Trip Description
From Kathmandu we travel to the road-head at Besishahar and trek following the Marsyangdi River through rice paddies, terraced fields and Hindu villages in the shadow of the Annapurna and Manaslu ranges. As we ascend, the valley becomes narrower, waterfalls plummet from high above, and the scenery gains a rugged alpine appearance. The trail then bears west behind the Annapurnas, to enter a Trans-Himalayan region populated by people of Tibetan origin whose prayer flags, many walls and monasteries are constant reminders of the thriving Buddhist culture.

There are dramatic views of Annapurna II, Annapurna III and Gangapurna as we make the gradual ascent to the village of Manang. We rest and acclimatise for a day here before undertaking the challenging crossing of the Thorong La (5416m) that links the Marsyangdi and Kali Gandaki Valleys. At the top of the pass we savor majestic mountain views before descending to the holy temples at Muktinath.

We further descend into the valley at Jomsom at the foot of world’s deepest gorge, cutting between the peaks of Annapurna and Dhaulagiri. From Jomsom we fly to Pokhara where we enjoy two nights close to the beautiful Phewa Tal Lake.

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 organize 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 trek departure information.
Meals included: 1 breakfast

Day 3: Besisahar (860m)
Driving 6 hours
We depart from Kathmandu early in the morning, for the drive to Besisahar 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: Chame (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) where we may wish to rest over a cold drink. The trail then continues past the police check post at Koto, a short distance from Chame (2685m), which boasts among other things, a wireless station, bank, health post and well-run hotels.
Meals included: 1 breakfast, 1 lunch, 1 dinner

Day 8: Pisang (3475m)
Trekking 5 hours
In the morning we trek through fields of barley and buckwheat to reach the apple orchards at Brathang (2840m), a former Khampa (Tibetan rebels') settlement. Here we will stop for lunch, before crossing the river into thick fir forest where we will have glimpses of Lamjung and Annapurna towering high above the trail. After spending some time in the forest we reach a clearing to reveal the huge rock slabs of Paungda Danda, some 1,500 metres high. From here we continue to follow the valley to reach the flat- roofed stone houses of Pisang village (3300m) and our lodge in full view of Annapurna II and Pisang Peak (6091m).
Meals included: 1 breakfast, 1 lunch, 1 dinner

Day 9: Manang (3535m)
Trekking 5 hours
From our lodge we follow wooden irrigation canals through Pisang village, an indication of the arid trans-Himalayan terrain. Here the soils are poor and only one crop per year of barley, wheat, buckwheat or potatoes can be grown. To supplement their living many locals run hotels and teahouses as well as having herds of goats and yaks that graze on the hillsides high above the valley. The walking is fairly easy but there is one steep climb to a saddle that leads down to the airstrip at Hongde where we take lunch. In the afternoon 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.
Meals included: 1 breakfast, 1 lunch, 1 dinner

Day 10: Manang
Rest & Exploration
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. The rest day here is designed to aid acclimatization and we can choose to relax or trek above the village where there are great views of the Annapurna peaks. We may even see elusive mountain goats (Thar) and Blue Sheep on the craggy higher slopes.
Meals included: 1 breakfast, 1 lunch, 1 dinner

Day 11: Ledar (4200m)
Trekking 5 hours
We will leave early in the morning and slowly ascend to Tengi. Here we branch away from the Marsyandi valley and follow the Jarsang Khola. Sparse fir and pine is replaced by scrub juniper and grasses as we pass a few small yak herders' ''shelters'' before stopping at the pleasant meadow of Ledar. A relaxed walking day, taken at a slow pace to allow for the affects of altitude.
Meals included: 1 breakfast, 1 lunch, 1 dinner

Day 12: Phedi (4400m)
Trekking 4 hours
Today is another short day to ensure we arrive at the base of the Thorong Pass feeling well acclimatized. We cross the Jarsang Khola on a covered bridge and then follow the left bank of the river over loose screes on the steep-sided valley. We will arrive at Phedi (4420m) in time for lunch, and we will have the afternoon free to relax and prepare for the crossing of the pass.
Meals included: 1 breakfast, 1 lunch, 1 dinner

Day 13: Muktinath (3800m)
Trekking 7 - 9 hours
Though the pass poses no technical problems we need to start very early, around 3 a.m., so we can proceed slowly and safely. The trail is not steep, and the long, gradual approach crosses several false summits before reaching some stone cairns marking the true crest of the pass at 5,416 metres. In fine conditions the views from the pass are truly fantastic: an amazing panorama of the Annapurna, Mukut and Mustang ranges with the Kali Gandaki Valley seen far below.

The descent from the pass is fairly steep but compensated with views of Dhaulagiri (8167m) and Tukche Peak (6920m). This is a long walk and we should arrive at the village of Muktinath, in the early afternoon. Mukhtinath is one of Nepal’s most sacred pilgrimage sites for both Hindus and Buddhists. It is well worthwhile visiting the monastery and the pagoda-style temple with 108 waterspouts in the form of cows' heads and the temple where burning natural gas and a small spring emerging from the rock in the same vicinity – considered an auspicious religious combination.
Meals included: 1 breakfast, 1 lunch, 1 dinner

Day 14: Jomsom (2665m)
Trekking 5 hours
From Muktinath, the trail descends towards the Kali Gandaki Valley, passing through the village of Jharkot, back-dropped by sensational views of Dhaulagiri and Nilgiri (7061m). The terrain around Jharkot is a yellow, barren, almost moonlike landscape, dotted with patches of green cultivation, where man-made canals cut across the fields, irrigating the crops and fruit trees. From here a short steep descent leads to our lunch stop at Eklaibhati on the floor of the Kali Gandaki Valley, and in the afternoon we follow the river heading south, through the wide, windswept and barren valley to Jomosom.
Meals included: 1 breakfast, 1 lunch, 1 dinner

Day 15: Pokhara (850m)
After an early breakfast we fly to Pokhara and transfer the short distance to 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. In the evening we will dine out at one of the many lakeside restaurants (cost not included).
Meals included: 1 breakfast

Day 16: Pokhara (850m)
We have allocated a further day in the peaceful surroundings of Pokhara. Your leader will advise you of sightseeing opportunities or you may just wish to relax and laze around the hotel swimming pool. The lakeside area has good shopping opportunities, Internet cafes and it is well worthwhile taking a boat out onto the lake.
Meals included: 1 breakfast

Day 17: Kathmandu (1360m)
After breakfast we are transferred to Pokhara airport in the morning for the flight to Kathmandu. Flight time is about 30 minutes, with great views to the north if conditions are clear. On arrival in Kathmandu we are transferred back to the Shangri-La hotel.
Meals included: 1 breakfast

Day 18: 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

Price Includes
Cost Includes: - Airport transfers - All transport - All accommodation - National Park fees - Guides on trek - Porterage on trek - Salary for the staff Cost Excludes: - Visa fees - Insurance (obligatory on all trips) - Lunches and dinners in Kathmandu and Pokhara - Crew tips - allow a total equivalent of $US 4 per trekking day - Spending of a personal nature, e.g. laundry, cost of showers on trek, drinks, and souvenirs - International departure taxes

Member discount:
Please register yourself with eezytrips.com and contact us to get your discount coupon.

Notes:
Airfare is not included in the tour price.

Also see tour packages in:
Nepal Tibet  Hiking And Trekking Eco Tourism 

Email it to a friend:
Click here to email this vacation to a friend