NEPAL: In the Shadow of Annapurnas
TOUR IN
$2143.2
per person
Availability: 2 places
From Jagat to Jomsom, this trek progresses at an ideal speed and includes superb views over the entire Annapurna massif. Hike past enormous glaciers to the heart of the mountains during a carefully planned 14 day itinerary which showcases the highlights of Nepal. The adventure begins in the sup-tropical environment of Beshisahar. We progress up through the Marsyangdi valley to Manang and the rugged landscapes more than 3000m above sea level. As we climb up towards the towering Himalayan giants, we cross Tibetan villages, Brahmin and Gurung where prayer flags flutter in the wind. The Himalayan summits run to infinity: Manaslu, the Annapurnas II, III, IV, Gangapurna ... We cross theThorong pass, at 5400 m to the valley of the Mustang where a change of scenery awaits: this valley is wider and more arid with mineral colours of ocher, red and green ... Sumptuous villages like Jarkot and Kagbeni punctuate our descent. The trek ends in Jomsom; from here we continue our journey to Pokhara, a small town at the foot of the Annapurna Massif.
Day 1
Arrival in Kathmandu
Welcome to Kathmandu! Your guide will greet you and escort you to your hotel. Depending on your arrival time, perhaps your trip leader can show you the old streets of Ason Tole and Indra Chowk and introduce you to the Nepalese way of living. Accommodation: Hotel

Day 2
Route: Kathmandu - Jagat (1120m)
Early morning departure by minibus to the village of Besishahar (850 m) where we meet our porters. Then we continue by car to Jagat, the starting point of our trek. Todays' long journey is rewarded upon arrival with the magnificent setting of the Annapurnas Massif... 
Transport: 7-8 hours 
Accommodation: Lodge

Day 3
Jagat - Dharapani (1975m)
Today we follow the Marsyangdi River; ascend to Chamje, then climb 300 m up to the village of Tal, in an old lake with a large waterfall. This afternoon we continue gently down to Dharapani, a beautiful village at the confluence of two rivers. 
Trek: 7 hours 
Ascent/descent: +1000m/-450m 
Accommodation: Lodge

Day 4
Dharapani - Chame (2715m)
It is a steep climb to Timang the High through a beautiful pine forest. From Koto, we have a remarkable view of Annapurna II and Manaslu. At Chame, we enter the Buddhist country: chortens, manis walls and the prayer flags decorate our route. 
Trek: 6 hours 
Ascent/descent: +980m/-240m 
Accommodation: Lodge

Day 5
Chame - Pisang (3314m)
As we progress, the landscapes become more arid and fewer crops persist. Today we cross several Gurung villages and lovely views of the Himalayan mountain chain spanning from Manaslu to Annapurna II await. This afternoon, we visit the beautiful village and monastery of Upper Pisang. 
Trek: 5 - 6 hours 
Ascent: +830m/-360m 
Accommodation: Lodge

Day 6
Pisang - Manang (3550m)
Our journey continues to Manang, with a viewpoint displaying a number of mythical Himalayan summits: Annapurnas IV, II, III, Gangapurna ... An exceptional setting! Depending on the conditions and group motivation we can pass through the old villages of Ghyaru and Ngawal along a beautiful balcony trail (+ 1 hour of walking). Trek: 6 - 7 hours 
Ascent/descent: +400m/-100m 
Accommodation: Lodge

Day 7
Manang: Acclimatization/Rest day
A relaxed day dedicated to acclimatization in Manang. Important to optimize our success of the Thorong La passage. Several full/half-day excursion options possible to further explore the village and area. 
Accommodation: Same Lodge

Day 8
Manang - Yak Kharka (4220m)
This short easy leg enables regular acclimatization to the altitude. We leave the banks of the river Marsyangdi and begin the gently climb up to the pasture of Yak Kharkha. Afternoon at leisure to relax or enjoy a pleasant stroll. Trek: 4 hours 
Ascent/descent: +730m/-50m 
Accommodation : Lodge

Day 9
Yak Kharka - Thorong Phedi (4624m)
It is a short walk to Thorong Phedi. Our path travels through yak pastures and alternates between ascending and descending sections. We are slowly advancing towards the bottom of the valley to save our breath. This afternoon, an additional acclimatization hike to Thorong Phedi base camp is possible (+ 400m and 400m return hike). 
Trek: 3 - 4 hours 
Ascent/descent: +1030m/-550m 
Accommodation: Lodge

Day 10
Thorong Phedi - Thorong La (5416m) - Muktinath (3802m)
Departure in the very early morning for the Thorong Pass, the highest point of our trek. Fantastic panorama views reward our effort. After a tea and photo break at the pass, we start the steep descent to Muktinath, the first Mustang village and religious sanctuary for Buddhists and Hindus. Visit the small temple of Muktinath. 
Trek: 7 - 8 hours 
Ascent/descent: +940m/-1620m 
Accommodation: Lodge

Day 11
Muktinath - Lupra - Jomsom (2700m)
We leave Muktinath, cross an easy pass and continue our trek through beautiful alpine and arid landscapes. On the way, if luck is with us, we may see the himalayan bharal or 'blue sheep'. A relatively steep descent leads us to Lupra, a quiant village hidden by the gorges of the Lupra Khola. Far from the frequented trekking trails, Lupra has managed to preserve its charm. After a soothing stop in this calm village, we head towards the windy Kali Gandaki valley and Jomsom. 
Trek: 5 to 6 hours 
Ascent/descent: +100m/-1200m 
Accommodation: Lodge

Day 12
Flight Jomsom – Pokhara
Early morning flight from Jomsom to Pokhara, a lovely journey above the Kali Gandaki, the deepest canyon in the world, flanked by the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri massifs. Lunch and then an afternoon at leisure in Pokhara. Accommodation: Hotel

Day 13
Drive: Pokhara – Kathmandu
After breakfast, we take the road from Pokhara to Kathmandu through a vast stretch of Nepalese countryside. Upon arrival in Kathmandu, we visit the famous Swayambhunath Buddhist stupa. Also known as 'the monkey temple', it sits perched on a hill overlooking the sprawling valley of Kathmandu. Afternoon at leisure, why not take a stroll through the pedestrian district of Thamel.
Accommodation: Hotel 
Dinner not included

Day 14
End of stay
Depending on your departure time, you can organize a day exploring the jewels of the Kathmandu Valley: Bhaktapur, a pedestrian city located 15 km from Kathmandu. It is the most beautiful of the three imperial cities of the valley; Pashupatinath, Hindu site dating from the twelfth century, a cremation site dedicated to Shiva where pilgrims come to bathe in the sacred Bagmati River; the great stupa of Bodhnath located in the heart of the Tibetan quarter where many monasteries of exile were built. At the end of the day, hundreds of Buddhist enthusiasts come to visit this sacred place. It's a moment that is lived. There is a unique atmosphere!





