Welcome to Kathmandu! Upon landing in Tribhuwan International Airport (TIA), a representative will meet you and take you to your hotel via a private car or a high-end tourist bus, along with providing an overview of the trip ahead.

Kathmandu is the capital of Nepal and the most populated city in the country. As the historical and cultural heart of Nepal, Kathmandu is a popular destination for tourists, trekkers, and adventure seekers. The city represents a mixture of Hinduism, Tibetan Buddhism, and Western influence in the Valley.

Your first stop is Boudha, a peaceful and clean part of Kathmandu. In the evening, take some time to walk around Boudha Stupa. Stop by the Buddhist shrine of Boudhanath, one of the largest in the world, and one of the holiest Buddhist pilgrimages, as well as a major tourist destination in Kathmandu. It stands with four pairs of eyes in the four cardinal directions keeping watch for righteous behavior and human prosperity. Boudhanath is part of the shared history of Nepal and Tibet, with Tibet having held ruling privileges over the site until the last century. It is built on an octagonal base inset, with prayer wheels and houses of lamas (or Buddhist priests), monasteries, and shops in the stupa. The area of Boudhanath is also famous for being home to more than 50 Tibetan gompas, or monasteries.

fter some exploration, retire to your hotel and get some rest this evening.

Pisang
Today, take a scenic walk from Chame to Pisang. Stroll through the woods, and note the views of the peaks soaring above. Once in Pisang, explore the village, with its Tibetan-inscribed mani stones and gompa. Take a walk up to Pisang for amazing views of Annapurna II and Annapurna III.

Today, embark on a 6-hour walk past a series of unique and colorful Chortens to Manang, which nearly reaches 11,500 feet in elevation. Manang is the headquarters of the region, and contains a village of around 500, flat-roofed houses, along with bakeries and lodges for trekkers passing through to enjoy. It is dominated by high peaks—Annapurna III and Gangapurna tower over it—and a dramatic icefall sits just across the river. There is an old Gompa on the edge of town to explore, along with many local teahouses, and some atmospheric, winding streets in the village leading out toward the Thorung La.

Upon arrival, check in to your tea house, take a shower, and enjoy a cold beer. Attend a 3 pm lecture on the altitude, hosted by the Himalayan Rescue Association, if interested. In the evening, attend an assembly of Manang-born photographer Tashi R. Ghale, accompanied by a slideshow and a video of the area.

Today, there is plenty to do around Manang. However, a short hike (about 1,000 feet or so) is recommended, in order to get acclimated to the altitude. Some activities include the following:

A long day-hike to Ice Lake

A visit to the Hundred Rupee Lama at the cave gompa above Manang

A two-hour hike to Milarepa’s cave, which is across the river from Braga

A tour of Manang’s many bakeries

Enjoy your guesthouse as well—a sunny and warm place to gaze at the peaks in the afternoon. Following a day of exploration, the evening is yours to enjoy.