  
Duration: 15 days Maximum Elevation: 5416m
Grade: Medium / Hard Season: Mid September to November and March to mid May
Summary: Walk completely around the Annapurna massif. Trek through low land Brahmin and Chhettri villages to the remote Manang village, and down the Kalkigandaki Gorge (officially deepest George in the World). Cross a 5416m pass-probably the highest you will ever get without climbing a mountain.
This 20 day trek offers the widest range of experiences we have ever encountered, and for this reason it has become most popular trek in Nepal. It passes through country inhabited by a wide diversity of peoples, offers spectacular mountain scenery and goes far north of the Himalayas to the Tibetan Plateau. Altitudes of 5416m are reached, and a high level of physical health and fitness is necessary.
The journey begins in Besisahar town, where, for the first 7 days we will trek through the eloquent rice paddies, lush jungle and hospitable villages of the Annapurna Conservation Area. The awe-inspiring views of Mt. Manaslu (8187m) and the Annapurna range provide a dramatic backdrop for the initial stages of this trek. An acclimatization day will be spent in the Tibetan village of Manang (3500m), where we will be able to observe Buddhist monks in worship at one of the many majestic monasteries of this area. A side trip will also be taken to the icy Gangapurna Lake and the awesome Gangapurna Glacier, a photographer's paradise! We continue ascending to the Throng La Pass (5416m), from where we can enjoy spectacular views of Mustang Peak and the snow-covered giant; Dhaulagiri (8167m). Arriving in village of Muktinath, we will be able to see the celebrated Hindu pilgrimage site of Muktinath Temple with its 108 spring water taps and the mysterious natural gas fires. We descend, following the breathtaking Kali Gandaki River Valley, officially the deepest gorge in the world. Continuing along the gorge to the beautiful village of Tatopani, we will be able to bathe in the famous hot springs. We will take an early morning side-trip to Poon Hill viewing point (3210m), where we will enjoy a magnificent sunrise over the whole Annapurna range. Finally, we descend to the village of Nayapul from where we will take a bus to Pokhara city, the final destination.
Outline Itinerary
Day 1: Pick up from Airport and transfer to Hotel.
Day 2: Drive from kathmandu to Besisahar/ Shange (1136m)
Today we begin a wonderful walk through a range of scenery. From Tal, we head across the river and ascend the ridge top high above. Just before we camp at Tal, the first village in Manang, we come over a small rise and enter a wide, flat valley with a long, silvery waterfall to the right.
Day 3: Trek from Shange to Tal (1710m)
Today we begin a wonderful walk through a range of scenery. From Tal, we head across the river and ascend the ridge top high above. Just before we camp at Tal, the first village in Manang, we come over a small rise and enter a wide, flat valley with a long, silvery waterfall to the right.
Day 4: Trek from Tal to Danakyu (2190m)
Today we head out on a trail crossing a wide, flat valley. The trail then climbs a stone stairway to 1860m. The journey continues up and down to Dharapani at 1890m. There we find a stone entrance Chorten, typical of the Tibetan influenced villages. We then visit the Danakyu at 2190m which offers typical flat-roofed stone houses of Tibetan design.
Day 5: Trek from Danakyu to Chame (2670)
Often rough and rocky, the trail climbs to Timang at 2750m, and then continues through forest and near the river to Kopar at 2590m. As we reach Chame, the headquarters of the Manang district, we are rewarded by fine views of Annapurna II and two small hot springs by the town.
Day 6: Trek from Chame to Pisang (3300m)
The day starts through a deep forest in a narrow valley and crosses a river on a long bridge at 2910m. We then cross another bridge at 3040m, and from there the view of the soaring Paungda Danda rock face really begins to appear. The trail then joins to climb to Pisang.
Day 7: Trek from Pisang to Manang (3540m)
Today we continue through the upper part of the Manang district, where we are cut off from the full effect of the monsoon by the Annapurna Range. People of this region herd yaks and raise crops for part of the year and enjoy special trading rights gained way back in 1784.
Leaving Pisang, we have an alternate trails north and south of the Marsyangdi River which meet up again at Mungji. The southern route by Hongde at 3325m involves less climbing than the northern route via Ghyaru, though there are better views on the trail that follows the northern bank of the river. The trail continues past the picturesque but partially hidden village of Bryanga at 3475m to nearby Manang at 3540m.
Day 8: Acclimatization day at Manang (3540)
Today we spend a day acclimatizing in Manang. Take a walk and enjoy the magnificent views.
Day 9: Trek from Manang to Yak-kharka (4050m)
Today we leave Manang. The trail makes an ascent of nearly 2000m to the Thorong La pass. We make the climb steadily through Tenki, leaving the Marshyangdi Valley. Continuing along the Jarsang Khola Valley, we reach Yak-kharka at 4050m, where we will see the vegetation becoming sparse and the altitude rises.
Day 10: Trek from Yak kharka to Phedi or High camp (4700m)
The trail descends to cross the river at 4310m before we then climb up to Phedi at 4450m. At High Camp at 4700m, we will find some excellent guesthouses.
Day 11: Trek from Phedi or High Camp to Muktinath (3760m)
The journey from Phedi “foot of the hill” or at the bottom of the 5416m Thorong La pass, begins today. We then make the steep climb via a regularly used and easy to follow trail. It is about four hours climb up to the pass marked by the Chortens and prayer flags. As you reach the top, you are rewarded by magnificent views.
Day 12: Drive from Muktinath to Tatopani (1200m)
From Muktinath, the trek begins with a downward walk along the Kaligandaki river beach. The trail follows a road and you can ride a bus or jeep up to Tatopani where your overnight accommodation is set.
Day 13: Drive from Tatopani to Pokhara
This morning, head to Pokhara in a private vehicle, stopping for lunch on the way.
Day 14: Tourist Bus Journey from Pokhara to Kathmandu
We drive back to Kathmandu today, the last day of our trip. We cross over some mountain passes and rivers along the way. In the evening we enjoy a farewell dinner and reflect on a great adventure.
Day 15: Transfer to airport conclude the trip.
Cost Include(s)
- Trekking Lodge (Tea House) accommodations- throughout the trek
- Trekking Permit.
- A highly experience, helpful, knowledgeable, friendly, English speaking well trained, Government - - License holder guide with all his salary, food, drinks, accommodation, transport and insurance.
- Strong, helpful porters with proper safety equipment and walking equipment his salary, foods, accommodation and insurance (one porter for two people).
- Comprehensive medical supplies (first aid kit will be available).
- Arrangement of Emergency Helicopter service (paid by your Travel Insurance Company).
- Government taxes and official expenses.
- Oximeter to check your pulse and oxygen saturation and heart rate twice daily (Very useful to check Altitude Mountain Sickness(AMS) symptoms) Which will ensure you trek is in the safest hands possible for all levels of trekker.
- Assistant guide group size above 6+ person.
Cost Exclude(s)
- Nepal entry visa fee (you may easily issue the visa on arrival at Tribhuwan International Airport – - -- Kathmandu). $25 USD for 15 days Visa.
- Your Travel and Medical Insurance (Recommended)
- International Airfare.
- Your Personal Expenses.
- All meals during the trek, kathmandu and porkhara.
- All desserts sweet things like chocolate, cake, pie, pudding.
- Hot shower and battery charging on the tea houses.
- Tips for the guide, porter and driver (Tipping is expected)
Important Note
It Is for me?
For the trek on this trip the general rule is the more preparation you have done for it, the more you will enjoy it. The climb is pretty strenuous as we walk through hilly terrain with our back packs and the temperature is often cool and can drop to -5 Celsius at the Annapurna area. MMG recommend that you undertake regular aerobic activities in three months before you trekking, particularly if you are not in the habit of regular exercise. Walking, jogging, swimming or riding a bike is all good ways to increase your aerobic fitness, which will allow you to enjoy the trek to its fullest.
Every effort will be made to keep to the above schedule, but as this is Adventure expedition in a remote mountain region, we cannot guarantee it. Weather conditions, road slides, and avalanches, public strikes, natural changes of walking track, vehicle breakdowns and the health of fellow travellers can all contribute to changes. We will try to ensure that the trip runs according to schedule.
|
