Kathmandu is the historical and cultural heart of Nepal and has been a popular destination for tourists ever since Nepal opened its doors to visitors. The city presents a wonderful mix of Hinduism, Tibetan Buddhism and Western influence. There will be a guided tour to the largest Buddhist stupa in Nepal Boudhanath and after that to the most popular Hindu shrine dedicated to Lord Shiva- Pashupatinath. We take a tour to Patan or Lalitpur (the City of Artisans), which is 5km away from Kathmandu. We walk through Patan Durbar Square, and delight in the architectural wonders of the Malla era. Mahaboudha Temple, Kumbeshwor Temple, Krishna Temple and Golden Temple are the major attractions at the square.
 

You will take a bus and drive to Besisahar from Kathmandu. On the way we can see the lifestyle found in rural communities, which are surrounded by rivers and pastureland. Besisahar is a “sahar” which supply the daily requirements for the villagers near to it. You can find an average type of climate in Besisahar. Then, we head for Chyamche. Overnight stay at a guesthouse.

Crossing the suspension bridge, we climb uphill for an hour and a half until we reach Jagat. There is a hot spring near Mashyandi River, about 15 minutes walk from the main village. There is also a temple for the goddess. The beautiful sceneries viewed from Jagat are Chipla and Jhitai villages, with high and steep slopes where magnificent, well-engineered terraced hillsides can be found. We continue on, crossing another suspension bridge, and eventually reaching Dharapani. After leaving Dharapani, you go along a short walk and then reach Bagarchap. Overnight at Bagarchap.

Today we walk through a few forested ridges on our way to Chame, which is the headquarters of the Manang District. Throughout the trek we can admire amazing views of the Himalayas including Lamjung Himal, Annapurna II, and Annapurna IV (7,525m/24,688ft). On today’s trek we also come across small hot springs where we can dip in and soothe our aching muscles. Overnight in Chame.

A steep and narrow path through a very dense forest will bring us to the dramatic curved rock face, rising 1500m from the river. This is probably the steepest part of the Marshyangdi Valley, so steep that the trail is carved into the vertical rock. After passing this last bit of rock, the valley opens up with majestic vistas. And right where the valley widens stands the Paungda Danda, a massive sloping rock face that rises over 5,000ft (1500m) above the trail. We trek for a while before reaching Lower Pisang where we spend the night.

There are two routes to Manang but we follow the trail that takes us to Upper Pisang via Geru. This trail guarantees excellent views of the beautiful landscape and the mighty mountains including Annapurna and Pisang.  We begin to notice a contrast in the landscape and vegetation from today. The cold and dry climate also creates a much harsher environment. Our short visit to Barge monastery, the largest monastery in the entire district of Manang will be memorable. Overnight at Manang.

In order to keep fit on the trails that follow, we keep ourselves busy today with a short hike to either Bhojo Gumba or Gangapurna Lake. If we have the energy, we can even hike to Vraga Village where we can visit the Himalayan Rescue Association which will give us some idea about Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS). Overnight in Manang.

We will set off from the village of Manang to Chauri Ledar via Yak Kharka after having breakfast. We continue our walk through the alpine landscape with high altitude vegetation and forest before arriving in Yak Kharka. This village is a small settlement established as a stopover place for the Annapurna Circuit trekkers. An hour of uphill walk from Yak Kharka reaches our destination for today. Overnight in a tent in Chauri Ledar.

After having breakfast today, we will move on a rather easy trail towards Chulu West Base Camp. Today’s trail is mostly through alpine forest and delicate landscapes. After reaching Chulu West Base Camp, we can enjoy the stunning views of the pristine Annapurna Ranges. Overnight in Chulu West Base Camp.

After leaving Chulu West Base Camp, our next destination will be Chulu West High Camp.  The trails are slippery so we must walk very carefully. Even though the trail is quite strenuous also because of the high altitude, we can enjoy some overwhelming views of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri mountains including Manaslu, Gangapurna and Lamjung Himal along the way to the base camp. Overnight in High Camp.

Today we leave very early in the morning towards the Chulu West Peak so as to avoid the windy time up in the summit which can make the climb even more difficult. We followthe instruction and footsteps of experienced Sherpas. There is no technical difficulty in reaching the summit but progress can be slow depending on snow conditions. After having spent a marvellous time over the peak, we now reverse back to the Chulu West High Camp through the same route. Overnight in Chulu West Base Camp.

Today, we take an extra day in Chulu West Base Camp for rest. We look around the place and have the opportunity to see amazing views. Overnight in Chulu West Base Camp.

Today we will move towards Thorong Phedi. Thorong Phedi is the base camp of the prestigious Thorong La Pass in Manang. From ledar, we will start our walk towards Thorong Phedi early in the morning. At the beginning of our walk, we ascend steep downhill before we start our ascent up to the river. Along the trail, you can enjoy the stunning views of Mt. Gundang, Mt. Syagang, Thorong Peak and Mt. Khatungkan. Once we reach Thorang Phedi, we will take a walk around the area. We spend overnight at the base of Thorong Phedi.

Crossing Thorong La Pass, one of the highest passes in the world, will be our ultimate objective today. We will be crossing the pass from east to west (Manang to Muktinath) which is the easiest and safest direction. We get up around three in the morning and walk up the mountain. When we finally make it to the top, we realize that our journey was worth it. We can take a few photos before heading to Muktinath Valley at the foot of the Thorong La pass. Overnight in Muktinath.

Muktinath is an important pilgrimage for both Hindus and Buddhists alike. In the morning, we pay our visit to a Vishnu Temple and a Gompa. Descending from Ranipauwa village down the steep and barren hillside, we tumble down toward Kagbeni and then to Jomsom. The trail today is quite surreal as we trek along a plateau above Kali Gandaki River, the world’s deepest gorge. The barren landscape of this area resembles Tibet. Overnight in Jomsom.

After breakfast at Jomsom, we take a picturesque flight back to Pokhara with mountain views omnipresent and green lush valleys. After getting off the plane at Pokhara, celebrate your success with drinks and a sumptuous dinner. Overnight in Pokhara.

After breakfast, we say goodbye to the beautiful lake city of Pokhara and drive towards Kathmandu. After reaching Kathmandu, we have the rest of the day off to rest or do some souvenir shopping. To celebrate the successful completion of our journey, we will have a farewell dinner in the evening. Overnight in Kathmandu.

Just relax at your hotel room and travel around the beautiful cultural city of Kathmandu, Patan and Bhaktapur. You have the day to your own, so enjoy your last day in Nepal. 

It’s time to leave Nepal, of course with smiles and many memories to cherish. Depending on your flight time we will drop you at Tribhuwan International airport for your final departure to your destination.