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.
Outline
Itinerary
Day
1
Drive
from Kathmandu to Beshishahar
(823m.) by bus and it takes
approximately seven hours. You
drive along the Kathmandu-Pokhara
Highway to Dumre and then follow
the narrow and paved road by
the Marsyangdi Khola to Besi
Sahar (823m.). It takes almost
6 hours. Beshishahar is the
district headquarters of Lamjung
district. All the local government
offices are situated here. From
here, you can see some of mountain
peak, natural sceneries surrounding
the valley and the daily activities
of local people. This headquarter
is the centre from where the
daily usable commodities are
supplied to the different villages
and numerous towns.
Day
2
Trek
from Beshishahar to Bahundanda
(1200m.) which 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.
Here you walk through the rice
terrace fields with the good
views of various mountains.
Day
3
Trek
from Bahundanda to Jagat (1800m.)
and it 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. Eventually
you descend to the stone village
of Jagat, situated on a shelf,
which juts into the precipitous
Marsyangdi valley. You stay
overnight at tea house (lodge).
Day
4
Trek
from Jagat to Dharapani (1943m.)
which takes about six hours.
The trail from Jagat descends
until it almost reaches the
river and then begins to climb
again through a forest. The
sheer cliff on the opposite
bank plunges downward but this
side is also steep. When the
climb ends, you follow a level
track to Chyamje, which is marked
by a magnificent waterfall on
the opposite bank. After descending
to the river and crossing a
suspension bridge, you begin
a climb to Sattale on a path
so steep that it seems one slip
would send you hurtling down
into the valley. You continue
on an undulating path above
the river, and at one point,
where a tributary flows in from
the opposite bank, the main
river becomes covered with huge
boulders that hide the water.
Climbing the zigzag path to
the top of the hill, you see
the level, plain of Tal before
us. Though it is enclosed by
cliffs, the level area looks
reassuring after the harrowing
mountain paths just traveled
on. You descend to a grassy
riverbank that leads to Tal
with its hotels and teahouses.
Here you can enjoy the exhilarating
water fall. Beyond Tal, the
valley narrows and the path
becomes high and winding, and
in several areas hewn from the
rock itself. 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.
Day
5
Trek
from Dharapani to Chame (2713m)
which takes about four hours.
As you cut through a narrow
field from the village, the
Dudh Khola, which 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, a Bhote village
with prayer flags fluttering
in the breeze. Continuing to
climb through forests of pine
and oak, you pass through Dhanakyu
before coming to a thundering
waterfall. Further, the Marsyangdi
Khola enters a gorge and the
path consists of steep stone
steps. Pausing for breath, you
can look back for views of Manaslu.
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. You
then cut across a loose hillside
to the hamlet of Kotho from
where you can look straight
up at nearby Annapurna II -
a sight convincing us that you
are deep in the Himalayan Mountains!
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.
Day
6
Trek from Chame to Pisang
(3155m.) and it takes about
five hours. With Lamjung Himal
(6893m) sparkling in the morning
sun, you set off for Pisang.
The mountain disappears as
you climb the path up the
valley, passing a huge apple
orchard. 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. In the past this
was the military station for
troops who fought against
the Khampa tribal revolution,
but the dilapidated buildings
are all that remain of that
era. 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. Continuing
on, you come to a long Mani
wall by a bridge and the lower
village of Pisang.
Day
7
Trek
from Pisang to Manang (3351m.)
which takes about five hours.
Beyond Pisang, the trail climbs
a steep ridge, which 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.
Just beyond this point you cross
the considerably reduced flow
of the Marsyangdi Khola via
a wooden bridge to the tiny
village of Mungji. Cultivated
fields appear on both sides
of the path and off to the right,
below a craggy mountain, you
can see the village of Bryaga
with its splendid monastery.
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
which is a surprisingly large
village for this remote mountain
region. You camp here for the
night, amidst the fluttering
prayer flags that adorn the
houses.
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.
There is also a Himalayan Rescue
Association (HRA) aid post in
the village which makes an interesting
and educational visit.
Day
9
Trek
from Manang to Yak Kharka (4018m.)
which 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.
Day
10
Trek
from Yak Kharka to Thorong Phedi
(4450m.) which takes about three
and half hours. Leaving Yak
Kharka, you climb gradually
to a ridge before descending
to the headwaters of the Marsyangdi
and crossing via a covered wooden
bridge. After a short ascent
up the mountain path on the
right bank, you follow a narrow
trail across an unstable screed
slope and then descend to Thorong
Phedi.
Day
11
Trek
from Thorong Phedi to Muktinath
(3795m.) which takes about eight
hours. It demands an early start
today for your crossing of Thorung
La (5416m.). 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 views are dramatic to say
the least, from the snow-covered
mountains above, to the head
of the Kali Gandaki valley below
and the brown and purple hills
of Mustang which are spread
out before us. 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.
Day
12
Trek
Muktinath to Marpha (2667m.)
and it 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. Jomsom is sprawled
along both banks of the Kali
Gandaki and from here there
are fine views of the Nilgiri
peaks. You continue down to
Marpha, a delightful Thakali
village, complete with a drainage
system beneath the flagstone
streets. Its narrow alleys and
passageways provide welcome
shelter from the strong winds
of the Kali Gandaki Gorge and
Marpha is particularly well
known for its apples, apple
cider and apple, apricot and
peach rakshi.
Day
13
Trek
from Marpha to Ghasa (2013m.)
which 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 first
part of the trek passes through
the windy area covered with
pine forests, rhododendron forests
and birches are seen. 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.)
Day
14
Trek
from Ghasa to Tatopani (1189
m.) which takes about five hours.
The trail descends steeply up
to Rukse Chhahara (Rukse Waterfall)
which 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. You can enjoy
the hot spring at Tatopani as
the word Tatopani is termed
after the natural hot spring
situated at the bank of the
Kali Gandaki River. It is popularly
believed that taking bath in
Hot Spring helps you to get
rid of skin diseases. Along
this, it gives you physical
and mental refreshment as well.
Day
15
Trek
from Tatopani to Ghorepani (2853m.)
and it 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. The majority of the people
here serve Gorkha Regiment and
Indian Regiment as well. While
trekking you cross through the
Kali Gandaki river with panoramic
view of Dhaulagiri and Annapurna
ranges. Now the trail ascends
gently all the way to Ghorepani
passing through small villages
like Phalate, Chitre and so
on. While trekking you pass
through rhododendron forests
and come across the wild life
such as monkeys and birds of
various species. You are accompanied
by more panoramic views of different
mountains. Ghorepani (Watering
to Horse) is a small pass and
the village of Deorali. 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. The
view you can see from here is
probably the best view in the
world. Not only this, Poon Hill
is crowded by different visitors
to enjoy the sunrise and sunset
over the snow-capped mountain.
Day
16
:
Trek from Ghorepani to Poon
Hill (3180m.) to Tadapani (2675m.)
which takes about five and half
hours. Early morning trip to
Poon Hill (3232m.) to enjoy
the sunrise view over Mt. Dhaulagiri
(8167m.), Tukuche Peak (6920m.),
Nilgiri (6940m.), Varaha Shikhar
(7847m.), Mt. Annapurna I (8091m.),
Annapurna South (7219m.), Annapurna
III (7855m.), Machhapuchhare
(6993m.), Annapurna IV (7525m.),
Annapurna II (7937m.), Lamjung
Himal (6931m.) and other numerous
snowcapped mountain peaks. After
breakfast trek Ghorepani to
Tadapani (2650 m.). After walking
for almost one and half hour
you reach Gurung Hill which
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 which grants
you a magnificent view of Annapurna
South, Hiunchuli, Fishtail,
and Annapurna II and so on.
Day
17
:
Trek from Tadapani (2675m.)
to Ghandruk (1950m.) and it
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. Ghandruk is a big Gurung
village. There is a handicraft
centre and Gurung museum. From
this village you could see good
views of Annapurna South, Hiunchuli,
Gangapurna (7455m.), Annapurna
III (7755m.) and Fishtail.
Day
18
Trek
from Ghandruk to Chhomrong (2040
m.) which 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.
Day
19
Trek
from Chhomrong to Dovan (2030m.)
and it 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. This was once a British
sheep breeding project; now
the stone houses are an ACAP
visitor centre and check post.
In winter, it's common to find
snow anywhere from this point
on. 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.).
Day
20
Trek
from Dovan to Annapurna Base
Camp (4170 m.) via Machhapuchhare
Base Camp (3820m.) which 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.)
where there are few lodges and
camp sites. Now you pass through
muddy trail which traverses
high above the river. There
is debris of avalanches except
during winter season. 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.
The trail is less steep. As
the trail continues into the
sanctuary, it crosses two avalanche
tracks on a narrow trail that
hurdles up against the cliffs.
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.). Here you
find almost 6 to 7 lodges. This
is one of the places, where
you can enjoy the view of Mount
Hiunchuli (6441m.), Annapurna
South (7229m.), Annapurna I
(8091m.), Annapurna III (7555m.),
Gangapurna (7454m.) and Machhapuchhare
or Fish Tail (6997m.). The path
follows through alpine meadow
and after some distance your
trails go gently up. After a
short trek, you begin to approach
Annapurna Base Camp (4170m.).
From here, you can see the views
of several peaks at 360 degree.
Day
21
Trek
from Annapurna Base Camp to
Dovan (2630m.) which takes about
five hours. It's much easier
going down. You should have
no problem reaching Sinuwa in
a single day from Annapurna
Base Camp. Now you trek through
Himalayan Hotel to Dovan.
Day
22
Trek
from Dovan to Jhinudanda (1750m.)
and it 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. You trek gradually descend
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
should walk down for 20 minutes
to reach Hot Spring at the bank
of the Modi Khola. You can relax
at Hot Spring.
Day
23
Trek
from Jhinudanda to Pothana (1600m)
which takes about five hours.
The first part of the trek is
descent and then appears through
flat land until you reach Himal
Pani. Here you find beautiful
waterfall. 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. Pothana is a small
town resided by Gurung, a ethnic
community of Nepal. From here
too, you can enjoy the splendid
views of various mountain peaks.
Day
24
Trek
from Pothana to Dhampus Phedi
and it 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.
Day
25
Drive
from Pokhara to Kathmandu by
tourist mini bus that 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.
En route, you could enjoy the
mountain views, green sceneries,
rice terrace fields, vegetable
fields and people being engaged
in their daily life activities.
From Naubishe you climb up to
Thankot, the gateway to capital
city. You can also fly from
Pokhara to Kathmandu which takes
about 25 minutes.
