Around Annapurna trek
HALF TOUR OF AROUND ANNAPURNA
Designed for those with time constraints, this is a shortened version of the Great Annapurna Trek. Although condensed, the trip still offers magnificent views of the entire Annapurna range. It is still a 17- day trek in the Himalayas!
ANNAPURNA CIRCUIT IN SHORT VERSION
‘Half’ may be a misnomer as it is still a great adventure and still more than two weeks on the trail. From Besisahar, we gradually climb up towards Manang walking through the Marsyangdi valley, going from sub-tropical to the more arid landscapes at 3000 m and higher. As we climb higher, we come across Brahman, Gurung and Tibetan villages. Prayer flags flutter in the wind, a sure sign of Buddhist inhabitants. As we progress, we begin to see Himalayan peaks such as Manaslu, Annapurna II, III, IV, Gangapurna and more. After crossing the Thorong-La (pass), at 5,400m, we enter the lower Mustang valley. You notice dramatic landscape changes: the valley is wider, the land more arid, the mineral colors of the rocks turn from ocher to red, to green. Stark, simple villages such as Jharkot and Kagbeni punctuate the barren frontier. Fly back to Pokhara for rest and recuperation is a relaxed atmosphere.
- Diversity of landscapes and ethnic groups.
- Trek across the Thorung La (5,400m).
- The Manangi and Thakali villages of Ngawal, Jharkot & Lupra.
Gallery
Itinerary
For your next trek with us in the Himalayas, travel light and aware: Base Camp offers you a biodegradable soap made in Nepal, to leave no trace ...
Arrival in Kathmandu, transfer to hotel.
- Meals on your own
- Accommodation: Hotel
- Duration of drive: 6 hours on the highway and 4 hours track
- Accommodation: Lodge
Climb steeply up a trail to reach Timang. Walkthrough a beautiful pine forest.
- Ascent: + 900 m
- Descent: - 150 m
- Duration of hike: 5 hr
- Accommodation: Same as the previous day
- Ascent: +750 m
- Duration of hike: 5 hr
- Accommodation: Same as the previous day
We now reach the upper Marsyangdi valley at high altitude, north of Annapurna II, III, IV, Gangapurna and Mt. Tilicho. If weather permits, we visit the Pisang monastery. In the afternoon, we arrive at Ngawal, an old Tibetan village known for its monastery, its chortens, and above all, for its fantastic view of the Annapurnas II, III, IV, Gangapurna and Mount Tilicho.
- Ascent: +400 m
- Descent: -100 m
- Duration of hike: 4 hr
- Accommodation: Same as the previous day
Along the way, we find ourselves overlooking the Manang valley, then reach the bottom of the valley at Mungji and Braga, beautiful villages of Tibetan traditions; and visit a 500-year-old monastery. We finally reach Manang.
- Ascent: +150 m
- Descent: -250 m
- Duration of hike: 4 to 5 hr
- Accommodation: Same as the previous day
Today’s hike is along the Marsyangdi river, ascending to Khangsar, the last village of the region. We stop for lunch and rest; then continue walking on the mountainside to get to Tilicho Base Camp.
- Ascent: +700 m
- Descent: -50 m
- Duration of hike: 5 hr
- Accommodation: Same as the previous day
It’s a pleasant climb by the moraines to reach Tilicho Lake, one of the highest lakes in the world at around 5000m. Tilicho Lake is formed by glacial meltwaters accumulated from the entire northern Annapurna. The lake is a Hindu pilgrimage site mentioned in the Ramayana. Spectacular views of the Annapurna ice walls and the Tilicho peak (7,134 m). The lakefront which gets a burst of colorful, wildflowers during spring and summer, is ideal for camping.
- Ascent: +700 m
- Duration of hike: 5 hr
- Accommodation: Same as the previous day
From Tilicho Lake we descend and then climb up again to reach Letdar.
- Ascent: +500 m
- Descent: -500 m
- Duration of hike: 5 hr
- Accommodation: Same as the previous day
We walk along gradual but often steep slopes to reach High Camp. Afternoon Free or go for a walk.
- Ascent: +600 m
- Duration of hike: 4 hr
- Accommodation: Same as the previous day
We start climbing up early in the morning and reach the Thorong La (Pass) in about 3 ½ hr. Then we negotiate a steep descent to Muktinath. This is the first village we encounter in Mustang district, a religious pilgrimage site for Buddhists and Hindus. We visit the famous Muktinath temple which attracts Buddhist, Hindu and Bob pilgrims. We walk on to Jharkot, and overnight in this gorgeous traditional village.
- Ascent: +600 m
- Descent: -1800 m
- Duration of hike: 8 hr
- Accommodation: Same as the previous day
We first climb up to reach a short, wild pass, then descend (occasionally steep) down to the Bönpo village of Lupra. We then follow the Kali Gandaki’s windy banks till we come upon the Thakali village of Jomsom.
- Ascent: 400 m
- Descent: 1200 m
- Duration of hike: 5 hr
- Accommodation: Same as the previous day
*NB: Alternate trail, same duration but less difficult, via Kagbeni at the gates of Mustang.
Flight over the mountains from Jomsom to Pokhara. Transfer to your hotel. Free day at Lakeside, Pokhara.
- Meals on your own
- Accommodation: Hotel
- Accommodation: Hotel Holy Himalaya in BB or similar
Meal self
Transfer to TIA (Kathmandu Airport) for your return flight.
End of our services.
Notes
- In Kathmandu, we use hotels of good category *** well located in the centre of Kathmandu.
- The stay in Kathmandu is always done in B&B to give you your choice of restaurants that offer you traditional and continental cuisine according to your choices.
- During the trek, you will be in full board and accommodation according to the itinerary.
What's included
- 4 nights at the Mandala hotel or similar in Kathmandu in BB
- 1 night at the Vissudhalaya hotel in half-board in Namobodha
- Trek in full board in Lodge
- French-speaking guide for the entire stay (no supplement from 4 participants)
- Guided tours in Kathmandu with vehicle.
- Trekking team: assistant (from 4), porters for the entire trek.
- Luggage carrying up to 13 kg/person during the trek
- Staff insurance
What's not included
- Nepal visa ($30 + photo).
- International flight and PCR tests if required
- Repatriation insurance + rescue and search required
- Tips, personal expenses and equipment, drinks…
Suppliments
(Airfare subject to change without notice from the airlines)
>>> Supplement per single room for 3 nights in a hotel: 95$
CLIENT REVIEW
Pierre Lacasse Trip (Voyage) : Around Annapurna trek Date of Trip : 14/04 - 28/04/2019
Half- Around Annapurna. Simply beautiful with the views of the peaks through this itinerary . The pace especially in the first 10 days was good and gave us time to adjust to the altitude. Very good organization of agency Basecamp.
I think I did what I think is the ultimate journey of my life.
