Short Annapurna Circuit 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.

• Private  car or Van from Kathmandu- Besisahar - Chame to begin your trip. There is a mix of rural and urban scenery during the road trip.

Besisahar to Chame: 

• Your journey's hiking phase starts at Besisahar. To shorten the first walking distance, you might hike or rent a local vehicle to Syange. Along the Marsyangdi River, the journey from Syange to Chame travels through verdant forests, terraced farmland, and charming villages. Along the route, Tal and Pisang are noteworthy locations.

Gain in Altitude:

• Chame's height is around 2,710 meters (8,891 feet), which is a significant increase from the lower regions.

Duration:

•  There is no set amount of time needed to get from Kathmandu to Chame. Depending on your speed, the road trip from Kathmandu to Besisahar takes around 4–5 hours. While from Besisahar to Chame it takes around 3-4 hours

Advice:

• Make sure you have all the equipment's required to hike in the Annapurna zone. Take break days as needed to ensure that you are fully acclimated to the increased altitude .Be ready for weather variations, particularly as you ascend higher in the sky. The Annapurna Circuit walk, which includes the Kathmandu to Chame route, is known for its diverse landscapes and incredible views of the mountains. 

Tips:

• Ensure you have the necessary permits for trekking in the Annapurna region.
• Acclimatize properly to the increasing altitude by taking rest days as needed.
• Be prepared for changes in weather conditions, especially as you gain altitude.

• A lovely section of the Annapurna Circuit hike that offers breathtaking views of the Himalayas is the walk from Chame to Pisang. Private car access to this portion of the route is not direct, thus most people choose to walk it. This is the route for trekking:

Trek from Chame to Pisang:

• Around 13 kilometers (8 miles) in length.
  

The Environment:

• There are both uphill and downhill portions of the path, and there are regular views of the surrounding mountains as well as woods and quaint villages.

Trek to Chame

Pisang:

• At last, you will reach Pisang, a lovely community surrounded by breathtaking scenery. Pisang is separated into two distinct areas, Upper Pisang (Gyaru) and Lower Pisang, each with its own special beauty.

Advice:

• As you increase in altitude, give yourself enough time to adjust. Enjoy the amazing panoramas of the Manaslu and Annapurna mountain ranges. Engage in conversation with locals to learn about their hospitality and culture. Remember that hiking schedules might change according on your fitness levels and the state of the weather. 

Manang:

• Continue the trek to Manang, a charming village at an elevation of around 3,540 meters. Manang is an essential acclimatization break and provides amazing views of the Annapurna and Gangapurna mountains.

Guidance: 

• As you go to greater altitudes, take your time and thoroughly adjust. Discover Braga's religious and cultural landmarks, such as the Braga Monastery. 
• For the most recent information on trail conditions and any developments that may affect your walk, always consult guides. For a safe and pleasurable walk in the Himalayas, proper acclimatization, water, and an easier climb are highly recommended.

Another interesting part of the Annapurna Circuit trip is the journey from Manang to Yak Kharka, which passes through breathtaking scenery and higher heights. An outline of this section is as follows:

Distance:

• Approximately 9 kilometers (5.6 miles).

Environment:

• The path offers beautiful views of the surrounding mountains and involves a steady rise through alpine terrain.

Starting your journey from Manang: 

• Make sure you have had enough time to adjust to the higher altitude before setting out on your walk.

Gunsang Village:

• Trek through Gunsang Village, a little community surrounded by majestic mountains and  teahouses.

Yak Kharka:

• Continue climbing to arrive at Yak Kharka, a higher altitude grazing region for cattle, including yaks. The scenery turns more rocky and alpine, with little flora.

Advice:

• Drink plenty of water and move at a moderate pace to aid with acclimatization. Ascending, take in the views of the Annapurna and Gangapurna peaks. Expect a decrease in temperature, particularly as you ascend .A mandatory acclimatization stop on route to Thorong La Pass is Yak Kharka. It's critical to pay attention to your body, adapt gradually, and recognize any symptoms of altitude sickness. To find out the most recent trail conditions and any updates that might impact your experience, always consult guides.

An important part of the Annapurna Circuit that brings you closer to the high-altitude Thorong La Pass is the hike from Yak Kharka to Thorong Phedi. 

Yak Kharka to Phedi Thorong Distance :

• About five kilometers (3.1 miles) is the distance.

   Environment:

• Thorong Phedi, at a height of around 4,450 meters (14,600 feet), is reached via a difficult rise on the path.

Departure from Yak Kharka: 

• Start your hike there, making sure you've had enough time to adjust to the higher altitude.

Thorong Phedi Ascent:

• The route winds over rocky and harsh landscape as it gradually ascends towards Thorong Phedi. The journey gets harder as you get closer to Thorong Phedi.

Arrive to Thorong Phedi:

• A small village that acts as the starting point for those aiming to climb Thorong La Pass. Thorong Phedi offers simple places to stay for hikers getting ready for the pass.

Advice:

• As you rise to higher altitudes, exercise caution and pay attention to any symptoms of altitude sickness. Be aware to your body, move slowly, and drink plenty of water. Make sure you are dressed appropriately for the lower temperatures seen at higher elevation. At 5,416 meters (17,769 feet) above sea level, the pass is among the highest hiking passes in the world. Before trying the pass, always confirm with  guides and consider the weather.

• The journey across Thorong La Pass, which connects Thorong Phedi and Muktinath, is one of the most difficult and satisfying sections of the Annapurna Circuit. A significant accomplishment is making it across Thorong La Pass, and the trip to Muktinath leads to a renowned pilgrimage location.

Distance:

• Approximately 18 kilometers (11.2 miles).
• The elevation of Thorong La Pass is 5,416 meters (17,769 ft).

Early Start:

• To make the most of the daylight hours and to avoid bad weather that might develop later in the day, We will start the walk as early as possible in the morning.

Thorong La Pass Ascent:

• Depending on the season, the path winds up an uphill climb over rocky terrain and snow towards Thorong La Pass. Be aware of the signals, move slowly, and drink plenty of water.

Thorong La Pass Summit:

• Reach the summit of Thorong La Pass, marked by prayer flags and breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding peaks. This is the highest point on the Annapurna Circuit trek.
• Descend from Thorong La Pass to Muktinath, a holy settlement .The descent is a lengthy, rocky path across different landscapes.

Arrive to Muktinath:

• A major pilgrimage place for Hindus and Buddhists. Explore the Muktinath Temple and the other holy attractions.

Tips:

•  Be well-acclimatized before trying Thorong La Pass. Cover in layers since the weather may change dramatically, and it can be cold at higher elevations. Carry enough water and food for the difficult climb and descent. This leg of the hike is physically difficult and demands careful planning. Before climbing Thorong La Pass, speak with your guide, check the weather, and be aware of any potential risks. Always highlight safety and acclimatization on this difficult section of the Annapurna Circuit.

• The trek from Muktinath to Jomsom is a downhill journey that takes you through diverse landscapes, including the sacred site of Muktinath and the windswept region around Jomsom. Here's an overview of this segment:

Muktinath to Jomsom:

Distance: Approximately 19 kilometers (11.8 miles).

Departure from Muktinath:

• Start your trek from Muktinath, a sacred pilgrimage site for Hindus and Buddhists.

Ranipauwa:

• Trek down to Ranipauwa, a village near Muktinath, offering views of the Mustang region.

Kagbeni:

• Pass through Kagbeni, a medieval village with a unique atmosphere. Kagbeni is known for its ancient architecture and cultural heritage.

Marpha:

• Trek to Marpha, a charming village famous for its apple orchards and traditional white-washed houses. Marpha is also known for its production of apple brandy.

Jomsom:

• Finally, reach Jomsom, the administrative center of the Mustang region. Jomsom is a major hub for trekking and has an airport connecting to Pokhara.

Tips:

• Enjoy the diverse landscapes, from the arid regions near Muktinath to the apple orchards of Marpha. Explore Kagbeni and its ancient architecture. Jomsom offers facilities like hotels, restaurants, and the convenience of air travel to Pokhara. This part of the trek involves a mix of cultural exploration and natural beauty. Be mindful of weather conditions, especially in the afternoons when winds can pick up in the Kali Gandaki Valley. As always, check with local guides for the latest trail conditions and any updates that might affect your journey.

• Certainly, if you're planning to fly from Jomsom to Pokhara and then take a local bus from Pokhara to Kathmandu, here's a brief overview:

Jomsom to Pokhara (Flight):

• Take a domestic flight from Jomsom to Pokhara. This short flight provides spectacular views of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri mountain ranges.
• The flight takes approximately 25 minutes, landing at Pokhara Airport.

 Pokhara to Kathmandu (Drive):

• Upon arrival in Pokhara, We will take a local bus for the road journey to Kathmandu.
• The drive from Pokhara to Kathmandu takes several hours, traveling along the Prithvi Highway.

Tips:

• Domestic flights in the Himalayan region are weather-dependent, so it's advisable to check for weather updates and be prepared for potential delays. The road journey from Pokhara to Kathmandu offers scenic views of hills, rivers, and rural landscapes. Local buses may vary in terms of comfort and travel time, so be prepared for a diverse travel experience. Ensure that you check the availability of local transportation options and consider factors such as travel time and comfort. It's always a good idea to have some flexibility in your schedule, especially when relying on flights and local transportation in Nepal. Additionally, verify the latest information with local authorities and transportation providers.

A Bharal Adventure representative arrives to accompany the guests to the airport about three hours leading up to their departure after exchanging emails, photographs, and good-natured greetings and serving breakfast.