Only a few places in the world offer a variety of superb natural beauty as the Annapurna Region. This magnificent trek, Annapurna circuit plus sanctuary trek takes you through distinct scenery of rivers, flora, fauna and above all-majestic mountains. This trek goes counter-clockwise and reaches its summit in Thorung La (pass) at the height of 5,416m, or 17,769 feet. On this route, you’ll pass mountains like Manaslu (an 8,000-plus meter peak), Langtang Himal, Annapurna II and IV, Annapurna III and Gangapurna, and, of course, Annapurna I and Dhaulagiri -- passing through rivers with the world's deepest gorge in between those two 8,000-plus meter peaks. Poon Hill, at the end of the trek, affords views of those two mountains, as well as South Annapurna and Macchupucchre, the "Fishtail Mountain." The trek also goes through Buddhist villages where you can see friendly locals from different ethnic groups and Hindu holy sites, most notably the village of Muktinath, a holy site for both Buddhists and Hindus.
A Quaint, Timeless Place
Setting foot on the Annapurna trail is like stepping back in time. The trappings and distractions of modern society vanish. Life goes on in the mountain villages much as it must have a century ago. Gone are the sounds of cars, motorcycles, or machines of any sort. Here the sounds of rivers and waterfalls, of women tending gardens, children walking to and from school, men porting goods or playing cards is common. Local products are made by hand; buildings are erected without the aid of machines. Because everything has to be carried up the mountains on the backs of porters, luxury items such as sweets and beer are a bit scarce.
Views during this trek
As the route continues to the north of the main Himalayan range on to the high and dry Tibetan Plateau, the scenery is equally breathtaking. Its unique blend of crystal clear lakes is also an attractive sight not to miss. The highest point of the trek is Thorungla pass at the top of the valley at 5,416m high. Due to the difficulties of crossing the pass, the circuit is usually walked in a counter clockwise direction. Traveling clockwise the longer ascent and shorter descent from west to east is too much for many people to manage in one day.
As you descend to the west at Muktinath from Manang, you will continue to the barren Tibetan-like village of the Kali Gandaki River- the world's deepest gorge which passes between the giant Annapurna and Dhaulagiri mountains. After you cross the Thorung-La pass from Manang to Muktinath the final seven days of the circuit trek are the same as the Jomsom Trek from Pokhara, but in reverse. Moreover, the way to the sanctuary is through a patty of rice fields, misty forests & tiny local villages. Once you reach there, you can also go explore the surrounding glaciers and view points!
Day 1: Kathmandu-Besisahar
Scenic drive to Besisahar and begin trek to Khudi (790m/3,182ft)Drive Kathmandu to Besi Shahar (823m)
Day 2: Baundada
Approximate 6 hours trek from Besi Shahar to Bahundanda (1,310m/4,297ft)
Day 3: Chamje
5 to 6 hours trek from Baundanda to Chamje (1560m)
Day 4: Dharapani
Average of 6 hours trek from Chamje to Dharapani (1881m)
Day 5: Chame
5 to 6 hours hike from Dharapani to Chame (2725m)
Day 6: Pisang
5 hours trail from Chame to Pisang (3100m)
Day 7: Manang
Takes around 4 to 5 hours to reach Manang4-5Pisang to Manang (3500m)
Day 8: Acclimatization day at Manang
A rest and acclimatization day at Manang- the Valley, lying close to the Nepal-Tibet border. This place offers tremendous opportunities due to its rich natural flora and fauna.
Day 9: Yak Kharka
Four to five hours walk from Manag to Yak kharka (4090m)
Day 10: Thorung Phedi
Approximately 5 hours hike from Yak Kharka to Throung Phedi(4420m)
Day 11: Muktinath
This is the toughest and the highest part of Annapurna circuit trek which takes us around 8 to 9 hours to reach Muktinath (3802m)
Day 12: Kagbeni
A maximum of three hours trek from Muktinath to Kagbeni (2800), where you can visit some two thousand five hundred years old monasteries and get to know some Himalayan culture.
Day 13: Marpha
Six hours walk from Kagbeni to Marpha (2600), marpha is famous in Nepal for local apple made brandy.
Day 14: Kalopani
Average of six hours trek from Marpha to Kalopani (2480 m)
Day 15: Tatopani
A scenic trek from Kalopani to Tatopani (1219 m) takes us around 6 hours
Day 16: Rest Day
Tatopani which means ‘hot water’ is famous for its hot water pond on the bank of Kaligandaki river. Many visitors can be found relaxing in this pond for hours.
Day 17: Sikha
Trek for 4-5 hours from Tatopani to Sikha (1940 m)
Day 18: Ghorepani
Approximately 4 hours trek from Sikha to Ghorepani (2860 m)
Day 19: Tadapani
Wake up early in the morning for hike to Poon Hill (3210 meters) where you can see really nice views of many mountains, never forgetting panoramic views will be imprint in your memory. Then back to Ghorepani and average of 5 hours trek to Tadapani (2590 m)
Day 20: Chomrong
Four hours trek from Tadapani to Chomrong (2170 m)
Day 21: Dovan
A five hours trek from Chomrong to Dovan (2580 m)
Day 22: Annapurna Base Camp
Slow hiking of four to five hours to reach Annapurna Base camp (4130 m), the place where you can witness many of stunning mountains.
Day 23: Bamboo
6 hours trek from ABC to Bamboo (2335 m)
Day 24: Jhinu
Trek for around five hours from Bamboo to Jhinu (1710 m). About another 20 minutes walk downhill from Jhinu were some hot springs (about 105 degrees F) to relax in.
Day 25: Tolka
Around five to six hours for Jhinu to Tolka ( 1750 m)
Day 26: Dhampus
Steady walk of 4-5 hrs for Tolka to Dhampus (1516 m)
Day 27: Pokhara
Around 1 hours trek from Dhampus to Fedi, drive back to Pokhara (815 m) and sightseeing in Pokhara
Day 28: Kathmandu
Drive from Pokhara to Kathmandu (1340 m), you can fly back to Kathmandu if you want to spend extra time in Kathmandu
Departure dates and the itinerary arrangements can be tailored to your requirement, so please contact us for your queries regarding your trekking departure date.
In order for us to quote you the price, we need number of person in the group, category of hotel, mode of transportation (by plane or by bus or by jeep etc) & any alternation on the itinerary. So please contact us with above detail to know your price.
Price we would provide would include & exclude followings:
Includes
1. All standard meals which include breakfast, lunch, and dinner (you may choose any kind of food from the menu).
2. Accommodations according to your preference or choice while you are trekking.
3. Equipment like sleeping bag(s), down-jacket, etc; may be borrowed if you don’t have your own.
4. Transportation from starting point to ending point.
5. Government licensed trekking guides who are friendly, experienced and well-spoken in English.
6. Monastery fees.
7. Emergency helicopter rescue service. (This will be paid by your travel insurance company) along with first aid service.
8. Trekking Permit(s) such as ACAP & National Park entry fee
9. TIMS card (Trekkers’ Information Management System)
Excludes
1. All beverages like mineral water, juice, sodas including Coke, Fanta, Sprite, Beer, and alcoholic drinks, etc.
2. Snacks, sweets and / or chocolates.
3. Tips for guide(s) and / or porter(s).
It was an amazing experience. Everything was well organized by the agency: transportation, accomodation, permits, tims & guide. The guide did his job very well! He was concerned about us, had a good eye on us when we were walking and he also listened to our purposals and ideas. It was very nice to have a good guide like this.
The Annapurna area is very beautiful! with a lot of wonderfull views and panoramas. The Throong-la pass was amazing :)! It was a long day (start early in the morning), it was tyring to walk on that altitude but it was more than worth to do all this efforts!
It will be an experience I will never forget!
Thanks a lot Mosaic!!
Lien Pepamans
Belgium
CARLOS PENALBA
Spain & New York
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