ANNAPURNA CIRCUIT TREKKING

ANNAPURNA CIRCUIT TREKKING
"adventure around north and southern side of massive Annapurna Himalaya"
Highlights: 
"Annapurna Circuit, picturesque and scenic trek listed as world top ten adventure destinations.
Grand views on daily walks from warm semi tropic to cooler alpine climate into arctic zone 
From low warm paddy fields to alpine green forest towards windswept dry and arid country
Picturesque scenery from start to an end with exceptional views within high Manang valley 
Crossing over high and scenic Thorang-La Pass towards world deepest gorge of Kaligandaki"

Introduction:
Annapurna Circuit a remarkable and mesmerizing adventure which leads you from warm semi-tropical temperature of rice and paddy fields towards cooler green hills covered with alpine woodland of rhododendron-pines-oaks-magnolia-spruce and fir tree lines with daily views of snow capped peaks.
Annapurna Circuit trekking considered as world top ten adventure destination by several international leading travel guide books and magazines due to its varied scenery on daily walks with exceptional views from snow capped mountains to dramatic landscapes of green hills dotted with farm village and terraces.
Certainly an adventure of a life time experience with breathtaking views and climbing on top Thorang-La pass at above 5,416 m / 17,872 ft high offering glorious scenery of both Damodar Himal, Annapurna Himalaya with Dhaulagiri range of peaks and as far towards Mustang Himal.
Besides it mountain views culturally this trek is interesting where walk leads you into charming and wonderful villages of Dharapani-Chame-Pisang and Manang enclosed within high peaks where houses resembles touch of Tibetan heritage and culture and as well traditional way of life of the high land people of Manang with Buddhist religion.
A fascinating walk exploring its interesting villages and old monasteries enriched with ancient religious artifacts in the shade of high and giant peaks of Gangapurna-Annapurna IV –A III and A II with Pisang and Chulu peaks.

Starting this wonderful adventure with a long overland drive from Kathmandu to reach around Lamjung areas at Besisar town or further to start this fabulous walks following the raging Marsyangdi River right up to its glacial source near Manang village.
Walk leads towards green forest with constant views of northern Annapurna with Lamjung and Manaslu Himal then proceeding towards high and scenic Manang valley within dry and arid country where tree lines disappears for short juniper and rhododendron bushes.
With acclimatization days with hike around Manang village at the height of 3,500 m high before heading towards high Thorang-la pass, slowly walk leads higher up over Thorang-La pass and with long descend to reach Kaligandaki River valley after walking past holy Muktinath temple areas, a holy spot for both Hindu and Buddhist followers.
Around Kaligandaki following the river downstream leading into nice and lovely villages of Marpha after Jomsom town, then heading towards warmer areas back into tree lines at Kalapani-Ghasa villages home of Thakali people.

Walk enters world deepest gorge of Kaligandaki River on route Tatopani in between towering high peaks of Dhaulagiri and Annapurna, at Tatopani village enjoy the refreshing hot spring and then heading towards scenic Pokhara after a climb into cooler areas at Ghorepani with short hike to Poon Hill for grand views of sunrise over array of peaks.
Finally walk descends to warmer areas on the outskirt of Pokhara where a short drive brings you at famous touristic spot at Pokhara, a picturesque city in the shade of Annapurna Himalaya and Machhapuchare Himal 'Fish Tail' and by the serene Phewa Lake for last overnight stop in the comfort of nice hotels and resorts after an overwhelming adventure on Annapurna Circuit Trekking .

Annapurna Base camp trekking

ANNAPURNA BASE CAMP TREKKING

'moderate to adventurous walk in the heart of Annapurna Sanctuary and its base camp'

Highlights: 

"Within beautiful Annapurna Sanctuary and base camp encircled with high snow peaks

Exploring Gurung traditional farm villages of immense interest with age old heritage

Daily scenic views of massive Annapurna includes Manaslu-Lamjung Himal on walks

Enchanting alpine woodland of tall rhododendron-magnolia-oaks and pine trees.

From low warm areas to cooler alpine zone and ending at arctic zone of ice and glaciers"

Introduction:

Annapurna base camp trekking a perfect way to enjoy the closeness of Himalayan mountains within a period of a week duration, people with limited time in Nepal this will be an ideal trek which leads you in the heart of massive Annapurna Himalayan mountains within spectacular sanctuary and at base camp.

Annapurna base camp the one and only destination where you can walk to base camp in the comfort of nice and cozy lodge within Annapurna Sanctuary and beneath world tenth highest Annapurna I with adjoining peaks that surrounds you.

Annapurna I at an altitude of 8,091 m / 26,545 ft high, the one and only 8,000 meters mountains first climbed in June 1950 by French Expeditions leads by M. Herzog and L. Lachenal three years ahead than Mt. Everest was conquered by Tenzing and Hillary in 1953.

Although Annapurna stands as world's 10th highest, but one of the most beautiful destination in all Himalaya region, due to its wide range of options to reach at its base camp taking more than a week to less than seven days.

Whatever your plan and duration are, Annapurna base camp trekking is worth a visit once in your lifetime experience, as this trek starts from warm semi-tropical temperature within the valley of scenic Pokhara, where walk leads you into high green hills covered with rhododendron-hemlocks-oaks-magnolia-pines and towards arctic zone of ice and glaciers.

Daily views of Annapurna Himalaya and its massive range which includes Mt. Annapurna I (8,091m / 26,545 ft) Vara-Shikar peaks / Annapurna Fang, Annapurna South (7,219m-23,693ft), Huin-Chuli, Gangapurna (7,455m-24,457ft), Annapurna II, Annapurna III (7,555m-24,787ft) and Annapurna IV with Mt. Machhapuchare (Fish-tail) at 6,997 m, one of the unclimbed and virgin peak, Tent / Tharpu Chuli  5,663 m / 18,575 ft-Fluted Peak / Singu Chuli at 6, 501 meters high.

Annapurna Base Camp trekking an enjoyable journey as the walk proceeds uphill on the high ridges of Annapurna Himalaya exploring nice traditional villages dominated by Gurung population, one of the main tribe of people concentrated within Annapurna Himalaya.

Interesting to witness the local colorful culture of ancient heritage interwoven with Buddhism religion where walk leads you around Ghandruk-Chomrong villages, the last permanent village before Annapurna base camp, where's from Chomrong walk leads towards Modi River gorge with overnights in temporary settlement of Bamboo-Dovan-Himalaya Hotel, Deurali-Machhapuchare base camp before reaching at Annapurna base camp.

Small villages from Chomrong onward with places houses lodges to cater the needs of trekkers and adventurer, most of these places might be closed during off season with few lodges are active even in the cold months of December to March and in the monsoon season July and August as well.

As the walk progress entering into dense woodland within Modi River gorge, journey leads following the Modi River right up to its glacial source at base camp past few settlements then the gorge opens up into a beautiful and scenic valley, actually a plateau starts from Machhapuchare base camp onward within picturesque Annapurna Sanctuary.

Annapurna Sanctuary enclosed with amphitheatre of snow clad peaks then heading to the end of the sanctuary at Annapurna base camp with an altitude of 4,130 m high located below massive Annapurna I and Annapurna South.

Annapurna base camp trekking leads you with marvelous and enjoyable walk and without a problem of catching AMS (Acute Mountain Sickness) as the journey lead slowly and gradually with overnights at certain heights above 3,000 m which helps you to acclimatize during the trek.

After a mesmerizing moment heading back to Pokhara taking an alternative route with time enjoy at Hot Spring in Jhinu village before catching a ride to scenic Pokhara with amazing time on Annapurna Base Camp Trekking.

Note:

The best season for Annapurna base camp is from March to May when wildflowers are in full bloom like rhododendron (national flower of Nepal), where's most clear days and also a good time is from mid September to December, however all year of the months can be visited but monsoon months of July to early September can be wet with heavy rains.

  

Kanchenjunga base camp trekking

KANCHENJUNGA BASE CAMP TREKKING

'adventure on both North and South base camps of massive Kanchenjunga Himal'

Highlights:

"Adventure around world's 3rd highest Mt. Kanchenjunga with glorious views

Amazing landscapes from warm paddy fields, alpine woodland to arctic terrain 

Walk from low warm semi-tropic areas to cooler zone and into ice and glaciers

Explore culture of high Kanchenjunga areas within Sherpa-Bhotia's and Limbu villages

Traditional villages of age old heritage interwoven with Tibetan Buddhism 

The one and only trekking adventure which leads to both North and South base camps"

Introduction:

Mt. Kanchenjunga base camp trekking leads you to massive bulk of mountain range, 

located Far North Eastern Nepal Himalaya, straddle the border between Nepal and Sikkim (North East small state of India).

The word Kanchenjunga actual spelled as ‘Kanchendzonga’ which means five jewels of snow peaks in Tibetan origin, the mountains across the border in Sikkim worships as one of the holy mountains where mountaineers cannot climb right up to its main top summit as the top regarded as the abode of god and holy spirits.

From Nepal side although regarded as sacred peaks can be climbed to its top either from North or Southern base camps which was first conquered by British Expedition in May 25th 1955 led by late George Band with J Brown and Norman Hardie.

Mt. Kanchenjunga towers high as world third highest mountains at above 8,586 m and 28,169 ft its peaks considered as five jewels or treasures are Gold-Silver-Precious Stones, its Grain and a Holy Scriptures which refers to five adjoining peaks of Kanchenjunga.

The main summit stands as world third highest mountain and second highest peak within Nepal Himalayan range, located on the edge of Nepal Himalaya towards Far Eastern region, the area ranges from warm sub-tropic of Terai belt of Bhadrapur and Jhapa extending towards mid hills around Ilam and Taplejung with cooler alpine zone and further North leads to its South and North Base Camps with arctic landscapes and temperatures.

Kanchenjunga with Latitude of 27.7025 and Longitude 88.1475 of 27°4256’N and 87°55’42 E 

Covers an area of 20, 35 km2 (786 sq miles) within the district of Taplejung and Mechi State / Zone.

Kanchenjunga base camp trekking the one and only trek around Himalaya with an opportunity visiting it's both South and North base camps in one single journey and adventure, an enjoyable and exciting destination worth a visit for once in your lifetime experience.

Starting this fantastic Kanchenjunga base camp trekking taking a sweeping flight to lower south eastern belt of Nepal Terai, known as flatland of warmer sub-tropical temperature, and then heading higher towards mid hills at Ilam town.

Ilam town famous for its large tea gardens and good flavored teas as well, from here our adventure with overland drive reaches to the starting point of the trek at Sukhetar around Taplejung areas.

Walk leads ups and downhill past many farm fields and well tended terraces following Tamur River for some days then entering deep forested areas covered with tall rhododendron-pines-oaks-magnolia and fir trees, and soon vegetation fades entering into arctic zone of ice and through Yalung glaciers to reach first at Kanchenjunga South Base Camp above 4,900 m high.

This was the first ever base camp to be established by British expedition for the climb of Kanchenjunga, here enjoy the immense views of Talung and Kabru Peak, after a wonderful hike with marvelous panorama back to Ramche overnight camps.

As the walk progress after exploring the Kanchenjunga south base camp, adventure leads towards high pass Mirigin La, Tamo La and Sinion La in a day with super view of Kabru peak and Mt. Kanchenjunga. 

Finally walk leads to our final destination towards North Kanchenjunga Base Camp, past Ghunsa village inhabited by Bhotia people of Tibetan origin where houses are built with stones with neat small farm village.

Reaching at Pang Pema within Kanchenjunga North Base Camp after weeks of trekking, this is the highest spot at 5,065 m with sweeping panorama of Kirat Chuli, Nepal Peak, Taple Sikhar, and Givegela Chuli.

At base camp climb on top Pang Pema Peak of above 5,800 m high for grand views of whole range of Kanchenjunga, Kumbakarna with Makalu, Cholatse, Sharpu, Drohma, Nepal Peak and other range of snow capped peaks.

Concluding this fantastic adventure taking an alternative route back to Sukhetar for the drive to Bhadrapur via Ilam town, where a scenic panoramic flight brings you back at Kathmandu after a remarkable and adventurous journey on Kanchenjunga base camp trekking.

Note:

Best Season for Kanchenjunga base camp trekking April to June and September to early December months, March to May will be clear most of the days with wildflowers in full bloom especially the rhododendron (national flower of Nepal).

However cold in the morning and evening time with much day light and warm during day time, September to early December will be much colder but offers clear day with full views of mountains.

Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trekking can be done taking a flight to another route at Bhiratnagar and then taking an overland drive to Hille and Basantapur and then walk or drive to Sukhetar.

Sukhetar with small airstrip but unreliable and unpredicatable flights, due to its tough terrain and weather conditions, that is why most of the trekkers fly either to Bhadrapur or Bhiratnagar taking a drive to Sukhetar.

Tsum Valley trekking

TSUM VALLEY TREKKING
'a cultural and scenic walk around valley of happiness around Tsum country'
Highlights:
"On the least traveled country by other trekkers and visitors around scenic Tsum valley
Adventure into absolute wilderness within high mountains of Ganesh and Manaslu Himalaya
Fascinating villages with age old traditional life and colorful culture around Tsum valley
Explore the hidden treasures of Buddhist culture and visiting interesting old monasteries
On off the beaten tracks away seldom visited by some trekkers and adventurer"
Introduction:
Tsum Valley Trekking, once a forbidden country which was recently opened for foreign trekkers and adventurer since last few decades.
Tsum means valley of Happiness from Tibetan language as "Beyul Kyimolung” certainly a beautiful hidden destination around Nepal North Mid West Himalaya region sandwiched between massive Ganesh Himal (Yangri) and Manaslu (Kutang) Himalaya range of peaks.
An interesting trek and adventure to Tsum Valley where you can soak with impressive views of high snow capped in the harmony of local rich Buddhist culture and traditional life of the Tsum valley, where people still leads age old life as it was since past hundred of centuries with close relation with Tibet across the border and similar traditions of Buddhism religion.
Tsum Valley Trekking begins with exciting driving journey from the Nepal capital in Kathmandu to reach the starting point of the walk to Tsum Valley at Arughat within mid hills village of Gorkha district, following the Burigandaki River for few days on the same trail of Manaslu trek.
After Jagat village walk leads further eastwards to reach our fabulous destination past Lakuwa, Chumling, Chokhan-Paro and then reaching at Nele above 3,361 m high here one can visit meditation Cave of famous 11th Centaury saint Milarepa, where he meditate to reach Nirvana and spiritual salvation.

Walk proceeds to reach our final destination at Mu Gompa with a height of 3,700 m, the highest spot of the trekking, here with pleasant and wonderful time visiting its ancient monastery enriched with age old treasures of religious artifacts in the shade of high Ganesh Himal and other peaks due north near Tibet border.

Enjoying around the last destination of fantastic adventure around high Tsum at Mu Gompa walk back on the same trail with visit of another interesting Rachen Gompa and then following the path towards Chumling village which is at the end of Tsum valley to reach back at the road head for the drive back to Kathmandu, with wonderful and glorious time high above valley of Happiness at Tsum.

Note:
Tsum Valley trekking best from March to June of less chances of rain with clear morning however might be cloudy during late afternoon, days are warm with sunlight morning and night times can be cooler.

September to November is also a good months to trek but with cooler temperatures around autumn season, however days are fine with clear blue sky and views of mountains most of the days.

Too cold from December to March months where most of the villages will be empty as the people migrates to lower warmer places of Nepal.

Upper Mustang trekking

UPPER MUSTANG TREKKING
"on high and scenic plateau following old Trans-Himalayan Salt / Caravan Trail of Nepal / Tibet"  

Highlights:

"Adventure on top of world's highest and largest plateau within dramatic landscapes and views
Exploring cultural villages of age old traditional way of life similar to Tibetans across the border
Following an ancient trail on old Trans-Himalayan Salt and Caravan route of Nepal & Tibet
Glorious scenery within eroded colored hills and canyons with views of high snow capped peaks
Scenic flight to and from beautiful Pokhara and Jomsom with amazing views of mountains
Adventure on the ancient trail to forbidden (once) kingdom of Lo-Manthang the walled city"

Introduction:

Upper Mustang Trekking an exceptional journey which leads you on an old Trans Himalayan Salt and Caravan route of Nepal and Tibet, where the trade still exists since ancient times as the walk leads you close to the border of Tibet beyond the walled city of Lo Manthang once a forbidden kingdom, which was opened for outside world since last two decades.

Upper Mustang Trekking leads you to North West Himalaya of Nepal remote Himalayan region around isolated and sleepy-quiet villages where people are interwoven to Tibetan Buddhism religion along with its ancient culture of Bon (pre Buddhism) which makes this adventure so special within its rugged and windswept landscapes and cultural villages.

Upper Mustang located on an extension of South West Tibetan plateau considered as highest and largest plateau or tableland on this planet earth, where walk leads you into dry and arid country within high eroded and colorful canyon and hills withered by wind-snow and times.

Explore the amazing cultural villages adorned with long rows of immense prayer walls and bells where religion and daily life mix together hand in hand with well tended barley and colorful buckwheat fields and visit of its old monasteries of both Bon and Buddhism religion.

An adventure to Upper Mustang starts to and from beautiful Pokhara, a famous and popular touristic spot blessed with natural wonders where massive Annapurna Himalaya and majestic Machhapuchare Himal 'Fish Tail' reflects on its serene Begnas and Phewa Lakes.

Taking an early morning short flight to land at Jomsom, the headquarter town of whole Mustang district an interesting place with views of Nilgiris an Dhaulagiri range of peaks situated on the popular Annapurna Circuit Trekking route, Jomsom happens to be at Lower Mustang famous for delicious apples and its products, known as the apple pie trail around Kaligandaki River valley.

Starting our adventure to Upper Mustang from Jomsom walking on windswept Kaligandaki River valley to reach at Kagbeni village, where you can witness culture and traditional way of life of ancient heritage similar with Tibetans, as this village is the door to Upper Mustang and beyond to Tibet border via Karo-La Pass.

An interesting and exciting walk leads past Chele (Tshle), Geling and Charang (Tsarang) to reach at Lo-Manthang within closed great walled known as Dzong in local and Tibetan languages, here visit the famous four main monasteries Namgyal Gompa, Champa Lakhang (God House), Red Thubchen Gompa, Chyodi Gompa and the great Entrance Hall.

Permission in advance requires to grant and audience into ex king’s palace within interior of old palace and the seat of former Raja of Mustang.

After a great and interesting time within high Upper Mustang walk reaches you back to Jomsom for an early flight to beautiful Pokhara with awesome views of Dhaulagiri and Annapurna Himalaya.

Note:

UpperMustang trekking is best from April to October months including the monsoon months of July and August, as this area being dry and arid falls under rain shadow areas does not get much rain than other areas of Nepal.

The trek can be done in various ways with short circuit to Dhakmar and to Tenbe including walk to holy Muktinath Temple premises, at present motorable road exists however we can avoid the motor road as much possible to make the trek interesting, delightful and enjoyable. 

    
 

Poon Hill Trekking

POON HILL TREKKING

"nice country walk with spectacular sunrise over arrays of world highest peaks"

Highlights:

"Spectacular sunrise views from scenic Poon Hills with range of world highest mountains

In the country of natural garden with tall rhododendron and magnolia tree lines

Exploring traditional villages of Gurung and Magar / Poon people within Annapurna Himalaya

A scenic country walks with daily views of massive Annapurna Himalayan peaks

A short and moderate adventure on the high rolling hills in the shade of Annapurna mountains"

Introduction:

Poon Hill trekking at the height of 3,210 altitudes, the highest spot on this moderate and scenic trekking offers you with wide range panorama of world's three highest mountains from Dhaulagiri-Annapurna to Manaslu range of peaks including Tukuche-Nilgiris and majestic Machhapuchare Himal 'Fish Tail' the virgin and unclimbed peaks.

Poon Hill Trekking beside awesome mountains views includes stunning sunrise and sunset from this scenic view point hill overlooking dramatic scenery of rolling green hills and verdant valley with snow capped peaks.

This is a moderate trek of less than a week duration suitable for people with limited times in Nepal who have immense interest for mountain scenery along with local culture, this will be a perfect trekking as it involves daily views of mountains without a problem of AMS (Acute Mountain Sickness) as it reaches at the height of maximum 3,210 m / 10,595 ft high.

Walk leads from warm sub-tropical climate around popular touristic spot Pokhara a beautiful and picturesque city within a verdant valley blessed with natural scenery of mountains-hills and lakes, where this fabulous trekking starts heading into mid hills covered within green forest of rhododendron-magnolia-pines-oaks and fir trees with views of Annapurna Himalaya.

As the walk progress reaching Ghorepani village located on a high ridge beneath Poon Hill inhabited by Poon tribe of people where most of the houses serving as lodge and tea house painted in blue paints in the harmony of green and tranquil environment.

Morning an hour hike up to Poon Hill for stunning sunrise views over array of Himalayan peaks certainly a great scenic spot with amazing scenery, from here walk leads to alternative route through deep alpine forest to reach at large Gurung village in Ghandruk and then walking downhill to a road head to catch a ride back to scenic Pokhara after a marvelous country walks of ups and downhill on Poon Hill Trekking.

Note:

Poon Hill Trekking can be done all months of the year except the monsoon season of July and August the wet months, for best times March to May and mid September to December with clear sky for constant views of mountains.

Ghorepani and Poon Hill situated on ancient Trans-Himalayan Salt Trade and Caravan route of Nepal to Tibet which leads beyond Lower and Upper Mustang region.

This place surrounded within green vegetation and cool alpine forest regarded as world's largest natural garden with flowering rhododendron and magnolia and other wild flowers, the flowering season from March to May which makes this place magic when wild flowers is in full bloom, Rhododendron National Flower of Nepal.  

Manaslu Circuit Trekking

Around Manaslu & Larkya la pass
“trekking with a difference on other side of Manaslu with fabulous views”
Around Manaslu & Larkya la pass trekking with a difference than other mostly visited route, this amazing adventure where one can start west of Manaslu to enter the higher Manaslu area.
Encounter Nepal adventure leads from the main popular Annapurna circuit route to enter the fantastic areas of Manaslu with daily views of snow capped mountain views and cultural villages on route.

On this trekking route super panorama of Annapurna I (8,091m / 26,545ft) Annapurna South (7,219m-23,693ft), Gangapurna (7,455m-24,457ft) and Annapurna III (7,555m-24,787ft) to Mt. Machapuchare (Fish-tail) with 08th highest Mt. Manaslu 8,163 m, range of mountains with Lamjung Himal.

After crossing the Larkya-la wonderful vista of Ganesh Himal or Yangra at 7,422 m / 24,350 ft with towering North Face of Mt. Manaslu 8,163 m / 26, 781 ft extending towards further west with peaks of Lamjung Himal and Annapurna range of mountains.  

Adventure begins with an interesting drive from Kathmandu leading towards Lamjung district at Beshisar town, and the driving further to Chamje village where one can feel the Buddhist culture from this village onwards

Starting the trek from Chamje to reach the alpine temperature area in Dharapani village with fascinating views of Annapurna and Lamjung Himal during the walk in forest surrounding, Dharapani village located by the river Marsyangdi where the trail of Annapurna circuit and Manaslu trekking route joins.

Our route heads North on leaving the main popular Annapurna circuit trail towards complete wilderness walk through enchanting forest of rhododendron, pines, oaks and fir trees reaching at Bhimtahng a small settlement with number of good lodges.
From here starting early morning to cross the high 5,200 meters pass of Larkya-la, trek leads to a steep climb for 3-4 hours to the top of Larkya-la with awesome views of Manaslu, Himlung and Larkya peaks.

Descend from here to reach at another Phedi or a base of the pass with a lodge or guesthouse at Dharamsala for overnight after a great adventurous trek.
Next day walk leads to a large village of Samagoan after passing the village of Samdu, these villages situated on route Tibet border where the trade across the border still exists.

The culture and custom are of strong Tibetan Buddhist religion, after a time here to explore the nice villages of upper Manaslu, heading further downhill to reach back into tree lines of rhododendron and pines trees with many farm villages.From here on following the raging Burigandkai River downstream and entering warmer area with time to enjoy the hot spring in Tatopani village and finally this incredible adventure at Arughat for the drive back to hustle bustle city life in Kathmandu after an awesome and memorable time in the high mountains of Annapurna and Manaslu Himalaya.

Holi Kailash Yatra by encountersnepal

Mount Kailash Yatra 2017

Mount Kailash Yatra Complimentray Darshan of Asthapath and Nandi Parbat

Mount Kailash Yatra was wounderful with Rishi