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 735 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. |