Annapurna Circuit Itinerary: Chame to Jomsom in 9 Days
April 23, day 1: Arrive in Kathmandu (1400m)
April 24, day 2: Drive to Chame (2710m) 8 - 9 hours.
We woke up early, we drove in the morning from Kathmandu to Chame via Besisahar by Toyota Hiace minibus then by jeep to Chame. We drove through scenic foothills and ridge line vistas along the Trishuli River. From Munglin, we followed the Pokhara highway until Durme then turned towards the north to Besisahar along the Marshyangdi River enjoying Mountain views, terraces field and green hills.
April 25, day 3: Trek to Pisang (3,300m) 4 - 5 hours.
This is the day when trek landscapes drastically changed. We continued by walking along the Marsyangdi River in the dense forests.
The forest becomes thinner as we trekked. After crossing the altitude mark of 3,000 meters, the landscapes turned into a trans-Himalayan desert, with only a few alpine shrubs.
We trekked via Lower Pisang. The Upper Pisang trail is comparatively steeper but the scenery is surreal. Lower Pisang way is easier. Choose one that best fits you.
April 26, day 4: Trek to Manang (3540m) 5 - 6 hours.
We can trekked through the old village of Nwagal to Manang from Lower Pisang. Peaks like Annapurna, Gangapurna, and Tilicho are visible nearly all along the route. Unique rock formations with a thin forest of pine trees make up a magnificent scenery.
We saw a monastery in Braga which is 400 years old. For the locals this monastery has historic symbolic importance. The architecture was amazing itself.
April 27, day 5: Acclimatization day / Discover Manang (3540m)
Manang is without doubt one of the best acclimatization places. It offers spectacular views over the peaks of Annapurna and Gangapurna. Gangapurna Lake is another gem that is only a 10-minute walk from the village.
Visiting the nearby monastery of Praken Gumpa gave us a glimpse of local culture and tradition. You have the option to go on side trips like Ice Lake and Milerapa Cave, perfect in Manang for a day-hike. No matter what you do, do not sleep in the daytime. That’s not good for acclimatization.
Here the hotels provide basic services and the untouched natural scenery in the backdrop makes Manang a great acclimatizing spot. Overnight at guesthouse.
April 28, day 6: Trek to Letdar (4230m) 4 hours.
We trekked mostly through the rocky landscape, with just a few pastures and juniper shrubs. The route continuously ascended and descended across Jharsang Khola stream. We also cross wooden and suspension bridges along the way, passing through villages such as Tenki and Ghunasa.
April 29, day 7: Trek to Thorong Phedi (4,600m) 4 hours.
The Thorang Phedi trek is an uphill ascent. Giant rock formations give the landscape an incredible look. Snow-capped Rocky Mountains mixed with different-color textured drylands make for beautiful scenery.
Specific parts are landslide prone. Be careful walking along those trails. We saw one of the best views of Mt. Gundang, Mt. Syagang, Thorung Peak and Mt. Khatungkan upon reaching Thorang Phedi. Stop for the day at Thorang Phedi and enjoy a night.
April 30, day 8: Trek to Muktinath (3,800m) via Thorong La pass (5416m) 8 - 9 hours.
This is the most challenging and exciting day of the trek. We began preparation for the final ascent of Thorong La Pass at around 3 in the morning. It gets windy during the day so the right choice is to start the ascend early in the morning. It’s a steep 3 - 4 hour climb until we reached the breathtaking Thorong La Pass vantage point.
From this point the sunrise is something that you’ll remember for a lifetime. Thorong La is two hours of steep climb. Since after midday it gets windy, we started our trek at around 5 am.
Reaching Thorong La Pass gives you a sense of success and happiness. Buddhist prayer/peace flags and mani-stones mark Thorong La Pass highest point. After enjoying the view, we descended straight down to Muktinath.
May 1, day 9: Trek to Jomsom (2,670m) 4 hours.
After Muktinath we headed down to the Kaligandaki valley for a steep descent. From here we walked on to Jomsom. The trail is an easy one.