An early departure from Thamel along the Prithvi Highway before turning north at Arughat into increasingly rough mountain roads. The drive follows the Budhi Gandaki River through terraced hillsides and small villages. Tarmac ends well before Machha Khola and the last stretch is a proper jeep track. Arrive by late afternoon with enough time to settle in before the first full day on foot tomorrow.

The first day on the trail follows the Budhi Gandaki River north through dense subtropical forest, past waterfalls and suspension bridges. The trail alternates between river bank and cliff-hugging sections cut into the gorge wall. Jagat is the first checkpoint where your restricted area permits are verified. Keep all documents accessible as checks are thorough on the Manaslu circuit.

The trail climbs away from the river through terraced fields and pine forest before descending back to the Budhi Gandaki at Philim, a large Gurung village worth a short stop. Tibetan cultural influence becomes noticeable from here as the valley narrows and the first mani walls and prayer flags appear on the trail. Deng sits at a river confluence and marks the boundary into deeper mountain terrain.

A significant altitude gain today as the valley opens and the landscape shifts from subtropical forest to pine and rhododendron. The first clear views of Manaslu’s satellite peaks appear above the ridgeline as you approach Namrung. This is the day the mountain starts to feel close. The trail passes through several small stone villages where life runs on a seasonal rhythm tied entirely to the high pastures above.

A shorter day with a big reward. The trail climbs through juniper and pine to Lho, a traditional Tibetan village with one of the finest direct views of Manaslu’s north face on the entire circuit. The gompa above the village is active and worth visiting. Use the shorter afternoon to rest, explore the village, and watch the light change on the mountain as the sun drops.

Another short day as the altitude begins to demand respect. The trail passes through Shyala with continuous views of Manaslu, Himalchuli (7,893m), and Ngadi Chuli (7,871m) filling the horizon. Samagaon is the largest village on the circuit, a fully Tibetan settlement with a monastery, a small medical post, and teahouses that are noticeably better equipped than anything on the lower trail. Tomorrow is a full rest day here.

Do not rest completely. Hike up to Pungyen Gompa (4,800m) for direct views across the Manaslu glacier, or push toward Manaslu Base Camp for a longer acclimatisation day. Both options follow the climb high, sleep low principle that matters most before Larkya La. Back in Samagaon by afternoon, visit the monastery and attend the evening prayer session if it coincides with your stay.

A deliberately short day to keep acclimatisation on track before the pass. The trail climbs through yak pastures and open alpine terrain with the Tibetan border visible to the north. Samdo is the last permanent settlement before Larkya La and sits closer to Tibet than any other village on the circuit. Blue sheep are commonly spotted on the slopes above the village in the late afternoon.

A short but important day climbing to Dharamsala, also known as Larkya La Base Camp. The trail crosses a glacial moraine and enters a stark high-altitude landscape with little vegetation and big views. Dharamsala has basic accommodation and limited menu options. Eat well, drink plenty of water, and sleep early. The alarm goes off between 3 and 4am tomorrow for the pass crossing.

The hardest and most rewarding day on the circuit. A pre-dawn start in the cold climbs steadily to the prayer flags at Larkya La where Himlung Himal, Cheo Himal, Annapurna II, and dozens of other peaks fill every direction. The descent to Bimthang is long and steep on tired legs through moraines and alpine meadows. Bimthang sits in a wide glacial valley with Manaslu dominating the skyline behind you.

A long descent through rhododendron and maple forest as the altitude drops dramatically and the air thickens noticeably with every hour. The trail passes through Hampuk and crosses several suspension bridges over the Dudh Khola river. By the time Tilije comes into view the vegetation is lush and green again, a striking contrast to the bare moraine and ice of yesterday. Your legs will feel the 1,400m drop.

A short morning walk through the final section of trail brings you to Dharapani where the Manaslu Circuit meets the Annapurna Circuit road. The trekking ends here. A jeep transfers you to Besisahar through the Marsyangdi valley, the same valley the Annapurna Circuit climbs north from. It is a strange feeling to rejoin the road after nearly two weeks in a restricted mountain region.

An early jeep departure from Besisahar back to Kathmandu along the Prithvi Highway. The drive takes 7 to 8 hours through the Trishuli River gorge with meal stops along the way. Arrive in Thamel by early evening. Hot shower, real bed, proper food. After 12 days on a restricted mountain circuit, Kathmandu feels like a different planet.

Breakfast at the hotel then a private transfer to Tribhuvan International Airport timed to your flight. If you have a late departure the team can arrange luggage storage or a final morning at Boudhanath or Pashupatinath. Fifteen days, 177km, one full circuit of the world’s 8th highest peak. Done.