With the building of roads throughout this area there are now big changes to this trek. The 'gravel road' on both sides of the Thorung La is capable of carrying a range of vehicles including vans, trucks, motorbikes, minibuses, jeeps, and large 4x4s and this will change the way many people view this trek in the future.

At Besi Sahar, the usual starting point of the trek, and where the tarmac road ends, in spring 2010 the gravel road now continues beyond Syange and is under construction to continue on to Manang.

The road will end at Manang and various side treks and diversions are possible in the Pisang and Manang area - the more remote villages of Nar and Phu make an interesting alternative trek and can take a number of days.

On the west side of Thorung La it is now possible to travel on the road all the way to Muktinath from Pokhara. (or Kathmandu but a vehicle change is necessary)

On both sides of the Thorung La there are sections where the road and original trail are on opposite sides of the river. This does however still cause a conflict of interests with locals and trekkers. While the locals see the road as an improvement to their lives and the ability to move goods etc. more easily, it is not conducive to trekkers having to use this for many days back to Pokhara.

 

In recent times development of new trails are being considered but this will take time to materialise. In some places other trails, less developed, are possible and our guides are looking at the use of these. Meanwhile we suggest that if clients wish to trek this area they trek in from the area of Besi Sahar, over the Thorang La to Jomsom, spend a day or so going to Kagbeni which is an interesting area, also to Marpha, and then fly from Jomsom to Pokhara and Kathmandu.

The above side treks and diversions can mean that a similar number of days may be required, as for the previous full circuit, even when flying out from Jomsom. Time in Pokhara is also a relaxing end to any trek.

Because of the continuing changes in this area please contact us for revised itinerary information.