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Annapurna Circuit Trekking / Round Annapurna Trek

Trip Facts: Activities : 12 day Trekking, 4 nights in Kathmandu & pokhara with one full day city sightseeing.

Start/End: Kathmandu

Destination : Annapurna Circuit / Round Annapurna, Thorang La Pass, Muktinath, Jomsom

Trip Duration : 17 days

Max. Altitude : 4420 meters

Group Size : Min. 1 / Max.20

Best Season : February, March, April, May, June, September, October, November & December.

Trip Grade :

Daily walking Hour: Approx. 4-6
The highest point of the Annapurna Circuit trek is Thorung La pass at the top of the valley at 5416 meters 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 people to manage in one day.

This circuit was once considered one of the best treks in the world though road construction is threatening its reputation and its future as a classic trek. Yet no one disputes that the scenery is outstanding: 17 to 21 days long, this trek takes you through distinct regional scenery of rivers, flora, fauna and above all - mountains.

There are four regions that are passed through on the trek; Lamjung, Manang, Mustang and Myagdi. Lamjung and Myagdi of the lower elevations are both predominantly Hindu and with lush green subtropical valleys with villages and terraced farming.

Manang and Mustang are of the higher elevations and are predominantly Tibetan Buddhist. The Manang people are Gurung (not Tibetan descent) and are very proud of their unique cultural heritage and merging of lower land Gurung and Tibetan cultural influences. People of Mustang identify themselves a lot closer with Tibet and the Mustang region has actually been part of Tibet in history. Mustang also is one of the last places in the world to view the ancient Bonpo Religion in action. Villages to note for Bonpo are Thini and Lupra near Jomsom, and Nargon near Kobang.

The Annapurna Circuit is the popular name for a 300 kilometer trek in Nepal around the Annapurna mountain range in the Himalayas. The trek reaches an altitude of 5,300 metres on the Thorung La pass, touching the edge of the fabled Tibetan plateau. The magnificent mountain scenery, seen at close quarters includes Annapurna 8,091 metres which was the first 8,000 metre peak to be climbed, the magnificent ice pyramid Dhauligiri 8,167 metres, once the home of the legendary Buddhist guru Padmasamba, and Machhupuchhare 6,993 metres, considered by many to be the most beautiful mountain in the world.

The unusually wide range of climatic zones in such a small area as the Annapurna Circuit path ascends from 900 metres to 5,300 metres provides a chance to see many different plants and animals, and the different ways of life of the many peoples who live there.
The trek also goes through Buddhist villages and Hindu holy sites, most notably the village of Muktinath, a holy site for both Buddhists and Hindus, and Braga, one of the oldest monasteries in the region.

The eastern portion of the trek follows the Marsyangdi River upstream, to its source near the village of Manang. To get there several days of up-hill hiking are required. Then the route goes over the pass, a grueling day of hiking, and back down the other side, where it meets up with the Kali Gandaki River. At the end of the trek, several options are available: following the river further to the road proper to Beni and catching a bus to Pokhara, or adding on a trek to the Annapurna Base Camp (ABC Trek), aka the Annapurna Sanctuary Trek.

This is a "teahouse trek," meaning there are villages with lodges and restaurants to eat and stay in along the entire route. You are expected to eat breakfast and dinner in the same lodge where you are spending the night. Prices of rooms are seemingly inexpensive because of this (100-300Rs for a double) - lodge owners tend to make more money on the food and drinks they are selling you than on the room where you are sleeping.

Itinerary

Day 01: Arrive Kathmandu and transfer to Hotel. (1330m)

Day 02: Half day walking tour of Ason the old spice market, Kathmandu Durbar Square and Swayambhunath Stupa (Monkey Temple).

Day 03: Drive to Besi Sahar. (810m)
The drive to Besi Sahar takes about 5 hours. Leaving Kathmandu valley you are driven on the Tribhuwan Raj Marg (Highway) along the Trisuli river until Mugling. From Mugling you go Westwards along the Marshyangdi River. You will be trekking along the Marshyangdi River until the day you go over the Thorung la pass 5416m. From Besi Sahar we have a short trek of 90 minutes to 2 hours towards the village of Khudi. After an hours walk you cross a bamboo bridge which signifies the approach to Khudi. You can relax to the sound of the mighty Marshyangdi.

Day 04: Trek to Bahundanda. (1310m) 5-5.30 hours.
Leaving Khudi, you pass by a local school on the right side. You will have to stop at Bulbule where there is a check post for the Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP). You cross a steel bridge over the Marshyangdi river which serves as a vital connection between both sides of the village. You continue past mostly level rice fields until the village of Ngadi (The birth place of Late DR. Harka Gurung). Your trek leader will probably suggest a lunch stop. After lunch you will cross another large suspension bridge over the Ngadi River where the trail begins to ascent straying away from the Marshyangdi river through a wooded area. The last hour is a pretty steep climb to Bahundanda (Hill of Brahmins) through cultivated fields.

Day 05: Trek to Chyamje. (1430m) 6-6.30 hours
Leaving Bahundanda, you will descend on several stone steps. The farmers can harvest 2-3 crops a year in these lowlands depending on the rainfall. The path levels off and from here the small villages of Sildhunga and Tadring and be seen on the hillside opposite the valley. Contouring along the undulating path until the descent to the small settlement of Syange. You will have a rest stop before the descent at Ghermu phant for a drink and to admire an impressive water fall on the opposite side of the valley. You need to cross a suspension bridge across the Marshyangdi. You will notice the sides narrowing and getting steeper while walking up the valley. You may pass mule trains along the way. From here is a steep climb to the village of Jagat. A series of up and down walk brings you to Chyamje, the final stop for the night.

Day 06: Trek to Bagarchhap. (2160m) 6-7 hours
You cross a suspension bridge to the east side of the Marshyangdi soon after leaving Chyamje. You continue along a series of over hanging rock formations. The path begins to traverse a broad ledge after a short climb. You then come to a series of stone steps as you pass a couple of tea shops while going uphill. The trail evens out after a while and you will cross though an archway- which is the gateway to Tal and the Manang district. Tal means lake in Nepali. You can see a broad expanse where a lake used to be. The Tibetan influence gets more evident from here on with Chortens, Gompas and the architecture of the buildings.

The trail from Tal levels out for a while, a welcome relief for your legs. You will cross a bridge back to the West of the Marshyangdi after about an hour later. You can see the old trail on the other side which was recently abandoned due landslides. The trail continues up wards until the village of Dharapani where there is a police check post. Bagarchhap is only another 45 minutes walk from Jagat. (1920m)

Day 07: Trek to Chame. (2630m) 5 hours.
Great views of Mt. Annapurna II 7937m and Mt. Lamjung Himal (Mountain) 6932m greet you as you proceed up the valley. You reach the village of Danakyu after 30 minutes. If you look behind the lofty peaks of Mt. Manaslu 8156m, the eight highest in the world and Peak 29 7833m could be visible on clear days. There is a steep climb for about an hour through Pine and Fir forest with spectacular scenery. You may see Langur monkeys in the forest. You will reach Timang village with spectacular views of Manaslu 8156m. Continuing on a flattish path and a river late the village of Thanchok is reach. The towering Annapurna II 7937m is incredible further up the trail. The path rejoins the main trail while descending through woodland down to Koto which sits in the shadow of Annapurna II 7937m. The Nar Khola (river) from the recently opened valleys of Nar and Phu joins the Marshyangdi from the right side of the valley. Chame which is the district headquarters of Manang is a short walk from here. There are excellent views of Lamjung Himal 6932m from here.

Day 08: Trek to Pisang. (3190m) 5 hours
This day is a shorter trek to Pisang. However as it is so beautiful most trekkers take their time to admire the scenery and take lots of photographs. You will pass through a series of mani walls. The trail is pretty even until the apple orchards of Brathang. The trail heads uphill for about 45 minutes through forest, leveling off before reaching a suspension bridge. A moderate climb follows after crossing the bridge through a forest consisting of Juniper, Pine and Fir. The valley begins to broaden and Pisang Peak 6091m stands out in front of you. You pass a couple of small lakes where sometimes birds can be seen wading. Pisang is divided into upper and lower.

Day 09: Trek to Manang. (3500m) 5 hours (Low Route) or 7-8 hours (High Route).
There are 2 options on the days a low route 5 hours or the high route 7-8 hours. If you take the lower, less strenuous route, the path out of the valley is pretty level and then once out of the valley you begin to contour round to your left and climb up onto a ridge. The view from this ridge is breathtaking looking down into the Manang valley and you will want to stay here all day to enjoy it! Dropping to the valley floor the path is wide and dusty. You will have noticed that the scenery here is becoming more arid, the air drier and the wind colder. Annapurna III (7,555m) rises to the left and passing through the village of Hongde you will see the deserted remains of the old village on its outskirts. The path then rises gradually and takes you into the next valley. After a couple of hours walk you will pass through the village of Braga, just 30 minutes walk from Manang.

The High route
If you are feeling fit and energetic then the high route on the east bank of the Marshyangdi is strenuous but well worth the effort. You cross the river out of Pisang village and then take a reasonably level path through scrub land, passing a small picturesque lake on your right. You then pass a long mani wall and descend to cross a stream and begin a strenuous zigzagging climb up to the village of Ghyaru (3,673m). A welcome tea shop is the first house you reach in the village. It is well worth climbing up to visit the Gompa at the top of the village. The views from here of Annapurna II and Annapurna IV are totally stunning. From Ghyaru you continue up the valley on a wonderful high level trail, passing the ruins of a castle set on a promontory, with views both ways up and down the valley. You then arrive at the village of Ngawal (3,650m) where there is a large newly built Gompa up to the right. You leave the village near a long mani wall. Finally you descend back to the valley floor and rejoin the main trail to continue to Braga and Manang.

Annapurna Trekking, Thorang La Pass, 5416m.Day 10: Rest Day for Acclimatization.
It is essential to spend time for acclimatisation in this area. There are splendid views of the peaks from both Manang and Braga villages. Manang is a large village situated on a rise immediately across from the huge Gangapurna glacier. A beautiful emerald lake lies at its foot. There are plenty of good walks in the area and for at least a couple of hours you should try to climb as high as possible above the village. Side trips are recommended to a small summit with prayer flags about an hour above Braga village, or up the ridge behind Manang village, or to a viewpoint above the lake opposite Manang Village. It is also possible to walk up the valley towards Tilicho Lake to the village of Khangsar. In addition it is worth visiting the Manang Gompa or, if it is open, visit the clinic run by the Himalayan Rescue Association they often have talks about altitude in the afternoon. There are also shops to explore for souvenirs.

Day 11: Trek to Yak Kharka. (4090m) 4 hours.
Despite being shorter day, it is essential for acclimatisation to stop between Manang and Thorong Phedi. You will leave Manang and take about 30 minutes to reach the upper village. After this you contour round the hillside and gain great views of the Grand barrier, the high ridge between Roc Noir and Nilgiri named by French climber Maurice Herzog. Below the grand barrier you will see down the Khangsar valley which leads up to Tilicho lake. Passing the hamlet of Gunsang you continue through the barren upper reaches of the Manang valley. The path ascends gradually but is still hard work due to the increased altitude. You will arrive at Yak Kharka and have lunch there. In the afternoon you could take a walk further up the valley or climb the ridge behind the village if you make it to the top of the ridge there are great views of the north of the Annapurna range. Either of these walks would help with acclimatisation. Even if you only venture a short way above the camp there is the chance to see the large flocks of blue sheep which inhabit this area. Either of these walks would help with acclimatisation.

Day 12: Trek to Thorung Phedi. (4420m) 4 hours
Again today is another short day, yet essential for proper acclimatisation. Leaving Yak Kharka you will pass through the small collection of lodges known as Letdar. You will take a high route, which winds its way around the eastern side of the Thorong valley, before dropping down to the valley floor. Crossing the river there is a short but sharp climb to Thorong Phedi. Phedi means foot of the hill and while it is the jumping off point for crossing the Thorong La it is not the prettiest place in the world! In the afternoon it is worth walking up beyond the first notch to the collection of huts known as upper base camp, as an acclimatisation walk, and then continuing up to the right to a small peak for superb all round views. Watch out for blue sheep here. (4420m)

Day 13: Trek to Muktinath (3800m) via Thorung la (5415m) Approximately 8-10 hours.
Starting at dawn or thereabouts you first ascend steeply for 1 hours to a rock ledge and notch at 4,679m, then continue up along an ascending and undulating trail. This ascent will seem endless and be warned there are several false summits - but there are great views back down the valley as you go. Finally, after anything from 3 to 5 hours, you arrive at the top of the Thorong La 5,416m) with its large cairn and many prayer flags. You will have spectacular views of the Annapurna Range to the south and the Mukut Himal bordering Dolpo to the west. The peak immediately south of the pass is Thorong Peak this is a trekkers peak and you may see people climbing here. You will probably not want to linger too long at the pass as it can be very cold and you will probably be feeling the effects of altitude. The descent to Muktinath is very steep and takes some 3 to 4 hours. This is where you might appreciate having walking poles to take the strain off the knees! During the descent there are splendid views of Dhaulagiri (8,175m) and Tukuche Peak (6,920m) and all the way down into the valley of the Kali Gandaki below. Finally you see the buildings of Muktinath coming in to view. You bypass the enclosure round the famous temples and descend to the main village, which is actually called Ranipauwa and not Muktinath, a name which technically refers just to the temple.

Day 14: Trek to Jomsom 2800m
Today you walk on the fair weather road till Eklebhatti. Despite having to descend 1000m it is not hard on your knees unless you are suffering from the previous days descent. From Eklebhatti, you criss cross between the road and the banks of the Kali Gandaki river. You will notice how windy the Kali Gandaki valley is after 10 am. The Kali Gandaki here is called the Thak Khola, from the ethnic group, the Thakalis, many of whom live in this area. Enterprising and ambitious, the Thakalis formerly dominated the salt trade with Tibet in this region and after its collapse diversified into running hotels along the trek route, construction and other businesses. Overnight lodge.

Day 15: You take a flight from Jomsom to Pokhara, and transfer to your hotel.
The rest of the day is free to relax and wander around the lakeside town. Overnight at Hotel.

Day 16: After a morning relaxing in Pokhara,
you will take the exciting flight back to Kathmandu giving you the opportunity to view the Annapurna massif you have just trekked around. On arrival, you will be transferred to your hotel and then have the opportunity to relax and reflect on your adventures and to complete any sightseeing and last-minute shopping. Overnight Hotel.

Day 17: Departure from International Airport.

Note: It is possible to combine with some other activities such as white water rafting and wildlife safari. The itinerary can be customized according to your duration of holiday.

Service Includes

• All meals (B/L/D) during the trekking period
• Accommodation (Lodge) during the trekking period
• National park permit
  
• Domestic airfare (if necessary)
• Domestic airport tax (if necessary)
• English speaking guide
• Highly experienced staffs
• Staffs food, clothing & salary
• Staffs insurance
• All necessary grounded transportation
• Medical supplies (first aid kit will be available).
• Airport picks up & drops
• Arrangement of Emergency Helicopter service which will be paid by your Travel insurance company.
• TIMS Card (Trekker's Information Management System)
• All Local / Government Taxes
  

Service Excludes

• Personal nature expenses
• Bar bill and all kind of drinks
• Rescue & Evacuation
• Gratitude (tip) for staff

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