Sightseeing tour of Swayambhunath, Kathmandu durbar Square, Pashupatinath and Boudhanath. (Also Permit Preparation) “B”. (06-07 Hours). (Must be an official Day).

We set off after an early breakfast for the drive westwards to the start of the trek, accompanied by our trek crew. After 3 hours or so, we arrive at the town of Mugling and stop for an early lunch at a roadside restaurant. Soon after leaving Mugling, we reach the small town of Dumre, beside the Marsyangdi River. Here, we turn north on a smaller road which follows the river. We cross the river on a long suspension bridge at Syange before climbing to our overnight accommodation at Jagat (1300m).

Today we begin our trek. Although the road continues up valley, its condition is very rough and it is much more pleasurable to walk from here. Where we can, we take the old trekking trail away from the road. From Jagat we start with a steady climb to Chamje, before descending to cross the river on a suspension bridge. Climbing once more, we enter the Buddhist region of Manang at the village of Tal (which means lake in Nepali). Here the terrain levels for a short section and the raging river slows to a lake-like appearance. Beyond Tal, the trail crosses the river again and continues for a further 4 kilometres to Dharapani (1860m).stay overnight at lodge.Trek(06-07 Hrs).

The valley now turns towards the west, as we set off and hike to the interesting Buddhist village of Bagar Chap. Manaslu is now visible behind us and Annapurna 2 occasionally in sight on our left hand side, as we walk on the road at times and also find sections of village trail, passing through scattered pine forest and negotiating many stone steps. There are isolated lodges and hamlets en route to our overnight stopping place at Koto (2600m). overnight stay at lodge. Trek ( 06 - 07 hrs).

There is a checkpoint in Koto where we have to present our permits. We then leave the Annapurna Circuit trail and head up the narrower and steeper gorge of the Naar Phu Khola. We start out on the left or western bank on a trail through beautiful woods and passing various temporary 'villages' used in the winter by the people of Naar and Phu. Soon the contrast with the Annapurna Circuit trail is striking and we are unlikely to see very many other trekkers as we make our way up this restricted valley. We find a suitable place for a lunch stop, before continuing our trek, with a fair amount of up and down and some sections of exposed trail hewn from the cliffs above the river. We reach our lodge accommodation in Meta in the later afternoon.

Today is reasonably short, as the only place (before Phu) with suitable lodge accommodation is Chyako. We follow the Phu Khola on a fairly level or gradually ascending trail to the small 'Tibetan' village of Chyako, which we reach in time for lunch at our lodge accommodation. The afternoon is free. We are utilizing this day as acclimatization day.

From here the trail is steeper as we climb up to Kyang with its long mani wall at 3800 metres. Kyang, located on a plateau high above the Phu Khola is the main winter settlement of the people of Phu and we may be lucky enough to see a part of the annual migration when a family moves down from the high pastures with its Yaks - a scene from ancient Tibet! Continuing on another exciting section of trail, carved into the walls of the river gorge, we descend to the river itself. A little further on our progress is blocked by another rocky bluff and we are forced to trek up out of the gorge, via several mani walls and chortens, to reach the Phuohi Yalgoe or 'Phu gate'. Beyond this ancient stone gateway, we get our first view of the 3 villages of Phu with the impressive ruins of forts on the skyline above. Approximately an hour after passing through the Phu Gate we climb to the village of Phu where we set up our camp below the village at an altitude of approximately 4200 metres. It will take around 5 hours trekking to reach Phu from Chyako and we will be able to have a late lunch at our camp, with the remainder of the day free to explore this amazing village with its comparatively unspoilt ancient culture and architecture. The remote settlement of Phu consists of around 30 stone built houses in the Tibetan style and is home to around 150 people.

During the day,explore this amazing village with its comparatively unspoilt ancient culture and architecture. The remote settlement of Phu consists of around 30 stone built houses in the Tibetan style and is home to around 150 people.overnight stay at phu village.

We return to the Phu Gate and retrace our steps down the valley, stopping for lunch either at Chyako or in the temporary village of Junam Goth (3650m). We then continuing downvalley, with a final steeper descent to a bridge across the river at Naar Phedi (3490m). There is no lodge here, but we can stay overnight in basic rooms at Sartek Monastery, an interesting experience.

After breakfast at the monastery, we climb away from the narrow gorge of the Phu Khola and arrive at the village of Naar (4110m) in the late morning. Set amongst snow-clad peaks and surrounded by fields of mustard and barley, this is another very picturesque place. We explore the village and surroundings for few hours, one can hike up to the line of prayer flags on the hill above the village for more spectacular views and also visit some colourful gompas around, The people of Naar make their living from spinning and weaving and the womenfolk can often be found hard at work in some sheltered and sunlit corner. Take lunch and resume our trek to Kangla Phedi( 4530m) to make easier for next day high Kang-La pass.

We start our day after breakfast at lodge and face steady climb of over 700 metres to the summit of the Kangla Pass. This becomes increasingly steep as we gain height and it is not unusual to encounter snow patches during the last hour of the ascent. From the top there are fantastic views across the valley to Annapurna II, Gangapurna and Tilicho Peak. Far below we can see the Annapurna Circuit trail and make out the airstrip at Humgde. The trail down initially is steep and loose on a mix of snow and scree and care is needed. Reaching a plateau we take lunch and rest our tired legs, before contouring to Ngawal (3660m),stay overnight at lodge.

We start our day again after breakfast, descending down to the marshyangdi valley and following side trail to Braga where we serve lunch.This route which offers splendid views across to the Annapurnas is well worth taking but is more challenging than the main trail. At Braga there is a very interesting monastery which sits on and amongst a high crag overlooking the village. From Braga, there is a final, easy 4 kilometre walk to Manang.stay overnight at lodge.

Enjoying the diverse topography, flora and fauna, we set off to Yak Kharka today passing through alpine pasturelands, thorong river, some local settlements of Tangki Manang, Ghusang, ghyangchang and reach Yak kharka.Hiking on the trail above of tree line is relatively harder, we keep that in mind and take a slower pace to today's destination.Enjoy, beautiful scenery of surrounding himalaya. stay overnight at lodge.

Trek from Yak Kharka to Thorung Fedi is relatively shorter and the trail itself is gradual slop up.shorter distance and easier walk sometimes is little boring. there is an option to take another steeper hike of about 4/5 hrs to High camp(4925m) to make easier for next day( depends on the physical condition of the trekkers).stay overnight at lodge.

After a reasonably early breakfast, we set off on the steep ascent to the Thorung La. The trail is well defined, though potentially icy in places. After the steep start, it eases off, passing a number of glacial lakes on the slow climb to the cairns and prayer flags at the pass (5416m). At this altitude, this is a tough 3 to 4 hour climb. There are tremendous views in both directions. In addition to the mountains that have been with us for the last few days, we can see the brown and red hills of Mustang to the north-west and the valley of the Kali Gandaki below us. Descending from the pass is quite straightforward, but hard on the knees. It is three hours (and 1500 metres) down to the sacred village of Muktinath, with excellent views of Dhaulagiri, Tukuche Peak and Nilgiri. Stay overnight at lodge.

Keeping away from the road as much as possible, on its south side, our trek today loops around via Lupra, before descending to the valley floor. It is relatively gentle and very scenic 3-hour descent, with great views of the peaks on the west side of the Kali Gandaki, including Dhaulagiri. Arriving on the stony bed of the Kali Gandaki, we will stop for a cold drink at one of the many tea-houses, before continuing our walk for a further 2 hours to the busy airstrip town of Jomsom. Time to look around this thriving settlement after checking in at our lodge

Enter into the airport in the early morning and take a short scenic mountain flight of 20 min.Stay overnight at hotel.

Free day in Pokhara. [970m]. "B".

Fly to Kathmandu [1,338m]. "B".

Trip ends! Fly back home, taking with you the memory of a life time. "B".