Annapurna Circuit Trek

A Himalaya Heart Treks & Expedition Pvt.Ltd representative will welcome you at the airport and take you to your hotel where we will go over the trip in more detail and answer any questions you may have.The rest of the day is free.

Today we spend time getting more aquianted with our surroundings with a full day sightseeing around the Kathmandu Valley touring its premium destinations that have managed to find a place in the UNESCO world’s heritage list. We begin with Swayambhunath climbing its stairs which are said to encompass the 13 paths to reach enlightenment. The Hindu heritage of Pashupatinath is next on our list resonating in the prayers of thousands who visit the temple each day. We head towards Kathmandu Durbar square to witness a historical journey encompassing generations of Nepalese Kings before ending our journey at Boudhanath well known for its sunset views. Overnight Hotel.

Today we leave Kathmandu’s frenetic streets, via our private 4×4 jeep/s to the starting point of the trek. It’s a beautiful drive terraced hills.fast flowing rivers and distant mountain views. Jagat is nestled between the high peaks of the Annapurna’s and Mt. Manaslu – the world’s 8th highest peak. The track leading up to Jagat heads up through the Marsyangdi River Valley with Himalchuli and Ngadi Chuli (Peak 29 – 7871m) looming over the horizon. Fresh air, nice breezes. lush rice paddies and peaceful villages along the way before reaching our guesthouse in Jagat. This is the start of the Annapurna Circuit, and the beginning of our trek.

We follow a rocky trail following the Marsyangdi River, passing by some magnificent cascading waterfalls as we go. The area is lush green with plenty of wildlife many troops of monkeys. The trail winds progressively uphill to the village of Tal which is the first village in the Manang District. From Tal the scenery starts to change dramatically from the lush beginnings of the trek more jagged and barren. We continue along an impressive, wide valley upwards along stone staircases until we reach the village of Dharapani. Overnight Guest House

We continue up the Marsyangdi River, climbing towards the settlement of Timang at 2360m,then continue to ascend through scented pine and fir forest. As the trail ascends through the forest there are incredible views over the valley and of Annapurna II (7937m). Settling in now and really beginning to feel of being in the high mountains of the Himalaya. Onwards and upwards to finally reach Chame – the administrative center of the Manang District.From here there are some outstanding views of Mt. Manaslu (8156m) and Peak 29 (7871m). Overnight Guest House

We exit the village past a long a stone prayer wall and a large prayer wheel heading into deep pine forest. The Marsyangdi Valley narrows as we go and becomes at one with the trail carved right into the vertical rock face. This is incredible,as we pass this point the valley opens up to reveal a majestic mountain vista, where the Paungda Danda rock face towers over 1500m above the trailhead. Local people believe that atop Paungda Danda is the Gateway to Heaven. This impressive view follows us as all the way as we ascend to Pisang. We are suddenly in a very different area with very different people an amazing day. Overnight Guest House

This is a truly Tibetan like and an intensely Buddhist area. We continue up the upper part of the Manang Valley. People in this region are hardened and weathered by their harsh existence, very strong examples of what life is possible of. Leaving Pisang, there are two options that follow the Marsyangdi River both of which meet up again in the village of Mungji and Braga where there is a beautiful monastery – we can take either the southern route or the northern route.

The southern route involves a gentle climb that follows alongside the river. The northern route is more demanding, as we need to climb up the north ridge of the valley. The views along the upper northern route of the Annapurna’s are sensational! Overnight Guest House

Today is a rest day of sorts!! we need it for acclimatization to enable our bodies to get used to the altitude to come. There are a number of day hikes available that offer amazing views, One Possibility is a hike up the hill (400m ascent) behind Manang to visit the monastery. From here there are magnificent panoramic views of the entire Annapurna range and the enormous ice fall crashing down from Gangapurna. Another option is to take a fairly challenging hike to Ice Lake (4500m), which takes about 5-6 hours up and back. Any aching muscles are rewarded with some stunning views of the region.The evening presents the perfect end to the day, just sit back and watch as the sun sets over the Himalayas. Overnight Guest House.

Leaving Manang in the early morning we head towards the base of the Thorung La. Climbing out of the Marsyangdi Valley, We follow the Jarsang Khola. Here we are way above the pine and fir forests below in semi moraine and certainly truly immersed in the beauty of the high Himalaya. It is a shorter day, taking it slowly as we reach Yak Kharka (Yak Huts) – where yak herders bring their animals to graze. Overnight Guest House

Another shortish day to aid in acclimatization for the push to come. The scenery becomes wilder as we continue ascending the valley. The trail descends to cross the river, before an ascent up to Phedi at 4450m. Phedi in Nepali means foot of the pass it acts as a gateway for our journey tomorrow – the Thorung La. Overnight Guest House

We are up early to begin our ascent.To begin with it is very steep so it is slowly just one step at a time until we reach the Annapurna Circuit’s highest point, the Thorung La, at a literally breathtaking 5416m. The pass opens up to reveal an incredible, sweeping panorama of snow-capped peaks that extend towards Tibet and beyond. Looking back to where we have come offers some splendid views of the Annapurna’s. A steep descent follows directly in front of us is the impressive Kali Gandaki, Valley the deepest gorge in the world. The way down is long and again we need to take things slowly, following a series of switchbacks we eventually reach some grassy slopes. We pass some more sheep herder huts before after what has been a tough long but extremely satisfying day we reach the holy town of Muktinath ( 3800m). The temple at Muktinath is an extremely important pilgrimage site for both Hindus and Buddhists. It is surrounded by rugged mountain landscapes and with unparalleled views of Dhaulagiri (8167m), the world’s 7th highest mountain. Overnight Guest House

In the morning we take a visit to Muktinath temple, Many people come here on pilgrimage and it is possible for you to enter and witness some of the religious ceremonies. It is a great example of how two religions can share the same holy place with mutual respect and support for each other. After soaking up the atmosphere we begin our descent to Jomosom for our flight to Pokhara the following day. The valley opens up before us as we drop down. We stop at the fascinating settlement of Kagebeni for lunch before trekking on to Jomsom. Overnight Guest House.

Time to say goodbye to what has been a truly amazing experience. After breakfast we go to the airport to catch the flight to Pokhara. The flight is a fitting end to a wonderful trek as we cut through the Annapurnas with inspiring views of both the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri Himalayan Ranges. Upon arrival at Pokhara and after the transfer to the hotel the rest of the day is free to explore this beautiful lake town, chill out in a restaurant by the lake or go boating .The mountains however have not left us as Pokhara has perhaps the best mountain backdrop anywhere in the world. Overnight Hotel.

Drive back to Kathmandu and spend time at leisure. There is also the option to fly back to Kathmandu at an additional cost.

Today its time to move on we hope you have had a great time with us and we would like to meet again in the future. If you are flying today.we will drop you at the airport as per your flight schedule or assist you with any other move.