Reading a lot oft the posting in Nepal boards, I realised that many people tend to have a pretty tight schedule when planning their Trek. Most plan less days than is suggested in the common trekking books. e.g. 14 days for AC. This is possible, when you see the trekking as a sportive event, but you will miss the most valuable things in Nepal, which is just enjoying being there with these friendly people. Till last year you needed a trekking permit. As people had to pay per week, most of the them took three weeks for AC just to realise in the last days, that they where running out of time. So they had to go faster than they would have liked to. This is not so much a question of fitness, after Thorong la your legs are very strong, but you can not take enough time to visit the beautiful villages, play with the children or just enjoy a half rest day.
On the AC, you needs a least 2 days for your laundry, on the lower parts, you can dry your clothes in the afternoon, but in the cold it isn’t possible anymore.
I just would like to mention some of the magic places, where it is really worth to spend some extra time.
High trail Pisang-Gyaru-Nagwal**
On this trail you will have splendid views on the Annapurna II and III. The trails is about 3700 m high, so its good for acclimatisation.
Extra time ~1/2 day.

Braga***:
One the most beautiful monasteries in the Himalayas, in November, the monks are away, and you have to wait till someone of the village comes with a key. Don’t miss it and take a torch with you, its really dark inside. Count 3 extra hours including the waiting.

Milarepas Gompa * it is a little bit south east from Braga in a side valley. Milarepa was a very famous monk and singer in nepal and Tibet and meditated in a cave. It must be a very peacful place and an excellent aclimatization sidetrek, as the Gomp ist about at 4000 m.

Tilicho Lake***:
Its a tree days side hike, but a wonderful experience and an ideal acclimatisation for Thorong la. From Khangsar you can easily go directly to Thorong Phedi in one day. 3 Days

Muktinath:***
Don’t miss the temple complex in Muktinath and have enough time to feel the spirit >2 hours . After crossing TL it is a good place for a rest day, visiting the monastery and the surrounding villages Purang and Chaingur. 1 Day

Jharkot*
another Tibetan style village, just 45 min from Muktinath Ranipauwa. From her you can make a wonderful day hike to Dzong, with a beautiful monastery an authentic village life. The people are still very religious and you have a fair chance to see some rituals 1 Day

Kagbeni:**
This is really the place one should not miss, The old part is build like a north african kasbah and you can have a look to Mustang. My favourite lodge of the whole circuit is there: The new Annapurna lodge is right in the old part. They have some special food and you can sit in the big kitchen and listen to the beautiful songs the girls are singing. Many people stay one ore more days in Kagbeni, even if they had not planed to go there before. 1 or 1/2 day

Marpha: **Go to the big rock stupa, there is a good view from there and walk trough the little whitewashed streets. 1/2 day

The villages Kobang and Larjung.*
you don’t need extra time, but it is much nicer to go trough this villages, than in the riverbed.

Tatopani**: Well, the hot springs a definitively worth a whole day.
Food is excellent over there. 1 Day

Gandrung, the old village**: unfortunately the main trekking path passes on the side of the old village. Have a look (ask for Snowland lodge) it is near there. There is a second old part near the ACAP office with a little museum. in the evening you will have splendid views. 2 extra hours

Ginu danda, Lying on the way between Chomrong and Landrung
The hot springs are smaller and not so hot than the ones in Tatopani. you have to walk about 30 min in a beautiful forest with monkeys and orchids flowers. 1/2 day

Annapurna Sanctuary***: This is one of the greatest mountain views on the world. The problem is, that you don’t see them in the clouds. Most of the time you will have a good view at sunrise. So plan at least on night over there. Coming up from MBC can be very disappointing when you are arriving together with the clouds. The best is to have one or two possible extra days, so that you could wait for a day with good view. (1-2 days)

You will love every extra day you have, there is so much to see and to experience.
I wish you a wonderful trekking days in Nepal
Andrées