Round Annapurna Trek

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Trekking, Sightseeing & Hiking
Duration: 14 Days Trip Code: CO-158
Trip Grade Easy to moderate Max-Altitude: 5,416m/17,764ft
Meals: All meals during the trek Accommodation: hotels in Kathmandu and mountain lodges during the trek
Group size: minimum 2 Transportation: Tourist coach and private car
Trip Start: Kathmandu Trip End: Kathmandu
Primary Activity: Trekking, Sightseeing & Hiking Best Season March to May, Mid September to Mid December

Trip Introduction

Round Annapurna trek is one of the most preferred treks by the trekkers from around the globe. The trek is a perfect blend of nature and culture with an ample opportunity to view the magnificent mountains. The trekking trail passes through the transverse terrain of beautiful forests, deepest gorges, series of ethnic settlements, stunning waterfalls etc. you will be passing through the Kaligandaki George all the way to the Thorung La Pass which is the highest point of the trek.

Round Annapurna Trek offers you the view of Mt. Annapurna I 8091m, Mt. Annapurna II 7937m, Annapurna III 7937m, Annapurna IV 755m, Mt Dhaulagiri 8167m, Mt. Manaslu 8163m, Tukuche peak, Tilicho peak 7,134m..

Round Annapurna Trek starts from lower altitudes of Besisahar and moves up to higher altitudes which is helpful for acclimatizing our body to the surrounding temperature. The trekking trail gradually heads towards the Thorung-La Pass a place from where you can view the tremendous ice-fall. Before crossing the Thourng-La, we reach Thorung Phedi 4420m, here we can see the Marsyangdi River flowing from the mountain ridge.  The route further continues to Muktinath which literally translates as a place of salvation. It is a sacred pilgrimage site for Hindus as well as Buddhists. After the visit to the holy temple, the trek further continues to the Kali Gandaki gorge, passing through Jharkot and Khingar village steeply down to Kagbeni. The trail further leads to Jomsom a large settlement in the banks of Kaligandaki River. From Jomsom, you will be trekking towards Ghasa and down to Tatopani a place where you can enjoy the natural hot spring and then towards Ghorepani and poonhill which is one of the best places to view the sunrise.

Trip Highlights

  • An incredible view of the terrain, pastures, hilly villages, flora, and fauna.
  • Unique culture and lifestyle of the Gurung community.
  • Beautiful vista of Machhapuchre, Dhaulagiri and Annapurna Massif.
  • An opportunity to watch Annapurna Glacier.
  • Visit Muktinath a sacred pilgrimage site to both Hindus and Buddhists.
  • Jomsom, the windy city of Nepal also known as Apple Orchard and the deepest gorge in the world Kali Gandaki Gorge are the highlights of later half of the trek.
  • An opportunity to sight the Kali Gandaki River Valley civilization, which is one of the oldest civilizations in Nepal.

Outline Itinerary

Day 01: Arrive in Kathmandu (1400m)

Day 02: Drive to Besisahar (760m) and continue to Chame (2670m)

Day 03: Trek to Pisang (3300m)

Day 04: Trek to Manang (3540m)

Day 05: Trek to Ledar(4200m)

Day 06: Trek to High Camp (2925m)

Day 07: Trek to Muktinath (3760m) via Thorong-La pass (5416m)

Day 08: Trek to Marpha (2670m)

Day 09: Trek to Ghasa (2010m)

Day 10: Trek to Tatopani (1190m)

Day 11: Trek to Ghorepani (2880m)

Day 12: Excursion to Poon Hill (2825m). Trek to Nayapul (1070m) and drive to Pokhara (820m)

Day 13: Drive back to Kathmandu (1400m)

Day 14: Depart Kathmandu

Trip Includes:

  • Airport Pick-up and Drop-off service in a private tourist vehicle.
  • Welcome dinner (Day 1) and Farewell dinner (Day 13).
  • Twin-sharing accommodation in Kathmandu (2 nights) and Pokhara (1 night) at a 3-star standard hotel along with breakfast.
  • Accommodation during the trek in Teahouse/Lodges.
  • All standard meals during the trek (breakfast, lunch, dinner), seasonal fruits after dinner, tea/coffee (3 times a day).
  • Local Bus to Besisahar and tourist coach from Pokhara to Kathmandu (Car/Jeep can be arranged with the extra charge upon request).
  • Well experienced English speaking trekking guide holding guides license (their salary, insurance, equipment, domestic airfare, food, and accommodation).
  • Porters (One porter for every 2 members) and his entire expenses (salary, food, accommodation equipment’s and insurance).
  • All the necessary permits i.e., (Annapurna conservation Area) and TIMS (Trekkers Security Card) permit and all the paperwork.
  • Down jackets and sleeping bags (upon request).Needs to be returned after trip completion.
  • Company’s duffel bag (Upon Request), and T-shirt (As a souvenir).
  • Trekking route map.
  • First Aid Kit (Carried by your trek guide).
  • Arrangement of rescue helicopter service (Your travel insurance should cover this expense).
  • Necessary local and government taxes.
  • 1-hour trekkers massage after the trek completion
  • Local SIM Card

Trip Excludes:

  • Nepal arrival visa (USD 30 for 15 days and USD 50 for 30 days in Cash) and international flights.
  • Dinner and lunch in Kathmandu except for welcome and farewell dinner. 
  • Your equipment and other expenses such as mineral water, soft beverages, confectionaries, laundries, phone calls, hot drinking water, bar bills, showers, internet facility, battery chargers, multi plugs, etc. 
  • Your travel insurance that covers Helicopter evacuation as well as medical expenses and trip cancellation. 
  • Tips of a guide, porters, and driver as a token of appreciation. 
  • Any other expenses or charges that are not mentioned in the “cost includes” list. 

Should you require any further information on the given trek, please feel free to write to us at [email protected].

Day to Day Itinerary

Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu (1,300m/4,264ft) 
Meals included: Dinner

Our airport representative will be there to welcome you at Tribhuvan International Airport, Kathmandu upon your arrival. He/she will escort you to the respective hotel in a private vehicle comfortably. Your prior trip meeting will be scheduled on the very day at the hotel before dinner. However, our airport representative will give you a brief idea about the second day’s schedule on your way to the hotel. During the meeting, we will introduce you to your leader/guide. Please do not hesitate to ask questions about your trek or anything that is related to your trip. To make you feel comfortable, we schedule a welcome dinner for you in a popular restaurant in the city where you can enjoy authentic Nepali meal along with cultural programs including ethnic dance and songs. Tonight, you will spend your night at the hotel in Kathmandu. 

Day 02: Drive from Kathmandu to Besisahar (760m) and further up till Chame(8, 20m/2,690ft) (2670m)
Total duration: 10-11 hours (Bus Ride) 
Meals included: Breakfast 

Today our guide will pick you up from the hotel and will escort you to the bus stop to catch the early morning bus tourist coach to Besisahar which will take you around 6 to 7 hours drive under normal road condition. You will be further driving to Chame which will be the destination of the day. It might take you around 3-4 hours of driving off-road. Overnight at a lodge in Chame

Day 03: Trek to Pisang (3,200 m) 
Total duration: 2 hours of a bus ride and 5-6 hours walk 
Meals included: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner

After having the breakfast, you will be trekking towards the Pisang Village crossing the steep walk through dense forest into a narrowed valley. One of the highlights of the trip is crossing the raging Himalayan River at two points 2,910m & 3,040m. After crossing a metal suspension bridge at 3040m, the stunning view of Rocky Hill Paungda Danda feasts catches the eyes. Beyond here, the course connects towards Pisang on a steep trail. Pisang nestles between 3,200m and 3,300meters. Overnight at a lodge in Pisang.

Day 04: Trek to Manang (3,540 m). 
Total duration: 5-6 hours 
Meals included: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner 

After having your breakfast, you will be walking through the higher region of Manang. You might get the glimpse of the natives and the yaks along the trail. As you leave Pisang, you will tread along the northern via Ghyaru for the better views of the Himalayan peaks throughout the trail that chases along the northern bank of the river. Now, you will arrive in Munchi. Beyond Munchi, the trail passes the charming and the authentic village of Braga 3475m. The last push brings to Manang. Overnight at a lodge in Manang.

Day 05: Trek to Ledar (4200 m). 
Total duration: 6-7hours 
Meals included: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner 

Today, you will be trekking to the higher altitude. Walking at a slow pace would be helpful to adjust to the change in altitude. As the trek begins, you will cross a stream, climbs to a village of Tenki and continue to ascend the Marsyangdi Valley, turning northwest up the valley of Jarsang Khola. You will further pass the small village of Ghunsa and following the trail through the meadows. Here, you can see the horses and yaks grazing. Crossing a wooden suspension bridge, you will encounter series of mani wall, eventually, you reach Yak Kharka at 4,000m. Yak Kharka is the yak graze the land and hence signs of yak herders and thin vegetation can be seen there. After crossing the beautiful village of Yakkharka, you will be further trekking uphill for about an hour and a half and finally reach Ledar, the destination of the day. Overnight at a lodge in Ledar. 

Day 06: Trek to High Camp (47oo m)
Total duration: 5-6 hours 
Meals included: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner 

Today, you will walk uphill to the Thorang Phedi and towards the high camp. Walking for a while in an easy trail, you will cross a suspension bridge leading you towards Ledar village. Then, slightly ascend and passing through towering cliffs, you will reach Thorang Phedi. It is the last village before Thorang-la Pass. During the trail, you can click the views of Mt. Gundang, Thorang Peak, Mt. Syangang and Mt. Khatungkan. You will further be trekking towards the High camp where you will be staying for the overnight accommodation. Overnight at High camp.

Day 07: Trek to Muktinath (3800 m) via Thorong-La pass (5416 m)
Total duration: 7-8 hours 
Meals included: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner

Today after an early breakfast you will be trekking towards Muktinath crossing world’s largest pass- The Thorong-La pass. It is the most exciting and adventurous part of the whole trek. 3-4 hours of the steep strenuous trek from the high camp brings you to the top of Thorung La Pass 5416m. The regular course to Thorung La Pass seems easy. However, a number of difficulties might encounter due to the elevation and snow. Getting up to the pass may be tough but the acme of the pass marked by revered chortens and colorful prayer flags will reward you with the most eye-catching views of the Himalayas that include Annapurna at its best. Overnight at a lodge in Muktinath.

Day 08: Trek to Marpha (2670 m)
Total duration: 5-6 hours 
Meals included: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner 

Today, you will trek towards Marpha following Kali Gandaki valley from Muktinath. Marpha is especially famous for Himalayas Apple. Here, you can get Apple Brandy and renowned as Marpha Brandy- don’t miss to taste. In the center of the village, you will see the rapidly expanding Solmi Gompa.  It has an old giant prayer-wheel brought from Tibet and is here for more than hundred years. Another attraction is Marpha Horticultural Research Station that was established in 1966 for introducing new crops for this region. Overnight at a lodge in Marpha.                             

Day 09: Trek to Ghasa (2010 m)
Total duration: 6 hours 
Meals included: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner 

Today, you will walk downhill following the Kali Gandaki River to the Ghasa. On the way, you will cross suspension bridges and even see a series of mani walls- a symbol of Himalayan Buddhism. 
Overnight at lodge in Ghasa.

Day 10: Trek to Tatopani (1190 m)
Total duration: 5 hours 
Meals included: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner 

Interestingly, today you are going to see the deepest gorge in the world- Kochepani. Walking in a downhill trail, you will cross a bridge leading towards Tatopani. The specialty of Tatopani is Hot spring. After your tiresome trek, it will be the right place to enhance your body taking spring bath and resting in the pleasing environment. Overnight at a local lodge in Tatopani.

Day 11: Trek to Ghorepani (2860 m)
Total duration: 5-6 hours 
Meals included: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner 

After having breakfast starts trek following the ascending trail. Today, the trail will be a bit longer and even you will gain nearly 1600 m altitude while reaching Ghorepani. On the way, you can enjoy the beautiful villages and loving locals. Overnight at a lodge in Ghorepani

Day 12: Trek to Nayapul and drive to Pokhara
Total duration: 6hours 
Meals included: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner 

Our trek for today is a bit long around six hours. Today is the last day of our trek and we will head towards Pokhara. Early morning you will be hiking for about an hour to Poonhill to witness the mesmerizing sunrise over the gigantic Himalayas. From there on after having your breakfast, you will be trekking downhill towards Nayapul via Ulleri. It is an hour of drive from Nayapul to Pokhara. We can spend the evening exploring the nightlife of the city with the crew members or can take rest. Overnight at a hotel in Pokhara. 

Day 13: Drive back to Kathmandu
Total duration: 7-8 hrs drive 
Meals included: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner 

We will return to Kathmandu from Pokhara on a tourist coach. After 7-8 hours of a drive, we will finally reach Kathmandu from where our journey began. Upon reaching Kathmandu, you will be escorted to the hotel. You can freshen up and go shopping in the evening at Thamel which is famous for useful tourist’s products. Since today is your last day in Kathmandu, we host a farewell dinner where you can give your feedback regarding the services that we provided regarding the entire trip.We will stay overnight at the hotel. 

Day 14: Depart Kathmandu
Meals included: Breakfast 

This is the last day of your trip with us. You can extend your trip for one or two days to visit other interesting places in and out of Kathmandu which is completely optional. If not then one of our staff will escort you to the airport as per your scheduled departure. You can roam around the city and buy souvenirs’ and do shopping to take along with you if your flight is scheduled during late hours. 

 


Source:www.theclassicoutdoors.com