Annapurna Circuit via Kang La and Nar

Land Tour

15 days

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Annapurna Circuit via Kang La and Nar
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  • Itinerary
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$AUD 299 per day

Departure: Kathmandu, Nepal

Adventure

This classic Himalayan trek, first opened in 1977, is still magnificent and just got better with our updated 2022 itinerary. Our Annapurna Circuit - the remote way - combines an exhilarating trek through the remote Tibetan Nar Phu region with traversing the Thorong La (5416m), to cross the Annapurna Range. We avoid the roads. With our special permits we ascend the ancient Buddhist land of Nar Phu with its distinctive chortens and lines of mani walls that extend to the borderlands of Tibet. This trek offers incredible geographical and cultural diversity ranging from Hindu villages in the lush foot hills to the Tibetan Buddhist settlements in the far west. We navigate through alpine meadows to reach the base of Kang La and be rewarded with stunning views of countless 6000m peaks looming in the distance. After crossing Kang La Pass (5320m) we rejoin the main trekking trails through to Thorong. There is a dramatic change as we trek north of the Great Himalayan Divide and cross the Thorong La (5416m). We are now on the Tibetan Plateau, a stark and rugged landscape, where the culture is predominantly Buddhist. We follow the Kali Gandaki Valley, one of the deepest gorges on earth and into the heart of the towering Annapurnas and Dhaulagiri. Stunning landscapes, diverse culture and high pass crossings - this is one of Annapurna's finest treks.
About
14 breakfasts, 11 lunches and 11 dinners including all meals on trek valued at US$650
Airport transfers if arriving on day 1 and 15 or if you booked pre/post tour accommodation at the Radisson through World Expeditions
flight Jomsom/Pokhara/Kathmandu US$256
an extra 5kg luggage allowance on Jomsom to Pokhara flight, total 20kg
expert bilingual guide
medical kit
good quality accommodation in Kathmandu
the use of a World Expeditions trek pack which includes a quality sleeping bag, down or fibre fill jacket and insulated mat (valued at over US$500)
private air conditioned transportation
all park entrance fees and trekking permits
porters to carry all personal and group equipment
porter's insurance
accommodation in our fully serviced wilderness campsites
Hightlights
Savour unrivalled views of the Annapurna, Dhaulagiri and Manaslu ranges
Two high pass crossings at Kang La (5320m) and Thorong La (5416m)
Feast your eyes on Manaslu (8156m), the world's 7th highest mountain
Journey into the remote Nar Valley
Enjoy magnificent mountain views across to Mustang and Western Tibet
Visit the sacred Hindu site of Muktinath
Experience a Himalayan mountain flight from Kathmandu to Pokhara and Jomsom
Explore Kathmandu

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Itinerary
Day 1 - Arrive Kathmandu
You will be met by a representative of World Expeditions and transferred to the Radisson hotel. Remainder of the afternoon at leisure. A pre-trek briefing will be given around 4.30-5pm where arrangements will be made for the distribution of your kit bag, sleeping bag and down/fibrefill jacket. This evening we will head out for dinner, this is a great opportunity to get acquainted with your fellow group members.
Overnight: Radisson Hotel
Day 2 - Drive to Besi Sahar. Drive approx 7 hrs.
From Kathmandu we drive along to the Kathmandu to Pokhara highway. We divert off the highway at the bustling town of Dumre. We follow the Marsyangdi valley to the village of Besi Sahar 820m on a plateau high above the river.
Overnight: Eco Lodge
Day 3 - Drive to Koto (2600m) approx. 5-6 hrs.
We continue our drive along a dirt track that winds high above the Marsyandi river. We pass through secluded villages that once defined the route of the famous Annapurna Circuit trek to the village of Koto. Here you will be greeted by our staff and porters and prepare for the exhilarating trekking stages ahead. That afternoon our local leader will ensure our special permits for the Nar Phu region are endorsed.
Day 4 - Commence trek to upper Koto forest camp (2750m). Walk approx. 4 hrs.
From Koto the trail diverts and follows the course of the Nar Phu river to our serene campsite – upper Koto camp – set amid pine forest at around 2750m. The rest of the day is free to take in views of Annapurna 2 (7932m) and the host of distant peaks that rise high into the Nar Phu region.
Day 5 - To Nar Phedi (3500m). Walk approx. 4-5 hrs.
We ascend the Nar Phu Khola where we enter spectacular gorge with impressive waterfalls before reaching the substantial settlement of Meta. The impressive chortens and mani walls provide a constant reminder that we are entering a Buddhist region close to the Tibetan border. Just beyond Meta we descend to our camp at Nar Phedi.
Day 6 - To Nar (4100m). Walk approx. 5 hrs.
From Meta we cross the bridge over the Nar Phu Khola and had up a side valley to the village of Nar. It’s impressive country, dotted with mani walls while yaks are grazing in the high pastures above rich barely fields that define the village. The origins of the village date back to former trading ties between Manang (in the Marsyangdi Valley) and the borders of Tibet.
Day 7 - To Kang La Base camp (4900m ). Walk approx. 2-3 hrs.
A comparatively short stage to further acclimatise. Our camp affords magnificent views of the Damodar Range to the north while to the south west we appreciate snow bound peaks that form the Annapurna Range. The scant pasture and juniper fields leave little doubt that we are camping in the vicinity of 5000 metres.
Day 8 - Cross Kang La (5320m) to Ngawal (3660m) and Braga (3450m). Walk approx. 7-8 hrs.
The Kang La is not an unduly difficult pass and you should be able to complete the ascent to the crest of the pass in 3 to 4 hours – sometimes less depending on snow conditions. An early start is imperative to gain magnificent views of the Annapurna Range to the west, views towards the Thorong La north, and back down the main trekking valley to the south. A panorama of the villages and peaks encircling the Upper Manang valley is suitable reward for reaching the crest of the Kang La. We descend over 1000m to the valley floor before ascending through settlements and trading villages including Ngawal before continuing to Braga. A long yet exhilarating stage that augurs well for the ascent to the Thorong La.
Day 9 - To Yak Kharka (4050m). Walk approx 6 hrs.
We head along the main trail to the main trading town of Manang with time for a well-deserved tea break and opportunity to explore the main bazaar before we gradually ascend the trail to the popular camp at Yak Kharka. Further views of Annapurna 3 (7555m) and the distinctive Gangapurna (7454m) enhance the stage.
Day 10 - To Thorong Phedi (base of the pass - 4500m). Walk approx 4 hrs.
Another short, impressive stage that will put us in excellent stead for crossing the Thorong La the next day. The stage entails ascending extensive scree slopes and scant pastures to reach the ramshackle tea houses that once did a roaring trade during the days of the classic Annapurna Circuit trek.
Day 11 - Cross Thorong La (5416m) and to Muktinath (3802m). Walk approx 10-12 hours.
A long arduous and undoubtedly rewarding stage as we cross the famous Thorong La. It is imperative to maintain a slow, regular pace as you adjust to the rarefied air. We plan to reach the pass by late morning before the notorious high winds set in. The final hour may tax your energy (with the false summits) before the sight of the massive prayer flagged cairn makes the last few steps to the pass that much easier. Savouring views across the entire Annapurna Range and to the north the ridge upon snowy ridge that extend to the borderlands of Tibet are a further highlight to this exhilarating stage. Its then literally all downhill. A 1600m decent to the Hindu pilgrim site at Muktinath where we camp in the vicinity. A day of Himalayan highs in every sense of the word!
Day 12 - To Jomsom (2720m). Walk approx 5 hrs.
A day to reflect and wind down as we head down to the Kali Gandaki river. The river forms the deepest gorge in the world as it forges a path between the 8000m Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges. Most of today’s walk follows the recently constructed road that now extends north through Mustang before we reach our lodge at Jomsom and a well-earned rest that afternoon.
Overnight: Eco Lodge
Day 13 - Fly from Jomsom to Pokhara and onto Kathmandu.
A spectacular early morning flight from Jomsom heads through the dramatic Kali Gandaki Gorge before heading across the forest and settlements of the Annapurna foothills to Pokhara and our connecting flight to Kathmandu.
Please Note: should the flight from Jomsom to Pokhara be cancelled due to inclement weather we will drive to Pokhara and connect with the flight to Kathmandu the following day.
Day 14 - Free day in Kathmandu (contingency day).
Today you have a full day to explore Kathmandu’s bustling streets and significant landmarks. You may wish to start by exploring the city’s two most important World Heritage Listed spiritual sites: Pashupatinath, Nepal’s most sacred Hindu temple and an important cremation site; and Boudhanath, the largest Buddhist stupa in Nepal and the most sacred Tibetan Buddhist shrine outside of Tibet. Alternatively you could wander through the markets and shops of the busy Thamel precinct or explore some more of the city’s significant sites such as Swayambhunath (Monkey Temple) or the World Heritage Listed plazas of Patan, Bhaktapur or Durbar Square.
Overnight: Radisson Hotel
Day 15 - Trip concludes in Kathmandu.
After breakfast arrangements cease unless further ones have been made. Those people departing by aircraft will be transferred to the airport.
Location

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