The Annapurna Circuit, considered one of the best trekking/hiking trails in the world, is the classic long distance trek in the Annapurna region of Nepal. The trek is one of contrasts between the green, terraced farmland of the Marshyangdi valley and the semi-arid environs of Lower Mustang. The two areas are separated by the Thorong La River (5417m), which we must cross on a long day, to reach the sacred site of Muktinath. The temple complex is a pilgrimage site for both Hindus and Buddhists and when seen from here the sunrise on Dhaulagiri (8167m) is particularly striking. We descend into the world’s deepest river gorge, carved by the mighty Kali Gandaki, as it slices between the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri massifs. The river meanders to the relaxing hot springs at Tatopani before ascending to Poon Hill for our last sunrise over the Annapurna.
We will have excellent guides in Nepal as well as in New Delhi. There is a choice of doing a camping trek (which is personally my favorite) or Guest House trek.
Camping trek is a bit more expensive, we are hiring many more people to go with us ( porters for carrying tents and food and our personal stuff, kitchen helpers, etc) but it really feels like you are on an expedition!
Guest House trek or as they call it in Nepal – Tea House trek is all the same, only we stay in guest houses and eat in restaurants J. The beauty is the same for both types of trekking, so as the majority of group decides, so we do!
The price including airtickets, visas to India and Nepal, transfers and hotels as well as food throughout the trek:
Guest House trek – EUR 2250,-
Camping trek – EUR 2500,-
DAY 1: Arrival to New Delhi, India
Pick up at the airport, taking to hotel. Rest.
DAY 2: New Delhi
Sightseeing, shopping, cultural programme.
O/N in New Delhi
DAY 03: NEW DELHI – KATHMANDU, NEPAL
When you arrive in Kathmandu , you'll be taken to your hotel. While in Kathmandu you will have time fascinating Buddhist and Hindu temples and shrines reflecting ancient local traditions are highlighted on our guided tour. There's time to explore the city's many charms on your own too. O/N in Kathmandu. (B)
DAY 04: KATHMANDU CITY TOUR
After breakfast, we'll visit Swayambhunath temple, and said to be 2000 years stupa on a hillock offers breath-taking view of Kathmandu City. We will then processed to Visit Pasupatinath and Bouddhanath. After lunch we’ll visit Kathmandu Durbar Square, Patan (Lalitpur) - which is the oldest of the three major cities in Kathmandu Valley - famous for its Buddhist monuments and Hindu temples, and you can catch the traditional artisans working with wood, stones and metals. O/N in Kathmandu. (B/L/D)
DAY 05: KATHMANDU / BESI SAHAR (823m)
This morning you will be drive to Besi Sahar, depart 7:00 AM in the morning, approximately 6 hrs away by bus. You can see the good scenery during the drive. Lunch spot on the way to Besi Sahar. You will be arriving late afternoon at Besi Sahar. O/N in Besi Sahar at Teahouse Lodge or Tented Camp. (B/L/D)
DAY 06: BESI SAHAR / NADI (1311m)
The route follows the Marsyangdi River upstream, crossing a long suspension bridge and passing a beautiful, thin waterfall with a fine bathing pool. We ascend to the town of Bahundanda , which means ‘Brahman Hill’. There are good views to the north and a little-known hot spring here. O/N in Nadi at Teahouse Lodge or Tented Camp. (B/L/D)
Day 07 : NADI / JAGAT (1314m)
Walk for about 7 hours towards Jagat through the valley crossing several suspension bridges and passing several beautiful waterfalls land view the tower of Mt. Lamjung (22,291Ft.), Manaslu (26,760 Ft.) and Peak 29 (24,652 Ft.). O/N in JAGAT. (B/L/D)
DAY 08: JAGAT / DHARAPANI (1943m)
Walking distance of about 7 hours from Jagat to Dharapani, entering Manang district from Taal and crossing a large bridge to Dharapani to stay overnight. Having traveled upstream, we observe many changes in the people, architecture and vegetation. Houses are now built of rocks, the vegetation is less tropical and the culture more Tibetan-like. O/N in Dharapani at Teahouse Lodge or Tented Camp. (B/L/D)
DAY 09: DHARAPANI / CHAME (2713m)
Leaving Dharapani, the gorge becomes more impressive. We see more Bhotia people. These are primarily agro-pastoralists and the real trans-Himalayan traders of the region. The trail now leads to the west in Manaslu forming a splendid backdrop of Annapurna II appearing occasionally to the south. As we continue, Annapurna range offers a splendid view. The distance is covered within 6 hours. O/N in Chame at Teahouse Lodge or Tented Camp. (B/L/D)
DAY 10: CHAME / PISANG (3185m)
We will continue for 7 hours into an unrelenting narrow valley of pine, hemlock and cypress forest. The trail through a serene forest leads tolower Pisang; a side trip to higher Pisang (100m higher) is a must for an amazing view of Annapurna II. This arid region is in the rain shadow of the Himalaya . The men here are traders - and may sell or trade almost anything - and part-time farmers, and the women are full-time farmers. O/N in Pisang at Teahouse Lodge or Tented Camp. (B/L/D)
DAY 11: PISANG / MANANG (3351m)
There are 2 routes from here: a low road and a high road, the latter taking longer but affording outstanding views of the Annapurna Himal and few trekkers. Both routes converge in the large and interesting village of Braga , which is the seat of the oldest monastery in the area. The gomba is about 900 years old and belongs to the Kargyupa sect of Tibetan Buddhism, and contains some unique works of art. Manang is 30 minutes from here. O/N in Manang at Teahouse Lodge or Tented Camp. (B/L/D)
DAY 12: MANANG (3351m)
Today is acclimatization day, which is best, spent being active and climbing to higher elevations for views but returning to lower altitudes to sleep. Manang itself is in a spectacular location with many attractions. There are lakes, caves, moraine-hills, monasteries or local activities in town. O/N in Manang at Teahouse Lodge or Tented Camp. (B/L/D)
DAY 13: MANANG / YAK KHARKA (3800)
Manang to yak kharka ( 4000m)we walk 3 hrs to the valley to climbing into quiet distinct alpine areas. o/n at Yak Kharka. 3800m.
O/N in Yak Kharka at Teahouse Lodge or Tented Camp. (B/L/D)
DAY 14: YAK KHARKA / THORUNG PHEDI (4404m)
We gain altitude gradually, and spend the night at the phedi, meaning 'foot of a hill'. If you are lucky you may spot a snow leopard near here at dusk! 3 hrs walk. O/N in Thorung Phedi at Teahouse Lodge or Tented Camp. (B/L/D)
DAY 15: THORUNG PHEDI / THORUNG LA (5417m) / MUKTINATH (3802m)
The trail now leaves the river valley and climbs steadily over lateral moraine. The Thorung La pass (5417 m), marked by a large cairn, is the high point of our trek. It is an exhilarating geographical feature, dividing 2 mighty Himalayan valleys. Far below to the west is the Kaligandaki River . We descend in that direction for the village of Muktinath , located in a poplar grove. It is a sacred shrine and pilgrimage site for Hindus and Buddhists. 8 hrs walk. O/N in Muktinath at Teahouse Lodge or Tented Camp. (B/L/D)
DAY 16: MUKTINATH / JOMSOM (2713m)
From Muktinath to Jomsom, we see people from Mustang, a restricted area to the north, who come to sell handicrafts to pilgrims. Among their merchandise is the highly revered mollusk fossil called shaligram. We will pass some ancient caves and see the impressive White Mountain that is the Dhaulagiri . We also transit at the significant town of Kagbeni , which is at a junction of 2 rivers and the north-south and east-west trading routes. Those, having hard time to trek down all the way to Pokhara, can fly to Pokhara-Kathmandu on the next day.
O/N in Jomsom at Teahouse Lodge or Tented Camp.
DAY 17: JOMSOM / TUKUCHE (2591m)
5/6 hrs. walk through a valley dominated by Thakalis, Gurungs and Magars tribes, lunch at Marfa on the way. O/N in Tukuche at Teahouse Lodge or Tented Camp. (B/L/D)
DAY 18: TUKUCHE / GHASA (1970m)
5/6 hrs walk, a dramatic change in the surrounding with green vegetation and very beautiful view of Dhaulagiri and Annapurna region. Overnight at Ghasa.
O/N in Ghasa at Teahouse Lodge or Tented Camp. (B/L/D)
DAY 19: GHASA / TATOPANI (1189m)
5/6 hours walk, gradual descend to Tatopani through valleys, fields and the beautiful Rupse Chhahara (water falls) and then the time to have lunch at Dana village which is the deepest gorge in the world. Rest and O/N in Tatopani.
DAY 20: TATOPANI / GHOREPANI (2793m)
Steadily climbing all day, we eventually leave behind the terraced fields and walk through thick rhododendron forest to the village of Ghorepani , meaning (horse water). We camp at the pass for the best views of the sunset over the spectacular, snow-capped Dhaulagiri and the Annapurna Range . 6/7 hours walk. O/N in Ghorepani at Teahouse Lodge or Tented Camp. (B/L/D)
DAY 21: GHOREPANI
Being of the early morning 5:30 AM wake up and start to your journey climb to Poon Hill (3195m) around 1 hr. to provides better unobstructed views and sunrise over the high Himalayas. You can see lots of White Mountain peaks from Poon Hill. After sunrise, you’ll return to our camp and time for breakfast. Ghorepani means "horse water" and it is no doubt a welcome watering stop for the teams of horses, mules and ponies that carry loads between Pokhara and Jomsom.
DAY 22: GHOREPANI / TADAPANI / GHANDRUNG (1940m)
From Ghorepani the trail climbs south on muddy path through the deep forests. It finally emerges on a grassy knoil that offers good mountain views, is including views of Machhapuchhare (not visible from Grohrepani pass), and a panorama all the way south to the plains of India . It is similar views from Poon Hill. Climbing along the ridge in pine and rhododendron forests to a top 3030 meters then descend to at a second pass also called Deurali, at 2960 meters. The trails a ridge hides the mountains as makes a steep, sometimes treacherous, descent on a narrow path alongside the stream, as the descent continues. The stream has some clear pools alongside the trail and finally becomes a series waterfall over a jumble of boulders. The steep descent becomes more gentle way to reaches Banthanti and stop for Lunch approx.: 1 hour. From Banthanti, the trail follow the stream down to a bridge where the trails start climbing, leaving the moist high mountain forests and entering a field of cane, making some ups and downs past to a vantage point "Tadapani (2540 meters) that offers a brief view of the mountains. Tadapani means, "Far water". The village water supply is a long distance, it takes porters more than half an hour to fetch a load of water.
From Tadapani, the trails descend through the forests then terraced fields, to the Khummu Khola. The Ghandrung trails descends steeply from Tadapani, through forests, a short steep descend among rocks lead to a stream crossing, then the descent continues gently past over streams, finally leading out on the ridge to Ghandrung. Ghandrung a huge Gurung village at 1940 meters is the second largest Gurung village in Nepal and is a confusing cluster of closely spaced, slate-roofed houses.. There are neatly terraced fields situated both above and below the town. It is wonderfully easy to get lost in the network of narrow alleyways while trying to trek through the village. There is a larger handicraft factory at the top of Ghandrung. The views of Annapurna South from here are out standing. Machhapuchhare, seen from here in its fishtail aspect, peeps over a forested ridge. ACAP has visitor center and an office in Ghandrung and provides offers information about it activities. 6/7 hours walk. O/N in Ghandrung at Teahouse Lodge or Tented Camp.
DAY 23: GHANDRUNG / POKHARA
From Ghandrung all the way down hill through village and terraced fields to Sauli Bazaar. It takes approx: 2 hours. Along the way you can see good views Annapurna South and Machhapuchhare too. From Sauli Bazaar, the trails follow the Modi River till Nayapul. Our lunch spot in Birethati. After lunch you have very short treks about 20 minutes to Nayapul, catch our vehicle and drive to Pokhara. You're free in Pokhara Valley also called " Magic Land " or Dreamland" of Nepal , to explore the various interesting place like a boating in Fewa lake over looking the region of Annapurna Areas, David Falls , Mahendra Cave and some Temples . After lunch you're free to shop for souvenirs or rest. O/N in Pokhara. (B/L/D)
DAY 24: POKHARA / KATHMANDU
After breakfast drive to Kathmandu by bus. Along the way you can enjoy with good scenery views. You will be arriving in Kathmandu at late afternoon. You are free for shopping and pick up some last minute souvenirs. O/N in Kathmandu. (B/L/D)
DAY 25: KATHMANDU – NEW DELHI
Stay in the city, talk about how beautiful the trek was, making plans when coming back next time, last minute souvenirs…..
DAY 26: HOME SWEET HOME
INCLUDED:
•Airport pick up and departure
- Hotel accommodation 2 nights in New Delhi
•Hotels accommodation 3 nights in Kathmandu and one night in Pokhara B/B plan
•3-meals a day during the trekking (breakfast, lunch and dinner)
•Camping gear for trekking (two-man tent, foam mattress, sleeping bag, kitchen tent, dining tent and toilet tent)
•Professional trekking guide, porters and kitchen staffs and their necessary insurance, meals and allowances.
• During the trekking first-aid service and Govt. tax, VAT etc...
•Annapurna Conservation Area Project entry permit, TIMS and necessary trekking permits. |
