MAD Trekking: Manaslu, Annapurna, and Dhaulagiri
Overview
The MAD Trekking provides a 35-day thrilling experience by linking together three famous Nepal trekking areas including Manaslu, Annapurna, and Dhaulagiri. Travelers must endure the strenuous trek which leads them to cross mountain passes and visit remote villages alongside soaring views of the Himalayas.
Manaslu trek
The Manaslu Trek allows you to travel a less-traveled trail and off the usual route. Explore the stunning Budi Gandaki and Nubri Valleys and learn about intriguing alpine cultures that are in danger of extinction. Discover more about Bon, an ancient Tibetan religion that predates Buddhism, and tour historic Buddhist monasteries. You may see some of the most isolated and unexplored regions of the Nepal Himalayas on the Manaslu Trek, often known as the Manaslu circuit. This trail is less busy than the well-traveled Everest and Annapurna trekking routes since it is only used by a small number of hikers. Your Manaslu Trek starts in the verdant Budi Gandaki Valley and ascends to the high Nubri Valley.
Annapurna Trek
This is a full-on journey for the daring adventurer because of the natural splendor with its distinctive flora and wildlife, deep valleys and rivers, tumbling waterfalls, and, of course, a first-hand experience of the intriguing Sherpa culture with its wonderful temples and religious beliefs. Reaching Thorong La mountain (5,416m), the highest mountain in this area and a slightly difficult climb due to wind is a highlight of the journey.
Since it became accessible to the general public in the middle of the 1980s, the Annapurna Trek has been the most well-liked trekking route. You will feel as though you have traveled back in time thanks to its subtropical forests, rhododendron, and Cyprus forests, the magnificent Kali Gandaki Gorge (the deepest in the world), and the stunning, ageless architecture of Gurung and Magar communities.
Dhaulagiri Trek
The Dhaulagiri Circuit trek itinerary has a reputation for being one of the hardest in Nepal. Find out how difficult the Dhaulagiri trek is in practice and how we plan the logistics for this challenging trek. If you prepare for the trip and know what to expect you will have an incredible experience.
Trekking Dhaulagiri route explores a remote area in central Nepal. The trek starts through villages framed by views of the Dhaulagiri range. After the Italian Base Camp, we walk through Chonbarden Gorge towards Dhaulagiri Base Camp. We cross French Pass at an altitude of 5,360m into Hidden Valley and camp in Hidden Valley for two nights.
Mount Dhaulagiri is the seventh-highest mountain in the world at an altitude of 8,167m. It was first climbed along the northeast ridge in 1960 by a team of Swiss and Austrian mountaineers.
MAD Trekking Highlights:
- Start on the Manaslu Circuit with Larke La Pass (5,200m) to discover the rough landscape of Manaslu combined with diverse natural settings and culturally diverse communities.
- Join the global list of trekkers who complete the Annapurna Circuit by conquering Thorong La Pass which rises to 5,416 meters above sea level.
- Set out on the isolated trails encircling Dhaulagiri that lead to the mountain summit at French Pass at 5,360 meters above sea level.
MAD Trekking Facts:
- Total Duration: 35 Days
- Trip Grade: Moderate to Challenging
- Breakfast together with Lunch and Dinner will be provided to travelers.
- Transportation: Private car, flights, and tourist bus
- Accommodation: As part of this expedition travelers will stay in a combination of 4-star hotels, tea houses, and camping facilities.
- Maximum Altitude: 5,416 meters
- Walking Hours: 5-9 hours per day
- Best Time: The best times to visit Dhaulagiri Trek exist during October, November, December, and March, April, and May.
Itinerary
Day 01Arrival in Kathmandu (1,400m) – Meet the Agency & Prepare for the Trek
When you arrive at Tribhuvan International Airport your trekking agency will welcome you. Hotel check-in will precede your meeting with the guide for a tutorial on the trek while confirming necessary final arrangements.
Day 02City Sightseeing in Kathmandu
You will visit and examine the UNESCO World Heritage Sites Swayambhunath (Monkey Temple) alongside Pashupatinath Temple and Boudhanath Stupa and Kathmandu Durbar Square in Kathmandu.
Day 03Drive from Dhadingbesi to Arughat
A drive from Dhadingbesi to Arughat takes 6 hours to reach the town located at 500 meters in elevation.
Your initial expedition leads you to Arughat where you find this place situated beside the Budhi Gandaki River which marks the origin of the Manaslu Circuit Trek.
Day 04Trek to Korsaani Bari
Climbers walk through a series of small settlements while following the river path of Budhi Gandaki. You will find the path is straightforward therefore you can adjust your walking speed when necessary.
Day 05Trek to Machhi Khola
Your trail path will begin by slowly gaining elevation from dense forest areas as you cross bridges and admire waterfalls before reaching the riverside community of Machhi Khola.
Day 06Trek to Yaru
Your journey takes you to Yaru where you will experience mountain views alongside this tranquil small settlement which lies between natural hot springs and forested valleys and shrubby hills.
Day 07Trek to Deng
The trail moves ahead as it walks along Budhi Gandaki while professionals must handle both steep slopes and moderate elevation change. The first Tibetan cultural landmarks together with monasteries became visible to travelers from Deng.
Day 08Trek to Ghap
The path will lead you through tangled pine and rhododendron forests where you will find Buddhist prayer flags combined with chortens and mani walls that indicate your arrival into Tibetan-influenced villages.
Day 09Trek to Lho (6 hrs, 3,180m)
A steep climb takes you toward Manaslu (8,163m) where you will experience spectacular mountain vistas. Lho stands as a scenic village which features a monastery and open vistas across the Himalayan mountains.
Day 10Trek to Samagaun (3,520m)
The trail from Samagaun leads to the largest town of the region that features historical monasteries alongside genuine Tibetan customs.
Day 11Rest & Acclimatization in Samagaun
During adjustment time in high altitude you will experience local culture in the village along with exploring Pungyen Gompa and hiking to the Manaslu Glacier to admire breathtaking mountain views.
Day 12Trek to Sumdo
As you trek you make a steady climb through valley spaces with grazing land for yaks until you near the mountain heights. Over 3 to 4 hours we will trek from Daramshala (Larke Phedi) to reach the elevation of 4,460m.
The pathway from Samagaun takes you to Daramshala which stands at the border of Larke La Pass.
Day 13Trek to Daramshala (Larke Phedi) (3-4 hrs, 4,460m)
A short and challenging trek to Daramshala, the final stop before crossing Larke La Pass.
Day 14Cross Larke La Pass (5,160m) & Descend to Bhimtang
This is a very challenging day of the Manaslu Circuit. You will ascend to the Larke La Pass (5,160m), one of the highest points of the trek, and then descend to Bhimtang, offering stunning views of Himlung Himal, Kang Guru, and Annapurna II.
Day 15Trek to Tilche ( Starting Point Annapurna Circuit Trek)
The descent from Bhimtang leads you into forests before reaching alpine meadows that finally bring you to Tilche village which belongs to the Gurung people.
Day 16Trek to Chame
From this point onward the trek routes through rhododendron forests while crossing rivers and climbing steep ridges which eventually leads to Chame where Manang district headquarters is located.
Day 17Trek to Manang (3,540m)
You can reach the traditional village of Manang by following a mountain trail alongside the Marsyangdi River as it is situated among Annapurna and Gangapurna mountains.
Day 18Rest & Acclimatization in Manang
Adjusted altitude tolerance will be achieved through visiting surrounding monasteries glacial lakes and hillsaps.
Day 19Trek to Yak Kharka or Ledar
The journey starts from high-altitude pastures and continues onto rocky terrain until you reach Yak Kharka or Ledar which sits at 4,200m elevation.
Day 20Trek to Thorong Phedi (4,540m, 4 hrs)
The journey from Thorong Phedi covers 4 hours and reaches a height of 4,540 meters.
The trail from Low Camp to Thorong Phedi demands a short but intense ascent to reach the starting point for crossing Thorong La Pass.
Day 21Cross Thorong La Pass (5,416m) & Descend to Muktinath
You will reach Muktinath while traversing Thorong La Pass at 5,416 meters before descending
It becomes an extremely difficult task for you to navigate through Thorong La Pass at 5,416m which stands as the highest point of the Annapurna Circuit. The hike delivers you to the sacred Muktinath pilgrimage point.
Day 22Trek to Marpha
From this point begins a descent which takes you to Marpha where apple orchards blend with traditional Thakali cultural heritage.
Day 23Trek to Yak Kharka (4-5 hrs)
You will leave the Annapurna Circuit and begin the Dhaulagiri Circuit trek, trekking towards Yak Kharka.
Day 24Trek to Kalopani / Hidden Valley (6-7 hrs) - Trek to Dhaulagiri Circuit
A long and demanding trek, starting early in the morning, to reach Hidden Valley, a remote high-altitude area.
Day 25Rest & Acclimatization in Hidden Valley
After adjusting to the altitude conditions you will spend one essential day for acclimatization before proceeding to high passes.
Day 26Cross Dhampus Pass & French Pass (5,360m) – Trek to Dhaulagiri Base Camp
The trek leads you from the base camp to cross Dhampus Pass and French Pass reaching heights of 5,360 meters. Your adventure contains passes at French Pass and Dhampus Pass before you achieve Dhaulagiri Base Camp.
Day 27Tukuche Village towards Italian Base Camp
On day 27 we traversed from Tukuche Village towards Italian Base Camp.
Meandering down from glacier terrain will bring you to Italian Base Camp.
Day 28Trek to Dobang (6 hrs)
Dobang marks the end of the trail after descending through icy moraines and rocky terrains.
Day 29Trek to Baghar
As you move downward you will navigate through wooded areas as well as waterfalls before reaching your destination at Baghar.
Day 30Trek to Muri / Ghatte Khola
Mixed activities include traveling between Muri and Ghatte Khola.
You will experience a fast downward journey that passes through Gurung settlements as well as steep agricultural fields.
Day 31Trek to Dharapani
Dharapani awaits travelers after an effortless forest expedition starting from Dharapani.
Day 32Trek to Dharbang (Lunch) – Drive to Beni
The journey between Dharbang and Beni includes a lunch break followed by a vehicle transport.
The trek ends with a short leg from Dharbang to Beni where you will board a car.
Day 33Return to Kathmandu
On Day 33 we will drive to Pokhara while spending our time resting and enjoy relaxation.
You will travel to Pokhara with your private vehicle before spending time at the lakeside until your trek ends
Day 34Half-Day Sightseeing in Pokhara – Fly to Kathmandu
Your journey will start with visiting the main attractions of Pokhara including Phewa Lake and the World Peace Pagoda and Davis Falls before you return to Kathmandu by flight.
Day 35Departure from Kathmandu – Fly Back Home
Following your extraordinary trek you will receive transportation to depart from the airport.
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FAQs
What is the difficulty level of this MAD trek?
This trek poses extensive challenges because it lasts 35 days and crosses high elevation mountain passes through secluded terrains. Past experience in high-altitude treks together with physical fitness are necessary requirements for anyone attempting this journey
