ACT 9 Nights/10 Days Package

Duration: 10-11 Hours (169.4 km)
In the morning, our trek guide and driver will collect you from your hotel. Please ensure you have breakfast and are ready before the scheduled time. The jeep will transport you to Dumre via the Kathmandu-Pokhara Highway, then veer right to Besi Sahar along a winding paved road that follows the Marsyangdi River. After arriving at Besi Sahar, you will switch to a jeep for the journey to Dharapani. Along the way, you may catch a glimpse of Annapurna II as the Marsyangdi River curves left. Upon reaching Bagarchhap, a Bhote village near a Buddhist temple, you will see colorful prayer flags dancing in the breeze. Our ascent continues through oak and pine forests, passing Danaque (2210 m). At the base of Lamjung Himal, you will find the village of Timang after navigating a small wooden bridge and a challenging slope. The trail then levels out until we arrive in Chame, where we will spend the night in a tea house.

Walking Hours: 5-6 Hours
Walking Distance: 15-18 km
Our trek to Pisang begins after breakfast at the guest house. You will be greeted by the shimmering Lamjung Himal (6893 m) in the early light. As we progress along the valley trail and past a large apple orchard, the mountain gradually disappears from view. The valley steepens as we approach Bhratang (2950 m). After a short ascent from Bhratang, we encounter a rocky section, followed by a steep descent after crossing a wooden bridge. The valley shape transitions from V to U as we walk through another pine forest, offering breathtaking views. Finally, near a bridge, we arrive at Pisang, a smaller settlement marked by an extensive Mani Wall.

Walking Hours: 6-7 Hours
Walking Distance: 19 km
Our day begins with a climb up a high ridge from Pisang, providing stunning views of the Manang Valley and Tilicho Peak (7145 m). As we pass through Humde (3320 m), where the Manang airport is located, we enjoy vistas of Annapurna IV (7525 m) across the Sabje Khola Valley. After crossing the Marsyangdi River on a wooden bridge, we arrive at the small village of Mungji, where local residents cultivate crops alongside the trail. Shortly thereafter, we reach Braga, known for its impressive monastery, numerous chortens, and Mani walls. A challenging ascent leads us to Manang.

Walking Hours: 2-3 Hours
Proper acclimatization is crucial before tackling the Thorung La Pass. Manang offers various optional day treks, including a hike to view a massive icefall or a climb for panoramic views of the Annapurna range and Manang Valley. Visiting the Himalayan Rescue Association (HRA) assistance station can also be informative. For those seeking unique experiences, consider a visit to Ganagapurna Glacier Lake.

Walking Hours: 7 Hours 19 Minutes
Walking Distance: 20 km
Tilicho Lake, situated at 4919 m in the Manang district, is among the highest lakes globally. Formed by glacial melt from the northern slopes of Annapurna and Thorung peaks, this sacred lake attracts Hindu pilgrims seeking holy baths. The Tilicho trek is an adventurous undertaking suitable for trekkers with solid experience, particularly since it includes crossing the challenging Thorong La Pass. This trek offers an excellent opportunity to explore the region’s hidden natural beauty and cultural richness.

Walking Hours: 7 Hours
Walking Distance: 17 km
Shree Kharka is an ideal overnight stop before continuing to Yak Kharka after visiting Tilicho Lake. The trek from Base Camp to Shree Kharka takes approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes. After crossing a landslide area, the trail diverges before reaching the bridge. For a change, we take the lower path but ended up losing our way, necessitating a return to the upper trail before reaching the bridge.

Walking Hours: 3 to 3.5 Hours
Walking Distance: 10 km
The trek from Shree Kharka to Yak Kharka typically takes about 4 hours. However, we extended our journey to nearly 6 hours due to multiple stops to admire the scenery and observe a herd of mountain goats grazing nearby. There’s a stunning viewpoint before rejoining the main route to Yak Kharka, where you’ll enjoy views of Annapurna III and Gangapurna with Manang below.

Walking Hours: 3 to 4 Hours
Walking Distance: 9 km
After a hearty breakfast in Yak Kharka, we continue our ascent towards Thorung La Pass. Today’s trek begins with a gradual climb to a hilltop, followed by a descent to the Marsyangdi’s headwaters and a crossing of a hidden wooden bridge. Before navigating a steep, narrow path upward, we first take the trail on the right bank of the Marsyangdi.

Walking Hours: 7 to 8 Hours
Walking Distance: 16 km
We embark on an early morning hike along a clearly marked path to Thorung La Pass (5416 m). The terrain eventually levels out as we reach the prayer flags and chortens marking the renowned pass after about 4 hours of steady climbing. Here, dramatic views of Mustang’s brown and purple hills and the snow-capped mountains above unfold, along with the head of the Kali Gandaki valley below. A challenging descent of 1600 m leads us to Muktinath, where we enjoy magnificent vistas of Dhaulagiri. We conclude the day with a pleasant stroll up the Jhong Khola Valley, visiting Muktinath’s shrines and temples as the moraines give way to lush slopes.

Distance: 175 km
Today is going to be a long day. We wake up early in the morning and visit the well-known temple of Muktinath. After the prayers, we return to the lodge, have breakfast, and then start our drive from Muktinath to Pokhara. We’ll drive by the Kali Gandaki River and pass by renowned places like Jomsom, Tatopani, Beni before reaching Pokhara. You’ll check in to your hotel once you reach Pokhara, have dinner and if you have time, you can go out to enjoy the nightlife of Lakeside, Pokhara.

On the final hike day of our trekking trip, we visit the well-known temple of Muktinath, return to the inn, have breakfast, and then start our descent of the breathtaking Kali Gandaki Gorge, which initially takes us through barren terrain in the same geographic and climatic region as Tibet. We follow the trail steeply down to Kagbeni, a remote village renowned for its Tibetan architecture, after passing through Jharkot and Khingar settlements with classic Tibetan architecture. After stopping for lunch in Kagbeni, we hike to Jomsom, which is where we stay the night.