Upon your arrival in Kathmandu, Nepal, a friendly representative from Manaslu Trek will greet you at the airport and escort you to your hotel. This marks the beginning of your Lower Manaslu Trek adventure, offering a smooth and comfortable start to your journey in the Himalayan region.

In the evening, we host a special welcome dinner featuring authentic Nepalese cuisine, accompanied by a refreshing reception drink. This welcome evening also provides an opportunity to meet your fellow trekkers, discuss the Lower Manaslu Trek itinerary, and receive essential tips for trekking in the Himalayas, including acclimatization, packing, and safety advice. Starting your journey in Kathmandu allows you to ease into the adventure while enjoying the city’s vibrant culture and setting the stage for your unforgettable Himalayan trekking experience.

Transfer: 30-45 min | Accommodation: Hotel | Meal: Welcome Dinner

Today, explore the rich culture, history, and heritage of Kathmandu Valley on this full-day city tour before your Lower Manaslu Trek. The tour takes you to some of Kathmandu's most famous UNESCO World Heritage Sites, offering a perfect introduction to Nepalese art, architecture, and traditions with our professional English-speaking City Tour Guide:

• SWOYAMBHUNATH , also known as the Monkey Temple, is one of Kathmandu Valley’s most iconic Buddhist stupas. Perched on a hilltop, it offers panoramic views of Kathmandu city and features ancient shrines, prayer wheels, and intricate carvings. The site is a spiritual and cultural landmark, attracting both pilgrims and tourists.
• KATHMANDU DURBAR SQUARE is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the historic heart of Kathmandu City. Known for its ancient palaces, temples, courtyards, and intricate wood carvings, it reflects Nepalese art, culture, and architecture. A visit to this iconic square offers a glimpse into the royal history of Nepal.
• BOUDHANATH STUPA is one of the largest and most important Buddhist stupas in Nepal and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Known for its massive white dome, colorful prayer flags, and iconic Buddha eyes, it serves as a major center for Tibetan Buddhism. Visiting Boudhanath provides an immersive cultural and spiritual experience.
• PASHUPATINATH is one of Nepal’s most sacred Hindu temples, dedicated to Lord Shiva and located on the banks of the Bagmati River in Kathmandu. Famous for its intricate pagoda-style architecture, cremation ghats, and spiritual rituals, it offers visitors a deep cultural and religious experience.

Our knowledgeable guide will tell you interesting things about the religious, historical, and architectural importance of each landmark. Kathmandu is a unique city with a rich culture and a spiritual atmosphere that will make your city tour an interesting and memorable way to learn about Nepalese heritage.

Sightseeing: 7-8 Hours | Accommodation: Hotel | Meal: Breakfast

After breakfast in Kathmandu, take a scenic drive of about 144 km to Gorkha Bazaar, which usually takes 5 to 7 hours by private vehicle, depending on traffic. The journey follows the Prithvi Highway, passing towns like Naubise, Malekhu, and Mugling, and running along the sparkling Trishuli River. At Malekhu, stop for a fresh cup of tea, coffee, and light food and watch whitewater rafters on the riverbanks—a classic roadside experience. From Abu Khaireni, leave the main highway toward Pokhara and climb the last 24 km uphill through terraced farmland, forests, and traditional Newari and Magar villages, gradually entering the cooler mountain region. Upon arrival in Gorkha Bazaar, check in at your hotel and enjoy a refreshing cup of tea or coffee to recharge before the afternoon climb.

In the late afternoon, hike up to Gorkha Durbar, the ancestral palace of the Shah dynasty and birthplace of King Prithvi Narayan Shah. The climb involves approximately 1,500 stone steps, shaded by ancient trees and lined with small shrines. The Durbar is a beautiful example of Newari architecture, with intricate wood carvings, red-brick walls, and a mix of fort, palace, and temple. Visit the sacred Kalika Temple and Gorakhnath Cave, where the sage once guided the young king. As the sun sets, enjoy panoramic views of Boudha Himal, Himalchuli, Langtang, and the Annapurna range, with the Daraundi River winding below and the bazaar lights sparkling.

Transfer: 140km, 5-6 Hours |  Accommodation: Hotel l Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

After breakfast in Gorkha Bazaar, the drive begins with a descent to Laxmi Bazar, the last small town before the landscape becomes more rural. The road continues to 12 Kilo, a key junction near the Daraudi River where travelers often take a short break before the terrain starts to rise again. From there, the route passes through Chebetar, an agricultural area with rice fields, riverside settlements, and a humid valley atmosphere. The drive then becomes more scenic as it ascends through Srinathkot, a village surrounded by terraced hills, before reaching Bhachek, a lively hilltop town and a popular stop for meals and rest in the cooler highlands. From Bhachek, the journey continues toward Namki Dada along rugged dirt roads and ridgelines, offering wider views of the Manaslu and Buddha Himal ranges. At 1,780 meters, Namki Dada provides peaceful surroundings and stunning Himalayan panoramas near the Barpak and Laprak regions. From Bhachek, the trek also begins gradually, passing through lush forests and open hillsides with beautiful views of the Daraundi Valley, creating a quiet and refreshing experience surrounded by nature.

Transfer: 50 km, 3-4 hours |  Accommodation: Homestay l Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

After breakfast in Namki Dada, the trek starts with a beautiful sunrise view over the Manaslu Range to the west and the Daraundi Valley to the east, followed by a gentle walk along the ridge with wide 360-degree views of the surrounding valleys. The trail then gradually descends through rhododendron and oak forests toward Simjung, where the landscape becomes greener and more peaceful, especially in spring when the hills are covered with red and pink flowers. Simjung is a large traditional Gurung village with stone houses and slate roofs, where you can see local life such as basket weaving and farming, making it a good stop for a tea break. The trail continues toward Ghyachowk, crossing small streams, terraced hillsides, and traditional chautaris where locals rest under banyan and peepal trees, while also offering glimpses of the deep Daraundi River valley. As the trail opens onto a wide plateau, you finally arrive at Ghyachowk, a lively village known for its mix of traditional culture and post-earthquake reconstruction, offering a strong sense of local life and resilience, with beautiful views of seasonal crops like green paddy or golden millet and opportunities to interact with local farmers and schoolchildren along the way.

Distance: 10 km |  Trekking: 4-5 Hours |  Altitude Gain: 400 m | Altitude Loss: 470 m | Accommodation: Homestay l Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

After breakfast in Ghyachowk, the trek begins with a steady descent through terraced fields of millet and mustard, using stone steps built by local people. As you go down, you reach Dhansera, a warmer and quieter area with small scattered hamlets that connect the higher ridges with the Daraudi River valley. From Dhansera, the trail continues down toward the river before slowly climbing up toward Chisang, crossing small streams and suspension bridges depending on the season, with stronger rivers during monsoon and clearer waters in the dry months. Chisang is a small and peaceful village, perfect for a short break or lunch, where you can enjoy simple local hospitality away from busy trekking routes. After this, the hardest part of the day begins as you climb steeply from the valley floor toward Barpak, walking long stone steps through forests and grazing areas while enjoying wide views back over the valley. Finally, you reach Barpak (1,900m), a large hillside village shaped like an amphitheater with closely packed houses and colorful roofs, known for its rich Gurung and Ghale culture and many Gurkha families. On clear days, you can see beautiful views of Ganesh Himal and Sringi Himal and also visit the Earthquake Memorial Park, which remembers the lives lost in the 2015 earthquake and shows the village’s strength and rebuilding journey.

Distance: 14 km |  Trekking: 7-8 Hours |  Altitude Gain: 850 m | Altitude Loss: 530 m | Accommodation: Lodge l Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

After breakfast in Barpak, the trek starts by walking through stone-paved alleys and passing earthquake memorials before joining a steep uphill trail through grazing lands, where locals are often seen carrying fodder and children walking to school. The climb toward Momche Dada is the most challenging part of the day, as the trail passes through rhododendron, oak, and pine forests, which are especially beautiful in spring when the forest is covered with red flowers. This area is also rich in birdlife, including the Danphe, Nepal’s national bird. At Momche Dada, you are rewarded with stunning views of Boudha Himal, Shringi Himal, and Mt. Manaslu to the north, while the deep Daraundi River valley lies to the south. From here, the trail follows the ridgeline for a short distance before descending steeply through forest and terraced hillsides, requiring careful walking, especially in tall grass after the monsoon. The landscape slowly changes from alpine ridge to farmland as you reach Humche, a small settlement with stone houses and wooden balconies. As you arrive, you are rewarded with beautiful panoramic views of Baudha Himal, Shringi Himal, and the Ganesh Himal range. This area is also famous for its sunset views, where golden light reflects over the Daraundi River valley and the snow-covered peaks.

Distance: 10 km |  Trekking: 6-8 Hours |  Altitude Gain: 1,340 m | Altitude Loss: 160 m | Accommodation: Tent l Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

After breakfast in Humche, the trail climbs steadily through quiet forests of rhododendron and pine, making the walk peaceful and refreshing. As you go higher, the forest slowly opens into wide grassy areas called “Kharkas,” where local Gurung and Magar herders bring their livestock to graze. Tiling Kharka is a perfect place to rest and enjoy the surroundings, offering close and clear views of Boudha Himal, Himalchuli, and the Manaslu range. This part of the trek is less crowded and gives a real off-the-beaten-path experience, with a moderate climb and beautiful highland scenery of the Lower Manaslu region.

After breakfast, the day begins with a steep climb from Tiling Kharka along a narrow ridge, offering beautiful views of the Budhi Gandaki valley below and the snowy peaks of Baudha and Shringi Himal ahead. As you gain height, the green pastures gradually turn into rocky terrain with small shrubs, and around 3,300 meters, you pass the last trees and enter a quiet, open high-altitude landscape. The trail then becomes more challenging, with steep and rocky sections that require careful walking, especially on loose stones. After a few hours of steady effort, the path levels out and leads to Rupchi Tal—a stunning blue glacial lake surrounded by rugged mountains, where the clear water reflects the peaks and prayer-flag-covered stone cairns create a peaceful, spiritual atmosphere. This trek from Tiling Kharka to Rupchi Tal is a hidden gem of the Lower Manaslu region, offering a moderate to challenging journey through tranquil alpine scenery, with chances to see wildlife, enjoy panoramic mountain views, and experience the untouched natural beauty of the Himalayas.

After breakfast, the day begins with a steep climb from Tiling Kharka along a narrow ridge, offering beautiful views of the Budhi Gandaki valley below and the snowy peaks of Baudha and Shringi Himal ahead. As you gain height, the green pastures gradually turn into rocky terrain with small shrubs, and around 3,300 meters, you pass the last trees and enter a quiet, open high-altitude landscape. The trail then becomes more challenging, with steep and rocky sections that require careful walking, especially on loose stones. After a few hours of steady effort, the path levels out and leads to Rupchi Tal—a stunning blue glacial lake surrounded by rugged mountains, where the clear water reflects the peaks and prayer-flag-covered stone cairns create a peaceful, spiritual atmosphere. This trek from Tiling Kharka to Rupchi Tal is a hidden gem of the Lower Manaslu region, offering a moderate to challenging journey through tranquil alpine scenery, with chances to see wildlife, enjoy panoramic mountain views, and experience the untouched natural beauty of the Himalayas.

After breakfast in Malung, the day starts with a steady climb through terraced fields and traditional villages, where locals grow crops like buckwheat and potatoes, and stone houses reflect the simple rural lifestyle. As you go higher, the trail enters peaceful forests of Himalayan blue pine and oak, with soft leaf-covered paths and chances to see birds and wildlife along the way. Gradually, the route reaches a long, narrow ridge where the landscape opens on both sides, revealing deep valleys and distant snow-capped peaks of the Manaslu and Ganesh Himal ranges. This ridge walk, locally known as a “danda,” is the highlight of the day, giving the feeling of walking along the sky. Finally, you reach Rukang Danda, a beautiful hilltop viewpoint with 360-degree panoramic views of the Budhi Gandaki valley and peaks like Srighi Himal, Boudha Himal, and the Ganesh Himal range. This moderate 5–6 hour trek from Malung to Rukang Danda is a scenic and culturally rich journey through the peaceful landscapes of the Lower Manaslu region, combining natural beauty, village life, and stunning Himalayan views.