From Machha Khola, we follow the easier trail, passing through a unique path lined with wild marijuana plants towards Khorlabesi. We then descend into the beautiful Budhi Gandaki gorge, walking along ancient yak caravan routes framed by striking black rock formations. After crossing Tatopani, with its waterfalls and farm fields, we reach the village of Dovan, offering glimpses of Manaslu. Continuing through Yaruphant, we arrive at Jagat, where we check into the Manaslu Conservation Area.

After crossing a rocky ridge to the quiet village of Salleri, we continue along the west bank of the Budhi Gandaki River with beautiful views of Shringi Himal and Langju Himal. We soon reach Sirdibas, a charming village with traditional stone houses, prayer flags, and a rich Buddhist atmosphere.

From Sirdibas, we cross the Ghatte Khola and walk past several chortens and monasteries to reach Philim. This prosperous-looking village is surrounded by terraced fields and offers a great glimpse into the culture and daily life of the Manaslu region.

Continuing from Philim, we pass through Ekle Bhatti, meaning "one house" — a small, isolated rest point ideal for a short break before heading deeper into the remote parts of the trail.

After Ekle Bhatti, we cross a suspension bridge over the Budhi Gandaki River and hike through lush subtropical forests to Pewa village. A beautifully painted Kani gate welcomes us into Deng, a vibrant village rich with Buddhist culture and the gateway to higher elevations of the Manaslu trek.

After passing through the small village of Rana, we reach Bihi Phedi — a unique settlement divided into three clusters of houses. The steep ascent offers glimpses into traditional hillside life, and although small, Bihi Phedi leaves a lasting impression with its rustic charm.

From Bihi Phedi, the trail descends along zigzagging paths towards Ghap. Along the way, we pass the beautiful Serang Monastery, adorned with colourful paintings and intricate carvings of Buddhist figures like Guru Rinpoche, Sakyamuni Buddha, and Chenresig. The route is dotted with chortens and farm fields, making it a culturally rich and scenic journey.

Continuing through lush forests of lichens and pine trees, we arrive at Namrung — a serene village often referred to as the "Nepali version of Tibet." Here, you can fully experience authentic Tibetan culture, language, and traditions, set against a peaceful Himalayan backdrop.

Our day begins by passing through Banjam, a charming farming village where terraced fields stretch across the hillsides. With year-round cultivation and stunning views of Ganesh Himal and nearby glaciers, Banjam offers a peaceful and scenic start to the day.

Continuing onward, we reach Lihi, a picturesque village home to a small monastery and a beautiful three-tiered chorten decorated with colourful images of Buddhist deities. Lihi perfectly blends traditional culture with serene landscapes.

After visiting Hinang Monastery along the way, we arrive at Sho — a lively village known for its large prayer wheel and welcoming atmosphere. Crossing the river valley here adds a touch of adventure to the journey.

Our final stop is Lho, a stunning village offering some of the best panoramic views of the Manaslu ranges. With its grand monasteries and breathtaking mountain backdrop, Lho is a true highlight of the trek.

From Lho, we journey through a forest of alpine vegetation that once served as an ancient yak caravan route, where timber was exchanged with Tibet. Along the way, we catch fleeting glimpses of Ngadi Chuli, which continues to captivate with its majestic presence. We’ll pass several ancient monastery complexes, including the Hongsangbu Monastery, a quintessential Tibetan-style structure. After a 2-hour trek, we reach Shyala, where the views become even more magnificent. A serene icy river en route offers a refreshing stop before we continue on.

Continuing downhill from Shyala, we eventually arrive at Samagaon, a peaceful and spiritual village nestled in a stunning landscape. Samagaon is the perfect place to rest, with a rich cultural ambiance and incredible views of the surrounding mountains. It’s a quiet haven, offering the perfect blend of natural beauty and traditional Tibetan culture.

A rewarding day trip to Pungyen Gompa begins by retracing our steps back to the junction and heading northwest. Along the way, we pass two small chortens before ascending towards the gompa. The climb offers stunning views of Himalchuli, Shringi Himal, Ngadi Chuli, and Manaslu. As we approach the top, you’ll be treated to the sight of Pungyen Tal, a serene green lake surrounded by glaciers. At Pungyen Gompa, we’ll explore the monastery, which showcases traditional Kagya-pa Buddhist art, with magnificent glacier views surrounding it.

Birendra Taal is a stunning turquoise glacial lake, named after the late King Birendra Bir Bikram Shah Dev, who once visited it. The lake’s vibrant colour is a result of glacial decomposition at the lake's bottom. It’s a beautiful spot to visit, nestled within the snow-covered landscapes of the Himalayas.

Manaslu Base Camp offers a breathtaking view of the majestic Manaslu range. Though the main trail is bypassed on this journey, the surrounding Mani walls and views of Samdo Peak create a captivating atmosphere. It’s a peaceful place with a strong spiritual presence, ideal for those wanting to take in the raw beauty of the mountains.

Samdo is a peaceful village that serves as a resting point before the final ascent. The journey to Samdo offers incredible views of the surrounding mountains, including Samdo Peak. It’s also a place where trekkers often take a day to acclimatise to the altitude before continuing their journey. The village provides a serene atmosphere, perfect for a short break.

Larkya Bazaar is an ancient market that you will pass on your way to Larkya Phedi. This historical trading hub offers a glimpse into the past with its traditional market setting, providing an interesting cultural experience. As you pass through, you can enjoy the atmosphere before continuing your ascent to Larkya Phedi.

The journey to Larkya Phedi (also known as Dharamsala) involves a steep ascent, where altitude can impact your breathing. The trail, marked by chortens, mani walls, and glaciers, passes through juniper bushes before opening up to exposed terrain. Once you arrive at Larkya Phedi, it's essential to rest and acclimatise properly in preparation for the challenging Larkya Pass the next day.

The Larkya Pass is the highlight of the trek, offering breathtaking views of the Manaslu range, Syacha Glacier, and the surrounding snow-capped peaks. As you ascend, you’ll pass by stunning glaciers, chortens, and prayer flags, believed to protect against evil spirits. At the top, the views of the Kang Guru snowfields, Annapurna ranges, and green lakes are unforgettable. Due to the high altitude, it’s important not to linger here for too long. After taking in the views, the descent to Bimthang begins.

Bimthang offers a well-deserved rest after crossing the Larkya Pass. This picturesque village is surrounded by stunning landscapes and is an ideal spot to relax and acclimatise. It marks the end of one of the most challenging days on the trek, providing a serene environment to unwind and prepare for the next stage of your journey.

After descending from Larkya La, the stunning views continue, with closer views of the mountains compared to the pass. The trail takes us through a beautiful forest of rhododendrons, pines, and oaks, offering views of the Manaslu peaks, Larkya Glacier, and the north face of Manaslu. We’ll cross a suspension bridge over the Dudh Khola River before descending to Yak Kharka and finally reaching Tilje.

The trek from Tilje to Tal may not offer grand mountain views, but it’s a pleasant walk with changing landscapes. The vegetation shifts from alpine to subtropical, and the villages become denser and more vibrant. Passing through the charming village of Dharapani, we will arrive at Tal, which means "lake." The lodges in Tal are inviting and offer a cosy atmosphere.

From Tal, we will descend to the Besisahar on foot and catch a long drive to Kathmandu. The route is the same as we have ventured on earlier.

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