Itinerary
- Day 1
Kathmandu to Sotikhola
Start early from Kathmandu for an 8-9 hour drive to Sotikhola. The route takes you through the Nepalese countryside where you'll see mountain views throughout. Initially the roads are paved through Dhading Bensi, then they get rougher as you head toward Arughat and eventually Sotikhola. Once you arrive, settle into your first night at a tea house and get some rest after the long drive.
- Day 2
Sotikhola to Machha Khola
Trek for 6-7 hours from Soti Khola through Sal forests and alongside the Budhi Gandaki River. The trail climbs up ridges above rapids and passes two tropical waterfalls on steep rocky sections that cling to cliff sides. You'll walk through rice terraces and the Gurung village of Labubesi, then descend to cross suspension bridges before reaching Machha Khola village. Tea house overnight.
Included Activities
- Trek from Soti Khola to Machha Khola
Landmarks/POIs Budhi Gandaki River Labubesi - Day 3
Machha Khola to Jagat
Trek 6-7 hours with plenty of ups and downs. Cross the Tharo Khola to reach Khorlabesi, then continue to a small hot spring at Tatopani. From there go over ridges and suspension bridges, climb stone stairs, and pass through Dobhan and Tharo Bharyang before arriving at Jagat village. Tea house overnight.
Included Activities
- Trek from Machha Khola to Jagat
- Visit hot spring in Tatopani
Landmarks/POIs Tatopani Hot Spring Budhi Gandaki River - Day 4
Jagat to Deng
Trek 6-7 hours starting with a rocky ridge climb to Salleri, then descend as the valley widens toward Sirdibas. Pass through Ghatta Khola and walk to the suspension bridge at Philim, a large Gurung village. Cross millet fields to Ekle Bhatti, enter a steep uninhabited gorge, and cross the Budhi Gandaki multiple times through bamboo forests before reaching Deng village. Tea house overnight.
Included Activities
- Trek from Jagat to Deng
Landmarks/POIs Philim Budhi Gandaki River - Day 5
Deng to Namrung
Trek 6-7 hours crossing the Budhi Gandaki and climbing to Rana. Head west up the valley through forests to Mani and Ghap. Take a scenic route through Prok village with views of Siringi Himal. Cross the river several times, pass multiple gompas, walk through dense forest where the river thunders down a narrow gorge, then make a final steep climb to Namrung. Tea house overnight.
Included Activities
- Trek from Deng to Namrung
Landmarks/POIs Siringi Himal Budhi Gandaki River - Day 6
Namrung to Samagaon
Trek 6-7 hours from Namrung with steady climbs through forests to Lihi village. Descend and cross the side valley with Ganesh Himal views, then pass through Sho, Lho, and Shyala villages. From Shyala you're surrounded by high mountains including Himal Chuli, Peak 29, Manaslu with glaciers, and Ganesh Himal. Check out Ribung Gompa and arrive in Samagaon. Tea house overnight.
Included Activities
- Trek from Namrung to Samagaon
- Visit Ribung Gompa
Landmarks/POIs Mt. Manaslu Ribung Gompa Ganesh Himal Himal Chuli - Day 7
Samagaon
Spend today resting and acclimatizing at Samagaon. See the Sherpa culture firsthand, view thousands of mani stones with Buddhist texts, and observe Sherpa women in traditional dress. Head to Pungyen Gompa on a nearby hill for glacier views and cultural immersion. Learn how the monastery was destroyed after the first Japanese attempt to climb Manaslu, which locals believed angered the gods. If preferred, hike to Manaslu Base Camp instead. Tea house overnight.
Included Activities
- Rest and acclimatization day
- Visit Pungyen Gompa
Optional Activities
- Hike to Manaslu Base Camp
Landmarks/POIs Pungyen Gompa Mt. Manaslu - Day 8
Samagaon to Samdo
Trek 4-5 hours descending to the Budhi Gandaki River where it turns north. Follow it to a side stream bridge, passing numerous Mani walls as the valley widens. Walk an easy shelf above the river through juniper and birch forests at Kermo Kharka. Cross the river on a wooden bridge, climb steeply onto a promontory between two river forks, view a large white kani from a stone arch, pass through it, and reach Samdo. Tea house overnight.
Included Activities
- Trek from Samagaon to Samdo
Landmarks/POIs Budhi Gandaki River - Day 9
Samdo (Rest and Acclimatization Day)
Another acclimatization day at Samdo with two hiking options. The recommended hike goes up the valley behind the village to trade passes to Tibet with excellent Mt. Manaslu views and Himalayan ranges including Simrang, Hiunchuli, Ngadi, Larkye Peak, and Cheo. See seasonal herding settlements called doksas and mountain birds. Alternatively, take a longer full-day hike to Gya La, a more frequently used trading route. Tea house overnight.
Included Activities
- Rest and acclimatization day at Samdo
Optional Activities
- Hike to trade passes to Tibet
- Full-day hike to Gya La (Gya Pass) to the north
Landmarks/POIs Mt. Manaslu Gya La Pass - Day 10
Samdo to Dharamsala
Trek 6-7 hours continuing along the edge and crossing a wooden bridge over Budhi Gandaki. Walk upward, cross two streams, and witness the Larkya Glacier. Go around the Salka Khola valley and climb to a stone guest house (Dharmshala/Larke Phedi) at 4450m. This isn't a full lodge but rather shelter. The short walk leaves you with time to relax in the afternoon. Shelter overnight.
Included Activities
- Trek from Samdo to Dharamsala
Landmarks/POIs Larkya Glacier Budhi Gandaki River - Day 11
Dharamsala to Larkya La to Bimthang
After a short climb, reach a valley on the north side of Larkya Glaciers with views of Cho Danda and Larkya Peak. Walk across glacier moraines with gradual ascent that becomes steep in the final pass section. From the 5160m Larkya La pass, enjoy outstanding views of Himlung Himal, Cheo Himal, Kangguru, and huge Annapurna II. This is a longer than usual 8-9 hour day, but descending into low pastures at Bimthang with evening mist and Mt. Manaslu looming close by makes it worth it. Tea house overnight.
Included Activities
- Trek over Larkya La Pass (5160m)
Landmarks/POIs Larkya La Pass Larkya Glacier Himlung Himal Annapurna II Mt. Manaslu - Day 12
Bimthang to Tilije/Darapani
Start with ridge views of Mt. Manaslu, Lamjung Himal, Himlung Himal, and Cheo Himal from Bimthang. Descend through high pasture at Sangure Kharka, cross a bridge over Dudh Khola, and walk through rhododendron forest along a narrow valley to Karche at 2785m, the highest cultivated land. Cross fields and climb over a ridge. The trail sweeps down to the river at 2580m and continues to Gho village. Trek 6-7 hours. Better lodges are at Tilije if you prefer. Tea house overnight.
Included Activities
- Trek from Bimthang to Tilije/Darapani
Landmarks/POIs Mt. Manaslu Lamjung Himal - Day 13
Darapani to Kathmandu
Drive 8-9 hours from Darapani back to Kathmandu via Besi Sahar, enjoying both hill and mountain landscapes often along the Marsyangdi and Trishuli rivers. Pass beautiful villages with farming terraces. After arriving in Kathmandu, you'll be escorted to your hotel. Spend time at leisure, do last-minute shopping, or just relax. Celebrate your successful journey with a farewell dinner in the evening. Hotel overnight in Kathmandu.
- Meals
- Dinner (Farewell dinner)
Included Activities
- Farewell dinner
Optional Activities
- Last-minute shopping in Kathmandu
Landmarks/POIs Marsyangdi River Trishuli River
