Trip Duration : 14 Days
Activity : Trekking
Start - End : Bensi Sahar - Pokhara
Max. Altitude : 5416 m
The Annapurna region is that north of Pokhara in Central Nepal, and includes some of the world's highest and most beautiful mountains. These include the Annapurna range, Dhaulagiri and Machhapuchhre - the famous fish-tail mountain that dominates the skyline above Pokhara. In addition this area boasts the Kali Gandaki, the world's deepest gorge. The highest point of the trek is Thorungla pass at the top of the valley at 5416m high. Due to the difficulties of crossing the pass, the circuit is usually walked in a counter clockwise direction. Traveling clockwise the longer ascent and shorter descent from west to east is too much for many peoples to manage in one day.
As we descend to the west at Muktinath from Manang, we continue to the the barren Tibetan like village of the kali Gandaki - the world's deepest gorge passes between the giant Annapurna and Dhaulagiri mountains. After you cross the Thorung La pass from Manang to Muktinath the final seven days of the circuit trek are the same as the Jomsom Trek from Pokhara, but in reverse.
Facts:
Trekking duration : 14 days
Starting from : Bensi Sahar (By bus from Kathmandu)
Ending at : Pokhara (back from Birethanti or Phedi)
Highest access of the trek : Thorung La pass 5416m Pass.
Culture : Mixed culture based on Gurung ,Thakali& Magar
Mode of trekking tour : Teahouse ( Lodge) Trek - or camping trek.
Himalayan sights : Lamjung Himal, Annapurna Himalaya range (I,II,III,IV), Machhapuchhre Himal, Manaslu Himal, Dhawalagiri range, Tilicho peak, Tibetan ranges
Splendid breathtaking place : High mountain pass, great Himalayan view, Naturalhot Spring along the route, etc
Annapurna Circuit Trek Highlights
Day 01 Your arrival to Tribhuwan International Airport (TIA), you will be met by our Airport Representative, and transfer to hotel. Overnight at hotel. B.B.
Day 02 Drive Kathmandu to Besishahar (790m).
About 5 hours scenic drive by car / van. Overnight at Guest House. B.L.D.
Day 03 Trek from Besishahar to Bahundanda (1310m).
Today our journey starts at Besishahar, from where, the trail makes the climb to Khudi at 790m, we then reach the first Gurung village (many of Nepal’s Gurkha Soldiers are Gurungs). As we continue the from Khudi the trail offers fine views of Himalchuli and Peak 29 (Ngadi Chuli). It climbs to Bhulbhule at 825m; it then goes to Ngadi before reaching Lampata at 1135m and nearby Bahundanda at 1310m.Overnight at Guest House.
Day 04 Trek from Bahundanda to Chyamje (1400m).
Today the trail drops steeply to Syange at 1070m from Bahundanda crossing the Marsyangdi River on a suspension bridge. We then follow the river to the stone village of Jagat before climbing through forest to Chyamje at 1400m.Overnight at Guest House.
Day 05 Trek from Chyamje to Bagarchhap (2160m).
The day begins with the rocky trail following the Marsyandi Rivers steadily uphill to Tal at 1675m, the first village in the Manang district. We make a trailverse crossing a wide, flat valley. The trail then climbs a stone stairway to 1860m till another stairway. The journey continues making up and down to Dharapani at 1890m. There we find a stone entrance chorten typical of the Tibetan influenced villages from here northwards. We then visit the Bagarchhap at 2160m that offers the typical flat roofed stone houses of local Tibetans design although the village which is still in the transition Zone before the dry highlands.Overnight at Guest House.
Day 06 Trek from Bagarchhap to Chame (2630m).
With often rough and rocky, the trail climbs to Tyanja at 2360m, & then continues through forest, but near the river, to Kopar at 2590m. As we reach the Chame, the headquarters of the Manang district, we are rewarded by the fine views of Annapurna II as you approach Chame & two small hot springs by the town.Overnight at Guest House.
Day 07 Trek from Chame to Pisang (3300m).
The day starts through deep forest in a steep and narrow valley, crosses a river on a long bridge at 2910m. We then cross another bridge at 3040m, from there the view of the soaring Paungda Danda rock face really begins to appear. From there the trail joins to climb to Pisang, which sprawls between 3200m & 3300m.Overnight at Guest House.
Day 08 Trek from Pisang to Manang (3500m).
Today we continue through the drier upper part of the Manang district, cut off from the full effect of the monsoon by the Anapurna Range. People of this region, herd yaks & raise crops for part of the year besides, they also continue to enjoy special trading rights gained way back in 1784.
Leaving Pisang, we have an alternate trails north and south of the Marsyangdi River which meet up again at Mungji. The southern route by Hongde, with its airstrip, at 3325m involves less climbing than the northern route via Ghyaru, though there are better views on the trail that follows the northern bank of the river. From Mungji, the trail continues past the picturesque but partially hidden village of Bryanga at 3475m to nearby Manang at 3500m.Overnight at Guest House.
Day 09 Trek from Manang - Acclimatization day
Today we spend a day acclimatizing in Manang. The whole day we spend by doing some fine day walks and overviewing the magnificent views around the village & the day time is best to gain altitude. At the end of the day, we return back to our accommodation & have a night rest.Overnight at Guest House.
Day 10 Trek from Manang to Ledar (4250m).
Today we leave Manang, & the trai makes an ascent of nearly 2000m to the Thorung La pass. We make the climb steadily through Tenki, leaving the Marsyangi Valley. Continuing along the Jarsang Khola Valley, we reach Ledar at 4250m, there we see the vegetations steadily more sparse.Overnight at Guest House.
Day 11 Trek from Ledar to Phedi or High camp (4600m).
The trail descends to cross the river at 4310m we then climb up to Phedi at 4420m. At High Camp on the elevation of 4600m, we can recently found some good Guesthouses built. Your overnight stay will be there.Overnight at Guest House.
Day 12 Trek from Phedi or High Camp to Muktinath (3710m).
The journey from Phedi “foot of the hill” or at the foot to the 5416m Thorung La pass, begins the day. We then make the climb steeply that is regularly used and easy to follow. However, the problem may arise due to the altitude and snow. It often causes terrible problem to cross the pass if it is covered by snow. About four hours climb up to the pass marked by the chortens & prayer flags. As you reach the top, you are rewarded by the magnificent view from the top.Overnight at Guest House.
Day 13 Trek from Muktinath to Tukuche (2600m)
This place is also nice settlements of more than 100 houses of Thakali people. It has also 2 monasteries, and one apple brandy factory. If you are interested to see how apple brandy are produced, you will be taken there.
Day 14 Trek from Tukuche to Ghasa (2100m). Overnight at Guest House.
Day 15 Trek to Tatopani (1200m), This place is famous for its hot spring. This is the best place to relax your body after a long days trek.Overnight at Guest House.
Day 16 Trek from Tatopani to Ghorepani. Overnight at Guest House.
Day 17 Hiking to Poonhill - back to Ghorepani, and trek downhill to Tikhedhunga. Overnight at Guest House.
Day 18 Trek from Tikhedhunga to Birethati, and 1 hour car drive to Pokhara. Overnight at hotel.
Day 19 Drive back to Kathmandu by Private Car / Van - about 5 hours scenic drive. Overnight at hotel. B.B.
Day 20 Full day sightseeing tour of Kathmandu valley (Pashupatinath Temple, Boudhanath, Swayambhu, and Kathmandu durbar square). Overnight at hotel. B.B.
Day 21 Transfer to Airport for your onward Journey. Farewell!
