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Around Annapurna Trekking

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Around Annapurna trekking  is one of the most renowned trekking in Nepal. The 18 - days route climbs along the Marsyangdi gorge through the remote valley of Manang to crest the arid, windswept northern flank Annapurna at the Thorung La, a high but straightforward pass at 5425 meters. The route then joins the ancient trading link beside the Kali Gandaki River.

  • Dates: Daily
  • Best Season: September to May Monsoon Treks from June to August
  • Duration: 24 Days
  • Trekking Days: 19 Days
  • Grade: Hard-Medium
  • Maximum Altitude: 5425 m
  • Commences At: Besisahar
  • Ends At: Phedi - Pokhara
  • Code: HA - II
Price: $ 1850 per Person in min.2 pax

Itinerary

Day 01 -           Arrival  Kathmandu
Day 02  -          Half Day World Heritage Sightseeing around Kathmandu 
Day 03  -          Drive to Besisahar / Start Trek to Around Annapurna
Day 04  -          Trek to Bahundanda
Day 05 -           Trek to Chamje
Day 06  -          Trek to Bagarchhap
Day 07  -          Trek to Chame 
Day 08  -          Trek to Pisang
Day 09 -           Trek to Manang
Day 10 -            Acclimatisation day in Manang
Day 11 -            Trek to Letdar
Day 12 -            Trek to Thorung Phedi
Day 13 -            Trek to Muktinath via Thorung Pass
Day 14 -            Trek to Marpha
Day 15 -            Trek to Ghasa
Day 16 -            Trek to Tatopani
Day 17 -            Trek to Ghorepani
Day 18 -            Trek to Tadapani
Day 19 -            Trek to Ghandruk
Day 20 -            Trek to Deurali
Day 21 -            Trek to Phedi / End  Trek / Drive to Pokhara / Overnight in Pokhara
Day 22 -            Flight to Kathmandu
Day 23 -            Leisure in Kathmandu
Day 24 -            Departure Kathmandu

 

Around Annapurna trekking  is one of the most renowned trekking in Nepal. The 18 – days route climbs along the Marsyangdi gorge through the remote valley of Manang to crest the arid, windswept northern flank Annapurna at the Thorung La, a high but straightforward pass at 5425 meters. The route then joins the ancient trading link beside the Kali Gandaki River. The location of the Kali Gandaki gorge between Tibet and India made it one of the most important passage ways through the Himalaya for thousands of years. From its origin, as a tiny spring in Mustang, the river flows south to India carving its way between the two towering massifs of Dhaulagiri (8172 m) and Annapurna (8091m). These two giants are only 35 km apart, turning the plunge to the Kali Gandaki at Tatopani from their summits into a staggering 6660 m gorge- the deepest on Earth. This magnificent Annapurna circuit route draws to a close through the Gurung villages and Rhododendron Forests of midland Nepal.


Day 01
Arrival in Kathmandu

Today is your arrival we welcome you upon your arrival at Kathmandu’sTribhuvanInternationalAirport. Transfer to Hotel in Kathmandu or your choice of Hotel in KathmanduValley (Kathmandu, Patan and Bhaktapur).Arrival city briefing follows after Hotel check in concerning the necessary formalities on your tour and trek program. Depending upon your arrival time you may spend free time visiting nearby historic/Countryside areas or resting.

 

Day 02 – Half Day Cultural Sightseeing in Bhaktapur


Half day sightseeing in Bhaktapur World Heritage sites where your guide will accompany you on a tour of UNESCO enlisted Hindu temples and the unique fusion shrines of Newari architectural Hinduism and Buddhism reflecting ancient golden era in local traditions of the glories. There is time to explore the city’s many places of interest with your guide or in your own or take a rest while trekking permits are finalized. Our Trek Leader/Guide meets you in the afternoon for the trek briefing and for the final trek preparation. In the evening sample a delicious traditional Nepali Welcome dinner in authentic Nepali Restaurant with the cultural dances that represents different customs and music instruments of Nepal. Private vehicle is there for you to pick up and drop in Hotel with our staff.Overnight Hotel inKathmandu.

 

Day 03 – Drive to Besisahar (820 m)


In the early morning we Drive to Besisahar which is situated nearly 165 km west of Kathmandu through the TradingVillage at Dumre. It is very scenic 6 hours drive where you will find the sprawling TrishuliRaftingRiver, the lush highway, colorful and easily recognizable multi ethnic people. The highway in Nepal is winding and jig jag pitch leaving the plain southern semi tropical region. We cross the river Marsyangdi after nearly 100km drive from Kathmandu which also separates the highway to west and east/south/west long drive linking to Indian Borders. It is 2 hours from here to our trekking start in Point at Besisahar.

 

Day 04Besi Shahar to Bahundanda (1311 m)


Our first day’s trekking introduces us to the diverse cultural elements of Nepal and we pass by many typical local houses and the faces of varied ethnic tribes exchanging greetings (Namaste) as we pass. We will share the trail with mule caravans that transport supplies to the remote villages. Our route makes its way through subtropical forests and the rice terraces of Sera to the village of Khudi(840m). After we pass the village of Bhulbule we will see a majestic 60m high waterfall. Along the way we have views of Manaslu (8156m). The mountain views disappear as we come closer to the small town of Ngadi, here we will have to cross the Ngadi Khola by a long suspension bridge. From here on the trail moves gently upwards to Bahundanda, an attractive village in the saddle of a long ridge at 1300m (7 hrs).

 

Day 05Bahundanda to Chamje (1430m)


We start the day by descending on a steep slippery trail past amphitheatre-shaped rice terraces. There will be a small hot spring after this descends. The rest of today’s trek will have us pass the river a few times and we will see a few waterfalls as well. As we near the village of Jagat we will have a steep 200m climb to a trail that has been blasted out of the rock face. 15 minutes below this village we can visit another small hot spring. From Jagat we climb up to Chamje (6 hrs).

 

Day 06Chamje to Bagarchhap (2160m)


Today we will do the 940 meter ascent to Bagarchap through bamboo and rhododendron forests, on a trail high above the river bank. We will pass the village ofTal at 1700 meter which lies at the foot of a large waterfall. The trail crosses a broad, flat valley that was once a lake (Tal means lake) after which we will cross the Marsyangdi by a 60 meter long suspension bridge. The trail will climb up from a second suspension bridge to a stone kani (an arch over the trail) which marks the entrance to Dharapani at 1960 meter. All old villages from here to Kagbeni have these arches and they become more elaborate and picturesque as the Tibetan influence becomes stronger. The trail slowly climbs from here on through a forest of blue pine, spruce, hemlock, maple and oak to Bagarchhap. This is the first village on the trek with typical Tibetan architecture: closely spaced stone houses, with flat roofs piled high with firewood. (7 hrs).


Day 07Bagarchhap to Chame(2670m)


We will first follow the south bank of the river climbing to Syal Khola (the river of jackals) at 2210 meter, after which we will cross the river over a cement bridge near a spectacular waterfall. The route crosses several landslides as it works its way uphill through a walnut tree forest and aside apple orchards until we arrive at Chame. At the entrance of the village is a long wall with many prayer wheels. Throughout the day there are nice views of Lamjung Himal, Annapurna II and Annapurna IV (7525m) (6 hrs).

 

Day 08Chame to Pisang (3354m)


 

We will first pass the older part of Chame and climb up to Telekhu at 2840 meter and continue with a long pleasant and mostly level walk through the forest to Brathang, which lies at 2950 meter. After the trail rounds a bend here we will see the first view of the dramatic Paungda Danda rock face, a tremendous curved slab of rock rising more then 1500 meter from the river. We will cross back to the south bank of the Marsyangdi on a suspension bridge at 3080 meter and then make a long gentle climb over a ridge through blue pine forests. After this the trek will be reasonably level as it heads to the upper part of Manang valley to Pisang. This town marks the beginning of the region known as Nyesyang, the upper portion of the Manang district (5 hrs).

 

Day 09 – Pisang to Manang (3520m)


Today our trek will slowly climb up to the Tibetan-style village of Bryaga at 3500 meter following the valley floor. At Bryaga we will see houses stacked one atop the other, each with an open veranda formed by a neighbour’s rooftop. The gompa, perched on a high crag overlooking the village, is the largest in the district and has an outstanding display of statues. We then continue through a very arid countryside, dominated by weird cliffs of yellow rock, eroded into dramatic pillars alongside the trail to reach today’s destination, the village of Manang, where the shops are surprisingly well stocked with all the things you might want to refuel on (5 hrs).

 

Day 10Acclimatisation Day in Manang.


Today we stay in Manang where we can do a short hike to ascent slightly higher to for instance Khangsar, which is a 200 meter ascend. It is important to have a relatively restful day today, to allow your body to acclimatize to the higher altitudes and thinning air. It also gives us the possibility to wash some of our clothing.

 

Day 11Manang to Letdar (4245m)


Trekking slowly upwards to Thorung La we will leave the large trees behind and see vegetation consisting mainly of scrub juniper and alpine grass and we will pass a few meadows where horses and yaks graze. After we reach Yak Kharka we will see herds of blue sheep grazing the steep slopes as well. About an hour after passing Yak Kharka we will arrive at Letdar (4:30 hrs).

 

Day 12 – Letdar to Thorang Phedi, or Thorang High Camp (4450m)


Again a relatively easy day to get used to the altitude before we have to cross the highest point in the trek, and possibly the highest point you have been on in your life. From Letdar we will continue to climb along the east bank of the Jarang Khola to Thorung Phedi, a rock-strewn meadow surrounded by vertical cliffs at 4420 meter. Blue sheep and even snow leopards can be sometimes seen in this valley. High in the skies above us we can see lammergeyers and Himalayan griffons circling around (3-4 hrs).

 

Day 13Thorang-Muktinath (3810m) via Thorang La Pass (5425m)


Today is a long trek starting before sunrise at maybe 04:00 hrs to reach the pass by 09:00/10:00 hrs at the latest, as otherwise weather conditions will greatly affect the journey. We cross over at an altitude of 5416m so can be exposed to strong winds if crossing too late. Local people have used this trail for hundreds of years to bring herds of sheep and yaks in and out of Manang. Thus the trail, while often steep, is well defined and easy to follow. Snow can block the pass at any time of the year if there has been an unseasonable storm. It takes from four to six hours from Thorung Phedi to the pass, but the many false summits mean the climb seems to go on for ever.

At the Thorung La pass, with its traditional prayer flags and stone cairn we will have outstanding views. You can see the Annapunas, Gangapurna and Khatung Kang, a heavily glaciated peak. Amazingly there is a teashop here on top of the pass at 5416 meter. From here we start a long descend of about 1600 meter with outstanding views of Dhaulagiri mountain standing alone in the distance across the valley. After the trail becomes less steep we will enter grassy fields and cross meadows to our final destination of Muktinath, which means place of Nirvana and is home to the Muktinath temple as well as several monasteries. It is said that all sorrows you feel are relieved when visiting the Temple, which is a scared pilgrimage site to both Hindus and Buddhists. The main pilgrimage normally takes place in September. The Temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and has 108 waterspouts around it from which Holy water pours. Another attraction nearby is theJwalaMaiTemple and this contains a spring and an eternal flame fed by natural underground gas (9 hrs).

 

Day 14 Muktinath to Marpha via Jomsom (2735m)


Today we will follow the “Jomsom trek” in reverse order. We will first go down to Kagbeni, which is a descend through meadows, streams and fruit trees like peach orchards. Then we will continue going down to Jomsom. Our descend continues through the KaliGandakiValley to Marpha. Marpha is home to many apple orchids as well as all the various food products made from the fruit. Apple Brandy is a local specialty that you may be lucky enough to taste.Here we end our trek to fly to Pokhara next morning (6 hrs).

 

Day 15Marpha to Ghasa (2080m)


This day will be a rewarding day when we trek further down the Kali Gandaki valley alongside the Kali Gandaki river to Ghasa. We will pass the villages of Tukuche at 2580 meter and Larjung at 2560 meter. We then cross the the Kali Gandaki river by a high suspension bridge and continue through an area covered with fir, juniper and cypress trees. Towards the village of Kalopani (2530m) we will have splendid 360˚ views of Dhaulagiri, TukuchePeak, the three Nilgiris, Fang and Annapurna I. After crossing another very long suspension bridge (107 meter long) we will reach Ghasa, our base for this night (6 hrs).

 

Day 16Ghasa to Tatopani (1190m)


Today our trek leads us through the steepest and narrowest part of the Kali Gandaki valley; much of the way is cut through solid rock and subject to frequent landslides. Before we reach the village of Dana (1450m) we pass the Rupse Chhahara (‘beautiful waterfall’). Descending further down past several landslides we will reach Tatopani, meaning hot water, which is situated on the riverbanks where we will stop to make the most of a well deserved hot bath (5 hrs).

 

Day 17 Tatopani to Ghorepani (2834m)


Leaving the hot springs behind us we have a day of climbing ahead of us to Ghorepani. We leave the Kali Gandaki valley and we will follow the GharKholaRiverand cross this river on an old swaying bridge. We will continue ascending to Ghara (1780m) and Shika (1935m) where there still is a British army training centre. The last part of the trail today will have us climbing through rhododendron and magnolia forests to Ghorepani, where we will arrive mid afternoon (7 hrs).

 

Day 18Ghorepani (2834m) to Poon Hill (3150m) to Tadapani (2620m)


An early start and an hour’s hiking to Poon Hill (3195m) leads us to a brilliant spectacle, this viewpoint provides an unobstructed beautiful sunrise over the highHimalayas. After spending about 40 minutes on the hillside, we come back to Ghorepani for a hot breakfast, and start walking to Tadapani. From Ghorepani the trail climbs along ridges and through pine and rhododendron forests and if the weather allows it we have a panorama all the way south to the plains of India. The trail follows a stream bed which becomes larger as we continue. The stream has some clear pools alongside the trail and finally becomes a series of waterfalls. Today’s final destiny is the village of Tadapani, meaning ‘far water’ and the water supply for this village is a long distance below. (5 hrs).

 

Day 19Tadapani to Ghandruk (1950m)


The Ghaundrung trail descends steeply through forests to the village of Ghaundrungwhere we will arrive around noon. We will overnight here so have the afternoon to visit the Annapurna conservation office and museum. As well as take time to explore this maze like village (3 hrs).

 

Day 20 Ghaundruk to Deurali (1910m)


Today we descend from Ghandruk to Kyumi through the terraces and gurung houses in the slope to the Modi Khola river,then the trail goes gradually upto  another Gurung Village Landruk, Tolka and Deurali via Deep tranquil natural birding Bicchuk. Deurali is viewpoint as well as the middle ridge of the mountain from where you will enjoy the changing forms of the Giant Dhaulagiri and AnnapuranMountainranges.We will be read to last party of the trek in this quiet village. (5 hrs)

 

Day 21 – Deurali to Phedi/ End Trek

Drive to Pokhara


Today our trek leads us by a gradual descent to another small settlement called Pothana leaving behind the changing beautiful mountains while descending down to Dhampus and to the base Phedi (950m). Arriving in Phedi in the noom, we take our private transport to return back to Pokhara (4 hrs).Overnight in Lakeside Hotel.


Day 22 - Pokhara to
Kathmandu Flight


After the Breakfast we drive to Domestic airport of Pokhara to Fly ot Kathmandu.It’s a short nearly 25 minutes flight with Budha air offers you scenic and stunning Mountain flught to Kathmandu.We meet you at Kathmandu airport to transfer to Hotel in Kathmandu.You have reast of the day free or can join one of our guided Cultural tour around Kathmandu valley.

 

Day 23- Leisure in Kathmandu


Leisure Time in Kathmandu. It’s indeed time for the souvenir hunting around Kathmandu’s noted places having optional trip to tranquil historic Heritages in your own or with us or  with our versatile guide. We provide extra drive and drop services anywhere.

 

Day 24 – Departure Kathmandu


Our Tour officer meets you in Hotel for the Departure Transfer to Kathmandu’sInternationalAirport. We will be always welcoming you back to Nepal for various other stunning Trekkings or looking forward to serving you in our other country travel arrangements.


View Around Annapurna Trekking in a larger map

The Trek Cost Includes:

-- All the International and Departure Transfers
-- Pre and Post Trek  deluxe star Hotel Accommodation in Kathmandu and in Pokhara
-- Domestic airport Transfers
-- Private transportation to Besisahar
-- Domestic Flight to Kathmandu from Pokhara
-- Half Day Guided Cultural Sightseeing
-- Comprehensive Trekking Map
-- Authentic Nepali Welcome Dinner
-- All the accommodation and full board meals and hot beverages on the trek
-- Annapurna Conservation Area Project Permit
-- Our Extensive Knowledgeable Licensed Guides and porter services with porter gears
-- Field staff Insurances
-- Private Transportation from Phedi t oPokhara
-- DomesticAirport Tax
-- Dawn Jackets, Sleeping bag, walking poles, duffel bag, facilities
-- Extensive First aid medical kit 
-- Quick Rescue supporting services in case of Emergency
-- Extra snacks services
-- Satellite phone/Communication services in case of Emergency
-- Applicable government Taxes
-- Himalayan Eco Trek Team Management

The Trek cost excludes:
-- All the personal expenses like Alcoholic beverages, Bottled drinks etc.
-- Medical and Travel Insurances
-- International Airfare and taxes
-- Visa Fees
-- Gratuities
-- Emergency Helicopter Rescue charges
-- Main Meals in Kathmandu