge.

• Day 07

  Ngawal to Manang (3540m) 04-05 hrs trek.

  From Pisang onwards, the trek lends constant views of the high snow capped peaks. The path climbs steeply for half an hour, directly after a gradual walk from the Pisang village. When we reach ridge top, there will be a grand view of the entire Manang valley. The dramatic views offer such sites as: Hongdre village with its short air-strip, the great peaks of Gangapurna, Annapurna II, III, Tilocho, and on the right Chuli east, on the back Pisang peak. The walk is downhill and gradual all the way to Hongdre, from Hongdre the trek is more or less gradual on the wide path most of the way to Manang, adding a slight touch of altitude as you near the village of Braga and Manang. Here we will have time to spend the morning visiting Braga Monastery. The largest in the district, it has an outstanding display of statues, thangkas and the religious manuscripts. From here it is only an hour walk to Manang for the overnight stop. Overnight at local teahouse lodge.

• Day 08

  Rest and acclimatisation day at Manang (3540m).

  Today is a necessary rest day in order to get acclimatized, so take advantage of the location and explore Manang. This is a village of about 500 flat-roofed houses, and is quite picturesque set amongst some spectacular scenery -Annapurna II, Annapurna III [7,555 mtrs.], Gangapurna [7,454 mtrs.] to the South - Tilicho [7,132 mtrs.] and the Grand Barrier to the West - Chulu West [6,583 mtrs.] and Chulu East [6,059 mtrs.] to the North. Overnight at local teahouse lodge.

• Day 09

  Manang to Tilicho Base Camp (4140m) 07 hrs trek.

  From Manang, we trek towards the western gates and follow the path down to the river. After crossing the river, you will continue walking on its southern side through coniferous forests. Sooner you reach Khangsar Village. From Khangsar you will trek further to Sri Kharka and pass a monastery on the way. In the route, you will have the Gungang Himal and Mount Chulu in the backdrop to keep you company. This trail offers you a panoramic view of Tilicho Peak. Tilicho Base Camp is located at 4140 meters from sea level. This is the last place where mountain lodges are available before Tilicho Lake. Overnight at local teahouse lodge.

• Day 10

  Excursion to Tilicho Lake to Shree Kharka (4060m) 05 hrs trek

  Early in the morning, we will explore Tilicho Lake, the world's highest glacial lake. Beautiful blue water and Mount Tilicho on its shore, makes the view awe-inspiring. Returning to Tilicho Base Camp the trail continues to climb along the east bank of the Jorsang Khola, then descends and crosses the stream on a wooden bridge at 4,310 meters. After making a short ascent on a good trail to a small lonely teashop, the route then follows a narrow path across a high, unstable slope before to Thorung Phedi. Where there are about 3 lodges at present. Depending upon the group physical conditions and duration to reach here, if all is well in good health after a good break and a lunch, we can continue for another hour and half towards Shree Kharka. Overnight at local teahouse lodge.

• Day 11

  Shree Kharka to Ledar (4060m) 04 hrs trek.

  From Shree Kharka after four hours of walk, you will reach Ledar (4,250m.) From Ledar, the trail continues to climb along the east bank of the Jorsang Khola, then descends and crosses the stream on a wooden bridge at 4,310 meters. After making a short ascent on a good trail to a small lonely teashop, the route then follows a narrow path across a high, unstable slope before to Thorung Phedi. Where there are about 3 lodges at present. Overnight at local teahouse lodge.

• Day 12

  Ledar to Thorang High Camp (4925m) 05 hrs trek.

  From Ledar its relatively short trek to Thorang High Camp. A total of 5 hrs into the similar topography and you will reach Thorang Phedi. Phedi, which means ‘foot of the hill’, is a common Nepali name for any settlement at the bottom of a long climb. The trail becomes at its steepest immediately after leaving Thorung Phedi, and takes four to five hours from Thorung Phedi to the pass. The total journey from Thorong Phedi to High Camp consists of 1 kilometer of hiking over 2 hours and a steep elevation increase of 400 meters. Overnight at Thorang High Camp. Overnight at local teahouse lodge.

• Day 13

  Thorang High Camp (4925m) 06 -07 hrs trek.

  Thorung-La pass is alive with traditional Chorten prayer flags flowing in the wind and is at an elevation of 5,416 m. which is the highest point of this trip. The views from the trail and from the pass itself are breathtaking. At this point you will understand why all the hard work was worth it. To the South the entire Annapurna range can be seen, including a heavily glaciated peak, the barren Kali Gandaki valley far below to the West, and the peak of Thorungtse (6,482 m.) to the North. The trail descends to Muktinath with a nice mountain desert view of Upper Mustang part from here. Muktinath the holiest of all holy places, during auspicious time according to Hindu & Buddhist calendars, this place is full and busy with pilgrims from Nepal and India, coming to pay their respect. Overnight stop at Muktinath overlooking excellent views of Dhaulagiri I, Tukuche Peak and Nilgiri. Overnight at local teahouse lodge.

• Day 14

  Trek to Muktinath (3760m) via Thorong La pass

  We will wake early in the morning to the divine sound of a temple bell, and visit the famous pilgrimage center to Muktinath Temple area. After breakfast, it is an easy trek down to Kagbeni. The trail descends very quickly to the valley floor. The descent is through a dramatic, arid landscape all the way to Kagbeni. After few hours walking from Kagbeni one reaches Jomsom, a large town and a headquarters of the Mustang region with an airstrip just above the Kali Gandaki River. It is yet another major village on the Kali Gandaki area linking the age old Trans-Himalayan Salt Trade route to Tibet. From Jomsom onwards it is very windy in the afternoon, but the path continues following downstream of Kali Gandaki with different views of mountain and sandy path. Overnight at local teahouse lodge.

• Day 15

  Drive to Lete (2489m) via Marpha (2650m) xx hrs.

  The drive from Jomsom to Lete passes through several small villages of Thakali people (natives of Mustang region). Its a straight gravelled road along side Kaligandaki River basin. You will visit Thini Village which is amazing for its unique location right below the road and is toppled on top of each other. You will then visit Dumba lake which is nestled in a quaint space right above Thini Village. After your lunch, you will driven to another amusing village of Mustang region, Marpha village. Marpha is a little gem, with whitewashed houses, paved streets and numerous well kept lodges. Here you will have time to celebrate with the local apple products like cider, brandy, and juice produced from the orchards of this area from that Kagbeni to Larjung is famous for. Visit Marpha village with Monastery, Apple Brandy factory and around. An hour of drive westwards and you reach small village of Lete which will be your stopover for the night. Overnight at local teahouse lodge or hotel.

• Day 17

  Trek to Nayapul and drive to Pokhara

  Today is the last day of your trek as we follow the trail down to Nayapul. We'll be picked up from here for the scenic drive (approximately 1 hour) back to the charming lakeside town of Pokhara where the rest of your day is free to rest and relax. Overnight Pokhara.

• Day 18

  Fly Pokhara to Kathmandu

  This morning is free to enjoy the lakeside area or relax at your hotel. This afternoon you'll be picked up for the transfer to the airport and your flight back to Kathmandu. Evening at leisure and overnight Kathmandu.

• Day 19

  Buffer day - at leisure Kathmandu

  Today is a buffer day in case we have any weather or other delays on trek, or it can be used as a day at leisure to rest and relax in Kathmandu, with optional guided half or full day sightseeing available on request. Overnight Kathmandu.

• Day 20

  Depart Kathmandu.

  Today is free until it's time for checkout and the transfer to the airport for your flight home or onward to your next destination.