Compare Tibet: Beyond Everest Base Camp by Myths and Mountains vs Manaslu Lodge Circuit by Exodus Travels
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| Trip |
5 | Excellent
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5 | Excellent
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| Duration | 22 days | 18 days |
| Price From | $ 10,195 | $ 3,300 |
| Price Per Day | $ 463 | $ 183 |
| Highlights |
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| Trip Style | Private guided tour | Small group tour |
| Lodging Level | Camping | Standard |
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| Flights & Transport | Ground transport included | No |
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| Meals Included |
21 Breakfasts, 19 Lunches and 17 Dinners |
Breakfast is included throughout the trip. In teahouses, breakfast comprises a choice of bread (a slice of toast, chapatti or Tibetan bread), a choice of egg (boiled, fried or omelette), and a choice between either muesli or porridge each day. Hot tea/coffee is also served. On specific days, there will not be a choice for breakfast and either a trekkers breakfast (egg, hash brown, baked beans and toast) or a pancake with jam/honey is served – these options are not available in all teahouses and so we have only included them in locations where they can be guaranteed. You may also be able to supplement your included breakfast with additional items on the teahouse menu should you wish, additional items that are not included in the set menu should be ordered and paid for separately. Please note, some more remote teahouses/lodges are unable to provide an extensive menu due to irregular delivery schedules and during periods of bad weather or a high volume of trekkers, there may be a more limited menu choice. Also, the higher altitude the more expenses the menus and extras generally are. Lunch is at a teahouse en route – sometimes one of your guides will go ahead with the group’s order to make it more expedient. Dinner is in the same teahouse you sleep at (this is custom in Nepal as teahouses base their room rate on it). Although most lodges have almost identical menus, they are reasonably extensive and offer a varied selection, ranging from traditional Nepalese dhal bhat to pizza and apple pie. Dhal bhat is the staple diet in Nepal and comes in many different forms but generally comprises some curried lentils and meat or vegetables, some rice, and a pickle/chutney. Another popular snack is momos, a Nepalese dumpling, fried or steamed and filled with meat or vegetables. Meat is available in the teahouses but we advise against eating it on trek. The meat has often been carried in the heat from lower altitudes for several days before reaching the lodges and can cause stomach upsets or illness. If you have a gluten-free diet, we strongly recommend you bring extra food and snacks with you to supplement the food on trek as there will be little variety available for you, particularly for breakfast. Even many of the soups are powdered and contain gluten. Gluten-free breakfast options will be limited to vegetable fried rice and a choice of egg, and on specific days only, a trekkers breakfast (without the toast/with an extra egg) will be served. Breakfast options for vegans will be limited to a choice of muesli/porridge with water each day, and on specific days only, a trekkers breakfast (without the egg), or vegetable fried rice will be served. If you are lactose intolerant, the same will apply although you will also have a choice of egg each day. If you buy imported food and drink on trek, you will spend more than the suggested amount. Drinking water Staying hydrated is important when undertaking any physical activity but particularly so at altitude where it is generally recommended to drink at least 100floz-135floz (3-4 litres) per day. However, we strongly encourage you not to buy bottled water on trek as this contributes to the growing problem of plastic pollution in Nepal. The teahouses sell boiled water for approximately 150-300 (US$1.15-US$2.30) per litre (the price increases the higher you trek) which should not require treating. This is also perfect for a bedtime refill as it can double up as a hot-water bottle. Alternatively, all teahouses provide free cold water. Although this should not be drunk untreated, we recommend you bring a reusable bottle/water bladder/Camelpak (ideally two) and use an effective form of water treatment. There are a wide range of products available including Steripens or purification tablets, which are the quickest and easiest options to use on trek – we recommend talking to an outdoor retailer for the latest advice as technologies are improving all the time. Make sure to check the product’s performance in cold/freezing conditions and consider battery life (lithium batteries are best in cold conditions). Exodus has partnered with Water-to-Go, a filtration system that eliminates more than 99.99 percent of all microbiological contaminants from any non-saltwater source – visit Water-to-Go for more information. Exodus customers can claim 15 percent off their first order and, better still, 15 percent of the purchase value will be donated to the Exodus Travels Foundation. These bottles filter the water as you drink through the spout may not be the most efficient while on the go on a trek. Please note, if the water freezes it will clog up the filter. In this event, defrost before use by sitting the filter in lukewarm water for 10-15 minutes. |
| Description |
Imagine flying over the highest of the Himalayas and landing in Lhasa – the heart and soul of Tibet! Here you will pray with the pilgrims before the holy Jokhang Temple, explore the Potala and the Norbulinkha, watch the monks debating at Sera, and visit the new Museum of Tibetan Culture. Heading out, you will see the magnificent paintings of Gyantse’s Kumbum and walk the pilgrim kora in Shigatse. Then the trek begins – a five-day trek to Everest Base Camp over 17,000’ Lamna La, past Zommug (the highest permanent settlement in the Everest region) and down to Dza Rongphu Monastery beside Everest Base Camp. From here, you can continue up onto the glacier, climbing all the way to Advance Base Camp at 20,800 feet. NOTE THAT THIS IS NOT A TECHNICAL TRIP AND YOU DO NOT NEED CRAMPONS. |
This spectacular and isolated circular trek skirts around the eighth highest mountain in the world, formidable Manaslu (28,258ft/8,163m). We follow the mighty Buri Gandaki River as it narrows into a spectacular gorge, passing through tiny villages perched on valley sides. Eventually, the gorge opens out into alpine meadows inhabited by a cluster of Tibetan communities below the north face of Manaslu. Crossing the Larkya Pass, we see the snow-capped peaks of Himalchuli, Manaslu, Cheo Himal and Himlung Himal, before descending through forest to join the main Annapurna Circuit route. Why trek with Exodus? One of the highest staff-to-traveller ratios on the trek with one staff member to every four travellers More than 30 years’ experience organising treks in Nepal Carefully planned ascent rates and itineraries with built-in acclimatisation and contingency days Experienced English-speaking local leaders who are qualified in first aid and trained to recognise and deal with altitude sickness All staff (leaders, guides and porters) are fully insured and paid a fair wage Staff carry oxygen, a first-aid kit, and self-assessment acute mountain sickness cards, used to monitor every traveller at altitude Speak to Exodus office staff who have done the trek themselvesTake a lesser-known trek around one of the highest mountains in the world |
DAY 01: ARRIVE CHENGDU
Arriving in Chengdu, you will clear Chinese customs and immigration. Exiting with your baggage, you will be met by our China operator, holding your names on a sign. He will transfer you to your hotel. At the same time, he will get your signatures on the relevant documents, process your Tibet permit, and return it to you at the hotel.
Accommodation : BUDDHA ZEN OR TIBET HOTEL
Meals : NONE
DAY 02: TOUR CHENGDU
This morning you can do some touring in Chengdu, the capital of Sichuan Province, and its administrative, cultural and educational center. The city is also a major industrial base and the economic, social and political heart and soul of Southwest China.
You will begin your day with a visit to Wenshu Yuan, the largest and best preserved Buddhist temple in the city. Wenshu dates back to the Tang Dynasty, and was renamed in the 17th century after a Buddhist monk who had made the monastery his home. The monastery is extremely active and constantly filled with worshippers. The alley nearby the monastery is also a “happening”, with teahouses, vendors, fortune tellers, and all sorts of other things and people.
After the monastery, you will visit the Panda Breeding Center to see the adult and baby pandas. Finally, in the afternoon, if you feel like it, your guide can take you to the Sichuan Opera School to see the classroom and studio. If the timing is right, we will see a performance.
Accommodation : BUDDHA ZEN OR TIBET HOTEL
Meals : Breakfast
DAY 03: FLY LHASA. EXPLORE BARKHOR
This morning, you will transfer to the airport for your flight to Lhasa.
Upon arrival, you will be met by your Tibetan guide and transferred to your hotel. When you are unpacked and more accustomed to the thin air, you can take the rest of the afternoon to explore the fabulous market or Barkhor that surrounds the Jokhang.
Accommodation : KYICHU HOTEL OR SHANGRILA
Meals : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 04: JOKHANG, POTALA, NORBULINKHA AND LUKHANG
Rising early you will grab a quick breakfast. Around 7:30am you head back to the Barkhor and the Jokhang, spiritual center of Tibet and destination of millions of Tibetan Pilgrims. The Jokhang, built in 767AD
by Tibet’s first Buddhist King, Songtsen Gampo, is the heart of this Buddhist world. You walk the kora or pilgrim route, around the Barkhor with the early morning pilgrims. After the outside kora you enter the temple and walk the nangkhor, or inside of the temple. On the roof of the Jokhang, you can take pictures of the market and pilgrims below, and the Potala on the hill across the square. From the Jokhang, you will head to the Potala, the former winter palace of the Dalai Lama, built on the escarpments of Red Hill and rising more than 1000m above the valley floor. Your visit to the Potala complete, youcan have lunch nearby.
After lunch, you will visit the Norbulinka, once named Jewel Park and now People’s Park. The Norbulinka was the former summer palace of successive Dalai Lamas from 1755, and suffered extensive damage during the Cultural Revolution. Much has been rebuilt, and it is fascinating to see how the Dalai Lama actually lived. Painted on one of the walls is a picture of the 14th Dalai Lama and his family – the only one still prominent in Tibet. Later in the day, if you are not exhausted, you can visit the Lukhang, set in the middle of a lake. At onetime, one would take a boat across the lake. Now the area is a Chinese theme park, and it is fun to see how the people use the area. The temple is one of the gems of Lhasa, and contains artwork related to Tibetan medical practices.
Accommodation : KYICHU HOTEL OR SHANGRILA
Meals : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 05: VISIT PHABONKHA AND SERA MONASTERIES
Today you travel to the suburbs of Lhasa to visit two of the most interesting of the Buddhist monasteries. The first, Phabonkha, served as a meditation site during the time of Songtsen Gampo, and contains a plaque commemorating the first Tibetan script. The monastery also serves as a sky burial site, and if we are early enough, we can still see the great Himalayan Vultures circling overhead, waiting for their dinner. In the last part of the 8th century, the very first seven Tibetan monks stayed here, after receiving their ordination from the Indian Shankarakshita. From here, you will have a simple lunch in a local restaurant, and then head to Sera, in time for the 3pm debates. Sera, is a 15th century Gelugpa monastery, founded by one of Tsong Khapams disciples, and is famous for its Tantric teachings. The name Sera means merciful. Years ago, a rivalry existed between Sera and Drepung (means Rice Heap). The monks from Sera thought their hail would destroy Drepungms rice, while Sera boasted the dob-dobs, an elite corps of warrior monks, much feared by other Buddhist leaders.
Accommodation : KYICHU HOTEL OR SHANGRILA
Meals : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 06: DRIVE GYANTSE. VISIT KUMBUM AND POSSIBLY PELIOR CHODE
Leaving Lhasa, you will drive the 130 miles to Gyantse, once Tibet’s third most important city. Gyantse lies at the head of the Nyangchu Valley astride the main trade routes from India, Bhutan, and Nepal to Lhasa. Made wealthy by selling sheep and yak wool, the rich lords of the city pooled their resources in the early 1400’s to build the Kumbum, a Nepalese-style stupa containing some of the best preserved and most unique art in Tibet, and Peljor Chode, the spectacular assembly hall. In the 15th century, there were actually nine major monasteries near or in the town. Nearby, in 1904, Young husband, leader of the British expedition to Lhasa, waged a major battle, killing several hundred Tibetans. He stayed on for a month in the castle, before proceeding to Lhasa. The Kumbum is truly the synthesis of Nepali(Newari)/Tibetan art and architecture. The building itself contains 112 chapels each with spectacular statues and paintings in remarkably good repair. As one moves from the lower to the higher stories, the wall paintings themselves represent higher and higher Buddhist practices. If time permits, you will also visit the Peljor Chode Monastery at the other end of town. The monastery was built in 1418 by Rabten Kunzang. Excellently preserved, the monastery contains many statues and paintings that date back to its founding. Without doubt, the statues, paintings and thankas of Gyantse are among some of the most spectacular art of the trip.
Accommodation : GYANTSE HOTEL
Meals : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 07: DRIVE SHIGATSE AND VISIT TASHILUMPO
Rising early you will continue driving west to Shigatse. In the early days of Communism, some of the monks of Shigatse were in collusion with the security bureau and reported anyone accepting or distributing pictures of the Dalai Lama. They hoped that by cooperating with the Communists, they could save their temple from destruction. Sadly, it did not work completely. Nevertheless, Tashilumpo monastery, the oldest and largest Gelugpa Monastery in Tsang province and home to the Panchen Lama, is lovely, and your kora (or pilgrim circuit, will take you past holes for dogs, thought of as “fallen monks,” as well as places to earn merit by rubbing our bodies against holy rocks. You will also have time to explore the bazaar.
Accommodation : TASHI CHOEDE HOTEL
Meals : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 08: DRIVE OLD TINGRI. MEET TREKKING CREW
Your trip today takes you to Old Tingri, the trekker’s gateway to Mount Everest. The name of this windblown settlement comes from the sound made by a special black rock, thrown all the way from India to Tibet by an incarnation of the Buddha, when the rock struck the ice near the present site of the town. You will meet your trekking crew and sirdar near the town.
Accommodation : SNOW LEOPARD GUEST HOUSE
Meals : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 09: TINGRI TO YALUNG YAK MEADOW (14,750 FT., 1 1⁄2 HR. DRIVE, 5 HR. TREK)
From Tingri, you drive along the road towards Xegar. After crossing the bridge, you head right along a rough track, which runs along the base of the line of hills on the left. The tracks head generally in the direction of Everest, and after about 20 minutes of walking, reach the village of Rizong. Turn right out of the village. Although following the trail is a bit difficult now, head towards another village,
visible on the west side of the valley at the base of sandy hillside. About four hours of trekking will take you to the village of Lunhihang, a friendly place to stop for tea. After a tea break, your path will take you past the wind-generator farm in Lungjhang and the town “chang” hall, towards the towering peak of Cho Oyu on. About a mile down the track at the base of the plateau area is a grassy campsite beside the river. Above the camp, about an hour’s trek, you can view the path from Tingri. No large peaks are visible. And Choy is now hidden from view.
Accommodation : CAMPING TENT
Meals : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 10: YALUNG TO LAMDU MEADOW (15,500 FT., 4 d 5 HR. TREK)
After breakfast, you start out following the track above camp, climbing slightly around the base of the hills on the
east side of the river. After two hours a ruin can be seen on the hillside to the south. The trail now heads east. Keep to the base of the hills on the north side of the river to avoid too many river crossings. After another 30minutes the valley broadens into an open plain. The road/track has already crossed the river to the south side of this plain.
The trek route continues around into a side valley to the northeast across marshy ground. There is no actual trail here, but this longer route avoids a pass and offers a protection, grazing and water. About one hour from this marshy area is the campsite further on across a ridge into the next valley
Accommodation : CAMPING TENT
Meals : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 11: LAMDU TO ZANBO VILLAGE (15,200 FT., 7 HR. TREK)
Head up the valley towards the obvious col in the distance to a poorly defined trail, which initially follows the base of the low hills on the right. Continue on the trail towards the col. After 40 minutes come to a black ridge, from where the trail descends into a river valley. Follow this river valley.
About 3 hours from Lamdu, there is a stone corral on the right. Here the trail climbs to the Lamna La pass, after only 30 minutes of climbing. From the pass, you turn south. There is no trail, but you can use the summit cairn as a marker as you head downwards. The valley is wide and bends in an easterly direction.
After about 2 hours, you cross the stream to the left side of the valley and walk towards a rocky promontory. Around the promontory is the village of Zangbo and your camp for the night.
Accommodation : CAMPING TENT
Meals : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 12: ZANGBO TO RONGBUK VALLEY (16,400 FT., 5 HR. TREK OR 2 HR. DRIVE)
From Zangbo, you can clamber over the ridge of hills to the south for a magnificent view directly up the Rongbuk valley to the north face of Everest. There is a trail, but this should be only used in clear weather, as it is easy to lose one’s way.
You head up from Zangbo towards the first summit, a rocky peak. Continuing up you contour around until the Rongbuk valley, with Everest at its head and Gyachung Kang on the side, is visible. From here you descend directly down into the Rongbuk Valley.
At the bottom of the valley by the riverside, you head along the west bank until you see the trail. Follow this into the wide stony area from which the Gyachung River flows, draining from the northern face of the Gyachung Kang peak. Head down to the river and cross the small bridge, arriving at the point where the main road from Xegar joins the trek. Here, dwarfed by the towering north face of Everest is Dza Rongphu monastery, your destination for the night. You can reach the monastery in another 4-5 hours by either a spectacular high route or an easier low path.
Once a flourishing retreat center established about 250-350 years ago, today’s Dza Rongphu is much smaller, although a haven for visitors and are treat for monks. It is built where Ngawang Tenzing Norbu built ayingmapa temple in 1901-02.
Accommodation : CAMPING TENT
Meals : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 13: EXPLORE BASE CAMP, MONASTERY AND CAVE
You can spend the day visiting Base Camp and exploring Dza Rongphu. In the old days, one could easily amble up to the foot of the glacier marking the path up the mountain. Sadly, with global warming, the glacier has receded dramatically, and it takes more than a day to get there. Nevertheless, it is still interesting to walk up towards the first camp. Additionally, not too far from the monastery is a sacred cave, where Guru Rimpoche was said to have meditated. Nearby is a stream much revered by Tibetans, who will take some of the sacred water back to their homes and family as a treasure.
Accommodation : CAMPING TENT
Meals : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 14: TREK TO JAPANESE CAMP (17,913 FT., APPROXIMATELY 5 HOURS TREK)
The walk starts fairly easily crossing the stony flood plain of the Rongbuk Glacier. Then the path continues on, winding easily along between the side of the valley and the glacier. You can enjoy the views of the Himalaya, as well as the frozen waves of blue ice on the Rongbuk Glacier. Generally speaking, the hike should take about 5hours, depending on the effect of altitude on the body.
Accommodation : CAMPING TENT
Meals : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 15: TREK TO INTERIM CAMP (19,028 FT., ABOUT 5d6 HOURS TREK)
After a warm breakfast, you break camp and continue hiking. In a few hours you pass the Japanese Camp and leave the main valley, climbing steeply into the east side of Rongbuk valley. The steep climb brings us onto a path along a rocky moraine, which slowly ascends up along the side of the valley. The trail undulates following the East Rongbuk Glacier. You stop for a packed lunch along the way. As you gain height, the pinnacles of ice start to appear ahead. Finally, you spot the tents at Interim Camp 1, although it seems to take forever to reach the small encampment. You will take the walk very( slowly today due to the altitude. Be prepared, as the weather can get cold and windy in the late afternoon.
Accommodation : CAMPING TENT
Meals : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 16: TREK TO ADVANCED BASE CAMP (20,800 FT., ABOUT 6 HOURS TREK)
Today is very tough day due to the altitude. The trail starts along the edge of the East Rongbuk Glacier, and then crosses onto the glacier for a while before heading back onto the vast moraines. The river of ice pinnacles gets even more spectacular than yesterday, towering above us and appearing to march down the valley like an army of ice soldiers. Finally, you turn the corner. Ahead you can spot the first tents of Advanced Base Camp (ABC). However, at this altitude, reaching camp will seem to take forever. Despite the difficulty, take time to enjoy the view of Everest ahead of you. Here the immense North Face of Everest towers above you, and stays with you all the time (weather permitting) at ABC. On reaching camp, you have lunch and the rest of the day is spent resting and adjusting to the extreme altitude.
Accommodation : CAMPING TENT
Meals : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 17: FREE DAY AT ADVANCED BASE CAMP OR OPTIONAL DESCENT TO INTERIM CAMP
Today is a spare day in case of bad weather or a need for more time to acclimatize. Each person will acclimatize at a different speed, and it is important to allow contingency days so that each trekker maximizes his or her chance to achieve the goal of Advanced Base Camp.
If all has gone well this day will be used as a rest day at ABC. Note that if you think returning the next day all the way back to Base Camp is too long, you can walk bit down to the Interim Camp after lunch
Accommodation : CAMPING TENT
Meals : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 18: RETURN TO EVEREST BASE CAMP (16,400 FT., APPROXIMATELY 9d10 HOURS)
After breakfast, you will retrace your steps down to Base Camp. As you descend, breathing will become much easier. Camp will once again be at Base Camp.
Accommodation : CAMPING TENT
Meals : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 19: FREE MORNING. PM RETURN TO OLD TINGRI
The morning is free to take one last look at the area. Then you will drive back to Old Tingri and the Snow Leopard Guest House.
Accommodation : SNOW LEOPARD GUEST HOUSE
Meals : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 20: CROSS INTO NEPAL AND DRIVE TO BHAKTAPUR
Today you will take the plunge, dropping 15,000m to the lowest point in the Sun Kosi valley. After completing all Chinese customs procedures, depending on the state of the road, you will either walk or drive to the Nepal border, cross customs, and continue onto Bhaktapur. Here you can spend the night in unusual comfort.
Accommodation : BHAKTAPUR HERITAGE HOTEL
Meals : Breakfast, Lunch
DAY 21: AM FREE. PM VISIT TO CHANGU NARAYAN AND BHAKTAPUR
The morning is free to relax. In the afternoon, you will take an excursion to visit Changu Narayan, with its exquisite Hindu temple to Vishnu. In front of the temple is a large stone with some writing. This is the earliest piece of written history in the Kathmandu valley, penned by King Manadeva to his mother. While entreating his mother not to immolate herself after the death of her husband, Manadeva describes the history and deeds of the Licchavi kings. Beside the main temple are some small chaityas or stones with some extraordinary carvings – one of the cosmic Vishnu and one of Narsingh, an incarnation of Vishnu. Slightly down the other side of the hill is a lovely view of the valley and a small school that has received much help from Myths and Mountains over the years. From Changu Narayan, it is a short drive to Bhaktapur, the City of Devotees, and a visit to its Dhurbar Square, museum, and unique temples.
Accommodation : BHAKTAPUR HERITAGE HOTEL
Meals : Breakfast, Lunch
DAY 22: TRANSFER OUT
The morning is free for any last minute shopping before transferring to the airport and your flight out.
Accommodation : NONE
Meals : Breakfast
Day 1 Start Kathmandu
The tour starts at the hotel in Kathmandu. Free arrival transfers are available for any flight, provided you have supplied Exodus with your flight details in advance and have requested a transfer. There are no planned activities today so you may arrive at any time; however, tomorrow is a long drive so it’s better not to arrive too late. Upon arrival at the hotel, look out for an Exodus noticeboard with details of where and when the welcome/trek briefing is held this evening. Accommodation: Hotel Royal Singi (or similar)
Day 2 Drive to Arket Bazaar; trek to Soti Khola
We have an early start for the long drive to Arket Bazaar (approximately seven hours). We drive out of the Kathmandu Valley and head west following the Trisuli River towards Pokhara. At Dading, we turn off the main road and drive into the hills through Dading Besi and Arughat in the Buri Gandaki Valley. From Arughat, we continue on a rough road to Arkhet Bazaar (be prepared for an adventure). From here, we walk (approximately two hours) to Soti Khola. Accommodation: Teahouse (sleeping altitude: approximately 2,360ft/720m)
Day 3 Trek through forest and fields to Lapu Besi and onto Machha Khola
The first few days of this trek are quite long in terms of hours walked due to the lower altitudes and availability of decent lodges. It can, therefore, be very hot, especially in the spring trekking season. Our route begins by following the Buri Gandaki Valley north. There is a road being blasted out of the hillsides and we try to avoid it where possible. From Soti Khola, we drop to the river and cross to the other side of the valley where the trail climbs steeply for a while through forested areas and small villages and then undulates through farmland and finally drops to cross the river again to lunch at Lapu Besi. From Lapu Besi, we follow the undulating jeep track to Machha Khola Accommodation: Teahouse (sleeping altitude: 2,870ft/875m)
Day 4 Follow the Buri Gandaki River to Jagat
We have another quite long day as the trail undulates throughout, sometimes by the river and sometimes high above the river, passing several small hamlets and farms. The valley narrows and there are spectacular waterfalls. We start with a short climb followed by a descent to Khorla Besi. From here, we follow the wide track to Tatopani (which means hot water). The water from the natural hot springs here is funnelled through a few taps in the centre of the village. We continue up to Dovan and then to Shyauli, where we have lunch. From there, we face more ups and downs (some quite steep sections) until we drop to the river at Yaruphant. The trail levels out for a while and then we cross a suspension bridge, after which the trail undulates to Jagat, a well-kept paved village, where we see the first signs of Tibetan Buddhism. Accommodation: Teahouse (sleeping altitude: 4,495ft/1,370m)
Day 5 Ascend through small villages to Philim; climb to Deng
We have a long day due to the lack of decent lodges. From Jagat, the trail continues up the valley through the villages of Salleri, Sirdabas and Ghate Khola, offering great views of Chamar ahead. We then drop down to the river, cross a long suspension bridge and climb steeply up to lunch at Philim (5,135ft/1,565m). From Philim, the trail undulates spectacularly with impressive waterfalls on either side of the valley. Passing the small settlements of Chisapani and Eklabatti, where we have lunch, we descend a little and cross the river by suspension bridge. The trail splits at the bridge, the right-hand side of the valley leads to the remote Tsum Valley. We cross to the left and continue following the Buri Gandaki, climbing up at first as the trail rounds the valley, which becomes narrower. We cross the river twice more as we undulate up the valley through forest to Phewa, and further on to the small village of Deng. Accommodation: Teahouse (sleeping altitude: 6,135ft/1,870m)
Day 6 Cross the river and ascend via a magnificent valley to Ghap
A shorter day today. From Deng, we descend to the river and cross by bridge. After the river, our route climbs, steeply in places, up onto a spectacular trail. We pass through small settlements as we ascend the impressive valley. We see mani stones (prayer stones) carved into wayside rocks, a sign we are now in a Buddhist area. We pass through the small settlements of Rana and Bihi Phedi. The trail continues ascending (sometimes steeply) but at one point descends to cross the river. We get to Ghap by lunchtime; in the afternoon, there is an optional walk up the hill behind the lodge for spectacular views across to Prok and of the whole valley. Accommodation: Teahouse (sleeping altitude: 6,925ft/2,110m)
Day 7 Continue to Lho, offering fantastic views of Manaslu
Today is quite a strenuous day with a lot of ascent. The valley widens and there is extensive farmland all around where we may see the occasional lookout platform, built to ward off bears. From Ghap, we cross the river three times and have a long steady climb through the forest (look out for langur monkeys) to Namrung. A short descent followed by another climb brings us to Lihi, where we have a simple lunch. Another descent to the river and climb brings us to Sho, after which we climb further to Lho. We are now passing through Tibetan-style villages and we start to see the magnificent mountains all around. From Lho, we get our first view of the Manaslu and Naike peaks Accommodation: Teahouse (sleeping altitude: 10,400ft/3,170m)
Day 8 Climb to Samagaon
A short but magnificent walk as we continue up the valley and gain altitude. The trail climbs out of Lho to the monastery, which we can visit. We then follow the valley with great views of Manaslu ahead. The trail climbs for a couple of hours to Shyaula village, from where we are surrounded by amazing views. Manaslu is ahead and we can see Himalchuli and Naike peaks. Soon we reach the fields and stone houses of Samagaon, where we stay for the night. From the lodge, there are magnificent views of Manaslu. We should arrive at Samagaon by lunchtime so there is time to explore the village and visit the monastery and Birendra Tal, a glacial lake, in the afternoon. Accommodation: Teahouse (sleeping altitude: 11,580ft/3,530m)
Day 9 Trek to Samdo
The trail crosses grazing areas and gradually climbs the valley. We have fantastic views of the mountains, especially Himalchuli, behind us. We can also still see Manaslu. As we reach our destination, Samdo Peak rears up behind us. It’s an easy half-day walk to Samdo, the last permanent settlement in the valley. This remote village is only a day’s walk from the Tibetan border. In the afternoon, there is time for an acclimatisation walk and to explore the village. Please note, the lodges in Samdo are basic. Accommodation: Teahouse (sleeping altitude: 12,665ft/3,860m)
Day 10 Ascend to Dharamsala
Leaving the village, we cross a stream (the last time we see the Buri Gandaki) and climb steadily to the deserted Larkya Bazaar. Years ago, this village thrived off trade with Tibet. Behind we can see Samdo Peak and, as we climb, Manaslu comes into view to our left and we can see the whole spectacular climbing route to the summit. Climbing all the time with a few steep sections, we reach a very basic lodge at Dharamsala, which is the last place to stay before the pass. Look out for blue sheep, which often come down to the small stream near the lodge. In the afternoon, the energetic can climb a hill behind the lodge for even better views of the surrounding mountains. Please note, the accommodation at Dharamsala is extremely basic due to limited properties in this location. There are three-person prefab huts or, where available, tents are provided for those that do not wish to triple-share. Mattresses are provided in the huts and there is a basic dining room and basic toilets. Accommodation: Three-person huts (sleeping altitude: 14,700ft/4,480m)
Day 11 Cross the Larkya La; descend to Bimthang
We have an early start (usually in the dark). Today is a long day and if there is any snow it can take us a long time to cross the pass, especially the descent. The trail leaves Dharamsala and climbs steeply at first but then more gradually by the side of the moraine of the glacier with great views of Larkya Peak. The ascent is gradual most of the way and is easy if there is no snow (if there is snow or ice it takes much longer). As dawn nears, Hindu Peak glows orange with the first sun rays. It’s a long and rocky ascent on the moraine with some short steeper sections all the way to the top of the Larkya Pass. The first area of prayer flags at 16,830ft (5,130m) is the official Larkya La from where the views are outstanding – a wonderful panorama of peaks including Larkya Peak, Cheo Himal and Hindu Peak and, in the distance, we can see the tip of Annapurna 2. From the top, there is a 10-minute almost-level walk to the second summit (which is a little higher and is also marked with a few prayer flags). From here, the long, very steep descent starts. We need to take care as the path is steep and narrow. It is a sandy scree trail when there is no snow but if there is snow and ice, we need to take care. There is a landslide we must cross carefully. The steep part of the trail eventually eases off onto a path, which takes us down to the glacial moraine. The views are superb as we descend, and we can just spot Pongkar Lake, a brilliant-blue glacial lake amid the three glaciers below us. We stop for a well-deserved rest at the bottom of the steep part of the descent, surrounded by immense snow-capped peaks. The descent now becomes a bit easier, but no less spectacular, as we descend the valley to Bimthang, where we stay tonight. If it’s clear, we can just see the summit of Manaslu high above. Accommodation: Teahouse (sleeping altitude: 12,140ft/3,700m)
Day 12 Daywalk to Pongkar Lake or spare day as required
A spare day to be used as and when required – if the weather is good and everything runs to schedule, we spend the day exploring the area around Bimthang and resting after the pass. There is a half-day walk to a beautiful glacial lake, Pongkar Lake, which we can do in the morning, then return to the lodge for lunch and have a free afternoon to rest. If, however, there has been a delay earlier in the trek, the group needs more acclimatisation or rest before the pass, or if there is poor weather, your leader may decide to use the spare day earlier in the trek. Also, if the weather is bad at Bimthang, your leader may suggest trekking down the valley earlier. This is at the leader’s discretion. Accommodation: Teahouse (sleeping altitude: 12,140ft/3,700m)
Day 13 Spectacular walk to Tilje
From Bimthang, we cross high pastureland and have a magnificent walk down into the valley of the Burdin Khola. The walk from Bimthang is one of the most spectacular of the trek as a wall of mountains lies behind and in front. We pass the terminal moraine of the Cheo Himal and cross a small wooden bridge. Ahead, we have our last magnificent views of Manaslu. We now descend into rhododendron forest and follow a trail through a narrow valley to Karche and the Soti Khola. A short climb past terraced fields brings us to the Karche La, where we are in sight of the Marsyangdi River below. Descending through forest, we come to Tilje, where we spend the night. Accommodation: Teahouse (sleeping altitude: 7,350ft/2,240m)
Day 14 Trek to the remote Nache; descend to the main Annapurna Circuit trail
From Tilje, we walk through the village and cross the river by bridge. A small footpath then leads away from the main trail and we follow this uphill through the forest. A higher path takes us to a small monastery among pine forests. We get great views of Dharapani below and Annapurna 2 above. We then descend past terraces to a suspension bridge, which we cross. The trail then climbs up to Nache village. This old village rarely sees trekkers and has beautiful traditional Gurung houses. We can also see Manaslu and Himalchuli. We then descend quite steeply to the main Annapurna trail at Korto. Staying on the same side of the river, we follow the old trail, which climbs high above the river and undulates until we descend to Tal for the night. Accommodation: Teahouse (sleeping altitude: 5,580ft/1,700m)
Day 15 Descend to Syange via Chyamje and Jagat
A short climb out of Tal brings us to a long descent to cross the Marsyangdi by bridge, followed by a short climb to Chyamje. From Chyamje to Jagat, we can climb above the road and follow the old trekking trail through the forest to Jagat. From Jagat to Syange, we have to walk on the jeep track for a short while for our last night of the trek. Accommodation: Teahouse (sleeping altitude: 3,545ft/1,080m)
Day 16 Drive to Besishar; transfer to Kathmandu
Leaving early, we take a local private bus to Besishar on a rough road for approximately 2hr 30min. From here, we meet our next transfer for the long drive to Kathmandu (approximately five to six hours). We should arrive at our hotel in the late afternoon. Accommodation: Hotel Royal Singi (or similar)
Day 17 Free day in Kathmandu
Today is free for sightseeing in Kathmandu. You may wish to visit the monkey temple at Swayambunath, one of the largest Buddhist stupas in the world at Boudhanath, or the most important Hindu temple in the valley at Pashupatinath. We offer a full range of sightseeing tours, which can be booked and paid for locally. Please see the Optional Excursions section of the Trip Notes or the Exodus notice board in the hotel in Kathmandu. Accommodation: Hotel Royal Singi (or similar)
Day 18 End Kathmandu
The trip ends after breakfast. Free departure transfers are available for any flight, provided you have supplied us with your flight details in advance and have requested a transfer.
