Annapurna Circuit - Jomsom trek is one of the most popular treks in the famous Annapurna region, situated in northwestern region of Nepal. The trail completely encircles the Annapurna Himalayan range offering superb scenery and wild adventure.
The Annapurna Circuit - Jomsom trek follows the Marshyangdi valley into Manang district which is well above 3000m from sea level. Not only does the barren landscape of Manang resemble that of Tibet, the people here also follow Tibetan Buddhist, culture and dialect. Initially the trail passes through fir and pine forest followed by high rocky cliff. This is a Buddhist land so you will see many monastery, chortens and mani walls along the way. Superb views of Manaslu, Annapurna II, Lamjung Himal, Pisang Peak, Annapurna III & IV and Gangapurna greet you at every step.
Since the trail encompasses the main part of Annapurna conservation area, you will enjoy walking through dense forests of oak, pine and cedar at the lower belt with occasional sightings of rare wildlife species.
You will face the challenge of crossing Thorong La (5416m), one of the highest Himalayan passes before descending down to Kali Gandaki valley to Kagbeni and Jomsom. On this side of the mountain you will observe Kali Gandaki gorge, the deepest gorge in the world. You will also experience the culture and customs of Thakali community, who are known for their astute trade skills.
After early morning breakfast, drive from Kathmandu to Bhulbhule via Besisahar, takes about seven hours. During the drive you will follow Trisuli and Marshyangdi Rivers passing through several villages and you will enjoy views of green hills and snowcapped mountains. The road from Kathmandu to Besisahar is paved while rest of the journey to Bhulbule is on a graveled path. Stay overnight at lodge.
You will step into Marshyangdi valley and follow the winding mountain path down to Syange (1100m). Afterwards climb steeply through sheer cliff-face some 200-300m above the riverbed to reach Chamje. Stay overnight at lodge.
The first part of the trail descends to the Marshyangdi river and then crosses over a suspension bridge and makes a steep climb to Sattale (1550m). From here the trail descends to a grassy riverbank that leads to the village of Tal (1700m). Beyond Tal, the the trail goes around winding cliffs, passes through Karte village and finally comes across the Mani entrance to Dharapani (1960m.). Stay overnight at lodge.
Today the trek goes along the Dudh Khola that originates from the south face of Mt. Manaslu. You will soon arrive at the village of Bagarchhap, distinct with its prayer flags and a Buddhist monastery. Continue to climb through forests of pine and oak to reach Danaque (2210m.) and thereafter trail levels all the way to Chame where there are government offices, shops and hotels. Chame is the administrative headquarters of the Manang district. Stay overnight at lodge.
After greeting Lamjung Himal (6893m) sparkling in the morning sun, you will climb the path up the valley, passing a huge apple orchard. The trail then enters fir and pine forest, and emerges out to a high, rocky cliff which is extremely steep that leads to Bhratang (2950m.). You will now walk through a short stretch of pine forest as the path opens up to a wonderful vista of Annapurna II as well as Pisang Peak (6091m). Afterwards follow a long section of Mani wall to enter the village of Pisang. Stay overnight at lodge.
Leaving Pisang in the morning, the trail ascends a steep ridge that offers good views of the Manang valley and Tilicho peak (7145m). When descending to Hungde (3320m), you will come to wide plain of the Sabje Khola Valley from where the north-east face of Annapurna III and Annapurna IV (7525m) rises majestically. Afterwards you will cross Marshyangdi Khola over a wooden bridge to the tiny village of Mungji. Mungji has large Chortens and mani walls and is surrounded by tall peaks of Annapurna II, Annapurna III, Annapurna IV, Gangapurna (7455m.) and Tilicho Peak (7145m.). A short steep climb from Mungji will reach you Manang. Stay overnight at lodge.
Today is a rest day for acclimatization in preparation for crossing the Thorung La Pass. You can choose to cross the river to see the tremendous icefall coming down from the Annapurna or climb high above the village for views of the Annapurna range and the Manang Valley. Stay overnight at lodge.
Today the trail ascends gently all the way to Yak Kharka passing through Gunsang village (3960m). En route, you can see panoramic mountain views all day long. Stay overnight at lodge.
Leaving Yak Kharka, you will climb gradually to a ridge before descending to the headwaters of Marshyangdi. After a short ascend along the river bank, you follow a narrow trail across an unstable spree slope and then descend to Thorung Phedi. Stay overnight at lodge.
You will start the trek very early in the morning. The trail is long, steep and challenging all the way to the Thorona La pass. After around 4 hours of steady climbing on moraines, you will arrive at the Thorong La pass which is adorned with chorten and prayer flags. Thorong La pass is one of the highest passes in the Annapurna region and offers great views of the valley below. As soon as you arrive at the top of Thorang La pass, you will descend along the Jhong Khola Valley towards Muktinath. Muktinath is one of the most sacred pilgrimmages in the Himalaya for both Hindus and Buddhists. Stay overnight at lodge.
Today the trail mostly descends all the way to Jomsom. This is an easy and pleasant trek. Jomsom is a popular town based on the bank of Kali Gandaki River and is the starting point of Upper Mustang trek. Stay overnight at lodge.
The flight is a scenic one with panoramic views of Himalayan peaks, especially Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, Nilgiri etc. as well as Kaligandaki River. The flight to/from Jomsom occurs only in the morning because of high wind in afternoon time. In case of cancellation of flights due to bad weather, you can alternatively choose to drive from Jomsom to Pokhara takes about 7 hrs. Stay overnight at hotel in Pokhara
During the highway journey, you will enjoy the mountain views, green sceneries, rice terrace fields, vegetable fields and people being engaged in their daily life activities. If you choose to fly back to Kathmandu, it takes about 25 minutes. There are several flights from Kathmandu to Pokhara from morning to afternoon.
Below is a list of equipment and clothing required for trekking. The necessity of these items depends on the type, altitude, timing and destination of trekking. Appropriate trekking gears are not only required for the comfort/pleasure of your trek but also to improve safety factor. Please have a look over these items in order to fully prepare and thoroughly enjoy the trekking.
General Items:
Daypack, Rucksack, Sleeping bag, Duffel bag, Walking Poles, walking boots, sandals, Toiletries (Soaps, Toilet papers, Sanitizers, toothpaste, tooth brush, etc.)
Clothing Items:
Thermal underwear, Down jacket, Shorts, Trekking trousers, Towels, Woolen gloves, Gaiters, Fleece jacket or Pullover, Wind/water proof jacket, Raincoat, Warm socks, buff
Sun-worn Items:
Sun hat, Sunglasses, Snow goggles, Sunscreen, Lip balm
Gadgets:
Headlamp, Flash light, Binoculars, Cameras (chargers and batteries),
Liquid/Snacks:
Water bottle/bladder, Water purification Iodine tablets, Energy bars and snacks
Medical Essentials:
First Aid Kit
Optional:
Altimeter, Compass, Binoculars, Books/magazines, GPS, Pocket knife, Candles (for lodges), Notebook with pencil/pen, etc
Additional items for camping trek:
Tent, Stove and fuel, Utensils for cooking, eating and drinking, sleeping mattresses
Note: We can also provide sleeping bag, down jacket, duffel bag, walking poles, and First Aid Kit in case if you don’t have one. These items are inclusive of total package price.
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