This trek offers everything from rice fields to stark desert landscapes and is full of magnificent views of the Himalayas from all angles. The ‘circuit’ is a big loop around the edge of the Annapurna Conservation Area and receives more tourists than the Everest region – for good reason! It is an absolutely stunning journey and really worth doing if you have the time. The route is typically done anti-clockwise because the Thorang Pass is very difficult to pass going south. But for the extreme adventurer, going the other way around is definitely an option. This is the full trek but now that the roads in the region go further, you can shorten the beginning and end to suit your desires.
Good To Know
Asian Trekking is a Nepali expedition operating company established 41 years ago. According to Paragraph 26 of the Tourism Act (2035), no foreign expedition teams or companies are allowed to provide expedition services in Nepal directly and any foreign company must work through a Nepali company licensed by the Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation, Government of Nepal. As such, Nepali companies are the ones that provide all the legal, administrative, logistical, guiding and support services in Nepal, while also being legally responsible for the safe and responsible conduct of the expeditions. Booking through foreign expedition companies naturally makes the cost to the customer higher due to the extra layer of administration and profit margins, without necessarily adding any extra value.
EVEREST TAILOR MADE EXPEDITION
We are the number 1 most
experienced expedition company the World. No other company has as much
experience as us. We have organized more than 3,000 personalised treks and
expedition since 1982, including 286 climbing expeditions on Mt.
Everest.
Price Start From 55,000 US$ And
Includes
Each member is assigned with:
One veteran Sherpa Guide with Nepal Mountaineering Association
certification and has previously summited Mt. Everest at least 5
times.
Two High Altitude Sherpa with Nepal Mountaineering
Association certification and has previously summited Mt. Everest at least 2
times.
The Sherpa will assist the member during climb and summit
attempt. They will also carry all food and gear to high camps.
Full Mountain Support
Unlimited CE
certified oxygen cylinders with British Top out mask and regulator during
climbing and summit attempt.
Services of Asian Trekking
Expedition Doctor and medical consultation services at the Base Camp with the
Himalayan Rescue Association.
All food and fuel for Base Camp
and higher camps during expedition. Services of cook and kitchen boy at Base
Camp and Camp 2.
3 days guided acclimatization climb on Mt.
Lobuche East before Everest climb.
High altitude tents for each
member.
Weekly supply of fresh vegetables, meat and fruits to
Base Camp from Kathmandu Common climbing equipment (necessary rope, ice bars,
ice screws, etc.)
Porterage of member’s personal climbing
equipment Kathmandu-Lukla-Base Camp-Kathmandu.
Unlimited Wi-Fi
Internet at base camp.
Solar panels, batteries and generator
with fuels at Base Camp for light and charging mobile phones, digital cameras
and laptop.
Hotel accommodation for 8 nights in 5-star hotel in
Kathmandu before or after the expedition.
Welcome group dinner
in Kathmandu with chairman/founder of Asian Trekking, Past President of Nepal
Mountaineering Association and Honorary member of UIAA (International Climbing
and Mountaineering Federation), Mr. Ang Tshering Sherpa and CEO of Asian
Trekking Dawa Steven Sherpa.
Restop toilet bags for all members
and Sherpas to bring human waste off the mountain.
Airport-hotel-airport transfers.
If Needed/On
Request
Spacious high wall personal tent at Base
Camp with wooden platform and carpets. Each tent is equipped with personal
solar powered lights, mattress, pillow, working table with chair, folding
cabinet, satellite television and personal heater.
International
Federation of Mountain Guide Associations (IFMGA/ UIAGM) accredited guide to
lead the team.
Private kitchen with professional and trained
5-star hotel cook to cater to the client’s taste.
Photography
and video filming service during the expedition.
Satellite
Internet at Camp 2
Personal base camp dining tent, equipped with
wooden platform, padded insulation floor and carpet and one LED television set
with DTH connection.
Clean and spacious Private toilet and
shower tent and much more…
Good To
Know
Asian Trekking is a Nepali expedition operating company
established 36 years ago. According to Paragraph 26 of the Tourism Act
(2035), no foreign expedition teams or companies are allowed to
provide expedition services in Nepal directly and any foreign company must
work through a Nepali company licensed by the Ministry of
Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation, Government of Nepal. As such, Nepali
companies are the ones that provide all the legal, administrative, logistical,
guiding and support services in Nepal, while also being legally responsible
for the safe and responsible conduct of the expeditions. Booking
through foreign expedition companies naturally makes the cost to the customer
higher due to the extra layer of administration and profit margins, without
necessarily adding any extra value.
Detailed itinerary
1
Day 1 Drive Kathmandu to Bulbulle
Drive Kathmandu to Bulbulle (840m). You will drive along the Prithivi highway and turn off to Besisahar (6-7 hours) and then continue on smaller roads to Bulbulle where you will spend the night. You will enjoy excellent views of Himalchuli and Nagdichuli from Bulbulle.
2
Day 2 Jagat
Jagat (1300m). Today we cross and then follow the Marshyangdi river enjoying views of Manaslu in and arrive at Bahundanda. From there, the trail goes steeply down until you cross the stream and head back up to Lilli Bir. The trail continues high above the river before dropping down to again cross Marshyangdi at Syange. From there it is a steep climb to Jagat.
3
Day 3 Darapani
Darapani (1860m). From Jagat the trail goes back down to the Marshyangdi river and then up through the forest to Chamje at 1430m. You continue up to the large village of Tal and then still following the river, crossing back and forth until you finally come to Darapani.
4
Day 4 Chhame
Chhame (2651m). Still following the Marshyangdi river through the Manang valley, on this day you will enjoy wonderful views of Annapurnas in the west. The trail climbs through the pine and fir forest passing through a number of villages before reaching the ridge at Kotho 2590m. From there you make your way along the ridge arriving at the capital of Manang, Chhame.
5
Day 5 Pisang
Pisang (3333m). The morning is a relatively easy trail through apple orchards and forest to the village of Bhratang. From there, the trail runs through a dense forest and comes out at the river where the magnificent rock face of Paungda Danda towers 1500m out of the river below. You will continue to ascend to Dudhpokhari where you will have lunch. You may start to feel the effects of the higher altitude so it is important to stay hydrated and also pay attention to how you are feeling. From Dudhpokhari the rest of the afternoon trail is relatively level through the peaceful forest until you reach the bustling little village of Pisang. You can rest here or if you are feeling ok with the altitude, you can choose to continue on to Upper Pisang, another 60 m and 30 minutes up the hill. This is where the landscape transforms from the more lush sub-tropical to a drier climate.
6
Day 6 Manang
Manang (3540m). There are two routes to Manang from Pisang. From Upper Pisang, the longer route with mountain views and better acclimatization. Or from Lower Pisang, a shorter and slightly easier route takes you through the last forest of Manang as once you climb higher, the fauna becomes more barren. The lower trail, along the southern side of the Marsyangdi river, takes you over a ridge into the next valley and passes through the village of Hongde where there is a small airstrip and some shops. Once you cross to the north side of the river, you join the other route at Mungli. The upper route, on the north side of the river is about two hours longer and a more challenging route but offers tremendous views and takes you much higher past Ghyaru and Ngawal (3660m). Ascending the extra height before coming down again, is better for your altitude acclimatization. From Mungli (3500m), the trail is joined by the southern route to the traditional Tibetan village and gompa at Bragha. Manang is just a little further down the trail.
7
Day 7 Manang
Manang - acclimatization day. You will have this day to explore the village of Manang, stock up on anything you might need or want as the shops there are well prepared for the trekker’s desires! It is a good idea to go for a hike to a higher altitude to adjust further before coming back to sleep in Manang. The air is thinner and there is less oxygen so you might notice feeling a little breathless. Take it easy, stay hydrated and keep active without overexerting yourself. This day is very important to prepare you for the challenges of the coming days.
8
Day 8 Yak Kharka
Yak Kharka (4018m).A slow and steady upwards journey, through the villages of Tengi and Gunsang and out of the Maryshangdi valley. Continuing through the Jarsang Khola valley, the scenery becomes increasingly barren and dusty as you ascend the plateau. Yak Kharka is 500m above Manang and you need to rest here to acclimatize. The peaks of Annapurnas are on fine display from here.
9
Day 9 Thorang Phedi
Thorang Phedi (4450m). Another relatively short day that covers another big ascent in altitude. The trail becomes more and more barren as you go up along the eastern side of Jarsang river. The high desert landscape is stark and unforgiving in its beauty. This day you will continue to feel the effects of the heights you have ascended and so the short day will give you a chance to rest and catch your breath in preparation for the pass tomorrow.
10
Day 10 Muktinath
Muktinath (3760m) - Thorang La (5416m). It will be an early start to the day to ascend to the famous Thorang pass, the climax of your trek. The well trodden trail is steep as you climb steadily up towards the 5416m summit of Thorang La. You will soon feel the effects of the higher altitude and it can be difficult to navigate if there is a snow on the pass. It will take around 4 hours to reach the top where there prayer flags and chortens decorate the summit. From here, you will be an awe at the spectacular view from the pass of the Annapurnas and the Kali Gandaki valley. After some rest, you will start the steep and sometimes slippery descent down to Muktinath – this should also take around 4 hours passing through the village of Phedi.
11
Day 11 Kagbeni
Kagbeni (2840m). The trek to Kagbeni is short enough that you will have some time in the morning to reach the revered religious pilgrimage temple complex of Mukinath – an important site for Buddhists and Hindus. The trek to Kagbeni takes you past Jharkot and Khinger, both medieval and atmospheric stone villages and through the dramatic landscape of the barren desert.
12
Day 12 Lete
Lete (2480m). From Marpha, you will go via the Tibetan Camp at Chairo Gompa, before continuing on through the villages of Tukuche, Khobang and Larjung. After lunch you continue down the valley along the river and eventually reach Kalopani and then Lete.
13
Day 13 Tatopani
Tatopani (1190m). We follow the river to Ghasa where you will have lunch. And then continue down to the wonderful hot springs at Tatopani where you can soak your weary bones in the natural springs.
14
Day 14 Ghorepani
Ghorepani (2860m). This is a long day trekking through the forest. Starting with a steep climb to Sikha where you can enjoy views of the Dhaulagiri range and the Kali Gandaki river gorge below. The day continues through the lush rhododendron forest before you reach Ghorepani.
15
Day 15 Visit Poon Hill
Visit Poon Hill (3193m) & trek to Ulleri (1960m). You will arise before dawn to trek to Poon Hill for a panoramic sunrise view of the Himalayas – possibly the most memorable and sublime moment of your trek. After breakfast, you will continue down the stone trail of stairs, through forests and finally rest at Ulleri.
16
Day 16 Trek to Nayapul
Trek to Nayapul & drive to Pokhara. Hike down to Birenthani at the Modi river, where you will have lunch before your final descent to Nayapul. From Nayapul, you will drive back to Pokhara and enjoy a hot shower, nice meal and a comfortable bed!
17
Day 17 Drive to Kathmandu
Drive to Kathmandu by tourist bus. The tourist bus to Kathmandu leaves early and is a pleasant, relaxing journey along the Prithivi Highway, stopping for lunch and tea. You will reach Kathmandu in the afternoon.