Annapurna circuit and Annapurna Scantuary ( ABC) (25 days)
Annapurna Circuit trek is one of the classic and most rewarding treks in Nepal. The Southern slopes of Manaslu and, Annapurna ranges are heavily settled and farmed except the higher regions which support thick forests of Rhododendron and fir. Most of the tribes inhabiting this area are Gurungs, Magars, Chehettris and Newars. Thakali and Mustang tribes control the busy trading and pilgrimage trail along the Kali Gandaki. One of the most striking significance of this trek is that we have a spectacular view of most mountains range every day.
On the other hand, Annapurna Base Camp is a natural amphitheater ringed by Annapurna South and Annapurna I, Varahashikhar, Gangapurna and the holy mountain Macchapucchre (Fish Tail). The first few days are spent traveling through quaint villages and lush forests before reaching more barren and rugged terrain.
The trail to Annapurna Base Camp threads up the valley into the sanctuary where it gradually gives way to a grey screed and scrub before reaching snow fields, there are no villages to speak of for five days. Annapurna Base Camp trek is a wonderful trek with some tremendous views, from base camp a labyrinth of mountains tower almost vertically above with Annapurna I in dominance. An hour or two is spent here taking in the high mountains before commencing the return journey. Five further days are taken returning to Pokhara. Annapurna Base Camp trek is a good introduction to higher altitude without being too strenuous.
Trip
Hightlights:
Duration:
25
Days
Type of Trek :
Teahouse / Camping
Max Altitude:
2630 m.
Minimum Pax:
1 +
Mode of travel:
Land Transportation
Grade:
Moderate
Outline Itinerary
Day
1
Drive from Kathmandu to Beshishahar (823m.) by bus takes approximately seven hours. Stay overnight at lodge.
Day
2
Trek from Beshishahar to Bahundanda (1200m.) takes about four and half hours. The first part of the trail passes thorough flat level along the bank of the Marshyangdi river. You can enjoy the sceneries and the local culture of Gurung community Stay overnight at lodge.
Day
3
Trek from Bahundanda to Jagat (1800m.) takes about six hours.A steep trail ascends from Nagdi, through rice terraces, before crossing a stream at the bottom of a small waterfall. It then climbs again and traverses the hillside high above the river before reaching the village of Lili Gaon. Ahead, the Marsyangdi valley forms a steep V-shape, and you follow the winding mountain path down through Syange and along the river for some distance. The trail then climbs steeply and the path is cut into the sheer cliff-face some 200-300m above the riverbed. Stay overnight at lodge.
Day 4
Trek from Jagat to Dharapani (1943m.) takes about six hours. The trail from Jagat descends until it almost reaches the river and then begins to climb again through a forest. When the climb ends, you follow a level track to Chyamje. Climbing the zigzag path to the top of the hill, you see the level, plain of Tal before. Beyond Tal, the valley narrows and the path becomes high and winding. Beyond the small village of Karte, there is a bit more cliff-walking before the path drops again to the river. You cross a suspension bridge, and climb the short distance to the stone kani marking the entrance to Dharapani, and your camp for the night. Stay overnight at lodge.
Day
5
Trek from Dharapani to Chame (2713m) takes about four hours. As you cut through a narrow field from the village, the Dudh Khola, originates from the south face of Manaslu, enters on the opposite bank. The Marsyangdi then veers to the left, and as Annapurna II becomes visible ahead, you arrive at Bagarchhap. Continuing to climb through forests of pine and oak, you pass through Dhanakyu before coming to a thundering waterfall. When the steep incline ends, you follow a path amid magnificent rhododendrons to Ratamron and then continue on a gently rising path, crossing a stream before entering a pine forest. From here the trail climbs through a fir and pine forest to Chame where there are government offices, shops, and hotels. Chame is the administrative headquarters for the Manang district. Stay overnight at lodge.
Day
6
Trek from Chame to Pisang (3155m.)takes about five hours.You climb the path up the valley. You continue through a fir and pine forest, climbing to a high, rocky area as the opposite bank becomes an impassable cliff. From this point, the valley becomes extremely steep-sided as you follow the path to Bratang. A short climb from the village brings you to a rock-strewn area where you cross a wooden bridge and follow a high, winding path, before crossing back to the right bank again. You now walk through a pine forest and as the forest ends, the valley changes from a V-shape to a gentle U-shape, opening up a wonderful vista before us. You can see the east peak of Annapurna II as well as Pisang Peak to the north-east. Stay overnight at lodge.
Day
7
Trek from Pisang to Manang (3351m.) takes about five hours. Beyond Pisang, the trail climbs a steep ridge that affords good views of the Manang valley and Tilicho peak. Descending past Manang's airstrip at Hongde, you come to a level area from where the northeast face of Annapurna III rises majestically above you. From the wide plains of the Sabje Khola Valley, Annapurna IV (7525m.) also becomes visible. Large chorten and mani walls abound and the tall peaks of the Himalaya spread out before us - Annapurna II, Annapurna III, Annapurna IV, Gangapurna (7455m.) and, to the rear, Tilicho Peak (7134m.). After a short steep climb you reach Manang is a surprisingly large village for this remote mountain region. Stay overnight at lodge.
Day
8
Rest day at Manang for acclimatization.This is an important rest and acclimatization day today before crossing the Thorung La. There are optional day walks such as crossing the river to see the tremendous icefall coming down from the Annapurnas, or climbing high above the village for a full panorama of the Annapurna range and the Manang Valley. Stay overnight at lodge.
Day
9
Trek from Manang to Yak Kharka (4018m.) takes about three and half hours.Now the trail ascends gently all the way to Yak Kharka passing through the Gunsang (3960m) village. En route, you can see panoramic views all the day. Stay overnight at lodge.
Day
10
Trek from Yak Kharka to Thorong Phedi (4450m.) takes about three and half hours.Leaving Yak Kharka, you climb gradually to a ridge before descending to the headwaters of the Marshyangdi and crossing via a covered wooden bridge. After a short ascent up the mountain path on the right bank, you follow a narrow path to reach Thorong Phedi. Stay overnight at lodge.
Day
11
Trek from Thorong Phedi to Muktinath (3795m.) takes about eight hours. The trail becomes steep immediately on leaving camp but as local people have used this trail for hundreds of years, the path is well defined. The gradient then eases and after around 4 hours of steady climbing, you reach the chorten and prayer flags of the pass. The descent to Muktinath is a knee pounding 1600m but it is compensated for with excellent views of Dhaulagiri. Eventually the moraines give way to grassy slopes before a pleasant walk along the Jhong Khola Valley to Muktinath and its shrines and temple. Stay overnight at lodge.
Day 12
Trek Muktinath to Marpha (2667m.) takes about approximately six hours. You now begin the descent down the dramatic Kali Gandaki Gorge, initially through arid country in the same geographical and climatic zone as Tibet. After passing through Jharkot and Khingar, villages with typical Tibetan architecture, you follow the valley floor most of the way to Jomsom. You continue down to Marpha, a delightful Thakali village, complete with a drainage system beneath the flagstone streets. Stay overnight at lodge.
Day 13
Trek from Marpha to Ghasa (2013m.) takes about six hours. Your trail descends steeply through forests to Ghasa, the last Thakali village and the southern-most limit of Tibetan Buddhism. The beginning part of the trail is stretched at almost flat level up to Kalopani and then your trail begins descending steeply to Ghasa. The surrounding area of Ghasa is famous destination for bird watching and wild Marijuana. Here you are quite amazed at the panoramic view of Mount Nilgiri North (7061m.), Nilgiri Central (6940m.), and Nilgiri South (6839m.), Annapurna I (8091m.), Dhaulagiri I (8167m.) and Tukuche peak (6920m.) Stay overnight at lodge.
Day 14
Trek from Ghasa to Tatopani (1189 m.) takes about five hours. The trail descends steeply up to Rukse Chhahara (Rukse Waterfall) is amazing to look at. There is situated the deepest gorge of the world between two mountains Annapurna I (8091m.) and Dhaulagiri I (8167m.) facing each other near Rukse Waterfall. Now the trail ascends slightly to Tatopani through different human settlements. It is popularly believed that taking bath in Hot Spring helps you to get rid of skin diseases. Stay overnight at lodge.
Day 15
Trek from Tatopani to Ghorepani (2853m.) takes about seven hours. Your trail passes through flat level of the land at some distance. Then the trail begins ascending steeply for at least one hour. Now path goes up through different villages inhabited by the people of different caste and agricultural land. Now the trail ascends gently all the way to Ghorepani passing through small villages like Phalate, Chitre and so on. Although there is time enough to continue, it is better to stay here overnight so that we can make the morning trip to Poon Hill (3180m.) for an outstanding panorama of Dhaulagiri I, II, III, IV, Tukuche peak, Dhampus peak, Nilgiri ranges, Annapurna I, Bahra Sikhar (Twelve peaks or renowned as French Fang),Annapurna South, Himchuli, Fishtail and Mardi Himal. Stay overnight at lodge.
Day 16
Trek from Ghorepani to Poon Hill (3180m.) to Tadapani (2675m.) takes about five and half hours. Early morning trip to Poon Hill (3232m.) to enjoy the sunrise view. After breakfast trek Ghorepani to Tadapani (2650 m.). After walking for almost one and half hour you reach Gurung Hill has the splendid mountain views as Poon Hill. From here you follow small forests with rhododendron, bamboos until you reach Deurali. The trail goes steeply down through deep forests all the way to Banthati. It takes one hour from here to reach Tadapanil After breakfast trek from Ghorepani to Tadapani (2731m.) through the deep forests of rhododendrons, bamboos and oaks. En route, you frequently see waterfalls, rocks, wild animals, local birds and green scenarios. Tadapani is a small village surrounded by beautiful forests. Stay overnight at lodge.
Day 17
Trek from Tadapani (2675m.) to Ghandruk (1950m.) takes about three hours. It is very easy trek by descending gently all the way through rhododendron, oak and other kinds of dense forests. You could hear different kinds of birds chirping on the way. This is one of the popular destinations for the birds' lovers. From this village you could see good views of Annapurna South, Hiunchuli, Gangapurna (7455m.), Annapurna III (7755m.) and Fishtail.Stay overnight at lodge.
Day 18
Trek from Ghandruk to Chhomrong (2040 m.) takes approximately four and half hours. At the beginning of the day, you could ascend gently for an hour up to Ghandruk kot (2100m.) and descend steeply to the Kimron Khola (1700m.). Immediately, ascend steeply and walk at a level for an hour and still ascend gently to the final camp. Chhomrong is a gateway to Annapurna Sanctuary trek and inhabited by Gurung, one of the major Ethnic group of Nepal. Stay overnight at lodge.
Day 19
Trek from Chhomrong to Dovan (2030m.) takes about five hours. Leaving Chhomrong, the trail descends on a stone staircase and crosses the Chhomrong Khola on a swaying suspension bridge, then climbs out of the side valley. High above the Modi Khola on its west bank, the trail passes through the tiny settlement of Tilicho in forests of bamboo, rhododendron and oak. Climbing further on a rocky trail (beware of the stinging nettles) you reach three hotels at Sinuwa, at 2350m. Climb in rhododendron forests to Kuldi, at 2520m. Descend a long, steep stone staircase into deep bamboo and rhododendron forests. It is then a short distance on a muddy trail to Bamboo Lodge (2340m.). Stay overnight at lodge.
Day 20
Trek from Dovan to Annapurna Base Camp (4170 m.) via Machhapuchhare Base Camp (3820m.) takes about seven hours.You trek gently ascend through bamboo forests with varieties of rhododendron and oak trees. The first town you reach is Dovan (2630m.) Now you pass through muddy trail traverses high above the river. After short trek, you reach at Himalayan Hotel (2900m.), the town named after the Himalayan Hotel. Beyond it, the trail is steeply ascent up to Hinko Cave (3160m.), this named as a huge overhanging rock provides some protection against rain and avalanches. It takes approximately twenty minutes through normally ascent path to reach Deorali (3230m.). From here, the valley widens and becomes less steep and you can see the gates to the sanctuary. After short trek you will be at Bagar (3310m.), a meadow and some abandoned hotels. The normal trail follows the left side of the valley. Now the trail appears gently ascent until you reach Machhapuchhare Base Camp (3820m.). After a short trek, you begin to approach Annapurna Base Camp (4170m.). Stay overnight at lodge.
Day 21
Trek from Annapurna Base Camp to Dovan (2630m.) takes about five hours. Now you trek through Himalayan Hotel to Dovan. Stay overnight at lodge.
Day 22
Trek from Dovan to Jhinudanda (1750m.) takes about six hours. The path is descent up to Bamboo passing through forests with varieties of rhododendron, oaks and bamboo plants. After Bamboo, the trail goes steeply up to the Kuldi Ghar and now the trail is quite flat until you reach Sinuwa. Your trek gradually descends to the Chhumrong Khola and you have to follow stone staircase for almost an hour to reach Chhumrong. The last part of the trail is steeply down to Jhinudanda. From the town you walk down for 20 minutes to reach hot spring at the bank of the Modi Khola. Stay overnight at lodge.
Day 23
Trek from Jhinudanda to Pothana (1600m) takes about five hours. The first part of the trek is descent and then appears through flat land until you reach Himal Pani. Beyond this town, the trail ascends gently crossing numerous streams and terraces. After short trek, you will be at Landruk (1640m.), a pretty big village inhabited by mixed community of Gurung, Magar and Brahmin as well. Now the trail gently ascends to Tolka (1850m.) and then ascent and level path to Bherikharka. From here, the trail goes steeply up to Deorali (2100m.) with a view of different mountain peaks in panorama. Now the trail gradually descends to Pothana passing through different oak forests Stay overnight at lodge.
Day 24
Trek from Pothana to Dhampus Phedi takes approximately three hours and drive from Dhampus Phedi to Pokhara by car. The trail is gently descent up to Dhampus, a village mainly inhabited by Gurung. Now you trek through flat land for some distance and steeply descend to Dhampus Phedi. Now you take vehicle to drive from Dhampus Phedi to Pokhara. Stay overnight at lodge.
Day 25
Drive from Pokhara to Kathmandu by tourist mini bus takes about seven hours. While driving from Pokhara to Kathmandu, you head up to Damauli, Dumre, Muglin and Kurintar where the Nepal's first Cable car is operated to reach to Manakamana Temple.
The price includes
the following services:
A trekking guide
Porter/s (1 porter can carry up to 25kgs of luggage)
All meals three times a day (breakfast, lunch and dinner)
Accommodation in teahouses (lodges) during the trek
Entry Permit for Annapurna conservation Area
Trekkers' Information Management system (TIMS) card
All land transportation
Sleeping bag and down jacket if required
Rescue assistance
First aid kit
Insurance and equipment for the Nepali staff
Two nights hotel Accomodation in Pokhara
Airport pick up and drop off services
The price does
not include:
Personal nature expenses
Drinks, beverages, etc.
Tips
Lunch & dinner in Pokhara
Hotel accommodation and meals in Kathmandu
Note: We can arrange the hotel accommodation in Kathmandu as per your interest and budget.
