We begin our adventure with an early departure from Kathmandu. After breakfast, we board a private vehicle for the journey to Machha Khola. The first of trip follows a paved highway to Dhading Besi, taking approximately 3–4 hours. From there, the route transitions to a rugged, winding dirt road for the remaining 5–7 hours, tracing the Budi Gandaki River valley. While the total drive spans roughly 8–10 hours, our experienced driver and comfortable private vehicle ensure a safe and manageable journey through Nepal's varied landscapes. We’ll arrive in Machha Khola by evening, ready to begin our trek.

Today's trek truly begins with following the lively Budi Gandaki River through lush forests where troops of monkeys and langurs are common. The path then leads into traditional Gurung villages like Lower Khorlabeshi, where shepherds often wear their distinctive, smoke-browned woolen capes called bokkhu. A welcome stop is Tatopani ("hot water"), where natural hot springs offer a chance to soothe tired muscles. Refreshed, you'll cross a suspension bridge into Doban, passing through areas like Landslip and Yaruphant. The route cleverly uses a wooden river crossing to avoid a long, steep climb. Finally, a long cantilever bridge at Yaru leads to Jagat, a tidy, flagstone-paved Gurung village. Here, officials will check your Manaslu restricted area permit, marking your official entry into this controlled region.

Today we descend to the Dudh Pokhari Khola, crossing a suspension bridge with views of a powerful waterfall just beyond Jagat. A short fifteen-minute walk take us to Salleri, a village with terraced fields of rice and millet and greate view of the majestic peak of Shringi Himal (7,187m). The day’s journey continues passing through waterfalls and over another bridge, ascending a jeep trail to Ghatte Khola. A 45-minute climb leads to Philim, home to an MCAP checkpoint. Here, we may pause to observe local life before continuing toward Chisapani for lunch. The afternoon takes us through gorgeous rhododendron and dense bamboo forests near Eleklibhatti, as the Gandaki Valley narrows into steep, soaring walls. At a junction just before Nyak, the path splits toward the Tsum Valley and our route to Larkya La Pass. From Nyak, we follow the Deng River upstream, climbing through Pewa to reach the traditional stone village of Deng for our overnight stay.

We start our trek by walking through a peaceful bamboo forest on the way to Deng. The trail then crosses a suspension bridge and climbs through the villages of Rana and Bihi Phedi, where white-faced monkeys are sometimes seen near the settlements. We carefully pass a landslide area before continuing uphill toward Namrung. The final part of the walk follows the river with a gentle zigzag climb, leading us to the stone-built village of Namrung at 2,660 meters. Namrung has comfortable teahouses and small restaurants. There is also a modern lodge with Wi-Fi and good coffee, making it a relaxing place to rest for the night.

The walk from Namrung to Shyala offers stunning mountain views. As you approach Lho and Shyala, Mt. Manaslu (8,163m), the world’s eighth-highest peak, comes clearly into view and dominates the landscape. Other impressive peaks such as Himal Chuli, Ngadi Chuli, and, on clear days, the distant Ganesh Himal range surround the trail, creating a beautiful Himalayan panorama and making this section one of the most memorable parts of the trek.

Today you will be greeted by perfect view of Mt.Manaslu and starting the day on a gentle trail and taking you through a green forest with pine trees, rhododendrons, and a clear stream. From Shyala, it’s about an hour to Sama Gaun. As you enter the village, the mountain hides behind the hills, but you'll see wide yak pastures and traditional stone houses instead. Sama Gaun is the heart of the local Nubri community. It has a big monastery, a few shops, a small clinic, and even a helipad. You can find phone service and Wi-Fi here too, mixing mountain simplicity with just enough connection to the outside world.

Today is a rest day in Samagaon, allowing your body to adjust to the altitude. We'll use this time to explore the village and connect with the local Nubri community, observing their daily life and traditional crafts like yak herding and wool spinning. Depending on your energy and interest, you can choose between two scenic excursions. The first is a visit to the historic Pungyen Gompa and the nearby glacial Birendra Tal, a round trip of 4–5 hours with serene mountain reflections. Alternatively, for a more adventurous option, you can trek to Manaslu Base Camp—a longer 7–8 hour journey that brings you closer to the face of the mighty mountain itself. Whichever you choose, today offers a chance to recharge while deepening your connection to the culture and landscapes of the Manaslu region.

After our rest day in Samagaon, we begin a gentle hike toward Samdo. The trail is straightforward, gradually leading us into a stark, almost desert-like landscape with sparse vegetation and wide, dry stretches. We'll cross to the opposite side of the Budi Gandaki River, climbing a terraced slope before tackling a final 30-minute steep ascent. At the top lies Samdo (3,875m), a village known for its distinct high-altitude architecture and sweeping mountain views.

Although the distance from Samdo to Dharmasala is relatively short, the high altitude makes this 3-hour trek physically demanding. The trail gradually climbs across open, rocky terrain, and the thin air requires a slow, steady pace with regular rest stops to aid acclimatization. As you gain elevation, wide views of the surrounding Himalayan peaks unfold, adding to the sense of remoteness. Dharmasala (also known as Larkya Phedi) is a basic seasonal settlement with simple teahouses and limited facilities. It serves as the final resting point before the early-morning crossing of the challenging Larkya La Pass.

Today is the most important day of the trek as we cross Larkya La Pass (5,160m), the highest point of the journey. We start very early, around 3 a.m., to reach the pass before strong winds and changing weather. The climb is tough due to the high altitude and possible snow or ice, so we walk slowly and take regular breaks. At the top, we are rewarded with stunning panoramic views of Himlung Himal, Kang Guru, and Annapurna II. After enjoying the views, we begin a long descent of about three hours toward Bimthang. Along the way, we pass glaciers, the beautiful Pongkar Tal lake, and dramatic mountain scenery. We spend the night in Bimthang, resting after an unforgettable day.

Today we hike from Bhimtang back to Tilje, following the same route. The walk begins across open pastureland before descending into the Budhi Khola valley. Continuing onward, we cross the river and pass through beautiful rhododendron forests. After a couple of hours of trekking, we reach the village of Tije, known for its apple orchards and local wine. After we arrived at Tilje we will take a 3.5 hours local jeep ride towards Besishahar.

After concluding your trek in Dharapani, your return journey to Kathmandu begins with a private jeep transfer from Besisahar. From Besisahar, you’ll continue by road through Nepal’s picturesque mid-hills, a 6–7 hour drive (175 Km) that gradually returns you from the serene mountains to the vibrant capital. Note: From Besisahar, there is an option to drive directly to Pokhara. The journey covers approximately 80 km and usually takes 4–5 hours, depending on road and traffic conditions. This scenic drive follows sections of the Marsyangdi and Seti rivers and offers views of hills, rivers, and rural villages, making it a convenient and pleasant way to continue your journey after the trek.