ANNAPURNA CIRCUIT TREK 16 DAYS

An early start to the day sees us on a local bus heading to Syange. On the route you will get to see typical Nepali countryside and views of the mountains on the Annapurna circuit trek. You will pass raging rivers, lush vegetation and terraced fields of the farmers. Tonight we will stay at a guest house in Dharapani.

The trail today is one that has been previously affected by landslides. We initially pass through a small village before starting on a gradual uphill trail to Bagarchhap, a typical Tibetan style village in the forest. We then follow the left bank of the river towards Koto, the gateway to the admired Nar Phu Valley Trekking route. We have a fairly easy trek from here to Chame, the administrative center of the Manang District.

After leaving Chame we come to Telekhu Village and on the trail have some excellent views of Annapurna and Pisang (6091m). We then re-cross the river on a suspension bridge to the south bank of the Marsyangdi River and climb up through a pine-forest as we follow the trail through the upper reaches of the Manang valley on our way to Pisang.

The town of Pisang is where we start our trek into the more isolated Upper Manang region. We first head to the Tibetan village of Braga with its distinctive architecture and houses that are constructed one upon the other. One of the main attractions here is its Gompa (Buddhist temple), the largest in the Manang region. Manang is also a favourite place with trekkers, as well as being the perfect place to acclimatize before heading to higher altitudes.

Health experts strongly recommend that before heading to higher altitudes that trekkers spend some time acclimatizing. They also add that one should remain active during this acclimatization period. From Manang you will have some truly wonderful views of Annapurna II; Annapurna III (7555m); Gangapurna (7454 m); and in the south to Tilicho (7132 m); and the Grand Barrier (a 7000m ridge) in the west; Chulu West (6583m) and Chulu East (6059m) meters in the north. To assist with the acclimatization process we will climb up to Mt. Khangsar (3756m).

This morning we cross a rive and then trek through an alpine forest and will pass through several settlements, including Khangsar and Siri Kharka before arriving at the Tilicho Base Camp. The trail is strewn with rubble and the aftereffects of landslides, but at sunset we will be rewarded with some awesome sunset views over the mountains. We will stay in a guest house at Tilicho Base camp for the night.

At around 4:30 am we head to Tilicho Lake with its pristine turquoise water and then return to Tilicho Base Camp for lunch before heading off to Shree Kharka where we will stay the night.

This morning we begin our day by descending to Khangsar Village via Tare Gumba (3870m) - well-known for its Buddhist monastery. We then follow the trail through the Thorong Khola Valley until we arrive at the abandoned village of Old Khangsar before coming to Yak Kharka where we will stay overnight.

As we ascend we will slowly get used to the higher altitudes. We will take the trail along the east bank of the Jarang Khola (river) and be bordered by steep bluffs before coming to Thorong Phedi (meaning foot hills). We may decide to trek for another hour to High Camp (4800m). If we are lucky we may get to see the famous blue sheep and even the secretive snow leopard! This is also the habitat to the Lammergeyer (bearded vulture). There is also a belief the fabled griffons (creature with a lion’s body & bird’s head) inhabit this region.

Today is most likely going to be the hardest day on the trail as we trek for around 8 to 9 hours. The higher altitude adds to the difficulty, and at times strong winds in these upper regions make it harder going. On the trail we will most likely pass sheep, yaks and merchants transporting various goods along the trails from Tibet. Once we arrive at Thorong La Pass we will have some amazing views of Annapurna, Gangapurna and the stunning peak of Khatungkang (6484m). We will then descend around 1600 metres with the trail gradually more undulating and relatively easy-going before we arrive at Jomsom.

Today we will enjoy a mountainous scenic drive to Tatopani from Jomsom with some splendid mountain views on the route. We will pass through several small villages before arriving at Tatopani where we stay overnight. The therapeutic hot springs here are an ideal place to relax those tired limbs.

This morning we follow the trail, cross a suspension bridge over the Kaligandaki River and then continue until we come to a junction of two trails from where we ascend through terraced farms and villages. We then trek through a dense rhododendron forest before coming to the village of Chitre and eventually to Ghorepani where we will stay the night.

We will be up bright and early – before sunrise, in order to appreciate the sunrise views over the mountains. We will have some of the finest mountain views in Nepal from Poon Hill lookout. The rising sun will cast its light in various shades over the snow covered mountains and will be entrenched in your mind forever. We will then head back to Ghorepani for breakfast and then continue on to Tadapani where we will stay the night.

This morning we will wake up to views of Mt. Machhapuchare (Fishtail) and Annapurna South. The trail takes us through forested hills. The Gurung people are the dominant caste in Ghandruk. You will have an opportunity to explore the village and enjoy their warm hospitality. From Ghandruk we will have some fantastic views of the Annapurna Massif.

Today is the last day of trekking in the Annapurna region as we head down to Nayapul. From Nayapul we will go by car to Pokhara where we will stay in a 3 Star hotel for the night. Once settled in your hotel you can head out and explore the city or enjoy the sunset from one of the many cafes next to Phewa Tal (lake).

This morning we head back to Kathmandu by tourist bus. We will stop along the way for lunch and refreshments. On the route we will pass villages, raging rivers and see numerous terraced fields being attended to by farmers.