Around Annapurna Short Trek

Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu

Welcome to the vibrant city of Kathmandu. Upon your arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport, we will be greeted by the Officers from Himalayan Eco Treks and Travel who will help us with the transfer to the Hotel. The hotel check in will followed by a short trek briefing regarding any outstanding trekking formalities. After the short orientation, we are free to repose in the comfort of the hotel or wander around to explore the lively surroundings. In the evening, we will be picked up to enjoy wonderful welcome dinner along with a cultural program  in an authentic Nepali restaurant. Overnight in Kathmandu.

Day 02: Half Day Cultural Sightseeing in Kathmandu

After a hearty breakfast at the hotel, we will go for a guided tour around the Kathmandu Valley. Kathmandu Valley boasts several shrines, palaces and temples which are listed in UNESCO world heritage sites. The intricately carved art and designs on the monuments of the valley has its own cultural and architectural value. The rich Newari culture of the Valley reflects the strong Hindu and Buddhist influences. After the insightful tour around the valley we will meet our tour guide who will brief us regarding the upcoming trek. The trek briefing will help us clear any doubt or queries regarding the trek. Overnight in Kathmandu.

Day 03: Drive to Besisahar to Chame by Jeep

After a breakfast in Kathmandu we take the 6 hour drive to Besisahar. We drive through the winding roads along the Trishuli River, enjoying the verdant hills and terrace farmlands. Upon arrival at Besisahar we will witness the stunning snow-capped mountain panorama. We will continue our drive from Besisahar avoiding the rough and dusty motor-able road to Chame.  Fine views of the Lamjung Himal,Annapurna II  and Annapurna IV welcome us to the head quarter of the Manang district, Chame.

Day 04: Chame to Pisang (3354 m)

We start from Chame with a climb to Talekhu (2840m) to continue a pleasant walk in a levelled terrain through the forest to Brathang (2950m). A steep and narrow path through a dense forest will bring us to the dramatic rock face of Paungda Danda, rising 1500m from the river. We cross a suspension bridge over the Marsyangdi River to gradually climb over a ridge through the blue pine forest. The trek will be levelled as we head into the U-shaped Valley of Manang sitting between two giant snow peaks to finally reach Pisang. The town of Pisang marks the beginning of the Nsesyang region of the upper Manang District. (5 hrs)

Day 05: Pisang to Manang (3520 m)

Today our route will slowly climb to the Tibetan- style village of Bryaga (3500m). The astonishing views of the mountain peaks, such as Annapurna, Pisang peak, and several others allure us along the way. The Bryaga Monastery on the hill overlooks the whole Bryaga Village. We visit the wonderful monastery with a colorful display of statues. We continue on our path through  an arid countryside with cliffs of yellow rocks to the village of Manang. (5 hrs).

Day 06: Excursion around Manang / Rest day in Manang

We stay in Manang for the purpose of acclimatization.  We take a short hike about 200 meters  to Khangsar to have a wonderful view of the Valley. Visit to Bhojo Gompa and Gangapurna Lake is good choice to acclimatize the body. Travelling high and sleeping low is the best way to acclimatize the body to the thinning air of the mountain. Today’s hike will help the body adjust to the increase in the altitude and prepare us for our journey further.

Day 07 Manang to Letdar (4245 m)

The trail from Manang climbs out of the Marshyangdi Valley through Thorung La to turn northwest to the valley of Jarsang Khola. We pass through pasture land with scrubs of Juniper and alpine grass to gradually ascend to the small village of Ghunsa. The trail slowly proceeds to the meadows where horses and Yaks graze. We cross a wooden bridge over a stream to pass several mani walls into a meadow to reach a small village of Yak Kharka. Further from Yak Kharka, we reach a small settlement at Letdar, where we will spend the night. (4.30 hrs)

Day 08: Letdar to Thorong Phedi (4450 m)

We continue our climb from Letdar along the east bank of Jarang Khola to Thorung Phedi, a rock strewn meadow surrounded by vertical cliffs.  The stay at the Valley is the perfect opportunity to encounter exotic wildlife such as blue sheep and snow leopards. We can also see Lammergeyers and Himalayan griffon circling around in the clear valley sky. (3-4 hrs)

Day 09 Thorung Phedi to Muktinath ( 3820 m) via Thorung Pass (5416 m)

We will start early morning towards the Thorung Pass to avoid the strong wind affecting our journey.We climb steeply on a regular route  which may encounter snow in winter.  Heavy snow may make the journey challenging, but the tremendous mountain view keeps us accompanied  to encourage us through the trail.  The colorful prayer flags and chorten welcome us to the pass with a tremendous view of mountains such as Annapunas, Gangapurna and Khatung Kang.

After enjoying the mesmerizing beauty at the top of the pass, we continue towards the Muktinath temple. Upon setting sun, we will be at Muktinath. Muktinath is an important pilgrimage site for both Hindus and Buddhist. The temple, perfectly demonstrates the religions harmony in Nepal. The word “Muktinath” means place of Nirvana God. The area hosts a Vishnu temple and a Monastery nearby. The 108 waterspouts around the temple pours holy water.  The visit to Muktinath temples is said to relieve every pain and sorrow in life. Jwala Mai Temple, near Muktinath,  hosts a gorgeous natural spring and an eternal flame fueled by natural gas. (9 hrs).

Day 10: Muktinath to Jomsom (2815m)

Today we will follow the “Jomsom trek” in reverse order. We will first go down to Kagbeni, which is a descent through meadows, streams and fruit trees like peach orchards. Then we will continue going down to Jomsom. Our descend continues through the Kali Gandaki Valley 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 11: Jomsom to Pokhara flight

After a hearty breakfast, we go to the Airport at Jumla for an early flight to Pokhara. The 25 minute flight to Pokhara exhibits the beauty of the Kali Gandaki Gorge, magnificent mountains and lush hills. Pokhara is a peaceful lakeside city harboring a unique setting of tropical climate and vegetation with the dramatic Himalayas in the background. We have plenty of places to visit in Pokhara. We visit Davis falls, Mountain Museum and Pewa Monastery. We spend our night at the lakeside in Pokhara.

Day 12: Pokhara to Kathmandu Flight

After the breakfast in the tranquil city of Pokhara, we take the 25 minute flight back to the vibrant Kathmandu city. We get transferred to our comfortable hotels in Kathmandu. This is an ideal day to rest our exhausted body with a spa or massage. We can also wander around exploring the vibrant Kathmandu city.

Day 13: Leisure in Kathmandu

Leisure in Kathmandu is an ideal time to visit any miss out destinations in Kathmandu Valley. Kathmandu Valley has numerous temples, palaces and shrines that hold historical, cultural and architectural value. This is also a good opportunity to go shopping for souvenirs. Himalayan Eco treks ad Tour Nepal offers extra drive and drop facilities round the Kathmandu valley.

Day 14: Departure Kathmandu

Finally, it is time to bid farewell to this beautiful land. Our tour Officer will meet us in the hotel and help us in our transfer to the International Airport. We play the pleasant memories of our exquisite adventure in this mystic land as we fly to our next destination. Himalayan Eco Treks and Tour Nepal is always happy to serve you for the Himalayan adventure in Nepal, Tibet, India and Bhutan.