Overview:
On Day 1, transfer to Bhulbhule. On Days 2-3, begin your trek to Chamje, then to Bagarchap. On Days 4-5, trek to Chame. On Day 6, trek to Manang with majestic views of the Annapurna range. On Day 7, spend a calm day among yaks and silent monasteries to acclimatize. On Days 8-9, hike to Ledar and trek to Thorung Phedi or opt to reach High Camp. On Days 10-11, descend to Muktinath, then descend until Marpha. On Days 12-13, hike to Kalopani and then Tatopani. On Days 14-15, make your final descent to Nayapul. On Day 16, take a bus Pokhara to Kathmandu.
Day by Day Itinerary:
Day 1: Drive from Kathmandu to Bhulbhule [840m] 7:00 hours.
Begin your adventure by taking a bus from Kathmandu to Bhulbhule [840m] which will take about 7 hours. You will stay in a guesthouse in Bhulbhule that night.
Days 2-3: Bhulbhule to Chamje [1430m] 6:30 hours - Chamje to Bagarchap [2160m] 6:30 hours.
Begin your trek to Chamje [1430m], passing through beautiful paddy fields and ascending through rhododendron forests. Then trek to Bagarchap [2160m], crossing various impressive suspension bridges and climbing steeply on winding trails. This village was partly destroyed due to a devastating landslide in 1995. There you can view the magnificent Annapurna II and visit the Tibetan Monastery.
Days 4-5: Bagarchap to Chame [2630m] 5:30 hours - Chame to Pisang [3190m] 6:00 hours
As you climb higher in altitude you will trek into pine and oak forests up to Chame [2630m] and relax by its famous hot springs. The next day, trek to Pisang [3190m] following through the river valley and admiring the splendid views of Pisang Peak and Annapurna II.
Day 6: Pisang to Manang [3540m] 5:30 hours.
Trek to Manang [3540m] walking through cultivated fields of grazing Yak, with majestic views of the Annapurna range.
Day 7: Acclimatization day in Manang
At Manang [3540m] spend a day among interesting yaks and silent monasteries to acclimatize. Visit the Himalayan Rescue Association and admire the spectacular views of the surroundings.
Days 8-9: Manang to Ledar [4250m] 5:00 hours - Ledar to Thorung Phedi [4450m] 4:30 hours OR to High Camp [4925m]
Once your batteries recharged, hike to Ledar [4250m] moving through gorgeous alpine pastures to scrubby forests of juniper. The next day, trek either to Thorung Phedi [4450m], or if you are feeling strong, you have the option of continuing until you reach High Camp [4925m] where you can stay the night before crossing the high pass.
Days 10-11: High camp to Muktinath [3800m] 7:00 hours - Muktinath to Marpha [2670m] 6:30 hours.
Descend steeply down to the grassy slopes of Muktinath [3800m], an important pilgrimage site. Then descend until Marpha [2670m] the next day passing by some beautiful ancient monasteries.
Days 12-13: Marpha to Kalopani [2460m] 5:30 hours - Kalopani to Tatopani [1190m] 6 hours.
Hike to Kalopani [2460m] and then Tatopani [1190m], which is named after its hot springs. Along the way, you will walk along the Kaligandaki river and trek through the world’s deepest gorge, the Kaligandaki Gorge, surrounded by the Dhaulagiri and Annapurna ranges. After long days of trekking you can indulge in the relaxing hot springs at Kalopani [2460m] and Tatopani [1190m] surrounded by beautiful scenery.
Days 14-15: Tatopani to Ghorepani [2870m] 7:00 hours - Ghorepani (Poon hill) to Nayapul 7:00 hours - Drive to Pokhara [820m] 1:30 hours.
Your last ascent to Ghorepani [2870m] will reward you with incredible scenery. Make your final descent to Nayapul [1050m] where your trek comes to an end. Then take a bus to Pokhara. Look back at the mountains and awe at this amazing experience as you drive back to the pretty lakeside town of Pokhara, where you will spend the night.
Day 16: Bus Pokhara to Kathmandu
Today you will be taking a bus back to Kathmandu, where your trip will come to an end. We wish you safe travels!
Additional Information:
Physical rating: You must have a high level of fitness to take part in this trek. You will be walking at high altitudes every day and it will be physically demanding. In the months leading up to your trek, try walking with your daypack, climbing long staircases and add a couple of bricks to it for real training. Undertake regular aerobic exercise such as walking, jogging, swimming or cycling. The more preparation you have done in advance, the more you will enjoy it.
Suggested Packing List: Backpack (10 - 15 liters), sleeping bag (if desired-- sheets & blankets are provided), hiking poles, rain pants, plastic rain poncho, trekking boots, sandals/flip flops, thermals (socks, t-shirts, sweater), windbreaker, hiking trousers, shorts, wool hat/beanie, gloves, sun hat, sun block, sunglasses, flashlight/torch, camera (with extra batteries & memory card), personal medications, reusable water bottle, water purification tablets, toiletries (toothpaste, soap, shampoo, toothbrush, toilet paper, towel)
Food Budget: Please expect to spend at least 20 USD per day on food and beverages in local tea houses. Please note that food costs will vary depending on the number of portions consumed, location and availability.
Gratuity: Tipping is by no means mandatory, but is customary. For a job well done, we recommend tipping 10% to your guide, porter, and driver.
First Aid: All guides for this tour have completed first aid training. On Days 7 & 8, in the middle of the trek, there will also be an opportunity for clients to visit a doctor in Manang Village.
