Annapurna Circuit Trek
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Annapurna Circuit Trek – Diverse Culture, Lifestyles, and Topography.
Annapurna Circuit Trek is Nepal’s classic, most diverse, and stunning trek. This circuit trek around Annapurna massif crosses the Thorong la pass. We stay at a local tea house on this trek. The trail explores the fascinating ethnic settlements with their tradition. We witness the incredible views of some of the most stunning 8000 meters peaks. It includes the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges – a paradise. We explore the natural diversity from lush, tropical rice paddies fields to moss-laden rhododendron forests. Tibetan fortresses clinging to rocky cliffs are on display en route. The mysterious Bon-Po religion still co-exists and intermingles with others. Experience the rich cultural diversity of Hinduism and Buddhism.
Short Annapurna Circuit Trekking with Thorong La Pass
We have specially designed this shorter Annapurna circuit trek. It avoids the walk-on recently constructed road as long as possible. We start the trek from Bulbule or Dharapani after a drive from Kathmandu. We finish our walk at Jomsom, from where we take a flight to Pokhara. This route keeps the main highlights of the classic around Annapurna trek intact. The hiking route includes the Great Himalayan trail from Dharapani to Kagbeni. These are the most Tibetan Buddhist-dominated settlements. Furthermore, we explore the Braga monastery, the oldest in the region. Not to miss the shine of Muktinath, a famous pilgrimage site worshiped by Hindu and Buddhist devotees.
Thorong La pass is demanding but rewarding to the great sense of achievement. The view from the pass is truly spectacular. Wind-eroded “Once the Forbidden Kingdom” of Mustang Valley on the northwest. Stunning mountain ranges of Annapurna and Dhaulagiri to the southwest. The Thorong la pass, at 5416 meters, used to be a trade route. Yaks and donkeys herd agricultural products from one valley to the next. The people of Mustang identify themselves as closer to Tibet. It is said that the Mustang region has been part of Tibet in the past. We explore the lake city of Pokhara en route to the Annapurna circuit trek.
Join Annapurna Circuit Trek in Spring or Autumn 2023 and 2024
We have many set departure dates for this Annapurna circuit trekking. Spring and Autumn are the best time, and our trek dates are 2023 and 2024. Having a group of people or family, we can customize the trip plan. Trek is customized based on your time duration and physical fitness.
TRIP IN NUTSHELL
- Classic Around Annapurna Trekking
- Cross the Thorong La pass over 5416 meter
- Explore the diverse cultural and topography
- Explore the Manang village and Muktinath temple
- Medically trained trek guide with Supplementary Oxygen tank
- Responsible trekking policy of 1 trekker: 1 Porter
- Full board meals on a trek with tea and coffee
- Exploration of sights and sounds of Kathmandu and Pokhara
- Hotel, transportation, and permits: all looked after
Included/Exclude
- Customize airport arrival and departure transfers.
- Standard hotel in Kathmandu and Pokhara on a twin share with breakfast
- Welcome dinner with cultural program as listed in the itinerary.
- Half-day guided city tour as listed in the itinerary.
- Jomsom Pokhara flight with airport tax as listed in the itinerary.
- Kathmandu to Besishare and Pokhara to Kathmandu transportation
- Full board meals Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner on a hike.
- Accommodation in a comfortable lodge on the whole hike.
- Professional local trekking group leader well-trained in Wilderness First Aid.
- Trek porter and crew with required gear and proper insurance.
- Supplementary Oxygen Cylinder with First Aid Kit.
- Complimentary trek Duffle bag, T-shirts, and trek map.
- Annapurna region trek permit and conservation entry fees.
- Nepal Visa fees and International airfare
- Your Travel Insurance
- Drinks and main meals in cities.
- Beverage drinks on the trek
- Tips and Items of personal nature like hot water, internet, and snacks.
Tour Plan
- Arrive at Kathmandu airport transfer to the hotel and check-in.
- Check out the Mountain Monarch sign at the airport.
- Group Nepali dinner with an ethnic, and cultural program.
- Next day guided city tour and the preparation./gear checking etc
- Early Departure from Kathmandu to Bulbule trek starting point.
- Drive along the Trisuli and Marshyangdi Rivers. Witness the Whitewater Rafting,
- Lunch at Besisharhar and entry to the Annapurna Conservation Area.
- Views of mountains Lamjung Himal (6931 m), Himalchuli (7,893 m), Manaslu (8,156 m), Peak 29(7541 m).
- Cross Musi Khola Hydropower and climb to the village of Bahundanda
- Descend the valley to lunch at Syange (1136 m).
- Afternoon hike to Jagat following the near-vertical cliffs. A Tibetan village customs post on the long-standing trading route from Tibet.
- We follow the classic route, narrower and steeper.
- The walk passes several high waterfalls and suspension bridges.
- Chame Town is the Administrative Center of Manang District. Very refreshing day walk through the forest along the river bank.
- Excellent views of Lamjung Himal, Annapurna II, and Annapurna III up the valley. Mount Manaslu and Peak 29 to the west soar magnificently to the skies.
- Pisang (3475 m) Walk approx. 5 hrs.
- A trail now leads through barley and buckwheat fields. It reaches the apple orchards at Brathang (2,840 m). Known as a settlement for formal Khampa (Tibetan rebels).
- We will see Lamjung and Annapurna towering high above the trail.
- We reach a clearing to reveal the substantial rock slabs of Paungda Danda.
- Continue to follow the valley to reach the flat-roofed stone houses of Pisang. Great view of Annapurna II and Pisang Peak (6,092 m) on sight.
- Continue hiking to Manang, with a stunning mountain panorama.
- We walk through Pisang village and cross the River Marsyangdi. Lovely views are an indication of the arid trans-Himalayan terrain.
- We pass some terraced farmlands. Witness the seasonal crops of barley, wheat, buckwheat, or potatoes. To supplement their living, many locals run hotels and tea houses. They have herds of goats and yaks grazing on the hillside high above the valley.
- Afternoon walking is easy along the valley to Braga (3,475 m). Stacked houses on top of each other and perched high on the valley cliffs. The Monastery of Braga is the oldest in the region. It is estimated to be above 500 years old. From the village of Braga, it is only a short walk to Manang.
- Manang (3,535 m) acclimatization and exploration.
- An off day is designed to aid acclimatization, not to relax. Hike above and around the village. You will be rewarded with great views of the Mountains and valley. Manang is a tight, compact village. It is about 500 flat-roofed houses set among spectacular scenery.
- The massive Icefall of Annapurna rears over the village. Annapurna II and IV (7525 m) tower above the valley in the southeast. Tilicho (7132 m), Roc Noir (7485 m), and the Grand Barrier to the west. Chulu West and East lay a beautiful panorama behind the village.
- Ledar (4,200 m) Walk approx. 5 hrs.
- A relaxed walking day at a slow pace to avoid the effects of altitude.
- Slowly ascend to village Tengi then away from Marsyangdi Valley.
- You pass Teashops and yak pastures on your way to Ledar at 4200 meters.
- Trek to Thorong high camp (4,700 m) 3 -4 hrs.
- The walk leads along a small glacial stream. We pass the herders' shades towards yak pastures. Folling the River valley, we reach Thorong la base camp at 4100 meters.
- We continue upwards after lunch to High Camp for a night's stay.
- Thorong La pass (5,416 m) Muktinath (3,700 m) Walk approx. 7 – 9 hrs.
- The pass poses no technical problems though it needs to start early morning. We hike slowly and steadily with plenty of breaks. The trail is not steep but a long, gradual approach to Thorong top at 6416 meters. We pass several false summits before reaching some stone cairns of pass. In acceptable conditions, the views from the pass are genuinely fantastic.
- Spread out the entire Annapurna range to the south. The Mukut, Mustang Himal, and Kali Gandaki Valley on the west. Peaks of Chulu West and East lie to the north. On either side of the pass are Thorungtse (6,462 m) to the north and the snow dome Thorung peak (6,484 m) to the south. An incredible Himalayan vista from the top.
- The steep descent to Muktinath from the pass might wobble the knees. The view of mighty Dhaulagiri (8,167 m) and Tukche Peak (6,920 m) is spell bounding.
- We descend Jomsom with a visit to Kagbeni, the gate of Upper Mustang. It is a fascinating village with many Tibetan influences. Situated at the junction of the Jhong Khola and Kali Gandaki
- We pass the medieval village of Jharkot and Shakya Monastery. This monastery is a traditional medicine center for locals. An incredibly photogenic whitewashed houses and streets on display. Patchwork fields with apple trees, stunning peaks, and horses tethering next to the house. Of course, an extraordinary experience of a lifetime.
- We walk out to Jomsom along the Kali Gandaki Riverbed. We Keep our eyes open for Saligrams, fossilized stones, or ammonites.
- We take a morning flight from Jomsom to Pokhara. We fly over the Kali Gandaki gorge, the world's deepest. It is between the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges.
Almost a day to explore Lake City Pokhara, Overnight stay at the Hotel. - The following day, we have a drive from Pokhara to Kathmandu. It is a thrilling drive along the river through paddy fields and villages.
- After spending the last night in Kathmandu as per the Annapurna Circuit Trek itinerary, we will customize the airport transfer for your onward flight.
