The Manaslu with Nar Phu Valley Trek -21Days

The drive from Kathmandu to Machha Khola, the starting point of the Manaslu Circuit, is about 160 km and takes 8–10 hours. The road is a mix of paved sections and rough off-road terrain, which can be challenging, especially during the monsoon. You'll pass through terraced farmland, lush hillsides, and traditional Magar and Gurung villages. You will see terraced fields, the Trishuli River, and typical Nepali villages along the journey. On clear days, the majestic Annapurna, Manaslu, Langtang, and Ganesh Himal ranges will leave you inspired to explore more of Nepal. After reaching Machha Khola, you’ll settle into a lodge or hotel for the night. 

You will hike upstream from Tharo Khola to Kholabeni, seeing beautiful rock formations and waterfalls along the way. The trail takes you through landslide-affected areas and across a bridge to reach Kholabesi. Ahead, you’ll find the hot springs of Tatopani, where you can take a short break.  After leaving, you'll continue on a mix of stone stairways, rocky footpaths, and forested sections, gradually ascending through villages like Dhovan, where you’ll stop for rest or lunch. At Jagat, the entrance to the Manaslu Conservation Area, we will register our permits at a local police checkpoint.

After breakfast in Jagat, we hike along a jeep route to Ghatte Khola, and then we go to Philim. When we get to Philim, we will show our permits at the Manaslu Conservation Area gate. After that, you will pass several suspension bridges and navigate through dense pine and bamboo forests. The walk then goes through Chisapani, Eklibhatti, and Nyak onward; the trail descends slightly before beginning a final ascent alongside the Deng Khola, a tributary of the Budhi Gandaki, following the Deng River till we reach Deng.

We go from Deng to Rana Village (1,910 m), which is surrounded by calm scenery, peaceful settlements by terraced fields, and rolling green hills. The trail goes through green valleys and over Serang Khola before ending in Bhiphedi (2,130 m). We walk through bamboo and rhododendron forests, cross rivers, and climb difficult slopes to get to Ghap (2,160 m). You may also pass ancient mani walls, Tibetan prayer flags, and small Buddhist shrines (chortens), which are the entryway to the Nupri region of the Himalayas. After reaching Namrung, you will see a gateway to the upper Manshu region

 Trek starts 12 km / 7.5 miles walk from Namrung (2,630 m/8,628 ft) to Sama Gaun (3,530 m/ 11,581 ft), usually around 6 -7 hours with a total elevation change of 490m / 1,608 ft. 
After a morning of admiring the Himalayan scenery, the trail ascends through lush forests to the traditional village of Lihi. Passing through the remote settlements of Sho, Lho, and Shyala, you’ll be treated to stunning cultural charm and mountain views along the way. From Lho, the mighty Mt. Manaslu, the eighth-highest peak in the world, first comes into view. Shyala is surrounded by a dramatic panorama, with Himal Chuli and Peak 29 to the left, Manaslu and its glacier straight ahead, and Ganesh Himal to the right, the Ganesh Himal range stands tall. Walking through this dramatic landscape feels like being in the very heart of the Himalayas. Finally, after around seven hours of trekking, you reach Sama Gaon, one of the largest and most significant villages of the region.

At Samagaon, we take a day to acclimatize to the higher altitude and thinner air. During this time, we explore the village and learn about local life and Buddhist culture. Trekkers also have the option to hike to Manaslu Base Camp or visit Birendra Lake (Tal) and climb the ridge to Pungyen Monastery. Pungyen Monastery, located south of Samagaon, is about a 4- to 5-hour hike and offers spectacular views of the surrounding glaciers. Birendra Tal, a glacial lake at 3,450 m, is famous for the dramatic sight of ice blocks falling into it.

Today’s trek is relatively easier as we walk mostly on flat terrain. The trail passes through open pasture areas and gradually ascends into the valley. We trek through juniper and birch forests before reaching the Budhi Gandaki River, which we cross on a wooden bridge. Expect to see yak caravans, prayer flags, and chorten.  Along the way, trekkers can enjoy stunning mountain views, especially of Manaslu, before arriving at Samdo, a Tibetan refugee village.

We begin our trek along the edge of fields and past old Mani walls, then cross a wooden bridge over the Budhi Gandaki River to enter a valley. The trail continues past the Athahra Syar River and then the Larke River. Along the way, trekkers will see many Mani walls and colorful prayer flags, reflecting the local Buddhist culture. "After crossing two streams, trekkers are rewarded with an impressive view of Larkya Glacier. Continuing along the Salkha Khola valley, the trail climbs again to reach a stone shelter at 4,450 m, known as Dharamsala or Larkya La Phedi. This is not a lodge but a basic shelter where trekkers can rest before continuing their journey.

Today is an exciting day as we cross Larkya La Pass (5,160 m). We leave Dharamsala, trek over the moraine, and descend to a small lake. The trail becomes rough and steep as we navigate the south side of a grassy slope."
The trail follows the moraine to a point marked by two landmarks, with prayer flags guiding our way as we descend past four frozen lakes. We then climb again to reach Larkya La Pass (5,160 m / 16,929ft), which offers breathtaking views of Himlung, Cheo, Kang Guru, and Annapurna II."
After enjoying the views from Larkya La Pass, we follow the moraine west along steep, rough bends. The trail then descends more gently into a small meadow. As the valley widens, we pass many walls and small houses before arriving at Bhimtang. 

"After a quick breakfast in Bhimtang, we hike the moraine down to the Dudh Khola's headwaters and cross it on a wooden bridge." The path goes through forests of pine and rhododendron before reaching Hompuk (3,430 m).
The trail lets you see Phungi, Manaslu, Manaslu North, Cheo Himal, and Himlung Himal. We walk through forests for 30 minutes to get to the Sangore Kharka meadow. Then we cross a landslide and hike up a steep hill to a ridge before coming back down to the riverbank at Gho (2,575 m). The path goes up and down and past farmland and some pine forests. We get at Tilije, a village with people from many different ethnic groups, after a short walk through fields and clumps of rhododendron and oak trees.
We take a rest at Tilije and cross the Dudh Khola and walk along its bank, dropping down through scrub woodland. As we get closer to Dharapani, the walls of the Marsyangdi Valley get higher. We cross a lengthy suspension bridge over the Marsyangdi River to go to Dharapani. To get there, we go through Thonje via a wooden bridge and a chorten-shaped arch.

Leaving Dharapani, the trail to Koto gradually climbs along the banks of the Marshyangdi River. The walk is pleasant and scenic, passing through the charming village of Bagarchhap, where you’ll catch your first clear views of the snow-covered peaks. All along the way, you’re surrounded by dense pine and rhododendron forests, with the sound of the river flowing beside you adding to the peaceful atmosphere. As you move higher, the vistas open up to reveal magnificent mountain ranges—Annapurna II rising in the distance, the Manaslu range standing tall, and other snow-capped summits shimmering above the valley. Eventually, you arrive at Koto, a small, traditional settlement where the Gurung people form the main community.

On the twelfth day of the trek, the adventure takes a new turn as you leave the Manaslu trail and officially enter the hidden Nar Phu Valley. The path leads you through enchanting pine forests, alongside rivers, waterfalls, and sparkling mountain streams. After passing the checkpoint and crossing a suspension bridge, the trail opens into the remote Nar Phu region, a place far less traveled and filled with raw Himalayan beauty. As you continue, the thick forests gradually thin out near Dharamshala, and the climb becomes steeper. The effort is soon rewarded as you reach Meta, a stunning village perched high in the valley.

The trail begins with a series of gentle ups and downs, winding its way through the valley. Along the route, you cross several suspension bridges that hang high above glacial streams, making the walk both adventurous and scenic. After several hours of trekking, you reach Kyang, a place known for the ancient ruins of the Khampa settlement. These crumbling forts tell stories of the Khampa refugees from Tibet who once made their home in this remote region, giving the area a sense of history and mystery. From Kyang, the path becomes more rugged as it follows the banks of the Phu Khola. The dramatic landscape, combined with the raw and untouched surroundings, creates a true sense of being in the wild Himalayas. Eventually, you arrive at Phu Gaon, a beautiful and culturally rich village where traditional stone houses are set against towering cliffs and snowy peaks.

Your rest day in Phu Valley is far from ordinary, as it includes an exciting excursion to explore the hidden corners of this remote region. After breakfast, we hike up the valley toward Ngoru, a traditional Kharka (summer grazing village). The trail takes about three hours and passes by an old gompa, offering both cultural and scenic highlights along the way.  Phu itself is a remarkable village, rich in history and Himalayan tradition. As you wander through its narrow stone alleys, you’ll see locals busy spinning wool from yak and sheep, continuing practices that have been passed down for generations

The trail today begins with a descent to the river before circling back through Junam Kharka, a traditional grazing area. From there, the path climbs steadily, leading across an old bridge that once spanned a dramatic, narrow gorge. The walk itself is full of character, blending history, culture, and adventure. On the way toward Nar Gate, the route is lined with beautifully painted chortens topped with bamboo poles, along with a striking multi-tiered chorten that marks the entrance to the village. As you turn the final bend at the top of the hill, Nar comes into sight—set against a breathtaking backdrop of snow-capped peaks, with the Annapurna and other Himalayan giants towering in the distance. The combination of mountain scenery and the warm, traditional setting of Nar makes today’s arrival especially memorable.

Nar Village has a livelier and more vibrant atmosphere compared to Phu. Throughout the village, daily life unfolds in full view. Villagers can be seen printing prayer flags, crafting wooden items, collecting firewood from the surrounding forests, tending to crops, caring for yaks, sheep, and goats, and spinning the prayer wheels in the square. On your rest day in Nar, you have the chance to explore the village, observe these traditional practices, and even try your hand at some of the unique skills that have been passed down through generations. It’s an immersive cultural experience that offers insight into the life and traditions of the Nar community, all set against a stunning Himalayan backdrop.

Trek from Nar Village (4,200 m / 13,780 ft) to Ngawal (3,660 m / 12,008 ft) via Kang La Pass (5,306 m / 17,405 ft), approximately 15 km / 9.3 miles, usually around 8–9 hours, total elevation gain 1,106 m / 3,629 ft, total descent 1,646 m / 5,397 ft.
Today marks a major highlight of the Manaslu Nar Phu Valley trek—the crossing of the third and final mountain pass. After a hearty breakfast in Nar, the trail begins its climb toward Kang La Pass. While the ascent is generally manageable, progress can be slower if snow blankets the path, adding an element of challenge to the trek. Reaching the summit of Kang La Pass is truly rewarding. From this vantage point, you are treated to sweeping views of the surrounding Himalayan giants, including Annapurna II, Mt. Gangapurna, Tilicho Peak, and several other nearby snow-capped summits. The panorama is unforgettable, making the effort to reach the pass one of the most memorable moments of the journey. After enjoying the scenery and taking photos, the trail gradually descends, leading you toward the next village and a well-deserved rest.

Descending from Ngawal to Pisang brings a noticeable change in the environment. The air feels warmer, and the valley becomes greener as you move lower from the high-altitude Kang La Pass, dropping over 2,000 meters. The trail winds gently through terraced fields, forests, and small settlements, offering glimpses of local life along the way.

The day begins with a hearty breakfast in Ngawal to fuel your trek and ends in Pisang, where you can relax and enjoy a traditional Nepali dinner after a rewarding day of walking. Along the route, the surrounding mountains continue to impress, with Pisang Peak and Annapurna II visible in the distance, making this descent as scenic as it is refreshing.

As our Manaslu with Nar Phu Valley trek draws to a close, today’s hike takes us downhill from Pisang to Dharapani. The trail winds through lush valleys, terraced fields, and small settlements, offering a final chance to enjoy the changing landscapes of the region. Dharapani, located in the Manang district, sits at the junction between the Annapurna and Manaslu regions. It is a significant village for trekkers, often serving as the starting point for the Annapurna Circuit and the endpoint for the Manaslu Circuit. Arriving here marks the end of an incredible journey, where you can reflect on the majestic mountains, remote villages, and unforgettable experiences of the past days.

Trek from Dharapani (1,860 m / 6,102 ft) to Jagat (1,300 m / 4,265 ft), approximately 14 km / 8.7 miles, usually around 5–6 hours, total descent 560 m / 1,837 ft.
Today marks the final day of the trek. After enjoying a hearty breakfast in Dharapani, we set off on the last stretch toward Jagat. The trail gently descends through forests, small villages, and cultivated fields, offering a sense of returning to more populated areas while still surrounded by scenic beauty.
Jagat, a charming village, is where the trek concludes. Arriving here brings a sense of accomplishment after days of walking through remote valleys, high mountain passes, and traditional Himalayan settlements. It’s the perfect place to reflect on the journey, enjoy the local hospitality, and celebrate the end of an unforgettable adventure.

Today is a travel day. After an early breakfast, we leave Jagat for Besishar by local jeep or bus. The scenic 4–5 hour drive passes traditional villages, the Marsyangdi River, and Bhulbhule town. To stay on schedule, we should reach Besisahar before 3 pm to catch the last bus to Kathmandu. If we miss it, the trip will need to be extended by a day. The bus travels along the Prithivi Highway, following the Marsyangdi and Trisuli rivers, returning us to Kathmandu, where the journey began.