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Annapurna Circuit and Sanctuary trek - 23 Days
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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,
Chehettris 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 we
have a spectacular view of most mountains range
every day.
On the other hand, Annapurna Base Camp is a
natural amphitheater ringed by Annapurna South
and Annapurna I, Varahashikhar, Gangapurna and
the holy mountain Macchapucchre (Fish Tail). The
first few days are spent traveling through
quaint villages and lush forests before reaching
more barren and rugged terrain.
The trail to Annapurna Base Camp threads up the
valley into the sanctuary where it gradually
gives way to a grey screed and scrub before
reaching snow fields, there are no villages to
speak of for five days. Annapurna Base Camp trek
is a wonderful trek with some tremendous views,
from base camp a labyrinth of mountains tower
almost vertically above with Annapurna I in
dominance. An hour or two is spent here taking
in the high mountains before commencing the
return journey. Five further days are taken
returning to Pokhara. Annapurna Base Camp trek
is a good introduction to higher altitude
without being too strenuous.
Facts of the Trek
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Duration: 23 Days
Trek type: Tea house
Max Altitude: 5416 m.
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Minimum Pax: 1 +
Mode of travel: Land
Grade: Moderate
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Itinerary in Detail
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Day 01 : |
Drive from Kathmandu to Beshishahar (823m.) by
bus and it takes approximately seven hours. You
drive along the Kathmandu-Pokhara Highway to
Dumre and then follow the narrow and paved road
by the Marsyangdi Khola to Besi Sahar (823m.).
It takes almost 6 hours. Beshishahar is the
district headquarters of Lamjung district. All
the local government offices are situated here.
From here, you can see some of mountain peak,
natural sceneries surrounding the valley and the
daily activities of local people. This
headquarter is the centre from where the daily
usable commodities are supplied to the different
villages and numerous towns.
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Day 02 : |
Trek from Beshishahar to Bahundanda (1200m.)
which takes about four and half hours. The first
part of the trail passes thorough flat level
along the bank of the Marshyangdi river. You can
enjoy the sceneries and the local culture of
Gurung community. Here you walk through the rice
terrace fields with the good views of various
mountains.
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Day 03 : |
Trek from Bahundanda to Jagat (1800m.) and it
takes about six hours. A steep trail ascends
from Nagdi, through rice terraces, before
crossing a stream at the bottom of a small
waterfall. It then climbs again and traverses
the hillside high above the river before
reaching the village of Lili Gaon. Ahead, the
Marsyangdi valley forms a steep V-shape, and you
follow the winding mountain path down through
Syange and along the river for some distance.
The trail then climbs steeply and the path is
cut into the sheer cliff-face some 200-300m
above the riverbed. Eventually you descend to
the stone village of Jagat, situated on a shelf,
which juts into the precipitous Marsyangdi
valley. You stay overnight at tea house (lodge).
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Day 04 : |
Trek from Jagat to Dharapani (1943m.) which
takes about six hours. The trail from Jagat
descends until it almost reaches the river and
then begins to climb again through a forest. The
sheer cliff on the opposite bank plunges
downward but this side is also steep. When the
climb ends, you follow a level track to Chyamje,
which is marked by a magnificent waterfall on
the opposite bank. After descending to the river
and crossing a suspension bridge, you begin a
climb to Sattale on a path so steep that it
seems one slip would send you hurtling down into
the valley. You continue on an undulating path
above the river, and at one point, where a
tributary flows in from the opposite bank, the
main river becomes covered with huge boulders
that hide the water. Climbing the zigzag path to
the top of the hill, you see the level, plain of
Taal 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 that leads to Taal
with its hotels and teahouses. Here you can
enjoy the exhilarating water fall. Beyond Taal,
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, 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 kani marking the entrance to Dharapani,
and your camp for the night.
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Day 05 : |
Trek from Dharapani to Chame (2713m.).which
takes about four 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 Marsyangdi 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. Continuing to climb through forests of
pine and oak, you pass through Dhanakyu before
coming to a thundering waterfall. Further, the
Marsyangdi Khola enters a gorge and the path
consists of steep stone steps. Pausing for
breath, you can look back for views of Manaslu.
When the steep incline ends, you follow a path
amid magnificent rhododendrons to Ratamron and
then continue on a gently rising path, crossing
a stream before entering a pine forest. You then
cut across a loose hillside to the hamlet of
Kotho from where you can look straight up at
nearby Annapurna II - a sight convincing us that
you are deep in the Himalayan mountains! From
here the trail climbs through a fir and pine
forest to Chame where there are government
offices, shops, and hotels. Chame is the
administrative headquarters for the Manang
district.
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Day 06 : |
Trek from Chame to Pisang (3155m.) and it 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 Bratang.
In the past this was the military station for
troops who fought against the Khampa tribal
revolution, but the dilapidated buildings are
all that remain of that era. A short climb from
the village brings you to a rock-strewn area
where you cross a wooden bridge and follow a
high, winding path, before crossing back to the
right bank again. 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. You can
see the east peak of Annapurna II as well as
Pisang Peak to the north-east. Continuing on,
you come to a long Mani wall by a bridge and the
lower village of Pisang.
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Day 07 : |
Trek from Pisang to Manang (3351m.) which takes
about five hours. Beyond Pisang, the trail
climbs a steep ridge, which affords good views
of the Manang valley and Tilicho peak.
Descending past Manang's airstrip at Hongde, you
come to a level area from where the northeast
face of Annapurna III rises majestically above
you. From the wide plains of the Sabje Khola
Valley, Annapurna IV [7525m] also becomes
visible. Just beyond this point you cross the
considerably reduced flow of the Marsyangdi
Khola via a wooden bridge to the tiny village of
Mungji. Cultivated fields appear on both sides
of the path and off to the right, below a craggy
mountain, you can see the village of Bryaga with
its splendid monastery. Large chorten and mani
walls abound and the tall peaks of the Himalaya
spread out before us - Annapurna II, Annapurna
III, Annapurna IV, Gangapurna [7455m] and, to
the rear, Tilicho Peak [7134m]. After a short
steep climb you reach Manang which is a
surprisingly large village for this remote
mountain region. You camp here for the night,
amidst the fluttering prayer flags that adorn
the houses.
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Day 08 : |
Rest day at Manang for acclimatization. This is
an important rest and acclimatization day today
before crossing the Thorung La. There are
optional day walks such as crossing the river to
see the tremendous icefall coming down from the
Annapurnas, or climbing high above the village
for a full panorama of the Annapurna range and
the Manang Valley. There is also a Himalayan
Rescue Association [HRA] aid post in the village
which makes an interesting and educational
visit.
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Day 09 : |
Trek from Manang to Thorong Phedi (4420m.) and
it takes approximately six hours. Now the trail
ascends gently all the way to Yak Kharka passing
through the Gunsang (3960m.)village. En route,
you can see panoramic views all the day.Leaving
Yak Kharka, you climb gradually to a ridge
before descending to the headwaters of the
Marsyangdi and crossing via a covered wooden
bridge. After a short ascent up the mountain
path on the right bank, you follow a narrow
trail across an unstable screed slope and then
descend to Thorung Phedi.
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Day 10 : |
Trek from Thorong Phedi to Muktinath (3795m.)
which takes about eight hours. It demands an
early start today for your crossing of Thorung
La [5416m]. The trail becomes steep immediately
on leaving camp but as local people have used
this trail for hundreds of years, the path is
well defined. The gradient then eases and after
around 4 hours of steady climbing, you reach the
chorten and prayer flags of the pass. The views
are dramatic to say the least, from the
snow-covered mountains above, to the head of the
Kali Gandaki valley below and the brown and
purple hills of Mustang which are spread out
before us. The descent to Muktinath is a knee
pounding 1600m but it is compensated for with
excellent views of Dhaulagiri. Eventually the
moraines give way to grassy slopes before a
pleasant walk along the Jhong Khola Valley to
Muktinath and its shrines and temple.
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Day 11 : |
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.
Jomsom is sprawled along both banks of the Kali
Gandaki and from here there are fine views of
the Nilgiri peaks. You continue down to Marpha,
a delightful Thakali village, complete with a
drainage system beneath the flagstone streets.
Its narrow alleys and passageways provide
welcome shelter from the strong winds of the
Kali Gandaki Gorge and Marpha is particularly
well known for its apples, apple cider and
apple, apricot and peach rakshi.
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Day 12 : |
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. The first part of the trek passes through
the windy area covered with pine forests,
rhododendron forests and birches are seen. The
surrounding area of Ghasa is famous destination
for bird watching and wild Marijuana. Here you
are quite amazed at the panoramic view of Mount
Nilgiri North (7061m.), Nilgiri Central
(6940m.), and Nilgiri South (6839m.), Annapurna
I (8091m.), Dhaulagiri I (8167m.) and Tukuche
peak (6920m.)
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Day 13 : |
Trek from Ghasa to Tatopani (1189 m.) which
takes about five hours. The trail descends
steeply up to Rukse Chhahara (Rukse Waterfall)
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 Waterfall.
Now the trail ascends slightly to Tatopani
through different human settlements. You can
enjoy the hot spring at Tatopani as the word
Tatopani is termed after the natural hot spring
situated at the bank of the Kali Gandaki River.
It is popularly believed that taking bath in Hot
Spring helps you to get rid of skin diseases.
Along this, it gives you physical and mental
refreshment as well.
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Day 14 : |
Trek from Tatopani to Ghorepani (2853m.) and it
takes about seven hours. Your trail passes
through flat level of the land at some distance.
Then the trail begins ascending steeply for at
least one hour. Now path goes up through
different villages inhabited by the people of
different caste and agricultural land. The
majority of the people here serve Gorkha
Regiment and Indian Regiment as well. While
trekking you cross through the Kali Gandaki
river with panoramic view of Dhaulagiri and
Annapurna ranges. Now the trail ascends gently
all the way to Ghorepani passing through small
villages like Phalate, Chitre and so on. While
trekking you pass through rhododendron forests
and come across the wild life such as monkeys
and birds of various species. You are
accompanied by more panoramic views of different
mountains. Ghorepani (Watering to Horse) is a
small pass and the village of Deorali. Although
there is time enough to continue, it is better
to stay here overnight so that we can make the
morning trip to Poon Hill (3180m.) for an
outstanding panorama of Dhaulagiri I, II, III,
IV, Tukuche peak, Dhampus peak, Nilgiri ranges,
Annapurna I, Bahra Sikhar (Twelve peaks or
renowned as French Fang),Annapurna South,
Himchuli, Fishtail and Mardi Himal. The view you
can see from here is probably the best view in
the world. Not only this, Poon Hill is crowded
by different visitors to enjoy the sunrise and
sunset over the snow-capped mountain.
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Day 15 : |
Early morning trip to Poon Hill (3232m.)to
Ghandruk (1950m.) You will 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.),
Machhapuchhare (6993m.), Annapurna IV (7525m.),
Annapurna II (7937m.), Lamjung Himal (6931m.)
and other numerous snowcapped mountain peaks. It
is very easy trek by descending gently all the
way through rhododendron, oak and other kinds of
dense forests. You could hear different kinds of
birds chirping on the way. This is one of the
popular destinations for the birds' lovers.
Ghandruk is a big Gurung village. There is a
handicraft centre and Gurung museum.
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Day 16 : |
Trek from Ghandruk to Chhomrong (2040 m.) which
takes approximately four and half hours. At the
beginning of the day, you could ascend gently
for an hour up to Ghandruk kot (2100m.) and
descend steeply to the Kimron Khola (1700m.).
Immediately, ascend steeply and walk at a level
for an hour and still ascend gently to the final
camp. Chhomrong is a gateway to Annapurna
Sanctuary trek and inhabited by Gurung, one of
the major Ethnic group of Nepal.
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Day 17 : |
Trek from Chhomrong to Dovan (2030m.) and it
takes about five hours. Leaving Chhomrong, the
trail descends on a stone staircase and crosses
the Chhomrong Khola on a swaying suspension
bridge, then climbs out of the side valley. High
above the Modi Khola on its west bank, the trail
passes through the tiny settlement of Tilicho in
forests of bamboo, rhododendron and oak.
Climbing further on a rocky trail (beware of the
stinging nettles) you reach three hotels at
Sinuwa, at 2350m. Climb in rhododendron forests
to Kuldi, at 2520m. This was once a British
sheep breeding project; now the stone houses are
an ACAP visitor centre and check post. In
winter, it's common to find snow anywhere from
this point on. Descend a long, steep stone
staircase into deep bamboo and rhododendron
forests. It is then a short distance on a muddy
trail to Bamboo Lodge (2340m.).
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Day 18 : |
Trek from Dovan to Annapurna Base Camp (4170 m.)
via Machhapuchhare Base Camp (3820m.) which
takes about seven hours. You trek gently ascend
through bamboo forests with varieties of
rhododendron and oak trees. The first town you
reach is Dovan (2630m.) where there are few
lodges and camp sites. Now you pass through
muddy trail which traverses high above the
river. There are debris of avalanches except
during winter season. After short trek, you
reach at Himalayan Hotel (2900m.), the town
named after the Himalayan Hotel. Beyond it , the
trail is steeply ascent up to Hinko Cave
(3160m.), this named as a huge overhanging rock
provides some protection against rain and
avalanches. It takes approximately twenty
minutes through normally ascent path to reach
Deorali (3230m.). From here, the valley widens
and becomes less steep and you can see the gates
to the sanctuary. The trail is less steep. As
the trail continues into the sanctuary, it
crosses two avalanche tracks on a narrow trail
that hurdles up against the cliffs. After short
trek you will be at Bagar (3310m.), a meadow and
some abandoned hotels. The normal trail follows
the left side of the valley. Now the trail
appears gently ascent until you reach
Machhapuchhare Base Camp (3820m.). Here you find
almost 6 to 7 lodges. This is one of the places,
where you can enjoy the view of Mount Hiunchuli
(6441m.), Annapurna South (7229m.), Annapurna I
(8091m.), Annapurna III (7555m.), Gangapurna
(7454m.) and Machhapuchhare or Fish Tail
(6997m.). The path follows through alpine meadow
and after some distance your trails go gently
up. After a short trek, you begin to approach
Annapurna Base Camp (4170m.). From here, you can
see the views of several peaks at 360 degree.
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Day 19 : |
Trek from Annapurna Base Camp to Dovan (2630m.)
which takes about five hours. It's much easier
going down. You should have no problem reaching
Sinuwa in a single day from Annapurna Base Camp.
Now you trek through Himalayan Hotel to Dovan.
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Day 20 : |
Trek from Dovan to Jhinudanda (1750m.) and it
takes about six hours. The path is descent up to
Bamboo passing through forests with varieties of
rhododendron, oaks and bamboo plants. After
Bamboo, the trail goes steeply up to the Kuldi
Ghar and now the trail is quite flat until you
reach Sinuwa. You trek gradually descend to the
Chhumrong Khola and you have to follow stone
staircase for almost an hour to reach Chhumrong.
The last part of the trail is steeply down to
Jhinudanda. From the town you should walk down
for 20 minutes to reach Hot Spring at the bank
of the Modi Khola. You can relax at Hot Spring.
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Day 21 : |
Trek from Jhinudanda to Pothana (1600m.) which
takes about five hours. The first part of the
trek is descent and then appears through flat
land until you reach Himal Pani. Here you find
beautiful waterfall. Beyond this town, the trail
ascends gently crossing numerous streams and
terraces. After short trek, you will be at
Landruk (1640m.), a pretty big village inhabited
by mixed community of Gurung, Magar and Brahmin
as well. Now the trail gently ascends to Tolka
(1850m.) and then ascent and level path to
Bherikharka. From here, the trail goes steeply
up to Deorali (2100m.) with a view of different
mountain peaks in panorama. Now the trail
gradually descends to Pothana passing through
different oak forests. Pothana is a small town
resided by Gurung, a ethnic community of Nepal.
From here too, you can enjoy the splendid views
of various mountain peaks.
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Day 22 : |
Trek from Pothana to Dhampus Phedi and it takes
approximately three hours and drive from Dhampus
Phedi to Pokhara by car. The trail is gently
descent up to Dhampus, a village mainly
inhabited by Gurung. Now you trek through flat
land for some distance and steeply descend to
Dhampus Phedi. Now you take vehicle to drive
from Dhampus Phedi to Pokhara.
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Day 23 : |
Drive from Pokhara to Kathmandu by tourist mini
bus that takes about seven hours. While driving
from Pokhara to Kathmandu, you head up to
Damauli,, Dumre, Muglin and Kurintar where the
Nepal's first Cable car is operated to reach to
Manakamana Temple. En route, you could enjoy the
mountain views, green sceneries, rice terrace
fields, vegetable fields and people being
engaged in their daily life activities. From
Naubishe you climb up to Thankot, the gateway to
capital city.
You can also fly from Pokhara to Kathmandu which
takes about 25 minutes.
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Services
Included
National Park entry permit, Trekking permit,
Land transportation to and fro, Accommodation in
lodges during the trek, Food: three meals a day,
A guide & required number of porter(s),
Essential equipment.
Services
Excluded
Personal expenses, Insurance, Tips, Emergency
evacuation by Helicopter, Alternative
transportation in case of heavy rain, landslide,
strike, road blockade etc.
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