MANASLU AND ANNAPURNA CIRCUIT TREK

A representative from Sherpa Expedition and Trekking will collect you from the airport and take you to your hotel in Thamel – the tourist hub of Kathmandu. You can wander around Thamel and buy some necessary equipment you may need on your trek. There will be a welcome dinner in the evening and a short briefing about our trek, and a chance to ask questions concerning the trek.

We will spend the day sightseeing in the Kathmandu Valley with our guide. We will visit Pashupatinath, which is the holiest Hindu temple in Nepal and a place many pilgrims go to worship Lord Shiva (situated on the banks of the holy Bagmati River), Bouddhanath, a Buddhist temple known as ‘Little Tibet’ and then on to Swayambhunath known as the Monkey Temple. From Swayambhunath we head to Kathmandu’s famous Durbar Square, a UNESCO World Heritage-listed site situated in front of the old royal palace.

Today we will either take a public bus or car to Soti Khola, with a stop along the way for a lunch break. Tonight we will stay at Soti Khola.

Today we follow the trail and cross the Soti Khola (river) to Khorla Besi on a ridge above the rapids on the Buri Gandaki River. The trail takes us through the lush landscape in the picturesque Buri Gandaki Valley. The trail passes through forests, fertile cultivated fields, across streams, and by waterfalls. We then climb to Lapu Besi and then to Khorla Besi.

Today we first head to Korsani Village and then follow a trail along the banks of the Buri Gandaki until we arrive at the Gurung village of Labishe. We continue to follow the trail through the Buri Gandaki Valley with the river at our side, and as we progress we have fantastic views of Ganesh Himal and Shringi Himal.

Today we trek for between 6 to 7 hours and follow the Budhi Gandaki River toward Chisapani until we arrive at the junction of Shar Khola and Tsum Valley where they connect with the Budhi Gandaki Valley. We will continue through a bamboo forest until we reach Deng. Our trail the takes us to Ghap with its distinctive Tibetan style houses.

Today we cross the Budhi Gandaki River and to an area where there is plenty of wildlife, that includes the Danphe (pheasant) and Langur monkeys. The trail heads uphill through fir, rhododendron, and bamboo forests before coming to Namrung Village and on then to Upper Nupri. Views of the stately Manaslu, Manaslu North (7,157m), and Naike Peak (5515m) are visible at the head of the valley. As we reach Lho we can see a great valley expanding ahead of us. Lho also has a Gompa (monastery) worth visiting.

Today on the trail we are fortunate to have some remarkable views of Ngadi Chuli Peak (7879m) and Hiunchuli (7893m). We will pass through the village of Shyala and then continue on the trail, along the way passing chortens and Gompas and of course the ever-present colorful Tibetan prayer flags. We then emerge from the Thosang Khola and head down and cross a rocky moraine before coming to Samagaun.

At higher altitudes it is essential to spend time to get acclimatized, for at least one day, before heading to higher altitudes. Health specialists recommend that you move about and don’t just sit around doing nothing. A good way to stay active is to explore the Gompa at Pugyen (4070m), or a one day hike that leaves the trail between Syaula and Sama. If we have time we can head up the valley to the craggy rocks and terrain of the Pugin Glacier. Another alternative is a trip to the glacial lake at Birendra Tal (3450m) and then a tough and demanding climb to Manaslu Base Camp (4900m). It is said that to the north of Birendra Tal is Milarepa’s Cave (famous Buddha saint) claimed to have been used by him as a meditation retreat.

Today the trail heads back down to the Buri Gandaki River passing the junction of the Birendra Tal and Manaslu Base Camp routes. The valley then widens before arriving at Kermo Khadka and then continues to the white Kani Gateway signifying the entrance to Samdo Village (3860m). If we have time we may trek to the peak above the village for remarkable views of Mount Manaslu. If we feel it is necessary to further acclimatize, there is a 6 t0 7 hour trek climbing 640 meters to the moraine of the Fukang Glacier, where you will be pleased with the extensive views of several high passes used by locals to cross over into Tibet.

Today we head down through fields before starting our climb to Larkya-La Pass, a trail that has stunning views of Manaslu and the Syacha Glacier, and an area where there is a likelihood of spotting Himalayan blue sheep on your way to Dharamsala (4480m). This is as high as we go today without exposing ourselves to altitude sickness. This is the final safe haven before reaching the pass. This area of the trek is often subject to snowfall and from mid-December to mid-March, when snow blocks the Larkya-La Pass, the Samdo Lodge is normally closed. Your guide will know beforehand if the lodge is closed.

A 3 to 5 hour trek will see us up and across Larkya-La Pass (5100m), the highest elevation on this trek. The climb is wintry and gusty and can often be dangerous, especially if there is snow on the pass. Your guide will check the condition of the crossing before departing Samdo. The trail passes many cairns (rock mounds) that are often covered in snow. It then crosses the moraine to four frozen lakes before climbing higher to the pass where a number of peaks stand before you. These include Himlung Himal (7126m), Cheo Himal(6820m), Gyaji Kung(7030m), Kang Guru(6981m) and Annapurna II(7937m). After a photo opportunity, we continue in a westerly direction along a dangerous track before reaching Taboche where the trail becomes less physically demanding. The valley slowly opens up and then descends to Bimtang (3720m), one of many trading posts along the Tibetan salt route. An interesting detour follows a trail above Bimtang to the clear waters of the glacial lake of Pungkar Tal (4100m).

We descend to Dudh Khola (river) and Soti Khola (river) (2700m) and follow a trail directly below the huge Phunki Peak (6258m). We then take a trail across the ridge to Gho Village. At this lower altitude, it is noticeably greener as we head down through cultivated fields and forests. We then follow the trail on the north bank of the Dudh Khola before arriving at Tilche (2300m) the largest village since leaving Samdo. The village is well known for its flagstone paved streets and the home of the Gurung people. After passing Tilche through the Kani (gateway arches), we then cross the river before coming to Thonje Village. The trail to Dharapani (1920m) means crossing a suspension bridge over the Marsyangdi River. We then arrive at the junction of the Annapurna Circuit trek where the going is much easier and then head downhill to Dharapani.

From Dharapani we climb through forests to Bagarchhap, the first village on the trek with typical Tibetan architecture. We slowly gain altitude until reaching the apple country at Dhanaqi. The trail through this alpine region passes through farmlands and through forests with orchards growing wild. There are also some great views of Lamjung and Annapurna II peaks. We continue on and follow the Marsyangdi River heading upstream and passing by the villages of Ratamanang and Koto before arriving at Chame, the district headquarters of the Manang region.

Leaving Chame we pass through Telekhu Village and further along the trail have some incredible views of Annapurna and Pisang (6091m) until we come to a suspension bridge that we cross over the Marsyangdi River. After crossing the river we then head higher through a pine forest as we trek through the upper reaches of the Manang Valley to Pisang.

The town of Pisang is the start of our trek into the upper Manang area. Today we take the trail heading to Braga, a Tibetan village with its unique architecture and houses constructed one upon the other. One of its main attractions is its Gompa (monastery), the largest in the Manang region. Manang is very popular with trekkers and is also a place to acclimatize before heading to higher altitudes.

Medical professionals strongly recommend that before heading to higher elevations trekkers spend time acclimatizing. They also recommend staying active. Today we will climb up to Khangsar (3756m) as a way to further help us acclimatize.

grazing in these alpine pastures. On the trail, we pass the only teahouse at Thorong Khola. Depending on the conditions we may decide to go a little further and stay the night at Letdar.

Climbing higher we will slowly get accustomed to the higher altitudes. We follow the east bank of the Jarang Khola (river) and on the trail view some steep bluffs before arriving at Thorong Phedi (meaning foot hills). If we are lucky we may see the famous blue sheep and even a snow leopard! From here we continue to Thorong High Camp. This is also home to Lammergeyer (bearded vulture). There is also a belief the mythical griffons are in this region!

Today is probably going to be the toughest day of the trek, hiking for around 8 to 9 hours. The higher altitude and strong winds make it more challenging. Along the trail, we may pass sheep, yaks, and merchants transporting their goods by donkeys or mules – and on their backs. Once we reach Thorong La Pass we will have some awesome views of Annapurna, Gangapurna, and the distinctive peak of Khatungkang (6484m). Leaving the pass we descend 1600 meters. The dazzling Mt. Dhaulagiri (Dhavali giri, meaning “White Mountain”) is the highest mountain that is wholly in Nepal. The trail then gets easier on this leg to Muktinath.

Leaving Muktinath we have a 200 meter descent to the Kaligandaki river valley floor, with a short stop at Ekle Bhatti that has several teahouses. The trail continues and gets windy until we reach Jomsom, the headquarters of the Mustang region with its small airstrip situated just above the Kaligandaki River. After two more hours on the trail from Jomsom we come to Marpha with its whitewashed houses, paved streets and some well maintained lodges. You may wish to sample some of the local apple products like cider, brandy, and juice that are grown in this region.

Today we follow the Kaligandaki River downstream until we reach Tukuche Village situated beneath the soaring Tukuche Peak and Mt. Dhaulagiri. You will also have views of Mt. Nilgiri and the glaciers on Dhaulagiri’s east face. The next destination is Larjung Village and then head back to the tree line of pines, oaks, and rhododendron trees. Continuing on we come to Kalopani Village and a little further cross the wild Kali Gandaki River. We will also have views of Mt.Annapurna I, Nilgiri and Dhaulagiri. A short trek downhill brings us to Lete Village.

The first village we arrive at today is Ghasa and then the trail leads us through rice fields and into a warmer sub-tropical climate. On the trail, we pass the waterfalls at Rupsi before arriving at Tatopani (hot spring) Village situated on the banks of the Kaligandaki River. This is a time to sit back and relax in the therapeutic hot pools and rest those weary muscles.

Today we climb 1670 meters, quite hard-going, and pass through more cultivated farmlands with their terraced fields. We trek through a rhododendron forest, spectacular in springtime, and magnolia forest. At Ghorepani, we can see the enormous and far-reaching Annapurna Ranges and Machapuchare (fishtail) - one of the few unclimbed peaks in Nepal due to its religious status – being home to Lord Shiva.

Getting up really early we trek up to Poon hill to watch the sunrise, an amazing experience that will leave you breathless. As dawn approaches the change in colors will be a thrilling experience where your camera will go into overdrive! This has to be one of the best places, on any trek, to observe the Annapurnas, Dhaulagiri, and many other snow-covered peaks. This is a mind-blowing experience and will give you photos to brag about in the future. We then head back down o Ghorepani for breakfast and then head down a steep trail to Tikhedhunga.

Today the trail is fairly easy going as we pass villages and cascading waterfalls before arriving at the stunning village of Birethanti situated by the Modi River where we will stop for a lunch break. Another 30 minutes brings us to Nayapul and then from here we drive to Pokhara and your hotel near Phew Tal (lake). Tonight you may decide to celebrate with a few drinks to celebrate the end of your adventure to the Himalayas.

Today we head by road (flying is an option) back to your hotel in Thamel, Kathmandu.

A representative from Sherpa Expeditions and Trekking will take you to the airport at least three hours prior to your departure from Nepal. On your way home you may be considering your next epic adventure to Nepal.