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ANNAPURNA CIRCUIT TREK / Nepal
Annapurna Circuit Trek / Nepal
INTRODUCTION:
Annapurna Circuit is one of the world's classic and most rewarding treks. The route offers amazing diversity of landscapes: Nepali countryside, sub-tropical forests and breathtaking Himalayan panoramas. It reveals some of the world's highest mountains: Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, Machhapuchhre, Manaslu, Gangapurna and Tilicho. Based in remote Hindu and Tibetan villages, you explore the cultural variety of the ethnic groups and encounter temples, monasteries and sacred places for Hindu and Tibetan Buddhists. We end this incredible journey with 3 days of sightseeing of the word's cultural heritage of Kathmandu, Bhaktapur and Patan.
TOUR HIGHLIGHTS:
♦ Annapurna circuit, one of the world’s classic trekking routes ♦ Breath taking Himalayan scenery ♦ Thorong La 5416m, offering spectacular views across the Himalaya ♦ Swayambhu Buddhist stupa, Kathmandu's most ancient and enigmatic shrine ♦ Durbar Square - Kathmandu’s most spectacular legacy of traditional architecture ♦ Muktinath, a sacred place for both Hindus and Tibetan Buddhists ♦ UNESCO World Heritage sites: Boudhanath stupa, the ancient Newar town of Bhaktapur and Patan (well preserved traditions of fine arts and handicrafts) ♦ Journey from Kathmandu to Besisahar through the picturesque Nepali countryside
DATES: Mar-May / Oct-Nov
DURATION: 17 days
DIFFICULTY: Medium to Difficult
DURATION: 17 days
DIFFICULTY: Medium to Difficult
ITINERARY:
DAY 1. Arrival in Kathmandu
Arrival at Tribhuvan international airport and transfer to the hotel for accommodation. At the evening we a have welcome meeting with our guides and staff and a short briefing about the upcoming trek. Overnight in Kathmandu.
DAY 2. Kathmandu valley
In the morning we will visit two UNESCO sites: the Buddhist stupa of Swayambhu, the most ancient and enigmatic of all the holy shrines in Kathmandu valley and Durbar Square, Kathmandu’s most spectacular legacy of traditional architecture. In the afternoon, there will be free time to prepare ourselves for the upcoming trek.
DAY 3. Transfer to Beshishahar and hike to Ngadi (890m)
After breakfast we have a transfer (apprx 180 km / 6 hrs) through the picturesque Nepalese countryside to Beshishahar, the capital of Lamjung District and starting point of the Annapurna Circuit. From Beshishahar we will have a short hike to Ngadi, a small agricultural village with friendly people, where we stay for overnight in a lodge.
Approx 1.5-2 hrs walking
DAY 4. Trek to Jagat (1450m)
Today we hike through magnificent forests, dramatic gorges and white water river reaching Jagat where we stay for overnight.
Approx 6 hrs walking
DAY 5. Trek to Dharapani (1960m)
In the morning we leave Jagat and crossing Marshyangdi river we head towards the village of Tal, the first Buddhist village we pass along on Annapurna trek and gateway to Menang district. We have lunch in Tal, famous for its beautiful surroundings and numerous waterfalls. Then walking upstream Marshyangdi we continue trekking further to Dharapani village where we stay for overninght.
Approx 5-6 hrs walking
DAY 6. Trek to Chame (2713m)
Within an hour uphill walk we reach Bagarchap (2164 m a.s.l), the first village along the trek with typical Tibetan architecture. Continuing we follow the trail to Danaque, passing through dense forests and farm lands. The route upstream Marshyangdi river offers magnificent views of the towering peaks of Annapurna 2 and Lamjung. We pass by the villages of Latamanang and Koto and soon we reach Chame, the administrative centre of the Manang district, offering great views of Annapurna 2.
Approx 6-7 hrs walking
DAY 7. Trek to Pisang (3180m)
In the morning we walk in dense coniferous forest, then our trail follows a cliff of deep canyon before we reach the apple orchards of Bhartang village. Then the trail heads towards the Dhukur Pokhari ridge and soon we get above the tree line. We enjoy great views of Pisang and Chulu peaks and the Pisang village at the bottom of the valley. Through the last part of the route we cross the river where the stunning rock wall of Paungda Danda rises more than 1400m from the river bank before we reach Pisang. At the evening we take a short walk to the upper parts of the village with typical Tibetan houses and monastery.
Approx 5-6 hrs walking
DAY 8. Trek to Manang (3500m)
The trek starts on a scenic trail from Lower Pisang ascending first gently and then more steeply to reach the top of a ridge that offers spectacular views of the upper Manang valley, Humde village, with its short airstrip and the great peaks of Gangapurna, Annapurna II & III, Tilicho and Chulu east. We continue towards Humde village and then further up to Braga – a village built impressively into a cliff-wall. After visit the monastery we have about an hour walk to Manang, where we stay next two nights. From this altitude we can start encounetring the great himalayan inhabitants, the "Yaks".
Approx 4-5 hrs walking
DAY 9. Acclimatization day at Manang (3500m)
We spend the day acclimatizing in Manang. The town of more than one thousand flat-roofed houses offers spectacular views of the surrounding giants of Annapurna II (7,937 meters), Annapurna III (7,555 meters) Annapurna IV 7147m- Gangapurna (7,454 meters) to the South - Tilicho (7,132 meters) and the Grand Barrier to the West - Chulu West (6,583 meters) and Chulu East (6,059 meters) to the North. We visit the Himalayan Rescue Association and have a short presentation.
DAY 10. Trek to Yak Kharka (4110m)
Leaving Manang behind, the trail gently ascends leading us to Tenki Manang, where we will be rewarded with stunning views of Annapurna, Gangapurna and Tilicho peaks. We climb out the valley of Marsyangdi and head towards Yak Kharka along a trail in the desert landscapes of Jarsang Khola valley. Free time in the afternoon for rest and short acclimatisation walks.
Approx 3-4 hrs walking
DAY 11. Trek to Throng Phedi (4400m)
Another short day for acclimatization. In about an hour we reach Ledar and along the east bank of Jorsang Khola we reach a small tea shop where we stop for a break. The scenery becomes more harsh as we continue ascending the valley in the direction of Thorong Phedi. Phedi, which means 'foot of the hill', is a common Nepali name for a settlement situated at the beginning of a long climb.
Approx 3-4 hrs walking
DAY 12. Trek to Muktinath (3800m) via Throng La (5416m) 7-8 hrs walk
The day of the challenge Throng La! We start early in the morning and within an hour walk on a steep trail we reach Thorong High Camp which is the last lodge on the way to the pass. Reaching Throng La our efforts are rewarded with breath taking panorama of the main peaks of Annapurna and snow-capped peaks extending northwards into Tibet. Then a long descent is awaiting us to Muktinath, a sacred place for both Hindus and Tibetan Buddhists located in Muktinath Valley at of 3750 m.a.s.l.
Approx 7-8 hrs walking
DAY 13. Trek to Jomsom (2600m)
After breakfast we visit the temple of Muktinath. The shrine is considered to be one of the eight sacred places known as Svayam Vyakta Ksetras, as well as one of the 108 Divya Desam, or holy places of worship of Lord Vishnu. Additionally, it is also one of the 51 Shakti Pitha goddess sites. It is believed that one should visit this temple after completing pilgrimage of four special religious sites, Chardham Yatra of India; Muktinath must be visited once. Later our journey continues in Kaligandaki river valley where we stop for a break at Ekle Bhatti (lonely teahouse). In another two hours we reach Jomson town where we spend the night.
Approx 6-7 hrs walking
DAY 14. Flight to Pokhara
After breakfast we have a flight from Jomson to Pokhara (approx. 20 min), the third largest city of Nepal. After arrival we have a short transfer to Lakeside of Pokhara where we check into a hotel. After a short rest we meet for a sightseeing tour of Pokhara
DAY 15. Transfer or flight to Kathmandu
In the morning we leave Pokhara for a long transfer through the picturesque Nepali countryside to Kathmandu. Check into a hotel and free time in Kathmandu.
Optional: Free time in Pokhara in the morning and flight to Kathmandu. Check into a hotel and free time.
DAY 16. Sightseeing in Kathmandu valley
After breakfast we have a guided city tour. We visit the ancient Boudhanath stupa, one of the largest in the world and UNESCO World Heritage site since 1979. Later we visit another UNESCO site - the ancient Newar town of Bhaktapur, founded in 12th century. Our next stop is the third royal city in the valley – Patan, famous for its well preserved traditions of fine arts and handicrafts. At the end of the day we have dinner in traditional restaurant with folklore performance.
DAY 17. Departure
Free time and transfer to the airport prior departure.
DAY 3. Transfer to Beshishahar and hike to Ngadi (890m)
After breakfast we have a transfer (apprx 180 km / 6 hrs) through the picturesque Nepalese countryside to Beshishahar, the capital of Lamjung District and starting point of the Annapurna Circuit. From Beshishahar we will have a short hike to Ngadi, a small agricultural village with friendly people, where we stay for overnight in a lodge.
Approx 1.5-2 hrs walking
DAY 4. Trek to Jagat (1450m)
Today we hike through magnificent forests, dramatic gorges and white water river reaching Jagat where we stay for overnight.
Approx 6 hrs walking
DAY 5. Trek to Dharapani (1960m)
In the morning we leave Jagat and crossing Marshyangdi river we head towards the village of Tal, the first Buddhist village we pass along on Annapurna trek and gateway to Menang district. We have lunch in Tal, famous for its beautiful surroundings and numerous waterfalls. Then walking upstream Marshyangdi we continue trekking further to Dharapani village where we stay for overninght.
Approx 5-6 hrs walking
DAY 6. Trek to Chame (2713m)
Within an hour uphill walk we reach Bagarchap (2164 m a.s.l), the first village along the trek with typical Tibetan architecture. Continuing we follow the trail to Danaque, passing through dense forests and farm lands. The route upstream Marshyangdi river offers magnificent views of the towering peaks of Annapurna 2 and Lamjung. We pass by the villages of Latamanang and Koto and soon we reach Chame, the administrative centre of the Manang district, offering great views of Annapurna 2.
Approx 6-7 hrs walking
DAY 7. Trek to Pisang (3180m)
In the morning we walk in dense coniferous forest, then our trail follows a cliff of deep canyon before we reach the apple orchards of Bhartang village. Then the trail heads towards the Dhukur Pokhari ridge and soon we get above the tree line. We enjoy great views of Pisang and Chulu peaks and the Pisang village at the bottom of the valley. Through the last part of the route we cross the river where the stunning rock wall of Paungda Danda rises more than 1400m from the river bank before we reach Pisang. At the evening we take a short walk to the upper parts of the village with typical Tibetan houses and monastery.
Approx 5-6 hrs walking
DAY 8. Trek to Manang (3500m)
The trek starts on a scenic trail from Lower Pisang ascending first gently and then more steeply to reach the top of a ridge that offers spectacular views of the upper Manang valley, Humde village, with its short airstrip and the great peaks of Gangapurna, Annapurna II & III, Tilicho and Chulu east. We continue towards Humde village and then further up to Braga – a village built impressively into a cliff-wall. After visit the monastery we have about an hour walk to Manang, where we stay next two nights. From this altitude we can start encounetring the great himalayan inhabitants, the "Yaks".
Approx 4-5 hrs walking
DAY 9. Acclimatization day at Manang (3500m)
We spend the day acclimatizing in Manang. The town of more than one thousand flat-roofed houses offers spectacular views of the surrounding giants of Annapurna II (7,937 meters), Annapurna III (7,555 meters) Annapurna IV 7147m- Gangapurna (7,454 meters) to the South - Tilicho (7,132 meters) and the Grand Barrier to the West - Chulu West (6,583 meters) and Chulu East (6,059 meters) to the North. We visit the Himalayan Rescue Association and have a short presentation.
DAY 10. Trek to Yak Kharka (4110m)
Leaving Manang behind, the trail gently ascends leading us to Tenki Manang, where we will be rewarded with stunning views of Annapurna, Gangapurna and Tilicho peaks. We climb out the valley of Marsyangdi and head towards Yak Kharka along a trail in the desert landscapes of Jarsang Khola valley. Free time in the afternoon for rest and short acclimatisation walks.
Approx 3-4 hrs walking
DAY 11. Trek to Throng Phedi (4400m)
Another short day for acclimatization. In about an hour we reach Ledar and along the east bank of Jorsang Khola we reach a small tea shop where we stop for a break. The scenery becomes more harsh as we continue ascending the valley in the direction of Thorong Phedi. Phedi, which means 'foot of the hill', is a common Nepali name for a settlement situated at the beginning of a long climb.
Approx 3-4 hrs walking
DAY 12. Trek to Muktinath (3800m) via Throng La (5416m) 7-8 hrs walk
The day of the challenge Throng La! We start early in the morning and within an hour walk on a steep trail we reach Thorong High Camp which is the last lodge on the way to the pass. Reaching Throng La our efforts are rewarded with breath taking panorama of the main peaks of Annapurna and snow-capped peaks extending northwards into Tibet. Then a long descent is awaiting us to Muktinath, a sacred place for both Hindus and Tibetan Buddhists located in Muktinath Valley at of 3750 m.a.s.l.
Approx 7-8 hrs walking
DAY 13. Trek to Jomsom (2600m)
After breakfast we visit the temple of Muktinath. The shrine is considered to be one of the eight sacred places known as Svayam Vyakta Ksetras, as well as one of the 108 Divya Desam, or holy places of worship of Lord Vishnu. Additionally, it is also one of the 51 Shakti Pitha goddess sites. It is believed that one should visit this temple after completing pilgrimage of four special religious sites, Chardham Yatra of India; Muktinath must be visited once. Later our journey continues in Kaligandaki river valley where we stop for a break at Ekle Bhatti (lonely teahouse). In another two hours we reach Jomson town where we spend the night.
Approx 6-7 hrs walking
DAY 14. Flight to Pokhara
After breakfast we have a flight from Jomson to Pokhara (approx. 20 min), the third largest city of Nepal. After arrival we have a short transfer to Lakeside of Pokhara where we check into a hotel. After a short rest we meet for a sightseeing tour of Pokhara
DAY 15. Transfer or flight to Kathmandu
In the morning we leave Pokhara for a long transfer through the picturesque Nepali countryside to Kathmandu. Check into a hotel and free time in Kathmandu.
Optional: Free time in Pokhara in the morning and flight to Kathmandu. Check into a hotel and free time.
DAY 16. Sightseeing in Kathmandu valley
After breakfast we have a guided city tour. We visit the ancient Boudhanath stupa, one of the largest in the world and UNESCO World Heritage site since 1979. Later we visit another UNESCO site - the ancient Newar town of Bhaktapur, founded in 12th century. Our next stop is the third royal city in the valley – Patan, famous for its well preserved traditions of fine arts and handicrafts. At the end of the day we have dinner in traditional restaurant with folklore performance.
DAY 17. Departure
Free time and transfer to the airport prior departure.
