Nepal Itinerary Check/Questions

I’m in process of planning a trip to Nepal this fall (Oct-Nov) to do the Annapurna Circuit. I have a lot of information on the side trips I want to do (Nar Phu, TTL, Gangapurna Glacier, Milarepa Cave, and Base Camp) and wanted to have my itinerary checked to see if it makes sense/is missing anything. Everything, of course, is subject to change based on the weather or how I'm feeling. I just wanted to have a rough idea of what my day-to-day will look like.

Feel free to share whatever info you have about the circuit and its side treks. Does anyone have input on the best 3-4 day itinerary for TTL? All feedback is welcome, thanks!

Day 1: Arrive in Kathmandu, chill
Day 2: Kathmandu, trek prep
Day 3: Kathmandu, trek prep/chill
Day 4: Kathmandu to Besishar
Day 5: Besishar to Bhulbule
Day 6: Bhulbule to Jagat
Day 7: Jagat to Tal
Day 8: Tal to Bagarchhap
Day 9: Bagarchhap to Koto
Day 9: Koto to Meta (Nar Phu)
Day 10: Meta to Phugon (Nar Phu)
Day 11: Phugon (Nar Phu)
Day 12: Phugon to Nar Phedi (Nar Phu)
Day 13: Nar Phedi to Nar (Nar Phu)
Day 14: Nar (Nar Phu)
Day 15: Nar to Ngwal (via Kang La)
Day 16: Ngwal to Manang
Day 17: Manang (Milarepa Cave)
Day 18: Manang (Gangapurna Glacier/Lake)
Day 19: Manang to Shree Kharka
Day 20: Shree Kharka to Tilicho Base Camp
Day 21: Tilicho Lake
Day 22: Shree Kharka to Manang
Day 23: Manang to Ledar
Day 24: Ledar to Thorang Phedi
Day 25: Thorong Phedi to Muktinath (via Thorong La)
Day 26: Mukinath (Mukinath/Dzong)
Day 27: Mukinath to Kagbeni
Day 28: Kagbeni
Day 29: Kagbeni to Tukuche
Day 30: Tukuche to Ghasa
Day 31: Ghasa to Tatopani
Day 32: Tatopani to Ghorepani
Day 33: Ghorepani to Tadapani
Day 34: Tadapani to Chomrong (ABC)
Day 35: Chomrong to Dovan (ABC)
Day 36: Dovan to Machapuchare Base Camp (ABC)
Day 37: MBC to Annapurna Base Camp (ABC)
Day 38: ABC to Bamboo (ABC)
Day 39: Bamboo to Jhinu Danda (via Chomrong, visit hotsprings)
Day 40: Jhinu Danda to Pothana (via Landruk)
Day 41: Pothana (Kande, drive to Pokhara)
Day 42: Pokhara to Kathmandu

Some thoughts:

day 4: Bhulbhule is now the "standard" start point, buses from KTM get there in the afternoon.
Days 5-9: this can be done in a day less if you feel like it.
Day 9: long day for many, there is also the question of acclimatisation, Meta is at almost 4000m!!!
Day10: Too long, acclimatisation problems, Phugaon is at 4100m
Day 15: Too long, you should hike to Kang La Phedi on day 14 afternoon, makes next day 3 hours shorter
Day 19: Possible to go to Tilicho BC at one go
Day 22: Why would you want to go to Manang again? There is a good trail to Throng Phedi.
Day 23: why do you need extra acclimatisation in Ledar, when you already have spent considerable time at the same and higher altitudes, even above 5000m????? Shree Kharka to Throng Pheid is a normal day, as is Manang to Throng Phedi. If no need to acclimate, no need to stop in between.
Day 29: go to Marpha, just about the best village (after Kagbeni) on the whole circuit
Days 33-37: as you are already trail hardened and well acclimatised, you are likely to be able to do this faster.

I suppose you know that Naar-Pho visit requires 2 trekkers, guide and restricted area permits?

Agree with Petrus re Nar-Phu section. Unless you are already acclimatized, you will have to consider extra nights and camping.

Thank you both for the information.

Additional question: I've considered doing a side trip to the Dhaulagiri Icefalls. Would it be possible to hire a trustworthy porter in Larjung to make the trip go more smoothly?

You might find a porter in Larjung. Depends if anyone is looking for a little work. Would possibly be easier in Marpha or Tukuche.

Your question brings up the larger question (asked by Petrus, but you did not respond) : You do know that you must go through a registered agency and guide, have 2 trekkers registered and get restricted area permits for Nar-Phu - - right?

Yes, this is not new information to me. Your concern is appreciated.

Would you have any specific recommendations in regards to organising a porter for the Icefalls?

Hi i shall be starting the AC on the 29th Oct

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