ANNAPURNA CIRCUIT Altitude 5,416m (17,769ft) / 18 Days / Grade T1 INTRODUCTION The Annapurna Circuit in Nepal is one of the most spectacular and varied treks in the world. Starting from less than 1,000 metres in lush green valleys, it gives you a chance to explore the Himalaya from bottom to top and from many different angles and perspectives. This is a short version of this classic trek, as you fly back to Kathmandu from Jomsom, rather than trekking through the Kaligandaki Valley. The Kaligandaki Valley has been affected by road building in recent years, so this itinerary just takes in the best parts of the circuit. You fly to Kathmandu and drive to Bhulbule the following day to begin trekking. You follow valleys and canyons up one side of the Annapurna Massif and down the other, walking beside rushing streams, which pound over white granite rocks and through deep pools. You pass through farms and villages, trekking alongside terraced fields, before heading higher into traditional Tibetan villages and then further into high alpine valleys to eventually reach the Thorong La. The crossing of the Thorong La pass (5,416m) is the high point of the trek and is sometimes snow-covered. We include a spare weather day to provide us with more flexibility for the crossing. The trek is perfect for first-time visitors to Nepal, who are new to trekking. In Kathmandu, we stay in the tranquil Summit Hotel and whilst on the trek, we sleep in comfortable lodges or "Tea Houses" as they are called in Nepal. INTRODUCTION If you wish to discuss any aspect of the trek or your suitability for it, please contact us by telephone: +44 (0) 114 276 3322 Alternatively, please email us via our website: www.jagged-globe.co.uk 1
10 REASONS TO TREK THE ANNAPURNA CIRCUIT WITH US» This shorter version of the Annapurna Circuit takes in the highlights. By finishing the trek in Jomsom and flying back to Kathmandu via Pokhara, you avoid walking on newly-built roads that now extend further into the mountains.» Our itinerary and acclimatisation schedule is carefully designed. It includes an acclimatisation/rest day on day 10 and a spare weather day for the Thorong La.» You ll stay in Tea Houses (lodges) throughout, rather than camping.» All of our treks are led by highly experienced Jagged Globe leaders. They are supported by a Nepalese Sirdar, plus Sherpas and porters.» You can speak to someone in the Jagged Globe office who has completed this trek recently. Operations Assistant, Kerry Cooper trekked this itinerary in October 2013.» We take special care of our porters. They are probably the best equipped and clothed in Nepal. You can find out more about our support of porters on our website.» You can join a pre-trip training weekend. You'll meet other team members, find out more about altitude issues and can purchase specialist equipment from the Jagged Globe shop.» You can also take advantage of our comprehensive equipment hire service. You'll be well equipped without making expensive purchases.» We try to reduce our environmental impact wherever possible. You can find out more about our practices on our website.» The hotel we stay at before and after the trek, The Summit in Kathmandu, is an oasis. Our teams always really appreciate it! ITINERARY Day 1-2 Day 3 Fly to Kathmandu, explore the city Team members joining the scheduled group flight from London will fly in the evening and arrive in Kathmandu on Day 2. For those joining land-only, you should plan to arrive in Kathmandu on Day 2, when services begin. The Summit Hotel lies ten minutes outside the noise and bustle of the city centre. It has extensive gardens, a swimming pool and an atmosphere of restful charm. The twin rooms are large and en-suite - single rooms are available for a supplementary fee. Drive from Kathmandu to Bhulbule (840m) You ll drive from Kathmandu for about seven and a half hours to the village of Bhulbule. From here it is a short walk of 15 minutes down to the Marsyangdi River where you ll stay in a nice lodge. Day 4 Trek to Ghermu (1,100m) You cross the Marsyangdi River and continue upstream until you reach Nadi Khola. From here you ascend the Bahundanda Ridge to 1,311m, then descend to Ghemu. Overnight lodge. Day 5 Trek to Chamje (1,430m) Because of recent road construction, from Ghemu you follow a local trail on the east bank of the Marsyangdi Khola, which you cross at Jagat (4 hrs). From Jagat it s about another 3hrs of walking to reach Chamje. Overnight lodge. 2
Day 6 Trek to Dharapani (1,860m) From Chamje you cross back onto the east bank of the river and continue to Tal (1,700m), where you stop and have lunch. After lunch, you cross the river once more and walk for a further 3 ½ hours to Dharapani. Day 7 Trek to Koto (2,600m) You walk to Koto today, which is just short of Chame, the Headquarters of Manang District. Initially, the trail runs diagonally up the hillside to Timung, where you stop for lunch. After lunch you trek through the village of Thenchok and drop down towards the river to Kupar, which lies above the junction of the Marsyangdi and Nar rivers. Overnight lodge. Day 8 Trek to Pisang (3,354m) In the morning you walk for about ½ an hour before arriving at the important village of Chame. Here you cross a bridge to north side of the river, near the horticultural apple farm at Brathang. The covered bridge with a door in the middle was allegedly used to prevent robbers from the north coming into the lower Marsyangdi Valley. You then begin the spectacular ascent to Pisang. Before Pisang the valley doglegs. This begins the transition into the rain shadow experienced between Ghasa and Tukuche, in the Kali Gandaki. The scenery is of magnificent forests, with the Marsyangdi River roaring below, as it cuts through the main Himalayan range between Annapurna II and Manaslu. Overnight lodge. Day 9 Trek to Braga (3,360m) Today is a beautiful trekking day on easy terrain through forests to reach a small ridge at 3,450m. Below and stretching into the distance is the upper Manang Valley. The southern tier of this valley is walled by Annapurna II, III and IV, Gangapurna and Glacier Dome. To the west and visible just south of a distant sharp rock peak is the Grand Barrier. The basin containing Tilicho Lake is out of view at the head of the valley. To the northwest is Thorong La and Thorungtse and barring the way to Tibet to the north, a long ridge of peaks. Descending from this view point, the path crosses a plain and passes Hongde Airstrip. Further on the Sabji Khola is passed and Braga reached. Braga is a cliffside village with several monasteries, where you ll overnight in a lodge for the next two nights. Day 10 Acclimatisation Day It is essential to spend time to acclimatise at Braga, before the big height gains over the next three days. You ll most likely have a potter up to Manang (3,440m) before descending back to Braga for the night. Manang is a large village situated immediately across from a huge glacier descending from Glacier Dome and Gangapurna. A beautiful emerald lake lies at its foot (an easy hour walk from Manag itself - keep an eye out for the huge Griffon Vultures). Manang has a nice atmosphere and there's a bakery serving coffee and cakes. There are possible side trips to a lake about 3 hrs north of Braga, to the main Manang Gompa, or to Khangsar on the trail to Tilicho Lake. Overnight lodge. Day 11 Trek to Chakadunga (3,963m) It s a relatively short day of trekking through the villages of Manang and 3
Thansey to reach Chakadunga (3,963m). It should take you about 4 hours in total. In the afternoon, to aid your acclimatisation, you ll have a side trip up the stream, which flows down from the West Chulu peaks. Overnight lodge. Day 12 Trek to Thorong Phedi (4,405m) The trail turns north west up the tributary valley of the Jargeng Khola. It s sometimes possible to see herds of Blue Sheep along the cliffs. You cross a covered cantilevered bridge and ascend to Phedi, the last point before the Thorong La. Thorong Phedi is a large collection of hotels in an impressive situation. Electric light, satellite phone and showers are something of a surprise at this altitude! Overnight lodge. Day 13 Cross the Thorong La (5,416m) to Muktinath (3,800m) You ll start the day well before dawn to get to the pass before the wind picks up and the snow gets soft. As the sky lightens, the views open up to reveal the Annapurnas to the south, Shya Gang, Thorongtse, and, to the north, Yakawakang (the Yaks Head). It takes between 3-4 hours of steady walking, initially zig-zagging up scree, then walking over undulating snow to reach the level pass at 5,416m and a welcome tea shop! Time to sit with a cup of tea and enjoy the incredible position, with views of the Annapurna Range to the south and the Mukat Himal bordering Dolpa to the west. The peak immediately north of the pass is Thorongtse, to the south is an unnamed peak of 6,600m. The descent is first on snow, then scree with superb views of Dhaulagiri and Tukuche. After 3 hours you should reach the Chabarbu tea shop. It s worth making a short detour to the temples near Muktinath, the flames burning in a stream of water are particularly miraculous! A short walk into town is all that's needed now and a well-deserved rest after a memorable day. Total time 8-10 hours. Muktinath is mentioned in the classic Indian epic, the Mahabharata and you ll see pilgrims bathing in the holy water flowing from the 108 carved spouts surrounding the Vishnu Temple. It is also home to many ethnic Tibetans and is holy to Buddhists as well, particularly for the temple in which fire miraculously burns in a stream of water! Overnight lodge. Day 14 Spare weather day A spare day is included to provide more flexibility. In the event that the weather is poor on day 13, you will delay the crossing of the Thorong La by 24 hours. Day 15 Trek to Jomson (2,710m) From Muktinath you can either descend directly to the busy trading centre of Jomsom, or you can walk via the small, typically Tibetan village of Kagbeni (The entry point for the restricted area of the Kingdom of Mustang.) It s a long, gradual descent through spectacular scenery, with Nilgiri and Dhaulagiri to the south and the Kaligandaki River flowing down from Mustang to the north. You reach the river at Eklobatti and head south on the gravel plains, which can be hot and very windy here after mid-morning. On arrival in Jomsom there may be time to take a stroll down through apple orchards to the picturesque farming village of Marpha. Alternatively there are many good lodges in the village and you may just wish to take things easy. Overnight lodge. Day 16 Fly via Pokhara to Kathmandu A morning flight to Pokhara, then a flight on to Kathmandu should 4
see you back at the Summit Hotel by early afternoon - a welcome swim in the pool and the delights of hot showers and clean clothes again. In the the event of bad weather and there being no flights out of Jomsom, the alternative is to walk, jeep and bus south to Beni. Overnight hotel. Day 17 Kathmandu, shopping and sightseeing We recommend an early start to visit the temples of Pashupatinath and Swayambhunath and districts of Bhaktapur and Patan. Durbar Square is also on the essential list, as is the shopping area of Thamel. Day 18 Fly home The scheduled group flight back to London, UK via Delhi will leave Kathmandu in the early morning. You ll arrive at Heathrow in the evening.for those joining land-only, you should book your flight home today as services end. PLEASE NOTE: Every effort will be made to keep to the above itinerary, but as this is Adventure Travel in a remote mountain region, we cannot guarantee it. Weather conditions, road conditions, vehicle breakdowns and the health of climbers can all contribute to changes. The expedition Leader and our local agent will try to ensure that the trip runs according to plan, but an easy going nature will be an asset! WHAT THE PRICE INCLUDES» Economy class return airfares from the UK (unless Land Only).» UK airline taxes.» All internal flights and hotel/airport transfers.» 3 nights' bed and breakfast accommodation at the Summit Hotel in Kathmandu on a twin-sharing basis.» 13 nights' full-board lodge ("Tea House") acccomodation whilst on trek.» Airport transfers.» All road transport by private vehicles.» All costs for a Jagged Globe Sherpa guide and porters.» Jagged Globe kitbag or lightweight fleece. WHAT THE PRICE DOES NOT INCLUDE» Visa fees.» Overseas airports taxes not paid in advance through the international airline ticket.» Bar bills and laundry.» Travel insurance.» Lunch and evening meals in Kathmandu.» Optional trips and sightseeing tours.» Tips. 5
THE TREK TEAM The maximum team size is 14, plus an experienced Jagged Globe leader, local Sherpas and team of porters. Jagged Globe leaders are selected for their excellent personal track record of trekking at high altitudes, and their ability to successfully manage a team with differing backgrounds. We want you to have a successful and enjoyable experience throughout. You can read more about our leaders on our website. EXPERIENCE REQUIRED The Annapurna Circuit is graded T1. You can read more about our grading system on our website. The trek is suitable for walkers who are able to walk for 6-7 hours in a day, with a light rucksack. Most trekking is on good trails, with some snow likely to be encountered on the crossing of the Thorong La. The crossing of the Thorong La is the longest day and can take between 8-10 hours. FOOD & ACCOMMODATION You are accommodated in lodges/tea houses whilst on trek. There are now good lodges all the way round the Annapurna Circuit, so it makes sense to use them. Lodges are more comfortable to relax in the evenings and allow us to interact more with the local Sherpa families that run them. The cost for food (not including alcohol, bottled water or fizzy drinks) is included in the trek price PORTER PROTECTION Any trek or expedition to Nepal relies on the hard work of local porters. It is their carrying of our supplies and baggage that makes a journey into the mountains possible. Jagged Globe is therefore careful to ensure that they are well treated, not exploited and have good protection from the elements. We work closely with our Nepal based partner, Summit Trekking, to provide shelter, clothing and footwear that match the severity of the environment. Porters who become sick are treated with the same care and attention as team members, and we have used helicopters, at our expense, to rescue porters from hazardous situations. Jagged Globe supports the work of the International Porter Protection Group (IPPG) and Porters Progress, and provides help and advice to those organisations to improve the working conditions of the porters on whom we depend. All trekkers are asked to provide feedback on porters' working conditions in post-trip questionnaires. 6
PRE-TRIP WEEKEND Jagged Globe offers pre-trip weekends for all expeditions and treks. The pre-trip weekend is a key element of your trek or expedition. You do not have to be booked onto a trip to attend a weekend, so it s the perfect opportunity to meet us and find out more about Jagged Globe. The pre-trip weekend provides team members with important information and skills that will enhance your experience of the trip. It is a chance to meet other team members, should they be attending, as well as giving you the opportunity to meet our office team, visit our specialist equipment shop and try on any hire equipment you may need. Normally a number of different teams meet over the weekend. The Saturday is based in and around Sheffield with presentations on personal equipment, dealing with altitude, expedition safety and staying healthy. In the evening there will be a meal and social gathering to get to know others on your trip. On Sunday we will go outdoors to the nearby Peak District. The activity will be focused on your trip. This will be a walk, scramble or rock climbing sessions using fixed rope and abseiling, if appropriate, at a nearby crag. The weekends are free to attend and are normally scheduled 6 8 weeks prior to your trip departure date. If you are booked onto a trip confirmed dates will be enclosed with your Booking Confirmation email. If you have yet to book a place on a trip, please email us to enquire about a suitable pre-trip weekend date. To book a place we will need to know at least 10 days beforehand. We look forward to meeting you at the weekend. Programme Day Time Activity Saturday 9.30am Meet at Jagged Globe. Introductions, tea/ coffee. Personal kit and equipment. Avoiding altitude illness. Looking after yourself on expedition. 12.30pm 1pm 5pm Lunch, please bring a packed lunch (there are nearby shops if you forget) Drive out of town for practical sessions e.g. Roping up for glacier travel, using fixed rope, abseiling, rock scrambling and remote camping skills. Return to Jagged Globe. Saturday 7-10pm Meet at a pre- booked venue for dinner followed by a 7
evening presentation about your trip. Sunday 9am Meet at Jagged Globe. Drive out to the Peak District for a whole day activity. A chance to break in boots and test waterproofs. 4pm Weekend finishes. Take kit bags or fleeces and any hire kit away with you. Please note that you will need normal UK hill walking equipment including packed lunch, boots, waterproofs and insulating layers. Some options may include: Grade 1 Trekking, e.g. Everest Base Camp Bleaklow Head from Doctor s Gate. 400m ascent and descent. 8km walk over heather moorland taking in steep slopes in ascent and descent with a visit to a crashed aircraft on the way. Grade 1 Trekking peak, e.g. Kilimanjaro Lemosho Glades Kinder Scout from Edale. 730m of ascent and descent. 10km walk over paths and rough moorland taking in Ringing Roger and Woolpacks on the way. Grade 2, Semi technical trekking peak, e.g. Mera Peak Kinder Scout Plateau via Blackden Brook. 350m of ascent and descent. 9km of steep walking with some steep scrambling on route. Descent via Fairbrook Naze. Grade 3/4, Technical expedition, e.g. Bolivian Climber/ Alpamayo A day s single pitch rock climbing. Climbing on one of the 150 crags in the Sheffield area looking at movement skills, abseiling, free hanging jumar use and crevasse rescue. Getting here Jagged Globe is located close to Sheffield city centre. We are around 15-20 mins walking distance from Sheffield railway and Interchange Coach stations. We are located next to The Foundry Climbing Centre in the Kelham Island area of the city. There is free car parking within the Foundry Climbing Centre car park as well as ample on street parking. Accommodation There is lots of hotel accommodation in Sheffield, however the following hotels are within easy walking distance of Jagged Globe HQ. Holiday Inn. 4 Star, Victoria Station Rd, Sheffield S4 7YE. Stately redbrick property with an elegant restaurant and a lounge bar. Approximately 50 a night. 500m away. Hampton by Hilton. 3 Star, West Bar Green, Sheffield, S1 2DA. Set in a former police station, this new urban hotel is centrally located with free Wi-Fi and breakfast. Approximately 50 a night. 600m away. Mercure Sheffield St Paul's Hotel and Spa. 4 Star, 119 Norfolk St, Sheffield, S1 2JE. Adjacent to the city's Winter Gardens, amenities include a modern British restaurant with a glass ceiling and city-view dining, plus a chic champagne bar. There's also a spa with a heated indoor pool. Approximately 80 a night. 1400m away. 8
EQUIPMENT A complete equipment list is sent to you on booking. Our equipment hire service includes down jackets and down sleeping bags. You must have 3 or 4 season trekking boots. The Thorong La is normally snow-covered. TAILOR-MADE OPTION We can organise this trek on a 'tailor-made' private basis for groups such as families, clubs or charities. Depending on your trekking experience, you might require a Jagged Globe leader or prefer to go 'self-led' with assistance from a Sherpa guide. The cost of going private can be surprisingly reasonable, particularly self-led options. Please contact us to discuss the itinerary and preferred dates. We will put together a no-obligation quote. BOOKING If you would like to book a place on this trek, you can do so securely on our website, over the phone or by sending in a booking form by post. A deposit secures a place on your chosen departure. You will initially receive an automated email acknowledging that your booking has been received. We will then confirm your booking in writing and send you a receipt for the deposit, an invoice for the final balance, ATOL certificate and equipment list. You will be given an account on a secure area of the Jagged Globe website, where you can complete other essential administration relating to the trip. Book Now: http://www.jagged-globe.co.uk/trek/i/annapurna+circuit.html 9