Annapurna Valley Trek

Upon arrival in Kathmandu, receive, welcome and transfer to hotel by the representative of Vistas Himalaya. Rest of the day at leisure.

Overnight at hotel

Full day sightseeing tour of Kathmandu also called the ‘City of Glory’, visit includes Durbar square, Kumari Temple and Taleju Temple. Thereafter, visit Swoyambunath Stupa, said to be one of the oldest Buddhist Stupa in the world which is majestically set high on a hill overlooking Kathmandu valley. Afterwards, proceed to Bhaktapur, also called the “City of Devotees”.

Overnights at hotel

After a long drive from Kathmandu, following wild hairpin bends, we arrive at small village of Dumre (585 m). Then, we drive through gravel road covering around 30 kms slowly gaining elevation, getting good view of Bouddha Himal (6736 m) and Himalchuli (7968 m) and to Besisahar (823 m) our first night halt.

The trail continues northwards up the valley, crossing several suspension bridges and passing several beautiful waterfalls. Above us, we can see the peaks of Lamjung (6859 M). The village bahundanda supports the last shops of any size before Jomsom.

Today, we descend to the Marshyangdi to access the river level before deciding our route. If water level is low, we can cross on a make shift bridge to the east bank. If not, we continue on the west bank climbing high over a ridge, to rejoin the east bank trail over a suspension bridge at Sange. We, then climb high again, through rhododendron and pine forest. The valley is now very deep and steep gorge.

Overnight halt at Chame.

We climb steadily all day long to Tal, a small village at the forest of large waterfall. We are now entering the Manang district. After leaving Tal, we cross a large bridge to the village of Dharapani (1943 m) where we stop to enjoy a cup of tea. We then climb through forest to Bagarchap, the first village on the trek with typical Tibetan architecture.

The trial is now bearing west, Manaslu forming a splendid backdrop and Annapurna II (7937 m) appearing occasionally to the south. We continue through forest of pine and fir, resting at the hamlets or Charku, Thangie and Kuparkot. As we continue on the trail, views of the Annapurna improve dramatically.

We continue crossing the river all day, passing through the narrow and steep sided gorge nearing the village of Pisang (3183 m). We top a ridge to get our first views of the Manang valley, a wide “N” -shaped valley hanging between two lines of snow peaks.
Day 09: Pisang – Manang (3351 m)

Descending to the broad forested valley floor, we follow the trail through the flat valley, past a small STOL airstrip, under construction, cross the river once again to Braga (3472 m) and enroute visiting Braga Monastery. This is a village of about 290 houses stacked on top of each other, flat forming verandahs.

Rest and acclimatization day at Manang and today we spend the whole day exploring Manang.The village consists of about 500 flat roofed houses and is picturesquely set amongst spectacular scenery: Annapurna II, Annapurna III (7855 m), Gangapurna (7485 m) to the south: Tillicho (7134 m) and Grand Barrier, to the west; Chulu West (6420 m) and Chulu East (6558 m) to north.

We branch away from the Marshyangdi river steadily climbing into district alpine areas. Keep your eyes open for Thar and Ghoral mountain sheep.

Today we ascend about 3 hours then descend about 45 minutes to cross the Jarsang river, we climb to a small grassy valley and overnight halt.

Though the crossing of the pass is not technically difficult, we take it slowly to take into account the complication of altitude and possible snow. After about 4 hours, we reach the top (5416 m) and enjoy some absolutely stunning high Himalayan scenery. The entire Annapurna range in the south, the Mukut and Mustang Himal to the west, and the incredibly deep Kali Gandaki Valley and the peaks of Throngtse (6542 m) and Chlu to the north . The trials descends steep and rough but we soon can have excellent views of Dhaulagari (8167 m). Muktinath (3798 m) is an important pilgrimage spot for both Hindus and Buddhist Gompa and pagoda style temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu. The most interesting aspect of the area, however, is the spot were burning of natural gas issued from the rock from the same place as a small spring. earth, air, fire, water and important religious combination.

The trail descends very quickly to the valley floor over 1538 m below. The trail descends through dramatic landscape and continues to Jomsom (2713 m) where you will have lunch. After the last few days, Jomsom seems almost busy, in fact, it is a major village on the Kali Gandaki trading route. After lunch to Marpha (2667 m) village for overnight halt.

We pass through Tukche a beautiful Thakali villages and overnight halt at Kalapani or Lete.The Thakalis are the dominant tribe of the valley, related to the Gurung and Magars of the Southern slopes.

As we pass between the Dhauligiri and Annapurna, a dramatic change in the vegetation occurs today from dry desert to pine and coniferous forest. Passing through Kalapani and here, the views of the Annapurna are breathtaking. We have overnight halt near a spectacular waterfall at Rukse.

As we pass between Dhaulagiri and Annapurna, a dramatic change in the vegetation occurs today from dry desert to pine and coniferous forest. The views of Annapurna are breathtaking. Tatopani means “Hot water” and it is possible to bath in the springs and overnight halt at Tatopani.

After crossing the trail ascends steadily to Ghorepani (2853 m). We stop for lunch at Shikha. As we climb steadily all day, we leave behind the terraced fields and enter into thick rhododendron forest and village of Ghorepani. We halt at the pass where we can get the best views of sunset and dawn of the Dhaulagiri and Annapurna ranges.

Today’s descend is almost as tiring as the day from Muktinath. However, mule trains laden with goods keep us entertained. We cross Tirkhedhunga and Bierthanti village and arrive Nayapul in the evening and drive back to Pokhara. Overnight at hotel in Pokhara

Transfer to airport for flight to Kathmandu. Meet upon arrival and transfer to hotel. Rest of the day at leisure. Overnight at hotel

Departure transfer to international airport for onward flight