Over Thorung La (Annapurna Circuit)
Peter, Kami, RC and David on Thorung La
Over Thorung La (17 days, 16 nights)
The circuit trek takes you through some of the most amazing landscape in Nepal. The trek begins in well forested and terraced hills; a region inhabited by Hindu groups of Nepal. But past Pisang the landscape changes dramatically as the dense forests are replaced by the barren landscape of the Tibetan plateau. Here you enter the Manang valley which is inhabited by gypsy traders of Tibetan origin. After several rest and short days for acclimatization, head north to the Thorung pass from where you descend to Muktinath village where there is a shrine revered by both Hindus and Buddhists.
The trek ends in Jomsom from where a flight through the Kali Gandaki gorge, the deepest gorge in the world between Annapurna and Dhaulagiri, brings you to Kathmandu. You may opt to continue and complete the full circuit. There is a newly built unpaved from Jomsom to Tatopani (3 days trek) but views of the Dhaulagiri range from here are awe-inspiring. Beyond Tatopani, ascend to Ghorepani Ridge and to Pun Hill from where a 360 degree view of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri mountains is possible. This is indeed one of the best mountain view-point of the world.
Itinerary
Day 01 - Kathmandu (4,400ft)
Arrive Kathmandu. Transfer to Hotel. Rest of day free. Welcome dinner. (Dinner)
Day 02 - Kathmandu (4,400ft)
Visit Pashupatinath, Nepal's most sacred Hindu temple dedicated to Shiva, with its two-tiered golden roof and silver door. Here, you'll probably witness a Hindu cremation along the banks of the Bagmati River.
Then drive to Bhaktapur, the City of Devotees, for lunch and a tour of the royal palace square. Bhaktapur is a medieval city in the Kathmandu valley and is least disturbed by modern life. Here, you can absorb the architectural splendor of the five-storied Nyatapola temple, or the sculptural delight of the Peacock Window. (Breakfast and Lunch)
Day 03 - Kathmandu to Bhulbhule (2,750ft)
A private vehicle takes you to Besi-Sahar. Trek couple hours to BhulBhule perched by the Marshyangdi river. Overnight Lodge. (All meals)
Day 04 - Bhulbhule to Jagat (4,350ft)
Trail carved from the rock cliff (Photo: Mike)
Today is mostly hiking up steep trails: first to Bahundanda and then to Jagat. Overnight Lodge. (All meals)
Day 05 - Jagat to Dharapani (6,500ft)
Trek past several waterfalls to Chamje and then to Tal Besi. From here, it is a grueling climb on swich backs to Tal where the valley opens into a large plateau. After lunch at Tal, continue to Dharapani. Overnight Lodge. (All meals)
Day 06 - Dharapani to Chame (8,800ft)
Today is a long day of hiking. Most of the day there are views of Lamjung, Annapurna II and Annapurna IV. Camp is at Chame, the district head-quarters. Overnight Lodge. (All meals)
Day 07 - Chame to Pisang (10,500ft)
Todays highlight is the Paungda Danda rock face, an interesting and large rock slab. At our camp, Pisang peak (6,091m) looms over Pisang village. Overnight Lodge. (All meals)
Day 08 - Pisang to Manang (11,600ft)
Gangapurna from Manang (Photo: Peter Sidell)
Today, you will find yourself above tree-line. The mountain views from here are marvelous: Hiunchuli, Annapurna South, Annapurna I (8,091 , Annapurna III (7,555m) and Gangapurna (7,454m) are visible. Overnight Lodge. (All meals)
Day 09 - Manang (11,600ft)
Acclimatization day in Manang. Overnight Lodge. (All meals)
Day 10 - Manang to Yak Kharka (13,500ft)
A short day of 3 to 4 hours hiking to Yak Kharka. Overnight Lodge. (All meals)
Day 11 - Yak Kharka to Thorung Phedi (14,200ft)
Another short trek day of 3 hours to the base of the Thorung la pass. Overnight Lodge. (All meals)
Day 12 - Thorung Phedi to Muktinath
The day begins early with wake up call usually around 3:00 am. The steep ascent to the pass can take up to 5 or 6 hours. Then it is a long arduous descent to Muktinath. As you walk towards Muktinath, views of the Dhaulagiri massif dominate the horizon. Overnight Lodge. (All meals)
Day 13 - Contingency day
Contingency day for health or weather delays. If this day is not required, you can make a side trip to Kagbeni - the gateway to Lo in Mustang. Overnight Lodge. (All meals)
Day 14 - Muktinath to Jomsom
Thini village near Jomsom (Photo: Jenny)
Descend to Jomsom. Overnight Lodge. (All meals)
Day 15 - Jomsom to Pokhara
Fly from Jomsom to Pokhara. Day free in Pokhara. Overnight Hotel Fairmount. (Breakfast and Dinner)
Day 16 - Pokhara to Kathmandu
After breakfast, fly to Kathmandu. Sightseeing in Kathmandu. Farewell dinner in Kathmandu. Overnight Hotel Tibet. (Breakfast and Dinner)
Day 17 - Kathmandu to home
After breakfast, transfer to Tribhuvan International Airport for your final departure. (Breakfast)
Full circuit extension
Day 15 - Jomsom to Kalopani
Longish day from Jomsom to Kalopani. Overnight Lodge. (All meals)
Day 16 - Kalopani to Tatopani
Dhaulagiri (Photo: Jenny)
Descend to Tatopani. Overnight Hotel Lodge. (Breakfast and Dinner)
Day 17 - Tatopani to Ghorepani
Long uphill day from Tatopani to Ghorepani. Start early to avoid the effects of the sun. Overnight Lodge. (All meals)
Day 18 - Ghorepani to Ulleri
Early morning, hike to Pun Hill for sunrise. After breakfast, descend to Ulleri. Overnight Lodge. (All meals)
Day 19 - Ulleri to Pokhara
Descend from Ulleri to Nayapul. Board a chartered vehicle to Pokhara. Evening free in Pokhara. Overnight Hotel Fairmount. (Breakfast and Lunch)
Day 20 - Pokhara to Kathmandu
After breakfast, fly to Kathmandu. Sightseeing in Kathmandu. Farewell dinner in Kathmandu. Overnight Hotel Tibet. (Breakfast and Dinner)
Day 21 - Kathmandu to home
After breakfast, transfer to Tribhuvan International Airport for your final departure. (Breakfast)
Price includes:
- Expert pre-trip advice and detailed information
- Expert trip leadership and motivated staff who are provided adequate equipment; Staff Insurance (Read about our “Redifining staff care” initiative)
- All airport transfers
- Two full days sightseeing in Kathmandu as indicated in the itinerary including entrance fees to monuments
- 4 nights twin sharing accommodation at Hotel Tibet (3 star) in Kathmandu; 1 night twin sharing accommodation at Hotel Fairmount (1 star) in Pokhara.
- Chartered transfer: Kathmandu to Besi Sahar
- Airfare: Jomsom – Pokhara – Kathmandu
- Meals as indicated in the itinerary
- Lodge accommodations on the trek
- Rooms with attached bathroom in Manang and Jomsom
- Three meals a day - you choose from a menu
- Boiled water for your bottles three times a day
- Guide and staff wages, equipment and meals
- Guide and staff insurance
- Annapurna Conservation Area Fee
Price does not include:
- Your international airfare
- Nepal Visa (Can be obtained on arrival at the Kathmandu airport)
- Meals not indicated in the itinerary
- Tips and Gratuities
- Personal equipment (a suggested list will be mailed to you)
- Your travel insurance (Required)
- And other expenses of a personal nature
TO BOOK THIS TRIP:
A completed reservation form must be either faxed to us or scanned and emailed as an attachment.
Email: info@crystalmountaintreks.com
Fax: 977 – 1- 4412647
You must also send us a non-refundable deposit of $500 per person. The deposit must be wired. We will refund up to $30 to cover your wire expenses. Wire details will be provided. The balance of the amount must be paid on arrival, either in traveler’s checks, cash or by credit card (visa only).
Download reservation form (Word)»
Cancellation policy:
- Cancel 30 days prior to the beginning of the trip, deposit valid for any trip undertaken within a year with us in Nepal, Tibet, Bhutan and India.
- Cancel anytime prior to the beginning of the trip, forfeit trip deposit.
- No refunds once trek begins.
Trek Rating:
This trek is rated strenuous but is moderately paced. The trek involves daily hiking of between 5-8 hours but the entire trek involves lots of up and down. Highest altitude reached is 17,700 ft. and highest camp is at around 14,000 ft. While the trek requires good physical fitness and involves walking through rocky terrain and landslides, no technical climbing experience is required nor do you have to be a very experienced hiker.
References:
Crystal Mountain organizes treks and tours in Nepal, India, Bhutan and Tibet for hundreds of satisfied travelers each year. Feel free to ask us for a list of references who can tell you about their experience with us.
WHY BOOK WITH CRYSTAL MOUNTAIN?:
There are over 500 and counting trekking companies in Nepal. We are aware that you have lots of options. But, we believe there are reasons we stand out from our competitors. We've listed some here...
Other Treks in the Annapurna region:
2010:
- Spring time in the Annapurnas with the Sierra Club (linked to the Sierra Club website; opens as a new window)
- Annapurna Sanctuary Lodge Trek with the Sierra Club (linked to the Sierra Club website; opens as a new window)
- Annapurna Sanctuary Trek
PRE AND POST TRIP EXTENSIONS:
Arriving early or leaving late? Nepal (and the region) has a lot to offer besides your main trip to Annapurna. Depending on the extra days you have and your budget, we would be glad to match you up with one of the following activities:
- Jungle experience in Chitwan National Park. (3 days or 4 days) - Package costs can range from US$ 200 per person (outside the park) to between US$ 350 to US$ 1,000 per person (inside the park depending on lodge chosen). Kathmandu to Chitwan airfare (US$ 90 approx) or vehicle transfer is extra.
- Rafting in Nepal – (2 to 5 days)
- Short visit to Bhutan - (5 to 7 days)
- Short visit to Tibet – (6 to 8 days)
- Short visit to India – (7 days)
Contact us for more details: info@crystalmountaintreks.com
QUESTIONS:
Email: info@crystalmountaintreks.com
Phone
Land Line: + 977 1 4416813
Mobile: + 977 98410-00724