Annapurna Thorang La Trek

A representative from Bharal Adventure will pick up the guests at the airport and escort them to their hotel. They will be explained about the program for their journey, however, no activities are planned for the day. Nevertheless, an evening stroll could be arranged if the guests show an interest.

Soon after breakfast, we will head on a long drive to Beshisahar from where a local jeep will be hired to take us to Syange. This drive is a tremendous opportunity in understanding the lifestyle, culture and everyday life of the rural people. From Syange starts our trek to Jagat the night will be spent.

The trail up to Chyamje will be followed as soon as the breakfast ends. Crossing the suspension bridge, the trail is followed uphill through the dense oak forest proceeding further until the emergence of a valley. As we cross Kodo, the ascend to the village of Dharapani begins.

Fourth day starts with trek to Chame followed by a quick breakfast. The trail ascends along the mule track through fir forest following the river amidst the highest oak and maple trees. The stunning views of major Himalayan peaks shall accompany the journey that comes to an end for the day at Chame.

Following a steep and narrow river valley winding all the way through a deep forest, the trek to Pisang will be a wonderful experience filled with the sight of Pisang peak and Annapurna II on the way.

There are two route options to choose from to trek to Manang. One is the easier route following the valley floor via Hongde while the other strenuous route follows the river on the north side of the valley. It takes approximately three more hours to trek through the second route in comparison to the first. Both trails offer a magnificent mountain view as the travelers walk through the grazing fields of the yaks. From Manang, the path descends to a Chorten and turns to northwest going down to the river. As the Jharsang Khola is crossed via suspension bridge, pine forest and wheat fields welcome the travelers as they approach Khangsar, a Gurung village. A small monastery, Chortens, Mani walls and prayer flags are nestled in the village where a stop is made for overnight stay.

This days' journey is set aside for acclimatization utilized by visiting monastery, going on a side trip to Gangapurna Lake and going on an excursion around the lively villages. Also a visit to Himalayan Rescue Association Clinic will be arranged.

The trail crossing over a stream and climbing to a village of Tenki above Manang is followed which continues to go up out of the Marshyangdi Valley turning northwest up the valley of Jarsang Khola. From here, the trail follows this valley northward passing a few pastures and a scrub of juniper trees as it steadily gains elevation passes further closer to the small village of Ghunsa, a cluster of flat mud roofs just below the trailhead. It now goes through the meadows where horses and yaks graze crossing gradually a small river through a wooden bridge and traversing through an ancient Mani wall in a pleasant meadow progressively reaching another small village of Yak Kharka where the trek ends for the day.

On this day, the trek to the foot of Thorong Phedi Pass, a small busy settlement catering to the needs of tired trekkers and climbers, is made. This point is used by some trekkers as a base camp. Although some trekkers attempt a hike to the High Camp on the very day of their arrival here, Bharal Adventure does not advice that because it understands that a sound sleep here is more important and helpful rather than a risky sleep in higher altitude at the High Camp.

The climb to the pass begins early in the morning. Although the ascend is very steep in the initial stage, the peak becomes sloppier as the climb proceeds through the rocky ridges up to the top of the pass at 5,416m. The 360 degree panorama of the snow capped peaks extending northwards into Tibet is a breathtaking sight along with the peaks of Annapurna range and the unfathomable Kali Gandaki gorge staring right in front of us. From here, the trail descends steeply down to Muktinath which is a reverent pilgrimage sight for both Hindus and Buddhists pilgrims at the same time being a home to many ethnic Tibetans and holy Buddhists.

The morning will be spent on visiting the Muktinath temple that holds equal significance both for Hindus and Buddhist followers. The 108 stone taps at the temple is one of its major attractions. After the visit to the temple, we shall trek back to Jomsom where we will be staying overnight.

The morning flight takes us to Pokhara where the day is spent walk around the streets of the city or watch the sun set along the horizon above the charismatic Fewa Lake.

The Thirteenth day of the journey is the day we drive back to Kathmandu along the scenic highway in the company of Trishuli River. The six hours drive is accompanied by varied landscape, lush vegetation and sight of people preparing for or zooming along in their raft boats.

The guests shall be taken to the airport approximately three hours before there scheduled flight by one of the representatives of Bharal Adventure.