Take the Larkya La Pass and cut behind Manaslu Massif to trek through the Himalayan wilderness. Your trek around the Manaslu Circuit begins with a scenic drive to Aurughat, where you'll hike up the Buri Gandaki River and through the rough gorges between Himalchuli and Ganesh Himal. The trails are steep, but the spiritual support of Buddhist prayer flags and Chortens, and the first sight of Manaslu peak make it all worth it in the end.

Suggested itinerary:

Day 1: Arrive in Kathmandu Valley

Arrive at Kathmandu Tribhuvan International Airport and be received with a private vehicle and transfer to the hotel. A representative of the local partner will give you information about further programs.

Day 2: 8-Hour Drive to Arughat (640 meters/2,093 feet)

Get picked up at 7:00 AM for an 8-hour driving journey to Arughat. From Kathmandu to Dhading Bensi drive for an approximately 3.5-hour drive on paved roads, from which you will then drive another 4-hours to Arughat on a dirt road. Stay overnight at a guest house.

Day 3: 6-Hour Trek to Soti Khola (775 meters/2,534 feet)

Follow the Budhi Gandaki River toward its point of origin. Pass the village of Morder and Simre to reach the Arkhat River and slowly ascend toward Kyoropani. Camp near the confluence of Seti River, which is an ideal place to take a freshwater bath. Stay overnight at a guest house.

Day 4: 5.5-Hour Trek to Machha Khola (900 meters/2,943 feet)

The trail descends slowly until you climb again along the mountain ridge to Almara. Pass the forest trail to arrive at Riden Gaon. The valley here cuts the river towards Budhi Gandaki. At Labubesi, the trail follows the sandy river bed of Budhi Gandaki. Camp tonight at Machha River. Stay overnight at a guest house.

Day 5: 6-Hour Trek to Jagat (1,340 meters/4,382 feet)

Cross the Machha River and Khola Besi and follow the forested trail toward Dovan. Below Dovan, there is a huge rapid at Budhi Gandaki. As the elevation increases, the rapids and the scenery undergo a complete transformation. At Jagat, there is a police check post where your trekking permit will be checked. Stay overnight at a guest house.

Day 6: 6-Hour Trek to Ngyak Phedi (2,310 meters/7,554 feet)

Ascend to the terraced hill of Saguleri and have a view of Sringi Himal. Continue towards Sirish Gaon and see as the Gandaki Valley narrows. Stay overnight at a guest house.

Day 7: 7-Hour Trek to Ghap (2,100 meters/6,867 feet)

Follow the trail upstream Deng River towards a tiny village of four houses. Walkthrough a rock tunnel to avoid the traditional steep climb. At Ghap, experience Tibetan culture as you see Mani stones and Chortens all around. Stay overnight at a guest house.

Day 8: 7-Hour Trek to Lho (3,200 meters/10,464 feet)

Cross the wooden bridge over Budhi Gandaki and follow the path lined with houses interspersed with cultivated fields. At Namru there is a police check post again. After Namru, continue on to Naike Peak and see Manaslu North and Manaslu mountains from here. Set camp near a spring at Lho Gaon and stay overnight at lodge or guest house.

Day 9: 6-Hour Trek to Sama Gompa (3,500 meters/11,445 feet)

Pass the stone gate and long Mani stone wall of the village after Lho and get a full view of Peak 29. Take a side excursion to Pungen Glacier to get an up-close view of Manaslu. Follow the lateral moraine of Pungen Glacier toward Sama. From the village of Sama, it take another 20 minutes to reach Sama Gompa. Stay overnight at a guest house.

Day 10: Samagaon

Spend a day at Samagaon to acclimatize and adjust to the thinning of the air. Take a local excursion to visit Birendra Lake. Return to the lodge for an overnight stay.

Day 11: 5-Hour Trek to Samdo (4,500 meters/14,715 feet)

Climb a terraced hill on the opposite bank of Budhi Gandaki River towards the remote permanent settlement of Samdo. Stay overnight at guest house.

Day 12: 8-Hour Climb of Larkya La (5,215 meters/17,053 feet) and Trek to Bimthang (3590 meters)

Climb towards Cheo Danda and slowly head steeply uphill towards the moraine and glacier up to Larke Pass. Enjoy stunning views of Himlung Himal, Cheo Himal, Gyagi Kung, Kang Kuru, and the Annapurna II. The descent is more difficult than the ascent due to the trail being thin and steep. Walk over the landslide and old moraines towards Bimphedi and stay overnight at a lodge.

Day 13: 7-Hour Trek to Tilje (3,900 meters/12,753 feet)

The route gets easier today. Start with a gentle climb through paddy fields towards Karcha La Pass and descend through forests to Tilje. Stay overnight at a guest house.

Day 14: 4-Hour Trek to Tal (1,725 meters/5,640 feet) and 4-Hour Drive to Besisahar

Follow the trail downstream of Marshyangdi River and pass through the scattered villages to reach Tal village. Have lunch and take a local bus back to Besisaharand stay overnight at a guest house.

Day 15: Drive back to Kathmandu city.