This Manaslu and Annapurna trek is perfect for experienced trekkers who may have already ‘ticked off’ the Everest region and wish to see ‘the rest’ of Nepal in one hit!

This long and demanding traverse trek takes in the best of the two classic Nepal trekking ‘circuits’ of Manaslu and Annapurna. We cross two high passes, the Larkya La (5235m) to the north of Manaslu and the Thorung La (5416m) to the north of Annapurna. We access the Manaslu area via a long jeep drive from Kathmandu which takes us to Arughat, a busy bazaar in the heart of Nepal. From here it is on foot for the next 18 days, passing though culturally diverse regions as we loop around the back of some of the world’s most spectacular peaks. After thirteen days we reach the upper Marsyandi valley and follow the classic Annapurna Circuit route over the Thorung La to Jomsom, from where we fly back to Kathmandu.

Dates & Prices

Itinerary

Days 1-3 Depart UK and arrive Kathmandu. Transfer to hotel close to the famous, bustling Thamel district of Kathmandu within easy walking distance of the Monkey Temple with its lovely gardens. Day 3 is free for sightseeing

Day 4 After breakfast we travel by private vehicle along a to the Burhi Gandaki Valley and the sprawling village of Arughat Bazaar. 6 hours driving.

Days 5 to 9 The initial part of the trek takes us through lowland forests interspersed with farms and hamlets upstream along the Burhi Gandaki. Ascents and descents take us over the steep cliffs. At times we are on the sandy riverbed, at other times high above it. At times the cliff-hanging trail passes through an uninhabited and thickly forested gorge. Beyond Bihi evidence in the form of mani stones show we have reached the Buddhist region and at our night top on the village of Ghap we encounter the Tibetan culture. 5- 7 hours walking daily.

Days 10 to 12 Now we are in a deep, steep sided valley and start to gain significant height. After passing through Namrung, the valley opens out into fields of barley. Shortly after Lho we get our first views of Manaslu (8163). We continue through forest to Shyala from where there are commanding views of Himal Chuli, Manaslu and Phungi. We then continue along the trail to the village of Sama and the impressive Sama Gompa just beyond, where we stop for a rest / acclimatisation day. 6 hours walking daily

Day 13 As we continue up the valley above Sama fresh mountain views greet us at every bend. We pass Samdu, the highest permanently inhabited village in this region at 3850m and continue on past here to the teahouses at Duwang. 6 to 7 hours walking.

Day 14 The longest day of the trip as we cross the Larkya La (5135m). An early start is essential. We ascend across glacial moraines through rugged, often snow covered terrain, passing a frozen lake to reach the prayer flags marking the summit. Views across to Annapurna II, Kang Guru and Himlung Himal are our rewards. The descent is initially steep, then eases off as we descend a moraine ridge leading to the lovely camping place in a lateral valley at Tanbuche. 10 hours walking.

Days 15 and 16 We descend the Karche River for 3 days passing the Manaslu west base camp with more fine views of Annapurna II and Manaslu. We drop back into rhododendron forest and continue down to the Marsyangdi River on the Annapurna Circuit which is joined at Dharapani 5 hours walking daily

Day 17 to 20 Now we are following the main Annapurna Circuit route and will reach the foot of the Thorong La in just four days as we are already acclimatised. Our trail crosses the Marsyandi river on numerous occasions and passes through the administrative capital of Manang (3535m). 5- 6 hours walking daily

Day 21 Crossing the Thorung La is undoubtedly the hardest and most spectacular part of the trek. The trail ascends in wide curves, passing a number of glacial lakes on the way to the chortens of Thorung La (5416m) which boasts magnificent views to Gangapurna and Dhaulagiri. We descend the other side of the pass down steep slopes which may well be snow covered until the valley becomes level with the occasional rise and fall in the trail. Descent takes around three hours but provides stunning views of Dhaulagiri I, Tukuche Peak and Nilgiri. Muktinath at 3792m hosts the sanctuary of Juwala Mapa (Temple of Miraculous Flame) a 'must see'. 9+ hours walking.

Day 22 Today we continue our descent in the Jhong Khola valley passing through small settlements on the way until we reach the ancient village of Kagbeni (2810m) with houses of pounded earth stacked against each other and the ruins of Sakyapa Monastery. From here a long, level path leads to the administrative capital of the Kali Gandaki Valley, the village of Jomosom (2743m). 5 hours walking

Days 23 to 25 Fly to Jomson to Kathmandu, and enjoy some free time in Kathmandu before transferring to the airport for your overnight flight home.

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