Day 01 - Arrival at Kathmandu
After landing in Kathmandu, a representative from Adventure Steps will whisk you away to your hotel. Along with a welcome drink in the evening, you will be given a comprehensive briefing about your trek.
Day 02 - City sightseeing to UNESCO sites.
Today you will be taken on a full day of sightseeing to visit UNESCO World Heritage Sites like Kathmandu Durbar Square, Boudhanath, Swayambunath ( The Monkey Temple ) and Pashupatinath all within the Kathmandu Valley. A well versed tour guide will accompany you for a guided tour. The evening can be spent browsing and wandering around the vibrant streets of Thamel, its excellent restaurants and souvenir shops.
Day 03- Drive from Kathmandu to Besishahar ( 820 metres</strong> )
6 hour bus drive will take you to Besishahar and if you make it there by lunch time, you could hike to Bhulbule on the very day.
Day 04- Beshishahar – Bhulbule to Bahundanda ( 1270 meters ).
After crossing Bhulbule, the trek heads up along the east bank of the river. You will pass a deilightful 60 meter waterfall around which is surrounded by tropical trees named pandanus or screw pine. You will also encounter Langur monkeys frolicking in the trees. The trail leads you further to get stunning views of Mt. Manaslu and Ngadi Chuli. We will negotiate the Sisneri Khola ( river ) and pass a proposed power plant till we reach a Tibetan village. It is steep ascent through lush sub tropical forests and small villages till we make it Bahundanda ( 1270 m ). This settlement is located on a saddle of a long ridge.
Day 05- Bahundanda to Chamje ( 1410 m).
We will descend along steep path, coming across rice field terraces that look like amphitheatres. After traversing a ridge, we will find ourselves at the quaint village of Kanigaon ( 1170 m). The outer stretch of the village offers a spectacular view of a amazing waterfall across the Marshyangdi River. We trek through an undulating trail that passes rice fields and enchanting Tibetan villages. The trail now climbs up through rhododendron forest and leads us to Chamje.
Day 06- Chamje to Bagarchap ( 2160 m )
We will cross the east bank of the Marshyangdi and walk along side the river embankment. We will ascend and pass fields, bamboo and rhododendron forest high above the steep riverbank. Today is a fairly challenging hike past barley and potato fields to finally make it to Dharapani. Passing Dharapani, the broad trail traverses a spur. An hours walk takes us through rich forests of spruce, maple, hemlock, oak and blue pine. The path now enters the Manang region as our first Buddhist Monastery comes into view. There will be sightings of Annapurna II (7937 m ) and Lamjung Himal (6986 m ) at certain intervals.
Day 07 - Bagarchap to Chame (2710 m ).
Remaining on the south bank of the river, we ascend through forests to make it to Danaque (2210 m ) a valley dotted with apple orchards. We make a steep ascent through rhododendron forest . Following a mule track, we climb through fir forest and follows the river to the higher reaches of oak and maple forest. The gateway to Chame is adorned with a long wall with prayers wheels. Chame is the administrative headquarters of Manang District. One can get commanding views of Lamjung and Annapurna from here.
Day 08 - Chame to Pisang (3210 m ).
Todays hike takes you through forests at a long leisurely pace on a level plane. There is a distinct scent of the pine in the air as you negotiate a bend to be greeted by a impressive view of the rock face of Paungda Danda, a dramatic curved slab of rock. The trail ensues through the river valley offering breathtaking views of Pisang Peak and Annapurna II at Pisang. Pisang is the region of Upper Manang District.
Day 09 - Pisang to Manang.
The day takes you on a 6-7 hour trek on a high trail from Upper Pisang, entering pine groves and eventually opening up to a small and tranquil turquoise lake. The trail then traverses an enchanting village and also passing ornately painted Mandalas and water spouts with dragon heads. One will also encounter grazing yaks and a diversity of crop fields. The fairly large Tibetan habitation offers commanding views of Annapurna II, III and IV, Gangapurna and Tarkekang. Overnight stay at 3570 metres.
Day 10 - Day of Acclimatization
You will spending a second night in the Manang region to acclimatize to the higher elevations before go further up to Thorong La. The Himalayan Rescue Association will brief you on such issues. Relish the spectacular views of the Himalayas. One can also get splendid views of the blue glacial lake located at the base of the impressive Gangapurna ice fall and traditional stone buildings.
Day 11 - Manang to Chure Letdar (4250 metres ).
The trail makes a further ascent out of the Marshyangdi Valley and follows the valley north, passing through Goths as it gradually attains elevation. Leaving the larger trees behind you, the vegetation transforms into scrub juniper and alpine grass. A wonderful scene of grazing yaks unfold before your eyes. Excellent views of Annapurna III can be had.
Day 12 - Chure Letdar to Thorung Phedi ( 4400 metres ).
Leaving Chetdar, the route now ascends along the east bank of the Jarsang Khola ( River ), then climbs down and crosses a wooden bridge over a stream at 4310 m. You may chance to encounter the Blue Sheep and the elusive snow leopard. Himalayan griffons and migratory geese also circle overhead. Overnight at Phedi ( 4400 m )
Day 13 - Thorung Phedi to Muktinath ( 3800 m ).
Soon after departing Thorung Phedi, the climb is steep, negotiating moraines and following rocky ridges as it climbs to Thorung La Pass ( 5416 m ). You will see the long Great Barrier Ridge which is a Tibet like region of Manang as well as sighting the Annapurnas, Gangapurna and Khatung Khang (6484 m ) and its various glaciers. The trail crosses meadows as it steeply descends to Muktinath, a revered pilgrimage site for Buddhists and Hindus alike.
Day 14 - Muktinath to Marpha ( 2665 metres ).
After an interesting visit to the sacred temple and religious shrines of Muktinath, we will descend the steep and barren hillside and make our way to Kagbeni. Kagbeni is encapsulated in time and still retains a medieval character with its closely packed mud houses and dark caves and tunnels. It is situated at an auspicious confluence of rivers and is the gateway to Upper Mustang. The easy trek continues to a scenic and interesting old town and two monasteries, Dechen Ling and Tashi Lhankhang. Marpha is the original settlement of the ethnic Thakalis and has been the favourite of trekkers.
Day 15 - Marpha to Ghasa ( 2000 metres ).
The trail today traverses along the Kaligandaki River through a narrow gorge and passing through quaint Thakali villages. You come to the village of Ghasa which has its own distinct culture and ecology. The greenery and wide open spaces here punctuates the barren landscape of the region. Overnight stay at Ghasa.
Day 16 - Ghasa to Tato Pani ( 1180 metres ).
A pleasant day's along side the Kali Gandaki River and a steady descent as the vegetation transforms into sub-tropical species. The crossing of suspension bridges gives you a sense of true adventure and excitement. The trail leads to the world's deepest gorge and also an impressive and cascading waterfall. Overnight stay at Tato Pani and a chance to visit a mineral hot spring.
Day 17 - Tato Pani to Ghore Pani (2775 metres ).
We climb through thick moss laden rhododendron forest with various species of birds. Pass through numerous local villages. We walk along the Ghaja Khola. The trek to Ghore Pani is 7-8 hours.
Day 18 - Ghore Pani to Hile (1495 metres ).
An early wake up call takes us up to Poon Hill which is one of the most popular vantage points in Nepal to get a panoramic view of the glorious sunset on the Himalayas. We will get unobstructed views of Dhaulagiri (8167 m ), Tukuche Peak (6940 m ), Annapurna South, Annapurna I (8091 m ), Hiunchuli (6441 m ), Tarke Khang (7193 m ), Lamjung Himal (6986 m ), Machapuchhare or Mt. Fishtail (6997 m ), tent Peak and many more. Hike down back to Ghore Pani and after a rejuvenating breakfast start your trek downhill to Hile.
Day 19 - Hile to Pokhara.
We will head back to Birethanti via Nayapool as you walk through lush forest in the Modi River Valley. Walk past waterfalls with pools that will tempt you to take a plunge. Once back in Pokhara, an opportunity to explore Mahendra Cave, Davis Fall and the tranquil lakes of Pokhara. Overnight stay at a Pokhara hotel.
Day 20 - Drive to Kathmandu OR an Optional 25 minute flight.
A scenic drive back to Kathmandu alongside the winding rivers. Last minute souvenir hunting in Kathmandu and an evening to reflect on your Annapurna Round adventure. Or a 25 minute flight back to Kathmandu. Enjoy a wonderful evening with delcious local cuisine along with a cultural show.
Day 21 - Departure
We will see you off at the Tribhuvan International Airport on your departure to your home country.</p>
