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Supposed to be
one of the best trails for the trekkers. Few places in the
worlds have such a splendid variety of natural beauty as the
Annapurna region. It is a rare combination of long arrays of
snow capped peaks, crystal clear lakes, turbulent rivers with
deep gorges, Tibetan monasteries, hot-springs, and picturesque
villages inhabited by simple and friendly local people.
From the verdant lowlands, through lush subtropical forests, to
alpine meadow and on to the barren, wind-swept Tibetan Plateau,
You will see it all! You will experience the lifestyles of
diverse ethnic groups along the trail, which follows ancient
trading routes and passes through prosperous trading villages.
Add the crossing of the 17,700 -ft. Throng La Pass, and you have
the perfect adventure. Beginning at only 500m from Beshishar,
near historic Gorokha, The trail leads north along the
Marshyangdi river valley, while the peaks of Manaslu, Himalchuli
and Lamjung Himal soar above. The lush forest of this region is
a complete contrast to the arid northern terrain ahead.
Acclimatize in the colorful Buddhist valley of Manang, home of
the shrewd Managi traders. Crosses the Thorong LA and descend to
Muktinath. Here, eternal blue flames of natural gas are revered
in Buddist and Hindu temples, to which pilgrims journey from
afar. From here the trail descends into the deepest river gorge
in the world, the kali Gandaki, and trek all the way to pokhara
through busy villages, banana groves, mandarin orange orchard,
green forest and terraced hillside. Taking natural bath at
Tatopani (Hot Spring) is also wonderful experience. Finally you
will be trekking to Birethanti and drive to Pokhara. |
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Day 1: Welcome
to Kathmandu
Arrive in Kathmandu airport; the staff from our agency will meet
you. Transfer to the Hotel.
Day 2: Kathmandu Sightseeing
The following morning you will be taken on a half day
Sightseeing tour of the many holy temples and interesting
Surrounding sights of Kathmandu.
Day 3: Kathmandu - Beshishar
Drive about 6 -hour to Beshishar, a small beautiful town the
district head quarter of Lamgung district, set on the banks of
the Marshyangdi river. It is smaller and much less hectic than
Kathmandu and is the perfect starting point for our trek.
Day 4 Beshishar - Bahundanda
We walk through the deep river gorge, rice fields, sub-tropical
forest and small hamlets to the Gurung village of Khudi. From
here, the trail continues along the riverside past a majestic
waterfall to Bahundanda, watched over by the towering peaks of
Himal Chuli and Manaslu.
Day 5 Bahundanda - Chamje
A steep and slippery trail runs up and down along the valley
side through paddy fields, dips to cross the river and then
snakes steeply up the cliffs on the other side. Passing through
tiny Tibetan villages, the trail ascends through the
rhododendron forest to Chamje, a small settlement at 1430m.
Day 6 Chamje - Bagarchhap
The trail climbs beside the river through bamboo groves, before
a dramatic waterfall heralds our arrival at Tal, a large village
on a suddenly emerging open plateau. We cross barley and potato
fields to reach Dharapani and begin to climb to Bagarchhap
(2160m,) site of our first Tibetan Monastery and with views of
Annapurna II and Lamjung Himal.
Day 7 Bagarchhap - Chame
The trail climbs along the mule track through pine and fir
forest and then follows the river for a time amongst the higher
oak and maple trees. We pass through scattered small villages
before arriving at Chame (2630m.)
Day 8 Chame - Pisang:
The trail undulates through the river valley, ascending through
deep forest to Pisang (3190m) with good views along the way of
Pisang peak and the high Annapurna II.
Day 9 Pisang - Manang
Tibetan culture begins in earnest as we start to climb towards
Manang (3535m) through fields of grazing yak and a wide variety
of crops. This large Tibetan settlement commands good views of
Annapurna II, IV and Tarke Kang.
Day 10 Manang
This is a rest day to acclimatise to the higher altitude. You
have great opportunity to visit Monasteries, take advice from
the Himalayan Rescue Association and observe the spectacular
views of the Himalaya.
Day 11 Manang - Latdar
The trail climbs to Latdar along the riverside and as the
altitude increases, we move through alpine pastures to scrubby
forests of juniper and rose
Day 12 Latdar - Thorung Phedi
The trail undulates near the river, before climbing a steep
screed slope north west of the tributary valley of the Jargeng
Khola. It is sometimes possible to see herds of blue mountain
sheep along the dramatic cliffs that surround the camping meadow
at Thorung Phedi (4420m.)
Day 13 Thorung Phedi - Muktinath
We ascend steeply to a 4590m, then along an undulating trail to
the flat top of Thorung La (5416m.) From here there are views of
the Annapurna range to the south and Mukut Himal bordering Dolpo
to the West. The trail descends steeply over glacial moraine,
which gives way to grassy meadows before we reach Muktinath.
This is one of the most important pilgrimage sights for Hindus.
Holy water flows from the 108 carved spouts surrounding the
Vishnu temple in a grove of poplars
Day 14 Muktinath - Jomsom
Descend gradually through fields and poplar groves, then into
the Kali Gandaki river valley. Follow the valley southwards to
Jomsom. The Kali Gandaki valley here is called the Thak Khola,
from the ethnic group the Thakalis, the main inhabitants of this
area.
Day 15 Jomsom -Kalopani
Descend to Marpha, a lovely village of whitewashed houses and
fertile fields. Continue down the Kali Gandaki reaching the old
Thakali trading centre of Tukuche. As the trail continues, the
Himalayan rain shadow end and open spaces make way for
coniferous forest and Kalopani (2560m.) From here there are
spectacular views of Dhaulagiri and the Annapurnas high above.
Day 16 Kalopani - Tatopani
A beautiful walk, with another transition into sub-tropical
vegetation and the return of water buffalo, banyan trees and
poinsettias. The trail follows the river through a narrow gorge,
and descends to cross a bridge near a spectacular waterfall,
before winding through the valley to Tatopani, the hot water
springs.
Day 17 Tatopani - Ghorepani
Steadily climbing all day, we eventually leave behind the
terraced fields and walk through thick rhododendron forest to
the village of Ghorepani. We camp at the pass for the best views
of the sunset over the spectacular, snow-capped Dhaulagiri and
the Annapurna Range.
Day 18 Ghorepani - Tadapani
A short early-morning climb to the Deurali pass for a
spectacular panorama over Dhaulagiri and the Annapurnas. Trail
descends steeply through dense moss-covered forest rich with
bird life to Tadapani (2540m) for beautiful sunset views of
Annapurna South and Machhapuchhre.
Day 19: Tadapani - Ghandrung
Trail descends steeply through dense damp forest, where you may
see monkeys, and continues down over a series of rock-cut steps
that follow a leaping stream. Arrive in Ghandrung (1940m) and
explore the maze-like streets of this thriving Gurung
settlement.
Day 20 Ghandrung - Dhampus
The path descends for about 2 hours, before climbing steeply to
another Gurung village, Landrung. We then follow the hillside
south to the Dhampus. The mountain views are superb and far away
to the south lies Fewa Tal (lake.)
Day 21 Dhampus - Phedi - Pokhara:
Steep descent through the river valley to Phedi, and then drive
to Pokhara.
Day 22 Pokhara - Kathmandu: Drive to Kathmandu.
Day 23: Rest day at leisure or final souvenir shopping. Join the
farewell dinner in the evening most probably with cultural
program.
Day 24: Departure transfer to airport.
Cost: USD 795 per person based on 5 star hotel in kathmandu.
Online booking - 7% discount available for travel agent and student.
Service Includes:
Food, hot drinks, lodge accommodation, normal
permit & National Park/ conservation entrance fee, ground
transportation, guide & sherpa, staff insurance, hotel with
breakfast in Kathmandu/Pokhara, arrival/departure transfer,
taxes, service charge etc.
Service excludes:
Personal Wears & gears, Personal nature
expenses, Emergency Rescue cost, lunch/dinner in kthmandu/Pokhara,
cold beverage, mineral water, alcoholic drinks etc. |
