ANNAPURNA EXTENsION - 7 DAYS

DAY 16 Trek Tilje (2300m) to Bagarchhap (2160m) ~5 hrs

We continue down the gorge trail to Dharapani, which sits by the mighty Marshyangdi river. Here we join the classic Annapurna Circuit Trail and climb to Bagarchhap.

DAY 17 Trek Bagarchhap (2160m) to Chame (2670m) ~6 hrs

For the next few days the trail is now a gorge track that follows the Marshyandi river upstream through dense forests. We criss cross traditional old foot trails and jeep tracks, and pass through Manangi villages.

DAY 18 Trek Chame (2670m) to Upper Pisang (3300m) ~7 hrs

As we continue to climb and regain altitude, the forests slowly give way to alpine scrubs. We will cross the Marshyangdi river and stay north of the river at Upper Pisang.

DAY 19 Trek Upper Pisang (3300m) to Manang (3540m) ~8 hrs

Leaving the main trail to Manang, our route passes through the traditonal village of Ghyaru just north of Upper Pisang. We keep north of the river on foot trails for most of the day with views of the Chulus mountains to the north and the Annapurnas to the south. Before we reach Manang, we will stop to visit some monasteries in the historic village of Braga.

DAY 20 Rest day in Manang

Manang is the major township of the region and offers services similar to Namche in the Khumbu (e.g. cafes, pubs). Today is a well deserved rest day to relax. You can also explore the older parts of Manang and the local Manang monastery.

DAY 21 Trek Manang (3540m) to Thorung Phedi (4500m) ~7 hrs

Today we leave the Marshyandi and head north contouring Chulu East mountain. It’s a steady day of climbing up the valley to the scree slopes of Thorung Phedi. This is the base of Thorung La pass. We’ll rest early for a big pass crossing the next day.

DAY 22 Trek Thorung Phedi (4500m) to Muktinath (3800m) via Thorung La Pass (5445m) ~8-10 hrs

We aim to cross the pass by mid morning to avoid possible strong winds at the pass, so we will start the day around 4am. The climb to the pass will be a slow gradual ascent on switchbacks. We will welcome the sight of prayer flags at the top! To the south we’ll be rewarded with views of the entire Annapurna region and Dhaulagiri, and to the north views of the Mustang plains. It’s cold at the top so we won’t hang about for too long. The trek to Muktinath is a long steep descent on switchbacks.

DAY 23 Trek Muktinath (3800m) to Jomsom (2713m) ~5 hrs

Muktinath is a scared place for Hindus and Buddhists with many important temples visited by pilgrims. We will bypass the jeep track to Jomson by descending along a foot trail to Panda river and walking to Lupra, a small Thakali village. From here we rejoin the road trail at Panda back to Jomson. Tonight is our last night with our porters and guides so there will be a farewell dinner to thank them for their support.

DAY 24 Fly Jomson to Pokhara ~25 minutes

The flight to Pokhara will be early in the morning. This will leave us the rest of the day to rest in peaceful Pokhara. Relax muscles with a spa session or sit in the sun with a good book.

DAY 25 Rest day in Pokhara

If you’re feeling rested, you can canoe around the lake, trek up to the Peace Pagoda for stunning Annapurna and Machapuchre views, paraglide or sit with a quiet beer by the lake.

DAY 26 Drive to Kathmandu ~6 hrs

The journey back to Kathmandu is scenic driving by paddy fields, traditional village houses and views of Manaslu. Once in Kathmandu, you have the afternoon to rest and shop.

DAY 27 Depart Kathmandu
We depart Kathmandu....until the next time. Note: walking times including time for lunchDAY