Manaslu, Annapurna Circuit and Upper Mustang Trekking – 33 Days

After our permits are approved, we start the trek to Deng. We first trek through the dense tropical forest and continue to trek alongside the Budhi Gandaki river. The trail of this part is through the forests, which is shelter to much rare wildlife. We continue to trek through the forests of the Manaslu region and come across many different villages like Bhatti Khola and Philim. We then cross the bamboo forest over Budhi Gandaki to reach Deng. Overnight in Deng.

From Deng, we cross a suspension bridge and continue to trek through the uneven trails. The trail leads us to Bihi Phedi. We continue from there to reach Ghap. The trail from Ghap is dangerous as it is prone to dry landslides. After crossing the landslide zone, we go past several Magar villages to reach Namrung. Overnight in Namrung.

As we gain altitude, we start seeing a change in the vegetation and culture as well. We slowly enter the Tibetan cultured areas as we trek from Namrung. The trail takes us through the Mani walls and stone houses. On the way, we can also see the beautiful view of mountains like Mt Manaslu (8163m). After trekking for 4 hours, we finally reach Lho. Overnight in Lho.

After breakfast in Lho, we start our day with a trek towards Sama Gaon. We trek through beautiful pine and rhododendron forests. The breathtaking view of Mt. Manaslu (8163m) follows us

throughout the trail. The trek is challenging, and also we gain altitude today. We trek for about five hours to reach Sama Gaon. Overnight in Sama Gaon.

Trekking to the higher altitude may become dangerous if you do not take proper rest. So, we rest for a day today in Sama Gaon. After breakfast, we explore the village and interact with the villagers. We will then hike to Pung Gyan Gompa, where we can enjoy the beautiful view of the Manaslu and other mountains around it. In the evening, you can interact with the locals and try local foods. Overnight in Sama Gaon.

After a day of rest and breakfast in Sama Gaon, we start our trek. We first trek through the pine forest, which slowly starts getting sparser. The vegetation disappears, and the land becomes barren. We trek to a remote and isolated part of the trail with the beautiful Mt. Manaslu (8163m) still keeping us company. The trek is about 4 hours along the banks of the reduced Budhi Gandaki River.

Overnight in Samdo.

Today, you have the option to climb Samdo Ri ( 5000m./16500ft.) for the amazing view and sun rise or you continue head toward Dharmashala.

Trail we trek west along with the views of Naike and Pangbuche peaks. After breakfast in Samdo, we cross a suspension bridge and continue through the uneven and rocky trail. You get a beautiful view of mountains in Manaslu and Himal Chuli range on the route to Dharmashala. After five hours of trekking, we reach Dharmashala. Overnight in Dharmashala.

Today, we trek through one of the most challenging and exciting trails of the trek. We will trek through the barren and remote part of the Manaslu region. The trek provides us with the beautiful view of Mt. Manaslu (8163m), the eighth highest mountain in the world. The trail ascends to the top of the Larkya La Pass (5160m) across the rough and snowy trails. From the top, you can relish the views of Larkya, Mansiri, Cheo, and Himlung Himal range. Later, you descend from the pass with a panoramic view of the mountains and glaciers. Overnight in Bimthang

Today is the last day of our trek. After breakfast in Bimthang, we start our trek towards Dharapani. Today’s trek is more comfortable compared to the last few days. We will descend through the pine and rhododendron forests of the Manaslu region. On the way, the beautiful view of the snow- capped mountains follows us. Overnight in Dharapani.

Leaving Dharapani, Following the pristine mountainous river takes you through lush forests towards Danaque. The trail continues going north towards Koto village, where you’ll enjoy your lunch. Afterward, you’ll continue walk upstream towards Chame village. Chame is the headquarters of Manang District, where you can enjoy the majestic sight of Lamjung Himal (6983m) in the distance. Overnight in Chame.

Enjoy a delicious breakfast and then embark on the first day of the trek. Leaving Chame, you’ll begin trekking upstream along the Marsayangdi River towards Telekhu village. The trail starts to climb through lush forested ridges towards Bhratang. A short hike will bring you to Dhukur Pokhari from where you’ll begin climbing along the Marsayangdi River towards Lower Pisang village. A short climb above Lower Pisang will bring you to Upper Pisang village. Overnight in Upper Pisang.

Enjoy breakfast at Upper Pisang while enjoying the beautiful view of Marsayangdi Valley. Leaving Upper Pisang, you’ll begin to cling uphill through Manang Sadak towards Ngawal village. You can enjoy your lunch and then explore the Tibetan styled settlements at Ngawal. From here, the trail continues through Ghyaru, Humde, and Braga villages towards Manang. Overnight in Manang.

Manang is a town in Manang District surrounded by Annapurna III (7555m) and Gangapurna (6454m). It is home to the ethnic tribes of Tibetan and Magar people. You can spend the day exploring the scenic town and nearby destinations. If you’re up for an adventurous hike, you can head to the Gangapurna Lake and Ice Lake located in the glaciated region amidst Annapurna massif and Chulu East Peak. Catch the beautiful panoramic sight of Annapurna and Gangapurna ranges on the way. Overnight in Manang.

The trek resumes after a hearty breakfast. From Manang, you head west towards Khangsar Khola. The trail gets steeper as you start gaining altitude. Once you cross the river, you reach Khangsar. Then, you ascend again to reach Shree Kharka. En route, you get to see the fantastic views of mountains like Annapurna and Gangapurna. From here onwards, the trail is easy, and you arrive at Tilicho Base Camp . Overnight at Tilicho Base Camp.

You wake up to the picturesque views of Tilicho Peak and have your breakfast. You ascend to a steep slope and head to explore the Tilicho Lake. The trail continues along the pastureland, where you can see yaks and deer. After crossing the pastureland, you arrive at the breathtaking Tilicho lake with the Tilicho Peak in the backdrop. You return to the base camp after exploring the lake area and then descend to Shree Kharka for the overnight stay

After cleaning up and having breakfast, you descend back through the trail you took to ascend. As you descend, you arrive at Tare Gumba, an ancient monastery. You can do a quick tour of the place if you want. Then, you head towards Khangsar village, and from there, you head towards Thorong Khola Valley. You ascend to a plateau after crossing Thorong Khola, which then leads you to Yak Kharka. You will continue ascend another 45 minutes to Ledar. Overnight in Ledar.

Leaving Yak Kharka, you’ll begin climbing uphill through Chauri Ledar village and make way towards Thorong Phedi. The steep trail goes upstream along the Kone River and climbs through the rocky ridges towards Thorong Phedi. Enjoy the scenic sights of Annapurna massif and Thorong Peak (6144m) as you make your way towards Thorong Phedi . Spend the rest of the day acclimatizing for the upcoming climb of Thorong La Pass.

Leaving Thorong Phedi, the trail begins to climb upstream along the Marsayangdi stream. You’ll encounter thick snows as you approach the top of the pass. Once at Thorong La Pass situated (5,416 m), you can enjoy the majestic view of the surrounding mountains in Annapurna and Gangapurna range along with the desert-like landscape of Mustang. Mountains as far as in Tibet will also be visible from the top. You’ll begin descending to the other side and climb down the rocky ridges to reach the monastic destination of Muktinath Temple. Overnight in Muktinath.

The day begins with an exciting tour around Muktinath Temple. Located at an altitude of 3760 meters, Muktinath Temple is one of the most popular pilgrimages in South Asia. Leaving Muktinath, you’ll begin climbing downhill with the company of Nilgiri and Dhaulagiri peaks in the distance. You can enjoy your lunch upon reaching Kagbeni village. It is the gate of Upper Mustang. Overnight at Kagbeni.

After having breakfast at Kagbeni, you will start the trek towards Chele. The trail includes walking alongside the bank of Kaligandaki River as you follow the trail with some ups and downs. Continuing the 5-hour trek, you will approach old stupas and some caves. Then, you will ascend the cliff to reach Chele. Overnight stay at a lodge.

From Chele, you trek towards Syangboche. You will pass through some dry meadows and monasteries. En route, you can catch the sight of Yaks passing by. The trail is a bit tough as you encounter Taklam La Pass (3,624m) and Darjori La Pass (3735m). The 6-hour trek rewards you with astounding views of hills, plateaus, and the Himalayan ranges. Passing through few exciting caves, the trail descends into Samar village and declines further towards the other sharper route to reach Syangboche. Overnight stay at Syangboche.

You will trek towards Ghami today. The trail initially follows the inclination route towards the ridge of Syangboche by crossing the tough pass, Yamada La pass (3850m). The trail follows Chortens, some quaint villages, and barley fields. Following the forested trail, you will come across another pass Nyi La Pass (4010m). The trail starts to descend from here until you reach Ghami. Overnight stay at a lodge in Ghami

After breakfast, you will leave for another exciting village known as Tsarang. You will trek through the slippery pathways to cross the Ghami Khola via a suspension bridge. Proceeding forward, the trail takes you to a long Mani wall. After that, you will come across Choya La Pass (3870m), which offers a beautiful view of the Tsarang village. Following the downward slope, you will approach Tsarang village, where you will get to visit an impressive fortress and a red Gompa. Overnight stay at a lodge in Tsarang village

Today, the trek starts from Tsarang, accompanied by a great view of the barren plateaus. Crossing a river, you will incline the Lo La Pass (3950m), from where you will get a clear glance at Lo Mangthang village. Lo Mangthang is a beautiful village with a rich history. Home to the ancient palace of Lo, you will get a glimpse of the beautiful mountains such as Nilgiri, Annapurna I, and Bhrikuti Peak. Overnight stay at the lodge.

Today is a rest day at Lo- Mangthang village. You will hike to Chhoser and visit the striking Jhong Caves or Sky caves and various monasteries. The cave itself is a wonder to many researchers as the assumption says that the caves were built as a burial ground, hiding place, or for mediation. You will also visit the Namgyal Gompa and Ani Gompa. After exploring the mysterious cave, you will head back to Lo Mangthang. Overnight stay at a lodge in Lo Mangthang

After breakfast in Lo- Mangthang, you will leave for Ghar Gompa. You will trek towards the upper route. You may get to see some blue sheep and other wild animals on the way. The epic views of the Himalayas accompany you, making the walk delightful. After following through a few descends, you will arrive at Gyakar village, which houses the ancient Ghar Gompa. Explore the antique rock paintings at Ghar Gompa. Overnight stay in Ghar Gompa

After a delightful breakfast, you will leave for Ghiling. With the wind blowing on your face, you will pass through the declined trails followed by a barren plateau and few agricultural farms. After trekking for about 5 hours, you will reach the village of Ghiling. Overnight stay at a lodge in Ghiling.

After having breakfast and witnessing the amazing views of the mountains such as Dhaulagiri and Nilgiri, you will head towards Chhusang. Walking through the green fields and varied landscapes, you will pass a few small villages. After walking for about 5 hours, you will reach Chausang. Overnight in Chhusang.

Today is the day you bid a bittersweet goodbye to the region of Upper Mustang and descend to the Lower part of Mustang. After breakfast, you start your 6-hour trek towards Marpha. You will stop for lunch at Kagbeni, and have a contemplating glance at the gorgeous Kaligandaki gorge. Overnight stay at a lodge in Marpha.

Enjoy the pristine Himalayan sights of Annapurna and Dhaulagiri range as you leave for the airport. The early morning jump to jeep/bus, it will take you to Pokhara through world’s deepest kaligandaki gorge, most beautiful rupse waterfall and natural hot spring – Tatopani along the way. Overnight in Pokhara.