Hard Rock Treks & Expedition
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percent of trekkers, and for good reason. the deep valleys and high mountains encircling the giant Annapurna himal embrace a wide range of peoples and terrains, from subtropical jungle to a geographic extension of high, dry , Tibetan Plateau. The scenery is superb mix of lush vegetation, mountain peaks and an endlessly changing procession of people.
The course is called the Marshyandi trail. It goes upstream along the Marshyandi river. Trek through canyons and gorges and move on the north side of Himalayas pass Manang. Which was once kingdom.Cross Palace, people that live in the villages on this route are the Brahman, Cheetris, Newars, Tamangs, Gurungs and brought about by Hinduism and Tibetan Buddhism.you will also see the climatic and environmental distinctiveness of the both in the south and the north of the Himalayas.
Flora and Fauna
As can be imagined, the range of geographical and climatic regions has led to a diverse variety of flora and fauna within the Annapurna region. Both Pokhara and Besishahar are below 1000 meter elevation and their climate is quiet tropical. These parts of area are heavily cultivated and the landscape, therefore, largely consists of terraced paddy fields for most of the year. The area is also famous for its winter crops of oranges, which can be purchased fresh from the trees along the trails in the foothills. As you progress higher up into the hills the natural vegetation changes from the tropical species to more temperate stands of forest trees including oak, beech and rhododendron. These finally give way to coniferous forests of pine and, ultimately, juniper just below the tree line. In the rain shadow, to the north of the mountains, the landscape is quite barren being an extension south of the Tibetan plateau. Here there are only stunted bushes and shrubs except for close to the rivers where irrigated cropping is possible.
Native animals to be seen include many birds the most obvious being the pika, blue sheep and Himalayan Tahr.
People and culture
The most prominent ethnic groups in the Annapurna region are the Gurung, the Thakali and the Manangba. The Gurungs are the most widely distributed being found from the hills of Gorkha district to as far west as Palpa. There heartland, however, is centered on the hills and valleys between the Marsyandi river and the kali Gandaki. The Thakali come from the upper kali Gandaki valley around Jomsom where their traditional farming has being supplemented by trade and, in particular, hotel and restaurant businesses. The Manangba are found in the upper reaches of the Marsyandi River and are in many ways similar to the Gurungs to whom they are possibly related. They are skilled traders and trace their roots back to Tibet. Religiously, the Manangba and the Gurungs of the upper hills is Buddhist with traces of their ancient, shamanistic faith still apparent. The communities live further south are predominantly Hindu.
All of the communities, particularly the Gurungs are famed for their cultural performances, which are easily seen while trekking in the region. Many villages along the trails will arrange performances for trekkers during the main seasons.
Trekking styles:
Most of the trekking routes in the Annapurna region are well serviced by teahouses for most of their length. This is particularly true for most popular treks-the Jomsom trek, the Annapurna circuit and Annapurna base camp treks.
Trekkers should be aware, however that there is always the risk of being stranded by bad weather or injury/sickness between teahouses, particularly in the more remote parts of the trek itineraries. a good example is on the Annapurna circuit where there is one very long day when the high pass of Thorong La has to be crossed. There is little or no shelter available for most of this day and some trekkers have been caught unprepared by bad weather and altitude problems.
The treks in less developed areas, particularly the Dhaulagiri circuit and the trek east of Lamjung, definitely require trekkers to be self sufficient in food and shelter.
The classic trek in the Annapurna region is the Annapurna circuit. The complete circuit has only been possible since mid 1980’s when the Manang area was officially opened up to non-Nepali visitors. For and all-round experience of the scenery and culture of Nepal this trek has a lot to offer. Starting in the lush Marsyandi valley, that separates the Annapurna range from that of Manaslu, the scenery is composed of lush cultivated fields with dense forests on either side. In the winter season, orange tree are laden with fruits and fragrant frangipani blossoms cast their scent along the trails. As you travel higher the valley becomes more rugged until the villages and forests finally give way to the arid hills of Manang. The Thorong La pass, at 5416 meters, marks the highpoint of the treks after which the trail joins the kali Gandaki river that flows through the deepest gorge on earth.
This is a challenging trek that is not without some risks. The crossing of Thorong La can be dangerous at times, especially during unexpected snowfall so potential trekkers must make sure that they are well prepared and equipped for all eventualities. The trek can be completed in a minimum of fifteen days, starting in Kathmandu and finishing in Pokhara. If a few extra days are allowed for it is then possible to enjoy several of the possible side trips and add immeasurably to the experience. And entry permit for the Annapurna conservation area project (ACAP) is needed for this trek.
Most trekkers start the trek by taking the bus from Kathmandu to Besishahar. These days the journey accomplished in around five or six hours which allows a few hours trekking on the first day. The trail from Besishahar follows the partly constructed road as far as the small market town of Kuldi. This road can be avoided by crossing the river below Besishahar and trekking along the east bank of the river rejoining the main trail at Bhul Bhule.
The first few days of the trek follow the Marshyangdi through scattered farming communities by a mixer predominantly composed of Gurungs but with a sizeable numbers of Brahmin communities. The crop range from rice and wheat at the lower elevations to corn, millet and barley as the altitude increases. Above the valley floor the hills are cloaked in forest with the occasional clearing indicating human settlements. Higher still, the snowy peak of the Annapurna and the Manaslu ranges dominate the skyline. A feature of this section of the trek is the number of high waterfalls that cascade down into the main river. The valley rises slowly slow altitude sickness is rarely a problem at this stage.
After a four days on the trail the river, which has been flowing from the north changes its course and flows from the west. At this point the landscape changes with steep rocky gorges on its side and large stands of pine making up the forest cover. By the time the district headquarters of Chame has been passed the hills are becoming more and more barren and the people predominantly Manangba. Look for a number of ancient temples, some of which represent the pre-Buddhist, Bon religion.
The tree line is reached a few hours before arriving at mustang where a compulsory rest day should be taken for acclimatization to the increasing altitude. There are a number of possible side trips from Manang that can be taken on the acclimatization day. Perhaps the most spectacular is to the west, across the river and up to the Gangapurna glacier with its deep blue lake formed by the melting glacial ice. The Himalayan rescue association clinic is located in Manang village and holds afternoon awareness lectures for trekkers warning of the dangers of AMS. These lectures are well worth attending.
From Manang, the trial passes through high alpine pastures until the small cluster of teahouses at Thorong Phedi id reached. An early morning start from here will allow you to reach Thorong La by mid morning and then start the long descent across the scree slopes to Muktinath before the afternoon cloud sweeps in. the whole section have no permanent settlements and shelter is hard to find. For safety, trekkers should never travel alone this section.
Muktinath, a famed pilgrimage site for both Buddhists and Hindus, is the first major settlement reached after the crossing of Thorong La. Be sure to visit the temples here and especially look for the eternal flame, fuelled by natural gas, which can be found in the small Buddhist temple below the main shrine.
From Muktinath the views of the west are now of the Dhaulagiri range while to the north can be seen the arid hills of upper mustang. The trial Leeds down through villages inhabited by people of Tibetan stock until it reaches the banks of the kali Gandaki River, the home of Thakali people. A further four days trekking down through this, the deepest valley on earth, brings you to the road head at Beni from where buses to Pokhara can be found. Settlements of particular interest below Muktinath are Jomsom with its airport, a possible exit point to Pokhara,
Facts of Trip
| Trekking Destination: | Trek from Besisahar to Jomsom (Part of Annapurna Circuit) |
| Group Size: | 1 - 12 pax |
| Highest Altitude on Trek: | 4170m |
| Grade: | Moderate |
| Transportation: | Tourist bus or private transport |
| Type of Tour: | Teahouse |
| Seasons | All the year |
| Total Days: | 21 days |
| Trip Cost : | $950 | € n/a |
Day to Day Outline Itinerary
| Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu. and transfer to Hotel Day 02: Free day Kathmandu. Day 03: Kathmandu. to Besisahar By bus. Day 04: Besisahar to Nagdi Day 05: Nagdi to Jagat Day 06: Jagat to Dharapani(1943m) Day 07: Dharapani to Chame(2713m) Day 08: Chame to Pisang(3292m) Day 09: Pisang to Manang(3351m) Day 10: Manang- Rest day Day 11: Manang to Kharka(4200m) Day 12: Yak Kharka to Throng Phedi high camp (4780m) Day 13: Thorong phedi(Thorong La 5514m) to Muktinath 3802m. Day 14: Muktinath to Jomsomi(2800m) Day 15: Jomsom to Pokhara by Flight Day 16: Free day in Pokhara Day 17: Pokhara to Royal chitwan National park by bus. Day 18: Excursion in Chitwan( Elephant back ride, jungle walk,canoe trip, tharu stick dance and elephant wash) Day 19: Excursion at chitwan national park Day 20: Return back to Kathmandu Day 21: Free day in Kathmandu Day22: Free day in kathmandu or Tour ends |
Day to Day Detail Itinerary
Day to Day itinerary Day 01( Oct 3):
Arrival in Upon arrival in Hanumandhoka ( It is the historic seat of royalty. The On the right hand corner, a large wooden lattice screen
hides an enormous gilded face of Sweta Bhairab. The screen is removed only
during the Indra Jatra festival.. there are also the Numismatic museum and
Tribhuban museum inside the Hanuman Dhoka palace building . Photography is
prohibited inside the museums. Both the mseums remain closed on Tuesday and
government holidays. Day 02:(Oct 4) Free
day It is possible to book a flight to see Mount Everest whilst
you are in The one hour Everest flight takes off from The mountain flights
are operated by one of the domestic airlines and they depart in the morning.
Please note that the flight only operates when the weather is good and view is
satisfactory. The best season is September to May. If you are interested in
booking this please ask your tour leader for further details. The famous Day 03:(Oct5) Bus drive will take approximately 8 hours. On the way you
can see villages, the river terrace of the Marshandi river and farm fields. The
town of Besisahar (827m) bustle like a bazaar as the supply base for the
interior of the Marshandi river and the villages of the areas around. Day 04:( Oct6)
Besisahar to Nagdi Walking through the mountain flank and terrace fields trail
continues through bank of Marshangdi river, when –even you will cross the
suspension bridge in Bhulbule you will soon come to Tarongche a tamang village
ahead of this , there is a Nagdi Bazar. Day 05 ( Oct7) Nagdi
to Jagat Crossing the suspension bridge in Nagati Khola, climb up on
the plateau , you will reach to Bahundanda village. Leaving the ridge descend to
the river towards to Shahnge a village in the right bank. There is a waterfall.
Crossing the suspension bridge climb uphill an hours and half reach to Jagat. A
village of Gurungs and Tamangs. Day 06: (Oct 8) Jagat to Dharapani(1943m) Move on along the river making many ascents and descents the
river becomes gradually narrower and trek faces on both sides becomes steeper.
Crossing the suspension bridge and climbing the terrace , you will reach lower Day 07: (Oct 9) Dharapani to Chame(2713m) Entering a Dence forest, cross over the bridge over
tributaries and shortly afterwards near the foot of the water fall , climb
steep stone steps . just beyond these up to Chame in about three and haif hour.
Good views of Day 08: (Oct10) Chame to Pisang(3292m) Leave the upper Day 09: (Oct 11)Pisang
to Manang(3351m) During today’s journey, you can enjoy a wonderful view of
Annapurna Himal. It is the viewing day on the Marshyangdi trail till Hongde.
Which has an airfield. The road leading to Manang becomes wider. Houses are
built crowded together and a white Gompa stands above them all, contrasting
with the dark walls of the houses. You will see Manang on the terrace in front
of you . from here enjoy the view of Gangapurna to the right of the glacier and
Day 10:( Oct12)
Manang- Rest day This is very important day to use acclimatization before you
got to high altitude. There are plenty of good day hikes in this area. Day 11: ( Oct13)Manang
to Kharka(4200m) Walking through the dark colored houses of Manang and
following the path of stone walls and sandy path. You will arrive to Yak
Kharka. Day 12: (Oct14) Yak Kharka to Throng Phedi high camp (4780m) Trail continues towards to remote throng phedi , you will
not see anymore trees around here. Latter gradually climb uphill towards to
base camp. Day 13: (Oct15) Thorong phedi(Thorong La 5514m) to
Muktinath 3802m. Today is most difficult day and highlight section of this
course. It is going to be long journey and it is wise to leave early in the
morning . trail continues uphill all the way to Thorong pass where you can see
stone hillock with flapping prayer flag . as soon as crossing throng La trail
descending all the way to Muktinath. The green, sacred land for Hindus and
Buddhist. Day 14: (Oct16) Muktinath to Jomsom(2800m) Walking through to sandy path and stone path for three hours
you will rach to beautiful village Kagbeni. From where you will have an
panoramic views. Day 15: (Oct 17)
Jomsom to Pokhara by Flight Pokhara is set in a lovely valley at the foot of the
Machapuchare so you get spectacular views of the mountains from all parts of
the town. It is quite different from Day 16: (Oct 18)
Free day in Pokhara or self sight seeing ( option are) Pokhara is a remarkable place of natural beauty. Situated at
an altitude of 827m from the sea level and 200km west of The serenity of lakes and the magnificence of the Pokhara is part of a once vibrant trade route extending
between The climate of Pokhara is slightly warmer than highest rainfall in the country. Best time to visit is
between October and April. The activities of foreign visitors to Pokhara focus around
two districts known as Damside and Begnas lake and Rupa lake Barahi temple World Peace Pagoda Devi’s Fall Gupteswar Gupha Mahendra Gupha Day 17: (Oct 19)
Pokhara to we drive for approximately 5 hours to Chitwan National Park. After
arriving and settling in, we are introduced to the camp staff and resident
naturalists who will discuss our program at Royal Park Wildlife Resort. There
is some flexibility and activities may vary with the time of year, and known
wildlife movements and locations. Day 18: (Oct 20)
Excursion at Chitwan national park (
Elephant back ride, jungle walk, canoe trip, culture dance and elephant wash) An early morning excursion could include
either another elephant safari to different parts of the park in search of the
great Indian rhino, deer and exotic bird life or joining one of several other
activities. Tiger sightings are rare these days, but these magnificent animals
do inhabit the park. After breakfast we leave the lodge for a trip by dugout
canoe on the Rapti River. This is an exciting trip with chances to view marsh
mugger crocodiles and various birds that inhabit the riverbanks. In the
afternoon we visit the elephant breeding centre with our guide, who will
explain exactly how these amazing creatures are looked after. There will even
be an opportunity to help bathe the elephants! The evening is free to relax
over a drink in the heart of the jungle. Wake
up call. 06:00
- Tea/coffee followed by nature walk. An excellent opportunity to see a great
many of those 524 different species of birds found in Chitwan. 07:50
- Breakfast. 09:00
- Canoe ride along the Rapti river. An excellent opportunity for bird watching
and for seeing the 2 rare species of crocodiles; the Marsh Mugger and the fish
eating Gharial. 10:00
- Visit to the Government Elephant Breeding Center. Walk/drive back through the
Tharu villages to our Resort where you can take a leisurely swim or relax by
the poolside. You can also spend the time before lunch to gaze at the fishes
found in Chitwan in your own fish pond or play a game of tennis or pool table
with your friends or just spend a few quiet moments in our library with a book.
You can even let your children play by themselves in our children’s playground.
Your choices are limitless. 13:00
- Lunch. 15:00
- Visit to the National Park Visitor’s center where you can learn more about
the history of the National Park and about wildlife. 16:00
- Village tour to a nearby ethnic Thaw village where you will learn more about
the life and lifestyles of the Thaws. 19:00
- Tharu cultural dance presentation or a slide show presentation. 20:00
- Dinner. Day 19: (Oct 21)
Activities at Chitwan national park 05:30 - Wake up call. Tea/coffee followed by elephant
safari, nature walk or you can just spend the morning as you prefer. 07:30 - Breakfast. 09:00 - Drive to Bees Hazzar Taal (Twenty thousand lakes)
where you will see crocodiles and lots of birds in and around these lakes. 11:00 - Back to our Resort where you can spend time at
leisure. 13:00 - Lunch. 15:00 - Jungle Drive through the grasslands, riverine
forests and sal forests to Kasara (the National Park’s head quarters) Gharial
hatchery farm where you will learn about how crocodiles are brought up at this
farm & then later released into the rivers. 19:00 - Thorn cultural dance presentation or a slide show
presentation. 20:00 - Dinner. Day 20: ( Oct 22)
Return back to After breakfast take a bus ride back to kathmandu. Day 21:( Oct 23)Free
day in Kathmandu or self visit to around Bhaktapur durbar
Squares: The Windows, built by King Ranjit Malla. The gate is one of the
most beautiful and richly carved specimens of its kind in the entire world.
This gate is embellished with deities and monsters with marvelous
intricacy. The palace of 55 Window was built in 1700 AD. Among the brick walls in
their gracious setting and sculptural design, is a balcony of 55 windws.
This balcony is a masterpiece of wood carving. The stone located in the sets a beautiful example of Shikhara style architecture in bronze bell on the terrace of the temple which is also known
as the Barking Dogs. This colossal bell, placed in 1737 AD, used to
ring to signal curfew those days. The main square of the city contains innumerable temples and
other architectural showpieces like the Lion Gate, the statue of
King Bhupatindra Malla, the Picture Galley, the King Bhupatindra Malla in the act of worship is placed on
the column facing the palace. It was listed in the 1979. Boudhanath stupa Boudhanath Stupa (or Bodnath Stupa) is the largest stupa in holiest Tibetan Buddhist temple outside culture in the town of History Bodnath was probably built in the 14th century after the
Mughal invasions; various interesting legends are told regarding the reasons
for its construction. After the arrival of thousands of Tibetans
following the 1959 Chinese invasion, the temple has become one of the most
important centers of Tibetan Buddhism. Today it remains an important place of
pilgrimage and meditation for Tibetan Buddhists and local Nepalis, as well
as a popular tourist site. Situated 5km east of kathamandu, the with two tired golden roof and silver door is considered one
of the holiest for Hindus. Although only Hindus are allowed inside the
temple, visitors can clearly see the temple and the activites performed in the from the eastern bank of the Bagmati river. The UNESCO world heritage Monument List in 1979 Day 22: ( Oct 24)
Free day in Hotel
we use in Kathmandu Kathmandu
Prince Hotel Thamel,
Chhetrapati, kathmandu, Nepal G.P.O.
Box : 8974, CPC 005 Tel :
4255961, 4255282, Fax : 977-1-4255282 E-Mail
: ktphotel@wlink.com.np Website
: www.kathmanduprincehotel.com Hotel we use in
Pokhara Moonlight Hotel
Resort (p.) Ltd. contact no:
44-21-450 Email:
sarmagrp@ntc.net.np Location:
Lake-Side, Pokhara Website: www.moonlightresortnepal.biz Hotel
we use in Chitwan national park Tiger
residency resort Sauraha,
Chitwan Tel:
0977-56-580053 www.tigerresidency.com |
Includes/ Excludes
Package price
Includes:
Airport Pickup and Drop by private Transport
All the ground Transportation by toursit bus.
4 nights hotel in
12 nights 13 days trekking in lodges or in tea house.(
simple but clean enough and has a hot and cold shower)
All the meal during the trek (Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner)
An experience trekking guide (trained by Ministry of
tourism), one porter between every 2 clients and their
meals/accommodation/transportation/salary/insurance and their equipments are
included in price.
Domestic Air ticket
and airport tax (Flight from Jomsom to Pokhara).
Tourist bus from Pokhara to Chitwan national park
3 nights hotel in chitwan national park at tourist
standard.( centrally located, attach bathroom and hot and cold shower)
All the meals while at
chitwan national park (Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner)
All the activities such as
(Elephant Back Ride, Canoe Trip in Rapti River, Jungle Walk, Bird
Watching Tour, Culture Dance, Elephant Wash and Nature Guide)
All the entrance fees
in chitwan national park.
Tourist bus back to
Package Price
Excludes:
Personal bar bill, travel insurance/International
airfare/Domestic airfare.
Items of personal expenses such as alcoholic drinks, cold
drinks, laundry, tips etc.
Sight seeing tour in
All the entrance fees of temple in
Booking Conditions
Dates & Availability:
 |
This tour is available to booking |
 |
This tour has 5 or less places left. |
 |
This tour is full. |
 |
This tour operates on a request only. |
Fixed Departure:
| Start Date | End Date | Availability |
|---|---|---|
| Oct 3,2010 | Oct 25, 2010 | |
Trip Cost
Booking Details:
| Per Person |
|
(€) EURO | ||
| 950 | n/a | |||
| Note: We need : | ||||
| Group Size | 1 - 12 pax | |||
Note: If someone who like to travel as a individual the trip will departure every day.
Note:- We will offer special rates for Tour Operater and Wholeseller.
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Client Testimonials
Hard Rock Treks & Expedition were recommended to us by friends in Australia. We have now used their services on two occasions. March 2001 Annapurna Area and October 2005 Mount Everest Base Camp Trek. On both occasions we Weave found their services exemplary and would not hestitate in recommending them to anyone whishing you trek anywhere in Nepal. The guides & porters have a professional and sincere approach in ensuring all aspects of the trek are covered including contingencies due to weather or other circumstances. 
Phil & Robyn Coppleman
2 CAROMA AVE, KYIIMAGH NSW 2116
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Contact Us
Hard Rock Treks & Expedition
Thamel, Kathmandu, Nepal.
Phone : 977-1-4259067, 977-1-4266592, +977-61-4196086
Fax : 977-1- 4263375
Mobile: 977-9841117524 (Om),
00977-9851037559 (Rana),
0031- 614196080 (Holland)
Email: hrt@hardrock.wlink.com.np; om@hardrock.wlink.com.np; chrisrianne@yahoo.com
Web Support: webmaster@hardrock.wlink.com.np