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Annapurna circuit trekking
 Visited by
over 80,000 West-erners each year the Annapurna circuit trek is a mixture of natural
beauty and culture. This trek is famous to experience the sky touching soaring peaks,
glaciers, exotic formation of rare rocky mountains, the continuous falling of avalanches,
hanging glaciers, world's deepest river gorges, hot-springs, heart alluring cascades,
meandering streams and rivers, ancient and virgin Tibetan culture, picturesque villages
and many more rare viewable things. According to Geologists bowl shaped geomorphology to
the north east side of Pisang village is a unique creation of Mother Nature. So called
Pisang Bowl! The highest elevation in this trekking route is 5416m at Thorang La. This
trek does not require any special hiking experience. However before you cross Thorang La
(the highest point 5416m) some acclimatization is required. Many tourists who they do not
want to cross the highest point of 5416m elevation they hike up to Manang Village and fly
out to Pokhara.
Detailed itinerary:
Day 01 to 03: Arrive Kathmandu (1311m). Day 04: Kathmandu to Besisahar (760m). Driving
from Kathmandu to Besisahar is very photogenic. The road follows narrow river valleys
along Trisuli and Marshyangdi Rivers. In dry seasons the road opens up to Khudi (another 7
KM to the north of Besisahar). Day 05: Besishahar (Khudi) to Bahundanda (1310m). The
hiking starts from Khudi in dry seasons otherwise hiking generally starts from Besisahar.
The trail passes through the villages of Bhulbhule and Ngadi. The trail continues up hill
just before Bahundanda. There is not much to see along the trail before we get to
Bahundanda. Day 06: Bahundanda to Chamje (1700m). The trail follows Marshyangdi River
valley with beautiful views of steep cliffs, cascades, small but beautiful villages along
the riverbanks and in the hill slopes. Day 07: Chamje to Dharapani (1860m). In the first
part of the day trail continues up hill up to Tal. Then it follows picturesque narrow
Marshyangdi River valley. The views of high mountains are superb along the trail. Day 08:
Dharapani to Koto (2600m). The trail follows narrow muddy gorge of Marshyangdi River
through the forest of rhododendron, pine, fir and spruce. The trail to Nar valley divides
at Koto. Day 09: Koto to Pisang (3200m). The trail follows  Marshyangdi River through the headquarter
town of Manang district. The views of Pisang peak (6092m) and Annapurna 2nd (7939m) are
very distinct. Day 10: Pisang to Manang (3540m). The narrow Marshyangdi River valley
widens up from Pisang and makes a wide big Manang valley. The wide trail follows flat
terrain of Manang valley with excellent views of Tilicho peak (7134m) and Gangapurna peak
(7454m). Before we get to Braga village the trail passes through pine forest, with the
views of Annapurna 4th(7555m), Annapurna 3rd(7525m), Chulu peak (6558m) and other peaks of
higher Himalayan range from Trans Himalayan side. Day 11: Rest in Manang. This is the
place where trekkers generally decide whether they want to continue further to the north
(Thorang La) or they simply want to fly back Pokhara. The trekkers who they want to
continue to the north, for them acclimatization is very essential. They may hang around
the Manang town or may plan to hike Gangapurna glacier. Day 12: Manang to Yak Kharka
(4018m). The trail continues to high country. Trekkers may experience deep breathing. This
high altitude trail continues through the village of Gunsang with spectacular views of
Manaslu, Pisang, Gangapurna, Tilicho, Thorang peak and Chulu Himal. Day 13: Yak Kharka to
Phedi (4500m). Yak Kharka to Phedi is a short hike. The trail divides at the village of
Letdar (4200m). During summer season it is recommended to follow the higher trail though
it is longer than the lower trail. During wintertime because of thick snow in higher trail
trekkers have no other choice than the lower trail. One has to be very careful on the
lower trail. There are frequent avalanches and rock falls. Day 14: Phedi to Thorang La
Pass (5416m) to Muktinath (3800m). This is the most challenging part of the entire
excursion. Trekkers are advised to start very early (around 3 to 4 AM) and cross the high
pass before noon. After 12 PM, because of the heavy winds hiking is near to impossible in
Thorang La. Day 15: Muktinath to Marpha (2670m). The trail descends to Kali Gandaki River
valley through the headquarter town of Mustang District. The trail goes through the
picturesque terrenes. Heavy winds starting from the village of Eklebhatti to Marpha make
the hiking very unpleasant. Day 16: Marpha to Ghasa (2010m). Day 17: Ghasa to Tatopani
(1190m). Day 18: Tatopani to Beni (830m). Day 19: Drive to Pokhara from Beni. Spend night
in Pokhara (820m). Day 20: Drive from Pokhara to Chitwan (225m). Day 21: Ride elephant in
Chitwan National Park to chase the rhinos and elusive Royal Bengal Tigers. Day 22: Drive
back to Kathmandu. Day 23: Sightseeing and shopping in Kathmandu. Day 24 to 25: Fly back
home.
This trek can be arranged only up to Manang village. From Manang village you can fly out
to Pokhara and then drive to Chitwan to explore the wild life in Chitwan National Park.
| Land costs: |
US$ 1650 per
person for the group of 5 to 8 Members |
|
|
US$ 1250 per
person for the group of 9 to 15 Members |
|
| Best time for the
trip: |
March 1 to
November 15 |
|
| Annapurna | Annapurna Base Camp | Dolpo | Everest
| Far West | Ganesh Himal |
| Ghorepani | Helambu | Jomsom | Kakani | Kanchanjunga | Khaptad |
| Langtang | Manaslu | Mustang | Rara | Rolwaling | Shivapuri | |
