CROSSING THE HIGH PASSES OF MANASLU AND ANNAPURNA

• Hike two of Nepal’s most beautiful regions
• Cross the Thorong La and Larkye La passes
• Experience traditional Hindu & Buddhist culture
• Stunning Trans-Himalaya route

This unique and little-traveled itinerary links the trek around Manaslu with a traverse of the northern Annapurna Range and across the Thorong La Pass at 17,765 feet. We will pass through remote Buddhist hamlets as we work our way up to the foot of Manaslu’s North Face. After time for exploration, we cross the Larkye La pass (17,100 feet) and join the traditional Annapurna Circuit Trail at Dharapani.

The classic Annapurna Circuit trek first became accessible to the world of adventure travelers as recently as 1977, when the Nepalese Government derestricted the Manang Valley, which had previously been closed on account of its proximity to the Tibetan border. Providing a combination of spectacular high mountain scenery, picturesque lowland farms and villages, a wealth of cultural interest and a challenging pass crossing, the Annapurna Circuit trek is justifiably popular. Throughout our walk, we enjoy regular contact with friendly villagers, as well as ever-changing panoramas of some of the world’s greatest peaks, including Manaslu and the Annapurnas. or which Nepal is famous. Beyond the Tibetan Buddhist village of Manang, the high point of the trip is reached after a stamina-sapping ascent to the Thorong La (17,765 feet / 5,416 meters). We then descend to the deep valley of the Kali Gandaki, where a wealth of new experiences awaits us – the first of which is the bizarre collection of temples at Muktinath, at the base of the pass. This is a trek of a lifetime!

During the trek, we will follow the ‘New Annapurna Trekking Trail’ (NATT) where possible. This new series of trails will not keep us off the dirt roads 100% of the time, but does significantly reduce the amount of time we have to walk on the dirt roads along the main Annapurna Trail.

The Manaslu and Annapurna Lodge Trek is part of our Himalayan Classic Trek Series. Our Classic Treks are led by an experienced, English-speaking Nepali Guide and full support crew.

TRIP OUTLINE:
Day 1: Welcome to Nepal and the Himalayas! Hotel.
Day 2: Morning sightseeing tour in and around the Kathmandu Valley. Hotel.
Day 3: Drive from Kathmandu to Machha Khola (3050 feet). 7 to 8 hour drive. Lodge.
Day 4: Trek to Jagat (4395 feet). 7 to 8 hour hike. Lodge.
Day 5: Trek to Deng (6100 feet). 7 to 8 hour hike. Lodge.
Day 6: Trek to Namrung (8630 feet). 5 to 6 hour hike. Lodge.
Day 7: Trek to Syala (10,430 feet). 6 to 7 hour hike. Lodge.
Day 8: Trek to Sama Gaon (11,565 feet). 4 to 5 hour hike. Lodge.
Day 9: Rest and acclimatization day at Samagaon.
Day 10: Trek to Samdo (12,710 feet). 4 to 5 hour hike. Lodge.
Day 11: Trek to Dharmasala (14,630 feet). 4 to 5 hour hike. Lodge.
Day 12: Cross Larkye La pass (17,100 feet) and descend to Bimthang (12,200 feet). 9 to 10 hour hike. Lodge.
Day 13: Trek to Tilje (7550 feet). 6 to 7 hour hike. Lodge.
Day 14: Trek to Dharapani (6300 feet). 4 hour hike. Drive to Beshisahar. 4 hour drive. Lodge.
Day 15: Drive to Kathmandu. 6 to 7 hour drive. Hotel.
Day 16: Free day In Kathmandu for independent activities. Hotel.
Day 17: Depart Kathmandu.

EXTENSION CONTINUING ALONG THE ANNAPURNA CIRCUIT OVER THE THORONG LA PASS:

Day 14: Trek to Dharapani (6300 feet). 1.5 hour hike & drive to Pisang (10,450 feet). 3 hour drive. Lodge.
Day 15: Trek via Upper Pisang to Gheru (11,450 feet). 4 to 5 hour hike. Lodge.
Day 16: Trek to Manang (11,480 feet). 5 to 6 hour hike. Lodge.
Day 17: Trek to Yak Kharka (13,550 feet). 4 hour hike. Lodge.
Day 18: Trek to Thorong High Camp (16,010 feet). 5 to 6 hour hike. Lodge.
Day 19: Cross the Thorong Pass (17,765 feet) & descend to Muktinath (12,465 feet). 7 to 8 hour hike. Lodge.
Day 20: Visit Muktinath Temple and leisurely drive to Jomsom. Lodge.
Day 21: Fly from Jomsom to Kathmandu via Pokhara. Transfer to our hotel.
Day 22: Free day In Kathmandu for independent activities. Hotel.
Day 23: Depart Kathmandu.