This is a magnificent trek that follows the Marshyangdi Khola (river) from the subtropical lowlands to the Manang basin and then crosses the Thorung La (5416 m) by descending to the deepest gorge in the world, the Kali Gandaki. The circuit of the Annapurna range is rich in variety and vistas, from the lush green rice paddies of the Marshyangdi to the arid high altitude Himalayan interior, and its ecological and cultural diversity provides the complete trekking experience. As you hike along the way, observing the beautiful mountain scenery and fascinating village life will keep you enthralled,
>BEST SEASON : september to december and february to may.
>GRADE: Moderate / Strenuous ( grade explanation)
>MODE OF TREK : tea house.
>MAX.ELEVATION : 5416m (Thorung pass)
>HIGHLIGHTS :
-Sightseeing around Kathmandu and Pokhara.
-Ascending Marshyangdi River valley.
-Visiting oldest Buddhist monastery in Braga village.
-Sightseeing around Manag village.
-Crossing the Thorung- La over 5416 meters.
-The Pilgrimage town of Muktinath.
-Walking through the worlds deepest gorge and the Kaligandaki valley.
-Bathe in natural hot springs at Tatopani.
-Sunrise at Poon Hill with magnificent mountain views.
Itinerary
D-1: arrival in Kathmandu and transfert to hotel.
D-2: visit of Kathmandu: Durbar Square and its bazar, temples, Royal Palace, the goddess Kumaris home.
Afternoon: visit of the Buddhist Stupa of Swayambunath, one of the oldest religious sites of Nepal, worshipped by both Buddhists and Hindus.
Visit of Pashupatinath, the Benares of Nepal, dedicated to the God Shiva on the Bagmati River and visit of Bouddhanath and its famous Stupa, one of the biggest in southern Asia.
D-3: KTM-BesiSahar by bus: 7h
Departure early in the morning, arrival in the afternoon.
D-4: BesiSahar-Ngadi (914 m): 5h
The route follows the bank of the Marsyangdi valley by a wide path surrounded by cultivated fields
D-5: Ngadi-Jagat (1341 m): 5h
We continue along the Marsyangdi valley: many Gurung villages.
D-6: Jagat-Dharapani (1943 m): 6h
The route descends to the river, we pass on the other side and the path leads us to the plateau of Tal. Dharapani is a little bit further in the valley.
D-7: Dharapani-Chame (2713 m): 6h
We walk through rhododendron and pine forests, during the day we have nice views (Manaslu Himal, Annapurna2).
D-8: Chame-Pisang (3185 m): 6h
The landscape changes: the forest ends and we enter the high valley of Manang and the viste opens up; the valley changes from a V-shape to a gentle U-shape: we can see Pisang peak, Chhulu peak, Annapurnas 2&3
D-9: Pisang-Manang (3331 m): 5h
The route keeps on following the wide valley, the vista is now very opened with Tilicho peak and Thorung pass in view at the far reaches of the valley.
D-10: acclimatization in Manang.
D-11: Manang-Yak kharka (4176 m): 3 to 4h
Short day to complete the acclimatization (moraines)
D-12: Yak Kharka-Thorung Phedi (4420 m): 4/5h
The route continues on the mountain flank through yak pastures and moraines.
D-13: Thorung pass (5416 m) Muktinath (3800 m): 7h
We start early in the morning. The way to the pass is not technically difficult, we follow a serie of moraines, the main problem is the altitude. From the top fantastic 360 panorama: Annapurnas Himal, Dhaulagiri, Thorung peak, Mustang
We descend on moraines, the final phase is steeper, in Muktinath the colorless rock and sand landscapes looks much like Tibet.
Muktinath is a holy place with small temples.
D-14: Muktinath-Kagbeni (2800 m): 3h
Short day to reach the village of Kagbeni. Landscapes look like Mustang. Kagbeni is the entry gate of Mustang.
D-15: Kagbeni-Marpha (2800 m): 5h
Now we follow the wide and flat plain of Jomson between Dhaulagiri and Annapurna Himal.
Marpha is a charmant village surrounded by cultivated areas.
D-16: Marpha-Kalopani (2560 m): 6h
The route keeps on following the plain. We have nice view of the west face of Annapurna 1 (8091 m), Tukuche peak, Dhaulagiri.
D-17: Kalopani-Tatopani (1200 m): 7h
The route follows the gorges of the Kali Gandaki, the deepest in the world, we pass many Takali villages. Tatopani is well known for its hot springs.
D-18: Tatopani-Ghorepani (2800 m): 7h
From Tatopani its a long ascent to the ridge of Ghorepani, landscapes are magnificent during the day: many Thakali villages, terrace fields, orange trees with Dhaulagiri south face and Annapurnas forming lovely backdrop.
D-19: ascent to Poon Hill (3193m): 1h30, descent to Birethanti: 4h
Early morning ascent to Poon Hill for a magnificent sunrise over Dhaulagiri, Annapurna himal, Macchapuchare
Long descent to Birethanti through rhododendrons and pines forests.
D-20: Birethanti-NayaPool: 1h and drive back to Pokhara (1h30)
D-21: drive back to KTM (7h)
D-22: rest day in KTM
D-23: Transfert to airport and return.
>Price/pers and all the detailed program: Please write us with the number of guests. We will reply you as soon as possible.
For more infos contact us: info@greatadventurous.com
Our Price Includes
- - transfert airport hotel and return, transport by land or / and by air
- - nights in Kathmandu and Pokhara with breakfast (2 stars hotel)
- - One day sightseeing with a registered cultural guide.
- - ACAP trekking permit and tims card.
- - full board accommodation on the trek ( cold drink like coke, beer and sweet like mars, snicker, biscuits are not included)
- - All our government taxes, tourist service charge, vat.
- - guide, porters (1 porter for 2 persons, 12 kg of personal belongings/pers so 24 kg for two persons), their insurance, salary, food, accomodation, equipment.
- - reconfirmation of the international flight.
Our Price Excludes
- - international flight, travel insurance taken in your country (accident /repatriation), lunch, diner in Kathmandu and Pokhara (about 6 to 10 euros/day/pers).
- - nepali visa with 2 passport size photos (40 $ or equivalent in foreign currency, passeport must be valid 6 months after your return)
- - tips for trekking staff.
- - your personal equipment (sleeping bag, jackets etc ).
- - your own medicine
- - expenses due to unforeseen situations (strike, flight cancelled)
- - entry fees for the cultural sites