Saturday, August 21, 2010

Annapurna Circuit - Jomsom Trek


This trek completely around the famed Annapurna Massif offers the most diversity of any trek in Nepal: fascinating ethnic groups each with their own language, incredible views of many of the Himalaya's most famous high peaks, and constantly changing panoramas - from lush, tropical rice paddies and moss-laden
There are Rhododendron forests to Tibetan fortresses clinging to rocky cliffs which will definitely stun you. Starting with a drive to Besisahar you ascend along the Marsyangdi river valley. You pass beneath snowcapped Annapurnas II, III and IV and a range of 6,000m.peaks stretching north to Tibet. You cross Thoroung La pass (5418m.) to reach the holy shrine of Muktinath. You then descend into the mighty Kali Ghandaki Valley - the deepest river valley on the face of the earth - 7000m deep between Dhaulagiri and Annapurna. At the end you trek through a wonderful rhododendron forest on the Gorepani Ridge and the picturesque Gurung villages before finishing back in the Pokhara Valley.
As this is one of the most popular trekking routes in Nepal many lodges catering to the needs of the trekkers have sprung up all along this trail and you will be staying in one of these lodges every night. Apart from being able to enjoy homely comforts you will have the added advantage of being guests to families of different ethnic people typical of this area. The Manang and the Kali Gandaki valleys lie along an ancient trade route between India and China, and a variety of ethnic peoples have settled here: Newars, Chettris, Gurungs, Manangeys and Thakalis.

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