Round Annapurna Trekking is a complete trek that encircles the famous Annapurna mountains. The trek offers a Himalayasgreat variety of sub-tropical plains in the Himalayas… foothills through the trans-Himalayan Manang and Mustang regions. The trek goes through Thorang-La Pass-5416m.
Between two valleys of Manang and Kaligandaki River Gorge (the deepest gorge in the world). The above combinations make this trek one of the most famous in Nepal. It shows diverse cultures, nature, and traditional values. This is one of the classic and most rewarding treks in the Himalayas. It provides an opportunity to explore the scenery of both the southern and northern Himalayas.
In Round Annapurna Trekking, You can encounter rhododendron forests, the thin Tibetan Highland atmosphere as well as many ethnic groups on the way. Trekking north, we acclimatize at the important trading village of Manang (3351 m.) before crossing the Thorong-La (5407 m.).When you reach the pass, line after line of snow ridges stretch before you while far below lies the sub-tropical Kali Gandaki Gorge.
From the heights of the Pass, we descend to Muktinath and its sacred Buddhist and Hindu shrines. Further south, the contrast of the Nepal Himalayan Himalayas becomes even more apparent as forests or mandarin and banana groves replace high windswept passes. , Finally, we trek out of the gorges and look back to the peaks of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri before traversing the forest ridges down to Pokhara.
Overview
Trip Facts
Name: Round Annapurna
Grade: Adventurous
Elevation: 4200m.
Trek Start: Besi Sahar
Trek End: Birethanti
Trek Duration: 17 Days
Best Seasons: Sept-Dec, Feb-June
Type: Tea House
Walking hour: 4-5 hours a day
Day 01 : Drive from Kathmandu to Beshishahar (760m.) by bus or car 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 (760m.). It takes around 6 hours.
Beshishahar is the district headquarters of Lamjung district. All the local government offices are located 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 02 :Trek from Beshishahar to Bahundanda (1310m.) which takes about five 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 03 : Trek from Bahundanda to Jagat (1300m.) and it takes about five 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 04 : Trek from Jagat to Bagarchhap (2160m.) which takes about six hours thirty minut. 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 Chamje(1430m), 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(1700m) 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(1850m), 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(1860m),then straight little further and your camp for the night in Bagarchhap.
Day 05 : Trek from Bagarchhap to Chame (2670m), 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(2300m) 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 Lata marang(2400m) 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 Koto(2600m) from where you can look straight up at nearby Annapurna II - a sight compelling 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 06 : Trek from Chame to Pisang (3200m.) and it takes about five hours. With Lamjung Himal (6932m) 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 Bhratang(2850m). 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, now you walk through a pine forest and as the middle of the forest next settlement as Dhukure pokhari, as the end of the forest 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 Annapurrna 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 07 : Trek from Pisang to Manang (3540m.) which takes about five hours. Beyond Pisang, the trail climbs a steep ridge, which affords good views of the Manang valley and Tilicho peak(7134m). Descending past Manang's airstrip at Hongde, you come to a level area from where the northeast face of Annapurna III rises colonially 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 Braga with its splendid monastery. Large chorten and mani walls abound and the tall peaks of the Himalaya spread out before us - Annapurna II(7939m), Annapurna III(7555m), Annapurna IV(7525m), Gangapurna (7454m.) and, to the rear, Tilicho Peak (7134m.). After a small walking 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. Manang is the best civilization place among this area.
Day 08 : 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 09 : Trek from Manang to Letdar (4200m.) which takes about three and half hours. Now the trail ascends gently all the way to Letdar passing through the Gunsang (3960m) & yak kharka(4018m) village. En route, you can see panoramic views as well as yaks, dear & different kinds of birds all along the day.
Day 10 : Letdear to Thorang Phedi. A wooden bridge at (3,320 m.). should be crossed to reach Thorang Phedi (4,420 m.). Sometime snow can block the pass. In such a situation this place is really crowded. Usually people schedule is 3 a.m. to departure, which is not necessary. The ideal departure could be made between 4 and 5 a.m.
Day 11 : Trek from Thorong Phedi to Muktinath (3800m.) which takes approximately seven to 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 from Muktinath to Jomsom(2710m) which takes about five hours.On the way the famous place Kagbani(2800m) is pilgrims place for hindu religion & more famous to find the facels in Kali Gandaki river. It is the place border of Upper Mustang. The path goes along the river side till to Jomsom. Trail descends to Jomsom, this is a nice place from where trek could be shortened by flight back to Pokhara.From pokhare to kathmandu by bus or by flight. Trek end in twelve day.
If you want to do further more journey from Jomsom.
Day 13 : Trek from jomsom to Ghasa (2110m.) 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 Annapurna I (8091m.), Dhaulagiri I (8167m.) and Tukuche peak (6920m.) Mount Nilgiri North (7061m.), Nilgiri Central (6940m.), and Nilgiri South (6839m.),
Day 14 : Trek from Ghasa to Tatopani (1190 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 (2750m.) 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 (3210m.) for an outstanding panorama of, Annapurna I, Bahra Sikhar (Twelve peaks or renowned as French Fang),Annapurna South, Himchuli, Fishtail and Mardi Himal Dhaulagiri I, II, III, IV, Tukuche peak, Dhampus peak, Nilgiri ranges. 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 (3210m.) to Birethanti (1025m.) which takes about seven hours. Early morning trip to Poon Hill (3210m.) 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 Birethanti (1025 m). Than Drive to Pokhara by taxi ,car or bus, it takes one hours. 17th day
Day 17: 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.
Include
- - Airport pick-up and drop off services
- - Trekking guide
- - Porter/s (1 porter can carry two people's luggage up to 20 kilograms)
- - Entry permit fee
- - Trekkers' Information Management System(TIMS) card
- - All land transportation (from hotel to airport and from airport to hotel)
- - All meals 3 times a day (breakfast, lunch and dinner)
- - Accommodation in teahouses (lodges) during the trek
- - Necessary equipment such as sleeping bags, down jackets, etc.
- - Rescue Assistance
- - Insurance and equipment for the Nepali staff.
Exclude
- updating