Annapurna Circuit Trek
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Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu. (1,300m/4,264ft)
The first impression at the Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu is quite an experience in itself. Upon arrival, the representative of K.J. Adventures will welcome and greet you at the airport. Dodging the heavy traffic of Kathmandu, he will transfer you to the hotel and help you through the check-in process. The representative will then brief you regarding your holiday. Overnight at the hotel.
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Day 02: Kathmandu Sightseeing and Trek preparation. (1,300m/4,264ft)
A leisure day in the city with a full-day sightseeing in the UNESCO World Heritage Sites around Kathmandu valley. We will visit: Pashupatinath Temple Pashupatinath Temple is one of the holiest shrines of the Hindus. It is also considered as the largest Hindu temple in South Asia with iconic Hindu God, Goddesses and hundreds of Shiva Lingam. The two-tiered golden temple is a perfect example of the Nepalese architecture. Although tourists are not allowed inside the premises of the temple, they can witness the open cremation in the bank of the Bagmati river. Boudhanath Stupa Boudhanath Stupa is one of the biggest and oldest Buddhist monument in the world. It is Considered to be the tomb of Kassapa Buddha, Boudhanath marks as one of the most significant destinations in Buddhism. The place is no less significant when it comes to architecture. The dome-shaped stupa is built with different three levels in a Mandala style and is decorated with colorful prayer flags. The atmosphere of Boudhanath Stupa is both vibrant as well as tranquil. Kathmandu Durbar Square Located in the heart of the city, Kathmandu Durbar Square holds the ancient royalties of Nepal. The site holds the massive Royal square with varieties of temples dedicated to Hindu Gods and Goddesses. Other attraction of this place is Kumari Ghar, Taleju Temple, Kasthamandap, Kaal Bhairav, and Jagannath Temple. Swayambhunath Stupa Another ancient marvel located in the western hillock of Kathmandu. This Buddhist stupa is considered one of the best attraction of Kathmandu City. From ancient architecture to ancient symbolism, Swayambhunath is an important shrine in both Buddhist as well as Hindu culture. The stupa comprises many important shrines, monastery, temples, museum, and library. After the full day sightseeing, we will do the necessary preparation for the trek in the evening. Overnight at the hotel.
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Day 03: Drive to Dharapani. (1,860m/6,102ft)
After an early morning breakfast, we depart from Kathmandu to Bulbule on the bus via the Prithvi Highway. On the 7-hour drive to Bulbule, we encounter plenty of spectacular sceneries of the terraced fields, green valleys, and occasional mountain vistas. Upon reaching Bulbule, we arrange a local jeep and drive for another 4-hour to reach Dharapani. Overnight at the hotel.
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Day 04: Trek to Chame. (2,710m/8,891ft)
Today, we walk along a few densely forested ridges to Chame, the headquarter of Manang district. Along the way, we occasionally might have to share the road with the mule caravans. On a clear day, we get to enjoy a few glimpses of Annapurna II-IV, Lamjung Himal, and Mt. Manaslu throughout the day. Before reaching our overnight destination, Chame, we also come across small bathing ponds and hot springs where we can take a dip and relax. Overnight at the teahouse.
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Day 05: Trek to Upper Pisang. (3,300m/10,824ft)
On this day, we begin our journey on foot. After leaving Chame, we trek up to a small settlement at Telekhu. Traversing through a narrow steep path along the blue pine forest brings us to the dramatic Paungda Danda rock face that rises 1,500m from the river. This is probably the steepest section of the Marshyangdi Valley. Upon crossing the last bit of the rock, the valley slightly opens up with magnificent views. The trail gets fairly undemanding up until we reach Upper Pisang where we spend our night. Overnight at a local teahouse.
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Day 06: Trek to Ngawal. (3,660 m/12,008ft)
After breakfast, we start our tough day towards Ngawal. The beginning of the trek is fairly comfortable as we mostly walk through the level paths. However, the trail swiftly leads to a tougher section with a 400m vertical climb covered in dirt and shrubs. After what seems like a never-ending climb, we reach the town of Ghyaru which is located at the elevation of 3,730m. This typical village opens up with the panoramic mountain view of the mighty Annapurna II, III and IV. Upon leaving Ghyaru, the trail ascends another 500m before descending to the village of Ngawal. Unlike most of the villages in Manang, Ngawal is quite large and lively village.
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Day 07: Trek to Manang. (3,500m/11,483ft)
The trek from Ngawal to Manang is relatively easier. We start our day with a steep downhill towards the valley floor of Humde. Along the way, we will notice a great contrast in the landscape and vegetation as the area starts to cover with plenty of trees and forest life. We then walk through the large fields passing the village of Bryaga. We continue our walk through a very arid terrain to reach our overnight destination at Manang. Overnight at the local teahouse.
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Day 08: Acclimatization Day at Manang. (3,500m/11,483ft)
A much-needed acclimatization day at Manang village with plenty of things to do. On this day, we can hike up to Gangapurna Lake, visit the Bhojo Gompa, or explore the older section of the village. Depending upon our fitness condition, we might also hike up to a slightly higher elevation to Khangsar. However, as much as it is important to acclimatize into the thin air, it is equally significant to have a restful day.
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Day 09: Trek to Yak Kharka. (4,110m/13,484ft)
After leaving Manang village, we cross a small stream and ascend along the paths of Tenki Manang. Further, climbing uphill, we cross the Marshyangdi Valley and head northwest towards the valley of Jarsang Khola. Passing the scrubs of juniper trees and occasional pasture, we steadily gain elevation to reach the village of Ghunsa. The path from Ghunsa is fairly gradual through the meadows where yak and horses graze. Upon crossing a small wooden bridge, the trail leads to ancient mani walls in the midst of a pleasant meadow before reaching the small settlement of Yak Kharka.
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Day 10: Trek to Thorong Phedi. (4,600m/15,092ft)
Today, the trail from Yak Kharka to Thorong Phedi is mostly uphill. Soon after starting our walk, we cross over a suspension bridge to reach the Ledar village. Along the way, we will be rewarded with a spectacular vista of Thorong Peak, Mt. Gundang, Mt. Khatungkan, and Mt. Syagang. Furthermore, we ascend through towering cliffs to reach Thorong Phedi, the last settlement before Thorong La Pass.
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Day 11: Cross the Thorong La pass (5416m/17764ft) and Trek to Muktinath (3,800m/12,467ft)
Today marks the longest and most challenging day of the trip. We start our day early before the dawn as the uphill is strenuous and long. We climb through numbers of hills before reaching the top of Thorong La Pass marked with prayer flags at the elevation of 5,416m. Thorong La Pass marks as the highest elevation point of Annapurna Circuit trek. Upon reaching the top, we will be rewarded with a breathtaking panorama of the entire Annapurna range, Mukut Himal and Mustang Himal along with the Kali Gandaki valley. After enjoying our time at the top, we make a long 1,600m descend accompanied by the magnificent glimpses of Dhaulagiri towards Muktinath. It is a home to one of the most sacred Hindu temple and several Buddhist monasteries.
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Day 12: Drive to Tatopani on Local Bus. (1,200m/3,937ft)
First, we drive through dry and dusty road for about half an hour on a local bus from Muktinath to Jomsom. Within an hour an half, we start to witness a drastic change in the landscapes as the mountain ranges transforms into an arid - desert land. Upon reaching Jomsom, we catch another bus to Tatopani. The drive from Jomsom is quite long and bumpy. After about 6-7 hours drive on a very uncomfortable road, we reach Tatopani. After the long and tiring ride, we can hop into the hot springs and bathing pool in Tatopani to relax our body.
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Day 13: Trek to Chitre. (2,200m/7,218ft)
Upon departing from Tatopani, we leave the Kali Gandaki valley behind and head towards the Ghar Khola valley. After crossing the bridge to the other side of the valley, the trail leads to a steep uphill. Our day may get strenuous as we have to ascend 1000m today. The trail passes through the village of Shika before we climb much steeper section to reach Chitre.
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Day 14: Trek to Ulleri via Ghorepani and Drive to Pokhara. (827m/2,789ft)
We start our day with a walk into a dense rhododendron and magnolia forest towards Ghorepani. On a clear day, we get to witness a 360° view of towering mountains including Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, Machhapuchhre, Tukuche, and Dhampus from this village. We then head towards Poon Hill, another significant highlight of this trip. Upon reaching the viewpoint, we will be rewarded with the panoramic view of towering peaks including Dhaulagiri, Annapurna I - II - III - IV, Machhapuchhre, Lamjung Himal, Nilgiri, and Himchuli. After enjoying the magical moments at Poon Hill, we descend towards Ulleri where we catch our ride and drive to the beautiful city of Pokhara.
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Day 15: Drive to Kathmandu. (1,300m/4,264ft)
After the early morning breakfast, we catch a tourist shuttle bus and head eastward to the capital city, Kathmandu. After 6 hours of bus ride via Prithvi Highway, we arrive at Kathmandu. Upon arrival, we will be escorted to the hotel where we can relax and freshen up. In the evening, the representative of K.J Adventures will pick you for the final day dinner. Overnight at the hotel.
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Day 16: International Departure.
Farewell day! According to your flight time, the representative of K.J. Adventures will receive you from the hotel and escort you to the airport for the final departure.