Annapurna Circuit - Jomsom Trek

Trek from Beshishahar to Bahundanda (1310m.) takes about six hours. The first part of the trail is on a flat level along the bank of the Marshyangdi River. Stay overnight at lodge.

A steep trail descends for early half an hour and then follows a flat path through rice terraces, before crossing a stream at the bottom of a small waterfall. It then climbs again and traverses the hillside high above the river before reaching the village of Lali Gaon. The trail then climbs steeply and the path is cut into the sheer cliff-face some 200-300m above the riverbed. Eventually you descend to the stone village of Jagat (1330m.) situated on a shelf which juts into the precipitous Marshyangdi valley. Stay overnight at lodge.

The first part of the trail descends to the river and after crossing a suspension bridge, you begin a climb to Sattale (1550m.) on a steep path. You descend to a grassy riverbank, which leads to Tal with its hotels and teahouses. Beyond Tal, the valley narrows and the path becomes high and winding and in several areas hewn from the rock itself. Beyond the small village of Karte (1900m.), there is a bit more cliff-walking before the path drops again to the river. You cross a suspension bridge and climb the short distance to the stone mani making entrance to Dharapani (1960m.). Stay overnight at lodge.

As you cut through a narrow field from the village, the Dudh Khola, which originates from the south face of Manaslu, enters on the opposite bank. The Marshyangdi then veers to the left and as Annapurna II becomes visible ahead, you arrive at Bagarchhap, a Tibetan village with prayer flags fluttering in the breeze around a Buddhist monastery. Continuing to climb through forests of pine and oak, you pass through Danaque (2210m.). The trail then flattens out until you reach Chame. Stay overnight at lodge.

You trek through a fir and pine forest, climbing to a high, rocky area as the opposite bank becomes an impassable cliff. A short climb from the village brings you to a rock-strewn area where you cross a suspension bridge and follow a high, winding path, before crossing back to the right bank again. You now walk through a pine forest and as the forest ends, the valley changes from a V-shape to a gentle U-shape, opening up a wonderful vista before you. Continuing on, you come to a long mani wall by a bridge and the lower village of Pisang. Stay overnight at lodge.

Beyond Pisang, the trail climbs a steep ridge and affords good views of the Manang valley and Tilicho peak (7145m.). Descending past Manang's airstrip at Hungde (3320m.), you come to a level area from where the north-east face of Annapurna III rises majestically above you. From the wide plains of the Sabje Khola Valley, Annapurna IV (7525m) also becomes visible. Just beyond this point you cross the considerably reduced flow of the Marsyangdi Khola via a wooden bridge to the tiny village of Mungji. After a short steep climb you reach Manang. Stay overnight at lodge.

This is an important rest and acclimatization day before crossing the Thorong La. There are optional day walks such as crossing the river to see the tremendous ice-fall coming down from the Annapurnas, or climbing high above the village for a full panorama of the Annapurna range and the Manang Valley. Stay overnight at lodge.

Now the trail ascends gently all the way to Yak Kharka passing through the Gunsang (3960m.) village all the while enjoying panaromic views of the Annapunra range. Stay overnight at lodge.

Leaving Yak Kharka, you climb gradually to a ridge before descending to the headwaters of the Marshyangdi and crossing via a covered wooden bridge. After a short ascent up the mountain path on the right bank, you follow a narrow trail across an unstable spree slope and then descend to Thorong Phedi. Stay overnight at lodge.

You proceed on a steep trail, but the gradient then eases after 4 hours of steady climbing. You then reach the chorten and prayer flags of the pass. The descent to Muktinath is a steep 1600m downward but it is compensated for with excellent views of Dhaulagiri. Stay overnight at lodge.

You now begin the trek descending down the dramatic Kali Gandaki gorge, initially through arid country in the same geographical and climatic zone as Tibet. After passing through Jharkot and Khingar villages with typical Tibetan architecture, you follow the path steeply down to Kagbeni, a primitive village famous for Tibetan architectures. People living there follow the Tibetan life style and culture. Stay overnight at lodge.

Your trail passes along the bank of Kali Gandaki passing through the Eklebhatti. From Jomsom, you can enjoy the magnificent views of Nilgiri and Tilicho peak. Stay overnight at lodge.

The flights are available during the morning time. Stay overnight at hotel in Pokhara.

While driving from Pokhara to Kathmandu, you head up to Damauli, Dumre, Mugling and Kurintar where Nepal's first Cable car is operated to reach Manakamana Temple. En- route, you can enjoy the mountain views, green sceneries, rice terrace fields, vegetable fields and people being engaged in their daily life activities. From Naubishe you climb up to Thankot, the gateway to the capital city.