Flying in or out of Kathmandu valley is an amazing experience, very much so, on a clear day. As the plane approaches from the southern west vector, the Himalaya can be seen far off in the distant north. The approach beautifully navigates between low mountains, passing over picturesque views of small villages, terrace fields and lush forests, before the urban city and its intrigued network of roads and concrete buildings sprawl below us.

As you make your way through the formalities of the immigration and custom procedures, our Office Representative will be awaiting at the airport and assists during our hotel check in. Hopefully the long flight has not been very tiring for a pleasurable evening. 

Overnight: Four-star Hotel

Meals: Breakfast 

Driving west from Kathmandu, we follow the busy Prithvi Highway to countrysides adorned with unnoticed hamlets and farms nestled on hillsides. As the road winds alongside the fast-flowing Trishuli River, a popular waterway for rafters, it's hard not to notice the continuous arrivals of soaring hills and luscious forests, perhaps a preview to the vistas that awaits us on our trek. Our drive, soon crosses the Trishuli River and leave the busy highway behind, climbing on picturesque foothills decorated with rural communities and small towns, rich rice fields and farmhouses of millet, willowy sal forest and chir pine jungle. Eventually dirt road takes over, rocking our body to the rugged track, letting us know we are nearing the mountains. And soon enough, panoramic views of the southern slopes of Langtang, Ganesh Himal, Manaslu and Annapurna crown the northern skies, enticing us in anticipation to the coming days. The once ancient trading crossroads of Arughat Bazaar marks our entry into Gorkha and the Manaslu Trek, but we continue our drive a little further up ahead arriving at Soti Khola (700m/2,297ft), a small road-side village along the Budhi Gandaki River corridor. After a long drive, an early dinner and bed should have us excited for the days ahead.      

Overnight: Lodge/Teahouse

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Today, we are introduced to the epic Manaslu trek. We begin with a gentle walk beyond Soti Khola passing small settlements and easy lodges as we make our way up and down mystical sal forest, terraces of rice paddies, stunning bridges and walkways above the raging Budhi Gandaki River. Several tropical waterfalls beautifully shower our trail, allowing us early opportunities to practice our photography skills before the majestic mountains announce their appearances few days later. The rocky route coasters up and down, clinging on to exposed cliff-side underneath dripping cloud forests. Cautious approaches are required when traversing these exposed bluffs as they are narrow path cut into the cliff, often wet and slippery with little or no protections against the steep drops. Continuing along we arrive at the quaint village of Lapubesi (884m/2,900ft), populated by Gurung and Ghale people, where the trail undulates for a while before climbing a rocky outcrop where locals pray to the river and hills for a safe passage. The valley soon opens up as the trail drops to the river bed and to the drowning noises of the raging rapids, offering us a brief blissful walk along the sandy shore before climbing and hugging the cliff face again. A series of chortens (Buddhist shrine) precedes our arrival at Machha Khola (‘Fish River’, 869m/2,821ft), a rapidly expanding village with number of concentrated lodges.  

Overnight: Lodge/Teahouse

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner  

We continue upstream following the gorge northward for yet another long day in the trail. Our foot trail waves up and down as we gradually climb upward to the village of Khorlabari (970m/3,182ft) and head into a narrow ravine bustling with lush vegetations and wildlife. The banana trees found in these warm, humid steep-sided cliffs attract squabbling armies of Assamese Macaque and colourful birds such as Kalij Pheasants hunting for Himalayan Mouse-hare and Black-Lipped Pika. Arriving at Tatopani (‘hot water’), offers an opportunity to take a break and perhaps enjoy a light wash up in one of the hot water gushing sprouts. From here, we carry onto another ridge through forested areas before a suspension bridge crossing over the Budhi Gandaki leads us to a staircase climbing to Dobhan (1,070m/3,510ft). Further along, our ascend continues as the wild rapids of Budhi Gandaki thunder down below. The trail is again cut into the cliff inviting careful footings away from the steep drops and stinging nettles that line along. As more demanding climbs follow, keep a look out for any haphazard areas and contacts, for there are beautiful Gurung villages nestled high above the jungle that steals our concentration away from the trail. Throughout the day, impressive views of the narrow valley, the primitive jungle, the hemmed-in canyons, menacing rock faces, caravans of mules, cosy settlements and their almost-medieval lifestyle call for photo stops and short breaks delaying our arrival at Jagat (1,340m/4,396ft).

Jagat means ‘customs post’ in Nepali, and was the ancient checkpoint for traders coming down Manaslu and Tsum Valley. Now, the old settlement gates the entrance to the Manaslu Conservative Area Project, a national park trust that regulates and promote ecotourism in the area. A neat street lined with flagstones runs through the community, and a Buddhist mani wall is positioned at the centre of the village, a hint of the Tibetan Buddhist culture we will now find hereon in the region.  

Overnight: Lodge/Teahouse

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner  

The morning starts with a descend down to Dudh Pokhari Khola (river) rushing in from the overhead gorges of Baudha Himal (6,672m/21,889ft) by our west and confluence with the Budhi Gandaki. A suspension bridge hanging just in front of a waterfall that generates power for the local supply, precedes a quick descend to the river and then to the high and low trail round a rocky bluff. The small village of Salleri (1,353m/4,439ft) soon follows with her undulating trail amongst fields sown with rice, millet or maize. The trail snakes up along the west side of Budhi Gandaki with distracting views of Shringi Himal (7,161m/23,494ft) to the north and Langju Himal (6,274m/20,584ft) to the east, before descending down again to the spread-out Gurung village of Sirdibas (1,420m/4,658ft). The valley opens up as we head toward Ghatte (mill) Khola, where collections of streams are in use as watermills to grain crops. We follow the Budhi Gandaki upstream and cross one of the longest suspensions bridge we meet in our traverse and onto Philim (1,570m/5,150ft), a large Gurung village. The village houses a secondary school supported by the Government of Japan, Chhyoling Sandu Buddhist Gompa (monastery) and a custom post checking and levying taxes on goods imported on caravans from Tibet. Yet another long day efforts us to continue along the narrow gorges, passing superb waterfalls cascading down on both sides of the banks. The ambiance of the walk continues to be impressive with primitive forests shaded by the dark shadows of the towering overhanging cliffs, while the trail rolls up and down, crossing and re-crossing varieties of bridges. An information board on the main track announces the separation of the trail heading east toward Tsum Valley, our course though, continues northbound heading to Deng. Climbing along the banks of the river, underneath deep canyons and misty dense vegetations, we pass through a bamboo forest and a kani (stone arch) to arrive in Deng shortly thereafter.    

Tucked in at an elevation of 1,570m/5,150ft, the sparsely populated village of Deng locates three teahouses, all using solar powered electricity for dining areas only. Luckily, the Shringi Himal to the north offers scintillating views during sunset and sunrise.   

Overnight: Lodge/Teahouse

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner  

By now we should be well-acquainted with the rollercoaster that is the Manaslu trail, as familiar sceneries and crossings greet us. Our footings are more confident and our energy as vibrant as ever. Heading north-west, we leave the narrowest gorges behind and the valley opens out to allow major peaks to appear between high trees and cliffs. The ethnicity and the culture now have a heavier Tibetan Buddhist influence with chhortens (stupas), prayer flags, mani stone walls and gompas arriving more prominently throughout the trail. Paintings of Lord Buddha and other significant Buddhist figures appear on carved stones along with Buddhist mantras, fluttering colourful flags and prayer wheels in different states of conditions. Before long, a beautifully decorated kani and an elegantly carved mani wall welcomes us to the village of Ghap (2,250m/7,382ft). The beauty of Manaslu continues to unfold and impress us as we make our way through forests of pine, rhododendron and bamboo, all the while the immaculate waters of Budi Gandaki constantly rage against the rocks and cliff faces, sometimes corroding their way through but mostly diverting peacefully around. A stone bridge naturally carved by the flow of the Budhi Gandaki leads us to a forest of tall trees and wispy lichens, passing mani walls and small waterfalls. Keep an eye out for monkeys, Himalayan Blue Sheeps and even Asian Black Bears loitering in the distance cliffs and river beds away from human intrusions. The charm of the forest continues on as we make a relentless steep climb on makeshift steps and occasional exposed sections. Soon, after what seems like the edge of the forest far away from any civilizations, the village of Namrung (2,630m/8,628ft) arrives for our overnight stop. 

The closely knitted houses of Namrung mostly house dwellers from Tibetan origin who speak a unique Sino-Tibetan dialect. As a treat for reaching all the way here, the village shops a fancy bakery and a chance to savour familiar confectionaries.  

Overnight: Lodge/Teahouse

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner  

From here on till the day of Larkya La crossing the excursions become shorter, but not easier, as we slowly allow our body to acclimatise to the high elevations. The day again is an opportunity to traverse further into Tibetan Buddhist country and experience the rural culture of the small settlements and farming hamlets we pass on by. To the east the Ganesh Himal massif can be seen behind the ridge as the trail climbs northwest bound to the beautiful houses of Lihi village (2,920m/ 9,580ft) where residents can be seen toiling hard on barley fields. About an hour later, the village of Sho (2,880m/9,449ft) follows Lihi. The spread-out rustic houses of the village add to the scenery while a small gompa allows visitors to study old Buddhist paintings and seek blessings with a spin of a big prayer wheel. Sho is where we have our first viewpoint of the twin peaks of the mighty Manaslu (8,163m/26,781ft) and the neighbouring Naike Peak (6,211m/20,377m). The trail now ascends on our way pass a kani and to the cosy settlement of Lho (3,180m/10,433ft).

Sitting comfortably guarded by the stunning Manaslu to the west and Saula Peak (6,235m/20,456ft) of the Kutang Himal massif to the northeast, Lho is a picturesque colourful Buddhist community. The Ribang Monastery towers over the village and has been the foreground subject to that classic photo of ‘Manaslu with a gompa in front’. Colourful stupas, impressive chortens, mani walls, gorgeous farms and grazing herds of yak and dzo (a cross between yak and cow) further echoes the aura of the village. On a clear day, the sunset and much impressive sunrise hours on the twin peaks of Manaslu presents memorable images of the much-loved Himalayan summit.    

A short, late afternoon hike to the Ribang Gompa is a suggested trip where visitors arrive at a large courtyard overlooking Lho and Saula Peak. The monastery altars three main idols of Chenresig, Sakyamuni Buddha and Guru Rinpoche, and paintings depicting the ritual cycles of divinities and lamas. 

Overnight: Lodge/Teahouse

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner 

On bright mornings, Lho somehow look vibrant, full of life, and with the staggering Manaslu at the backdrop painting a lasting impression. We leave the alluring village behind taking the trail between stone-walled fields and clusters of grazing domesticated herds. To our west fleeting views of Peak 29 (Ngadi Chuli, 7,871m/25,823ft) appears in between ridges and forest, and up ahead Manaslu and Naike Peak guides us like a needle on a compass, constantly beaconing us to the hidden wonders of the Himalaya. Enroute, we pass a rundown hydro plant, braided streams, serene forests, before a steep climb levels out at Shyala (3,500m/11,483ft). Surrounded by high mountains of Manaslu, Ngadi Chuli, Himal Chuli (7,893m/25,895ft) and snow-capped peaks of the Pangbuche Massif to the east, Shyala forces a rest-stop to admire the natural amphitheatre. The trail climbs shortly, arriving at ravines carved by the glacial rivers from the Punggen valley down the Manaslu massif. Dropping below to icy rivers and crossing over a suspension bridge, we get a view of Sama Gaon in the distant valley floor – like a miniscule footnote dwarfed and lost within the landscape of the stupendous Himalayan wall. It is mostly downhill from here, occasionally navigating across remains of glacial moraines, as the valley floor slowly line up fields, stone walls and rural houses. 

Sama Gaon (3,520m/11,548ft), sometimes shortened to ‘Sama’ or called by its other name ‘Ryo’, is noticeably the largest village in the region. It is the last stop for those on climbing expeditions before their campsite at Manaslu Base Camp. As a result, the village is well supplied to support expeditions, making it a good place to shop for any goodies or gears that needs to be replaced or purchased. 

Overnight: Lodge/Teahouse

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner 

We can now feel the air getting thinner as the altitude increases. Regular hydration plays vital role in ensuring our body acclimatises and stay healthy in the high altitudes, and helps to avoid our holiday from being marred by discomforts and uneasiness. “Climb high, sleep low", “Take it slow" and “Drink plenty of fluids" are the secret mantras many have successfully adopted in the Himalaya.

Our guide will advise a suitable walk to help us acclimatise. There are few side trips around Sama Gaon that are excellent options to explore the high mountain terrains and the rich Buddhist culture heavily influenced by the complex geography. 

Pungyen Monastery, a 5–6-hour roundtrip is a popular excursion and takes trekkers through photogenic chortens and moraine trails to a serene gompa sitting at a foot of a cliff. Along the trail we find enchanting views of the Punggen Glacier to the west, Shringi Himal to the east and Saula Peak to the north. The monastery, in itself, is a simple complex but the fantastic scenery makes the trip worthwhile.

For a strenuous day, a visit to the Manaslu Base Camp (4,400m/14,435ft) demands a hike up a steep trail through pine forests and juniper scrubs. Throughout the climb we get awe-inspiring view of the unbelievable Manaslu Glacier, a formidable wall of ice and snow dropping all the way from the summit to the Birendra Lake at the valley floor. The excursion is quite demanding and it is understandable for casual trekkers to turnback from a comfortable elevation – a job done; we’ve climbed high enough for a well-deserved rest back at the valley. On our way down, we can visit the hidden glacial Birendra Tal (lake, 3,637m/11,932ft) that often sees ice blocks tumble down the Manaslu Glaciers with frightening insurgencies. Herds of Himalayan Tahr, flock of Blood Pheasants and Tibetan Snow Cocks can be seen frolicking around the freshwater lake.   

For those looking ahead to a much easier rest day, walking around Sama Gaon with a camera is an enlightening cultural experience. Two storey houses that sees people living on the top floor and the ground floor given to livestock for their warmth, are neatly fenced with stone walls topped with layers of firewood. Village folks in Tibetan dresses, out in the warmth of the sun, going about their daily life, while the children play in the stream running through the village. Yaks and mules safely tied to their post, whilst the chickens freely patrol the street. Mani walls, painted Buddhas and chortens are plenty abound for photography.  

Overnight: Lodge/Teahouse

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner 

Before leaving Sama Gaon we visit the monastery sitting atop a small hillock, if we had not already made our visit earlier during the stay. The trail from Sama Gaon to Samdo is fairly stable once we drop down to the flats above the Budhi Gandaki River. Lined with several mani walls and juniper bushes, the easy walk travels across a wide valley that allows for panoramic views of the high mountains. To the east Samdo Peak (6,335m/20,784ft) and the neighbouring peaks of Pangbuche Himal massif borders the Tibetan plateaus, behind us the Himal Chuli (7,893m/25,895ft) is impressive, whilst high birch forests of Kermo Kharka and Kyonggma Kharka edges our trail. We wander over high plateaus and skirt around ancient moraines before crossing a wooden bridge to a short steep climb that arrives at an elevated plain. The last incline to the village is moderate but the effects of the altitude does catch up to us.     

Samdo (3,875m/12,713ft) is one of the most remote permanent settlements in Nepal, lying right at the Himalayan borders with Tibet. Inhabited by migrants from Ro, a Tibetan region close to the border, the village resides close to 40 houses made of dry-stone walls, stone slab roofs and juniper mesh for protections against the cold mountain winds. The medieval setting is heightening further by harden locals who spent their days working in the fields, collecting firewood and watching their livestock. A land and a culture, truly out of time, forgotten and isolated from modernity.   

Overnight: Lodge/Teahouse

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner 

We have the luxury of few options for our acclimatization in preparation for crossing the high pass, which can be discussed with your guide.   

The hill to the north-east of Samdo offers an excellent half-day excursion with splendid views of the village, the Budhi Ganadaki corridor down south-east and the surrounding staggering peaks that seems to rise from the valley floor with intense urgencies. The trail contours around easy slopes where we find yaks grazing by, unimpressed to our climbing skills, whilst snowcocks and pheasants forage between juniper bushes. All the while, Golden eagles and Himalayan vultures swoop suddenly down to the valley, darting pass us, to an unsuspecting prey. Couple of chortens trace the windy ridgeline and as we climb further up, the sheer northern side of Samdo Peak dramatically intensifies to almost one’s fingertips. To our west, we preview the trail to Larky La as it disappears between razor-sharp ridges below the imposing Larkya Peak (6,249m/ 20,502ft). The upper hillside is a prime habitat of blue sheep and Himalayan tahr, and can be seen in large herds, nibbling peacefully on steep slopes before collectively scurrying off from our intrusions.

The ancient salt trading route to the Tibetan border passes of Gyala and Lajyang heads into the northern valley passing bleak and barren countryside characteristic to the Tibetan highlands. As we head further up north toward Gyala Peak (5,973m/19,596ft), the trail to Lajyang or Rui La (4,998m/16,397ft) breaks off to the right while the trail to Gyala Pass (5,375m/17,634ft) stays straight ahead. The excursions to these border passes require a full day exercise and demand climbing up high elevations, and not advised for those seeking a little rest.         

For the above acclimatisation walks, it is fair practice to gain a comfortable altitude and return back to Samdo for an evening of rest. Or we can take an entire day resting and exploring the medieval village, for an opportunity to experience a culture forgotten by time do not arrive every other day. The secluded Samdo and the once thriving seasonal Tibetan market of Larkya Bazaar, which is around 20 minutes to the north, makes for an insightful day studying the harden mountain life untouched by modern amenities. Tibetan traders once exchanged salt, wool and meat for barley, rice and wood with the locals from the Budhi Gandaki valley at Larkya Bazaar before the status of Tibet was changed and border movements were restricted. Now the remains of the seasonal trading post shed some lights on the difficult journeys undertaken by the Himalayan dwellers to sustain lives in this unhabitable highlands.  

Overnight: Lodge/Teahouse

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Even though we enjoy a short hike today, the altitude and few steep demands should slow our pace. Not attacking the trail or over-breathing should be the mantra that takes us over the pass tomorrow, and it helps to practice them today. Plus, the almost-artic landscape our route traverse across should demand regular viewing breaks and photo stops. 

After breakfast, we head toward Larkya Bazaar and turn west on a deceptive climb to a ridge that overlooks the north face of Naike Peak, the piercing shires of Manaslu North and the daunting Syacha Glacier in between, extending from the southwest. Our scenic gazes are occasionally broken by loose footings on inclined slopes and icy trappings frozen by small streams along the trail, demanding our utmost attentions. The terrain is characterised by thorny berberis bushes, juniper shrubs and even Edelweiss flowers, undisturbed by the artic conditions. Up ahead, we can now observe the Larkya Glacier as the trail winds up and down over steep sections across couple of massive sandstone ravines. Nearing the glacier, the climb gets relatively steep and arrives at the collection of huts and tents of Dharamshala (means pilgrims’ rest house). 

There are many Dharamshala, an overnight rest site, at the foot of various passes across the Himalaya - this one is singled out as Larkya Phedi (bottom of Larkya). Here, the accommodations are basic with rooms furnished by mattresses only, and a simple menu with expensive prices. Undoubtably, at this altitude, and wedged deep in the middle of the Himalaya, a roof and a hot meal is a luxury.

The afternoon can be spent acclimatising, relaxing or watching venturesome blue sheep rummaging for edibles around the camp area.  

Overnight: Lodge/Teahouse

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner 

Our day starts pre-dawn with headlamps illuminating our path up the rise above Larkya Phedi. The pass generally sees icy winds blowing down from the mountains around mid-mornings, and along with the challenging high pass and a long descend to the lower meadows, it is desirable to have an early start. With our pre-hike checklist done for our day pack – enough drinks, enough warm layers, enough food/snacks - we climb slowly with an easy pace, appreciating the dauting landscape around us. The trail is easy to follow as it sweeps along a barren hill and over a vast icy lake below, before the snow-capped peaks and glaciers appear before us. Before long, we find ourselves navigating across moraines, small frozen lakes and into the ablation valley of the north side of the Larkya Glacier with amazing views of Larkya Peak and Cho Danda. The endless rock-fields slowly make a steep trajectory to a path marked with fluttering prayer flags and to the summit cairn (5,160m/16,929ft). 

There are majestic panoramic views of the greater Himalaya at the top. To the east Pangbuche Himal borders Tibet, Larkya Peak is above to our southeast, Annapurna II (7,937m/26,040ft) and Kang Guru (6,981m/22,903ft) to the west, and up north Himlung (Nemjung, 7,126m/23,379ft) and Cheo Himal (6,812m/22,349ft). 

The descent begins on a steep slope on an often-icy route confounded by high winds, leaving no time to be complacent or enjoy the mountain arcs of the Nar-Phu valley stretched out before us. The dizzy trail drops down moraines, icy streams and loose slopes, extracting cautious approach from our, now exhausted legs. Soon, juniper bushes shape the landscape, followed by grassy pasture of Dangboche Kharka as Himalayan crows, ravens and snowcocks welcome us back to the land of vegetations. 

Bhimthang (3,590m/11,778ft) means ‘Plain of sands’ and boasted a salt-depot that attracted traders from Samdo and from the Manang valleys in the Annapurna. Sitting right under the lap of Manaslu, the meadow was historically used as an encampment site or as an animal shelter by Tibetan traders during cold and impassable winters.  

Overnight: Lodge/Teahouse

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner 

On a clear sky, the early morning hours in Bhimthang are astoundingly breath-taking and unforgettable as Manaslu now towering to our east, Phungi Himal (6,538m/21,450ft) to the south, Himlung and Cheo Himal in the north are hit with soft golden hues while Bhimthang remains asleep in the dark, enveloped by the mighty wall of the Manaslu massif. This morning feels a little different, a little celebratory and with jubilant footsteps we head south down the meadows to a wooden bridge over the emerging Dudh Khola (milk river) as it converges from the snouts of Salphudanda, Ponkar and Keechakyu Khola glaciers. The moraines next to the end of the bridge offer excellent viewpoint of Himlung, Cheo Himal and the three glaciers merging to our north. Pungi Himal is to our southeast, with the Manaslu and Larkya massif dominating the east, almost entirely. The awe-inspiring mountains are soon forgotten as we enter the most beautiful stretches of forest on the whole trek. Primitive forest of rhododendron, spruce, oak, cedar, juniper and birch show off diverse collection of flora from wild orchids to strawberries, with rich crews of singing birds and colourful butterflies dancing to willowy sunlight. Without much surprise, today we will be wrestling more with our cameras than with our athleticism, trying to capture the right exposures and balances between the contrasting glaring snowy summits and the shaded dense forest. The trail continues on through the tranquil forest, climbing over a short landslip area and arriving at the Dudh Khola riverbed of Kharche (2700m/ 8,858ft) before walking up through a narrow valley to the terraced fields atop the small pass. More fields and small settlements greet us down back to civilization and to Tilije (2300m/7,545ft) for our overnight stop. 

Tilije has a mixed ethnic population of Ghale, Gurung, Chhetri and Tibetans, who have influenced the mix culture and architecture of the village. Away from the remoteness of Manaslu, the lodges at this small Annapurna village offers comfort and a good sleep, perhaps in relief to the completion of the circuit.     

Overnight: Lodge/Teahouse

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner 

We head down to the bridge over Dudh Khola, pass fields and mani walls before joining a wide dirt road. It will be hard not to notice the ridges of Lamjung Himal (6,983m/22,910ft) over the skyline as our easy walk makes one final ascend and heads down to cross the Dudh Khola one last time, to the check post at Thonje. Here, we officially leave the Manaslu Conservation Area and enter the Annapurna Conservation Area. Following a beautiful stupa over the Marsyangdi River we cross a suspension bridge into Dharapani (1,963m/6,440ft) and join the main Annapurna Circuit trail. The ride down to Besisahar will be bumpy, dusty and thrilling as the jeep hugs the mountain road over the sweeping Marsyangdi River. 

Though Kathmandu is only around 176 km away, the winding-weaving and maze-like terrain heaves the drive to long hours. We leave the Himalaya behind as we head along the Besisahar-Dumre Highway with our rear-view window looking at the eastern ridges of Annapurna massif with Lamjung Himal, Annapurna II, Annapurna IV and the familiar Manaslu range. The road follows the Marsyangdi Khola and the beautiful stretches of farmlands and fields the river waters, to Dumre Bazaar where we re-join Prithvi Highway. Thirty odd kilometres later the river and the road converge with Trishuli River where we turn east toward Kathmandu. Looking out the window and watching one steep mid-hill follow another vertical spear, it is not hard to understand why road constructions and further development projects are an arduous task in this jagged region. Up the highway, at Benighat, our old companion Budhi Gandaki converges with Trishuli river and sees us off as we say our goodbyes to Manaslu.  

Overnight: Four-starHotel

Meals: Breakfast 

Today we reserve ourselves a day of well-deserved leisure opportunities of some shopping and souvenir hunting, a city tour and sightseeing activities at the heritage sites, or just simply relaxing after the demanding trek. 

The Kathmandu valley locates heritage sites all within short distances of each other. The Hindu pilgrimage complex of the holy Pashupatinath Temple or the serene Buddhist stupas of Bodhanath and Swayambhunath are few of the religious sites that many would like to visit. The museums and ancient royal courtyards at the three Durbar (Palace) Squares of Kathmandu, Patan and Bhaktapur, richly transport us to the golden age of Newa cultures. 

Our evening is shared with a one last hurrah. A celebratory farewell dinner in honor of you and the many more adventures to come.  

Overnight: Four-star Hotel

Meals: Breakfast and Dinner 

Here we bid our farewell and wish you a nice flight back home. Our office representative will pick you up at the hotel for your transport to the international airport.