Day 1 Kathmandu – Bhulbule (190km/840m/ 8hrs)

We begin our Annapurna trekking with a 6 hours drive to Bhulbule along to the Prithvi Highway with an essential physical fitness, adequate acclimatization and good logistic support. From Dumre we divert to the rough route by the Marsyangdi River passing low-lying villages and rice fields. Eventually, we reach Besi Sahar which is the capital of Lamjung District.

We then continue our 2hrs drive to Bhulbule at the bank of Marsyangdi River.

The trail for the day continues to Jagat descending sharply from Bahundanda via rice fields and crossing a stream situated at the bottom of a small waterfall. The trail further reaches Hani Gaon after climbing and traversing high hillside high above the river. Marshyangdi valley then forms a sharp V-shape. Then after we move ahead to the windy mountain path through Syange along with the river for some distance. The trail then harshly climbs around 200-300m above the riverbed into the sheer cliff-face to reach Jagat. This village is called stone village, situated on shelves, which extend out into the precipitous Marsyangdi valley.

The descending trail further continues to the river and passes through a dense forest. On advancing higher we come across a sharp-edge cliff facing the river bank. On moving ahead, one of the magnificent scenery of Annapurna mountain ranges, Chyamje shows itself. We cross the suspension bridge and climb vertically towards slippery and physically challenging path to reach Sattale. Subsequently, we descend to a grassy riverbank which leads to Tal. As we move ahead the valley narrows itself and trail turns into a high and windy with a bit of cliff walking. Further, we encounter with steep forested village of karte. Finally, travelling along the waterfalls and cliffs, we cross a suspension bridge and end our day at Dharapani.

We continue our trip cutting through a narrow field from the village. The Dudh Khola veers to the left which originates from the south face of Manaslu. As we move ahead where the Marsyangdi veers to the left and Annapurna II is visible from Bagarchhap which is a Bhotia village where we find colorful flags with prayers waving in the breeze. We further ascend through a forest of pine an oak and waterfall thunder can be experienced after Dhanakyu. From here Marshyangdi river passes through a gorge and the trail follows rock-strewn path.

We can spend a majestic time with the pleasing scenery of Manaslu before we move ahead. As we cross sudden incline we then pass through magnificent rhododendrons slight vertical trail. Then we cross pine forest, stream and come into pristine Hamlet of Kotho. Here, we can capture enchanting view of Annapurna II. Walking further we arrive at Chame with large white gate with a corrugated iron roof. It’s major attraction is the hot spring. The administrative headquarter of Manang District has all the essential facilities like electricity, wireless station, schools, shops, health post, post office, police check post, hotels lodges and banks.

The next day, in the morning, we will spend some time enjoying the mesmerizing sight of glowing Lamjung Himal (6893m) and move crossing large suspension bridge along Marshyangdi. We then traverse houses and lodges on the northern side of the river and mender through barley field towards Leleku (2775m). Ahead, after undulating mountain passes, we enter an interesting apple orchard close to a bridge at 2840 meters and the pristine hemlet of Bratang across. Historically, it used to be Khampa settlement place and a stone memorial of a Japanese Climber has been built in this place.

Moving further from forested village the valley turns into a gentle U-shape and beautiful Annapurna range rears up. Ahead, we again pass through steep rock-strewn trails to the south side to cross long suspension bridge at 3040 meters high. The vantage point allows viewing Paungda Dang rock rising more the 1500 meters from the river. Furthermore, towards Pisang we will have an opportunity to capture splendid views of Annapurna II high on the east and Pisang Peak on the north-east.

From Pasang to Manang through steep ridge and take pleasure our trek continues towards the beautiful sights of the Manang Valley and Tilicho peak towering above 7132 meters. Before Manang, we descend through Manang’s airstrip and arrive at Hongde lying under the gigantic Annapurna III on the north-east face.We reached ahead at wide plant of the Sabje Khola Valley where we can see the to beautiful view of Annapurna IV (7525m).

Advancing on we cross over a gushing Marsyangdi Khola on wooden bridge and enter a beautiful village of Mungji. Further treading we leave behind some cultivated fields and reach impressive monastery of Bryaga village. Finally, before we land at Manang we enjoy the majestic view of the Annapurna range – Annapurna I, Annapurna II, Annapurna III, Annapurna IV, Gangapurna (7455m) and Tilicho Peak (7134m).

When we reached Manang we stay there for a day and spend our some time to see the wonderful ice fall which flows down in the river from the mountain peaks covered by glaciers and also we will enjoy the panoramic view of Annapurna mountain range and the Manang valley. Stay at Manang will help us acclimatize before we head through the Thorung La. Also, an interesting visit to Himalayan Rescue Association (HRA) aid post.

Taking break time for a day we move forward Thorung La to cross a stream, hiking to Tengi, 120 meters above Manang and move up crossing Marshyangdi Valley which takes us to north-west up the valley of the Jarsang Khola. Ahead we reach at small Gunsang village through amid the spectacular view Annapurna mountain range and trek beyond the lush vegetation of scrub juniper and alpine grasses. Gunsang is a cluster of flat mud roofs situated below the route where we can find several lodges.

We now encounter with grazing horses and yaks as we approach picturesque meadows and rich forest of barberry, juniper etc. As we move on along a large stream flowing from Ghulu West and Gundang and the trail leads to a rich pasture at 4000 meters.

As we leave Letdar the trail steadily climbs to the edge descends to the headwaters of the Marshyandgi. We cross the River via a covered wooden bridge and ascent for a while up the mountain path on the right bank. Finally, a narrow trail crosses an unstable steep slope and descends to the Thorung Phedi.

The trek starts early in the morning to the Thorung La (5416m). As we leave the camp the trail turns out to be sharp. The trail is well defined since its being used by the local people for hundreds of years. Almost after 4 hours of continuous climb the gradient eases reaching the Chorten and prayers flags of the pass. We experience the vivid picture of the mountains covered with white snow, the head of the Kali Gandaki valley below and the brown and purple hills of Mustang which extend out before us.

We have 1600m trek remaining to Muktinath. The demanding journey makes up by the excellent views of Dhaulagiri. Finally, appears grassy slopes and then a pleasant walk towards Muktinath and its shrines and temples.

We continue our trek down the dramatic Kali Gandaki Gorge. We pass visiting the Jharkot and Khingar villages with Tibetan architecture and follow the valley floor mostly on the way to Jomsom. We can enjoy the fine views of Nilgiri peaks from Jomsom which is sprawled along both banks of the Kali Gandaki.

We will transfer to the airport as per your flight schedule and fly to Pokhara and free day.

As per the scheduled flight, we will manage your transfer to the Jomsom airport. The free day stars as you reach Pokhara.

Pokhara is a beautiful natural valley most popular tourist destination where you will be welcomed by, high standing, uncountable mountains along with Annapurna, Machhapuchhre (fishtail).

Drive back to Kathmandu. If you choose to fly the free morning can be used in the city’s ample shops and cafe’s also enjoy boating on beautiful Fewa Lake.

A representative from Royal Mountain Trekking will take you to the airport few hours before the scheduled flight.