Day 1: Arrive in Kathmandu.
You will be greeted at the airport by a representative from Outdoor Expeditions and transported to your hotel. Unwind from your flight and meet us in the evening for a welcome dinner at a traditional Nepalese restaurant.
Day 2: Kathmandu sightseeing and trip preparations.
Relax for the afternoon and enjoy a guided tour of Kathmandu’s unique attractions. We’ll spend the day exploring several of the city’s most famous cultural landmarks like the sacred Hindu pilgrimage site Pashupatinath on the banks of the Bhagamati, Swayambunath (Monkey Temple), and Bouddhanath, Nepal’s largest and most revered Buddhist stupa. In the evening we’ll meet with your trekking guide and team members for a trip briefing and preparations for the journey.
Day 3: Drive from Kathmandu to Besisahar. Trek to Khudi 800m/2624ft: 8 hours drive. 1 hour walk.
Depart Kathmandu after breakfast by private van. We follow the Trishuli river toward Pokhara through the pastoral beauty of Nepal’s verdant middle hills. Exiting the highway to Pokhara at Dumre, we arrive at Besisahar. From Besisahar, an hour’s walk will take us to our trailhead at Khudi.
Day 4: Trek from Khudi to Sirung 2200m/7216ft: 6 -7 hours walk
The trek begins in the subtropical Annapurna foothills, a scenic landscape marked by lush vegetation, waterfalls, and rural settlements surrounded by terraced farmlands and grazing buffalo. Several climbs and descents will take us to Sirung, from where our first view of the Manaslu range can be seen upon the horizon.
Day 5: Trek from Sirung to Chamje 1410m/4626ft: 5 – 6 hours walk
Following the Marsyangdi River, we traverse the base of a steep cliff, passing numerous picturesque villages. The trail gradually steepens as we approach Jagat, finishing with a tough climb to Chamje.
Day 6: Trek from Chamje to Dharapani 1960m/6430ft: 5 – 6 hours walk
Entering the Manang region, we traverse a landscape of forested areas and fields of barley, potatoes, and corn. The generally flat trail passes through Tal village, where we stop for lunch near the base of a waterfall, and further on to Dharapani.
Day 7: Trek from Dharapani to Chame 2710m/8891ft: 5 – 6 hours walk
Passing over several ridgelines we ascend gradually into the hills. As the trail presses higher, we are rewarded with glimpses of the snowcapped Annapurnas and Lamjung Himal on the horizon.
Day 8: Trek from Chame to Pisang 3300m/10824ft: 5 – 6 hours walk
The morning’s climb through thick forest will take us to a rocky plateau high above the Marsyangdi River. Several river crossings along suspension bridges will bring us to a scenic expanse of the Manang valley, surrounded by soaring peaks, a dramatic change of scenery as arrive in Pisang.
Day 9: Trek from Pisang to Manang 3500m/11482ft: 6 – 7 hours walk
Dramatic scenery unfolds as we ascend through upper Pisang into a mountainous landscape surrounded by the Pisang and Annapurna peaks. We stop at Barge to visit Manang’s largest monastery en route to Manang Village.
Day 10: Rest day in Manang Village
We spend a day acclimatizing around Manang Village in preparation for the coming days of rapid altitude gains. Several points of interest are easily accessible from Manang, including Gangapurna lake and the Buddhist Gompa at Bhojo.
Day 11: Trek from Manang to Yak Kharka 4110m/13484ft: 3 – 4 hours walk
Ascending out of the Marsyangdi Valley via the adjacent Jarsang Khola Valley, we pass through Ghunsa, a tiny mountain village surrounded by yak pastures. The trail continues with a river crossing and past an ancient Mani wall, finally arriving at Yak Kharka.
Day 12: Trek from Yak Kharka to Thorong Phedi 4600m/15092ft: 3 – 4 hours walk
A steady ascent across stark and rugged terrain will bring us to Thorong Phedi, a bustling town used often as a base camp for expeditions in the region. We’ll arrive early to allow us to rest for tomorrow’s crossing of the famous Thorong La.
Day 13: Trek from Thorong Phedi across Thorong La 5416m/17764ft and Muktinath 3800/12467ft: 7 – 8 hours walk
Today’s crossing of the epic Thorong La will prove to be a highlight of your trip, and an experience you’ll never forget. The combination of physical challenge and remarkable high mountain scenery will leave you in a state of awe. We’ll descend as the sun sets over a spectacular horizon to Muktinath, a holy pilgrimage site for both Buddhists and Hindus.
Day 14: Trek from Muktinath to Marpha 2670m/8760ft: 4 – 5 hours walk
After exploring the famous temple of Vishnu and monastery in Muktinath, we’ll descend steeply down the side of the Kali Gandaki Gorge, the world’s deepest river gorge. Passing through Kagbeni and Jomsom, we’ll arrive in Marpha, Nepal’s apple capital, where the country’s famous apple brandy is produced.
Day 15: Trek from Marpha to Kalopani 2530m/8300ft: 5 – 6 hours walk
Departing Marpha, we’ll pass through a charming landscape of apple orchards en route to the Thakali village of Chokhopani. From Chokhopani an incredible panoramic view of Dhaulagiri, Tukuche, Annapurna I, Fang, and Nilgiri I, II, and III awaits. A short descent and a river crossing will bring us to our overnight stop at Kalopani.
Day 16: Trek from Kalopani to Tatopani 1200m/3937ft: 6 – 7 hours walk
Crossing the bridge near Ghasa, we descend into a densely forested area before reaching the famous waterfall Rupse Chahara. Passing several villages along our descent and a hydropower facility at Narchyang Besi, we arrive in Tatopani, famous for its hot spring baths – a welcome relief after our days of walking.
Day 17: Trek from Tatopani to Ghorepani 2850m/9350ft: 7 – 8 hours walk
Today brings us through an area inhabited by a variety of hill dwelling villagers en route Ghorepani. Our trail meanders past pastoral villages and through stretches of peaceful forest, ending with a steep climb to the bustling town of Ghorepani.
Day 18: Trek from Ghorepani to Tadapani 2710m/8891ft: 6 – 7 hours walk
This morning will be another trip highlight. The early wake up and steep climb to the lookout at Poon Hill will reward us with spectacular views. The panorama from Poon Hill is said to be one of the best viewpoints in the Annapurnas. After an unforgettable sunrise, we’ll follow a winding trail down to Tadapani.
Day 19: Trek from Tadapani to Ghandruk to Pokhara 850m/2789ft: 5 – 6 hours walk, 1 hour drive
The journey commences with a pleasant stroll through the hillsides to Ghandruk, Nepal’s second largest Gurung settlement. We’ll stop to visit the cultural museum and enjoy the colorful bazaar in Ghandruk. From here it’s a short walk to Nayapul, the last stop on our trek, from where we’ll board a bus for the short drive to Pokhara.
Day 20: Drive from Pokhara to Kathmandu: 6 hour drive
After breakfast, we’ll board our bus bound for Kathmandu, arriving in the evening in time to relax in Thamel and enjoy a farewell dinner.
Day 21: Depart Kathmandu
Take care of any last minute shopping or sightseeing as time permits. You’ll be picked up at your hotel three hours prior to your departure flight. Thanks for traveling with Outdoor Expeditions. Farewell and Namaste.
