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Day 1 Arrive in Kathmandu
Upon arrival in Kathmandu, you will be warmly welcomed by the Kai Expedition team and transferred to your hotel. After a brief instruction and check-in, there will be time to relax and recover from your journey. In the evening, you may attend a short trip briefing where the team will review the Manaslu Base Camp Trek itinerary, check essential documents, and answer any question. This day is mainly for rest, preparation, and enjoying your first impression of Kathmandu’s vibrant culture and atmosphere. -
Day 2 Sightseeing in Kathmandu
Today is dedicated to sightseeing and final preparation for the Manaslu Base Camp Trek. After breakfast, the day begins with guided visits to UNESCO World Heritage Sites such as Pashupatinath Temple, Bouddhanath Stupa, and Swayambhunath, offering insight into Nepal’s rich cultural and spiritual heritage. Later, time is set aside to explore Kathmandu Durbar Square and nearby local markets. In the afternoon, you will attend a detailed briefing about the Manaslu Trek, review permits, and documentation, and check trekking gear, with opportunities to purchase or rent any missing equipment. The day allows the group to relax, acclimatize, and prepare mentally and physically for the journey ahead. -
Day 3 Drive to Soti Khola from Kathmandu
The journey begins with an early morning drive from Kathmandu to Soti Khola, the traditional starting point of the Manaslu Base Camp Trek. The drive takes around 8 to 9 hours, winding through scenic countryside, terraced hills, and small rural settlements. Leaving Kathmandu valley behind, the road follows the Trishuli River for much of the way, offering views of lush valleys, waterfalls, and distant hills. As the terrain becomes more rugged, the route transitions onto rougher mountain roads, adding a sense of adventure to the journey. By late afternoon, arrival at Soti Khola provides a first taste of the remote Himalayan landscapes, where you can relax and prepare for the trek ahead amidst a peaceful riverside setting.
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Day 4 Soti Khola to Machha Khola
Today, you will officially start the Manaslu Base Camp Trek with a scenic hike from Soti Khola to Machha Khola. The trail follows the Budhi Gandaki River, gradually ascending through lush forests, terraced farmlands, and small Gurung villages. Along the way to Machha Khola, you will cross several suspension bridges and pass waterfalls cascading down steep hillsides, adding to the natural beauty of the route. The path includes a mix of gentle walks and short uphill sections on narrow trails carved into the mountainside. -
Day 5 Machha Khola to Jagat
From Machha Khola to Jagat, the trek offers a deeper immersion into the remote landscapes of the Budhi Gandaki Valley. The trail gradually ascends through narrow gorges, crossing suspension bridges and winding past small settlements like Khorlabesi and Tatopani, where natural hot springs provide a refreshing pause. As the trek continues, the scenery becomes more dramatic with towering cliffs, cascading waterfalls, and roaring river views. After passing through Dovan and climbing a stone staircase to reach the charming village of Jagat, you will officially enter the Manaslu Conservation Area.
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Day 6 Jagat to Dyang
The trek leads from Jagat to Dyang, continuing deeper into the Manaslu Conservation Area and revealing stronger through terraced fields and forested sections, passing traditional villages such as Salleri and Sirdibas, where prayer flags, mani walls, and chortens line the path. Crossing several suspension bridges over the Budhi Gandaki River, you are treated to impressive views of waterfalls and steep canyon walls. The route then climbs through bamboo and rhododendron forests before reaching the peaceful village of Dyang. This day offers a balanced mix of natural beauty and cultural exploration, making it a memorable part of the trek.
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Day 7 Dyang to Namrung
The trek takes you from Dyang to Namrung, gradually ascending deeper into the Nubri Valley and into a more distinctly Tibetan-influenced landscape. The trail winds through lush forests of pine, fir, and rhododendron, crossing several small streams and passing traditional stone houses and terraced fields cultivated with barley and millet. As you gain altitude, the air becomes cooler and the scenery more dramatic, with glimpses of snow-capped peaks beginning to appear.
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Day 8 Namrung to Syalagaon
From Namrung to Syalagaon, continuing the journey through the heart of the Nubri Valley with ever-expanding mountain views. The trail ascends gently through alpine forests and past scattered settlements, where traditional Tibetan-style houses, mani walls, and chortens reflects the region’s rich Buddhist culture. As you walk higher, the landscapes open up to spectacular panoramas of Manaslu, Ganesh Himal, and other surrounding peaks. -
Day 9 Syalagaon to Samagaon
The trek takes you on a scenic and culturally rich walk from Syalagaon to Samagaon, gradually ascending into the heart of the Manaslu region. The trail winds through beautiful alpine landscapes, passing mani walls, prayer flags, and ancient chortens that reflect the strong Tibetan Buddhist influence of the area. As you walk alongside the Budhi Gandaki River, the view becomes increasingly dramatic, with snow-capped peaks and wide valleys opening up ahead. The pace is relaxed, allowing time to acclimatize as you approach higher altitude. Upon reaching Samagaon, you are rewarded with impressive views of Manaslu and its surrounding glaciers.
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Day 10 Hike up to Manaslu Base Camp and back to Samagaon
Today, you will hike up from Samagaon to Manaslu Base Camp and back. The trail gradually ascends through glacial moraines and rugged alpine terrain, offering spectacular close-up views of Mt Manaslu, surrounding icefalls, and towering Himalayan peaks. As you gain altitude, the landscape becomes more dramatic and remote, with prayer flags fluttering against a backdrop of snow and rock. Reaching Manaslu Base Camp is a memorable highlight of the trek, providing a sense of achievement and breathtaking panoramic scenery. After spending time enjoying the views and resting at the base camp, you descend carefully along the same route back to Samagaon, where you can relax and recover, benefiting from improved acclimatization for the higher passes ahead.
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Day 11 Acclimatization Day at Samagaon
At Samagaon, you will take a rest, which allows you to adapt safety to the high altitude while enjoying the surroundings. The day is usually spent on short hikes to higher elevations, such as Birendra Lake or Pungyen Gompa, before returning to Samagaon for the night, following the “climb high, sleep low” principle. These walks not only help the body adjust to reduce oxygen levels but also offer stunning views of Manaslu, Samdo peak, and the surrounding glaciers. You can explore the traditional Tibetan-influenced village, visit the local monastery, and interact with locals, gaining insight into their culture and lifestyle.
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Day 12 Samagaon to Samdo
The trek from Samagaon to Samdo, ascending through a wide alpine valley with breathtaking mountain views. The trail follows the Budhi Gandaki River, passing mani walls, prayer flags, and yak pastures that reflect the strong Tibetan influence of the region. As the altitude increases, vegetation becomes sparse and the landscape more rugged, with impressive views of Manaslu, Naike Peak, and surrounding glaciers along the way. The walk is relatively short but important for continued acclimatization, allowing you to move steadily and conserve energy. Upon reaching Samdo, you can rest and explore the village. -
Day 13 Samdo to Dharamsala
Leaving the windswept village of Samdo, the trail gradually ascends across barren alpine terrain, offering dramatic views of snow-capped peaks and the surrounding glacial landscapes. The path follows the Budhi Gandaki River before crossing wooden bridges and passing seasonal yak pastures, where you may spot blue sheep grazing on the slopes. As the air grows thinner, the environment becomes more rugged and remote, reinforcing the sense of approaching the trek’s highest point. After a steady climb, you reach Dharamsala, the last settlement before crossing the Larkya La Pass, where the afternoon is spent resting, hydrating, and preparing for the challenging pass ahead. -
Day 14 Dharamsala to Bhimthang
The trek begins early in the morning, climbing steadily over rocky moraines and icy sections towards the highest point of the journey at Larkya La Pass (5106 meters), where panoramic views of Himlung Himal, Cho Himal, Kang Guru, and Annapurna II unfold dramatically. After celebrating the pass crossing, the trail descends steeply across snowfields and glacial debris before easing into an alpine meadow dotted with prayer flags. As the landscapes gradually soften, the routes pass frozen streams and grazing grounds before reaching the beautiful valley of Bhimthang, where you can finally relax after an unforgettable high-altitude crossing. -
Day 15 Bhimthang to Dharapani
Today, you will descend from the scenic meadows of Bhimthang to Dharapani. The trail begins with a gentle walk across alpine grasslands, offering last glimpses of Manaslu, Lamjung Himal, and Himlung Himal before entering lush forests of pine rhododendron, and oak. As you descend further, the landscapes gradually change to terraced fields and small villages, crossing wooden bridges over the Dudh Khola and passing through settlements like Gho and Tilije, where Tibetan-influenced culture blends with Gurung traditions. The walk is long but mostly downhill, making it physically easier while allowing time to reflect on the incredible journey through remote valleys and high mountain passes. Reaching Dharapani, brings a sense of accomplishment and marks the end of an unforgettable Himalayan adventure.
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Day 16 Drive back to Kathmandu from Dharapani through Besishar
The journey begins along a rugged mountain road, passing through charming villages, terraced farmland, and deep river valleys as we descend from the highlands to the lower hills. Following the Marsyangdi River, the drive offers changing landscapes, from alpine terrain to subtropical greenery, providing a final glimpse of rural Nepalese life. After reaching Besishar, the road becomes smoother, continuing through bustling towns and winding highways towards Kathmandu valley. Arriving in Kathmandu by evening, the long but memorable drive brings comfort, reflection, and a sense of fulfillment, completing the remarkable Himalayan adventure.
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Day 17 Departure Day
Today, you will depart from Nepal after successfully completing the Manaslu Base Camp Trek with Kai Expedition. As you said goodbye to the mountains that had become your daily companions, there was a deep sense of accomplishment and gratitude for the journey you had experienced. The trek had challenged you physically and mentally, yet rewarded you with unforgettable landscapes, moments of camaraderie and the serene beauty of the Manaslu Base Camp Trek. Leaving Nepal, you carried not only memories of snow-capped peaks and winding trails, but also profound appreciation for the culture, hospitality, and guidance provided by the Kai Expedition team.