Manaslu - Annapurna Grand Traverse Trek This traverse takes us through the best combination of scenery in the Nepal Himalaya, even better than the Everest area. This trek has two components, you can join us to do the whole journey or you can exit after completing the Manaslu section. Our trip begins in Kathmandu, the “city of temples”. We have a full day to get our bearings from our centrally located hotel, with time to shop and visit the sights. We set off for Arughat Bazaar in a private vehicle/bus. Trekking begins after a Jeep ride to Soti Khola. Following the Buri Gandaki valley we trek through ever changing landscapes, crossing broad alluvial river flats & agricultural areas adorned with tiny villages, passing through thick old growth forests guarded by steep sided valleys. In a safe trekking style, we start at low altitudes, walking through rural villages where the locals grow much of their own food and trade flows up and down valley by mule caravan. This route is an old and still active trade route into Tibet. There is no need to rush on this trek, we aim for a steady ascent of the valley & there are lots of optional side trips planned to help us acclimatise and experience the small gems off the main path. Most treks ignore the side trips and just try to get through the area as fast as possible. Traversing a wide range of Himalayan environments, we trek through low altitude tropical and sub tropical farmlands & temperate forests of large conifers. When we enter the sub-alpine areas the Rhododendron trees appear. Finally the trees give way to open alpine country with grasslands and heath. We use family run trekking lodges for accommodation and dining on the trek. You need only carry a light day pack each day as your main baggage is carried for you by a porter. Copyright © 2017 M Sullivan www.smoothadventures.com Mt Manaslu is the worlds 8th highest mountain, and will dominate the scenery for much of the trek. The remote upper valleys are characterised by Tibetan style culture, people having lived and worked here in a timeless seasonal rhythm for centuries. Yak herders & pony riders pass by, some on their way to trade in Tibet. We stroll through stone walled towns and along well trodden paths, which these proud independent people have built over many lifetimes. Higher up we visit some very old & colourful Tibetan monasteries, some dating back eight centuries. All the time mighty Himalayan peaks loom above us. There will be the option to do a day hike up to one of the Manaslu Base Camps where expeditions operate from when climbing the mountain. The ascent of the upper valley system culminates in our crossing of the Larkya La Pass. After we descend from the Larkya La we have one more day trekking & then come to a crossroad. Those doing the full traverse turn right and we continue on to the upper section of the old Annapurna circuit. Those who wish to return now can turn left with some of the trekking crew and can get back to Kathmandu within two days. The traverse group continues up the well worn trail in the Annapurnas to visit Braga village, Ice Lake, Manang and then over the Thorong La pass. Our descent into lower Mustang increasingly reveals the vast Lunar-scape below. From Jomsom township we fly back via the tropical lakeside town of Pokhara. This trek is scheduled for prime Himalayan spring-time, ideal for seeing wonderful wild flowers including Daphne, Primula, red Rhododendron and perhaps wild orchids. Fauna in the Conservation areas include; Blue Sheep, Himalayan Tahr, Lynx & the entertaining Himalayan Snow Cox. Mick & Jenny are accompanying the trek along with the Nepali crew. It's a “not for profit” trip supporting Nepal projects such as the Tilganga Eye Hospital which Fred Hollows helped set up. Kind Regards Mick & Jenny Sullivan [email protected] Website: www.smoothadventures.com Copyright © 2017 M Sullivan www.smoothadventures.com.