13 Day Manaslu Himal Yoga Trek in Nepal

Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu

Staff will pick you up from the airport and transfer you to the hotel. Today is for rest, preparation, and meeting the trekking guide. *Dinner / overnight.

Day 2: Kathmandu to Machha Khola (166km / 103mi | 900m / 8–9 hours drive)

After breakfast at the hotel, the Manaslu trekking tour begins. The road now extends beyond Soti Khola, so the journey passes through Arughat and Soti Khola before reaching Machha Khola. Located on the bank of the Budhi Gandaki River, Machha Khola marks the start of the trekking trail, following the river up through the Manaslu Valley as you climb to the Larkya La crossing.

Day 3: Machha Khola to Jagat (23km / 14mi | 1340m / 4396ft | 5–6 hours trek)

You wake up at 7 a.m. for one hour of yoga and meditation, followed by breakfast. The trek starts by crossing a suspension bridge and follows a trail through a deep valley with high cliffs. Along the way, pass small villages inhabited by Gurung and Magar communities. The lunch stop is in Dovan, near the confluence of the Budhi Gandaki and Dovan Khola. The day ends at the tranquil village of Jagat, the entry point to the Manaslu region, rich in Gurung culture and natural beauty.

Day 4: Jagat to Deng via Philim (21km /6102ft | 6–7 hours trek)

You wake up at the same time today. If you are not too tired, do a short pranayama breathing session before breakfast. The trail ascends a rugged hill to Salleri, then descends to Sirdibas. The basin widens as the path climbs to Ghatta Khola. After a sharp turn to the north, the trail leads into a remote canyon and across varied terrain. The trail now descends into a deserted canyon. You now proceed to the meadow terrain slopes, crossing the Budhi Gandaki, then following the western banks for a while before returning via the east bank.

As you continue down the route, the valley expands, and you pass through bamboo groves before arriving at the Deng Khola. After crossing the Khola, you arrive at the small settlement of Deng. In the evening, there's an optional group discussion about the day’s journey.

Day 5: Deng to Namrung (19 km - 2630 m / 8626ft | 7-8 hours trek)

Before breakfast, there is a morning meditation session with breathing exercises. Then, you'll begin one of the most important and culturally significant sections of the trek. Cross the Budhi Gandaki and walk up to the bridges, from which you will continue climbing to connect a route from Bihi. Then turn west and ascend the valley, passing through verdant forests, alpine plants, charming ethnic groups, and tall peaks beginning to appear in the distance. Prok village provides breathtaking views of the snow-covered Siringi Himal. After passing Ghap, you reach Namrung.

Day 6: Namrung to Shayla (11km / 11,480ft | 5-6 hours trek)

After a morning yoga and meditation session, you enjoy breakfast before starting your trek with breathtaking mountain views as the valley unfolds before you. The temperate forests gradually give way as the pathway ascends higher, the rich greens of the lowland valley giving way to the faded browns and grays of its Himalayan topography, and the bright blue skies are experienced at altitude.

You arrive in Lho, a picturesque settlement with a magnificent view of Manaslu and the tranquil Rebung Gompa monastery perched close to a mountain. You may well encounter a few yak caravans transporting the timbers while walking through the forest until Shayla.

Day 7: Shayla to Sama Gaon (15.5km 11,549 ft | 4–5 hours trek)

The morning starts with meditation and breakfast. The trek continues to Pungen Gompa with a packed lunch. After crossing the drainage slopes of the Pungen Glacier, you continue on the route until you reach the pleasant flat region inhabited by the charming settlement of Sama Gaon. During the Manaslu climbing expedition season, Sama Gaon is the closest accommodation to the Manaslu Base Camp.

Day 8: Acclimatization day in Sama Gaon

Rest in Sama Gaon today and enjoy yoga, meditation, and pranayama a little more than on the other days. Sama Gaon is your resting place for the day, and your body adjusts to the altitude. The village offers a variety of day excursions, such as a short hike to the nearby Birendra Tal (lake), the incredibly rewarding and dramatic hike to Manaslu Base Camp, or an alternative walk to Pungen Gompa and its peaceful setting amid the mountains.

Day 9: Sama Gaon to Samdo (16km / 12,713 ft | 4–5 hours trek)

After a short 20-minute Pranayama session and breakfast, pack your gear and start the trek. The route to Samdo makes a northerly bend along the upper reaches of the Budhi Gandaki River. Ascending gradually, you reach the town of Samdo after passing the confluence of the Larke River and the river created by the Samdo Glacier, which is also the source of the torrent Budhi Gandaki. Before that, on your left and in front of the point where you diverge from the route to Manaslu Base Camp, you walk through the lovely Kermo Kharka juniper and birch forests. You continue across wooden bridges and ascend steeply towards the Samdo, where you can see a huge white Kani. You get to your destination after the Kani.

Day 10: Samdo to Dharamsala (12km 14,633 ft | 4–5 hours trek)

Today is a short day of trekking, beginning with a morning yoga session like yesterday. Samdo to Dharamshala is relatively short. You follow the path as it passes through the Athahra Saya and Larke rivers. As you travel along the route, you gently ascend, passing through Taka Choeling Gumba with views of Naike and Pangboche Peak. You cross a bridge, walk through the Mani walls with stone houses, and then turn left to reach Larkya Bazaar, a small town with lodging. You arrive at Dharamshala or Larke Phedi, the highest point before the Larke Pass. You may see lichened stones, grazing pasture, beautiful trees, and the Syacha Glacier along the way.

Day 11: Dharamsala to Bhimtang via Larkya La Pass (8–9 hours trek 16,925 ft at pass)

After an early breakfast, prepare for a physically demanding day as you travel to Bhimtang via the Larkya La Pass (5160m). You begin your long walk early this morning. You arrive at the northern end of the Larkya Glacier after a short ascent and enter a valley with breathtaking views of Cho Danda and Larkya Peak. You continue marching through the moraines, first slowly and then more steeply toward the end of the Larkya-La Pass. The pass's summit offers views of Samdo Peak and other peaks bordering Tibet, the Larkya Peak to the south, the Annapurna area, and several other mountains.

Day 12: Bhimtang to Dharapani (6440ft | 7–8 hours trek)

You leave Bhimthang through yak meadows to the first signs of the Dudh Khola's sources trickling down the hill, with views of Manaslu and Annapurna to your left and right. After crossing a bridge, you gradually leave the alpine temperature behind as you descend through well-known rhododendron woods to a small valley with lush greenery and patchwork crops. You arrive in Tilje, a small and charming town, before ascending to Dharapani, the main hiking junction in the area and a modern starting point for trekkers embarking on the Annapurna Circuit.

Day 13: Dharapani to Kathmandu (166km / 103mi | 8–9 hours drive)

After breakfast, the group drives back to Kathmandu. Alternatively, guests may choose to go to Pokhara instead. If returning to Kathmandu, a complimentary one-hour Ayurvedic massage will be provided. Hotel drop-off is arranged, and accommodation can be recommended if not already booked.