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Day 1 Arrive in Kathmandu
Once you perch at Tribhuvan International Airport, you will be warmly welcomed by a team member of Kai Expedition and clear immigration formalities. After completing immigration formalities, you will be transferred to your hotel where you can relax and recover from the journey. In the evening, there will be a brief orientation session to introduce the team, review the itinerary, and ensure you are fully prepared for the adventure ahead. -
Day 2 Sightseeing and trekking preparation
You will focus on final trekking preparations and sightseeing around Kathmandu. This includes finalizing trekking permits, checking gear, and meeting your guide or team for a briefing. After preparations, you will have time for sightseeing around the city, exploring cultural landmarks such as Swayambhunath (Monkey Temple), Bouddhanath Stupa, Pashupatinath, and the historic Kathmandu Durbar Square. It is a perfect blend of practical arrangements and cultural immersion before heading into the Himalayas.
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Day 3 Drive to Koto via Besisahar
The journey begins with an early morning from Kathmandu to Koto, passing through Besisahar. The drive offers a mix of paved and rugged mountain roads, trekking approximately 8 to 10 hours depending on road conditions. As you leave the Kathmandu Valley, the scenery transitions from urban sprawl to lush hillsides, terraced fields, and traditional villages and finally be at Besisahar. After reaching Besisahar, the road becomes more adventurous, often requiring a 4WD vehicle to navigate the narrow, uneven trails carved into the mountains. The day ends in Koto, a quiet village nestled in the Manang District, where you will rest before beginning the trek deeper into the Himalayas.
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Day 4 Koto to Meta
Today, you will trek from Kot to Meta. The trail follows the Naar Khola, winding through dense pine forests, crossing several suspension bridges, and passing by small cave shelters used by pilgrims. The trek takes about 6 to 7 hours and ends at the village of Meta, marking your entry into the more arid and rugged section of the trail.
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Day 5 Meta to Phu Village
The journey continues from Meta to Phu village, where the trail offers dramatic Himalayan Landscapes, passing through rugged terrain, narrow gorges, and ancient Tibetan-style villages. Arriving in Phu, a hidden village nestled deep in the mountains, provides a fascinating glimpse into traditional Tibetan culture, with centuries-old monasteries and stone houses perched on cliffs. It is a challenging but rewarding day that showcases the raw beauty of Nepal’s Trans-Himalayan region.
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Day 6 Acclimatization at Phu Village
Today is an acclimatization day at Phu Village, allowing you to rest and adjust to the high altitude before continuing towards Kang La Pass. This day is essential for preventing altitude sickness and gives time to explore the unique culture and natural beauty of Phu. It is a peaceful yet enriching day that deepens the connections to the region’s heritage while preparing the body for the higher elevations ahead.
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Day 7 Phu Village to Nar Phedi
From Phu village, the trail descends through rugged terrain, retracing part of the path along the Phu Khola before gradually ascending towards Nar Phedi. Along the way to Nar Phedi, you are treated to striking views of barren cliffs, ancient monasteries, and dramatic mountain scenery. Once you arrive at Nar Phedi, you can take rest and recharge for the upcoming climbing towards Kang La Pass.
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Day 8 Nar Phedi to Nar Village
Today, you will trek toward Nar village, where you will trek towards Nar village; you will pass chortens, prayer flags, and stone walls that reflect the rich Tibetan-influenced culture of the region. Nar village, perched on a windy plateau, is more lively and populated than Phu, offering a unique glimpse into traditional high-altitude life. This day provides both cultural immersion and a chance to acclimatize before tackling the challenging Kang La Pass.
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Day 9 Nar Village - Ngawal
On day 09, the trek from Nar village to Ngawal takes you over the challenging yet breathtaking Kang La Pass (5306 meters). The day begins early with a steep ascent to the pass, offering panoramic views of the Annapurna range, including Annapurna II, Gangapurna, and Tilicho Peak. The descent from the pass is long and gradual, leading through changing landscapes from barren highlands to greener terrain. By late afternoon, you reach the picturesque village of Ngawal, situated in the Manang valley, known for its traditional stones and spectacular mountain vistas.
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Day 10 Ngawal - Manang
The trek from Ngawal to Manang is a relatively easy and scenic walk compared to the previous day, with high passes crossing. The trail gradually descends through pine forests, traditional villages, and cultivated fields, offering beautiful views of Annapurna and Chulu ranges and finally at Manang. Manang is a vibrant village with teahouses, shops, and a cultural mix of Tibetan-influenced traditions, making it a great place to rest, explore, and acclimatize.
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Day 11 Manang - Yak Kharka
The journey continues from Manang to Yak Kharka. The day begins early with a steep ascent from Ngawal or nearby villages, tackling the demanding yet breathtaking, which offers panoramic views of Annapurna II, Gangapurna, and Tilicho Peak. After savoring the high-altitude scenery, the trail descends sharply into the Marsyangdi Valley and rejoins the main Annapurna circuit route. The trek gently ascends through alpine meadows and scattered juniper forests to reach Yak Kharka.
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Day 12 Yak Kharka - Thorong Phedi
The route leads from Yak Kharka to Thorong Phedi, the base camp for the upcoming high pass. The trek takes a gradual ascent through rugged terrain and sparse vegetation. You will cross a suspension bridge and navigate a landslide-prone area before reaching Thorong Phedi. The landscapes become more barren and dramatic, with towering cliffs and distant snow peaks.
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Day 13 Thorong Phedi - Muktinath
Today, we will trek from Thorong Phedi to Muktinath by crossing Thorong La Pass. The day begins early, often before dawn, with a steep ascent to Thorong La Pass at 5416 meters-the highest point on the trek. The climb is slow and steady due to the high altitude, with breathtaking views of snow-capped peaks and barren Himalayan landscapes. After reaching the pass, a long descent follows, leading into the Mustang region. -
Day 14 Muktinath - Jomsom
You will trek from Muktinath to Jomsom. As you descent, the spiritual aura of Muktinath fades into the stark beauty of Lower Mustang, with its distinct Tibetan-influenced culture and architecture. The strong afternoon wind in the valley make an early start ideal, and after several hours of trekking, you arrive in the bustling town of Jomsom, where the trek concludes.
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Day 15 Fly to Pokhara from Jomsom
In the early morning, you take a flight from Jomsom to Pokhara. The short 20-minutes flight offers a final glimpse of the rugged Himalayan terrain before arriving in the lush, green valley of Pokhara. Once in Pokhara, you can relax by the tranquil Phewa Lake, enjoying the comforts of the city, and reflect on the incredible journey through the mountains.
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Day 16 Drive back to Kathmandu
Today, we will embark on a scenic drive from Pokhara to Kathmandu, a journey that takes around 6 to 8 hours depending on road conditions. After the peaceful atmosphere of Pokhara, the return to Kathmandu marks a transition back to the hustle and bustle of the capital city, where you can unwind and reflect on your journey. -
Day 17 Departure day
After a final breakfast in the Kathmandu Valley, the team member of Kai Expedition will take you to Tribhuvan International Airport for your onward flights, carrying with you lasting memories of Nepal.