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Annapurna Circuit Trek
Posted by: NTN Admin | Date: January 27, 2010
Annapurna Circuit is also known as Annapurna round trek which followed the terraces to the highest point of Throng La pass and world deepest gorge Kali Gandaki gorge.
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, Chhetris 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 you have a spectacular view of most mountains range every day.
There are superb views of Annapurna and Dhaulagiri, and the constant variety of landscapes ranges from sub-tropical through alpine to an arid semi-desert similar to Tibet; at the climax of the trek there's a formidable 5416m pass, the Thorong La, to cross. Though it is certainly demanding enough for the seasoned trekker, the Annapurna Circuit is still an excellent introduction to walking in Nepal for those who are confident of their fitness.
Fact of the trip
Main attraction
Both mid -hills and trans Himalayan semi-Tibetan cultural experiences, stunning mountain views, one of the world's most popular high pass journeys, vast range of bio-diversity trail, conserved wild life and vegetation.
Accessibility
Drive to Beshishahar to trailhead from Kathmandu or Pokhara, start the trek according to the itinerary, after Thorong La pass from Jomsom fly back or trek to Pokhara.
The Route
Max. Altitude 5416 m. Thorong -La pass 5-6 hr. average walking per day, trek start after breakfast everyday, strenuous trail, walking via pass is 9-10 hr.
Best season
Mid Aug. to Dec. and April to May
Facility
Teahouse lodges managed by ACAP and eco-aware local people. Tented camping trip can also be organized, safe drinking water projects.
Annapurna Circuit(Round) Trek Detailed Itinerary:
Day 01: Drive from Kathmandu to Beshishahar (823m.) which takes about six to seven hours. You drive along the Prithivi Highway to Dumre and then drive towards Beshishahar, the district headquarters of Lamjung district. All the local government offices are situated here. This headquarter is the centre for rural people for shopping daily usable commodities.
Day 02: Trek from Beshishahar to Bahundada (1305m.) and it takes about six hours. The first part of the trail passes through flat level along the bank of the Marshyangdi River. While passing from these area trekkers can observe local culture of Gurung community. After lunch we start to move upwards steeply to Bahundada which takes 2 hours. From Bahundada the magnificent view of snow -capped mountains can be grasped through your eyes.
Day 03: Trek from Bahundada to Chamje (1410m.) which takes about six hours. A steep trail descends for early half an hour and then follows flat path through rice terraces. It then climbs again and traverses the hillside high above the river before reaching the village of Lali Gaon. Ahead the Marshyangdi valley forms a steep V-shape and you follow the winding mountain path down through Syange (1100m.). Eventually you descend to the stone village of Jagat (1330m.) situated on a shelf which juts into the precipitous Marshyangdi valley. Then we descends up and down through forest to Chame
Day 04: Trek from Chamje (1410m.) to Dharapani (1960m.) and it takes about six hours. The first part of the trail descends to the river. After crossing suspension bridge we climb up to Sattale (1550m.). Climbing the zigzag path to the top of the hill, we 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 which leads to Tal with its hotels and teahouses. Here you can enjoy the exhilarating waterfalls .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 (1900m.), 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 mani marking the entrance to Dharapani (1960m.), and our camp for the night.
Day 05: Trek from Dharapani to Chame (2675m.) which takes about five and half 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 Marshyangdi 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 around Buddhist monastery. Continuing to climb through forests of pine and oak, you pass through Danaque (2210m.). There comes a small wooden bridge which takes you to follow steep ascent path up to Timang. It lies at the bottom of Lamajung Himal. The trail goes through flat level until you reach 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 (3100m.) which 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 Bhratang (2950m.). 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.
Day 07: Trek from Pisang to Manang (3440m.) and it takes about five and half hours. Beyond Pisang, the trail climbs a steep ridge which affords good views of the Manang valley and Tilicho peak (7145m.).
Day 08: Rest day at Manang and hang in and around town. This is for acclimatization and rest day before crossing the Thorong La.
Day 09: Trek from Manang to Yak Kharka (4350m.) and it takes about three and half hours. Now the trail ascends gently all the way to Yak Kharka passing through the Gunsang (3960m.) village.
Day 10: Trek from Yak Kharka to Thorong Phedi (4420m.) which takes about 3 and half hours. Leaving Yak Kharka,
Day 11: Trek from Thorong Phedi to Muktinath (3850m.) via Thorong La (5416m.) Pass and it takes about seven hours. You start early to cross Thorong La [5416m]. The trail becomes steep immediately on leaving camp but as this trail has been used by local people for hundreds of years the path is well defined.
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 which is sprawled along both banks of the Kali Gandaki.
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.
Day 14: Trek from Ghasa to Tatopani (1189 m.) which takes about five hours. The trail descends steeply up to Rukse Chhahara (Rukse Waterfalls) 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 Waterfalls. Now, the trail ascends slightly to Tatopani through different human settlements.
Day 15: A rest day at Tatopani to enjoy the natural hot spring bath. It is believed that one who takes bath get rids of skin diseases. After several days of trekking, it is a great idea to take bath at hot spring and relax.
Day 16: Trek from Tatopani to Ghorepani (2853 m.) for about seven hours.
Day 17: 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.), Machhapuchhre (6993m.), Annapurna IV (7525m.), Annapurna II (7937m.), Lamjung Himal (6931m.) and other numerous snow-capped mountain peaks. After breakfast trek Ghorepani to Tadapani (2650 m.) through the deep forests of rhododendrons, bamboos and oaks.
Day 18: 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. Ghandruk is a big Gurung village. There is a handicraft centre and Gurung museum.
Day 19: Trek from Ghandruk (1950m.) to Pothana (1990m.) which takes about six hours. First part of your trek is steeply down following stone staircase to Bee hive. Kimbu or Bee hive is located at the elevation of 1200 meters on the bank of Modi Khola. Now your trail steeply ascends following the stone staircase up to Landrunk. The trail ascends gently for early two hours and again ascends steeply for an hour to Deurali (2150m.) passing through Tolkha village (1850m.). From this point you can see panoramic view of Dhaulagiri I (8167m.), Annapurna South (7219m.), Hiunchuli (6441m.), Fishtail (6997m.), Annapurna III (7755m.), Annapurna IV (7525m.), Annapurna II (7937m.) and Lamjung Himal (6930m.).
Day 20: Trek from Pothana to Khade which takes about one hour. Then you could take a vehicle to reach Pokhara which takes 45 minutes to reach there.
Day 21: Drive from Pokhara to Kathmandu by tourist mini bus that takes about seven hours. You can also fly from Pokhara to Kathmandu which takes about 25 minutes.
Note: If you are interested to do this trekking you can use our in built form for making inquiry to local agents here in Nepal or you can put queries to know the details of the trekking area by expert in the link below or you can get extra information from Nepal travel news team.
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Nepal Himalayas Trekking Pvt Ltd
Nepal Himalayas Trekking (P) Ltd.
Bhagwan Bahal Thamel ( Near of Chhayadevi Complace ) Kathmandu, Nepal
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