Day 1: International Arrival in Kathmandu
Welcome to Nepal! A representative from Trans Himalayan Tour will pick you up from the airport and take you to your hotel in Kathmandu. We will have booked a 4 star/5 star accommodation for you, depending on your preference. We would also arrange for your visit to the Trans Himalayan Tour office in Patan where we will brief you on the itinerary in person and introduce you to your trekking guide.
Day 2: Explore Kathmandu
As you step out of the airport into the capital of Nepal, it is overwhelming for you to process the amalgam of chaos and beauty that is the Kathmandu valley. The vibrancy in colour, culture and heritage of the valley will keep your senses ever so busy. Kathmandu is the hub of the nation but is still very close to tradition and antiquity. The valley is surrounded by hills over 2000 meters on all sides, sheltered by the mountains in the north. Home to the three medieval cities of Kathmandu, Lalitpur and Bhaktapur as well as lots of villages in its outskirts, Kathmandu is already a wanderer’s delight. The trio cities are home to ancient cultures and architectural landmarks, including 7 UNESCO World Heritage sites. Trans Himalayan Tour can provide guided tours for your day exploration of this beautiful city.
Day 3: Drive to Koto
Today’s journey is a long and sometimes rough ride and you will be leaving Kathmandu early. The scenery and views across the Hilly countryside of Nepal are however magnificent and worth it. The roads up to Besisahar are pitched, further, up ahead are gravel and dirt roads that lead into the remote lands of Manang. Parts of the aforementioned scenery include great gorges formed by the Marshyangdi River and Waterfalls. After meandering through the towns of Syange, Tal, Dharapani and Baggarchap you will arrive at Koto around the evening.
Day 4: Trek to Meta(3,560m)
The trek today is long-distance, so we will need to start early. Through pine and fir trees we will descend down and then cross the Nar-Phu river into its east bank, and then you will cross the Seti River. The scenery is a beautiful alpine landscape with lush vegetation. After an hour or two of trekking, we will begin to climb steeply through a canyon-like landscape with the crashing rivers and streams beside us. After a few more river and stream crossings, the final climb to Meta begins. Meta opens up again to great views of the surrounding mountains such as Annapurna II and Lamjung Himal, the views which were obstructed prior by the alpine vegetation.
Day 5: Trek to Phu(4,100m)
We leave the simple village of Meta, small Buddhist shrines(chortens) on the outskirts, bid us goodbye. In the background, you will notice the Nar Phedi monastery. We will head through deep canyons like river gorges before arriving at a big Rock structure, from which a steep trail up to Phu begins. After a few hours(4-5) of trekking, we will arrive at the Village of Kyang. We descend to the river and follow its left bank upstream. Eventually, you will arrive at one more large rock structure, guarding the entrance to the gorge which climbs up to Phu village. According to local legend, we can make out some faces etched into the rock surface said to be evil spirits trapped there by the village’s guardian. From here we cross the suspension bridge that follows and then it’s an hour or so trek to Phu.
Day 6: Exploring Phu(4,100m)
We have broken through the 4000m barrier, the surrounding landscape looks arid and uninhabitable and is stripped of vegetation. We use this day as acclimatization for our tough trek across the Kangla Pass the day after tomorrow. Nevertheless, there's lots of exploring to do today. The locals of the village are going about their activities such as pounding seeds to make pastes for pickles and oil and spinning Yak wool into vibrant clothing. The monastery of this village the Tashi Lakhang is listed as one of the 108 world’s greatest Buddhist Monasteries, said to be built by Karmapa Rinpoche(head of the Karma Kagyu school, one of the four main schools of Tibetan Buddhism)
Day 7: Trek to Nar Phedi (3,490m)
Phedi in Nepali means mountain/hill's piedmont walling off the surrounding area. In Nar Phedi lies a monastery picturesquely surrounded by the high hills. Retracing steps to Meta along the Kyang river through Chyako, Kyang and Junam Goth, today is a leisurely trek for the most part. We will trek towards meta and take another route from the big rock structure we saw prior. You will be spending the night at Nar Phedi monastery, and are more than welcome to witness blessing ceremonies in the evening. Views from Nar Phedi include that of Pisang Peak amongst others.
Day 8: Trek to Nar Village(4,110m)
From the foothills, we will make a gentle climb up to the village of Nar. We will begin following a path through painted chortens topped with bamboo. There are great views of Pisang Peak and Kang Guru along the way. After about 2 or so hours of trekking, you will arrive near a long wall of chortens, from which the climb becomes easier. The village of Nar will arrive about an hour later. The village crescents along the mountainside and is surrounded by crop terraces on its hillside. You can spend the day visiting the many monasteries the village has.
Day 9: Trek to Ngawal via the Kang La Pass (5,306m)
The last two days have been light treks but today is going to be a challenging day. We get up before the break of dawn and head towards the Kang La pass. Take the day slowly at your own pace as the trek will be taking place at a high altitude. Head through wonderful landscapes consisting of rolling yak pastures, rocky screes and glacial lakes. After 5 or so hours of trekking, you will make it atop the Kang La pass, the pass decorated with prayer flags and provides spectacular views of Annapurna II, Tilicho Peak and Gangapurna. Rest for a while and then it’s back downhill into Ngawal, which is closer to the popular Annapurna circuit trek and is a sprawling settlement.
Day 10: Trek to Pisang and drive to Besisahar
We enter back into the evergreen alpine tree line descending from the Pass. The trail is not challenging and it's a leisurely hike to Pisang. There is a picturesque lake just as you approach Pisang. The dirt and gravel roads slowly turn to comfortable pitched roads as you arrive at Besisahar for the night.
Day 11: Drive back to Kathmandu
It’s a scenic drive across the countryside of Nepal. You should arrive around the afternoon and can spend the rest of the day per your liking.
Day 12: International Departure
As this epic adventure wraps up, you may already be planning for your next trip to Nepal. A representative from Trans Himalayan Tour will escort you to the international airport in Kathmandu and we wish you a pleasant flight home. All the best until we meet again!
Day 1: International Arrival in Kathmandu
Welcome to Nepal! A representative from Trans Himalayan Tour will pick you up from the airport and take you to your hotel in Kathmandu. We will have booked a 4 star/5 star accommodation for you, depending on your preference. We would also arrange for your visit to the Trans Himalayan Tour office in Patan where we will brief you on the itinerary in person and introduce you to your trekking guide.
Day 2: Explore Kathmandu
As you step out of the airport into the capital of Nepal, it is overwhelming for you to process the amalgam of chaos and beauty that is the Kathmandu valley. The vibrancy in colour, culture and heritage of the valley will keep your senses ever so busy. Kathmandu is the hub of the nation but is still very close to tradition and antiquity. The valley is surrounded by hills over 2000 meters on all sides, sheltered by the mountains in the north. Home to the three medieval cities of Kathmandu, Lalitpur and Bhaktapur as well as lots of villages in its outskirts, Kathmandu is already a wanderer’s delight. The trio cities are home to ancient cultures and architectural landmarks, including 7 UNESCO World Heritage sites. Trans Himalayan Tour can provide guided tours for your day exploration of this beautiful city.
Day 3: Drive to Koto
Today’s journey is a long and sometimes rough ride and you will be leaving Kathmandu early. The scenery and views across the Hilly countryside of Nepal are however magnificent and worth it. The roads up to Besisahar are pitched, further, up ahead are gravel and dirt roads that lead into the remote lands of Manang. Parts of the aforementioned scenery include great gorges formed by the Marshyangdi River and Waterfalls. After meandering through the towns of Syange, Tal, Dharapani and Baggarchap you will arrive at Koto around the evening.
Day 4: Trek to Meta(3,560m)
The trek today is long-distance, so we will need to start early. Through pine and fir trees we will descend down and then cross the Nar-Phu river into its east bank, and then you will cross the Seti River. The scenery is a beautiful alpine landscape with lush vegetation. After an hour or two of trekking, we will begin to climb steeply through a canyon-like landscape with the crashing rivers and streams beside us. After a few more river and stream crossings, the final climb to Meta begins. Meta opens up again to great views of the surrounding mountains such as Annapurna II and Lamjung Himal, the views which were obstructed prior by the alpine vegetation.
Day 5: Trek to Phu(4,100m)
We leave the simple village of Meta, small Buddhist shrines(chortens) on the outskirts, bid us goodbye. In the background, you will notice the Nar Phedi monastery. We will head through deep canyons like river gorges before arriving at a big Rock structure, from which a steep trail up to Phu begins. After a few hours(4-5) of trekking, we will arrive at the Village of Kyang. We descend to the river and follow its left bank upstream. Eventually, you will arrive at one more large rock structure, guarding the entrance to the gorge which climbs up to Phu village. According to local legend, we can make out some faces etched into the rock surface said to be evil spirits trapped there by the village’s guardian. From here we cross the suspension bridge that follows and then it’s an hour or so trek to Phu.
Day 6: Exploring Phu(4,100m)
We have broken through the 4000m barrier, the surrounding landscape looks arid and uninhabitable and is stripped of vegetation. We use this day as acclimatization for our tough trek across the Kangla Pass the day after tomorrow. Nevertheless, there's lots of exploring to do today. The locals of the village are going about their activities such as pounding seeds to make pastes for pickles and oil and spinning Yak wool into vibrant clothing. The monastery of this village the Tashi Lakhang is listed as one of the 108 world’s greatest Buddhist Monasteries, said to be built by Karmapa Rinpoche(head of the Karma Kagyu school, one of the four main schools of Tibetan Buddhism)
Day 7: Trek to Nar Phedi (3,490m)
Phedi in Nepali means mountain/hill's piedmont walling off the surrounding area. In Nar Phedi lies a monastery picturesquely surrounded by the high hills. Retracing steps to Meta along the Kyang river through Chyako, Kyang and Junam Goth, today is a leisurely trek for the most part. We will trek towards meta and take another route from the big rock structure we saw prior. You will be spending the night at Nar Phedi monastery, and are more than welcome to witness blessing ceremonies in the evening. Views from Nar Phedi include that of Pisang Peak amongst others.
Day 8: Trek to Nar Village(4,110m)
From the foothills, we will make a gentle climb up to the village of Nar. We will begin following a path through painted chortens topped with bamboo. There are great views of Pisang Peak and Kang Guru along the way. After about 2 or so hours of trekking, you will arrive near a long wall of chortens, from which the climb becomes easier. The village of Nar will arrive about an hour later. The village crescents along the mountainside and is surrounded by crop terraces on its hillside. You can spend the day visiting the many monasteries the village has.
Day 9: Trek to Ngawal via the Kang La Pass (5,306m)
The last two days have been light treks but today is going to be a challenging day. We get up before the break of dawn and head towards the Kang La pass. Take the day slowly at your own pace as the trek will be taking place at a high altitude. Head through wonderful landscapes consisting of rolling yak pastures, rocky screes and glacial lakes. After 5 or so hours of trekking, you will make it atop the Kang La pass, the pass decorated with prayer flags and provides spectacular views of Annapurna II, Tilicho Peak and Gangapurna. Rest for a while and then it’s back downhill into Ngawal, which is closer to the popular Annapurna circuit trek and is a sprawling settlement.
Day 10: Trek to Pisang and drive to Besisahar
We enter back into the evergreen alpine tree line descending from the Pass. The trail is not challenging and it's a leisurely hike to Pisang. There is a picturesque lake just as you approach Pisang. The dirt and gravel roads slowly turn to comfortable pitched roads as you arrive at Besisahar for the night.
Day 11: Drive back to Kathmandu
It’s a scenic drive across the countryside of Nepal. You should arrive around the afternoon and can spend the rest of the day per your liking.
Day 12: International Departure
As this epic adventure wraps up, you may already be planning for your next trip to Nepal. A representative from Trans Himalayan Tour will escort you to the international airport in Kathmandu and we wish you a pleasant flight home. All the best until we meet again!