A n n a p u r n a C i r c u i t T r e k D I S C O V E R I N G T H E W O N D E R S O F M O T H E R N A T U R E M A R C H - A P R I L 2 0 1 7 1 6 D A Y S I N N E P A L
T R E K F A C T S T R E K D I F F I C U L T Y : M A X A L T I T U D E : A C C O M M O D A T I O N : Level 3 - Medium 5416 meters//17,769ft - Thorung La Pass Guesthouses 3* / Lodges, Simple Tea Houses
NAUTICA TRAVEL & ADVENTURE TRIP INTRODUCTION Annapurna Circle by trekking up to Jomsom and flying to Pokhara is one of the most popular classic treks in the world. Our 15-day journey begins in Kathmandu where we visit amazing World Heritage Sites scattered around the city. We begin the trek from Syange and enjoy the ever-changing landscape and culture of the Annapurna region. While circling the Annapurna massif we get to triumph over one of the world's highest pass -Thorong La (5,416m/17,769ft), enjoy the dry yet beautiful landscape of the Manang valley and tour Muktinath a place of high spirtitual importance for the Nepalese (both Hindus and Buddhists).
a b o u t t h e w e a t h e r S E A S O N T E M P E R A T U R E V I E W S March to May is the best time to trek to Nepal During the days in the Himalayan region is between 15 to 20 degree centigrade the nights are still cold with subzero temperature. Bright sunshine, blue sky, pleasant morning, warm evenings and windy days. The views of the Himalayas are exceptionally perfect.
NAUTICA TRAVEL & ADVENTURE Annapurna circuit trek is suitable for any walker looking for something a little more challenging and energetic. TRIP GRADING It does not require you to be super fit or have any previous trekking/mountaineering experience. If you are healthy and can walk 5 to 6 hours daily, you can do this trekking. However, daily jugging or walking exercise is useful before you depart. Our program always include rest days and build up gradually, in order to acclimatize to the altitude. On trek, you can go at your own pace, with plenty of stops for resting.
WHAT IS INCLUDED Pickups and drops from hotels and airport Domestict flight from Jomsom to Pokhara 1 night in Kathmandu, 1 night in Pokhara, 1 night in Bhaktapur - in twin rooms on bed and breakfast basis 12 nights in simple Tea house/lodged based trek in a twin sharing room on full board plan Transportation on a comfortable private vehicle as per the itinerary An experienced English-speaking trek leader (trekking guide), and Sherpa porters to carry luggage (2 trekkers: 1 porter) including their salary, insurance, equipment, food and lodging Down jacket, four seasonal sleeping bag, trekking map (down jacket and sleeping bag are to be returned after trip completion) All necessary paper work and permits (ACAP, TIMS) A comprehensive medical kit All government and local taxes From group of 10 people - guide from Nautica Travel
WHAT IS NOT INCLUDED Nepalese visa fee (30 days - 40 USD) International airfare to and from Kathmandu Excess baggage charges Lunch and dinner in Kathmandu and Pokhara Hot or cold drinks, bottled drinks, bar bills Hot shower during trekking. Extra night accommodation in Kathmandu and Pokhara in case of early arrival, late departure, and early return from the mountain (due to any reason) than the scheduled itinerary Cost arising out of flight cancellation/road blockades/landslides and reasons beyond our control. Expenses of personal nature and any other expenses not mentioned in the above cost. Tips for trekking staff and driver (Tipping is expected) Travel and rescue insurance
D A Y B Y D A Y DETAIL ITINERARY package from 2,200 USD per person
DAY 01 Arrive in Kathmandu [4265 ft/1300 m]: Welcome to the Himalaya Country of Nepal, after passing through immigration, you will continue walk downstairs to collect your baggage and you will go through custom inspection. After doing all the formalities, you will proceed to exit point where the smiling Yeti Group of Companies airport representative will be waiting for you to greet you with a traditional offering of a Khada [ceremonial scarf used in Tibet and Mongolia, symbolizing purity, goodwill, auspiciousness and compassion]. You are transferred to your booked hotel and your representative will help you to check in to your hotel. Rest of the day will be at leisure. Evening, our Guide/Trek leader will meet you at your hotel and then be given a briefing on all relevant aspects of your holiday. This includes all Do s and Don ts while in Kathmandu and on the trek. Overnight at the 3* hotel [B/-/-] DAY 02 Drive to Besi Sahar (2690 ft/ 820 m) or Bulbule (2953 ft/900 m) [approx 6-7 hours drive] With high level of physical fitness, adequate acclimatization and good logistic support, we begin our Annapurna trekking. Driving along the Kathmandu-Pokhara Highway to Dumre and then following the rough route by the Marsyangdi River, we pass through the low-lying villages and rice fields. After 6 hours long drive, we finally reach Besi Sahar. Besi Sahar is the capital of Lamjung District.
DAY 03 DAY 04 Besi Shar - Syange (4100 ft /1250 m) [approx 06 hours walk] From Besi Shar/Bulbule we start our trek. A steep trail ascends from Ngadi, through rice terraces, before crossing a stream at the bottom of a small waterfall. It then climbs again and traverses the hillside high above the river before reaching the village of Lili Gaon. Ahead, the Marsyangdi valley forms a steep V-shape, and you follow the winding mountain path down till Syange. Syange - Tal (5708 ft/1740 m) [approx 06 hours walk] Along the river for some distance, the trail then climbs steeply and the path is cut into the sheer cliff-face some 200-300m above the riverbed. Eventually you descend to the stone village of Jagat, situated on a shelf, which juts into the precipitous Marsyangdi valley. The trail from Jagat descends until it almost reaches the river and then begins to climb again through a forest. The sheer cliff on the opposite bank plunges downward but this side is also steep. When the climb ends, you follow a level track to Chamje, which is marked by a magnificent waterfall on the opposite bank. After descending to the river and crossing a suspension bridge, you begin a climb to Sattare on a path so steep that it seems one slip would send you hurtling down into the valley. You continue on an undulating path above the river, and at one point, where a tributary flows in from the opposite bank, the main river becomes covered with huge boulders that hide the water. Climbing the zigzag path to the top of the hill, you see the level, plain of Tal before us. Though it is enclosed by cliffs, the level area looks reassuring after the harrowing mountain paths just travelled on. You descend to a grassy riverbank, which leads to Tal with its hotels and teahouses. Here you can enjoy the exhilarating water fall.
DAY 05 Tal - Bagarchap (6890 ft /2100 m) [approx 06 hours walk] Beyond Tal, the valley narrows and the path becomes high and winding, and in several areas hewn from the rock itself. Beyond the small village of Karte, there is a bit more cliff-walking before the path drops again to the river. You cross a suspension bridge, and climb the short distance to the stone kani marking the entrance to Dharapani. As you cut through a narrow field from the village, the Dudh Khola, which originates from the south face of Manaslu, enters on the opposite bank. The Marsyangdi then veers to the left, and as Annapurna II becomes visible ahead, you arrive at Bagarchhap, a Tibetan village with prayer flags fluttering in the breeze. DAY 06 Bagarchap to Chame (8957 ft/ 2730m) [approx 07 hours walk] We go through a narrow field from the village. The Dudh Khola, which originates from the south face of Manaslu and then Marshyangdi veers to the left. Sinuous trails of the. Annapurna II becomes visible as we arrive at Bagarchhap, a Bhotia village with colorful prayer flags fluttering in the breeze. As we continue ascending through forests of pine and oak, we pass through Dhanakyu before coming to a thundering waterfall. Further on, the Marshyangdi river enters a gorge and the trails follows rock-strewn path. We can pause for a while and take in the splendor of the picturesque Manaslu. When the steep incline ends, we follow a path amid magnificent rhododendrons and continue on a gently rising path.
DAY 06 We cross a stream before entering a pine forest. We then enter the pristine hamlet of Kotho, from where we can capture the most enchanting view of Annapurna II. Treading further, the route reaches a large white gate with a corrugated iron roof, which is the entrance of Chame. Chame is the administrative headquarter of Manang district. There is electricity, wireless station, schools, shops, health post, post office, police check post, hotels, lodges and banks in Chame. The hot springs are the major attraction of this place. DAY 07 Chame - Pisang (10465 ft /3190 m) [approx 06 hours walk] After a thrilling sight of the glowing Lamjung Himal [6893m] in the morning, we head towards Pisang, cross a large suspension bridge along Marshyangdi and approach houses and lodges on the northern side of the river. Our trekking trail meanders through barley field leading to Teleku at 2775 meters. As we leave rolling mountain passes, we enter charming apple orchard and near a bridge at 2840 meters. On crossing the bridge, the pristine hamlet of Bratang appears. A stone memorial of a Japanese climber has been built in this place. After leaving the forested village, the valley changes from a V-shape to a gentle U-shape. Before us, the Annapurna mountain range rears up. Further on, we continue our steep rock-strewn trails to the south side and cross a long suspension bridge at 3040 meters. At this vantage point on the bridge, we get to view Paungda Danda rock rising more than 1500 meters from the river. En route, we get to capture splendid views of Annapurna II rearing up on the east and Pisang Peak on the north-east. We cross a bridge and enter the village of Pisang.
DAY 08 Pisang - Manang (11319 ft / 3450m) [approx 04 hours walk] As we continue with our trek, further afield from Pisang we head along a steep ridge savoring beautiful sights of the Manang valley and the Tilicho peak towering above 7132 meters. As we descend through Manang's airstrip, we come to Hongde lying beneath the gigantic Annapurna III on the north-east face. The route further leads to the wide plain of the Sabje Khola Valley from where we get the majestic view of Annapurna IV [7525m]. Further on, we cross a wooden bridge, as the Marsyangdi Khola gushes below us. We enter the beautiful village of Mungji. We continue treading along the cultivated fields and after a while we arrive at the village of Bryaga with a splendid monastery. On trekking down to Manang, we enjoy the majestic views of the Annapurna range - Annapurna II, Annapurna III, Annapurna IV, Gangapurna [7455m] and Tilicho Peak [7134m]. DAY 09 At Manang. Rest day for acclimatization Here we take a day off for complete rest and adequate acclimatization before crossing the Thorung La. We can spend this day strolling down the river to see the tremendous ice-fall cascading down from the glaciated mountain peaks or by simply take in the panoramic beauty of the Annapurna mountain range and the Manang Valley. A short visit to Himalayan Rescue Association aid post makes for an interesting visit.
DAY 10 Manang Yak Kherka (13780ft/ 4200 m) [approx 03 hours walk] Continue through pastures, which eventually give way to high arid desert to high camp at Phedi, at the base of Thorong La. DAY 11 DAY 12 Yak Kherka - Thorung Phedi (14698 ft /4480 m) [approx 2-3 hours walk] Leaving Yak Kherka, we climb gradually to a ridge before descending to the headwaters of the Marshyangdi and crossing via a covered wooden bridge. After a short ascent up the mountain path on the right bank, we follow a narrow trail across an unstable steep slope and then descend to Thorung Phedi. Thorung Phedi - Muktinath (12238 ft /3730 m) [approx 08 hours walk] We have an early start today for the crossing of Thorung La [5420m]. The trail becomes steep immediately on leaving camp, but as local people have used this trail for hundreds of years, the path is well defined. The gradient then eases and after around 4 hours of steady climbing, we reach the chorten and prayer flags of the pass. From the snow-covered mountains above, to the head of the Kali Gandaki valley below and the brown and purple hills of Mustang, which spread out before us, we are presented with a dramatic tableau. The descent to Muktinath is a 1600m trek. But the excellent views of Dhaulagiri, more then makes up for the tiring journey. Eventually the moraines give way to grassy slopes before a pleasant walk along the Jhong Khola Valley to Muktinath, with its shrines and temple.
DAY 13 DAY 14 Muktinath - Jomsom (8858 ft / 2700 m) [approx 4-5 hours walk] Trek down along a level but rocky trail through juniper thickets to Jomsom via Jharkot and Kagbeni, which are inhabited by the people of Tibetan origin. Fly Jomsom - Pokhara (2952 ft /900m) After breakfast we will fly to Pokhara, relax and overnight stay. Overnight at Hotel [B/-/-] DAY 15 Drive back to Kathmandu and continue your drive to Bhaktapur [Approx. 6-7 hours drive] After breakfast we will drive back to Kathmandu. Upon arrival in Kathmandu transfer to Bhaktapur for overnight stay. Bhaktapur: Bhaktapur or the city of devotees is situated at an altitude of 1,401m; Bhaktapur covers an area of 4 square miles and is shaped like a conch shell. Pottery and weaving are the traditional industries. The major sightseeing places in Bhaktapur are Durbar Square, The National Art Gallery, The Golden Gate, The Palace with 55 Windows and Nyatapola Temple. Overnight at Hotel [B/-/-] DAY 16 Trip ends. Depart Kathmandu [B/-/-] After breakfast, transfer to airport for your onward flight back home [B=BREAKFAST, L=LUNCH AND D=DINNER]
CLOTHING AND EQUIPMENT: TREKKING EQUIPMENT NEEDED The clothing you bring will need to allow for both the warmth of the days and the chill of the nights. While trekking during the day at lower altitudes, lightweight trekking trousers and T-shirts are recommended. It's always a good idea to carry a waterproof jacket and some warmer clothing with you though as mountain weather is notoriously unpredictable. For the cold nights, thermal underwear, a warm fleece jacket and even a down jacket will help to keep you warm.
TREKKING EQUIPMENT NEEDED Kitbag (duffel bag): For all the treks your gear that is carried by the porters or yaks is best packed in a strong kitbag. A simple design without wheels and without foldable handles is best. You can buy in Kathmandu, although they are not as tough as say the North Face Base Camp Duffel. Sleeping bag: Down-filled bags are better, high altitude nights will be cool. Good down is fluffy, light and thick. A muff (an extra section around the neck) makes a big difference to the overall warmth of a bag. Sleeping bags are available for rent in Kathmandu. Alternatively add a fleece sleeping bag liner to add warmth to a 3-4 season bag. Sleeping bag liner: Cotton, silk or fleece. Saves washing your sleeping bag and adds warmth. Cotton or silk ones can be made in Kathmandu but are more easily bought from home. Fleece ones are readily available in Kathmandu and cost around $15. Daypack: This should be comfortable and a good waist band that transfers some of the weight to the hips is most important. It needs to be big enough to take a jacket, fleece, water, camera and odds and ends.
TREKKING EQUIPMENT NEEDED Boots: For a happy trek you need comfortable feet. Good boots have: good ankle support, plenty of toe room for long descents, a stiff sole to lessen twisting torsion, and are light because with every step you lift your boot up. Look at the inner lining - leather is good and Cambrelle is even better, a material that eats smelly feet bacteria. Good lightweight trekking boots or light all leather boots are perfect. Boots must be lightly worn in before trekking and this should include some steep hills to show up trouble spots. The longer the trek, the better the boots you need. Socks: In the low country your feet will be warm or even hot while walking so quality cotton mix sports socks are best. Three to four pairs are enough. Thick trekking socks are better for higher up and cool evenings, four pairs. Mostly modern trekking boots fit snugly so wearing two pairs of socks at the same time is impractical. Shoes/sandals/flip-flops: A luxury for your feet at the end of the day. Sandals or running shoes. Flip-flops, available for cheap in Kathmandu, are a necessity for showers during the trek. Fleece jacket/vest: Most trekkers consider this essential, but alternatives are a thick thermal top or a light down jacket. In Kathmandu you can get almost any sort of fleece you need. Wind/rain jacket: Waterproof and breathable. Plastic ponchos or non-breathable raincoats are not suitable. Gore-tex (or similar) jackets are recommended for treks over passes or climbing trips. Lighter jackets should be a second jacket, easy to throw in the daypack for warmer days.
TREKKING EQUIPMENT NEEDED Thermal shirts/underwear: Good thermals, both tops and bottoms, are one of the secrets to cold weather trekking comfort. Expeditionweight thermals are the most versatile and can be worn as your high altitude trekking top or under pants on extremely cold days. Zip-up tops are great for changeable weather. Nightwear thermals Silk-weight is lightest and warm, mid-weight is perfect. Great for warm nights in the sleeping bag! Fleece/sweatpants Great for the chilly evenings, thicker is better (except for when the stoves in the teahouses really heat up!). Readily, available in Kathmandu. Day-wear shirt: T-shirts are popular but a cotton shirt or mixed yarn travel shirt is more versatile. The collar protects the back of your neck and the sleeves can be rolled up or down. Take two or three so you can swap damp for dry. Trekking pants You will live in these. Light material, loose and dark-colored is best. You can survive with only one pair, although two is better. Wind pants If your trekking pants are reasonably windproof then special wind pants are not needed. If you do bring a pair, it is not necessary to have Gore-tex. Similar, non-waterproof is quite OK.
TREKKING EQUIPMENT NEEDED Underwear - 4 to 7 pairs Warm hat/balaclava: Nice for the evenings, hats essential for cold trekking days Neck gaiter: For winter trekking they are really the best for staying warm! Trekking poles: Definitely useful, especially on steep, rough terrain, but if you are not used to using them you can survive without. Mittens/gloves: A good pair of wind-proof gloves is essential. Available in Kathmandu for cheap if you don't have a pair. Water bottle: Should be one liter or more in capacity, take boiling water and be leak-proof. Nalgene or a similar brand, or European fuel bottles, are best. You need AT LEAST 2 water bottles, or at least 1 water bottle IN ADDITION to a Camelback or hydration system. Naglene's are great, available in Kathmandu, real or fake. Towel: Bring only a small towel while trekking. In Kathmandu, hotel supplies towels. Sunscreen and lip balm with sunscreen: The sun is strong at altitude, especially after snow. Bring at least sunscreen and lip balm with SPF 15, and better still SPF 30+. Moisturizer: A small tube for sensitive or well cared for skins. The air is dry and the sun harsh.
TREKKING EQUIPMENT NEEDED Pair of polarizing sun-glasses (to be comfortable and to avoid potential snow-blindness) Head torch, or small torch, plus spare batteries First aid kit We carry one with aspirin, paracetamol, ibuprofin, decongestants, lozenges, various antibiotics for Nepalese varieties of diarrhoea and chests infections, Diamox (an acclimatizing aid drug), antiseptic, antihistamine cream, rehydration, bandages and band-aids, tough blister tape (but not moleskin). We highly recommend the clients to bring if they have any personal medicines that needed. Books: One or two with high swap ability. Kindle would be useful. Money-pouch/belt/inside pocket Most people find wearing one while trekking is a hassle and keep it buried in their kitbag or daypack. The Kathmandu hotel has safety deposit boxes. Snacks and nutrition You will feel best with plenty of good food and keeping hydrated. We provide the food. However you will also want wholesome snacks and vitamin tablets. Chocolate, chocolate bars, dried fruit bars and dried fruit are readily available in Kathmandu, but Cliff bars, Power bars and the like are not usually available.
TREKKING EQUIPMENT NEEDED GEARS AVAILABLE IN KATHMANDU It's not necessary to spend a lot of money buying extra equipment and clothing before your trip. Majority of these gears can be hired at reasonable rates in Kathmandu. You can get all the trekking gears, both Nepali made and original. Medical Kit: A simple but adequate medical kit can be very useful while traveling. The following items are recommended: * Aspirin or Panadol - for pain or fever * Antihistamine - as a decongestant for colds, allergies and to help prevent motion sickness * Antibiotics - useful if traveling off beaten track but they must be prescribed * Kaolin preparation (Pepto-Bismol), Imodium or Lomotil - for stomach upsets * Rehydration mixture - for treatment of severe diarrhea * Antiseptic, mercurochrome and antibiotic powder or similar 'dry' spray for cuts and grazes. Other things to be included are: Calamine lotion to ease irritation from bites or stings, bandages and band aids for minor injuries, scissors, tweezers, thermometer, insect repellent, sun block lotion, chopsticks, water-purification tablets, throat lozenges (Strepsils), moleskin, Sulamyd 10% eye drops, Acetaminophen (Paracetamol, Antacid tablets).
W E H O P E Y O U J O I N U S For more info please contact: E W A M A L A W S K A m o b. 0 0 4 8 5 0 8 1 7 7 3 8 8 e - m a i l : e w a. m a l a w s k a @ n a u t i c a t r a v e l. p l