The route initially follows the well-known Annapurna Circuit as far as Koto before heading into the previously restricted wilds of the Nar Khola Valley. Trekking in the area is unlike most of Nepal – the terrain is Trans Himalayan and similar to that of Tibet. Trails are rugged and at times cut high into cliff sides in an area that has changed little over the years. We will spend a number of days exploring the region and will visit the remote villages of Nar and Phu as well as crossing the Kang La Pass. The route will then rejoin the Annapurna Circuit near Manang from where we will follow the little-used route that leads to the Tilicho Lake and the Meso Kanto Pass (5089m) which link the Manang and Kali Ghandaki Valleys. The crossing of the pass offers a more challenging and exciting alternative to the popular Thorong La Pass on the Annapurna Circuit. After crossing the pass we trek to Jomsom from where we fly back to Pokhara.
Tour Itinerary:
Day 1: Kathmandu (1360m)
You arrive in Kathmandu and are transferred to the Hotel. A pre-trek briefing, given by the group leader, will be scheduled for the late afternoon. He will discuss the trekking program and co-ordinate any last-minute arrangements. The evening is free but usually the group leader will organise an evening meal at one of Kathmandu’s fine Nepali restaurants.
Day 2: Kathmandu
In the morning we explore Kathmandu on an organised sightseeing tour visiting Bodhnath Stupa, one of the biggest Buddhist shrines in the world. Here we may observe Buddhist monks in prayer in the monasteries surrounding the Stupa. In addition we also visit Pashupatinath, the most famous Hindu temple in the country, located on the banks of the holy Bagmati River. Here we will see Hindu holymen (or Sadhus), pilgrims performing ritual bathing, and occasionally, funeral pyres burning on the ghats. The early afternoon is free to relax in the spacious hotel gardens or you may wish to visit Thamel, for any last minute shopping. In the afternoon you will be supplied with your Trek Pack and Climbing Pack and departure information.
Meals included: 1 breakfast
Day 3: Besishahar (860m)
Driving 6 hours
We depart from Kathmandu early in the morning for the drive to Besishahar where we commence the trek. The drive is quite spectacular, with mountain views of the Ganesh and Manaslu ranges, the tumbling white waters of the Trisuli River and the ever-present terraced hillsides. A packed lunch is provided for the journey and, upon arrival, we meet our trekking crew, with the rest of the afternoon free to explore this road-head village. From the lodge the views of the mountains are spectacular with Lamjung Himal (6931m) dominating the skyline.
Meals included: 1 breakfast, 1 lunch, 1 dinner
Day 4: Ngadi (930m)
Trekking 5 hours
From Besishahar we follow the west bank of the Marsyandi River to the village of Khuldi where we cross a tributary of the main river and continue on to Bhulbule for lunch. The views from Bhulbule are tremendous, with the snowy peak of Himalchuli (7893m) dominating the skyline. In the afternoon we cross the Marsyandi to the east bank and, after a short distance, views of Manaslu (8156m), Peak 29 (7541m) and Lamjung (6986m) open out on the horizon. The afternoon’s walking is easy and we stay in the small village of Upper Ngadi.
Meals included: 1 breakfast, 1 lunch, 1 dinner
Day 5: Jagat (1341m)
Trekking 6 hours
From Ngadi we cross a small suspension bridge over the Musi Khola to start a gradual climb to the village of Bahundanda (1311m) located on a ridge top. After a short descent we again follow the river valley to lunch at Syange (1136m). In the afternoon the track follows a cut in the near-vertical cliffs high above the river to reach Jagat (1341m), a Tibetan village that served as a customs post on the old trading route from Tibet.
Meals included: 1 breakfast, 1 lunch, 1 dinner
Day 6: Dharapani (1890m)
Trekking 6½ hours
Today the vegetation changes to rhododendron and pine forest and the valley becomes narrower and steeper. We leave the village and soon cross the river on a large suspension bridge from where the trail ascends quite steeply, with the river tumbling through a maze of large boulders. After reaching the top of the zig-zag climb, amazingly the valley widens out to reveal the village of Tal, which nestles amongst the fields of barley, wheat and potatoes. We have now entered the district of Manang and we will take lunch in one of the many fine hotels here. The afternoon’s walk follows the river valley, crossing back to the west bank before gradually ascending to Dharapani (1890m) where we end the trekking day.
Meals included: 1 breakfast, 1 lunch, 1 dinner
Day 7: Koto (2685m)
Trekking 5 hours
The valley now extends westward through dramatic fir and pine forests. After half an hour, we reach Bagarchap (2160m), the first village on the trek with typical Tibetan architecture. Here we may observe firewood stacked on the roofs in preparation for the long, hard winters. The village marks the transition between the lower, wet valleys and the higher, dry, arid area of the Manang valley. From here there are excellent views of Lamjung Himal, Annapurna II (7937m), and Annapurna III (7555m) up the valley. Down valley to the east, Manaslu and Peak 29 soar magnificently to the skies. Leaving Bagarchap, we cross a small wooden bridge beside a beautiful waterfall, and ascend to Laatamarang (2360m) the trail then continues to the police check post at Koto as short distance before the village of Chame.
Meals included: 1 breakfast, 1 lunch, 1 dinner
Day 8: Methang Pati (3560m)
Trekking 7 hours
Spectacular as it has been so far, we now commence an even more impressive part of our expedition. From Koto, we complete the necessary formalities at the police check post and then cross the suspension bridge to follow the Nar Phu Khola through a forested and narrow valley. The trail has been improved in recent years but there is certainly an aura about this particular section of the trek. Having spent the previous days on the well traveled Annapurna Circuit, getting off the beaten track rewards us with some stunning scenery. We will take lunch near a suspension bridge and hot springs, half way towards our camp. In the afternoon we continue to follow the river and we will make camp in the forest at Methang Pati.
Meals included: 1 breakfast, 1 lunch, 1 dinner
Day 9: Meta (4410m)
Trekking 1 hour
A very short day to Meta, the deserted village used as the base camp for expeditions attempting to climb Kanguru Himal (6981m). To aid acclimatization we will spend the night here. After arrival we will set up camp, take an early lunch and in the afternoon head up the hill towards the first camp on Kanguru. There will be fine views of the Annapurna range to the south, Pisang Peak to the west and across the valley towards the village of Na.
Meals included: 1 breakfast, 1 lunch, 1 dinner
Day 10: Na
Trekking 3 hours
Another short day to aid the acclimatization process. From Meta we head north and cross the river following the barren trail past large mani walls and stupas to the isolated village of Na.
Meals included: 1 breakfast, 1 lunch, 1 dinner
Days 11 - 14: Exploration of the Na Valley
The next few days will be flexible and we plan to trek up the Dho Khola to enter the side valley of the Chhuche Khola. This valley leads to the northern aspect of the Chulu Peaks. We will also trek to the Kang La Pass (5310m) and explore the far eastern peaks of the Chulu range, some of which we may seek to climb if conditions are suitable. The scenery is wild and spectacular, and there is the added bonus of knowing that we have this part of the world almost entirely to ourselves.
Meals included: 4 breakfasts, 4 lunches, 4 dinners
Day 15: Manang (3535m)
Trekking 6 hours
From our camp on the Kang La we descend initially on steep moraines and then on a well-defined trail to the village of Ngawal where we will take lunch. Instead of joining the main trekking trail we will continue north of the Marsyangdi River valley and rejoin the main trail at Munje. From here we have an easy walk along the valley to Braga (3475m) where the houses are stacked on top of each other, perched high on the valley cliffs. Above the houses is a monastery, the oldest and most interesting in the area, estimated to be over 500 years old. From the village of Braga it is only a short walk to the village of Manang, back on the main trail..
Manang is a tight compact village of about 500 flat-roofed houses set amongst spectacular scenery. The huge icefall of Annapurna rears over the village. Annapurna II and Annapurna IV (7525m) tower dramatically above the valley floor to the south-east, with Tilicho (7132m), RocNoir (7485m) and the Grand Barrier to the west. Chulu West (6630m) and East (6200m) lie behind the village: a hauntingly beautiful panorama.
Meals included: 1 breakfast, 1 lunch, 1 dinner
Day 16: Thare Gompa (4320m)
Trekking 4 hours
To-day we again leave the main Annapurna Circuit path. The traverse of the Meso Khanto Pass is one of the more serious pass crossings in Nepal. In order to ensure a faster and safer crossing we will travel light, taking only the absolute minimum camping and personal equipment. Surplus equipment will be sent over the Thorong Pass to Jomsom with our general porters. Only our high altitude porters will travel with us for the next few days. They will be fully equipped and will be provided with food and tents for the traverse.
Meals included: 1 breakfast, 1 lunch, 1 dinner
Days 17 - 20: Tilicho Lake and the Meso Khanto Pass
We have allowed plenty of time for the pass crossing as we are likely to encounter snow on the trail, so exact timings and campsites cannot be predicted. The trail to the village of Khangsar and on to Tilicho Base Camp is fairly well defined, as it is quite a popular trekkers’ day excursion from Manang. There is even a basic hotel at base camp. From here, however, the trail becomes far more challenging, involving the crossing of no less than three 5,000-meters passes to the north of the massive four kilometers long lake. Our movements each day will be dictated by factors such as weather and snow conditions.
The trail crosses over steep scree slopes and at times it is exposed. A head for heights is very useful! The descent from the main pass is initially very steep and we will use ropes if required. We descend further to make camp a few hours above Jomsom, at the interestingly-named Nama Phug caves (3510m).
Meals included: 4 breakfasts, 4 lunches, 4 dinners
Day 21: Contingency Day
We have allowed an extra day on the itinerary to be used either in the Na Valley or for the Meso Khanto Pass traverse. If the weather prevents a crossing we will cross to the Kali Ghandaki Valley by the traditional Thorong La route.
Meals included: 1 breakfast, 1 lunch, 1 dinner
Day 22: Jomsom (2713m)
Trekking 4 hours
From our camp at Nama Phug the trail descends towards the Kali Gandaki Valley, passing through the Prabsa Goat farm to the village of Thini (2820m). We then descend to the wide, windswept and barren valley and on to Jomosom.
Meals included: 1 breakfast, 1 lunch, 1 dinner
Days 23 - 24: Pokhara
Please note we have allocated two days in Pokhara in case of delays either in Jomsom or earlier on the expedition.
In the early morning you take a spectacular flight back to Pokhara and you should arrive mid-morning. We will stay at the Hotel Barahi, which is located close to the lakeside. After a welcome shower, the rest of the day is free. The hotel has a swimming pool so you may wish to bring your swimming costume. The lakeside area has good shopping opportunities, internet cafés (should you wish to re-join the outside world!), and it is well worthwhile taking a boat out onto the lake. In the evening we will dine out at one of the many lakeside restaurants (cost not included).
Meals included: 2 breakfasts
Day 25: Kathmandu
After breakfast we are transferred to the airport in the morning for the flight to Kathmandu. On arrival in Kathmandu we are transferred back to the hotel.
(You can extend the trek by connecting with our Chitwan Safari program directly from Pokhara. Those doing so will instead be driven from Pokhara to Chitwan on Day 25, a drive of about 3½ hours. On completing this program they will then be driven from Chitwan to Kathmandu.)
Meals included: 1 breakfast
Day 26: Kathmandu
After breakfast we farewell you to continue your journey or we transfer you to the airport for your flight home.
Meals included: 1 breakfast
Member discount:
10% discount for InfoHub customer. Request a free gift certificate.
Notes:
Airfare is included in the tour price.
Cost Includes:
- Airport transfers
- All transport
- All accommodation
- National Park and trek permit fees
- Crew manager
- Guides on trek
- Porterage on trek
- Personal trek equipment (sleeping bag, duvet jacket, sleeping sheet, kit bag)
- Climbing equipment (harness, ice-axe, crampons)
- Specialized medical kits
- Portable altitude chamber
Cost Excludes:
- Visa fees
- Insurance (obligatory on all trips)
- Lunches and dinners in Kathmandu, Pokhara and on Day 25
- Crew tips - allow a total equivalent of $US3 per trekking day
- Spending of a personal nature, eg laundry, cost of showers on trek (where available), drinks, souvenirs
- International departure taxes
Also see tour packages in:
Asia
Nepal
Tibet
Bhutan
Hiking & Trekking
Mountain/Rock Climbing
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