Trip Introduction
Thorong-La pass trek is one of the most popular treks in the Annapurna region. It offers so much variety than most of the other trekking regions. The trek shows us many types of scenery that Nepal has to offer. There are spectacular views of the Annapurna, Dhaulagiri and Nilgiri ranges. Moreover, it provides an amazing variety of landscapes ranging from sub-tropical through alpine peaks to an arid semi-desert akin to Tibet.
The climax of the Annapurna circuit trek is crossing the iconic Thorong La Pass which is (5416m). After that you will take to one of the deepest gorges in the world. With the highest mountain views and that will be last a lifetime, you will not be disappointed. As we trek that you will pass through the huge river bank of Kali Gandaki and also stay in villages inhabited by many of Nepal’s different peoples, both Buddhist and Hindus. This trek is challenge for adventure lover.
The trek for the Annapurna circuit will ends in the second largest and most beautiful city of Pokhara. Pokhara is set around Fewa Lake and has many sightseeing opportunities. It is the perfect place to relax and recharge the batteries after many days trekking.
What's included
-
Three nights accommodation in a three star hotel in Kathmandu including breakfast. This will be for the two nights before trek and one night after trek. Two nights in a three star hotel in Pokhara.
-
All accommodation whilst on trek.
-
Private Vehicle Kathmandu to Bulbule.
-
Jomsom – Pokhara and Pokhara – Kathmandu Round Flight.
-
All domesticc airport taxes
-
You are able to choose any food, any tea and coffee from menu for breakfast, lunch and dinner.
-
Return transport to the beginning and end of the trek to Kathmandu.
-
Trekking Permits permit is needed.
-
An Annapurna conservation permit is also required for this area.
-
Trekking leader, guides accommodation and food.
-
Porter accommodation and wages while on trek.
-
Trekking Leader, guides and porters insurance.
-
An English speaking tour guide for Kathmandu sightseeing.
-
Sightseeing fee and guide fee.
-
Private transportation in Kathmandu including all airport arrivals and departures. This is also for the sightseeing tours.
-
All government taxes and service charge.
-
Medical Supplies (frist aid Kit).
What's excluded
-
Nepal visa.
-
International airfare.
-
Travel and rescue Insurance
-
Food in Kathmandu.
-
Extra night hotel accommodation in Kathmandu if arrive early or late departure.
-
All the hotel accommodation or meals in Kathmandu.( in the case return early from trek due to any reason)
-
Personal expenses( bar bills, coke, beer, bottle of water, phone call, laundry service etc.
-
Tips for guide porter.
-
Day 1
Arrival in Kathmandu (1300m).
Welcome to the country of Top of The World! As you arrive in Tribhuvan International Airport, our representatives will receive you and transfer to the hotel and check into the hotel there is time for a cup of tea, shower and then a chance to see the tourist district of Kathmandu by night as we go for dinner before an early night!
-
Day 2
Sightseeing in Kathmandu (1300m).
A day in Kathmandu where we will take you to Swayambhunath which is a Buddhist stupa and Monastery, which is over 2000 years old and one of the oldest in the world. Here is a great chance to see across the valleys, see some monkeys and begin to learn about this fascinating country. Painted on the four sides of the spire base are the all-seeing eyes of Lord Buddha. Next you will visit Kathmandu Durbar Square where you will see the Taleju Temple, built by King Mahendra Malla in 1549 A.D. Kal Bhairav, the God of destruction; so you will be able to feel the way of life of the people in the Kathmandu Valley. The afternoon will be spent getting for the trek and some time to relax and make sure all the kit and packing is complete. Also the first time you can go shopping which in Thamel is an adventure in itself!
-
Day 3
Kathmandu to Bhulbhule (850m) Time 6 to 7 hours.
We will leave the hustle and bustle of Kathmandu early and drive to Besi Sahar. We follow the Trisuli and Marshyandi Rivers, it is about a five hour drive and enables us to take in the changing scenery as we head to more rural areas.Once at Besi Sahar we will commence our trek and the valley becomes a deep gorge. WE continue the narrow trail and then reach a long suspension bridge and then reach a large village called Khuldi. We follow the road until we reach our our first overnight stop at Bhulbhule.
-
Day 4
Bhulbhule to Jagat (1300m) Trekking time 5 to 6 hours.
We continue northwards up through the valley crossing many of Nepal famous suspension bridges we are also rewarded with many waterfalls along the way. Along with scenic river views we of course have mountain views and the peak Lamjung (6000m). We will arrive at the village of Bahundanda where we will stop for lunch. We then descend down to the river and then we climb back up the west bank and to the top of the ridge. We cross another suspension bridge and reach the village of Sange. We continue our gradual climb up, sometimes on the road until we reach our home for the night at Jagat. 1300m.
-
Day 5
Jagat to Dharapani (1860m) Trekking time 5 to 6 hours.
We walk gradually up until to Chamge and will cross a suspension bridge. We then climb steeply for about 2 hours through rhododendron and pine forest. The valley now becomes more deep. We arrive at the borders of Manang district and from here we will enter the Manang district and we arrive at a small village which is the foot of a large waterfall.We continue onto Dharapani where we will spend the night.
-
Day 6
Dharapani to Chame (2600m) Trekking time 4 to 5 hours.
We leave Dharapani and we climb through the forest to Bagarchhap, this is the first village on the trek with typical Tibetan architecture. The trail is now heading west and we can see the Manaslu ranges and sometimes Annapurna 2. We continue through the forests and we will arrive at Chame (2600m) and our views of the mountains will become perfect.Here we will spend the night.
-
Day 7
Chame to Pisang (3200m) Trekking time 4 to 5 hours.
Today we will cross the river many times and we will pass through the narrow steep sided gorge nearing the village of Pisang (3200m). We climb up to the top of the ridge and here we will get our first views of the Manang valley. This is one of the best views of the trek.
-
Day 8
Pisang to Manag (3500m) Trekking time 4 to 5 hours.
Today we descend down through the valley and we follow the trail and arrive at the village of Manang (3500m).
-
Day 9
Acclimatisation at Manang (3500m).
An acclimatization day in Manang and we can spend the day enjoying the views and the impressive mountains of Annapurna 2 &3, Gangapurna, Tilicho and the Chulu west and east.
-
Day 10
Manang to Chulu Ledar (4200m) Trekking Time 5 hours.
We branch away from the Marshyandi Khola river and we climb steadly into an alpine region, we gradually climb up and we will be able to Yak Kharka, which is where the Yaks graze and we will have lunch there. We will then continue up to Chulu Ledar (4200m) where we arrive at our destination for the evening.
-
Day 11
Chulu ledar to Thorong High Camp (4500) Trekking time 3 -4 hours.
We will trek today to Throng High Camp which is at 4500m. From Chulu Ledar we will walk gradually down and cross the bridge and then we will climb up to Throng Pedi and we will have lunch here. After lunch we have a steep climb up for one and half hours to the High Camp. We spend the night at high camp, taking in the breathtaking views.
-
Day 12
High Camp to Muktinath (3710m) Trekking time 9-10 hours.
This is the hardest and longest day of the trek and although crossing of the pass is not technically difficult we take it at a slow and steady pace. After about 4 hours we reach the top (5416m) and enjoy the stunning views and the high Himalayan scenery. We can see the whole Annapurna range in the south, the Mukeak and the Mustang Himal to the west.The descent is steep and rough so again we take our time and this also allows us to take in the views of the Dhaulagiri range which we can soon see.We arrive at Muktinath where we will rest and spend the night.
-
Day 13
Muktinath to Jomsom (2743m) Trekking Time 4-5 hours.
The final day trekking today will be to Jonsom, we descend through the valley and it is the worlds deepest gorge, the river name is Kaligandaki. We arrive at Jonsom and we spend the night.
-
Day 14
Jomsom to Pokhara (900m) 35 minute flight.
Fly from Jonsom to Pokhara. The rest of the day can be spent in Pokhara resting and enjoying the city.
-
Day 15
Sightseeing in Pokhara (900m)
We spend the day together in Pokhara and will take boats across the lake. Here we will walk up to the World Peace Stupa. Where we can see all the mountains and the city of Pokhara. It is a very interesting place and a chance to learn about Buddhism. After this we will walk back down the other side and then there is a chance to visit the Mountaineering Museum if the group would like to.Evening will be spent in Pokhara.
-
Day 16
Pokhara to Kathmandu (1300m)
We catch the bus back to Kathmandu. Arrive into Kathmandu about 3pm where we will go to the hotel. After this you are free for shopping and dinner.
-
Day 17
Fly Back To Home
Extra days are available at your own cost but we will be happy to arrange this for you.
FLIGHT CONDITION
For the Annapurna Circuit Regin Treks, you will be flying from Jomsom to Pokhara and then at the end of the trek, you will need to do the return flight. This flight is very weather dependent and can be delayed or cancelled at short notice if the weather is not suitable for this mountain flight. At Top of the World Treks, we will do our best to manage this situation and if your flight is cancelled we will do all we can to get you on the next available flight. It maybe is possible for a helicopter to be charted but this will be at an extra cost and up to the group at the time. We plan extra days into our itineraries in case this happens but you are also welcome to plan extra days if you wish.
IMPORTANT NOTE
Please be aware that your safety while in Nepal is our number one propriety. All itineraries are subject to change if there are safety concerns, health concerns of people in the group and/or weather concerns. This will be decided by the trek leader but we will always discuss the options with the group where possible to ensure peoples wishes are taken into account, however, the Treks leader decision is final.
Book our fixed departures
Equipments
1. Equipment Check – List
What clothing and equipment to take is one of the things that people worry the most about! We can advise you and help you and it does of course depend on the time of year, the area, the altitude and how many days you are trekking/climbing. When you arrive in Kathmandu we will go through all your equipment to ensure that it is correct for your trip. In Thamel (the tourist area of Kathmandu where you will be staying) there is an abundance of shops seeling equipment and clothing so if anything is forgotten it can easily be sourced.It is also possible to hire climbing equipment and also items such as down jackets, and sleeping bags saving you a large purchase.
The following equipment list is suggested and necessary for both camping and tea house treks. Use this list as a guide line.The basic check list should help you with your packing for any of our trips. Please remember that you should always try to keep the weight of your clothing equipment down to a minimum. Your packed trek bag, should weight no more than 15kg. Please remember this is just a check list and you do not necessarily need to bring everything that is listed bellow.
2. GENERAL CHECK – LIST
The following basic check list should help you with your packing for any of our trips. Please remember that you should always try to keep the weight of your clothing equipment down to a minimum. Your packed trek bag, should weight no more than 15 kilograms. Please remember this is just a check list and you do not necessarily need to bring everything that is listed bellow. Use your own experience and judgment to make your decision.
-
-
- Light and expedition weight thermal tops.
- Fleece jacket or pullover.
- fleece wind –stopper Jacket (optional)
- Waterproof sheel jacket (preferably breathable fabric)
- Lightweight thermal gloves.
- Underwear (4)
- Shorts (2)
- Lightweight cotton long trousers / pants .
- Light and expedition weight thermal bottoms.
- Sun hat or Scarf.
- Warm fleece hat or light balaclava.
- T- shirt (2)
- Thin, light weight (inner socks) (4).
- Sunglasses with UV protection.
- Sleeping bag rated to 0 degrees ¾ season
- Head lamp (eg petzl) Spare bulbs and batteries.
- Small padlock to lock trek bag.
- Basic first aid kit(see First aid medicine bellow)
- Plastic bags –for keeping items dry inside trek bag.
- Daypack ( 35 to 40 litters/ 2500 to 3000 cubic inches.)
- Camping mattress, eg thermarest pad.
- Water bottles.
- Tolietries.
- Small wash towel.
- Footwear appropraite to the trip.
- Waterproof shell trousers / pants. (Preferably berathable fabric)
-
3. TREKKING CHECK LIST
In addition to the items listed in our general check list you will need to take the following on your trekking trip:
-
-
- Heavyweight gloves or mittens with a waterproof sheel outer.
- Down vest and/ or jacket (optional).
- Fleece or wool trousers/ pants.
- Trekking/ hiking boods with spare laces.
- Thick, warm wool hiking socks (4)
- Footwear for around camp, eg running shoes and /or sandals.
- Gaiters (optional).
- Telescopic trekking/ ski poles (optional)
-
4. MOUNTAINERING / CLIMBING CHECK LIST
In addition to the checklists for general trekking equipment above, and depending on the trip you have chosen, various items of mountaineering equipment may also be required, eg:
-
-
- Plastic boots and crampons (preferably step – in bindings ) with front points.
- Mountaineering Safety harness.
- Mountaineering Ice axe(60 to 75 cms long – depending on your height and personal preference).
- 120 cms (4ft) climbing sling and to locking and unlocking caravines.
- Telescopic ski – sticks (optional).
- Prussik loops .
- Climbing helmet (optional).
- Jumer (Ascender & Descender).
- Pocket Knife.
- Head lamp.
- Mattress.
- Rope and Snow bars.
- Ice crew.
- High altimeter.
-
Most if not all of this equipment will be needed for any trip that crosses steep, snow – covered ground, or which includes sections of glacier travel. Our recommendation that you take no more than fifteen kilos of trekking equipment dose not include your plastic boots, ice axe , Crampons ot herness/ carabiners . During the trek, climbing hard wear will be carried separately from your personal trek bag, in group bags untill needed.
5. EQUIPMENT RENTAL
In order to minimize your expense outlay for trekking and climbing equipment you may never use again, equipmeent rental and buying is possible in Kathmandu. You find them lot cheaper than you find in europe and in Usa. Shops in Thamel offer a wide range of equipment available for rent and buy. Here is some cost which give you an aidea of the cost to rent in Kathmandu.
-
-
- Sleeping bags.
- Down Jackets.
- All purpose mountaineering Ice axe (60 – 70 cms)
- Ice hummer.
- Climbing Harness .
- 2 looking Carabiners , Climbing Sling.
- 12 – point Crampons.
- Plastic Climbing boots.
- Helmet.
-
6. FIRST AID MEDICINE
-
- Bandage for Sprains.
- Plaster/ Band- aids.
- Iodine or Water filter(optional)
- Moleskin/ Second skin – for blisters.
- Antiseptic ointment for cuts.
- Anti- bacterial throat lozenges (with antiseptic)
- Aspirin/ paractamol- general painkiller.
- Oral rehydration salts.
- Broad – spectrum antibiotic (norfloxacin or ciprofloxin).
- Anti – diarrhea medication (antibiotic).
- Diarrhea stopper (Imodium – optional)
- Antibiotic for Giardia or similar microbe or bacteria.
- Diamox (Altitude sickness – can be bought in Kathmandu.
- Sterile Syringe set (anti-AIDS precaution).
- For more details please see our staying healthy topic.