Manang Trek
Trip overview
As you trek through the Annapurna Conservation Area, you’ll be treated to awe-inspiring views of Annapurna I, Annapurna II, Annapurna III, Gangapurna, and Machapuchare (Fishtail). The Manang Valley offers some of the best views of these Himalayan giants, with Tibetan-style monasteries set against the backdrop of snow-capped peaks.
Tentative Itinerary
Arrival in Kathmandu
- Arrive at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu.
- Transfer to your hotel and meet with your guide for a trek briefing.
- Spend the rest of the day exploring Kathmandu’s vibrant streets, shopping for trekking gear, or visiting Swayambhunath (Monkey Temple) and Pashupatinath Temple.
- Overnight in Kathmandu.
Drive from Kathmandu to Besisahar (760m)
- After breakfast, take a scenic 6-7 hour drive to Besisahar, the starting point of the trek.
- The journey will pass through beautiful landscapes, terraced fields, and winding rivers, offering glimpses of local life.
- Overnight in Besisahar.
Drive from Besisahar to Chame (2,710m)
- From Besisahar, drive to Chame, which will be your gateway into the Manang Valley.
- The road takes you through the picturesque Marsyangdi River valley, with stunning views of Lamjung Himal and Manaslu in the distance.
- Overnight in Chame.
Trek from Chame to Pisang (3,200m)
- Begin the trek with a 5-6 hour walk from Chame to Pisang.
- The trail follows a river and passes through pine forests, with spectacular views of Annapurna II and III.
- Pisang is a beautiful village that offers an excellent view of Pisang Peak and Annapurna II.
- Overnight in Pisang.
Trek from Pisang to Manang (3,540m)
- Trek from Pisang to Manang in approximately 6-7 hours.
- The trail passes through barren lands, ancient villages like Braga, and prayer flags fluttering in the breeze. Manang offers great opportunities for acclimatization and relaxation.
- Once you arrive in Manang, take in the mesmerizing views of Gangapurna and Annapurna III.
- Overnight in Manang.
Acclimatization Day in Manang
- Spend the day in Manang to acclimatize to the altitude.
- You can explore nearby villages like Braga, visit the Manang Monastery, or take a short hike to Gangapurna Lake.
- The day will help you adjust to the altitude and prepare for the higher altitude trekking in the coming days.
- Overnight in Manang.
Trek from Manang to Yak Kharka (4,050m)
- Continue your trek from Manang to Yak Kharka, a 4-5 hour journey.
- The trail ascends gradually, passing through rocky terrain, alpine meadows, and yaks grazing in the valley.
- Enjoy spectacular views of Annapurna III, Gangapurna, and Chulu East as you walk through this beautiful landscape.
- Overnight in Yak Kharka.
Trek from Yak Kharka to Thorong Phedi (4,450m)
- From Yak Kharka, continue the journey to Thorong Phedi, the base camp for crossing the Thorong La Pass (the highest point of the Annapurna Circuit).
- The trek takes around 3-4 hours, and as you gain altitude, you’ll start feeling the effects of the thinner air.
- Thorong Phedi is the last stop before the ascent to Thorong La.
- Overnight in Thorong Phedi.
Trek from Thorong Phedi to Muktinath (3,710m)
- This day is one of the most challenging of the trek, as you will cross the Thorong La Pass (5,416 meters), the highest point of the Annapurna Circuit.
- The pass offers magnificent panoramic views of the Himalayas.
- After crossing the pass, descend to Muktinath, a sacred pilgrimage site for Hindus and Buddhists.
- Overnight in Muktinath
Drive from Muktinath to Pokhara
- From Muktinath, you’ll take a 4-5 hour drive to Pokhara, a scenic city where you can relax and enjoy the serene Phewa Lake and vibrant lakeside area.
- Enjoy a relaxing evening in Pokhara, where you can explore the local cafes or enjoy a boat ride on the lake.
- Overnight in Pokhara.
Drive from Pokhara to Kathmandu
- After breakfast, enjoy a 6-7 hour scenic drive back to Kathmandu, reflecting on your amazing trek.
- Once back in Kathmandu, spend the evening shopping for souvenirs or relaxing.
- Overnight in Kathmandu.
Departure
- Depending on your flight time, you can visit any remaining cultural sites in Kathmandu.
- Transfer to Tribhuvan International Airport for your departure.
Why Choose the Manang Trek?
The Manang Trek offers a truly unique and rewarding trekking experience. Here’s why it should be on your bucket list:
- Spectacular Mountain Views:
As you trek through the Annapurna Conservation Area, you’ll be treated to awe-inspiring views of Annapurna I, Annapurna II, Annapurna III, Gangapurna, and Machapuchare (Fishtail). The Manang Valley offers some of the best views of these Himalayan giants, with Tibetan-style monasteries set against the backdrop of snow-capped peaks.
- Rich Cultural Experience:
The Manang Valley is home to the Tibetan-Buddhist communities, and the trek offers opportunities to explore their vibrant culture and traditions. Villages like Besisahar, Chame, and Ngawal are rich in history, with ancient monasteries, prayer flags, and stone stupas lining the trail. You’ll have the chance to interact with friendly locals and experience their lifestyle, rituals, and customs.
- Acclimatization Opportunities:
One of the significant benefits of the Manang Trek is that it provides excellent acclimatization opportunities as you gradually gain altitude. The trek’s steady ascent and stops in Manang and Braga (a small village near Manang) allow you to properly acclimatize to the altitude, minimizing the risk of altitude sickness.
- Diverse Landscapes:
From subtropical forests and riverside paths to the barren, windswept landscapes of the high Himalayas, the Manang Trek offers an impressive variety of terrains. The diversity in flora, fauna, and ecosystems is remarkable, making this trek a nature lover’s paradise.
- Less Crowded than Other Routes:
While the Annapurna Circuit is one of Nepal’s most famous treks, the Manang Trek offers a more peaceful alternative. You’ll have the chance to experience the region’s beauty and culture without the crowds that sometimes overwhelm other trekking routes.
Mode of Transportation
- Drive from Kathmandu to Besisahar:
The journey to Besisahar takes about 6-7 hours by road. The drive offers beautiful views of terraced fields, rivers, and traditional villages.
- Drive from Besisahar to Chame:
After reaching Besisahar, continue on a 4-5 hour drive to Chame, the starting point of the trek in the Manang Valley.
- Trekking:
The trek is completed entirely on foot, with well-marked trails through forests, valleys, and villages. The gradual ascent offers the perfect pace for acclimatization and an enjoyable trekking experience.
- Drive from Muktinath to Pokhara:
After completing the high-altitude trek, take a **
