Day 1: Arrive Kathmandu. Transfer to Hotel
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Kathmandu
It’s a panoramic thrill flying into Kathmandu on a clear day. The views of snow-capped mountain peaks sprawling down below are almost ecstatic, beginning a whole chain of memorable experiences that stay with you for a long, long time. And as your plane lands at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu, our waiting support team will meet and greet you at the arrivals and escort you to your hotel. Overnight at hotel.
Duration:
1 minute
Admission Included: NOT_APPLICABLE
Day 2: Sightseeing around Kathmandu Valley (Pashupatinath, Boudhanath and Patan Durbar Square
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Kathmandu
Today is the day for a delightful visit to some heritage sites of Kathmandu, which starts soon after breakfast. First we visit Pashupatinath Temple, the most popular Hindu shrine dedicated to Lord Shiva. Not only for Nepali, it is one of the holiest shrines for all Hindu round the world. Then after, there is a guided tour to Boudhanath, the largest Buddhist stupa in Nepal and popular pilgrimage site that includes over a huge number of Tibetan Gompas or monasteries. At last, we take a tour to Patan also called as Lalitpur (the City of Artisans), which is 5km away from Kathmandu. We walk through Patan Durbar Square, and delight in the architectural wonders of Malla era. Mahaboudha Temple, Kumbeshwor Temple, Krishna Temple and Golden Temple are the major attractions at the square. Overnight at hotel.
Duration:
5 hours
Admission Included: NOT_APPLICABLE
Day 3: Drive to Arughat Bazaar in a private vehicle and Drive to Soti Khola by local jeep (Approx. 775m/ 7-8 hrs.)
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After breakfast we start our journey to Arughat Bazaar. Leaving Kathmandu city behind, we drive along Prithivi Highway passing through the beautiful river view and small clusters of highway settlements. After about 5-6 hours’ of drive, we will reach Arughat Bazaar, from where we continue to Soti Khola in a jeep. After another 1:30 -2 hours’ drive through terraces and picturesque hamlets along Budhi Gandaki, we reach Soti Khola, where we accommodate tonight. Overnight at teahouse.
Duration:
8 hours
Admission Included: NOT_APPLICABLE
Day 4: Trek to Machhakhola (Approx. 900m/ 5-6 hrs)
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Today is the first day of our trek. We walk by the dense forest passing through a number of small villages tucked into the hillside, till we reach a widening of the valley, opposite the point where a large tributary stream enters the Budhi Gandaki River. The terraced cultivated fields belong to the upper village of Lapubesi (880m). Descending down through the wide, sandy riverbed which follows a trail meandering below the steep, craggy valley side, we then climb again to a ridge to Almara. Further a few walk will lead us to Machha Khola, which literally means “Fish River”. Overnight at teahouse.
Duration:
6 hours
Admission Included: NOT_APPLICABLE
Day 5: Trek to Jagat (Approx. 1300m/ 5-6 hrs)
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Jagat
The trail makes some minor ups and downs and eventually crosses the Tharo Khola and reaches Khorlabesi. After a few more ascends and descends we come across a small hotspring in Tatopani. The valley sides remain steep until they are impassable and the route then switches to the left bank by way of a suspension bridge. The trail is quite exposed and challenging in places. After a short section of forest path we reach Dobhan. Above Doban, the Budhi Gandaki descends an impressive series of rapids. Beyond this steep section, the river is much more placid, meandering across a broad gravel bed. At Lauri, we cross the river on a suspension bridge, and then climb on a high path to the fields of Jagat. Overnight in teahouse.
Duration:
6 hours
Admission Included: NOT_APPLICABLE
Day 6: Trek to Deng (Approx. 1860m/ 5-6 hrs)
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Nepal
We begin today’s trek by climbing over a rocky ridge to Salleri with impressive views of Shrigi Himal (7187m), and then descend to Sirdibas. The valley widens a bit as the trail continues up to Ghatta Khola. We further continue walking upstream to a long suspension bridge in Philim, a large Gurung village. The trail turns north just above the lowest houses in the village and stays on a fairly level trail as it crosses millet fields to Ekle Bhatti. The route now enters a steep, uninhabited gorge. At this point, we descend to the grassy land slopes, cross the Budhi Gandaki, then trek along the west bank for a while, then cross to the east bank to cross back once again. As we continue through the trail the valley widens and we pass through bamboo forests to the Deng Khola. Upon crossing the Khola, we reach the tiny village of Deng. Overnight in teahouse.
Duration:
6 hours
Admission Included: NOT_APPLICABLE
Day 7: Trek to Namrung (Approx. 2560m/ 5-6 hrs)
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After a brief walk beyond Deng, we cross the Budhi Gandaki and climb to Rana at 1910m. From a bridge, we climb a bit to join a trail from Bhi, then head west up the Budhi Gandaki valley. The trail also passes through forests and mani stones (prayers etched onto wayside rocks), a sure sign that we are entering a high country Buddhist region. After about 4 hours, we reach Ghap, which straddles the river. We cross the Budi Gandaki several times today and come across several gompas en route. As we move ahead, we can feel a perceptible change in the climate and culture with gain in altitude. The higher altitude takes us into alpine territory and increasing mountain views. The trail follows the river upstream through a dense forest. After crossing the river at an impressive spot where it thunders down a narrow gorge, the forest becomes less dense and the trail is fine again. The pleasant walk continues and after a last steep climb we reach Namrung where our special permit is checked. Overnight in teahouse.
Duration:
6 hours
Admission Included: NOT_APPLICABLE
Day 8: Trek to Lho (Approx. 3180m/ 6-7 hrs)
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Nepal
After crossing Budhi Gandaki, we trek through the forest, passing through a stone arch and reach to Lhi. Lhi is a village well known for its chortens and barley terraces. Above this village the Simnag valley opens out and there are extensive pastures. Climbing gently now, and crossing a large stream flowing down from the Lidanda Glaciers, we reach the Tibetan village of Sho, 3000m. We get our first incredible views of the Manaslu North and then of Manaslu main ahead of Sho. After we pass through Sho, we continue to Lho, a large village at 3150 metres where there is a lovely little monastery and numerous chortens and manis. We can have an impressive view of Ganesh I from here. Overnight in teahouse.
Duration:
6 hours
Admission Included: NOT_APPLICABLE
Day 9: Trek to Samagoan (Approx. 3580m/ 4-5hrs)
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Leaving the village, we follow the right bank of the river, with views of Peak 29 ahead. We also get an opportunity to enjoy the mesmerizing views of many other mountains. As we continue on the main trail, we pass through Shyala village, and then we go down to the river that originates from the glacier of Pungyen. We will pass through many chortens and monasteries. After crossing the ridge we reach the fields of Samagaon to stay for a night. Overnight at teahouse.
Duration:
5 hours
Admission Included: NOT_APPLICABLE
Day 10: Acclimatization day Excursion around Samagoan (Approx. 4400m/ 6-7 hrs)
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We don’t walk further today as we stay for acclimatization. However, we don’t just stay idle either. We explore the village, and observe the lifestyles of the locals and experience their culture. We climb the ridge to Pungyen Monastery which is about two and half hours’ hike. We visit Birendra Tal which is a glacial lake at 3,450m. After that, we return to our respective tea house. Overnight at teahouse..
Duration:
4 hours
Admission Included: NOT_APPLICABLE
Day 11: Trek to Samdo (Approx. 3875m/ 4-5 hrs)
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Nepal
The thundering Budhi Gandaki trickles to a stream as we continue to follow its course ever upwards. We are surrounded by spectacular mountains from all sides. Manaslu is particularly impressive. We can also have the views of Samdo (Pang phuchuli), Nagdi chuli, Simnang Himal, Manaslu glacier and several other awesome peaks of the region. The trail passes through wide pasturelands, juniper trees and mani walls. After crossing to the east bank of the river, we reach the last permanent settlement in the valley, which is called Samdo, a village of yak-herding community. Overnight at teahouse.
Duration:
5 hours
Admission Included: NOT_APPLICABLE
Day 12: Acclimatization /Excursion around Tibetan boarder via Samdo Village
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Mount Manaslu
We can either hike to the back of Samdo village through a trade pass to Tibet, or (if we want a longer hike), take a trip to Gya-La pass to the north of the village, a more frequented trade route than the earlier one. In both cases, we can savor the breathtaking views of Mt. Manaslu along with other Himalayan ranges including Simrang, Hiunchuli, Ngadi, Larkye Peak, Cheo etc. En route we pass through seasonal herders’ settlements. Overnight at teahouse.
Duration:
4 hours
Admission Included: NOT_APPLICABLE
Day 13: Trek to Daramashala (Approx. 4460m/ 5-6 hrs)
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Starting our day, we cross a wooden bridge over the Budhi Gandaki river. We come to the ruins of an abandoned village, known as Larkya Bazaar. Presumably this village thrived as a trading point, with Tibet lying over the Gya La. The commerce seems to have dried up leading to the migration of the settlers. On the way, we also notice the Mani walls and prayer flags, which signify the closeness of Larkya La Pass. After crossing a few streams, we will observe the magnificent view of Larkya Glacier. Nearing the Larkya Glacier, we reach a stone guest house known as Dharmasala or Larkya La Phedi., which has been built to serve the travelers crossing the Larkya La. Today’s trek gives us plenty of time to acclimatize and relax. Overnight at teahouse.
Duration:
6 hours
Admission Included: NOT_APPLICABLE
Day 14: Trek to Bhimtang via Larkya-La Pass (Approx. 5160m/ 8-9 hrs)
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Today is a longer and more strenuous day than usual as we have to cross the Larkya La which is the highest point on Manaslu trek situated at 5,213m. After walking across moraines of the glacier, we make a gradual ascent which becomes steeper as we near the top of the pass. From there, we can witness the views of great mountains such as Humlung Himal, Cheo Himal Kang Guru and Annapurna II. Then, we further cross the moraine and climb down to another grassy moraine. As we come down, the trail becomes easier to walk. Finally with a feeling of accomplishment, we reach Bhimthang for overnight. Overnight at teahouse.
Duration:
9 hours
Admission Included: NOT_APPLICABLE
Day 15: Trek to Tilche (Approx. 1963m / 4-5hrs)
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Gorkha
Today’s trek of around 5 hours follow the trail downstream of Marshyangdi River, passing through the scattered villages. As we walk through the pasture of Sangure Kharka, we have the great views of Mt. Manaslu, Lamjung Himal, Himlung Himal and Cheo Himal. After crossing a bridge over Dudh Khola, we descend into the rhododendron forests and pass through a narrow valley to reach the high cultivated land at Karche (2785 metres). As we continue, we pass across fields and make a steep climb over a ridge to reach Tiliche. Overnight at teahouse.
Duration:
5 hours
Admission Included: NOT_APPLICABLE
Day 16: Trek to Jagat (Approx. 1300m/ 5-6 hrs)
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Jagat
Leaving Tiliche, we cross the Marshyangdi river and join the main Annapurna Circuit with the hoards of trekkers and soon reach Dharapani. We have a gradual descend all day along the bank of Dudh Khola and Marshyangdi River. On the way, an initially narrow gorge briefly opens to Tal, a beautiful village. The area here was formed when the valley was blocked by a landslide and a dam formed behind the lake. The lake has long dried up and now the village of Tal sits on the flat land. Eventually, after crossing Tal, we reach Jagat for the overnight. Overnight at teahouse.
Duration:
6 hours
Admission Included: NOT_APPLICABLE
Day 17: Drive to Kathmandu via Besisahar
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Kathmandu
After about two weeks’ of trekking in the Himalaya, we return back to Kathmandu. A seven hours’ drive to Kathmandu via Besi Sahar offers an opportunity to enjoy both hill and mountain landscapes. The drive is often along the banks of the Marsyangdi and Trishuli. We also drive by some beautiful villages with farming terraces on both sides of the road. Upon recahing Kathmandu, you will be escorted to your respective hotel. Overnight at hotel.
Admission Included: NOT_APPLICABLE
Day 18: Depart Kathmandu
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