Tour Guide, Kathmandu, Nepal
| 9 mins read
AROUND ANNAPURNA HIMALAYA REGION:
Annapurna Himalaya is one of the popular and most trekked regions as it offers a wide range of trekking destinations. From low to high hills of southern Annapurna Himalaya, and towards high Manang valley north of Annapurna massive Himalaya range. We have listed some of the best for all travellers, and we have more on request.
01: ANNAPURNA BASE CAMP & GHOREPANI / POON HILL TREK:
(A moderate to adventurous grade trek of a minimum of 10 to 11 days or more)
Overview:
Annapurna base camp & Ghorepani-Poon Hill trekking leads to scenic walks from low paddy fields to high green hills. A combination of short Ghorepani and Poon Hill, one of the most desired short trekking destinations, allows travellers to immerse in beautiful forest surroundings of rhododendron and pine trees. Enjoy a few days' walks from lovely Pokhara city, where most treks start and end.
Head towards the mid-hills with a climb up to Ghorepani, a nice mountain village with grand views of snow peaks. The following day an hour hike to famous Poon Hill at 3,210 m / 10,531 feet high. Catch the stunning sunrise views over a 360° wide panorama of the world's highest mountain range of Dhaulagiri, Annapurna, and Manaslu peaks. From Ghorepani and Poon hill, the next adventure takes you to the heart of Annapurna Himalayas at base camp.
Located within a picturesque sanctuary enclosed by an amphitheatre of towering snow peaks, an exciting walks on the high hills. As the trek progresses, reach a lovely Gurung village at Chomrong, with many nice lodges facing grand views of Annapurna peaks.
After a pleasant stop at Chomrong, a walk leads ups to Modi River gorge at a small settlement of Bamboo. From here, the trail follows the river upstream all the way to its glacial source at Annapurna Sanctuary.
Then reach the scenic Annapurna Base Camp, located above 4,130 m right at the bottom of the world's 10th highest Mt. Annapurna-I.
The first 8,000-meter mountain ever climbed in the history of mountaineering by French Expeditions in 1950. The only base camp around the Himalayas with facilities of nice and cosy lodges with rooms facing views of snow peaks.
A walk from Annapurna base camp leads back to Chomrong village and then to Jhinu, a village with a natural hot spring. Here one can enjoy a dip in the warm pool and then head back to Pokhara. On completing a great wonderful adventure at Annapurna base camp & Ghorepani / Poon Hill Trek.
02: MARDI HIMAL TREK:
(A moderate to adventurous grade trek of a minimum of 07 to 08 days or more)
Overview:
Mardi Himal Trek takes you at the height of 4,500 m / 14,850 feet high at Mardi Himal Base Camp. Right beneath Mardi Himal, listed as a trekking peak above 5,587 m /18, 330 feet high and located at the bottom of the famous Fish-Tail peak, the Machhapuchare Himal. Within the Annapurna Himalayan range, one of the unclimbed peaks around the Himalayas stands at 6,993 m / 22,943 feet high.
One of the best nature and country walks, away from main popular trails and villages for some days. It starts with a short drive to Dhampus village, situated on a high ridge close to Pokhara scenic valley, following the high ridge facing a wide panorama of Annapurna and Manaslu Mountain range, and then leaving the main trail.
Route to Mardi Himal diverts from a small settlement of Deurali, walking into the cool shade of rhododendron and pine forest. As the walk progress higher in close harmony with Mountain Wilderness, on reaching Mardi Himal base camp.
The highest spot of the adventure faces tremendous views of the Annapurna Himalaya range with the towering South Face of Machhapuchare Himal.
After a wonderful moment at Mardi Himal base camp, which is also known as the ‘Other Sanctuary’. From the high areas of Mardi Himal, downhill to road-head at low, warm farm Siding village and drive to Pokhara.
Interested trekkers with more time can extend the trek to Annapurna base camp or Ghorepani and Poon Hill.
03: ANNAPURNA CIRCUIT TREK:
(A moderate to adventurous grade trek of 12 to 14 days or more depending upon the starting point of trekking).
Overview:
Annapurna Circuit Trek, the most enjoyed renowned trekking, is well placed in the top 10 of the world’s best adventure destinations. Not only for its beautiful scenery but for its amazing bio-diversity of landscapes, vegetation, climate, and local cultures.
The views of high snow peaks follow you throughout the trek and make the walk enjoyable and delightful. Various options to start trekking as well to end the Annapurna Circuit trek as per your holiday in Nepal.
Adorned with age-old Buddhist heritage and impressive culture in the backdrop of towering snow-capped peaks. Eventually, the walk leads to scenic and picturesque high Manang valley enclosed within the massive mountain range of Annapurna and Chulu’s peaks. Spend an extra day at Manang village for acclimatisation with a short hike to the viewpoints, close to Gangapurna Icefall.
From Manang, a walk follows at the end of the valley, where a long uphill climb leads to the top of Thorang-La Pass. The high pass at 5,416 m / 17,700 feet forms the barrier between Manang and Mustang districts. Enjoy the glorious vista from the highest point of the adventure at Thorang-La, and then a long downhill to Muktinath. Muktinath is a famous holy spot for all Hindus and Buddhist followers, a temple dedicated to the Hindu god Vishnu. From Muktinath journey continues in the wild, windswept country of Mustang and Kaligandaki River Valley.
The adventure leads to Jomsom, the headquarters town of the Mustang area, and then heads past the charming villages of Marpha and Tukuche. The journey takes you to an exciting spot at Kaligandaki River gorge, sandwiched between towering peaks of Annapurna and Dhaulagiri, making it the world's deepest gorge with great drops of 8,000 m peaks to low areas of 2,000 m.
The journey leads to the lovely village of Tatopani, a place with a natural hot spring to enjoy. From Tatopani, climb towards scenic Ghorepani village, perched on a high ridge at the base of famous Poon Hill.
The following day a short hike to Poon Hill to catch striking sunrise and panorama of the world's three highest mountain ranges. Enjoy the views of Mt. Dhaulagiri, Mt. Manaslu and Annapurna Himalayas with majestic Machhapuchare, the famous Fish-Tail peak.
From Ghorepani and Poon hill walk continues downhill, ending the adventure with a short drive to beautiful Pokhara city. After a great memorable experience on the high hills and valleys on Annapurna Circuit Trek.
04: NAR-PHU & ANNAPURNA SEMI CIRCUIT TREK:
(A moderate to adventurous grade trek of 15 to 16 days or more depending upon the starting point of trekking).
Overview:
Nar-Phu and Annapurna Semi Circuit Trek is an adventure of an exciting combination of the main popular Annapurna Circuit and remote Nar-Phu valley.
This wonderful walk involves two high passes, Kang-La at 5,322 m and Thorang-La Pass at 5,416 m. One can experience the difference between the main popular route and being on isolated corners of high remote Manang valley.
The first past of the walk for a few days leads on the same route of the famous Annapurna Circuit trekking trail. From Koto village near Chame town headquarter of Manang district, the route diverts heading north towards Nar-Phu valley.
Enter a narrow, deep river gorge lined with lush green vegetation and tall trees of pines and rhododendron. Walk follows the river upstream through Dharmasala, Meta, and Kyang to reach an open exposed valley of Nar and Phu.
One feels the aura of a hidden Shangri-La around this wild, windswept country bordered by towering snow peaks. Facing Himlung and Damodar Himal range views with the northern side of Chulu peaks, enjoy a blissful time at Phu village.
Phu is a unique village within windblown landscapes, yet the people are full of smiles and busy with farm activities. At Phu, visit the Tashi-Khang, Samdu Choling Monastery with Kyichu waterfalls. The village of near 30 houses for 100 to 150 inhabitants, raising livestock and farming high altitude crops.
From Phu, walk towards the adjoining village at Nar, on route Kang-La pass quite similar to its sister village Phu. But smaller and much more interesting with local villagers in lively traditional farming and raising livestock activities.
After a great enjoyable time around Nar and Phu villages, away from the rest of the world and modern civilisation. The adventure leads to a steep climb on top Kang-La, facing the grand vista of Damodar and Annapurna Himalaya with Chulu’s peaks.
On reaching Kang-La, the route leads back on the main trails of Annapurna Circuit to the main Manang village. A different experience after being in the complete wilderness at Nar and Phu, from Manang adventure continues towards high Thorang-La Pass.
The highest point of the adventure is reaching the top of Thorang-La, which separates the Mustang and Manang districts. Facing glorious panorama of surrounding snow mountain range with Annapurna’s’ and as far towards Manaslu with Dhaulagiri Himalayas. Finally, the walk leads to a long descent towards the Mustang area at the holy site of Muktinath, a famous pilgrimage destination.
After staying at Muktinath small village, and in the comfort of a nice lodge, the next morning, walk to Jomsom. The last final trek of the adventure leads to a big drop towards Kaligandaki River valley.
The walk finally concludes, reaching Jomsom, the headquarters town of the Mustang district with a small airstrip.
The following day a short scenic flight from Jomsom takes you to a beautiful city in Pokhara. After completing an exciting adventure on Nar-Phu and Annapurna Semi Circuit Trek. Nar-Phu valley falls within restricted areas of Nepal, where all foreign visitors must obtain a special permit.