me to Kathmandu! Your guide will greet you and escort you to your hotel. Depending on your arrival time, perhaps your trip leader can show you the old streets of Ason Tole and Indra Chowk and introduce you to the Nepalese way of living.

Accommodation: Hotel
Meals not included

After breakfast, we head towards Barpak. We leave Kathmandu valley via the Thankot Mountain Pass (1400m) revealing our first stunning views of the Himilayas. We drive through green hills and the Dhorandi Khola valley up to Barpak. This is not the traditional starting point of the Manaslu circuit - Barpak enables us to enjoy a pleasantly different two days crossing authentic Gurung villages like Laprak and Singla and walking through the magnificent rice paddies which are scattered across the beautifully hilly landscape.

Transport: 7 hours drive
Accommodation: Lodge

Through a calm forest trail, we reach the Pushu Danda at 3000 m altitude. Our effort is rewarded with superb views of Himal Buddha (6672 m) and the various peaks of Ganesh Himal (7100 m). Then, we descend to Laprak, another authentic Gurung village. We sneak in and out of stone houses receiving warm welcomes from our hosts.

Hiking: 5 hours
Elevation: + 1100m / -700m
Accommodation: Lodge

Todays' hike begins with a short descent to Machha Khola River, then it is a gradual ascent to Singla. Discover beautiful views of Laprak and Gumda villages which cling to the mountainsides and the terraced rice fields which stretch as far as the eye can see. From Singla, the imposing massif of Ganesh Himal once again captures our hearts. We walk down to Khorla Bensi, and join the classic Manaslu Circuit trail.

Hiking: 6 to 7 hours
Elevation: + 450m / -1300m
Accommodation: Lodge

From Khorla Besi, we trek along the Budhi Gandaki River for several days. We go through the hot springs of Tatopani and reach the first gorges. We settle down in a local lodge in Sirdibas,

Hiking: 6 hours
Elevation: + 450m
Accommodation: Lodge

This area is mainly inhabited by Gurungs and Tibetans. With the increasing altitude, tropical vegetation gradually gives way to a more alpine atmosphere. We walk between dense woodlands and rocky outcrops to Dyang.

Hiking: 5 to 6 hours
Elevation: + 440m
Accommodation: Lodge

We walk through the gorges to Ghap village. A Tibetan ambiance greats us; manis walls and chortens decorate the entrances and exits of the villages. Prayer flags flutter from stone houses with slate roofs and it is clear from the local dress and traditions that we are approaching Tibet

Hiking: 6 to 7 hours
Elevation: + 680m / -60m
Accommodation: Lodge

Our trek crosses many Tibetan villages. As we arrive in Lho, we are greeted by our first views of the summit of Manaslu culminating at 8163 m. We continue to Samagaon, a Tibetan village at the foot of the Manaslu mountain range.

Hiking: 7 hours
Elevation: + 870m / -150m
Accommodation: Lodge

A day of acclimatization in preparation for the ascent to Larkya La pass (5100 m) which we will cross in 3 days time. We walk to Lake Birendra (3 hours round trip), fed by the glacier of Manaslu. Conditions depending we can then continue to the base camp of Manaslu (optional - 3 more hours of walking). The first part of this climb follows a wooded path, but very quickly we find ourselves immersed in the mineral high mountain atmosphere. Discover an unobstructed view of the impressive glaciers of Manaslu. Return along the same route to Samagaon.

Hiking: 3 to 6 hours
Elevation: + 1200m / -1200m
Accommodation: Lodge

Morning departure to Pung Gyen Monastery. Found at 3870 m this magical place is just a few steps from gigantic glaciers. The monastery was built in a large meadow at the foot of the majestic Manaslu massif. Our morning effort is largely rewarded by breathtaking 360 ° views of the surrounding high peaks and Manaslu summit. We descend to Sama Gaon, then continue to Samdo, the last inhabited village before the collar of Larkya La.

Hiking: 5 hours
Elevation: + 920m / -550m
Accommodation: Lodge.

Samdo is only a few kilometers from Tibet; here an improvised market is organized between Tibet and the locals. We climb up the glacier valley to reach the foot of the Larkya glacier.

Hiking: 4 hours
Elevation: + 550m
Accommodation: Lodge

Today we reach the highest point of our trek, the Larkya pass (5100 m). It is a long steady climb upwards and the show is grand. The long descent presents sublime views of the circus of Peri Himal. Overnight in the paradisaical Bhimthang.

Hiking: 8 to 9 hours
Elevation: + 750m / -1500m
Accommodation: Lodge

We descend quietly along a pastoral trail of woodland, rhododendrons and conifers to Tileche village where Tibetan Manangis live. Then, we continue to Dharapani, where we join the beginning of the Annapurna Circuit.

Hiking: 7 to 8 hours
Elevation: -1300m
Accommodation: Lodge

This morning, we take local transport to Besisahar and then continue on to Kathmandu.

Accommodation: Hotel
Transport: 7 hours drive
Meals not included

The details in this programme are updated regularly but imponderables and unpredictable circumstances may result in inaccuracies. In order to provide the adventure which is best suited to your demands, the weather and the operational conditions, changes to the programme may be made. For safety reasons, we reserve the rights to interrupt your participation in this programme at any time if your technical level or fitness are deemed unsuitable or if you are seen as a danger to yourself or to those around you. This will in no case give rise to refunds or compensation.