Upon arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu, travelers are warmly welcomed by their guide and driver. After clearing immigration and collecting luggage, you’ll be transferred to your hotel in the city, where you can rest, refresh, and recover from your international flight. Depending on your arrival time, you may have the opportunity to explore the vibrant streets of Thamel, the main tourist hub, or enjoy a traditional Nepali meal at a local restaurant.

Kathmandu, the capital of Nepal, is a fascinating city that blends ancient culture with modern life. You’ll notice the bustling markets, colorful temples, prayer flags fluttering in the wind, and historic architecture as you walk through its streets. This day is primarily for adjusting to the city’s rhythm, resting, and preparing for your upcoming trekking adventure or sightseeing tour. Your guide will also provide a briefing on the trek ahead, including tips on packing, acclimatization, and local customs. Overnight stay is at a comfortable hotel in Kathmandu, offering a convenient base to begin your Nepal journey.

After breakfast at your hotel, the day is dedicated to preparing for your upcoming trek and optional Kathmandu sightseeing. Your guide will assist you with checking trekking gear, reviewing your itinerary, discussing acclimatization tips, and answering any last-minute questions to ensure you’re fully prepared for the adventure ahead.

For sightseeing, Kathmandu offers a wealth of cultural and historical attractions, including Swayambhunath (Monkey Temple), Boudhanath Stupa, Pashupatinath Temple, and the vibrant streets of Thamel. These visits provide a glimpse into Nepal’s rich heritage, spirituality, and local life, allowing travelers to connect with the country before setting off on the trek.

Note: You can choose to enjoy Kathmandu sightseeing either before your trek or after it concludes. Please note that only one day of sightseeing is included in your package. If you wish to explore the city on both days, additional costs may apply. This allows you to experience the highlights while keeping your trek schedule comfortable and focused.

Overnight stay is at a comfortable hotel in Kathmandu, giving you a chance to rest, enjoy city views, and finalize preparations for the adventure ahead.

The day begins early with a private vehicle transfer from Kathmandu toward Dharapani (1,860 m / 6,102 ft), the gateway to the Manang region and the starting point of your Chulu East Peak adventure. Leaving the bustling city behind, the road passes through the suburban outskirts, quickly transitioning into rolling hills and terraced farmland, dotted with small villages where locals tend to their livestock and crops.

The drive follows the Araniko and Prithvi Highways, then branches off toward Besisahar, the starting point of the Marsyangdi Valley route. Along the way, trekkers are treated to stunning views of terraced rice fields, dense pine forests, and gushing rivers. The Marsyangdi River, turquoise and lively, runs parallel to the road for long stretches, framed by towering green hills and occasional waterfalls cascading down rocky cliffs. Small suspension bridges, glacial tributaries, and riverside villages like Bhulbhule and Jagat make perfect spots for photographs or a short tea break.

As you climb higher into the Marsyangdi valley, the scenery transitions into a mix of oak and rhododendron forests, with occasional glimpses of the snow-capped Annapurna range on clear days. Dharapani itself is a quaint Himalayan village, peaceful and less crowded than the popular trekking hubs further along the route. The village is nestled near the confluence of small streams and surrounded by hills that frame the distant white peaks, offering trekkers their first taste of high-altitude Himalayan landscapes. Evening is spent relaxing at a cozy lodge, enjoying Nepalese dal-bhat and local tea, while your guides brief you about the trekking days ahead.

The day starts early in the peaceful village of Dharapani (1,860 m / 6,102 ft) after a hearty Nepalese breakfast of dal-bhat and tea. The trek begins with a gentle ascent along the Marsyangdi River valley, following a well-trodden trail that meanders through forests, small villages, and terraced fields. The sound of the Marsyangdi River rushing below accompanies every step, creating a calming rhythm as you walk deeper into the valley.

After crossing the first suspension bridge, the trail climbs steadily past traditional Himalayan villages like Bagarchhap and Dhukur Pokhari, where stone houses with colorful prayer flags reflect local culture. Along the way, trekkers are treated to panoramic views of Annapurna II, Lamjung Himal, and Manaslu in the distance, their snow-covered peaks glistening in the morning sun. The trail weaves through oak, rhododendron, and pine forests, with occasional open clearings offering photo-worthy views of the surrounding valley and river below.

Reaching Chame (2,670 m / 8,760 ft) by early afternoon, the village welcomes trekkers with tea houses and lodges nestled amidst terraced fields. Chame is the administrative center of the Manang district, offering a small bazaar where trekkers can pick up snacks, trekking essentials, and local handicrafts. Here, the views of Lamjung Himal and Annapurna II are especially striking, making it a perfect spot to pause, breathe, and soak in the Himalayan panorama. Evening is spent at a comfortable lodge, enjoying local cuisine and preparing for the gradual ascent to higher altitudes the following day.

After a restful night at a lodge in Chame (2,670 m / 8,760 ft) and a traditional Nepalese breakfast, the trek to Upper Pisang begins. The trail gradually ascends along the Marsyangdi River valley, offering continuous views of Annapurna II and Lamjung Himal. The path is a mix of stone-paved steps, dirt trails, and forested sections, weaving through oak and rhododendron forests. Trekkers will notice small streams feeding into the Marsyangdi River and the occasional waterfall cascading down the hillsides, creating refreshing spots to pause and take photos.

The trail passes through Chame village outskirts, climbing gently along the river before branching toward Pisang lower village, with traditional stone houses decorated with prayer flags. From here, the trail climbs steeply through terraced fields, giving trekkers spectacular views of Pisang Peak and Annapurna II. Small suspension bridges over trickling tributaries mark scenic points along the way. As you approach Upper Pisang (3,300 m / 10,827 ft), the trail hugs the hillsides, offering breathtaking panoramas of the Manang valley below and distant peaks. The village itself is perched on a ridge, surrounded by prayer flags and traditional Tibetan-style houses, offering a perfect spot for photos, rest, and cultural immersion. Evening is spent at a lodge, enjoying warm meals and preparing for the next day’s trek toward Ngawal.

The day begins after a hearty breakfast at the lodge in Upper Pisang (3,300 m / 10,827 ft). The trail starts with a gentle climb through terraced fields, soon entering dense pine and rhododendron forests that provide shade and a refreshing atmosphere. Trekkers will pass small streams and irrigation channels carved through the hillside, which glimmer under the morning sun. The views of Pisang Peak, Annapurna II, and Lamjung Himal remain constant companions, growing more dramatic as you climb.

The trail soon approaches Ngawal village (3,550 m / 11,646 ft), a quaint settlement with traditional stone houses adorned with prayer flags. Here, trekkers can stop for a tea break at a local lodge, soaking in the serene valley views and glimpses of the Marsyangdi River winding below. From Ngawal, the trek continues toward Manang village (3,540 m / 11,614 ft). The trail passes fields of barley and buckwheat, small mani walls, and tiny shrines, reflecting the strong Tibetan Buddhist influence in the region.

Arriving in Manang, trekkers are greeted by the majestic panorama of the Annapurna and Gangapurna ranges, along with the snowy peaks of Tilicho and Chulu East in the distance. The village offers several comfortable lodges and tea houses, where trekkers can enjoy a warm meal and rest. Evening is perfect for a gentle stroll around the village, visiting the small local monastery, observing traditional architecture, and preparing for acclimatization and higher-altitude trekking ahead.