| ANNAPURNA CIRCUIT | ||
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Trek Grade: Moderate-Challenging
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Duration: 22 days
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| Beginning at Besisahar and ending at Pokhara, the Annapurna Circuit is a sacredpilgrimage for the trekking faithful and a trip to remember for a lifetime. The walk takes you up Kali GandakiGorge (the deepest in the world), over the Thorung-La Pass (5416m) across the dry Tibetan plateau 'behind' the Himalayaand back to the green forests of your starting point. The Annapurna Circuit offers the ultimate in variety of terrain and cultural diversity. Taking off from the lush rhododendron forests and terraced rice paddies of the mid-hills, the route follows the Kali Gandaki upriver with Dhaulagiri (8167m) to the left and Annapurna I (8091m) to the right to the dry Tibetan plateau. Gurung and Magar villages give way to settlements resembling old Tibet. The landscape changes from thick greenery to bare rock and windswept plains. The way up the Kali Gandaki Gorge follows the ancient trade route to Tibet. On leaving the Thakali village of Tukuche (2590m), a dramatic change occurs in the vegetation, from pine and conifer forests to dry and desert-like terrain. Marpha is another important Thakali village of flat-roofed houses and narrow stone-paved alleys. Further up the trail, the Tibet-like country north of the Himalaya is a magical experience - bizarre rock formations carved out by the wind, vertical rock faces pockmarked with cave dwellings and high-altitude turquoise lakes. Muktinath (4100m) is a highly revered Buddhist and Hindu pilgrimage spot. Traversing over the Thorung-La Pass, the highest point on the trail, is an intense experience of accomplishment. |
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| Following the course of the Marsyangdi River, the trek ends at Pokhara. Bird-watchers will alsofind the trek most interesting (there are over 800 species in Nepal). White-capped river chats, redstarts, little forktails, whistling thrushes Camp at Muktinath (3750m) and large pied kingfishers crisscross the skies. | ||
| ITINERARY | ||
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Day 1-2
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Arrive in Kathmandu - Transfer to Hotel - Welcome dinner. Full day sightseeing tour around ancient Stupas , Temples & Palaces of Kathmandu. | |
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Day 3-12
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Drive to Besishar - Manang - Acclamatise at Manang - Letdhar - Thorung Phedi. | |
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Day 13
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Cross Throng La Pass (5416m) & reach Muktinath (3750m) | |
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Day 14
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Rest / Extra day | |
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Day 15
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Marpha (2665m) via Jomosm (2713m) | |
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Day 16-19
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Kalopani(2560m) - Tatopani -Ghorepani (2853m) - Birethanti | |
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Day 20
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Drive to Pokhara. Explore the Town of Pokhara. Overnight Hotel. | |
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Day 21
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Drive to Kathmandu - Transfer to hotel -Evening on own. | |
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Day 22
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Trip ends after Breakfast. Transfer to international airport for departure. | |