Annapurna Seven Passes Trek

• Flying into Kathmandu offers stunning Himalayan views, including Mount Everest. Upon landing at Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA), you'll complete the Nepal entry visa process, taking about 45 minutes. 
• Our representative, holding a sign with our company name, will greet you and provide a traditional Tibetan scarf. You'll then be driven to your Thamel hotel, a 30-minute ride, where you can relax. 
• Thamel is known for its dining, shopping, and accommodations. Later, you'll receive a trek briefing and enjoy a welcome dinner with a local host family.

• We highly recommend taking an extra day in Kathmandu on the second day of your trip. After several hours of flight travel, you may feel physically and mentally exhausted. Taking this day to rest and prepare for your Himalayan adventure is a great idea.
• During your free day in Kathmandu, you can relax or make it memorable by exploring UNESCO World Heritage sites, embarking on a 1-hour Everest Mountain Flight, a 3-hour 30-minute Everest Helicopter tour, a 1-hour 30-minute Langtang Helicopter tour, or even trying activities like rock climbing. Enjoy this day as you see fit before your trek begins.

• After an early breakfast, we embark on a picturesque journey to Besisahar. We start early to avoid traffic on the paved road from Kathmandu to Besisahar. In Besisahar, we stop for lunch and switch to a Jeep as the road conditions from here to Tal are less developed.
• Our journey takes us through Khudigoan, where we briefly halt at a checkpoint. Along the way, we cross several iron bridges and even pass through a tunnel built by the Chinese government for a 50MW hydropower project.
• Our next stop is in Chyamje, where we take a quick tea break and admire a nearby waterfall. We continue our drive on bumpy roads to reach Tal, a charming village nestled along the banks of the Marshyangdi River. Tal is home to the Gurung community and provides comfortable lodges where we'll spend the night after the long drive from Kathmandu.

• After a hearty breakfast, we commence our trek by strolling through the village and following the course of the Marshyangdi River as it flows through the valley. Approximately 2 hours of walking brings us to Khotro (2,200m), from where we begin an uphill climb towards Nache (2,200m), which takes about 2.5 hours. Nache is a charming village perched atop a hill with only about 40 households and a few homestays.
• We pause in Nache for lunch and then resume our trek with a short descent to a lengthy suspension bridge that spans 130 meters. This suspension bridge is one of the highlights of the day, offering panoramic views of the villages of Bagarchap, Dharapani, and Timang along the Marshyangdi corridor.
• Continuing through a pine forest, we have the opportunity to visit a small monastery before walking to a motor road. Here, we cross another small suspension bridge, eventually arriving at Tilje. Tilje is another quaint village that serves as an overnight stop for trekkers on the Manaslu trek route.

• Today, our journey begins with a walk through the village. We'll cross a small bailey bridge and continue walking for about 20 minutes. Along the way, there's a short detour that leads to a stalagmite cave—a small, intriguing cave where it's believed that lamas have meditated.
• After the brief detour, we continue our trek through pine forests and cornfields until we reach a suspension bridge. A 10-minute walk from the bridge brings us to a resting spot. We then continue walking through the forest for another hour to reach Tachai, a charming Gurung village perched atop a hill.
• Tachai offers around 28 homestays where we'll spend the night. The village is also known for its hot spring, which is about a 20-minute walk from the village.

• Today's trek offers picturesque views of the surrounding villages, including Ghelinchok. As we ascend, we'll have a chance to admire Tachai from a distance, where we spent the previous night.
• The day's journey is challenging as we trek uphill right from the village itself for approximately two and a half hours. We'll reach the saddle of Chonga Dada (3,282m), where you may spot Himalayan Griffon vultures and monkeys in the area.
• After taking some well-deserved rest, we descend through a pine forest to reach the Chonga River. We'll continue along the river's banks upstream with a gradual ascent, crossing it via a small wooden bridge. About an hour into our walk, we'll have our first lunch prepared by our kitchen staff by the river.
• Continuing to gain altitude, we trek through pine and rhododendron forests until we reach an open space known as Shongle Kharka. This is where we'll spend our first night in tents, surrounded by the serene beauty of the Himalayan wilderness.

• Starting the day with a fresh morning in the midst of towering hills, we enjoy a breakfast prepared by our kitchen crew while they pack up the tents. After a 45-minute walk, we'll come across a small shepherd's hut.
• Our trek continues as we ascend towards Kuchumro Phedi, situated at an altitude of 4,525m. Here, we'll set up our camp in preparation for the significant ascent that awaits us the following day.

• Today, we prepare for a long and challenging trek, predominantly uphill, as we make our way towards the Yarcha Pass. Our day begins with stunning views of Manasalu to the east and Lamjung and Annapurna to the west.
• We'll hike about 2.5 kilometers to reach the top, which takes approximately 3 hours. The Kuchumro Pass (5,490m) offers breathtaking vistas of the Manasalu and Lamjung mountain ranges. It's important to note that this snowy pass may require specialized equipment like gaiters and crampons.
• After crossing the Kuchumro Pass, we descend for around 30 minutes before starting another uphill stretch to reach the Yarcha Pass (4,860m). As we cross the Yarcha Pass, we're rewarded with panoramic views of Kangaru Himal (6,941m) and Annapurna II.
• The journey continues downhill, eventually leading us to Namakyu (4,595m), where we'll spend the night. We'll set up camp by the riverside, directly facing Lamjung Himal, with a view of Kangaru Himal in the distance, providing a tranquil and picturesque overnight camping spot.

• Wake up early to witness the stunning morning views of Lamjung Himal, Annapurna II, and Gangapurna to the southwest, and Kangaru Himal towering to the north. The clear skies and mountain vistas create a perfect ambiance to start your day.
• After breakfast, we commence our trek with a 10-minute uphill walk, followed by a 15-minute descent to cross a small glacial river. Our gradual uphill journey, with Annapurna II always in sight and Kangaru Himal behind us, lasts for approximately 2 hours. During this ascent, we're treated to views of the majestic Pisang Peak, which stands above the Pisang Monastery. We continue to walk gradually, facing Pisang Peak directly in front of us.
• Our trek leads us to the Meta Pass (4,800m), where we'll have a packed lunch. Please note that today, we carry packed lunches as there is limited access to water before reaching the pass.
• After our lunch break at Meta Pass, we begin our descent toward Meta village. This is a long downhill stretch, lasting about 4 hours. We'll come across a river with a small bridge, from where we'll ascend for another hour to reach Meta—a small village with only a few houses, where we'll spend the night.

• Today's trek is moderate but quite lengthy, offering stunning views of the early morning sunrise over Lamjung Himal to the south and Pisang Peak to the west. After breakfast, we set out on a gradual and relatively easy walk, with the Pisang Monastery visible on the other side of the hill.
• Around 1.5 hours into our trek, we encounter a Khampa settlement at Jhunum. This settlement, once used by the Khampas, is now a winter stay for villagers from Nar. We continue our walk, crossing a glacial river, to reach another Khampa settlement at Chyakhu (for more information on the Khampa, you may want to read about the Khampa warriors).
• Moving forward, we experience a gradual ascent followed by a descent that leads us to a small bailey bridge, which we cross. From here, we ascend for about 20 minutes to reach Kyang—an additional Khampa settlement nestled in the valley between imposing rugged stone mountains. We'll have our lunch here.
• After lunch, our trek continues along an intriguing trail that runs alongside the Phu River, carved into the cliff. We'll follow this trail for about 3 more hours until we reach a wooden bridge. After crossing the bridge, we continue our journey. During the monsoon season, if the river is running high, we may opt to stay on the same side of the river instead of crossing the bridge.
• As we approach the final descent into Phu, we arrive at a significant canyon. A straight uphill climb of 15 minutes from here takes us to the gate of Phu village. An additional 30 minutes' walk brings us to a suspension bridge, officially welcoming us to Phu village—a unique and remote destination along our trekking route.

• Begin your day with an early morning walk to the Tashi Lakhang Monastery, an important Buddhist religious site. It takes approximately 30 minutes to reach the monastery, where you can soak in the spiritual atmosphere and the serene views of Himlung Himal and Kangaru Himal. After visiting the monastery, return to Phu for breakfast.
• We kickstart our trek by traversing the village of Phu and then ascending through a scree field to gain an elevation of about 1,000 meters above Phu village. Continuing our ascent, we reach a viewpoint that offers prominent views of Himlung, Bhrikuti, and Kangaru Himal.
• The Phu Pass is just another hour of moderate walking from this point. After crossing the Phu Pass, we begin our descent, arriving at the base of the hill, where we'll cross a small wooden bridge. From here, it's another hour of descent to reach our campsite for the night in Loang.
• Please note that it's recommended to carry a packed lunch today due to the scarcity of water sources along the route.

• As you wake up in the morning, the mesmerizing views of Himlung and Kangaru Himal will greet you. Today's trek begins with an ascent toward the Nar Pass. The stunning vistas of Himlung and Kangaru Himal will accompany us throughout our journey to Nar Pass (5,400m), which takes approximately 3 hours of walking.
• As we approach the pass, the scree fields make the terrain challenging, but reaching the top is immensely rewarding. At the pass, you'll be treated to 360-degree views of the surrounding mountains, including Bhrikuti, Himlung, and Kangaru to the east, as well as Chulu and the Annapurna range to the southwest. Take your time to capture photographs and savor the breathtaking panoramas.
• After enjoying the pass to the fullest, we begin our descent, losing about 1,400 meters as we traverse through the scree field. This descent leads us to Chekchu, where we'll set up camp for the night.

• Following breakfast, our trek starts with a descent of approximately 1 hour until we reach a suspension bridge. From the bridge, we begin ascending towards Nar village, a climb that lasts about 2 hours and takes us to the top.
• Continuing for another 20 minutes, we'll find ourselves in a small valley surrounded by imposing hills with cave formations on their tops. From here, we embark on a steep uphill journey for about 3 hours, which eventually leads us to the beautiful Nar village—a picturesque destination where we'll spend the night.

• Today is a relatively easy day. After breakfast, we have the opportunity to explore Nar Village and its surroundings. We'll leave Nar Village after lunch, embarking on a leisurely stroll through the Pisang valley.
• As we walk, Pisang Peak will be to our left, and we'll be treated to views of other snow-capped mountains on the right. After about 3 hours of walking, we'll arrive at Kang La Phedi (4,530m), where we'll set up camp in preparation for our final pass crossing the following day.

• Today's journey begins early in the morning as we ascend toward the Kang La Pass to arrive early and enjoy stunning views of Pisang Peak and Chulu Far East Peak before descending to Ngawal.
• Our trek commences by crossing a small glacial stream, followed by a gradual ascent that lasts for about 3 hours, taking us to the top ridge of Kang La Pass. At the summit of Kang La, we're treated to breathtaking vistas of Annapurna, the Chulu Range, and Lamjung Himal.
• Descending from Kang La Pass, we'll traverse through a scree field, offering wide valley views and a stunning landscape. This descent takes approximately 3 hours to reach Ngawal, where we'll spend the night at Ngawal Mountain Home. Here, you can look forward to comfortable beds, a hot shower, and delicious food to refuel for the next leg of the journey.

• Continuing on the south side of the river, the trail involves a long climb over a ridge, which takes us through Upper Pisang via Ngawal. This route promises outstanding views of Mt. Annapurna and Pisang Peak. Along the way, we pass through pine forests, villages like Braga, and farming terraces.
• As we approach Manang, you'll notice a change in climate, with colder and drier conditions in this higher-altitude region. Enjoy the serene surroundings as we make our way to the village of Manang, where we'll spend the night.

• Our journey continues as we follow the trail towards the Marsyangdi Valley and then turn northwest, ascending the valley of the Jarsang Khola. Upon reaching Yak Kharka, we'll have the opportunity to hike the surrounding hills in search of the famous blue sheep, a unique and rewarding experience in this high-altitude region. Enjoy the serene mountain landscapes as we explore the area.

• Today's trek kicks off with an ascent up the valley, followed by a descent to cross the Jarsang Khola. After crossing the river, we face a steep climb that brings us to Thorang High Camp at an altitude of 4,925 meters. As we ascend, the surroundings become wilder, and you'll feel the adventurous spirit of the high-altitude terrain. This is a significant step towards reaching the Thorang La Pass.

• Today is a challenging day as we tackle high altitude and difficult terrain. Starting from Thorang High Camp, we follow the ascent route until we reach the prayer flags at the top of Thorang La Pass, which stands at an impressive 5,416 meters. This ascent can be quite demanding due to the high altitude and potentially unfavorable weather conditions, making it feel even more challenging than the vertical distance suggests.
• However, your efforts will be richly rewarded with a breathtaking panorama of snow-capped peaks and the stunning Himalayan scenery that stretches from the Kali Gandaki valley to the Annapurna range. On a clear day, you might even catch glimpses of Mukut and the Mustang Himal to the west.
• Following the exhilarating experience at the pass, a long and somewhat steep descent awaits. Eventually, the slope eases off, and we continue on a gentle descent above Muktinath, a unique and fascinating village that holds great religious significance for both Hindus and Buddhists. In Muktinath, you'll find sacred shrines and numerous chorten, each with its own captivating mythical background. Your guide will be delighted to share the cultural importance of these sites with you.

• Our trek today begins with a downhill walk that takes us to the Kali Gandaki Gorge, surrounded by arid landscapes that open up to the Tibetan plateau in the north and high snow-covered mountains in the south, including Nilgiri and Dhaulagiri Himal.
• During our descent, we'll pass through Jharkot and Kagbeni, both of which are worth visiting for their unique cultural and architectural elements. As we continue descending, we'll reach Marpha, a delightful Thakali village known for its narrow alleys and passageways that provide shelter from the strong winds of the Kali Gandaki Gorge. Marpha is also famous for its apples, apple cider, apricot, and peach wine.
• Continuing our trek, we make our way to Jomsom, where we'll spend the night. Jomsom is a significant point in the Annapurna region and offers a range of amenities for travelers.

• We start our day with a scenic flight from Jomsom to Pokhara. This short 25-minute flight offers stunning aerial views of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri mountain ranges. Upon landing in Pokhara, you can relax and enjoy the beautiful lakeside city.

• Today, we embark on a picturesque drive from Pokhara to Kathmandu via the Prithvi Highway. Along the way, you'll be surrounded by rural landscapes dominated by lush vegetation and rushing rivers, making the journey enjoyable. The drive takes approximately 6 hours to reach Kathmandu.

Today marks the end of your Annapurna Seven Passes Trek adventure. Our representative will transfer you to the Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu for your departure. We hope you had a memorable and enriching experience exploring the stunning landscapes and culture of the Annapurna region. Safe travels, and we hope to welcome you back to Nepal in the future!