Welcome to Nepal! Upon your arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport, a representative from Alture Treks will greet you with a warm smile and traditional Nepali welcome. You’ll be transferred to your hotel in the heart of Kathmandu, where you can unwind after your journey. Depending on your arrival time, you can take a gentle stroll through the bustling Thamel area, a popular tourist district filled with trekking shops, cozy cafés, and cultural curiosities. In the evening, you’ll meet your trek leader for a briefing and gear check.

After an early breakfast, set off on a scenic drive through Nepal’s middle hills. The journey takes you along the Prithvi Highway before branching toward Arughat and then following a bumpy but picturesque road to Machha Khola, nestled beside the roaring Budhi Gandaki River. Along the way, observe terraced farms, waterfalls, and villages clinging to the hillsides. Arrive in the evening and check into a simple teahouse for dinner and rest before trekking begins.

The trail begins with a series of undulating paths along the Budhi Gandaki River. You’ll pass small settlements like Khorlabesi and Tatopani (where there's a natural hot spring) and cross suspension bridges over dramatic gorges. After lunch near Dobhan, continue along rocky cliffs and dense forests until reaching Jagat, a stone-paved village with traditional houses and a checkpoint for entering the Manaslu Conservation Area. Stay in a charming local teahouse.

Today marks your entry into the Tsum Valley, a sacred Himalayan region with strong Tibetan Buddhist influences. Climb up from Jagat to Salleri for stunning views of Sringi Himal, then descend to Sirdibas. After crossing a long suspension bridge, reach Philim—a Gurung village with chortens and monasteries. Beyond Philim, take the less-trodden path toward Lokpa, the entry point to Tsum Valley. The trail becomes quieter and more mystical as prayer flags start to dominate the landscape.

Trek through pine forests, waterfalls, and rocky trails that seem untouched by time. After crossing the Siyar River, begin a steep climb toward Chumling, one of the first villages in the Tsum Valley. On arrival, visit a local monastery and explore ancient stone houses with wood-carved windows. The landscape opens up with views of Ganesh Himal. Spend the night in a family-run teahouse, experiencing authentic Tsumba hospitality.

As you ascend further into the Tsum Valley, pass through lush alpine terrain and isolated villages such as Chhokangparo, where you’ll be surrounded by fields of barley and buckwheat. The people here are descendants of Tibetan settlers, and their lifestyle remains deeply rooted in Buddhism. Continue onward to Rachen Gompa, a large nunnery set beneath soaring cliffs. Spend time learning about their rituals and explore the monastery grounds.

Follow a gradually rising trail through the wide and windswept valley toward Nile, the last village before the Tibetan border. From here, climb to Mu Gompa, the largest and most remote monastery in Tsum Valley, perched beneath dramatic snow-capped peaks. Monks reside in spartan quarters, and the monastery serves as a spiritual and cultural center. Explore the gompa, interact with resident monks, and visit the small yak-herder settlement nearby.

Begin your return from this spiritual high point. Descend through familiar terrain, past Nile and Rachen Gompa, retracing your steps down the valley. The descent allows for deeper appreciation of the panoramic views, cultural monuments, and serene atmosphere. Spend the night again in Chumling, reflecting on the sacred beauty of the Tsum Valley.

Leave the Tsum Valley and rejoin the Manaslu Circuit trail. Descend steadily through rhododendron forests and cascading streams. The trail narrows and climbs before descending into the village of Deng, where Tibetan-style stone homes and a small mani wall welcome trekkers. Deng lies near the border of Nubri Valley and marks the transition toward higher Manaslu terrain.

Climb steadily along the Budhi Gandaki River, passing through forests, cliffs, and small settlements like Rana and Bihi Phedi. With each turn, the scenery becomes more dramatic. After crossing the river several times, begin a steep climb through rhododendron forests to Namrung, a culturally rich village with traditional stone houses, barley fields, and exquisite views of Siring, Ganesh Himal, and Himal Chuli.

Today’s shorter hike allows for altitude adjustment. As you ascend gradually, pass through Tibetan-influenced villages like Lihi and Sho. The terrain is dotted with prayer wheels, mani stones, and chortens, offering deep cultural immersion. Reach Lho, a picturesque village with panoramic views of Manaslu and a majestic monastery above the village that’s perfect for a sunset walk.

The trail climbs gently with breathtaking views of Manaslu’s snowfields. Pass Shyala village, surrounded by high Himalayan peaks. After lunch, reach Samagaon, the largest village in the region. The stone-built homes, grazing yaks, and spinning prayer wheels create a serene atmosphere. Visit the local monastery or walk around the village, soaking in the majestic alpine aura.

Rest and acclimatize in Samagaon. Take an optional hike to Birendra Lake, a turquoise glacial lake below Manaslu Glacier, or trek to Pungyen Monastery, dramatically perched with grand views of the Manaslu Massif. For those well-acclimated, a challenging but unforgettable hike to Manaslu Base Camp (4,800m) is an option. Return to Samagaon for a restful night.

A relatively short hike today allows you to gain altitude gradually. The trail follows the valley above the river, passing mani walls and barren slopes. You’ll reach Samdo, a beautiful village near the Tibetan border. This highland outpost is often frequented by Tibetan traders and offers spectacular views of the surrounding peaks. Optional acclimatization walk to a nearby viewpoint.

Make your way to Larkya Phedi, also known as Dharamsala. The landscape becomes stark and dramatic—scrub vegetation gives way to rocky terrain and glaciers. Cross a wooden bridge and follow a steady uphill path to the last teahouse before Larkya La Pass. The early night allows rest before the big day ahead. Basic but warm accommodations await.

Today is the most challenging and rewarding of the trek. Begin before dawn and climb gradually to Larkya La Pass, with breathtaking views of Himlung, Cheo Himal, Kang Guru, and Annapurna II. After reaching the summit marked with prayer flags, descend carefully into the Bimthang Valley through steep, glacial moraine trails. Celebrate your successful crossing with warm food and rest in a welcoming teahouse.

Descend into rhododendron and pine forests, passing Yak Kharka and the village of Gho. Cross lush pastures and rivers as you return to more temperate landscapes. Reach Dharapani, a bustling village where the Annapurna and Manaslu trails intersect. This marks the end of your trek.

After breakfast, board a private jeep for the long but scenic drive back to Kathmandu. Journey through green hills, river valleys, and roadside settlements. Once in the city, check back into your hotel for a hot shower and a well-earned celebration dinner hosted by Alture Treks.

Depending on your flight time, enjoy breakfast and some last-minute shopping or sightseeing in Kathmandu. A representative from Alture Treks will transfer you to the airport for your international departure. You leave Nepal with powerful memories of the majestic Manaslu region, its mystical valleys, and the heartfelt hospitality of its people.