Annapurna Circuit vs Lantang Valley Hike Experience Comparison

Nepal's top famous trekking routes that can be hiked on self-guided basis 

Because I have 3 months multiple entry tourist visa granted on my first visit to Nepal, I have more than enough time to trek Annapurna Circuit (2016) and Lantang Valley (2016), two famous trekking routes in Himalayas Region.

Annapurna Circuit and Lantang Valley from Nepal are two of the most popular mountain trails and tourist-hiker friendly trails in Nepal's Himalayan Range. As an amateur hiker, this two mountains are the top-most priority on the bucket list. As such, I visited them both and the following was the observation I had during the course.

​To summarize Nepal's famous 3 trekking routes (Everest Base Camp, Annapurna Circuit and Lantang Valley) based on my self-guided solo winter hike adventure in comparison to each other; LANTANG VALLEY (3,830masl) and KYANJIN PEAK (4,773masl) trekking route is the under-rated trail but the most unspoiled trail ideal for mountain meditation trekking, those who are looking for "off-the-beaten path". At least 6 trekking days and has the most stunning 360degree view on the peak. On the other hand, ANNAPURNA CIRCUIT (5,416masl) and BASE CAMP (4,130masl) trekking route is the mainstream trail based of its tolerable high elevation for all tourist types and can be minimized to at least 7 trekking days for ABC only. Also, trail is much scenic and somehow easy because of continuous ascent/descent trails.

Annapurna Circuit (January 2016)

Everest Base Camp (EBC) vs Annapurna Circuit Solo Hike Experience Comparison

Nepal's top two famous trekking routes that can also be hiked on self-guided basis 

Because I have 3 months multiple entry tourist visa granted on my first visit to Nepal, I have more than enough time to trek Everest Base Camp (2015) and Annapurna Circuit (2016), two famous trekking routes in Himalayas Region.

Mt. Everest Base Camp and Annapurna Circuit from Nepal are two of the most popular mountain trails and tourist-hiker friendly trails in Nepal's Himalayan Range. As an amateur hiker, this two mountains are the top-most priority on the bucket list. As such, I visited them both and the following was the observation I had during the course.

To summarize Nepal's famous 3 trekking routes (Everest Base Camp, Annapurna Circuit and Lantang Valley) based on my self-guided solo winter hike adventure in comparison to each other; E​VEREST BASE CAMP (5,364masl) and KALAPATHAR (5,550masl) trekking route is costly because of the Lukla flight, trekking difficulty is hardest (but much rewarding) because of the series of ascent/descent trails from Jiri and the high elevation challenge, and nothing beats the view of the world's highest mountain peak. On the other hand, ANNAPURNA CIRCUIT (5,416masl) and BASE CAMP (4,130masl) trekking route is the mainstream trail based of its tolerable high elevation for all tourist types and can be minimized to at least 7 trekking days for ABC only. Also, trail is much scenic and somehow easy because of continuous ascent/descent trails.

Everest Base Camp (November 2015)

Mt. Kilimanjaro vs Everest Base Camp (EBC) Solo Hike Experience Comparison

highest peak of Africa and Nepal's most promising trekking route

The reason why I hiked Mt. Kilimanjaro (2014) first was to challenge myself for extremely high elevation treks. Since this mountain cannot be hiked by self-guided basis and is very expensive, I tried that much to reach the summit but unfortunately altitude sickness effects kicked-in strongly like vomiting, dizziness and headache. On the other hand, trekking Everest Base Camp (2015) needs no more explanation. The main reason of everybody is to see the majestic summit of Earth's highest mountain.  

Mt. Kilimanjaro from Tanzania and Mt. Everest Base Camp from Nepal are two of the most popular mountains and tourist-hiker friendly peaks in Africa and Asia. As an amateur hiker, this two mountains are the top-most priority on the bucket list. As such, I visited them both and the following was the observation I had during the course.

MT. KILIMANJARO (5,895masl) is also known as the ‘Roof of Africa’ and is one of the Seven Summits (highest mountains of each of the seven continents). Trekking Mt. Kilimanjaro is much expensive because it can only be hiked with a recognized local travel agency supported by guide and porters (which also has a minimum tip for each other). I consider the summit push as very difficult because of around 1,000m elevation gain that started from 2300H up to 0600H the following day. On the other hand,  E​VEREST BASE CAMP (5,364masl) and KALAPATHAR (5,550masl) trekking route is costly because of the Lukla flight, trekking difficulty is hardest (but much rewarding) because of the series of ascent/descent trails from Jiri and the high elevation challenge, and nothing beats the view of the world's highest mountain peak.

Mt. Kilimanjaro Solo Hike (July 2014)

Final Kuwait Get-Away; Solo Adventures across Western to Eastern Asia

Winter Solo Trip from Kuwait to Iran, Malaysia, Nepal, Brunei back to Philippines

November 08, 2015 to February 20, 2016
Extreme Ultimate Journey as Farewell Tribute being OFW in Kuwait  

1st OFW Vacation; Comeback to my Homeland (Aug. 2012)

2nd OFW Vacation; Pinoy Backpacker China Invasion (Jan. 2013)
3rd OFW Vacation; Summer Solo Tour from Malaysia to Japan (May 2013)
4th OFW Vacation; Ultimate Solo Trip from Central Europe to Promised Land (Oct. 2013)
5th OFW Vacation; Winter Birthday Get-away from Georgia to Myanmar (Jan. 2014)
6th OFW Vacation; 2nd Ultimate Backpacking across 3 Continents (Jun. 2014)
7th OFW Vacation; From Winter Northeastern Asia to Summer Homeland (Feb. 2015)
8th OFW Vacation; 3rd Ultimate Journey across Summer Europe (Jun. 2015)

"Only those who will risk going too far can possibly find out how far they can go." - Into the Wild

"Travel is rebellion in its purest form. We follow our hearts, we free ourselves of labels, we lose control willingly. We trade a role for reality, we love the unfamilar, we trust strangers. We  own only what we can carry, we search for better questions and not anwers. We truly graduate, we, sometimes, choose never to come back." - The TripRebel Manifesto

My final get-away (serves as my 4th Ultimate Backpacking also) as an Overseas Filipino worker for almost four years of stay in Kuwait. The map below shows the destination of my entire almost 4-months farewell journey. The countries included were Iran, Malaysia, Nepal and Brunei, my 56th to 58th new countries visited. This farewell journey served as my extreme ultimate adventure and purely self-guided solo trip from arrival to departure.

Final Kuwait Get-Away; Solo Adventures across Western to Eastern Asia

Day 05-06: Mumdu(3,500masl) to Syabrubesi(1,503masl) to Kathmandu

6 Days Winter Self-Guided Solo Hike in Lantang Valley (3,830masl) and Kyanjin Ri (4,773masl)

January 30 to February 04, 2016

​Day 04 1st part: ​​Mumdu(3,500masl) to Kyanjin Gumba(3,830masl)

My original plan was to visit Gosainkunda Lake (4,300masl) then exit to Helambu which makes this the Langtang Valley long trek route. But due to exhaustion trekking the 3 famous routes, the coldness struggle during the sleepless nights, and doubt about the villages status en route to Gosainkunda and Helambu, I decided to trek the short route but with very rewarding Kyanjin Ri success. From Mumdu, it was continuous descent until Rimche. But between Rimche and Sherpagaun, and Sherpagaun to Khangjim, there is a higher elevation to pass through before the descend. Locals estimated that from Mumdu to Sherpagaun it takes 6 hours and Sherpagaun to Syabrubesi it takes 3.5 hours. Luckily with my strong determination, I satisfied this estimated hours.  

REMINDER: Please take note that my trekking hours is of below average, I'm always lagging for around an hour to the next destination. Also, check-out bill in the morning day after includes lodging for 1 room, dinner and breakfast.

DAY 5:MUMDU (3,500masl) TO SYABRUBESI (1,503masl)
time	date	event	remarks	NPR	USD
0730H	3-Feb	ETD Hostel	check-out w/ lunch, dinner, bfast	3,000	28.6
0945H	WED	Ghodatabela (3,030masl)	force to trek fast
1145H		Lama Hotel (2,505masl)	open cliff trails
1345H		Sherpagaun (2,563masl)	lunch	700	6.7
1430H		ETD Sherpagaun	ascent then descent
1630H		ETA Khangjim (2,280masl)	steep descent
1745H		ETA Syabrubesi (1,503masl)	White Palace Hostel
TREKKING HOURS: 9.5			daily budget:	₹3,700	$35.2
DAY 6: SYABRUBESI (1,503masl) TO KATHMANDU
time	date	event	remarks	NPR	USD
0730H	4-Feb	ETD Hostel	check-out w/ dinner/bfast	1,030	9.8
0745H	THU	ETD Syabrubesi	bound to Machapuchare	900	8.6
1130H		stop-over	lunch	740	7.0
1400H		ETA Kathmandu	bound to hostel
			daily budget:	₹2,670	$25

Lantang Valley Solo Trek Day 5: Mumdu (3,500masl) to Syabrubesi (1,503masl)

​Day 04 last part: ​​Kyanjin Gumba(3,830masl) to Kyanjin Ri(4,773masl)

6 Days Winter Self-Guided Solo Hike in Lantang Valley (3,830masl) and Kyanjin Ri (4,773masl)

January 30 to February 04, 2016

​Day 04 1st part: ​​Mumdu(3,500masl) to Kyanjin Gumba(3,830masl)

The trek difficulty and altitude sickness is worth the stunning and truly magnificent 360degree view, the best in comparison with Annapurna and Everest Base Camp... my 6th successful ascent in Nepal's famous Himalayas trekking route. The route to Kyanjin Ri starts at the left side of Kyanjin Gumba, going upwards for around 200m then turn right continuously going up. It was hard to me to see it that's why I created my own trail, I just know that it was going up and away from Kyanjin Gumba. Kyanjin Ri is just beside the Kyanjin Gumba, with a prayer flag above.    

REMINDER: Please take note that my trekking hours is of below average, I'm always lagging for around an hour to the next destination. Also, check-out bill in the morning day after includes lodging for 1 room, dinner and breakfast.

DAY 4: KYANJIN GUMBA (3,830masl) TO KYANJIN RI (4,773masl)
time	date	event	remarks	NPR	USD
0730H	2-Feb	ETD Hostel	with packed lunch
1000H	TUE	Kyanjin Gumba (3,830masl)	last village in Lantang Valley route
1400H		Kyanjin Ri (4,773masl)	best 360 view compared to EBC and Annapurna route but summit push difficult
1500H		ETD Kyanjin Ri	very steep and windy trail
1730H		ETA Mumdu	lodge checked-in
TREKKING HOURS: 8.5			daily budget:	₹0	$0.0

Lantang Valley Solo Trek Day 04 last part: Kyanjin Gumba(3,830masl) to Kyanjin Ri(4,773masl)

​Day 04 1st part: ​​Mumdu(3,500masl) to Kyanjin Gumba(3,830masl)

6 Days Winter Self-Guided Solo Hike in Lantang Valley (3,830masl) and Kyanjin Ri (4,773masl)

January 30 to February 04, 2016

​Day 03: ​Sherpagaun(2,563masl) to Mumdu(3,500masl)

​Despite the only 4 open villages among 13 villages along the route (badly affected by 2015 Earthquake)... my 5th successful ascent in Nepal's famous Himalayas trekking route. Kyanjin Gumba is the last village along the Lantang Valley trek. The trail from Mumdu to Kyanjin Gumba is a gradual smooth ascent. Kyanjin Gumba is also devastated heavily by the 2015 Earthquake.

REMINDER: Please take note that my trekking hours is of below average, I'm always lagging for around an hour to the next destination. Also, check-out bill in the morning day after includes lodging for 1 room, dinner and breakfast.

DAY 4: KYANJIN GUMBA (3,830masl) TO KYANJIN RI (4,773masl)
time	date	event	remarks	NPR	USD
0730H	2-Feb	ETD Hostel	with packed lunch
1000H	TUE	Kyanjin Gumba (3,830masl)	last village in Lantang Valley route
1400H		Kyanjin Ri (4,773masl)	best 360 view compared to EBC and Annapurna route but summit push difficult
1500H		ETD Kyanjin Ri	very steep and windy trail
1730H		ETA Mumdu	lodge checked-in
TREKKING HOURS: 8.5			daily budget:	₹0	$0.0

Lantang Valley Solo Trek Day 04 1st part: Mumdu(3,500masl) to Kyanjin Gumba(3,830masl)

​Day 03: ​Sherpagaun(2,563masl) to Mumdu(3,500masl)

6 Days Winter Self-Guided Solo Hike in Lantang Valley (3,830masl) and Kyanjin Ri (4,773masl)

January 30 to February 04, 2016

Day 01-02: ​Kathmandu by bus to Syabrubesi(1,503masl) to Sherpagaun(2,563masl)

During the trek and I saw it on my very own eyes, it was confirmed that among 13 villages along the route of Lantang Valley only 4 are open and 9 are abandoned due to badly destroyed by 2015 earthquake. The 4 villages open are (1)Syabrubesi, (2)Khangjim, (3)Sherpagaun and (12)Mumdu while the abandoned villages are (4)Kimche, (5)Lama Hotel, (6)Riverside, (7)Woodsland, (8)Thangcyap, (9)Ghodatabela, (10)Chamke, (11)Lantang and (13)Kyanjin Gumba. Because of this, I have to trek fast as long as I can endure my hunger and thirst. Good thing I bought 1 packed of cookies, also I gradually saving the water. From Sherpagaun (2,563masl) for an ascent up to around 2,800masl then descent to Rimche (2,400masl). Afterwards  continuous ascent up to Mumdu. In addition and a major factor, there was NO MARKER in between villages not like the orange marker in Everest Base Camp route and white/red marker in Annapurna Circuit route.  

REMINDER: Please take note that my trekking hours is of below average, I'm always lagging for around an hour to the next destination. Also, check-out bill in the morning day after includes lodging for 1 room, dinner and breakfast.

DAY 3: SHERPAGAUN (2,563masl) TO MUMDU (3,500masl)
time	date	event	remarks	NPR	USD
0700H	1-Feb	ETD Hostel	check-out w/ dinner/bfast	900	8.6
0900H	MON	Lama Hotel (2,505masl)	villages are closed/abandoned
1200H		Ghodatabela (3,030masl)	short break for snacks
1500H		Langtang (3,430masl)	all lodges are destroyed
1615H		ETA Mumdu (3,500masl)	Himalayan Guest House
TREKKING HOURS: 8.5			daily budget:	₹900	$8.6

Lantang Valley Solo Trek Day 03: Sherpagaun(2,563masl) to Mumdu(3,500masl)

Day 01-02: ​Kathmandu by bus to Syabrubesi(1,503masl) to Sherpagaun(2,563masl)

6 Days Winter Self-Guided Solo Hike in Lantang Valley (3,830masl) and Kyanjin Ri (4,773masl)

January 30 to February 04, 2016

Lantang Valley and Gosainkunda Lake Introduction

There is an ordinary bus from Kathmandu (Machapuchare, an intersection near Gongabu Bus Park) to Syaphrubesi which departs daily at 0620H for 320 NPR at 7.5 hours travel, 0700H for 465 NPR at 6 hours travel and 0800H for 700 NPR at 6 hours travel time. I just walked myself from Thamel to this bus terminal for about less than 3km distance, taking a taxi is around 300 NPR. Just like what I did on my first day of travel in Everest Base Camp trek, I pre-booked my bus ticket which can only be done one day in advance for a window seat reservation in case I feel motion sickness which I felt again as expected. Upon my trek start in Syabrubesi, eventhough I already knew that Lantang National Park is badly damaged by 2015 earthquake, I was surprised that the original trail passing to Bamboo Village (1,900masl) is not passable. Thus, I have to detour to Khangjim (2,280masl) which is more time-consuming and energy-draining because of steep ascent and more than 700m altitude gain. Then, at the Sherpagaun, another surprise struck me. Locals told me that all villages after Sherpagaun until Lantang is closed or abandoned due to massive damage cause by 2015 earthquake. Thus, my plan to further trek has been changed in an instant. 

REMINDER: Please take note that my trekking hours is of below average, I'm always lagging for around an hour to the next destination. Also, check-out bill in the morning day after includes lodging for 1 room, dinner and breakfast.

DAY 1: KATHMANDU (1,400masl) TO SYABRUBESI (1,503masl)
time	date	event	remarks	NPR	USD
0600H	30-Jan	ETD Hostel	bound to Machapuchare
0630H	SAT	ETA Machapuri	breakfast	240	2.3
0700H		ETD Kathmandu	motion sickness again
1200H		ETA Dunche	park permit checkpoint
1430H		ETA Syabrubesi (1,503masl)	White Palace Hostel
TREKKING HOURS: 0			daily budget:	₹240	$2.3
DAY 2: SYABRUBESI (1,503masl) TO SHERPAGAUN (2,563masl)
time	date	event	remarks	NPR	USD
0745H	31-Jan	ETD Hostel	check-out w/ lunch, dinner, bfast	1,150	11.0
	SUN	poorly marked trails	detour to Khangjim due to landslide
1200H		ETA Khangjim (2,280masl)	lunch	500	4.8
1300H		ETD Khangjim	rocky to mild ascent
1530H		ETA Sherpagaun (2,563masl)	Super View Guest Hostel
TREKKING HOURS: 6.75			daily budget:	₹1,650	$15.7

Lantang Valley Solo Trek Day 01: Kathmandu by ordinary bus to Syabrubesi (1,503masl)

6 Days Winter Solo Hike in Lantang Valley and Kyanjin Ri (4,773masl)

Winter Central Himalayas Self-Guided Solo Ascent to sightsee Nepal's famous trekking route

January 30 to February 04, 2016

"It is not the mountain we conquer but ourselves." - Sir Edmund Hillary, first climber to reach Mt. Everest's summit

This mountain adventure is considered as my 6th major hike abroad. 

​To summarize Nepal's famous 3 trekking routes (Everest Base Camp, Annapurna Circuit and Lantang Valley) based on my self-guided solo winter hike adventure in comparison to each other; LANTANG VALLEY (3,830masl) and KYANJIN PEAK (4,773masl) trekking route is the under-rated trail but the most unspoiled trail ideal for mountain meditation trekking, those who are looking for "off-the-beaten path". At least 6 trekking days and has the most stunning 360degree view on the peak. Lantang National Park (LNP) was established to conserve the unique flora and fauna of the region. It has an area of 1,710 sq km and extends in the southern mountainous terrain in the Nepal - Tibet border. There are three main trekking  routes; (1) Lantang Valley, (2) Helambu and (3) Gosainkunda Lake.

Please take note that I have previous hiking experience in Mt. Pulag, Philippines (2,922masl), Mt. Fuji, Japan (3,776masl), Mt. Kinabalu, Malaysia (4,095masl), Mt. Kilimanjaro, Tanzania (5,895masl) and the recent success of my two Himalayas Ascent, 18 Days Winter Solo Hike from Jiri to Mt. Everest Base Camp last November 2015 and 16 Days Winter Solo Hike in Annapurna Circuit (5,416masl) and Base Camp last January 2016. Also, I have some local minor climbs in the Philippines before I took those international treks listed above. Despite of this records, I am below average hiker because I'm always the last one arrived on every designated village.

6 Days Winter Solo Hike in Lantang Valley and Kyanjin Ri (4,773masl)

Day 15-16: Chomrong(2,170masl) to Pokhara(850masl) to Kathmandu

16 Days Winter Self-Guided Solo Hike in Annapurna Circuit  (5,416masl) and Base Camp (4,130masl)

January 06 to 21, 2016

Day 14: Annapurna Base Camp(4,130masl) to Chomrong(2,170masl)

From Chomrong, it was a rainy morning but the trail was not that slippery going for a descent to Jhinu Danda until New Bridge. Then, a gradual ascent/descent trails to Syauli Bazar. My initial plan was to trek until Nayapul but this three random Korean trekkers asked me to join them on a jeepney ride for a shared fare. I arrived in Pokhara earlier than expected which gave me time to stroll the Lakeside. The next day was a morning departure from Pokhara to Kathmandu via tourist bus to Thamel.

REMINDER: Please take note that my trekking hours is of below average, I'm always lagging for around an hour to the next destination. Also, check-out bill in the morning day after includes lodging for 1 room, dinner and breakfast. 

DAY 15: CHOMRONG (2,170masl) TO POKHARA (820masl)
time	date	event	remarks	NPR	USD
0730H	20-Jan	ETD Hostel	check-out w/ dinner/bfast	1,620	15.4
0950H	WED	ETA New Bridge (1,340masl)	raining continuously on rocky trail
1200H		ETA Syauli Bazar (1,220masl)	shared ride with other hikers	1,250	11.9
1430H		ETA Pokhara (820masl)	late lunch & lodge checked-in	1,340	12.8
		Pokhara Lakeside stroll	dinner	820	7.8
TREKKING HOURS: 7.5			daily budget:	₹5,030	$47.9
DAY 16: POKHARA (820masl) TO KATHMANDU
time	date	event	remarks	NPR	USD
0730H	21-Jan	ETD Pokhara	farewell Annapurna :)
1130H	THU	lunch stop-over	20-mins stop	550	5.2
1430H		ETA Kathmandu (Thamel)	back to Hostel
		TREKKING HOURS: 4.5	daily budget:	₹550	$5.2

Annapurna Circuit Solo Trek Day 15: Chomrong (2,170masl) to Pokhara (820masl)