Our adventure starts in Kathmandu. We will depart from the hotel, take a local bus, and travel to Dhading. After a scenic 4-hour drive, we will arrive at Arughat. From there, we will switch to a local jeep and continue on a rough track for another 5 hours until we reach our destination for the day, Dhoban. If you prefer more comfort, you have the option to arrange a private vehicle for an additional charge.

After having breakfast in Dhoban, we crossed a suspension bridge and entered a narrow gorge carved by the Budhi Gandaki River. The vegetation started to thin out as we ascended along the river. After a long climb, we reached a sandy plain and arrived at the charming village of Jagat (1350m), known for its beautiful stone houses and a paved main street.

Here, we crossed the Budhi Gandaki River again and enjoyed a scenic balcony trail overlooking the turquoise waters. The trail continued past traditional fishing and farming villages before reaching an impressive suspension bridge leading us to Philim. Philim is a large town with shops and a significant school. We settled in for the night at a cozy lodge in Philim. The trek took us six and a half hours.

Today’s trek offers a pleasant trail with stunning views of the Budhi Gandaki River. We will pass through the village of Eklai Bothi before reaching a junction where trails branch off towards Tsum Valley to the east and Nubri Valley to the northwest. After crossing another bridge, we will walk on a steeper ascent through a coniferous forest.

Leaving behind the lower valleys with terraced fields, we will walk deeper into the Himalayas. Along the way, the air will get noticeably cooler as we get closer to the snowy peaks. Before reaching Deng, we will pass under the gate marking the entrance to the Nubri Valley. The trek is expected to take around four and a half hours.

On Day 4, the Budhi Gandaki River turns into a powerful torrent as we navigate through narrower gorges. After a challenging climb to Rana, we reach a more pleasant path with sweeping panoramic views. We stop for lunch at Bihi before crossing to the right bank of the river and continuing our ascent through the forest. This less-traveled section of the trek may bring us into contact with loggers working in the area.

Ultimately, we arrive at the beautiful village of Prok, perched on a plateau on the Himalayan slopes. This charming village features houses connected by paved alleys, surrounded by lush green fields and tall trees. Willows and birches provide shelter for various bird species, including the elusive Himalayan pheasant. The village is also home to an ancient Gompa monastery, which adds to its picturesque charm. You can explore the monastery and the village area. The trek will take approximately 6 hours, with an elevation gain of 1000m and a descent of 230m.

Many trekkers often regret not spending more time exploring the unique villages discovered along the Manaslu Circuit trek. This day offers a dedicated opportunity to delve into the local life of Prok. This off-the-beaten-path village provides a chance to witness the daily routines of the inhabitants.

We can take strolls around the village, observing the different stages of fieldwork like plowing, harvesting, or sorting grains. Visiting the monasteries and the dispensary are other interesting activities you can do. We might even have the opportunity to purchase unique handwoven bags made by the locals. In the evening, a special treat awaits us: a traditional Tibetan dinner with a family enjoyed in the warmth of their kitchen around the hearth.

We will begin our day by descending to Ghap and then walking through a scenic spruce forest. We cross two bridges and then walk on a steeper ascent on the left bank of the river, leading us to Namrung (2550m). In Namrung, we will have lunch and have the opportunity to visit a beautiful monastery in the village.

In the afternoon, we will pass through Bengsam, an area with vast verdant fields, and then cross the villages of Lhi and Shyu before undertaking a continuous ascent that will bring us to the large village of Lho (3130m). In Lho, we will see traditional houses with terraced roofs, providing breathtaking views of Manaslu (8156m) and Himal Chuli (7893m).

For those interested in higher trekking points, there is the option to camp at Shyalu, which is a 1.5-hour hike further up from Lho. This summer village offers a spectacular panorama of the high snowy peaks. We will spend the night in a comfortable lodge in Lho. The trek will take approximately 5 hours, with an elevation gain of 1390m and descent of 640m.

This day brings an exciting excursion to the Pungen Glacier, situated at an impressive altitude of 4000 meters. Surrounded by a breathtaking panorama of 8000m and 7000m peaks such as Himal Chuli, North Peak, Ngadi Himal (Peak 29), and Manaslu, this glacial terrain promises to be an unforgettable experience.

If you are looking for an extra challenge, the option to continue to the monastery built by the legendary Milarepa exists. Arriving at this remote, icy monastery is guaranteed to be a truly enchanting experience. Our day will conclude in Samagaon, the base for expeditions seeking to conquer Manaslu. The trek last around 6 hours, involving an ascent of 750m and a descent of 300m.

Today, we embark on a spiritual and scenic journey. Our first stop is the Sama monastery, situated on a small plateau at the base of the majestic Manaslu (8156m) mountain. Here, we’ll see yaks grazing peacefully amidst the stunning landscape. We’ll then take a short trail to join the main path leading up to Manaslu Base Camp.

Next, we’ll enjoy a lovely picnic lunch with a view of the beautiful turquoise Birendra Lake, which reflects the towering 8000m peaks that surround it. The Manaslu Glacier feeds into this spectacular lake, and at times, large ice chunks break off, causing the lake to overflow with a thunderous roar. Continuing along the trail above the lake, we’ll eventually rejoin the main trekking route to Samdo.

After a relaxing yet physically demanding 2.5-hour walk due to the altitude, we’ll arrive in Samdo, the last inhabited village before the Tibetan border. Samdo is a unique village inhabited by Tibetan refugees who have been granted Nepalese citizenship. This leg of the journey involves 3 hours of trekking with an elevation gain of 450m and a descent of 100m.

On the designated acclimatization day in Samdo, we will have the chance to adjust to the increasing altitude. This day also provides us with an opportunity to connect with the local community in Samdo, a village that Glacier Safari Treks specializes in. You can visit Samdo Avenir to learn more about this special village. Additionally, there is an optional hike above the village towards the Tibetan border. If you’re lucky, you might spot marmots, the Himalayan blue sheep, or even the snow leopard, a magnificent creature that occasionally preys on horses in the pastures.

We start with a change of scenery as we descend and cross a river. Then, we continue with a gradual ascent, passing through yak kharka, which are summer dwellings used by local herders. The high mountain landscape unfolds around us, and we can hear the sound of avalanches crashing down from Larkya Himal in the distance. Our lodging for the night is at Dharamsala, at an altitude of 4460 meters. The trekking will take around 4 hours with an elevation gain of 770m.

Brace yourselves, Today can be a challenging yet rewarding one. We go on a true high-mountain adventure, witnessing glacial lakes and snow-capped peaks. We depart from Dharamsala around 4:00 am and begin a gradual ascent towards the much-anticipated Larkya Pass. The trail follows the north side of a glacier before joining the rocky moraine.

Depending on the weather conditions, especially if it snowed the night before, an even earlier departure might be necessary to avoid navigating through slushy snow. While the ascent itself isn’t technically difficult, it is a very long climb. After passing a small lake, we tackle a steeper section leading to a cairn decorated with colorful,  panoramic views of Himlung Himal, Cheo Himal, and Annapurna II. The descent involves a steep section of snow, followed by rocks, which can be challenging for porters, especially if the slopes are icy.

Our destination for the night is Bimtang. Here, we can relax and unwind in the comfort of cozy lodges. It will take 7 to 9 hours of trekking depending on snow conditions, with an elevation gain of 646m and descent of 1516m.

We had a relaxed breakfast in Bimtang, enjoying the beautiful surrounding landscape after yesterday’s challenging climb. Then, we descended to the Dudh Khola River and continued along a trail that took us past a glacier from Cheo Himal.

During the afternoon, we enjoyed a peaceful descent through lovely forests, catching glimpses of the west face of Manaslu and its neighboring peaks. We also had the opportunity to stop by some charming alpine houses that have been converted into comfortable lodges. Finally, we spent the night in Sotikhola after trekking for 4.5 hours.

Today’s journey includes a walk above the Dudh Khola river, leading us to Tilije (2300m), a large Gurung village famous for its beautifully carved woodwork. After crossing the Dudh Khola, we will rejoin the Marsyangdi River at Thonje.

Following that, we will make a final ascent to Darapani (1850m), a lively village situated along the Annapurna Circuit trail. Darapani is known for its spacious lodges offering hot showers and well-stocked shops. The trek will take about 7 hours with an elevation gain of 500m.

Our Manaslu Circuit adventure concludes on Day 14. We will board a jeep for a scenic ride on a good track above the Marsyangdi gorges, reaching Besisahar. From Besisahar, a comfortable vehicle will take us back to Kathmandu, where our incredible journey will come to an end. There is an option for a private vehicle on this leg, available for an additional charge. We will be traveling for 8 hours by bus.