Upon arriving in Kathmandu, a warm welcome awaits you as our Ethic Himalaya representative will receive you and ensure a smooth transfer to your hotel. To begin your journey on a delightful note, we have arranged a special welcome dinner in the evening. To embrace the local culture, this memorable dinner will feature a variety of authentic Nepalese dishes and a comforting welcome drink.

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 the unique charm and spiritual ambiance of Kathmandu.

After breakfast, the Manaslu Expedition officially starts with a formal briefing at the Department of Tourism (DoT) in Bhrikutimandap, Kathmandu. This briefing marks the shift from planning to actually preparing for the climb. A key part of the session is meeting the Liaison Officer (LO), a government or military official who monitors the team, verifies summit claims, ensures environmental rules are followed, and communicates with the DoT during emergencies. The expedition covers the LO’s salary, equipment, and travel.

The briefing also explains the rules under the Mountaineering Expedition Regulations, including staying on the permitted route, paying for fixed ropes maintained by the “Icefall Doctors,” and using satellite phones or media equipment properly. Environmental rules are important: each team pays a refundable garbage deposit, every climber must bring down at least 8 kg of trash, and WAG bags must be used for human waste above Base Camp. Safety procedures are reviewed, including helicopter rescue, insurance for climbers and staff, and what to do in case of fatalities.

During this day, teams also have time to rest, get familiar with the surroundings, finalize official procedures, and make any last-minute arrangements or purchases. A full briefing will cover the expedition plan, necessary equipment, and team roles, ensuring everyone is ready for the departure to the mountains the next day.

On the afternoon before we leave for the mountains, our climbing leader will carefully check all your gear and equipment. This is the last chance to buy anything we might have missed in Kathmandu. We will also have time to meet our fellow climbers, guides, and crew. We will spend the night in Kathmandu.

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 at Gorkha, you will drive to Barpak (1,945 m), a scenic drive through winding mountain roads, terraced hillsides, and traditional villages, offering impressive views of the surrounding landscapes. Barpak is a historic Gurung village known for its rich culture and as the epicenter of the 2015 earthquake. After visiting Barpak's friendly community and beautiful views, you hike to Laprak, going up through forests and stone steps to the beautiful ridge of Momche Danda (2,900 m), where you can see the Ganesh Himal and Buddha Himal mountains in all their glory. After 5–6 hours of walking, you reach the traditional Gurung village of Laprak (2,200 m) from the ridge. There, you are greeted with warm hospitality and stunning views of the hills.

Traversing through the enchanting maze of Laprak's village paths, we reach the Jyabru Khola. Crossing a suspension bridge, we embark on a steep ascent, passing by terraced fields adorned with p

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.

An acclimatization day in Samagaon is not a full rest day but an active day to help your body adjust to the high altitude. The main rule is to climb higher during the day and sleep lower at night so your body can get used to the thin air. For an easier option, you can take a short walk to Birendra Tal, a beautiful green lake near the Manaslu Glacier, where you can relax and enjoy the mountain views. After lunch, you can explore Samagaon village, one of the largest and most traditional villages in the area. Walking through the narrow stone paths, you will see local life, such as people drying yak meat, spinning wool, and working in the fields, while children play and elders pray. You can also visit Labrang Gompa at the top of the village to learn more about the local Buddhist culture and enjoy its peaceful atmosphere.

After breakfast in Samagaon, you start by walking north through the village on an easy, flat path where yaks often graze. Soon, you reach a fork: the left trail goes to the beautiful Birendra Tal, while the right trail climbs up toward Manaslu Base Camp. From here, the trail becomes steep and challenging, passing through small forests of birch and juniper. As you go higher, the air gets thinner and the plants become smaller, with the path turning dusty and rocky, so it’s important to walk slowly and carefully. About halfway up, you reach an open ridge where you can see amazing views of the Manaslu Glacier and hear distant avalanches from Mount Manaslu. Finally, you arrive at Manaslu Base Camp, a wide rocky area. In spring, it is full of climbers and tents, while in autumn it is quieter. From here, you stand very close to the huge mountain, looking up at its massive face, though the summit is still far above.

Over the next two days, our main focus will be on adjusting to the high altitude and getting ready for the upcoming summit expedition on Mt. Manaslu, which is planned in about six weeks. These rest days at base camp are very important for helping our bodies adapt properly to the thin air and recover from the earlier climbs. During this time, we will also organize and check all our equipment, making sure everything is clean, working well, and ready for the next stages of the expedition. Light activities such as short walks, stretching, and basic training may be included to support acclimatization. This period also gives us time to relax, eat well, and mentally prepare for the challenges ahead. We will spend both nights staying at the base camp, building strength and confidence for the journey to come.

A traditional Puja ceremony will be held at base camp to seek blessings from the mountain gods for a safe and successful climb. This important ritual, led by a local lama, is a meaningful part of Himalayan culture and marks the official beginning of our expedition. During the ceremony, climbers and Sherpa guides gather to offer prayers, burn incense, and bless climbing equipment such as ropes, ice axes, and crampons for protection on the mountain. It is a special moment that brings the whole team together, building respect, confidence, and a positive spirit before the climb. After the ceremony, we spend the rest of the day resting and recovering, allowing our bodies to adjust to the altitude and preparing ourselves physically and mentally for the journey ahead.

Your lead guide will conduct a hands-on climbing clinic today to prepare you for the technical sections of the expedition. You will learn and practice essential skills such as ascending and descending fixed ropes using ascenders and descenders, proper use of your harness, and safe rope transition techniques. The training also covers how to clip in and out of safety lines, manage carabiners, and move efficiently while wearing full climbing gear.

You will practice these skills on a safe training route near base camp, gaining confidence and improving your technique in a controlled environment. The guides will closely supervise and give individual feedback to ensure everyone is comfortable and using the equipment correctly. Higher camps, where steep and exposed sections require fixed ropes, place particular emphasis on this session. By the end of the day, you will feel more confident, prepared, and ready to handle the technical challenges of the climb ahead.

We begin our first acclimatization rotation with a climb up to Camp 1, then return to base camp on the same day. The round trip takes about 7 to 8 hours and reaches an altitude of around 5,500 meters. This climb helps us become familiar with the route and terrain while spending time at a higher altitude, which is important for proper acclimatization. It also allows our bodies to slowly adjust to the thinner air and prepares us for the more demanding climbs ahead. After reaching Camp 1 and taking a short rest, we descend back to base camp, where we can recover, rehydrate, and prepare for the next stages of the expedition.

Today is a full rest day at Manaslu Base Camp, giving your body a chance to recover from the recent hike and prepare for the next acclimatization rotation. It’s an ideal time to hydrate properly, eat nutritious meals, and replenish energy for the challenging days ahead. You can also use this day to check and organize your gear, making sure all equipment is clean, functioning, and ready for higher camps. Some climbers may choose light activities like short walks or stretching to keep their muscles active while still allowing proper recovery. This rest day is essential not only for physical recovery but also for mental preparation, helping you stay focused, confident, and ready for the next stage of the expedition.

We start our second acclimatization rotation by hiking up to Camp 1 for an overnight stay. This climb helps your body begin adjusting to sleeping at higher altitudes while giving you the chance to get familiar with the glacier terrain above Camp 1. Spending the night here allows for better acclimatization, so your body can adapt gradually to thinner air, preparing you for the more challenging climbs ahead. The experience also helps you become comfortable with the route, equipment, and conditions you will encounter in higher camps.

Today, we continue our ascent to Camp 2, moving over more technical terrain with the help of fixed ropes. The route includes snow slopes, glacier travel, and crevasse crossings, requiring careful attention and proper technique. Reaching Camp 2 and spending the night there allows for further acclimatization, helping your body adjust to the higher altitude and preparing you for the more demanding sections of the climb ahead. This stage also gives you valuable experience navigating the glacier and managing technical challenges safely.

From Camp 2, we climb toward Camp 3, which sits at around 6,800m. We reach the camp, spend some time at that altitude to stimulate acclimatization, and then descend all the way back to Base Camp. This “climb high, sleep low” approach is a proven strategy to help the body adapt more effectively to high altitude and reduce the risk of altitude-related illness.

We spend several days at Base Camp to rest and recover after the demanding acclimatization rotation. During this time, proper meals, hydration, and light activity like short walks or stretching are encouraged to help maintain strength and support recovery. These rest days also give us a chance to finalize our summit strategy, review the latest weather forecasts, and complete final gear checks, including oxygen equipment training. This period ensures that both the body and mind are fully prepared for the upcoming summit push, making the climb safer and more successful.

With a stable weather window confirmed, we begin our summit push by ascending to Camp 1. The route is now familiar, making the climb more efficient and allowing climbers to move with confidence. The hike takes about 4 to 5 hours, steadily gaining altitude over glaciated terrain. Once at Camp 1, we settle in for the night, focusing on rest, hydration, and proper nutrition to prepare our bodies for the more challenging days ahead.

Today we continue our summit push by ascending to Camp 2, retracing the route we covered during our earlier acclimatization rotation. By now, the altitude feels more familiar, allowing us to focus on maintaining a steady pace and conserving energy for the higher camps ahead. The climb includes glacier travel, snow slopes, and sections with fixed ropes, requiring careful attention and proper technique. Upon reaching Camp 2, we settle in for the night, taking time to rest, hydrate, and eat well while our bodies continue to acclimatize. This careful progression ensures we are physically and mentally prepared for the more challenging ascent to Camp 3 and beyond.

Today, we ascend to Camp 3, situated just below the main summit slopes. Starting this evening, we begin using supplemental oxygen to support our performance, enhance safety, and aid recovery at this high altitude. Spending the night at Camp 3 with oxygen allows our bodies to adapt more comfortably to the thin air, preparing us physically and mentally for the critical push toward Camp 4 and the summit. Proper rest, hydration, and nutrition are emphasized to maximize our strength for the challenging climb ahead.

Above Camp 3, the terrain becomes steeper, more exposed, and technically challenging, requiring careful movement along fixed ropes. We ascend steadily, maintaining a controlled pace to conserve energy while navigating the icy slopes and crevassed sections. Camp 4, located at approximately 7,400 meters, serves as our high camp and the final staging point before the summit. Here, proper rest, hydration, and use of supplemental oxygen are crucial to prepare the body for the demanding push ahead. Spending the night at this altitude allows climbers to recover, focus mentally, and get ready for a very early start for the ultimate ascent to the summit. This stage tests both physical endurance and mental resilience, setting the stage for the final, unforgettable climb.

We begin the summit push around midnight, with timing adjusted according to team pace, weather conditions, and route traffic. The climb is challenging, featuring steep snow slopes, narrow ridgelines, and technical sections that require steady, focused movement. Typically, it takes 6 to 7 hours to reach the Manaslu false summit from Camp 4. From there, the route narrows into a bottleneck, and climbers may experience short delays before reaching the true summit of Manaslu at 8,163 meters. Standing on the summit is a life-changing moment, offering breathtaking panoramic views and the sense of completing one of the world’s highest peaks. After celebrating this incredible achievement, we descend carefully, retracing our steps down the mountain to Camp 2, where we rest, rehydrate, and recover from the physically and mentally demanding climb. This descent completes the main objective of the expedition while ensuring safety and preparation for further descent to base camp.

After successfully summiting Manaslu and resting at Camp 2, we continue our descent back to Base Camp, completing the climbing portion of the expedition. The journey down allows our bodies to gradually adjust as we navigate the familiar route, retracing our steps over glaciers, snow slopes, and ridges. Reaching Base Camp is a moment of relief and celebration, where climbers are greeted with a warm meal, a hot shower, and the chance to share stories and achievements with fellow team members. This return marks not only the end of the climb but also the beginning of a period of rest, reflection, and accomplishment, as we savor the success of conquering one of the world’s highest peaks.

Climbing Mt. Manaslu is very challenging, so it’s important to stay flexible. Contingency days are extra days in the schedule to handle any unexpected delays, such as bad weather, health issues, or other problems. These days allow climbers and guides to adjust plans safely without rushing, making sure rest, acclimatization, and preparation are not affected.

During these days, climbers can rest, recover, and get ready for the next part of the climb. Guides can also check equipment, study the weather, and plan the summit push. These buffer days are an important part of safe expedition planning, helping the team deal with surprises while still keeping the summit goal in sight.

After descending and resting at Base Camp, we take part in a clean-up to leave the area as pristine as we found it. This involves collecting any trash, leftover gear, or debris and properly disposing of it or packing it out. The clean-up is an important part of responsible mountaineering, helping to protect the fragile Himalayan environment and preserve it for future climbers and local communities. After the long climb and the thrill of summiting Mt. Manaslu, this task also gives climbers a sense of contribution and accomplishment. Amidst physical fatigue and excitement, we carefully organize our belongings, restore the campsite, and ensure it is left in excellent condition as we prepare for the next phase of our journey.

After breakfast at Base Camp, the day begins with a gentle climb out of Samagaon, following the Budhi Gandaki River northwards. Along the way, we pass some of the longest and most impressive mani walls in the Manaslu region, carved with the mantra “Om Mani Padme Hum," marking a spiritual gateway to the upper valley. The trail passes through wide yak pastures, where herders manage large herds grazing on the sparse tundra. After about three hours, we reach Samdo (3,875m), the highest permanent settlement in the valley, founded by Tibetan refugees in the 1950s. Most trekkers stop here for an early lunch before the steeper afternoon climb. Leaving Samdo, the trail briefly descends over a wooden bridge before steadily ascending toward the pass. Along the way, we pass the ruins of Larkya Bazaar, a former trade hub, and approach the glacial junction, where the Larkya and Syacha Glaciers meet and vegetation disappears, replaced by rocks and permafrost. The final hour involves a series of zig-zags up a barren hillside, with chances to see Blue Sheep (Bharal) and Himalayan Monal. We arrive at Dharamshala (4,460 m), also called Larkya Phedi, a high-altitude base camp with a few stone tea houses and seasonal tents. Here, trekkers rest, check gear, and prepare for the pass crossing, surrounded by towering peaks and jagged Himalayan ridges. If the weather is clear, the sunset creates a stunning alpenglow, turning the snow-capped peaks golden and violet.

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 the 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 as 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.