Arrival in KATHMANDU (1300m/4265ft)

Kathmandu - Upon arrival at Kathmandu International Airport, a warm welcome awaits from our representative, followed by a hotel check-in. The remainder of the day is yours to explore this historic and lively city. Overnight stay at the hotel. Meals: None

Acclimatization in Kathmandu - City Tour

Kathmandu - After breakfast, a trip orientation meeting will be held, followed by a full-day guided tour of the Kathmandu valley. As the historical and cultural heart of Nepal, Kathmandu is a favored destination for tourists, trekkers, and adventure enthusiasts. The city offers a fascinating blend of Hinduism, Tibetan Buddhism, and Western influences. The tour includes the stunning Newari architecture of the old palace at Kathmandu Durbar Square, the massive Boudhanath Stupa, Swayambhunath Stupa, and Nepal’s most significant Hindu temple, Pashupatinath, located on the banks of the holy Bagmati River. This day is also perfect for last-minute shopping. Overnight stay at the hotel. Meals: Breakfast, Welcome Dinner

Drive to ARUGHAT Bazar (600m/1969ft)

Aarughat - Travel to Arughat Bazar, a bustling market town divided by the Buri Gandaki River. Overnight stay at a tented camp. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Trek to SOTI KHOLA (710m/2330ft) 5-6 hours/220m ascent, 110m descent

Soti Khola - The trek begins from Arughat, heading west across the bridge over the Buri Gandaki. Pass by the stone buildings of the hydroelectric power plant and walk through rice and millet fields to Maltar. Continue trekking through monkey-filled forests to Sante Bazar, with views of Sringi Himal (7187m) up the valley. The trail becomes more challenging as it crosses the Arkhet Khola on a suspension bridge, passing through Arkhet (760m) to a stone-paved trail that climbs through fields and descends to a high, cascading waterfall. A long, steep climb up a ridge leads to Kyopani, a small Magar and Gurung village at 820m. From here, the trail descends to Soti Khola, where there is a good swimming hole and waterfalls. Overnight stay at a tented camp. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Trek to MACHHA KHOLA (900m/2953ft)

Mount Manaslu - Cross the bridge and journey through beautiful sal forests, climbing onto a ridge above high rapids on the Buri Gandaki. The route becomes more precarious as it passes over a large rock and crosses a stream, with a few ups and downs past two tropical waterfalls on a steep, rocky trail. Descend past a few rice terraces to reach the Gurung village of Labubesi (880m). Drop to a sandy riverbed at 860m, walk along rounded stones, climb about 110m over a side ridge, then head down again to the river and traverse to the village of Maccha Khola. Overnight stay at a tented camp. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Trek to JAGAT (1410m/4626ft)

Mount Manaslu - The trail crosses the Tharo Khola, flowing in a rocky ravine, and reaches Khorlabesi, with fields of tobacco, wheat, and buckwheat. The valley is steep, and the trail climbs over a small ridge, descending and climbing steeply again. After more ups and downs, reach a small trailside hot spring, leading to Tatopani (930m). From here, the trail climbs over another ridge, crosses the Buri Gandaki on a suspension bridge, and climbs a staircase to a landslide. Over a ridge, reach the village of Doban (1000m). Cross a long suspension bridge and a large landslide to find a ridge from where the trail descends to Yaru Khola (1330m). Cross a 93m long suspension bridge over Yaru Khola, and after ups and downs of stone stairs, reach Tharo Bhanjyang. Cross the west bank of the Buri Gandaki, climb over a ridge, trek along the river, and climb to the compact village of Jagat. Overnight stay at a tented camp. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Trek to EKLE BHATTI (1600m/5250ft) 4-5 hours, 270m ascent

Mount Manaslu - From Jagat, travel upstream, cross the suspension bridge, and climb over a ridge to the settlement of Salleri (1440m). Continue up along the side of a cliff with good views of Sringi Himal. The trail descends to Setibas (1430m), where a decrepit stone kani and several mani walls indicate entering a region of Tibetan influence, though the people are still Gurungs. The trail continues up to the stone houses of Ghatta Khola, crosses the bridge, and climbs to the large Gurung village of Philim (1590m) with corn and millet fields. The trail turns north and stays fairly level as it traverses millet fields to Ekle Bhatti. Overnight stay at a tented camp. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Trek to DENG (1800m/5906ft) 3-4 hours; 280m ascent, 80m descent

Mount Manaslu - Beyond Ekle Bhatti, the route enters a steep, uninhabited gorge. Cross grassy slopes dotted with pine trees, then the blue metal bridge over the Buri Gandaki River. Trek along riverbanks, climb over ridges, and descend to the river. The trail leads to a pleasant walk through bamboo forests to the Deng Khola, finally reaching the Gurung village of Deng. Overnight stay at a tented camp. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Trek to GHAP (2160m/7087ft) 3-4 hours; 420m ascent, 120m descent

Mount Manaslu - Recross the Buri Gandaki to reach the north bank and climb to Rana (1980m). Climb steps past a waterfall, cross two streams, and the trail darts in and out of two ravines, climbing high above the river before dropping into the Sringi valley. Cross the Sringi Khola at 1990m on a unique suspension bridge, then climb steeply and traverse above the Buri Gandaki, where it flows between vertical rock walls. The trail makes more ups and downs in forests, passing a mani wall, then turns a corner and contours to Ghap. The mani wall in Ghap features elegant carvings depicting the Buddha in various meditative poses and the Tibetan saint Milarepa. Overnight stay at a tented camp. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Trek to LHOGAON (3180m/10434ft) 6-7 hours; 1290m ascent, 210m descent

Mount Manaslu - The route cuts across fields, heads into the woods, and passes three streams in a forest of large firs alive with birds, including Nepal’s national bird, the Danphe. On the north side of the river is the Tom Khola, flowing in a deep gorge from Tibet. Climb alongside the river past two long mani walls to a waterfall, then climb over a large rock to avoid a big mud hole, continuing up through deep forests of fir and rhododendron. In the middle of the forest is a wooden bridge spanning the Buri Gandaki at 2240m, crossing which is made more exciting by mist rising from the valley and the lack of handrails on the bridge. The trail leads to a large rock cave and crosses the river again on another wooden bridge at 2510m under the watchful eyes of a tribe of grey langur monkeys. Now the trail takes a long, serious climb through bamboo and rhododendron forests, finally entering Namrung (2660m) through a stone archway. Beyond Namrung, the trek enters upper Nupri, where the dialect changes to a form of Tibetan, and people dress in Tibetan-style wraparound cloaks. Climb past mani walls and fields to reach Basram, then up through forests of firs, rhododendrons, and oaks to a promontory. The trail passes through a stone arch and wheat fields to reach Lihi (2900m). From here, make a long sweep into a wooded canyon and cross the Hinan Khola on a double-span cantilever bridge to reach Sho (2960m). The views now become spectacular. Manaslu, Manaslu North (7157m), and Naike Peak (5515m) appear at the head of the valley. The trail crosses a small ravine and wheat fields to reach a small settlement of Shrip, and climbing past a small stream, reach the large village of Lhogaon with a gompa and spectacular views of Manaslu. Overnight stay at a tented camp. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Trek to SAMAGAON (3530m/11582ft)

Mount Manaslu - Descend and cross the bridge of Damonan Khola, then ascend again. From here, take the right-hand trail that follows the north fork of the stream for a long distance through damp forests on either muddy or icy ground, finally reaching a plateau at Shyaula (3520m) with a wide vista of Himalchuli (7893m), Ngadi Chuli (7879m), and Manaslu. Cross the desolate area of acres of blackened tree stumps, cross a ridge, and trek in and out of the canyon of the Thosang Khola. Descend onto a rock-strewn moraine and cross through boulders and fields to reach Samagaon, which has a large village gompa, and the only crops grown are potatoes and barley. Overnight stay at a tented camp. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Trek to SAMDO (3860m/12665ft)

Mount Manaslu - Walking west beside the stream, head for the Kargyu Chholing Gompa, climbing up to many buildings and residences. This is a Nyingma gompa with eight separate temple buildings, the largest being Pemba Chholing Gompa, which houses a large statue of Guru Rinpoche. The Larkya La trail passes through several mani walls and juniper and birch forests, reaching the stone huts at Kermo Kharka. The trail becomes rougher as it reaches a ridge where yak trains have turned the trail into mush. Descend off the shelf, cross the Buri Gandaki on a wooden bridge, and climb steeply between two forks of the river. Passing through kani, reach Samdo, nestled behind a ridge. Overnight stay at a tented camp. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Trek to LARKYA PHEDI (4480m/14699ft) 3-4 hours; 630m ascent

Mount Manaslu - From Samdo, descend on a wide, gentle trail past many fields to a large mani wall and stone archway, crossing a wooden bridge at 3850m. A fine, old mani wall marks the start of the climb to Larkya La. Climb gently through tundra and juniper opposite the massive Larkya Glacier that descends from Manaslu North. Staying high on the ridge to the right, find a trail that crosses the top of two large ravines, where the trail becomes steeper and climbs the side of a ridge to about 4000m, where there is a viewpoint at the edge of a huge gorge. Climb in and out of the gorge and contour to the only shelter on the route before the pass, Larkya Rest House at Larkya Phedi. Overnight stay at a tented camp. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Trek to LARKYA PASS (5100m/16733ft); Down to BIMTANG (3720m/12205ft) 7-9 hours, 810m ascent, 1570m descent

Mount Manaslu - Start early in the morning for a long, gentle climb beside a moraine. Cross a small ridge, descend to a lake, and continue climbing the ridge until reaching the top of the moraine at 4690m. Cross rough and indistinct steep and grassy slopes, descend to four frozen lakes, then make the final steep climb to the Larkya La, where the views are breathtaking. The peaks to the west of the pass include Himlung Himal (7126m), Cheo Himal (6820m), Gyaji Kung (7030m), Kang Guru (6981m), and Annapurna II (7937m). Begin the descent along the top of a moraine to the west, then drop steeply and traverse scree slopes to a long set of steep, rough switchbacks. If there is snow, a rope may be needed on the steepest stretch. Once off the top, the trail crosses the moraine and descends more gently to a final long, steep, slippery descent on loose gravel to Taubuche (4450m). From here, the easy trail descends through grassy moraine to a small meadow and a spring at 4080m. The trail turns a corner, the valley widens, and the trail heads down to a large meadow and a mani wall at Bimtang, a vast valley surrounded by high peaks where avalanches may be heard during the night. Overnight stay at a tented camp. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Trek down to TILJE (2300m/7546ft)

Mount Manaslu - The trail descends from Bimtang, crossing a glacial stream, the headwaters of the Dudh Khola, on a wooden bridge. Climb over the side of the moraine and descend into a beautiful pine and rhododendron forest to Hompuk (3430m). The trail descends, switchbacking down to a fork of the Dudh Khola, then follows the river through forests to a herder’s hut at 3030m, finally reaching Karache (2700m). Cross fields to make a steep climb over a decorated ridge, while the river loops around in an “S” shape below, reaching the village of Gho (2560m). The trail continues through fields, over a clear stream, and through rhododendron and oak forests, staying on the north bank of the Dukh Khola. Climb over a small ridge to reach the large Gurung village of Tilje. Overnight stay at a tented camp. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Trek down to SYANGE (1080m/3543ft)

Mount Manaslu - Depart the village through a stone arch, cross the Dudh Khola, and trek along the river embankment. As the trail descends through scrub forests, the wall of the Marsyangdi Valley looms larger. Cross a wooden bridge back to the northern side of the Dudh Khola at 1930m, climb up through an arch and mani wall to reach the village of Thonje. Turn left, cross a long suspension bridge over the Marsyangdi River to reach Dharapani (1920m), then descend to another village, Karte (1850m). Descend past fields and stands of bamboo and rhododendrons to reach Chamje (1410m), then move downhill again to reach the village of Jagat, and finally arrive at Syange. Overnight stay at a tented camp. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Trek down to BHULBULE (840m/2756ft) 4-5 hours; 250m ascent, 490m descent

Lamjung - Descend downhill, following the Marsyangdi Khola south into villages with rice terraces, reaching Bhulbule after crossing the Brahmin settlement of Bahundanda (1270m), an attractive village on the saddle of a long ridge, and Ngadi (900m). Overnight stay at a tented camp. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Drive back to KATHMANDU

Kathmandu - From Bhulbule, drive back to Kathmandu. This leisure day can be spent buying gifts and souvenirs for friends and family. In the evening, join a FAREWELL event to review great photos and share experiences of the trip. Overnight stay at the hotel. Meals: Breakfast, Farewell Dinner

Fly back HOME or extend your HOLIDAYS

Kathmandu - For those wishing to extend their stay, short tours such as game drives at national parks, rafting, mountain biking, or tours to Tibet, India, or Bhutan can be arranged. Meals: Breakfast

• Private transportation including Kathmandu to Arughat Bazzar and Besishar to Kathmandu, as well as city tours
• Down Jacket and Sleeping Bag provided for trek (to return post-trek)
• Experienced English-speaking Trekking Guide and Porter support (2 Trekkers=1 Porter)
• Welcome and Farewell Meals, plus daily breakfasts while in Kathmandu
• 15 Nights in Tea House/Basis Guest House accommodations during the trek
• All meals covered during trek, including Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner and Tea/Coffee
• Driver services including salary, meals, accommodation, fuel, road taxes, and parking fees
• National Park Permit, TIMS, and Manaslu Special Permit included
• ACH Kitbag and T-shirt provided
• All costs for guide and porter covered including salary, food, insurance, and lodging
• 3 Nights in 3* Kathmandu accommodation with breakfast
• Complimentary airport/hotel transfers in private car/van

• Nepal entry visa fees.
• Bar bills, laundry and other expenses of personal nature.
• Travel insurance including evacuation and International Flight
• Lunch and dinners in Kathmandu except welcome and farewell meals
• Tips for local staffs, guides and porters.
• Desserts, Hot Water, Hot Shower, Mineral Water, Wi-Fi,
• Entrance Fees in Kathmandu.

Mountain
Culture
Nature
History

The strenuous trek around 8156m Manaslu, the world’s eighth highest peak, is both geographically stunning and culturally enriching, having been opened to travelers in 1991. The Larkya La pass at an altitude of 5100m, while not overly challenging to traverse, makes the circuit around Manaslu more demanding than most treks. In numerous areas, the Buri Gandaki Valley’s walls are nearly vertical, requiring extensive detours with excessive ascents and descents across ridges or around cliffs. The pathway is also rugged and precipitous, frequently clinging precariously to cliffs far above the river. Therefore, this circuit is not recommended for those with even a mild fear of heights. A majority of the journey circumnavigating Manaslu lies within a domain heavily influenced by Tibetan culture, with local inhabitants being the descendants of Tibetan settlers from the early 17th century.

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.