Upon your arrival at the airport, our company representative will warmly greet you and ensure your smooth transfer to the hotel. It is at the hotel that you will have the pleasure of meeting our team. In the evening, around 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., we will organize a pre-trek briefing. This gathering provides an excellent opportunity to familiarize yourself with the other members of your group before we all proceed to enjoy a delightful dinner. The welcome dinner will feature authentic Nepalese cuisine and captivating cultural dance performances, immersing you in Nepal's rich cultural traditions.

Today, you will have the opportunity to explore Kathmandu with our experienced city tour guide. Our itinerary includes several remarkable sites:

• SWOYAMBHUNATH, also known as the Monkey Temple, is perched atop a hill and can be reached by climbing a long set of steps. From there, you can enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of Kathmandu.
• BOUDHANATH STUPA is adorned with traditional Gompas adorned with vibrant prayer flags. It serves as a focal point for Sherpas and Tibetans who partake in the spiritual practice of circumambulating the stupa (koras).
• PASHUPATINATH, a sacred Hindu temple, is situated on the banks of the Bagmati River and features Ghats where cremation ceremonies take place, offering a unique glimpse into Hindu rituals.
• KATHMANDU DURBAR SQUARE, one of the ancient capitals of the Kathmandu Valley, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This vibrant square showcases a harmonious fusion of Hindu and Buddhist temples, showcasing the rich cultural heritage of the region.

With our knowledgeable guide, you will gain insights into the historical, religious, and architectural significance of these iconic landmarks. Prepare to be captivated by Kathmandu's unique charm and spiritual ambiance.

After breakfast in Kathmandu, take a scenic drive of about 144 km to Gorkha Bazaar, which usually takes 5 to 7 hours by private vehicle depending upon the traffic. The drive goes west along the Prithvi Highway, following the sparkling Trishuli River and passing through towns like Naubise, Malekhu, and Mugling, before turning at Abu Khaireni for the final 24 km uphill drive to Gorkha. It’s best to leave around 8:00 AM to avoid traffic near Nagdhunga and have a relaxed journey. On arrival, visit Gorkha Durbar, a beautiful hilltop palace and temple at about 1,380 meters with stunning views of the Himalayas, including Manaslu. You can either climb about 1,500 stone steps (40–50 minutes) or drive to a rear access point and walk a short distance. The complex is open from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, but the hilltop is also great for sunset views. If you arrive earlier, you can explore the Gorkha Museum in the lower palace, which closes around 4:00 PM. Along the way, enjoy sparkling streams, winding riverbanks, and green landscapes, and at the hilltop, take in the unforgettable sunset and mountain views for a truly memorable experience.

After breakfast in Gorkha Bazaar, we begin the drive to Laprak, starting around 8:00 AM to enjoy clear weather and avoid afternoon fog. The road follows the scenic Daraudi River and, after about 12 km, turns off the highway toward Baluwa on the way to Bhachek, a green and peaceful place where you can stop for tea or lunch. From there, we continue to Barpak, a large and beautiful Gurung village at around 1,900 meters, known for its stone-roofed houses and as the epicenter of the 2015 earthquake. After Barpak, the road becomes rough and bumpy but very scenic, climbing uphill with views of Buddha Himal and Shringi Himal in the background. Within about an hour, we reach Momche Dada (2,950 meters), a high ridge between Barpak and Laprak offering wide mountain views, green hills, grazing sheep, and colorful rhododendron flowers in spring. From here, we descend to reach Laprak, where the new settlement built by the Non-Resident Nepali Association features rows of identical houses. The total distance is about 75 km, and the journey takes around 4 to 6 hours depending on road and weather conditions, with terrain ranging from blacktop roads to rough gravel and steep dirt tracks; after arrival, you can spend the afternoon exploring the village and enjoying its unique culture and murals.

After breakfast in Laprak, begin the trek east toward Machhakhola. The trail starts with gentle climbs and flat sections through terraced fields, passing through patches of rhododendron and community forests, and takes about three hours to reach Gumda, a large traditional hillside village with panoramic views of Buddha Himal and Shringi Himal behind you, and the deep Budhi Gandaki River valley opening ahead. After a short tea break or early lunch, the trail descends steeply through terraced millet and corn fields to smaller settlements like Yamgaun and then to Lapsibot, a charming village where the warmer climate is reflected in subtropical flora, including Lapsi and fruit trees. The final leg is a steep zig-zag down to the Budhi Gandaki River, crossing a suspension bridge or following a riverside trail, before arriving in Machhakhola at 930 meters, a bustling trekking hub with teahouses, electricity, and nearby hot springs (Tatopani). This off-the-beaten-path route offers an immersive cultural experience, stunning Himalayan views, and a rewarding but strenuous trek, so trekking poles, sturdy footwear, early starts, and sufficient water are strongly recommended.

After breakfast in Machhakhola, the trek begins along the banks of the Budhi Gandaki River, heading north and crossing the Machha Khola via a suspension bridge before reaching Khorlabesi (970 m), a charming Gurung village surrounded by coffee and tobacco plantations, where trekkers can enjoy fresh organic coffee and observe traditional rug weavers. The trail continues to Tatopani (990 m), about 1–1.5 hours from Machhakhola, named for its natural hot springs where visitors can wash their faces or soak their hands in the mineral-rich waters. Beyond Tatopani, the valley narrows dramatically, and the roaring river runs beneath cliffs as the trail climbs to Dobhan (1,070 m), a common lunch stop, with landslide-prone sections and cantilevered metal walkways rebuilt after the 2015 earthquake, providing breathtaking but challenging passage. In the afternoon, the trail opens into the wide, sandy riverbed of Yaruphant (1,170 m), dotted with corn and barley fields, before the final ascent to Jagat (1,340 m) via the long stone staircases of Thado Bharyang. Jagat, a clean, picturesque, stone-paved village, marks the entrance to the Manaslu Conservation Area and the restricted high-altitude zone, where trekkers present their Restricted Area and MCAP permits at the police checkpost and encounter the first significant Buddhist chortens, mani walls, and a culturally diverse community influenced by Gurung and Tamang traditions.

After breakfast in Jagat, a beautifully paved stone village and major administrative hub for MCAP permits, the trail descends to the riverbed and climbs a rocky ridge to Salleri (1,440 m), offering breathtaking views of Sringi Himal (7,161 m). From there, it descends to Sirdibas, a traditional village with its first stone chortens, and crosses a long suspension bridge into Philim (1,570 m), a vibrant Gurung village perched on a broad shelf, ideal for an early lunch or tea break. Leaving Philim, the route passes terraced millet fields and intersects the Tsum Valley junction before entering a steep, uninhabited gorge leading to Ekle Bhatti (1,600 m), also known as the “lonely teahouse,” where the trail hugs narrow cliffside ledges above the roaring Budhi Gandaki. The trail then descends to the riverbank, crossing the Budhi Gandaki multiple times, before entering cool, damp bamboo and rhododendron forests and passing through small settlements like Pewa/Nyatze. The day concludes with a steady climb past the Deng Khola river, arriving at Deng (1,860 m), a historic village nestled among cliffs and waterfalls, marking the end of a day rich in culture, dramatic scenery, and magnificent Himalayan views.

After breakfast in Deng, the trail descends from the Deng plateau toward the Budhi Gandaki River, crossing a large suspension bridge before a sharp climb to Rana (1,910 m), then heads west high above the river, crossing the Serang Khola where the valley narrows and the river thunders through a dramatic gorge. Approaching Bihi Phedi at mid-day, the landscape opens to reveal stone-masonry houses with flat roofs used for drying grain and hay, while the stretches between Bihi and Ghap are prone to landslides, requiring careful pacing. In the afternoon, the scenery becomes distinctly Tibetan, with some of the trek’s most intricate Mani walls—long stone structures engraved with the mantra "Om Mani Padme Hum"—and trekkers can optionally detour to Prok village on a high plateau across the river for stunning views of Siringi Himal (7,161 m) and an authentic, secluded community experience. Ghap (2,165 m), the unofficial entrance to the Nubri region, is a scenic, historically significant village nestled among temperate and sub-alpine forests of firs and rhododendrons, renowned for centuries-old bridge carvings, Mani stones, wooden houses, and traditional architecture. The trek from Deng to Ghap is a moderate, culturally rich journey that combines river crossings, forested ridges, cliffside paths, waterfalls, and wildlife sightings of Himalayan langurs and Danphe, offering crisp mountain air, glimpses of Shringi and Kutung Himal, and opportunities for early lunch, monastery visits, or optional acclimatization hikes, while hikers are advised to stay on the wall side when passing mule or yak trains.

After breakfast in Ghap, the trail enters a dense, primeval forest often considered one of the most beautiful stretches in Nepal, with massive fir, hemlock, and oak trees draped in moss and gray lichens, while spring rhododendrons add bursts of color. Trekkers cross the roaring turquoise Budhi Gandaki River several times on high suspension bridges and may spot Himalayan langurs swinging through the treetops or the colorful Danphe, Nepal’s national bird. A steep, zig-zag climb leads to the plateau village of Namrung (2,660 m), which features an ACAP and police permit checkpoint, modern lodges, and stunning views of Sringi Himal and Ganesh Himal, making it an ideal lunch stop. Beyond Namrung, the valley opens into Upper Nubri, transitioning from a narrow “V-shaped” gorge to a wide glacial “U-shaped” valley, passing Lihi Village (2,900 m) with its flat-roofed stone houses, terraced barley and buckwheat fields, Tibetan-style Chuba dress, and beautifully painted Mani walls and Chortens that trekkers should always pass on the left. Continuing through Sho (3,000 m), where Manaslu and Manaslu North first appear, the trail ascends steadily to Lho (3,180 m), perched beneath Ribung Gompa, which houses around 150 monks and serves as the spiritual heart of the valley. Lho offers iconic sunrise and sunset views of Manaslu, Tibetan-style architecture, and golden monastery rooftops. As the trail rises above 3,000 meters, trekkers should pace themselves, stay hydrated, and follow the wallside rule when passing mule or yak trains, while enjoying dense pine and bamboo forests, mani walls, and shifting forest light, making this day one of the most scenic and culturally rich highlights of the Manaslu Circuit.

In the morning, it is highly recommended to hike up to Ribung Gompa before leaving Lho, one of the most famous viewpoints on the circuit, where Manaslu rises dramatically behind the monastery’s golden pinnacles. After visiting the Gompa, the trail descends through forests of blue pine and rhododendron, crosses a stream, and climbs toward the plateau of Shyala (3,500 m), often considered the most beautiful village on the trek, offering 360-degree views of surrounding giants including Himal Chuli, Peak 29 (Ngadi Chuli), Manaslu, and Naike Peak, as the valley opens from a narrow “V” into a wide glacial “U” shape. From Shyala, the trail continues through alpine scrub and juniper, passing Pungyen Gompa (4,050 m) and a high plateau beneath Manaslu’s East Face with awe-inspiring glaciers and icefalls, before descending gently toward Samagaon (3,530 m). The final approach crosses windswept valley floors and expansive barley and potato fields fenced to keep out yaks, leading to the largest village in the region, a cultural heart of the Nubri area with traditional stone houses, long Mani walls, fluttering prayer flags, and the large “Kani” entrance gate, which trekkers should always pass on the left, creating a vibrant, spiritual mountain village that combines breathtaking scenery, high-altitude alpine landscapes, and rich cultural experiences.

From Samagaun, trekkers can enjoy a memorable acclimatization day that combines a visit to Birendra Lake and Manaslu Base Camp. The day begins early in the morning with a relatively easy 45-minute walk to Birendra Tal (3,690 m). This stunning turquoise glacial lake reflects the towering peak of Manaslu on calm mornings, making it a breathtaking sight. After taking in the views, the trail continues steeply uphill for a more challenging ascent to Manaslu Base Camp (4,800 m). The path winds across rocky slopes and grassy ridges, transitioning from alpine moraine to bare rock and ice. Along the way, trekkers are treated to close-up views of the glaciers and, during the spring season, a bustling tent city of climbers at Base Camp. After enjoying a packed lunch at Base Camp, the descent back to Samagaun takes about 2–3 hours, requiring careful footing to protect the knees, along with trekking poles for support. This combined trek offers both the serene beauty of Birendra Lake and the exhilarating experience of standing at the foot of the world’s eighth-highest mountain, all in one rewarding day.

After breakfast in Samagaon, the trail passes long Mani walls inscribed with Buddhist prayers and winds through alpine pastures where locals graze yaks and tend high-altitude crops, crossing a wide, flat valley where the Budhi Gandaki narrows to a mountain stream and passing the old site of Larkya Bazaar, once a trading hub for Tibetan and Nepalese merchants. The path climbs gently alongside the river, crossing a wooden bridge over a side stream before a steep 20–30-minute ascent onto a “shelf” above the river, with final views of the Manaslu Glacier and peak, and the last stunted birch and juniper giving way to alpine tundra. The trail culminates at Samdo (3,900 m), a striking Tibetan-influenced village of dry-laid stone houses used for drying yak dung and barley, inhabited by descendants of Tibetan refugees, where visitors can see yak herding and wool spinning and hear monks chanting from the small monastery perched above the village. Samdo serves as a gateway to the Tibetan Plateau and the historic salt-trade route, and arriving early allows for acclimatization hikes—following the “climb high, sleep low” principle—such as a short trek up the ridge toward Samdo Ri (5,177 m) for panoramic views of Larkya La and Mount Manaslu. Trekkers are advised to stay hydrated, follow the wall-side rule when encountering yak caravans, and take short acclimatization walks above the village to prepare for the high passes ahead.

After breakfast in Samdo, the trail begins with a slight descent to cross a wooden bridge over the Budhi Gandaki River before starting the steady climb into the high alpine zone above the tree line, where the landscape becomes stark, rugged, and dramatic. Along the way, trekkers pass the ruins of Larkya Bazaar, a seasonal high-altitude market where Tibetans once traded salt and wool for grain, offering a haunting glimpse of history and a sense of approaching the pass. The trail then winds northwest along the lateral moraine of the Larkya Glacier, with the massive glacier wall to the left, passing large mani walls and seasonal yak pastures before entering the barren “dead zone” of grey scree, rocks, and moraine. This section culminates at Dharamshala (Larkya Phedi, 4,460 m), a high-altitude base consisting of basic stone huts and seasonal tented camps, serving as a crucial resting point for acclimatization before the Larkya La Pass. Temperatures drop sharply after sunset, and high-altitude insomnia is common, so trekkers are advised to rest in the afternoon, hydrate with at least four liters of water, monitor oxygen saturation, and prepare gear, water bottles, batteries, and warm layers for the pre-dawn ascent to the pass at 5,106 m.

The day begins with a pre-dawn wake-up around 3:00–4:30 AM from Dharamshala, allowing trekkers to reach Larkya La before the strong late-morning winds and ensuring enough daylight for the long descent. Walking by headlamp in sub-zero temperatures (–10°C to –15°C), the trail steadily ascends above Larke Phedi, following the lateral moraine of the Larkya Glacier, passing frozen alpine lakes and several deceptive “false summits” before the final steep 100-meter push to the pass. Reaching Larkya La at 5,106 m is an unforgettable experience, with panoramic views of Manaslu (8,163 m), Himlung Himal, Cheo Himal, Gyaji Kung, and Annapurna II, and the summit marked by mani stones and fluttering prayer flags, where trekkers often pause 15–20 minutes for photos, snacks, and to honor local customs. The descent to Bhimtang (3,590 m) is technically demanding, dropping roughly 1,500 meters over steep scree, icy slopes, and lateral moraines, requiring microspikes, trekking poles, careful pacing, and attention to knee stability. As the valley opens, alpine meadows and the blue-roofed lodges of Bhimtang appear like a welcoming oasis, offering warm meals, hot showers, and a chance to rest after 8–10 hours of trekking. Trekkers should hydrate frequently, carry pocket snacks, use the rest step for better oxygenation, and descend immediately if persistent altitude headaches occur, making Larkya La both the day’s ultimate reward and its most challenging section.

After breakfast in Bhimtang, the trek begins with a dramatic descent, offering one last breathtaking view of the north face of Mt. Manaslu, Phungi Himal, and Larkya Peak as the trail crosses the lateral moraine of the Bhimtang glacier and passes through Yak Kharka, a high-altitude pasture where yaks graze against a backdrop of icefalls. Descending below 3,000 meters, the barren landscape transforms into lush rhododendron, cedar, and oak forests, especially vibrant in spring when the blooms turn red and pink, while trekkers follow the milky waters of the Dudh Khola. Along the way, seasonal yak pastures and small settlements like Karche (2,700 m) provide stops for tea or a simple lunch, before the trail gradually levels out through terraced fields and crosses a wooden bridge into Gowa (2,515 m), a quiet village nestled in the forest. The lower altitude brings warmer temperatures, more comfortable teahouses, and easier breathing, with opportunities to spot wildlife such as langur monkeys and the Himalayan monal. Trekkers are advised to use trekking poles or knee support, dress in layers, and take precautions against leeches during the wet season. This section marks the end of the most physically demanding part of the circuit, leading to the serene and scenic village of Gowa.

After breakfast in Gowa, you begin a scenic descent through beautiful oak and rhododendron forests along the Dudh Khola, where the air feels warmer and richer in oxygen compared to the previous days. The well-defined trail passes through agricultural fields where locals grow potatoes and buckwheat, leading to Tilije at 2,300 m in about 1.5 hours—a traditional Gurung village known for its stone-paved streets, wooden carvings, and local tea stops, making it a perfect place for a short break. From Tilije, a short but steep descent takes you across a suspension bridge before reaching Dharapani 1,860 m, an important junction where the Dudh Khola meets the Marsyangdi River and the Manaslu Circuit joins the Annapurna Circuit; here, you must show your ACAP and TIMS permits at the police checkpoint, and it is also an ideal place for lunch with several well-equipped teahouses. After lunch, the trail continues south along the Marsyangdi River, passing through small settlements like Karte before entering a dramatic gorge with narrow cliffside paths and the roaring turquoise river below. The final 2-hour walk leads you to Tal, where the valley suddenly opens into a wide, flat sandy plain—once a lake bed, which gives the village its name, “Tal.” Arriving by mid-afternoon, you can enjoy one of the most photogenic villages in the region, famous for its large waterfall, sandy riverbanks, and colorful wooden lodges that create a unique and relaxing atmosphere after the rugged Manaslu section.

After breakfast in Tal, you begin a long but memorable drive to Kathmandu through changing landscapes and road conditions. The journey starts with a rough 4–5 hour off-road descent from Tal to Besisahar, following the Marsyangdi River along rocky, narrow tracks, passing dramatic waterfalls like Chamje and deep gorges, with short stops at Chamje, Jagat, and Syange, where you may also see trekkers finishing the Annapurna Circuit. From Besisahar to Dumre (1.5–2 hours), the road becomes mostly paved and more comfortable, taking you through warmer lower hills, local villages, and terraced farms to the highway junction. The drive then continues from Dumre to Mugling (about 1 hour) along the smooth Prithvi Highway, a major route connecting Pokhara and Kathmandu, where Mugling is a popular stop for lunch—especially Dal Bhat—and a key junction toward Chitwan and Lumbini. From Mugling to Kathmandu, the final stretch takes around 3.5–5 hours, depending on traffic, following the Trishuli River, a well-known rafting destination, and gradually climbing toward the Kathmandu Valley, where congestion and road work near Galchi and Thankot may slow progress. This scenic jeep ride offers a great opportunity to experience Nepal’s diverse landscapes, from remote mountain terrain to bustling highways, with chances to stop for photos along the way before arriving in Kathmandu, where you can relax or explore the vibrant city at your own pace.

Today, we have a free day to explore the vibrant city of Kathmandu on our own. You may want to spend the day indulging in some souvenir shopping, wandering around the colorful streets and bazaars, or enjoying the local cuisine. You could also visit some of the popular tourist attractions in the city, such as Bhaktapur or Patan, which showcase Nepal's rich cultural and historical heritage. Alternatively, you could engage in other activities like hiking, biking, or adventure sports, or simply relax and rejuvenate in one of the city's many spas and wellness centers. Whatever you choose to do, make sure to soak up the unique sights, sounds, and flavors of this wonderful city.

Today, we will transfer to Kathmandu International Airport for our departure. After enjoying a hearty breakfast at the hotel, we will gather our belongings and make our way to the airport. We will ensure that we reach the airport well in time to complete all the necessary formalities and board our flight. Before we bid adieu to this enchanting country, take one last look at the breathtaking views of the Himalayas and take a moment to appreciate the warm hospitality and kindness of the Nepalese people. This marks the end of our tour, and we hope you had a memorable and enjoyable time in Nepal.