Major attraction of Manang

Manang Youth Society

Manang village:

Location:  4-5 hours from Pisang.

Special feature: Manang is a charming village with all facilities of home. There are many places for day hiking to the surrounding hills to enable you to acclimatize and enjoy the spectacular culture and natural beauty of the  area.

Ice Lake:

Location: 3-4 hrs. walk from Manang village on local trek.

Special feature: The view of Annapurna range and natural beauty of the lake are magnificent as is a walk in yak pasture and habitat for snow leopard.

Lake near by Pisang Village

Gangapurna Lake:

Location: Easy 15 min. walk from Manang village to local trek.

Special feature: Spectacular view of Gangapurna peak and glacier.

Gangapurna Lake

Tilicho Lake:

Location: 3 days from Manang on the Khangsar/tilicho trail.

Special feature: A trip to the highest lake in the world (4900m) is a good way to acclimatize with good views of Tilicho peak and surrounding valley. On the way up you pass Tare gompa, one of the oldest (500 years in the district).

Yakkharka:

Location: 3-4 hrs. walk from Manang village on the trekking rout.

Special feature: This small peaceful town is habitat for the endangered snow Leopard and unique Blue Sheep. 

Thorong-la Pass:

Location: 2 days walk from Manang village on the trekking rout.

Special feature: The most popular trekking pass as 5416 meter from sea level.

Thorong-la Pass

Tal village:

Location – Situated at the gateway of Manang district from Lamjung district on the trekking trail.

Special feature – A relaxing, peaceful small town at the gateway of Manang district. Tal is hometo a beautiful waterfall that flows all year round.

Hot spring:

Location – Dharapani, Latemrang and Chame.

Special feature – Water remains hot all year round for a rejuvenating natural shower or to ease those aching muscles after a long days hike.

Sworga dwari (Gateway of heaven):

Location: Between Bratang and Pisang on the trekking route.

Special feature: Spectacular sheer rock face rising from the Marshyandi River.

Gyaru and Ngwal:

Location: 1.5 to 2 hours walk from Pisang off the trekking trail.

Special feature: traditional village, situated high on the hillside, with some of the most spectacular view of all of Annapurna.

Gyaru and Ngawal village

Braka Gompa:

Location: Braka village,on the trekking trail.

Special feature: This historic Buddhist gompa is typical of the district and a testament to a traditional culture of more than 500 years.

Braka Gomba

Annapurna Circuit Trekking

Annapurna Region- Introduction- Since it opened to foreign trekkers in 1977, the Annapurna region has become the most popular trek in Nepal.  The Annapurna Mountains are different, in that the border is well to the north so the Jomsom and Annapurna circuit treks both go north of the Himalayan watershed, into the high-altitude, dry, desert area which is characteristic of the Tibetan Plateau. The Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP) is working to conserve the natural and cultural resources of the Annapurna area.

Annapurna circuit (Thorong –La Pass) Trekking – This trek takes 17 days and reaches a maximum height of 5416m at Thorong - La. The circuit is usually walked in anti-clock wise direction because clockwise is the longer ascent and shorter descent from west to east for the day of Throng-La pass at 5416m.

The trek starts from Beshisahar, Lamjung and ends in big touristic city Pokhara.  We have to fallow frist Marshyandi River and then Kaligandaki River. In this trekking, we can see Mountain Manaslu (8151m.), Annapurna I (8091m.), Annapurna II (7937m.), Annapurna III (7555m.), Annapurna IV (7525m.), Annapurna South (7219m.), Gangapurna (7454m.), Khangsar (7485m.), Dhaulagiri (8167m.), Tilicho (7134m), Chulu (6584m.) Tukuche (6920m.), Machhapuchhre (Fishtail 6997m.), Himchuli (6441m.) etc. This region is rich in flora and fauna.

Annapurna Circuit Trekking

I T I N E R A R Y

1. Kathmandu to Beshisahar 180km, 7 hour drive
2. Beshisahar to Bahundanda (5-6 hours) – At the north end of the Beshisahar bazaar, trail follows staircase down to Puwa Khola (Small river), cross and just walk along the road. We find some small tea shop on the way. Next is Balam Khola. There will be wooden bridge in summer time, even in the month October –November. After 1.30 hours from Beshisahar we get Khudi village.  We have to cross Khudi river by suspension bridge. After 40 minutes, we have to cross the Marshyandi River by suspension bridge at Bhulbhule. There are many lodges as well as ACAP check post. There is Lampata village before Ngadi village, cross the Ngadi River. The way is up from Ngadi to Bahundanda (hill). It takes 3.30 hours from Bhulbhule to Bahundanda (1310m.)
3. Bahundanda to Chamje (6 hours) – The way is steep down and straight to Konigau. There are a few lodges. Next village is Ghermu Phant, there are many lodges. From Ghermu Phant, the way is down to Syange with the frontal view of water fall. We have to cross Marshyandi River by suspension bridge. There are some lodges in Syange. The way is straight from Syange to Shri Chour, then walk up and down to Jagat. There is big settlement. And slightly up way to Chamje at 1433m. We can see the 200m. beautiful waterfalls before Chamje.
4. Chamje to Danaqu (7hours)- Cross the Marshyandi river nearby Chamje. We can see marijuana on the trail side. Tal is big village. We have to cross 3 times suspension bridge of Marshyandi River from Tal to Dharapani. There is ACAP check post and many lodges in Dharapani. Trekking trail from Manaslu Round (Larke –pass) joins there in Dharapani. The way is straight and slightly up from Dharapani to Danaqu (2300m.). We can see Manaslu to east from Danaqu.
5. Danaqu to Chame (5 hrs.) – The way is up from Danaqu to Timang (2750m.) Timang village is beautiful, good view of Manaslu. After Timang, the way is straight, a little down and short up to Koto. The Koto is gateway to Nar- Phoo trekking. There is ACAP check post. It takes 40 min. from Koto to Chame (2670m.) Chame is district headquarter of Manang.  There is big settlement with charming view of Lamjung Himal.
6. Chame to Pisang (6 hours) -    There is suspension bridge at the end of Chame village. After crossing the river, we get good view of Lamjung Himal and down ridge of Annapurna II from the trail. The trail is straight to Bhratang. There is long mani wall. After some time from Bhratang, again cross the Marshyandi River and trail is up to Dhikur Pokhari. There is pound and some restaurant. The trail is straight from Dhikur Pokhari to Pisang (3200m.)
7. Pisang to Manang (6 hrs.) -  There are two trails to  get Manang. The short rout is along the Marshyandi River and alternative route, longer route is through the Ghyaru and Ngawal village. Most of trekkers use this longer trail. The way is first straight and then up from Pisang to Ghyaru (3673m.) and straight to NGawal (3650m.). These villages are very old and traditional with the panoramic view of Annapurna range and Gangapurna. The trail bends down from Ngawal to Mungi, where joins the main trail from Pisang, and straight way to Manag through the Braka village.
8.  Manang to Yakkharka (4hpurs) – The trail is up to Tanki village (last traditional village).  The way is slightly up from Tanki to Yakkharka (4050m.). We probably find yak pasturing.  Yakkharka means yak paturing.
9. Yakkharka to Thorong Phedi (3 hrs.) – Way is slightly up to Ledar. After Ledar, the way is straight short down and short up. We find a tea shop. Probably we can see the wild animal Blue Sheep. The trail is straight from the tea shop to Thorong Phedi (4550m.)
10. Thorong Phedi to Muktinath (8 hours) – The very beginning trail is steep up an hour to high camp, and slightly up and up to Thorong la top. It takes 4 hours from Thorong Phedi to top at 5416m. and another 3 hours from top to Muktinath (3800m.)
11. Muktinath to Jomsom (5 hours) - Trek to Jomsom descends from here, with views of the Kaligandaki River far below and Nilgiri and Dhaulagiri peaks towering in the west. At Eklobhatti Village the trail conjoins with the path from Kagbeni winding along the valley floor through beautiful barren lands with snow capped peaks in the distance.
12. Jomsom to  Tukche (4 hrs) - Trek along a river bed (where you can look for ammonite fossils) and then by apple, peach and apricot orchards. We will pass through Marpha, a peaceful Tibetan settlement with a large temple and monastery, before reaching Tukche.
13. Tukuche to Ghasa (6 hour)- We trek along the river valley with a few tributary crossings before reaching Larjung. After Dhampu the scenery changes dramatically, as we enter a pine forest with lush vegetation and have beautiful views of Mt. Dhaulagiri and the Annapurna region. The trek from Kalopani to Lete Khola gradually goes down before the final climb to Ghasa.
14. Ghasa to Tatopani (6 hour) - The trek is a gradual descent through valleys and fields with beautiful rupse chahara (waterfall) along the way. We will stop in Dana Village, site of the deepest gorge in the world, and have lunch. Tatopani (hot water), where we will be stopping, is home to some wonderful hot springs that sit beside the icy river. It is here that you will have your first opportunity in many days to have a nice soak.
15. Tatopani to Ghorepani 7 hour - This 13km/7hrs trek is a challenging ascent, but it is well worth the sunset view over the profiles of Mt. Dhaulagiri and Annapurna.
16. Ghorepani to Pokhara  - The day begins with a pre-sunrise hike (45 minutes) up to Poon Hill (3,193m/10,505ft), the highest hill on the entire trek, for amazing views and photo opportunities of the Mustang and Pokhara Valleys. From the top you can see as many as 30 snow capped peaks, including the Annapurna range and Dhaulagiri. Trek 16km/6.5hrs down to Nayapul (1,100m/3,619ft) and drive 33km (1 hr) to Pokhara.
17. Pokhara to Kathmandu 210 km 7 hour drive.

Lonely planet recommends trekking in Annapurna

KATHMANDU, July 13,2015: Popular travel guidebook Lonely Planet has included Annapurna Region in the list of 'Best Places to Travel in October 2015'.

Entrepreneurs say this is good news for the tourism industry in Nepal as the earthquake-stricken country can hope that tourists will visit Nepal in October as per the suggestions of Lonely Planet.

Saying that one can gain some serious altitude in Nepal, Lonely Planet has suggested going trekking in Annapurna for October. "Do your bit for Nepal's economy and enjoy spectacular views as reward. Everyone has seen the news reports from the 25 April earthquake in Nepal, but most reports neglected to mention that most of Nepal was untouched by the disaster, including the most popular trekking areas. With the clearing of the monsoon rains, October is once again peak season for trekking, and the Annapurna region is a great, nay epic, place to start," the guidebook writes.

Lonely Planet writes further: "In the process of visiting the region, one will be performing a valuable social service, helping Nepal to rebuild after the disaster by investing directly in the local economy."

News Source: http://myrepublica.com

Details itinerary of Annapurna Base Camp Trekking

1. Phedi to Tolka - 

There is steep 450m. up from starting point Phedi (1130m.) to Dhampus. It takes 1.30 hour. Dhampus is nice village and nice view of Machhapuchre (Fishtail) and other mountains. There are many lodges. There is TIMS check post at the end of Dhampus. Next point is Pothana at 1950m. It takes an hour from Dhampus. Pothana is the excellent view point of Machhapuchhre. Thre is 5 lodges and ACAP check post. We have to walk 40 min. further through the forest to get Deurali (2100m.) There are two lodges and another restaurant. We can see Annapurna south and Himchuli. Deurali is highest point of that day so walk down to Bherikharka and straight way to Tolka (1750m.) It takes 2 hour from Deurali to Tolka. There are many lodges.

2. Tolka to Jhinu Danda -

We have to walk first down and straight way one hour up to Landruk (1600m), a Gurung Village. There are many lodges. There is two way at the bottom of the Landruk village. The Left steep down is to Ghandruk village and right way is to ABC. The way to ABC is very nice, pleasant, crossing through the forest, bush, falls and small rivers along the big river Modi Khola. There we find some lodges and restaurant at Himalpani, before New Bridge. We walk one hour to get New Bridge. We have to cross the suspension bridge. Also there is some lodges and restaurant in New Bridge. It takes two hour from New Bridge to Jhinu. We have to cross another river, Kimrong. After Kimrung river way is step up to Jhinu Danda. There are many lodges in Jhinu Danda. That place is popular for hot spring, which is located 20min. down to river Modi.

3. Jhinu to Sinuwa –

We will realize strong way from Jhinu to Sinuwa. We have to walk long steep up, down and again up.But way is not so long. There is steep up from Jhinu to Taulung, 1.30 hour. And 15 min. to Chomrong big Gurung village. We see the close view of Annapurna south and Himchuli. There are many lodges, safe drinking station, small hydro-electricity power station, kerosene depot,phone, internet service, pharmacy etc. Now we are in bottle banned area. We find boiled and filtered drinking water in every lodge. There is stone finely paved way to down, cross the river named Chomrong River and starts again up walk 1.20 hour to Bhanuwa and again up 50 min. from Bhanuw to Sinuwa (2340m.) There are three lodges on the hill. 

4. Sinuwa to Deurali -

Today, we have to walk through the thick bamboo bush and forest. We walk straight, up and down 1.50 hour to get bamboo. There are five lodges. We find lot of bamboo and redodendron trees. And one hour walk to Dobhan. There are three lodges. We walk 1.40 hour from Dobhan to Himalaya. There are two lodges. After one hour walk we rich in Hinkhu cave, we can see Deurali from that cave. It tkes 30 min. from cave to Deurali. There are four lodges. Deurali is located on the buttom of big cliff. That day is interesting and important in terms of flora and fauna.

5. Deurali to ABC-

We walk 2 hour to get Machhapuchre base camp. There is possibility of avalanche if heavy snow there, so be careful. Machhapuchre base camp is nice place. There are five lodges. We can see many mountains. There is established German metrological project and helipad. There is big glacier another side of MBC. Now we have 400m ascent to get ABC. We walk 1.30 hour, if snow it takes longer time. There are four lodges. ABC (Annapurna Base Camp) is beautiful place surrounded by mountain. We can see bottom to top part of Annapurna I, many mountains, glacier, memorial temple and flags.

6. ABC-Bamboo 7 hours.

7. Bamboo to Chomrong 4 hours.

8. Chomrong to ghandruk- 5 hours.

The Ghandruk is supposed to be the biggest Gurung village of that area. Gurungs are mainly involved in British Army since world war. There are traditional houses, Gurung museum, Rodhi Ghar (Gurung cultural theater) monastery, ACAP office, high school, post office, medical center etc. We decent from Chhomrong to Kimrung River and accent to Kimrung Danda and walk straight to Ghndruk, it takes 4.30 hour total time.

9. Ghandruk to Nayapul- 

It takes 4 hour. We walk 2 hour to Syauli Bazaar and another 2 hour to Nayapul. The road is under construction from Nayapul to Syauli Bazaar. There are many lodge, restaurant, tea shops and other kinds of shop. We find Birethanti village before getting Nayapul. In Birethanti, there is TIMS and ACAP check post. And 1.30 hour by car fram Nayapul to Pokhara.

Annapurna Base Camp (Sanctuary) Trekking

Annapurna Base Camp (Sanctuary) Trekking - It is a spectacular short trekking. It takes 10 days including Dhampus, Ghandruk Village and Ghorepani (Poonhill). This trek starts at rice fields and goes to glaciers and bottom of the high mountains at the height of 4100m. Although it has some steep climbs and crosses a few narrow bridges, the trek is not difficult. This trail follows Modi River, and has to cross other many rivers. The attraction of the trek is pleasant hike through the forest, bamboo and bushes, the hot spring, beautiful Gurung and Magar village, culture etc. We see many mountains that are Annapurna South, Annapurna I (8091m.), Annapurna III (7555m.), Gangapurna (7454m.), Machhapuchhre (Fishtail 6997m.), Hiuchuli (66441m.), Gandarva Chuli, Tent peak, Dhaulagiri (8167m.), Tukuche, Nilgiri, Dhampus etc. That region is unique place for flora and fauna with beautiful Rhododendron (national flower of Nepal).

Trek Summary

Name:- Annapurna Base Camp (Sanctuary) Trekking

Time:- 8 -12 days

Max. Altitude:- 4130m.

Start:- Phedi or Nayapul

Finish:- Phedi or Nayapul

Trekking style:- Tea house

No. of clients:- Any

Details itinerary of ABC Trekking