Around Annapurna 5416m Thorang La

Highest access of the trek: 5,416m. (Thorong La Pass)
Culture: Different Community with majority of Gurungs, Magars, Thakalis & Tibetan.
Mode of trekking: Tea houses - Recommended one or camping trek.

This is one of the classic and most rewarding treks in Nepal. The trek encircles the famous Annapurna massif passing through sub-tropical plains in the Himalayan foothills, trans-Himalayan Manang and then entering Mustang Valley crossing the highest elevation Thorang La pass (5416m). The trail then joins the Kali Gandaki River that flows through the deepest gorge on earth.

The trek starts from Beshisahar which follows the partly constructed road as far as small market town of Khundi. The first few days of the trek follow the Marsyangdi River. The feature of this section of the trek is the lush green valley inhabited by Gurungs along with sizeable number of other ethnic groups. The trekkers may be enthralled by countless high water falls that cascade into Main River while the skyline is dominated by the Annapurna and Manaslu ranges.

From Manang the trail goes uphill through high alpine pastures until the small teahouses at Thorang Phedi. The following day trip is towards Thorang La pass the highest elevation en route. From Thorang pass starts the long descent up to Muktinath for night stay. Muktinath, the place is being a very popular pilgrimage for both Hindu and Buddhist. From Muktinath you can see the skyline to the west dominated by Dhaulagiri range while to the north can be seen arid hills of Upper Mustang. The trail leads down through the villages of Jharkot and Eklebhati inhabited by the people of Tibet and finally reaches the banks of Kali Gandaki river.

Day 01: Arrive Kathmandu transfer to the Hotel. O/N Hotel.
Day 02: Full day sightseeing Kathmandu valley. O/N Hotel.
Day 03: Drive Kathmandu to Beshishar(823m). Ngadi, when the trail narrows and the valley becomes a deep river gorge. We cross a long suspension bridge and enter the large trading village of Khundi, inhabited by the Gurungs. Continue after lunch we reach to the Nagdi.
Day 04: Jagat 1314m.The trail continues northwards up the valley. Above us tower the peaks of Lamjung (6931m), Manaslu (8163m') and Peak 29 (7516m). We continue on the west bank climbing high over a ridge, to rejoin the east bank trail over a suspension bridge at Sange.
Day 05: Bagarchap 2164m, Walking 6 hrs approx. We climb steadily all day long to Tal, a small village at the foot of a large waterfall. We cross a large bridge to the village of Dharipani (1943m) where our trekking permits are checked, Bagarchap, the first village on the trek with typical Tibetan architecture.
Day 06: Chame 2713m, Walking 6 hrs approx. The trail is now bearing west, Manaslu forming a splendid backdrop and Annapurna II (7937m) appearing occasionally to the south. As we continue on to Chame, views of the Annapurna improve dramatically.
Day 07: Pisang 3185m, Walking 6 hrs approx. We continually cross the river all day, passing through the narrow and steep sided gorge. Nearing the village of Pisang we top a ridge to get our first views of the Manang Valley, a wide U-shaped valley hanging between two lines of snow peaks.
Day 08: Braga 3442, Walking 5 hrs approx. Descending to the broad-forested valley floor we follow the trail through the flat valley, past a small STOL airstrip, This is a village of about 200 houses stacked on top of each other, flat roofs forming verandahs.
Day 09: Manang 3541m, Walking 2 hrs approx. We spend the morning visiting Braga Monastery. The largest in the district, it has an outstanding display of statues, thankas and manuscripts. From here it is only a short walk to Manang.
Day 10: Manang 3541m. A necessary day to rest and acclimatize and explore Manang. The village, of about 500 flat roofed houses, is picturesquely set amongst spectacular scenery; Annapurna II,(7937m) Annapurna III (7855m) Gangapurna (7485m) to the south; Tilicho (7134m) and the Grand Barrier to the west: Chulu West (6420m) and Chulu East (6558m) to the north.
Day 11: Camp 4402m. We branch away from the Marsyandi River steadily climbing into quiet distinct alpine areas. Keep your eyes open for Thar and Goral, mountain sheep. Crossing the Jarsang Khola we climb to a small grassy valley and camp.
Day 12: Rest day for acclimatization.
Day 13: Muktinath 3802m. Walking 7 hrs approx. Though the crossing of the pass is not technically difficult we take it slowly to take into account the complications of altitude and possible snow. After about four hours we reach the top Throng La (5416m) and enjoy some absolutely stunning high Himalaya scenery. The entire Annapurna ranges in the south; the Mukut and Mustang Himal to the west, and the incredibly deep Kali Gandaki valley; and the peaks of Thorungste (6485m) and Chulu to the north. The descent is steep and rough, but we soon have excellent views of Dhaulagiri (8167m).
Day 14: Muktinath 3802m is an important pilgrimage spot for both Hindus and Buddhists - with a Buddhist Gompa and a pagoda style temple dedicated to Vishnu. The most interesting aspect of the area however is the spot where burning natural gas issues from the rock from the same place as a small spring - earth, fire and water. An important religious combination.
Day 15: Jomosom 2713m, Walking 6 hrs approx. The trail descends very quickly to the valley floor over 5,000' below. The descent is through a dramatic arid landscape and continues like that to Jomosom.
Day 16: Larjung 2560m, Walking 5 hrs approx. The Thakalis are the dominant tribe of the valley, interestingly related to Gurung and Magars of the southern slopes. We pass through Marpha and Tukche, beautiful Thakali villages and camp at Larjung.
Day 17: Ghasa 2013m, Walking 5 hrs approx. A dramatic change in the vegetation, from dry, arid, desert to pine and conifer forests, occurs today, as we pass between Dhaulagiri and Annapurna. passing through Kalapani and here, the views of the Annapurna are magnificent.
Day 18: Tatopani 1189m, Walking 5 hrs approx. The trail descends steadily to Tatopani . Tatopani means 'hot water' and it is possible to bathe in the springs. Small shops serve chocolate and beer, a great temptation after our weeks on the trail.
Day 19: Gorepani 2855m, Walking 5 hrs approx. steadily climbing all day we leave behind the terraced fields and enter thick rhododendron forest and the village of Gorepani. We camp at the pass for the best views of the sunset and dawn on the Dhaulagiri and Annapurna ranges.
Day 20: Trek end at Birethanti 1037m, Today's descent is almost as tiring as the day from Muktinath. Transfer to Pokhara. O/N Hotel.
Day 21: Pokhara 825m, at leisure for independent activities.
Day 22: Drive or fly back to Kathmandu. O/N Hotel.
Day 23: Transfer to airport for next destination.