Round Annapurna Trek
Highlight
A beautiful circuit of Annapurna I, II, III, IV, Lamjung Himal, Mount Fishtail, Nilgiri Mountains, Tilicho, Gangapurna, and Rock Noir, among others. Enjoy the beauty and sacredness of Nyesyang Territory in the cradle of Annapurna Massif. Visit medieval villages and monasteries nestled above 4000 metres of elevation. Cross the Thorong La Pass of 5416 metres. Visit one of the sacred religious centres of Buddhists and Hindus, the Muktinath. Visit the most beautiful city in Nepal, Pokhara. Visit six UNESCO-recognised medieval sites of Kathmandu, all just in 17 days!
Trek Profile:
The Round Annapurna Trek, or the Annapurna Region, is the most diverse and popular trekking area. The Annapurna Himalaya massive, between Dhaulagiri and Manaslu Mountain Range, is a mass of great mountains, including Annapurna I, II, III, IV, Lamjung Himal, Mount Fishtail, Nilgiri Mountains, Tilicho, Gangapurna, and Rock Noir, amongst several others. The walk leads you beneath the towering peaks of Mt. Annapurna and its massive ranges, listed as the world’s tenth-highest mountain at 8,091m. Annapurna I is the first 8,000m mountain ever climbed in 1950 by French mountaineer Maurice Herzog, even before Mt. Everest was conquered by Tenzing Norgay Sherpa and Sir Edmund Hillary in 1953.
Round Annapurna Trek is the most beautiful and scenic walking tour, from short moderate walks of less than one week or more to three weeks of trek or mountaineering requiring several weeks.
RoundAnnapurna Trek is suitable for all travellers and age groups to enjoy fabulous views of dramatic landscapes and mountains. The Annapurna Himalaya, or its surroundings, offer different experiences on everyday walks in the comfort of friendly, cosy local mountain lodges. Or enjoy a tented camping trek and use the maximum liberty in the pristine mountain valleys, away from the sight and sound of other travellers.
Besides a fantastic panorama of mountains, the Round Annapurna Himalaya trekking provides insight into traditional life and exciting culture, combining a heart singing walking into the deep green alpine valleys filled with rhododendron (the national flower of Nepal) and pine forests. The mid-hills of Annapurna or the entire Nepal blooms in the spring with its multi orchids, including rhododendron and magnolia!
Arrive in Kathmandu, customs and immigration formalities and claim your baggage, which takes some time. Upon exiting, the arrivals get a traditional welcome from the Happy Feet Nepal representative and transfer to the hotel. Reach the hotel and the rest of the day is free with the possibility of optional excursions (not included), but you can ask to organise any tours or stroll through its vibrant streets.
Kathmandu, the capital and heart of the country with three medieval cities, symbolises Nepal’s everything. Having lived through the several ruling dynasties of Buddhists and Hindus, the culture and society of Kathmandu Valley have evolved through time to give it more than a unique feature. Today it is an urban city, and still rapidly increasing, that has its ancient myths and, at the same time, is testimony to the greatness of people who have lived there for time immemorial.
Breakfast at the hotel. In the morning, visit Swayambhunath, dating back more than 25 centuries and one of the world’s oldest Buddhist chaityas. The great stupa of Swayambhunath is a landmark wonder of Nepal and is listed as a World Heritage Site. The all-seeing eyes of Lord Buddha keep an eternal watch over the valley.
Swayambhu is located west of Kathmandu proper on a hillock about 500 feet above the valley floor. The hill is a mosaic of small chaityas and pagodas—one Hinayana (Theravada) and five Mahayana (Vajrayana)—temples. The site offers a complete view of Kathmandu Valley, its surroundings, and the northeastern Himalayas.
In continuity, drive to Patan, one of the three medieval cities of Kathmandu Valley and one of the World Heritage sites among the seven World Heritage sites of Kathmandu Valley, located 7-kilometres southwest of Kathmandu. The city known as Lalitpur, the City of Arts, was a renowned Buddhist centre in Asia. It has four Ashok-built Stupas and a multitude of miniature stupas, monasteries, viharas and temples. At Patan, we visit its Durbar Square, the Golden Temple, Thousand Buddha, and its museum, among other sites, which explain Buddhism and Hinduism in extensive labels within the living traditions and context.
In the afternoon, drive to Basantapur Durbar Square, also known as Kathmandu’s Durbar Square. The tour of the Kathmandu Durbar Square, classified as a World Heritage Site, teems with activity. It features countless monuments, including the House of the Living Goddess (Kumari Ghar), the ferocious Kal Bhairab and the kneeling Hanuman (the red-capped monkey god) statues.
The architecture represents some of the greatest achievements of the medieval Malla era. The stroll leads around the square past a host of pagoda temples (including the grand temple of the goddess Taleju) and a window framing Shiva and Parbati sitting together viewing the scene. The square is full of colourful life centred on the Kasthamandap rest-house. Said to have been built with wood from a single tree (and the origin of Kathmandu’s name), it is now reconstructed in the wake of the 2015 earthquake. Then visit the Temple of Kumari; the residential quarters of the Living Goddess called Kumari (‘chaste virgin’) consists of a traditional building complex featuring carved wooden balconies and windows.
Also impossible to overlook are the great bell and large drums. The palace’s main golden gate is guarded by the monkey god Hanuman, the faithful devotee of Lord Ramachandra, the hero of the epic Ramayana.
Finally, pass through the Hanuman Dhoka: the historic seat of the past Malla and Shah dynasties. The historic temples and palaces epitomise the religious and cultural lifestyle of the rulers. Among the most interesting things to view is the Taleju Temple, built by King Mahindra Malla in A.D. 1549 and a historical museum containing artefacts of past Shah kings.
We finalise with the tour, ride a rickshaw, and roll through its old city market centre, the Ason Bazaar, seeing what Nepalese people buy and sell daily.
A 7-hour drive.
Nar Phu Valley and Annapurna trekking begin with an exciting overland journey to reach Nepal Mid West, heading past Besisahar town, the headquarters of Lamjung district. From Besisahar, we change the vehicle to a Jeep and continue driving on dirt roads past the villages of Khudi, Bulbule and Ngadi, following the Masrsyangdi River upstream. The drive continues through terraces, fields and villages to Syange, a small farm village, for an overnight stop.
A 5-hour trek.
From Syange, the first day’s walk begins with a climb leaving Masrsyangdi River behind and reaching Jagat village, with several lodges. From Jagat, the trail levels with some descent and climb to Chamje, with a beautiful view of the Marshyangdi River valley and several waterfalls. Chamje, above the bank of the Marshayngdi River, has several nice lodges where we stop for lunch. After lunch, cross the Masrsyangdi River to the east side within a forested area and climb on a high hill ridge with a view of the Annapurna and Manaslu mountains. Then a lovely traverse reaches Tal Besi with several nice lodges and a beautiful waterfall. From Tal Besi, the trail follows the Marshyangdi valley upstream through a narrow gorge crossing several dispersed settlements and beautiful waterfalls to Dharapani village, a big village located at the junction of the Annapurna circuit and Manaslu trail. Most Manaslu Expedition groups start their trek from Dharapani, and the Manaslu circuit trekkers end their walk here.
A 5-hour trek.
From Dharapani morning walk leads through rhododendron and pine forest, passing villages of Bagarchap village with a nice view of Annapurna II and surrounding beautiful hills densely forested. Continue following the Marshyangdi River on a level trail passing through Danaqu and climbing through a lovely forest to Timang, a settlement of Buddhists facing views of Mt. Manaslu 8,163m. From Timang, a two hours trek brings you to Koto Kyupar with a permit checking post. Koto Kyupar is the trek starting and ending point for the Nar Phu Valley trek and Himlung expedition, one of the Special Permit required regions. It can be combined with the Annapurna circuit trek, joining the trail at Humde Airport in Manang. We continue Around the Annapurna Himalaya circuit with a gradual ascent to Chame that takes no more than 30 minutes. Chame is the administrative headquarters of the Manang district, formed on both sides of the Marshyangdi Riverbank and under a sheer cliff.
A 5-hour trek.
We cross the bridge over the Marshyangdi River and trek west, crossing the oldest part of the Chame village and passing mini-walls. You have an excellent view of Manaslu if you look back. Then a long and pleasant level walk through a lovely forest till Brathang at 2950 metres. The old part of the Brathang is across the river on a lovely open field. The site is the settlement of Armed Khampa Soldiers of around 1960. The entrance to the village is marked with traditional stone wall gates and Chortens. Currently, the area is covered with a lush Apple Garden. After a brief stop for tea, continue the walk through an impressive trail blasted out of a cliff above the Marshyangdi River. Cross the river Marshyangdi and start with a gentle climb through a lovely pine forest to Dukur Pokhari (Peasant Lake). Across the river to the east is an impressive view of Paungda Danda, a massive curved slab rising more than 1600 metres. The area is also called Swargadwari (Gate to Heaven), which means the region from here on above, is Heaven. Manang people prefer to recognise them as the Nyesyangba or the People of Nyesyang. Nye implies the pilgrimage site, Syung/Syang means valley, and Wa/Pa means the people living there; all the above three names recognise Manang as a sacred valley. Nyesyang territory contains seven main villages. After a short tea break at Dukur Pokhari, continue a level walk enjoying the views of Annapurna and Pisang Peak and the beautiful valley of blue pine until Pisang. Pisang has two villages, lower and upper. We give a little effort and walk up to Upper Pisang, with more traditional buildings, ancient remains, and a good view.
A 3-hour trek.
From Pisang, there are two routes to reach Manang, but we take the high and scenic routes to keep the views and altitude in our favour. The trail starts through a lovely pine forest, passing a small turquoise lake, locally called Mring Tso. Further continuing, we cross a line of Chortens, cross a bridge and start on a steep climb to Gyaru Village, reaching the village of lunch and time to visit its settlement and around. Gyaru offers superb scenery of Annapurna II and III views and an impressive lower valley, adding some acclimatisation for Thorung Pass. The village has an old and interesting monastery, and Gyaru is the starting point for Pisang Peak 6091m, Chulu East 6584m and West 6419.
A 4-hour trek.
The climbing effort to Gyaru is compensated with a level traverse, enjoying heart-singing sceneries that fill the skyline and the Nyesyang valley. The trail passes through a pine forest, crossing several traditional Chortens, a ruin of Dzong, once the Ghale Dynasty ruled the Nyesyang territory from this Fort, and reached Ngawal, another principal village. The stone-built settlement of Ngawal, with prayer flags on each roof, overlooks the Manang Marshyangdi Valley, offering fantastic views of Chulu East, West, Tilicho, Annapurnas, Manang and Humde Valley. Ngawal is starting and ending point for Nar-Phu Trek via Kang La Pass.
From Ngawal, the scenery-filled trail descends to Humde village, with an airport, and continues towards Braga village on a lovely pine-scented level trail. Finally, cross a wooden bridge over the Marshyangdi River and reach Braga village. At Braga, we visit its 600-years old monastery sitting above the town and facing the Annapurnas. Braga is probably a late lunch place and takes an easy short walk to Manang, the main village amongst the seven villages of Nyesyang territory.
A 6-hour to go and come back.
Rest day; those willing to take a tough day hike will be taken to Ice Lake for a full day workout, but the sceneries of Annapurna and its surroundings are rewarding for the effort. Ice Lake is a group of lakes situated high above the Braga village. The central lake is quite big. Climbing to a southeast hill ridge above the lake provides a fine view of the Ngawal and lower valley, Pisang Peak, Annapurna and the peaks of Chulu.
A 3-hour trek.
The trail starts climbing just after leaving the Manang Village, providing impressive views of the entire Manang village and the lower valley to Pisang, Pisang Peak and Annapurna Mountains. In about 30 minutes or less, reach Tenki village. Tenki means upper village of the upper village of Manang or the last permanent settlement till we come to Muktinath. From Tenki, the trail level to a steady climb, losing the view of Manang and traversing a side valley through the Jarsang River. On the way, there is an occasional teahouse selling chocolate bars and Mineral water with views of Annapurna II and Annapurna IV. Finally, reach the camp for lunch. After lunch, one can consider walking up to Chulu West base camp and returning to add a bit of acclimatisation and enjoy the views.
A 4-hour trek.
On a leisurely day, wake up late, have breakfast and start trekking toward Thorong Phedi and Thorong High camp. The trail traverses the herders’ camp, now changed into teahouses and then traverses a landslide slope, be aware and avoid walking in a group and climb to Thorung base camp or Thorong Phedi 4416m. Have rest here, lunch. In the afternoon, a sharp contour above the Thorung Phedi, looking back toward Yak Kharka and Chulu Peaks, reaches Thorung High camp with a much-extended view if you climb above the hill ridge.
A 6-hour trek.
Thorong means dawn, and la means hill or a pass in the Tibetan/Sherpa language, requiring crossing early in the morning. Therefore, one of the highlights and significant days of the trek is an early breakfast and start trekking to cross the Thorong La Pass 5,416m. The entire trail to Thorung Pass offers grand sceneries of Chulu Mountain, Annapurna, Gangapurna, Katung Kang, Yak Kawa Kang, and Thorong Peak. The pass between Yak Kawa and Thorog Peak is marked with traditional Buddhist Chorten and colourful prayer flags. After crossing the Thorong La, the sight of the Kaligandaki River valley below the windswept spires and Dhaulagiri range is impressive. The descent to Muktinath is 1600 metres, and the most direct descent is from the pass to Thorong Base Camp and a level walk to Muktinath.
Muktinath means ‘liberator’; the area is called Mukti Kshetra, the ‘area of salvation.’ It is one of the sacred sites for Buddhists and Hindus. The Buddhists call it the site of Phagpa Chenrezig, the all-seeing lord and the embodiment of compassion leading to all being on the path of self-liberation. The Hindus call him Vishnu, and the ammonite fossils found in the Kali Gandaki riverbed are worshipped as a Chakra (discus – the inner marks of the fossils), carried by Vishnu and believe that venerating Saligramas liberates them from all sins.
A 5-hour trek.
Visit the Muktinath temple, Dzarkot, Dzarkot monastery, a herbal medical centre, and Dzarkot fortress and initiate the last trek day via Lupra Gonpa. The trail offers some of the finest views of Mount Dhaulagiri, Tukche, Nilgiri, Tilicho and Kali Gandaki Valley. The trekkers are less frequent this circuit; therefore, we take this route and visit a small but beautiful and authentic Lupra village and its monastery. After the Lupra village, we see the Thini village, opposite the Jomsom airport, with a good view of Jomsom, Kali Gandaki Valley and Dhaulagiri. A short descent from Thini crosses the Kali Gandaki River and ends the trek at Jomsom, the headquarters of Mustang District. Jomsom is also a trek starting and ending point for Upper Mustang Trek, Dolpo Trek, Around Dhaulagiri Trek, Kali Gandaki Trek and several treks in the Annapurna region. The evening is a special occasion, a farewell party with your porters, Sherpa and cook staff who take a separate 24 hours long bus drive to Kathmandu.
A 20-minute flight.
Walk to the airport and board a small aircraft (Twin Otter / Dornier or similar). The flight offers fantastic views of the Dhaulagiri, Nilgiri, and Annapurna ranges on both sides of the plane.
Tireless views last till it touches at beautiful Pokhara City airport. Once we leave the plane, the panorama to the northeast of Pokhara, filled with great mountain rows, greets you back. Transfer to Pokhara Lakeside and get your room distributed. The remaining time is free for resting and refreshment. In the evening, we stroll around the lake of Pokhara while choosing one of its best restaurants for a hearty dinner.
Early in the morning, we take a short drive to Sarangkot viewpoint to view the best panoramas Pokhara City offers. The views from the top of Sarangkot offer a 360-degree panorama, including the Phewa Lake, Pokhara city and its surroundings, rimmed by grand snow-capped Himalayas and rolling hills as far as we can see. In continuity, visit the International Mountain Museum, have lunch and drive to the airport for a 25-minute flight to Kathmandu.
Get landed at Kathmandu airport and greeted by the Happy Feet Mountaineers representative, and drive to your hotel in Thamel, which may take 20 to 40 minutes, depending on the traffic. The rest of the afternoon is free.
Breakfast and a full day of visits to Kathmandu, starting with Pashupatinath Temple. A Pagoda temple with gilt roofs carved with silver doors dedicated to Lord Shiva, situated at the bank of the holy Bagmati River, is regarded as among the most sacred temples of the Hindu religion. Pashupatinath is the focus of pilgrimages culminating in the day of Shiva Ratri (the marriage anniversary of Lord Shiva and the goddess Parvati). Pashupati is also the cremation ground in the ghats (cremation group) along the bank of River Bagmati, where the recently deceased Hindus of the Valley are cremated.
After the visit, we take a 13 kilometres drive to Bhaktapur, east of Kathmandu. Its original name is Bhadgaon, or the village of Devotees is one of the living museums of Kathmandu Valley. Bhaktapur is filled with the 55-windowed Royal Palace, the Palace of the Kumari, the temple of Taleju, the temple of Pashupati, the main square of Taumadhi Tole, Nyatapola Temple (the most imposing the tallest such architecture in all of Nepal), the temple of Akash Bhairab (the second most important temple of Bhadgaon), the Dha Hateya and the Square of the Potters. UNESCO recognises Bhaktapur as a World Heritage Site.
In the evening, visit the Boudhanath, the largest Buddhist shrine in South Asia. This ancient Chorten was built in the 5th century A.D. by King Manadeva. A series of three terraces lead up through water, fire and air segments to the pinnacle, symbolic of space and the highest spiritual attainment. The whole is surrounded by a circle of shops that form a small Tibet. Lord Buddha’s four pairs of eyes flash vividly into the cardinal directions, radiating the message of Mahayana Buddhism, known as Lamaism in Sikkim, Ladakh, Bhutan and Tibet.
Breakfast and the rest of the day are leisure on your own. The Representative of Happy Feet Nepal will arrive at your hotel with transport three hours before your departure flight time. Get escorted from the hotel to the International Departure Terminal, see off formalities, and go through the immigration and departure.
The spring and the fall are always the best time to trek to the Annapurna region. However, the fall/autumn season, from October to November, is undoubtedly the best time to visit Nepal. The weather remains crystal clear, with breathtaking views of the Himalayas and the landscapes. However, it is colder at high altitudes during both seasons.
Theoretically, spring is the second-best, but spring is the first-best season for many. Spring is more interesting as the rhododendron and wildflowers blossom in the mid-hill region of Nepal. The parts above Syange to Pisang and Jomsom to Ghorepani are prime areas to sight rhododendron, combining an Annapurna Full Circuit Trek. However, spring is also the time for the build-up of monsoons and clouds, and one may encounter occasional rain in the lower valleys and hail at the high altitude.
The summer, monsoon time for Nepal, is also a beautiful time to visit the high dry land such as Manang, Tilicho and Muktinath to Kalopani. The monsoon rain feeds the highland, turning the meadows and hills lush green. In summer, the high plateau gets carpeted with yellow and multi-coloured flowers and beautiful streams, and medicinal plants feed the Yak and Sheep grazing in the region.
In the Manang and Muktinath regions, the winter temperature may drop to -15 degrees from sunset to sunrise, especially January-February. The daytime temperature remains 0 to 18 degrees. The local people of all villages live there year-round.
