Annapurna Semi Circuit Trek

Overview

This trip offers you ample time to immerse yourself in the fantastic Himalayan environment of the Annapurna Region. These are excellent treks through the huge Himalayan range with the high Throngla-La (Pass) at 5,416m. (17,700ft). The trek begins following the raging Marsyangdi River all the way to its source at near Manang Trekking through the beautiful valley following well established trails and passing traditional villages, forests, and over snow covered passes.

The walk continues with constant views of the massive mid Himalayan range along with its rich multi culture. Being in the midst of Himalayan wildlife and wonderful natural surroundings of serene verdant forest of oaks, rhododendron, hemlocks, pines and Himalayan maple make you feel so much alive.

Although the Annapurna Circuit is one of the most popular treks not only in Nepal but in the whole of the Himalayan range and the Kali Gandaki Valley is renowned as being Nepal's most prosperous regions because of the Trans Himalayan and Salt Trade Route which passes through this region to Tibet, the area is surprisingly wild and scenically varied. There are many settlements and isolated lodges and tea houses, with open areas with enchanting forest and impressive views. This is one of the classic and most rewarding treks in Nepal and probable on this planet offering grand views of the three highest 8000m mountains Annapurna, Dhaulagiri and Manaslu as well as other snow capped peaks of over 6000m. The trek leads towards the glacial lake in Manang, through the rural farm villages and terraced farm fields from the sub-tropic climate to the arctic landscape and through the rain forest to the alpine woodlands.

The dramatic deep valleys and rugged mountain scenery being the reason for this trek's popularity; the experience is truly awe-inspiring. Further north live the Manang people of Tibetan origin. Our trek follows the Yak country and finally over the Thorong- La, 5,416m with its amazing views of the surrounding landscapes and magnificent peaks. After the strenuous walk up to the top of Thorong-La we reach the highest point of this trek. The trail descends towards Jomsom passing through the holy site of Muktinath. a source of the Kali Gandaki River. Passing through the deep gorge of Kali Gandaki River and we end our trek at Jomsom from where we fly back to Kathmandu via Pokhara.

Itinerary

• Day 1

  Arrive at Kathmandu (1300m) and Transfer to Hotel

  On arrival at Kathmandu Tribhuvan International Airport, you will be greeted by our staff, who will escort you to the hotel, where our Sherpa guide or the office staff will give you a brief orientation about the hotel, Kathmandu itself, trekking, and the do's and don’ts of the area. They will also review any additional information that you might require while in Nepal, including an overview of the next day's sightseeing tour. In the evening, you will enjoy a complimentary welcome dinner at one of the finest traditional Nepalese restaurants in Kathmandu, with the necessary transfer to and from the hotel by taxi, bus. Overnight in Hotel

• Day 2

  Guided sightseeing in Kathmandu Valley

  After your breakfast, you will precede to Kathmandu Durbar Square, where you will tour the ancient palace, the temple of the Kumari, the living goddess of Nepal, Hanuman Dhoka, and Kasthamandav Temple with a guide knowledgeable about Nepalese history, architecture, and religion. From there, you will proceed by taxi, bus to the Buddhist site, Swoyambhunath Stupa, also known as the "Monkey Temple" because of its lively troops of resident monkeys. You will then visit Pashupatinath Temple, the holiest shrine for Hindus, situated on the banks of the holy Bagmati River, a popular cremation site. Before returning to the hotel, you will visit Boudhnath Stupa, a Buddhist pilgrimage center and home to many colorful gompas, or monasteries. Once back at the hotel, you will receive a briefing about the trek and have a chance to meet your guides and ask any last minute questions before tomorrow morning's departure. Overnight in Hotel

• Day 3

  Drive to Dharapani (1860M) via Besisahar (760M) 10 hrs

  We reach Chamje from Kathmandu via Besisahar (760m) along road dominated by wild hairpin bends, to commence the trek. To start with most of the trail is fairly flat until just after Besisahar when the track narrows and the valley becomes a deep river gorge and when reaches Besisahar and permit clearance, we further drive to Dharapani passing Bulbule, Syange, Jagat, Chamje and Tal. Before building the road up to Manang, we used to start trek from Besisahar and Bulbule, Syange, Jagat, Chamje and Tal were the campsites. Some of the trekkers still start trek from Besisahar or Bulbule and follow the same route. Overnight at Teahouse/Lodge

• Day 4

  Trek to Chame (2670M) 05 hrs

  This section of the trail offers rough and rocky climbing up to Tyanja at 2360 m and then continues through pine and fir forest up to Chame (2685m.). Here is the headquarters of the Manang district. There are fine views of Annapurna II from Chame. Evening time explores the market and visit small natural hot spring and you can take a bath.Overnight at Teahouse/Lodge

• Day 5

  Trek to Pisang (3200m) 05 Hrs

  The trail runs through deep forest in a steep and narrow valley, crossing a river on a long bridge at 3040m. Nearing the village of Pisang one has a view of the whole of the Manang valley, a wide U-shaped valley between two huge snow peaks. Lunch will serving at Dhukur Pokhari the perfect view of Mountain and pine forest. After an hour walk reaches at Lower Pisang and overnight at Hotel. You can visit same day to Upper Pisang village looks Tibetan types of houses and traditional people and finest monastery with amazing view of Annapurna range. Overnight at Teahouse

• Day 6

  Trek to Manang (3540m) 05 Hrs

  The trail climbs a steep ridge that extends into the valley. At the top of this spot are excellent views of the Manang valley, Humde airport with Tilicho peak (7132 m.) at its head and a view backing to Pisang peak (one of the famous trekking peak in Annapurna). The trail crosses the Marsyangdi on a large wooden bridge near Mungji at 3360 m then traverses to Bryaga, a Tibetan style village consisting of about 200 houses stacked one atop another, each with an open veranda and monastery. You can find some fine hotels as well. Few hundred meters further to reach at Manang village and Overnight at Teahouse

• Day 7

  Manang (Acclimatization Day)

  One should spend a day in Manang village to acclimatize and explore Manang. From the village of about 500 flat roofed houses one has excellent views of the Annapurna II, Annapurna III, and Gangapurna Lake. This day you have chance to Visit either Hundred rupees Lama or Gangapurna Glacier Lake with Village. Overnight at Teahouse

• Day 8

  Trek to Yak Kharka (4020m) 04 Hrs

  The trek now begins an ascent of almost 2000 m to Thorung La. From Manang village the trail crosses a stream before climbing to Tenki Manang. We then continue to climb the Marsyangdi valley, passing the small village of Gunsang may have stop for tea or drinks for the Himalayan scene. After crossing a large stream that flows from Chulu west and Gundang, the trail passes an ancient Mani wall in a pleasant meadow at 4000 m. beyond here is Yak Kharka, also known as Koche. Overnight at Teahouse

• Day 9

  Trek to Thorong Phedi (4430m) 03 Hrs

  After an hour we reach Letdar (4250m). From Letdar the trail continues to climb along the east bank of the Jorsang Khola, then descends and crosses the stream on a wooden bridge at 4310 meters. After making a short ascent on a good trail to a teashop, the route then follows a narrow path across a high, unstable slope before heading to Thorong Phedi. Overnight at Teahouse

• Day 10

  Trek to Muktinath (3800m) via Thorong Pass (5416m) 07 Hrs

  Phedi, which means ‘foot of the hill’, is a common Nepali name for any settlement at the bottom of a long climb. The trail becomes steepest immediately after leaving Thorung Phedi, and takes four to five hours from Thorung Phedi to the pass. Thorung-La pass with its traditional Chorten prayer flags is at an elevation of 5,416 m. which is the highest point during your trip. The views from the trail and from the pass itself are of outstanding high Himalayan scenery. One can see to the South the entire Annapurna range, a heavily glaciated peak, the barren Kaligandaki valley far below to the West and the peak of Thorungtse (6,482 m.) to the north. The trail descends to Muktinath with a nice mountain desert view of Upper Mustang part from here. Overnight at Teahouse

• Day 11

  Trek to Kagbeni (2800m) 04 Hrs

  We will wake early in the morning to the divine sound of a temple bell, and visit the famous pilgrimage center to Muktinath Temple area. After breakfast, it is an easy trek down to Kagbeni. The trail descends very quickly to the valley floor. The descent is through a dramatic, arid landscape all the way to Kagbeni. To reach Kagbeni one must travel on either side of the Kali Gandaki River. The left fork continues up the river to Kagbeni. Late afternoon, we will visit a two hundred years old monastery, and visit the small alley ways in the village. Overnight at Teahouse

• Day 12

  Trek to Jomsom (2720m) 04 Hrs

  Trek onwards to Jomsom and further to Marpha village, a major village on the Kaligandaki trading route. This is very windy path and cross before noon following the downstream of Kaligandaki (Holy River) with different views of mountain and sandy path. Visit Marpha village with Monastery, Apple Brandy factory and around. Overnight at Teahouse

• Day 13

  Fly to Pokhara (820m) 25 minutes

  As per your flight schedule in the morning, you will fly to Pokhara. As you land in Pokhara, we will be transferred to hotel for relax and refreshment. Overnight in Hotel

• Day 14

  Drive back to Kathmandu

  After a wonderful time in the mountains, Pokhara is certainly great spot to relax after the trek and swap stories with fellow trekkers. After breakfast, we will board the bus for the 5- 6 hour scenic journey back to Kathmandu. Overnight in Hotel

• Day 15

  Transfer to airport for final departure

  Keep the departure time of international flight in mind, and make sure to keep your confirmed air ticket and passport handy! Our staff will take you to the airport for your final departure from beautiful Nepal.