Annapurna Circuit Jomsom Trek

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Trip Overview


Overview

The Annapurna Circuit Jomsom Trek is an exhilarating adventure that takes trekkers through the breathtaking landscapes of the Annapurna region in Nepal. Spanning approximately 300 kilometers, this trek is also renowned for its diverse terrain, stunning mountain views, and unique cultural experiences. The journey begins in the vibrant city of Kathmandu, where trekkers embark on a scenic drive to Besisahar, the starting point of the trek. The initial days also involve trekking through lush green forests, terraced fields, and charming villages inhabited by friendly locals. As the trail ascends, the scenery transforms, revealing majestic snow-capped peaks, including Annapurna and Dhaulagiri. One of the highlights of the Annapurna Circuit Jomsom Trek is crossing the Thorong La Pass, standing at an impressive altitude of 5,416 meters. This challenging section also offers panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and serves as a thrilling accomplishment for trekkers. Continuing onwards, the trek descends into the Mustang region, known for its arid landscapes resembling a desert. The trail takes trekkers through the windswept Kali Gandaki Valley, renowned as the world's deepest gorge. Along the way, trekkers can also explore ancient monasteries, encounter Tibetan-influenced cultures, and witness the traditional lifestyle of the Gurung and Thakali communities. As the trek progresses, trekkers reach Jomsom, a picturesque town famous for its apple orchards and mesmerizing views of Nilgiri and Dhaulagiri peaks. From here, a short flight to Pokhara concludes the trek, providing a scenic aerial perspective of the entire region. The Annapurna Circuit Jomsom Trek offers a diverse range of accommodations, from teahouses in remote villages to comfortable lodges in larger towns. The best time to undertake this adventure is during the spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) seasons when the weather is pleasant, and the mountain views are clear.

Conclusion and Summary

In conclusion, the Annapurna Circuit Jomsom Trek is an unforgettable journey that combines awe-inspiring natural beauty, cultural encounters, and physical challenges. It is a bucket-list experience for adventure enthusiasts seeking to explore the Himalayas and immerse themselves in the rich tapestry of Nepalese landscapes and traditions.

Trip Highlights


  • Annapurna Circuit – Jomsom Trek
  • Muktinath Temple- God of Salvation
  • Lower Mustang landscape
  • Cross Thorong La Pass (5,416m), one of the highest altitude passes in Nepal
  • Mixed Culture of Typical ethnic Tamang, Ghale, Gurung, and Thakali villages
  • Stunning views of Mt. Annapurna, Thorung Peak, Nilgiri, Chulu West, and Chulu East, Tukuche Peak, Dhaulagiri, Lamjung Himal, Annapurna II, and Annapurna IV
  • Different Vegetation
  • Trek to the untouched and beautiful area of the Annapurna region
  • Jomsom, the headquarter of Mustang
  • Observe the yak pastures
  • Kali Gandaki Gorge, one of the deepest gorges in the world
  • Visit Barge Monastery, the largest in Manang

Itinerary


Day 01: Arrival at Kathmandu and Drive to Beshisahar (760m, 7hrs)

You drive along the Kathmandu-Pokhara Highway to Dumre and then follow the narrow and paved road by the Marshyangdi River to Besi Sahar (823m.). Beshishahar is the district headquarters of Lamjung district. From here, you can see some mountain peaks, natural sceneries surrounding the valley and the daily activities of local people. Stay overnight at lodge.

Day 02: Trek from Beshishahar to Bahundanda (1310m, 6hrs)

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

Day 03: Trek from Bahundanda to Chamje (1430m, 6hrs)

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.

Day 04: Trek from Chamje (1410m) to Dharapani (1860m) takes about 6hrs

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.

Day 05: Trek from Dharapani to Chame (2670m, 5hrs)

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

Day 06: Trek from Chame to Pisang (3100m, 5hrs)

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.

Day 07: Trek from Pisang to Manang (3540m, 5hrs)

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.

Day 08: Rest and Acclimatization Day before Crossing Thorong la

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.

Day 09: Trek from Manang to Yak Kharka (4018m, 3.5hrs)

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.

Day 10: Trek from Yak Kharka to Thorong Phedi (4450m, 3.5hrs)

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

Day 11: Trek from Thorong Phedi to Muktinath (3800m.) via Thorong La (5416m.) Pass takes about seven hours.

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.

Day 12: Trek from Muktinath to Kagbeni (2800 m.) takes about three and half hours.

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

Day 13: Trek from Kagbeni to Jomsom (2710m.) takes about three and half hours.

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.

Day 14: Fly from Jomsom to Pokhara takes about 35 minutes.

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

Day 15: Drive from Pokhara to Kathmandu takes about six hours.

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.

Price Includes


  • Airport pick-up and drop-off services
  • One trekking guide
  • Porters (one porter carries 25 kilograms of your luggage)
  • All meals three times a day (breakfast, lunch and dinner)
  • Accommodation in teahouses (lodges) during the trek
  • Sleeping bags and down jackets if required
  • Entry Permit for Annapurna conservation Area
  • Trekkers’ Information Management system (TIMS) card
  • All land transportation: Kathmandu to Besishahar by regular bus & Pokhara to Kathmandu by tourist bus
  • Flight tickets from Jomsom to Pokhara
  • One night hotel accommodation in Pokhara with breakfast at 2 star standards hotel
  • Two Night hotel accommodation in Kathmandu with Breakfast with double sharing basis.
  • Insurance and equipments for the guide and porter
  • First aid kit
  • Rescue assistance (Should any emergency arise during your trek, we will provide prompt and professional rescue and medical – –services. For this, it would be better to have your travel insurance that can cover helicopter evacuation and medical treatment cost if required.)

Price Excludes


  • Personal nature expenses
  • Drinks, beverages, hot shower, etc.
  • Travel insurance
  • Tips
  • Lunch and dinner in Pokhara
  • Extra night in Kathmandu and pokhara
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