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Annapurna Circuit |
Code:
TRKNP-06 |
Trip Profile: 25
Days Trip
:04 Nights in Kathmandu
:02 Nights in Pokhara
:19 Days Trekking |
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The Annapurna Circuit is one of
the classic treks in the world and on the 'must do' list of any
serious trekker or adventurer. The circuit takes one around the
Annapurna Himal, following the courses of 2 mighty rivers: the
Marsyangdi in the east and the Kaligandaki in the west, and takes one
over the 5400m-high Thorung La Pass in between the upper reaches of
the rivers. The Kaligandaki is the world's deepest gorge, flanked by
the giant Dhaulagiri and Annapurna Himals. The flora, geography and
culture also change dramatically around the circuit.
Day 01: Arrive in Kathmandu
Arrive in Kathmandu, you'll be taken to your hotel. While in Kathmandu
you will have time fascinating Buddhist and Hindu temples and shrines
reflecting ancient local traditions are highlighted on our guided
tour. There's time to explore the city's many charms on your own too.
In the evening, a welcome Nepali dinner awaits for you. Stay overnight
in Kathmandu.
Day 02: Kathmandu City Tour
After breakfast, you will visit Swayambhunath temple, and said to be
2000 years stupa on a hillock offers breath-taking view of Kathmandu
City. We will then proceed to Visit Pasupatinath and Bouddhanath.
After lunch we'll 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.
Day03: Kathmandu - Besi Sahar (823m)
After breakfast, we drive to Besi Sahar. Stay overnight at Besi Sahar.
Day 04: Besi Sahar - Bahundanda (1311m)
After breakfast, the route follows the Marsyangdi River upstream,
crossing a long suspension bridge and pass a beautiful, 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 05: Bahundanda - Chamje
(1390m)
After breakfast, the gorge 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 06: Chamje - Bagarchap
(2103m)
After breakfast, we leave Chamje, the gorge becomes more impressive.
We 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 07: Bagarchap - Chame
(2615M)
After breakfast, we leave Bagarchap, the valley 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 08: Chame - Pisang
(3133m)
After, we continue in an unrelenting narrow valley of pine, hemlock
and cypress forest. The trail through a serene forest leads tower
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 09: Pisang- Manang
(3500m)
After breakfast, there 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 (3500m)
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
(4176m)
After breakfast, we leave Manang, facilities become scarcer. We 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 (4404m)
After breakfast, 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 (5416m) - Muktinath (3802m)
After breakfast, 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
(2713m)
After breakfast, we travel overland from Muktinath to Jomsom, we see
people from Mustang, a restricted area to the north, who come 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 (2530m)
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
(1190m)
After breakfast, a beautiful walks, 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
(2819m)
After breakfast, we will steadily be climbing 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 & 19: Ghorepani -
Tadapani - Ghandrung (2012m)
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 20: Ghandrung - Dhampus
(1700m)
After breakfast, the views continue to outstanding even as we descend,
to the village of Dhampus.
Day 21: Dhampus - Pokhara
After breakfast, the trail descends through forests, all the way to
the valley floor, from where we make our way to the city of Pokhara.
Day 22: Pokhara
After breakfast, we relax in Pokhara after a hard but satisfying trek.
There are numerous activities in this scenic city like a boat ride on
the tranquil Phewa Tal Lake, and visits to the Tibetan refugee camps
and handicraft centres
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Day 23: Pokhara- Kathmandu
After breakfast, we say goodbye to scenic city of Pokhara and head
back to bustling Kathmandu.
Day 24: Kathmandu
After breakfast, you will be free to discover the charm of this quaint
city. Optional tours can be arranged.
Day 25: Depart Kathmandu
After breakfast, you are free before dropping at airport for your
final destination.
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