Detail itinerary Hardway

Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu(1337m)

You are welcomed to Kathmandu, the capital city of Nepal renowned for historical monuments, Hindu Temples, and Buddhist Stupas/Monasteries. We meet our guests at the Tribhuvan International Airport. A representative will be waiting with a Himalayan Vacation Treks and Expedition placard with our guests’ names displayed. dropping luggage at the hotel, take rest.
Day 02: Sightseeing in Kathmandu (1337m)

A local guide will be available. According to your wishes, the guide will escort you for sightseeing. Sightseeing may include the Kathmandu Durbar Square, Pashupati, Boudhanath, Patan Durbar Square, and the Swoyambhunath areas.  Starting after breakfast, usually at 9.00am, the exploration of Kathmandu Valley can continue until 4.00pm. Lunch and dinner, you will be responsible for.
Day 03: Kathmandu – Koto(2610m) by vehicle 10-11 hours

Our vehicle journey begins from Kathmandu to Koto which is an adventurous and scenic ride that takes you from the bustling capital into the heart of Nepal’s rugged Himalayas. The trip typically begins with smooth highways as you leave Kathmandu Valley, but soon transitions into winding mountain roads that trace along steep hillsides and deep river gorges. As you drive through towns like Besisahar and follow the Marsyangdi River upstream, the landscape becomes increasingly dramatic, with terraced fields, waterfalls, and towering peaks coming into view. The final stretch toward Koto is especially rough, often on narrow, bumpy, and rocky tracks that require a skilled driver and a sturdy jeep. Despite the challenging terrain, the journey is rewarding, offering a close-up experience of rural mountain life and spectacular natural scenery.
Day 04: Koto – Meta (3570m) 6-7 hours

In the morning, we complete the registration of our restricted area permits at the police check post before setting out on the trail. The path follows the banks of the Suti Khola, winding through beautiful pine forests and crossing several streams and suspension bridges. After a steady trek, we arrive at Dharmasala, where a picturesque waterfall provides a perfect spot to rest and take in the natural beauty.

From Dharmasala, the trail continues through dense forest before beginning a steep ascent toward Meta Village. As we climb higher, the landscape gradually opens up, revealing the vast expanse of the Tibetan Plateau. Upon reaching Meta, we are greeted with breathtaking views of Annapurna II and Lamjung Himal. We spend the night here, immersed in the serene and dramatic high-mountain scenery.

Day 05: Meta – Kyang (2465m) 7-8 hours

Today before lunch we ascend again so much that we reach above the tree line. The valley opens up and it becomes clear that you are at the beginning of the Tibetan plateau. To the north the valley is a kind of bizarre mountain desert with pinnacles and gullies. At the bottom left in the depths we see a bridge over a gorge that must be about 200 meters deep. This is the route we will take in a few days to the village of Nar. Northwards the valley widens and we pass several almost abandoned settlements. In the summer months, it seems that many yaks, sheep and goats are kept. Just before the valley narrows into a gorge are the 30 houses that form the village of Kyang. The stones of the mani wall at the entrance of the village are painted Smurf blue, which we also see later at the monastery of Phu.
Day 06: Kyang – Phu Gaon (4,080m) 3-4 hours

Today immediately after Khyang we descend into a narrow gorge that reminds experienced Nepal travelers of the Tarap valley in Dolpo. The path runs close to the water and then climbs up again. After some time of walking the valley seems to come to a dead end, the river flows through a very narrow gorge. After climbing up, we enter the valley through the village gate of Phu Gaon. A beautiful row of chortens and mani walls underline the religious ideas of the peasant population. The village itself is located on top of a rock in order to keep as much agricultural land available as possible. From the top of the hill on which the monastery stands, Tibet feels very close. According to the residents, it is still a 1½ day walk to the border. By lunchtime we are at Phu Gaon.
Day 07: Phu Gaon (4,080m) acclimatization day

Today we explore one of the culturally rich Phu Gaon, an exceptionally remote and culturally rich mountain village. Situated high in the Himalayas, Phu offers a rare glimpse into traditional Tibetan-influenced mountain life, untouched by modern development. This medieval village, with its stone houses stacked along a rocky slope, ancient chortens, and long mani walls, exudes an atmosphere of timelessness.

We take time to wander through the narrow alleyways, visit the centuries-old Tashi Lhakhang Monastery, and observe daily life as locals tend to their livestock and fields. Interacting with the warm and welcoming villagers provides deep insight into their preserved customs, beliefs, and resilient way of life. Phu Gaon is not just a place to see—but to truly experience.

Day 08: Phu Gaon – Nar Phedi (3490m) 5-6 hours

Today’s trek is scenic and moderate that retrace part of the route back through the deep, narrow valley carved by the Phu River. The trail begins with a descent from the high, barren terrain of Phu Gaon, passing ancient chortens, mani walls, and the dramatic ruins of old Khampa settlements like Kyang. With stunning views of Kang Guru and the surrounding peaks, the path weaves through rocky gorges and occasional grasslands. As we descend, the landscape becomes greener and slightly more sheltered. The day ends at Nar Phedi, where a small monastery run by nuns offers a unique and peaceful overnight stay, adding a cultural depth to the trekking experience.

Day 09: Nar Phedi – Nar village (4110m) 2-3 hours

Today the trek begins with a steady ascent, winding through terraced fields, rocky paths, and sparse alpine vegetation. As we gain elevation, the terrain becomes more open, revealing expansive views of surrounding peaks such as Pisang Peak and other snow-covered ridges. Along the way, colorful prayer flags mark the trail, and occasional chortens (stupas) and mani walls decorated with Tibetan inscriptions remind us of the deep spiritual heritage of the region. The final approach to Nar Village reveals a cluster of traditional stone houses perched beneath towering cliffs, surrounded by barren hills and vast skies. The terek is a perfect that allows for plenty of time to explore the village upon arrival and acclimate to the higher altitude. The peaceful trail and striking mountain backdrops make this segment a highlight of the Nar-Phu Valley experience.ay 09: Nar Phedi – Nar village (4110m) 2-3 hours

Day 10: Acclimatization/Explore Nar village (4110m)

Today we exploring Nar Village which is a secluded world of ancient Tibetan culture, striking Himalayan landscapes, and traditional Himalayan life. Nestled at an altitude of around 4,110 meters, Nar village is one of the two main settlements in the Nar-Phu Valley and offers a deeply authentic experience. The village is composed of tightly clustered stone houses with flat roofs, narrow alleyways, and intricately carved wooden windows, reflecting centuries-old architectural styles. Colorful prayer flags flutter from rooftops, and locals, often dressed in traditional attire, tend to yaks, prayer wheels, or gather in the sunlit courtyards. We will visit to the local monasteries (gompas), where we can observe monks performing daily rituals and take in the peaceful atmosphere of Tibetan Buddhism. The views from Nar are breathtaking, with panoramic vistas of Kang Guru, Pisang Peak, and other snowcapped mountain peak. we can also hike around the village to nearby viewpoints or interact with villagers to learn about their semi-nomadic lifestyle, festivals, and customs. Life in Nar village  moves at a quiet, spiritual pace, offering trekkers a rare and memorable window into the high-altitude cultures of Nar Phu valley.

 Day 11:  Nar village – Ngawal village (3660m)via Kang La Pass (5306m) 8-9 hours

We begin today’s trek with an early departure from Nar village, climbing steadily along a rugged trail that winds through alpine meadows and rocky slopes. The ascent to Kang La Pass is tough, made more demanding by the thin mountain air, but the reward at the summit is well worth the effort. From the top, we’re treated to sweeping views of the Annapurna range—Annapurna II, Gangapurna, Tilicho Peak—and the vast glacial valleys stretched out below. Prayer flags flutter in the crisp mountain wind, adding a touch of spirituality to this high point of the journey.

The descent from Kang La is long and steep, cutting down sharp slopes before easing into greener landscapes as we near the Marsyangdi Valley. The scenery shifts dramatically—from the dry, barren terrain of the Nar region to the lush, verdant surroundings of Ngawal Village in the Manang area. This full-day trek is physically demanding and requires good acclimatization, but it’s a day rich in both visual splendor and cultural experience.

Day 12. Ngawal village – Manag (3540m) 4-5 hours

We can witness the dry and barren Tibetan world behind the Annapurna range.  Barley fields are seen everywhere here since it the staple food of the people living in this region. We walk through the quiet valley of Braga to reach Manang. We stop at Braga for our lunch and can visit a Gompa there. The valley is scarce of vegetation and red autumn shaded color can be seen in the hillsides (autumn). Almost the entire range of Annapurna is seen from here: 7900 meters high Annapurna II, Annapurna IV, Annapurna III Gangapurna and Roc Noir.

Day 13: Manang: Acclimatization (3540m)

In Manang, we have a rest for one day especially to acclimatize. We meet the local people in a village and witness their lifestyle. The nights are very cold, the days when out of the wind are pleasant to sit in the sun. Beware of sunburn. We need to carry sunscreen with us.  Mind that we are in the Yak Land. So in every now and then we can see the fields full of long-haired yaks grazing.  Yaks in this region are used not only as beasts of burden but also as a supplier of butter, meat, wool, and cheese. There you can wander through the town, later still go and see the blue/gray glacial lake (good for acclimatization!), Go to the movies, or attend a lecture on altitude sickness. Also, you can visit the lovely old gompa or go for surfing. Himalayan Vacation Treks and Expedition guide will arrange for our visit to the various places today.
Day 14: Manang – shree kharka (4100m) 3-4 hours

After Manang there is a choice between two valleys, one valley leads us through the main route to the Thorung-La, the other to the lake Tilicho. We choose the 2^nd one. We head to Tilicho so that we can be well acclimatized, even for a visit to the height of 5000 meters. We can view several Glaciers and some Glacial lakes on the way to Khangsar, Khangsar is the village with Buddhist people majority. It takes around 1:30 hours to reach Shree Kharka from Khangsar village. We can find tea houses in Shree Kharka.
Day 15:  Shree kharka- Tilicho Base Camp (4150 m) 3-4 hours

We are still walking through barren lands but in some places, we can view bush sized trees.  The route we may consider is the hardest part of the whole tour since it may be snowy often.  We walk through the path hit by landslides. We must be aware of rubbles here, so we do not stay too long over here and keep watching the beautiful views around.

Day 16:  Tilicho Base Camp – Tilicho Lake (4920 m) – Tilicho Base camp 3-4 hours to Shree Kharka (4100m)

Today is hiking day. We will go to hiking to Tilicho lake, the lake situated at the highest altitude in the world. The path is good and only has a fewer difficult steep place. But too high altitude, you cannot walk fast and need to take rest in almost every few minutes.   We may get a chance to see the rare wild blue sheep also in this area. Also, we can see the bearded vultures and / or snow Vultures (Vultures Himalayas) floating through the air. On the way after several hours of climbing, we see the pile of stones topped by a number of prayer flags.  The view from here is incredible. We can relax here in a teahouse. We can see the Tilicho Lake in beautiful blue in color in spring and summer; otherwise, it is usually in the frozen state throughout the year, we looked round the lake for some time and come back to the Tilicho Base Camp and move further to Shree kharka to spend the night.
Day 17: Shree kharka – Lader (4200 m) 4-5 hours

We walk today to Yak Kharka, the green pastures for the Yaks. The route has a slight rise and fall; we walk crossing the rivers in several places and also along the rivers.
Small villages along with the Yak Kharka add more beauty in the nature. We walk thru the Yak kharka after about 1 hour we reach to Lader where we spend night there.
Day 18: Lader – High Camp (4925 m) 4-5 hours

We are going to leave behind the Manang valley today before our lunch. We take lunch in Thorung Phedi and after some hour’s rest, we climb to Thorang high camp. We might have gained enough acclimatization from the Tilicho Lake trek and can walk without much difficulty to the high altitude.

Day 19: High camp- Muktinath (3800m) through Thorungla pass (5416 m) 6-7 hours

 Today is the big day, because we are going to cross the highest pass of our Journey, the Thorang La Pass (5416m). We wake up early; because we have to start our journey before the sun rises so that everyone will have sufficient time to reach the pass before the afternoon. From the noon the wind usually begins to blow so hard that it is hard to rest long in the Pass.  Slowly but surely, we go beyond the world and whenever we think we have jumped over the last hurdle, it follows another one and another one. Sometimes there is snow on the route, sometimes not. On top is the Lhato the pass, a symbol of the gods who control the pass. It is common for the locals to call (Ke Ke, So, So, Larke Lo) as a prayer and add a stone to the pile already located there. Prayer flags are placed over the card. After the pass, the route slowly descends and we have to walk slowly and carefully through the steep path. The view to the northwest is of the fantastic barren landscape of Mustang. In the southwest, we see the huge Dhaulagiri summit.

We gradually head to Muktinath. Muktinath is a miraculous place. It is a place of pilgrimage with both Hindus and Buddhist temple and stupa. There everlasting burning flames are on top of a mountain stream. Around it is a temple and Hindus see it as the materialization of Shiva. From far and wide come here to pilgrims to go all the way into the divine. A bath under the 108 cold jets of water is a must for the pilgrims

Day 20:  Muktinath – Pokhara (830m) 8-9 hours by vehicle

Today, we start our day with vehicle from Muktinath, the museum of nature. We follow the bank of Kaligandaki river with pitch road however some sections of road are still gravel only. We pass via Jomsom and Marpha with the sight-seeing experience of beautiful Himalayas and hills. On the way, there are several Gompas and beautiful waterfalls. We reach the natural city Pokhara via Beni, the famous bazaar for trade in Gandaki province of Nepal.
Day 21: Pokhara – Kathmandu(1337m) 6-7 hours by vehicle.

Today our journey starts by vehicle from Pokhara to Kathmandu, covering a distance of approximately 200 kilometers. The route winds through scenic hills, lush valleys, and along the banks of rivers like the Trishuli, offering picturesque views of rural Nepal. The road can be narrow and winding in parts, with occasional traffic and construction delays. Despite these challenges, the drive provides a memorable glimpse into the country’s natural beauty and diverse landscapes. Eventually reach Kathmandu and check in hotel for accommodation.
Day22: Departure from Kathmandu(1337m)

Today, we check the list of all necessary documents and goods of our guest. We confirm the flight tickets before 72 hours of departure flight. We advise our guest to put passport and tickets at their handbag for convenience. Himalayan Vacation Treks and Expedition staff representative will take our valuable guests to the airport (3 hours prior to your flight) and bid goodbye. It will be not only goodbye, but also the welcome for next visit to Nepal.