A Unique Route for one of the Great Treks of the World

Ultimate Annapurna

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One of the great treks of the world is the circuit around the mighty Annapurna Himal. We’ve designed a unique approach to this classic trek, heading off the main trail in Manang to explore the newly opened Phu-Nar region, with its undisturbed Tibetan culture, and cross Kang La Pass (17,000'). Departing the main circuit once again, we climb to our high camp at glacier-ringed Tilicho Lake (16,000'). From this magical realm, we make a dramatic trans-Himalayan crossing of the Annapurnas via Mesokanto Pass (17,439') to descend into the deep Kali Gandaki Gorge at Jomosom, with a side trip to the sacred pilgrimage site of Muktinath. This trek is challenging but fantastic, keeping us away from trodden trails and offering nearly every landscape in Nepal, subtropical to glacial, and a dazzling array of cultures from Hindu hilltribes to Tibetan traders.

Below is an Itinerary-in-Brief. To view a complete Detailed Itinerary, Download Full Itinerary or Email our Area Specialist

Itinerary-in-Brief

Days 1-6
Kathmandu / Marsyandi Valley

After a day to explore Kathmandu, we head west to the lush valley of the Marsyandi River, which cuts steeply between the Annapurnas and the Manaslu Himal to the east. We meet our Sherpas and porters here and begin our trek at about 2,700 feet in a subtropical habitat of green hills dotted with banana trees. Following an ancient trade route up the Marsyandi Valley, we climb trails high above the river, passing teahouses and tiny villages. We contour north through sal forests and terraces where women in brightly colored saris cut rice straw with small sickles. Views of the Ganesh Himal, Himalchili, Manaslu, and the Annapurnas line the horizon.

Days 7-16
Phu and Nar Valleys / Kang La Pass / Braga

Turning west into the Manang Valley, a deep furrow behind the Annapurnas, we find ourselves in an increasingly Buddhist culture. At the village of Koto, we turn north off the main Annapurna trail, following a narrow gorge up to the newly opened Phu and Nar valleys. High, arid, and ringed by massive snow peaks, these valleys are a vision of Old Tibet, with dramatically set villages and an intact ancient culture where traditions of both Nyingmapa Buddhist and pre-Buddhist Bon thrive. After exploring these unspoiled valleys, we cross the Kang La (17,000'), with Annapurna’s icy ramparts towering to 26,500 feet across the valley as we descend to the ancient village of Braga in the Manang Valley.

Days 17-20
Tilicho High Camp / Mesokanto Pass

Heading off the main Annapurna circuit again, we trek past the remote Tibetan-style village of Khangsar at 12,200 feet, with its backdrop of the high Roc Noir and Grande Barri re on Annapurna I, and head higher up to Tilicho Base Camp (13,343'). The next day, we ascend steeply to the shores of azure-blue Tilicho Lake, surrounded by tumbling glaciers and massive peaks in every direction. We camp at Tilicho High Camp at 16,500 feet on Day 19 and make the adventurous crossing of Mesokanto Pass (17,438') the next day.

Days 21-23
Lupra (9,087') / Muktinath (12,473') / Jomoson via Kagbeni (9,087')

The Kali Gandaki River originates on the Tibetan Plateau and flows south, carving a gorge between Dhaulagiri (26,787') to the west and Annapurna (26,500') to the east. It is the deepest mountain gorge in the world and has long been a trade route for pony caravans between Tibet and Nepal. We descend to camp at Lupra, a Thakali village, trek to ancient Muktinath, one of the most important religious sites in Nepal, then continue down the Kali Gandaki gorge to Jomoson on Day 23.

Days 24-26
Pokhara / Kathmandu

Fly to Pokhara and on to Kathmandu. After a final day to explore Kathmandu, depart Day 26.

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Tour Costs $4195 (13-15 members) $4395 (10-12 members) $4695 (6-9 members) Single supplement: $425 Internal airfare: $175 (subject to change) *Prices are for 2008 dates only **Airfare is not included in Tour Cost unless indicated

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