Annapurna Circuit via Kang La and Nar
Annapurna Circuit via Kang La and Nar
15 Days Starting in Kathmandu and ending in
Visiting: Nepal
Tour Overview
This classic Himalayan trek, first opened in 1977, is still magnificent and just got better with our updated 2022 itinerary. Our Annapurna Circuit - the remote way - combines an exhilarating trek through the remote Tibetan Nar Phu region with traversing the Thorong La (5416m), to cross the Annapurna Range. We avoid the roads. With our special permits we ascend the ancient Buddhist land of Nar Phu with its distinctive chortens and lines of mani walls that extend to the borderlands of Tibet. This trek offers incredible geographical and cultural diversity ranging from Hindu villages in the lush foot hills to the Tibetan Buddhist settlements in the far west. We navigate through alpine meadows to reach the base of Kang La and be rewarded with stunning views of countless 6000m peaks looming in the distance. After crossing Kang La Pass (5320m) we rejoin the main trekking trails through to Thorong. There is a dramatic change as we trek north of the Great Himalayan Divide and cross the Thorong La (5416m). We are now on the Tibetan Plateau, a stark and rugged landscape, where the culture is predominantly Buddhist. We follow the Kali Gandaki Valley, one of the deepest gorges on earth and into the heart of the towering Annapurnas and Dhaulagiri. Stunning landscapes, diverse culture and high pass crossings - this is one of Annapurna's finest treks.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 : 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
Day 2 : Drive To Besi Sahar. Drive Approx 7 Hrs.
From Kathmandu we drive along to the Kathmandu to Pokhara highway. We divert off the highway at the bustling town of Dumre. We follow the Marsyangdi valley to the village of Besi Sahar 820m on a plateau high above the river.
Overnight: Eco Lodge
Day 3 : Drive To Koto (2600M) Approx. 5-6 Hrs.
We continue our drive along a dirt track that winds high above the Marsyandi river. We pass through secluded villages that once defined the route of the famous Annapurna Circuit trek to the village of Koto. Here you will be greeted by our staff and porters and prepare for the exhilarating trekking stages ahead. That afternoon our local leader will ensure our special permits for the Nar Phu region are endorsed.
Day 4 : Commence Trek To Upper Koto Forest Camp (2750M). Walk Approx. 4 Hrs.
From Koto the trail diverts and follows the course of the Nar Phu river to our serene campsite – upper Koto camp – set amid pine forest at around 2750m. The rest of the day is free to take in views of Annapurna 2 (7932m) and the host of distant peaks that rise high into the Nar Phu region.
Day 5 : To Nar Phedi (3500M). Walk Approx. 4-5 Hrs.
We ascend the Nar Phu Khola where we enter spectacular gorge with impressive waterfalls before reaching the substantial settlement of Meta. The impressive chortens and mani walls provide a constant reminder that we are entering a Buddhist region close to the Tibetan border. Just beyond Meta we descend to our camp at Nar Phedi.
Day 6 : To Nar (4100M). Walk Approx. 5 Hrs.
From Meta we cross the bridge over the Nar Phu Khola and had up a side valley to the village of Nar. It’s impressive country, dotted with mani walls while yaks are grazing in the high pastures above rich barely fields that define the village. The origins of the village date back to former trading ties between Manang (in the Marsyangdi Valley) and the borders of Tibet.
Day 7 : To Kang La Base Camp (4900M ). Walk Approx. 2-3 Hrs.
A comparatively short stage to further acclimatise. Our camp affords magnificent views of the Damodar Range to the north while to the south west we appreciate snow bound peaks that form the Annapurna Range. The scant pasture and juniper fields leave little doubt that we are camping in the vicinity of 5000 metres.
Day 8 : Cross Kang La (5320M) To Ngawal (3660M) And Braga (3450M). Walk Approx. 7-8 Hrs.
The Kang La is not an unduly difficult pass and you should be able to complete the ascent to the crest of the pass in 3 to 4 hours – sometimes less depending on snow conditions. An early start is imperative to gain magnificent views of the Annapurna Range to the west, views towards the Thorong La north, and back down the main trekking valley to the south. A panorama of the villages and peaks encircling the Upper Manang valley is suitable reward for reaching the crest of the Kang La. We descend over 1000m to the valley floor before ascending through settlements and trading villages including Ngawal before continuing to Braga. A long yet exhilarating stage that augurs well for the ascent to the Thorong La.
Day 9 : To Yak Kharka (4050M). Walk Approx 6 Hrs.
We head along the main trail to the main trading town of Manang with time for a well-deserved tea break and opportunity to explore the main bazaar before we gradually ascend the trail to the popular camp at Yak Kharka. Further views of Annapurna 3 (7555m) and the distinctive Gangapurna (7454m) enhance the stage.
Day 10 : To Thorong Phedi (Base Of The Pass - 4500M). Walk Approx 4 Hrs.
Another short, impressive stage that will put us in excellent stead for crossing the Thorong La the next day. The stage entails ascending extensive scree slopes and scant pastures to reach the ramshackle tea houses that once did a roaring trade during the days of the classic Annapurna Circuit trek.
Day 11 : Cross Thorong La (5416M) And To Muktinath (3802M). Walk Approx 10-12 Hours.
A long arduous and undoubtedly rewarding stage as we cross the famous Thorong La. It is imperative to maintain a slow, regular pace as you adjust to the rarefied air. We plan to reach the pass by late morning before the notorious high winds set in. The final hour may tax your energy (with the false summits) before the sight of the massive prayer flagged cairn makes the last few steps to the pass that much easier. Savouring views across the entire Annapurna Range and to the north the ridge upon snowy ridge that extend to the borderlands of Tibet are a further highlight to this exhilarating stage. Its then literally all downhill. A 1600m decent to the Hindu pilgrim site at Muktinath where we camp in the vicinity. A day of Himalayan highs in every sense of the word!
Day 12 : To Jomsom (2720M). Walk Approx 5 Hrs.
A day to reflect and wind down as we head down to the Kali Gandaki river. The river forms the deepest gorge in the world as it forges a path between the 8000m Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges. Most of today’s walk follows the recently constructed road that now extends north through Mustang before we reach our lodge at Jomsom and a well-earned rest that afternoon.
Overnight: Eco Lodge
Day 13 : Fly From Jomsom To Pokhara And Onto Kathmandu.
A spectacular early morning flight from Jomsom heads through the dramatic Kali Gandaki Gorge before heading across the forest and settlements of the Annapurna foothills to Pokhara and our connecting flight to Kathmandu.
Please Note: should the flight from Jomsom to Pokhara be cancelled due to inclement weather we will drive to Pokhara and connect with the flight to Kathmandu the following day.
Day 14 : Free Day In Kathmandu (Contingency Day).
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.
Overnight: Radisson Hotel
Day 15 : 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.
What's Included
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Accommodation
3 nights hotel -
14 breakfasts, 11 lunches and 11 dinners including all meals on trek valued at US$650
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Airport transfers if arriving on day 1 and 15 or if you booked pre/post tour accommodation at the Radisson through World Expeditions
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flight Jomsom/Pokhara/Kathmandu US$256
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an extra 5kg luggage allowance on Jomsom to Pokhara flight, total 20kg
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expert bilingual guide
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medical kit
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good quality accommodation in Kathmandu
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the use of a World Expeditions trek pack which includes a quality sleeping bag, down or fibre fill jacket and insulated mat (valued at over US$500)
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private air conditioned transportation
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all park entrance fees and trekking permits
Accommodation
3 nights hotel
In Kathmandu we stay at the comfortable, well located Radisson Hotel. The Radisson Hotel is situated in Lazimpat, a quiet and central area of Kathmandu. Only a short 12 minute walk to the main tourist district of Thamel, the Radisson acts as a base for World Expeditions travellers. The hotel has a World Expeditions tour desk in the foyer, free WIFI, a pool and bar, gymnasium, restaurants, room service, currency exchange and free luggage storage whilst you are on trip. A hearty buffet breakfast is included with every night stay in the Radisson. The Tranquility Spa, within the Radisson offers massage, reflexology, steam room and sauna, plus many beauty treatments for your enjoyment as a World Expeditions client you will receive a 30% discount off the retail prices on any treatment at the Spa. You can book these services through the Radisson while you are in Nepal.
Grading
On a moderate trek physical activity will generally not exceed eight hours in a day, and altitudes generally not exceeding 5,500 metres. On a moderate adventure the physical activity is sustained and travelers should be comfortable with occasional rough terrain. At any stage of a moderate trek you can expect long steep climbs and descents and a wide range of weather conditions. An example of an average day on moderate trek could include several ascents and descents of 500 metres or more, level ground is rare in the mountains. To prepare for a moderate trek you should begin training at least four to five months before your departure. As a guideline, an hour of aerobic exercise three to four times per week would be considered a minimum requirement. The best preparation is bushwalking involving relatively steep ascents and descents. If you can manage a couple of valley floor to ridgeline ascents per bushwalk, albeit with stops along the way, you will cope with a moderately graded trek. Speed is not important, stamina, confidence and continuity are.
What You Carry
In your daypack you will need to carry extra warm clothing (depending on the altitude, location and weather), a rainjacket, water bottle, camera gear, valuables and personal items such as sunscreen, lip balm etc. Porters and mules carry all group gear and your trek pack.
Check out our Q&As
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Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?
We have offices on three continents which means your travelling companions will be just that – international and wonderfully eclectic. Part of small group travel means that although travellers come from various locations and backgrounds, you will be travelling with like-minded companions who, like you, are keen to share the experience and forge lifelong friendships.
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What about environmental impact?
We believe that adventure travel revolves around establishing a strong relationship with the people and environments in which we operate. Our responsible travel policies have been carefully developed to ensure that we minimise the impact of our presence and help to protect the regions we visit while contributing positively to the local community.
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What should I pack?
Your pre-departure documents include a detailed packing list with items that you need to bring. While most of the equipment for daily activities is included in your tour cost, some items like helmets and hiking boots are best brought from home. The pre-departure documents also include information on layering and recommended brands for various items to ensure you are fully prepared for your trip.
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
Yes. World Expeditions does not require single travellers to pay a surcharge for travelling alone on the vast majority of our trips. Our holidays are primarily on a twin share basis, so if you are joining the group as a solo traveller, we will match you with someone of your own gender. The choice is yours however; if you prefer not to share, we do offer single supplements for private occupancy.
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Are tips included in my trip price?
Tips are not included in the tour cost. Tipping is a personal thing, do not worry about how much, or when, to tip. Tipping guidelines are provided for certain destinations in our pre departure information upon booking, however the best advice will be provided by your tour leader.
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Am I suited to small-group travel?
We recognise that many of our travellers have not been on a ‘group trip’ before. Yet what our departures provide is both structure and flexibility, allowing you plenty of freedom within the framework of the itinerary. You’ll find that with our maximum group size at 16, you’ll travel in a minimal impact style with a great group of like-minded travellers.
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Can you advise which vaccinations are recommended?
While our pre-departure kit provides information on vaccinations, we suggest that you consult your doctor, local government inoculation centre or a travel medical specialist in order to get the most current advice regarding vaccination requirements.
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Transfer as credit to Future Tours
World Expeditions allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform world expeditions, 70 days before departure.
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Low Deposit
World Expeditions requires a minimum deposit of 250 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 70 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of world expeditions charges.
Up to 70 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 69 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 35 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.