Itinerary

Day 01 - arrival to Kathmandu (Tribhuvan international airport) (1,350 m/4,450 ft.)

Upon arrival at Tribhuvan international airport after clearing customs and immigration, you will be met by our local team at the arrival zone. You will be escorted by private transport to our hotel in Kathmandu, centrally and conveniently located in the Thamel area of Kathmandu. Thamel is well known as an exciting tourist hub and has a full range of restaurants and cuisine, gear and souvenir shops, pubs, nightspots and tourist facilities. After resting and refreshing at the hotel, the evening is yours to explore. 

Day 02- full day tour, Kathmandu valley sightseeing

After breakfast, we will embark on a full day of sightseeing around the scenic Kathmandu valley. You will be accompanied by our local city guide, an expert on the architecture, culture and history of the valley. The day’s sights and activities include visits to the sacred, ancient shrines of Pashupatinath, Boudhanath, and Swayambhunath, all still very active. Pashupatinath is one of the world’s most important Shiva shrines and a site of cremation for dignitaries. Boudhanath is one of the largest and grandest stupa in Asia and busy from dawn to dusk with devotees. Swayambhunath, aka the monkey temple, is famously perched on a hill overlooking the city. While visiting these sites we will also get the chance to explore some of the lesser known but equally as valuable treasures near by. Overnight at hotel.

Day 03 - drive to Bhulbhule (845 m / 2,815 ft.) 200 km west of the Kathmandu valley –7-9hrs

We start our scenic drive after an early morning breakfast, traveling by local bus out of the valley and along the picturesque Trishuli River. The beautiful scenery along the way includes rivers, terraced fields, and villages, and on clear days, sights of the snowy mountains, including Ganesh and Manaslu peaks. Eventually, we turn off from the main highway to Pokhara to head north to the large bazaar area of Besisahar and then continue to Bhulbhule, where our drive (and the road) ends. Bhulbhule is pleasantly situated along the Marsyangdi River and has a check post where we will register our permits. Overnight at lodge.

Day 04 -trek to Jagat (1,800m/6,000 ft.)- 5hrs

After a nourishing breakfast meal, we inaugurate our first steps on the trail. The route follows a pleasant trail through fertile jungle and terraced fields upriver, along the flowing Marsyangdi River. We take a leisurely lunch break and pass through several rural settlements and more farmland to gradually reach the peaceful village of Jagat, a former trading post. Overnight at lodge.

Day 05 -trek to Dharapani (1,860 m/6,200 ft.) -5 hrs.

We continue our journey up the valley along the Marsyangdi River. The trail passes through farmland and dense groves of rhododendron and bamboo. We first pass through Chamje and then climb to the picturesque village of Tal where the river widens out and a nearby waterfall graces the scenery. Tal is the entry point of Manang district. Continuing on, we reach the bustling village of Dharapani, which is a major waypoint along the world famous Annapurna circuit trek and the up and coming Manaslu circuit. Our paperwork will be registered at the check post here. Overnight at lodge.

Day 06 - trek to Chame (2,710 m/8,890 ft.) - 6 hrs.

As we make our way up along the Marsyangdi river valley, we make a slight detour up from the river as the trail climbs through a peaceful forest to a ridge and settlements with astonishing views of the snowy peaks including the Annapurna’s, and the Lamjung range. Eventually we descend back to the river through splendid terraced fields to and make a short climb to Chame, district center for Manang. Chame has a busy bazaar and there is a rejuvenating hot springs along the Marsyangdi River where we can take a dip and relax for a while. Overnight at lodge. 

Day 07 - trek to Pisang (3,115 m/10,200 ft.) - 6hrs

The trail passes through remote territory as it continues through a pleasant forest on a trail above the river. We will pass a massive wall of rock that is considered very sacred to the local people. It looms above over one thousand meters from the trail. We continue along the serene route, with astonishing views of the landscape and surrounding peaks. Lower Pisang is a busy bazaar town and the upper village is a serene getaway that maintains its traditional style. Overnight at lodge.

Day 08 - trek to Manang (3,445 m/11,300 ft.)– 5hrs

Today will be a day filled with spectacular views of the high elevation landscape and surrounding snowy peaks. The route passes the airport for Manang, as it makes its way up an open valley. We will pass the picturesque fields and finally we reach the otherworldly village of Braga and its impressive monastery, the first in the area. The trail is dotted with Buddhist shrines as we mass below more monasteries and reach the large settlement of Manang with a lively bazaar area that caters to tourists. Overnight at lodge.

Day 09- rest and exploration day at Manang

We take a day to explore the sights Manang village including a local museum and the surrounding attractions. Today will be especially helpful for acclimatisation before moving onward and upward. There is a lot to see in the area and optional day hikes include caves used by Milarepa, a 17th century Buddhist saint and the magnificent ice lake. Or, just spend a relaxing day in the picturesque village and observe the day-to-day lifestyle there. Overnight at lodge.

Day 10 - trek to yak Kharka (4,355 m/14,275 ft.)– 3-4hrs

After a day in and around Manang, acclimatizing to the high elevation, and allowing our bodies’ time to rest and get used to the environment, we then move forward on our way to the Thorung la high pass. We first make our way through the older section of Manang and then climb through the rustic Gunsang as we make our way up the spectacular valley to an open, peaceful meadow known as Yak Kharka. It is a relatively short day and this collection of lodges will be our stopping point today. Overnight at lodge.

Day 11 - trek to Thorung Phedi (4,435 m/14,525 ft.) –4-5hrs

Today we will again have a relatively short but spectacular day. We will make our way to the foot of the high pass in preparation for crossing it tomorrow. The uninhabited, rugged terrain is otherworldly and much different than the lush lowlands that we passed during the initial phase of the trek. Eventually we reach a collection of lodges where we will spend the night near the headwaters of the Marsyangdi River. Overnight at lodge.

Day 12 - trek to Muktinath temple (3850 m/12623 ft.) by way of Thorung la high pass (5,416 m/17,756 ft.) 9hrs

This will be an exciting and challenging day. We arise early and begin our journey up to the high point of the trek and highest point that most people will reach in their entire life! Along the climb to the Thorung la we pass through remote, uninhabited terrain with spectacular scenery. The path is steep at times but eventually we reach the top with a shrine and prayer flags. We enjoy the hard-earned achievement and after a short break, we descend into the next valley. We drop down through rugged terrain to the centuries old Muktinath. Overnight at lodge.

Day 13 - trek to Jomsom (2,720 m/8,915 ft.)– 5 hrs.

We explore the temple that has long been a pilgrimage destination for Hindus and Buddhists alike. The temple’s walled complex has a Buddhists monastery and Hindu shrines, 108 bathing spouts and even an ‘eternal flame’. We then make a journey down the valley as we lose elevation and gradually join the kali Gandaki river valley and the trail to Jomsom, district headquarters of mustang. Jomsom’s market area may seem like a big change from the serene trails and villages that we have visited. Rest and refresh at the lodge or explore Jomsom bazaar. Overnight at lodge.

Day 14 - drive to Tatopani (1,200m / 3,940 ft.)– 5-6hrs

We have a break from trekking today as we board a local bus for a ride to Tatopani. This rugged journey through the deepest gorge in the world will take us from the arid high elevation terrain to the lowlands with lush jungle and farmland. The Kali Kandaki River separates the 10th highest peak in the world, Annapurna from Dhaulagiri, the seventh highest. We will have spectacular views along the way! Tatopani means ‘hot water’ in Nepali and we are in for a treat here. We can take a dip in the nearby hot springs and savor the well-earned experience! Overnight at lodge.

Day 15 - trek to Ghorepani (2,860 m/ 9,385 ft.) – 6-7 hrs.

We leave the hot springs behind and cross to the east side of the kali Gandaki river. It will then be a long steady climb to Ghasa and through several rural villages and surrounding terraced fields. It is a beautiful climb that will test our stamina. We pass through rhododendron forests and eventually we reach a large collection of lodges at a ridge top known as Ghorepani. Overnight in lodge.

Day 16 - early morning hike to poon hill (3,210 m/ 10,525 ft.) ¾ hr., and then trek to Nayapul (1,050 m / 3,445 ft.) – 6hrs, drive to Pokhara - 1½ hrs.

This will be our final day on the trail and it will start with a spectacular early morning journey to the famous viewpoint of poon hill. From here we will enjoy view of the sunrise on the Himalayas! We then return for breakfast at our lodge in Ghorepani and descend through splendid forests and villages, reaching a long series of stone steps and dropping down to the fertile lowlands. We then have a pleasant trek through more farmland to the road where we meet local transportation for a scenic drive back to Pokhara. Overnight at a hotel, lakeside, Pokhara.

Day 17 - drive from Pokhara (820 m/ 2,690 ft.) to Kathmandu (1,350 m/4,450 ft.) - 6-7hrs

Today is an early start as we depart by tourist bus for a return to Kathmandu. The 200 km route follows first along the Marsyangdi River and then the Trishuli, offering a good look at the natural scenery and farmland. The bus makes one last climb and we are back in the valley of the gods, Kathmandu. Accommodation at selected hotel in Kathmandu.

Day 18 - transfer to Kathmandu’s Tribhuvan international airport for your international departure

Our local team will accompany you by private vehicle to the international airport for your final departure home.

Please note: the itinerary listed above is a general guideline; please be advised that it might be necessary to modify it due to external factors beyond our means including and not limited to the following: unstable weather, accessibility and availability of lodging and campsites, unforeseen political, trail and ecological conditions and other circumstances beyond our control. Although, it is improbable that changes will occur that would significantly alter the original itinerary, we cannot be held accountable for the results of delays or changes beyond our control. In the event of an itinerary adjustment or need to redirect to other trails and areas, the lead guide will ultimately make the final choice on the best rerouting after consulting with the group members and keeping in mind the interests of the party as a whole. If an alteration is necessary, then we will certainly do everything we can to diminish the effects.

Gallery

Cost

Expedition cost $2200 twin share, ex Kathmandu.

COST INCLUDES:

• Private airport transfers
• Three nights accommodation at a Three-Star hotel in Kathmandu (breakfast included).
• A guided sightseeing tour of Kathmandu Valley by private vehicle and entrance fees to World Heritage Sites.
• Transport from Kathmandu to Bhulbhule by local bus.
• Transport to Kathmandu from Pokhara by tourist bus.
• Private transport from Pokhara’s bus station to your hotel in Lakeside, Pokhara.
• One night accommodation at a Three-Star hotel in Pokhara near the lake (breakfast included).
• Tea House/lodge accommodation during the Trek.
• Transport from Jomsom to Tatopani by local bus.
• All Standard Meals (Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner) during the Trek.
• Experienced and licensed local Guide with accompanying porters (generally, 1 porter per 2 trekkers) to assist with carrying gear during the trek. (We cover the porters’ meals, lodging, salary, transport, insurance, equipment, and other essentials.)
• Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) Fee.
• Trekker’s Information Management System (TIMS) card fee.
• Medical kit.
• Sleeping Bag and down Jacket hire for the duration of the trek.
• All Government and local taxes.
• Certificate of Completion.
• Farewell Dinner in Kathmandu the eve of your departure

COST EXCLUDES:

• International Flight.
• Travel Insurance.
• Major meals (other than breakfast) in Kathmandu and Pokhara.
• All Personal Expenses such as laundry,telephone calls,bar bills, beverages, extra snacks.
• Personal clothing and gear.
• Extra shower fees at lodges along the trail, battery re-charge fees, and incidental expenses along the trail.
• Tips for Guide and Porters.
• Cost raised by cancelation and events beyond our control, e.g., landsides necessitating trail diversions, weather delays, political unrest, illness, et cetera. (see terms and conditions)

Extras

Note the below items can be added at the time of booking.

Dates