Annapurna Circuit Heli Trek - 12 Days

Today we will drive in the private vehicle from Kathmandu to Bensisahar which will take approx 8 hours. It is 20 minutes to get to Bahun Danda, a picturesque village at the top of this formidable ridge. Literally Bahun refers to the Priest clans of Nepal and also this place is the permanent residence of Bahuns . Our adventure to Thorongla pass is easier with Annapurna circuit heli trek. This option makes trekking shorter and easier at the tough ends.

Trek to Chyamje begins after we will have breakfast at around 6:30 and the walk about 5-6 hrs as an easy start through jeep road and then climb up through trekking trail. Then it’s down, across terraces and over small streams, before rejoining the Marsyangdi river and following it upstream for several km to village of Shange from where it has great view of Ghermu village and Syange Waterfall. We have to hike by jeep road for rest of the time until we get to Chyamje from where we will hike uphill for 30 minute more to our overnight camp with teahouse and you will get a stunning view of another waterfall called Chyamje waterfall.
View of the mountains frmo Bhulbhule(820m) : Ngadi Chuli(7871m) , Himal Chuli (7893m)

After breakfast we will hike all the way down to the bank of Marsyangdi river to cross a suspension bridge and continue our trek through trekking trail. A wonderful walk with changes in scenery and a range of gradients begins today. After walking through the forest for most of the time from a point we will continue ascent up a narrow and beautiful valley called Tal where, after rain, many spectacular waterfalls will flow. Tal literally means Lake in Nepali and yeah it used to be a lake, then lately when the water level decreases then the people started settling there. Tal the first village in Manang, we come over a small rise and enter a wide, flat valley with a long, silvery waterfall to the right.
We make a trail verse crossing a wide, flat valley. The trail then climbs a stone stairway to 1860m till another stairway. The journey continues making up and down to Dharapani at 1890m. There we find a stone entrance Chorten typical of the Tibetan influenced villages from here northwards. We then get to Bagarchhap after pleasant qalk for 45 minutes from Dharapani which offers the typical flat roofed stone houses of local Tibetans design although the village which is still in the transition zone before the dry highlands.
Mountains from Bagarchhap(2100m) : Annapurna II (7937m) , Ngadi Chuli (7871m)

Early morning you will get to see Mount Annapurna II 7937m towards north and Nagdi chuli 7871m towards south. After breakfast our Day 04 begins through jeep road for first 1 hour . Then when we walk more 30 minutes from Danaque we have to do an hour of climb through the forest and yeah it’s the trekking trail to visit Timang from where we can see one of the 8 thousander Mt. Manaslu 8163m .
With often rough and rocky, the trail climbs to and then continues through forest, but near the river, to Koto from where we will see stunning Annapurna II and Thulagi Chuli 7059m . After walking more 2 hours through jeep road we will reach the Chame, the headquarters of the Manang district, where we will be rewarded by the fine views of Annapurna II as you approach Chame, Lamjung Himal 6983m and small hot springs by the river.
From Timang (2620m) Mountains we will see : Manaslu(8163m) Thulagi Chuli(7059m) , Ngadi Chuli
Mountains seen from Koto(2620m) : Annapurna II (7937m) , Thulagi Chuli(7059m)

The day starts through deep forest in a steep and narrow valley through the jeep road and we will get to Bratang where you will get to see a big Apple farm run by Agro Manang but for your information it’s not the local Apples, the apple here are from the seeds brought from Serbia and Italy . After walking more 45 minutes through the jeep road we cross a small bridge , from there its steep climb for 45 minutes to get to jeep road and then 30 minutes more to launch place Dhikur Pokhara which literally means Pond for Doves .
You will get to see picturesque view of an different pattern of hill called Swargadwari which literally means Gateway to Heaven in Nepali and this hill is worshiped by the locals so it’s never scaled or it’s not allowed. After launch it’s very easy walk through the pine forest by jeep trail leading to Pisang, which sprawls between 3200m and 3300m. You can get a very stunning view of Annapurna III 7555m and others peaks including Pisang peak 6091m .
Mountains seen from Chame(2700m) : Lamjung Himal(6983m) , Phungi Chuli(6538m)

Today we continue through the drier upper part of the Manang district, cut off from the full effect of the monsoon by the Annapurna Range. People of this region, herd yaks and raise crops for part of the year besides, they also continue to enjoy special trading rights . Leaving Pisang, we have an alternate trails north and south of the Marsyangdi River which meet up again at Mungji. The southern route by Humde, with its airstrip, at 3325 m involves less climbing than the northern route via Ghyaru and Nawal, though there are better views on the the upper route of Pisang to manang section Annapurna circuit trek.
Seen from Humde(3390m) : Annapurna III(7555m) , Chulu Far East(6048m), Pisang Peak(6091m)
Today we continue through the drier upper part of the Manang district, cut off from the full effect of the monsoon by the Annapurna Range. People of this region, herd yaks and raise crops for part of the year besides, they also continue to enjoy special trading rights . Leaving Pisang, we have an alternate trails north and south of the Marsyangdi River which meet up again at Mungji. The southern route by Humde, with its airstrip, at 3325m involves less climbing than the northern route via Ghyaru and Nawal, though there are better views on the trail that follows the northern bank of the river. You can decide your launch break as per the trail you want to continue with. From Mungji, the trail continues past the picturesque but partially hidden village of Braga at 3475m where you can visit an 700 years old monastery named Braga Gompa . This gompa or Monastery is famous for many of those who were practicing discipline of Lord Buddha like Milereppa , Karmapa and few others. After the visit to monastery we will continue with the jeep road to get Manang which is at 3500m and from here you will get views of Annapurna II, III, IV and Gangapurna 7454m, Tilicho Peak 7134m.
Mountains seen from Bhraka(3520m) : Annapurna II , Annapurna IV(7525m) , Annapurna III (7555m) , Thilicho Peak(7134m)

Today we spend a day acclimatizing in Manang. The whole day we spend by doing some fine day walks and over viewing the magnificent views around the village and the day time is best to gain altitude. We will hike to Chongkor View point from where you will get very fine view of the Gangapurna Glacier and some peaks including Gangapurna and Tilicho. On the way down we will walk to the Gangapurna glacier lake, skim some stones or make some stone structures. We will get back to hotel for launch and for more to do around after launch your guide will let you know what else you can do arround as some activities are held in some occasion or in specific days.
Mountains seen at Manang(3540m): Annapurna (II , III , IV), Gangaprna(7454m), Thilicho Peak(7134m)
Peaks seen from Gunsang(3920m) : Annapurna II, III, IV , Gangapurna(7454m) , Tare Kang (7069m) , Khatung Kang(6484m) , Thorung Peak(6201m)
Peaks seen from Yak Kharka(4036m) : Annapurna III, IV , Gangapurna(7454m) , Yakawa Kang (6482m)

Today we leave Manang, and the trail makes an ascent of nearly 2000m to the Thorong La pass. Now we leave the jeep road and rest of the trail till to the pass and to muktinath to the other side is trekking tail. We make the climb steadily through Tenki Manang, leaving the Marshyangdi Valley we continue along the Jarsang Khola Valley. When we reach Gunsang at 3920m we get to see massive Annapurna II, III, IV and Gangapurna, Tarekang 7069m .Walking more 30 minutes we will pass through a Mani wall from where we will see Thorung peak 6201m. Then we will get to Yak khadka which literally means Grazing land for Yak and obviously you will see some yaks grazing on some hills. After walking 45 minutes more from Yakkharka we reach Ledar which is at 4250m, there we see the vegetations steadily more sparse. Overnight at local teahouse

The trail descends to cross the river at 4310 m we then climb up to Phedi at 4420 m. At High Camp on the elevation of 4600 m, we can recently found some good Guesthouses built. We will get to Highcamp for launch then after launch we will hike more 150 m for acclimatization and from the top you will get a very stunning views of major peaks like Annapurna II, III, IV , Gangapurna, Tilicho peak, Jinjang, Phurbung &Phurjung , Yakawa lang, Thoroung peak and Chulu range. Your overnight stay will be there.
Mountain view of Leder(4200m): Chulu Central(6584m)and its range , Gangapurna , Tare kang

The journey from “foot of the hill” or at the foot to the 5416m Thorong La pass, begins the day. Starting at 5:00 am we make the climb steeply that is regularly used and easy to follow. However, the problem may arise due to the altitude and snow. It often causes terrible problem to cross the pass if it is covered by snow but depends how deep the snow is. About 3 hours climb up to the pass marked by the Chortens and prayer flags. As you reach the top, you are rewarded by the magnificent view from the top.
After all the way down to Muktinath which will be for another 3-4 hours. Be sure you have enough water for this part as there is no teahouse or place to refill water in between High camp to Muktinath phedi. We will get to Muktinath for launch and after launch we will visit around the town. Muktinath which literally means "place of Nirvana" , many tourist and pilgrims visit this place once in their lifetime. There is a very old temple with 122 water spouts. This place is very important both for Hindu and Buddhist.
Also this valley called Kaligandaki river valley is rich in fossil. You can buy some from the shops around or try to find some on the bank of the Kaligandaki River.
Peaks seen from High camp (4880m) : Chulu Central(6584m) , JinJang(6111m) , Annapurna III , Annapurna IV , Tare Kang(7069m) , Khangsar Kang(7485m) , Thorung Peak(6201m) , Yakawa Kang(6482m) , Purkung Himal & Purbung Himal (6500m)

After getting on the other side of Thorong la pass, we will spend last night in the mountain at Muktinath. In the morning we will take helicopter to fly to Pokhara. Getting back to Pokhara, you can treat your body at the natural spa and natural massage parlous.
Helicopter flight from Muktinath to Pokhara is scenic and all time by the side of towering mountains of Mount Annapurna Himalaya range. If you have been to Poonhill trek, we will fly right above this famous poon hill trekking trail.
Mountain view from Muktinath(3664m) :Dhaulagiri(8167m) , Nilgiri north(7061m)
View of the mountains from Jomsom(2720m) :Dhaulagiri(8167m) , Nilgiri Central (6839m) , Nilgiri (7061m) , Tilicho peak (7134m)

Trek is done and it is time to sleep in the bus back to Kathmandu. In the morning we will take bus back to Kathmandu from Pokhara tourist Bus Park. If you have your own plan to stay at Pokhara, we will let your do so. But if you have interest on any of the tour extension programs, lest us Know.