- Detailed day by day itinerary
Day 1 : Kathmandu to Besisahar (823m) approx 6 hrs drive.
After a long drive from Kathmandu, following wild hairpin ends, we arrive at small village of Dumre (585m). Then we drive through garble road covering around 30 kms slowly gaining elevation, getting good views of Boudha Himal (6736m) and Himalchuli (7968m) and to Besisahar (823m) our first night halt.
Day 2 : Besishar to Bahundanda (1311m)
The trail continues northwards up the valley, crossing several suspension bridges and passing several beautiful waterfalls. Above us tower the peaks of LAMJUNG (6859m). The village Bahundanda supports the last shops of any size before Jomsom.
Day 3 : Bahundanda to Chamje (2713m)
Today, we descend to the Marshyangdi to access the river level before deciding our route. If water level is low, we can cross on a makeshift bridge to the east bank. If not, we continue on the west bank climbing high over a ridge, to rejoin the east bank trail over a suspension bridge at Sange. We then climb high again, through rhododendron and pine forest. The valley is now very deep and steep gorge. Overnight halt at Chamje.
Day 4 : Chamje to Bagarchap (2164m)
We climb steadily all day long Tal, a small village at the foot of a large waterfall. We are now entering the Manang district. After leaving Tal, we cross a large bridge to the village of Dharapani (1943m) where we stop to enjoy a cup of tea. We then climb through forest to Bagarchap the first village on the trek with typical Tibetan architecture.
Day 5 : Bagarchap to Chame (2713m)
The trail is now bearing west, Manaslu forming a splendid backdrop and Annapurna II (7937m) appearing occasionally to the south. We continue through forests of pine and fir, resting at the hamlets or Charku, Thangje and Kuparkot. As we continue on the trail, views of the Annapurna improve dramatically.
Day 6 : Chame to Pisang (3185m)
We continue crossing the river all day, passing through the narrow and steep sided gorge nearing the village of Pisang (3183m). We top a ridge to get our first views of the Manang valley, a wide N - shaped valley hanging between two lines of snow peaks.
Day 7 : Pisang to Manang (3351m)
Descending to the broad forested valley floor, we follow the trail through the flat valley, past a small STOL airstrip, under construction, cross the river once again to Braga (3472m) and en-route visiting Braga Monastery. This is a village of about 290 houses stacked on top of each other, flat roofs forming verandahs.
Day 8 : Manang (3351m) Rest day
Rest and acclimatization day at Manang and today we spend the whole day exploring Manang. The village consists of about 500 flat roofed houses and is picturesquely set amongst spectacular scenery: Annapurna II, Annapurna III, (7855m), Gangapurna (7485m) to the south: Tilicho (7134m) and the Grand Barrier, to the west; Chulu west (6420m) and Chulu East (6558m) to north.
Day 9 : Manang to Churl Ladder ( 3868m)
We branch away from the Marshyangdi river steadily climbing in to district alpine areas. Keep your eyes open for Thar and Ghoral mountain sheep.
Day 10 : Churl Ladder to Thorang Phedi (4442m)
Today we ascending about 3 hours then descending about 45 minutes to cross the Jarsang river, we climb to a small grassy valley and overnight halt.
Day 11 : Thorang Phedi to Muktinath (3798m)
Though the crossing of the pass is not technically difficult, we take it slowly to take into account the complications of altitude and possible snow. After about 4 hours, we reach the top (5416m) and enjoy some absolutely stunning high Himalayan scenery. The entire Annapurna range in the south, the Mukut and Mustang Himal to the west, and the incredibly deep Kali Gandaki valley and the peaks of Throungtse (6542m) and Chulu to the north. The descend is steep and rough but we soon have excellent views of Dhaulagiri (8167m).
Muktinath (3798m) is an important pilgrimage spot for both Hindus and Buddhist Gompa and pagoda style temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu. The most interesting aspect of the area, however, is the spot where burning of natural gas issued from the rock from the same place as a small spring. Earth, air, fire, water an important religious combination.
Day 12 : Muktinath to Jomsom (2713m) - Marpha (2667m)
The trail descends very quickly to the valley floor over 1538m below. The descend is through a dramatic arid landscape and continues to Jomsom (2713m) where you will have lunch. After the last few days, Jomsom seems almost busy, in fact it is a major village on the Kali Gandaki trading route. After lunch continue to Marpha (2667) village for overnight halt.
Day 13 : Marpha to Kalapani or Lete (2438m)
We pass through Tukche a beautiful Thakali villages and overnight halt at Kalapani or Lete. The Thakalis are the dominant tribe of the valley, related to the Gurung and Magars of the Southern slopes.
Day 14 : Lete - Rukse (1800m)
As we pass between the Dhauligiri and Annapurna, a dramatic change in the vegetation occurs today - from dry desert to pine and conifer forests. Passing through Kalapani and here, the views of the Annapurnas are breathtaking. We have overnight halt near a spectacular waterfall at Rukse.
Day 15 : Rukse to Tatopani (1189m)
As we pass between the Dhaulagiri and Annapurna, a dramatic change in the vegetation occurs today-from dry desert to pine and conifer forests. The views of Annapurnas are breathtaking. Tatopani means "Hot water" and it is possible to bathe in the springs and overnight halt at Tatopani.
Day 16 : Tatopani to Gorepani (2853m)
After crossing the trail ascends steadily to Gorepani (2853m) we stop for lunch at Shikha. As we climb steadily all day, we leave behind the terraced fields and enter into thick rhododendron forest and village of Ghorepani. We halt at the Pass where we can get the best views of sunset and dawn of the Dhaulagiri and Annapurna ranges.
Day 17 : Gorepani to Pokhara
Today's descended is almost as tiring as the day from Muktinath. However, mule trains laden with goods keep us entertained. We cross Tirkhedhunga and Birethanti village and arrive Nayapul late in the evening and drive back to Pokhara.
