Today is a free day in Kathmandu, dedicated to preparing for the upcoming Manaslu Circuit Trek. You can use this time to rest, check your trekking gear, or explore the bustling streets of Thamel, the city’s lively tourist district.

For those interested, we can also arrange an optional guided cultural tour of Kathmandu Valley (extra cost), including transport, entrance fees, and lunch. Possible highlights include Pashupatinath Temple, Boudhanath Stupa, and Kathmandu Durbar Square, all UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

After breakfast, we leave Kathmandu and follow the Trisuli River, later entering the picturesque valley of the Dhorandi Khola. A full-day drive of about 7 hours (175 km) brings us to Barpak, a traditional Gurung village surrounded by terraced fields. Unlike the common starting point in Arughat, we begin our Manaslu Circuit trek from Barpak to enjoy a quieter and more authentic route.

Over the next two days, we pass through untouched Gurung villages such as Laprak and Singla, walking amidst beautiful rice terraces that shape the rolling middle hills of Nepal. This alternative approach offers a cultural immersion far from the busier trails, making the journey even more rewarding.

• Transport time: approx. 7 hours (175 km)

• Accommodation: Lodge in Barpak

Today’s trek takes us along a peaceful forest trail, gradually climbing to Pushu Danda (3,000m). From the ridge, we are rewarded with breathtaking views of Buddha Himal (6,672m) and the towering peaks of the Ganesh Himal range (over 7,100m).

After enjoying the panoramic scenery, we descend through terraced fields and small paths to reach Laprak, a truly authentic Gurung village. Walking between the traditional stone houses, we are warmly welcomed by the locals. In the evening, we share a cultural celebration with the women’s group of the village, offering a genuine immersion into rural Himalayan life.

• Trekking time: approx. 5 hours

• Elevation gain/loss: +900m / -800m

• Accommodation: Lodge in Laprak

We begin the day with a short descent to the Machha Khola River, followed by a gentle climb along balcony trails leading towards Singla. From here, the views are simply stunning: Laprak and Gumda villages cling to the mountainsides, surrounded by endless rice terraces that shape the hills of Nepal.

At Singla, we once again enjoy striking vistas of the mighty Ganesh Himal massif before starting our long descent towards Khorlabesi (970m). Here, we reconnect with the classic Manaslu Circuit trekking route, merging back with the main trail.

• Trekking time: 6–7 hours

• Elevation gain/loss: +450m / -1,300m

• Accommodation: Lodge in Khorlabesi

Leaving Khorlabesi, we follow the river valley where cultivated fields gradually disappear as the slopes become too steep for farming. The trail takes us alongside the river, wedged dramatically between cliffs, until we reach the Tatopani hot springs, where trekkers can relax and soak their tired muscles.

Crossing a suspension bridge, we enter a dense forest before following the roaring river, which carves its way through massive boulders and narrow gorges. Passing through Nero, a section with towering rocky cliffs, the path continues until we reach Jagat (or Salleri, 1,430m), a picturesque stone village marking the entrance to the restricted Manaslu Conservation Area.

• Trekking time: approx. 6 hours

• Elevation gain/loss: +700m / -260m

• Accommodation: Lodge in Jagat or Salleri

We leave Jagat, a picturesque stone village that marks the entrance into the higher valleys of the Manaslu Circuit trek. Soon, the striking Shringi Himal (7,187m) rises in front of us, announcing the grandeur of the Himalayan landscapes ahead.

After a scenic walk, we stop for lunch at Eclebati (1,700m) before continuing into a dramatic gorge where the valley narrows, and the scenery turns alpine. The trail winds through beautiful pine forests and follows a spectacular balcony path carved directly into the cliffside, overlooking deep drops below.

We pass the traditional Gurung village of Nyak, with splendid views of the Ganesh Himal range and Himal Chuli (7,893m), before finally reaching Dyang (1,800m) for the night.

• Trekking time: approx. 7 hours

• Elevation gain/loss: +780m / -220m

• Accommodation: Lodge in Dyang

The day begins with a short descent to cross a bridge before climbing gradually towards Rana (2,000m) and then to Bihi, a charming village with impressive long Mani walls reflecting Tibetan Buddhist culture.

The trail continues through a dramatic landscape near Suksam, where we pass under towering giant spruce trees. On the opposite side of the river, lucky trekkers may spot macaques or even blue sheep roaming the wild slopes.

A steep forested ascent leads us to the traditional village of Namrung (2,660m). After settling into the lodge, we can stroll through its narrow alleys and visit the small monastery, a window into the spiritual life of the high valleys.

• Trekking time: approx. 5 hours

• Elevation gain/loss: +910m / -270m

• Accommodation: Lodge in Namrung

The trail leaves Namrung and crosses the wide plain of Bengsam, offering the very first clear views of Mount Manaslu (8,163m). We continue through traditional Tibetan-style villages such as Lhi and Lho Gaon, where prayer flags, chortens, and Mani walls reflect the rich Buddhist culture of the region.

Beyond Lho, the path enters deep gorges before a steep climb leads us to Shya Gaon (Shyala, 3,520m). Here, rustic lodges sit at the foot of the great Himalayan peaks, with panoramic views of the Manaslu massif, Himal Chuli, and the cirque of Pungyen. This is one of the most spectacular settings of the trek, surrounded by towering snow-capped mountains.

• Trekking time: approx. 6 hours

• Elevation gain/loss: +1,125m / -300m

• Accommodation: Lodge in Shyala

From Shyala, it takes about 2 hours to reach Sama Gompa, but an excellent alternative is a rewarding excursion to the foot of the Pungyen Glacier and the Ramanan Kharka cirque (4,300m). On clear days, this is one of the most unforgettable experiences of the Manaslu Circuit trek: a dazzling amphitheater of ice and rock at the base of towering peaks such as Peak 29, Mount Manaslu, and Himal Chuli.

After exploring the glacier valley, the trail descends into the scenic Sama Valley, home to the traditional Tibetan-style village of Sama Gaon (3,530m). Here, we settle into a lodge or homestay, experiencing the warm hospitality of the locals in this cultural gem of the Himalayas.

• Trekking time: variable (approx. 4–6 hours depending on excursion)

• Elevation gain/loss: +980m / -560m

• Accommodation: Lodge or homestay in Sama Gaon

Today is an important acclimatization day in Sama Gaon (3,530m) to prepare for the higher altitudes of the Larkya La Pass. Trekkers have two choices:

• Option 1: A full rest day to relax, explore the village, and enjoy the cultural atmosphere of Sama Gompa.

• Option 2: A rewarding side trip to Birendra Lake and even further up towards the Manaslu Base Camp (4,800m). This hike offers magnificent views of Manaslu’s glaciers and surrounding Himalayan peaks.

The excursion takes about 2–3 hours round trip for Birendra Lake (longer if continuing to Base Camp). We return to Sama Gaon for the night.

• Trekking time: 2–3 hours (optional, longer if extending)

• Accommodation: Lodge in Sama Gaon

After breakfast in Sama Gaon, we continue towards the traditional Tibetan village of Samdo (3,800m), the last settlement before the Larkya La Pass. The walk takes us through Sama Gompa, with a backdrop of the dramatic north face of Pan Phuchi Himal.

Samdo is a fascinating and remote village, just a few hours from the Lajyang Pass (4,998m), a historic trade route once used by Tibetan merchants and their yak caravans. The location feels incredibly isolated yet culturally rich, offering a unique insight into Himalayan life close to the border with Tibet.

• Trekking time: ~4 hours

• Accommodation: Lodge in Samdo

• Elevation gain/loss: +420m / -120m

Leaving Samdo, we steadily ascend towards Dharmasala (4,300m), entering a landscape of breathtaking high-altitude pastures where yaks graze under the shadow of the Himalayas. To the left, you’ll admire the impressive scenery of black glaciers and towering rock faces that define this remote region.

This is a shorter trekking day with around 4 hours of walking, giving you plenty of time to acclimatize before tackling the famous Larkya La Pass. The day ends with an overnight stay in a lodge at Dharmasala, the last settlement before the high pass.

• Trekking time: ~4 hours

• Accommodation: Lodge in Dharmasala

After an early breakfast at Dharmasala, we start our trek at 5:00 AM under the starry Himalayan sky, guided by our headlamps. As we ascend, the first light of dawn slowly reveals the surrounding snow-capped peaks, creating an unforgettable atmosphere.

The trail climbs steadily towards the legendary Larkya La Pass (5,135m), the highest point of the Manaslu Circuit Trek. From the summit, the panoramic views of Himlung Himal, Cheo Himal, Kang Guru, and Annapurna II are simply breathtaking.

From the pass, we begin a long descent on dry, rocky trails that eventually lead us to the beautiful valley of Bimtang (3,650m), where we spend the night in a cozy lodge.

• Trekking time: ~9 hours

• Accommodation: Lodge in Bimtang

• Elevation gain/loss: +760m / -1500m

After breakfast in Bimtang, we begin our descent through a spectacular change of scenery. The trail passes through rhododendron and pine forests, alpine meadows, and rivers flowing from the glaciers above. With every step, the landscape becomes greener and warmer as we leave the high mountains behind.

After around 5 to 6 hours of trekking, we reach the charming Gurung village of Tilje (2,300m). Here, we enjoy a comfortable evening in a local lodge, with meals included.

• Trekking time: 5–6 hours

• Accommodation: Lodge in Tilje

• Elevation change: descent from 3,650m to 2,300m

Today marks the end of the trekking section of the Manaslu Circuit. From Tilje, we take a jeep to Besisahar, followed by a comfortable private bus ride to Pokhara (6–7 hours), Nepal’s second most popular tourist city.

On the way, we stop for meals along the road before reaching the Lake Side district of Pokhara, famous for its vibrant atmosphere. After transferring to the hotel, you can relax and freshen up. In the evening, enjoy a leisurely walk around Phewa Lake, followed by dinner at a lakeside restaurant. Overnight stay in a comfortable hotel in Pokhara.

• Travel time: 6–7 hours (Jeep + Private Bus)

• Accommodation: Hotel in Pokhara (Lake Side)

• Activities: Evening walk around Phewa Lake, free time in Pokhara

Enjoy a peaceful morning in Pokhara, with time to relax or stroll around Phewa Lake before heading to the airport. In the afternoon, take a short 25-minute scenic flight to Kathmandu, offering stunning aerial views of the Himalayas.

Upon arrival in Kathmandu, transfer to your hotel in Thamel, the lively tourist district of the capital. After check-in, the evening is free for you to enjoy shopping, explore the narrow streets of Thamel, or simply relax before your departure.

• Flight duration: 25 minutes (Pokhara – Kathmandu)

• Accommodation: Hotel in Thamel, Kathmandu

• Activities: Morning in Pokhara, evening free in Kathmandu

Today, we’ll transfer you to Kathmandu Airport for your departure flight. As you prepare to board, take a quiet moment to reflect on the many wonders experienced during this unforgettable journey — from the towering Himalayan peaks to the warmth of the Nepali people.

Each smile shared, each breathtaking view, and each cultural encounter is a treasure you carry home. Let the unique spirit of Nepal linger in your heart, inspiring dreams of future adventures in faraway places.

Until we meet again — safe travels and may the road ahead be filled with discovery, joy, and new horizons.