Annapurna Express Trek takes us to the world’s biggest pass in Manang District of Nepal, Thorung-La. On our 13 days express journey we pass through forests, cross pristine meadows, experience the change in vegetation, being in the company of the glorious Himalayas including Annapurna, Manaslu, and Dhaulagiri Ranges. Annapurna Express Trek is suitable for those trekkers who want to do the Annapurna Circuit Trek but have less than two weeks of time.
Duration – 13 Days in Nepal
Activity – Trekking
Country – Nepal
Group Size – 2 to 12 people
Arrive On – Kathmandu, Nepal
Departure from – Kathmandu, Nepal
Max-Altitude – (5416m)
Transportation – Private vehicles and Domestic Flight
Trip grade – Strenuous
Area – Annapurna Region
Trip code – Annapurna Express Trek
Day to Day Itinerary
Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu (1380mtrs)
Upon your arrival in Kathmandu (TIA), our representative from Adventure Team will be there to pick you up. You will be transferred to the hotel in half an hour drive by private vehicle. We discuss our trip and you have time for refreshment. In the evening we are together again for a welcome dinner in a typical Nepalese restaurant with a cultural program.
Day 02: Half day sightseeing in Kathmandu (1380mtrs)
After breakfast, your tour guide will pick you up for half a day of sightseeing in Kathmandu Durbar Square, Pashupatinath Temple, and Bouddhanath Stupa. You will have your lunch in the restaurant with the view of Stupa then you back to the hotel. You will meet your trek leader and discuss the trek and do last minutes arrangements.
Day 03: Drive to Syange via Besisahar (1100m): 8 – 10 hours
We begin our long drive to Syange early in the morning. En route we get to enjoy the countryside of Nepal with its green hills, winding rivers, terraced farms, and of course the mighty Himalayas. Overnight in Syange.
Day 04: Drive to Chame (2,710m) via Dharapani(1.960m) 5 – 6 hours
Today we negotiate a drive-in forested ridge along with several landslides on the route to Chame. We should not forget to look up though, as we will be greeted with remarkable views of Lamjung Himal, Annapurna II, and Annapurna IV. We also come across small hot springs which should help us relax for a while. Overnight in Chame.
Day 05: Trek to Pisang (3,300m): 5 – 6 hours
We walk through a steep and narrow valley to have our first view of Paungda Danda’s rock face, a dramatic curved rock face rising 1500m from the river. From here, we also gain excellent views of Annapurna II to the south and Pisang Peak to the northeast. Next, we descend to the Manang Valley floor enjoying the captivating landscape. Overnight in Pisang.
Day 07: Trek to Manang (3,500m): 6 – 7 hours
From Pisang, there are two routes to Manang. We choose the one which passes through Upper Pisang via Ghyaru as it guarantees outstanding views of Mt. Annapurna, Pisang Peak, and others. As we walk near Manang the climate becomes more cold and dry. However, a short visit to Barge Monastery, the biggest monastery in the Manang District should cheer us up. Overnight in Manang.
Day 06: Manang: Acclimatization day
In order to keep fit on the trails that follow, we keep ourselves busy today with a short hike to either Bhojo Gumba or Gangapurna Lake. We can even visit the Himalayan Rescue Association (HRA) which will give us some idea about Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS). Overnight in Manang.
Day 07: Trek to Yak Kharka (4040m):4-5 hours
We leave Siri Kharka and descend towards Khangsar Village. On the way, we pass Tare Gumba, a thousand-year-old monastery that is very important to the local people. Upon reaching Khangsar Village we realize that it is uninhabited except for occasional herders during festival times. We follow a rock wall out of Khangsar. We walk further until we reach a seasonal bridge in the Thorang Khola valley. After crossing the river, we ascend for a while to a plateau. Next, walk furthermore until reaching Yak Kharka. Overnight in Yak Kharka.
Day 08: Trek to Thorang Phedi: (4420m): 3-4 hours
It is an uphill walk to Thorang Phedi. After walking for some time we cross a suspension bridge and reach Ledar village. We ascend furthermore and pass through towering cliffs before reaching Thorang Phedi, the last village before Thorong La. On this trip, we are rewarded with one of the best views of Mt. Gudang, Mt. Syagang, Thorung Peak, and Mt. Khatungkan. Overnight in Thorang Phedi.
Day 09: Trek to Muktinath (3,800) via Thorong La pass (5416m): 7 – 8 hours
Crossing Thorong La pass, one of the highest passes in the world will be our ultimate objective today. We will be crossing the pass from east to west (Manang to Muktinath) which is the easiest and safest direction. We get up around three in the morning and walk up the mountain. When we finally make it to the top, we realize that our journey was worth it. We can take a few photos before heading to Muktinath Valley at the foot of the Thorong La pass. Overnight in Muktinath.
Day 10: Trek to Jomsom (2,713m) 5 – 6 hours
The day begins with the view of Dhaulagiri Range and on the way to Jomsom you will have to face just the opposite way of the wind but there is still worth trekking down because of the magnificent view of Nilgiri. The trail goes 1000 meters down to Eklebhatti and then on almost flat to Jomsom.
Day 11: Fly to Pokhara
You board an early morning flight from Jomsom to Pokhara. Receive at the airport in Pokhara and transfer to the hotel. Overnight at Pokhara.
Day 12: Drive to Kathmandu: 5-6 hours
After breakfast, we say goodbye to the beautiful lake city of Pokhara and drive towards Kathmandu. After reaching Kathmandu we have the rest of the day off to rest or do some souvenir shopping. To celebrate the successful completion of our journey, we will have a farewell dinner in the evening.
Day 13: Departure
We will transfer you to the International Airport for your departure flight to your onwards destination. You must leave the hotel 3 hours earlier than your scheduled flight time.
Note – Above itinerary can be customized at your request to accommodate your specific requirements. Please let us know whether you would like to make a shorter or longer than Annapurna Express Trek. We will follow accordingly.