Crossing the Dudh Khola © Alex Treadway

Great view from the Surti glacier the peaks are Manaslu North 7157m, Manaslu 8163m, Thulagi Peak 7059m and Phungi Himal 6538m. This is a side valley to the Manaslu circuit trek in Nepal

Viewpoint near the Surti Glacier © Bire Tamang

Trekkers enjoying the view near Ponkar Lake on the Manaslu circuit trek in Nepal. Nimjung 7140m can be seen in the background

Trekkers on ridge before Ponkar Lake © Mads Mathiasen

Manaslu Delight – Ponkar Tal and Bimtang Trek

This trek is for someone who is looking to get incredible close-up views of the mountains in a short amount of time, spend time off the beaten path. You will trek through prestine forests and marvel at the view from the stunning high altitude lake - Ponkar Tal (4091m). While this trek is also the end of the popular Manaslu circuit, we trek some off the beaten path trails and stay in tea houses that otherwise have few visitors. This gives you an opportunity to really get close to the hosts who are super welcoming and eager to share the best of this stunning valley with you.

Starts In: Kathmandu/Pokhara
Ends In: Kathmandu/Pokhara
Duration: 7 Days
Difficulty Grade: Demanding

Highlights

Spectacular mountain scenery, with BIG mountain views!
See everyday life as you trek through mountain villages
Great off the beaten path trekking, combined with main trail tea house facilities

Itinerary

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Day 01: Drive Kathmandu to Tilje [2260m]

We will leave Kathmandu early in the morning in a comfortable air-conditioned jeep that takes us to the town of Besisahar, which marks the start of the Annapurna Circuit trek. Here you will have some lunch and have the opportunity to get some fresh fruit and other snacks for the long drive. We will then continue the journey all together, in a sturdy 4WD and a very skilled driver will take us to Tilje from where we will start your trek the following day. If you expect a metaled road, don’t be fooled. Driving on this trail is a real adventure as it takes us along the old Annapurna Circuit trek through amazing gorges and meanders past (or even through) stunning waterfalls. We arrive in Tilje in the late afternoon and enjoy a good meal in a comfortable lodge.

Driving time: Approx. 9 – 10 hours

Accommodation: Tea House
Meals included: Lunch, Dinner

Driving up through the Marshyangdi valley © Mads Mathiasen

Day 2: Trek to Karche [2700m]

We have a great first day ahead of us today. It is also a shorter day since we cannot go too far as we need to make sure we acclimatize before we get into the high altitudes. We have breakfast and leave Tilje by mid morning, following the river on a paved trail out of the village, we get to a jeep trail which climbs steeply for a few hairpin turns before continuing up the valley at a more gradual rate of accent. After a couple of hours we get to the little Gurung village of Gowa, where we will stop for lunch.

After lunch we continue climbing steadily, we go around a bend in the river where the gorge below us is particularly narrow. It is then downhill a little before a final almost level walk into Karche (Surki Khola) where we will be spending the next couple of nights.

Walking time: Approx. 4-5 hours

Accommodation: Tea House
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Bridge at Surki Khola © Don Bethune

Day 3: Explore the Suti Glacier Valley

This morning there is no need to pack-up our things as we will be back in our tea house here in Karche tonight. Today we do an acclimatization walk up the exciting side valley towards the Surti Glacier. We start early, so we can get up the valley as far as possible before we have to turn around and come back down for the night. We are very much off the beaten path now, the trail leading up this valley is only used by the locals to take their animals up the valley for gracing in the summer, no one else comes up here.

The start to the walk up the valley in in beautiful forest on a small trail but as we get high up we come out of the trees and into the open. As we get above the treeline the views also start appearing and about 4 hours from Karche the view of Manaslu 8163m really opens up. We might stop here for our packed lunch or continue further up the valley to get a better view of the glacier as well.

After lunch we return back down the valley and get back to our tea house before dark, well acclimatized to go up to Bimtang tomorrow.

Walking time: Approx. 7-8 hours

Accommodation: Tea House
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

View of Manaslu 8163m and Phungi Himal 6538m © Bire Tamang

Day 4: Trek to Bimtang [3590m]

We continue up the valley today, crossing Surti Khola as we leave Karche. As we gain altitude up through the valley, we slowly get better and better views of Manaslu north and Larkya peaks to the east. After a steep climb we get to Chauli Kharka and the two tea houses there, just above 3000 meters, we stop here for a tea and a rest, or if you are later in the day for lunch.

From Chauli Kharka, the trail climbs gently through forest but we continue to have amazing views, now also of the main peak of Manaslu. Near the cave at Hampuk the valley turns north and we start climbing a little more steeply to Haibu, where we have the chance of another cup of tea and a rest. A final steep climb brings us up over the tree line and we now have stunning mountain views everywhere we look as we cross the Dudh Khola and the lower glacial moraine. We continue to climb steadily along the moraine until we reach the valley behind the main wall of the moraine where Bimtang sits. This is our home for the next couple of nights and it is hard to find a more beautiful place!

Walking time: Approx. 4-5 hours

Accommodation: Tea House
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Manaslu 8163m view from Hampuk © Mads Mathiasen

Day 5: Explore Ponkar Tal [4091m], Trek to Yak Kharka [3020m]

This morning head out for a truly spectacular day higher up the valley. We continue up the main Manaslu circuit trail for a couple of kilometres, till the turnoff for the Ponkar Tal (Lake). From here the trails climbs steeply to the top of the glacial moraine, stop and rest often and enjoy the stunning view down the valley towards Manaslu!

When we crest the moraine, we get amazing views to the north as well, the mountains we see includes Nimjung and Himlung, both above 7000m and a whole host of 6000m peaks as well as lots of glaciers. We cross the moraine of a smaller glacier on a very distinct trail and climb onto the side wall of the Ponkar glacier. Soon after we get our first views of Ponkar Tal which sits in a little valley between the two glaciers.

We highly recommend doing the walk around the whole lake, the views along the western side from up on the Ponkar glacier wall are really something but equally great are the views from the other side of the lake! At the northern end of the lake there is a little temple to Shiva and at the southern end there is a good spot for a rest before we head back down the valley to Bimtang for lunch.

in the afternoon we leave the high mountains, to head back down the trail and into the forests. We might do the little side trip to the Milarepa cave near Hampuk on the way back down to Chauli Kharka (also known as Yak Kharka), where we’ll stay for the night.

Walking time: Approx. 6-7 hours

Accommodation: Tea House
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Ponkar Lake and Glacier © Mads Mathiasen

Day 6: Trek from Yak Kharka to Nache [2200m]

Today is the final day you’ll be walking to the Manaslu trail. The gorge ahead marks the land of apple pie, cold beers, and hot showers – the Annapurna Circuit trail and almost the end of our trail. We walk down the road for around 10 minutes, before turning off into the beautifully forested hillside with views of Annapurna 2, contouring through the pine needles on a trail that has very short ups and downs and a lovely pine scent, until we reach the tiny Tamrang monastery, which has just one Ani (nun) caretaker. She sometimes gets visitors who stay to study and spend time at the gompa. Here we’ll stop for a cup of tea, and enjoy the views and a chat with Ani before continuing.

Another hour on the trail brings us to the Nache (Nachai) suspension bridge, and at 412m high, looking down into the gorge below isn’t for the faint-hearted! We have a short climb ahead, we can see one single building and upon arrival at that building, the wonderful little village of Nache opens up in front of us! Perched on the hilltop, high above the agricultural lands below, the space of this small land area is filled with tiny houses and our hotel for the night. We’re reacquainted with Mt Manaslu one again, peeking through the hills, giving us yet another perspective of the eighth highest mountain in the world, at over 8000m high.

Walking time: Approx 6 hours

Accommodation: Tea House
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 7: Trek from Nache Down to the Road, Drive to Kathmandu

In the morning we have our last section on the trail which is a memorable, short and steep downhill that’s concrete steps most of the way. It’ll take around an hour to descend. We now say our goodbyes to the crew, load up the jeep and start the drive back to Kathmandu. We have a couple of hours on the small mountain roads, then we’ll be back down to Besi Sahar and then we’re back on the national highway.

We hope you have had an incredible trek and we will be looking forward to trekking with you in the Himalayas again!

Walking time: Approx 1 hour

Driving time: Approx. 9 hours

Accommodation: None
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch

Girl in Jagat © Mark Beaumont

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Gallery

Trekker enjoying the view from the way to the Surti glacier the peaks are Manaslu 8163m and Phungi Himal 6538m. This is a side valley to the Manaslu circuit trek in Nepal

Great view from a Kharkha near the Surti glacier the peaks are Manaslu North 7157m, Manaslu 8163m, Thulagi Peak 7059m and Phungi Himal 6538m. This is a side valley to the Manaslu circuit trek in Nepal

Group having a tea stop at Chauli Kharka, Manaslu north 7157m can been soon in the background. Manaslu circuit trail in Nepal

Larkya peak 6416m from near Chauli Kharka on the Manaslu circuit trek in Nepal

Trekkers beginning the climb to Ponkar Tal on the Manaslu circuit trek in Nepal

Trekkers at Ponkar Tal, there is a huge amount of 6000m peaks that can be seen from here. The Manaslu circuit trek in Nepal

Trekker heading from Ponkar Tal to Bimthang on the Manaslu Circuit trek in Nepal

Included In Price

Tea house accommodation while on trek
Meals as per the itinerary (all meals on trek, with filtered drinking water)
Transport as per the itinerary in private vehicles. For groups of less than 4 pax, public vehicles will be used
Your trekking guide and porter/s, with all their transport, equipment, insurance and including meals and accommodation
A first aid kit appropriate for the group size and activities
Trekking permits and registration fees
Group departures guaranteed with 2 trekkers

Note: The local tea houses are basic but clean and they do not often have attached bathrooms or hot showers. The price is based on twin shares and does not include any extra charge that lodge owners may levy for single rooms, attached bathrooms, or hot showers (if these facilities are available) or for battery charging. We can’t know in advance what they may charge for such things in the different lodges along the way, so we prefer to leave this cost out, rather than pass along an estimated charge to you.

The meal inclusions on the trek are breakfast (one set breakfast and tea or coffee), lunch (one main meal and tea or coffee), and dinner (soup, main, and dessert with a tea or coffee)

Not Included In Price

Services and activities not mentioned in the detailed itinerary
International flights to and from Kathmandu
Nepal visa fees and international airport taxes
Any gear or equipment that you may need to rent/buy
Any excess baggage charges
Single room supplement – please ask if you would like to have a single room (these are not always available in tea houses, but possible in the hotels/guest houses)
Comprehensive travel insurance that includes trip cancellation and rescue evacuation should this be
required for any reason (we require this as the minimum insurance cover); Rescue/evacuation costs
(to be covered by your insurance)
Additional nights, optional trips and sightseeing tours outside the detailed itinerary above
Personal expenses (eg tips, soft drinks/bar bills, laundry, telephone calls, postage, donations, extra
snacks, camera charges, etc)
Tips for your guide and drivers, please ask if you would like any guidance about this
Costs incurred due to changes in programs and reservations due to unforeseen events (eg landslides,
strikes, natural disaster,s large increase in fuel prices, etc)

Adventure travel: Every effort will be made to keep to the above itinerary, but as this is Adventure Travel in the mountains, we cannot guarantee it. Weather conditions, road conditions, vehicle breakdowns and the health of fellow travelers can all contribute to changes. We will try to ensure that the trip runs according to plan, but an easy- going nature will be an asset!

<h2>Day 01: Drive Kathmandu to Tilje [2260m]</h2>
								
									We will leave Kathmandu early in the morning in a comfortable air-conditioned jeep that takes us to the town of Besisahar, which marks the start of the Annapurna Circuit trek. Here you will have some lunch and have the opportunity to get some fresh fruit and other snacks for the long drive. We will then continue the journey all together, in a sturdy 4WD and a very skilled driver will take us to Tilje from where we will start your trek the following day. If you expect a metaled road, don’t be fooled. Driving on this trail is a real adventure as it takes us along the old Annapurna Circuit trek through amazing gorges and meanders past (or even through) stunning waterfalls. We arrive in Tilje in the late afternoon and enjoy a good meal in a comfortable lodge.
Driving time: Approx. 9 – 10 hours
																			Accommodation: Tea House 																												Meals included: 
										Lunch, Dinner

<h2>Day 2: Trek to Karche [2700m]</h2>
								
									We have a great first day ahead of us today. It is also a shorter day since we cannot go too far as we need to make sure we acclimatize before we get into the high altitudes. We have breakfast and leave Tilje by mid morning, following the river on a paved trail out of the village, we get to a jeep trail which climbs steeply for a few hairpin turns before continuing up the valley at a more gradual rate of accent. After a couple of hours we get to the little Gurung village of Gowa, where we will stop for lunch.
After lunch we continue climbing steadily, we go around a bend in the river where the gorge below us is particularly narrow. It is then downhill a little before a final almost level walk into Karche (Surki Khola) where we will be spending the next couple of nights.
Walking time: Approx. 4-5 hours
																			Accommodation: Tea House 																												Meals included: 
										Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

<h2>Day 3: Explore the Suti Glacier Valley</h2>
								
									This morning there is no need to pack-up our things as we will be back in our tea house here in Karche tonight. Today we do an acclimatization walk up the exciting side valley towards the Surti Glacier. We start early, so we can get up the valley as far as possible before we have to turn around and come back down for the night. We are very much off the beaten path now, the trail leading up this valley is only used by the locals to take their animals up the valley for gracing in the summer, no one else comes up here.
The start to the walk up the valley in in beautiful forest on a small trail but as we get high up we come out of the trees and into the open. As we get above the treeline the views also start appearing and about 4 hours from Karche the view of Manaslu 8163m really opens up. We might stop here for our packed lunch or continue further up the valley to get a better view of the glacier as well.
After lunch we return back down the valley and get back to our tea house before dark, well acclimatized to go up to Bimtang tomorrow.
Walking time: Approx. 7-8 hours
																			Accommodation: Tea House 																												Meals included: 
										Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

<h2>Day 4: Trek to Bimtang [3590m]</h2>
								
									We continue up the valley today, crossing Surti Khola as we leave Karche. As we gain altitude up through the valley, we slowly get better and better views of Manaslu north and Larkya peaks to the east. After a steep climb we get to Chauli Kharka and the two tea houses there, just above 3000 meters, we stop here for a tea and a rest, or if you are later in the day for lunch.
From Chauli Kharka, the trail climbs gently through forest but we continue to have amazing views, now also of the main peak of Manaslu. Near the cave at Hampuk the valley turns north and we start climbing a little more steeply to Haibu, where we have the chance of another cup of tea and a rest. A final steep climb brings us up over the tree line and we now have stunning mountain views everywhere we look as we cross the Dudh Khola and the lower glacial moraine. We continue to climb steadily along the moraine until we reach the valley behind the main wall of the moraine where Bimtang sits. This is our home for the next couple of nights and it is hard to find a more beautiful place!
Walking time: Approx. 4-5 hours
																			Accommodation: Tea House 																												Meals included: 
										Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

<h2>Day 5: Explore Ponkar Tal [4091m], Trek to Yak Kharka [3020m]</h2>
								
									This morning head out for a truly spectacular day higher up the valley. We continue up the main Manaslu circuit trail for a couple of kilometres, till the turnoff for the Ponkar Tal (Lake). From here the trails climbs steeply to the top of the glacial moraine, stop and rest often and enjoy the stunning view down the valley towards Manaslu!
When we crest the moraine, we get amazing views to the north as well, the mountains we see includes Nimjung and Himlung, both above 7000m and a whole host of 6000m peaks as well as lots of glaciers. We cross the moraine of a smaller glacier on a very distinct trail and climb onto the side wall of the Ponkar glacier. Soon after we get our first views of Ponkar Tal which sits in a little valley between the two glaciers.
We highly recommend doing the walk around the whole lake, the views along the western side from up on the Ponkar glacier wall are really something but equally great are the views from the other side of the lake! At the northern end of the lake there is a little temple to Shiva and at the southern end there is a good spot for a rest before we head back down the valley to Bimtang for lunch.
in the afternoon we leave the high mountains, to head back down the trail and into the forests. We might do the little side trip to the Milarepa cave near Hampuk on the way back down to Chauli Kharka (also known as Yak Kharka), where we’ll stay for the night.
Walking time: Approx. 6-7 hours
																			Accommodation: Tea House 																												Meals included: 
										Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

<h2>Day 6: Trek from Yak Kharka to Nache [2200m]</h2>
								
									Today is the final day you’ll be walking to the Manaslu trail. The gorge ahead marks the land of apple pie, cold beers, and hot showers – the Annapurna Circuit trail and almost the end of our trail. We walk down the road for around 10 minutes, before turning off into the beautifully forested hillside with views of Annapurna 2, contouring through the pine needles on a trail that has very short ups and downs and a lovely pine scent, until we reach the tiny Tamrang monastery, which has just one Ani (nun) caretaker. She sometimes gets visitors who stay to study and spend time at the gompa. Here we’ll stop for a cup of tea, and enjoy the views and a chat with Ani before continuing.
Another hour on the trail brings us to the Nache (Nachai) suspension bridge, and at 412m high, looking down into the gorge below isn’t for the faint-hearted! We have a short climb ahead, we can see one single building and upon arrival at that building, the wonderful little village of Nache opens up in front of us! Perched on the hilltop, high above the agricultural lands below, the space of this small land area is filled with tiny houses and our hotel for the night. We’re reacquainted with Mt Manaslu one again, peeking through the hills, giving us yet another perspective of the eighth highest mountain in the world, at over 8000m high.
Walking time: Approx 6 hours
																			Accommodation: Tea House 																												Meals included: 
										Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

<ul>
<li>Tea house accommodation while on trek</li>
<li>Meals as per the itinerary (all meals on trek, with filtered drinking water)</li>
<li>Transport as per the itinerary in private vehicles. For groups of less than 4 pax, public vehicles will be used</li>
<li>Your trekking guide and porter/s, with all their transport, equipment, insurance and including meals and accommodation</li>
<li>A first aid kit appropriate for the group size and activities</li>
<li>Trekking permits and registration fees</li>
<li>Group departures guaranteed with 2 trekkers</li>
</ul>
Note: The local tea houses are basic but clean and they do not often have attached bathrooms or hot showers. The price is based on twin shares and does not include any extra charge that lodge owners may levy for single rooms, attached bathrooms, or hot showers (if these facilities are available) or for battery charging. We can’t know in advance what they may charge for such things in the different lodges along the way, so we prefer to leave this cost out, rather than pass along an estimated charge to you.
The meal inclusions on the trek are breakfast (one set breakfast and tea or coffee), lunch (one main meal and tea or coffee), and dinner (soup, main, and dessert with a tea or coffee)

<ul>
<li>Services and activities not mentioned in the detailed itinerary</li>
<li>International flights to and from Kathmandu</li>
<li>Nepal visa fees and international airport taxes</li>
<li>Any gear or equipment that you may need to rent/buy</li>
<li>Any excess baggage charges</li>
<li>Single room supplement – please ask if you would like to have a single room (these are not always available in tea houses, but possible in the hotels/guest houses)</li>
<li>Comprehensive travel insurance that includes trip cancellation and rescue evacuation should this be 
required for any reason (we require this as the minimum insurance cover); Rescue/evacuation costs 
(to be covered by your insurance)</li>
<li>Additional nights, optional trips and sightseeing tours outside the detailed itinerary above 
Personal expenses (eg tips, soft drinks/bar bills, laundry, telephone calls, postage, donations, extra 
snacks, camera charges, etc)</li>
<li>Tips for your guide and drivers, please ask if you would like any guidance about this</li>
<li>Costs incurred due to changes in programs and reservations due to unforeseen events (eg landslides, 
strikes, natural disaster,s large increase in fuel prices, etc)</li>
</ul>

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