Nepal is considered as one of the best destinations to visit. Many travellers come to Nepal, especially for adventure and to visit different places such as Pashupatinath temple, Durbar Squares and Everest base camp. Among these places, travellers can visit the Manang Annapurna Circuit for an unforgettable memory. Many of you may have questions about why to visit the Manang Annapurna Circuit. If you are curious to know that, you can read this blog carefully to know the detailed information.
In this blog, we provide the details on why visit Manang via the Annapurna circuit, How to reach there and sample itineraries for the Annapurna circuit treks. Along with this, we also cover the best time to visit the Manang Annapurna Circuit and how to prepare for the trek.
Before we enter into the details regarding Manang Annapurna Circuit, let's first discuss why you can visit Manang. Well, Manang is one of the beautiful destinations for all the tourists. Many people come to this place to visit. If you want to visit the Manang Annapurna Circuit, the best route can be through the Annapurna circuit because it is safe, and you can enjoy the stunning views of mountains, sunrises, diverse landscapes and wildlife. Many tourists go from this place to visit Manang. Some of the other reasons why you can visit Manang via the Annapurna circuit are as follows:
The first reason why you can visit Manang Annapurna Circuit is because of the stunning mountain views. While reaching the Manang through the Annapurna circuit, you can see the panoramic views of mountains such as Mt Dhaulagiri and Mt Manaslu. Due to these views, most tourists come to visit Manang by hiking. If you want to see the mountains clearly, you can properly see from the Braga monastery, Gangapurna Lake, and Ice Lake. In case you are fond of photography, this place can be one of the best places for you to click photos.
Another reason why you can visit Manang is to experience the culture and traditional villages. If you visit Manang, especially by hiking, you can see and experience different cultures and traditions which are followed from their past. By visiting Manang, you can get detailed insights into the Gurung culture and tradition. The culture not only includes festivals and animals, it also includes the attire and foods which are influenced by Tibetan buddhism. When you go to Manang and taste the local food, you can experience the blend of Himalayan flavours, warmth and traditions.
By staying in Manang, you can visit tilicho lake along with experiencing their culture and traditions. If you are going to visit Tilicho Lake through Manang, you can experience both natural beauty as well as adventure. When you visit Manang in tandem with the Annapurna circuit, you can experience Tibetan-influenced traditions, unique stone houses, and delicious local cuisine. Therefore, Tilicho Lake is one of the must-visit destinations for those who want to explore Manang via the Annapurna circuit.
By this point, you may be familiar with Manang. Now, some of you may have an interest in visiting Manang, so for that, we are here to provide information on how to reach the Manang Annapurna Circuit and what are the stop points to reach Manang. There are many ways to reach Manang and various means to reach there via bus, bike and Aeroplane. One of the best routes to reach Manang is described below.
To reach the Manang Annapurna Circuit, you must reach Jagat from Kathmandu. Jagat is almost 213 km from Kathmandu. So, to reach Jagat from Kathmandu, you need to cross the following places, which are given below.
The second checkpoint of the journey to reach the Manang Annapurna Circuit is Dharapani. Basically, Dharapani is not too far from Jagat. It is just 15 km away from Jagat. The journey can take around 7 hours to reach Dharapani by trekking. To reach your destination, you have to pass the following places which are listed below.
After reaching Dharapani, you must cross the Chame and many other places to reach your destination. Chame is one of the places to reach the Manang Annapurna Circuit. It is just around 15 km from Dharapani. By trekking, you can reach Chame in 7 hours. Here are some of the places you need to pass to reach Chame. They are as follows:
Another location to reach the Manang Annapurna Circuit is Pisang. Pisang is just 13.2 km away from Chame and might take 6 hours through trekking. Here are some of the places you need to cross to reach Pisang. They are as follows:
The last location to reach the Manang Annapurna Circuit is Ngawal. Ngawal is near Manang. The distance between Pisang to Ngawal is just 6 km. So most of the people like to trek. From trekking, it just takes around 3-4 hours to trek. Some of the places you have to cross to reach Ngawal are as follows:
Finally, when you reach Manang from Ngawal, you can enjoy the beauty of nature. To reach Manang from Ngawal, it takes around 3-4 hrs of trekking, which covers a distance of just 5 km. The route to reach Manang from Ngawal is as follows:
After you reach your destination and visit the places, you have to come back to your own places. So to come back, you can try the way from the yak Kharka. The distance between Yak Kharka and Manang is around 8.4 km. Some of the places you need to cross to reach Yak Kharka are as follows:
After Yak Kharka, you can go to Thorong Phedi to return to your hometown. This trek is about 4-5 hrs and covers a distance of 8.5 km. Here are some of the places you need to cross to reach Thorong Phedi. They are as follows:
When you visit Thorong La, you can come to Muktinath. Many people come to Muktinath for the scenic beauty, adventure and trekking and cultural and spiritual exploration. So, to visit Muktinath, you have to pass different places. Some of them are as follows:
After you visit Muktinath, you can come to Jomson to take a flight to your home. The distance between Muktinath to Jomson is just 15.1 km. Here are some of the places you need to cross to reach Jomsom. They are as follows:
When you reach Jomsom, you can directly come to your home town by plane, bus and bike.
After you know about the route from Kathmandu to Manang Annapurna circuit, you may get curious to know the itinerary to reach Manang. So, we have provided the detailed format of the itinerary for Annapurna Circuit.
Day 1: Kathmandu to Jagat
First of all, the journey to the Manang Annapurna Circuit is a long route that starts from the Prithivi highway of Kathmandu. You start your journey early in the morning (max 5:30 am) to reach on time. You can start the journey by bike, public bus or plane. If you start from the public bus, you need to pay some extra amount of money which is already included in the cost. By following these hours, you can eat your breakfast at the Besisahar and continue the journey to Jagat. After you reach Jagat, you stop for an overnight stay.
Day 2: Jagat to Dharapani
After you spend your night at Jagat, you can further continue your journey through trekking. When you trek for a few hours, you can see the 200-meter waterfall near the Chyamche village. Moreover, you are able to see many suspension bridges to cross, cliffs to see, a green valley to cross and many waterfalls. Just before reaching Tal village, there is a welcome to Manang gate especially for the visitors to visit the place and it is also a good spot for lunch. After you trek for a few hours, you can finally reach Dharapani.
Day 3: Dharapani to Chame
On this day, you need to head towards the checkpost and submit your permits, if you haven’t submitted your permits a day before. Do note that you have to submit your permits before leaving Dharapani. After you leave the spot, you go through the Marsyangdi river valley, which is full of mountains such as Annapurna and Mansalu. So, you recommended your journey slowly with lots of breaks. By crossing the mountains, you can see Timang village, with lots of beautiful scenery and waterfalls. The scenery looks like the alpine, which makes your journey easier. After a couple of hours, you reach Chame and you can eat some snacks and rest there.
Day 4: Chame to Upper Pisang
You can start the day with more beautiful forest land. After that, you have to continue the journey with more steep stone stairs. Along with the stairs, you reach the mountains such as Annapurna II and IV and Lamjung Himal, which are very beautiful, and you can take photos with your friends and family. Due to the photos which you have clicked, gives more motivation and encourages you for the further journey. After passing mountains and other villages, you reach Baratang village which is an apple orchard with many cafes and is also considered a great spot for the break. After you take a break, you can push on to Upper Pisang, which is an interesting village in terms of culture. When you reach Upper Pisang, you can enjoy the culture and spend the night there.
Day 5: Upper Pisang to Manang
While getting up, you have to think that today’s day can be tough because on this day, you have to climb to reach Gharyu village which has high elevation and you may feel some effects of the height. But, after you reach Gharyu village, the view which is seen from there is just stunning and it is also a great spot to stop, drink water and take in the surrounding Annapurna mountain range. If you and your group are fine, you can visit the Braga Gompa which has incredible views. Otherwise, you can just skip the Braga Gompa and move ahead towards Manang. After you reach Manag, you can simply have dinner and sleep there.
Day 6: Acclimatization Day in Manang
On this day, you can visit the Manang Annapurna circuit. You can hike several places, including the Praken Gompa. To reach the gompa, you have to go from one side of Manang to the stupa and follow a small path of sea buckthorn bushes. So, when you go a long path, you may feel dehydrated, and for that, you have to drink water from time to time.You can go to Braga Gompa too if you haven’t visited on the previous day. It is just 3 km away from Manang. Moreover, If you feel any side effects due to height, you can go to Gangapurna Lake, which is situated at the base of Gangapurna Peak. Most of the people go there to ask for blessings and energy. So, this place is one of the best spots to relax and regain your strength.
Day 7: Manang to Yak Kharka
When you get up early in the morning, you have to continue the journey and go up to Ghusang village, which is situated at a height of 3800m. So, you must monitor your body time and again. If you feel dizzy, you can have tea in the village and you can get some relief. The path has both uphill as well as downhill sections before reaching the flatter part. On this path, you can see mules and yaks, so you need to take care of yourself, especially on the narrow path. After that, you can find a lodge and spend the night there.
Day 8: Yak Kharka to Phedi
This day can be difficult as you have to trek from high altitudes which have less oxygen. Therefore, you have to take a break time and again. While trekking, you need to trek a path where there is a chance of landslides occurring. Although the path is difficult, you can enjoy the stunning views including Annapurna II and IV. After hiking for a few hours, you arrive at Phedi, where you can indulge in pastries as well as dinner.
Day 9: Trek to Muktinath via Thorong La Pass
After you spend a night in Phedi, you can further continue the journey. To get to Muktinath from Phedi, you'll need to travel over Thorung La Pass. Basically, Thorung La is a mountain with a height of 5415 m. This route is a narrow paved path leading to Muktinath. Most of the local people use this road because this path is safe. Through this path, you can see the panoramic views of surrounding Himalayan peaks and landscapes. After a couple of hours, you can reach Muktinath and visit Muktinath temple, explore Jwala Mai temple and hike to Kali Gandaki River. You can spend the night there.
Day 10: Muktinath to Jomsom
On this day, you can again explore the Muktinath with the 108 sacred waterspouts, pilgrims and eternal flames before going to the Jomsom. You can visit Kagbeni villages as this place has an interesting monastery and is filled with narrow covered passages adorned with unusual clay statues that appear to be entirely out of context yet somehow harmonize with the peculiar village atmosphere. It's only a 3-4 hour trek from Kagbeni to Jomsom, allowing you ample time for lunch.. You can eat lunch in the restaurant and continue your journey. After you reach Jomsom, you can stay the night there and book a ticket to fly to Pokhara.
Day 11: Jomsom to Pokhara
After you have breakfast, you can pack your bag and be ready for the flight to pokhara. If you aren’t going through a flight, you can come into the jeep directly to Kathmandu through many alternative ways. Although the road from Jomsom to Pokhara is bumpy, interesting and long, you can enjoy the many different scenes. After you reach Pokhara, you can visit famous places such as Phewa Lake, Mahendra Cave, Devi's Falls and the Tibetan refugee camp, and then you can take a rest there.
Day 12: Pokhara to Kathmandu
If you have visited Pokhara, you can directly come to Kathmandu by flight or by public bus. After you reach Kathmandu, you can take a rest at your home, or you can visit popular places like Swayambhunath, Pashupatinath temple and Durbar squares. Furthermore, if you have extra time, you can visit Patan or Bhaktapur which are known for their beautiful temples, traditional architecture, and unique cultural experiences.
By following these itineraries, you can visit Manang and come to your own place.
At this moment, you might be favourable to the Manang Annapurna Circuit trek. Now, you may be able to know when is the best time to visit Manang Annapurna Circuit. Well, for that you can read this topic detailly.
The ideal period for visiting Manang on the Annapurna Circuit is during the spring and autumn months. The autumn season begins in September and concludes in November. During this season, you can find a suitable temperature with dry weather, little chance of snow and clear mountain views. When you go to visit Manang Annapurna Circuit in this season, you won't get any crowded places or people.
Another season to visit the Manang Annapurna Circuit is Spring.This season begins in March and concludes in May. In these months, the weather is generally clear, having a little cold in high altitude areas. During these seasons, you can see the flowers blooming, active wildlife, comfortable temperatures and the best visibility for mountain views.
So far, you may have knowledge about the Manang Annapurna Circuit. Some of you may want to trek in Manang. So, to trek, we are here to discuss how to prepare the things for the trek. By keeping these things in mind, let's get started.
Preparing for the trek includes physical preparation, mental preparation and logistics readiness. For the step to step guide, please read the below points carefully.
1. Physical preparation
2. Mental preparation
3. Packing Essentials
4. Research and planning
5. Hydration and Nutrition
6. Safety Measures
In conclusion, visiting the Manang Annapurna Circuit is one of the best places for those who like to travel. You can travel with your own vehicle, bus or plane. While travelling to Manang through the Annapurna circuit, you are able to see many stunning views of mountains, get the experience of cultures and traditions, visit Tilicho Lake and many more. During the journey, you may get confused about the route, so for that, we have provided detailed information about the itineraries from Kathmandu to Manang. You can visit the Manang Annapurna Circuit in the Spring and Autumn seasons, which have a favourable temperature, and can explore the beauty of the Manang.
In this blog, we provide you with information about Why to visit Manang through Annapurna Circuit. How to reach Manang via Annapurna Circuit, sample itineraries, best time to visit Manang and how to prepare for the trek.
For further information regarding the various aspects of websites and travel tips, feel free to check some of our other blogs. Similarly, if you are in search of the best travel tips, do check out A2ZTips Nepal.
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The hardest part of the Annapurna circuit is considered the Thorong La Pass as it has a height of 5416m, extreme cold temperatures, length and steepness and other technical challenges such as mountaineering skills, high altitude conditions and snow-covered paths.
A Manang trek can be done within 12 days. Thus, it depends upon the person, pace, physical fitness and mental strength, and lastly, it heavily depends on the weather conditions of the Manang.
Yes, a beginner can absolutely do the Annapurna circuit trek because the paths are clear, have enough accessible teahouses, and have gradual altitude gain, which allows for proper acclimatization. With the right preparation, pace and fitness, you can do the Annapurna circuit trek.
The differences between the Manaslu Circuit and the Annapurna Circuit is
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