Annapurna Circuit Via Kang La And Nar

Arrive Kathmandu

You will be met by a representative of World Expeditions and transferred to the Radisson hotel. Remainder of the afternoon at leisure. A pre-trek briefing will be given around 4.30-5pm where arrangements will be made for the distribution of your kit bag, sleeping bag and down/fibrefill jacket. This evening we will head out for dinner, this is a great opportunity to get acquainted with your fellow group members.Overnight: Radisson Hotel

Free day in Kathmandu

Today you have a full day to explore Kathmandu’s bustling streets and significant landmarks. You may wish to start by exploring the city’s two most important World Heritage Listed spiritual sites: Pashupatinath, Nepal’s most sacred Hindu temple and an important cremation site; and Boudhanath, the largest Buddhist stupa in Nepal and the most sacred Tibetan Buddhist shrine outside of Tibet. Alternatively you could wander through the markets and shops of the busy Thamel precinct or explore some more of the city’s significant sites such as Swayambhunath (Monkey Temple) or the World Heritage Listed plazas of Patan, Bhaktapur or Durbar Square.

Drive to Nadi. Drive approx 7 to 8 hrs.

From Kathmandu we drive along to the Kathmandu to Pokhara highway. We divert off the highway at the bustling town of Dumre and follow the Marsyangdi river up the valley to the village of Nadi.

To Syange (1136m). Walk approx 6 hrs.

An easy start and then a taste of things to come - the climb up to Bahun Danda, a picturesque village at the top of this formidable ridge. Then it's down, across terraces and over small streams, before rejoining the Marsyandi and following it upstream for several km to our camp near the village of Syange.

To Tal (1710m). Walk approx 5-6hrs.

A wonderful walk today - with such changes in scenery and a range of gradients. From camp we head across the river and ascend steeply to finally reach the ridge top high above. We cross another suspension bridge before a continued ascent up a narrow and beautiful valley where, after rain, many spectacular waterfalls will flow. Just before camp at Tal we come over a small rise and enter a wide, flat valley with a long, silvery waterfall to the right.

To Timang (2750m). Walk approx 7-8 hrs.

Today we will walk approx. 2 hours on the road from Tal to Dharapani and Dharapani to Danakyu approx. walk half an hour. After that we have to cross main road few times only and we will walk through forest of pine and Oak trees. Overnight at Timang.

To Forest camp (Chhomchu) (2800m). Walk approx 6-7 hrs.

We head towards Koto and upon arriving, we leave the main trail of Manang and divert towards to Narphu Valley with crossing the suspension bridge. We leave the Marsyandi River on our left and follow the Narphu Valley. We will cross suspension bridges few times along that valley and will get into the narrow and dense forest. We will not see any mountain views this day except the green natural beauty.

To Meta (3560m). Walk approx 4-5 hrs.

We follow the Nar Khola up the valley and through rhododendron forests and jungle terrain. We cross and recross the Nar Khola and pass a spectacular waterfall before reaching our campsite. Overnight: wilderness camping

To Nar (4110m). Walk approx. 5-6hrs

We trek through the gorge of Labse River before descending downhill to Nar pass many Buddhist stupas and monasteries on the way.

To Kang La Base camp (4900m ). Walk approx. 2-3hrs

We kick off our day by trekking uphill to Jhombu Kharka aka Kang-La which hosts an outstanding view of Annapurna range, Dhaulagiri range, and the other Himalayas. On our way to Kang-La, we may come across some yak herder’s camps.

Cross Kang La (5320m) and to Ngawal (3660m). Walk approx. 7hrs

Today early morning we will cross Kangla pass which takes approx. 3 to 4 hours to get to the top of Kangla. After crossing Kang La we being our steep descent to Ngawal.

To Braga (3439m). Walk approx. 2-3 hrs

The trail heads down through conifer forest with commanding views across the valley of the mighty Annapurna range. After re-joining the main trail we head to the historic village of Braga (3439m). In the afternoon we have plenty of time to visit some of the outlying monasteries between Braga and Manang that reflect something of the regions rich cultural history and ties with Tibet.

To Yak Kharka (4050m). Walk approx 6 hrs.

From our camp we wind around the contours gaining ever more impressive views of Annapurna III and Gangapurna before we reach the Josang Valley and the campsite at Yak Kharka.

To Thorong Phedi (base of the pass - 4500m). Walk approx 4 hrs.

Another short but strenuous day as we continue up the valley and cross the Jorsang Khola on a small cantilevered bridge before edging our way around loose scree slopes to finally reach a couple of ramshackle tea-shops at the foot of the awesome Thorong La. An early night is advised as we have a big day tomorrow.

Cross Thorong La (5416m) and to Muktinath (3802m). Walk approx 10-12 hours.

A long, arduous day rewarded with unsurpassed views. We set out from Phedi before daybreak in order to reach the top of the pass before late morning and avoid the notorious Thorong winds. The first section up the pass is steep and it's slow going. The trail winds around seemingly endless switchbacks with each "false top" leading on to another ridge. Finally we see the massive prayer-flag-covered cairn which marks the top. From here the views back over the entire Annapurna Range and across to Mustang and western Tibet are unbelievable. The cold up here soon has us heading down to Muktinath, a long 1600m descent from the top of the pass. A day of Himalayan highs in every sense of the word!

To Jomsom (2720m). Walk approx 5 hrs.

A spectacular walk from Muktinath to Jomsom, through dramatic and awe inspiring landscapes. The trail first heads west past some ancient villages set amidst the backdrop of the Tibetan plateau, before turning south down the great Kali Gandaki Valley, with Annapurna and Dhaulagiri towering above us, the deepest gorge in the world. Some portions of the walk today are near the newly developed road that now links Jomson with Muktinath, but we will do our best to avoid the vehicles and stay focused on the dramatic views towards Mustang and the Tibetan plateau to the north.

Fly from Jomsom to Pokhara and onto Kathmandu.

A spectacular early morning mountain flight from Jomsom to Pokhara over the Annapurna region with magnificent views out either side of the plane. From Pokhara we transfer for our flight to Kathmandu, and then transfer to Radisson Hotel.

Trip concludes in Kathmandu

After breakfast arrangements cease unless further ones have been made. Those people departing by aircraft will be transferred to the airport.