Annapurna Circuit Trek

Annapurna Circuit Trek

Day 01: Drive Kathmandu to Chamje – {1400m} 7-8 hrs scenic drive

Our trekking staff will arrive at your hotel at 7am in the morning to pick us up for a wonderful drive to Chamje via the pretty little town of Besisahar in Lamjung district. After a 7-8 hour drive (approx 200 km) from Kathmandu, we reach Chamje probably late afternoon. Upon arrival at Chamje, we check in to our lodge, refresh, have some snacks and so some exploring around. The first things we witness are the stunning snow-capped mountain panoramas of Lamjung himal. We also see a large waterfall (season permitting). Its also nice crossing the Marsyangdi River on a suspension bridge, as we follow the river to the stone village of Jagat before climbing through the forest to Chyamje at 1,400m and back to our lodge for the night. B. L. D.

Day 02: Trek to Dharapani – 1920m – 5-6 hrs

The trail from Jagat descends until it reaches the river and then continues through a lush forest. Further ascent leads to sharp-edged cliff facing the riverbank. En route, Chyamje comes into picture amidst the glorious backdrop of towering Annapurna mountain ranges. After crossing a suspension bridge, we climb steeply towards the slippery and physically challenging path to Sattale. On treading along a succession of rock-strewn trails, we descend to a grassy riverbank that leads to Tal. As we walk away from Tal, the path becomes rugged and winding. Then we approach steep forested village of Karte. Meandering along the waterfalls and cliffs, we finally reach Dharapani after crossing a suspension bridge. B. L. D.

Day 03: Trek to Chame – 2630m – 5-6 hrs

We skirt through a narrow field from the village. The Dudh Khola, which originates from the south face of Manaslu and then Marshyangdi veers to the left. Sinuous trails of the. Annapurna II becomes visible as we arrive at Bagarchhap, a Bhotia village with colorful prayer flags fluttering in the breeze. As we continue ascending through forests of pine and oak, we pass through Dhanakyu before coming to a thundering waterfall. Further on, the Marshyangdi River enters a gorge and the trails follows rock-strewn path. We can pause for a while and take in the splendor of the picturesque Manaslu. When the steep incline ends, we follow a path amid magnificent rhododendrons and continue on a gently rising path. We cross a stream before entering a pine forest. We then enter the pristine hamlet of Kotho, from where we can capture the most enchanting view of Annapurna II. Treading further, the route reaches a large white gate with a corrugated iron roof, which is the entrance of Chame. Chame is the administrative headquarter of Manang district. There is electricity, wireless station, schools, shops, health post, post office, police check post, hotels, lodges and banks in Chame. The hot springs are the major attraction of this place. We bunk out for the night hereabouts. B. L. D.

Day 04: Trek to Pisang – {3190m} – 5-6 hrs

A steep and narrow path through a very dense forest will bring us to the dramatic curved rock face, rising 1500m from the river. The forests and heavy vegetation would now be gone. We cross and re-cross the river again and again on suspension bridges. As the trail opens up we get surrounded by majestic Himalayan Peaks. We find ourselves in U-shaped valley of Manang hanging between two giant snow peaks. Upon walking through these wonderful sites we reach our destination of the day… Pisang. Overnight at Pisang – B, L, D

Day 05: Trek to Manang – {3520} – 6-7 hrs

As we continue with our trek, further down the trail from Pisang we head along a steep ridge savoring beautiful sights of the Manang valley and the Tilicho peak towering above 7132 meters. As we descend through Manang’s airstrip, we come to Hongde lying beneath the gigantic Annapurna III on the north-east face. The route further leads to the wide plain of the Sabje Khola Valley from where we get the majestic view of Annapurna IV [7525m]. Further on, we cross a wooden bridge, as the Marshyangdi Khola gushes below us. We enter the beautiful village of Mungji. We continue treading along the cultivated fields and after a while we arrive at the village of Bryaga with a splendid monastery. On trekking down to Manang, we enjoy the majestic views of the Annapurna range – Annapurna II, Annapurna III, Annapurna IV, Gangapurna [7455m] and Tilicho Peak [7134m]. B. L. D.

Day 06: A day for rest in Manang

Today is the scheduled acclimatization day. It is not recommended to stay idle but a short walk to a higher altitude is suggested to get acclimatized to the higher elevations. The upcoming next two days will be very challenging and tiring trek for us with rapid gain in altitude. We should never be confident with the altitude and always be cautious. Bhojo Gompa or Gangapurna Lake is worth visiting sites from acclimatization point of view. Further, we pay an easy excursion to a little distance away to a village called Vraga, upon where we will be at a village’s monastery. At this site, we also visit at the Himalayan Rescue Association where we can get some ideas about Mountain Sickness. Overnight at the bustling big village of Manang – B. L. D

Day 07: Trek to Yak Kharka – {4110m} – 3-4 hrs

From Manang village, the trail crosses a stream, climbs to a village of Tenki above Manang, and then continues to climb out of the Marshyangdi Valley turning northwest up the valley of Jarsang Khola. The trail follows this valley northward, passing a few pastures, a scrub of juniper trees, as it steadily gains elevation. The trail further passes near the small village of Ghunsa, a cluster of flat mud roofs just below the trailhead. Now the trail goes through meadows where horses and yaks graze. After crossing a small river on a wooden bridge, the trail passes an ancient old Mani wall in a pleasant meadow and then reaches another small village of Yak Kharka. Little but Gradual ascent is the key to avoiding altitude problems. Overnight at Yak Kharka – B. L. D

Day 08: Trek to Phedi – {4500m} – 3-4 hrs

We make our way to the foot of the pass, Thorung Phedi today. Thorung Phedi is a small busy settlement catering to the needs of tired trekkers and climbers. Trekkers like us use this point as a base camp. Some visitors also attempt a hike to the High Camp today so that the next day can be easier for them. But, Gurkha Adventure’s team leader does not advise this. Although we will have a tough day tomorrow, we stop at Thorung Phedi so that we can sleep soundly rather than a risky sleep at higher altitudes at High Camp which may be ok for some trekkers and not for others. Overnight at Thorung Phedi – B. L. D

Day 09: Trek to Jomsom via Thorung La Pass and Muktinath – 7-8 hrs

We now begin the descent down the dramatic Kali Gandaki valley, initially through arid country in the same geographical and climatic zone as Tibet. After passing through Jharkot and Khingar, villages with typical Tibetan architecture, we follow the valley floor most of the way to Jomsom. Today is the climax of our Annapurna circle trek because it’s a long haul and exciting. It will be a lifetime unforgettable experience – crossing the famous high pass, Thorung La (5416m/17764ft). An early start is important to complete the mission. Each moment we have to work hard today through the icy high-altitude trail. But the outstanding high Himalayan scenes are so tempting that our eyes love to watch more over the horizon than on our trails. At dusk with the setting sun we will be at Muktinath. Muktinath is an important pilgrimage site for both Hindus and Buddhist. The area hosts a Vishnu temple and a Monastery nearby. Muktinath itself demonstrates the religious harmony of Nepal. Overnight at Muktinath –   B. L. D

Day 10: Fly out to Pokhara

The flight times to Pokhara are generally scheduled for the morning normally because of the powerful winds in the afternoons. Sometimes, the flight time can be delayed due to bad weather and other reasons beyond our control. As we get hold of the boarding pass depending on our flight time, we make our way to the terminal for a security check. This scenic flight from Jomsom takes about 25 minutes to Pokhara, a panoramic view of the snowcapped peaks can be seen from the plane. On landing in the city of lakes we proceed to our hotel, rest and chill out by the lakeside. By sundown we roam around and we are free to do whatever we wish to. We have a lovely tasty hot supper and crash out for a great sleep in warm and soft beds in our hotel. Breakfast included

Day 11: Drive to Kathmandu

we drive from Pokhara to Kathmandu, which is a 6-7 hours drive through a real lovely scenic highway where we get to see Nepal’s true rural & colorful landscapes as we view the local folks about their farming chores with cows splattered with vermilion on the foreheads; you get to see all this right from the windows of your tourist bus & it will be wise to take out some great pictures as we cruise down the highway to kathmandu, our hotel & a much sought after warm & comfortable bed Overnight at your hotel in Kathmandu.