Detail Itinerary

Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu

Upon your arrival at Kathmandu airport, you will be greeted by a representative from Kathmandu Adventures. After completing your customs formalities (Visa, etc) pick up your luggage and look for our representative with a Kathmandu Adventures display board at the arrival gate. You will be then transferred to your hotel.

Day 02: Kathmandu Sightseeing & Preparation for the Trek

Today after breakfast we start a guided tour to several of the most historical and spiritual attractions in Kathmandu.  Some of landmarks we visit include the World Heritage Sites of Kathmandu Durbar Square, the sacred Hindu temple of Pashupati Nath, the famous ‘Monkey Temple’ (Swayambhu Nath) and Buddhists shrine (Bouddha Nath).  In the afternoon, there will be a pre-trip discussion where we can meet our trek leader and other team members. You can also do  your last minute shopping for personal items as you will starting your trek tomorrow. Included meals: B

Day 3: Drive from Kathmandu to Sotikhola [710m/2328 ft] 8 – 9 hours

We set off early today for Sotikhola. During the drive, we enjoy views of the Nepalese countryside along with the mountain sceneries.  We will be driving on a paved road from Kathmandu to Dhading Bensi, district headquarter of Dhading (1050m)but the drive from Dhanding Bensi to Arughat will be on a rough road.   Upon reaching Arughat, a major town in the region we drive further towards Sotikhola. Overnight in Soti Khola. Included meals: B

Day 4: Soti Khola – Maccha Khola [900m/2952 ft]: 6 – 7 hours

At the crossing of the bridge, we trek through the beautiful Sal forests, then climb onto a ridge above huge rapids on the Budhi Gandaki. We then reach Khursane upon which the rocky trail weaves its way up and down, past two tropical waterfalls on a steep, rocky trail clinging to the side of a cliff.  It eventually makes its way down and past a few rice terraces, then up and around to the Gurung village of Labubesi.  We trek further behind a rocky outcrop, where the valley opens up and the Budhi Gandaki meanders among wide gravel bars.  Dropping to the sandy river bed, we walk along rounded stones before climbing over a side ridge.  We head down again to the river and cross another suspension bridge to reach Machha Khola village. Overnight in Machha Khola. Included meals: B

Day 5:  Maccha Khola -Jagat [1410m/ 4625 ft]: 6 – 7 hrs

The narrow trail makes some minor ups and downs and eventually crosses the Tharo Khola before reaching Khorlabesi.  After a few more ascents and descents we come across a small Hotspring in Tatopani.  From the hot spring, we climb over another ridge, then cross the Budhi Gandaki on a suspension bridge.  At this juncture, we climb on a wide, well-crafted staircase, then across a landslide and over a ridge to Dobhan.  Upon crossing a suspension bridge over the Yaru Khola, we climb the stone stairs and then drop to the river and again climb more stone stairs to Tharo Bharyang.  Crossing the west bank of the Budhi Gandaki, we climb over a ridge, trek along the river and then climb towards the village of Jagat. Overnight in Jagat. Included meals: B

Day 6:  Jagat – Deng [1,804m/5917 ft]: 6 – 7 hrs

We begin today’s trek by climbing over a rocky ridge to Salleri, and then descend to Sirdibas.  The valley widens a bit as the trail continues up to Ghatta Khola.  We continue walking further upstream to a long suspension bridge in Philim, a large Gurung village.  The trail turns north just above the lowest house in the village and stays on a fairly level trail as it crosses millet fields to Ekle Bhatti.  The route now enters a steep, uninhabited gorge.  At this point, we descend to the grassy land slopes, cross the Budhi Gandaki, then trek along the west bank for a while, then cross to the east bank and then back again.  As we continue through the trail the valley widens and we pass through bamboo forests to the Deng Khola.  Upon crossing the Khola, we reach the tiny village of Deng. Overnight in Deng. Included meals: B

Day 7: Deng – Namrung [2630m/8626ft]: 6 – 7 hrs

After a brief walk beyond Deng, we cross the Budhi Gandaki and climb to Rana at 1910m.  From the bridge, we climb a bit to join a trail from Bhi, then head west up the Budhi Gandaki valley.  The trail also passes through forests and mani where we turn towards a corner that contours to Ghap.  Even though there is another route, we take the route through Prok village.  Prok village has a viewpoint for a beautiful sight of Siringi Himal.  We further cross the Budi Gandaki several times today and come across several gompas en route.  The trail follows the river upstream through a dense forest.  After crossing the river at an impressive spot where it thunders down a narrow gorge, the forest becomes less dense and the trail is fine again.  The pleasant walk continues and after a last steep climb we reach Namrung. Overnight in Namrung. Included meals: B

Day 8:  Namrung – Samagaon [3530m/11,578 ft]: 6-7 hours

Namrung village is a good viewpoint for Siring and Ganesh Himal and from the village one can also see Mt. Himal Chuli in the south.  We climb steadily and pass through forests and reach Lihi, a fine village with many chortens and barley terraces.  The trail drops and crosses the side valley of Simnang Himal with Ganesh Himal always close by.  We further pass through Sho, Lho and Shyala villages before reaching Sama Village.  We enjoy extraordianary views of Mt. Manasly from Lho village and also explore the famous Ribung Gompa.  In Shyala village we will be surrounded by high mountains like Himal Chuli and Peak 29 (Ngadi Chuli) to the left, Manaslu and large glaciers straight ahead, and other snow summits to the right, and at the far end stands Ganesh Himal.  Today’s journey ends in Samagaon where we spend the night. Included meals: B

Day 9:  Samagaon – Pungyen gompa – Samagaon: 6 – 7 hours exploration

We spend the day at Samagaon both for rest and acclimatization.  Today, we get acquainted with the rich Sherpa culture.  We enjoy the sight of thousands of mani stones with Buddhist texts and pictures and the Sherpa women clad in traditional clothes and ornaments.  On a little hill near the Sama village is an old Gompa (Pungyen Gompa), a monastery with great views of the glacier.  It is named after Manaslu, Pungyen means bracelet, a good description of the two peaks.  It was destroyed a year after the first unsuccessful Japanese attempt to climb Manaslu.  The locals believed that the climb angered the gods, and when the Japanese came back a year later they met with a lot of resistance that they had to give up their attempt.  They were finally successful in 1959. Overnight in Samagaon. Included meals: B

Day 10:  Samagaon – Samdo [3860m/12,660 ft]: 4 – 5 hours

Today, we descend to the Budhi Gandaki River, that has turned north and follow it to a bridge over a side stream.  The trail to the left leads to the Manaslu Base camp.  The Larkya la Trail passes several mani walls as the valley begins to widen.  It is an easy trail on a shelf above the river passing the juniper and birch forests of Kermo Kharka.  We drop off the shelf, cross the Budhi Gandaki on a wooden bridge and climb steeply onto a promontory between two forks of the river.  From a stone arch we can view a large white kani.  Finally passing through the kani we find Samdo. Overnight in Samdo. Included meals: B

Day 11: Rest Day in Samdo

This is another day set aside for proper acclimatization.  There are two options for us today.  The option that we highly recommend is a hike, up the valley directly at the back of the Samdo village.  This hike will take us to one of the trade passes to Tibet for excellent views of Mt. Manaslu along with other Himalayan ranges including Simrang, Hiunchuli, Ngadi, Larkye Peak, Cheo and possibly Kang Guru behind the pass.  En route to these viewpoints we pass many seasonal herding settlements called doksas and sight some beautiful mountain birds like the Lophophorus (the national bird of Nepal), Lammergeyer and Himalayan Griffin soaring high above us.  Another option for today could be a trip to the Gya La (‘large pass’) to the north of Samdo, a more frequently used trading route to Tibet.  But, this is a rather longer hike (whole day) and hence could be a little tiring.  Overnight in Samdo. Included meals: B

Day 12:  Samdo – Dharamsala/Larkya B. C. [4460m/14, 628 ft]: 4 – 5 hours

Even today, we continue our walk down the edge, cross the wooden bridge over Budi Gandaki and begin walking upward.  Upon crossing two streams and witnessing the Larkya Glacier we go around the valley of the Salka Khola and climb up again to the stone guest house (4450 m), which is not a lodge but a kind of shelter called Dharmshala, also known as Larke Phedi.  The short walk today also leaves plenty of time for acclimatization and relaxing in the afternoon. Overnight in Dharmashala. Included meals: B

Day 13:  Dharamsala – Larkya la [5160m/16, 924 ft] – Bimthang [3720m/12, 201 ft]: 8 – 9 hours

After a short climb, we reach a valley on the north side of the Larkya Glaciers from where we can enjoy great views of Cho Danda and Larkya Peak.  Finally, we walk across moraines of the glacier, making a gradual ascent which becomes steeper only in the last section of the pass.  From the pass, there are outstanding views of Himlung Himal, Cheo Himal, Kangguru and the huge Annapurna II.  It is a longer day than usual to Bimtang, but to walk into these low pastures with the evening mist coming in with Mt. Manaslu looming close by is an overwhelming experience. Overnight in Bimthang. Included meals: B

Day 14: Bimthang – Tilije [2300m/7544ft]: 5 – 6 hours

From a ridge at Bimthang, we can enjoy great views of Mt. Manaslu, Lamjung Himal, Himlung Himal and Cheo Himal.  We descend further and cross a high pasture (Sangure Kharka) followed by a bridge over Dudh Khola.  We walk through rhododendron forest and follow a trail through a narrow valley until we reach the highest cultivated land of the valley at Karche, 2785 meters.  We pass across fields before making a steep climb over a ridge.  The trail comes off the ridge in a big, sweeping arc to the river bank at 2580m.  A short distance beyond is the village of Gho. Due to yesterday’s tiredness we might take an overnight rest at Gho but better lodges are available at Tilije, so Epic Adventures recommends we stay at Tilije. Overnight in Tilije Village. Included meals: B

Day 15:  Tilije – Tal [1700m/5576 ft]: 5 – 6 hours(1700)

We climb over a small ridge and enjoy the stone paved trail as it passes through a beautiful village.  We then cross the bridge over Dudh Khola and climb up through a chorten-shaped arch, pass a mani wall and reach the Thonje village.  At the village, we go through a police checkpoint and continue to Dharapani.  We have entered the Annapurna circuit section from Dharapani. Further down, we come across Karte village and after quite a bit of walking we cross a bridge over Marshyangdi Khola.  We also come across some mani walls before reaching the village of Tal, situated at the foot of a large waterfall. Overnight in Tal. Included meals: B

Day 16:  Tal – Syange [1080m/3542 ft]: 6 – 7 hours

We follow the trail to Chyamje village crossing the Marshyangdi Khola once again.  The Marsyandi valley opens with its terrace fields and villages clung very high to the hillsides.  The trail then descends through rhododendron and and pine forests to Syange. Overnight in Syange. Included meals: B

Day 17: Syange – Kathmandu: 8-9 hours

The drive from Syange to Kathmandu via Besi Sahar offers one an opportunity to enjoy both hill and mountain landscapes.  The drive is often along the banks of the Marsyangdi and Trishuli rivers.  We also drive by some beautiful villages with farming terraces on both sides of the road.  In Kathmandu, we will be escorted to our hotel.  The day in Kathmandu can either be spent in leisure or perhaps we catch up with some last minute shopping.  To celebrate the successful completion of our journey, in the evening, there will be dinner and Cultural show hosted by Kathmandu Adventures.  Overnight in Kathmandu Included meals: B, D

Day 18: Farewell Friend

We are saying good bye to the mountains as your journey in Nepal comes to an end today! There is nothing to do but trade emails with travel companions and organise the photos.  If you have more time you can do some shopping or sightseeing.  Approximately 3 hours before the scheduled flight a representative from Kathmandu Adventures will take you to the airport.  On your way home you’ll have plenty of time to plan your next adventure in the wonderful country of Nepal. Included meals:B

Important Note : Your safety is of paramount concern while traveling with Kathmandu Adventures Please note that your leader has the authority to amend or cancel any part of the itinerary if it is deemed necessary due to safety concerns. Every effort will be made to keep to the above itinerary; however, since this adventure entails travelling in remote mountainous regions, we cannot guarantee that we will not deviate from it. Weather conditions, health condition of a group member, unexpected natural disasters, etc., can all contribute to changes in the itinerary. The leader will try to ensure that the trip runs according to plan, but please be prepared to be flexible if required.

Inclusions

• All accommodation in 3 star (by Nepalese Standard) hotels in cities- twin sharing rooms

• Domestic flights

• All Ground transportation

• All accommodation w/breakfast during the trek.

• Govt. trained guide and necessary no. of porters with their insurance, salary and meals

• One cultural show and dinner

• National park entry fees and TIMS permit card

Exclusions

• International Flight, Airport tax and Nepal Visa fee

• Major meals in Cities

• All personal expenses such as bar bills, water, extra tea / coffee, snacks, shower, battery re-charge, laundry charge etc.

• Personal clothing and gear, sleeping bag and Down jacket for trek

• Tips to guide and porter

• Cost raised by flight cancelation, emergency rescue charges , landslide, weather, political unrest, illness, re-routing etc which are not under our control

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