Upon arriving at the Tribhuvan International Airport, you will be treated to the mesmerizing views of high-standing mountains surrounding hills and the Kathmandu valley. After completing your customs and formalities at the airport, head to the terminal, where our representatives will greet you at Friendship World Trek. They will transfer you to your hotel or homestay based in Kapan/ Thamel, situated 5 km away from the airport.
After taking some rest at your homestay/ hotel, you can visit our office which is nearby. In the evening, enjoy the lively streets of Kapan/ Thamel and enter the different shops, cafes, and pubs. Devour the authentic Nepali dishes offered to you in the welcome dinner.
Overnight stay at a hotel in Kathmandu.
After having breakfast, as suggested by your guide, you will head out to complete all the necessary documentation for the tour. We will collect our Chulu East Peak climbing permit from the respective authorized office. Also, as it is a climbing trip, you would require warm clothes and adequate trekking gear to carry along. Hence, you can visit a nearby trekking store to hire or purchase the necessary equipment on this day.
Later in the day, we will drive to the nearest landmarks listed in the UNESCO World Heritage Sites. You can visit the Kathmandu Durbar Square located in Basantapur/ Freakstreet. Explore its courtyards, temples, Hanuman Dhoka Museum, and status of high historical and cultural significance. From thereon, visit the Swayambhunath Stupa located in the city’s western outskirts, from where a panoramic view of the city can be seen. Alternatively, you can visit Boudhanath stupa, one of the largest stupas in Nepal located on the northeastern end of the city. Pashupatinath Temple is another site worth high significance for being one of the most renowned Hindu temples worldwide.
Overnight stay at a hotel in Kathmandu.
Today, we will start by early drive from Kathmandu to Dharapani. The road leads us West following the Trisuli River, then branches off the Pokhara highway, going North alongside the Marshyangdi River. Normally, we arrive at Besisahar in the early afternoon and then we will take a private jeep to reach Dharapani. We will follow the Marshyangdi Valley all day.
An uphill journey takes us to the village of Chame known for its hospitality and spectacular views. This will be your first chance to take in panoramic views of Annapurna II, III and Lamjung Himal.
From Chame to altitude over 3000 meters, you will notice the surrounding changing as natural trees and plants become more scarce as the terrain begins to shift to a drier more desert like environment.
We start early in the morning and walk for 3 hours to get a stunning view from the Ghyaru Village. After spending a hour there, we will continue our journey to Ngawal and stay overnight in tea house of Ngawal.
This is an ideal place to stop and spend the day around Ngawal for many reasons. First, we want to acclimatize to the altitude and to conserve our energy to succeed in our Mini Annapurna Trek endeavor. Second, this is the part of the trek where we are closest to the mountains. Most people climb the hill behind Ngawal to enjoy the magnificent views of the whole Annapurna range and the enormous ice fall that crashes and rumbles down from Gangapurna. The sunset and sunrise over this natural amphitheater is one of the most beautiful mountain views in the country.
The trail moves across the Cheggi Khola River before gradual rising to a peaceful apple field known for its stone huts and scenic vantage points. Continue past a powerful waterfall fed from a tall cliff in the distance before arriving in a small meadow used to feed local goats and yaks. Finally, we arrive in Yak Kharka where we will make camp near a stunning ridge offering views of the powerful mountains looming over the valley.
After enjoying a refreshing morning sunrise view, we continue along the winding trail before the meadow encountering a large rock formation. We will camp near a stunning viewpoint offering views of the Annapurna giants towering over the clouds.
Today, we will spend a day here to acclimatize and to prepare for the upcoming day tomorrow. We will make arrangement check our gear and will be given a demonstration of the do’s and don’ts. We will make small treks around the base camp with Annapurna massifs towering in the background. We will also be taking short hikes around the area to adjust better to the Himalayan atmosphere. Overnight at tented camp in Chulu East Base Camp
After collecting and organizing our gear we will reach the further higher ground and get to witness a change in the terrain. This trek is a steep one and much caution is advised. We will set our camp at a place which allows us easy access to our climb tomorrow. The sunset is going to be one of the most mesmerizing ones in the journey as the sun slowly disappears beyond the magnificent Himalayan ranges. Overnight at tented camp in High Camp
After packing and arranging our equipment, we move along the trail admiring the rapidly changing landscape as we reach to higher elevations. We then continue along a steep trail leading to the strategic camp I location that will allow the best access to the peak. We will set up camp here and enjoy a timeless panoramic sunset as the mountains reflect the pinkish sunlight over the mountains.
Today is the summit day and we begin the journey as early as possible while the sky is still full of stars. We will be walking on trails that open up to a snowy ridge. We will get a panoramic view of the Himalayas including Annapurna massif, Dhaulagiri (8167m), Hiunchuli (6441m) and the Manang valley on the grounds below. Getting to this point is truly rewarding after the strenuous journey that we have made. After the successful summit, we will have some time to take some beautiful photographs and make our way down to the base camp. Overnight at tented camp in Base Camp.
Since we cannot guarantee favorable weather for the scheduled summit day, we have allowed an extra day in the schedule. If we are unable to summit the Chulu West Peak on scheduled date due to bad weather or some other reason, such as someone in the group having acclimatization problems, the reserve day will be useful.
We will return to the orginal path leading to Manang passing through several agricultural fields taking time to stop at the Braga Monastery to see the daily routines of the local monks. The monastery is famous for its timeless views of the Annapurna region and we will stop to enjoy the spiritual mountain scene.
With the trek lasting more than 7 hours, it’s going to be a long and stressful day on the trail to Siri Kharka. Thus, we fill the stomach with a plateful of yum foods and start hiking the dramatic trail up to Khangsar. The elongated trail demands a lot of physical strength when continuously slopes upwards.
After coming across the Khangsar Khola, we’ll head towards the village to Shree Kharka. Once we end up in the village, there’s a little sightseeing to be done, watch blue sheep, and interact with locals.
Meals: All meals (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Maximum Altitude: 4060 meters
Trek Distance: 10.5 km
Trek Duration: 7-8 hrs
Trek to Tilicho Base Camp is slightly easier than what we experienced with Siri Kharka. So
chill out and enjoy the sublime view of mountains until you are not finished doing breakfast. From there, we’ll descend the hill over a narrow trail that moves through areas prone to landslides.
Hence, move carefully while embarking on the trail and watch out every step. We’ll also come across ice lakes and glaciers while leading towards Tilicho Lake. While this is fun watching, walking the trail is extremely difficult and bugging.
Passing through the wild forest, we’ll have a high chance to spot wild animals and birds. Eventually, after trekking proper 6 hours, we’ll reach Tilicho Base Camp which is also our dwelling for the night.
Meals: All meals (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Maximum Altitude: 4200 meters
Trek Distance: 7.2 km
Trek Duration: 5-6 hrs
Morning hours are perfect to witness the impeccable beauty of Tilicho Lake so wake up an hour early to live the heart-warming moment. Shortly thereafter, we’ll have breakfast and start making our way through ice sheets and snowy trails.
There’s a strong wind in the evening at Tilicho Lake. Therefore, to avoid the cold we’ll complete the trail as fast as possible. Upon reaching the spot, you can enjoy the peculiar lake and its surrounding nature.
Seasonal changes don’t harm the lake’s beauty. It’s circled by high mountains which constantly supply fresh water to the lake. After exploring the series of mountains and clear blue water, we’ll get back to the trail and walk steadily. The night is to be spent at the tented camp.
Meals: All meals (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Maximum Altitude: 4919 meters
Trek Distance: 10 km
Trek Duration: 4-5 hrs
After having a real good time at Tilicho Lake, we shall be heading towards the trail right off. We’ll climb down the puffy route covered with snow and cross the Mesokanta La pass at 5120 meters. Walking the pass involves lots of technical climbing so pay attention while traveling the route.
From there, we’ll follow the trail 400 meters above Khangsar village and come across the ruins. Subsequently, we’ll lead an unmarked route that walks on a wooden bridge over the Thorung Khola river. Arriving in Yak Kharka after a 7 hours trek, we’ll get some warm tea and spend the spare time touring villages. Overnight stay at the village in a local lodge.
Meals: All meals (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Maximum Altitude: 5120 meters
Trek Distance: 10 km
Trek Duration: 6-7 hrs
Today we head to the foot of Thorong La pass, Thorong Phedi. From Yak Kharka, we will climb up to a ridge, then head down and cross the Marsyangdi river on a wooden bridge. After climbing up the mountain, we follow a narrow trail across a slope and descend to Thorung Phedi. The uninhabited, rugged terrain is otherworldly and much different than the lush lowlands that we passed on the way up during the initial phase of the trek.
This day will be remarkable as we will trek from Thorong Phedi (4,525m/14,525ft) to Muktinath Temple (3,760m/12,623ft) via Thorung La high pass (5,416 m/17,756 ft). It is also one of the most challenging parts of the trek as Thorong La Pass is one of the highest passes in the world, and it is the highest point of the trek.
We start early in the morning and push ourselves through the icy air and high altitude, but the views from the pass are totally worth it. Northwards, towards Tibet, we will see a panorama of majestic Himalayan peaks, and if you look back, you will see the Annapurna range.
We then descend to Muktinath – a sacred place for Hindus and Buddhists. The Buddhists call Muktinath – Chumig Gyatsa, which in Tibetan means Hundred Waters. Muktinath Temple is known for 108 stone sprouts with water flowing from the Kaligandaki. You can also see the eternal flame that has been burning there for more than 2,000 years.
We will head down the Kali Gandaki Gorge past the town of Kagbeni before arriving in Jomson. We will stay here for the night to learn more about the local culture and customs of the Tibetan people while exploring this peaceful town.
We’ll literally come out of Manang district today and take a scenic flight to Pokhara. Waking up feeling rested we’ll get our backpack ready and start heading towards the airstrip in Jomsom. Flight to Pokhara usually lasts 20 to 25 minutes throughout which we get to watch the series of mountains and waterfalls.
After taking down the city, we’ll set off on a lakeside tour, visit Barahi Temple, and a few other adventurous places. Fewa lake makes the perfect spot to watch the sunset and Mt. Machhapuchhre so we’ll stay at the lake till late evening. We’ll be back at the hotel before dinner and take a peaceful sleep.
Meals: Breakfast
Maximum Altitude: 1400 meters
Flight Distance: 67 km
Flight Duration: 20 minutes
Early in the morning, we depart from Pokhara Tourist Bus Station to travel back to Kathmandu. If you are interested in continuing on to Chitwan Jungle Safari, River Rafting adventure or any other tours you can start today.
Option: We have not included the airfare of Pokhara – Kathmandu (USD $120 Per Person). The exciting half hour flight from Pokhara to Kathmandu gives you the feeling of a mountain flight, high in the Himalaya where you can see the Langtang, Dhaulagiri and Annapurna ranges. If you chose to travel to Kathmandu by flight, we provide free Airport Drop and Pick up. You need to book this flight before start the trek.
It’s your last day at Kathmandu city and as per the flight’s time, our officials will drop you at the airport. If required, they’ll help you with the security and even stay there until the flight takes off.
Meals: Breakfast