TRIP OVERVIEW
Annapurna Circuit is one of the popular treks of the world this trek start from lowland through terraced rice fields, pine forest to rain shadow area near the Muktinath.The trek starts at Jagat and follows the Marsyangdi river through Gurung settlements to the Tibetan region of Manang. We entering now in Buddhist area where you will get chance to see Buddhist monastery and colorful prayer flags, mani walls along the trails. The high point of this trek is crossing the Thorung La pass at (5,416m) followed by the trek down to Muktinath to Kali Gandaki gorge located between the Mt. Dhaulagiri and Mt.Annapurna. After the pass you will reach to Tatopani (Hot spring) where you will take natural hot bath to heal all the pain you got on the trek. After we will be climbing long up to Shikha where we will stay overnight and in the afternoon you will explore typical Magar village called Khibang.. Next day continue trek up to Ghorepai for the popular sunrise view from (Poon Hill )which is one of the well known view point on Lamjung, Himalchuli, Manaslu, Dhaulagiri, Annapurna and Machapuchare.
OUTLINE ITINERARY
Day 01: Arrive in Kathmandu transfer to hotel
Day 02: Sightseeing in Kathmandu and trek preparation
Day 03: Drive to Jagat 9/10 hrs (930m)
Day 04: Trek to Dharapani (1,940m)
Day 05: Trek to Chame (2,700m)
Day 06: Trek to Pisang (3,190m)
Day 07: Trek to Manang (3,500m)
Day 08: Acclimatization day hike around Manang (3,500m).
Day 09: Trek to Yak Kharka (4,090m
Day 10: Trek to Thorong Phedi (4,490m)
Day 11: Trek over the Thorong La (5,400m) and to Muktinath (3,800m)
Day 12: Rest day in Muktinath visit one of the holist place Muktinath temple/monastery
Day 13: Drive down to Tatopani 5/6 hrs (1190m)
Day 14: Trek to Shikha (1990m)
Day 15: Trek to Ghorepani (2,855m)
Day 16: Hike up to Poon Hill (3210m) for one of the best sunrise view Trek to Ulleri and drive to Pokhara. Overnight in Pokhara.
Day 17: Fly or drive to Kathmandu
Day 18: Departure to home
DETAIL ITINERARY
Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu
Upon your arrival in Kathmandu airport, you will be greeted by a representative from Waiba Adventure Trek who will drop you to your hotel in Kathmandu. A full briefing will be given after you check in. Overnight in Kathmandu.
Day 02: Sightseeing in Kathmandu
After breakfast, you will be going for whole day city sightseeing with the Nepali tour guide to most historical attractions in Kathmandu which are also listed on UNESCO World Heritage sites. We visit the historic Durbar Square, the sacred Hindu temple of Pashupatinath, the famous ‘Monkey Temple’ (Swayambhunath) and Buddhist shrine (Bouddhanath), which is also one of the biggest Stupa in the world. The tour is likely to finish around 4pm and the rest of the day is free to explore around Thamel around your hotel as well as to pack your baggage for the trek starting tomorrow morning. You can leave a bag at the hotel with items not needed on the trek. Overnight at Fuji Guest House or similar in Kathmandu.
Day 03: Drive to Jagat 9/10 hrs (930m)
After breakfast we will drive to Jagat, our journey begins through deep gorges as you pass Kathmandu valley. We drive along the Trisuli River which is one of the famous rivers in Nepal flowing down from Himalaya. Approximately 10 to 11 hours drive from Kathmandu to Jagat. We drive through classic route of Annapurna circuit trek such as; Beshisahar, Ngadi, Bahundanda, Syange and continue above the Marsyangdi river reaching the ancient village of Jagat. Overnigh in Jagat.
Day 04: Trek to Dharapani (1,940m) – 7/8 hrs trek
After breakfast, we start our trek today. From Jagat the trail descends until the river and we cross the suspension bridge on the Marsyangdi River. After we continue ascending with Zigzag trails which take us to uphill and gradually flat and reach to Tal. It is one of the famous places for valley views and waterfalls the village is situated right on the Marsyangdi Riverbank. From here trail continue follow along the Marsyangdi river and through barely, rice and potato fields; and the waterfalls to reach Darapani. Overnight in Dharapani.
Day 05: Trek to Chame (2,700m) – 5/6 hrs trek
Today we trek to Chame which is the headquarters of the Manang District. Throughout the trek we can enjoy amazing views of the Lamjung Himal, Annapurna II, and Annapurna IV. The trail stays on the south bank of the river passing the villages such as Bagarchhap, Danagyu,Timang Besi, Lata Manag. We climb steeply zigzag section of the road through the forests of Pine, Deodar, and Rhododendron to reach to Chame. Overnight in Chame
Day 06: Trek to Pisang (3,190m) -5/6 hrs trek
From Chame, we cross the northern side of the river and we walk relatively easy trail up to Baratang village. Then we start advance trail through a steep and narrow valley and cross the suspension bridge on Marsyangdi River after right away we cross the river will have our first view of Paungda Danda giant rock face, a dramatic curved rock face rising from the river that provides us beautiful scenery of the day. After passing this last bit of rock, the valley opens up with majestic vistas. Then, we move towards the Pisang throughout dense forest of Pine ,Deodar, and enjoying the captivating landscape. Overnigth in Pisang.
Day 07: Trek to Manang (3,500m) – 6/7 hrs trek
From Upper Pisang there are two trails, north and south of the Marsyangdi Khola, but we follow the trail that takes us to Upper Pisang via Ghyaru and Ngawal, because this trail guarantees us excellent views of the valley. The trail continues past the picturesque village, landscape, Buddhist Gompa, lake and the view of Annapurna Himal is awesome. Overnight is Manang.
Day 08: Acclimatization day hike around Manang (3,500m).
Today is our acclimatization day we take it easy but In order to keep fit; we keep ourselves busy so on, we hike to either Bhojo Gumba or Gangapurna Lake. If we have the energy, we can visit the Himalayan Rescue Association which will give us some idea about Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS). Overnight in Manang.
Day 09: Trek to Yak Kharka (4,090m) – 3/4 hrs trek
From Manang, we gradually ascend to a village of Tenki and continues to climb out of the Marshyangdi Valley turning northwest towards Throng pass. The trail follows passing by few pastures and juniper trees, as we gains elevation. The trail further passes near the small village of Gunsag through the meadows where horses and yaks graze. After crossing a small river on a wooden bridge, the trail passes an ancient old Mani wall in a pleasant meadow and then reaches to Yak Kharka. Overnight at Yak Karka.
Day 10: Trek to Thorong Phedi (4,490m) – 3/4 hrs trek
It is an uphill walk to Thorang Phedi. After a steady walk we cross a suspension bridge and reach to Ledar village a small settlement. We ascend furthermore continue pass through the cliff before reaching Thorang Phedi, the last village before Thorong La pass. Today we will have breathtaking view of Mt. Gundang, Mt. Shya Gang, Thorong Peak and Mt. Khatung Kang. Overnight in Thorong Phedi.
Day 11: Trek over the Thorong La pass (5,400m) and to Muktinath (3,800m) – 8/9 hrs trek
Thorong La pass is one of the highest passes in the world. The trail becomes steep as soon as we leave Thorong Phedi. We will be crossing the pass from east to west (Manang to Muktinath) We get up around three in the morning and walk up the mountain. When we finally make it to the top, we will realize that our journey was worth it. After the pass the trail drops steeply down to Muktinath. Overnight in Muktinath.
Day 12: Rest day in Muktinath visit one of the holist place Muktinath temple/monastery
After long and hard day we will have a rest day in Muktinath. In the day we will explore the holist place Muktinath temple and Monastery. Muktinath is one of the famous pilgrimage sites for Buddhists as well as Hindus. To Hindus, Muktinath is a sacred place of salvation. They believe that bathing in the waters here guarantees salvation after death. To Buddhists, Muktinath is a place where the great Guru Rinpoche (Padmasambhava) who brought Buddhism to Tibet, came to meditate. Muktinath Temple has a pagoda style design, dedicated to Lord Bishnu, in a picturesque location. When you see 108 water spouts behind this beautiful temple, in the shape of cow headed, you have a feeling that you have self-imposed yourself in a mythological place. This part of Nepal is inhabited by Gurungs, and Thakali, people with strong Tibetan roots. Overnight in Muktinath.
Day 13: Drive down to Tatopani 5/6 hrs drive(1190m)
After breakfast, we will take a jeep drive down to Tatopani which is 5/6 hrs drive. We will be driving along the Kali Gandaki River, this river is one of the major river of Nepal in the Himalayas. Along the way we will pass by deepest gorge in the world also known as Andha Galchi to reach Tatopani where we will enjoy Hot spring bath to heal all the pains you got on the trek. Overnight in Tatopani
Day 14: Trek to Shikha (1990m) – 3/4 hrs trek
We cross the Kali Gandaki river and head up the Ghar Khola valley. The uphill trail leads us through a terraced fields and Mt. Dhaulagiri on the backdrop. Dhaulagiri is the seventh highest mountain in the world at 8,167 meters. We pass through the villages of Ghara to reach Shikha. We have lunch at Shikha After lunch we will explore around the traditional villages of the ethnic Magar people. Overnight in Shikha.
Day 15: Trek to Ghorepani (2,855m)- 4 hrs trek
Our journey today is mostly uphill. From Shikha we keep continue ascending to Ghorepani via Chitre village and a beautiful rhododendron forest, which are normally blooms in the Spring in (March -April) if you are right in time you will defiantly enjoy all the beautiful pink, red and white flowers. Walking further we reach to Ghorepani, a beautiful village located at the ridge top. Overnight in Ghorepani.
Day 16: Hike to Poon Hill -1/5 hrs walk, Trek to Ulleri – 3 hrs trek and drive to Pokhara -3 hrs drive.
We leave early morning for sunrise in Poon Hill, (1 hour up and 35 minutes down from Ghorepani) while you are here you will get nice cup of coffee or Tea then you enjoy the amazing view of sun rises from the mighty Himalayas. Since this is popular view point there will be quite a crowded. After, you will head down to Ghorepani and you have a breakfast then trek continue down to Ulleri 3 hours from where you will take a jeep ride to Pokhara 2 hours. Overnight in Pokhara.
Day 17: Sightseeing in Pokhara then fly to Kathmandu
Today after breakfast, we drive up to World Peace Stupa which offers a panoramic last view of Annapurna range. We also get a wonderful view of the entire Pokhara valley and Phewa Lake. After spending some time at the stupa, we drive back to Pokhara along the way we stop at Davis falls, and then to Barahi Temple, It is a Hindu temple of the Goddess Durga, the protector of gods. It is located in a small island on the south east section of Phewa Lake in Pokhara. we catch a late afternoon flight back to Kathmandu and transfer you to the hotel. Overnight in Kathmandu.
Day 18: Final departure
Our journey in Nepal comes to an end today! A Waiba Adventure Trek representative will drop to the airport approximately 3 hours before your flight time. Have a safe journey back home, Namaste.
PHOTO GALLERY
