Around Annapurna – Walk in Bulbulle Trek

Drive Kathmandu to Bulbulle (840m). You will drive along the Prithivi highway and turn off to Besisahar (6-7 hours) and then continue on smaller roads to Bulbulle where you will spend the night. You will enjoy excellent views of Himalchuli and Nagdichuli from Bulbulle.

Jagat (1300m). Today we cross and then follow the Marshyangdi river enjoying views of Manaslu in and arrive at Bahundanda. From there, the trail goes steeply down until you cross the stream and head back up to Lilli Bir. The trail continues high above the river before dropping down to again cross Marshyangdi at Syange. From there it is a steep climb to Jagat.

Darapani (1860m). From Jagat the trail goes back down to the Marshyangdi river and then up through the forest to Chamje at 1430m. You continue up to the large village of Tal and then still following the river, crossing back and forth until you finally come to Darapani.

Chhame (2651m). Still following the Marshyangdi river through the Manang valley, on this day you will enjoy wonderful views of Annapurnas in the west. The trail climbs through the pine and fir forest passing through a number of villages before reaching the ridge at Kotho 2590m. From there you make your way along the ridge arriving at the capital of Manang, Chhame.

Pisang (3333m). The morning is a relatively easy trail through apple orchards and forest to the village of Bhratang. From there, the trail runs through a dense forest and comes out at the river where the magnificent rock face of Paungda Danda towers 1500m out of the river below. You will continue to ascend to Dudhpokhari where you will have lunch. You may start to feel the effects of the higher altitude so it is important to stay hydrated and also pay attention to how you are feeling. From Dudhpokhari the rest of the afternoon trail is relatively level through the peaceful forest until you reach the bustling little village of Pisang. You can rest here or if you are feeling ok with the altitude, you can choose to continue on to Upper Pisang, another 60 m and 30 minutes up the hill. This is where the landscape transforms from the more lush sub-tropical to a drier climate.

Manang (3540m). There are two routes to Manang from Pisang. From Upper Pisang, the longer route with mountain views and better acclimatization. Or from Lower Pisang, a shorter and slightly easier route takes you through the last forest of Manang as once you climb higher, the fauna becomes more barren. The lower trail, along the southern side of the Marsyangdi river, takes you over a ridge into the next valley and passes through the village of Hongde where there is a small airstrip and some shops. Once you cross to the north side of the river, you join the other route at Mungli. The upper route, on the north side of the river is about two hours longer and a more challenging route but offers tremendous views and takes you much higher past Ghyaru and Ngawal (3660m). Ascending the extra height before coming down again, is better for your altitude acclimatization. From Mungli (3500m), the trail is joined by the southern route to the traditional Tibetan village and gompa at Bragha. Manang is just a little further down the trail.

Manang - acclimatization day. You will have this day to explore the village of Manang, stock up on anything you might need or want as the shops there are well prepared for the trekker’s desires! It is a good idea to go for a hike to a higher altitude to adjust further before coming back to sleep in Manang. The air is thinner and there is less oxygen so you might notice feeling a little breathless. Take it easy, stay hydrated and keep active without overexerting yourself. This day is very important to prepare you for the challenges of the coming days.

Yak Kharka (4018m).A slow and steady upwards journey, through the villages of Tengi and Gunsang and out of the Maryshangdi valley. Continuing through the Jarsang Khola valley, the scenery becomes increasingly barren and dusty as you ascend the plateau. Yak Kharka is 500m above Manang and you need to rest here to acclimatize. The peaks of Annapurnas are on fine display from here.

Thorang Phedi (4450m). Another relatively short day that covers another big ascent in altitude. The trail becomes more and more barren as you go up along the eastern side of Jarsang river. The high desert landscape is stark and unforgiving in its beauty. This day you will continue to feel the effects of the heights you have ascended and so the short day will give you a chance to rest and catch your breath in preparation for the pass tomorrow.

Muktinath (3760m) - Thorang La (5416m). It will be an early start to the day to ascend to the famous Thorang pass, the climax of your trek. The well trodden trail is steep as you climb steadily up towards the 5416m summit of Thorang La. You will soon feel the effects of the higher altitude and it can be difficult to navigate if there is a snow on the pass. It will take around 4 hours to reach the top where there prayer flags and chortens decorate the summit. From here, you will be an awe at the spectacular view from the pass of the Annapurnas and the Kali Gandaki valley. After some rest, you will start the steep and sometimes slippery descent down to Muktinath – this should also take around 4 hours passing through the village of Phedi.

Jomsom (2720m). The trek to Jomsom passes the picturesque, old stone villages of Jharkot, Khinger and Kagbeni, the gateway to Upper Mustang. The landscape is a dramatic and barren desert valley and the route is a gradual descent coming down 1000m by the time you have reached the bustling hub of Jomsom.

Fly to Pokhara. The short, scenic flight to Pokhara leaves in the morning and before you know it you will be relaxing at Lakeside with your feet up. You will enjoy a hot shower, good meal, and a comfortable bed for your overnight in Pokhara.

Drive to Kathmandu. The tourist bus to Kathmandu leaves early and is a pleasant, relaxing journey along the Prithivi Highway, stopping for lunch and tea. You will reach Kathmandu in the afternoon.