Day 1 Drive from Kathmandu to Beshishahar (823m.) by bus
and it takes approximately seven hours. You drive along the
Kathmandu-Pokhara Highway to Dumre and then follow the narrow
and paved road by the Marsyangdi Khola to Besi Sahar (823m.).
It takes almost 6 hours. Beshishahar is the district headquarters
of Lamjung district. All the local government offices are
situated here. From here, you can see some of mountain peak,
natural sceneries surrounding the valley and the daily activities
of local people. This headquarter is the centre from where
the daily usable commodities are supplied to the different
villages and numerous towns.
Day 2 Trek from Beshishahar to Bahundanda
(1200m.) which takes about four and half hours. The first
part of the trail passes thorough flat level along the bank
of the Marshyangdi river. You can enjoy the sceneries and
the local culture of Gurung community. Here you walk through
the rice terrace fields with the good views of various mountains.
Day 3 Trek from Bahundanda to Jagat (1800m.)
and it takes about six hours. A steep trail ascends from
Nagdi, through rice terraces, 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 Lili Gaon. Ahead, the Marsyangdi valley forms
a steep V-shape, and you 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
you descend to the stone village of Jagat, situated on a
shelf, which juts into the precipitous Marsyangdi valley.
You stay overnight at tea house (lodge).
Day 4 Trek from Jagat to Dharapani (1943m.)
which takes about six hours. The trail from Jagat descends
until it almost reaches the river and then begins to climb
again through a forest. The sheer cliff on the opposite bank
plunges downward but this side is also steep. When the climb
ends, you follow a level track to Chyamje, which is marked
by a magnificent waterfall on the opposite bank. After descending
to the river and crossing a suspension bridge, you begin
a climb to Sattale on a path so steep that it seems one slip
would send you hurtling down into the valley. You continue
on an undulating path above the river, and at one point,
where a tributary flows in from the opposite bank, the main
river becomes covered with huge boulders that hide the water.
Climbing the zigzag path to the top of the hill, you see
the level, plain of Tal before us. Though it is enclosed
by cliffs, the level area looks reassuring after the harrowing
mountain paths just traveled on. You descend to a grassy
riverbank that leads to Tal with its hotels and teahouses.
Here you can enjoy the exhilarating water fall. Beyond Tal,
the valley narrows and the path becomes high and winding,
and in several areas hewn from the rock itself. Beyond the
small village of Karte, there is a bit more cliff-walking
before the path drops again to the river. You cross a suspension
bridge, and climb the short distance to the stone kani marking
the entrance to Dharapani, and your camp for the night.
Day 5 Trek from Dharapani to Chame (2713m)
which takes about four hours. As you cut through a narrow
field from the village, the Dudh Khola, which originates
from the south face of Manaslu, enters on the opposite bank.
The Marsyangdi then veers to the left, and as Annapurna II
becomes visible ahead, you arrive at Bagarchhap, a Bhote
village with prayer flags fluttering in the breeze. Continuing
to climb through forests of pine and oak, you pass through
Dhanakyu before coming to a thundering waterfall. Further,
the Marsyangdi Khola enters a gorge and the path consists
of steep stone steps. Pausing for breath, you can look back
for views of Manaslu. When the steep incline ends, you follow
a path amid magnificent rhododendrons to Ratamron and then
continue on a gently rising path, crossing a stream before
entering a pine forest. You then cut across a loose hillside
to the hamlet of Kotho from where you can look straight up
at nearby Annapurna II - a sight convincing us that you are
deep in the Himalayan Mountains! From here the trail climbs
through a fir and pine forest to Chame where there are government
offices, shops, and hotels. Chame is the administrative headquarters
for the Manang district.
Day 6 Trek from Chame to Pisang (3155m.)
and it takes about five hours. With Lamjung Himal (6893m)
sparkling in the morning sun, you set off for Pisang. The
mountain disappears as you climb the path up the valley,
passing a huge apple orchard. You continue through a fir
and pine forest, climbing to a high, rocky area as the opposite
bank becomes an impassable cliff. From this point, the valley
becomes extremely steep-sided as you follow the path to Bratang.
In the past this was the military station for troops who
fought against the Khampa tribal revolution, but the dilapidated
buildings are all that remain of that era. A short climb
from the village brings you to a rock-strewn area where you
cross a wooden bridge and follow a high, winding path, before
crossing back to the right bank again. You now walk through
a pine forest and as the forest ends, the valley changes
from a V-shape to a gentle U-shape, opening up a wonderful
vista before us. You can see the east peak of Annapurna II
as well as Pisang Peak to the north-east. Continuing on,
you come to a long Mani wall by a bridge and the lower village
of Pisang.
Day 7 Trek from Pisang to Manang (3351m.)
which takes about five hours. Beyond Pisang, the trail climbs
a steep ridge, which affords good views of the Manang valley
and Tilicho peak. Descending past Manang's airstrip at Hongde,
you come to a level area from where the northeast face of
Annapurna III rises majestically above you. From the wide
plains of the Sabje Khola Valley, Annapurna IV (7525m.) also
becomes visible. Just beyond this point you cross the considerably
reduced flow of the Marsyangdi Khola via a wooden bridge
to the tiny village of Mungji. Cultivated fields appear on
both sides of the path and off to the right, below a craggy
mountain, you can see the village of Bryaga with its splendid
monastery. Large chorten and mani walls abound and the tall
peaks of the Himalaya spread out before us - Annapurna II,
Annapurna III, Annapurna IV, Gangapurna (7455m.) and, to
the rear, Tilicho Peak (7134m.). After a short steep climb
you reach Manang which is a surprisingly large village for
this remote mountain region. You camp here for the night,
amidst the fluttering prayer flags that adorn the houses.
Day 8 Rest day at Manang for acclimatization.
This is an important rest and acclimatization day today before
crossing the Thorung La. There are optional day walks such
as crossing the river to see the tremendous icefall coming
down from the Annapurnas, or climbing high above the village
for a full panorama of the Annapurna range and the Manang
Valley. There is also a Himalayan Rescue Association (HRA)
aid post in the village which makes an interesting and educational
visit.
Day 9 Trek from Manang to Yak Kharka (4018m.)
which takes about three and half hours. Now the trail ascends
gently all the way to Yak Kharka passing through the Gunsang
(3960m) village. En route, you can see panoramic views all
the day.
Day 10 Trek from Yak Kharka to Thorong
Phedi (4450m.) which takes about three and half hours. Leaving
Yak Kharka, you 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, you follow a narrow trail across an unstable
screed slope and then descend to Thorong Phedi.
Day 11 Trek from Thorong Phedi to Muktinath
(3795m.) which takes about eight hours. It demands an early
start today for your crossing of Thorung La (5416m.). The
trail becomes steep immediately on leaving camp but as local
people have used this trail for hundreds of years, the path
is well defined. The gradient then eases and after around
4 hours of steady climbing, you reach the chorten 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 are spread out before us. The descent to
Muktinath is a knee pounding 1600m but it is compensated
for with 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 12 Trek Muktinath to Marpha (2667m.)
and it takes about approximately six hours. You now begin
the descent down the dramatic Kali Gandaki Gorge, initially
through arid country in the same geographical and climatic
zone as Tibet. After passing through Jharkot and Khingar,
villages with typical Tibetan architecture, you 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. You 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 and Marpha is particularly well
known for its apples, apple cider and apple, apricot and
peach rakshi.
Day 13 Trek from Marpha to Ghasa (2013m.)
which takes about six hours. Your trail descends steeply
through forests to Ghasa, the last Thakali village and the
southern-most limit of Tibetan Buddhism. The beginning part
of the trail is stretched at almost flat level up to Kalopani
and then your trail begins descending steeply to Ghasa. The
first part of the trek passes through the windy area covered
with pine forests, rhododendron forests and birches are seen.
The surrounding area of Ghasa is famous destination for bird
watching and wild Marijuana. Here you are quite amazed at
the panoramic view of Mount Nilgiri North (7061m.), Nilgiri
Central (6940m.), and Nilgiri South (6839m.), Annapurna I
(8091m.), Dhaulagiri I (8167m.) and Tukuche peak (6920m.)
Day 14 Trek from Ghasa to Tatopani (1189
m.) which takes about five hours. The trail descends steeply
up to Rukse Chhahara (Rukse Waterfall) which is amazing to
look at. There is situated the deepest gorge of the world
between two mountains Annapurna I (8091m.) and Dhaulagiri
I (8167m.) facing each other near Rukse Waterfall. Now the
trail ascends slightly to Tatopani through different human
settlements. You can enjoy the hot spring at Tatopani as
the word Tatopani is termed after the natural hot spring
situated at the bank of the Kali Gandaki River. It is popularly
believed that taking bath in Hot Spring helps you to get
rid of skin diseases. Along this, it gives you physical and
mental refreshment as well.
Day 15 Trek from Tatopani to Ghorepani
(2853m.) and it takes about seven hours. Your trail passes
through flat level of the land at some distance. Then the
trail begins ascending steeply for at least one hour. Now
path goes up through different villages inhabited by the
people of different caste and agricultural land. The majority
of the people here serve Gorkha Regiment and Indian Regiment
as well. While trekking you cross through the Kali Gandaki
river with panoramic view of Dhaulagiri and Annapurna ranges.
Now the trail ascends gently all the way to Ghorepani passing
through small villages like Phalate, Chitre and so on. While
trekking you pass through rhododendron forests and come across
the wild life such as monkeys and birds of various species.
You are accompanied by more panoramic views of different
mountains. Ghorepani (Watering to Horse) is a small pass
and the village of Deorali. Although there is time enough
to continue, it is better to stay here overnight so that
we can make the morning trip to Poon Hill (3180m.) for an
outstanding panorama of Dhaulagiri I, II, III, IV, Tukuche
peak, Dhampus peak, Nilgiri ranges, Annapurna I, Bahra Sikhar
(Twelve peaks or renowned as French Fang),Annapurna South,
Himchuli, Fishtail and Mardi Himal. The view you can see
from here is probably the best view in the world. Not only
this, Poon Hill is crowded by different visitors to enjoy
the sunrise and sunset over the snow-capped mountain.
Day 16 Trek from Ghorepani to Poon Hill
(3180m.) to Tadapani (2675m.) which takes about five and
half hours. Early morning trip to Poon Hill (3232m.) to enjoy
the sunrise view over Mt. Dhaulagiri (8167m.), Tukuche Peak
(6920m.), Nilgiri (6940m.), Varaha Shikhar (7847m.), Mt.
Annapurna I (8091m.), Annapurna South (7219m.), Annapurna
III (7855m.), Machhapuchhare (6993m.), Annapurna IV (7525m.),
Annapurna II (7937m.), Lamjung Himal (6931m.) and other numerous
snowcapped mountain peaks. After breakfast trek Ghorepani
to Tadapani (2650 m.). After walking for almost one and half
hour you reach Gurung Hill which has the splendid mountain
views as Poon Hill. From here you follow small forests with
rhododendron, bamboos until you reach Deurali. The trail
goes steeply down through deep forests all the way to Banthati.
It takes one hour from here to reach Tadapanil After breakfast
trek from Ghorepani to Tadapani (2731m.) through the deep
forests of rhododendrons, bamboos and oaks. En route, you
frequently see waterfalls, rocks, wild animals, local birds
and green scenarios. Tadapani is a small village surrounded
by beautiful forests which grants you a magnificent view
of Annapurna South, Hiunchuli, Fishtail, and Annapurna II
and so on.
Day 17 Trek from Tadapani (2675m.) to Ghandruk
(1950m.) and it takes about three hours. It is very easy
trek by descending gently all the way through rhododendron,
oak and other kinds of dense forests. You could hear different
kinds of birds chirping on the way. This is one of the popular
destinations for the birds' lovers. Ghandruk is a big Gurung
village. There is a handicraft centre and Gurung museum.
From this village you could see good views of Annapurna South,
Hiunchuli, Gangapurna (7455m.), Annapurna III (7755m.) and
Fishtail.
Day 18 Trek from Ghandruk to Chhomrong
(2040 m.) which takes approximately four and half hours.
At the beginning of the day, you could ascend gently for
an hour up to Ghandruk kot (2100m.) and descend steeply to
the Kimron Khola (1700m.). Immediately, ascend steeply and
walk at a level for an hour and still ascend gently to the
final camp. Chhomrong is a gateway to Annapurna Sanctuary
trek and inhabited by Gurung, one of the major Ethnic group
of Nepal.
Day 19 Trek from Chhomrong to Dovan (2030m.)
and it takes about five hours. Leaving Chhomrong, the trail
descends on a stone staircase and crosses the Chhomrong Khola
on a swaying suspension bridge, then climbs out of the side
valley. High above the Modi Khola on its west bank, the trail
passes through the tiny settlement of Tilicho in forests
of bamboo, rhododendron and oak. Climbing further on a rocky
trail (beware of the stinging nettles) you reach three hotels
at Sinuwa, at 2350m. Climb in rhododendron forests to Kuldi,
at 2520m. This was once a British sheep breeding project;
now the stone houses are an ACAP visitor centre and check
post. In winter, it's common to find snow anywhere from this
point on. Descend a long, steep stone staircase into deep
bamboo and rhododendron forests. It is then a short distance
on a muddy trail to Bamboo Lodge (2340m.).
Day 20 Trek from Dovan to Annapurna Base
Camp (4170 m.) via Machhapuchhare Base Camp (3820m.) which
takes about seven hours. You trek gently ascend through bamboo
forests with varieties of rhododendron and oak trees. The
first town you reach is Dovan (2630m.) where there are few
lodges and camp sites. Now you pass through muddy trail which
traverses high above the river. There is debris of avalanches
except during winter season. After short trek, you reach
at Himalayan Hotel (2900m.), the town named after the Himalayan
Hotel. Beyond it, the trail is steeply ascent up to Hinko
Cave (3160m.), this named as a huge overhanging rock provides
some protection against rain and avalanches. It takes approximately
twenty minutes through normally ascent path to reach Deorali
(3230m.). From here, the valley widens and becomes less steep
and you can see the gates to the sanctuary. The trail is
less steep. As the trail continues into the sanctuary, it
crosses two avalanche tracks on a narrow trail that hurdles
up against the cliffs. After short trek you will be at Bagar
(3310m.), a meadow and some abandoned hotels. The normal
trail follows the left side of the valley. Now the trail
appears gently ascent until you reach Machhapuchhare Base
Camp (3820m.). Here you find almost 6 to 7 lodges. This is
one of the places, where you can enjoy the view of Mount
Hiunchuli (6441m.), Annapurna South (7229m.), Annapurna I
(8091m.), Annapurna III (7555m.), Gangapurna (7454m.) and
Machhapuchhare or Fish Tail (6997m.). The path follows through
alpine meadow and after some distance your trails go gently
up. After a short trek, you begin to approach Annapurna Base
Camp (4170m.). From here, you can see the views of several
peaks at 360 degree.
Day 21 Trek from Annapurna Base Camp to
Dovan (2630m.) which takes about five hours. It's much easier
going down. You should have no problem reaching Sinuwa in
a single day from Annapurna Base Camp. Now you trek through
Himalayan Hotel to Dovan.
Day 22 Trek from Dovan to Jhinudanda (1750m.)
and it takes about six hours. The path is descent up to Bamboo
passing through forests with varieties of rhododendron, oaks
and bamboo plants. After Bamboo, the trail goes steeply up
to the Kuldi Ghar and now the trail is quite flat until you
reach Sinuwa. You trek gradually descend to the Chhumrong
Khola and you have to follow stone staircase for almost an
hour to reach Chhumrong. The last part of the trail is steeply
down to Jhinudanda. From the town you should walk down for
20 minutes to reach Hot Spring at the bank of the Modi Khola.
You can relax at Hot Spring.
Day 23 Trek from Jhinudanda to Pothana
(1600m) which takes about five hours. The first part of the
trek is descent and then appears through flat land until
you reach Himal Pani. Here you find beautiful waterfall.
Beyond this town, the trail ascends gently crossing numerous
streams and terraces. After short trek, you will be at Landruk
(1640m.), a pretty big village inhabited by mixed community
of Gurung, Magar and Brahmin as well. Now the trail gently
ascends to Tolka (1850m.) and then ascent and level path
to Bherikharka. From here, the trail goes steeply up to Deorali
(2100m.) with a view of different mountain peaks in panorama.
Now the trail gradually descends to Pothana passing through
different oak forests. Pothana is a small town resided by
Gurung, a ethnic community of Nepal. From here too, you can
enjoy the splendid views of various mountain peaks.
Day 24 Trek from Pothana to Dhampus Phedi
and it takes approximately three hours and drive from Dhampus
Phedi to Pokhara by car. The trail is gently descent up to
Dhampus, a village mainly inhabited by Gurung. Now you trek
through flat land for some distance and steeply descend to
Dhampus Phedi. Now you take vehicle to drive from Dhampus
Phedi to Pokhara.
Day 25 Drive from Pokhara to Kathmandu
by tourist mini bus that takes about seven hours. While driving
from Pokhara to Kathmandu, you head up to Damauli,, Dumre,
Muglin and Kurintar where the Nepal's first Cable car is
operated to reach to Manakamana Temple. En route, you could
enjoy the mountain views, green sceneries, rice terrace fields,
vegetable fields and people being engaged in their daily
life activities. From Naubishe you climb up to Thankot, the
gateway to capital city. You can also fly from Pokhara to
Kathmandu which takes about 25 minutes.
