|
|
| |
 |
| |
Annapurna Circuit and Sanctuary trek -
23 Days |
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
TREK |
Duration :
23 Days
Trek Type :
Tea House
Max. Altitude : 5416
m
|
Minimum Pax :
1+
Mode Of Travel :
Land
Grade : Moderate
|
|
| |
Itinerary
In
Details |
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.
|
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.
|
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).
|
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.
|
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.
|
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.
|
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. |
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.
|
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
|
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.
|
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.
|
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.)
|
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.
|
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
|
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.
|
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.
|
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.).
|
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.
|
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.
|
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.
|
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
| | | | | | | |