Manaslu Beyul *private

Day 0 - early arrival

Arrive early to recover from long flights, shop and to sightsee.

Day 1 - Friday 18 September 2026 - Arrive Kathmandu

Arrive before 1pm, preferably. We meet you at Kathmandu airport, transfer to the hotel and have a briefing before dinner. The office arranges the permits in the afternoon.

2 - drive Machhakhola / Korla Besi 890m / Jagat

Starting early, after a bumpy day of driving, we reach where we can, easily. We stay in a simple guesthouse with attached bathrooms.

The road probably goes through to Jagat however with this flexible day, we can cope with contingencies. If we save a day here then an additional night at Samdo is best. 

3 - trek Salleri 1333m

Where did we reach yesterday? Admire the sheer valley walls. Most trekkers stop as busy Jagat, we continue another half an hour to quaint Salleri.

4 - trek Nyak / Pewa 1870m 5 hrs

We soon cross to the other side, leaving the rough, as yet undriveable road behind. We are partly in the shade as we pass through Philim and small settlements, crossing back only at the turnoff to the Tsum Valley. The real village of Nyak is a climb above the main trail so perhaps we stay at Pewa.

5-8 - Beyul

For this four day section, our itinerary is better not publicised although it is spectacular with broad vistas and mountain peaks, great primary forest, surprising trails, and one of the best experiences of the trek. We do have a rest day and will see some wildlife too!

9 - trek Lho 3180m

Back to the main trail, we stay at this lively, busy village.

10 - trek Shyala 3480m

Do wake early (5:30am or so) for Lho's famed golden sunrise, conveniently watched from the lodge deck. Leaving, we climb to the gompa school and then it is only an hour to where we stay, so a day for some recovery while basking in the breathtaking mountain views. Alternatively (and we can split the team), trek up Pung Gyen 4030m to stay at the cute, basic teahouse there.

11 - trek Sama 3520m

On the main trail, Sama is less than an hour and a half away but don't miss the side trip to Pung Gyen with its in your face mountains (or alternatively stay there).

12 - rest Sama 3520m (/ trek Samdo 3875m)

As the many days trekking catch up with us, this can be a rest day, or check out Birendra Tal (Lake). Why not rest in Samdo instead? We are probably acclimatized enough that one night in cold Samdo or Larkya Bazar is enough and therefore a rest day in Sama might be more pleasant.

13 - trek Samdo 3875m / Larkya Bazar 3920m

This is a 3 hour walk but with the strenuous option of climbing up to Manaslu Base Camp (no lodge/teahouse or shop en route). Between Pung Gyen and Manaslu BC, I recommend Pung Gyen but if you have the energy, trek to both!

Samdo has an interesting history, an entire Tibetan village fled the Chinese invasion and settled here.

Most trek groups take a rest at Samdo and a few people trek up to one of the passes to Tibet, or at least try to get up there. They are strenuous day trips and I suggest Manaslu BC and Pung Gyen are better options.

14 - trek Dharmasala 4460m 3-4 hrs

We are really in alpine terrain and the mountain views continue. If you want to explore en route, take a packed lunch. We suggest today and tomorrow are Diamox days.

15 - trek Bimtang 3590m via Larkya La 5160m 8-9 hrs

Leaving early, the trail starts gently enough but is a long, tough and hugely rewarding day as we cross the pass.

16 - trek Gho / Karche / Tilje

While many groups hammer out, we have some flexibility here. Perhaps we stay at Gho.

17 - drive Bandipur / Pokhara

We descend to the roadhead then jump in jeeps and drive to Besi Sahar. From here, we take a private Hiace or bus to the cute hillstation of Bandipur. Head up to the ridge for the sunset. The alternative is to drive to Pokhara then fly to Kathmandu tomorrow.

18 - drive Kathmandu / fly Kathmandu

The sunrise on the Manaslu and Ganesh Ranges is well worth the early morning start, and is a great farewell to the mountains. We reach Kathmandu sometime in the late afternoon, depending on the traffic and conditions. Alternatively, fly from Pokhara to Kathmandu.

Day 19 - Tuesday 6 Oct - depart

You can depart any time today. we hope you have had a wonderful experience!

 

Annapurna Circuit extension

As the trek ends on the Annapurna Circuit, there is the option to continue over the Thorong La to complete the Annapurna Circuit. Here is a sensibly paced itinerary, however there are many options, do discuss. This section can be guided or you can trek solo (and your excess trek gear taken to Kathmandu).

17 - drive Manang 3500m

While people still trek the road bash to Manang, it is dusty and no fun being passed by motorbikes and jeeps. Instead, we have a bumpy jeep drive.

18 - rest Manang 3500m

Manang has comfortable lodges, some wifi and coffee machines. There is a tough but good day trip up to Kicho/Ice Lake.

19 - trek Ledar 4200m

It is 3-5 hours trekking so you can have a leisurely start. Since the team is acclimatized, it is possible to have a second day in Manang or stay at Ghusang or the lodge slightly off the main trail at Yak Kharka, both less frequented by trekkers.

20 - trek Thorong Phedi 4540m

Again, another shorter trekking day to the busy lodges.

21 - trek Ranipauwa-Muktinath via Thorong La 5416m

Most people leave ridiculously early for this spectacular and satisfying day. We plan to stay at Ranipauwa but it's possible to reach Muktinath then drive to Jomsom today.

22 - trek Jomsom via Lupra / drive Jomsom

Either trek or drive down.

23 - fly Jomsom-Pokhara-Kathmandu

Fly all the way by changing flights or stay in Pokhara. The Jomsom flight is a fine weather flight and infrequently delayed.

Day 24 - Sunday 11 Oct - Kathmandu / depart

A shopping and spare day in case of delays. Or, you could fly out today, preferably in the afternoon or evening.

Day 25 - Monday 12 Oct - depart

We provide the airport transfer. Farewell and see you again soon!