Around Annapurna Trek
The classic adventure to Annapurna Circuit explores the tremendous diversity of Annapurna region challenging high passes, deserted Tibetan plateau, subtropical /alpine /flora and fauna, fascinating terraced fields all linked by historic trade routes. We follow the Marsyangdi River Valley northward.
We cross the highest elevation of the trip 5416 meters trekking beneath the soaring peaks of Manaslu, Lamjung and Himalchuli. As you go higher up, you find an incredible change in landscape and culture.The trader valley of Manang is the homeland of Manangis of Tibetan origin who migrated 500 years back. After crossing Throng Pass 5416 meters, you will be at the shrine of Muktinath with the arid beauty of Tibetan plateau.Turning south, we descend the Kali Gandaki valley (deepest gorge of the world) through the pretty trading village of Marpha and Tukuche. Before heading towards Pokhara, you hike a bit up to Poon Hill for the unforgettable Sunrise panoramic views of giant Dhaulagiri, Manaslu and whole Annapurna range.
Itinerary (Around Annapurna Trek):
Grade: Moderate
Time: Spring, Autumn
Duration: 22 days
Average Walking time: 4-5 hours per day
Day 1 (Kathmandu, Nepal):
Arrive Kathmandu. Around Annapurna Trek begins. Meet our representative. Transfer to Hotel. While in Kathmandu you will have time fascinating Buddhist and Hindi temples and shrines reflecting ancient local traditions are highlighted on our guided tour. There's time also to explore the city's many charms on your own. We will serve you a welcome delicious traditional Nepali dinner in the evening. Overnight in Kathmandu.
Day 2 (Kathamndu City Tour):
On second day of Around Annapurna Trek, we will visit Swayambhunath temple, and said to be 2000 years stupa on a hillock offers breath-taking view of Kathmandu City. We will then process to visit Pasupatinath and Bouddhanath. After lunch we will visit Kathmandu Durbar Square, Patan (Lalitpur) - which is the oldest of the three major cities in Kathmandu Valley - famous for its Buddhist monuments and Hindu temples, and you can catch the traditional artisans working with wood, stones and metals. Stay overnight in Kathmandu.
Day 3 (Kathmandu - Besi Sahar, 823 M):
Around Annapurna Panorama Trek continues. We will hit the road to Besi Sahar. Stay overnight at Besi Sahar.
Day 4 (Besi Sahar - Bahundanda, 1311 M):
On Day 4 of Around Annapurna Trek, After breakfast, we take the direct route upstream the Marsyangdi River and take crossing a long suspension bridge and passing beautiful scenery, thin waterfall with a fine bathing pool. We ascend to the town of Bahundanda, which means 'Brahman Hill'. There are good views to the north and a little-known hot spring here.
Day 5 (Bahundanda - Chamje, 1390 M):
Around Annapurna Trek continues and after breakfast, start trekking at Bahundanda while passing through the breathtaking scenery. The first pass is the gorge which becomes narrower as we cross a cantilever bridge followed by a suspension bridge. We pass a few small settlements along the route and Chamje, the destination for the day, is one of them. Having traveled upstream, we observe many changes in the people, architecture and vegetation. Houses are now built of rocks, the vegetation is less tropical and the culture more Tibetan-like.
Day 6 (Chamje - Bagarchap, 2103 M):
On day 6 of Around Annapurna Trek, we leave Chamje and cross into the district of Manang and see more Bhotia people. These are primarily agro-pastoralists and the real trans-Himalayan traders of the region. The route climbs gradually to the town of Bagarchap meaning (butcher's place). The houses here have flat roofs, indicating that there is less rainfall here than the south. There is a temple here worth visiting, and views of the Annapurnas and the Lamjung Himal.
Day 7 (Bagarchap - Chame, 2615 M):
We have breakfast in the morning and we keep moving into the valley of Chame, which becomes narrow and picturesque, the vegetation is temperate, broad-leaved forest. Chame is a government town and district centre for Manang. There are interesting religious buildings and hot springs.
Day 8 (Chame - Pisang, 3133 M):
On day 8 of Around Annapurna Trek, we continue in an unrelenting narrow valley of pine, hemlock and cypress forest. The trail through a serene forest leads to Pisang; a side trip to higher Pisang (100m higher) is a must for an amazing view of Annapurna II. This arid region is in the rain shadow of the Himalaya. The men here are traders - and may sell or trade almost anything - and part-time farmers, and the women are full-time farmers.
Day 9 (Pisang - Manang, 3500 M):
Around Annapurna Trek continues. We constantly carry on a jungle trek to a certain area; there, here, are 2 routes from here: a low road and a high road, the latter taking longer but affording outstanding views of the Annapurna Himal and few trekkers. Both routes converge in the large and interesting village of Braga, which is the seat of the oldest monastery in the area. The gomba is about 900 years old and belongs to the Kargyupa sect of Tibetan Buddhism, and contains some unique works of art. Manang is 30 minutes from here.
Day 10 (Manang):
After breakfast, today is acclimatization day, which is best spent being active and climbing to higher elevations for views but returning to lower altitudes to sleep. Manang itself is in a spectacular location with many attractions. There are lakes, caves, moraine-hills, monasteries or local activities in town.
Day 11 (Manang - Latdar, 4176 M):
Around Annapurna Trek continues through Manang, facilities become scarcer, cross small tributaries and contour along pleasant meadows with occasional birch groves. There is a chance to see herds of blue sheep.
Day 12 (Latdar - Thorung Phedi, 4404 M):
Around Annapurna Trek continues and we gain altitude gradually, and spend the night at the Phedi meaning 'foot of a hill'. If you are lucky you may spot a snow leopard near here at dusk!
Day 13 (Thorung Phedi - Thorung La, 5416 M - Muktinath, 3802 M):
On day 13 of Around Annapurna Trek, we carry on the trail. The trail now leaves the river valley and climbs steadily over lateral moraine. The pass, marked by a large cairn, is the high point of our trek. It is an exhilarating geographical feature, dividing 2 mighty Himalayan valleys. Far below to the west is the Kaligandaki River. We descend in that direction for the village of Muktinath, located in a poplar grove. It is a sacred shrine and pilgrimage site for Hindus and Buddhists.
Day 14 (Muktinath - Jomsom, 2713 M):
Around Annapurna Trek continues from Muktinath to Jomsom, we see people from Mustang, a restricted area to the north, who comes to sell handicrafts to pilgrims. Among their merchandise is the highly-revered mollusk fossil called Shaligram. We will pass some ancient caves and see the impressive White Mountain that is the Dhaulagiri. We also transit at the significant town of Kagbeni, which is at a junction of 2 rivers and the north-south and east-west trading routes.
Day 15 (Jomsom - Kalopani, 2530 M):
After breakfast, we descend to Marpha, a lovely village of whitewashed houses and fertile fields, and continue down the Kaligandaki reaching the former Thakali trading centre of Tukche. As the trail continues, the Himalayan rain shadow blends into coniferous forest, and we reach the main river valley and Kalopani. From here there are spectacular views of Dhaulagiri and the Annapurnas.
Day 16 (Kalopani - Tatopani, 1190 M):
Day 16 of Around Annapurna Trek constitues a beautiful walk with another transition into sub-tropical vegetation and the return of water buffalo, banyan trees and poinsettias, the trail follows the river through a narrow gorge and descends to cross a bridge near a spectacular waterfall, before winding through the valley to Tatopani. The hot springs that give the village its name provide the perfect opportunity for a good scrub.
Day 17 (Tatopani - Ghorepani, 2819 M):
Around Annapurna Trek continues and we steadily climb all day, we eventually leave behind the terraced fields and walk through thick rhododendron forest to the village of Ghorepani, meaning (horse water). We camp at the pass for the best views of the sunset over the spectacular, snow-capped Dhaulagiri and the Annapurna Range.
Day 18 (Ghorepani - Tadapani - Ghandrung, 2012 M):
After breakfast, the trail undulates through giant rhododendron forest and orchid colonies to the pretty Gurung town of Ghandrung,where the Annapurna range and Machapuchare (the Fishtail) dominate the mountain views, although glimpses of Lamjung Himal and the Manaslu range can also be seen further east.
Day 19 (Ghandrung - Dhampus, 1700 M):
After breakfast, the views continue to outstanding even as we descend, to the village of Dhampus.
Day 20 (Dhampus - Pokhara):
Around Annapurna Trek continues and the trail descends through forests, all the way to the valley floor, from where we make our way to the city of Pokhara.
Day 21 (Pokhara - Kathmandu):
On day 21 of Around Annapurna Trek, we drive to Kathmandu by road. After arrive in Kathmandu you're free to shop and pick up some last minute souvenirs, rest and visit the shop etc. Stay overnight in Kathmandu.
Day 22 (Kathmandu):
Sightseeing Kathmandu depending on the flight schedule for onward journey. Depart Kathmandu. Transfer to airport for flight to onwards journey. Around Annapurna Trek concludes.
