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Round Annapurna Trek / NPL 23 |
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The Annapurna
round is one of the finest. The sheer diversity
of the mountain escape, the exhilaration of crossing
the high mountain pass, & the superb views of
Annapurna Himalaya, Mount Dhaulagiri and mount
Manaslu Ranges are the essentials of this
outstanding trek. We acclimatize at the important
impressive village Manang (3540m), before crossing
the Thorong La pass (5416 m). As you reach the pass,
lineage of snow ridges stretch before you, while far
below lies the sub-tropical Kali Gandaki Gorge From
the heights of the pass we descend to Muktinath and
its sacred Hindu and Buddhist shrines. The south
contrasts of the Nepal Himalaya become even more
apparent, as high windswept passes have replaced by
forests, or mandarin, Apple and banana groves.
Finally, we trek out of the gorges and look back to
the peaks of the and mount Dhaulagiri, before
traversing the forest ridges down to Pokhara. |
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Featured
Pictures (Annapurna Region) |
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Brief
Itinerary |
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Day |
Activities |
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01 |
Arrive in Kathmandu and transfer to
the hotel. |
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02 |
Fly
Kathmandu - Pokhara and start trek
to Sundari Danda. |
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03 |
Trek Sundari
Danda - Laxmi
Bazaar (1300m) |
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04 |
Trek Laxmi
Bazaar
Baglungpani
(1595 m, 5 hours
approx.) |
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05 |
Trek Baglungpani
Khudi (800 m,
6 hours
approx.). |
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06 |
Trek Khudi
Syange (1150 m). |
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07 |
Trek Syange
Tal (1646 m) |
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08 |
Trek Tal Chame
(2670 m, 6
hours). |
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09 |
Trek Chame
Pisang (3171 m,
6 hours approx.) |
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10 |
Trek Pisang
Manang (3537 m,
6 hours approx.) |
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11 |
Rest day in
Manang |
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12 |
Trek Manang
Ledar (4230 m, 4
hours approx) |
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13 |
Trek Ledar -
Thorong Phedi
High Camp (4850
m, 6 hours
approx) |
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14 |
Trek Thorong
Phedi High Camp
Thorong La
Pass (5335 m)
Muktinath (3760
m, 7 hours
approx) |
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15 |
Visit Muktinath
and trek
Kagbeni (2885 m,
4 hours approx). |
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16 |
Trek Kagbeni
Marpha (2670 m,
7 hours approx.) |
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17 |
Trek Marpha -
Kalo Pani (2530
m, 6 hours
approx.). |
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18 |
Trek Kalo Pani -
Tato Pani (1189
m, 6.5 hours
approx). |
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19 |
Trek Tato Pani
Ghorepani (2853
m, 7 hours
approx.). |
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20 |
Trek Ghorepani -
Poonhill -
Ghandrung (2000
m) |
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21 |
Trek Ghandrung
Deurali (3220 m,
6 hours
approx.). |
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22 |
Trek Deurali -
Phedi and drive
to Pokhara (827
m). |
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23 |
Rest day in
Pokhara. |
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24 |
Drive Pokhara
Kathmandu. |
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25 |
Visit
Pashupatinath,
Boudhanath and
Bhaktapur city. |
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26 |
Departure. |
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Day
01: |
Arrive in Kathmandu and transfer to
the hotel. In the afternoon,
visit Kathmandu city and
Swayambhunath. Visit Kathmandu
Durbar Square, and Swayambhunath.
Kathmandu Durbar Square, or
Basantapur Durbar Square is the
plaza in front of the old royal
palace from 16th century and is one
of three Durbar Squares in the
Kathmandu Valley in Nepal, all of
which are UNESCO World Heritage
Sites. The Durbar square is
surrounded by spectacular
architecture and vividly showcases
the skills of the Newari artists and
craftsmen over several centuries.
Swayambhunath is an ancient
religious complex atop a hill in the
Kathmandu Valley, west of Kathmandu
city. It is also known as the Monkey
Temple as there are holy monkeys
living in parts of the temple in the
north-west. Return to the hotel.
Overnight at Hotel. |
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Day 02: |
Fly Kathmandu - Pokhara and start
trek to Sundari Danda.
After breakfast, transfer to the
airport to take flight for Pokhara.
Its a half an hour flight which
takes you to a city of Lakes. On
arrival at Pokhara, drive to Sundari
Danda. It can be reached after a
fifteen minutes of drive. Today, we
stay here and plan for trekking.
Overnight at Tea House. |
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Day 03: |
Trek Sundari Danda - Laxmi Bazaar
(1300m)
This day we trek with an aim of
reaching Laxmi Bazaar. Once we reach
Laxmi Bazaar, todays journey comes
to end. There is a small local
market in this place where local
people gather to purchase their
required items. We may have got a
chance to view the hills from here
on the clear day.
Overnight at Tea House. |
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Day 04: |
Trek Laxmi Bazaar Baglungpani
(1595 m, 5 hours approx.)
Today is another beautiful day of
our journey. Our trek begins with
the steep descend with spectacular
views of Annapurna and Manaslu
Region. Then we ascend to Rudi
stream crossing the suspension
bridge and then, follow for another
half an hour its ridge. Then, we
reach to Baglung pani.
Overnight at Tea House. |
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Day 05:
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Trek Baglungpani Khudi (800 m, 6
hours approx.).
After Baglungpani it is a long
descend towards Khudi, 800 meters
high. Khudi is located on the
Marsyangdi river - the huge river
you'll walk along in the next days
until the pass. It is also the place
where you'll meet all the other
trekkers who started in Besi Sahar.
You can sleep at Khudi, but we
recommend to continue a little
further to a place calledBhulbhule,
and find a guest-house there. It is
located just near the river, with
the great sound of the rumbling
water. Back to khudi.
Overnight at Tea House. |
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Day 06: |
Trek Khudi Syange (1150 m).
The trail which is a good one climbs
gently towards the village of Khudi
on the Marsyangdi river. Opposite
Khudi (on the west bank of the
river) where the Khudi Khola enter
the main river the Marsyangdi swings
north, the trail rises high above
the river and round the corner
revealing further views of
Himalchuli and Ngadi Chuli (Peak 29)
now very near and rising massively
more than 6,700m.
Overnight at Tea House. |
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Day 07:
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Trek Syange Tal (1646 m)
Cross river on good suspension
bridge near Chyamje and continue
ascent past can you descending from
rock barriers of Ngadi Chuli (Peak
29) and Numun Bhanjyang. Tal, the
gateway to Manang District, a
beautiful flat meadow with several
Bhotia houses and a splendid
waterfall coming off the lower
reaches of Peak 29. This is a superb
site
Overnight at Tea House. |
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Day 08: |
Trek Tal Chame (2670 m, 6 hours).
This day we trek to Chame (2670 m, 6
hours). It takes 6 hours walk. Trail
from Bagarchhap, Danakyo, Thanchowk,
Koto (ACAP Permit Check Point) and
we arrive in Chame which is also
district headquater of Chame.
Overnight at Tea House. |
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Day 09: |
Trek Chame Pisang (3171 m, 6 hours
approx.)
The covered bridge with a door in
the middle was built by Tibetan
Khampas who had a camp close by the
Marsyangdi. Begin spectacular ascent
to Pissang. Before Pisang, the
valley makes a ?dog?s leg? turn.
This begins the transition into the
rain shadow experienced between
Ghasa and Tukuche in the Kali
Gandaki in fully cry below, gaining
momentum to break its way through
the line of the main Himalayan Range
between Annapurna II and Manaslu.
Overnight at Tea House. |
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Day 10:
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Trek Pisang Manang (3537 m, 6
hours approx.)
Upper Manang Valley. The southern
tier of this valley is walled by
Annapurna II (7937m), and IV
(7525m), Annapurna III (7555m),
Gangapurna (7455m) and Tarke Kang
(Glacier Dome) (7193m) to the west
and visible just south of distant
sharp rock peak is the Great Barrier
and the basin containing Tilicho
Lake (7193m) is out of view at the
head of the valley. To the north
Thorung La (5416m) and Thorungtse
(6483m) and barring the way to Tibet
in the north, a long ridge of
20-22,00? peaks. Descending from
this view point, the path crosses a
plain and passes Hongde airstrip
(3280m).
Overnight at Tea House. |
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Day 11: |
Rest day in Manang
It is essential to spend time on
acclimatization in this area. There
are splendid views of peaks from
Manang. Manang is a large village
situated on a rise immediately
across from a huge glacier
descending from Tarke Kang and
Gangapurna. A beautiful emerald lake
lies at its foot. Possible side
trips to a lake an about 3 hours
north of Braga at 4818 m. to the
main Manang Gompa, or to Khangsar
(3740m) on the trail to Tilicho
lake.
Overnight at Tea House. |
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Day 12: |
Trek Manang Ledar (4230 m, 4 hours
approx)
Trek to ledar. A side trip up the
steam following down from the West
Chulu peak.
Overnight at Tea House. |
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Day 13: |
Trek Ledar - Thorong Phedi High Camp
(4850 m, 6 hours approx)
The trail turns northwest up the
tributary valley of the Jargeng
Khola. It is sometimes possible to
see herds of blue mountain sheep
along the cliffs. Cross a covered
cantilevered bridge and ascend to
Phedi.
Overnight at Tea House. |
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Day 14: |
Trek Thorong Phedi High Camp
Thorong La Pass (5335 m) Muktinath
(3760 m, 7 hours approx)
Views of the Annapurna Range to the
south and the Mukut Himal bordering
Dolpo to the west. The peak
immediately north of the pass is
Thorungtse, to the south is an
unnamed peak of 6625m. Descend into
Mustang a steep downhill trail for
three hours to Muktinath. Splendid
views of Dhaulagiri and Tukuche
peak. Muktinath is one of the most
important pilgrimage sites for
Hindus. It is mentioned in the
classic Hindu epic, the Mahabharata,
and one may see pilgrims bathing in
the holy water flowing from the 108
carved spouts surrounding the Vishnu
Temple in a grove of sacred poplars.
Overnight at Tea House. |
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Day 15: |
Visit Muktinath and trek Kagbeni
(2885 m, 4 hours approx).
Trek to Kagbeni which takes about 4
hours. While gradually walking, you
can enjoy beautiful deserted
landscape, Caves, old Tibetan Style
Villages , apple Garden , Yaks
Herds, Sheep Herds and so on. You
can enjoy delicious lunch at Jharkot
and visit Monastery believed to be
built in 15 century. Now you head
towards Kagbeni following steep
descent path for half an hour. You
stay overnight at Kagbeni village.
The people of Kagbeni, Jharkot and
Muktinath are close to the life
style, culture, religion and idea of
Tibetan people.
Overnight at Tea House. |
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Day 16: |
Trek Kagbeni Marpha (2670 m, 7
hours approx.)
Trek from Kagbeni to Marpha (2650m.)
and it takes about five and half
hours. You now begin the flat path
along the bank of dramatic Kali
Gandaki Gorge, initially through
arid country in the same
geographical and climatic zone as
Tibet upto Marpha. Marpha is a big
village enriched with a Buddhist
Monastery in between the village
which has its own cultural
importance. It is rich in
cultivating apples. The apple brandy
available there is famous among the
local people and travelers.
Overnight at Tea House. |
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Day 17: |
Trek Marpha - Kalo Pani (2530 m, 6
hours approx.).
Trek from Marpha to Kalopani
(2530m.) which takes about six
hours. Your trail stretches at
almost flat level through forests to
Kalopani, a Thakali village and the
southern-most limit of Tibetan
Buddhism. En route, you find Larjung
which is situated near Dhaulagiri
Glacier. The first part of the trek
passes through the windy area
covered with pine forests,
rhododendron forests and birches are
seen. At Kalopani, you are quite
amazed at the panoramic view of
Annapurna I (8091m.), Dhaulagiri I
(8167m.) and Tukuche peak (6920m.).
Overnight at Tea House. |
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Day 18: |
Trek Kalo Pani - Tato Pani (1189 m,
6.5 hours approx).
Trek from Kalopani to Tatopani (1189
m.) which takes about six and half
hours. The trail descends steeply
upto Rukse Chhahara (Rukse
Waterfall) which is amazing to look
at. There is situated the deepest
gorge of the world between two
mountains Annapurna I (8091m.) and
Dhaulagiri I (8167m.) facing each
other near Rukse Waterfall. The
trail again descends slightly to
Tatopani through different human
settlements. You can enjoy the hot
spring at Tatopani as the word
Tatopati is termed after the natural
hot spring situated at the bank of
the Kali Gandaki river. It is
popularly believed that taking bath
in Hot Spring helps you to get rid
of skin diseases. Along this, it
gives you physical and mental
refreshment as well.
Overnight at Tea House. |
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Day 19: |
Trek Tato Pani Ghorepani (2853 m,
7 hours approx.).
Trek from Tatopani to Ghorepani
(2853m.) and it takes about seven
hours. Your trail passes through
flat level of the land at some
distance. Then the trail begins
ascending steeply for at least one
hour. Now path goes up through
different villages inhabited by the
people of different caste and
agricultural land. The majority of
the people here serve Gorkha
Regiment and Indian Regiment as
well. While trekking you cross
through the Kali Gandaki river with
panoramic view of Dhaulagiri and
Annapurna ranges. Now the trail
ascends gently all the way to
Ghorepani passing through small
villages like Phalate, Chitre and so
on. While trekking you pass through
rhododendron forests and come across
the wild life such as monkeys and
birds of various species. You are
accompanied by more panoramic views
of different mountains. Ghorepani
(Watering to Horse) is a small pass
and the village of Deorali. Although
there is time enough to continue, it
is better to stay here overnight so
that we can make the morning trip to
Poon Hill (3180m.) for an
outstanding panorama of Dhaulagiri
I, II, III, IV, Tukuche peak,
Dhampus peak, Nilgiri ranges,
Annapurna I, Bahra Sikhar (Twelve
peaks or renowned as French
Fang),Annapurna South, Himchuli,
Fishtail and Mardi Himal. The view
you can see from here is probably
the best view in the world. Not only
this, Poon Hill is crowded by
different visitors to enjoy the
sunrise and sunset over the
snow-capped mountain.
Overnight at Tea House. |
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Day 20: |
Trek Ghorepani - Poonhill -
Ghandrung (2000 m)
This morning, we will get up early
in the morning, and go for hiking to
Poon Hill. From here you will see
superb view of sunrise, and
panoramic view of Himalayas,
including Mt. Dhaulagiri, Annapurna
South, Fishtail, and so on. After
visiting Poonhill, we will come back
to Ghorepani, have a hot breakfast,
and continue walking to Ghandrung,
Ghangrung is a village of Gurung
Community which offers an ample of
opportunity to know about gurung
culture and society.
Overnight at Tea House. |
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Day 21: |
Trek Ghandrung Deurali (3220 m, 6
hours approx.).
Trek begins to descend through stone
staircase and then, the trail
ascends to Modi Khola (stream), Kiwi
(Bee hive, 1300 m). The path you
follow till landruk is really
exhilarating as you pass through
many local villages rich in culture,
terrace fields and numerous green
hills. From here, the flat path
arrives till Tolka Village. Then,
you will have to ascend upto
Bherikharka through forests.
Overnight at Tea House. |
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Day 22: |
Trek Deurali - Phedi and drive to
Pokhara (827 m).
With morning spectacular views of
annapurna range and lamjung himal
from deurali, hike down to Dhampus
Phedi. Then drive to Pokhara. On
reaching, check in to the hotel and
rest of the day free to leisure
activities.
Overnight at Tea House. |
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Day 23: |
Rest day in Pokhara.
Rest day in Kathmandu for leisure
activities.
Overnight at Hotel. |
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Day 24: |
Drive Pokhara Kathmandu.
It takes about five hours drive to
Kathmandu from Pokhara. The higway
follows the Trisuli River, you
follow its junction with the
Marsyangdi River. On reaching, check
in to the hotel.
Overnight at Hotel. |
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Day 25: |
Visit Pashupatinath, Boudhanath and
Bhaktapur city.
Visit Pashupatinath, Boudhanath &
Bhaktapur Durbar Square.
Pashupatinath Temple is one of the
most significant Hindu temples of
Lord Shiva in the world, located on
the banks of the Bagmati River in
the eastern part of Kathmandu. It is
the oldest Hindu temple in Kathmandu.
It is not known for certain when
Pashupatinath Temple was founded.
But according to holy books, the
deity here gained great fame there
as Pashupati, the Lord of the
Animals. Pashupatinath Temple's
existence dates back to 400 A.D.
Boudhanath is one of the holiest
Buddhist sites in Kathmandu. Located
about 11 km from the center and
northeastern outskirts of Kathmandu,
the stupa's massive mandala makes it
one of the largest spherical stupas
in Nepal. Bhaktapur which literally
means a city of devotees is the
oldest city of Nepal. The Bhaktapur
Durbar Square is located in the
current town of Bhaktapur, which
lies 13 km east of Kathmandu. While
the complex consists of at least
four distinct square (Durbar Square,
Taumadhi Square, Dattatreya Square
and Pottery Square), the whole are
is informally known as the Bhakapur
Durbar Square, and is a highly
visited site in the Kathmandu
Valley.
Overnight at Hotel. |
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Day 26: |
Departure.
After breakfast, you will be
transferred to the airport for
onward journey. |
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Highlight
of this Trek |
| The
Annapurna round is one of the finest.
The sheer diversity of the mountain escape,
the exhilaration of crossing the high
mountain pass, & the superb views of
Annapurna Himalaya, Mount Dhaulagiri and
mount Manaslu Ranges are the essentials of
this outstanding trek. |
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Trip Facts |
Minimum altitude: 1300m.
Maximum altitude: 4850m.
Grade: Moderate
Mode: Tea House
Duration of Trek: 20 Day
Entry: Kathmandu - Pokhara
Exit: Pokhara - Kathmandu |
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Annapurna
Region Map |
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[ Click on
Map to Enlarge ] |
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