Nepal Expedition: Manaslu Circuit Trek

Namaste! Welcome to Kathmandu, Nepal’s colourful capital. Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 2 pm where you'll meet your leader and fellow travellers. The evening is free to explore the streets of Kathmandu, whose mixture of ancient architecture and modern development, and rich artistic and cultural heritage means it remains the legendary destination it has been for decades. Crowded markets and bazaars are the centre of Nepali life, and the narrow streets are home to holy men, monks, bicycles, incense, goats and sacred cows. You may like to join your leader and group for an optional dinner at one of Kathmandu’s fine Nepali restaurants.

Get your bearings in Nepal as you embark on a full day of sightseeing. Start by exploring Bhaktapur's famous temples, starting at Durbar Square – said to be the most beautiful piece of art in Nepal, home to the majestic Lion Gate and Golden Gate. Then visit Pashupatinath, the most famous Hindu temple in the country, located on the banks of the holy Bagmati River. Here, you'll see Hindu holy men (sadhus) meditating, pilgrims bathing and occasionally funeral pyres burning on the ghats. Finally, take in the sight of Bodhnath Stupa – one of the most significant Buddhist shrines in the world – where you can observe Buddhist monks in prayer in the monasteries surrounding the stupa. In the evening is yours to explore the city as you wish.

Today you'll leave your hotel early and hit the road to Barpak. Needless to say, you should arm yourself with your favourite book or music for the journey! When you arrive, you can stretch your legs with a walk around the hilltop village. Located in the Gorkha district of Nepal, almost every household has a connection to the legendary Gorkha army units. Settle into your accommodation, which from here on will be small, basic teahouses. These cosy, remote houses are operated by the mountain Nepalese to cater for trekkers and offer simple yet filling and delicious meals to sustain your efforts.

Get excited for your first day of trekking! Say farewell to Barpak as you begin walking east to Gumda. Pass through rhododendron forest on your way to a viewpoint looking back over Barpak, and take in the incredible sights of the Ganesh Himal Range and Buddha Himal. Then, continue to your Gumda teahouse.

This morning, you’ll pass through small villages like Yamgaun and Lapsibot, before meeting the classic Manaslu route in Machhakhola. A long descent will take you to Khorlabesi, where you'll stay for the night.

Today’s trek continues along the Budhi Gandaki River, visiting Tatopani (where a dip in a natural hot spring can provide a refreshing break) before ending in Salleri.

Begin your day with a descent to the valley floor, before making your way to the Ghatta Khola River. Cross over a long suspension bridge to Philim village, where you’ll pause for a spot of lunch. After, head to the grassy slopes of a gorge before crossing back over the Budhi Gandaki River. Follow the river‘s west bank, then head over to the east side, then back over to the west side before passing through bamboo forests. A final river crossing will then see you to Deng, where you’ll be staying for the night.

Depart Deng, you’ll again cross the Budhi Gandaki River before the trail takes you through dense forest. Rejoin the river and continue following it upstream, crisscrossing the flowing waters on suspension bridges. Your destination today is Namrung village, where you can explore around or visit the local monastery.

Leaving Namrung’s views of Ganesh Himal and Mount Himal Chuli behind, pass through forests before reaching the village of Lihi. Admire the barley terraces, then continue to the villages of Sho and Lho. At Lho, (on a clear day) there will be rewarding views of Manaslu, and you’ll also have the chance to explore Ribung Gompa – a major Buddhist monastery. Finally, make your way to Shyala. Settle into tonight’s teahouse as you take in the sights of Himal Chuli, Ngadi Chuli, Manaslu and large glaciers.

One of the best ways to acclimatise today is to walk up to a high-altitude point, and then come back down to sleep. Remember, it doesn't matter how fit you are, anyone can be affected by the altitude! An acclimatisation walk is on today’s agenda, as you’ll walk to Pung Gyen Gompa. The monastery lies on a beautiful green plateau with wide-ranging mountain views. Then, head down from that highpoint to Samagaon for that all-important sleep.

From Samagaon, take a short hike to the turquoise waters of Birendra Lake. Find the Budhi Gandaki and again follow it upstream through juniper and birch forests. Cross the river on a wooden bridge, tackling a steep climb until you reach a stone archway. Then, continue walking until the village of Samdo.

Enjoy a short and easy trek today to Larke Phedi, also known as Dharmashala. Start with a descent back to the Budhi Gandaki River, cross over a few streams within sight of the Larkya Glacier, then ascend again to Larke Phedi/Dharmashala.

While today is the longest trek of the trip, it’s a high point for many travellers! Set out from Larke Phedi/Dharmashala very early to cross the Larke Pass (5106 m) and start a short climb to the north side of Larkya Glacier, continuing to ascend as you walk along the glacier. You’ll have commanding views of Himlung Himal, Cheo Himal and Annapurna II in the distance, then a descent will take you to Bimthang with Manaslu towering in the background.

Begin your descent along the trail and over the Dudh Khola River, then enjoy a gentle walk through dense rhododendron forest. Climb over a ridge, then head back to the riverbank and pass through the beautiful village of Gowa. Then, continue to your teahouse in Tilje for the night.

After a short morning walk to Dharapani, hop into your private vehicle for the drive back to Kathmandu. It’ll be a long journey, giving you plenty of time to rest tired legs or take a well-deserved nap! Once back in Kathmandu, enjoy a final night together reliving the trek and your extraordinary achievements. Why not head out to dinner and find your find your favourite drink to cheers with?

With no further activities planned, your trip ends this morning. There's plenty more to see in Kathmandu for those who wish to stay, just speak to your booking agent. If you do, you might like to check out an Urban Adventures tour, like the Rickshaw Night Explorer.