Popularly known as "Around Annapurna' trek this 22-days trek program takes you right round the great Annapurna massif visiting a Tibet-like country on the northern slopes of the Himalaya and then into the dramatic Kali Gandaki gorge - the deepest in the world. The trek begins from Besishahar, which is about 4 hours drive by local bus from Dumre. The trail leads northwest into Marsyangdi river valley following the river upstream into the beautiful Manang valley which is surrounded on all sides by major Himalayan peaks such as Annapurna II (7,937m), Annapurna III (7555m), Annapurna IV (7525m), Gangapurna (7455m), Glacier Dome (7193m) and Tilicho peak (7134m). The people of Manang valley are similar to Tibetans in culture and in dress though their historic origins are unknown. They are known for their shrewd business instincts. The effect of the Himalayan rain shadow is very apparent as lush vegetation of the lower Marsyangdi valley gives way to fields of barley buckwheat and potatoes in Manang. The trail leads higher to cross Thorung La (5416m), the mountain pass that leads into a sharp descent to the spectacular Kali Gandaki gorge. Following the route along the banks of Kali Gandaki passes through spectacular landscape and contrasting villages of ethnic mixes, religions, and climate; thus making the descent an interesting trekking course.Highlights of the TrekkingSpectacular views of Annapurna, Manaslu, Dhaulagiri ranges, fascinating landscapes of Mustang, Muktinath temple (Hinduism and Buddhism), Manang, Marpha, Braga village, large numbers of monasteries, Kaligandaki gorge etc.Fact of The TrekkingDestination: Thorong La Pass (5416m.)Group Size: Min - 1Minimum altitude: 792m.Maximum altitude: 5416m.Grade : StrenuousSeason : Spring & AutumnAccommodation : Lodge or Tented CampDuration : 22 DaysEntry : KhudiExit : Pokhara
DAY 01 ARRIVAL IN KATHMANDUUpon arrival at Tribhuwan International airport in Kathmandu meet our airport representative and transfer to the hotel .Overnight at Kathmandu .Day 02 :- KATHMANDU SIGHTSEEINGIn the morning after breakfast full day sightseeing tour of Kathmandu , the most popular Place in the kingdom was known as kantipur in earlier times. The tour highlights are the Living Goddess " Kumari" who appear on the balcony of her temple to greet her devotees; Kastamandap temple, the temple made out of single tree and name Kathmandu is derived from durbar square and drive to Soyambhunath which lies on top of hill is the Buddhist sanctuary said to be nearly 2000 years old. The hill itself is pleasant place overlooking the entire valley of Kathmandu . The all seeing eyes of Lord Buddha painted in prominent blue atop the dome are visible from long distance from around the Kathamandu cityDAY 3 : Kathmandu- Besi Sahar (823m)Drive to Besi Sahar, near Pokhara.Overnihgt at besi saharDAY 4: Besi Sahar - Bahundanda (1311m)The route follows the Marsyangdi River upstream, crossing a long suspension bridge and passing a beautiful, thin waterfall with a fine bathing pool. We ascend to the town of Bahundanda , which means Brahman Hill. There are good views to the north and a little-known hot spring here.DAY 5: Bahundanda - Chamje (1390m)The gorge becomes narrower as we cross a cantilever bridge followed by a suspension bridge. We pass a few small settlements along the route and Chame, the destination for the day, is one of them. Having traveled upstream, we observe many changes in the people, architecture and vegetation. Houses are now built of rocks, the vegetation is less tropical and the culture more Tibetan-like.DAY 6: Chame - Bagarchap (2103m)Leaving Chame, the gorge becomes more impressive. We cross into the district of Manang and see more Bhotia people. These are primarily agro-pastoralists and the real trans-Himalayan traders of the region. The route climbs gradually to the town of Bagarchap . The houses here have flat roofs, indicating that there is less rainfall here than the south. There is a temple here worth visiting, and views of the Annapurnas and the Lamjung Himal.DAY 7: Bagarchap - Chame (2615M)Leaving Bagarchap, the valley becomes narrow and picturesque. The vegetation is temperate, broad-leaved forest. Chame is a government town and district centre for Manang. There are interesting religious buildings and hot springsDAY 8: Chame - Pisang (3133m)We continue in an unrelenting narrow valley of pine, hemlock and cypress forest. The trail through a serene forest leads to lower Pisang; a side trip to higher Pisang (100m higher) is a must for an amazing view of Annapurna II. This arid region is in the rain shadow of the Himalaya . The men here are traders - and may sell or trade almost anything - and part-time farmers, and the women are full-time farmers.DAY 9: Pisang- Manang (3500m)There are 2 routes from here: a low road and a high road, the latter taking longer but affording outstanding views of the Annapurna Himal and few trekkers. Both routes converge in the large and interesting village of Braga , which is the seat of the oldest monastery in the area. The gomba is about 900 years old and belongs to the Kargyupa sect of Tibetan Buddhism, and contains some unique works of art. Manang is 30 minutes from here.DAY 10: Manang (3500m)Today is acclimatization day, which is best spent being active and climbing to higher elevations for views but returning to lower altitudes to sleep. Manang itself is in a spectacular location with many attractions. There are lakes, caves, moraine-hills, monasteries or local activities in town.DAY 11: Manang - Latdar (4176m)Leaving Manang, facilities become scarcer. We cross small tributaries and contour along pleasant meadows with occasional birch groves. There is a chance to see herds of blue sheep.DAY 12: Latdar - Thorung Phedi (4404m)We gain altitude gradually, and spend the night at the phedi, meaning 'foot of a hill'. If you are lucky you may spot a snow leopard near here at dusk!DAY 13: Thorung Phedi - Thorung La (5416m) - Muktinath (3802m)The trail now leaves the river valley and climbs steadily over lateral moraine. The pass, marked by a large cairn, is the high point of our trek. It is an exhilarating geographical feature, dividing 2 mighty Himalayan valleys. Far below to the west is the Kaligandaki River . We descend in that direction for the village of Muktinath , located in a poplar grove. It is a sacred shrine and pilgrimage site for Hindus and Buddhists.DAY 14: Muktinath - Jomsom (2713m)From Muktinath to Jomsom, we see people from Mustang, a restricted area to the north, who come to sell handicrafts to pilgrims. Among their merchandise is the highly-revered mollusk fossil called shaligram. We will pass some ancient caves and see the impressive White Mountain that is the Dhaulagiri . We also transit at the significant town of Kagbeni , which is at a junction of 2 rivers and the north-south and east-west trading routes.DAY 15: Jomsom - Kalopani (2530m)We descend to Marpha, a lovely village of whitewashed houses and fertile fields, and continue down the Kaligandaki reaching the former Thakali trading centre of Tukche. As the trail continues, the Himalayan rain shadow blends into coniferous forest, and we reach the main river valley and Kalopani. From here there are spectacular views of Dhaulagiri and the Annapurnas.DAY 16: Kalopani - Tatopani (1190m)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 springs that give the village its name provide the perfect opportunity for a good scrub.DAY 17: Tatopani - Ghorepani (2819m)Steadily climbing all day, we eventually leave behind the terraced fields and walk through thick rhododendron forest to the village of Ghorepani , meaning (horse water). 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 - Ghandrung (2012m)Today the trail undulates through giant rhododendron forest and orchid colonies to the pretty Gurung town of Ghandrung,where the Annapurna range and Machapuchare (the Fishtail) dominate the mountain views, although glimpses of Lamjung Himal and the Manaslu range can also be seen further east.DAY 19: Ghandrung - Dhampus (1700m)The views continue to outstanding even as we descend, to the village of Dhampus .DAY 20: Dhampus - PokharaToday the trail descends through forests, all the way to the valley floor, from where we make our way to the city of Pokhara.Overnight at Pokhara.DAY 21: Pokhara City TourAfter breakfast we've sightseeing around Pokhara valley. You're free in Pokhara Valley also called " Magic Land " or Dreamland" of Nepal , to explore the various interesting place like a boating in Fewa Lake over looking the region of Annapurna Areas, David Falls , Mahendra Cave and some Temples . After lunch you're free to shop for souviners or restovernight at Pokhara.Day 22:-pokhara - Kathmandu or Extend other activities.Drive to Kathmandu and next day transfer from hotel to international airport to board onward journey flight. Or combine with other trip from Pokhara like white water rafting or safari tour at Chitwan Park . The cost would be extra for rafting & safari All trips can be customized and extended as per requirements.
