Difficulty
Hard
Duration
17Days
Max Elevation
5160m at Larkya Pass
Group Size
2-8
Accommodation
Teahouse
Transportation
Private Vehicle
Start / End
Kathmandu/ Kathmandu
On arrival at Kathmandu Tribhuvan International Airport, you will be greeted by our staff, who will escort you to the hotel, where our Sherpa guide or the office staff will give you a brief orientation about the hotel, Kathmandu itself, trekking, and the do's and don’ts of the area. They will also review any additional information that you might require while in Nepal, including an overview of the next day's sightseeing tour. In the evening, you will enjoy a complimentary welcome dinner at one of the finest traditional Nepalese restaurants in Kathmandu, with the necessary transfer to and from the hotel by taxi, bus. Overnight in Hotel
Max Altitude: 1300m/ 4265 ft
After your breakfast, you will precede to Kathmandu Durbar Square, where you will tour the ancient palace, the temple of Kumari, hailed as the living goddess of Nepal, Hanuman Dhoka and Kasthamandav Temple with a guide knowledgeable about Nepalese history, architecture, and religion. From there, you will proceed by taxi, bus to the Buddhist site, Swoyambhunath Stupa, also known as the "Monkey Temple" because of its lively troops of resident monkeys. You will then visit Pashupatinath Temple, the holiest shrine for Hindus, situated on the banks of the holy Bagmati River, a popular cremation site. Before returning to the hotel, you will visit Boudhnath Stupa, a Buddhist pilgrimage center and home to many colorful gompas, or monasteries. Once back at the hotel, you will receive a briefing about the trek and have a chance to meet your guides and ask any last minute questions before tomorrow morning's departure. Overnight in Hotel
Max Altitude: 1300m/ 4265 ft
After an early breakfast you’ll drive (by jeep) to Gurkha on the Kathmandu-Pokhara scenic highway, an interesting drive through the foothills of the Himalaya. The road has been greatly improved in recent years. The journey is long and passes through many rural villages and towns, with occasional views of the peaks of Langtang, Ganesh and Manaslu to as far as the Annapurna. Our route diverts from the Pokhara highway at the village of Abu Khaireni and from here the road climbs all the way to our destination at Gurkha, a small hill bazaar and ancestral home of the Shah dynasty of Nepal. It is from here that King Prithvi Narayan Shah started his conquest of the country's various tiny kingdoms and unified them into a single nation, Nepal. Perched one thousand feet above Gurkha Bazaar, the ancient palace dominates the surroundings and is visible from all around the area. The palace also boasts beautiful architecture. Although only Hindus are allowed to enter the palace premises, it is worthwhile walking up the stairs for the views. You continue the drive through numerous farm villages and paddy fields with occasional views of the snowy peaks of Manaslu and Himalchuli and then further on to the warmer sub-tropical area, coming to the large village of Aarughat, clustered on both sides of the River Budhi-Gandaki linked by a suspension bridge. This is the largest settlement in the valley and also a junction to various important places. From here we drive further on the dusty rough road on to Soti Khola where you’ll rest overnight stay. Overnight at Teahouse
Max Altitude: 700m/ 2296 ft
Duration: 07 Hrs
From Maccha Khola, the path follows a motor able road to Khursanibari, from where path at times cuts into the steep valley, which is densely forested, passing through a number of small villages tucked into the hillside, until we reach a widening of the valley, opposite the point where a large tributary stream enters the Burhi Gandaki River. The terraced cultivated fields belong to the upper village of Lapubesi (880M). From here our path descends to the wide, sandy riverbed which follows a trail meandering below the steep, craggy valley side at length leading to a climb up once again on a track to Machha Khola (Fish stream) with a few local teahouses, where we will stop for overnight. This area is mostly inhabited by the Garuva ethnic group whose main livelihood is fishing rather than farming. Overnight at Teahouse
Max Altitude: 870m/ 2854 ft
Duration: 06 Hrs
Today after taking breakfast, the trail from leads to more interesting farm villages and fields as the vegetation changes slowly, as we cross the stream that gives called Machha Khola and heading upstream to the tiny village of Kholabensi and the hot springs at Tatopani. From here the valley sides becomes steeper, until the path becomes almost impassable and the route then switches to the left bank of the river over a suspension bridge. After a short section of forest path we reach at Dobhan. Before the Burigandaki River reaches at Dobhan, it flows down in an impressive torrent of rapids. Beyond this steep section, the river becomes calmer, meandering across a broad gravel bed. On reaching Lauri we cross the Vana River on a suspension bridge and from here the trail climbs upwards on a high path before then descending into open valley at a place known as Yara Khola. Here, there many good camping spots depending upon the hours of walk and the condition of the trail. Our journey continues on for another hour to the village of Jagat where we will have overnight stay. It’s a large village with the mixed races of people such as Magar, Chhetries, Brahmin, Bhotias (Tibetan looking tribes) and some Newar merchants and shopkeepers. Before joining the main trail of Annapurna, this is the only last big village where most of the merchandize is available from soaps, to candy to flashlights, batteries etc. Overnight at Teahouse
Max Altitude: 1340m/ 4396 ft
Duration: 06 Hrs
From Jagat, the trail descends on a long series of stone steps to the river, from where the path climbs a terraced hillside to Saguleri, with the distant views towards Sringi Himal (7187m). The trail now continues in a series of ascents and descents to the bridge over the Budhi-Gandaki River. After crossing the bridge from Ghatta-khola, the path winds up towards Philim. From Philim, the trail climbs slowly along the hillside passing through small settlements of Aga and Lokpa. From this village, the trails is bit improved until reached to Deng village where you’ll have overnight stop. Overnight at Teahouse
Max Altitude: 1860m/ 6102 ft
Duration: 06 Hrs
Today the path is bit improved and in some sections the trail is cut into the sheer cliff walls. After this dramatic section of today’s route the trail improves as the route leads to Bihi Phedi. The houses and terrain completely changes from here onwards to a more Tibetan style and influence. The people here are of Tibetan origin along with their ancient culture and customs. Villagers of this area cultivate buck wheat, wheat, barley and potatoes as staple crops and now that trekking is becoming more popular in this area other crops such as spinach, carrots and cabbages are also grown. Our journey continues through the steep sided and impressive valley, coming across mani (prayer) stones leading up to Ghap village which straddles the river across a short wooden bridge. There is a strong Tibetan influence in this village. From here onwards the trekking is pleasantly cool as we begin to gain height and enter the alpine forest. The trail continues steeper up as the valley opens out with quite extensive pastures and a steady climb before crossing a large stream flowing down from the Lidana Glacier, with magnificent views of the snow peaks on the north Kutang Himal range with Pang Phuchin (6335m), Saula Himal (6235m) and other unnamed peaks of over 6000m. On the southern side lies the Manaslu Himal and Simang Himal range with its array of over 7000m peaks. The walk is pleasant; with a gradual climb uphill and the altitude increases slowly we reach to Namrung. Overnight at Teahouse
Max Altitude: 2630m/ 8628 ft
Duration: 05 Hrs
Today it’s an easy walk through the small villages. The people from here onwards are engaged in farming during the summer, with young villagers in winter traveling to large cities in Nepal and India for work. Just above the village of Sho we get the first views of Manaslu north and then of Manaslu (8163m) ahead. An hour’s trek more brings us to Lho where we’ll rest overnight. Lho is a large village with a lovely little monastery and numerous chortens and mani (prayer stone) walls. Ganesh I is also visible from here, looking back on the route we’ve come. Overnight at Teahouse
Max Altitude: 3180m/ 10433 ft
Duration: 04 Hrs
After leaving the Lho village, the trek continues as we follow the river on the right bank, with view of Peak 29 ahead. Two hours of climbing through the forest leads to the village of Shala, which offers excellent view of Phungi, Manaslu and Himal Chuli. A couple of hours further lead us to Samagaon village, with superb view of Mt. Manaslu. Samagaon is one of the biggest villages of this region, and the people are mostly farmers growing what they could in this harsh terrains and cold climate; such as buck wheat and barley. Potatoes and few varieties of vegetables grow in this soil. The people, like their ancestors, descended from Tibet as early as 300 years back, the culture and their living style is very much like their predecessors. The people of this area still trade with Tibet 2 or 3 days a week. The border to Tibet is a day walk for the locals. It is one of the old salt trade route from Nepal to Tibet. From here is just half hour walk up to our camp at Sama Gompa just above the village of Samagaon. On reaching the camp near Sama-Gompa, we will have time to visit the Monastery one of the major Nyligpa (red hat sect) Monastery of this region. Overnight at Teahouse
Max Altitude: 3520m/ 11548 ft
Duration: 04 Hrs
Today we will have a well-earned rest day, free from packing. A day hike is worthwhile, can be done towards Manaslu glacier or near to its base camp. Overnight at Teahouse
Max Altitude: 3520m/ 11548 ft
After an easy day at Sama Gaon, today's trek climbs slowly towards Samdu and beyond. Actually the walk to Samdu is not too far can be done within 3-4 hours, but due to the increase in altitude and the dry air makes the walk a little slower than previous days, we need to gain the height slowly, taking time and enjoying the view around as we come to the village of Samdu. From the campsite we cross a high plateau, and skirt around the ridge of lateral moraine heading towards Karmo Kharka and Kermo Mamam. As the trek advances near to Samdu village, we then climb a terraced hillside on the opposite bank of Budhi Gandaki reaching one of the most remote permanent settlements in Nepal, at Samdu. It is quite a sizable village of some 40 houses with 200 villagers who live in these most severe conditions. This is the last village before Larkya-la. Camp is made near the village. In ancient times to earlier days, Larkya Bazaar west of Samdu, the Tibetans merchants and people from this region and as far to Gurkha and from the other side of the Larkya-la, use to trade and barter.Overnight at Teahouse
Max Altitude: 3875m/ 12713 ft
Duration: 04 Hrs
From Samdu the track leads to more barren areas, and the walk begins on the wild mountain path crossing the Gyala Khola. It then ascends to the ridge where there is a ruins of a village known as Larkya Bazaar. Presumably this village once thrived on trade with Tibet over the nearby Gya La, a trade which at present has diminished. Our walk nearing the Larkya Glacier reaching Duwang, where there is a lodge, built to serve travelers crossing the Larkya -La which lies now just ahead. Overnight camp is just around this place on the clearing. Overnight at Teahouse
Max Altitude: 4460m/ 14632 ft
Duration: 03 Hrs
The walk from the bottom of Larkya Phedi towards the top of Larkya-la pass at 5213m is a gradual winding climb. We make an early morning start to prepare for the crossing of the highest pass on this trek, a short climb above the lodge, we reach the ablation valley on the north side of the Larkya Glacier with magnificent views of Cho Danda and then of Larkya Peak. Finally, we walk across the moraines of the glacier, making a gradual ascent which becomes steeper in the last section to the top of the pass. From the pass, outstanding views of Himlung, Cheo Himal, Kang Guru and Annapurna II can be seen. After a wonderful moment on the highest spot, a long descent follows over snow and scree, to reach the valley trail to Larcia. A further hour on a moraine ridge path leads to Tambuche at 3900m and with a short distance walk from here to our rest place for tonight at Bhimthang a lovely place on a broad and level valley with a number of “Mani (prayer)” walls and deserted houses. We’ll arrive tired after a long, hard but very satisfying day. Overnight at Teahouse
Max Altitude: Larkya Pass (5213m/ 17103 ft)
Duration: 07 Hrs
After the long day’s walk yesterday to Bhimthang, the walk from here to Dharapani will be pleasant and easy through the forest of pines, rhododendron and summer pastures with occasional views of the nearby snow peaks. From Bhimthang after crossing this high pasture, we descend into the valley of the Burdin Khola River to the area of the base camp of the west side of Manaslu. From the ridge we have excellent views of Manaslu to the south east and Annapurna II to the south west. Beyond a bridge over the headwaters of the Dudh Khola River, we descend and follow a trail through a narrow valley and into a tranquil forest with nearby meadows. From here the trail leads downhill through the forest passing through a small summer settlement at Goh and then after an hour or more of moderate trek, we climb through terraced fields to the Karche La pass, and can see ahead a green and heavily forested valley, dropping down to the distant Marsyangdi River. After a few hours walking we come to the village of Tilje following the Dudh (milky) river downstream. We pass a number of villages, including Thonje. From Tilje, another short climb and we cross the bridge and come to where the main trail of the Annapurna circuit joins this trail at Dharapani village. After being in absolute wilderness for a while Dharapani is a small oasis of modern civilization where you can celebrate with a beer and buy a hot shower from the lodges around Dharpani village. Overnight at Teahouse
Max Altitude: 1965m/ 6446 ft
Duration: 06 Hrs
Today you’ll take a morning drive after breakfast to Kathmandu. The journey continues passing several farm villages and towns till it reaches the main Kathmandu / Pokhara highway at Dumre. From here the drive is smooth on the busy winding road to Kathmandu taking almost 07 hours drive. Overnight at Teahouse
Max Altitude: 1300m/ 4265 ft
Duration: 07 Hrs
Today is a free day in Kathmandu. Please let our staff or tour officer know if you would like to go on another short tour in and around Kathmandu Valley or for our extension trip white water rafting-Jungle Safari, paragliding or Bungee Jump. Overnight at Teahouse
Max Altitude: 1300m/ 4265 ft
Keep the departure time of international flight in mind, and make sure to keep your confirmed air ticket and passport handy! Our staff will take you to the airport for your final departure from beautiful Nepal.
