Product Description
Highlights
Ascend to the clouds and reach an altitude of 5416 metres as you cross the Thorung La Pass along the Annapurna Circuit. Testing your mind and body, this is one hell of an accomplishment.. Uncover a different side of the Himalayas, trekking past terraced rice fields, oak and rhododendron forests, there’s a diverse array of nature that awaits in the Annapurna region.. Learn about life in Nepalese mountain communities, get to know locals and meet other trekkers while you stay in teahouses in the small communities along the way.. Discover Nepal’s compact capital in Kathmandu. With a limited amount of time spent here to discover its bazaars and temples, why not extend your stay beforehand to get a real feel of Nepalese culture.
Overview
Trek through the incredible Annapurna region and be awed by the Nepalese Himalayas. These snow-capped peaks, mist-shrouded valleys, isolated communities and remote monasteries will inspire those with a bold spirit and a yearning for a definitive nature experience. Reach altitudes of more than 5000 metres, discover the ancestral traditions of the local people and immerse yourself completely in the spectacular mountain wilderness of the Annapurna Circuit. This is a challenging trip, but the sense of accomplishment will leave even the most seasoned trekker with some unforgettable memories.
Breakfast Included: Lunches Included: Dinner Included:
Kathmandu
Namaste! Welcome to Nepal. Please arrive by 2 pm today as there will be an important group briefing. Kathmandu, the colourful capital of Nepal, is a fascinating blend of traditional architecture and symbols of the 20th century. Its rich artistic and cultural heritage is evident where ornately carved balconies mingle with beautiful shrines and temples. If you arrive early, why not check out Durbar Square with its temples, markets and busy atmosphere. It is also worth the climb to visit the Swayambhunath – the 'monkey temple'. Explore the network of street markets and alley bazaars and Pashupatinath. For those with a few extra days in Kathmandu, the neighbouring towns of Patan and Bhaktapur are also well worth a visit.
Ngadi
This morning, drive to Besisahar (approximately 5.5 hours) to immediately immerse yourself in the spectacular mountain wilderness that encompasses the Annapurna Range. After lunch you’ll begin your trek straight away, heading to Ngadi. Hit the trail that takes you through Besisahar bazaar leading downstream, followed by a climb up the rocky steps. There are several ups and downs as the trail makes its way through sub-tropical forests and rice paddies of Sera. Further along, traverse a suspension bridge across Khudi Khola and arrive at Bhulbule. Resume on the trail that passes the Marshyangdi River on a long suspension bridge as Bhulbule is left behind. Once the Ngadi River is crossed, the trail gently leads upwards through scrub forests and across landslides for a short distance, which then leads to few teashops and cold-drink stalls located opposite the rice paddies of Lampata, eventually leading to Bahundanda (hill of the Brahmins) – a charming village in the saddle of a long ridge.
At 8091 m, Annapurna I is one of the highest mountains in the world. Its surrounding sister mountains are equally imposing, creating magnificent panoramas from any viewpoint. Throughout this trip’s trekking you’ll come across isolated mountain communities, each with different ancestral customs and traditions, meaning a visually and culturally memorable expedition. You’ll meet warm and welcoming locals herding yaks and goats on the grassy pastures and visit their monasteries and temples, pass waterfalls of melted snow, cross icy rivers, walk along broad plains and hike up high mountain passes.
Driving duration: Approximately 5 hours
Trek duration: Approximately 3.5 hours
Elevation: 1400 metres
Chamje (1430m / 4691ft)
Keep an eye out for dazzling cascades en route as the trail makes its way through a deep wooded canyon with a few stretches of steep climbing. Wander through rice paddies, follow winding trails through sub-tropical forest, cross suspension bridges swaying over raging rivers, pass waterfalls of melted snow and climb steep mountain passes. Over the next ten days you’ll come across isolated mountain communities, each with different ancestral customs and traditions. Be prepared to be inspired, mesmerised, challenged and delighted.
Trek duration: Approximately 6 hours
Dharapani (2100m / 6889ft)
Today’s trek continues through the deep wooded canyon embellished by stunning waterfalls. You’ll be venturing into the Manang district of the mountain range, with much of the trail ascending throughout the day.
Trek duration: Approximately 7 hours
Chame (2710m / 8891ft)
Marking the end of the great Marsyangdi Gorge, make a steep climb to Timang, then the trail settles into gentler slopes as the vegetation transforms from dense pine forests to drier slopes. The district headquarters of Manang, Chame, is the largest settlement after Besisahar.
Trek duration: Approximately 6 hours
Pisang (3300m / 10826ft)
A slew of breathtaking scenery is on the cards today as the trail goes through a deep gorge, then past the great sweeping slope of Paungi Danda. Today is mostly an easy walk with few ascending stretches of trail dotted throughout the day.
Trek duration: Approximately 5 hours
Manang (3540m / 11614ft)
Trek the northern trail via upper Pisang and Ghyaru – an area renowned for its spectacular views. It is now drier and you are sure to come across local farmers herding yaks. Here’s a hot tip – Tibetan yaks take a special interest in people wearing red, so choose your gear carefully today!
Trek duration: Approximately 6 hours
Manang (3540m / 11614ft)
Spend a day here to acclimatise by doing some high climbing, then return to the lower altitude of Manang for the night. Manang, a village of about 500 flat-roofed houses, offers excellent views of Annapurna II, Annapurna III, Gangapurna and Chulu East.
Yak Kharka (4018m / 13182ft)
Covering approximately 7 kilometres, today will be a steadily uphill climb into the alpine region of the mountain range. You’ll arrive at Yak Kharka, ready for an easier day of trekking tomorrow to acclimatise to the high altitude.
Trek distance: 7 kilometres
Trek duration: Approximately 5 hours
Phedi (4450m / 14599ft)
Due to the altitude, feel free to take the next section of the climb at a leisurely pace, meaning you’ll have time to admire the magnificent views from this part of the route. Once at Phedi, there will be plenty of time to rest and acclimatise to the higher elevations ready for the next part of the climb where you will encounter the Thorung La Pass – the highest point on this Annapurna Explorer.
Trek duration: Approximately 5 hours
Muktinath (3800m / 12467ft)
Setting off very early to cross the Thorung La Pass (5416 m), the trail is steep but easy to follow. After between 4 to 6 hours climbing, reach the Pass's peak, adorned with prayer flags, a traditional stupa (chorten) and stone cairns built by travellers. Stop to admire the stunning views and marvel at how far you've climbed. Further along, the trail descends steeply proceeding towards Chabarbu. From here on, the trail crosses meadows, drops into a deep ravine, climbs out and follows a wide trail into Muktinath – a pilgrimage site held in great reverence by both Hindu and Buddhist populations.
Trek duration: Approximately 8-9 hours
Jomsom (2800m / 9186ft)
Veer off the main trekking trail to make a side trip to an ancient village of Purang. Further up from the village, continue to take the less frequented route going past another village with a medieval feel to it – Jhong. From Jhong, descend to the Jhing Khola (river), following the course which you emerge on to Kagbeni. From Kagbeni we will hop on a public bus back to Jomsom.
Trek duration: Approximately 5 hours
