Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu (1,400 m)

Welcome to Nepal! Upon arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport, you’ll be greeted by your guide and transferred to your hotel. Take the rest of the day to relax after your flight or wander around Thamel, Kathmandu’s bustling tourist hub filled with shops, restaurants, and trekking gear stores.

Day 2: Explore Kathmandu and Prepare for the Trek

Today is all about getting ready for the trek. You’ll finalize your trekking permits (like the Manaslu Restricted Area Permit and ACAP) and meet your guide for a briefing. If time allows, explore some of Kathmandu’s iconic sites like Swayambhunath (the Monkey Temple), Pashupatinath Temple, or Boudhanath Stupa. Don’t forget to double-check your gear!

Day 3: Drive from Kathmandu to Machha Khola (930 m) – 8-9 hours

Your adventure begins with a long but scenic drive from Kathmandu to Machha Khola. The road winds through lush hills, rivers, and small villages. It’s a bumpy ride at times, but the views are worth it! You’ll arrive at Machha Khola in the evening and settle into a teahouse for the night.

Day 4: Trek from Machha Khola to Jagat (1,340 m) – 6 hours

Your first day of trekking takes you along the Budhi Gandaki River. You’ll cross suspension bridges, pass through small villages like Khorlabesi, and enjoy views of terraced fields and waterfalls. By late afternoon, you’ll reach Jagat, a charming village where you’ll spend the night.

Day 5: Trek from Jagat to Deng (1,804 m) – 6 hours

The trail today takes you through lush forests and traditional Gurung villages. You’ll climb steadily as you follow the river upstream. Along the way, you’ll pass through Philim, a lovely village with terraced farms. By evening, you’ll reach Deng—a quiet village surrounded by greenery.

Day 6: Trek from Deng to Namrung (2,630 m) – 6 hours

As you ascend higher into the mountains, the landscape begins to change. Today’s trek takes you through rhododendron forests and offers your first glimpses of snow-capped peaks in the distance. Namrung is a picturesque village with stone houses and friendly locals.

Day 7: Trek from Namrung to Lho (2,957 m) – 4 hours

A shorter trek today allows you to take it easy and soak in the views. The trail winds through alpine forests and opens up to breathtaking vistas of Mount Manaslu. Lho is a beautiful village where you can visit a monastery or simply enjoy the peaceful surroundings.

Day 8: Trek from Lho to Sama Gaun (3,530 m) – 4 hours

The trek continues through scenic landscapes as you approach Sama Gaun, one of the highlights of this journey. This traditional Tibetan village is surrounded by towering peaks and offers incredible views of Manaslu.

Day 9: Acclimatization Day in Sama Gaun

You’ve reached higher altitudes now, so today is all about acclimatization. You can take a short hike to Manaslu Base Camp or visit Pungyen Gompa, both of which offer jaw-dropping mountain views. Spend the rest of the day exploring Sama Gaun or resting.

Day 10: Trek from Sama Gaun to Samdo (3,690 m) – 3-4 hours

A relatively easy day as you make your way to Samdo, another traditional Tibetan village close to the Tibetan border. The trail offers stunning views as it follows the Budhi Gandaki River upstream.

Day 11: Trek from Samdo to Dharamsala (4,450 m) – 4-5 hours

Today’s trek takes you closer to Larkya La Pass. The trail becomes steeper as you ascend toward Dharamsala (also called Larkya Phedi). This is your last stop before crossing the pass tomorrow.

Day 12: Cross Larkya La Pass (5,160 m) and Descend to Bhimtang (3,590 m) – 8-9 hours

This is one of the most challenging yet rewarding days of the trek! You’ll start early in the morning to cross Larkya La Pass, which offers panoramic views of Himlung Himal, Cheo Himal, Kang Guru, and Annapurna II. After soaking in the views at the top, descend carefully to Bhimtang for a well-deserved rest.

Day 13: Trek from Bhimtang to Tilje (2,300 m) – 8-9 hours

The trail descends steeply through forests filled with rhododendrons and pine trees. You’ll pass through small villages like Gho before reaching Tilje—a quaint settlement where you’ll stay overnight.

Day 14: Trek from Tilje to Dharapani (1,860 m) – 5-6 hours

Today’s trek takes you along easier trails as you descend further into lower altitudes. By afternoon, you’ll arrive in Dharapani—a larger village where trekkers often converge after completing different routes.

Day 15: Drive from Dharapani to Besisahar – 4-5 hours

You’ll leave trekking behind today as you take a jeep or bus down to Besisahar. The drive offers great views of hills and villages along winding roads.

Day 16: Drive from Besisahar to Kathmandu – 6-9 hours

A long drive back brings you full circle as you return to Kathmandu. Once back in the city, check into your hotel and enjoy some downtime—or head out for some last-minute shopping or sightseeing.

Day 17: Free Day in Kathmandu

This is your chance to relax after an epic adventure! Explore more of Kathmandu’s cultural landmarks like Durbar Square or Boudhanath Stupa—or simply enjoy good food at one of Thamel’s many restaurants.

Day 18: Departure from Kathmandu

Time to say goodbye! Depending on your flight schedule, enjoy a leisurely breakfast or do some last-minute shopping before heading to Tribhuvan International Airport for your departure. This itinerary balances adventure with rest days while giving plenty of opportunities for cultural immersion and acclimatization—making it perfect for trekkers looking for an unforgettable experience!