If it’s a clear day when you are flying into Kathmandu, then your tour begins right from the skies itself. The sights from the windows of our jet shows us glimmering snow-capped mountain peaks spread out down below us, giving us the first thrills of our just begun vacation, sparking off a whole reaction of unforgettable experiences that stay with us for some time to come.

As soon as your plane hits the tarmac of Tribhuwan International Airport, Mountain Sherpa Trekking office representative and driver will be on standby to meet and greet you at the airport and escort you to your hotel. The rep will help you check into your designated hotel, and after going to our rooms and refreshing ourselves we will be briefed about our daily activities. The rest of your time is free to move around the neighborhood and get familiar with your surroundings. In the evening we will meet our senior trek guide who will brief the group about details related to our trek. Your first overnight in the ancient city of temples, probably the most in the world. Breakfast

After a good night’s sleep and enjoying a hearty b/fast, we proceed for our tour of Basantapur Durbar Square. Recorded by UNESCO as a cultural World Heritage site, Kathmandu Durbar Square is a bunch of medieval temples, palaces, courtyards and streets that date back to the 12th and 18th centuries. within this square we will find Hanumandhoka Palace Museum, Taleju Temple, Kumari Ghar (House of the Living Goddess), Kasthamandap and other temples and buildings as old as the city itself; from here we head for a tour of the famous Boudhanath Stupa {said to be the largest in the world) and a major centre of Tibetan culture in Kathmandu. The stupa is designed to be like a giant mandala (a representation of the Buddhist cosmos).

We next drive down to Swayambhunath {popularly known as Monkey Temple} “Swayambhu” means “self-created” and refers to the myth that the hill sprung up suddenly from a great lake that once covered Kathmandu Valley. Our next destination is Pashupatinath Temple. This temple is dedicated to Hindu deity Lord Shiva and is said to be the most holy Hindu shrine in Nepal. Hereabouts we see a cremation ritual of Hindus at ‘Aryaghat’, the cremation area of the temple. This cremation site is used for the once royal family of Nepal and also for the simple Nepalese people who live within the country. We then wrap up our Heritage tour with a trip to Patan which is one of the three medieval cities in Kathmandu and a destination for connoisseurs of great arts. We take a tour of the Patan Durbar Square - a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Located in the square is the Patan Museum (originally a Malla palace), Krishna Mandir- a stone temple of Lord Krishna with its 21 spires and art that  displays scenes from the Mahabharata and Ramayana epics, this includes the Royal Bath or 'Tushahity' and the nearby Hindu and Buddhist temples. We return back to our hotel, refresh, do some shopping for our trek the next day, have an early supper and retire to bed, most probably. Breakfast

After an early b/fast, we drive along the scenic Kathmandu-Pokhara Highway for the first part of the day, as we view some of Nepal’s delightful rural landscapes right from the windows of our vehicle; we then cruise further towards the hill bazaar of Gorkha, an ancient historical town from where Nepal got its shape for what it is today. The road gets a bit roughshod after Gorkha. We will reach our destination, Arughat Bazaar, after seven hours from Kathmandu. We then set up camp for the night. B. L. D

At the crossing of the bridge, we trek through the beautiful Sal forests, then climb onto a ridge above huge rapids on the Budhi Gandaki. We then reach Khursane upon which the rocky trail weaves its way up and down, past two tropical waterfalls on a steep, rocky trail clinging to the side of a cliff. It eventually makes its way down and past a few rice terraces, then up and around to the Gurung village of Labubesi. We further climb behind a rocky outcrop, where the valley opens up and the Budhi Gandaki meanders among wide gravel bars. Dropping to the sandy river bed, we walk along rounded stones before climbing over a side ridge. We head down again to the river and cross another suspension bridge to reach Soti Khola village. Overnight in Machha Khola - B, L, D

As we set out on our way today, we soon realize the country changes as we go higher, the broad valley narrows and at times the trail is cut into the steep valley side, which is densely forested. We pass a number of small villages, tucked into the hillside, until we reach a widening of the valley, opposite the point where a large tributary stream enters the Buri Gandaki. The terraced farmland here belongs to the village of Lapbesi. We descend once again to the wide, sandy riverbed and follow a route, which runs below the steep, craggy valley side. At length, we have to climb up once again on a trail to Machha Khola, which has a number of teashops. We get set for our overnight hereabouts. B. L. D

We hike for several hours across tobacco and buckwheat fields, past rocks washed smooth by the river, we reach the hot springs in the centre of the small, terraced village of Tatopani, where we have plenty of time to soak our scruffy bodies in the gushing hot water, and then perhaps go for a swim in the icy river below, drying off on the wonderful river-side beach. A gentle climb through the woods past some spectacular waterfalls, across another suspension bridge and through a short section of forest path and we reach Dobhan, where we stop for lunch.

Above Dobhan, the Buri Gandaki descends in an impressive series of steep rapids. Hereabouts, our trail climbs high above the river to descend through what appears to be a huge gateway into some secret place; in front the valley widens, the river calms, and we splash through streams before Jagat, the entrance to the Manaslu Park. It is worth wandering around this beautiful, paved village, where proud villagers have recorded how much they contributed to these paving schemes. We check into our impressively clean lodge, and enjoy some cold beers available at the shop next door, before retiring to our beds for the night. B. L. D

Today we hike up for about 5-6 hours descending to the riverbed again. After crossing the river, we ascend to a terraced hill of Saguleri. Sringi Himal 7177m, one of the highest mountains in Nepal, which can be seen clearly from this point. At Ghatte River, we cross the river Budhi Gandaki to continue toward Sirish Gaon before ascending the village of Ngyak. We spend our overnight here in Ngyak. B. L. D

From Ngyak, we head down to Ghap where the valley is still steep-sided and most inspiring. We cross the village of Lama, and start to see mani stones (prayers etched onto wayside rocks), a sure sign that we are entering a high country Buddhist zone. After only about four hours we reach the village of Ghap, which straddles the river. We have now entered a typical Tibetan area. There's a detectable change in the climate and culture. It gets pleasantly cool, as we start to gain altitude. We bunk out for the night in our cosy lodge. B. L. D

After a hot b/fast, we set out today for the higher altitude that takes us into alpine territory with superb mountain views. There are more Mani walls and 3 more crossings of the Buri Gandaki on our route to Samagaon. Above this village the valley opens out and there are extensive pastures. Climbing gently now, and crossing a large stream flowing down from the Lidanda Glaciers, we reach the Tibetan village of Sho, 3000m. We will get our first incredible views of the Manaslu North and then of Manaslu main ahead from Sho. As we continue we come to Lho, a large village at 3180 metres where there is a pretty little monastery and numerous chortens and Manis. If we care to Look back, we catch sight of Ganesh I is clearly visible. Overnight at our lodge – B. L. D

Today we rest our weary bodies which are good for our bodies because we will go to higher altitudes in the days ahead. But we should not remain idle. Exploring the monastery of Lho and striking up a chat with the monks will be a good option. We can explore the village and even do some washing and cleaning which is not a bad idea. Overnight at our lodge – B. L. D

After a good rest and some acclimatization, we begin our day with a hike to the upper reaches of Lho, with the snowy peaks of Manaslu ahead of us in the distance, we pass the new gompa and then ascend through light forests next to a small river to reach the Tibetan settlement of Shyla, where the villagers are generally busy on their fields. Another few hours of trekking through classic alpine scenery leads us past Tibet grazing settlements, the trains to Pung Gyan Gompa, and then Sama Gaon, or Ro, as the locals call it. Sama Gaon seems to be perched in a bowl at the foot of the pastures leading to the high peaks, with mani walls, a small gompa and tightly packed rows of houses at the lower reaches of village, and the large gompa at the upper reaches. From what we hear, the people settled here from Tibet over 500 years ago, and the two gompas date from this time, both having unique architecture and built of wood. The Tibetan villages here have entrance gates which are very distinctive from the Tibetan ones, and they maintain an active trade with their co-religionists in Tibet (notice the Chinese brandy and beer on sale). If the weather is good, you will see the village women weaving wool (baal) from Tibet into gowns - which are then traded back to Tibet. Taxes were actually paid to the Dzongka Dzong (fortress) at the border of Tibet, a few days walk from Sama Gaon, as late as the 1940's until it was taken over by the Gorkhas in the late 19th century. Later, after 1959, the region was home to Tibetan khampa guerillas, and thus closed to trekking until 1992. We take the afternoon to hike up to the gompa above town, and wander the streets of the interesting Sama Gaon village. This is a good place to crash out for the night in our lodge. B. L. D

Today, we descend to the Budhi Gandaki River, that has turned north and follow it to a bridge over a side stream. The trail to the left leads to the Manaslu Base camp. The Larkya la Trail passes several mani walls as the valley begins to widen. It is an easy trail on a shelf above the river passing the juniper and birch forests of Kermo Kharka. We drop off the shelf, cross the Budhi Gandaki on a wooden bridge and climb steeply onto a headland between two forks of the river. From a stone arch we can view a large white kani. Finally passing through the kani we find Samdo. Overnight in Samdo – B. L. D

After a piping hot b/fast, we prepare to leave on the trade route to Tibet and climb through the ruins of Larkya bazaar, one of the trade markets that flourished in the yester years. After two hours of climbing past glaciers, with increasingly awe-inspiring vistas, we come to the campsite at Dharamsala, where we have lunch and gaze out at the lovely views. You'll really feel the altitude and the cold here, so enjoy a more leisurely afternoon with some tea/coffee and keep warm. We'll have an early supper in preparation for our crossing the coming pass tomorrow... B. L. D

Today, after a short climb, we reach a valley on the north side of the Larkya Glaciers from where we can enjoy sublime views of Cho Danda and Larkya Peak. Finally, we walk across moraines of the glacier, making a gradual ascent which becomes steeper only in the last section of the pass. From the pass, there are great views of Himlung Himal, Cheo Himal, Kangguru and the massive face of Annapurna II. It is a longer day than usual to Bimtang, but to walk into these low pastures with the evening fog setting in with Mt. Manaslu looming close by is an overpowering experience for us to remember. Overnight in Bimthang – B. L. D

We need a break for some good rest, and reckon this is the day. From a ridge in Bimthang we can savor the gorgeous views of Manaslu, Lamjung himal and Cheo himal. We can explore the nearby villages or simply just chill out by doing some reading or interacting with the local folks, you’ll love it. Overnight at our lodge – B. L. D

The lodge at Bimtang is chilly in the morning, so get to the dining room quickly for a cup of fresh coffee! the options are limited if you want to get warm, but one of them is on the way as we move down valley into the sun, through forested hillsides to Tilche, at the end of our lost world. Hereabouts, the inhabitants are a mix of Manangis (of Tibetan descent) and Chettris (Hindus), so eat a mix of dal bhaat, buckwheat dhiro, tsampa and drink some salted Tibetan butter tea. You’ll enjoy these healthy dishes. The gorge ahead marks the land of apple pie, cold beers and hot showers - the Annapurna Circuit. Overnight at our lodge in cosy Tilche village - B. L. D

Today, our day begins with a rocky trail following the Marsyangdi River steadily uphill to Tal. Tal is the first village in the Manang District. Crossing the wide and flat valley, our trail continues up and down to Dharapani (1890m). Upon reaching the lovely village of Bagarchhap, we can witness the typical flat roofed stone houses of local Tibetans. The village is surrounded by apple Orchards and maize fields. We stay overnight at our lodge – B. L. D

After b/fast today, it’s an enjoyable walk as we continue to climb through forests of pine and oak. We pass through Dhanakyu before coming to a thundering waterfall with clean gushing water. Further on, the Marshyangdi Khola enters a gorge and the path consists of steep stone steps. Pausing for breath, we can look back at the grand views of Manaslu. When the steep incline ends we follow a path amid magnificent rhododendrons to Ratamron and then continue on a gently rising path, crossing a stream before entering a pine forest. We then cut across a loose hillside to the hamlet of Kotho from where we can look straight up at nearby Annapurna II - a sight that tell us we are deep in the Himalayan mountains. From here the trail climbs through a fir and pine forest to Chame. Chame is the administrative headquarter of the Manang district. There are government offices, shops, and hotels found here. This is only a half day trek.

After a delicious b/fast, we see Lamjung Himal at (6893m) gleaming in the morning sun, and with this lovely sight, we set off for Pisang. The mountain disappears as we climb the path up the valley, passing a huge apple orchard. We continue through a fir and pine forest, climbing to a high, rocky area, as the opposite bank becomes an impassable cliff. From this point the valley becomes extremely steep-sided as we follow the path to Bratang. In earlier years, this area was the military station for troops who fought against the Khampa tribal revolutionaries. The dilapidated buildings are the only reminders of that era. A short climb from the village brings us to a rock-strewn area where we cross a wooden bridge and follow a high, winding path, before crossing back to the right bank again. We now walk through a pine forest and as the forest ends, the valley changes from a V-shape to a gentle U-shape, opening up a wonderful landscape before us. We can see the east peak of Annapurna II as well as Pisang Peak to the north-east. Trudging along, we come to a long mani stone wall by a bridge and the lower village of Pisang. A steep, narrow path through a very dense forest will bring us to the dramatic curved rock face, rising 1500m from the river. As the trail opens up we are surrounded by majestic Himalayan Peaks. Overnight in Pisang – B. L. D

From Pisang, today we enter the upper Manang region, where we will notice a contrast with the landscape and vegetation. The cold, dry climate creates a much rougher environment. We also get to experience amazing views of the towering Himalayan Peaks that surround us. Overnight in Manang – B. L. D

From Manang, we ascend up to Yak Kharka, which lies on the main cicuit trail, and avoids backtracking to Khangsar. We descend from Siri Kharka toward Thare Gomba and in only a few minutes reach a trail junction. Again, we stay left and reach Old Khangsar after walking for a while. Khangsar is uninhabited except for occasional herders and during festival periods. We follow rock a wall north out of Khangsar. We walk further more until we reach a seasonal bridge in the Thorang Khola valley. We cross the river to the east band and ascend along for a while to a plateau. We then hike further more until reaching Yak Kharka. Overnight in Yak Kharka - B L. D

From Yak Kharka, we climb to the next village of Tengi, with the awesome Annapurna Himal in view, while behind us we can see Peak 29 and Himalchuli on the horizons. We are now past the tree line and the vegetation consists of alpine grasses and scrub juniper. Climbing the path, past the summer village of Gunsang, we cross the Gundon Khola via a wooden bridge. From here we can see ahead the mountains surrounding the Thorung La, which we are going to cross tomorrow. The trail fluctuates up and down for some time. As the elevation gradually increases, we soon enter an alluvial delta where there are yak pastures. An hour beyond this, we come to the small settlement of Letdar. Leaving Letdar, we climb gradually to a ridge before descending to the headwaters of the Marshyangdi and cross a wooden bridge. After a short ascent up the mountain path on the right bank, we follow a narrow trail across an unstable screed slope before descending to Thorung Phedi. B. L. D

We’ve got to start our journey pretty early today so that we could cross the Thorung La at (5416m) at an easy going pace. The trail is steep but well-trodden, as this trail has been used by the local folks for hundreds of years. As we continue, the gradient eases and after around 4 hours of steady climbing we reach the chorten and prayer flags of this great pass.

The views up here are simply striking: from the snow covered mountains above, to the head of the Kali Gandaki valley below and the brown and purple hills of Mustang which spreads out before us, is a masterpiece of natural geography created by God as a gift to the world and its people. The descent to Muktinath is a tiring 1600m drill that goes down but it's compensated for with lovely views of Dhaulagiri. Eventually the moraine gives way to grassy slopes before a cool walk along the Jhong Khola Valley to Muktinath, with its shrines and temple. This is a famous pilgrimage site for hindus. We spend our overnight at a lodge – B. L. D.

After a good night’s sleep and a great b/fast, we start our day with a descent down the dramatic Kali Gandaki valley through a parched region which lies in the same geographical and climatic zone as Tibet. After passing through Jharkot and Khingar, villages with characteristic Tibetan architecture, we follow the valley floor most of the way to Jomsom and are rewarded with fabulous views of both Dhaulagiri and Nilgiri. Jomsom is a large town sprawled along both the banks of the Kali Gandaki River. We bunk out at our lodge for the night in ancient Jomsom. B. L. D.

Today we wrap up our trek with a flight back to the city of lakes - Pokhara. After reaching Pokhara, we check into our hotel, refresh with some drinks and snack, maybe even have a bath; and then proceed for a half day guided tour that will include visiting some beautiful places like David’s water fall, Tibetan refugee settlement camp and Gupteshwar cave in a private vehicle with a professional guide. We also do some boating on the tranquil Fewa Lake. We then will have a relaxing afternoon where we can simply chill out with some cold beers. Overnight at the hotel – Breakfast

This is more or less a contingency day we keep in hand in the event of a delay in flights from Jomsom to Pokhara, which sometimes happens; so, if this doesn’t happen, then it’s good. It’s your free day to do whatever you wish, at your cool pace that suits your convenience. You could simply use this day for some shopping of souvenirs or penning a few postcards to the loved ones at home. It’s your day anyways. Breakfast

After a good night’s sleep and enjoying a hearty b/fast, we proceed to the airport for our flight to Kathmandu. On touching down at the local terminal, we get onto our waiting vehicle and head down to our hotel where we check in, sort out our luggage, rest a bit and then proceed for a half day historical tour of Basantapur Durbar Square. Recorded by UNESCO as a cultural World Heritage site, Kathmandu Durbar Square is a bunch of medieval temples, palaces, courtyards and streets that date back to the 12th and 18th centuries. within this square we will find Hanumandhoka Palace Museum, Taleju Temple, Kumari Ghar (House of the Living Goddess), Kasthamandap and other temples and buildings as old as the city itself; from here we head for a tour of the famous Boudhanath Stupa {said to be the largest in the world) and a major centre of Tibetan culture in Kathmandu. The stupa is designed to be like a giant mandala (a representation of the Buddhist cosmos).

We next drive down to Swayambhunath [popularly known as Monkey Temple]“ Swayambhu” means “self-created” and refers to the myth that the hill sprung up suddenly from a great lake that once covered Kathmandu Valley. On conclusion of our tour we head back to our hotel and the rest of your day is free to do your own things. Breakfast

After b/fast, our rep and office vehicle will be on standby at our hotel to transfer us to the airport for our connecting flight home. Serving you was a wonderful joy and pleasure, we at Mountain Sherpa Trekkingwill cherish the bonds of our relationship created over the time you spent with us and we thank you for choosing us as your travel partner and for visiting this amazing country Nepal. We are sure that trekking in this beautiful region of the Annapurnas and wild Manaslu region will give you lifetime memories of a vacation well enjoyed. Sayonara friends! Till we meet again. Breakfast

Please Note:that although we try to follow the itinerary given above, at times local trail or weather conditions may necessitate slight changes if necessary. The trekking itinerary may also vary slightly depending on our trekkers' acclimatization rates. This adventure goes into wild territory above the timberline, sao we seek to request maximum flexibility if and when required for the safety of your trip and your life.