Annapurna Circuit & Thorang – La, a fascinating trek with Sherpa Nomads, leading you to awesome scenic mid hills villages inhabited by Gurung, Manang, Thakali and Poon, Magar tribes a friendly people offering with warm hospitality in the comfort of nice and cozy lodges on route Annapurna Circuit trek.
Sherpa Nomads Annapurna Circuit & Thorang - Lal trek starts with an overland and interesting drive beyond Kathmandu valley towards Nepal’s western Himalaya range on the road near Pokhara, our route diverts from the main Kathmandu / Pokhara highway towards North to reach at a mid hill village in Chamje after driving past Dumre, Beshisar and Khuldi villages.
From Chamje adventure starts with a slow and gradual uphill passing several nice villages of Tal and Dharapani, to reach at Chame town, headquarter of Manang district; slowly walk leads towards Manang high valley as the altitude picks up following the Marsyangdi River up to its source fed from the glaciers of Gangapurna, Annapurna II and IV.
Walk is fascinating and enjoyable with stupendous scenery of arid landscapes and peaks of Pisang, Chulu’s, Annapurna IV, II and Gangapurna, reaching at Manang village on leaving the tree lines behind for dry area with tremendous snow capped mountain scenery.
Manang, an interesting village of Tibetan origin tribal people with Tibetan Buddhist religion, culture and traditions, in Manang with two nights for local excursion and acclimatization at an altitude of 3,350 meters, located in a picturesque setting with towering peaks on the both side of the valley.
After Manang heading towards complete wilderness to reach at Thorang Phedi and High Camp for overnight stops, before heading at the top of Thorang-La pass at 5,416 m / 17,700 ft high.
Next morning leading to highest point of this trek with steep haul for few hours on the winding path till the top ridge of Thorang is reached, Here with assoon the path steep haul on stone steps to Ulleri village, after Ulleri a pleasant walk with few short climb reaching at Ghorepani located on the base of Pun Hill at an 2,867 meters high with wonderful views of Mt. Dhaulagiri, Nilgiris and Annapurna South, a beautiful village surrounded with snow capped mountains and green forest of rhododendron and firs.
Next morning before breakfast hike up to Poon Hill the highlight of this trek, walk leads uphill through enchanting woodlands and then at Poon Hill marvel the excellent panorama of mountains with striking sunrise.
Pun Hill at the height of 3,190 meters offering awesome panorama of world’s highest mountain range from 7th highest Mt. Dhaulagiri (8,167 m / 26,795 ft), 10th highest Annapurna I (8,091m / 26,545ft) Annapurna South (7,219m-23,693ft), Gangapurna (7,455m-24,457ft) and Annapurna III (7,555m-24,787ft), including to Mt. Machhapuchhre (Fish-tail) at 6,997 m stretching towards
8th Mt. Manaslu (8,163 m) and adjoining peaks across the horizon along with whale shaped Lamjung Himal at 6, 931 meters high.
From here our next adventure leads towards Annapurna base camp and its picturesque sanctuary, as the walk leads past Tadapani, Chomrong and Machapuchare base camp, finally reaching at Annapurna base camp at 4,095 meters the highest spot of this fabulous trek, where you will be encircled with massive Annapurna Himalayan peaks at close distance.
After an overwhelming time at base camp and the sanctuary heading back to Pokhara via an alternative route passing through scenic hills, beautiful forest, Jhinu Danda, Landruk, Tolka villages and then a short drive to picturesque Pokhara for overnight after completing a grand super Annapurna Base Camp & Poon Hill Trek with great service of Sherpa Nomads and its friendly guides and porters.
reach at scenic and most popular touristic spot in Pokhara, an amazing place nestled on the laps of Annapurna Himalaya and pristine lakes of Phewa and Begnas with great vista of mountains including the majestic Mt. Machapuchare ‘Fish Tail’ that dominates the Pokhara valley.
Daily super views of Annapurna Himalaya & Mt. Machapuchare (Fish Tail) with amazing landscapes, a country walk visiting traditional mid hills villages,
old culture and custom, friendly locals, warm hospitality, enchanting alpine forest of rhododendron, oaks, birch and pine trees, striking sunrise over chain of Himalayan mountain range, on the northern side of Annapurna massive Himalaya around Manang with picturesque scenery from the high Thorang -la pass, walking on the world’s deepest gorge at Kali Gandaki River valley.
On reaching Kathmandu international airport, received by Sherpa Nomads staff and transfer to respective hotel in the hub of Kathmandu, and then briefing / orientation program regarding Kathmandu, Pokhara and trekking.
Morning after breakfast our city tour guide will take you on a half day tour at places of interest around interesting old temples, monasteries and palaces, Kathmandu is full of World Heritage Sites, afternoon free and preparation for the Annapurna circuit trek.
Annapurna circuit begins with a morning drive towards mid west with superb mountain views, drive leads past Beshishar town then on the dirt road to Khudi, Bhulbhule and Ngadi following the Marsyangdi River upstream, drive continues over rice terraced fields and villages to Syange, from here with a slow climb leaving the Marsyangdi River behind for few days then reaching the first overnight stop at Chamje after Jagat village, a farm village with many lodges to take care the needs of the travelers.
From tDharapanihis village walk leads to a gradual winding path to Chamje, after this village back to Marsyangdi River crossing towards east bank and then through a thick forest, with superb views of majestic Annapurna and Manaslu mountain ranges, then on the wide path all the way to a nice village at Tal Besi, after a break here another few hours walk reaches to Dharapani village for overnight stop, this village situated on the junction of Annapurna circuit and Manaslu trek.
After Dharapani walk on the wide path through rhododendron and pine forest passing small villages Bagachap and Danque, then at Timang village with its ancient Buddhist culture along with grand view of Mt. Manaslu 8,163m / 26,781ft, after Timang village another hour walk leads to the village of Koto and then to Chame for the overnight stop, Chame a large major town of Manang area and as well a headquarter.
From here onwards feel the cool and fresh mountain air, morning walk leads through enchanting alpine forests of rhododendron and pine tree lines following the Marshyangdi River upstream with several ups and downs to Bhratang village, after this small village walk follows uphill’s through the woodlands at Dhukure Pokhari with couple of teahouses overlooking views of Chulu’s and Pisang peak and of Pisang village, after a break here descending to reach the lower Pisang village for overnight stop.
Pisang village offers superb scenery of mountains and landscapes, from here altitude gains, walk passes into forest with short uphill with super views of Hongde airstrip with Annapurna II and III, Gangapurna Chulu’s and Pisang peak, walk downhill towards Hongde village, as the tree lines disappears with barren, arid, cold dry climate, before Manang visit Braga monastery, offering stunning views of Annapurna’s Himalaya, from here an hour walk brings to Manang village, the houses here are built up in traditional Tibetan style and Manang people are known for their rich cultural and traditions.
A necessary rest day for acclimatization before heading to higher ground and Thorang –la, in Manang optional short hike to explore the Manang village and its valley, this large village situated on the wide windswept valley at the bank of Marsyangdi River beneath Annapurna and Gangapurna mountain range, a nice walk up for views of Gangapurna Glacier and the Lake.
After a good time at Manang, morning adventure leads towards Ghunsang village on the uphill path to Yak Kharka, an interesting high altitude walk with super scenery of the snow capped mountains, then crossing the river to reach Yak Kharka a small settlement, offering tremendous views of Gangapurna, Annapurna III and Chulu Peaks.
As the walk progress and getting closer to the base of Thorang-la on the trail beyond a small place at Ledar, then crossing a bridge walk heads to a climb along the river bank of Jarjung, leading up on the narrow path to cross a steep rocky slope and finally reaching at Thorung Phedi, depending upon the physical conditions of the clients, if all goes well an hour steep climb to the overnight stop at Thorang High Camp, staying here to make it easier for the next day climb over Thorang pass.
Today the highlight of this great journey after early breakfast set for the long climb to Thorang-la with a steep ascend all the way to Thorung La Pass top at 5,416 m / 17,700 ft, the highest altitude gain of this memorable adventure this certainly requires a high spirit and physically strong mind to cross over it. The top offers mind blowing scenery of beautiful landscapes and snow capped peaks, from here the walk leads to a long descend to Muktinath at 3,800 m. on reaching Muktinath for the overnight stop, this is a sacred and holy place for both Hindus and Buddhists the word Muktinath literally means ‘the place for Nirvana or Liberation’.
After Muktinath rest of the journey will be easier with moderate walks all the way after Thorang-la, morning walk with a drop of 1,200m of downhill to Kaligandaki river valley, this pleasant walk reaches the vast Kaligandaki river valley with a small break at Ekale bhatti. From here onwards gets windy in the afternoon time, from this place few hours walk to Jomsom, the headquarter of Mustang region with an airstrip located above Kaligandaki River. After a break here an hour of good gradual walk reaches at Marpha the most charming village on this route, which is a little gem, with whitewashed houses, paved streets and numerous well kept lodges. Here you will have time to celebrate with the local apple products like cider, brandy and juice this area from Kagbeni to Larjung is famous for its delicious apple and its product.
From Marpha, the walk is enjoyable following the Kaligandaki river reaching at Tukuche village, spectacular views of Mt. Nilgiris and icefalls of Mt. Dhaulagiri , after an hour walk from here to Larjung village, then crossing the river over a high suspension bridge, getting back to pines, oaks and rhododendron forest, as the path leads away from the river to Kalalpani village, another wonderful village with grand view of Mt. Annapurna I, Nilgiris and Dhaulagiri, a short descends brings at Lete village for overnight stop.
Walk from Kalapani and Lete leads to dramatic change in vegetation, to conifer forests, trekking between two giant Dhaulagiri and Annapurna, at first two hours of walk leads through Ghasa village, the southern end of the area dominated by Thakali people with fewer of this ethnic tribe till Tatopani, the architectural style change, with much ornately carved wood work in evidence. This pleasant walk amidst the beautiful surrounding continues back to the terraced paddy fields and into warm sub-tropical climate all the way to the village of Tatopani passing through the beautiful waterfalls of Rupsi. Tatopani (Hot Spring) village the valley is quite constricted and it is quite warm with sub-tropic climate and vegetation, Tatopani is another nice village with large hot spring pools just by the bank of the River Kaligandaki.
After a wonderful time at Tatopani, trek continues crossing a bridge over Kaligandaki river, our route diverts from here heading uphill with a steep terraced hillside, dotted with farm villages, after the steep section a gradual up all the way into alpine forest reaching at Chitre, from here an hour climb to Ghorepani village with fabulous views Mt. Dhaulagiri range including Annapurna South, Vara-Shikar or Annapurna Fang, people of Ghorepani are Pun Magar tribe, this village famous and popular for hike to Pun Hill a view point offering super wide angle views of highest peaks with striking sunrise and sunset.
Early morning before dawn an hour hike to Pun-Hill at 3,190m, this hill top offers grand sunrise views over the mountain range from Mt. Dhaulagiri, Mt. Manasl, Annapurna and as far to Ganesh Himal in the far eastern horizon including the stunning Mt. Machhapuchhre “The Fish Tail” one of the most respected and unclimbed peak, enjoying the lovely panorama of mountains and landscapes scenery walk continues after Ghorepani through enchanting rhododendron forest this area a paradise for naturalist and botanical interested people with rich vegetation along with the gorgeous mountain views, trek continues on the gradual trail for a short period, and then a long descend from Ulleri village takes you on the stone paved steps all the way to the suspension bridge at Tirkhedhunga for the overnight.
Last day of this fabulous trekking, as the walk leads to warmer areas with paddy terraced fields to reach at Bhirethati and then to Nayapul at the road head for two hours drive back to picturesque Pokhara and check into hotel by the lake Phewa, afternoon free at leisure for individual activities.
Another option at Pokhara either fly or take an interesting six hours of scenic overland drive to Kathmandu.
Your last day in Kathmandu as per your international flight time, our Sherpa Nomads staff will transfer you to airport for the flight homeward bound after a remarkable life time experience in the mid hill of Annapurna Himalaya to Annapurna Circuit & Thorang - La trek with excellent service of Sherpa Nomads.
