You will be met on arrival by a representative of World Expeditions and transferred to the Radisson Hotel. Depending on your arrival time, the afternoon or evening is at leisure. A pre-trek briefing will be held at around 5:00 pm, during which arrangements will be made for the distribution of your kit bag, sleeping bag, and down or fibrefill jacket. Afterwards, enjoy dinner at a local restaurant (own expense) and take the opportunity to get acquainted with your fellow trekkers. Overnight: Radisson Hotel

Meals:  Nil

Today has been set aside to visit Australian Himalayan Foundation partner agencies or to explore Kathmandu’s bustling streets and cultural landmarks at your own pace. You may wish to begin with the city’s two most important World Heritage–listed spiritual sites: Pashupatinath, Nepal’s most sacred Hindu temple and a significant cremation site, and Boudhanath, the largest Buddhist stupa in Nepal and the most important Tibetan Buddhist shrine outside Tibet. Alternatively, wander through the lively markets and shops of the Thamel precinct, or explore other significant sites such as Swayambhunath (Monkey Temple) or the World Heritage–listed squares of Patan, Bhaktapur, or Durbar Square. Overnight: Radisson Hotel

Meals:  B

We travel west from Kathmandu toward Pokhara, descending alongside the Trisuli River. After crossing the river, the scenery opens to views of Ganesh Himal and Shringi Himal as we pass rural villages and terraced fields. Leaving the main highway, the road becomes narrower and rougher as we follow the Budhi Gandaki River upstream to reach Maccha Khola, the trek roadhead, by late afternoon, where we camp for the night. Overnight: Wilderness camp

Meals:  B,L,D

After breakfast, the trek begins along a trail following the Budhi Gandaki River through a narrow gorge flanked by sheer cliffs. The morning walk takes you along a cliff path on the east bank, crossing suspension bridges and passing waterfalls and small villages. We stop at the hot springs at Tatopani before crossing the Dodan Khola. The route features several short ascents and descents, with some exposed rocky sections that add to the adventure. Beyond terraced fields and forested slopes, we arrive at Jagat, a traditional stone village and the official entry point to the Manaslu Conservation Area. Overnight: Mountain lodge

Meals:  B,L,D

Leaving Jagat, the trail climbs gradually through forested hillsides and terraced fields, passing small villages and mani walls that reflect the region’s Tibetan influence. The route continues along the Budhi Gandaki River, crossing several suspension bridges as the valley narrows and the landscape becomes more rugged. We pass through villages such as Philim and Ekle Bhatti before ascending steadily through bamboo and rhododendron forests. The day ends at Deng, a small settlement set above the river, where we settle in for the night. Overnight: Mountain lodge

Meals:  B,L,D

The day begins with a steady climb before descending to cross a suspension bridge to the opposite bank of the Budhi Gandaki. The trail undulates along the river, passing mani walls and chortens that mark our entry into a distinctly Tibetan-influenced region. Keeping to the northern bank below the village of Bih, known for its master stone carvers, we see intricately carved stone slabs depicting figures and stupas along the path. Beyond Bih, there are occasional views of Shringi Himal as the trail continues to the Tibetan village of Ghap, where we stop for lunch. In the afternoon, the route climbs through dense pine and birch forest to a sheltered jungle camp set among the trees just before Namrung. Overnight: Wilderness camp

Meals:  B,L,D

We descend to cross the Damonan Khola then ascend again along a narrow path through the forest to Namru then continue through the forest path past small Tibetan villages towards Ligaon. It is likely that we will encounter our first yak today and there is also a troop of monkeys who often come down to the river here to drink. We have uninterrupted views behind us of Ganesh and Baudha Himal range and to our right the Kutang Himal stands high as the natural border between Nepal and Tibet. Before us our first real mountain panorama opens up with the peaks of Himalchuli (7893m), Peak 29 (7871m) and finally Manaslu (8163m). Overnight: Wilderness camp

Meals:  B,L,D

Leaving Shyala, we follow a gently ascending trail toward Pungen Gompa, one of the most scenic highlights of the Manaslu Circuit. The walk takes around 3–4 hours, with a gradual climb during the first half of the day. At the top of the ascent, prayer flags mark a small mani wall, before the trail descends into a stunning glacial valley. Pungen Gompa sits near the base of Mt Manaslu, surrounded by towering peaks, and is an important spiritual site for the local Nubri people. From the gompa, the trail descends to cross the Pungen Khola, then continues across open alpine pastures. After about an hour, we reach a broad, flat meadow before arriving at the picturesque village of Samagaon. After time to explore the village, we continue for a further 30 minutes to our campsite at Kermo Kharka. Overnight: Wilderness camp

Meals:  B,L,D

Today is set aside for acclimatisation, with an optional hike toward Manaslu Base Camp (approx. 4,500 m). The walk follows a ridge below Mt Manaslu, gaining around 1,500 feet, with sections that may be snow-covered depending on conditions. Those who make the ascent are rewarded with spectacular views of Mt Manaslu, surrounding glaciers, and high-altitude lakes. After spending time enjoying the scenery, we return to Kermo Kharka for the night. Overnight: Wilderness camp

Meals:  B,L,D

The trail climbs gradually through open alpine terrain as the valley widens and the landscape becomes increasingly rugged. We follow the upper reaches of the Budhi Gandaki, passing yak pastures, glacial streams, and sweeping views of the surrounding peaks. The walk is steady rather than steep, allowing time to adjust to the altitude while enjoying the high-mountain scenery. By afternoon, we reach Larke Bazar, a seasonal settlement used by herders and trekkers. Overnight: Wilderness camp

Meals:  B,L,D

After a couple of stream crossings, the Larkya Glacier appears on the opposite bank. We steadily climb, skirting around the Sarka Khola to camp at a small brick hut at the base of the Larkya La (pass). Overnight: Wilderness camp

Meals:  B,L,D

Soon after setting off today the unique shape of Larkya Peak becomes visible. The trail upwards is very gradual but at this altitude we take our time. It takes us approximately 5 hours to reach the pass, with the last section becoming quite steep but it is well worth the effort. The mountain vista to the west is incredible - Himlung Himal (7126m), Chap Himal, Gyaji Kang, Kang Guru (6981m) and Annapurna II (7937m). The descent from the pass is very steep across ice and scree as we follow the glacier. Progress is slow and careful but eventually we enter the valley of the Burdin Khola and continue to Bimtang and our final camp. Overnight: Wilderness camp

Meals:  B,L,D

The day begins with a long descent from Bimtang, with the trail following the Marsyangdi River downstream. We pass through alpine meadows and high pastures before entering a pristine forest of pine and rhododendron, which in spring puts on a brilliant display of colour. Keep your camera handy, as views of the Himlung and Manaslu Himal remain spectacular throughout the walk. Continuing through small settlements and cultivated fields, we reach the village of Tilje, marking the end of the trek. From here, we transfer by vehicle and drive along mountain roads to Besi Sahar, concluding our journey in the lower hills. Overnight: Mountain lodge

Meals:  B,L,D

Today after breakfast we will drive to Kathmandu, joining the Kathmandu to Pokhara highway at the bustling town of Dumre. The afternoon is free to relax before heading out to dinner to celebrate the end of an extraordinary journey. Overnight: Radisson Hotel

Meals:  B,L

Today is free to do some last minute shopping or visit local AHF partner agencies. In the evening, we transfer to the airport for the late-night flight to Australia.

Meals:  B

Meals:  Nil