Annapurna Circuit Trial - 20 Days

• The day begins with 6-7 hour drive to Besisahar Kathmandu along to the Prithwi highway.
• Lunch at Dumre and continue for a further 1.5 hrs to Besisahar.
• We then trek to Khudi [1hr]. Khudi offers us a first glimpse of the gorgeous Manaslu range

• Our first day’s walk involves crossing a few suspension bridges and waterfalls.
• Trail includes several ascents and descents across rice paddies and a subtropical forest. Initially, the walk is gradual but is then followed by steeper trails.
• Before reaching Sirung village we pass an ethnic Tamang settlement of Taranche.
• Reach Sirung and enjoy close-up views of Nadi Chuli and Manaslu mountains.

• We leave for Jagat on a relatively easy trail.
• We leave behind the terraces of the village and enter the  woodlands.
• On the forest trail we get a glimpse of a variety of birds. We also pass through several small villages and a few temples on the way.
• We cross a suspension bridge over Sangu Khola at Mipra then again at Syange over the Marshyangdi River.
• Now our trail moves alongside the mighty Marshyangdi River and we cross one more bridge before reaching Jagat.

• Breakfast then begin our trek. The trail from Jagat descends until it reaches the river and then continues through a lush forest.
• Further ascent leads to sharp-edged cliff facing the riverbank.
• We climb steeply towards the slippery and physically challenging path to Sattale.
• After treading a succession of rock-strewn trails, we descend to a grassy riverbank which leads to Tal.
• The path becomes rugged and winding.
• Meandering along the waterfalls and cliffs, we finally reach Dharapani.
• Overnight in Dharapani.

• We walk through a few forested ridges on our way to Chame, the headquarters of the Manang District. We get amazing views of the Himalayas including Lamjung Himal, Annapurna II, and Annapurna IV (7,525m/24,688ft).
• We also come across small hot spring where you are free to relax.
• Overnight in Chame.

• This is probably the steepest part of the Marshyangdi Valley.
• After passing this last bit of rock, the valley opens up with majestic vistas.
• Then the valley widens opens up to Paungda Danda, a massive sloping rock face that rises over 5,000ft (1500m) above the trail.
• We trek for a while then reach Lower Pisang
• Overnight in Lower Pisang.

• There are two routes to Manang. We follow the trail that takes us to Upper Pisang via Geru.
• This trail guarantees excellent views of the mighty mountains including Annapurna and Pisang.
• We begin to notice a contrast in the landscape and vegetation. Harsh environment because of the cold and dry climate.
• Short visit to Barge monastery- the largest monastery in the entire district of Manang.
• Overnight at Manang.

• We keep ourselves fit with a short hike to either Bhojo Gumba or Gangapurna Lake.
• If we have the energy, we can even hike to Vraga Village where we can visit the Himalayan Rescue Association which will give us some idea about Acute
• Mountain Sickness (AMS).
• Overnight in Manang.

• We leave Manang, and 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 Ledar at 4250m.

• The trail descends to cross the river at 4310m.
• We then climb up to Phedi at 4420m.
• At High Camp on the elevation of 4600m, we can find some good Guesthouses.
• Overnight stay at High camp.

• The steep climb here is regularly used and easy to follow.
• However, the problem may arise due to the altitude and snow which often block the path.
• About four hours climb up to the pass marked by the Chortens and prayer flags.
• You reach the top and are rewarded by the magnificent view from the top.
• Muktinath is an important pilgrimage for both Hindus and Buddhists alike.
• Overnight at Muktinath.

• In the morning, we pay our visit to a Vishnu Temple and a Gompa.
• We descend down to Kagbeni and then to Jomsom.
• The trail leads you to a plateau above Kali Gandaki River, the world’s deepest gorge. The barren landscape of this area resembles Tibet.
• Finally arriving at Marpha.
• Marpha is also famous for its apples. The local apple brandy of Marpha is also famous all over Nepal. Overnight at Marpha.

• From Marpha, we take a new route toward Kalopani via Chokhopani village.
  We come across traditional villages of the ethnic Thakali people. We also get panoramic views of Dhaulagari, Tukuche, Nilgiri, Fang and Annapurna I mountains.
• We continue to Kokhethanti.
• We cross a river and come across the newly constructed road site to reach Kalopani.
• Overnight at Kalopani.

• Our journey is mostly downhill.
• As we drop to lower elevations we emerge back into subtropical forests. Our trail continues along Rupse Chahara (waterfall).
• We continue down the east bank from Kopchepani via Garpar to a bridge at Dana.
• At Narchyang Besi, wereach a powerhouse that supplies electricity in the area.
• Upon reaching Tatopani, we relax and have a bath in the hot spring.

• We leave the Kali Gandaki and head up the Ghar Khola valley.
• The trail leads us through a terraced farmland with mountains all around.
• We pass through the villages of Shikha and Chitre before reaching a beautiful rhododendron forest.
• Walking further we reach Ghorepani, a beautiful village located at a ridge top.
• Overnight in Ghorepani.

• To catch the sunrise over the Himalayas, we make an early morning climb along a steep trail to the viewpoint of Poon Hill (3,210m/10,529ft),
• Poon hill is a famous viewpoint to enjoy the amazing views of Mustang,
• Pokhara and more than 20 of the highest mountains.
• After watching the sunset, we return back to Ghorepani.
• Breakfast and then we head east to climb a nearby ridge.
• We descend through rhododendron forests and pass by waterfalls to reach Tadapani to spend the night.

• From Tadapani, we make a steep descent through the dense and dark forest.
• This part of the trek will be through a thick forest of old rhododendron trees. When the rhododendrons are in full bloom, these forests turn into amazing gardens.
• Depending upon the season, we also get to enjoy cherry blossoms on the slopes on the other side of the ravine.
• After trekking a few more minutes, we enter the village of Ghandruk, a slope settlement mostly inhabited by the Gurung people.
• Here, we can enjoy the stunningly close-up towering views of Fishtail, Annapurna South, and Hiunchuli mountains.
• We continue our trek to Nayapul then we drive to Pokhara. Overnight in Pokhara.

• After breakfast, we say goodbye to the beautiful lake city of Pokhara
  5-6 hrs drive back to Kathmandu.
• We have the rest of the day for some souvenir shopping.
• To celebrate the successful completion of our journey, we will have a farewell dinner in the evening.
• Overnight in Kathmandu.

Our adventure in Nepal comes to an end today! Nepal Tour Guide team representative will escort us to the airport approximately 3 hours before our scheduled flight.