This is a magnificent trek that follows the Marsyangdi khola (river) from the subtropical lowlands to the Manang basin and then crosses the Thorung La (5416m) by descending to the deepest gorge in the world, the Kali Gandaki. The circuit of the Annapurna range is rich in variety and vistas, from the lush green rice paddies of the Marsyangdi to the arid high altitude Himalayan interior, and its ecological and cultural diversity provides the complete trekking experience. As you hike along the way, observing the beautiful mountain scenery and fascinating village life will keep you enthralled, day after day.
Testimonials:
“We could not have asked for a better trip. We will enthusiastically recommend Explore Himalaya to all friends and acquaintances. Our camping crew was friendly, fun and outgoing. Service was excellent. Food was superb. Couldn’t ask for more” Name: Elena R. Country: USA
“We would very much like to trek with the same crew of sirdars, cooks and porters the next time” Name: Lene A. and Niels Jerl H. Country: Denmark
Outline Itinerary:
Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu
Day 2: Sightseeing of Kathmandu Valley
Day 3: Drive to Besi Sahar (820m) (drive approx 6 hours)
Day 4: Trek to Khudi (790m)
Day 5: Trek to Bahundanda (1310m)
Day 6: Trek to Jagat (1290m)
Day 7: Trek to Dharpani (1920m)
Day 8: Trek to Chame (2630m)
Day 9: Trek to Pisang (3190m)
Day 10: Trek to Manang (3520m)
Day 11: Rest day in Manang (3520m)
Day 12: Trek to Letdar (4250m)
Day 13: Trek to Thorung Phedi (4500m)
Day 14: Trek to Muktinath (3800m)
Day 15: Trek to Marpha (2665m)
Day 16: Trek to Lete (2470m)
Day 17: Trek to Tatopani (1160m)
Day 18: Trek to Ghorepani (2775m)
Day 19: Trek to Birenthanti (1050m) & drive to Pokhara
Day 20: Flight to Kathmandu
Day 21: Depart Kathmandu
Tour Itinerary:
Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu. Flying to Kathmandu along the northern border of Nepal on a clear day is in itself an exciting and memorable experience. As you fly, a panoramic view of snow-capped Annapurna mountain range peaks greets you. The Nepali support team will meet you at the airport and escort you to your hotel.
Day 2: Sightseeing of Kathmandu Valley. Kathmandu, being a historical and cultural heart of Nepal, is a popular destination for tourists, trekkers and adventure seekers. The city presents a wonderful mixture of Hinduism, Tibetan Buddhism and Western influence. Patan and Bhaktapur are its two major neighboring cities which bear a rich cultural and religious history. There will be a half day guided tour to the famous and biggest Hindu shrine of Pasupathinath, the largest Buddhist stupa in Nepal Boudhanath, the 15th century palace of 55 windows and Soyambhunath. In the evening, a trip orientation meeting will be organized.
Day 3: Drive to Besi Sahar (820m) (drive approx 6 hours). With high level of physical fitness, adequate acclimatization and good logistic support, we begin our Annapurna trekking. Driving along the Kathmandu-Pokhara Highway to Dumre and then following the rough route by the Marsyangdi River, we pass through the low-lying villages and rice fields. After 6 hours long drive, we finally reach Besi Sahar. Besi Sahar is the capital of Lamjung District.
Day 4: Trek to Khudi (790m). From Besi Sahar, we trek along the trail turning right at the canal on the outskirts of the village and descending the narrow path to the Pam Khola. On crossing the stream, we ascend towards the village of Denauti where striking red-walled houses portraying an intriguing village life can be sighted. The route further leads to the banks of the Marsyangdi Khola, passing through paddy fields and subtropical forests. As the trail nears the Khudi Khola, we approach friendly Gurung village of Khudi. We halt at this village for overnight stay.
Day 5: Trek to Bahundanda (1310m). As we walk away from Khudi northwards up the Marsyangdi Valley, en route we get to s sightsee a nursery and the Annapurna mountain ranges. The trail winds through a suspension bridge and then follows terraced rice fields offering breathtaking view of Manaslu and cascading waterfall. Further as the trail goes uphill, we spot several shops and teahouses at Ngadi village. On leaving Ngadi after a brief rest, we skirt through the challenging trails to Bahundanda. Bahundanda literally means "Brahmin hill" and as the name suggests Bahundanda is largely inhabited by Brahmins. Here we conclude our trekking journey for the day.
Day 6: Trek to Jagat (1290m). A steep trail descends from Bahundanda, through rice fields, before crossing a stream at the bottom of a small waterfall. It then climbs again and traverses the hillside high above the river before reaching the village of Hani Gaon. Ahead, the Marsyangdi valley forms a steep V-shape, and we follow the winding mountain path down through Syange and along the river for some distance. The trail then climbs steeply and the path is cut into the sheer cliff-face some 200-300m above the riverbed. Eventually we descend to the stone village of Jagat, situated on a shelf which juts into the precipitous Marsyangdi valley. We camp in the fields beyond the village.
Day 7: Trek to Dharpani (1920m). The trail from Jagat descends until it reaches the river and then continues through a lush forest. Further ascent leads to sharp-edged cliff facing the river bank. En route, Chyamje comes into picture amid glorious picturesque landscape of waterfalls and towering Annapurna mountain ranges. After crossing a suspension bridge, we climb steeply towards the slippery and physically challenging path to Sattale. On treading along a succession of rock-strewn trails, we descend to a grassy riverbank which leads to Tal. We find hotels and teahouses with warm and hospitable owners. But as we walk away from Tal, the path becomes rugged and winding. Then we approach steep forested village of Karte. Meandering along the waterfalls and cliffs, we finally reach Dharapani after crossing a suspension bridge. We camp at Dharapani for the night.
Day 8: Trek to Chame (2630m). We skirt through a narrow field from the village, the Dudh Khola, which originates from the south face of Manaslu and then Marsyangdi veers to the left. sinuous trails of the. Annapurna II becomes visible as we arrive at Bagarchhap, a Bhote village with prayer flags fluttering in the breeze. As we continue ascending through forests of pine and oak, we pass through Dhanakyu before coming to a thundering waterfall. Further on, the Marsyangdi Khola enters a gorge and the trails follows rock-strewn path. We can pause for a while to bask in the splendor of picturesque Manaslu. When the steep incline ends, we follow a path amid magnificent rhododendrons and continue on a gently rising path. We cross a stream before entering a pine forest. We then enter the pristine hamlet of Kotho from where we can capture the most enchanting view of Annapurna II. Treading further, the route reaches a large white gate with a corrugated iron roof which is an entrance to Chame. Chame is the administrative headquarters of Manang district. There is electricity, wireless station, school, shops, health post, post office, police check post, hotels, lodges and bank in Chame. The hot springs are the major attraction of this place.
Day 9: Trek to Pisang (3190m). After a mesmerizing sight of the glowing Lamjung Himal [6893m] in the early morning sun, we head off for Pisang. En route, we cross a large suspension bridge along Marsyangdi and approach houses and lodges on the northern side of the river. Our trekking trail meanders through barley field leading to Teleku at 2775 meters. As we leave undulating mountain passes, we enter fascinating apple orchard and near a bridge at 2840 meters. On crossing the bridge, a pristine hamlet of Bratang appears. History has it that Bratang used to be a Khampa settlement. Stone memorial of a Japanese climber has been built in this place. After leaving the forested village, the valley changes from a V-shape to a gentle U-shape. Before us the Annapurna mountain range rears up. Further on, we continue our steep rock-strewn trails to the south side and cross a long suspension bridge at 3040 meters. At this vantage point on the bridge, we get to view Paungda Danda rock rising more than 1500 meters from the river. En route we get to capture splendid views of Annapurna II on the East and Pisang Peak on the north-east. We further cross a bridge and enter the village of Pisang.
Day 10: Trek to Manang (3520m). As we continue with the picturesque Annapurna trek, further a field from Pisang we head along a steep ridge savoring mystical sights of Manang valley with Tilicho peak at 7132 meters. As we descend through Manang's airstrip, we come to Hongde lying beneath the gigantic Annapurna III on the north-east face. The route further leads to the wide plains of the Sabje Khola Valley lending us a majestic view of Annapurna IV (7525m). Further on, we head past a wooden bridge as the Marsyangdi Khola gushes below us gracefully. We enter the beautiful village of Mungji. We continue treading along the cultivated fields and after a while we arrive at the village of Bryaga with a splendid monastery. On trekking down to Manang, you enjoy the majestic views of the Annapurna range - Annapurna II, Annapurna III, Annapurna IV, Gangapurna (7455m) and Tilicho Peak (7134m). We camp at the fortified villages of the friendly Manang people for the night.
Day 11: Rest day in Manang (3520m). After reaching Manang, we take a day off for complete rest and adequate acclimatization before crossing the Thorung La. We can utilize our time by strolling down the river to see the tremendous ice-fall cascading down from the glaciated mountain peaks or simply gazing at the enchanting panoramic beauty of the Annapurna mountain range and the Manang Valley. A short visit to Himalayan Rescue Association (HRA) aid post makes for an interesting visit.
Day 12: Trek to Letdar (4250m). Thoroughly acclimatized we advance towards Thorung La. On the way, we cross a stream, climb to Tengi, 120 meters above Manang and ascend further past Marsyangdi Valley turning north-west up the valley of the Jarsang Khola. Amid the spectacular vistas of Annapurna mountain range, we trek beyond lush vegetation of scrub juniper and alpine grasses adorning the small village of Gunsang. Gunsang is a cluster of flat mud roofs just below the trail at 3960 meters. Along the route, we see several lodges. As we approach picturesque meadows and rich forests of barberry, juniper and rose etc, we encounter horses and yaks grazing. The trail takes us further along a large stream that flows from Chulu West and Gundang and leads to rich pasture at 4000 meters.
Day 13: Trek to Thorung Phedi (4500m). Leaving Letdar, we climb gradually to a ridge before descending to the headwaters of the Marsyangdi and crossing via a covered wooden bridge. After a short ascent up the mountain path on the right bank, we follow a narrow trail across an unstable steep slope and then descend to Thorung Phedi.
Day 14: Trek to Muktinath (3800m). We have an early start today for the crossing of Thorung La (5416m). The trail becomes steep immediately on leaving camp, but as this trail has been used by local people for hundreds of years the path is well defined. The gradient then eases and after around 4 hours of steady climbing, we reach the shorten and prayer flags of the pass. The views are dramatic to say the least, from the snow covered mountains above, to the head of the Kali Gandaki valley below and the brown and purple hills of Mustang which spread out before us. The descent to Muktinath is a knee pounding 1600m trek, but the tiring journey is compensated by excellent views of Dhaulagiri. Eventually the moraines give way to grassy slopes before a pleasant walk along the Jhong Khola Valley to Muktinath and its shrines and temple.
Day 15: Trek to Marpha (2665m). We now begin the descent down the dramatic Kali Gandaki Gorge, through arid country in the same geographical and climatic zone as Tibet. After passing through Jharkot and Khingar, villages with typical Tibetan architecture, we follow the valley floor most of the way to Jomsom. Jomsom is sprawled along both banks of the Kali Gandaki and from here there are fine views of the Nilgiri peaks. We continue down to Marpha, a delightful Thakali village, complete with a drainage system beneath the flagstone streets. Its narrow alleys and passageways provide welcome shelter from the strong winds of the Kali Gandaki Gorge. Marpha is particularly well known for its apples, apple cider and apple, apricot and peach rakshi.
Day 16: Trek to Lete (2470m). We continue descending the Kali Gandaki Gorge to Tukuche, a delightful village with a large gompa. Beyond Tukuche we walk along the west bank of the Kali Gandaki towards Larjung. Here, as in many of the villages in this area, narrow alleyways and tunnels connect houses with enclosed courtyards, providing protection against the wind blowing up the valley. We make our way through pine, juniper and cypress forests to Kalopani, enjoying fine views of Annapurna I and Fang. Lete, our next camp, lies just twenty minutes beyond Kalopani.
Day 17: Trek to Tatopani (1160m). Our trail descends steeply through forests to Ghasa, the last Thakali village and the southern-most limit of Tibetan Buddhism. We enter the steepest and narrowest part of the gorge shortly after Ghasa. At the hamlet of Rupse a magnificent waterfall tumbles down beside the trail. Continuing on, we come to Dana, a Magar village from where the massive peak of Annapurna South can be seen across the valley. The trail then descends to Tatopani where we can have apple pie and bathe in the hot springs.
Day 18: Trek to Ghorepani (2775m). A short distance downstream from Tatopani, we cross the river on a large suspension bridge and leave the Kali Gandaki behind. After passing through the villages of Sikha and Chitre, we climb through the forest to Deorali, a 2834m pass from where we can get t excellent views of Dhaulagiri, Nilgiri, Annapurna I, Annapurna South, and Hiunchuli. Just 10 minutes beyond the pass is the village of Ghorepani. Ghorepani literally means "horse water" and is a welcome watering spot for the packs of mules which ply the route between Pokhara and Jomsom.
Day 19: Trek to Birenthanti (1050m) & drive to Pokhara. Overlooking Ghorepani is Poon Hill (3193m). An hour long pre-dawn ascent gives us the opportunity to see the classic view of the Annapurnas and Dhaulagiri at sunrise. After breakfast we begin the long descent to Birethanti through magnificent oak and rhododendron forests. From the village of Ulleri, a long steep stone staircase seems to go on forever before eventually reaching Hille. A more gradual descent then brings us to Birethanti, from where it is a short distance to the road and our transport for the short drive back to Pokhara.
Day 20: Flight/drive from Pokhara to Kathmandu. The short but spectacular flight takes us back to Kathmandu for a well earned rest.
Day 21: Depart Kathmandu. Our Nepalese support team will take you to the airport for your flight home. Or if you prefer to stay longer, you can go for short tours such as game drive at National parks, rafting, Tibet tours, mountain biking etc.
Notes:
Airfare is included in the tour price.
Price Includes:
- Guide
- Accommodation
- Porter Trek
- National Park Fees
- Domestic flight
- Airport transfers
- 3 nights at 3 star hotel in Kathmandu
- 1 night hotel in Pokhara with breakfast on twin sharing
- Sightseeing tour in Kahmandu
Price Excludes:
- International flight
- Food during trek (approximately USD10 per person and per day - USD170 for 17 days)
- Airport tax
- Lunch & dinner in Kathmandu
- Personal gears & clothing
- Tips, any expenses of personal nature, client's insurance
Also see tour packages in:
Asia
Nepal
Hiking & Trekking
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