Kathmandu – Bandipur – Bahundanda – Besisahar – Chamje – Dharapani – Chame – Pisang – Manang – Yak Kharka – Phedi – Muktinath – Jomsom – Pokhara – Kathmandu
Kathmandu, the colourful capital of Nepal, is a fascinating array of traditional architecture and symbols of the 20th Century. If you arrive early you can visit Durbar Square and the temples and the local market. Climb up to Swayambhunath – the ‘monkey temple’. Explore the network of street markets and alley bazaars and Pashupatinath. If you have a few days more in Kathmandu definitely visit the neighbouring towns of Patan and Bhaktapur.
Bandipur is still not on many travellers ‘to visit’ list, but those who have traveled there will vouch for the stupendous view and the warm nature of the locals.
Spend some time sitting in your hotel balcony admiring the stunning views of the Annapurna and Manaslu mountain ranges – the hallmark of this region. Bandipur is a basic village but the surrounding countryside has great places for walking.
Spend the night in a beautiful restored village mansion in the heart of the old bazaar.
Immerse yourself in the mountain wilderness that encompasses the Annapurna Range. At 8,091 m, Annapurna is one of the highest mountains in the world, creating magnificent panorama viewsfrom any point. Trek across isolated mountain communities and understand the different ancestral customs and traditions.Meet warm and welcoming localsand visit their monasteries and temples. As you go along you will cross waterfalls of melted snow, wade through icy rivers and walk along broad plains and trek up high mountain passes.
Spend the night at a local lodge, better known as a teahouse.
Drive to Besisahar (1.5hrs approx) where you will pass through sub-tropical forests and rice paddies of Sera. Move along and traverse a long saggy suspension bridge across Khudi Khola and arrive at Bhulbule. Resume on the trail that goes along the Marshyangdi River on a long, feeble suspension bridge. After the Ngadi River, the trail gently leads upwards through scrub forests and across landslides, eventually leading to Bahundanda (hill of the Brahmins), and an attractive village in the saddle of a long ridge. Total walking time is approximately 6 hours.
Take a day toacclimatize to the altitude and then return to the lower altitude of Manang to sleep. Manang is a small village and offers spectacular views of Annapurna II, Annapurna III, Gangapurna and Chulu East.
Veer off the main trekking trail to see an ancient village of Purang. Take the off beaten track to pass through an ancient village, Jhong. From Jhong, descend to the Jhing Khola (river) and emerge on to Kagbeni. From Kagbeni, get back onto Annapurna circuit route to make a gradual descent through scenic, desert-like terrain, charming villages and go along the windy riverbed to Jomsom.Total trekking time is approximately 7 hours.
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