Annapurna Massif Trek (Round Annapurna)

If you are taking a local bus to Besisahar, we recommend waiting for the Thorong La - Phedi guest house guide. A 3-hour jeep/bus ride takes us to the starting point of the trek: Besisahar (900m), the capital of Lamjung District. After lunch drive a further 3hrs to Jagat, to avoid the crowded town of Besisahar. Also, it is a nice and better way to experience village life in Jagat (1300m) from the first day. Great mountain views!

Also at the beginning, we will be walking on the road for about 3 hours after that we will be walking on trial up to Tal. On the way to Tal, we can see beautiful waterfalls and beehives. Tal is the first village in Manang district. A paradise along the Marsyangdi River. We can see beautiful waterfalls from the hotel. A Buddhist shrine called Chorten is located in front of the waterfall and according to the villagers the shrine protects the villages from natural disasters. Tal means lake in Nepali. The village was once a lake, and therefore it is called Tal (1700m). Hiking hours: 5

Tal is the first village in the Manang district. A paradise along the Marsyandi River. We can see beautiful waterfalls from the hotel. A Buddhist shrine called Chorten is located in front of the waterfall and according to the villagers the shrine protects the villages from natural disasters. Today's destination is Danagyu (2300m). Hiking hours: 5

We continue to follow the river and reach Chame (2670m). This village is famous for its hot springs – perfect for soothing our aching limbs! The village of Chame is the districts headquarter of Manang district. Many administrative offices are located in Chame. The trail continues thru pine and rhododendron forests with spectacular view of Manaslu. The lower route is faster, but is not as scenic as the higher route. Hiking hours: 5.

We walk through Juniper and pine forests and reach Pisang (3200m). We can visit the Tibetan monastery from where we have a beautiful view of Annapurna II, III and IV, Pisang and Tilichu. Hiking hours: 5

A steep climb up through a desert-like landscape takes us to Ghyaru (3673m). Following along the ridge we have a magnificent view of Pisang, Annapurna and Chulu and avalanches can be seen. After Ghyaru we reach to Ngawal through the majestic foothills. Hiking hours: 6

From Ngawal the trail drops down to the river continues to Braga, a very old and traditional village with a historical monastery. Today our trek to Manang is not too long and we have flexible time allowing time to visit Braga Gumpa dates back to the 16th century, villagers say it was built in 1501, and the oldest monastery in Manang district. The main trail out of the village normally descends steadily down but we usually, unlike this trail, avoid a dusty road. The path leading to a new large monastery towards the northwest along the farming fields, stupas, and the Annapurna vista is always with us. From the new large monastery, our trail drops down rapidly to the Chulu River through pine trees about 20 minutes we cross the river reaching a hamlet called Chulu where there is a trail fork. We take the northern one and climb steeply up for half an hour then the trail becomes easy on yak pasture and the views get ever more impressive. After the meadow, we enter a landslide section walking on a narrow path overlooking the valley view of Marsyangdi River, the road from Pisang and Ngawal to Manang, we meet the trail to Ice Lake just above Shera Gomba then we will enter the Braga Valley, reaching to Braga Gomba. We can visit the Braga Gomba, explore the village, and enjoy lunch in a hidden village. Then we can proceed ahead of the desert-like landscape to Manang for another half an hour along the long Mane Wall passing school and stupas on the road up to Manang village (3536m), the district’s capital. Hiking hours: 3

We take an acclimatization trip to Gangapurna Glacier and hike around the crystal-clear lake. We can then visit Bhraka Gompa; here the lama sometimes conducts puja for trekkers for a safe crossing of the Thorung La pass. At 03.00 pm we visit the HRA (Himalayan Rescue Association) for a lecture on recognizing the symptoms of altitude sickness and taking appropriate action.

We now leave the Marsyangdi River and follow an easy trail to Yak Kharka (4070m). Yak Kharka means ‘yak pastures’ and we will for sure spot many grazing yaks in this area. Hiking hours: 4

Today we climb up to Phedi (4450m) at the foot of the Thorung La pass. We might be lucky to spot a herd of blue sheep. Afternoon stroll to a higher altitude and return to stay in Phedi for well acclimatization. After an early supper we retire to our sleeping bags – full of anticipation for the next day. Hiking hours: 5

An early rise at 04.30am. After 4 breathtaking hours we reach the Thorung La pass (5416m), one of the world’s highest passes. An exhilarating moment! We then start our steep-down descent to Muktinath (3800m), a pilgrimage center for Buddhists as well as Hindus. Hiking hours: 8

Muktinath is one of the pilgrimage sites for Hindus & Buddhist – we can visit the Buddhist Gomba and the Vishnu temple of Jwala Mayi. Every year many pilgrims make a visit to Muktinath especially in spring season. Mountain on the other side such as Nilgiri, Dhaulagiri, and Tukuche peach can be seen. The trail to Kagbeni (2800m) is all the way downhill, crossing the authentic village Jharkot. Kagbeni (2895m), a Tibetan-influenced settlement surrounded by a patchwork of fields and fruit trees. Hiking hours : 4

Today we will spend about 8-9 hours driving from Kagbeni to Pokhara, driving on the bank of Kali Gandaki passing through the beautiful village and River Jomsom, Kalopani, Tatopani, Tiplyang, Begkhola Goleswor-Beni, and Baglung High. Driving hours: 8/9