ANNAPURNA ROUND TREK

Upon arrival at Kathmandu Tribhuvan International Airport, you will be met by a Sherpa Expedition & Trekking representative, and taken to your hotel. After checking in at the hotel, you will be briefed on what to expect on your trek to Annapurna Round. 

Today, we will spend the day sightseeing in Kathmandu Valley with our guide. We will visit Pashupatinath, which is regarded as the holiest Hindu temple in Nepal and where pilgrims worship Lord Shiva (situated on the banks of the holy Bagmati River), Bouddhanath, a Buddhist temple known as ‘Little Tibet’ and then on to Swayambhunath known as the Monkey Temple. From Swayambhunath we drive to Kathmandu’s famous Durbar Square, a UNESCO World Heritage-listed site, and located in front of the old royal palace. Upon arriving back at your hotel you may have time to do some last-minute shopping around Thamel – the tourist hub of Kathmandu. Back at your hotel, your guide will help you prepare for your trek.

Today, after an early breakfast, we will drive for about 5 to 6 hours before reaching Besisahar - about 190 kilometers from Kathmandu. After reaching Besisahar we will head by jeep to Syange where you will have some incredible views of Mt. Annapurna II (7937m), Mt. Manaslu (8156m), and Mt Lamjung (6983m).

The journey today takes along a dirt road through a gorge with amazing waterfalls cascading down into it and with numerous views of snow-capped peaks along the way. The winding road takes us from Syange and via Jagat village (1410m), and then reaches Chamje village. After crossing the bridge there is a steep climb before we reach the village of Tal (1700m), situated next to the Marsyangdi River. Leaving Tal we continue on before reaching today’s s destination, Dharapani village where we will stay the night.

Today we begin trekking from Dharapani climbing higher and a noticeable change with cooler conditions. You will see a change in the landscape at this higher elevation as the trail passes through forests before reaching the Tibetan village of the Bagarchhap with its distinctive Tibetan architecture. Climbing higher we reach the apple-growing region and farms along with pine forests and views of Lamjung and Annapurna II peaks. The trail then follows the Marsyangdi River heading upstream and passes the villages of Manang and Koto before reaching Chame. It is a very easy walk from Koto to Chame where we spend the night. Chame is the district headquarters of the Manang region.

After leaving Chame we pass through Telekhu and along the trail have some breathtaking views of Annapurna and Pisang (6091m) until we have to re-cross on a suspension bridge to the south bank of the Marsyangdi River. After crossing the river we then head higher passing a pine-forest as we trek through the upper reaches of the Manang valley to Pisang. At the upper edge of Pisang village, we can see Pisang and Chulu peaks. Tonight we stay at Pisang.

The town of Pisang is the start of our trek in the upper Manang area. Today we head to Braga; a Tibetan village with its unique architecture with its houses constructed one upon the other. One of its main attractions is its Gompa (Buddhist fortification), the largest in the Manang region. Manang is popular with trekkers and is also a place to acclimatize before heading to higher altitudes. Today’s trek is around 4 to 5 hours. We stay here for the night.

Medical professionals recommend that before heading to higher elevations that trekkers spend some time acclimatizing. They also recommend staying active. From Manang you will be blessed with views of Annapurna II; Annapurna III (7555m); Gangapurna (7454 m); and to the south to Tilicho (7132 m); and the Grand Barrier (a 7000m ridge)to the west; Chulu West (6583m) and Chulu East (6059m) meters in the north. Today, to better acclimatize to these higher altitudes we will climb up to Khangsar (3756m). Tonight we stay at Manang.

Today we head off on a 10.4 km uphill trek of around 3 to 4 hours and head to Yak Kharka passing through juniper forests and will see yak grazing in the pastures. On the route, we pass the only teahouse at Thorong Khola. The vegetation at this elevation is mostly juniper trees. Depending on the conditions we may decide to go a little further and stay the night at Letdar.

Today is most likely the toughest day of the trek, hiking for around 3 to 4 hours. The higher altitude contributes to the degree of difficulty and sometimes strong winds in these upper regions. Along the trail, we may pass sheep, yaks, and merchants transporting their goods. Once we reach Thorong La Pass we will be rewarded with breath-taking views of Annapurna, Gangapurna, and the eye-catching peak of Khatungkang (6484m). Leaving the pass we descend around 1600 metres and the brilliant Dhaulagiri (Dhula Giri, meaning “White Mountain”) is the highest mountain that is entirely in Nepal. The trail is more undulating and relatively easy before we reach Muktinath where we stay the night.

Today is most likely the toughest day of the trek, hiking for around 7 to 9 hours. The higher altitude contributes to the degree of difficulty and sometimes strong winds in these upper regions. Along the trail, we may pass sheep, yaks, and merchants transporting their goods. Once we reach Thorong La Pass we will be rewarded with breath-taking views of Annapurna, Gangapurna, and the eye-catching peak of Khatungkang (6484m). Leaving the pass we descend around 1600 meters and the brilliant Dhaulagiri (Dhaula Giri, meaning “White Mountain”) is the highest mountain that is entirely in Nepal. The trail is more undulating and relatively easy before we reach Muktinath where we stay the night.

After leaving Muktinath we descend 1200 meters to the Kali Gandaki river valley with a brief stop at Ekle Bhatti (meaning one inn) a small village with 3-4 teahouses. From here our trek follows a windy path for another 2 hours until we reach Jomson, the headquarters of the Mustang region with an airstrip near the Kali Gandaki River. A relatively easy 2 hour -trek from Jomson takes us to Marpha where we stay the night. Jomsom has many lodges and is famous for its delicious apple cider – a good opportunity to celebrate!

Leaving Marpha takes us along the banks of the Kali Gandaki River heading downstream to Tukuche village beneath the soaring Tukuche Peak and Dhaulagiri Massif, extending 120 km from the Kali Gandaki River in the west to Bheri and fantastic views of Mt.Nilgiri and the immense glaciers coming down from the east face of Dhaulagiri. A short trek of 1 hour from Tukuche takes us to Larjung village surrounded by huge mountains. We then cross the wide river bed and trek through pine, rhododendron and oak forests and then cross a suspension bridge over the swift-flowing Kali Gandaki River. In the background are excellent views of Mt.Annapurna I, Nilgiri and Dhaulagiri. The trail then brings us to Lete Village where we stay the night.

Our trek today descends form the more rugged arid regions through pine and other conifer forests as we pass through the valley between the enormous Dhaulagiri and Annapurna ranges. Following the trail takes us through Ghasa Village with breathtaking views of the snow-capped peaks and into a cooler climate. Just down from Ghasa is the southernmost tip of the region inhabited by the Thakali people. The trail continues and passes the multi-terraced farmland carved from the hillsides as we head into the sub-tropical regions before reaching Tatopani (meaning hot water in Nepali). On this path, we can see the cascading Rupsi waterfalls. The hot springs at Tatopani are located on the banks of the Kali Gandaki River.

Today we ascend 1670 meters, quite a hard slog, and pass through more cultivated farmland with their terraced fields. We climb through a rhododendron forest, spectacular in springtime, magnolia, and of course a panoramic view of the mountains. Tonight we stay at Ghorepani with magical views of the Annapurna Ranges and Machapuchare (fishtail) one of the few unclimbed peaks in Nepal due to its religious status – home to Lord Shiva.

Early morning starts and we trek up to Poon hill to watch the sunrise, an eye-opening experience that will leave you breathless. As dawn approaches the change in colors will be a magical experience where you camera will go into overdrive! This has to be one of the best places, on any trek, to view the Annapurnas, Dhaulagiri, and its many snow-capped peaks. This is an unforgettable experience and will give you photos to boast about! The first leg of the trek, passing through Bhanthati, down to Tikhedhunga is a very steep descent. Tonight we will stay at Tikhedhunga.

After leaving Tikhedhunga we follow a fairly easy downhill trail passing through farming villages and cascading waterfalls before reaching the quaint village of Birethanti beside the Modi River where we stop for lunch. After lunch, we trek for another 30 minutes before reaching Nayapul where we take a jeep to Pokhara where we stay at Lakeside (next to Few Tal (lake). We will have time to walk beside the lake, take a boat ride, and browse the many shops. Tonight we can party and celebrate the conclusion of our amazing adventure.

Today we head back on a 6 to 7-hour drive to Kathmandu with many fond memories of Nepal and its unique culture and geography. These memories will last a lifetime!

Sherpa Expeditions & Trekking staff will transfer you to the airport for your final departure from Nepal. We hope that this epic trek will be firmly ingrained in your memory and will be enough to prompt you to consider your next trek with us!