Annapurna Circuit

 

My 22 days of trekking around the Annapurna massif

Our trekking tour around the Annapurna massif may be one of the most beautiful and most popular trekking tours in the whole wide world. It impresses with good developed paths and beautiful landscapes. Starting point for the trek is Khudi, which is located in the west of Kathmandu. From there, we hike along the Marsyangdi River through a wide, green valley, crossing the river from time to time via romantic rope bridges. Slowly ascending, the landscape is getting more and more sparer and we are able to see the first mountains of the Annapurna range. In the Manang valley, Tibetan praying banners welcome us. One of the highlights of the trek is right in front of us: we reach the Thorung La pass at an altitude of 5416 m. This pass connects the Marsyangdi valley in the east with the Kali Gandhaki valley in the west. In between there are the majestic mountains Tilicho, Nilgiri, Annapurna I to IV and Machhapuchre. The view from up there compensates for the exhausting climb. Via Jomsom we follow the Kali Gandhaki downhill, passing large fruit tree plantations and steep canyons until we reach the hot springs of Tatopani. Beautiful forests of rhododendron trees and terrace like landscapes align our way while we hike up to the small village of Ghorapani. In the early morning we hike up to the lookout point Poon Hill, another highlight of this trip. We experience sunrise up there and the scenery with its view of the numerous summits around is breathtaking. The trekking tour ends in the beautiful city of Pokhara which is suited next to the Phewa Lake. Returning to Kathmandu we have another day for sightseeing before flying back to Frankfurt.

Tour as planned

1. Day

Flight from Frankfurt to Kathmandu.

2. Day

Arrival at Kathmandu early in the morning. Reception at the airport and transfer to the hotel. In the afternoon you may take first steps into the centre of Kathmandu and walk around Thamel, visit the Durbar Square or one of the museums there. In the evening we meet for dinner.

3. Day

Sightseeing in Kathmandu Valley (Swajambhunath / Bhaktapur).

4. Day

We take the bus to Khudi (elevation: 790 m), the starting point of our trekking tour. It takes about seven hours to get there.

5. Day

We hike along paddy fields and through little villages and follow the slightly inclining path. From time to time we have to cross the river Marsyangdi by romantic bridges. Manaslu is the first mountain peak of 8000 m which we can look at on our way. In the afternoon we reach Bahundanda (elevation: 1310 m) which is our stop-over for tonight.

6. Day

Today we hike about seven hours. Again, we pass paddy fields on our way. Beautiful up to Tal (elevation: 1680 m) which is suited on a plateau in an awesome landscape. forests, rope bridges and waterfalls are other sights en route to Jagat, where we spend our lunch break. Afterwards we hike.

7. Day

Starting from Tal we hike through forests of bamboo towards Dharapani and from there on to Bagarchhap, which is our stop-over for tonight. The people who live here are mostly Buddhists.

8. Day

We follow a craggy path. In the afternoon we reach Chame (elevation: 2670 m), the administrative centre of the county of Manang. You find a lot of shops and the local school here. If you like you may take a bath in the nearby hot springs.

9. Day

On our way to Pisang (3200 m) we cross another rope bridge. From there we have a great view of the Paungda Danda rock face and of the summits of Annapurna II and IV. In the north we are able to see the summit of Pisang.

10. Day

Today we have two possible ways to go. Either we hike along the valley or we climb up the hillside and hike via Ghyaru. Taking this route the view over the valley and the mountain peaks of Annapurna II, III and IV and Gangapurna Himal is awesome. We stop for a visit of the old monastery of Braga. For the night we stop over in Manang (3540 m).

11. Day

We stay in Manang today to customise to the altitude. There are different possibilities to spend the day. Either you visit one of the Tibetan monasteries, hike to a nearby lake or climb up to a good lookout point. There are many shops in Manang and if you like you can enjoy the view of the Gangapurna while drinking a cup of tea in one of the numerous cafés of the village.

12. Day

Slowly we reach higher altitudes. The air is fresh and cool. Maybe we get the chance to sight a herd of yaks already. The landscape is getting sparse and in the late afternoon, we reach Churi Ledar (altitude: 4200 m).

13. Day

The path is steadily ascending and on our way up to Thorung Phedi (altitude: 4450 m) we pass moraines and stony slopes. Tomorrow we will reach the highest point of our tour.

14. Day

Today the climb up to 5416 m is quite exhausting since the air is getting really thin up here. We adapt our pace and walk slowly through the alpine landscape. When we reach the Thorung La the amazing view of the surrounding summits of Dhaulagiri, Nilgiri and Tilicho makes up for the strain of climbing up here. The following descend is steep and offers a beautiful view of the whole valley. We reach Muktinath (altitude: 3760 m) which is a place of pilgrimage with many Tibetan merchants and sadhus. We take the time to visit the temple. It is an important place for Buddhists as well as for Hindus. Worth seeing are the numerous waterfalls and the always burning fire of the temple.

15. Day

We continue descending to Kagbeni where we stop for lunch. Kagbeni is the starting point for treks to the legendary kingdom of Mustang. Our way continues along the Kali Gandhaki and the wind is blowing through the valley. Our aim for tonight is Jomsom (altitude: 2720 m), the administrative capital of the district. Jomsom is the biggest village we pass through on our tour with medical services, an ACAP (Annapurna Conservation Area Project), a visitor’s centre and an airport from which you can fly to Pokhara.

16. Day

We continue to hike along the Kali Gandhaki and through the alleys of Marpha. We visit a Buddhist monastery which lies along our way. Via Tukuche and Larjung we reach Kalopani (2530 m). From here, the view of Annapurna I, Dhaulagiri and Nilgiri is beautiful.

17. Day

The landscape is green and we hike through pine forests. On our way down we pass Ghasa and cross the Kali Gandhaki via rope bridges which hang high above the river. We pass waterfalls and reach a spectacular canyon. It is the world deepest canyon since it is suited in between two 8000 m high mountains (Annapurna I and Dhaulagiri). At this point, the two mountains lie only 32 km apart from each other. We reach Tatopani (elevation: 1190 m), which is known for its hot springs. If you like you take a bath in there.

18. Day

Today we have to climb up another 1500 m difference in altitude. We hike through terrace like hillsides and pass the little villages of Sikha and Chitre. The path gets more and more rampant. In the evening we reach Ghorapani (2860 m).

19. Day

Today we get up very early to climb up to Poon Hill, a 45 minutes hike up to a lookout point, from where you can watch all peaks of the region, from Dhaulagiri in the west to the Manaslu in the east. Up there, we experience sunrise and its breathtaking effects on the colours of the snow covered mountain peaks which seem to be just close enough to be touched. We return to Ghorapani and have breakfast. Afterwards our way leads us through the biggest rhododendron forest of the world. Alongside terrace like fields we reach Birethanti, our last stop during the trekking tour.

20. Day

Today’s hiking section is short. We descend via stone carved steps down into the valley and follow the river until we reach Naya Pul. From there we take the bus to Pokhara. The afternoon is reserved for you to spend some time sightseeing in this wonderful town suited next to the Phewa Lake. If the weather is clear you are able to see the reflection of the summits of Annapurna, Machhapuchre and Lamjung Himal on the surface of the lake. For the night we stay at the Fish Tail Lodge.

21. Day

Early the next morning we take a last glimpse of the big snow covered mountains and then take a plane back to Kathmandu. The rest of the day is on your hands. For the night we stay at the Dwarikas Village Hotel.

22. Day

Transfer to the airport in the early morning. Flight back to Frankfurt.

The following costs are included into the package price:

  • Flight with Qatar Airways from Frankfurt to Kathmandu and back, rail and fly in Germany included.
  • Reception and transfer from the airport to the hotel.
  • Three overnight stays in Kathmandu – Tibet Guest House (two nights) and Dwarikas Village Hotel (one night), breakfast included.
  • One day of sightseeing in Kathmandu and Bhaktapur – entry fees included.
  • Welcome dinner at the day of arrival in Kathmandu.
  • Transfer by deluxe busses to Besi Sahar/Khudi (Starting point for the Annapurna circuit).
  • Full board and accommodation at the tea houses during the trekking trip around the Annapurna massif.
  • Expenses for the porters and their lodging and board.
  • Expenses for the trekking permit for the Annapurna region.
  • Transfer from Naya Pul to the Hotel in Pokhara.
  • Sightseeing in Pokhara, entry fees included.
  • Accommodation at the Fishtail Lodge in Pokhara, breakfast included.
  • Transfer to the airport of Pokhara.
  • Flight from Pokhara to Kathmandu.
  • Transfer from the airport of Kathmandu to the hotel.
  • Farewell dinner in a typical Nepalese restaurant, culture show included.
  • Transfer to the airport of Kathmandu.

The following costs are not included into the package price:

  • Fee for the Nepalese visa – 40 US$.
  • Medical expenses.
  • Personal expenses.
  • Personal insurance, travel cancellation insurance.
  • Expenses for food and beverages apart from the included meals as posted above.
  • Single accommodation.

Travel assistance:
German (from Frankfurt) and Nepalese (from Kathmandu) travel assistance during the whole journey.

This offer is organised by Heinrich Strohmeyer and his Nepalese associate partner, Sonam Sherpa.