An early departure from the City of Glory, we drive west out of the Kathmandu Valley and along the Trisuli Valley towards the stunning mountain views of Langtang, Ganesh Himal, Annapurna and Dhaulagiri Ranges.  At the half way point we change course and start to follow the Marsyangdi Khola (river) until Besisahar. We then change the jeep and continue to drive off-road all the way to Chamje.

 Climbing steeply through a forest the trail emerges into a wide flat area that is Tal. We have now reached the Manang district. Tal lies directly beside the river and during monsoon season experiences severe flooding in the lower lying areas requiring the villagers to move to higher ground. The trail from Tal starts with the crossing of the wide flat valley until we reach a bridge that leads to a trail that undulates gradually through bamboo woodland, where there are several interesting dwellings. Crossing the Marsyangdi Khola several times we continue through forest and woodland to Danakyu. En route we pass through a number of villages including Dharapani, known as the ‘stone gateway’ before reaching Bagarchhap, home to a small monastery, which is only operational during festival celebrations, and it is highly likely we will encounter the distinctive bell sounds of a mule pack carrying heavy loads to the upper Annapurna regions. 

A narrow rocky trail takes us west as we gently climb through a winding pine forest. Snow capped views come into view today; it is the closest we have come to the Himalayas in our journey so far. We will pass many apple orchards, as now we are at a good elevation for growing the delicious fruit, as well as numerous Mani stone walls with prayer wheels. At Kotho the trail becomes flat all the way to our next destination, Chame, Manang’s administrative headquarters - there is even a bank here! The village has a magnificent backdrop with distant views of Lamjung (6,983m), Annapurna II (7,937m) and Annapurna IV (7,525m).

Away from Chame the scenery changes dramatically. To Bhrating the trail is relatively easy and similar to previous days as we travel through apple orchards. Thereafter, it follows a steep narrow valley through a dense forest. At Dhikur Pokhari there are splendid views of Pisang peak (6,091m) and Annapurna lV. After Dhikur Pokhari there are two routes one takes you Lower Pisang, and another to Upper Pisang. We take the route to Upper Pisang which goes away from the road and it’s located higher than Lower Pisang and offers better views.

Today's hike is bit challenging. For the first half hour we will walk through pine trees. In between we can see a beautiful small pond. We go further crossing suspension bridge then 2 hours steep trail brings up to Ghyaru. From Ghyaru we can see beautiful Ghyaru, Tibetan village and old monastery. From there we can see beautiful view of Annapurna 3, Gangapurna, Khangsar Kang, Tilicho Peak and Pisang Village. After that we will walk in a zigzag trail for around 2 hours to reach Ngawal village. During the walk, we can see a beautiful panoramic view of the Himalayas. After lunch at Ngawal, we continue on our trail to Manang. Our destination is a large Tibetan village, with numerous stupas and monasteries, surrounded by mountains, to the north east are the four Chulu peaks (ranging between 6,038m and 6,854m)and Ganggapurna (7,454m)in the south west, with Ganggapurna Lake immediately below. Sunset and sunrise over these great peaks are truly stunning creating one of the most beautiful dawn and dusk views in Nepal.

 In preparation of crossing Thorung La pass today is an acclimatization day, which allows us to adjust to the higher altitude. You are free to explore Manang’s dry and fascinating area. There are many options: climb to Chhongar viewpoint to enjoy the views of the Annapurna and Chulu peaks, the route passes the glacier Ganggapurna Lake; visit the two monasteries, one of which is over 600 years old; or simply relax in a warm guesthouse whilst snacking on freshly baked cake and soak up the nearby snow-capped scenery. It is important to take some rest today for the coming days. 

 Leaving behind Marsyangdi Valley our day begins with a steep uphill climb through alpine woodlands with juniper bushes for 1½ hours; the trail takes us to Tengi (3,620m) and Gunsang (3,930m). Thereafter, to reach Yak Kharka, it is an easy walk along gentle undulating dry trails supporting thinly scattered juniper shrubs, while in striking contrast there are magnificent views of Annapurna III and Ganggapurna. En route, we may encounter blue sheep but for definite there are herds of yaks. Close-up views of Tilicho peak (7,134m) and Ganggapurna can be found by climbing up the brown grassy hill from the village. 

 The steep ascent out of Yak Kharka, on a wide trail, leads us to Ledar. Crossing the Kone Khola we continue to climb along its eastern bank. Shortly before Thorung Phedi we traverse a scree slope before making our way into the village, which is situated at the foot of Thorung La. In the afternoon there is an optional hike to high camp where we will see a panoramic view of the surrounding Annapurna peaks including Chulu West (6,419m) and Yakwakang (6,482m). 

Today is the highlight of the trek, the day we have been working towards. It is a long and challenging day but immensely rewarding. Our morning begins in the dark, walking along thin trails that hug the snow mountains that have been climbed by local herders for centuries. As the sun starts to rise the white mountains surrounding us seem to be glowing. This amazing sight carries us up the steep ascent that can take around 4 hours. The gradient eases as we approach the summit but the altitude makes it challenging. Upon reaching the top we are greeted by fluttering prayer flags in abundance and rewarded with a stunning view of prestigious summits rising above 6,000m; to the west is the great Kali Gandaki Valley and in the north is the Yakwakang. The long descent towards Muktinath is gentle at the beginning becoming steeper the further we descend, as we near Muktinath the descent returns to a gentle gradient of grassy slopes. Before reaching Muktinath the Dhaulagiri range comes into sight with stunning views of Dhaulagiri (8,167m) the 7th highest mountain in the world and Nilgiri (6,940m). Many Buddhist and Hindu pilgrims travel to Muktinath solely to visit the famous and sacred temple, which lies directly above the village.

Today we drive through the Kali Gandaki Valley, a major trade route. This takes us through a number of picturesque villages and apple and orange orchards, with spectacular views of Dhaulagiri and Nilgiri. On reaching Tatopani, there is time to relax and soak in the hot springs.

We complete the circuit with a drive following the Kali Gandaki Khola to Beni. From Beni we transfer vehicle for our return to Pokhara.

Early morning we take tourist bus back to Kathmandu.