MANASLU & NAR-PHU, TILICHO LAKE WITH MESOKANTO-LA PASS TREKKING

On arrival at Kathmandu and Nepal International Airport, received by our guides and staff for short transfer to your hotels in the hub of Kathmandu city.

Checking your lovely room, and after a refreshing rest join with other members of
Manaslu & Tsum Valley Hidden Lakes Trekking. Our guide or group leader brief you about the treks, do’s and don’ts, local culture, as well camping, foods and of lodges on route trek.

A full good information which will help to enjoy your adventure with us, followed with welcome group dinner in a Nepalese restaurant with folk-culture program as entertainment while you enjoy the dinner.

Morning after breakfast at given time, our city guide will meet for interesting sightseeing of best world heritage sites around Kathmandu.

Tour includes old Durbar (royal palace and courtyard) square, with Temple of Kumari (Living young virgin Goddess). Visit famous Nepal landmark Swayambhunath Stupa a 2,500 years old, a Buddhist Stupa with all seeing eyes of Lord Buddha. Afternoon tour of holy Hindu Temple of Pashupatinath and visit Bouddhanath, Asia’s largest Stupa with four cardinals eyes of Buddha surrounded with prayer wheels and small market, this place is also known as Little Tibet due to strong Tibetan influence.

After an exciting day tour back to hotel for Manaslu, Nar-Phu & Tilicho Lake with Mesokanto-La trek preparation with last minute briefing from your leader and guide.

Manaslu & Tsum Valley Hidden Lake trekking starts taking an early morning drive to Nepal Mid-West, as journey leads on main Nepal highway past many interesting towns and villages with farms to reach at Arughat around Gorkha district. From here drive continues following Buri-Gandaki River upstream within warm-low areas of paddy fields and terraces to reach Soti-Khola.
From here journey continues for another short hours past cultivated terrace of Lapbesi upper village as our drive descends to a wide, sandy riverbed following a trail that meanders below a steep, craggy valley side.
Then drive climb to Macha Khola for overnight stop, a village with number of teashops and small lodge, Macha Khola means a Fish Stream.

Adventure starts from Macha-Khola village, morning walk past interesting farm villages around cultivated crop fields, as route leads over Macha Khola (Fish stream) where name of the village comes from, as walk follows upstream to Khola-Bensi village at Tatopani a place with natural 'hot spring'.
Enjoy a warm refreshing bathe and continues walk to Dovan for lunch and overnight stop, a half day walk after a long drive of previous day.

Morning from Dovan, small farm village, as walk starts entering a wide field at Lauri stream, crossing a bridge and then climb to high ridge then down to Yara Khola. From here an hour reach you at Jagat village for overnight stop, a nice farm village with many nice simple lodge with shops and stores.

From Jagat, morning walk leads to higher areas passing scattered farm villages with short climb and downhill to cross over a bridge to reach at Nagjet and Philim, a large village with spread-out farm houses. After Philim walk through farm terraces of golden fields of wheat’s and barley, then a climb on rocky ridge top into bamboo forest area to our overnight stop at Deng village.

After a pleasant stop in Deng, morning walk leads to cooler region as
altitude gains entering into a nice forest of pine and rhododendron on reaching
higher areas and then with short downhill to a river at Bihi Bazaar a small village
by a river side.
From Bihi walk follows Buri Gandaki River, then crossing a river to enter a small farm villages and cultivated farm fields of barley, wheat and millets, and then reach Namrung village with first close views of Mt. Manaslu North Face and adjoining peaks, from here onward encountering villages of strong Tibetan influence with similar Buddhism culture and traditional life within high Manaslu valley.

After overnight stop at Namrung, walk heads to more farm fields within Yak herder huts and shelters, high Manaslu valley people are much engaged in farming during summer.
From here walk to high and scenic valley all the way to Lo Gaon for overnight stop, one of the nicest village within Manaslu valley, at Lo enjoy close views of towering Manaslu North Face, at Lo-Gaon visit its monastery with numerous Chorten and Mani walls includes views of Ganesh Himal towards east.

From Lo-Gaon into a wide valley and on the main trail of Manaslu circuit as walk continues on a scenic valley. After Lo-Gaon vegetation changes and tree lines fades for few short juniper bushes and some willow trees. Walk leads on nice path with views of snow-peaks and then finally end the day walk on reaching Sama-Gaon for overnight stop, a large and one of the main village of Upper Manaslu areas, where route leads to Manaslu base camp and Larke-la pass as well onwards to Tibet border.

A rest day at Sama-Gaon village to support with acclimatization before heading higher terrain around Larke-la Pass, with free day with time to explore nice and scenic area as well visit its old Monastery of Buddhism.

After a pleasant rest at Sama-Gaon, start the walk on windswept terrain of more than five hours to the last village of Gorkha and Manaslu valley at Samdo.
In the beginning morning starts with slow climb as elevation gains slowly feeling the touch of dry air, makes walk slower treading slowly taking time with short break to enjoy surrounding beautiful views scenery.
As walk continue then reaching Samdo village with short climb on a small plateau where Samdo village is located, a moderate size village of more than forty houses with about two hundred villagers living this high harsh country.

Morning leaving the last village of upper Manaslu valley, walk to the end of a valley facing views of towering peaks with majestic Mt. Manaslu also called Kutang by the local of Tibetan origin language.
Walk continues crossing few icy streams to reach Larke Phedi means the bottom of a hill or pass, it also known as Dharmasala (rest house or shelter for travelers), in early days this area was called Larke Bazaar, where colorful market use to take place. After checking into small simple room, having lunch afternoon free for short walk, as well preparations for next early morning climb to cross Larke-La pass towards next district Manang.

From Larke Phedi, morning a steep climb over moraine of rocks and boulders, following north of Larke glacier, with view of Cho Danda and Larke Peak.
As walk proceeds with slow ascent gets steeper on reaching Larke-La Pass, the top marked with thousands of Buddhist colorful prayer flags.
On top enjoy a short rest facing panorama of Himlung, Cheo Himal, Kang Guru and Annapurna-II includes peaks of Manaslu range.
A long descend takes you at Larcia, walk further on a ridge to Tambuche at
3,900 m, the bottom of the pass. From here short walk to Bhimthang for overnight stop after a long, hard day.
Bhimthang a lovely place, situated on a green field with several lodges adorned with prayer Mani walls, surrounded by tall trees of rhododendron-pines and oaks.

After a good rest and pleasant overnight in the lodge at Bhimthang, from here rest of the journey on downhill short climb to Gho and Dharapani villages, morning a gradual walk through beautiful forested areas then reaching a small clearing in amidst tree lines at Gho for overnight stop. A small cattle and yak herders summer pasture with temporary settlement and simple lodge for travelers.

Walk to the finishing point of Manaslu area at Dharapani, starts with pleasant downhill through tree lines to Tilje village, a nice spot by the raging Masrsyangdi River, having short rest or possible for lunch stop, then climb on crossing a suspension bridge to a large and nice lovely Dharapani village.
This village located on the junction of famous, popular Annapurna Circuit trail and route of Manaslu. Dharapani village where motorable road has reached from Besisar town as far to Manang village.

From Dharapani walk into a nice rhododendron and pine forest past villages of Bagarchap and Danque a place with apple orchard on the backyard, then route leads to a steep climb reaching Timang village for lunch stop facing views of
Mt. Manaslu and Lamjung Himal. From Timang village few hours trek leads to Koto for overnight stop, located close to Chame town, a large and major town and a headquarter of Manang district.

Morning from Koto village our route diverts north on leaving Annapurna circuit trail for a week, as climb leads towards Nar & Phu villages. Located on the hidden area of Manang and beyond Annapurna Himalaya which is on route to Tibet border. Walking leads you to wilderness within the country where herd of blue sheep and snow leopard and other wild-life often spotted on walks.

Trek leads into narrow valley covered in pines and rhododendron trees, then reach a nice pasture fields with few huts and shades of Yak herder.
The area around the gorge blocked by high Pisang Peak and Kang-guru Himal, walk continues following Nar-Phu River upstream to reach Dharmasala a small farm village for refreshing stops. After a short rest walk further for an hour to Meta for overnight halt a sleepy small farm village.

Start the morning heading north to Phu village, one of isolated and remote country beyond the main villages of Manang valley. The area similar to Tibetan landscapes dry and arid. On walks around this area chances of spotting some wildlife like Blue Sheep’s, Musk deer’s and other wild animals if lucky might see a glimpse of snow leopard. Walk then ends on reaching at Kyang for overnight stop after an interesting day. Kyang with dozen of Tibetan style houses serves as lodge and restaurants with impressive Buddhist culture.

Today adventure leads to our next destination at Phu village, morning walk follows Phu River upstream for some time, and then descend with climb to enter a river gorge as climb continues to reach a wide glacial valley at Phu village of strong Tibetan influence and culture with similar tradition of Buddhist religion.

Enjoy a rest day at Phu village, a perfect place for another acclimatization day as well to explore around impressive village. Visit the old Tashi-Khang, Samdu Choling Monastery with views of Kyauchyu waterfalls. Phu Village with about 30 houses for 100 to 150 local inhabitants.

From Phu, after a wonderful time, morning downhill to reach a river side, on the same trail of previous day. As walk leads to the bottom of Phu village, this place is called Nar Phedi, a small settlement with few houses. Overnight at Nar Phedi with time for short walks.

After spending overnight at Nar Phedi, a slow climb to reach Yughat, a small village with Mani, Chorten and Buddhist shrines, then ending the morning walk on reaching at Nar-Gaon for overnight stop. Nar-Gaon in comparison with Phu looks similar but smaller, located within remote high altitude terrain of dry windswept landscape. Nar-Gaon with few small lodge and inns for overnight stop serving excellent meals with warm friendly environment.

After Nar-Gaon walk heads to remote wilderness, away from human settlement for few days, an interesting walk of few hours, leads to short ups and downs on rocky and arid path. As walk continues coming across cattle herders shelters towards west following Temdenzon Khola / stream within wild barren surrounding then end the day on reaching Kang-La pass base for overnight camp at 4,530 meters altitude.

Start early morning to reach on top Kang-La at 5,322 m high, climbs on steep slope for few hours facing stunning views of Pisang Peak and Chulu Far East Peak, as uphill continues to reach at Kang-La Pass. From the top marvelous panorama of Annapurna massif mountain range, includes Chulu Peaks, Lamjung Himal and adjoining peaks of Chulu and Pisang range. From the pass downhill to Ngawal past near Julu village, then completing the hard day on reaching Ngawal.
A small farm village with fine simple lodge, located above Manang valley, the local are similar to Nar and Phu people of Tibetan origin having surnames Gurung and Ghale like other mid-hill tribes of southern Annapurna region.

Morning walk on the main trail of Annapurna Circuit to main Manang village, after being in complete isolation around remote areas of Himalayas.
Walk continues on downhill trail to Humde, a moderate size village with a small airstrip that often flies to Pokhara. From here short walk to Braga village, visit the old monastery an interesting place on a high hill. Tour leads you to witness ancient artifacts of old statue of various Buddha with panorama of snow-capped mountains. After a wonderful time in the monastery, an hour walk to main Manang village for overnight. Manang a large village with many good lodges and restaurants as well bakery shops and stores. Located beneath Gangapurna and Annapurna-II mountains.

After Manang village morning walk leads to another highlight of this trip, as our route diverts from main Annapurna circuit trail reaching the last small village of Manang at Khangsar for overnight stop, situated on route Tilicho Lake.

After Khangsar village walk leads to higher areas and arid terrain with few downs and gradual winding ups getting closer towards Gangapurna and Tilicho peaks, as our route leads to one of the most remote and isolated corners of Manang valley at Tilicho Lake base with few simple good lodge for overnight stay.

Enjoy walk to Tilicho Lake, considered as one of the highest lake around Nepal Himalaya, as walk leads by the serene, pristine Tilicho Lake enjoy the dramatic scenery with close views of Gangapurna and Tilicho peaks with array of mountain range that surrounds this scenic spot.
After a fascinating and most thrilling moment head up to Tilicho Base for overnight stop before heading towards Mesokanto-la pass and Jomsom.

From Tilicho Base Camp in complete dry arid country within absolute mountain wilderness, walk up and down on scree rocky path. As walk continues with climb but rewards you with glamorous views of surroundings close views of Tilicho, Nilgiri and Gangapurna peaks. Finally walk takes you at the end of lower valley of Manang and west of Tilicho Lake on reaching a small clearing within moraine of rocks and boulders to set our camp for overnight beneath Mesokanto-La Pass.

Today a Big Day and the last final high pass of the adventure, start early after having a good breakfast and carrying pack lunch for the long day.
Climb heads over boulders of rocks and moraine towards Mesokanto-La, after a few short in between, last final push to the top of Mesokanto-La pass, enjoy breathtaking views of surrounding high peaks with Dhaulagiri in the west direction. From the top a long descend to overnight camp in a small place at Nama Phu.

After a tough climb and descend of previous day, morning an easy walk on downhill to Kaligandaki River valley facing grand view of Mt. Dhaulagiri and Nilgiri peaks. After a pleasant scenic walk reaching at Kaisang, a small herder settlement, time permitting walk further to a large village at Thini-Gaon for overnight stop, located above Jomsom and Kaligandaki Valley.

Thini-Gaon, situated away from main trekking trails where only few trekkers seldom visits this isolated village. Close to Jomsom town across the Kaligandaki River. Morning short walk and last day trek of the adventure, head down to cross a bridge and then walk into Jomsom town after few hour morning treks.
At Jomsom with many excellent lodge, hotels and inns for overnight stop with fancy restaurants and fresh bakeries. Jomsom headquarter town of Mustang region with a small airstrip above Kaligandaki River, an interesting country around Kaligandaki River valley within dry and arid country with incredible views of windblown hills and canyons.

Morning a short walk to Jomsom airport for scenic short flight to reach at beautiful Pokhara, during air fantastic views of Dhaulagiri and Annapurna Himalayan peaks, as the aircraft lands at Pokhara. Pokhara one of the most sought touristic destinations in all Himalaya, a picturesque city overlooking views of massive Annapurna Himalaya with famous and magnificent Machhapuchare Himal 'Fish Tail'. From the airport a short drive to reach hotels by serene Phewa Lake side, with time to explore beautiful Pokhara.

From Pokhara, depart for Kathmandu where morning or afternoon flight brings you back at Kathmandu. On reaching at Kathmandu transfer to your hotels, afternoon free for individual activities.

Last day in Nepal as per your international flight time, our staff and guide transfer you to the airport for homeward bound. After a great time and adventure around Manaslu & Nar Phu with Tilicho Lake trekking.