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Nepal Independent Guide

Manang trek itinerary

  • Trekking in Nepal
  • Annapurna Region

Since the terrain can be hard and the days long, hikers on these treks should be in good physical condition and have some previous mountain walking experience. Steep climbing may be involved, although it is never necessary to use ropes. Treks at this level can he arranged for periods of 16 to 21 days. Typically, a gradual ascent through a green river valley will lead you up to a number of high passes, where you will reach the altitude of 5416m. Often times, you will get a close insight into the Tibetan culture. Participants should expect to trek above 5416m/17872ft.

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  • Detail itinerary
  • Cost Includes/Excludes

Manang Trek Itinerary

Manang Valley Trek 8 days with Tilicho Lake offers a wonderful experience of subtropical forest mixed with arid barren landscapes up to 4900m. Several old Buddhist monasteries illustrate the area’s rich culture, as well as the breathtaking beauty of the Manang and Marsyangdi Valleys and the high peaks Himalayas.

The Manang Valley is one of the most naturally beautiful places on earth. Manang town is situated at a height of 3519 meters. In the wide valley of the Marshyangdi River, the Manang district lies to the north of the Annapurna region. The scenic hidden kingdom of Manang is the top destination for trekkers from all over the world. One of the main attractions of Manang Trek is its exploration of the hidden gems found in the Manang Valley locales.

Hidden gems include serene lakes at high altitudes, sweeping Gangapurna glaciers, ancient Gompas with breathtaking views, and local villages. On the western ridge of the Manang valley, you will find the world’s highest altitude lake, Tilicho at 4919 meters above sea level, beautiful Khangsar village.

The Manang trek itinerary is one of the premier trekking routes in Nepal. The short trek to Manang is both adventurous and pleasant at the same time. Manang village is the last stop for trekkers walking the spectacular Annapurna circuit Thorung La pass trek Through the Tilicho Lake trek . Manang is also connected to the Upper Mustang region and Muktinath. Locals use the trail to herd their sheep and yaks. There is an old-world charm to the northern part of Manang.

There are many shops, cafes, guesthouses, tea houses, and even a bakery in the town of Manang. Trekking to Manang is such a unique experience. Seeing different ethnic groups in several villages along the way. Passing through scenic forests and open and dry landscapes is amazing. There are several ancient Buddhist monasteries in the Manang Village.

Historically, the locals or “Manangis” were traders. Our excursion around the town will help you acclimatize for a whole day. The area is full of exciting things to see. Some of the attractions in Manang are the Gangapurna Glacier, Bhojo Gompa, Milarepa Cave, and Tilicho Lake. 

The once-remote region has developed substantially over the years, and roads are well established . Trekkers and locals can rent Jeeps from Besisahar . Mules, donkeys, or porters are used to transport goods and cargo. Locals have benefited greatly from the link between the Manang district trail and the Annapurna conservation area. 

Locals cultivate seasonal crops and herd yaks . Through the booming tourism industry in this region, many locals have been employed and provided with a livelihood. Along the trail, they have opened shops, guesthouses, and teahouses. Himalayan Rescue Association’s Manang Aid Post provides consultation and treatment for acute mountain sickness. 

Our Manang trek itinerary leads to a picturesque valley rich in diverse flora and fauna. You will be amazed by the unobstructed view of the snow-capped mountains. Cultural exploration of the local ethnic groups is an exciting part of the Manang trek.  

You will love trekking amid nature’s tranquillity, the beautiful Manang trek is a great option for you. It is a moderately challenging trek. Our Manang tour package is reasonably priced. What are you waiting for? Plan your trip today.

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Detail Itinerary

  • Day 01: Travel by public microbus to Besi Sahar and Besisahar to Chame sharing a jeep (2715 meters, stay overnight at the lodge)
  • Day 02: Trek to Pisang (3132 meters, 6 hours walking) and stay overnight at the teahouse
  • Day 03: Trek to Manang (3341 m.. 5 hours walking) Stay overnight at the lodge
  • Day 04: Trek to Khangsar (3734m) (5/6 hours walking) overnight at the lodge
  • Day 05: Khangsar Trek to Tilicho Base Camp (4140m) 4/5 hours walking) overnight at the lodge
  • Day 06: Early morning hike to Tilicho Lake (4919 meters) and trek back to Manang. Stay overnight at a tea house.
  • Day 07: Trek back to Chame (stay overnight at the lodge)
  • DAY 08: drive back to Besi Sahar by sharing a jeep, and Besi Sahar to Kathmandu by microbus.

Cost Included

  • From Kathmandu, take the local bus and jeep to Chame
  • Chame to Besi Sahar jee and Besi Sahar to Kathmandu bus. 
  • Annapurna Conservation National Park permit and TIMS card
  • We serve Italian, Chinese, Nepali, Indian, and many other delicious European meals three times a day (breakfast, lunch, and dinner chosen by menu).
  • Seasonal fresh fruits after dinner
  • Clean Lodge accommodation on the trek.
  • Experienced English-speaking trekking guide licensed by the government, familiar with the area.
  • One porter for every two to three participants. (Note: An additional cost applies for solo clients requiring a porter.)
  • Guide and porter salary, meals, accommodation, and insurance.
  • Kitbag for storing your belongings
  • Sleeping bag for a comfortable night's sleep on a trek in minus-25 degrees
  • Necessary paper works, all government, and local taxes
  • A certificate of appreciation from Nepal wilderness trekking after a successful trek

Cost Excluded

  • Airfare for international flights
  • Upon arrival at Tribhuwan International Airport, Nepal entry visa fees vary by duration (15 days - $25-30, 30 days
  • Accommodations and meals in Kathmandu before and after our journey
  • Personal equipment for high and cold temperatures
  • Emergency high-altitude rescue and evacuation are covered by travel insurance
  • All beverages, Soft and caffeinated table drinks such as coke, beer,
  • Drinking water/mineral water, Dessert, etc. Hot shower, laundry
  • Tip for guide and porter
  • Excluded are all costs and expenses not listed under "cost includes"
  • Inclusion of costs or delays beyond the control of the management, such as landslides, weather conditions, itinerary modifications due to safety concerns, illness, changes in government policies, strikes, etc.

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Manang Tilicho Lake Trek

Manang Tilicho Lake Trek

  • Trip Overview

Manang Tilicho Lake is an amazing trek that showers you with a wide variety of natural excitement. This trek takes you to visit beautiful Manang valley with the desert-like wild terrain and then Tilicho Lake, considered as the world’s highest lake located at 4,920 meters from sea level. Indeed Manang Tilicho lake trek is one of the most spectacular trekking routes in the world with lush green valleys, fascinating villages, and arid landscape offering impressive snow-capped views of the white Himalayas.

Manang opened for foreign trekkers in 1977, is one of the most beautiful hidden valleys and villages of the Himalayan territory. This valley is inhabited by ethnic group people like Gurung and Magar who mostly follow Buddhism. It is enriched with lively traditions of ancient heritage. The isolated valley is the best place to admire the views of mountains like Chulu range, Gangapurna, Tilicho Peak, Kangaru Peak, and Throng peak.

Manang to Tilicho Lake Trek

The trek begins from less than 1,000 meters, it gives us a chance to explore the Himalayan region from bottom to top and from many different angles and perspectives. Besi Sahar is the starting point of this trek. In the beginning, the trail follows the Marshyangdi River, with great views of Manaslu and Himal Chuli to the east.

Eventually, the trek leads you to the different villages, inhabited by a wide diversity of people from different ethnic groups, offering spectacular and majestic views of the Himalayas. After reaching Chame, the headquarter town of Manang district, you then trek into lovely cool woodland of pines and rhododendron tree lines and then green vegetation fades for the arid and barren country to reach Manang village. Manang has located at the high and dry Tibetan Plateau which the scenery is equally breathtaking.

Manang is the best place for trekkers who are crossing Thorong La Pass and also go to visit Tilicho Lake.  There are many interesting places to visit in Manang. The most popular is to visit the glacier lake at the slopes of the Gangapurna Mountain, the village of Braga, Buddhist monastery.  From Manang, you trek a further couple of days to reach Tilicho Lake. Then you retrace to Manang. While back from Manang you take a jeep ride to Besisahar. From Besi Sahar, you drive to Kathmandu by bus.

Manang Tilicho Trek is a moderate type of trek. It is neither very demanding nor less demanding. However, you should be fairly fit and should be able to endure long walks uphill and downhill.

In summary, the major highlights of the Manang Tilicho Lake trek are as below:

• Trek through lush green valleys and mountain villages • Experience traditional culture and lifestyle of different ethnic groups • Discover forests, mountain river, and waterfalls • Enjoy the beautiful views of different Himalayan Peaks • Reach Tilicho Lake, one of the highest lakes in the world • Visit Gangapurna Glacier lake at Manang • Reach Braga village at 3475m and visit Braga gompa, 500 years old

ITINERARY OF MANANG TILICHO LAKE TREK

Day 1: Arrival Kathmandu (Altitude 1300m/4265ft)

After arriving at Tribhuvan International Airport, Kathmandu you will be warmly welcomed by our tour officer. He assists you to transfer your hotel. At the hotel meet your guide and tour briefing. Preparation for the trip.  The rest of the day is free to explore Thamel Market. Overnight at Hotel in Kathmandu

Day 2: Drive from Kathmandu to Besi Sahar (Altitude 800m/2625ft)

Have breakfast at the hotel. Then set your drive journey to Besi Sahar. Driving takes around six hours. You drive along the Kathmandu-Pokhara highway. Upon reaching Besi Sahar, check-in your lodge. Besi Sahar is the headquarters of the Lamjung district of Nepal. It is the starting point for Manang Tilicho Lake Trek and also Annapurna Circuit Trek. Overnight at Mountain Lodge

Day 3: Trek from Besi Sahar to Bahundanda (Altitude 1270m/4167ft)

Today is the first day of your trekking. After breakfast, you follow the trail make the climb to Khudi, the first Gurung village at 790m. As you continue from Khudi you see the views of Himalchuli and Peak 29 (Ngadi Chuli). The trail climbs to Bhulbhule at 840m, it then goes to Ngadi before reaching Lampata. Then you arrive at Bahundanda. Overnight at Mountain Lodge

Day 4: Trek Bahundanda to Chamje (Altitude 1410m/4626ft)

After breakfast, you follow the trail which descends to Syange at 1070m. While leaving Bahundanda you will see a large waterfall. Then you come to cross the Marsyangdi River on a suspension bridge. You will follow the bank of the river to Jagat village. Then by short climbing through the forest you reach Chamje. Overnight at Mountain Lodge

Day 5: Trek from Chamje to Bagarchhap (Altitude 2160m/7087ft)

Today you begin trekking with the rocky trail followed by the Marsyandi River. Then the trail climbs up steadily uphill to Tal village at 1675m. After Tal, you follow a trail verse crossing a wide, flat valley. The trail goes up and down to reach Dharapani village. Today you move ahead from Dharapni for a night halt. You will stay at Bagarchhap at 2160 meters. It is a Tibetan-influenced village with Chorten and typical flat-roofed stone houses. This is a village surrounded by apple Orchards and maize fields. Overnight at Mountain Lodge

Day 6: Trek from Bagarchhap to Chame (Altitude 2710m/8892ft)

After breakfast, you follow the trail climbs to Danque village, then to Timang village. From here onwards trekking you can view Mt. Manaslu 8,163m / 26,781ft. From Timang village few hours trek leads to Koto and then to Chame. In Chame, you will be rewarded by the fine views of Annapurna II. Along the route, you will be introduced to a local community who migrated from Tibet a long time past. Chame is the major town and also headquarter of Manang District. Overnight at Mountain Lodge

Day 7: Trek from Chame to Pisang (Altitude 3310m/10860ft)

Leaving Chame, you trek into a cooler area from here onwards closer to the Himalayan region. You trek through nice alpine forests of rhododendron and pine trees following Marshyangdi River upstream with short ups and down hills to Bhratang village. From Bhratang village the trail follows uphill through alpine woodland overlooking Chulu’s and Pisang peak to reach Dhukur Pokhari. Then you descend to lower Pisang village.  Overnight at Mountain Lodge

Day 8: Trek from Pisang to Manang (Altitude 3540m/11615ft)

Leaving Pisang, you have alternate trails north and south of the Marsyangdi River which meets up again at Mungji. The southern route is called lower trail by Hongde, with its airstrip, at 3325m which involves less climbing than the northern route (upper trail) via Ghyaru, though there are better views on the trail that follows the northern bank of the river. From Mungji, the trail passes the hidden picturesque Braga village at 3475m. In this village, you may visit Braga gompa, which is 500 years old. Also, you can visit Ney Guru Sang Phul cave. There you can find a statue of Guru Rinpoche. From there you descend downhill in a slippery and steep path and move to Manang (3540m). You reach Manang early in the evening. Manang is a town that has a lot of teahouses, guesthouses, and even a bakery. Overnight at Mountain Lodge

Day 9: Explore Manang and acclimatization day

Today you spend the whole day doing some fine day walks by overviewing the magnificent views around the village. You will wake up with the fantastic scenery of the sun rising over the pristine silver Himalayas. Then you visit a glacial lake formed in the foothills of the Gangapurna glacier. The azure blue lake is awe-inspiring. There is a beautiful Chongar viewpoint that takes about half an hour of trek. You may also visit the Trekkers Aid Post run by the Himalayan Rescue Association. The beautiful Manang area has many exploration points. You should follow the guidelines of eco-tourism and reduce your carbon footprint as much as possible. Overnight at Mountain Lodge

Day 10: Trek from Manang to Sri Kharka (Altitude 4060m/13,320ft).

From Manang, we trek towards the western gates and follow the path down to the river. After crossing the river, you will continue walking on its southern side through coniferous forests. The Sooner you reach Khangsar Village. From Khangsar you will trek further to Sri Kharka and pass a monastery on the way. In the route, you will have the Gungang Himal and Mount Chulu in the backdrop to keep you company. Overnight at Mountain Lodge

Day 11: Trek from Sri Kharka to Tilicho Base Camp (Altitude 4140m/13,583ft).

Today’s trek will be relatively easier because the trail from Siri Kharka to Tilicho Base Camp isn’t very steep but it might be tiring as you will have to walk on narrow paths in loose stones and landslide-prone area. This trail offers you a panoramic view of Tilicho Peak. Tilicho Base Camp is located at 4140 meters from sea level. This is the last place where mountain lodges are available before Tilicho Lake. Overnight at Mountain Lodge

Day 12: Visit Tilicho Lake (Altitude 4949m/16138ft) then back to Siri Kharka.

Today you head out to Tilicho Lake in the early morning when there is less wind. As the day progresses the winds tend to increase. The initial climb is slightly tough. Then the path continues to pester along the side of the mountain in a gradual steep rise before reaching the watershed. On the way, you can enjoy yaks and deer grazing along our path. On the other side is Tilicho Lake, a large spectacular lake nestled at the foot of the north face of the Tilicho Peak. The lake was referred to by the leader of the French expedition team as ‘The Great Ice Lake’. The Lake also holds an important place for the Hindus as this holy lake is featured in one of the holiest texts of the Hindus, The Ramayana. After spending some time at the lake, we will retrace our step and return back to Siri Kharka. Overnight at Mountain Lodge

Day 13: Siri Kharka to Manang (Altitude 3540m/11615ft)

Today you trek back to Manang following the previous trail via the Khangsar Village. After reaching Manang check in your lodge and rest. Overnight at Mountain Lodge

Day 14: Drive from Manang to Beshishar (Altitude 800m/2625ft)

Today you will ride a jeep from Manang to Besi Sahar. After breakfast, you board the jeep that takes off early in the morning. The road trip takes a long adventurous way and overlooking the beautiful snow-capped mountains. Overnight at Mountain Lodge

Day 15: Drive Back from Besi Sahar to Kathmandu (Altitude 1300m/4265ft)

After breakfast, you drive from Besi Sahar to Kathmandu by the previous road. The journey passes through the winding roads on the green hills. After your arrival in Kathmandu, you can check in at the hotel. You can take a rest or do some souvenir shopping. In the evening you will be offered a farewell dinner at an authentic Nepalese restaurant in Kathmandu to celebrate the successful completion of your journey. Overnight at hotel in Kathmandu

Day 16: Departure from Kathmandu, Nepal.

Depending on the time of your departure, our tour officer will accompany you to transfer Tribhuvan International Airport for the flight of your onward journey. Goodbye! See you again in Nepal for the next adventure.

IMPORTANT NOTE: The above is the standard trek itinerary in which the trek starts from Besi Sahar. Now, due to road accessibility, it can make short as well: Tilicho Manang Trek 14 days if trek start from Dharapani/ Tilicho Manang Trek 13 days if trek start from Chame. Please contact us for the customized itinerary according to your requirement.

EXCELLENT HIMALAYA TREK & EXPEDITION: ORGANIZER OF MANANG TILICHO LAKE TREK

Excellent Himalaya Trek and Expedition is the leading trekking operator and company managed by local tourism experts and Sherpas who have more than 20 years of experience organizing treks and expeditions into the Himalayan zone. We will take care of all permits and logistical matters, including food and accommodation on the Manang Tilicho Lake Trek.

Please contact us by email at [email protected] or WhatsApp/ Viber at +977 9851203181 for a package cost of Manang Tilicho Lake Trek mentioning no. of people interested in this trekking. Once we receive your request message, we get back to you within 24 hours.

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Manang  Trek ( The valley of Manang ) is one of the most naturally gifted places on earth. The beautiful Manang town is located at an altitude of 3519m. Situated at the wide valley of Marshyangdi river, the Manang district lies to the north of the Annapurna region. The beautiful hidden kingdom of Manang is the prime destination for trekkers all around the world.

Manang trek route is one of the finest trekking paths in Nepal. Mustang short trek to Manang is adventurous and pleasant at the same time. The Manang village is the last stop for trekkers walking the spectacular Annapurna circuit trek and the Tilicho Lake trek.

The Manang route also connects to the Upper Mustang region and Muktinath via Thorung La pass. The trail gets used by locals to herd their sheep and yaks. The northern part of Manang has an old-world charm of its own. The town of Manang is quite happening and has many shops, cafes, guesthouses, tea houses, and even a bakery. 

The locals or “Manangis” have traditionally been traders. You will acclimatize a whole day with an excursion around the town. There are many exciting places to explore in the region. The Gangapurna glacier, Bhojo gompa, Milarepa cave, Tilicho lake are some of the attractions in Manang.

The once remote region has seen considerable development over the years. We can see well-established motorable roads. Jeeps are available for trekkers and locals from Besi Sahar. The goods and cargo get carried by mule, donkey or porters. The linking of the Manang district trail to the Annapurna conservation area has brought many benefits to the locals.

The locals cultivate seasonal crops and herd yaks. The booming tourism industry has employed many locals and helped them sustain their livelihood. They have opened shops, guesthouses, teahouses along the trail. The Manang Aid Post run by Himalayan Rescue Association provides consultation and treatment for acute mountain sickness.

The Manang trek route takes you to the beautiful lower valley rich in diverse flora and fauna . The trail then moves up to the desert-like landscapes of the upper region. The up-close and unobstructed view of the snow-capped mountains will take your breath away. The cultural exploration of the local ethnic groups is an exciting part of the trek. 

Finally, If you are someone who loves trekking amidst the tranquility of nature, then the beautiful Manang trek is ideal for you. This short trek is of moderate difficulty. We are offering this Manang tour package at a reasonable cost. So what are you waiting for? Book your trip now!

Manag Trek Itinerary

Arrival in kathmandu (1,396 m.).

Upon your arrival, proceed to the outside of airport terminal, our representative will wait for you to take you to the hotel which taking around 20 minutes. Please look for your name which will be shown on signage. Overnight at hotel in Kathmandu.

Accommodation : 3 star hotel Meals: Dinner

Drive to Chame by 4*4 wheel Jeep . 1,300 m, 7 / 8 hour drive

We take a jeep ride from Kathmandu to Chame on this day. The road trip to Besi Sahar from Kathmandu takes about 5 hours, covering a total of 173 km. The journey from Besi Sahar to Chame is about 4 hours and includes 6 hours of driving. The drive is an alternative for two to three days of trekking. The trip is adventurous as we pass through the spiral winding hilly roads of the region

Transportation:  Private jeep Accommodation : Lodge Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, dinner

Trek To Upper Pisang 3, 230 m – 06 hrs.

After an early breakfast, you can experience the serene Marshyangdi river flowing down the valley. The trail today will lead us to Pisang(3240m) via Bhratang(2950m) and Dhukur Pokhari(3200m). The geography of the trek frequently changes as you pass from lush forests to alpine environments with pine trees. We trek the rocky paths overlooking the spectacular views of the snow-capped mountains, including the Annapurna II(7937m) and Pisang peak(6091m). The trail is pleasant and moves along a relatively flat surface. We might also trek to the upper Pisang, which is the older part of Pisang.The upper Pisang is rustic and is one of the most remote parts of Nepal. There is a beautiful monastery where we arrive by passing through narrow, steep lanes. We return to our stay and warm ourselves as the temperatures drop during the night.

Accommodation : Lodge Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, dinner

Trek To Manang, 3,450 m – 05 hrs.

After an early breakfast of hot meals and tea, we start the Manang valley trek for the day. The trail ahead is relatively easy. We take breaks and acclimatize by trekking the lower trails. This route might make the trek longer but helps us immensely to acclimatize.We further take side trips to gompas and caves along the way. We visit the stunning Braga gompa, which is 500 years old. We also visit the Ney Guru Sang Phul cave on the south of the valley. There we can find a giant statue of Guru Rinpoche.From there we descend downhill in a slippery and steep path. We arrive at the village of Manang (3540m) early in the evening. Manang town is the administrative headquarters of the Manang district and has a lot of teahouses, guesthouses, and even a bakery. You can view the fantastic Gangapurna glacier from the guesthouse. We end our trip sipping on hot drinks and warming ourselves near the fireplace..

Excursion Manang valley.

You will wake up with the fantastic scenery of sun rising over the pristine silver Himalayas. We will acclimatize and explore Manang on this day. First, we visit a glacial lake formed in the foothills of the Gangapurna glacier. The azure blue lake is awe-inspiring. There is a beautiful Chongar viewpoint that takes about half an hour of trek. We also visit the Trekkers Aid Post run by the Himalayan Rescue Association. We get consulted and treated by doctors and medical professionals. There are many shops where you can purchase jewelry, souvenirs, clothes, among others. There is also a bakery where you can taste delicious bread items. The beautiful Manang area has many exploration points. You should follow the guidelines of eco-tourism and reduce your carbon footprint as much as possible.

Drive back to Beshishar – 9 /10 hours.

We will ride a jeep from Manang to Besi Sahar. The jeep takes off early in the morning, and there are two to three jeeps that travel the route all day. You will need to book in advance. The road trip takes a long adventurous way and overlooking the beautiful snow-capped mountains. The journey takes about 10 hours, including a lunch break

Transport: Jeep Accommodation : Lodge Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, dinner

Drive Back to Kathmandu By Jeep

We retrace back the same route from Besi Sahar to Kathmandu. The journey passes through the winding roads on the green hills. The course is quite adventurous and refreshing at the same time. After your arrival, you can check-in at the hotel in Kathmandu.

Accommodation :  Hotel Meals: Breakfast, Lunch,

International departure homeward bound.

Our representative will pick you up from the airport and drop you at the airport. You can board a flight to your desired destination.

Airport transfer Breakfast

Include/Exclude

What’s include.

  • Airport/ Hotel/ Airport Transportation
  • Two Nights Standard Hotel in Kathmandu including Breakfast.
  • 3 Times Meals a day (Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner) during the trek
  • All the Permit and Company necessary paper works
  •  Transportation from Kathmandu to Chame and Manang to Kathmandu  by Car / Jeep
  • All accommodations in lodges/tea houses during the treks.
  • Trekking Guide: An experienced, helpful, friendly and English speaking Trekking guide , everything for him such as well paid Salary, Food, Drinks, Accommodation, Transportation and Insurance.
  • Trekking porter: A porter carry your luggage. ( One porter for every 2 members, maximum load is 25 Kg)
  • Arrangement of Emergency Helicopter service which will be paid by your Travel insurance company.
  • Adventure Certificate.
  • Medical supplies (first aid kit will be available).
  • All government taxes.
  • Service charge.

What’s excluded

  • Nepal entry visa fee (you may easily issue the visa upon your arrival at Tribhuwan International Airport Kathmandu).
  • Travel insurance.Emergency rescue Evacuation
  • Lunch Dinner in Kathmandu and Pokhara
  • All the bar bills like coke, beer, bottle of water, hot water etc.
  • International airfare
  • Tips for the guide and porter.

Trek to Manang

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manang trek itinerary

Adventure Great Himalaya Pvt. Ltd. (Private day tours)

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Enjoy your trip, tilicho lake trek.

Tilicho-Lake

$999 per Pax

Tilicho Lake is located at an altitude of 4919m in the Manang district. This is one of the world’s highest lakes situated at the highest altitude. This Lake is formed by the glacial melt of the northern slope of Annapurna Mountain and Thorung peak. This is one of the holy Lakes of Hindu people so Hindu people around the world gather in Tilicho lake to take holy baths. As this Lake is located in an isolated area of the Annapurna region so the Tilicho lake trek is one of the adventurous trekking trips in the Annapurna region. The trekkers who want to go adventurous and challenging treks in the Annapurna region, the Tilicho lake trek is suitable for them. Tilicho Lake trek trekkers should have a good trekking experience because during this trek trekkers need to cross the challenging pass Thorong La pass. This trek provides the best opportunity to explore hidden natural and cultural aspects of the Annapurna region. During this trek, trekkers can see the several naturally decorated gadgets which please the eye and take the heart of every trekker. In the Tilicho Lake trek, a stunning glimpse of the beautiful mountains of the region such as Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, Machhapuchhre, Nilgiri, and Himchuli. It always gives pleasure to the trekkers which helps to make their long journey untried. Moreover, beautiful landscapes, valleys, green hills, dense forests, artistic waterfalls, tranquil lakes, pristine rivers, gorges, sacred temples, colorful monasteries, and Gompas are the other attractions of the Tilicho trek.

One of the interesting aspects of this trek is that it can combine with the Annapurna circuit trek as per trekkers’ interests. If the trekkers want a long journey in the Annapurna region they can combine the Tilicho lake trek with the Annapurna circuit which will further take them to the beautiful and unique Mustang region. Tilicho Lake trek follows the Annapurna circuit trek trail up to Manang and from Manang village, the trek reaches Tilicho Lake through the Khangsar village. In the Tilicho Lake trek, trekkers get the opportunity to explore fauna and flora such as rhododendron forest, pine, fir, and oak forest. After enjoying the tranquil environment of Tilicho Lake Trek returns via Yak Kharka and Jomsom. Enjoy the 15-day trekking in the serene environment amidst the mountains and make remarkable memories. Trip video https://youtu.be/20P6pF8VSXg

  • Trail in the verdant forest of fir, pine, oak, and rhododendron
  • Diverse landscapes and Tibetan culture in Manang
  • Wonderful Kali Gandaki River, Gangapurna glacier
  • Hike to Gangapurna viewpoint
  • Magnificent views of Mt. Annapurna, Pisang Peak, Gangapurna, Tilicho Peak, Dhaulagiri, Machhapuchhre, Nilgiri, and Himchuli
  • Visit the largest Braka Monastery in the Manang region
  • Mesmerizing turquoise blue Tilicho Lake (4919m)
  • Thrilling experience traversing Thorong La Pass 5416m 

Short Itinerary

Day 01: Drive to Tal (1700m) via Besisahar (760m) (7-8 hours) Day 02: Tal to Thanchok, Day 03: Thanchok to Pisang, 3200m Day 04: Trek to Manang, 3540m Day 05: Acclimatization day Day 06: Manang to Khangsar, 3756m Day 07: Khangsar to Tilicho Base Camp, 4160m Day 08: Excursion Tilicho Lake 4919m, back to Tilicho Base Camp and then trek to Khangsar Day 09: Khangsar to Yak Kharka, 4040 m Day 10: Yak Kharka to Thorong High Camp, 4900m Day 11: Trek to Muktinath, 37850m via Thorong La Pass 5416m Day 12: Trek to Jomsom, 2700m Day 13: Flight to Pokhara from Jomsom Day 14: Drive from Pokhara to Kathmandu on Tourist Bus

  • All land transportation by private vehicle, (Airport /Hotel/Airport & trekking pick up & drop
  • Hotel accommodation in Kathmandu 3 star categorized with breakfast
  • 3 Major meals; B/L/D (by Lodge menu) and accommodation at best available tea-house lodge and tented camp during the trek en-route
  • Friendly and Professional English speaking trekking guide
  • Life insurance for all Nepali staffs and their daily wages
  • Trekking permit (TIMS), National Park permits or
  • Conservation Fees
  • Medical Kit Box for Nepali support crews
  • All Official taxes and service charge
  • Personal transportation except above programs
  • Meals during your stay in Kathmandu
  • Personal trekking gears
  • Emergency evacuation if in case
  • Drinks except tea and coffee during trekking
  • Tips for support crews after the trip

Detail Itinerary

Day 1: drive to tal (1700m) via besisahar (760m) (7-8 hours).

The Tilicho Trek begins from Tal. A scenic ride from Kathmandu to Besisahar. From there, take an adventurous jeep ride admiring the beautiful scenery on the rugged roads crossing Bahundada, Ghermu, Syange, and Chamje to Tal. Rest and relax at a guest house. Stay overnight. Meals (B+L+D)

Day 2: Tal to Thanchok (2500 m) (6 – 7 hours)

A pleasant trek on the trail witnessing a variety of cultivated crops and traversing Kodo village. Descend the trail to cross a bridge and reach Dharapani. Crossing the trail through the verdant forest of pine, fir, oak, and maple in the surrounding snow-capped mountains in the background. Continue further adoring Annapurna ranges and reach Thanchok. Stay overnight.

Day 03: Thanchok to Pisang (3200 m) (6 – 7 hours)

From Thanchok, trek through the trail traversing Koto village and Chame gradually. Walk on the steep trail passing through a lush green forest and glimpse of Mt. Lamjung. A sight of humongous Paungda Danda Rock on the trail. Witness one of the biggest apple farms before reaching Dhikur Pokhari. Climb uphill to Dhiukur Pokhari and continue walking until Pisang. Stay overnight.

Day 04: Trek to Manang (3540m) (5 hours)

An enjoyable walk on the trail traversing the different villages of Ngawal, Munchi, and Braka. Enjoy the view of Mt. Annapurna, Pisang Peak, Gangapurna, and Tilicho Peak. Experience the different landscapes and pass Tibetan villages. Finally, enter the Manang village climbing uphill from Braka monastery. Stay overnight.

Day 05 Acclimatization day

Acclimatization day is necessary during trekking. It helps to adjust to the environment and prevent altitude sickness. A short hike to Gangapurna viewpoint passing glacial lake. A splendid view of Pisang Peak, Tilicho Peak, snow-capped mountain ranges, and lovely Manang valley from the top. Explore the surroundings such as monasteries, and local villages, interact with locals, and learn about the place and culture. Visit the largest Braka Monastery in the Manang region. Also, visit Rescue Association and a short brief related to altitude sickness prevention. Spend a night and enjoy your stay.

Day 06: Trek to Tilicho Peak Hotel in Khangsar (3756m) (5-6 hours)

A gradual walk to Khangsar from Manang. Walk on the trail in the vicinity of pine trees, crossing the Khangsar River. A great glimpse of Tilicho Peak on the way. Enter the last settlement village Khangsar in Manang. Stay overnight at a Tilicho Peak Hotel.

Day 07: Trek to Tilicho Base Camp (4160m) (5-6 hours)

An adventurous trek to the Tilicho Base Camp through the meadows witnessing yaks grazing. Enjoy the trek walking slowly maintaining the pace and sightseeing the valley from the top. Reach the Tilicho Base Camp passing the edge above the Kangsar Khola. Spending a night in a tent in the serenity amidst the mountains is a unique experience.

Day 08: Tilicho Lake (4919m)-back to Tilicho Base Camp (4160m) (5-6 hours)

An exciting day to visit the fascinating Tilicho Lake at an altitude of 4919 m. Ascend steep climb admiring the surrounding beauty. Get in awe and forget the pain of a tough climb once you get a glimpse of mesmerizing Tilicho Lake. Spend some quality time in the vicinity of the turquoise blue Tilicho Lake. Descend to the base camp and stay overnight.

Day 09: Trek to Yak Kharka (4040 m) (6-7 hours)

A walk on the trail entering thin vegetation. On the way to the trail, visit the ancient monastery Tare Gumba and pass the Khangsar village. Climb to Thorong Khola valley by crossing a bridge. Ascend further witnessing yaks grazing in the pasturelands to reach Yak Kharka. Stay overnight.

Day 10: Trek to High Camp (4900 m) (5-6 hours)

Enjoy walking steadily and pass Ledar. The altitude is very challenging thus ascending gradually and descending through a narrow trail to arrive at Thorong Phedi.  Maintain the pace of walking and continue till High Camp. Stay overnight.

Day 11: Trek to Muktinath (3800m) via Thorong La Pass (5416 m) (7-8 hours)

A new day to begin with as reaching Muktinath via Thorong La Pass is a thrilling experience. The pass is at a high altitude of 5416m thus ascend slowly and follow the trail carefully. Get amazed with great views of snow-capped Annapurna and surrounding mountains, prayer flags, and chortens from the top. Climb downhill slowly and keep walking on the trail to reach Muktinath. Muktinath is a holy temple for both Hindus and Buddhists. The Vishnu Temple, 108 stone spouts, and burning flames are the major highlight of this temple. Visit the temple if time allows or continue the next day. Spend time relaxing at a guesthouse. Stay overnight.

manang trek itinerary

Day 12: Trek to Jomsom (2700m) (6-7 hours)

On the last day in the Manang region, trek gradually to Jomsom after visiting the sacred temple Muktinath.  Descend through the verdant forest adoring the snow-capped mountains in the backdrop. Cross the bridge over the cascading Kali Gandaki River and finally arrive at Jomsom. Celebrate the night upon completing the Tilicho Lake Trek and stay overnight at a guest house. Enjoy, rest, and relax.

Day 13: Flight to Pokhara from Jomsom (25 minutes)

After having breakfast, walk to Jomsom Airport. A scenic 25-minute ride to Pokhara is fabulous. Rest for a while at a hotel. Stroll the nearby places in Pokhara or local markets. Enjoy the nightlife and spend a night at a hotel. Alternately, an 8-hour drive to Pokhara if flights from Jomsom are canceled. (In case of flight cancelation, the meal facilities are customized in the itinerary.)

Day 14: Drive from Pokhara to Kathmandu on Tourist Bus (6-7 hours)

A scenic drive to Kathmandu after having breakfast. Witness the diverse landscape, green hills, mountains, cascading rivers, local villages, and terraced fields from the bus on the way. Spend quality time at a hotel after such a long drive. Stay overnight.

Tilicho Lake Trek Information

Accommodation and duration.

Accommodations in the Tilicho Lake Treks are mostly guesthouses. The guesthouses are comfortable with basic facilities. The trek duration is of 15 days. Thus, most nights are spent in the guesthouses. A stay at the tent twice in the Tilicho Base Camp before ascending and after descending from Tilicho Lake. The extra charge for the use of facilities like hot water buckets, laundry, charging, internet, and electricity in the guesthouses.

Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner are provided during the trekking from the guesthouses. The meals are basic and suitable for the health of the trekkers. The main dish is Nepali Dal Bhat which provides enough energy throughout 7/8 hours of the trek. The variety of meals is hard to find but meals prepared from home-grown crops are a treat during this trek.

*Drinking water

Drinking water is easily available at the guesthouses. You can buy a mineral water bottle but you should do proper disposal of plastic bottles. You can also fill boil water at guesthouses paying extra charges. Carry a water bottle and water purification medicine with you. During trekking, drink direct freshwater from the flowing stream using water purification treatment.

Communication

The internet facility is easily available in the vicinity of the Annapurna region. The internet is stable from Besisahar to Manang valley. A little instability or no availability at high altitudes and Tilicho Lake. By paying extra charges at guesthouses, internet facility, electricity for charging can be used. The phone signal is also good but may not work at high altitudes. Using a local sim card, an internet facility can also be used.

Starting and Ending points  

The starting point of the Tilicho Lake Trek is from Besisahar and ends in Jomsom. From Jomsom, flight to Pokhara and return to Kathmandu.

Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP) and Trekkers Information Management System (TIMS) permits are required.

a.      ACAP permit cost charge: NPR 3000 (Foreigners), NPR 1000 (SAARC)

b.      TIMS permit cost charge: NPR 2000 (Foreigners), NPR 600 (SAARC)

Travel Insurance

Travel Insurance is very helpful and a safety net for travelers/trekkers. Travel Insurance must cover all medical emergencies, flight cancelations, emergency evacuations, loss of luggage, and altitudes over 3000 m.

Tilicho Lake Trek Difficulty

Tilicho Lake Trek’s difficulty is moderately challenging. The trek includes a trail having many steep ascends, descends, rough trails, and icy and slippery during winter and rainy seasons. Tilicho Lake is at the altitude of 4919 m and the highest pass Thorong La Pass is 5416 m. The trekker with average physical fitness and good health condition can complete the trek. Proper preparation and guidance before starting the trek are fruitful.

Acclimatization and Altitude Sickness at Tilicho Lake Trek

Acclimatization day is necessary during trekking. Manang valley is our acclimatization rest day. It helps prevent altitude sickness and adapt to the environment. Headache, hangover, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, sleep, hallucinations, and unconsciousness, are symptoms of altitude sickness. Immediately inform the guide if you have any primary symptoms.

Best time to trek Tilicho Lake

Spring and Autumn seasons are the best time to trek Tilicho Lake. The weather is clear and sunny during these seasons. The trail is also comfortable to walk. Rainy and Winter season treks are for experienced trekkers.

Luggage limitation for Porter

One porter carries the luggage of two trekkers. The luggage limitation per person is a maximum of 15 kg.

  • Shoes: Pair of hiking boots, Rubber sandals
  • Clothes: Windcheater jacket, Thermals, Down Jacket, Fleece, Long sleeve shirts, Gloves, Towels, Inner garments, Trekking pants, Trousers, Shorts, Socks
  • Accessories: Sunglasses, Hats/Caps, Sunscreen, Lip Balm, Water bottles, Pocket Knife, Water Purifying solution
  • Equipment: Warm Sleeping bags, Map, Trekking poles, Duffel bag
  • Medicine: First-Aid Kit, Altitude sickness medicines
  • Rainy season: Waterproof clothes, boots, Raincoat, Anti-leech socks
  • Winter Season: Woolen clothing items (light)

It is best to bring the clothes and essential equipment from your home from the provided checklist. Also, you can buy or rent equipment and clothes in Kathmandu.

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Tilicho Lake trek itinerary to visit world’s highest Lake Tilicho in Manang

World’s highest tilicho lake trek overview.

Tilicho lake trek is to show the highest lake of the world situated at an altitude at 4919 meters / 16,240 feet above sea level. All the glaciers from the northern slopes of Annapurna and Thorang Peak melt into this Lake. Tilicho Lake is a holy spot for Hindu and Buddhist. Just as the Annapurna circuit trekking; the magnificent Tilicho Lake trek has its starting point in Besisahar.

The trail goes parallel to the Marshyangadi River. From Manang, the trail takes the same route of the Annapurna circuit. On way to the west passes, the trek goes through Khangsar village. In the village the trekkers come across with people belonging to different ethnic groups.

From the village the trekkers can enjoy spectacular views of the snow capped majestic Himalayan peaks. The trek goes up to the Tilicho Lake. From Tilicho Lake trekkers proceed via Yak Kharka to Thorung La pass which is at an elevation of 5416m. The Tilicho Lake trek of the Annapurna region is one of most exciting and best trekking routes of the world. In this trek one can view a great variety of scenes and explore variety of culture. It takes take 4-5 hours trek from Tilicho base camp to the highest lake round trip.

Tilicho lake trek can be combining with either challenging Mesokanto pass (5121m) or world famous Annapurna trail . Crossing Mesokunto pass is very difficult and potentially dangerous require additional equipment’s, climbing guide, previous high altitude experience as well as good physical condition.

Tilicho lake trekking via Mesokanto can be organize on camping basic only if you prefer to go throw Thorung pass tea house facility available. From Thorung La Pass the trek descends to Muktinath and concludes at Jomsom . From Jomsom the trekkers take  35 minute flight or  to drive  to Pokhara via Beni.

For the trekking lovers, Annapurna trekking is one of the best options across the globe as it is filled with loads of places to explore along with magnificent views of the Himalayas. Tilicho Lake trek pass through high passes provide spectacular panoramic views of Annapurna , Nilgiri, Dhaulagiri, Thorung Peak, Chulu, Tukuche Peak and many other mountains of the Himalayas.

Best season for Tilicho base camp trekking are March to May and September to November. Tilicho lake protected by Annapurna conservation area, suggested Tilicho lake trek itinerary given below, remember us to organize guided trekking according to your desire and duration of holidays. The wonderful view of the mountains would leave your spellbound.

Tilicho lake trek itinerary

Day 01: Arrival day in Nepal

Day 02: Kathmandu city tours and preparation

Day 03: Drive from Kathmandu to Besisahar (760m).

Day 04: Trek from Besisahar to Bahundanda (1,310m).

Day 05: Trek from Bahundanda to Chamje (1,430m).

Day 06: Trek from Chamje to Dharapani (1,860m).

Day 07: Trek from Dharapani to Chame (2,670m).

Day 08: Trek from Chame to Pisang (3,200m).

Day 09: Trek from Pisang to Manang (3,450m).

Day 10: Rest at Manang acclimatization day.

Day 11: Trek from Manang to Khansar (3734m).

Day 12: Trek from Khansar to Tilicho Base Camp (4150m).

Day 13: Trek  to Tilicho Lake (4919m) and back to base camp.

Day 14: Trek from Tilicho base camp to Yak Kharka (4018m).

Day 15: Trek from Yak Kharka to Throng high camp (4925m).

Day 16: Trek  to Muktinath (3760m) via Throng pass (5416m).

Day 17: Trek to Jomsom (2720m) via Kagbeni (2810m).

Day 18: Fllight from Jomsom to Pokhara (820m).

Day 19: Drive back to Kathmandu, evening farewell dinner.

Day 20: After this amazing Tilicho Lake trek if you are interested for other activities like Safari, Rafting, Biking, Tours, Peak climbing or more trekking in other region we organize trip according to your desire. If you decide to leave Nepal we will transfer to airport for your onward destination.

Service include

# Airports pick up and drop by private vehicle.

# Hotel in Kathmandu for 3 Nights twin sharing with breakfast

# Full day guided sightseeing tour in Kathmandu

# Drive from KTM to Besisahar / Jomsom-Pokhara- Kathmandu bus / Flight

# All meals and accommodation during Tilicho lake trekking period

# An experienced English speaking guide trained by gov. of Nepal

# Highly experienced Tilicho lake trekking staffs

# All governmental procedure permits fees and local taxes

# Down jacket, sleeping bag, duffel bag, medical kit etc

# Travel and rescue arrangements

# Welcome and farewell dinner at typical Nepalese restaurant

Service exclude

*Visa fees/ international airfare to and from Kathmandu

*Lunch and dinner in Kathmandu

*Travel / medical insurance and emergency evacuation cost

*Hot shower, battery recharge during Tilicho lake trek

*Personal expenses phone calls, bar bills, extra porters etc

*Personal Tilicho lake trekking equipment’s / gears

*Tips for guides, porters and driver

*All others expenses not mentioned on price include section

Base Camp Excursion , Nepal always thinking about guest’s safety; it is our paramount concern whilst traveling with us. Trekking is an adventure tour we reach remote mountain region. Sometime health condition of member, natural disaster, and weather condition of mountain region changed unexpectedly we cannot guarantee it. Please note that trekking guide has the authority to cancel any part of Tilicho lake trekking itinerary if it is necessary due to safety concerns, be prepared to be flexible if required, otherwise trekking group leader follow the above itinerary.

Additional information

Contents of our website provide you the information as possible about Tilicho lake trekking package. If you need extra information and wish to discuss any aspect of Tilicho lake trip or your suitability for it please to contact us. If you would like to speak with a reservations consultant, feel free to make a call at 977 9843051359.

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Manang Valley Trekking

Manang Valley on the lap of Annapurnas

Detail Itinerary

  • Video & Photos
  • Trip Code AN-M114
  • Trip Length 16 Days
  • Route Difficulty Level D
  • Group Size Min 1 to 8
  • Min Altitude 760m / 2493 ft.
  • Max Altitude 4919m / 16138 ft.
  • Route Style Local Teahouse
  • Mode Drive In Drive Out

Manang Valley Trekking is a wonderful journey through the mixed landscapes of subtropical forest to arid barren landscapes until 4900m, encountering multiple old Buddhist monasteries portraying the cultural aspects of the area and the magnificence of the beautiful Valley and High Himalayas, which are second to none.

The major attraction of Manang Trek is to explore the hidden gems in Manang Valley locale like tranquil lakes formed at high elevation, sweeping mountain glaciers, ancient Gompas offering a great view, local villages etc. Despite following the classical Annapurna Circuit trekking route towards Thorang La Pass (5416m) from Manang, this trip will take you the world highest Tilicho Lake at 4919m passing through the Khangsar village (also known as the last village of Nepal) lying on the west ridge of Valley.

Trekking to Manang is an awesome experience to encounter different ethnic groups in several villages along the route and the mountain sights while passing through beautiful forest and open dry landscapes are just impressive. Manang valley is remote yet one of the beautiful valley offering breathtaking views of Himalayas crowded with several ancient Buddhist heritage, caves, glaciers and lakes and the inhabited people with distinct cultural practices enjoying their exciting festivals.

Following the footsteps of Annapurna circuit route, the trail passes through beautiful waterfalls visible from Ghermu, Tal and Chyamche village and the green lush vegetation until it starts getting dry & barren at Upper Pisang. The majestic view of Lamjung, Manaslu and Annapurna is awesome from the Upper Gompa monastery. Then, we follow the upper route via Ghyaru and Ngawal village enjoying the panorama in front of our eyes to reach Manang valley after a quick visit to Bhrakha monastery.

On reaching Manang, we will rest and stroll around the village just to feel the air.  The next day, we shall make a packed lunch day trip to Kicho Lake which calmly rests at 4600m with a good view of surrounding landscapes and mountain and also good for acclimatization. Hike to Bodzo Gompa, located at the northern cliff is best to capture the best photograph of gorgeous Manang Valley dominating by the Mt. Annapurna III and Gangapurna.

Out of several places of interest in Manang valley, our three days excursion to western ridge of Valley will take us to Tilicho Lake – highest lake in the world and also sacred as per Hindu beliefs will allow you to immerse into the wild beauty of nature and leave you speechless. We will retrace our path all the way to Manang and then continue from barren lands towards green forest collecting all memories in our mind and camera leaving only footprints behind.

  • World Highest Lake – Tilicho Lake (4919m / 16138 ft.)
  • Visit the last village of Nepal – Khangsar village
  • Old Buddhist Monasteries throughout trails
  • Jeep drive in uneven roads in mountains
  • View of Manaslu (8163m) and Mt. Annapurna (8019m) with her range
  • Gangapurna Glacier and Chongkor View Point at Manang Valley (3540m)
  • Day Trip to Kicho Lake and Bodzo Gompa Visit 

Outline Itinerary

  • Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu : Picked Up from the airport and transfer to the Hotel
  • Day 02: Free Day in Kathmandu
  • Day 03: Drive from Kathmandu to Dharapani (1860m / 6102 ft.)
  • Day 04: Trek from Dharapani to Chame (2670m / 8760 ft.)
  • Day 05: Trek from Chame to Upper Pisang (3200m / 10498 ft.)
  • Day 06: Trek from Upper Pisang to Manang (3540m / 11615 ft.) via upper route
  • Day 07: Day Trip to Kicho Lake (4600m / 15092 ft.)
  • Day 08: Day Trip to Ganagapurna Glacier and Bodzo Gompa (4130m / 13550 ft.)
  • Day 09: Trek from Manang to Shree Kharka (3740m / 12270 ft.)
  • Day 10: Trek from Shree Kharka to Tilicho Base Camp (4150m / 13615 ft.)
  • Day 11: Excursion Day around Tilicho Lake (4919m / 16138 ft.)
  • Day 12: Trek from Tilicho Base Camp to Manang (3540m / 11615 ft.)
  • Day 13: Drive from Manang to Besisahar (760m / 2493 ft.)
  • Day 14: Drive from Besisahar to Kathmandu
  • Day 15: Free Day in Kathmandu (Contingency Day)
  • Day 16: Final Departure | Other Travel Plan

Included in the Cost

  • One Experience Leader Guide, Necessary Porter (1 per 2 trekkers) and Assistant Guide as per group size
  • All the wages, expenses and insurance of Nepalese Crew Members
  • 12 Breakfast, 12 Dinner, 12 Lunch with seasonal fruits and hot drinks
  • Twin Shared Best Suited Local Teahouse Accommodation during trekking
  • All necessary National Park/Conservation Area Permit and Paperwork
  • Four nights Standard Accommodation in Kathmandu (Twin Sharing)
  • Kathmandu - Besisahar transfer in Local Bus (1 to 3 travelers) and transfer in Private Vehicle (4 to 8 travelers)
  • All transfers during trek in shared bus/jeep (Besisahar to Dharapani/ Manang to Besisahar)
  • Complimentary Airport Arrival and Departure Transfers 
  • Complimentary Sleeping Bag and Down Jacket (return after use)
  • Optional: Half Day Walking Tour
  • Our Duffel Bag, Trip Map and Adventure Certificate 
  • Comprehensive Equipped First Aid Medical Kit (to check with AMS)
  • Farewell Nepalese Cultural Dinner
  • All applicable fees, local and government taxes

Not Included in the Cost

  • Nepal Visa Fee and International Airfare
  • Entrance Fee during sightseeing in Kathmandu
  • Other Trekking Expenses like Drinking Water, Soft & Hard Drinks, Juice, Phone Calls, Internet Use, Battery Charging, Laundry, Hot Shower, Donation, Additional Porter etc
  • Personal Trekking Gears and Equipments
  • Any Kinds of Health or Travel Insurance (It is mandatory to reduce the possible expense in case of emergency evacuation)
  • Extra night accommodation in Kathmandu/Pokhara due any reason like early arrival or late departure than scheduled itinerary (also in case of early arrival from trekking)
  • Cost arises due to obstruction and delays in the program itinerary due to weather or any social or political problems
  • Tipping to Crew Members (Expected)
  • Any other expenses or activities besides “Service Provided”

Day 1 Arrival in Kathmandu : Picked Up from the airport and transfer to the Hotel Drive: 30 minutes | Accommodation: Hotel | Meals: Welcome Dinner

Day 2 Free Day in Kathmandu Optional: Join our free walking tours – starts at 10am – Walk to Monkey Temple – Visit National Museum – Kathmandu Durbar Square – finish before 4pm Walk: 1.5 hours | Accommodation: Hotel | Meals: Breakfast

Day 3 Drive from Kathmandu to Dharapani (1860m / 6102 ft.) Drive: 9 - 10 hrs | Accommodation: Local Teahouse | Meals: B, L, D

Day 4 Trek from Dharapani to Chame (2670m / 8760 ft.) Walk: 5 - 6 hrs | Accommodation: Local Teahouse | Meals: B, L, D

Day 5 Trek from Chame to Upper Pisang (3200m / 10498 ft.) Walk: 5 - 6 hrs | Accommodation: Local Teahouse | Meals: B, L, D

Day 6 Trek from Upper Pisang to Manang (3540m / 11615 ft.) via upper route Walk: 5 – 6 hrs | Accommodation: Local Teahouse | Meals: B, L, D

Day 7 Day Trip to Kicho Lake (4600m / 15092 ft.) Walk: 6 – 7 hrs | Accommodation: Local Teahouse | Meals: B, L, D

Day 8 Day Trip to Ganagapurna Glacier and Bodzo Gompa (4130m / 13550 ft.) Walk: 5 – 6 hrs | Accommodation: Local Teahouse | Meals: B, L, D

Day 9 Trek from Manang to Shree Kharka (3740m / 12270 ft.) Walk: 4 – 5 hrs | Accommodation: Local Teahouse | Meals: B, L, D

Day 10 Trek from Shree Kharka to Tilicho Base Camp (4150m / 13615 ft.) Walk: 5 –6 hrs | Accommodation: Local Teahouse | Meals: B, L, D

Day 11 Excursion Day around Tilicho Lake (4919m / 16138 ft.) Walk: 5 – 6 hrs | Accommodation: Local Teahouse | Meals: B, L, D

Day 12 Trek from Tilicho Base Camp to Manang (3540m / 11615 ft.) Walk: 5 – 6 hrs | Accommodation: Local Teahouse | Meals: B, L, D

Day 13 Drive from Manang to Besisahar (760m / 2493 ft.) Drive: 6 - 7 hrs | Accommodation: Local Teahouse | Meals: B, L, D

Day 14 Drive from Besisahar to Kathmandu Drive: 6 - 7 hrs | Accommodation: Hotel | Meals: B, L, D

Day 15 Free Day in Kathmandu (Contingency Day) Accommodation: Hotel | Meals: Breakfast

Day 16 Final Departure | Other Travel Plan

Trip Photos

Annapurna II on the trails to Manang Valley

FREE WALKING TOUR: This is an optional walking adventure on the outskirts of Thamel area, which will surprisingly take you to popular Buddhist shrine – Monkey Temple (original name Swayambunath Stupa) and Kathmandu Durbar Square (House of Virgin Living Goddess) after a quick peek at the National Museum. It is around 6km walk, takes 1.5 hrs walk starting and ending from/to Thamel. It is a guided tour; however the entrance fees to these heritage sites must be pay by travelers themselves. [Monkey Temple – Rs 200, Kathmandu Durbar Square – Rs 1000, National Museum – Rs 150]. We start at 10am in the morning (after breakfast) and finish before 4pm (time can vary).

SAFETY CONCERN:  Your safety is our top concern while organizing outdoor and adventure plans. Our leaders and crew members are experienced professionals who will make sure that the trip is safely in course. We truly understand the need of information flow and risk management to provide the best experience. Our trekking arrangement includes the proper clothing, supplies of equipment and gears, high altitude prevention measures and remedies to provide the carefree adventure in the Himalayas.

STANDARD TRIP:   Standard itinerary and route plans are typically designed considering the necessary number of days to complete the trek for average fit travelers and level of altitude gain on the trek (and multiple other factors) which can be modified as per the interest, time, experience and budget plan of travelers. On the given adventure plan, we have included the most important items necessary for the trip and the cost for it and quoted to provide a general idea of the cost of the trip with minimum number of days required to complete the trip. CUSTOMIZE TRIP: We can organize a trip to every style and provide our service as required by the travelers. There are few items like leader, permits etc, which are mandatory to provide from the agency whereas there are also several alternatives to design the trip as suited. Any customization of the standard itinerary will change the trip price accordingly. We always like to hear what you have to say. We are always happy to assist your valuable travel holidays in your manner with the best information that suits your way of traveling.

ACCOMMODATION IN KATHMANDU We need to have 4 nights’ accommodation in Kathmandu (before and after the trip) for preparation, rest, and contingency. We provide twin sharing room at Hotel Nepalaya on BB Plan for your trip. If you choose to book your own accommodation in Kathmandu, 60 USD per person is discounted from trip price.  

If you prefer to select your own accommodation, then you are free to do so and find a place suitable to your interest. Alternatively, you can suggest a name, and we shall book that place for you.

GROUP SIZE:  All of our adventure trips are accompanied by specialized local leaders, guides, porters and assistant guides (as required) who will always ensure your safety and comfort at every part of the journey. We found that the group size of 8 is the optimal size to run these trips, however we can organize a trip plan for any group size upon the request.

Group of More than 8:   We also have a good experience of handling big groups of volunteers, employees, students, and able to organize a trip plan upon request. Please kindly submit your group size information, and we will garnish a proper trip plan and price for you.

It is your travel plan; you can choose what you want to do, of course with a lot of information first. Feel free to submit and share your travel ideas, and we shall get back to you with more thoughts in no time.

  • Route Difficulty
  • Gears and Equipments
  • Leaders and Staffs
  • Sickness and Acclimatization
  • Travel Insurance
  • Delays and Cancellation
  • Trekking Season
  • Trekking Style
  • Meals and Accommodation
  • Permit and Registration
  • Respect Culture
  • Restricted Area Trekking
  • Equipment List

Related Package

  • Annapurna Base Camp Trekking
  • Annapurna Circuit Trekking
  • Annapurna Sanctuary Trekking
  • Ghorepani Ghandruk Trekking
  • Highest Lake and Biggest Pass Trekking
  • Dhaulagiri Community Eco Trail
  • Mardi Himal Trekking
  • Naar Phu Valley Trekking
  • Poon Hill Trekking
  • RABC Trekking
  • Short Annapurna Circuit Trekking
  • Upper Mustang Historical Trekking
  • Annapurna Three Pass Trekking
  • Annapurna Two Pass Trekking
  • Khopra Ridge Community Trekking

Travel Info

  • Do’s and Don’ts
  • Kathmandu Valley
  • Quick Facts Of Nepal
  • Visas and Fees

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manang trek itinerary

The Ice Lake Manang Trek: A Hiking Guide

The Annapurna Circuit is a classic long distance hike set in the heart of the Himalayas. The start and finish points vary, as does the amount of time taken to hike it, but the key to successfully completing the circuit is time.

The high pass of Thorong La demands a healthy respect for acclimatisation and the best way to do this is to climb slowly and incorporate acclimatisation days.

Successful acclimatisation days involve side hikes where you climb high and sleep low. The Ice Lake is a great side hike to help with acclimatisation and may also be the highlight of any Annapurna Circuit trek.

The Ice Lake in Manang valley is one of the best side hikes of the Annapurna Circuit. In this guide I provide a detailed trail description, trail stats and information on where to stay after completing the Ice Lake trek .

Enjoying views of Annapurna III and Gangapurna from Ice Lake, Nepal (4620m)

Disclaimer:  Some links in this article are affiliate links, which means that if you purchase through them I receive a small commission, at no extra cost to you. This helps cover the cost of running this blog. Thanks for your support!

The Best Annapurna Circuit Side Hike – Ice Lake, Manang

The Ice Lake or Kicho Tal, is a high alpine lake in the Manang valley of Nepal. The lake is situated at 4620m (15157ft) and due to it’s high elevation is often frozen. The Ice Lake is accessed by trekking from Manang or Braga villages. The trek typically takes 7 – 10 hours.

Ensure you have the correct gear for your Annapurna Circuit adventure by checking out this packing list.   I put this packing list together after solo hiking the Annapurna Circuit and Annapurna Sanctuary.

This is a guide to hiking Ice Lake from Braga . At 3400m, Braga is a small village just below the more commercial town of Manang. This village is much quieter than Manang and provides the perfect location to embark on the well marked trail to Ice Lake.

If staying in Manang, the simplest way to hike to Ice Lake, is to walk down to Braga and begin the hike from there.

I describe what you can expect on this beautiful but demanding hike.

From Manang many hikers opt to take the 2 day hike to Tilcho Lake. However, if you have only 1 day to spare, Ice Lake Manang is the perfect option.

Trail Stats

  • Starting elevation: 3400m
  • Finish elevation: 4620m
  • Elevation gain: 1220m
  • Distance: 17km
  • Time: 7-10 hours

Ice Lake Trail Description

This hike will take all day so it’s important to get an early start. Nick and I hike quite quickly so we left at 8:30am and got back to the lodge at 3:30pm.

We spent over an hour at the lake and took time taking photos as we went.

We spoke to other hikers who left at 7am and returned at 4pm, so be prepared for a full day . The trail tops out at 4600m, so it’s important to listen to your body and be prepared to turn back if you are feeling any symptoms of altitude sickness.

From Braga, begin the hike by walking towards the monastery. This fabulous site, is in itself, worthy of some exploration and offers fine views from the top. Track down the key holder to gain access to the inner temple for which there is an entrance costs of 100r.

As you walk towards the monastery and village you will see the blue and white flags denoting a side hike on the Annapurna Circuit . The Ice Lake is also signposted. 

After passing through the village the ascent begins as the trail traverses across the hillside in an easterly direction. As the trail ascends, the views back up the Manang valley get more and more impressive.

Once you reach a flatter section with rock seats designed for porters to rest their bags, the trail takes a left turn. It is signposted Ice Lake . Straight on takes you on the high trail back towards Ngawal.

View of Manang valley from the ice lake trek

At this point the trail gets steeper as you zigzag your way up the dirt track. At around 3800m the trail flattens into a pasture with a gompa to the right. Enjoy this all too brief flat section before the trail swings around to the left and once again begins to zigzag up the hill.

Soon you will reach some prayer flags where the view of the Annapurnas to the south and east becomes even more impressive. This is roughly the half way point .

The trail continues its switchback ascent, before it starts to traverse around the side of the hill and up to the teahouse. The teahouse, at 4200m offers food and water if required. From the teahouse the trail crosses another plateau with old ruined herders huts. In this section keep your eye out for Himalayan blue sheep with their impressively huge horns.

Spoiler alert – Himalayan blue sheep are not blue!

Prayer flags along the ice lake trek, Manang

After the flat pasture there is a steep section, which with the thin air, really begins to test the lungs. The trail then bares around to the left to traverse the hill. From here on the trail climbs gradually in a series of long switchbacks to bring you up to the first lake. This is lower ice lake . Walk to the left of the lake and follow along the trail to the next lake, which is upper ice lake or Kicho Tal.

At this lake there is a small shelter to protect from the wind and a small stupa. You’re almost finished! For the best views, continue on following the trail around to the left until you reach the far end of the lake . Now, at 4600m you can sit down and enjoy the fruits of your labour. A beautiful lake (which may or may not be frozen) with the incredible backdrop of Annapurna III, Gangapurna and Kangsar Kang.

Incredible views of the Annapurnas from the edge of Ice Lake, Nepal

The descent is fairly straightforward as you simply retrace your steps. As you return to lower ice lake, take some time to walk around the top side of the lake. If the weather is calm you may get some reflections of the mountains in the lake.

If you are staying in Manang there is a short-cut that zig zags down the ridge from lower ice lake. In good weather this is clear to see.

We took 3.5 hours to reach the far end of upper ice lake and then 2.5 hours to walk down. My phone tracker stated 17km in total. The trail on maps.me suggests the route is 12km in total, but I don’t think it identifies all the zigzagging along the way.

On the Annapurna Circuit in general we found maps.me to underestimate the distances slightly.

Annapurna circuit trek reflections in lower ice lake Manang

Another incredible side trek from the Annapurna Circuit is the Dhaulagiri Icefall Trek. Take a look at this post for more information!

Where to stay

In Braga there are four options to rest your weary legs. We stayed at Hotel Buddha which has basic rooms, some with private toilets attached. The food here is amazing (splash out on a yak burger!) and the dinning room has a stove to keep you warm in the cold evenings. The village has a small shop and two bakeries.

Manang valley on the Annapurna circuit trail in Nepal

What to take

  • Sturdy walking boots : The trail is well established and mostly a dirt path, however it is rocky in parts. I’ve had Han Wag boots for a couple of years now and have been impressed with how comfortable they are.
  • Hiking Permits : If you enter or exit Braga from/to Manang you will pass through a permit office where you need to register your permits.
  • Warm layers : Once you reach the lake at 4600m you’ll want a puffy to keep you warm .
  • Water bottle with a filter : This will allow you to safely refill at ice lake.  I use a Water To Go bottle.
  • GPS or map : This trail is marked on maps.me app .
  • Food and drink: There is a teahouse en route but depending on the time of year, it may or may not be open. Ask the guys at your guesthouse before you set off.
  • Sunscreen and hat : Get a high factor for extra protection at high altitudes. This sunscreen is also free of nasty chemicals.

Don’t Forget Your Travel Insurance!

For the best deals on travel insurance, check out Safety Wing.

All distances and elevations used in this post were recorded on my iphone .

Have you hiked the Annapurna Circuit? Did you choose to do the Ice Lake side hike? I’d love to hear your thoughts below!

If you love big mountain hiking you might want to consider visiting Kyrgyzstan or Pakistan . Both of these countries have epic scenery and tons of hiking potential.

Last year, on a visit to Pakistan I completed two stunning hikes which you can read more about below:

  • Hiking to Rakaposhi Base Camp in the Karakorams
  • Hiking to Fairy Meadows and Nanga Parbat View Point in the Himalayas

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This is a guide to completing the ice lake trek (Kicho Tal) from the village of Braga. This is the best side hike on the Annapurna Circuit, Nepal.

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Louise is an Adventure Tour Guide & Mountain Leader from South Wales. Through working as a tour guide and snowboard instructor, she has spent the last 15 years travelling Asia, Africa and the Americas. Louise is a published photographer and is currently based in the UK.

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Tilicho Lake Trek Itineray: Annapurna Circuit Side Trek

Trekking in Nepal / July 2, 2021 by fulltimeexplorer / 19 Comments

The Tilicho Lake is a glacial lake located near the very popular Annapurna Circuit at an altitude of 4919m (16,138 ft). The Tilicho Lake trek takes three to four days depending on your itinerary and weather conditions. The lake is famous for being the “biggest highest lake” in the world. Although there are smaller higher lakes, this one is notable for its size. It has a depth of 85m and is the site of one of the highest ever altitude scuba dives. The lake is meant to be the main attraction of this side trek, but I personally found the variety of landscapes on route to Tilicho Lake to be the best part. The landslide areas on the way there make you feel like you’re on the moon, while the views 35 minutes before the lake are some of the best mountain views I’ve ever seen.

Tilicho Lake Trek Itinerary Map

Please note: the locations on this map are estimates since I couldn’t find their exact location on any online maps. This map should not be used for navigational purposes. It is just meant as a visual aid .

Day 1 – Braka to Shri Kharka

Starting Altitude: 3,439m (11,279 ft)

Ending Altitude: 4,050m (13,284 ft)

Walking Time: 4 hours

Tea House: Himalayan Guest House

Oxygen Concentration (at sleeping location): 62%

While most people stay in Manang, we chose to stay in Braka for an acclimation day since the nearby side treks felt like a better option. We had been choosing smaller towns over bigger ones and knew we’d have time to stop in Manang on the way back. That being said, I think it’s better to spend one night in Braka and one in Manang after your acclimation hike. The two villages are only 40 minutes apart, but it will make the trek to Tilicho Lake a bit easier. Also, Manang has a movie theater and coffee shops, making it a great place to spend a little time. I highly recommend seeing the movie Caravan while you’re there which is a favorite among Nepalis.

The road from Braka to Manang is easy and straight forward to follow. Stay on the main road until you hit the village. Jeeps can’t go beyond this point, which is a breath of fresh air, literally. Pass through the main gate and follow the path into town. This is a great place to stop and grab any last minute supplies. I got a pair of shoe laces since mine were wearing thin. You’ll pass through an ACAP checkpoint for your permits. Once you’ve checked in, keep on the main path and follow the signs to “Thorong La” until you get out of the main village.

Once you leave Manang, you’ll see a small sign on the left directing you to Tilicho Lake. Ahead, the trail splits, and we chose the path on the left which wrapped around the mountain and offered incredible views of the Annapurna Range. The road starts to descend to the river, but don’t go all the way down. There’s a path on the right halfway down that’s easy to miss. You’ll know you’ve got the right one if you cross the suspension bridge. The trail is narrower, but it stays pretty flat compared to the road which has lots of hills.

The path will reconnect with the road and take you to Khangsar (3,734 meters or 12,247 feet). It took us two and a half hours to reach here from Braka. If you are coming from Manang, it will take less than two hours. At the end of the village, we stopped for a cup of tea at Hotel on Heights Restaurant because it had a balcony with a nice view of the mountains.

Follow the main path out of the village, and you’ll end up back on the trail. It starts out pretty gradual, but as you get closer to Shri Kharka, the elevation begins to increase and the trail gets steeper. At the top, we chose to stay in the Himalayan Guest House. They have excellent food (the cheese dal baht is great) and a hot gas shower. We were the first people there, so we got the room on the end with an ensuite toilet and views in all three directions. They’ll also store your bag while you take a daypack to the lake. This makes a huge difference when going over the landslides and was the best advice I got .

We decide to spend the night in Shri Kharka because we arrived around 12pm when the wind starts to pick up. On the next leg of the trek, there is an area known for landslides and rock fall. These are more likely to happen in the afternoon when the rocks have heated up and when it is windy. It’s safer to cross this section in the morning when the wind is low, so we decided to wait for the next day.

Day 2 – Shir Kharka to Tilicho Base Camp

Starting Altitude: 4,050m (13,284 ft)

Ending Altitude: 4,150m (13,612 ft)

Walking Time: 2 hours

Tea House: Hotel New Tilicho Base Camp

Oxygen Concentration (at sleeping location): 61%

The path from Shri Kharka to Tilicho Base Camp is easy to navigate since it’s the only path in sight. We followed it for a while before running into a large group of Nepali tourists who were on their way back from the lake. Each one greeted us ominously with a, “Namaste” and “Safe travels.” No one had wished us safe travels for 13 days so it seemed strange to hear it from everyone all of a sudden. We had been told how dangerous this section would be multiple times, so I already expected the worst.

Once we arrived to the notorious landslide area, I was pleasantly surprised that the path was much wider than I had anticipated. Because we broke this section of the trek up into two days instead of one, we arrived early in the morning with no wind and no rocks tumbling down at us. My last trek had a similar appearance, although the path was covered in ice instead of rubble which was much scarier. This might have skewed my opinion on the danger level, but after consulting others, they too thought it wasn’t as bad as others made it out to be.

The path narrowed in sections ranging from 5 feet to 20 feet long. These areas weren’t exactly easy, but as long as I went slow and took my time making sure my footing was right, it seemed to be ok. That being said, if you stopped and looked down, or stopped to think of all the things that could go wrong it would be absolutely terrifying. I stared at the path and my feet and just focused on that as opposed to what would happen if I slipped, a rock hit me, or a sudden earthquake occurred. When you get in a car, you don’t think of all the ways you could die, so don’t psych yourself out here.

My best advice is not to let people scare you away from doing this trek. Is it scary? Yes. Should that deter you? No. The landslide section only took 2 hours to cross and most of it was safe. We actually saw guys riding mountain bikes down it and a caravan of mules carrying propane tanks. If they can do it, you can do it. Just make sure not to go during bad weather or windy conditions, and take your time.

At Tilicho Base Camp, we decide to stay in the Hotel New Tilicho Base Camp. The hot showers are good and the rooms are really clean. We even had an ensuite toilet. The views from the hotel are amazing. It’s the best part of the Annapurna Circuit up to this point.

Day 3 –Tilicho Base Camp to Tilicho Lake to Shri Kharka

Starting Altitude: 4,150m (13,612 ft)

Tilicho Lake Altitude: 5,023m (16,475 feet)

Walking Time: 8 hours

Oxygen Concentration (at highest point): 55%

We decided to leave the hotel at 4:00am, so we ordered breakfast the night before and packed it into Zip Lock baggies. I ordered two boiled eggs and Tibetan bread. We heard from other trekkers that waking up at 2:00am ensured you’d see the stars including the whole Milky Way and the sunrise at Tilicho Lake. It was very cloudy the night before, and none of us felt committed enough to wake up that early. By 4:00am you couldn’t see the stars, but it was also somewhat cloudy when we went.

We walked toward the other two hotels in town and followed the path that goes in between them. The Himalayas were pure white in the distance, the snow bright as day against the stark sky. The path goes slightly uphill at the start. Although the incline is gradual, you’re trekking above 4000m (13,120 ft) so it’s difficult to breathe.

The hike up to Tilicho Lake has some landslide areas as well. They aren’t as bad as the ones from the day before, but they are difficult to navigate at night. Some of the gravel is dark and some is light, making it hard to differentiate the cliff from the different colors of dust. I walked extra slow to be safe. After a while, I stopped to take a breathing break and realize the sun was rising behind us. Everyone told us the sunrise wasn’t special, but the overcast sky worked in our favor. The clouds turned to embers, and I couldn’t help but stop and stare for over five minutes.

At the end of the landslide section, right before a steep hill covered in switchbacks, there’s a gradual incline that was extremely exhausting to me. I tried not to stop because stopping to rest on a landslide seemed like a bad idea, but it was too tough. In those 20 feet, I must have stopped at least three times to catch my breath. Even though the next part with the switchbacks looked so much worse, it was actually easier. At the top, a sign reads “Tilicho Lake 35 minutes.”

From here, the ground evens out with barely any incline. We passed a few small ponds which are calm in the morning and reflect the beautiful mountains nearby. The view from this section is easily in the top three views of my life. The mountains are gorgeous, reflecting the soft morning sunlight. I took a few minutes just to stop and appreciate them before moving on.

With one last tiny hill, we made it to the lake which we already knew would be frozen. It snowed the night before, so it was also covered in a fresh sheet of snow. Unfortunately, it looked a bit more like a giant field than anything else. One girl joked that she’d only give it a “solid five” out of ten. We had previously joked that the lake was the “biggest highest lake.”  Wording that is a little tricky because it’s not actually the “highest lake” in the world. I personally didn’t think the lake was anything to write home about, but the sunrise and views along the way were worth every second of the walk.

After spending an hour at the top, the sky began to warm up and we started our slow decent back to Base Camp. It took us about 3 hours to reach the top. On the way down, we stopped for photos, water breaks, and breaks for no reason. It took us two hours to descend at our leisurely pace, but we really got to enjoy the incredible views on the way.

We all grabbed a real breakfast at the hotel. I highly recommend the set breakfast which includes everything and is very filling. We all looked like zombies, but picked ourselves up and began the trek back over the landslides to Shri Kharka. We began to walk at 11:00am as opposed to the day before when we began at 8:00am. You could already feel the difference in the wind, and I realized why people were so afraid of the landslide zone. Although no rocks were falling, the wind made balancing on the narrow parts a little trickier.

Again, we took a leisurely pace and stopped for long breaks between the dangerous spots to regroup. At one point, I heard beautiful bells and thought someone had hung wind chimes. Note, if you hear bells, it means an animal is coming. As I turned along the cliff, a pack of mules came running down a blind spot. Luckily, the owner saw us and yelled for the horses to stop. They obeyed immediately before running us over the side of the mountain. He then proceeded to pull us up over the landslide and out of the path of the horses. It definitely gave us an adrenaline rush.

It took us about 3 hours to get back to Shri Kharka, but we stopped for a lot of photos, and to just sit and chat after the landslide zone. It could easily be done in 2 hours if you are focused on getting there quickly. The entire hike for the day added up to approximately 8 hours of walking. We spent another night at the Himalayan Guest House where we’d left our larger bags the day before.

Day 4 – Shri Kharka to Manang

Ending Altitude: 3,540m (11,611 ft)

Walking Time: 2.5 hours

Tea House: Hotel Royal Manang

Oxygen Concentration (at sleeping location): 66%

Depending on your trek itinerary, you can either go back to Manang or forward to Yak Kharka. We chose to return to Manang because I needed WiFi for work. This is the route you would take if you are headed back down instead of continuing onto the pass. For those who plan to go over the pass, you should follow the signs from Shri Kharka to Yak Kharka. I’ve been told it takes 4-5 hours to reach Yak Kharka and an extra hour to reach Ledar.

The path to Manang starts with a steep descent which hurt my knees. After that, it’s an easy walk along the road most of the way. During one section, there is a path to the left which is a shortcut that bypasses the road. It’s the same path you took on the way there. Since we didn’t stay in Manang on the way up, we took full advantage of the cinema, restaurants, and WiFi while in town. Oh yeah, and stocked up on some well-deserved yak cheese.

Are you headed to Tilicho Lake? Would you cross these landslides to see it?

You might also like…

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Reader Interactions

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June 21, 2018 at 2:59 am

Beautiful photos!

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June 21, 2018 at 3:52 am

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July 24, 2019 at 8:24 pm

Hey there, very interestinf post! I‘m booked a guided tour for the annapurna cuircit in the beginning of september. I‘ve been reading stories about the danger of rock and mudslides. Should I be afraid of these things? You wrote that it wouldn‘t be that dangerous and it took you only 2h to pass the rockslide area. I‘m afraid because during september there should still be heavy rains… what would you say about the danger?

July 24, 2019 at 8:31 pm

Hey Lucas! I think having a guide will be a huge help for you, so it’s good you booked one. The best thing you can do is check the conditions right before taking the turnoff to the lake. Locals in the area have the best info. When we went, we were advised to go early in the morning because winds picked up in the afternoon, and it was safer without the wind. Most of the circuit is very safe but Tilicho is dangerous. It would be hard to plan ahead. When you get there you’ll want to check the last three days weather to see if it rained a lot and then check the forecast for the next three days. September can be hit or miss. I’ve done treks in monsoon with no rain and I’ve done treks in peak season and got hit with crazy weather. Just go with the flow and your guide will know if it’s safe to try or not ☺️

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August 20, 2019 at 7:36 am

Wow bunch of stunning photos and great information about Tilicho lake side trek in Annapurna circuit trek

August 20, 2019 at 12:32 pm

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September 4, 2019 at 10:10 am

I am really happy to say it’s an interesting post to read. I learn new information from your article. Great job. 🙂 Keep it up!!

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June 25, 2020 at 8:52 am

You beautifully present the 4 Days Side Trip of Tilicho Lake Trekking from Manang to Manang. This helps trekkers to plan their trip with popular Annapurna Circuit Trek. Information regarding Oxygen Concentration in each overnight camp with beautiful picture of Tilicho Lake Trek is the best part.

June 26, 2020 at 6:38 am

Thank you so much! I’m glad you enjoyed the article and photos 🙂

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April 7, 2019 at 2:49 pm

How long is the total trek duration?

April 7, 2019 at 2:54 pm

It matters where you start and finish the trek. We walked almost the entire thing (most people take a Jeep half way) so it took us 21 days. This is the longer itinerary we did however you can easily cut out half if you’re on a time crunch http://fulltimeexplorer.com/annapurna-circuit-itinerary/

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manang trek itinerary

  • Annapurna Circuit Trek
  • Trip Style: AC3
  • Ways to Travel: Guided Trek
  • Activities: Trekking
  • Group Size: 2-12
  • High Altitude 5416 M ( Thorang Pass )

manang trek itinerary

Trip Overview

Our Annapurna circuit trek is an extraordinary trek, one of the world’s best in terms of culture and environmental diversity. Annapurna Circuit trek provides you dramatic changes in landscape, culture and climate. Following a careful acclimatization program, we head northwest over the 5400 meter Thorung La (pass) and descend steeply down to the sacred shrine of Muktinath in the Mustang district. From Muktinath to Pokhara you can enjoy terraced hills, forests, alpine pastures and villages from different cultures. Taking a flight from Jomsom to Pokhara can shorten this trek. Jomsom is one-day walk away from Muktinath. The road has built up in the Thak Khola Valley- Jomsom to Beni. Our idea is to assist you in finding the optimum adventure with blend of unique cultures you’ve been looking for. Finally your quest for a place where a blend of religious values, cultural dignities and enthralling adventures fuses at a junction ends right here.

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Trip Highlights

  • Starting From  :  Kathmandu
  • End at  :  Pokhara
  • Duration  :  16
  • Grade  :  Moderate
  • Max. Elevation  :  5416 M
  • Activity  :  Trekking Adventure , Culture , Mt.Annapurna , Mt Dhaulagiri , Mt Machhapurchhre , Manang, Mustang 
  • Mode of Trek  :  Tea House

Detailed Itinerary

The day begins with the drive along the Prithivi highway from Kathmandu to Besisahar – Bhulbule or a bit further to Ngadi depending on the road conditions. Enroute we will enjoy the Trishuli River, stunning traditional villages, terraced fields and if the weather is good, we will have some fantastic picturesque views to the Himalayan Range. We divert off the highway at bustling town of Dumre and continue north to Besisahar. After lunch, we complete the drive through dirt road to Bhulbule in the Marshyangdi Valley. After arriving in overnight stop, we will check in to our local teahouse and then head out to explore if time permits and then relax over dinner.

After early breakfast we hit the trail. After crossing a suspension bridge at Bhulbhule, the trail passes a cascading waterfall, and as we traverse the rice terraces, the views of Mount Manaslu, Himalchuli and Ngadi Chuli are magnificent. Following a gentle incline we come to the village of Ngadi with its picturesque shops. From here we climb, steep and hot, to Bahundanda. Bahundanda literally means “hill of the Brahmins” and it is the most northerly Brahmin settlement in the Marsyangdi Valley, situated high up on a ridge. From Bahundanda our trail abruptly dips to Syange (1080m).

Ahead, the Marsyangdi valley forms a steep V-shape, and we follow the winding mountain path down through Syange and along the river for some distance. The trail then climbs steeply and the path is cut into the sheer cliff-face some 200-300 m above the riverbed. Eventually we descend to the atmospheric village of Jagat, situated on a shelf, which juts into the precipitous Marsyangdi valley. Then steeply up through a forest to a wonderful teahouse just before Chamje and marked by a magnificent waterfall on the opposite bank. Chamje is an atmospheric village of traditional-style teahouses, often packed with saddled local horses. After descending to the river and crossing a suspension bridge, we continue on an

undulating path above the river, climb the switch-backing path to the top of the hill, and are treated to the sight of Tal below us on a wide plain by the river. Tal is the district border between Lamjung and Manang.

we have just traveled. Beyond Tal and the check-post, the valley narrows and the path become high and winding, and in several areas is actually hewn from the rock. Beyond the small village of Karte, there is a bit more exposed trail walking before the path drops again to the river. We cross a suspension bridge, and climb the short distance to the stone Mani marking the entrance to Dharapani. Travelling due west, Bagarchhap is an hour away from Dharapani offering exotic views of the Annapurna II and Lamjung Himal. Then we will reach the village of Danagyu after half an hour.

Continuing to climb through forests of pine and oak, we turn left and head up the high trail to Koto. After an hour of lovely, open forests, we reach a clearing at the top of the trail and a charming Tibetan teahouse where we will stop for a break. Pausing for breath, we can look back for views of Manaslu. An hour away is the wonderful Gurung village of Timang, where the villagers might be harvesting their crops of buckwheat or stuffing local sausages. Heading back down to the village of Koto Qupar, our base for the trek up to Nar Phu, we can look straight up at nearby Annapurna II – a stunning sight convincing us that we are deep in the Himalayan Mountains! Many of the villagers are the from Nar Phu valley; this is the gateway to their region. Less than an hour brings us to Chame, the local administrative center of Manang, and a large village packed with small shops and teahouses, an army post and a large school. We bed down here for the evening.

The trail now continues along the river backs through to Bharatang, which is surrounded by apple orchards. It’s a beautiful walk from Chame to Pisang, through woods with some small ascents, and wonderful views of the peaks soaring above us. It’s just a five hour day, so we’ll have the afternoon in Pisang to explore the village, with it’s Tibetan Mani stones and Gompa, perhaps taking a walk up to Upper Pisang for amazing views of Annapurna II and Annapurna III.

Trek the northern trail via upper Pisang and Ghyaru – an area renowned for its spectacular views. 6 hours walk past a series of unique and colorful Chortens to Manang, at 3500m, a village of 500 or so flat-roofed houses, the headquarters for the region, and an interesting village packed with trekkers, bakeries and lodges. Manang is dominated by high peaks – Annapurna III and Gangapurna tower over it, and a dramatic icefall sits just across the river. There is an old Gompa on the edge of town, many local teahouses, and some atmospheric, winding streets in the village leading out toward the Thorung La. Finally, guest houses, showers, cold beers! There is a 3 o’clock lecture on altitude by the Himalayan Rescue Association for anyone interested.

Today is our acclimatization day, with lots of options; a long day-hike to the Ice Lake, a visit to the ‘Hundred Rupee Lama’ at the cave gompa above Manang, a two-hour hike to Milarepa’s cave across the river from Braga, the HRA talk, or a tour of Manang’s many bakeries. A hike up 300 meters or so for acclimatization is recommended, but nothing too strenuous is required. The guesthouse is wonderful, a sunny and warm place to gaze at the peaks in the afternoon.

It’s not a long day today, but we gain some altitude, so should take it slowly. En route, we will undoubtedly be passed along the trail by galloping Manangi horses, saddled with wonderful (and expensive) Tibetan wool saddle blankets, and their jubilant Manangi riders, bells jingling as they gallop by. We climb past Tengi and Gunsang to Yak Kharka.

An easy two or three hour walk up to the Thorung La Base Camp Hotel at Thorung Phedi, and after an early lunch, another hour or so to hike up to the lodge at High Camp, where we will stay the night, getting to bed early for our early morning start the next day; pass day! If anyone is having problems with altitude, we have the option of staying at Thorung Phedi Base Camp, where we had lunch, a nice spot to spend the afternoon with its glass windows.

Up early for the three or four hour walk to the top of the Thorung La at 5.400 m, where we are treated with spectacular views over Mustang and the surrounding peaks. The descent is almost as demanding as the ascent to the top of the pass, so a cup of chai and a snack at the local teahouse at Chabarbu, at the bottom of the descent, is a required stop. Then we will enter to lower Mustang, which we have actually reached just after the pass, and the serene temple complex of Muktinath. Muktinath is one of the most significant pilgrim places on earth for the Hindus and the Buddhist. Its unique combination of cold-water springs, natural gas fires and sea fossils that are millions of years old is considered sacred.

Our last day on the trail! It is with a touch of sadness that we will saddle up and get going, knowing that we won’t be doing this tomorrow (although we DO have lakeside cafes and massages to look forward to in Pokhara!). We bid farewell to Muktinath and have a nice morning’s walk down the Kali Gandaki riverbed, looking for saligram along the way to Jomsom, the administrative center for the region. The Kali Gandaki valley gets incredibly windy in the early afternoon, so important to arrive before noon. We’ll have lunch in Jomsom and there is a bank if anyone needs to change money for a refreshing body massage along with hot shower

Sadly, it’s time to leave the magical mountains and bidding farewell to Jomsom, we head back to the greenery of the middle hills. This morning we need to be up and ready for the planes – they come early to make the best of the (usually) calmer weather in the early morning. We are by now familiar with the winds that race down the Kali Gandaki riverbed by midday and we sure don’t want to be in a plane then! We enjoy this incredibly spectacular half hour flight to Pokhara and after checking into our hotel we have the rest of the day to just relax after our trek!!! Depending on your energy levels after your long days on the trail, you can do your relaxing in a lakeside café or bar, getting a massage or heading out for shopping or a spot of sightseeing. Lunch and dinner are free to explore the range of food available – dazzling after our time spent on the trail – and we can meet up for meals or take some out to reflect on the amazing experience we’ve just had. If you’d like to go exploring the food options on your own, we will give some good recommendations! (Note: today is a great day to put some laundry in and have time to pick it up before we head to Kathmandu!)

Inclusions & Details

  • All ground transportation
  •  Full board 12 nights 13 Days with all meals while on trek (Breakfast, lunch, dinner with tea/coffee ; Accommodation in tea houses
  • Government licensed  guide
  • Entry permits and TIMS
  • All necessary requirements for Nepalese staffs (meals, insurance, equipments, ground transportation
  • 1 Night Hotel in Pokhara with Breakfast
  • Any bar bills (alcoholic drinks, mineral water, cold drinks),
  • Clients personal insurance
  • Air fare for client & guides
  • any kind of unforeseen expenses.
  • Tips for Guide and porters
  • Anything that is not mention above

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Tashi Dalek Nepal

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Manang valley trek – 12 days

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  • Tilicho Lake Trek – 12 Days
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Manang Valley trek 12 days  stands out amongst the most predisposing valleys trek in Nepal. Manang Valley lies on the eastern slopes of the Annapurna Circuit Trek. In the nearby region of the Tibetan outskirt, this valley has its history among the yak and salt dealers of Nepal and Tibet. Manang Valley is as yet utilized as the yak and salt exchange point and it stays one of the vital exchange focuses in the northern fringe of Nepal. Opened to trekkers in 70's Manang Valley has been one of the inclination goals among the trekkers who are voyaging to Nepal. Being Enriched and favored by numerous astoundingly appealing mountains like Pisang Crest, the Chulu run, Gangapurna, Tilicho Peak, Kangaru Peak, Throng Top, and Manang Valley trek dependably has been an incredible experience for the individuals who have been there.

Manang Valley Trekking makes up of 12 areas, Manang is partitioned into Upper and Lower Mustang. Marshyangdi River keeps running along the District making the land rich and irrigable land. Managing People develop for the most part buckwheat, millet, and potato. The Winter season is the higher level take after desert-like landscape yet some uncommon widely varied vegetation occupies this place. Manang Village Trek will take you along the exquisite lower valley brimming with life and a gigantic view of widely varied vegetation to the desert-like fruitless upper level, excellent in any case. Manang Valley trek will give you a mind-blowing perspective of the mountains that will degree you off your feet. The social parts of the Himalayan locale, the prominent Milirepa give in arranged just a multi-day stroll from Manang town and to the most astounding freshwater lake in the world.

  • Outline Itinerary
  • Detail Itinerary
  • Departure Dates
  • Useful Info

Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu (1,300 m)

Day 02: Drive from Kathmandu – to Besisahar (760 m)

Day 03: Trek from Besisahar – Bahundanda (1,498 m)

Day 04: Trek from Bahundanda – Chamje (1,410 m)

Day 05: Trek to Chame (2,670 m)

Day 06: Trek to Pisang (3,060 m)

Day 07: Trek to Manang (3,440 m) 

Day 08: Trek to Ice Lake (Kicho Tal) 4,600m

Day 09: Trek to Chame (2,670m)

Day 10: Trek to Dharapani

Day 11: Drive to Besishar 

Day 12: Departure day

Cost includes:

  • Airport pickups and drops in a private vehicle
  • 3-star hotel accommodation in Kathmandu with breakfast
  • Teahouse accommodation during the trek
  • All meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) during the trek
  • Farewell dinner in Kathmandu
  • All ground transportation on a comfortable private vehicle as per the itinerary
  • Guided city tour in Kathmandu by private vehicle
  • An experienced, English-speaking, and government-licensed trek leader and assistant trek leader
  • Porter service (2 trekkers: 1 porter)
  • Staff costs including their salary, insurance, equipment, food, and accommodation
  • Down jacket and sleeping bag  (to be returned after trip completion)
  • All necessary paperwork and trekking permits
  • Medical kit (carried by your trek leader)
  • All government and local taxes 

Cost Excludes:

  • Nepalese visa fee 
  • Excess baggage charge(s)
  • Extra night accommodation in Kathmandu and Pokhara because of early arrival, late departure, or early return from the mountain due to any reason other than the scheduled itinerary
  • Lunch and evening meals in Kathmandu
  • Entrance fees for sightseeing/monument visits as per the itinerary
  • International flights
  • Travel and rescue insurance
  • Personal expenses (phone calls, laundry, bar bills, battery recharge, extra porters, bottle or boiled water, shower, etc.)
  • Tips for guide(s), porter(s) and driver(s)

* This tour can be fully customized as per your requirement.

Following your arrival time at Tribhuwan International Airport, our company representatives will be there for your warm welcome and to shift you towards a luxury tourist standard hotel. Therefore, we plan on gathering at our office to discuss the upcoming trek. We organize a welcome dinner today in one of the famous restaurants in town and enjoy Nepalese food.

At an early hour, our guide escorts you to the bus station to catch a vehicle towards Besisahar. Heading west by leaving the Kathmandu Valley, the journey proceeds on a winding Prithvi Highway along the Trisuli River till Dumre. From Dumre, the vehicle heads north towards Besisahar, following the Marsyangdi River. Our vehicle stops twice, once for breakfast and afterward for lunch, before achieving Besisahar. Finally, we reach Besisahar and the night will be spent at a hotel.

Day 03: Trek from Besisahar – Bahundanda (1,498 m) Following the dusty street, the trip proceeds north to Bhulbhule.  Bhulbhule welcomes us with the perspective of Manaslu, Himchuli, and Nagdi Chuli. Getting a charge out of the perspective of the mountains and the waterfall, we at that point reach the Nadi Bazaar on the trail along the Marsyangdi River. Ahead, we cross the scaffold over the Nadi River and a lofty climb past the landslide zone and last take us to Bahundanda. The remaining hours will be spent investigating throughout and the night will be spent at the hotel.

Day 04: Trek from Bahundanda – Chamje (1,410 m) Seizing the east bank of the Marsyangdi River, we descend to Syange which welcomes us with a perspective of the long waterfall. Therefore, we currently cross the extension over the Marsyangdi River and proceed on an extreme trail along the west bank of the waterway up to Jagat which welcomes us with another excellent perspective of the waterfall. After that point, a precarious walk on a trail along the waterway will, at last, take us to Chamje, which again offers an excellent perspective of a 202 m-long waterfall. The night will be spent at a hotel in Chamje.

Day 05: Trek to Chame (2,670 m) Today, we continue our walk by catching an upward steep stone case to reach beautiful Tamang village (the vantage point of Annapurna Circuit) above Danakyu to sight a 360° view of towering snow-capped mountains including Annapurna and Manaslu. After passing several pine and rhododendron forests, bridges, and settlements including Koto, we reach Chame. This night will be spent at a lodge in Chame.

Day 06: Trek to Pisang (3,060 m) After enjoying breakfast, our beginning trail is fairly easy till Bhartang thereafter we continue up the steep into the dense oak forest to step Dhikur Pokhari for inspecting the spectacular view of Pisang peak and Annapurna. Leaving Dhikur Pokhari behind, we head forward passing lower Pisang towards upper Pisang. We can explore the nearby monastery after the steeping destination of the day and the night will be spent at the lodge in Pisang.

Day 07: Trek to Manang (3,440 m) Early morning-developed trek enters the drier part of the Manang district by catching the easy route via Humde. During the walk through the wide and dusty trail, you will be accompanied by stunning mini walls and a magnificent view of Pisang Peak and Annapurna till we reach Manang. Finally, after steeping Manang, you can explore a large Tibetan village with the best sunset view in the evening time. The night will be spent at a lodge in Manang.

Today we will trek to visit Ice Lake after hiking for 4 hrs. We can have an incredible view of many Mountains from there. The night will be spent at a lodge in Manang.

Today we trek down to Chame and stay overnight at Lodge

After early morning breakfast, we trek down to Darapani and stay overnight at Lodge

Day 11: Drive to Besishar

We drive back to Besishar and on the same day drive back to Kathmandu overnight hotel

Day 12 : Departure day

On the last day focusing your time, you can go shopping to collect some gifts for your friends or family members.  We help you with your necessary arrangements and pack-ups along with our private vehicle to transfer you to the airport focusing on your departure time. Our representatives will be there to wish you a safe flight and successful steps ahead.

Please Check Available Dates for The Year of:

Where is Manang Valley?

Manang Valley is a beautiful and remote valley located in the Manang district of Nepal, nestled amidst the towering peaks of the Annapurna region. It lies at an elevation of 3,519 meters (11,545 feet) and is surrounded by snow-capped mountains, including Annapurna I, Gangapurna, and Manaslu. The valley is home to the Manang village, a traditional Tibetan settlement known for its warm hospitality and stunning views of the Himalayas.

What are the required permits for the Manang Valley Trek?

  • Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP Permit): This permit is mandatory for entering the Annapurna Conservation Area, encompassing the entire Manang Valley trekking route.
  • TIMS Card (Trekkers Information Management System): Every trekker in Nepal must carry a TIMS Card to track movement and ensure safety.

What is the best time for the Manang Valley Trek?

The most favorable seasons for the Manang Valley trek are spring (March-May) and autumn (September-November). These periods offer clear skies, mild temperatures, and minimal rainfall, providing ideal conditions for trekking and enjoying the panoramic vistas.

What are the highlights of the Manang Valley Trek?

  • Manang Village: Immerse yourself in the traditional Tibetan culture of MaVillagellage, interacting with the warm and hospitable locals.
  • Himalayan Vistas: Witness breathtaking views of snow-capped peaks, including Annapurna I, Gangapurna, and Manaslu, from high vantage points.
  • Yak Pastures: Traverse through lush yak pastures, witnessing the traditional yak herding practices of the local communities.
  • Thorong La Pass: Conquer the Thorong La Pass, the highest mountain pass in the Annapurna region, offering panoramic views of the surrounding mountains.

How to prepare for the Manang Valley Trek?

  • Physical Fitness: Train consistently, focusing on cardiovascular endurance and strength training to handle moderate ascents, high altitudes (up to 4,110 meters/13,484 feet at Manang), and varied terrain.
  • Altitude Acclimatization: Gradually adjust to high altitudes before starting the trek, spending a few days in Kathmandu (1,400 meters) before ascending.
  • Permits and Insurance: Obtain the necessary permits (Annapurna Conservation Area Permit, TIMS Card) and purchase comprehensive travel insurance.
  • Gear and Clothing: Pack appropriate attire for moderate-altitude trekking, including warm clothing, waterproof layers, hiking boots, a backpack, trekking poles, a headlamp, and a first-aid kit.

How difficult is the Manang Valley Trek?

The Manang Valley Trek is considered a moderately challenging trek, requiring a moderate level of fitness and experience. It involves moderate ascents, high altitudes, varied terrain, and some exposure to altitude sickness.

How fit do you need to be for the Manang Valley Trek?

To tackle this trek, you should be in good physical condition. Regular aerobic exercise, such as running, swimming, or cycling, will develop the stamina required for moderate-length treks. Additionally, strength training will prepare your muscles for the demands of the trek.

What to pack for the Manang Valley Trek?

Here's a basic packing list for the Manang Valley Trek:

  • Warm clothing: Fleece layers, woolen socks, beanie, gloves
  • Waterproof layers: Rain jacket, rain pants, gaiters
  • Hiking boots: Sturdy, supportive boots with good ankle support
  • Backpack: Comfortable backpack with adequate capacity for your gear
  • Trekking poles: Poles for balance and support on uneven terrain
  • Headlamp: Headlamp for nighttime trekking and navigating lodges
  • First-aid kit: Basic first-aid supplies for common ailments and injuries
  • Water purification tablets: To ensure safe drinking water
  • Snacks and high-energy food: To replenish energy during the trek

manang trek itinerary

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Radiant Treks

Annapurna Circuit Trek with Tilicho Lake

Annapurna Region is quite famous for its world-class trekking routes. This region offers many exotic and unspoiled trekking trails. Among them, Annapurna Circuit with Tilicho Lake are very popular among trekkers.

This is a combined package, in which you will be walking the remote routes of this region and visiting one of the famous Lake Tilicho situated at an altitude of 4919 m .

Annapurna region is situated in the north-central part of the Himalayas in Nepal. This Annapurna Circuit trek with Tilicho Lake lies inside the Annapurna Conservation Area which is one of the largest Conservation Areas in Nepal. Annapurna circuit trek has been often considered one of the best long-distance treks.

The trekking routes for this region were officially opened in the year 1980 . Trekkers usually trek these routes anticlockwise to avoid altitude sickness as doing this you climb slowly in higher elevation.

Lake Tilicho is located in the Manang district that is about 220 km (road and trek route) away from Pokhara. This lake is considered to be one of the highest lakes in Nepal. It is a popular side hike destination while trekking in Annapurna Circuit.

On this trek, you will be walking through trails filled with colorful Rhododendron viewing many magnificent mountains such as Mount Tilicho, Mount Annapurna I, Manaslu, Machhapuchhre, Nilgiri, Khangsar, etc.

You also get to see many beautiful Buddhist villages influenced by Tibetan culture. The majority of people living in these areas are Gurung, Thakali and Magar. The warm welcome and hospitality provided by the local residents will be a great memory for you.

Your journey begins as you head out of the busy city of Kathmandu towards Khudi. From where you start your trek towards Sirung and stay there for the night. Then you head towards Tilicho Base Camp walking for many days and staying in lodges for the night.

Reaching the base camp you now head towards Muktinath to Thorong La pass (5416m) the highest point of this trek. You will be passing many small settlements and staying in a few of them.

Returning back to Pokhara you stay there for the night and head back to the capital taking back beautiful memories of this trip.

Radiant Trek brings you Annapurna Circuit trek with Tilicho Lake itinerary of 21 days . That takes you through beautiful valleys and landscapes viewing unique vegetation of flora and fauna.

Highlights of Annapurna Circuit with Tilicho Lake

  • Visit the desert of Nepal i.e. Manang
  • Reach the highest point of this trek – Thorong La Pass
  • Visit the holy temple – Muktinath
  • Marpha village which is renowned for its apple brandy
  • Visit the Tilicho Lake
  • Learn more about the Tibet influenced culture and traditions
  • View many great mountains
  • Colorful forests filled with unique flora and fauna
  • See Blue sheep in Yak Kharka
  • Visit the natural hot spring

You may also like:

  • Annapurna Base Camp Trek
  • Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek 6 Days Itineraries

Useful Info

Today you begin Annapurna Circuit with Tilicho Lake trek by heading towards Khudi from Kathmandu. It is around 8 hours ’ drive covering a distance of 185 km .

You start by leaving the busy capital behind and driving along the sides of the Trishuli river through Prithivi highway. Along the way, you see many scenic views and small settlements of people.

Viewing them you reach Pokhara and head towards Besishar via Baglung Highway. You get to see the mesmerizing view of Mount Annapurna from these roads.

Reaching Besisahar you drive through off-beaten roads and reach Khudi which is situated at an altitude of 800 m above the sea level .

Khudi is a beautiful village that is popular for bird watching. You can also visit the local monasteries and markets of this place.

You stay here for the night.

You begin your Annapuran circuit with Tilicho lake trek by heading towards Sirung which is about 6 to 7 hours walk from Khudi.

Today you will be crossing many suspension bridges viewing waterfalls along the paths. Then taking up and downhills paths you cross fields of rice, wheat, etc.

After that, you enter the lush green forest filled with rhododendron, pines, oaks, etc. From there, you take steep trails and pass a small settlement of Tamang Community. Gradually you will reach Sirung.

Sirung is situated at an altitude of 2220 m above sea level . You get the close-up view of Mount Manaslu and Ngadi Chuli from here.

On this day, you will be heading towards Jagat which is about 6 to 7 hours walk from Sirung. The trails between Sirung and Jagat are quite easy.

You begin your walk by heading out of the beautiful village and entering a dense forest filled with different species of birds and vegetation.

Today you will be passing through many villages and monasteries in the way. Then crossing several suspension bridges over the Marshayngdi river you head towards Jagat.

Jagat is situated at an altitude of 1300 m above sea level . You will be staying in one of the lodges for the night.

In the 4th day of your Ananpura Circuit with Tielicho lake trek, you will be heading towards Dharapani which is about 7 to 8 hours’ walk from Dharapani.

You begin by descending in the trails and crossing a small stream. From there, you enter a colorful forest and make an ascend towards a sharp cliff. You can see Chyamje and the magnificent mount Annapurna from here.

Looking at the views you cross a suspension bridge and take a steep climb till Sattale. Then you again take a short descent through river banks and reach Tal (1700m). From here the roads get rough and windy.

After a few hours walk, you again cross a suspension bridge and arrive at Dharapani. You get to view several waterfalls along the way.

Dharapani is situated at an altitude of 1960 m above sea level . You stay here for tonight.

On your fifth day, you head towards Chame which is about 5 to 6 hours walk from Dharapani.

Walking through the trails you enter the forest filled with Oak, Pine, and Maple trees. Today you will be walking through many lush green forests.

While walking these trails, you get to see the astounding view of Mountains such as Lamjung Himal, Annapurna I, etc. There is also a small hot spring in these routes.

Chame is situated at an altitude of 2710 m above sea level . This is the headquarter of the Manang District. You will be staying the night here.

On your Sixth day, you will be heading towards Pisang which is about 4 to 5 hours walk from Chame.

Heading out from Chame, you take a small steep path that leads through the lush green forest. Walking these forest trails you get to view the curved face rock.

From here onwards, the paths are very steep so you should walk carefully. These paths are the steepest part of Marshyangdi Valley.

After this, the valley starts widening up giving an awestruck view of Paungda Danda. Continue walking until you arrive at Pisang situated at an altitude of 3300 m above sea level .

This day, you head towards Manang which is about 6 to 7 hours walk from Pisang.

There are two ways to reach Manang and we will be taking the routes of Upper Pisang which leads through Ghyaru. These paths give out the awesome view of various mountains such as Pisang, Annapurna, etc.

You reach Manang viewing unique landscapes and vegetation. Manang is situated at an altitude of 3540 m above sea level . The climate is dry and cold here.

On your eighth day, you will be staying in Manang as today is your acclimatization day. You will be giving your body time to adjust to the climate higher up.

You can visit Barga Monastery which is one of the largest monasteries of this district. Or, you can hike up to Barga village where the Himalayan Rescue Association is situated. This place gives out information about Acute Mountain Sickness and other matters.

After a wonderful day, you stay here for the night.

On ninth day of you Annapurna Circuit trek with Tilicho lake, you will be heading towards Siri Kharka which is about 4 to 5 hours walk from Manang.

You head out through the western gates of Manang towards the beautiful Khangsar village. You will be walking through rugged roads today.

Siri Kharka is situated at an altitude of 4060 m above sea level. You will be staying here tonight.

On the tenth day of your trip, you will be heading towards Tilicho base camp which is about 5 to 6 hours walk from Siri Kharka.

The routes between these areas are prone to a landslide but the walk is not that difficult. You will be walking in narrow paths throughout this day. You get to see many mesmerizing views as you head to the base camp.

Tilicho base camp is situated at an altitude of 4140 m above the sea level . You will be staying here for the day.

This is an important day of your trek as you will be heading towards Tilicho Lake which is situated at an altitude of 4919 m . This lake is considered one of the highest lakes in Nepal.

It is a turquoise color lake that shows the reflection of the hills surrounding it. This is a memorable sight that will amaze you.

After exploring the area you head back to Base camp and stay there for the night.

On your twelfth day, you will again head back down to Siri Kharka which is 5 to 6 hours walk.

You will retrace your step viewing the mesmerizing scenes throughout the way. Reaching Siri Kharka at an elevation of 4060 m you will stay the night in one of the lodges.

On your thirteenth day, you will be heading towards Yak Kharka which is about a 4 to 5 hours walk from Siri Kharka.

You begin this trek by taking a downhill path that goes through a dense forest. If you are lucky you might also sight some wildlife along these trails. You also get to visit the ancient Monastery named Tare Gumba . It is a holy place for the locals living there.

Yak Kharka is situated at an altitude of 4040 m above the sea level . You will be staying here for the night.

On your fourteenth day of Annapurna Circuit trek with Tilicho lake, you will be heading towards Thorong Phedi which is about 3 to 4 hours walk from Yak Kharka.

You begin by climbing uphill trails and crossing a suspension bridge that leads toward a small village named Ledar . From there, you take a steep climb through towering cliffs and arrive at Thorong Phedi .

Thorong Phedi is the last village before you reach Thorong La Pass. It is situated at an altitude of 4600 m above sea level . You will be staying here for the night.

This day you will be heading towards Muktinath via Thorong La pass which is about 7 to 8 hours walk from Thorong Phedi.

You will be walking from east to west today. The trails are easy and safe so you don’t have to worry. You wake up early and make a steep climb towards Thorong La pass.

Thorong La Pass is one of the highest passes in the world situated at an altitude of 5416 m . You can take snaps and explore the area before heading towards Muktinath.

Muktinath is located at the foot of this pass which is at an elevation of 3800 m above sea level . Muktinath is a holy temple for Hindu and Buddhist people, every year many people travel to visit this temple.

You will be staying in one of the lodges for the night.

Today you wake up early and visit the Holy Temple i.e. Muktinath. Lord Vishnu resides in this temple. You can also visit the ancient Gompa that resides near the temple.

This day you will be heading towards Marpha which is about a 4 to 5 hours walk from Muktinath. You begin by descending in the trails from Ranipauwa village towards Kagbeni.

After reaching Kagbeni, you will walk towards Jomsom and reach Marpha. The routes today are windy and dusty so you should cover your eyes and mouth.

Marpha is situated at an altitude of 2670 m above sea level . Marpha is a beautiful village that is famous for its Apple Brandy .

You will stay the night in one of the lodges.

On your seventeenth day of Annapurna circuit Trek with Tilicho lake, you will be heading towards Kalopani which is about 5 to 6 hours walk from Marpha.

You will be taking a new route that leads through the Chokhopani village. While walking this trail, you will walk past the traditional village which is home for Thakali Community.

From here, you will be crossing a small river through the wooden bridge and walk through the new road that has been recently constructed.

Kalopani is situated at an altitude of 2530 m above sea level . You will be staying here for the night.

Today you get to see the amazing view of Mount Annapurna. Dhaulagiri, Tukuche, etc.

Today you will be heading towards Tatopani which is about 5 to 6 hours walk from Kalopani.

You walk up early today and cross a bridge from Ghasa and make a downhill walk. Then you enter a beautiful forest of different species of vegetation. From there you continue your trails and head down through the river banks.

After that, you cross a bridge from Dana and walk these trails until you reach Tatopani. It is situated at an altitude of 1200 m above sea level . This place is famous for its natural hot spring.

You can take a bath and relax here. You stay the night in one of the lodges.

This day of Annapurna circuit with Tilicho lake trek, you will be heading towards Beni which is about 4 to 5 hours’ walk from Tatopani.

Today you will be making many up and downhill walks till you reach Beni. Along these routes, you will also see the mesmerizing view of various mountains such as Ganesh Himal, Annapurna, Manaslu, etc.

Beni is situated at an altitude of 830 m above sea level . It is the headquarter of Myagdi district. You will stay the night in one of the lodges.

Today you will be driving back to Pokhara which is about 4 hours drive. Along these routes, you get to see green hills and various settlements. Viewing them you arrive Pokhara.

Pokhara is a beautiful city known as the city of lakes. This city offers many activities you can do such as boating in Phewa Tal, Cycling through the city, etc. You can fresh up and roam the city.

You will stay here for the night.

This is the last day of your Annapurna circuit with Tilicho lake trek, today you head back to Kathmandu retracing the same routes. You return back with great memories of this trek.

Radiant trek hopes the information was helpful and you had a great vacation in these exotic trekking routes.

Best Time to Visit Annapurna Circuit with Tilicho Lake Trek

You must be wondering about the best time to visit Annapurna Circuit with Tilicho Lake. Any time you visit will give you new experiences and memories. These routes are challenging so it depends on which season you would like to do the trek.

Nepal has four seasons i.e. Spring, Monsoon, Autumn, and Winter. Below we have provided you some information about these seasons:

Spring (March to May)

This is the season for a new beginning when you get to witness the valley slowly getting its greenery back. During these months the routes are crowded with trekkers.

The weather and temperature are just favorable with clear blue skies. You get to see flowers blooming throughout the forest trails. And also hear the sounds of birds chirping. If you are a nature lover this time of the year is just perfect.

Autumn (September to November)

This is the peak season of the year when nature gets enhanced beautifully. Along with it, the crowd reaches its maximum limit. During these months the beauty of nature that you witness will be astounding.

Already bloomed flora and fauna and the clear view of snowy peaks you get to see in these trails are just mesmerizing. But the crowded routes can be a disadvantage for this season. Finding proper rooms can be a bit difficult.

Winter (December to February)

These months are the coldest month of the year. The routes are filled with snow and the lakes are frozen during this time of the year.

The weather is warm during the day but as the sun sets it tends to get chilly by the moment. You should carry warm clothes for this season.

If you can handle cold this season is perfect for you. The mountain peaks covered with snow look quite remarkable.

Monsoon (June to August)

This season is when heavy downpours make the routes challenging in the lower region. During these months, the paths are slippery and muddy, also you will see leeches along the way.

There are high chances of landslides and flood during this time. Also, the raincloud blurs out the vision of Mountain peaks. But you get to see new species of Flora and Fauna due to continuous rainfall. These routes are filled with the researcher during the Monsoon season.

If you are thinking of trekking during these months then you should carry raincoat and boots along with you.

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From the blog, how to reach rara lake from pokhara or kathmandu, best time to visit rara lake, how to reach rara lake from talcha airport, ghandruk to mardi himal – how to reach mardi himal from ghandruk, short treks in nepal, related trips you might interested in, kanchenjunga base camp trek, everest base camp trek, dhaulagiri circuit trek.

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manang trek itinerary

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Manang Trek

Manang-Trek-IV

Manang is one the most beautiful hidden valley of South Asia- which can be conquered in a Manang Trek. It is a Nepalese village which is approximately 250 km from the national capital Kathmandu.

It is far from the capital but no one can feel that it is in far remote distance. This is because the available facilities can match the one of Shangri-La. Manang (3540m) is one of the largest villages in Manang district and one of the last trekking stops for trekkers walking the famous Annapurna Circuit trek.

From Manang the route continues to Thorung La (pass) at 5415 meters above the sea level which connects Manang district to Mustang District by providing a route between the town of Manang and the village  Muktinath . This part of trail of Manang trek to Muktinath has been used by the locals for hundreds of years to transport huge herds of sheep and yak in and out of Manang.

The northern part of town is more preserved in its old style; in the southern part you will find many hotels, shops and even a cybercafe, with satellite internet connection.

Manangies are well-known traders and many of them are relatively rich having property in both Manang and Kathmandu and their children study in good schools or even abroad.

manang trek itinerary

Many trekkers spend one acclimatization day in Manang or surroundings although the surroundings are interesting enough to stay for several days.

Interesting places to visit while  Manang Trek  are the glacier lake at the foot of the ice-fall at the slopes of the Gangapurna Mountain, the village of Braga, Bhojo gompa, a Milarepa Cave and a two or three day side trip to  Tilicho Lake  which is highest located Lake of the world.

  • Location Annapurna Region
  • Maximum Height 3519M
  • Comfort Tea House
  • Difficulty Level 2
  • Group Size Minimum 1

Arrive at Kathmandu, you will be picked by our representative who will then transfer you to hotel. Overnight in Kathmandu.

We commence our journey by driving along the highway to Beshisahar and then take public jeep to Jagat or to avoid the changing and using local jeep we can take a private jeep straight from Kathmandu-Jagat. Overnight in Jagat.

Continuing to ascend alongside Marsyangdi River, we cross a waterfall before Chamje and then pass through spectacular fields and lush rhododendron forests on our way to Bagarchhap. We cross many suspension bridges and climb steeply on twisted trails with the view of Annapurna II (7937m) and Lamjung Himal (6983m) emerging in the backdrop. Crossing the villages of Tal, Karte, and Dharapani, we arrive in Bagarchhap. Overnight in Bagarchhap.

Continue to climb through pine and oak forests, pass through Danakyu, and ascend up to Timang village which lies at the bottom of Lamjung Himal (6983m). Often rough and rocky, the track climbs to Thanchowk and then continues through the forest to reach Koto. A gradual stroll alongside Marsayangdi River takes us to Chame, the headquarters of Manang district. Amazing views of Lamjung Himal (6983m) and Annapurna II (7937m) are seen from Chame. Overnight in Chame.

The day starts with the hike through the deep forest in a steep and narrow valley and then crosses Marsayangdi River on a long bridge. We then cross another bridge before continuing to trek through the pine and cypress forest to reach Bhratang. Then we climb uphill to reach Dhikur Pokhari, from where we follow the gradual trail leading to Pisang. In Pisang, we’re surrounded by the Annapurna range on one side and Pisang Peak (6091m) on the other. Enjoy the amazing overnight stay in Pisang.

There is two option to follow the way to Manang village. Although a little steep, the upper trail via Nawal to Manang is blessed with breathtaking views of the mountains as well as the verdant hills in the front. As we walk past the settlements of Ghyaru, Ngawal, Munchi, and Braga, we come across many small monasteries, including the 900 years old Braka Gompa. A short climb from Braka Gompa takes us to the beautiful village of Manang, situated between Chulu Himal range and the Annapurna range. Overnight in Manang.

We spend the entire day exploring Manang and its outskirts. We hike to the beautiful Gangapurna Lake for a closer view of the Annapurna range and Gangapurna Peak (7454m). We also explore the old Manang vicinity which is known as Tengi. We then visit the ancient monasteries around Manang and also interact with the friendly locals. Overnight in Manang.

Today we head back from Manang to Kathmandu. The jeep will arrive in Mamang the night before we leave to Kathmandu. The trail follows Marsayangdi River downstream, and passing a few meadows and bushes of juniper, we gradually descend until reaching to Beshisahar with amazing views of the Annapurna massif dominate the landscape en-route. . Overnight in Kathmandu.

Our representative will drop you at the airport 3 hours before your flight schedule.

Cost Includes

  • Airport pickup & drop-off by private car / van.
  • Accommodation Kathmandu breakfast included.
  • Your three meals a day (breakfast, lunch and dinner) during the trek.
  • Best available Lodges / Guesthouses during the trek (mainly in twin sharing).
  • A local government licensed English speaking Guide during the trek.
  • The required number of porters to carry your luggage during the trek.
  • Food, accommodation, salary, insurance, equipment, medicine and transportation for all trekking/tour staff.
  • All necessary trek permit and entry fees.
  • Down Jacket, sleeping bag and duffel/kit bag.
  • First aid medical kits with Oxymeter to check the oxygen label.
  • Surface transfer from and to Kathmandu.

Cost Exclude(s)

  • Lunch and dinner whilst in Kathmandu.
  • Your travel insurance (compulsory).
  • International airfare and airport departure tax.
  • Alcoholic, hot and cold drinks, laundry.
  • Personal trekking Equipments.
  • Tips for trekking staff .
  • Any others expenses which are not mentioned on Price Includes section.

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Himalaya Thunder Treks

Manang Mustang Trekking

Manang Mustang Trekking

  • Duration: 19 Days
  • Trip Grade: Difficult

Manang Mustang Trekking is the exceptional trekking exploring varied Himalayan snow capped peaks. Trekking explores Manang, Mustang and Tilicho Lake as well with cultural and natural distinctiveness. "The Forbidden Kingdom", Mustang situated north of the Himalayas along with a closing stages to southern part of Tibetan Plateau. With spectacular giant Himalayas it presents decade long culture of Himalayan people. Although it retained its identity as autonomous dynasty the ancient Kingdom had its strong connection with Tibet. As Manang Mustang is also Himalayan valley. With the broad valley of the Marshyangdi River presents Stunning view of Annapurna mountain range. At the west of Mustang there is the 5,416 metres elevated Thorong La Pass.

Manang Mustang Trekking also explores Tilicho Lake with adventures trail besides Manang and Mustang. Trekking achieves the highest lake of the world with spectacular thundering Himalayas like Dhaulagiri (8167m), Annapurna (8091m), Manaslu (8156m), Lamjung Himal (6983m), Machapuchhre (6993m), Tukuche Peak (6920m), Tilicho Peak (7134m), Dhampus Peak (6012m), Sechi Leke(5981m), Nilgiri (6940m) and Mustang Himal (600m).

Throughout the Manang Mustang Trekking you experience Himalayas, Himalayan locality with cultural and ritual offerings. Mustang welcomes you with ritual sculpture with head of Yak. The Marpha valley with delightful apple garden welcomes you to the unique Apple Distillery. Tibetan Refugee Camp, Muktinath temple, Thakali Museum, Kaligandaki River with fossils are other highlights of the Manang Mustang Trekking which we explore. Jomsom valley with Thakali hospitality to Chitwan jungle activities Himalayan Thunder Treks team organizes trip notable with adventurous, memorable and safe. We know how, when and where to make a move explore Nepalese Himalaya with a , cultural touch.

Trip Itinerary Collapse All Expand All

Day 1: warm welcome with nepalese cultural way at airport by himalaya thunder team, day 2: kathmandu to beshishar (760 m) drive by bus/car/van 7hrs, day 3: trek - bahundada (1310 m) 6 hrs, day 4: bahundada to dharapani (19300 m) 6 – 7 hrs, day 5: dharapani to chame (2615 m) 6 hrs, day 6: chame to pisang (3200 m) 5 - 6 hrs, day 7: pisang to manang (3540 m) 4 hrs, day 8: trek to tilicho base camp (4140m) includes halfway khangsar 5 hrs, day 9: tilicho base camp to tilicho lake (tented camp-whole night) 4 hrs, day 10: tilicho lake to nama phu (3510m) via mesokanto la pass (5200m) 6 hrs, day 11: nama phu to jomsom (2713m) 3hrs, day 12: jomsom to marpha (2700m) 2hrs explore marpha valley & tibetan refugee camp, day 13: marpha to jomsom (2713m) 2 hrs; drive to muktinath back to jomsom, 4 hrs, day 14: morning flight to pokhara 25 min; sight seen pokhara, day 15: drive to chitwan by bus/car/van 5hrs, day 16: chitwan jungle activities, day 17: drive to kathmandu by bus/car/van 5hrs, day 18: memorable nepal day concludes sunrise view at nagarkot, sightseeing at bhaktapur and nepalese dinner in typical nepalese cultural setting., day 19: see off at airport in nepalese cultural manner for final departure.

Presented Itinerary is our tentative plan to make your Nepal experience rich. It can be customized as client's interest and timeframe.

  • Airport Pick up & drop
  • Accommodations ….nights and …days in Kathmandu with Breakfast
  • Sight seen in Kathmand Valley
  • Necessary permits
  • National Park entrance fees
  • Accommodations and food (Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner) during the trek
  • Required Trekking Staffs
  • Accommodations, Insurance and Wages for Required Trekking Staffs
  • Transportation during Kahtmandu sight seen
  • Required Equipments for Trekking Staffs
  • Memorable Nepal Day
  • Laundry, postage, personal clothing
  • Personal Trekking Equipments
  • Travel & medical insurance (recommended)
  • Expenses of personal nature including shopping, soft and hard drinks
  • Expenses incurred unforeseen situation and events
  • Mountain, road or river rescue or any other emergency evacuation charges
  • Lunch and dinner in Kathmandu
  • Tips for the trekking staff

Fixed Departure Dates

We will easily organize this trip on the dates requested by you. Please contact us for your customized departure date

amandine schneider

Ask for Krishna as your guide - you'll be so glad you did

Ask for Krishna as your guide - you'll be so glad you did

This was our first experience trekking for such a long time and in such high altitudes, so we didn't really know what we were facing when we first started, but everyone at the agency was very helpful in telling us how to prepare and really planned the trek according to what we were looking for and our abilities. We met Krishna the day before we left and immediately knew we were lucky to have him as our guide : with his genuine smile and straightforward humor, we knew right away that we'd have a good time and most importantly that he was someone we would feel safe and comfortable with. He is very knowledgeable about his country and the mountains he grew up in, and kept saying that of he didn't know the answer to a question, he'd find out - which proved to be true all the way. He even managed to find local honey for us that an old man was making on his balcony !! He was extremely sweet in all his attentions to make us feel as confortable as possible after a long day's walk and explained us very carefully everything we needed to know about the potential dangers of altitude sickness and so on. We couldn't have hoped for a better experience and this was all thanks to our wonderful guide Krishna. We are already looking forward to going trekking with him again !

Date of experience: March 2016

By amandine schneider , Switzerland

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Backpack Adventures

The Annapurna Circuit Trek Itinerary: the ultimate guide

This post offers you the ultimate Annapurna Circuit trek itinerary. The Annapurna Circuit trek was once the most popular tea house trek in Nepal . In about a month it was possible to walk around the Annapurna mountain peaks. This trek was famous for its ethnic villages, natural beauty and easy access from Kathmandu or Pokhara. 

But the Annapurna Circuit trek has changed tremendously in recent years. There was a time that the further up you went, the more isolated the villages were. It took people days on foot to reach the nearest city, the nearest school or the nearest health care post. For tourists, this remoteness was part of the charm.   

Ongoing road construction now connects most villages on the Annapurna Circuit with the outside world. Jeeps drive up and down on dusty roads, changing the landscape for better and worse. Tourists planning a trek in Nepal are wondering whether the Annapurna Circuit trek is still worth it.

Annapurna Circuit trek: view from Marpha

Why choose the Annapurna Circuit trek

Despite the new roads going up the Marsyangdi and Kali Gandaki valleys, the Annapurna Circuit trek is still very much worth it. Although many things have changed with the new roads, a lot of things also remained the same. People are just as friendly, the villages just as authentic and the mountain views just as spectacular. 

In short, it is still a very beautiful trek with a huge variety in landscapes, villages and people. The road itself is nothing more than a dirt track and actually carries relatively little traffic. In addition, there are plenty of alternative side trails to bypass them all together. The NATT trails set up by Prem Rai and Andrees de Ruiter are well marked and follow the traditional circuit, but avoid the road as much as possible.   

The Annapurna Circuit trek requires a certain amount of time, but most of the hike is easygoing. Gradual climbs and well marked trails with frequent restaurants and lodges to take a break. What makes it challenging is the tough day you climb the Thorung La Pass and the altitude after Manang. 

To prevent altitude sickness it is important to give yourself enough time to acclimatize. Don’t go up too fast and take some days to rest. The better your body has adjusted to the height, the easier the climb up to Thorung La will be.   

This was my first trek in Nepal and even though many others followed such as the Langtang Trek , Poon Hill trek and The Gokyo lakes trek , I still consider myself an amateur hiker. Thorung La was difficult, but I made it. If I can do it, you can too, as long as you prepare well. 

Annapurna Circuit trek: Marsyangdi valley

Annapurna Circuit trek itinerary

The classic Annapurna Circuit trek itinerary started in Besisahar where you climbed up the Marsyangdi valley towards Manang, crossed the Thorung La Pass, visited Muktinath and Jomsom and then walked down the Kali Gandaki valley towards Beni. This took about 20 – 30 days

The roads give you more flexibility in where to start or end the trail as well as how much time you take. Jeeps go as far up as Manang on the Marsyangdi valley side and Muktinath on the Kali Gandaki valley side.

Clockwise or anti Clockwise ?

The Annapurna Circuit Trek is a loop with different starting and end points. The first thing to decide is whether you hike clockwise starting at the Kali Gandaki valley or anti clockwise starting at the Marsyangdi valley. 

The general advice and also my recommendation is to hike anti clockwise from east to west. This is the easier and safer direction to go. The Marsyangdi valley offers a more gradual climb and Manang is a great village to acclimatize well, before attempting Thorung La. 

The Thorung La Pass is at 5416 meters high and altitude sickness is a serious risk. From Manang to Thorong La, there are several more villages like Yak Kharka (4020 m) and Letdar (4230 m) to stop and acclimatize or get help if you do suffer from altitude sickness. Thorung Phedi (4450 m) and High Camp (4850 m) are the last lodges before the pass. 

From west to east the last village is Muktinath (3750 m) and a few basic lodges at Charabu (4210 m). After the last lodge it is a very long and steep ascent to Thorung La with nothing in between. Taking this approach is not only more difficult and requires you to be very fit, it is also potentially dangerous. You go high quickly and without proper acclimatization small things like bad weather or an injury can become very problematic. 

Annapurna Circuit trek: on the way too thorung La

How much time?

The roads have made it possible to do the Annapurna Circuit trek in much less time than the original 30 days. Still, the Annapurna Circuit trek is an area where slow travel is very rewarding. The villages on the way are very interesting and a destination in their own right. Furthermore, there are lots of side trips to escape the crowds.

Another reason to take it slow on the Annapurna Circuit Trek is again the altitude. Yes it is possible to take a jeep all the way to Manang (3520), but you will not only miss out on lots of beautiful scenery, you will also increase your risk of getting altitude sickness.   

Looking at the distances and trekking times, it looks possible to trek from Manang to Thorong La in less than two days, but again, this would be very foolish. Experts advise to not ascend more than 300 – 400 meters per day once you are above 3000 meters high. 

On the Annapurna Circuit trek this advice translates in at least one acclimatization day in Manang and another acclimatization day in Letdar before spending the night at Thorung Phedi. I followed exactly this advice and still struggled with the altitude when crossing the Thorung La pass. 

Even if you are short on time, you need to acclimatize. You could do the Annapurna Circuit trek in 2 weeks if you decide to fly from Jomsom back to Pokhara. If you have more time, walking down the Kali Gandaki valley is definitely worth it. Although road construction has had a big impact here, I still enjoyed the villages of Marpha and Tukuche as well as the scenery from Tukuche to Letdar and Ghasa. 

Annapurna Circuit trek: Kali Gandaki valley

Where to start the Annapurna Circuit trek

With jeeps now going all the way to Manang, where to start the Annapurna Circuit trek has become a big question. I already mentioned that going straight to Manang isn’t the best idea for several reasons. In fact, my favorite trekking days were from Chame to Pisang and Pisang to Manang. 

Some trekkers still decide to follow the original Annapurna circuit trek itinerary and start at Besisahar. Because I had recently done the Poon Hill trek through the lower foothills of the Annapurna’s I decided to take a jeep up to Syange. 

Others start at Bhulbhule or Chame. To help you decide, it is maybe good to know that the road is most busy between Besisahar and Bhulbhule although there is an alternative NATT trail as well. 

From Kathmandu there are direct buses all the way up to Bhulbhule. The direct bus is a great option if you like to start in Bhulbhule. If you prefer to start later on, it is better to take a bus to Besisahar and then change to local jeeps that go all the way to Syange, Chame or even Manang. 

My personal advice is to start no further than Chame. The scenery after Chame is very beautiful.   

Where to end the Annapurna Circuit

A lot of hikers end their Annapurna Circuit trek in Jomsom from where you can fly back to Pokhara. A comfortable option if you are short on time, but you will miss out on the beauty of the Kali Gandaki valley. 

Marpha and Tukuche are very scenic traditional villages worth a visit. Furthermore, the hike from Tukuche to Lete and Ghasa is very beautiful. I hiked in the Kali Gandaki valley twice. The first time I ended my hike in Tatopani. A small village with warm water pools. The second time I ended my hike in Ghasa. 

From both towns it is possible to take a jeep down to Beni. There you can change on a bus to Pokhara. 

Manang

My Annapurna circuit trek itinerary    

In this Annapurna Circuit trek itinerary I mention every day the amount of time it took me from start to finish. I am a slow hiker though. I like to take frequent breaks to enjoy the beautiful views. If you are a fit hiker, you can probably do it in much less time

Day 1: Bus from Kathmandu to Besisahar/Syange

I started my Annapurna Circuit trek itinerary from Kathmandu where I took a bus to Besisahar. The original start of the trail. After a long and bumpy bus ride of 8 hours in a crowded bus I was happy to arrive for a late lunch. 

I was curious about the new road all the way up to Manang. As I had recently done the Poon Hill trek I already saw the lower foothills of the Annapurnas in all its beauty and decided to skip the first two days of trekking by taking a jeep to Syange. 

At the jeep station I quickly found a jeep that was slowly filling up. Jeeps leave mostly in the early mornings. It was already late in the afternoon and now it took at least two hours before the jeep had enough passengers and cargo.

It is only 30 kilometers from Besisahar to Syange, but the jeep journey took over 3 hours. I soon regretted my decision not to walk. The first part to Bhulbule was quite ok, but after that the road got really bad and scary. 

I am glad I had a careful driver that knew what he was doing and took it slow. Not all drivers are like that in Nepal. There was even an extra person that frequently got out to check the road or to remove stones. Just as it got dark I saw the lodges of Syange. 

Logistics : Direct buses to Besisahar (7 – 8 hours) and Bhulbule (8 – 9 hours) leave everyday from the Gongabu bus station (new bus park or Machapokhari) in Kathmandu. Get there early as it is a chaotic bus station and buses leave between 6 – 8 AM in the morning. It is best to reserve your tickets a day in advance at the bus station or at a travel agency in Thamel. 

For destinations further up the trail (Syange, Ghermu, Chame, Pisang, Manang) take a bus to Besisahar. Jeeps leave from the jeep bus station in Besisahar. There is a dual price system with foreigners paying slightly more. 

Personally, I would start walking in Bhulbule and certainly not go much further than Syange by jeep. After Bhulbhule the road is not in a very good condition and the journey will be adventurous to say the least. 

Day 2: Syange – Tal  

16 kilometers, 8 hours

I always feel excited on my first day of hiking. Being in the mountains with the fresh air feels invigorating. After an early breakfast I left Syange and immediately entered a narrow gorge where I shared the road with porters carrying chickens and goats. 

Walking on the jeep road wasn’t as bad as I had imagined and there was little traffic. The scenery was nice with waterfalls on the other side of the road and the Marsyangdi river below. 

The Marsyangdi river kept me company for the rest of the day. I had lunch in Chamye after which it was a steep climb over boulders up to Tal. 

Insider tip: there is an alternative NATT trail from Ghermu to Jagat that bypasses the road. It is much longer and I heard the path is very narrow and close to the edge. With my fear of heights I decided to stay on the road. 

Annapurna Circuit trek

Day 3: Tal – Danaque

11 kilometers, 5 hours

From Tal you can choose to make it a long day to Chame (20+ kilometers) or split it up in two days and spend the night somewhere in between. 

I left Tal to see how far I would come that day. Till Dharapani the trail was very quiet and scenic with several waterfalls. At Dharapani the trail joined the road again. Both Dharapani and Bagarchap are nice villages with lots of restaurants.

At Bagarchap I had my first Annapurna views and I stopped for lunch. I already knew Chame would be too far for me, but I could still hike a bit more and decided to continue to Danaque. A nice village with a Mani wall and prayer wheel. 

Insider tip : It is possible to take an alternative NATT trail from Dharapani to Bagarchap up to the village of Odar. It adds 2 hours to your trekking time and is a steep 200 meter climb up and down again.

Tal on the Annapurna Circuit trek

Day 4: Danaque – Chame

12 kilometers, 6 hours

Today started with a steep and long climb through the forests from Danaque to Timang. A difficult beginning, but the rewards were beautiful mountain views once I reached the top. After Timang the ascent became more gradual and passed the occasional village. 

I noticed more and more Buddhist influences like mani walls, prayer wheels and chortens. The mountain views too became more beautiful as I approached Chame. A lively village right next to the Marsyangdi river.  

Chame on the Annapurna Circuit trek

Day 5: Chame – Pisang

14 kilometers, 7 hours

The part from Chame to Pisang was simply spectacular. Panoramas on the snow capped peaks of the Annapurna’s all day as I hiked along the Marsyangdi river. The increase in altitude is also visible as pine forests give way to open fields with sweeping views.

This was one of my favorite days on the Annapurna Circuit trek. Parts of the road were carved out of the side of the mountain and high above the river. With my fear of heights this was a bit of a challenge, but I made it. 

When I arrived in Pisang it was tempting to stay in lower Pisang. I heard the views are much better from Upper Pisang though and so they were. 

Pisang on the Annapurna Circuit trek

Day 6: Pisang – Manang

18 kilometers, 8 hours

Pisang to Manang was another beautiful day on the Annapurna Circuit trek. The trail is a gentle climb with beautiful views all around you. I enjoyed every minute of my hike, but also started to feel the effects of the altitude. 

From Pisang to Manang you can choose to hike the easier lower trail or a more spectacular higher trail. Because I woke up with a slight headache I didn’t want to add 3 more hours to my hiking trail and choose the lower option on the road. 

I am sure the higher trail offers even better views, but for me it was a good decision to take it easy. By the time I was in Manang (3540 m) I was having mild symptoms of Altitude sickness. 

Manang valley

Day 7: Manang acclimatization

In Manang I had a much needed acclimatization day. My first night in Manang was a night of insomnia, vivid dreams and a mild throbbing headache that got only less in the early hours of the next day. Mild symptoms of altitude sickness.

Manang is a small village, but there are lots of side trip possibilities. The strenuous hike to the ice lake is very popular, but I did not feel fit enough. Another popular hike is to Chongkor viewpoint where you can see a glacial lake. There are also several gompa’s in the area you can visit. 

I went to the Chongkor viewpoint to see the lake and then visited the excellent information session about altitude sickness from the Himalayan Rescue Association. They give this for free every day at 3 pm. 

Manang valley

Day 8: Manang (3540) – Yak kharka (4020)

10 kilometers, 5 hours

My second night in Manang I slept well. I therefore decided to continue to Yak Kharka. An elevation increase of 500 meters. 

The climb was hard. Although the obvious symptoms of altitude sickness were gone, I was more easily out of breath and every step seemed to take a lot of energy. The next village, Gunsang, was only 3 kilometers away but I took a long tea break.

With a cup of tea and the sun warming me up in the chilly morning air I still felt so lucky to be here. The views on the Annapurnas and the flocks of birds flying by were all so beautiful. 

After Gunsang the landscape changed again to high altitude fields with shrubs and grazing goats. The trail climbs slowly to over 4000 meters high. Technically, the path is very easy, but my body was struggling more than ever.

I was glad to see the cluster of lodges at Yak Kharka. Yak Kharka translates as yak pastures and therefore it was no surprise to see a few yaks wandering around.  

Manang to Yak Kharka

Day 9: Yak kharka (4020) – Letdar (4230)

2 kilometers, 2 hours

I slept well at Yak Kharka and woke up full of energy. However, after only 20 minutes of hiking I felt tired and out of breath. Luckily I had already made the wise decision to stay in Letdar.

Letdar is less than 2 kilometers from Yak Kharka and it is a very easy hike, but I can feel my body needs an extra night to adjust to the altitude.  

Views from Letdar

Day 10: Letdar (4230) – Thorung Phedi (4540)

6 kilometers, 4 hours

With an extra night at Letdar I felt more prepared to continue to Thorung Phedi (4540). It was an easy hike except for a scary part where there is a risk of landslides. Thorung Phedi is right after that. 

It is possible to continue to High Camp (4850). The last lodge before Thorung La, but the general advice is not to sleep here, because of the altitude. It does make for a great afternoon hike to help acclimatization

Annapurna Circuit trek

Day 11: Thorung phedi – Muktinath

15 kilometers, 10 hours

The day you cross Thorung La will be the most beautiful, but also most difficult day on the Annapurna Circuit Trek. 

Most people start early as the weather is less windy in the morning. I started around 4 AM. The ascent to high camp was difficult and I definitely felt the altitude. At High Camp I was in doubt whether I should stay one more night here before attempting the pass. 

After a quick cup of tea I pushed myself on to continue. It was difficult. Every few steps I was out of breath and had to stop. My head started hurting again and I felt very tired. There were many false summits and I started to wonder whether I should turn back. 

After 4 hours I finally saw the bundle of prayer flags that is Thorung La at 5416 meter. I felt pure joy that I made it, but at the same time absolutely miserable because of the altitude. After a quick selfie I did not even want to stop for a cup of tea. All I wanted was to go to a lower altitude. 

The first hour I happily hiked down and started to feel better by the minute. Then I realized that the 1600 meter descent to Muktinath is actually more difficult than the ascent. My knees started hurting, my muscles trembling. 

It was a very long day. Looking down I could see Muktinath in the distance. Ít just didn’t seem to come closer. After 4 hours I arrived at a cluster of lodges called Charabu. If they weren’t full I would probably have stayed here. 

After a quick dahl bath I had to continue to Muktinath. The last bit was the most difficult. I stumbled into the first lodge I saw, had dinner and went to bed. 

Thorung La Pass

Day 12: Muktinath – Kagbeni

12 kilometers, 4 hours

In Muktinath I woke up feeling all my muscles from the steep and long descent yesterday. Slowly I got out of bed. This is my third time in Muktinath. A small village home to an important Vishnu temple popular among Indian and Nepali pilgrims. 

As jeeps now go all the way from Pokhara to Muktinath, it is a busy town and a culture shock after the desolate stretch of barren rocks that I walked through yesterday. I brought a short visit to the temple and then walked straight to Jharkot. 

Jharkot is a traditional village with mud and stone houses. The signs of animist religions that predate Hinduism and Buddhism give a clue to its old age. Rather than just passing by I would recommend to take a look and wander through the narrow streets for a bit. 

After Jharkot, it is a beautiful hike down to Kagbeni. Another traditional village that is at the border of Lower and Upper Mustang. Mustang was once an independent kingdom that played a big part in the salt trade between Tibet and Nepal. 

Beyond Kagbeni lies Upper Mustang. A remote region that remains isolated and protected from mass tourism by expensive permits. Kagbeni is as far as you can get and gives a good sense of the unique culture of Upper Mustang that is still very close to that of Tibet. 

Kagbeni is an interesting mix of new hotels and restaurants catering to tourists as well as medieval monasteries and ancient fortress ruins. The 15th century red monastery stands out between the whitewashed mud homes. 

The Red House Lodge was one of the most interesting places where I stayed. It has its own 350 year old buddhist chapel and the best dried yak meat (yak sukuti). 

Jharkot on the Annapurna Circuit trek

Day 13: Kagbeni – Marpha

17 kilometers, 6 hours

The hike from Kagbeni to Jomsom follows the riverbed of the Kali Gandaki river. The Kali Gandaki valley lies in the rain shadow of the Annapurna mountains and therefore the landscapes are quite unique. 

Barren desertlike mountains that differ in color. Different shades of brown, gray and yellow contrast sharply with the deep blue sky, white snow capped peaks and green farm fields. 

South of Kagbeni starts Lower Mustang. An area home to the Thakali people that also played an important role in the salt trade. Between Kagbeni and Jomsom there is not much but spectacular landscapes. 

Jomsom is the first Thakali village. Because of its airport it is very well developed and touristic. This is where most people end their Annapurna Circuit trek and take a plane back to Pokhara. 

If you do decide to continue on foot it is much better to stay in Marpha. A more authentic Thakali village with an old monastery and the so-called apple capital of Nepal. I was not a big fan of the local dried apples, but the apple pies here were delicious. 

Annapurna Circuit trek

Day 14: Marpha – Tukuche

7 kilometers, 3 hours

I thought Marpha was one of the most interesting villages on the Annapurna Circuit trek. Marpha alone is a reason why you should not stop at Jomsom. 

Marpha is a true Thakali village and you can see that people have done much effort to preserve their traditional architecture and culture. Iconic are the flat mud roofs that are used to store stacks of firewood. The roofs are also used to dry the apples and other food items.  

Rather than leaving in the morning to start hiking, I spent some time exploring the village. There is a monastery in the center of the village as well as above the hill with beautiful views. You can also visit the apple gardens and taste apple products at the apple distillery. 

The Thakali people are famous for their cuisine. Tibetan dishes like Thukpa (noodle soup) and Tsampa (barley porridge) are popular. But most famous are the Thakali sets. A more luxurious version of dahl bath with all kinds of extras like fermented spinach (gundruk) and pickles (aachar). I couldn’t resist having one for lunch before hitting the trail again. 

Tukuche is only 7 kilometers away, but another picturesque Thakali village that is very well worth the detour from the main road. When I arrived they were filming a Nepali movie song and it seemed all the children of the village were out and about to see what was happening.  I also enjoyed the show and decided to stay in Tukuche for the night.  

Marpha

Day 15: Tukuche – Ghasa

20 kilometers, 9 hours

After Tukuche the landscape started to become more green again with trees and bushes. Tukuche was the last lively Thakali village on the trail. The other villages were small with just a few lodges. They seemed rather empty and not that inviting.

I decided to hike all the way to Ghasa. It was a long day, but because it was downhill it was not that difficult. Right before Ghasa is a hanging bridge high above the river. I knew it was coming and with my fear of heights a scary experience. 

Ghasa on the Annapurna Circuit trek

Day 16: Ghasa – Tatopani

15 kilometers, 6 hours

This was going to be my last day of hiking on the Annapurna Circuit trek. Back to the lower altitudes of the Annapurna’s, the landscapes reminded me a lot of the Poon hill trek . Lush and green and also more warm and humid. 

Yesterday’s day was maybe a bit too long for my liking, but the last kilometers of today I felt sad it would be over soon. Tatopani has several warm water pools annd they felt like a great reward after 17 days on the road. 

Tatopani on the Annapurna Circuit trek

Day 17: Tatopani – Beni/Pokhara

From Tatopani I took the jeep to Beni. The road became more busy and there were not a lot of ways to avoid it. It is also possible to hike to Ghorepani and connect with the Poon Hill trek . 

Jeep to Beni

The Annapurna Circuit Trek Travel tips

Annapurna circuit trek permits.

For the Annapurna Circuit trek you need two permits.

TIMS card : The Trekkers information management card is necessary for almost all treks in Nepal. You can get your TIMS card at the Tourism Board office at Bhrikuti Mandap in Kathmandu. Bring your passport and two passport size photos. The TIMS card costs 2000 nepalese rupees.  

Annapurna Conservation Area permit : For the Poonhill trek you also need a national park entrance permit. I recommend you to get it as well at the Tourism Board Office at Bhrikuti Mandap in Kathmandu. This costs 3000 nepalese rupees.  

Do I need a guide on the Annapurna Circuit?

The Annapurna Circuit trek is moderately difficult, but easy to do without a guide. The trails as well as the NATT trails are well marked. Unless you go off season there will be enough other hikers on the trail to keep you company. 

I hiked the Annapurna Circuit alone and did not experience any problems. When hiking alone I always make sure not to hike after sunset and listen carefully to my body. At Manang I did feel mild symptoms of altitude sickness and took two acclimatization days as well as an extra night in Yak Kharka and Letdar. 

If you are alone and not that experienced, you might want to consider joining a guided trek or hiring a guide, porter or porter guide. 

In Nepal there is a clear distinction between a porter and a guide. A guide shows you the way and can tell you more about the history and the culture of the places you visit. A porter will only carry your luggage. Despite their heavy burden they often walk far in front of you and might have reached the lodge when you are only midway. A porterguide is less common, but does both. 

In Pokhara I can recommend the 3 sisters adventure trekking that works to empower women and trains women to become trekking guides in Nepal.  

Update April 2023 : The Nepal Tourism Board issued a press release that trekking without a guide is no longer permitted from 1 April 2023 onwards. Trekkers planning to hike in Nepal’s National Parks where you normally need a TIM’s card should have a government licensed guide that is registered with the official Trekking Agency Association of Nepal (TAAN) . It is unclear yet how this rule will play out in practice. Everest issued a press release stating that they will not enforce it. Other areas do. However, there are no guidelines on how they are going to implement the ban on solo trekking .

Marpha on the Annapurna Circuit trek

Accomodation on the Annapurna Circuit

Along the Annapurna Circuit trek there is plenty of accomodation and teahouses to choose from. They are basic and can’t be booked online beforehand. There is a first come first serve basis and some lodges are fully booked by big tour groups.

There are enough lodges that there will always be a bed for you somewhere. I trekked the Annapurna Circuit twice in spring and in November and never had any problems finding a place to stay. 

The prices of accomodation is incredibly cheap, sometimes even free, but they do expect you to order dinner and breakfast at their establishment. Things like hot showers and WIFI are getting more common, but are sometimes at an extra cost. 

Jharkot

Food on the Annapurna Circuit

The good thing about tea house treks in Nepal is that however basic lodges might be, the food is often quite good if you stick to Nepali cuisine . Yes, many lodges try all kinds of international dishes to attract tourists, but in my opinion often not the best choice.

When trekking in Nepal I eat Dahl bath at least once a day. This national dish of rice with lentils knows a huge variety in how it is prepared. Different vegetable curries from fermented spinach to roasted cauliflower and different pickles to spice it up. Not one dahl bath is the same. Other Nepali foods to try are Tibetan bread, Thukpa and Momo’s. 

The Annapurna’s are a multicultural area with local foods as well. In Kagbeni it is possible to find yak meat on the menu. Marpha is the apple capital and has the best apple pies as well as dried apples. In the south are the Gurungs with specialities like dried meats (sukuti) and fermented leaf curries (gundruk). 

When to hike the Annapurna Circuit

The best time to go trekking in Nepal is Spring and autumn. 

January and February are too cold with lots of snow on the trail. The Thorung La Pass will be closed due to heavy snowstorms and a risk of avalanches. By March/April the pass reopens again, but you can still expect snow at the higher altitudes.

April and May are the warmer months before the monsoon and a very good time for the Annapurna Circuit Trek. The blooming flowers and rhododendrons are a highlight in this period. At the lower altitudes it can already become hot, dusty and humid while the higher altitudes are comfortable. 

June, July and August are the monsoon months. The Marsyangdi valley up to Manang sees lots of rainfall. The trails will be muddy with lots of leeches, but the landscapes will be lush and green. The Kali Gandaki valley is in the rain shadow and sees much less rain. 

September, October and November are the most popular months for trekking. Autumn brings clear blue skies and mild temperatures before the cold sets in in December. Autumn is also a festive season with the celebration of Tihar and Dashain. Nepal’s biggest festivals . 

Regardless of the seasons, the weather conditions at Thorung La can change rapidly and there is always a chance of unstable weather, cold and snow storms. It is important to check the weather forecast before crossing Thorung La. A freak storm in October 2014 killed several trekkers as they got stuck in bad weather and snow.    

Annapurna Circuit

Altitude Sickness on the Annapurna Circuit

The Annapurna Circuit trek involves a serious risk of altitude sickness. Crossing the Thorung La Pass at 5416 meters high requires proper acclimatization. To allow yourself enough time to do so, it is best to trek anti clockwise from east to west.

Experts advise to not ascend more than 300 – 400 meters per day once you are above 3000 meters high. Pisang (3310) is the first village above 3000 meters and that is why it is not wise to take a jeep straight to Manang at 3540 meters high. Those first days of walking at the lower altitudes are not only beautiful, but helps your body adjust to the increasing altitude.  

For the Annapurna Circuit trek, the general advice is to spend at least one acclimatization day in Manang and another day in Letdar before spending the night at Thorung Phedi. I followed exactly this advice and still struggled with the altitude when crossing the Thorung La pass.   

The key to prevent altitude sickness is to take it slow, give your body enough time to adjust to the height and to drink enough water. Diamox is a medicine that might help your body to acclimatize, but will not cure altitude sickness once you have severe symptoms. In that case, the only remedy is to go down to a lower altitude as soon as possible.

Mild symptoms may include being tired and more easily out of breath. More severe symptoms of high altitude sickness are headache, dizziness, trouble sleeping, breathing problems, loss of appetite, nausea and vomiting. 

Severe symptoms indicate you are developing high altitude cerebral edema (HACE) or high altitude pulmonary edema (HAPE). Both conditions are fatal if you do not get to a lower altitude on time.   

Take these symptoms seriously and watch out for symptoms in others, even in your nepali guides or porters. It is a misconception that they cannot get altitude sickness. The health clinic in Manang gives daily information sessions about altitude sickness that I can highly recommend. 

The Annapurna Circuit Trek Books and Guides

Cicerone and trailblazer both have excellent and comprehensive guides about treks in Nepal with detailed guides about the Annapurna. Another option is the Lonely Planet’s trekking in the Nepal Himalayas guide. 

The Himalayan Map house published the guidebook from Prem Rai and Andrees de Ruiter who developed the NATT trails on the Annapurna Circuit trek. 

The Annapurna Circuit Trek packing list

If you need to carry your own gear on a multi day trek the advice is to bring as little as possible. The Annapurna Circuit trek is not a difficult trail. There is no need to bring a tent or food. Below a few things to consider

Sun protection : no matter what time of the year you will need to bring protection against the sun. Sunscreen and a hat are a must. There are stretches with little shadow

Rain protection : there is always a risk of rain. I brought a poncho along that protected both me and my backpack from the rain.

Sturdy shoes : There is no need for proffesional hiking boots. However, there are some rocky trails so do bring sturdy shoes that fit you well. It’s important you don’t bring brand new shoes. Make sure your shoes are tested and comfortable to prevent blisters.

Hiking socks : Besides good shoes, good hiking socks are key to prevent blisters. Merino wool socks are lightweight and dry quickly. Wrightsocks are specially designed with double layers to prevent blisters. Decathlon has good merino wool socks too.

Layers : there can be a big difference in temperatures during the day and night. The best way to deal with this is to wear layers. As a base layer I bought merino wool tshirts at Decathlon. They are lightweight and dry quickly. I had a fleece vest as a midlayer and as the upper layer I had a windproof jacket.

Backpack : Your shoes and backpack are two things that will have a big influence on the comfort of your multi day trek. I recommend to go to an outdoor store to get some good advice to buy a backpack that fits your torso length and that is comfortable when you wear it. I own the Osprey Fairview trek 50 that I am very happy with.

Reusable water bottle : to prevent plastic waste I always bring a reusable water bottle with me and a water filter or steri pen.  

Sustainable Travel on the Annapurna Circuit Trek

The Annapurna Circuit trek is very popular. The trails become more crowded and pollution is a growing problem. Traveling sustainably to the Himalayas is essential to minimize your environmental impact and preserve the area’s natural beauty for future generations.

Support the local community : You can support the community by purchasing goods and services from local vendors. It is better to try Nepali Cuisine that uses local ingredients rather than imported foreign foods. Nepali food is vegetarian friendly and it is very easy to follow a vegetarian or vegan diet.

Stay in small scale sustainable hotels : It is also better to stay in locally-owned guesthouses or homestays to support the local economy directly. These accommodations often have a more positive impact on the environment compared to large hotels.

You can try to look for guesthouses or homestays that prioritizes sustainable practices. That said, environmental awareness is still low. It’s up to you to use water sparsely, turn off lights, air conditioning, and heating when leaving your accommodation.

Leave no trace principle : When hiking the Annapurna Circuit Trek, stick to designated trails to protect the fragile alpine ecosystem. Straying off the marked paths can cause soil erosion and damage to plant life. If you are lucky enough to spot wildlife, observe quietly from a distance to prevent disruption to their habitats and help maintain their natural behaviors.

I encourage you to take all your trash back with you and dispose of it responsibly. In other words, leave no trace of your visit. Even better is when you bring something to pick up any of the trash that other people left behind.

To avoid single-use plastics, invest in reusable items. For example, you can bring your own water bottle with a filter. At last, use biodegradable and eco-friendly personal care products to minimize pollution of water sources.

Respect the culture : Besides environmental concerns it is also important to be sensitive of the community’s way of life. Nepal is a multicultural country and on the trail you will encounter different ethnic groups.

People will appreciate it, if you dress modestly. Learning a few basic phrases in Nepali, can go a long way in building meaningful connections and to learn more about the local culture. Not everybody is happy to have their picture taken. When in doubt, ask permission.

Disclaimer : This post with a travel guide about the Annapurna Circuit trek in Nepal contains affiliate links. If you buy any service through any of my links, I will get a small commission at no extra cost to you. These earnings help me to keep Backpack Adventures alive! Thanks for your support!

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2 thoughts on “The Annapurna Circuit Trek Itinerary: the ultimate guide”

I found your post incredibly useful. I appreciate the time and effort you took in gathering and posting all of this information. Thank you!

I have enjoyed looking at your photographs and reading your description of villages and landscape, food, and people. My husband and I lived in Marpha from 1981 to 1983! My husband was with the Food and Agriculture Organization and was helped develop a vegetable seed program with the farmers. Back then there was no electricity, no cell phones, and no road. We’re sorry to learn of the modernization which detracts from the experience of being geographically isolated and more dependent on using inner resources to survive. However, a lot of the new changes are beneficial to the villagers who require easier access to medical care. Back in he day, a porter with a wooden chair strapped to his back was the ambulance service. The sick person was strapped in and the porter ran all the way to Pokhara. Thanks for your interesting update on life along the Kali Ghandaki River.

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Manang Valley Trek – Annapurna Circuit Trek

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  • by Amrit Chhetri

Manang Valley Trek

The Manang Valley Trek which is known as Annapurna Circuit Trek a breath-taking adventure nestled in the heart of the Annapurna region of Nepal, offers a remarkable blend of natural beauty, rich cultural experiences, and challenging trails for trekking enthusiasts. When considering a trek/hike to this mesmerizing destination, it's essential to take into account various aspects, including the Manang Valley trek price, package options, itinerary, starting point from Kathmandu, trekking distance, cost, trekking maps, and the opportunity to explore the stunning Tilicho Lake in collaboration with Himalayan Asia Treks and Expedition Pvt. Ltd.

The Manang Valley trek price can vary depending on the duration, inclusions, and level of service you desire. Himalayan Asia Treks and Expedition Pvt. Ltd. offers a range of packages to suit different budgets and preferences. These trek package typically cover permits, accommodation, meals, and the guidance of experienced trekking guides, ensuring you have a worry-free journey through this rugged yet enchanting terrain.

The Manang Valley trek itinerary is meticulously crafted to provide a holistic experience. It typically starts in Kathmandu, where you can enjoy the vibrant culture of Nepal's capital city before embarking on your adventure. From there, you'll head to the picturesque town of Besisahar and gradually ascend into the Annapurna Conservation Area. The trek takes you through lush forests, charming villages, and terraced fields, allowing you to immerse yourself in the local culture and traditions. Along the way, you'll visit beautiful monasteries, interact with hospitable locals, and witness breathtaking mountain vistas. The journey culminates in Manang, where you can explore the unique lifestyle of the high-altitude communities. After exploration Manang Valley then we can trek towards Thorung La Pass , Muktinath Temple , Jomsom to Pokhara or can take Helicopter to Pokhara from Mananang.

The Manang Valley trek from Kathmandu is a thrilling overland journey that takes you through diverse landscapes. You'll travel by bus or jeep from Kathmandu to Besisahar, where your trek begins. This road trip offers a glimpse into the changing scenery of Nepal, from the bustling city to serene rural areas and eventually to the rugged mountains.

The Manang Valley trek distance can vary depending on the specific route and side trips you choose to take. Typically, the trek covers a distance of approximately 120-150 kilometers, taking about 10-14 days to complete. The terrain can be challenging at times, with steep ascents and descents, but the rewards in terms of natural beauty and cultural experiences are immeasurable.

A Manang trek map is a valuable tool for navigating the trails, and the experienced guides provided by Himalayan Asia Treks and Expedition Pvt. Ltd. are well-versed in the region's geography, ensuring your safety and enjoyment throughout the journey.

For those seeking a more challenging adventure, the Manang Tilicho Lake trek and Thorung La Pass adds an extra layer of excitement. This extension takes you to the stunning Tilicho Lake, one of the highest lakes in the world. The azure waters set against the backdrop of towering peaks create a surreal and unforgettable experience. With Himalayan Asia Treks and Expedition Pvt. Ltd., you can seamlessly incorporate this side trip into your Manang Valley trek, making it a truly unforgettable Himalayan expedition.

In summary, the Manang Valley trek offers a remarkable blend of natural beauty and cultural richness. With Himalayan Asia Treks and Expedition Pvt. Ltd., you can embark on this adventure with confidence, knowing that you'll be well taken care of in terms of price, package options, itinerary, starting point, trekking distance, cost, maps, and the opportunity to explore the enchanting Tilicho Lake. It's a journey that promises unforgettable memories and a deep connection with the majestic Himalayas and the people who call this region home.

Table of Contents

Short description about manang valley with apple garden.

Manang Valley is a stunning region in the Annapurna Conservation Area of Nepal. It is known for its unique landscapes, rich Tibetan culture, and apple orchards. In the lower parts of the valley, you can find apple gardens, apple wine factory and orchards where apple trees thrive. The valley is surrounded by snow-capped peaks, including Annapurna II, Annapurna III, Gangapurna, and others. The trek through the valley takes you through charming villages, Buddhist monasteries, and lush forests. It's a fantastic opportunity to experience the culture and natural beauty of the region while enjoying the fresh mountain air and delicious apples.

Experience on Manang Valley Trek:

The Manang Valley Trek is a remarkable journey that takes you through diverse landscapes, charming villages, and offers breathtaking views of the Himalayas. The trek typically starts from the town of Besisahar and gradually ascends into the Manang Valley, reaching altitudes of over 3,500 meters (11,500 feet) above sea level. Some key highlights of the experience include:

  • Scenic Beauty: The trek boasts unparalleled natural beauty, with lush forests, terraced fields, glacial rivers, and rugged cliffs. Trekkers are treated to spectacular vistas of snow-capped peaks, including Annapurna II, Annapurna III, Gangapurna, and Tilicho Peak.
  • Cultural Immersion: Along the way, you'll pass through traditional Nepali villages like Chamje, Dharapani, Pisang, and Manang, where you can interact with friendly locals and experience the unique culture and lifestyle of the Himalayan people.
  • Adventure: The trek involves crossing suspension bridges, navigating rocky trails, and occasionally ascending steep terrain. It's a moderate to challenging trek, suitable for those with a reasonable level of fitness and prior trekking experience.

Acclimatization on Manang Valley Trek

  • Acclimatization is crucial when trekking at high altitudes to prevent altitude sickness. The Manang Valley Trek offers excellent opportunities for acclimatization:
  • Rest Days: The trek itinerary typically includes several rest days in places like Manang and Pisang. These rest days allow trekkers to adapt to the higher altitude gradually.
  • Side Trips: During the acclimatization days, trekkers can take short hikes to nearby viewpoints or visit attractions like the Gangapurna Lake and the ancient Braga Monastery. These excursions help with acclimatization while providing additional cultural and natural experiences.
  • Proper Hydration and Diet: Staying hydrated and eating a balanced diet is essential for acclimatization. Trekking guides and lodges along the route can provide advice on food and water consumption.

Eco-Friendly Manang Valley Trek:

Maintaining the ecological balance of the Annapurna region is crucial. The following measures contribute to an eco-friendly trek:

  • Pack-out What You Bring In: Trekkers are encouraged to carry all non-biodegradable waste, such as plastic bottles and wrappers, back with them to be properly disposed of in the nearest town.
  • Use Reusable Water Bottles: Instead of buying bottled water, trekkers can carry refillable water bottles and use water purification methods to reduce plastic waste.
  • Stay in Eco-Friendly Lodges: Many lodges along the Manang Valley Trek are committed to eco-friendly practices, such as solar heating and waste management. Staying in such accommodations helps support sustainable tourism.
  • Respect Local Customs and Nature: Trekkers should be mindful of local customs and the environment. This includes not disturbing wildlife, not picking plants, and adhering to cultural norms in villages.

Follow Leave No Trace Principles: Leave No Trace principles, such as staying on marked trails, camping in designated areas, and minimizing campfire use, are essential to protect the delicate ecosystems of the region.

Best Season for Manang Valley Trek

The best season for the Manang Valley Trek is typically during the autumn (September to November) and spring (March to May) seasons. During these times, the weather is relatively stable, and the views of the surrounding Himalayan peaks are clear and stunning. The temperatures are moderate, making it comfortable for trekking, and the trails are less likely to be obstructed by snow or monsoon rains.

Difficulty Level of Manang Valley Trek

The difficulty level of the Manang Valley Trek can vary depending on your level of fitness and experience. Generally, it is considered a moderate trek. The trek involves walking on well-maintained trails through a variety of landscapes, including forests, villages, and alpine meadows. Altitude is a significant factor to consider, as you will be gradually gaining elevation, and altitude sickness can be a concern. It's essential to acclimatize properly and be prepared for some challenging uphill sections. The trek becomes more strenuous if you choose to cross the Thorung La Pass, which is the highest point of the Annapurna Circuit and requires careful planning and acclimatization.

Manang Valley Trek without Thorung La Pass

If you wish to experience the beauty of the Manang Valley without crossing the Thorung La Pass, you can still enjoy a rewarding trek. This variation of the trek allows you to explore the lower sections of the valley, visit the picturesque village of Manang, and enjoy the stunning scenery without the need to tackle the challenging pass. It's a great option for those who are not acclimated to high altitudes or who want a less strenuous trek.

Highlights of Manang village Trek

Spectacular Scenery: Manang is nestled in the Annapurna region of Nepal, offering breathtaking views of snow-capped peaks, lush forests, and alpine landscapes. The trek provides plenty of opportunities to soak in the natural beauty of the Himalayas.

  • Cultural Immersion: Manang is home to the Gurung and Tibetan communities. You'll have the chance to immerse yourself in their unique cultures, traditions, and lifestyles. Opportunities to visit monasteries, interact with locals, and gain insights into their way of life.
  • Annapurna Circuit: Manang is a crucial stop on the famous Annapurna Circuit trek. This trek is renowned for its diverse landscapes and challenging terrain, making it a favorite among adventurous trekkers.
  • Gangapurna Lake: Explore Gangapurna Lake, a serene glacial lake near Manang. The crystal-clear waters surrounded by towering peaks create a picturesque setting for photography and relaxation.
  • Village Life: Experience the rustic charm of Manang village. Wander through the cobblestone streets, admire traditional architecture, and savor local cuisine in teahouses and lodges.
  • Adventurous Side Trips: Manang offers opportunities for side trips like Ice Lake and Milarepa Cave. These excursions provide a chance to explore more remote and less-visited areas.
  • High-Altitude Trekking: The Manang trek takes you into the high-altitude region of the Himalayas. Acclimatization is essential, and you'll learn about altitude sickness prevention and management.
  • Stunning Sunrise and Sunset Views: Wake up early to witness mesmerizing sunrise views over the mountains. The play of colors on the peaks is a sight to behold.
  • Photography Paradise: Whether you're a professional photographer or just a smartphone enthusiast, Manang offers endless opportunities for capturing stunning landscapes, unique cultural moments, and wildlife.
  • Adventure Sports: For the more adventurous, there are opportunities for activities like rock climbing and ice climbing in and around Manang.
  • Local Cuisine: Savor traditional Nepali and Tibetan dishes, including momo (dumplings), dal bhat (lentil and rice), and yak-based dishes, which are unique to the region.
  • Hospitable Locals: The people of Manang are known for their warmth and hospitality. Interact with them to learn about their daily lives and traditions.
  • Spiritual Retreat: The tranquility of the region and the presence of monasteries make Manang an excellent place for a spiritual retreat and meditation.
  • Varied Flora and Fauna: Explore the diverse flora and fauna of the Annapurna Conservation Area. Keep an eye out for elusive Himalayan wildlife like blue sheep, snow leopards, and various bird species.
  • Hot Springs: After a long day of trekking, unwind in natural hot springs like the Chame Hot Springs, which offer a therapeutic soak amidst the mountains.

Manang Valley Trek Itinerary 

Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu (1,400 m)

Upon your arrival in Kathmandu, you will be greeted by the vibrant and bustling atmosphere of Nepal's capital city. The city is nestled in a valley surrounded by the majestic Himalayan mountains, and it offers a unique blend of ancient traditions and modern influences. You may arrive at Tribhuvan International Airport, and after clearing customs and immigration, you will be transferred to your accommodation. You can use this day to rest, recover from your journey, and explore some of the cultural and historical sites in Kathmandu if time permits.

Day 2: Drive from Kathmandu to Besishar

Today, you will embark on a scenic drive from Kathmandu to Besishar. The journey takes you through picturesque landscapes, lush green hills, terraced fields, and traditional Nepali villages. Along the way, you'll get your first taste of the stunning Himalayan scenery that will accompany you throughout your trek. Besishar is a bustling town and a starting point for many treks in the Annapurna region. You can expect a mix of cultural experiences and natural beauty during the drive.

Day 3: Trek to Jagat

Your trek begins today as you leave Besishar and start hiking towards Jagat. The trail takes you through forests, across suspension bridges that span over the Marsyangdi River, and past charming villages. You'll gradually gain altitude as you move deeper into the Annapurna Conservation Area. Jagat is a small village where you'll spend the night, and it offers a glimpse into the rural life of the region.

Day 4: Trek to Dharapani (1,860 m)

Leaving Jagat behind, you'll continue your trek along the Marsyangdi River valley. The trail leads you through beautiful rhododendron forests and offers occasional glimpses of snow-capped peaks in the distance. As you approach Dharapani, the landscape begins to change, and you'll notice a Tibetan influence in the local architecture and culture. Dharapani is a charming village situated at an elevation of 1,860 meters, and it's a great place to rest and acclimatize before heading further into the Annapurna region.

Day 5: Trek to Chame (2,670 m)

Today's trek takes you to Chame, the district headquarters of Manang. The trail gradually ascends through forests and lush landscapes, and you'll pass through several smaller villages along the way. Chame offers a beautiful backdrop of the Annapurna and Manaslu mountain ranges, and it's a place where you can find essential supplies and facilities for trekkers.

Day 6: Trek to Upper Pisang (3,200 m)

As you continue your trek, the terrain becomes more rugged and the altitude increases. The trail leads you through pine forests and across suspension bridges over the Marsyangdi River. Upper Pisang, your destination for the day, is a picturesque village with traditional stone houses and incredible views of the surrounding mountains, including Annapurna II and IV. This village is a great place to immerse yourself in the local culture and enjoy the natural beauty of the Himalayas.

Day 7: Trek via Ghyaru to Manang (3,540 m)

On Day 7 of your trek, you will continue your journey through the stunning Annapurna Circuit. You'll start by leaving Ghyaru and trekking towards Manang, situated at an altitude of 3,540 meters. This part of the trek offers breathtaking views of the surrounding Himalayan peaks and lush landscapes. As you make your way through the rugged terrain, you'll pass by traditional villages, prayer flags, and perhaps even encounter some local wildlife. The day's trek will be both physically challenging and rewarding as you immerse yourself in the natural beauty and culture of the region.

Day 8: Hike to Ice Lake (4,600 m)

On this day, you'll embark on a challenging hike to Ice Lake, located at an elevation of 4,600 meters. Ice Lake is a high-altitude gem offering stunning panoramic views of the Annapurna and Gangapurna mountain ranges. The hike will test your endurance and acclimatization, but the beauty of the glacial lake surrounded by snow-capped peaks is an incredibly rewarding sight. Be sure to pack warm clothing, as temperatures can drop significantly at this altitude.

Day 9: Morning Hike to Viewpoint, Trek Back to Pisang

In the morning of Day 9, you'll take a short hike to a viewpoint to witness the breathtaking mountain vistas of the Annapurna and neighboring peaks. After taking in the stunning scenery, you'll trek back to Pisang, retracing your steps and enjoying the familiar sights of the Annapurna Circuit. This day provides a mix of relaxation and activity, allowing you to appreciate both the high-altitude landscapes and the vibrant local culture.

Day 10: Trek to Chame (2,670 m)

On this day, you'll continue your trek and head towards Chame, a picturesque village situated at an altitude of 2,670 meters. Chame is the administrative center of the Manang District and offers a more developed and comfortable stopover point along the circuit. You'll pass through lush forests, cross suspension bridges, and enjoy the tranquil beauty of the Marsyangdi River as you make your way to Chame.

Day 11: Trek to Dharapani (1,860 m)

Today's trek will take you to Dharapani, which is located at an elevation of 1,860 meters. The landscape starts to change as you descend from the higher altitudes into a more temperate and forested region. You'll pass through quaint villages and enjoy the diverse scenery that the Annapurna Circuit Trek has to offer.

Day 12: Drive to Besishar, Same Day Drive Back to Kathmandu

On Day 12, you'll leave the trekking trail behind and drive to Besishar, a town located at the lower foothills of the Himalayas. From Besishar, you'll continue your journey back to Kathmandu by road. This marks the end of your trekking adventure, and you'll have the opportunity to reflect on the incredible experiences and memories you've gained during your time in the Annapurna region.

Day 13: Departure

Your journey comes to an end on Day 13 as you depart from Kathmandu. You may have some time to explore the vibrant capital city before catching your flight home or continuing on to your next adventure. This day marks the conclusion of your Annapurna Circuit trek and the beginning of your journey back home or to your next destination.

Optional Itinerary from Manang :

Fly to Pokhara from Manang and city tour in Pokhara then fly to Kathmandu or Pass the Thoring La via Tilicho Lake Trek . 

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Annapurna Circuit – Nepal’s Classic Circuit Trek

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The Annapurna Circuit is one of the most popular and most epic treks in Nepal . This classic trek meanders through Himalayan foothills and over high passes, offering picturesque mountain views along the way. 

Annapurna Circuit Trek

Route overview.

The Annapurna Circuit is one of the greatest treks in Nepal, if not the world.

Although road construction over the past two decades has severely impacted the trekking experience (more on this later).

Note: if you are a mountain biker, the road on the western side makes for one of the most exhilarating and scenic mountain biking experiences!

Where Does The Annapurna Circuit Start and End?

The trek begins at Besisahar (which is a 7-8 hour drive from Kathmandu) and concludes in the Kali Gandaki Gorge – the disputed highest gorge in the world that separates Dhaulagiri (8,176 meters) in the West and Annapurna (8,091 meters) in the East.

The circuit is traditionally followed on an anti-clockwise trail – for acclimatization reasons – that circumvents the Annapurna Massif. It takes trekkers through the Annapurna, Manang and Mustang region of central Nepal.

Route Details

At its pinnacle, the trek crosses the Thorung La Pass (5,416 meters) before descending down to the town of Muktinath. From here the road construction activities  (2004 -2008/09) have had a measurable impact on the Annapurna Circuit trekking experience.

The Nepalese government have realized that the road on both the Western (Pokhara-Muktinath) and Eastern (Chame-Manang) side of the circuit has had a negative impact on trekking tourism. Thus, they have created a number of New Annapurna Trekking Trails (called NATT-trails).

These NATT-trails, marked blue and white or red and white, take trekkers away from the dusty and unpleasant roads. The alternative routes provide a much more pleasant trekking experience. 

How Long Is The Annapurna Circuit?

The Annapurna circuit typically takes between 16-20 days to complete. This is depending if you decide to tack on a diversion to Annapurna Base Camp  and the  Annapurna Sanctuary ). It covers between 150-240 km depending on when you decide to end the tour or use transportation vehicles.

Scenery and Landscape

The scenery on the Annapurna Circuit is extraordinarily beautiful. Trekkers pass through rice terraced paddy fields, subtropical forests, and glacial environments.

 You will see a number of major mountains including the Annapurna Massif (I-IV), three 8,000 metre peaks – Dhaulagiri (8,176 meters), Manaslu (8,156 meters) and Annapurna I (8,091 meters). There are numerous other peaks of 6,000 to 7,000 meters.

Please Note: The Annapurna Circuit is situated in the Annapurna and Mustang regions of central Nepal. It is home to the Annapurna Massif. The schematic below illustrates Nepal’s trekking regions (not to scale).

Annapurna Regional Map

The Annapurna Circuit is situated in the Annapurna and Mustang regions of central Nepal. It is home to the Annapurna Massif. The schematic illustrates Nepal’s trekking regions (not to scale)

annapurna-trek-map

Annapurna Trek Altitude Profile

The schematic diagram below shows the route altitude profile for the Annapurna Circuit.

annapurna-circuit-altitude-map

Annapurna Circuit Itinerary

Below is a detailed Annapurna Circuit itinerary. Where possible we have highlighted the NATT-Trails that can be used to avoid the road. Please note that this is a typical Annapurna Circuit itinerary. Some tour operators offer variations on this route.

annapurna-circuit-road

Day 1-2: Arrive Kathmandu (Drive to Besisahar / Fly to Pokhara)

Arrive in Kathmandu, usually spend a day sightseeing in the capital city.

See more in our guide on what to do in Kathmandu . 

Drive from Kathmandu (1,300 meters) to Besisahar / Khudi (circa 800 meters) via bus. The trip takes between 7 and 8 hours, meandering through countryside villages.

The Annapurna Circuit typically starts at Besisahar, an hour’s trek from Khudi. Some operators may drive you to Khudi and commence the trek from there.

Day 3: Trek from Besisahar (820 meters) to Khudi and onto Bahundanda (1,310 meters)

Trek from Besisahar (820 meters) to Khudi and onto Bahundanda (1,310 meters). This traditional route has been impacted by the road construction so some operators have started using new trails that bypass the road. Instead, you go  to the village of Sikrung (2,200 meters).

The latter is a fairly steep climb to a rather high altitude. But it does offer a more untainted Annapurna trekking experience. Expect to trek between 6-7 hours.

Day 4: Trek from Bahundanda (1,310 meters) / or Sirung (2,200 meters) to Jagat (1,300 meters) or potentially Chamje (1,410 meters)

Trek from Bahundanda (1,310 meters) / or Sirung (2,200 meters) to Jagat (1,300 meters) or potentially Chamje (1,410 meters). If on day 4 you followed the traditional route to Bahundanda, you will trek to Ghermu (1,130 meters) and onto Jagat. You might stay the night here or take a steep hour-long trek up to Chamje (1,410 meters).

We recommend staying the night at Chamje instead of Jagat, which is a dirty and crowded village. If on day 4 you stopped at Sikrung, you will likely follow a route via Syange (1,100 meters) to Jagat and up to Chamje.

Expect to see great rice terraced landscapes and views of the Manaslu Range during early stages of this day’s trekking.

Day 5: Trek from Jagat / Chamje (1,300 / 1,410 meters) to Dharapani (1,960 meters)

Trek from Jagat / Chamje (1,300 / 1,410 meters) to Dharapani (1,960 meters). Continuing north into the Manang region, you will trek through agricultural fields of corn and potatoes and then forests of rhododendrons.

Eventually reach the quaint village of Tal (1,700 meters). From Tal you will trek for another 6 kms (circa 3 hours) via Karte to the village of Dharapani (1,960 meters).

Day 6: Trek from Dharapani (1,960 meters) to Chame (2,710 meters) via Bagarchap and Danakyu, and then either along the lower trail or upper trail to Koto (2,640 meters)

Trek from Dharapani (1,960 meters) to Chame (2,710 meters) via Bagarchap and Danakyu, and then either along the lower trail or upper trail to Koto (2,640 meters).

From Koto you trek a further hour to the busy village of Chame. Some trekkers and operators prefer an overnight stay in the quieter village of Koto. On this rather steep trekking day you will get some great views of Annapurna II and IV, as well as Lamjung Himal.

Day 7: Trek from Chame (2,710 meters) to Pisang via Bhratang (2,850 meters) and Dhukur Pokhari (3,240 meters)

Trek from Chame (2,710 meters) to Pisang via Bhratang (2,850 meters) and Dhukur Pokhari (3,240 meters). From Dhukur Pokhari the trail splits and you may either trek to Upper Pisang (3,310 meters) or to Lower Pisang (3,250 meters) for an overnight stay.

If you take the latter to Lower Pisang we highly recommend re-joining the upper trail on day 8. This provides arguably the best views of the whole Annapurna Circuit.

Day 8: Trek using the upper trail from Pisang (3,310 meters) to Manang (3,450 meters) via Ghyaru (3,730 meters), Ngawal (3,680 meters), Humde (3,330 meters and Bhraga (3,450 meters)

Trek using the upper trail from Pisang (3,310 meters) to Manang (3,450 meters) via Ghyaru (3,730 meters), Ngawal (3,680 meters), Humde (3,330 meters and Bhraga (3,450 meters).

The mountain views on this portion of the Circuit are exceptional, as are the quaint villages along the trail. A visit to Barge monastery is worthwhile before the final stretch to Manang.

Day 9: Acclimatization day in Manang

Manang is one of the main towns on the Circuit. Many trekkers take this opportunity to spend a rest acclimatization day in the town.

Short excursions to the Gangapurna Lake and Bhojo Gompa (a Buddhist ecclesiastical fortification of learning) are common among trekkers. There are also day trips around the town. You might want to consider visiting the offices of the Himalayan Rescue Association for a talk on high altitude risks.

Day 10: Trek from Manang northwest out of the Marshyangdi Valley and up to the small village of Yak Kharka (4,110 meters)

Trek from Manang northwest out of the Marshyangdi Valley and up to the small village of Yak Kharka (4,110 meters). If you haven’t started feeling the effects of altitude yet, you might start doing so from today. Some trekkers continue onto the tiny village of Letdar (4,200 meters). Teahouse accommodation is limited in both these villages.

Day 11: Trek from Yak Kharka (4,110 meters) to High Camp (4,850 meters)

Trek from Yak Kharka (4,110 meters) to High Camp (4,850 meters). This is a fairly tough and steep day. Some tour operators will stop for the night at Thorang Phendi (4,450 meters). This is a good idea if trekkers are struggling with the altitude.

However, continuing on to High Camp is, in our opinion, preferable. This is because it makes the next day’s treks to Muktinath (3,800 meters) a lot shorter and easier. Accommodation facilities and amenities in Thorang Phendi and High Camp are both good. Please note: continuing onto High Camp means sleeping at high altitude, which is not advised if you are suffering from acute mountain sickness (AMS) symptoms .

Day 12: Trek from High Camp (4,850 meters) across the Thorung Pass (the highest point on the trek at 5,416 meters) and then back down to Muktinath (3,800 meters) via Charabu (4,230 meters)

Trek from High Camp (4,850 meters) across the Thorung Pass (the highest point on the trek at 5,416 meters). You then go back down to Muktinath (3,800 meters) via Charabu (4,230 meters). Prepare for a tough, icy-cold day of trekking. The descent from Thorung Pass is steep and trekking poles come in handy. Muktinath, although an important pilgrimage site for both Hindu’s (see the Vishnu Temple) and Buddhists (see the Monastery), is a rather characterless village. Depending on your operator, you will likely stay overnight in Muktinath. For independent trekkers, the Bob Marley Guesthouse in the center of town is a great shout!

Day 13: Trek from Muktinath (3,800 meters) to Marpha (2,665 meters) via the awesome village of Kagbeni (2,800 meters)

Trek from Muktinath (3,800 meters) to Marpha (2,665 meters) via the awesome village of Kagbeni (2,800 meters). From Kagbeni to Jomsom we recommend taking a jeep to avoid the unpleasant dusty roads.

Once you get to Jomsom you can join the ne NATT-trail (which is 2 hours longer than the road option) to Marpha. Marpha is famous for being the centre of the apple region in Nepal. Do try the apple brandy if you get a chance.

Day 14: Trek from Marpha (2,665 meters) to Kalopani (2,530 meters), via Chokhopani, and continue to Kokhethanti to avoid the road

Trek from Marpha (2,665 meters) to Kalopani (2,530 meters), via Chokhopani, and continue to Kokhethanti to avoid the road. Some trekkers grab a jeep from Marpha all the way to Tatapani (see day 15).

Day 15: Trek from Kolapani (2,530 meters) to Tatapani (1,200 meters)

Trek from Kolapani (2,530 meters) to Tatapani (1,200 meters). Using a new NATT-trail (marked in red and white), you can avoid the road and follow a trail that climbs steeply before joining a path that will take you through the towns of Kopochepani, Rupsechhahara, Dana and finally Tatapani.

Day 16: Trek up from Tatapani (1,200 meters) to Ghorepani (2,870 meters)

Trek up from Tatapani (1,200 meters) to Ghorepani (2,870 meters), via the towns of Ghara, Sikha and Chitre. You will most likely stay overnight in Ghorepani in preparation for an early start the next day.

Day 17: Trek from Ghorepani (2,870 meters) up Poon Hill (3,870 meters) and back down to Tadapani (2,710 meters)

Trek from Ghorepani (2,870 meters) up Poon Hill (3,870 meters) and back down to Tadapani (2,710 meters). You will start this days trekking early so as to get up Poon Hill for the impressive sunrise. First light illuminates surrounding rice terraces and Annapurna and Dhaulagiri massifs. The classic Annapurna Circuit trek then descends to Tadapani for an overnight stay.

Note: we have heard that instead of heading up Poon Hill, the hill opposite in the direction of Chomrong provides an equally impressive (if not better view) without any crowding issues.

Day 18: Trek from Tadapani (2,710 meters) to Naya Pul (1,070 meters) via Gandruk and then catch a short bus ride back to Pokhara

Trek from Tadapani (2,710 meters) to Naya Pul (1,070 meters) via Gandruk and then catch a short bus ride back to Pokhara. This is the end of the Annapurna Circuit and an extraordinary 18 days!

Note: It is possible to follow the old Annapurna Circuit from Ghorepani to Phedi via Landruk, although this takes an extra 2 days compared to the direct exit from Ghorepani to Naya Pul.

Please Note: From Muktinath onwards the classic Annapurna Circuit has been severely impacted by the road that joins Jomsom to Muktinath. If you choose to trek this route be prepared for an unpleasant and dusty experience, as jeeps wiz by you. Thankfully there are alternative options via the New Annapurna Trekking Trails (NATT-trails).

Suggested route options from Muktinath

If you are not on a set tour we suggest the following route:

  • Trek to the charmingly wonderful town of Kagbeni (2,800 meters) for an overnight stay. We recommend taking the high trail out of Muktinath via Jhong, as this offers better mountain views
  • From Kagbeni to Jomsom take a jeep as dust driven from the common winds in this region and the constant flow of vehicles on the road make for unpleasant trekking
  • From Jomsom take the new NATT-trail (marked in red and white) to Marpha (2,665 meters) where you can stay overnight and then continue following the route set out from Day 13 below

Also Note: As the road starts in Muktinath, you can cheat and catch a truck all the way to Jomsom. Continue your trek or catch a flight to Kathmandu if you need to shorten your trek (we highly recommend not skipping Kagbeni though). You can also get a bus from Muktinath all the way back to Pokhara if you have run out of time. If you are a mountain biking fanatic you can rent a mountain bike to take one of the most amazing rides down and out of Muktinath – this area of Nepal is fast becoming mountain biking Mecca

Annapurna Route Variations

There are a number of route variations on the Annapurna Circuit. Here are three worth mentioning.

If you don’t have much time in the Annapurna Circuit you may want to consider the Poon Hill Trek ,  The Royal Trek  or the  Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek (also called the small Annapurna Circuit). Nepal is heaven for trekkers and has some of the best thru-hikes in the world .

  • Annapurna base Camp Trek
  • Naar-Pho Valley
  • Tilicho Lake

It is possible to include a five day diversion to Annapurna Base Camp onto the Annapurna Circuit trek. This involves continuing north from Tadapani so as to join the old Annapurna Circuit at Landruk.

Read more about the Annapurna Base Camp Trek

A variation to the Annapurna Circuit that has been growing in popularity since opening to foreigners in 2002 is the Naar-Pho Valley.

The route begins near Koto (on day 5/6 of the classic Annapurna Circuit) and follows a trail via two distinctly Tibetan villages – Phugaon and Naar – which are both located at over 4,000 meters. After nine days trekking the route exits via the Kang La Pass (5,300 meters) to Ngawal, where you re-join the Annapurna Circuit on your way to Manang. The detour via the Naar-Pho Valley in effect adds seven days to the traditional Annapurna Circuit as you would have spent two days trekking from Koto to Ngawal and on to Manang had you stayed on the main track.

A special permit, which can only be organised through a trekking agency, is required to enter the Naar-Pho Valley. You will also need to take a guide as tourist infrastructure is poor. Most trekkers opt for the traditional camping style of trekking with porters, tents and cooks.

A 3-4 day trek to Tilicho Lake (4,920 meters), one of the highest lakes in the world, has become a relatively popular diversion on the Annapurna Circuit.

The trek starts in Manang, and follows a path on the northern side of the valley to Khangsar (note: there are maps that show a path on the southern side of the valley but we recommend avoiding this as it is in poor condition and prone to landslides).

From Khangsar there are two paths that leave the town – the lower and upper path. Take the upper path, as it is safer, until you reach Shree Kharka where you can overnight at one of the two teahouses there.

From Shree Kharka walk about 45 miuntes until you reach point where the path splits into a lower and upper trail. Make sure to take the lower trail (the upper trail is marked ‘Danger’). A further 3 hours trekking and you will arrive at Tilicho Base Camp where you can stay overnight at one of the teahouses.

Depart Tilicho Base Camp early the next morning to avoid the high winds and clouds that roll in by mid-morning. The trek up to the lake is steep and tough. It takes about 3 hours and can be very cold due to the altitude, so dress warmly. The descent follows the same path back to Base Camp (approx. an hour) or to Shree Kharka (4 hours from the lake). Overnight at Shree Kharka.

The next day take a trail (which is signposted) directly to Yak Kharka via Old Khangasar, where you re-join the Annapurna Circuit.

Recommended Guidebook

Annapurna: 14 Classic Treks Including the Annapurna Circuit

Need an up-to-date guide book with maps that include the NATT-Trails? We recommend either Andrées de Ruiter and Prem Rai’s guide, Trekking the Annapurna Circuit , or Sian Pritchard-Jones and Bob Gibbons guide, Annapurna: A Trekker’s Guide .

Annapurna Circuit FAQ

How much does it cost to hike the annapurna circuit.

The cost of an Annapurna Circuit varies depending on which route variation you take. It also depends when you trek (out of season tends to be a little cheaper) and whether to trek with a local or western trekking agency, or indeed independently.

We have provided a detailed Annapurna Circuit Cost article here but in summary you should budget for the following key expenses:

Visa, Vaccinations, Insurance etc: ~$300-$500

Equipment (buying and hiring): ~$500-$800

Flights to Kathmandu:  ~$1,000

Tour Agency: ~$1000 for a cheap local agency to ~$3,000 for a pricey Western trekking agency. You could do an independent trek for ~$700 employing a local guide

check out our list of Nepal trekking companies recommendations .

Tips:  ~$200-$300

Misc (additional food, unplanned travel / hotels ect):  $200

Total Costs:  $2,500 – $5,000

Do I need a permit for the Annapurna Circuit?

Yes. An Annapurna Conservation Area Project permit and Trekker Information Management System registration are required for the Annapurna Circuit trek.

If you are joining an organised tour, these will be arranged for you. If you are looking to go it alone you will have to bring four passport-sized photographs and go to the offices of the Nepal Tourism Board in Kathmandu to apply. We recommend bringing copies of your passport and insurance policy. The offices follow government working hours and days, and are not open on Sunday.

When is the best time to hike the Annapurna Circuit?

The best time to trek the Annapurna Circuit is either in the Spring (March to Mid May) or in the Autumn (mid / late September to December). Unfortunately these also happen to be the busiest times of the year as they are the best time for Nepal trekking ..

Towards December the weather starts getting particularly cold and the routes get distinctly quieter. If you are a hardened trekker a winter Annapurna Circuit (late December through February) can provide a very authentic Nepal trekking experience.

The main challenge of a winter trek, apart from the cold, is the snow and ice that often obstructs the higher trails and the Thorung Pass. During bad winter seasons these trails may be closed.

Unlike the Everest region that gets very wet during the rainy monsoon season, the Annapurna and Mustang regions stay relatively dry, making June through September, a relatively good time to trek as well.

Here’s a detailed article on  weather on the Annapurna Circuit .

Is altitude sickness a risk on the Annapurna Circuit?

Yes, some trekkers do suffer from altitude sickness on the Annapurna Circuit as it is a high altitude trek. At its highest point, Thorung Pass, you will reach an altitude of 5,416 meters (17,769 feet).

Fortunately because of the circuits length the opportunities for appropriate acclimatisation are good. Hence, the prevalence of moderate or sever altitude sickness is low.

Nonetheless, it is important to have a detailed understanding of the risks associated with high altitude trekking and how the body acclimatises.

We recommend you read our detailed article on  Altitude Sickness and Acclimatisation .

How difficult is the Annapurna Circuit hike?

The Annapurna Circuit trek is challenging. You will be trekking for 4-7 hours a day for over two weeks, so you will need to be peak physical condition. The best way to prepare is to get as many kilometres under foot on hikes in your home country.

What do I need to pack for the Annapurna Circuit trek?

Trekking in the Annapurna region requires a number of essential pieces of trekking clothing and equipment. AC is a long and tough trek. You will be exposed you to a range of altitudes where temperatures fluctuate dramatically between night and day.

Many pieces of equipment can be rented or bought in Kathmandu or Pokhara. Even so, we recommend bringing the most important pieces of gear with you.

We've written a detailed Annapurna hiking packing list .

Insurance Information

Trekking insurance is a must in Nepal. This is particularly the case in the Annapurna Region, which at stages is very remote. If an accident should occur that requires medical assistance and evacuation you will definitely want trekking insurance that can cover the costs of air ambulance and treatment.

Moreover, it is prudent to have insurance that covers you for any travel related risks. insurance should cover stolen, damaged or delayed baggage; flight delays and interruptions; and tour operators default.

This article on travel and trekking insurance in Nepal provides detailed information on what type of insurance you need.

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About the author 

Mark Whitman

Mark has trekked extensively in Asia, Europe, South America and Africa. He founded Mountain IQ in 2014 with the sole aim to be the best online information portal to some of the most popular mountain destinations around the world. When not writing for Mountain IQ, Mark is out exploring the outdoors with his wife!

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Thanks for the useful information. Really helpful!

Hi Mark, this is a really nice blog with very comprehensive information!!

I'd like to do the trekking on my own, as an independent trekker, but I've heard that there are some new regulations comming for this year (2023) and that a local guide or agency is mandatory to do the central part of the annapurna circuit. Also, that the TIMS can not be got by independent trekkers but only if you hire an agency. Would you have any up to day news about it?

Hi Daniel, thanks for checking in. I’m not aware of the new regulations, but it is definitely possible. Nepal authorities have been talking about this for years. Here’s the latest from the Guardian: https://www.theguardian.com/travel/2023/mar/30/nepal-imposes-ban-on-mountain-trekking-without-a-guide

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Manang Trek – Explore Hidden valley of Manang in Nepal

Nepal Manang Trek

Manang Nepal is one of these communities where you will fell in love during Annapurna circuit trek . For those having less holiday but wanted to explore the hidden valley of Manang and experience trekking in Nepal , we came up with a Manang trek which can be done on just seven days without doing the whole Annapurna circuit too.

Manang is a beautiful village in Nepal situated at an altitude of 3,519 m above sea level. Manang village is also called the jewel of the Annapurna circuit trial. Manang village is also famous for the beautiful houses on the mountainside of Nepal. From Manang, we can see the breathtaking view of Mount Annapurnas, and even the impressive view of the Gangapurna Glacier . Gangapurna Glacier is just above the Manang village.

manang trek itinerary

Manang is a beautiful place to spend a few days if you have a proper holiday. A best and famous place to stay one day as extra during the trek in Annapurna region. Its also because of we can acclimatize as well as for the short hike to explore Gangapurna Glacier. And also to be prepared for the next day trekking to 5,416 m to Thorong La pass.

The views of the village, the valley, and the mountains were spectacular from Gangapurna lake.

There are lots of options for hiking around Manang valley in Nepal. There are some gompas and monasteries in the villages around Manang to explore the local culture and heritage sites.

The most famous and oldest monastery Braga, is just about 1 hrs walk from Manang village.

You can also choose to make some side trip from Manang to Ice Lake. The popular Milarepa’s Cave or Namkading Cave situated only a day’s walk from Manang village. And also you can do the beautiful, 2-3 day side trek to Tilicho Lake being one of the World’s highest lake.

Manang is a village with basic facilities of cybercafe and satellite internet connection.

In Manang, there is also some trekking shops, tea houses even some nice hotels. Manang is also a checkpoint of the trekkers trekking in Annapurna region. There is also a medical center which specializes in high-altitude sickness.

manang trek itinerary

Manang trek to experience the Annapurna circuit trial without reaching Thorong La Pass

Manang is one of the largest villages in Manang district of Nepal. The hidden valley of Manang can be explored on a Manang trek without trekking at higher altitude. Trekking to Manang is a short trek in Nepal can be assessable by also children and old age peoples even the best trekking route for beginner trekkers.

Manang is far from the capital city of Nepal, Kathmandu(around 270 km) but still more famous among trekkers because of being in a trial in between Annapurna circuit. The scenery you will find during the Manang trek is impressive snowy Himalayas, idyllic mountain villages, with their traditions and Tibetan culture.

Our Manang trek will follow the path used by the locals for many years to transport and trade with Tibet. From Manang, the route continues to Thorung La pass if you choose to do Annapurna circuit.

Manang trek itinerary

How difficult is manang trek.

manang valley of Nepal

The highest altitude we will trek during this Manang trek is just at 3,519 m to Manang village. So that this trek is not challenging it is one of the beautiful short treks in Annapurna region of Nepal.

But if you choose to trek further up from Manang that means trekking up to Thorong La Pass , then it would be a little bit harder as compared to just reaching Manang.

Can we do Manang Mustang trek together?

Most of the people who heard about Manang village will know about Mustang, and they want to trek both together. Its also because of Upper Mustang trek is very famous and considered as one of the best treks in Nepal.

And The simple answer is yes you can do Manang Mustang trek together but for this, you need to either trek via Thorong La Pass(5,416 m) to reach Muktinath, or you also have an option to trek back to Pokhara and take a flight to Jomsom or drive to Beni to reach Mustang.

Can we also reach Tilicho Lake from Manang valley?

Yes, Tilicho lake trek can be done including Manang, its just 1-day hike to Tilicho Lake from Manang. You can trek Tilicho base camp from Manang via Kangsar and stay overnight there.

And again next morning trek & explore around Tilicho lake and trek back to Khangsar and next day return via the same route via Khangsar. Tilicho lake is the best three days side trip from Manang if you are not in holiday limit.

Manang stupa

About Author

Sudeep is a co-founder of  Up To Himalaya . He has trekked almost all mountains in Nepal including Everest, Annapurna, Langtang, Manaslu, Kanchenjunga & many more. He would love to help people to make their holiday unforgettable by sharing his own experiences on the Himalayas of Nepal . If you want any information related to different trekking trails of Nepal while planning your trip, You can directly contact him on +977-9817223143 .

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Manang Tour

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Specific Tour

Chinese, English, Espanol, Francais, Hindi, Japanese, Nepali

Manang valley is a beautiful hidden kingdom beyond the Himalayas. Which is a prime part of the Annapurna Circuit trekking. The beautiful Manang town has situated in the wide valley of the Marshyangdi river at an altitude of 3519m.

Manang tour is one of the finest trekking routes in the Nepal Himalayas towards the north of the Annapurna region. This short and perfect trip brings much experience of an adventurous and pleasant one at the same time. The up-close and unobstructed view of the snow-capped mountains will take your breath away. The cultural exploration of the local ethnic groups is an exciting part of the tour.

Manang tour has the option to extend your trip to Tilicho Lake and Muktinath via Thorung La pass. The northern part of Nepal has an old-world charm of its own. Manang town is quite happening and has many shops, cafes, guesthouses, tea, and houses.  After all many exciting places to explore in the region. The Gangapurna glacier, Bhojo gompa, and Milarepa cave are some of the attractions in Manang.

Manang tour road and transport

There are well-established motorable road Jeeps are available for trekkers and locals from Besisahar to Manang khangsar. The locals have to cultivate seasonal crops and herd yaks. The tourism industry has employed many locals and helped them sustain their livelihood. They have opened shops, guesthouses, and teahouses along the trail. The  Manang Aid Post run by the Himalayan Rescue Association provides consultation and treatment for acute mountain sickness. The beautiful Manang trek is ideal for those trekkers who love to trek into the tranquility of nature.

  • Breathtaking adventure drive route
  • Beautiful Waterfalls and rivers
  • Mountains, jungles, and wildlife
  • Village, culture, and local peoples
  • Lake, Gumbas, valleys, and many more.

Bulk discount (by Percent)

Bulk discount adult, bulk discount children, day 01: kathmandu to chame 9/10hr drive.

We take a jeep ride from Kathmandu to Chame on this day. The road trip to Besi Sahar from Kathmandu takes about 5 hours, covering a total of 173 km. The journey from Besi Sahar to Chame is about 4 hours and includes 6 hours of driving. The drive is an alternative for two to three days of trekking. The trip is adventurous as we pass through the spiral winding hilly roads of the region

Day 02: Chame to Manang valley

Day 03: manang excrusion.

You will wake up with the fantastic scenery of sun rising over the pristine silver Himalayas. We will acclimatize and explore Manang on this day. First, we visit a glacial lake formed in the foothills of the Gangapurna glacier. The azure blue lake is awe-inspiring. There is a beautiful Chongar viewpoint that takes about half an hour of trek. We also visit the Trekkers Aid Post run by the Himalayan Rescue Association. We get consulted and treated by doctors and medical professionals. There are many shops where you can purchase jewelry, souvenirs, clothes, among others. There is also a bakery where you can taste delicious bread items. The beautiful Manang area has many exploration points. You should follow the guidelines of eco-tourism and reduce your carbon footprint as much as possible.

Day 04: Drvie to Besisahar

Day 05: drive to kathmandu, included/excluded.

  • Airport transfer from/to hotel
  • Transportation By Jeep/car
  • Accommodation during tour
  • Meals during tour
  • Permit and Company necessary paper works
  • Trekking Guide: An experienced, helpful, friendly and English speaking Trekking guide.
  • wages and expenses for guide Salary, Food, Drinks, Accommodation, Transportation and Insurance.
  • Arrangement of Emergency Helicopter service
  • Adventure Certificate.
  • Medical supplies (first aid kit will be available).
  • All government taxes.
  • Service charge.
  • Nepal entry visa fee (you may easily issue the visa upon your arrival at Tribhuwan International Airport Kathmandu).
  • Travel insurance.
  • Emergency rescue Evacuation
  • accommodation, and food in Kathmandu
  • All the bar bills like coke, beer, a bottle of water, hot water, etc.
  • International airfare
  • Tips for the guide and porter.

Tour's Location

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Information Contact

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www.raratreks.com

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  • Regd. No: 88263/068/069
  • Thamel, Kathmandu, Nepal
  • +977-9851136944

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12 Days Motorbike Tour To Manang and Tilicho Lake Trek Itinerary, Map & Price

Well Nepal treks offer the Best Package for a 12 Days Motorbike Tour to Manang and Tilicho Lake Trek From Kathmandu Nepal.

12 Days Motorbike Tour To Manang and Tilicho Lake Trek

Tour details.

manang trek itinerary

Availability

manang trek itinerary

Maximum Altitude

manang trek itinerary

Trek Difficukty

manang trek itinerary

Starts From

manang trek itinerary

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Trek Difficulty

Trip highlights.

  • Incredible Biking Riding Experience In Manang
  • Sightseeing of UNESCO World Heritage Sites of Nepal.
  • Breathtaking Himalayan Views
  • Amazing landscapes with high mountain Passes to cross
  • Best Experience of Trek to Tilicho Lake
  • Explore Nepalese village & lifestyle
  • enjoy a ride through the world's deepest gorge KaliGandaki.
  • Experience the Motorbike ride on the Himalayas
  • Enjoy the Nepalese food

manang trek itinerary

Trip Overview

  • Day 01: Arrive at Kathmandu airport.
  • Day 02: Kathmandu Sightseeing
  • Day 03: Ride to Besisahar
  • Day 04: Ride to Chame or Pisang Day 05: Ride to Manang village
  • Day 06: Day rest for acclimatization at an altitude of 3340 meters,
  • Day 07: Hike to Tilicho Base camp
  • Day 08:Hike to Tilicho Lake (4919 meters) and trek back to Khangsar village
  • Day 09: Get your bike and start riding back. Riding to Dharapani.
  • Day 10: Riding back to Kathmandu
  • Day 11:Rest Day in Kathmandu
  • Day 12: Day of Departure

Contact for Booking ( 24 Hours)

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