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Classic Annapurna Circuit Trek is one of the strenuous treks in Nepal. It takes you through the beautiful landscapes of Annapurna region. Classic Annapurna Circuit Trek begins with an interesting drive to the Lamjung area. Then enters Manang areas at Dharapani village where this wonderful trekking begins. The walk follows Marshyangdi River upstream all the way near Manang village. At Manang with rest day for acclimatization and short walks exploring villages of Tibetan Buddhist culture and its old monastery. The trek leads into the lovely forest of rhododendron surrounding. Then this marvelous adventure concludes with a drive to the famous and charming Pokhara, where peaks of Annapurna reflect on its pristine Phewa / Begnas Lakes.
Classic Annapurna Circuit trekking is Strenuous Treks (Treks in other areas of demanding nature, require all participants to be fit and in excellent health, often in remote alpine areas and sometimes reaching altitudes up to 5,500 meters and high pass crossing over) and provides beautiful Himalayan scenery and a fascinating life of local people and culture. Classic Annapurna Circuit Trek Starts from Besisahar through the Marshyangdi Valley, lush green foothills and terraced rice fields, alpine forests to a dry desert region and the Tibetan Buddhist beautiful village of Manang. The mountain views are fantastic, Lamjung, Himalchuli, Manaslu and the Annapurna’s tower spectacularly over the valley. Crossing the famous Thorung La pass (5,416m) is the highlight of this trek to enter the Kali Gandaki Valley and the long descent to the Hindu temple at Muktinath.
In this trek you will pass through waterfalls, Rivers, suspension bridge, Wooden bridge, rock, and beautiful forest of blue pine, spruce, hemlock, maple and oak and magnificent Himalayan view of Manaslu, Lamjung, Himalchuli, Thorong peak, Tilicho peak, Gangapurna etc. In Pokhara you can enjoy your time like boating in Phewa Lake, walking around the market (Shopping) or go to the bar (Restaurants) just before you fly back to Kathmandu.
The trekking starts with the ride from Kathmandu to Jagat which is about 8 hours. This ride gives you some insight of the rural people; their lifestyle and their culture.
The walk begins on the rocky trail following the Marshyangdi River and progressively travelling uphill to Tal that lies at 1675 meters. This is the first village in the Manang district. The trail crosses an extensive flat valley, then ascends along a stone staircase at 1860 meters. Continuing the journey, you would be trekking to Dharapani at 1890 meters where you can find stone chortens- a typical character pertaining to religious beliefs of the Tibetan villages from here northwards. Then you will visit the village of Bagarchhap at 2160 meters where you can get the view of typical flat roofed stone houses of local Tibetan design.
The trail takes you to the beautiful village of the Chame. The often rough and rocky trail climbs to Timang first at 2360 meters. And continues through lush forests near the river to Kopar that lies at an elevation of 590 meters. Approaching Chame- the headquarters of the Manang district, you will be rewarded by amazing views of Annapurna and two small hot springs by the town.
The trek begins through a forested steep and narrow valley. After crossing a river on a long bridge at 2910 meters, you can look at the view of the Towering Paungda Danda rock face beginning to appear. From here, the trail climbs to Pisang.
The trekkers will continue through the upper part of the Manang district. The terrain of this part resembles a dry and heaving landscape as it is cut off from the monsoon rains by the Annapurna Range. People of this region herd yaks and raise crops for certain parts of the year. They also continue to enjoy special trading rights granted to them in 1784. Leaving Pisang, there are alternate trails north and south of the Marshyangdi River which meet up again at Mungji. The southern route by the Hongde airstrip at 3325 meters involves less climbing than the northern route via Ghyaru. Though there are better views on the trail that follows the northern bank of the river. From Mungji, the trail continues past the picturesque but partially hidden village of Bryanga at 3475 meters to nearby Manang at 3500 meters.
This day is specially arranged for the trekkers to explore the area of the Manang. You can spend your day sightseeing and viewing the wonderful sights around the village. Then hiking along the landscapes as you return back to your accommodation. You can climb high above the village for a full panorama of the Annapurna range and the Manang Valley. There is also a Himalayan Rescue Association [HRA] aid post in the village, which makes an interesting and educational visit. You can also walk to visit the Bhojo Gompa.
From Manang, you will cross a stream and climb to Tengi, which has the magnificent Annapurna Himal views to offer all the way. From here the trail climbs to a small village of Gunsang at 3960m. You will pass through sparse forests of Juniper, rose and barberry and cross a large stream, then pass an ancient mani wall in a meadow at 3990m. Beyond is Yak Kharka , also known as Koche. An hour walk further from Yak Kharka is Letdar.
After an early breakfast at Letdar you continue with your trek for the day. From Letdar the trail continues to climb along the east bank of the Jarsang Khola, then descends and crosses a stream on a wooden bridge at 4310m. You will have to make a short ascent on a good trail to a tea shop, then follow a narrow trail across a high, unstable scree slope and then descend to Thorung Phedi.
People for hundreds of years the path, though often steep, is well defined and easy to follow. It will take us almost 4 hours from Thorung Phedi to reach the pass. The views from the trail and from the pass itself, are outstanding high Himalayan scenes. You will then have to start descending down the barren Kali Gandaki Valley, which is far below to the west. The descent is steep and rough. Eventually the moraines yield to grassy slopes and the final descent walk to Muktinath is a pleasant walk along the upper part of the Jhong Valley. You will be crossing the meadows, drop into a deep ravine at the start of the Jhong Khola , climb out and follow a wide trail into Muktinath.
Muktinath is one of the most important sacred pilgrimage sites for Hindu as well as Buddhists pilgrims. Travellers begin their day with a visit to Muktinath temple. From here you can appreciate the wonderful perspectives on Dhaulagiri. There are water gushes which channel into the stream running over the sanctuary. There is additionally a Buddhist Monastery close by. From here a path slides through the town of Jharkot where you can investigate the Jharkot religious community; this is both a Tibetan homegrown clinical focus and an old post. The hike proceeded back to Jomsom . The perspectives on the Kali Gandaki valley and Kagbeni town en route are genuinely overpowering. We pass by Ekle Bhatti and lastly show up at Jomsom.
The travellers will take a flight back to Pokhara. The remaining afternoon can be spent exploring the beautiful landscapes, lakes and hills of the city. You can also roam around the market area of the Pokhara in the night and get yourself immersed in the limelight of the city.
It is time to bid farewell to the Pokhara valley and take a bus ride back to the Kathmandu valley. You can enjoy the beautiful landscapes, river valleys and clear sky through the window of the bus before reaching the city.
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