Circuit de l'Annapurna

Today, you’ll depart from Kathmandu on nearly eight hours drive (depending on traffic conditions) via a tourist bus. Throughout this journey into the hills on Prithvi Highway, you’ll be accompanied by the untamed rivers, Trishuli and then Marsyandi. Both of the rivers are celebrated for white-water rafting. The meandering highway reveals more of the countryside of Nepal next to its sides, incorporating lush greenery, streams, villages, agricultural lands with green paddy plants and astounding mountain vistas.  Upon arriving at Dumre, we turn north on a narrow but paved secondary road to Besisahar. We can enjoy picturesque mountain outlooks en route. Henceforth, a 30 minutes drive from Besisahar leads us to Khudi (8,00m), the starting point of our wonderful trek.

From Besishar , we make an abrupt ascend to Chamje and keep up with our trek on the trail along the east bank of meandering Masryangdi River. We now move across a suspension bridge ascend uphill through the fields of corn, barley and potatoes, and then through forests of bamboo and rhododendrons; all the way into a large highland ahead at the Village of Tal (1,511m). Tal is the first village of the Manang district that is situated on a flatland besides the sandy beach and river at the bottom of a huge waterfall. From here, we trek past the village of Khotro (1,860m), alpine forest and other villages and finally make it to Dharapani (1,960m).

all by drive now a day 

We depart from Dharapani and pursue the trail that first climbs up abruptly and then makes a soft descent to the west. Subsequently, we reach Bagarchhap. It is a small village influenced by Buddhist culture and consist of Tibetan-styled houses. The trail now climbs through fir and pine woodlands and then passes by bridges and waterfall amidst the higher oak and maple trees. Through steep stone steps, the trail finally reaches Chame (2,710m): headquarter of Manang district that exhibits sublime outlooks of Lamjung Himal (6,983m), Annapurna IV (7,525m) and Annapurna II (7,937).

Today, we trek on an abrupt trail through thick woodland, which bends to unlock the noteworthy curved rock face, soaring 1,500m from the river. From this point onwards, forests and heavy vegetation disappears. Afterwards, we’ll move across the river time and again via suspension bridges. As the trail opens and exhibits the U-shaped valley of Manang situated in-between two massive snow-capped peaks; we witness the astounding and spell-binding mountain vistas around us. Eventually, we reach the Pisang village (3,300m).

We are presented with the point where the main trail separates into two routes to reach Manang. We take the upper route that passes through Upper Pisang via Ghyaru village that showcases charming stone houses. We also observe the alluring panorama of majestic mountains such as Pisang Himal, Annapurna etc. in close proximity. Today, we take pleasure in the soft colours of the wonderful landscape along with contrasting vegetation. We now arrive at Ngawal. The village showcases a Gompa and aged juniper trees. The trail now progresses downward to Mungji then eventually leads to the celebrated Thakali village of Manang (3,519m). En route, we can see the harsher environment created by the cold and dry climate.

It’s the day seven and today, you’ll rest and acclimatize in Manang as a preparation to face the higher elevation in Thorong La. You can take medical advice regarding Acute Mountain Sickness at the Himalayan Rescue Association outpost and observe the splendid views in Manang. If you don’t wanna rest then you can visit nearby places such as Gangapurna Lake (3,525m) and Cave Gompa (4,000m), which flaunts prepossessing vistas comprising of entire Annapurna range,  Tilicho Peak (7,134m), Pisang Peak (6,091m), Chulo Peak (6,584m), Thorong Peak (5,416m), and many more. But it is strongly recommended to rest and acclimatize in order to complete the entire journey safely. Never underestimate the higher elevations and its adverse effect on a human body. Negligence may result in loss of life. 

Today, we follow the trail that advances across a stream, then ascend above Manang to Tenki village, and continue to scale out of the Masryangdi valley. The trail now changes its direction to the northwest, up the valley of Jarsang Khola and passes through pasturelands, scrub of juniper trees and continuously acquires elevation. Making our way past the small village of Ghunsa, we traverse the thriving meadows to the wooden bridge across a small river. In the end, we land up at Yak Kharka (4,110m). The word ‘Yak’ refers to long-haired, domesticated, short-legged oxlike mammal found in the Himalayan region and ‘Kharka’ means meadows or pasture. Basically, Yak Kharka is also another pastureland.

Today, the trek will be bit difficult. We ascend along the trail for a while to the north and come across a suspension bridge that leads to the village of Ledar. With massive cliffs by the side of the uphill trail, we ascend to Throng Phedi with a peek on the exquisite Annapurna III alongside elegant mountaintops of Syagang (6,026m), Gundang (5,312m), and Khatungkang (6,484). Thorong Phedi is the last human settlement before Thorong La Pass, positioned at the bottom of Thorang la peak (6,144m).

At the break of dawn, we commence the most punishing trek of our overall journey. We initiate an abrupt ascend on the trail to world’s highest mountain pass: Thorong La Pass, situated at the elevation of 5,416m asl. It is the highest point that we will ever reach during our adventure. The quest to conquer the celebrated Thorong La Pass will become the unforgettable experience of your lifetime; since each step towards the apex could be back-breaking. In the end, you’ll be rewarded with awe-inspiring and tempting vistas comprising of alluring Annapurna range to the south and Mukut Himal (6,473m) to the west; unrivalled to anything the world has to offer. Afterwards, we descend beyond grasslands to Muktinath (3,800m). Bearing religious significance to both Hindus and Buddhist; Muktinath is sacred shrine devoted to the mighty deity Vishnu.

Blessed by Holy Muktinath, we set off to Ranipauwa village. Along the way, we’ll meet many fellow trekkers, pilgrims and backpackers heading towards Muktinath. Thereafter, we’ll make an abrupt descent on an arid hillside to Kagbeni, continue on our way to Jomsom

After breakfast, we will take a plane early morning to Pokhara along the countryside and lush green valley and white soaring peaks. Enjoy your free time in Pokhara.

Today, you’ll head back to Kathmandu via tourist bus. It takes about 7-8 hours to cover about 200km journey via Prithvi Highway; depending on traffic conditions. You’ll definitely love the scenic landscapes throughout the way. Upon arrival in Kathmandu, you’ll be transferred to your hotel. The evening in the city is wonderful and during this time you can visit the radiant marketplaces to perform some last minute souvenir shopping.

Today marks the end of your journey in Nepal. We hope you are satisfied with our services and expertise. We also appreciate your decision to choose us and provide us with the opportunity to help you plan and implement your dream escapade. Approximately 3 hours before your scheduled flight, we’ll escort you to the airport. Farewell!!