Summary:
Walk completely around the Annapurna massif. Trek through low land villages to the remote Manang region and down to the Kaligandaki valley. Cross a 5416m Throung-La pass – probably the highest you will get without climbing a mountain.
Detail Itinerary:
Day 01 :
Drive from Kathmandu to Besi Sahar (820m.), 170 K.M west from Kathmandu and it takes almost six hours. You drive along the Kathmandu-Pokhara highway to Dumre and then follow the narrow and paved road by the Marsyangdi River to Besi Sahar (820m.). Beshishahar is the district headquarters of Lamjung district. All the local government offices are situated here. From here, you can see some of mountain peaks, 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 02 :
Besishar (820m) – Bahundanda (1310m)
6 - 6½ hours, 30m descend, 520m ascend, 17 K.M. Distance
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. While you walking you could pass Khudi (790m), Bulbule (840m) and Ngadi (890m). En route you could see Annapurna II (7937m), Lamjung Himal (6932m) and Manaslu range. After lunch, the trail goes steeply upwards to Bahundanda which takes about 2 hours. At this point, you can see the area surrounded by eye-catching scenarios with snow capped mountains.
Day 03 :
Bahundanda (1310m) – Chamje (1385m)
5 - 5½ hours, 250m descend, 400m ascend, 12 K.M. Distance
A steep trail descends for early half an hour and then follows flat path 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 Lali Gaon. Ahead, the Marsyangdi valley forms a steep V-shape, and you follow the winding mountain path down through Syange (1100m.) where there is a beautiful waterfall above it 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 (1300m.) situated on a shelf which just into the precipitous Marsyangdi valley. Now the trail begins to observe small ups and down to Chamje through the forests.
Day 04 :
Chamje (1385m) – Dharapani (1900m)
4½ - 5 hours, 500m ascend, 100m descend, 11 K.M. Distance
The first part of the trail descends to the river and after crossing a suspension bridge, you begin a climb to Sattale (1550m.) 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 (1700m.) 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 which leads to Tal with its hotels and teahouses. 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 (1870m.), 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 (1900m.), and our camp for the night.
Day 05 :
Dharapani (1900m) – Chame (2700m)
5½ - 6 hours, 800m ascend, 150m descend, 18 K.M. Distance
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 (2160m), a Bhote village with prayer flags fluttering in the breeze around Buddhist monastery. Continuing to climb through forests of pine and oak, you pass through Danaque (2200m.). There comes a small wooden bridge which takes you to follow steep ascend path upto Timang (2600m). It lies at the bottom of Lamjung Himal. From here you can see a panoramic view of different mountains. The trail goes through flat level until you reach Chame where there are government offices, shops, and hotels. Chame is the administrative headquarters for the Manang district.
Day 06 :
Chame (2700m) – Pisang (3200m)
5 - 5½ hours, 500m ascend, 50m descend, 13 K.M. Distance
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 Bhratang (2850m.).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 suspension 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 (6091m.) to the north-east. Continuing on, you come to a long mani wall by a bridge and the lower village of Pisang.
Day 07 :
Pisang (3200m) – Manang (3540m)
5 - 5½ hours, 340m ascend, 60m descend, 13 K.M. Distance
Beyond Pisang, the trail climbs a steep ridge which affords good views of the Manang valley and Tilicho peak (7145m.). Descending past Manang's airstrip at Hongde (3320m.), you come to a level area from where the north-east 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 Bhraka (3430m) with its splendid 15th centaury monastery. Large chortens 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 [7145m].
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, which adorn the houses.
Note: Alternative route:
Upper Pisang (3310m) to Manang (3540m)
There is a high route via Ghyaru (3730m) and Ngawal (3680m), a shadow of the main tourist track or tourist victims areas, along the north bank of the Marsyangdi River. The trail is steep and takes about 3 hours longer than direct route along the south bank, but provides spectacular views of the Lumjung Himal and Annapurna range to the south, and is a worth while alternative. The trail is reasonably level from Upper Pisang to a large stream, then it makes a steep, switch backing ascend to Ghyaru. This route is very good for an acclimatize.
Day 08 :
Rest day at Manang and hang in and around town. 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 Gangapurna and 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. Moreover you can visit Ganagapurna Glacier Lake to make your rest day a memorable one.
Side Trip from Manang to Khangsar village (3770m), the last village in the Marsyangdi valley and Tilicho Lake (4920m), is the highest lake in the world. It is said, about 4 KM long and 2.5 KM wide.
Day 09 :
Manang (3540m) – Yak Kharka (4050m)
3 - 3½ hours, 500m ascend, 20m descend, 9 K.M. Distance
Now the trail ascends gently all the way to Yak Kharka passing through the Gungsang village (3900m.). En route, you can see panoramic views all the day.
Day 10 :
Yak Kharka (4050m) – Thorong Phedi (4450m)
3 hours, 400m ascend, 100m descend, 6 K.M. Distance
Leaving Yak Kharka, you climb gradually to a ridge before descending to the headwaters of the Marsyangdi and crossing via a wooden bridge. After a short ascend up the mountain path on the left bank, you follow a narrow trail across an unstable spree slope and then descend to Thorong Phedi.
Day 11 :
Thorong Phedi (4450m) – Muktinath (3800m)
6 – 7 hours, 900m ascend, 1600m descend, 18 K.M. Distance
You start early today for your crossing of Thorung La [5416m], the ultimate goal of the trek! The trail becomes steep immediately on leaving camp for the first hour 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, 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 descend to Muktinath is a knee pounding 1600m but it's 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 :
Muktinath (3800m) - Kagbeni (2800m)
3 – 3 ½ hours, 1000m descend, 20m ascend, 10 K.M. Distance
You now begin the trek descend down the dramatic Kali Gandaki Gorge, initially through arid country in the same geographical and climatic zone as Tibet. After passing through Jharkot (3550m) and Khingar (3350m) villages with typical Tibetan architecture, you follow path steeply down to Kagbeni, a primitive village famous for Tibetan architectures. People living there follow the Tibetan life style and culture. There is situated a monastery said to belong to 15th Century. Kagbeni is the border for Upper Mustang.
Day 13 :
Kagbeni (2800m) – Marpha (2670m)
4 – 4 ½ hours, 130m descend, 100m ascend, 16 K.M. Distance
You now begin the flat path along the bank of dramatic Kali Gandaki Gorge, initially through arid country in the same geographical and climatic zone as Tibet upto Marpha. While you walk to Marpha, you could pass through Jomsom, which is the district administration headquarters and here is a Airport. Marpha is a big village enriched with a Buddhist Monastery in between the village which has its own cultural importance. It is rich in cultivating apples. The apple brandy available there is famous among the local people and travelers.
Day 14 :
Marpha (2670m) – Kalopani (2535m)
5 ½ - 6 hours, 150m descend, 50m ascend, 17 K.M. Distance
Your trail stretches at almost flat level through forests to Kalopani, a Thakali village and the southern-most limit of Tibetan Buddhism. En route, you find Larjung which is situated near Dhaulagiri Glacier. The first part of the trek passes through the windy area covered with pine forests, rhododendron forests and birches are seen. At Kalopani, you are quite amazed at the panoramic view of Annapurna I (8091m.), Dhaulagiri I (8167m.) and Tukuche peak (6920m.).
Day 15 :
Kalopani (2535m) – Tatopani (1200m)
6 ½ - 7 hours, 1335m descend, 100m ascend, 20 K.M. Distance
The trail descends steeply upto Ruptse Chhahara (Ruptse 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 Ruptse Waterfall. The trail again descends slightly to Tatopani through different human settlements. You can enjoy the hot spring at Tatopani as the word Tatopati 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 16 :
A rest day at Tatopani to enjoy the natural hot spring bath. It is believed that one who takes bath get rids of skin diseases. After several days trekking, it is a great idea to take bath at hot spring and relax.
Or
Trek to Shikha (1935m), 3 ½ to 4 hours to make next day easier
Alternative Trek Route to Beni and Pokhara (Either one very long day or 2 good days)
Day 17 :
Tatopani (1200m) – Ghorepani ( 2900m)
8 - 9 hours, 1700m ascend, 50m descend, 17 K.M. Distance
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 could see panormic view of Dhaulagiri and Annapurna ranges and finally you reach in Sikha.
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 Deurali. Although there is time enough to continue, it is better to stay here overnight so that you can make the morning trip to Poon Hill (3180m.) for an outstanding panorama of Dhaulagiri I,II,III,IV, Tukuche peak, Dhampus peak, Nilgir 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 18 :
Ghorepani ( 2900m) – Poonhill (3200m) – Tikhedhunga (1500m)
6 – 7 ½ hours, 1700m descend, 400m ascend, 12 K.M. Distance
Early morning trip to Poon Hill (3200m.) 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.), Machhapuchhre (6993m.), Annapurna IV (7525m.), Annapurna II (7937m.), Lamjung Himal (6931m.) and other numerous snowcapped mountain peaks. After breakfast, you again follow gradual descend path through the forests of rhododendron and oak upto Banthanti (2300m). It is a small village where you can pause for hot and cold drinks. Then the trail descends to Ulleri (2010m.), a big Magar village from where you can enjoy view of Annapurna South, Machhapuchhre and Hiunchuli. From here the trail upto Tikhedhunga is steeply descend passing terraces and some villages.
Day 19 :
Tikhedhunga (1500m) – Nayapul (1070m)
3 – 3 ½ hours, 500m descend, 100m ascend, 8 K.M. Distance
This day’s trek gradually descends following Bhurung Khola (Bhurung Stream) all the way to Birethanti before you cross the Modi Khola over the suspension bridge. You are amazed to pass small villages, see the magnificent waterfalls and walk through the sparse forests.
Day 20 :
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 approximately 25 minutes.
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Facts of the Trek: