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, you embark on a scenic bus or jeep ride to Barpak, typically departing between 7:00 AM and 9:00 AM. The drive follows the picturesque Daraudi or Darundi River valley, climbing steep hillside roads and passing small villages like Rangrung, surrounded by terraced mid-hills of Nepal. Arriving at Barpak 1,950 m—a vibrant Gurung and Ghale village known as the epicenter of the 2015 earthquake—you can enjoy a local lunch and, if lucky, witness a cultural show organized by the residents. From here, the trek ascends steadily toward Gupsi Pakha (2,700 m), passing stone staircases, rhododendron forests, and alpine meadows, with stunning views of the Baudha Himal, Shringi Himal, Ganesh Himal, and Langtang ranges. The trail continues through Pushu Dada (2,950 m), the ridge separating Laprak and Barpak, offering panoramic vistas and grazing sheep on grassy slopes. At Gupsi Pakha, a peaceful ridge-top meadow with simple lodges and the NRNA-built New Model Village, trekkers are rewarded with serene surroundings and incredible sunset views over the Manaslu range and rolling southern hills, creating a truly unforgettable Himalayan experience.

After breakfast in Gupsi Pakha, the trail begins with a steady ascent through a lush green tunnel of giant rhododendrons and twisted oaks, especially vibrant in spring when red and pink blossoms fill the forest. As you climb, keep an ear out for high-altitude pheasants and watch for the colorful Himalayan monal. After about two hours, the forest thins and you emerge onto narrow ridgelines, where the trek transforms into a dramatic high-mountain experience with sweeping views of Baudha Himal (6,672 m) and Peak 29 (Ngadi Chuli) rising to the north. The path here can be exposed and slippery in misty conditions, requiring careful footing. The final stretch toward Humche Dada follows rolling high-altitude pastures (kharkas), where the thinner air becomes noticeable, and occasional stone shepherd shelters add a remote, almost ghostly charm. Reaching Humche Dada, you are rewarded with a stunning, windswept ridge campsite offering panoramic views of surrounding peaks, including Baudha Himal, Sringi Himal, the Ganesh Himal range, and even distant Annapurna ranges, creating a perfect blend of natural beauty and high-altitude adventure.

Leaving the campsite at Humche Dada, the day begins with a spectacular ridge walk offering uninterrupted views of the Ganesh Himal to the east and the towering Baudha Himal straight ahead, though the exposed trail can be windy and frosty in the early morning. The path soon descends steeply into a more remote and “wild” section, following zigzagging trails that are often faint and covered with tall grass or bamboo, with loose scree and rocky stretches requiring careful footing and trekking poles. As you lose altitude, the landscape gradually shifts from open alpine terrain to dense vegetation, passing through juniper, bamboo thickets, and rhododendron forests. Along the way, you cross several small glacial streams feeding into the Daraudi River system, which may require careful navigation depending on the season. The trek continues through serene valleys and lush surroundings, where you may encounter livestock shelters and grazing areas used during the monsoon months, along with a wide variety of alpine herbs. Upon reaching Ruse Kharka (2,835 m), a secluded pasture used by local herders, you’ll find a peaceful, grassy clearing surrounded by wilderness, with temporary stone huts adding to its isolated charm and offering a peaceful, authentic wild camping experience beneath the towering Himalayan peaks.

After breakfast in Ruse Kharka, the day begins with a climb out of the Ruse Kharka basin, where the trail is still flanked by high-altitude vegetation. As you pass through the tree line, giant Himalayan firs and gnarled rhododendrons gradually give way to dwarf juniper and hardy alpine scrub, with damp, mossy sections and muddy patches following the upper reaches of the Buri Gandaki tributaries. Breaking out of the forest, the landscape opens into the vast, silent alpine tundra, a dramatic amphitheater of stone and ice dominated by the towering southern walls of Baudha Himal (6,672 m) and Ngadi Chuli (7,871 m). The trail becomes increasingly rocky, navigating old glacial moraine marked by stone cairns essential for orientation in cloudy conditions. After descending to Sumrung Khola and ascending again, trekkers reach Rupina La Phedi—the foot of the hill—a rugged, boulder-strewn flat campsite at 3,825 meters just below the final ascent to the pass. Exposed and windswept, the Phedi offers little comfort but stunning natural beauty, with tents needing secure anchoring in the wind tunnel at the head of the glacial valley. Along the way, trekkers traverse diverse terrains, experience the raw Himalayan landscapes, encounter unique flora and fauna, and may spot local wildlife, making this stretch an unforgettable adventure amid the serene and mesmerizing high-altitude wonders of the Himalayas.

The day begins with a pre-dawn start around 4:00 AM to ensure you reach Rupina La (4,610m) before afternoon winds intensify and the snow softens for a safer descent. From the Phedi, the climb immediately tackles steep, grueling slopes of loose scree and glacial moraine, often covered in hard-packed snow or ice in spring, requiring microspikes or crampons. The trail is marked only by scattered cairns, and scrambling over large boulders becomes necessary as you gain height. The final 100 meters steepen toward the prayer-flag-strewn notch of Rupina La, where reaching the summit delivers a profound sense of triumph and staggering panoramas, including the massive Baudha Himal, intricate glaciers feeding the Buri Gandaki, and distant jagged peaks of the Sringi, Khutang, and Ganesh Himal ranges. The descent is notoriously challenging, starting with steep snow slopes or jagged icy sun cups, followed by chaotic glacial moraine and a narrow valley with towering rock walls and hanging glaciers, including a steep 300-meter vertical scree that is particularly demanding for porters. After leveling out, the trek continues along the lateral moraine of the Chuling Glacier, crossing alpine peat bogs and small glacial streams while following the eponymous river toward Thadepuk. Thadepuk is a high-altitude grazing pasture offering a flat, exposed, yet beautiful campsite, providing relief after the intensity of the pass, where trekkers may spot blue sheep (Bharal) on the high crags, embodying the raw and majestic wilderness of this Himalayan adventure.

Leaving the windswept meadows of Thadepuk, the trail follows the lateral moraine of the glacier, with the morning light illuminating the massive ice walls of Baudha Himal behind you. The path is unsettled, with landslides and shifting rocks demanding careful footing, and several small icy streams must be crossed along the way. The morning’s most challenging section involves a steep descent toward the Reul Khola, where the trail is often obscured by rocks, requiring trekking along the riverbed among massive boulders or climbing high onto the valley walls to bypass narrow gorges. As you descend below 3,500 m, the landscape transforms into a lush green zone, with dwarf junipers giving way to taller shrubs and eventually stunted birch and silver firs, forming a pristine old-growth forest of towering rhododendrons and Himalayan hemlocks, home to Himalayan musk deer and Himalayan tahr. The journey continues eastward toward the Buddhi Gandaki valley, with majestic views of Ganesh Himal growing more impressive with every step and glaciers such as Rupina La, Baudha Himal, and parts of the Chilung Glacier appearing along the route, while steep ascents and descents keep the trek dynamic and exciting. The day concludes at John Kharka (Zakbathan), a sheltered, grassy clearing near the confluence of the Reul Khola and smaller tributaries, offering a protected campsite where the roar of the river and the rustle of the forest provide soothing Himalayan white noise, making it a serene spot to rest and reflect on the thrilling adventure through the breathtaking splendor of the Himalayas.

After breakfast in John Kharka, the trail descends along the western bank of the Reul Khola, passing through one of the most pristine forest stretches in the Gorkha district. Towering Himalayan hemlocks (Tsuga dumosa), firs, and maples form a dense canopy, while massive spring rhododendrons and a forest floor carpeted with needles and bright green moss create a tranquil, almost untouched atmosphere, broken only by the roar of the river below. As the Reul Khola valley narrows into a steep gorge, the trail climbs high onto the valley walls, navigating narrow, rock-carved paths with drops of several hundred meters, offering dramatic views of the “V” where the turquoise glacial waters of the Reul Khola merge with the silty gray Buri Gandaki, marking the exit from the Rupina La wilderness. After a steep, knee-taxing descent from the cliffs, you intercept the main Manaslu Circuit trail near suspension bridges over the Buri Gandaki, where the sudden presence of other trekkers and stone stairs provides a striking contrast to the solitude of the high wilderness. From the riverbank, a steep, heart-pumping climb of 45–60 minutes leads to Nyak, an ancient Gurung village perched on a wide mountain shelf. The village retains authentic charm with dry-stone houses and flat wooden roofs, terraced fields of barley, buckwheat, and potatoes, and the appearance of Manis (prayer walls) and small Chortens (stupas), marking the cultural transition from the lower Gorkha Gurung traditions to the Bhotia (Tibetan-influenced) cultures of the upper Manaslu region.

After breakfast in Nyak, the day starts with a descent from the sunny terrace of the village, following steep, rocky switchbacks down to the Buri Gandaki River. This part of the trail passes through one of the narrowest sections of the valley, with the river roaring below and the path often carved into cliffs or supported by timber beams. Near Pewa, a small riverside stop, the trail splits—while one fork leads to Deng, your path crosses to the western bank to begin the climb to the hidden Prok plateau. Beyond the river, you enter a dense forest of Himalayan blue pine and hemlock, a peaceful area filled with the scent of pine, waterfalls, and the chance to see langur monkeys or hear Himalayan woodpeckers. The final part of the day is a steady, steep climb to Prok, where traditional stone gates, called “Kani,” and carved Mani walls mark the village entrance, to be passed clockwise out of respect. Prok is a beautiful, traditional village on a broad plateau, with fields of barley, buckwheat, and potatoes, and it offers stunning views of Sringi Himal (7,161 m), which glows orange at sunset.

After breakfast in Prok, the trail heads down through mossy forests toward the Buri Gandaki River, passing a narrow, shaded gorge full of ferns and hanging moss. A high suspension bridge crosses the river back to the eastern bank, giving a dramatic view of Prok perched above the valley. From there, the trail climbs steadily to Namrung (2,630 m), a checkpoint where your restricted area permit is checked. Namrung’s compact stone houses and colorful entry gates (Kanis) are built to keep warmth in, and the village offers views of Sringi Himal behind you and the first sights of the Manaslu massif ahead. Beyond Namrung, the valley widens and becomes fertile as you pass Lihi (2,900 m) and Sho (3,000 m), villages known for terrace farming, chortens, and thousands of Mani stones carved with Om Mani Padme Hum. Between Lihi and Sho, you can see Ngadi Chuli (Peak 29) and the lower slopes of Manaslu while watching locals in traditional chuba cloaks and smelling ripening high-altitude apples and apricots in summer. The final climb to Lho (3,180 m) goes through pine forests, opening onto the village with an incredible view of Mount Manaslu (8,163 m) above the monastery. Ribung Gompa, on a hill, is the village’s spiritual center, where monks’ chants and the sound of brass cymbals often fill the valley in the evenings.

Start your morning early in Lho to catch the alpenglow on Manaslu from Ribung Monastery. The trail gently descends out of the village through old rhododendron and pine forests, crossing small streams and passing moss-covered mani walls. After about 1.5–2 hours, you reach Shyala (3,500m), a wide valley with 360-degree mountain views—Manaslu to the left, Ganesh Himal behind, and Peak 29 and Ngadi Chuli to the right. Stop for a quick tea, as the lodge terraces here often have clearer views than Samagaon. From Shyala, a trail junction marked by a large chorten leads to Punggen Gompa, a 3–4 hour round trip. The trail climbs steadily in zig-zags along a lateral moraine, reaching a flat alpine plateau used for summer yak grazing. At the end is Punggen Gompa, a sacred meditation site with a small prayer hall and cells, lying beneath the massive East Face of Manaslu, with the sound of shifting ice and distant avalanches creating a humbling atmosphere. In the afternoon, retrace your steps to the main trail and continue 1.5–2 hours into Samagaon (3,530 m), a village of grey stone houses with flat roofs stacked with firewood and thousands of mani stones, serving as the hub of the region and a perfect place to rest before an acclimatization day.

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.