Manaslu Circuit and Nar Phu Valley Trek - 22 days

The snowy Himalayas will greet you as you fly into Kathmandu, the capital city of Nepal. A representative from Third Rock Adventures will welcome you at the airport and drive you to your hotel.

Take some rest and if you wish you can explore the streets of Thamel in the evening. Thamel is a popular tourist destination filled with restaurants, cafes, pubs, trekking and climbing equipment shops, and many souvenir shops.

Overnight in Kathmandu.

Today, you will meet your guide and get a trip briefing about the trail's route, condition of the trail, and other important things regarding the trek. Listen to your guide carefully and understand what to do and what not to do during the trek. If you have any questions and doubts about the trek, you can ask your guide. Moreover, check if you have missed out on any important trekking gear and if so, worry not! There is a facility for renting or buying equipment in Thamel.

After the meeting with your guide, if time permits, you can explore Kathmandu city. You can explore on your own or ask us for a guide to show you around.

Overnight in Kathmandu.

Take a scenic drive from the capital city of temples, Kathmandu, to Soti Khola, the trailhead of your trek.  If you begin the trip early in the morning, you will reach the destination by the afternoon. Moreover, you will be taking Prithivi Highway and will get to enjoy the stunning mountain view. As you leave Kathmandu valley, the gorgeous views of mountains like Annapurna, Ganesh Himal, Manaslu, and Langtang Himal will greet you.

Meanwhile, you will be driving on a meandering road past verdant hills, terrace farmlands, and crossing many rivers.

Overnight in Soti Khola.

Today your trek begins from the village of Soti Khola and will be trekking to Machha Khola. The trekking route involves a lot of ascends and descends. Enjoy changing landscapes as you will be trekking past forests, a ridge with a cliff-face, rice paddies, a rushing river, and waterfalls. You will be walking on thrilling suspension bridges over rivers and walking through dense forests before ascending the ridge above the raging Budhi Gandaki River.

Further, you will be trekking past two tropical waterfalls and walking on a thrilling rocky trail clenching to a cliff on your way to Larpubesi. You will see the valley opening up to another river flowing calmly. Also, you will come across another suspension bridge before reaching Machhakhola. Moreover, you will get a sneak peek into Nepal's local culture of the traditional hillside village. En route, you will see many Gurung villages.

Overnight in Machha Khola.

A trek to Jagat begins with a walk past the gorge and continues up the river. You will be walking on a narrow trail that gradually leads up and down and eventually takes you to Khorlabesi via Tharo Khola. After walking on an ascending and descending path, you will reach Tatopani with a natural hot water spring. Upon trekking further, you will enter Manaslu Conservation Area Project (MCAP).  It features an ecosystem of mountains, water bodies, glaciers, the Himalayan flora, and fauna. The conservation area is home to animals like snow leopards, Himalayan Thars, and different species of birds.

Moreover, you will be climbing up a ridge, crossing suspension bridges, and climbing up staircases on your way to Dobhan. Further, you will be crossing more suspension bridges and ascending stone staircases on your way to Jagat via Tharo Bharyang. En route, you will see picturesque traditional Gurung villages and get insight into their rich culture and traditions.

Overnight in Jagat.

After having breakfast, you will be leaving for the village of Deng. You will be ascending a rocky ridge to Salleri and descending to Salleri. You will see the valley widen as you approach the Ghatta Khola River. Continue your trek to the Gurung village of Philim situated on a hilltop, and savor the stunning view of neighboring villages and farms located on hilltops or Cliffside. You will be walking on a fairly leveled trail to Ekle Bhatti.

The trail becomes steep; you will be walking down grassy slopes and crossing the Budhi Gandaki River. Take a walk through dense forest filled with pine & rhododendron trees. Further, you will be crossing a bamboo forest and a small river, Deng Khola, before reaching the small village of Deng.

Overnight in Deng.

A trek to Namrung via Prok village will be noteworthy, especially in cultural practices in high mountains. You will be trekking across the Budhi Gandaki River and ascending a bridge, followed by a walk through a lush green forest. Walk past the quaint village and enjoy the mountain view on your way to Prok village.

The village of Prok is dominated by Bhotias, an indigenous community in the mountain that shares cultural similarities with Tibetan Buddhists. The village is untouched by modernization, and they practice the same tradition as their forefathers. Prok village also offers a gorgeous view of the Siringi Himal. Continue your trek across the Budi Gandaki river and walk past many gompas to Namrung village. The trekking trail passes through the dense forest followed by a narrow gorge before you reach the village.

Overnight in Namrung village.

Savor the great mountains like Siring Himal, Ganesh Himal, and Himal Chuli before leaving for Sama Gaon. You will be walking through the forest and trekking past quaint mountain villages before you enjoy the closer view of Simnang Himal and Ganesh Himal. Further, you will be trekking past villages of Sho, Lho, and Shayala before reaching Sama Gaon.

It is a scenic walk, and you will enjoy the view of different mountains from a different viewpoint. The village of Lho rewards you with the unparalleled views of Manaslu. Pay a visit to Rimbum Gompa, a large Buddhist monastery of Lho village, which dominates the village's skyline. You will be visiting Shyala village nested in the lap of the mountain. Shyala is surrounded by tall mountains like Himal Chuli, Peak 29, Manaslu, and others.

Overnight in Sama Gaon.

You will be spending a day in Sama Gaon. Either you can go on a hike to Punggen Monastery or accept a challenging full-day hike to Manaslu Base Camp. The choice is yours! Hike up to Punggen Monastery, a Buddhist monastery that offers a close-up view of Manaslu. You can also enjoy the panoramic view of mountains like Hiunchuli and Nadi Chuli. If you are up for some challenges, then hike to Manaslu Base Camp.

The trek will reward you with the stunning views of the icefall, tumbling glaciers, pristine freshwater lake- Birendra Tal, and the Nurbi Valley encircled by snowy mountain peaks. When trekking in the climbing season, the area is filled with colorful tents, and you can interact with expedition groups.

Overnight in Sama Gaon.

Walk on the trail lined with Mani walls and trek past Manaslu Glacier. Also, you will be hiking through a forest filled with juniper, birch, and rhododendron trees. A trek further will take you to the Samado village, which is nestled in the lap of Samado peak and Samdo glacier.

You will see many yaks in the village as people are mostly involved in yak herding. The village lies near Tibet, and many people of the village have migrated from Tibet. Samado feels more like a Tibetan settlement than any other rural village of Nepal.

Overnight in Samado.

A hike to Dharamsala will reward you with one of the best views of the trek. You will be walking close to mountains and will get to witness the colossal wall of mountains rising above you.

You will be walking past glaciers and awe-inspiring panoramic views on your way to Dharamsala via Larkya Base Camp. Stand beneath high mountains and make memories that you will cherish for a lifetime. En route, you will come across many traditional monasteries.

Overnight in Dharamsala.

Today you will be starting your day early. Ascend the northern side of the Larkya Glacier with breathtaking views of mountains like Larkya Peak and Cho Danda. Walk slowly but steadily as the hike today is quite tough and challenging. Trek past moraines of the glaciers and climb up gradually as the last part of the pass gets steeper. The top of the pass will reward you with the soul-stirring views of mountains like Cheo Himal, Himlung Himal, Gyaji Himal, Kangaru, and Annapurna II.

The stunning view of Manaslu will entertain you as you descend to Bimtang. After a long and tiring day, take some rest in your teahouse.

Overnight in Bhimthang.

Today you will be trekking past green meadows and forests filled with pine trees. Descend to Hampuk and hike to Duddh Khola. You will be trekking past the settlements of Karche and Gho, followed by a hike to Tilije. The Gurung village, Tilije, is famous for Apple Brandy.

Continue your walk to the Marshayangdi Valley to Dharapani, situated amidst a mountain filled with pine trees. Dharapani features many eateries and lodges and caters to the needs of trekkers in Annapurna and Manaslu Circuits.

Overnight in Dharapani.

Today you will be following the Marsyangdi River and trekking past Bagarchhap village, where you will observe the predominance of Buddhism. Moreover, you will see a glimpse of Annapurna II from Bagarchhap village. A hike on a steep trail will lead to Timang village, which offers a spectacular view of Manaslu.

Further, you will be walking on a trail filled with pine forest, which will lead you to the village of Koto.

Overnight in Koto.

Today you will be stepping into the Nar Phu valley and trekking past dense pine forests, waterfalls, cave shelters, and resting areas for pilgrims. You will be trekking past the check post and crossing the bridge which leads to Nar Phu valley. Trek up through the forest and walk above the river called Phu Khola. Keep walking through the forest, and you will also come across small caves.

Moreover, you will also see a shelter for pilgrims on the way. Continue your trek towards a narrow canyon and walk on the trail which leads to a wide waterfall. As you cross Dhamasala, the forest becomes thinner, and after climbing a steep hill, you will reach Meta. The beautiful village of Meta overlooks the awesome and up-close view of the snowy mountains.

Overnight in Meta.

Colorful and unique chortens signifying the presence of Tibetan Buddhism appear as you begin your trek to the Phu Gaon. You will be walking on a meandering trail with a stunning view of Nar Phedi Monastery in the distance. Enjoy a hike through scenic gorges and canyons on your way to a monolith that guards a sharp ascend to the Phu Gaon.

Observe the view of villages and the old Tibetan-style fortress known as dzong, along with the remains of ancient forts located in a hilltop before you reach the Phu Gaon. You will witness the remains of the Khampa settlement, a place where Tibetans used to live illegally. Moreover, you will be crossing many streams during your hike today. A walk past a rocky trail will lead you to a line of chortens, and after crossing a bridge, you will reach Phu Gaon. Take a hike up to the popular Tashi Lhakhang Gompa to pay respect to Lama Karma Soman Rimpoche. He came to Nepal in 1959 with Dalai Lama.

Overnight in Phu Gaon.

Explore the Phu Gaon on the acclimatization day at this beautiful village. You will notice that the daily life of locals is untouched by modernity. You will see villages pounding mustard seed to extract oil and notice locals spinning wool from their domesticated animals like yak and sheep. 

Walk in the tiny alleyways of the village and hike past the glacial valley up to the Himlung Himal Base Camp. Savor the awe-inspiring views of the mountain range from the base camp of Himlung Himal, which is recently opened for peak climbing. Visit an ancient Buddhist Monastery, Tashi Lakhang monastery, which lies near Phu Gaon. En route, you might see blue sheep climbing skillfully on a cliff.

Overnight in Phu Gaon.

Walk on the trail which descends, and you will be crossing many suspension bridges before reaching Mahendra Pul. After crossing a high suspension bridge over Lapche River gorge, the trail ascends. You will be walking past several Buddhist chortens painted beautifully with bamboo pinnacles before reaching Nar valley. Moreover, you will get to enjoy the spectacular view of Pisang Peak.

You will observe that Nar village is livelier than Phu Gaon. You will notice locals printing flags, spinning wool, and hear the sound of drums and prayers in the monasteries. Monks spinning prayer wheels are a common sight as well. You will see women chatting in the village square with wool fabric strapped on the back to weave rugs and blankets in the daytime.

Overnight in Nar Village.

Today you have a long day ahead, so wake up early before sunrise. You will be crossing Kang La Pass on your trek to Ngawal. It isn’t a difficult ascend, but the high altitude adds difficulty. Bask in the soul-stirring views of mountains like Gangapurna, Annapurna II, Tilicho Peak, and others from the apex of the Pass. You can also see the Marsyangdi valley and Hunde Valley from the pass.

Descend on a steep trail while enjoying the beautiful view of chorten and prayer flags of Ngawal. You will also observe the meditation caves in faraway hills. Ngawal village caters to the necessities of trekkers better, and it consists of better guest houses with comprehensive food menus and Wi-Fi.

Overnight in Ngawal.

You will experience noticeable warmth in the weather as you trek from Ngawal to Pisang. Also, you will see more greenery as you climb down over 2,000 meters from the pass.

Enjoy a hike on a wide trail and walk past a gorgeous lake before reaching Pisang. Further, you will be driving to Besisahar.

Overnight in Besisahar.

Take a scenic drive from Besisahar to Kathmandu along the Prithvi Highway. You will drive on a meandering road past a lush green forest and cross Trishuli and Marshyangdi rivers. Enjoy the amazing view of snowy mountains, verdant hills, hillside villages, and terraced farmlands on your way back to Kathmandu.

After reaching Kathmandu, check into your hotel and relax. If you wish you can explore the city and do some souvenir shopping before returning home.  

Overnight in Kathmandu.

It’s time to bid farewell to Nepal. Our representative will pick you up from your hotel and drop you at the airport. It is best to reach the airport at least 3 hours before your scheduled international flight. You will be flying back home with wonderful memories.