The trek goes through Thorang-La Pass-5416m, between two valleys of Manang and Kaligandaki River gorge (the deepest gorge of the world). Above combinations make this trek one of the most famous in Nepal. It shows diverse culture, nature and traditional values.
Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP)
ACAP was established in 1986 under the guidance of the King Mahendra Trust for Nature Conservation. The project encompasses the entire Annapurna range, more than 7600 sq km. In an innovative approach to environmental protection, it was declared a "conservation area" instead of a national park. A large number of people live within the protected region, but traditional national park practices dictate that few, if any, people reside within park boundaries. In an effort to avoid any conflicts of interest, ACAP has sought the involvement of local people and has emphasized environmental education.
ACAP projects include the training of lodge owners, with an emphasis on sanitation, deforestation and cultural pride. They have trained trekking lodge operators and encouraged hoteliers to charge a fair price for food and accommodation. ACAP encourages the use of kerosene for cooking throughout the region, and requires its use above Chhomrong in the Annapurna Sanctuary and on the route between Ghandruk and Ghorapani. ACAP is supported by a "conservation fee" of Rs 650 that is collected from all trekkers who obtain trekking permits for the Annapurna region.
ACAP has encouraged the construction of toilets throughout the area; use them no matter how disgusting they are. ACAP has also made provision for the supply of kerosene in those parts of the conservation area where the use of firewood by both trekking groups and hotels is prohibited.
Arrival in Kathmandu, capital of Nepal. Meeting at the airport, transfer to hotel. Walk around the city. We recommend a walk through the old town, walk around Durbar Square, watch the new Royal Palace, Parliament, and numerous temples.
Drive: Kathmandu to
Dharapani (1995m) you start the journey into the hills through the winding
roads along the Trishuli River. En route, you will see more of the countryside
of Nepal that offers greenery, rivers, villages, farms, and beautiful mountain
scenarios. Upon arrival at Mugling, we head along the road toward Pokhara. You will
be leaving the highway to Pokhara at Dumre and head north to Besisahar. Then take
a drive to Dharapani.
You will be taking a drive
from Dharapani to Pisang via chame. You can see the beautiful coniferous
forest. On the left are the summit of Lamjung Himal (6,893 m) and the spurs of
Annapurna (v. Annapurna-2 (7,937 m) and Annapurna-4 (7,525 m). All along the
way, people admire the peaks of Lamjung, Annapurna-2, Annapurna-4, and on the
right side of the valley with Pisang peak (6095 m). The road with descents and
ascents roads through the coniferous forest leads to a wide valley to Pisang.
This is a plateau zone, waterfalls, Annapurna glaciers. Pisang is already a
Tibetan village. On the other side of the hill is an old Buddhist s Ram, the
first big on our way.
You will have disjunctures of two routes that you follow. If you take the upper route (Himalayan
Glacier recommends), i.e., the route through Upper Pisang via Geru, you will
have outstanding sceneries. You will feel like you are horizontally in front of
the majestic peaks. The panoramic views of the mountain peaks, such as
Annapurna, Pisang peak, and several others will allure everyone. You will
experience a contrast with the landscape and vegetation from today. On the way,
the cold and dry climate creates a much harsher environment. Our short visit to
Barge monastery, the largest in the entire district of Manang will be
memorable. Overnight at Manang.
Today is the scheduled
acclimatization day. It is not recommended to stay idle but a short walk to a higher
altitude is suggested to get acclimatized with the altitude. The upcoming next
two days will be a very challenging and tiring trek for us with rapid gain in
altitude. We should never be confident with the altitude and always be
cautious. Bhojo Gompa or Gangapurna Lake is worth visiting sites from an acclimatization
point of view. Further, you can pay an easy excursion to a little distance away
to a village called Braga, upon where we will be at a village's monastery. At
this site, you can also visit the Himalayan Rescue Association where you can
get some ideas about Mountain Sickness. Overnight at Manang.
After acclimatization day
at Manang you continue your adventure for Shree kharka, from Manang one heada
out through the western gates, and then follows the path down to the river.
After crossing the Khangsar Khola on the
bridge below Khangsar and ascending the slope to the village, a village still
in the old Tibetan style and which is also known as the last village of Nepal.
Continue from Khangsar on a large path. Pass a Gompa (monastery). The route
ahead goes on a recently constructed path up towards a high ridge. At one point
is an intersection. One path maintains the altitude, traversing the slopes
towards a place where the valley is narrow; the other continues to ascend
towards the line of the ridge. Hiking further uphill we reach our destination
for today Shree Kharka.
The trail to the Base camp of Tilicho isn’t very strenuous physically,
it is a smooth walk. Continuing along the path, you will reach a high crest,
and descend on switchbacks carved out through the screed slopes to a side
valley of the main valley. At its bottom is a brook. On the other side of it is
a building known as Tilicho Base Camp at an elevation of 4200 meters.
Today your journey starts
early in the morning around 6 AM as you try to avoid the wind. From Base camp
to the Tilicho lake takes another 3-4 hours. Tilicho Lake is a cold barren
place in the afternoon and is claimed as the highest lake in the world. After
we spend some time around Tilicho Lake we will return the same way back to Shree
kharka.
The trail crosses a stream, climbs to a village of Tenki above Manang, and then continues to climb out of the Marshyangdi Valley turning northwest up the valley of Jarsang Khola. The trail follows this valley northward, passing a few pastures, a scrub of juniper trees, as it steadily gains elevation. Little but Gradual ascent is the key to avoiding altitude problems. Overnight at Yak Karka.
You make your way to the foot of the pass, Throng Phedi today. Thorong
Phedi is a small busy settlement catering to the needs of tired trekkers and
climbers. Trekkers like us use this point as a base camp. Some visitors also
attempt a hike to the High Camp today so that the next day can be easier for
them. But, our team leader does not advise for this. Although you will have a
tough day tomorrow, you stop at Thorong Phedi so that you can sleep sound
rather than a risky sleep at a higher altitude at High Camp.
You reach the climax of
our Annapurna circle trek today. It will be a lifetime unforgettable
experience- crossing the famous high pass, Thorong La (5416m/17764ft). An early
start is important to complete the mission. You will have to work hard today
through the icy high-altitude trail. But the outstanding high Himalayan scenes
are such tempting that our eyes love to watch more over the horizon than on our
trail. Upon setting sun you will be at Muktinath. Muktinath is an important
pilgrimage site for both Hindus and Buddhists. The area hosts a Vishnu temple
and a Monastery nearby. Muktinath itself demonstrates the religious harmony in
Nepal. Overnight at Muktinath.
In the morning, you can visit Muktinath temple which is a very crucial and sacred place for both Hindus and Buddhists. Then you will take a drive to Jomsom. Jomsom is a large town with many facilities, it is also a headquarter and official town for the whole Mustang district where all the government offices are available for local people in Mustang.
After you reach Jomsom,
you will be taking a flight from Jomsom airport to Pokhara which is
approximately 35 minutes flight. You can enjoy the fresh bustling city of
Pokhara.
You will be taking a morning flight
from Pokhara to Kathmandu in the morning. Our representative will be waiting
for you at the airport and will assist you to the hotel. You will have some
free time in the evening, which you can utilize by traveling to must-visit
places in Kathmandu, going shopping, or just enjoying your much-deserved rest
at the hotel.
The trip ends today. Our company’s
representative will assist you to the airport on your scheduled flight.
TIMS (Trekkers' Information Management System) Card.
Annapurna Conservation Fee.
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