Manang and Annapurna Circuit Overland Tour

The circuit by road: up the Marsyangdi, down the Kali Gandaki.

This is the Annapurna Circuit by road: up the Marsyangdi valley to the high village of Manang, across toward the dry side of the range, and back down the Kali Gandaki through Jomsom.

You cover country that used to take three weeks on foot, through thin-aired villages and changing landscapes, with time at Manang to adjust to the altitude.

Highlights

The Marsyangdi valley up to Manang
High, dry country on the far side of the range
Return down the Kali Gandaki gorge

A typical 6-day shape

One of several ways to do it. We tailor the days, pace, and stops to you, nothing here is fixed.

Day 1By mountain road
Pokhara to Besisahar
A half-day drive to the Circuit trailhead town of Besisahar, where the rough road north begins.
Time
4–5 hours drive
Elevation
760 m
Stay
Lodge, Besisahar
Day 2By mountain road
Besisahar to Chame
A slow, spectacular day on the unpaved valley road, climbing beside the Marsyangdi to the district town of Chame.
Time
6–7 hours drive
Elevation
2,670 m
Stay
Lodge, Chame
Day 3By mountain road
Chame to Manang
Past the Paungda Danda rock face and the apple village of Bhratang to the high village of Manang under the Annapurnas.
Time
5–6 hours drive
Elevation
3,540 m
Stay
Lodge, Manang
Day 4On foot
Manang day
A day at altitude to let the body adjust, with a short walk to Gangapurna Lake or the Ice Lake viewpoint.
Time
Half day walking
Elevation
Up to 4,000 m, sleep 3,540 m
Stay
Lodge, Manang
Day 5By mountain road
Manang toward Jomsom
Retrace toward Chame and cross to the dry side of the range, overnighting on the way to Mustang.
Time
7–8 hours drive
Elevation
2,720 m
Stay
Lodge, Jomsom
Day 6By mountain road
Jomsom to Pokhara
The long drive down the Kali Gandaki gorge back to the lake.
Time
8–9 hours drive
Elevation
820 m
Stay
Back in Pokhara