Annapurna Semi Circuit Trek via Thorong La Pass – 21 Days

Kathmandu valley is a small city comprising of 3 districts in Nepal but full of world heritage sites. Our
representatives will be welcoming you with their warm greetings on the airport and will transfer you to the
desired hotel in Kathmandu. You will be having plenty of rest on this day as well as will be preparing for
tomorrow’s journey onwards.

We will be taking an early drive from Kathmadnu to Khudi [850 meters] which is the starting point of our
trek. After reaching the beautiful city of Besisahar [823 meters], we will be heading towards Khudi which
will take us approximately 30 minutes. On the drive of approximately 8 hours; we will be observing a range of mountain peaks but from a bit far which will be coming closer in further days. We will have our overnight stay at a Guest house in Khudi.

The 2200 meters Sirung is reachable after a hike of 5 to 6 hours. We will be crossing a few suspension
bridges, waterfalls as well the mountain’s views will be more detailed as we come closer to Manasalu then
before. We will be enjoying home stay at Sirung which is a settlement of Tamang people. Views of Nadi
Chuli and Manasalu can be observed from Sirung as well as we will be enjoying the cultural programs
offered by local people here at Sirung.

The trail leading all the way through the bank of Marshyangdi River will lead us to a stone village of Jagat
where we will be having lunch and will trek up to Chamje for overnight stay. Today’s walk will be for about 4 to 5 hours and we will reach the maximum altitude at Chamje at 1425 meters where we could also enjoy
the spectacular waterfall.

We will again be hiking following the Marshyangdi River to Tal (16750) meters where a large waterfall can
be observed in a small village as we enter the Manang District. Today’s day is spent on crossing a flat
valley as well as climbing a stone stairway up to 1860 meters before we reach our resting point at
Dharapani 1930 meters after a walk of 5 to 6 hours. We will be staying at a tea house in Dharapani.

Today our destination is Chame (2660 meters) and also headquarter for Manang District. We will continue our journey through the Tamang village at 2360 meters to the fine pine forest all the way to Chame at 2660 meters. We will be observing the miraculous views of Annapurna II and Lamjung Himal from Chame. We will be exploring the market as well as taking a natural hot spring bath in the evening and have our overnight stay at a tea house.

On this day we are crossing the Marshyangdi River and continue our trek through beautiful pine and
spruce forest and finally, the trek will end at Pisang a village at 3185 meters of height. We will stay
overnight at a tea house in Pisang after a 4 to 5 hours of walk. We will be observing the views of Mt.
Annapurna all the way on our trekking.

Actually, there are two routes from Pisang to Manang (3480m) but you can choose anyone of them
because both are similar in providing you the best views. We will be moving from the lower route as other
route is called upper route; which will take us to Hume and Braga village where there is a 600 years old
monastery, as well as Tibetan styled houses, can be seen here. We will be reaching the Beautiful village of
Manang after our 4 to 5 hours walk from Pisang where we will have our overnight stay at a tea house.

We will be spending one more day strolling around the village of Manang and interacting with the local
peoples. Staying one more day will help us adjust our body to the altitude. The excellent views seen from
here of Annapurna Mountains as well as Gangapurna Lake will certainly make you excited. We will stay
overnight at a tea house in Manang.

A 5-hour walk runs eastwards from Manang (altitude: 3540 m) to Shree Kharka (altitude: 4050 m), taking a quieter and scenic route up to Tilicho Lake. The trail ascends gradually through alpine scrub and rocky terrain while providing panoramic views of Annapurna III, Gangapurna, and Tilicho Peak. After being on the trail for around two hours, you will reach Khangsar, a traditional village in that area, and you can stop for tea there while enjoying the ambiance. Then you continue on a much steeper and narrower trail past prayer flags and a monastery. The landscape gets barren at the ascent, and in another couple of hours, you arrive at Shree Kharka-an invulnerably situated small ridge-top hamlet carrying with it a few basic lodges and awe-inspiring mountain views. It is a less-traveled alternative to the main circuit.

From Shree Kharka, the trek goes through a stark rocky terrain at times unstable due to landslides, offering some magnificent views of Gangapurna and Tilicho Peak. The trail, narrow and hugging steep hillsides along the way, takes a slow descent followed by a climb again to reach Tilicho Base Camp (4,150 m), a small cluster of lodges enveloped in lofty peaks

Before dawn, rise for the steep but immensely rewarding ascent to Tilicho Lake (4,919 m), the highest glacial lake of its category in the world. With the lake’s turquoise hues against the backdrop of snow-clad mountains, the view is mesmerizing. After being in awe of the scenery for a while, descend carefully back to Base Camp, passunder Shree Kharka again, and join the main Annapurna Circuit trail at Yak Kharka for the night

Keep ascending gently through high alpine meadows and barren slopes. Pass Ledar, then cross a suspension bridge, followed by negotiating a steep section of loose rocks until you arrive at Thorong Phedi (4,450 m), the last place where you can stay before the pass. Maybe a little push for the strong trekkers to go for Thorong High Camp (4,880 m) so that the next morning could be an easier start.

Start very early to do the longest and toughest day of the trek. The ascent to Thorong-La Pass (5,416 m) is slow and steep but offers magnificent panoramic views. After celebrating at the pass, descend unrelentingly on switchbacks towards the Mustang region to arrive at the sacred pilgrimage town of Muktinath (3,800 m) by late afternoon or evening.

After offering prayers at the sacred temples of Muktinath, walk down through the dry, sun-scorched landscapes of Mustang to the ancient village of Kagbeni, where Tibetan culture thrives amidst stone houses and narrow alleys.

Follow the Kali Gandaki river valley through open, windy terrain towards Jomsom (2,720 m). It will take about 5-6 hrs to decend. You can experience the beauty and hospitality of Jomsom with senic mountain views.

After your trek has been completed, you will have the option to take a scenic bus or jeep ride from jomsom to Pokhara. Along the drive, you will have the opportunity to see that the bus jor jeep rides through the dramatic Kali Gandaki gorge. While it is descending from the dry Mustang region towards Pokhara, you will be able to see the lush greenery and vegetation of the small villages, and therissed vales and waterfalls. Once you reach Pokhara, check in to yoru hotel by Phewa Lake and make sure to rest, enjoy a hot shower, and feast on some food. You can spend the evening walking at the lakeside and can embrace the dynamic while casual atmosphere which the city offers.

This day is marked for rest. There are numerous things you can do such as swimming by the lake, going on a boat ride, or trying the cappuccino or the many coffee shops present by the lake. For those willing to spend a bit of energy, you can visit world famous peace pagoda, davi falls and for a sunrise view of a hike to sarankot. Out of all these, the most important thing is to make sure that you are relaxing for the rest of the day. Utilize this day to relish the charm of Pokhara before making your onward journey back home.

After a wonderful time in and around Pokhara, today after breakfast you will transfer to the tourist bus station for day countryside drive back to Kathmandu. Stay overnight at hotel
Note: You can fly to Pokhara which takes 35min.

Soak up all the Himalayan culture you can; after all you have earned it. On this day you can rest, ponder and reflect on all the good things in life. While in the city, you can go for shopping in Thamel, purchase some souvenirs, rest in parks, Sutras or peace gardens. The best part is that you can enjoy walking or resting in the serene disabled squares and temples too. This is a great way to end a your long pilgrimage journey

Today timely pick you up from your hotel and transfer to the International airport for your next destination or join another activity with us