ANNAPURNA CIRCUIT TREK 9 DAYS

Upon arrival at Kathmandu Tribhuvan International Airport, you will be met by a Sherpa Expedition & Trekking representative and taken by private vehicle to your hotel. After checking in at the hotel, you will be briefed on what to expect on your trek and given an itinerary. With time to spare you can wander around the tourist hub of Thamel or take in the sights of Kathmandu Valley. T

This morning we head from Kathmandu to Chame via Besisahar. Along the route you will get glimpses of several snow-capped mountains (Annapurna & Manaslu) as we cross rivers and pass through terraced farmland. We will travel by jeep for around 3 to 4 hours from Besisahar to Chame passing through villages such as: Sange, Bhulbhule, Nagdi, Chamche, Tal, Dharapani, Bagarchhap, Dankya, Timang, Thanchowk, and Chame

Today we head out on the trail following the Marsyangdi River, with our first stop at Bratang and then on to Chemyau Kharka where there is a memorial to Japanese mountain climber Akira Ochiai. Further on we come to Dhukur Pokhari passing through forests along the way until we arrive at lower Pisang from where we will head to Upper Pisang as a means of acclimatizing. We will then return to Lower Pisang for the night.

Pisang is the start of our trek into the upper Manang region. Today we follow the trail to Braga; a Tibetan village with its distinctive architecture and houses constructed one upon the other. One of Manang’s main features is its Gompa (Buddhist temple), being the largest in the Manang region. Manang is also very popular stopping-off point with trekkers who remain here for a day in order to acclimatize before heading to higher elevations. From Manang we have views of Mt. Chulu and Gangapurna.

This morning we head out on the trail to Yak Kharka, beginning with a climb through snow-covered forests of juniper. The trail is steep until we arrive at Ghustang. The remainder of this trail is relatively easy as we head to Yak Kharka, and along the way enjoy views of Annapurna II, Gangapurna, and Tilicho. This morning we head out on a short 1-hour trek to Ledar and then on to Thorong Phedi. Thorong Phedi is at the base of Thorong Himal. We will either spend the night here or move on to High Camp, depending on the weather conditions.

Today is probably going to be one of the most physically demanding days of the trek, hiking for between 8 and 9 hours. The higher altitude certainly makes it more difficult, and sometimes the strong winds in these upper regions make it harder too. Along the trail, we might pass sheep, yaks, and merchants transporting their goods by Yak or donkey. Once we reach Thorong La Pass we will have some truly amazing views of Annapurna, Gangapurna, and the eye-catching peak of Khatungkang (6484m). Crossing the pass we then descend about 1600 meters. Dhaulagiri (Dhavali Giri, meaning “White Mountain”) and the highest mountain that is entirely in Nepal is also visible. The trail is more undulating and quite easy before coming to Muktinath. After we reaching muktinath we will take a sharing Jeep or Bus drive to Jomsom for overnight stay.

Today we drive to Pokhara by local bus on a 7-8 hour journey, firstly arriving at Tatopani via Beni Bazaar and then on to Pokhara. Pokhara is famous for its lake – Phew Tal, and is popular with travelers. It has all the facilities of a small city. Your hotel will be by “Lakeside”. You may wish to watch the sunset over the lake and the mountains. It is a great way to end the day and relax.

Today we head back on a 6 to 7 hour drive to Kathmandu with many warm memories of Nepal and its unique culture, village people and geography. These memories will be with you for a long time - and as you look back on them they will put a smile on your face.

Today is your last day in Nepal and Sherpa Expedition and Trekking will take you to the airport at least three hours prior to your scheduled departure time. On your flight home, you can start planning your next adventure in Nepal.