Annapurna Circuit Trek 4 (20N\21D)

we start our journey into the hills through the winding roads along the Trishuli River. Enroute we see more of countryside of Nepal that offers greeneries, rivers, villages, farms and beautiful mountain sceneries. From Mugling, we head along the road toward Pokhara. We leave the highway to Pokhara at Dumre, and head north to Besisahar. A half-an-hour’s drive from Besisahar takes us to Khudi, the starting point of our trek. Alternatively, we can get off at Besisahar, and then trek for an hour to get to Khudi along the wide trail. Khudi offers us a first glimpse of the gorgeous Manaslu range. (B, L, D)

Your first day`s walk involves crossing a few suspension bridges, waterfalls, several up and down hill sections, across rice paddies and subtropical forest. Initially, the walk is gradual then it becomes steeper. The mountains that were seen from the Khudi become closer as we walk higher. The villages and people are an interesting mix. On the way to Sirung, we come across an ethnic Tamang settlement, Taranche. We enjoy the close-up views of NadiChuli and Manaslu in Sirung. Sirung offers us a home-stay where we also enjoy the cultural program organized by the villagers for the visitors. If the number of visitors is more than four, the group may have to split to stay at different houses for the night. First glimpse of the gorgeous Manaslu range. (B, L, D)

We trek through amphitheater-shaped rice terraces, along a steep vertical cliff, lush forests, and some culturally intriguing villages. Always following the Marsyangdi, we walk in a fantastic landscape through little waterfalls, forests and villages. We will not feel tough until we reach Syange (1100 m), but after Syange the climb gets tougher up to Jagat (1300 m). From Jagat, we make a steep climb to Chamje. Overnight in Chamje. (B, L, D)

Today we enter the Manang region passing through fields of corn, barley and potatoes, and then through forests of bamboo and rhododendrons. On the way is the village namely Tal. Tal lies on a flat plain next to the sandy beach and river at the base of a large waterfall. While we are hiking, sometimes we may have to give a pass to a large group of donkey caravan. Overnight in Dharapani. (B, L, D)

Today we negotiate a few steep forested ridges, along with several landslides on route. Remember to look up though, as we will be treated to some sensational views of LamjungHimal, Annapurna II, and Annapurna IV (7,525m/24,688ft)...CONT ...Small hot springs relief your long day trek. Overnight in Chame. (B, L, D)

A steep and narrow path through a very dense forest will bring us to the dramatic curved rock face, rising 1500m from the river. The forests and heavy vegetation would now be gone. We cross and re-cross the river again and again on suspension bridges. As the trail opens up we get surrounded by majestic Himalayan Peaks. We find ourselves in U-shaped valley of Manang hanging between two giant snow peaks and after walking through these wonderful sites we reach Pisang. Overnight in Lower Pisang. (B, L, D)

There are two routes that we can follow today. If taken upper route (we recommend), i.e., the route through Upper Pisang via Geru, the sceneries are outstanding. It feels like we are horizontally in front of the majestic peaks. The panoramic views of the mountain peaks, such as Annapurna, Pisang peak, and several others will definitely allure us. We notice the contrast in the landscape and vegetation from today. The cold, dry climate creates a much harsher environment. A visit to Barge monastery, the largest in the entire district of Manang will be memorable. Overnight at Manang. (B, L, D)

Today is the scheduled acclimatization day. It is not recommended to stay idle but a short walk to higher altitude is suggested to get acclimatized with the altitude. Manang is a good place to do that as the next two days will be very challenging and tiring trek for us with rapid gain in altitude. We should never be overconfident with the altitude and always be cautious. BhojoGompa or Gangapurna Lake is worth visiting sites from acclimatization point of view. An easyexcursion to a little distance away to a village called Vraga, a small old village with a monastery is also possible. Also worth visiting is the Himalayan Rescue Association where we can get some ideas about Mountain Sickness. Overnight in Manang. (B, L, D)

From Manang village, the trail crosses a stream, climbs to a village of Tenki above Manang, and then continues to climb out of the Marshyangdi Valley turning northwest up the valley of JarsangKhola. The trail follows this valley northward, passing a few pastures, a scrub of juniper trees, as it steadily gains elevation. The trail passes near the small village of Ghunsa, a cluster of flat mud roofs just below the trailhead. Now the trail goes through 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 another small village of Yak Kharka. Little but Gradual ascent is the key to avoiding altitude problems. Overnight in Yak Kharka (B, L, D)

We make our way to the foot of the pass, Thorong Phedi today. ThorongPhedi is a small busy settlement catering to the needs of tired trekkers and climbers. People use this point as a base camp. Some people also attempt a hike to the High Camp today so that the next day can be easier for them but we do not recommend attempting High Camp and overnight there because sleeping in higher altitude is not really advisable. Although we will have a tough day tomorrow, we stop at ThorongPhedi so that we can sleep sound rather than a risky sleep in higher altitude at High Camp. Overnight at ThorongPhedi. (B, L, D)

We reach the climax of our Annapurna circuit trek today. It will be a lifetime unforgettable experiencecrossing the famous high pass, Thorong La. An early start is important to complete the mission. Each moment we have to work hard today through the icy high-altitude trail but the outstanding high Himalayan scenes are such tempting that our eyes love to watch more over the horizon than on our trail. We reach Muktinath with the setting sun. Muktinath is an important pilgrimage place for both Hindus and Buddhist. The area hosts a Vishnu temple and a Monastery nearby. Muktinath itself demonstrates the religions harmony in Nepal. Overnight at Muktinath. (B, L, D)

Muktinath is an important pilgrimage for both Hindus and Buddhists. In the morning, we visit Vishnu Temple and Gompa. Descending from Ranipauwa village down the steep and barren hillside, we tumble down toward Kagbeni and then to Jomsom finally arriving at Marpha. The trail today is quite surreal as you trek along a plateau above Kali Gandaki, the world`s deepest gorge. The barren landscape of this area resembles Tibet. Marpha is also famous as theapple capital of Nepal where one can enjoy different items made from apple. The local apple brandy of Marpha is famous all over Nepal. Overnight at Marpha. (B, L, D)

From Marpha, we take a new route toward Kalopani via Chokhopani village. Today, we come across traditional villages of the ethnic Thakali people. Also, we get to see apple gardens. Waiting here is the 360 degrees panorama of Himalayan peaks: Dhaulagari, Tukuche Peak, the three Nilgiris, Fang and Annapurna I. From Chokhopani we continue to Kokhethanti. After crossing a river, we meet come across the newly constructed road site at before reaching Kokhethanti of Kalopani. Overnight at Kalopani. (B, L, D)

Again to avoid the new roads we take a new route to Tatopani from Kalopani. The journey is mostly downhill. We cross the bridge at Ghasa. As we drop to lower elevations, we emerge back into subtropical forests, lush with vegetation. We continue along RupseChahara (popular waterfall). We avoid the road and continue down the east bank from Kopchepani via Garpar to a bridge at Dana. At NarchyangBesi, we get to see a powerhouse that supplies electricity in the area. We notice more villages in this area where we can observe the everyday lives of the local village people. Upon reaching Tatopani, we relax and have a bath in the hot spring. (B, L, D)

While we walk we observe the lifestyle of the people in the midland villages of Nepal. Ghara and Sikha are the villages with terraced and inclined farmlands. We gradually walk steep up to ascent Ghorepani. Passing through the Phalate and Chitre, we walking through a no-habitation area through rhododendron, brich, and magnolia and some meadows. As we gain height the peaks ahead look wonderful. We stay at Ghorepani for we have to make the climb to Poon Hill early tomorrow morning. Overnight in Ghorepani. (B, L, D)

Early at dawn we take an ascend to Poon Hill (3,210m/10,531ft) to catch the moment of spectacular sunrise over the whole Annapurna and Dhaulagiri massifs and surrounding rice terraces. Poon Hill has been nicknamed as the “photographer`s paradise”. After breakfast, we continue ups and downs of the trail trek to Tadapani through the rhododendron forests. Keep inspecting the horizon as sceneries are equally dazzling throughout the day today. (B, L, D)

The trail leads all the way down through the Rhododendron forest to Ghandruk. This is the second-largest Gurung settlement in Nepal. After lunch we continue trek to Nayapul to complete the trail which is fllowed by a short bus ride back to Pokhara, a peaceful lakeside city harboring a unique setting of tropical climate and vegetation with the dramatic backdrop of the Himalayas. Overnight in Pokhara (850m/2,789ft). (B, L, D)