BRIEF DETAILS

Day 01 | International arrival in Tribhuvan Airport, Kathmandu

Welcome to Nepal! A representative from Trans Himalayan Tour will pick you up from the airport and take you to your hotel in Kathmandu. We will have booked a 4 star/5 star accommodation for you, depending on your preference. We would also arrange for your visit to Trans Himalayan Tour office in Patan where we will brief you on the itinerary in person and introduce you to your trekking guide. Overnight in Kathmandu.

Day 02 | Kathmandu to Besi Sahar: 7 hours drive. Ending Elevation: 760m

It’s a long drive through snaking hill roads, sometimes not in the best conditions, but the bumpy ride is made up for by the wonderful scenes of midland Nepal. Driving along the Trisuli river famous for white water rafting with lush green hills in the backdrop, it is a pleasant view from the window seats. A tasty lunch is served buffet style on the way and after reaching Dumre, the road splits to go to Pokhara and to Besi Sahar. There is a vibrant small town vibe in the town center at Besi Sahar where we rest for the night.


Day 03 | Besi Sahar to Chame: 6 hours drive. Ending Elevation: 2650m

The off-road trails from Besi Sahar to Chame is a winding but scenic road that crosses mainly the Marshyangdi river and parallels their routes. The jeeps are well suited for the bumpy roads and it is astonishing to think that these drivers go through this route on a daily basis. You cross by waterfalls that makes for scenic stops and some areas of landslide. Chame is the center of Manang district, the lodges are comfortable and there is even a place where you can soak in a newly made outdoor hot springs.

Day 04 | Chame to Upper Pisang: 6/7 hours trek. Ending Elevation: 3110m  

Today is the start of your trek around the Annapurna Circuit. It is a pristine walk through the pine forests on both sides, the Marshyangdi river on the left side and fleeting views of Mt. Manaslu (8156m). There is a jeep path all the way to Manang and sometimes the walking trail is the same path and sometimes they divert into the forests which makes for lovely hikes. A very pleasant surprise is the apple farmhouse in Bhratang, which is a great stop for some fresh apple pie, apple juice or apple tea. Harvested in October, the apple farm in Bhratang is currently Nepal’s biggest apple farm and these apples are sold all over the domestic market.

Looking at some of the tracks, you will be glad that you are walking this part of the trail as some cliffs are literally carved off to make the roads. After lunch at Dhukurpokhari, there are options to hike to lower or upper Pisang, most trekkers preferring Upper Pisang for its commendable views. A short hike to the Urgyen Thegchhong Chholing Monastery at the top of Upper Pisang holds stunning views of Annapurna II (7937m) and the valley below.

Day 05 | Pisang to Manang: 5/6 hours trek. Ending Elevation: 3540m   

From Pisang, the trail enters pine groves. You will pass through a collection of chortens, fields of barley and buckwheat, views of valleys below and the mountains ahead. You can feel the surroundings becoming more arid. A great rest stop is a stupa that has great views of Tilicho Peak (7132m) and the no longer used Manang airstrip at Hongde (3325m). On the way to Hongde, you may see the local ‘antique shop’ that sells everything from yak bone paintings to an old mountaineering helmet.

It is a very pleasant walk with lots of dried hay colored grass, yaks and horses grazing and pine trees all around. Here and there are old stone walled houses that look to have skipped modernization all together. There is an old gumba located 30 minutes before reaching Manang in Bragha (3475m), which is said to be over 500 years. Near the gumba is a large Tibetan style settlement built with stones with large open verandas stocked with firewood. It is said that the house with the largest amount of firewood is the wealthiest. Once you arrive in Manang you can take some time to shop as the shops here are moderately well stocked with almost anything you may possibly need, ranging from trekking goods to filtered coffee.

Day 06 | Manang (rest day): Options of Day Trips

For the acclimatization day in Manang, there are 3 choices of day trips depending on your condition.

The easiest trip is going to the turquoise blue Gangapurna Lake which is a 2-3 hours round trip from Manang, or you could challenge yourself further by visiting the Milarepa Cave, where it is said that a Tibetan yogi meditated for years in the 11^th century A.D.  The trip to the cave will take around 5-6 hours round trip.

The most difficult and most rewarding day trip would be to visit Mring Tso, also known as the Ice Lake. Mring Tso has spectacular views of Annapurna III (7555m), Gangapurna (7455m) and Khangsar Kang (7485m). This hike would take around 8-9 hours round trip. Even if you do not make it all the way to the lake, getting to the 3900m view point on the way is also a great acclimatization hike and on the way down, you can visit the 500 year old Gumba at Bragha. The entrance to the gumba has ancient prayer wheels and you feel this sublime spiritual energy as you go inside and look at the centuries old wooden carvings and paintings.

Day 07 | Manang to Yak Kharka: 4/5 hours trek.  Ending Elevation: 4050m  

Passing through the old houses in Manang, it is a gradual uphill until your tea break stop that has great views of Annapurna III, Cholu West Peak and Gangapurna mountains. ‘Yak Kharka’ translates to ‘Yak pastures’ and you may be able to witness large yak herds coming down high pastures. You may also be able to see some blue sheep grazing on the cliffs or some vultures flying overhead. After a fairly straight walk, you will reach Yak Kharka where the lodges provide wonderful views of Annapurna III and on a clear night, the stars will sparkle magnificently.

Day 08 | Yak Kharka to Thorung Phedi (4450m) or Thorong High Camp (4770): 5/6 hours trek. Ending Elevation: 4770m  

The trail starts off relatively flat and gradually starts to incline, with amazing mountain views all around. After crossing a wooden bridge at 4310m, the trail goes into a 30 minute uphill and at the top, you can reward yourself with a well-deserved break at the Deurali Tea House. The route will then follow a narrow trail that climbs to Thorung Phedi, which is a beautifully desolate area surrounded by vertical cliffs. There are tiny rocks everywhere on the path and from here, it is around another 1.5 hours climb to get to High Camp. It is best to go slowly as you start to feel the effects of high altitude. The Annapurna Circuit is popular amongst mountain bikers as well, you may see some descending on their bikes as you are making your way up the zigzag uphill. Staying at High Camp makes a big difference on the already difficult hike the next day but as rooms are limited, it works on a first come first serve basis.

Day 09 | Thorong Phedi to Muktinath via Thorong La Pass (5416m): 9/10 hours trek. Ending Elevation: 3760m  

The trail gets into an immediate climb after leaving Thorong Phedi, and having to traverse through switchbacks along the rocky ridges with headlights, it is without a doubt the hardest day of the trek. Waking up before dawn and starting the trek in the dark, the first few hours until the sun’s warmth reaches your skin is a challenge. For this day, you will want to be sure to wear your warmest gear and pack your energy bars. The wind can be strong and there are horse men along the way in case you decide to change your mind and hop on a horse to get to the high pass. It is best to avoid the winter months for this trek (late December – February) as the snow may obstruct the pass. All your hard work is paid for once you reach the top of the Thorong La Pass, where you will be greeted with hugs and hot tea. As the celebratory mood prevails, you will be rewarded with the views of the long ridge of high mountains, the Annapurna range, the Gangapurna to the south and the Kali Gandaki valley down below on the west.

After reaching the peak comes the descent which is arguably tougher than the ascent. It is useful to have crampons for the downhill, especially over slippery melting snow. As you descend for almost 1700m, you have unobstructed views of Dhaulagiri (8167m) standing alone in the distance across the valley. It is a long hike down until you reach the lunch stops at the end of the phedi, which in Nepali translates to the ‘foot of the hill’.  After lunch, the terrain is a more gradual downhill to Muktinath, where you can see the village from far way. You will have a well-deserved rest in one of the comfortable lodges in Muktinath. This spiritual town has all the charm of a hustling bustling town center and it feels miles away from the hardships of the day.    

Day 10 | Muktinath to Jomsom: 5/6 hours trek. Ending Elevation: 2743m  

Muktinath is a sacred temple complex, one of the holiest pilgrimage sites for Hindus and Buddhists. In the premises there are 108 waterspouts and bathing in each of the spouts is believed to bring salvation for Hindus. For Buddhists, Muktinath is a holy site as the great guru Rinpoche came here to meditate. You can visit the temple via a short horse ride and experience the spiritual energy.

The path from Muktinath to Jomson is mostly downhill and mainly the same road where vehicles will be passing through. However there is a very interesting side path that overlooks the Kali Gandaki river basin and some interesting rock fossils, and you may be able to see the whirlwinds blowing along the river basin.  Jomsom is a great place to end the trek and enjoy the last night with your guides and porters. You can find filtered coffee, freshly baked goods as well as souvenirs such as Mustang dried apples.

Day 11 | Jomsom to Pokhara via domestic flight. Ending Elevation: 1400m

The flights out of Jomsom are scheduled around 7-9am and it is a short and thrilling ride to Pokhara. If the weather is clear, the view from the windows passes by snow-capped peaks and valley, and the streams from the Kali Gandaki river flowing in many directions.  

The second largest city of Nepal, Pokhara has no shortage of great hotels and lively restaurants. A beautifully spectacular valley decorated by lakes and blessed with wonderful views of the Annapurna range and Fishtail mountain, Pokhara is indeed a wonderful place to relax. A must visit is the lakeside area, where you can take a boat ride on the Phewa lake and dine at one of the numerous restaurants lined up.

Day 12 | Pokhara to Kathmandu via domestic flight. Ending Elevation: 1440m

After another short domestic flight from Pokhara to Kathmandu, we bring you back to the city that started your journey. The day can be arranged for some sight-seeing around the famous World Heritage sights in Kathmandu, highly recommended are Patan Dubar Square, Boudhanath stupa and Swayambhunath temple (monkey temple). Overnight in Kathmandu.

Day 13 | International Departure.

As this epic adventure wraps up, you may already be planning for your next trip to Nepal. A representative from Trans Himalayan Tour will escort you to the international airport in Kathmandu and we wish you a pleasant flight home. All the best until we meet again! 

Include:

 International & domestic airport pick up and drop off to and from a hotel in Kathmandu

 Overnights in Kathmandu on BB (bed & breakfast) basis in a 4/5 star category hotel

 Domestic flights and ground transportation

 Government licensed main trekking guide, assistant guide (for groups over 3 pax) and porters. One porter for      every two trekkers.

 Staff costs are included – wages, insurance, equipment, food & accommodation

 Trekking accommodation in tea houses with attached bathrooms where available

 3 meals a day including breakfast, lunch, and dinner plus tea/coffee breaks during the trek

 A 60 liter company duffel bag per person – for yours to keep

 Sleeping bags (good up to -20 degrees) and hot water bags for the duration of the trek

 First Aid kit – to be carried by the trekking guide

 Trekking permits and entrance fees

 Kathmandu valley sight-seeing tour with private vehicle and city guide as mentioned in itinerary

 All rates are inclusive of service charge and government tax

Exclude:

 International flight tickets

 Lunch & dinner outside of trekking (not included in Kathmandu/other cities)

 Nepal entry visa fee – visa is available upon arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu

 Medical insurance – please make sure you have travel insurance for Nepal

 Alcoholic beverages/soft drinks/bottled water

 Tips (tipping is expected)