Flying in or out of Kathmandu valley is an amazing experience, very much so, on a clear day. As the plane approaches from the southern west vector, the Himalaya can be seen on the far distance in the north. The approach beautifully navigates between low mountains, over picturesque small villages, terrace fields and lush forests, before the urban city and its intrigued network of roads and buildings is sprawled below us. 

As you make your way through the formalities of the immigration and custom procedures, our Office Representative will be awaiting at the airport and assists during our hotel check in. Hopefully the long flight has not been too exhausting to enjoy a pleasant evening.  

Overnight: Hotel 

Meals: Breakfast  

Driving west from Kathmandu, we follow the busy Prithvi Highway along countryside adorned with unnoticed hamlets and farms nestled on hillsides. As the road winds alongside the fast-flowing Trishuli River, a popular waterway for rafters, it's hard not to notice the continuous arrivals of soaring hills and luscious forests, perhaps a preview to the vistas that awaits us on our trek. We will pass through the small town of Mugling where the Trisuli and Marshyangdi rivers meet. The town also serves as the crossroads between Kathmandu, Pokhara and Chitwan in the south. You pass over an impressive bridge and begin to follow the Marshyangdi River, which will become a familiar sight, as it will be your companion all the way to Thorong Phedi. On this section of the road, you will gain your first sight of the Annapurna and Manaslu ranges. After Mugling you turn north and the Annapurna Massif looms as you approach Besi Sahar (760m/2,493ft), the Capital of Lamjung District. We take a short local bus ride to the quaint Gurung village of Bhulbhule (774m/2,539ft) for our first night in the lowlands of Annapurna. 

Overnight: Lodge/Teahouse

Meal: All Meals (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner)  

After an early breakfast in the lodge, we are ready to test our legs among the celebrated trails of the Annapurna, and soon our guide will have us registered at the ACAP (Annapurna Conservation Area Project) checkpoint. Our day starts gently strolling on to the village of Ngadi where a picturesque hydro station provides us our first opportunity for some holiday snaps, before continuing on through many villages and farms that decorates the Marshayangdhi River valley. Soon a climb over a tropical hill, short but steep, to a ridgetop village of Bahundanda (1,310m/4,298ft), warms up our muscles for the coming days. The view of the surrounding Himalayan peaks is tantalizing from here and only manage to whet our appetite for more. From Bahundanda the trail drops steeply to Lili Bhir, and then follows an uncovered trail to Ghermu Phant and the wonderful view of the tall waterfall across the river. A quick descend across a suspension bridge over the Marshyangdi River will bring us to Syange (1080m/3,540ft), before the trail makes a steep ascent, of about 150m, and crosses a cliff face to the small village of Jagat (1,294m/4,245ft).

Nestled on the edge of a steep sided valley, Jagat is a very old village. Its name means 'toll-station', as this was once a tax collecting point for the Tibetan salt trade. When Bill Tilman visited the area in 1950 this route did not exist. Instead, he had to walk along a series of wooden galleries tied to the rock face!

Overnight: Lodge/Teahouse

Meal: All Meals (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner)  

From Dharapani our trail makes a west-northern turn, heading higher into the Manang Valley. First, the rocky trail descends toward the village of Ghate Khola (1,290m/4,232ft), before climbing through lush forest to Chamje (1,430m/4,692ft). Leaving Chamje, we soon arrive to a suspension bridge and follow the trail on to the Marshyangdi's east side. Climbing steeply under a series of overhanging rock formations, we pass the village of Sattale (1,680m/5,512ft). The trail continues to make short climbs over rock faces until an archway welcomes us into Manang District. The flat beds of Tal, a “lake” in Nepali, expands before us where a lake used to be. The flat expanse and the cool river breeze blowing across will tempt us to linger around a bit, relax a bit. But soon we are back on our feet following the trail to the right, beneath a staggering rock wall.

The trail levels off gently, giving our legs a welcome relief for a while. The Marshyangdi is wide and calm here, allowing us to take in a quiet walk and perhaps look inwards in this serene setting. An hour or so later, we cross a bridge back to the western bank of the gorge, leaving the old eastern trail damaged by years of landslides. The climb continues, and unnoticed, the vegetation around us slowly changes as pine, oak and rhododendron forests take over. We reach the village of Dharapani (1,886m/6,188ft), which acts as an intersection connecting the Annapurna valleys to the west with the Manaslu valleys in the east.

While exploring through the village, we will see a valley coming in from the east along which the Dudh Khola (river) flows. This is where the Manaslu circuit trek route joins the Marshyangdi River, heading down from Larkya La.

Overnight: Lodge/Teahouse

Meals: All Meals (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner)  

The ethnicity and the culture now have a heavier Tibetan Buddhist influence with chhortens (stupas), prayer flags, mani stone walls and gompas (monastery) arriving more prominently throughout the trail. We continue through forests of pine and oak, shortly arriving at Dhanakyu where we pass through a mani wall, huge prayer wheel and a waterfall to our left. Behind us, we should be able to see the peaks of Manaslu massif (8,163m/26,718ft). Here, the Marshyangdi River enters a gorge and the trail leads along a rock-strewn path, climbing for just under an hour through a forest populated by Langur monkeys. The natural amphitheatre of lush forest, shaded foot trail, gurgling streams and log bridges urges us forward, making the climb easy. When the steep incline ends, we follow a path amid rhododendrons and continue on a gently rising path to the village of Thanchok, and a little further up we may get a sight of Annapurna II (7,937m/26,040ft) towering over the wooden hillside.

The small hamlet of Koto sits quietly in the shadow of the Annapurna II and soon a short level walk takes us to the large white gate of Chame (2,661m/8,730ft) for a cosy evening and an excellent view of Lamjung Himal (6,983m/22,910ft).

Chame houses the administrative headquarters of Manang district with health post, post office and banks. Chame is a good place to do any last-minute shopping for the colder temperatures that awaits us in the higher altitudes. About five minutes’ walk from the village are some hot springs, which are a major attraction to both tired trekkers and busy locals.

Overnight: Lodge/Teahouse

Meals: All Meals (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner) 

Today the valley broadens out offering us a short but a scenic day to enjoy. Few mani walls and chortens line up the trail, and as the path gently contours to a level we pass through the water-turned prayer wheel. The village of Bhratang (2,850m/9,350ft) marks the beginning of a 45-minute climb through pines and oak forest before reaching a suspension bridge. The trail continues to make a steady climb, now a little gentle. The valley opens out with Pisang Peak (‘Jong Ri’ 6,091m/19,984ft) peaking behind the hills ahead of us. The flatland, as of Himalayan standard, of Dhukur Pokhari (translated as Dove Lake) is easy on our legs as we pass couple of lakes where wading birds can be seen. Behind us the magnificent walls of Swargadwari Danda (hill) tries to reach for the sky earning its name, translated as, ‘the Gateway to Heaven’.

Pisang has an Upper village and a Lower village. To aid in acclimatization, we will visit the colourful and richly decorated Pisang Gompa (Buddhist monastery) that overlooks both Upper and Lower Pisang, and head down to Lower Pisang (3,159m/10,364t) for our stay in a homely teahouse.    

Although our program has been designed to help you acclimatize to the altitude with steady progressions from around 800m/2,625ft, it is still natural to feel the effects around today’s elevations. Regular hydration and slow acclimatisation vital roles in ensuring our body stay healthy in high altitudes, and helps to avoid our holiday from being marred by discomforts and uneasiness. “Climb high, sleep low", “Take it slow" and “Drink plenty of fluids" are the secret mantras many have successfully adopted in the Himalaya.  

Overnight: Lodge/Teahouse

Meals: All Meals (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner)  

As we leave Pisang village, take a moment to look back as Annapurna II looks splendid towering above the settlement. A river crossing takes us into a pleasant trail through scrub land where a tranquil lake sits, gently reminding us that nature is the finest architecture of all. We cross a long mani wall and drop a little to cross a stream, before beginning a demanding climb that snakes up a hill. About 45 minutes later and gaining around 400 meters, the village of Ghyaru (3673m/12,050ft) offers gorgeous views of the towering Annapurna II, Annapurna IV (7,520m/24,672ft) and the broad Marshyangdi valley below. From here we continue on the high trail, the views of the massive massif staying with us, the valley floor running up and down, and above us Himalayan Eagles soaring and hunting for unsuspecting preys. Every corner seems to reveal a new peak sneaking up, with Annapurna III (7,555m/24,787ft), Gangapurna (7,455m/24,458ft), the dwarfed Om Myurpa (5,039m/16,532ft) and Tilicho Peak (7,134m/23,405ft) in the distance. We then arrive at the village of Ngawal (3,650m/ 11,975ft) where the often-used air-strip of Humde can be seen running down the valley floor like a backdrop to a stunning cinematography. We descend back down to the valley floor and rejoin the main trail, soon arriving at Braga and the 900 years old Bodzo Gompa. 

Manang (3,488m/11,443ft) with its cluster of fancy hotels, cafes, extravagant restaurants, souvenir shops, museum and an HRA clinic (Himalayan Rescue Association) feels like a major tourist hub in the middle of the Himalaya. The view of Gangapurna Glacier cascading down to source the Marshyangdhi Khola is intimidating and inspiring at the same time.   

Overnight: Lodge/Teahouse  

Meals: All Meals (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner)  

It is essential that we acclimatise in Manang, since the terrain ahead pose difficulties to swift medical assistance and repatriations. We have the luxury of few options of side trips as preparation for the high crossing, which you can discuss overnight with your guide.

Manang rises on a plateau across the daunting Gangapurna glacier with a picturesque emerald lake nestled on its foot. Taking a good walk in the ridges around the village, climbing for at least a couple of hours should help in acclimatisation. The high-ridge walk across the Annapurna massif to a tiny village on top, and dropping back down to Braga offers excellent views over the valley. This should also allow us time to find the key-keeper to Braga Gompa, an admirable monastery with a cave-like interior.

For those looking for a high challenge, can look forward to a full-day excursion to Kicho Tal, a frozen Ice Lake, nestled over Braga at an elevation of around 4,582m/15,033ft. This hike gains elevations of +1,000m/3,200ft, though a bit strenuous, should help during the crossing of Thorong La. It is also possible to visit the village of Khangsar (3,734m/12,250ft) which sits on a trail heading toward Tilicho Lake.

The key here is to follow that saying of “climb high, sleep low” and let your body adjust to the thinning air without undue stress. The next two days before the high crossings are short, essentially designed to climb slowly and aid in acclimatisation.

Overnight: Lodge/Teahouse

Meals: All Meals (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner)  

Leaving Manang we begin our climb, 120 meters to the village of Tengi. After a corner round the hillside, we turn up toward Gyanchang Khola running down toward Khangsar valley and the trail to Tilicho Lake. The view of the high ridge wall between Khangsar Kang (the Roc Noir of Annapurna, 7,485m/24,557ft) and Nilgiri Himal (massif) forms the ‘great barrier’ as described by Maurice Herzog, the celebrated French climber. The vegetation of scrubs, juniper and alpine grasses denotes the fast-elevating altitude as we reach Gunsang village (3,950m/12,959ft), a cluster of homes with a view of Chulu West (6,419m/21,060ft). The uphill continues on, now gentler, but still the altitude makes it a hard work. The valley narrows as we approach Yak Kharka with few more short climbs to follow. ‘Kharka’ means pasture in Nepali and the grassland of Yak Kharka (4,062m/13,327ft) sits on a picturesque incline with calm surroundings. 

In the afternoon we can take a walk up the ridge, either to the front or behind the village. There’s a good chance here to see large herds of blue sheep demonstrating climbing techniques with awe-inspiring speed, balance and agilities. We climb to our comfort and return back for a warm dinner and a restful night.  

Overnight: Lodge/Teahouse

Meals: All Meals (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner)  

We have another short day ahead of us, yet essential for acclimatization. The valley caves in, leaving a narrow corridor for the headwaters of Marshyangdhi and our trail to negotiate. A line of lodges marks our arrival at Letdar as we continue along the high trail on the east side of the valley before dropping to cross the watershed on a covered wooden bridge. After a short ascent up the west bank, we head toward a narrow foot trail across an unstable steep section. Take care of your footings here and make sure your backpack is balanced properly, without the weight being heavier on the right-hand side. The hidden site of Thorong Phedi (phedi means base/ foot of a hill) soon reveals itself with box-shaped lodges, ugly but economical in this almost inhospitable geography. Sitting in the valley floor, fenced by high steep faces of rising rock walls, Thorong Phedi (4,490m/14,731ft) does not offer much other than the communal area of our lodge where fellow trekkers mingle and entertain each other. On a busy season, the communal area here resembles a popular urban establishment on a Friday night, than a tiny lodge in one of the remotest places on the planet.

In the afternoon, it is worth walking up the immediate climb to the collection of huts known as the High Camp (4,832m/15,853ft) and explore the small peak decorated with fluttering prayer flags to the right. The view here is magnificent with stretches of snow-capped peaks expanding around us and the deep valley beneath us. Watch for blue sheep or even a snow leopard moving on the walls of the mountains. Do wear a wind protective gear as it can get quite windy here, late in the afternoon. Of course, we do walk up to High Camp on our way to Thorong La the next morning, but in the dark of the pre-dawn with only our headlights on, we may not have much to look around.

Overnight: Lodge/Teahouse  

Meals: All Meals (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner)  

Today we will start early in the morning for the crossing of Thorong La, the high pass that peaks the highest elevation of our Annapurna traverse. We will need to carry plenty of water, down jacket, and chocolates and snacks to munch along the day. The cool air of the morning and the pre-dawn ambience do not make the climb to High Camp easier than the previous afternoon, but it is less strenuous knowing that we have already made the climbed before. The ascent continues on after High Camp, and the trail is well-defined as it has been used for hundreds of years, contouring along the rising valley. The climb seems endless, lifeless and rugged, throwing in false summits every now and then, and the only relief comes from the stunning scenery down the valley and the horizons of jagged peaks including Annapurna II, casting shadows and changing with the morning lights. For the adventurer in you, this undulating trails to the pass will be a memorable one – walking in the remote wilderness of the Himalaya with just your self-belief and strength. Finally, after anything between 3 to 5 hours, over numerous corners and climbs, we arrive at the summit of Thorong La (5,416m /17,769ft) with its large cairn and many colourful, fluttering prayer flags. Congratulations, you have just made it to the world’s highest pass! Take a well-deserved photo. The peak to our south is Thorong Peak (6,144m/20,157ft) and to our north is Yakwakang (6,482m/21,226ft). We may probably not want to linger too long at the pass as it can get very cold and many often feel the effects of altitude. 

The descent to Muktinath, immediately feels different. Looking down the valley, the rain-shadowed region sharply contrasts that of the lush green and rich Manang valley. The path is steep and passes through few pastures that invites for stoppages and marvel at the stunning landscape that now offers spectacular views of Dhaulagiri (8,167m/26,794ft) and Tukuche Peak (6,920m/22,703ft). The descent takes some 3 to 4 hours, often requiring strong footings over moraines and loose sections. This is where our walking poles can take the strain off of our knees. The base of Thorong La arrives at the tiny settlement with few teahouses who warmly welcome tired trekkers for refreshments and short rest. It is another 15-30 minutes down to Muktinath. But now that we are back among civilization, the short walk seems celebratory and the dry and arid terrain of the rain-shadowed valley offers us something new to explore and admire.   

The main village is actually called Ranipauwa (3,760m/12,336ft) and not Muktinath, a name which refers to the Holy temple that sits on the crest of the village. Devoted to Lord Vishnu, the shrine is considered as one of the sacred 108 Divya Desam (premium temple) and known as ‘Mukti Kshetra’ which literally means ‘place of moksh (liberation)’ by the Hindu community. Buddhists call it Chumig Gyatsa, which means "Hundred Waters" in Tibetan, and a sacred place of Dakinis, goddesses known as Sky Dancers. Tibetan Buddhist celebrates the shrine as the manifestation of Avalokitesvara, the Bodhisattva (titled given to one who has attained nirvana) of Compassion and Virtue and considers the site as one of the 24 holy Tantric places. Pilgrims to the site take holy bath in among the 108 cow-headed water sprouts for ‘salvation’ and witness the eternal sacred flames of Dhola Mebar Monastery, burn from the natural gas jet near a spring. 

Overnight: Lodge/Teahouse

Meals: All Meals (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner)  

We start off our day with a visit to the sacred temple of Muktinath, alongside many pilgrims who take the holy bath in the 108 water sprouts to cleanse their karma. We head back down the village and start the last leg of our Annapurna Circuit. We leave the main motor road and follow the trail climbing up toward Lupra Pass (3,772m/12,375ft). The path gradually climbs through grassy pastures and offers magnificent views of the mountains including Dhaulagiri, Tukuche, Nilgiri Himal, Annapurna I, Tilicho Peak and many others. It takes about 3 hours to reach the pass and arrives with a scenic view of the Kali Gandaki Valley. The descend leads us through big communal apple orchard, a river crossing over Panda Khola and right into Lupra (2,790m/89,153ft), the only village on our route that follows the pre-Buddhist religion of Bon. The Bonpo Gompa is popular with visitors to the village. Continuing on, our trail contours along the river bank and rejoins the main trail of the Kali Gandaki valley. Soon we arrive at the bustling settlement of Jomsom (2,720m/8,924ft), with a sensational STOL (Short Take-Off and Landing) airstrip on the head of a Himalayan gorge.

The town of Jomsom, or ‘Dzongsam’ which means ‘New Fort’, is the administrative headquarter of the region and a prime commercial centre bustling with government officials, merchants and tourists rubbing shoulders with each other. With traders selling everything from beautifully woven textiles by traditional hand looms to yak tails for dusting your houses, Jomsom is a shopper’s paradise to find that rustic Tibetan souvenir or a mystifying lucky amulets and charms for your journey home.   

Overnight: Lodge/Teahouse

Meals: All Meals (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner)  

A breath-taking flight down the Kali Gandaki, between the towering Dhaulagiri and Annapurna ranges is a marvellous way to conclude our Mustang journey. One can’t help, but to be awestruck and inspired by the stupendous sizes of the Himalaya, while our twin-propellor aeroplane scampers like a bug. Landing at Pokhara, we board another aircraft to Kathmandu, for yet another fantastic mountain flight along the face of Annapurna, Manaslu, Ganesh and Langtang ranges. On arrival at Kathmandu, we will be transferred to our hotel for a well-earned afternoon at leisure.

Overnight: Four-star Hotel 

Meals: Breakfast  

After an amazing adventure in the Himalaya, we reserve today to unwind, rest and take leisurely activities among the colourful crowds of Kathmandu. There are shopping and souvenirs to hunt and complete our travel memorabilia, or a city tour and sightseeing programs at the many cultural heritage sites, or just simply relaxing with drinks in our hands. 

There are numerous heritage sites, all with short distances of each other, inside the Kathmandu valley. None more significant than the Hindu pilgrimage complex of the holy Pashupatinath Temple and the serene Buddhist stupas of Bodhanath and Swayambhunath. The ancient royal courtyards of the three Durbar (Palace) Squares of Kathmandu, Patan and Bhaktapur, offers fantastic insights into the golden age of Newa cultures and their rich architectures and craftsmanship. The programs in Kathmandu are not included in the cost nor part of our itinerary. They are optional activities you can participate on your arrival. 

Our evening is shared with a one last hurrah. A celebratory farewell dinner in honor of you and the many more adventures to come.  

Overnight: Four-star Hotel

Meals: Breakfast and Dinner

Here we bid our farewell and wish you a nice flight back home. Our office representative will pick you up at the hotel for your transport to the international airport.