Overview

The Annapurna region located in Central Nepal is one of the most geographically and culturally diverse regions for trekking in the country. The Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP) working along with the King Mahendra Trust for Nature Conservation has declared this region an area of conservation and sustainable development. Stretched over 2600 sq. km, the area is home to a variety of diverse peoples and cultures: Brahmins, Chettris, Newars, Gurungs, Magars, Manangis and Tibetans. The region is also host to diverse environments: sub-tropical lowlands, stunning valleys, bamboo, oak, and rhododendron forests, alpine meadows, windswept desert plateaus, the world's deepest river gorge, and the towering Annapurna Mountains. The most sought in the region are: Annapurna I (world's 8th highest) and Machhapuchhre (aka: Fishtail), which is one of the most beautiful.

Animals and birds are in abundance in this region. 440 species of birds and animals like the marten, deer, langur and the elusive snow leopard live in this area. Nepal's most popular trek begins at the lakeside town of Pokhara and stretches six or seven days northwest around the Annapurna Massif, through dramatic changes in landscape, climate, and culture to the high village of Jomsom, near the isolated land of Mustang. Trekkers often continue on to the sacred shrine of Muktinath, near the 5,415-meter Thorang-La pass and down into the l valley of Manang. This route circles Annapurna back to the Kathmandu-Pokhara highway.

This area offers treks for almost all fitness levels. A flight from Pokhara to Jomsom at 2800 m and walking down to Beni is an easy trek compared to a visit to the Annapurna Base Camp or crossing the Thorong-La Pass, which can be more challenging. Besides its astounding beauty of the area, it is variety of trekking options, which attributes to the Annapurna regions popularity.

For the adventurous, trekking in higher altitudes to see the beauty of the Annapurna range could be a source for a healthy rush of adrenalin. There are also Para treks in the Annapurna sanctuary, which combine trekking, and paragliding make it interesting for the high flyers.

Interesting additions to trekking in this region could be a two day rafting in either the Kali Gandaki or the Trishuli, Meditation and Yoga classes in Pokhara, or a relaxed home stay in the historic and scenic villages of Sirubari (National Tourism Award for Best Village Stay) or Bandipur.

The Jomsom - Muktinath Trek in Fly our Itinerary is put here as an example.

Itinerary Outline

Day 1: Pokhara to Tirkhedhunga
Day 2: Tirkhedhunga to Ghorepani
Day 3: Ghorepani to Tatopani
Day 4: Tatopani to Ghasa
Day 5: Ghasa to Marpha
Day 6: Marpha to Kagbeni
Day 7: Kagbeni to Muktinath
Day 8: Rest day in Muktinath
Day 9: Muktinath to Jomsom
Day 10: Jomsom to Pokhara

Detailed Trip Itinerary

Day 01: Tirkhedhunga (5175 ft/1577m)

After breakfast, drive from Pokhara to Nayapul (Lumle) and start trekking. Lunch at Birethanti (3400ft./1037m) and continue trek to Tirkhedhunga.

Day 02: Ghorepani (9300 ft / 2724m)

Full day uphill trek through Brahmin, Chettri, Gurung and Magar villages, to Banthanti where lunch is served. Afternoon trek through dense forests of rhododendron and pine and arrive at Ghorepani.

Day 03: Tatopani (3900ft/1189m)

Pre-dawn alert and trek up to Poon Hill to view the sunrise of the Annapurna range (weather permitting). After breakfast at Ghorepani start a full day trek down to Tatopani. The trail descends steadily to Tatopani which means "Hot Water" and it is possible to bathe in the hot springs there.

Day 04:Ghasa (6600 ft./ 2012m)

After breakfast, follow the Kali Gandaki River passing water falls and Thakali and Magar Villages to Dana (4750 ft./ 1446 m.) for lunch and continue trekking up hill to Ghasa.

Day 05:Marpha (8750 ft./2667m)

As we pass between the Dhaulagiri and Annapurna range, a dramatic change in vegetation is witnessed from green forests, to dry arid desert. Passing through Kalopani (2530m / 8300 ft), there is an excellent view of the Annapurnas. Rest at Larjung where there is a Thakali village. Trek to Marpha.

Day 06:Kagbeni (2800 m)

We start the trek slowly and gradually acclimatizing with the surroundings and arrive at Jomsom for lunch. The Thakalies are the dominent tribe of the valley, related to the Gurung and Magars of the southern slopes. After lunch we continue trekking to Kagbeni which is the gateway to Upper Mustang.

Day 07:Muktinath (12,475ft./3802m)

Trek slowly up to Muktinath. After lunch guests should rest and relax for acclimatization.

Day 08:Free day in Muktinath

Carry pack lunch and trek up to the Thorong-la Basecamp. There are many interests to occupy the day in this ancient town which also used to be the capital of one of the provinces of Mustang. It is therefore, interesting to note the mixture of Buddhist and Hindu culture in this area.

Day 09:Jomsom

After breakfast, trek back to Jomsom. In the evening the team will host a farewell dinner.

Day 10:Pokhara

Early breakfast and proceed to the airport to catch the early morning flight back to Pokhara.