Manaslu Annapurna Three Passes Trek | 27 Days Itinerary

The real adventure begins with an exhilarating 9-10 hour drive from Kathmandu to Machha Khola (870m). This journey reveals Nepal’s dramatic transition from urban chaos to rural serenity. The road clings to steep hillsides, passing through Dhading’s terraced farmlands where farmers still plow fields with water buffalo. These fields is winding along the Trishuli and Buri Gandaki river valleys.

Machha Khola emerges as a cluster of simple teahouses beside the rushing river, where you will spend your first night lulled by the sounds of the Himalayan wilderness.

The next morning’s trek to Jagat (1,340m) introduces you to Nepal’s trail culture. You will pass through suspension bridges swaying over turquoise rapids, passing through villages where children shout “Namaste!”. You will also discover the therapeutic Tatopani hot springs, where locals believe the mineral waters cure arthritis. Jagat welcomes you with its medieval atmosphere and stone-paved alleys. You will also see the slate-roofed houses, and the first appearance of Tibetan Buddhist mani walls carved with sacred mantras.

The trail from Jagat to Deng (1,860m) showcases Nepal’s remarkable ecological and cultural diversity. Descending through subtropical forests alive with monkey calls, you will suddenly emerge into arid canyons. Here, the Buri Gandaki has carved dramatic gorges through slate cliffs. At Philim, you can notice how Gurung houses feature intricately carved wooden windows. It is a signature of this ethnic group known for their military service in the British Gurkha regiments.

The landscape undergoes a visible shift as you enter the Tibetan cultural sphere after we cross the Deng. The trek to Namrung (2,630 m) winds through ancient forests where rhododendrons (Nepal’s national flower) bloom scarlet in season. You will see chortens (Tibetan stupas) and prayer wheels, while villagers in traditional bakkhu robes spin handheld prayer wheels as they walk.

The climb to Shyala (3,520 m) reveals the full majesty of the Himalayas. Suddenly Manaslu’s icy north face dominates the horizon, its glacier-fed waterfalls creating permanent rainbows in the valley below. Shyala’s gompa (monastery) houses exquisite thangka paintings preserved for centuries in this remote sanctuary.

Sama Gaon (3,530 m) offers your first true experience of Tibetan plateau culture. The village layout mirrors traditional Tibetan settlements, with houses clustered around the monastery for protection, with prayer flags strung between buildings like spiritual telephone wires. Take time to observe the dzos (yak-cow hybrids) being milked, and notice how houses store winter fodder on their roofs.

Today is a critical acclimatization day that combines rest with gradual altitude gain. Starting from Sama Gaon (3,530 m), you will go on a challenging but rewarding hike to Manaslu Base Camp (4,800 m), gaining nearly 1,300 meters in elevation. The trail initially crosses open pastures dotted with grazing yaks before ascending through a rocky moraine. You will navigate boulder fields and glacial streams. As you climb, the views become increasingly dramatic. Manaslu’s massive south face looms ahead, its seracs and crevasses glistening in the sunlight.

The base camp itself is a stark, awe-inspiring place, with prayer flags strung between rocks and the constant rumble of avalanches echoing off the surrounding peaks. Spend time here absorbing the raw power of the Himalayas before descending back to Sama Gaon. This hike not only aids acclimatization but also offers one of the trek’s most intimate encounters with the world’s eighth-highest mountain.

The trail follows the Buri Gandaki River upstream leaving the Sama Gaon, gradually climbing through juniper and small rhododendron shrubs. The landscape grows more arid, with sweeping views of the Manaslu Glacier to the east. After crossing a wooden bridge, you will reach Samdo. This is the last permanent settlement before Larkya La. This remote village is located at 3,875 meters. You will see the fascinating blend of Tibetan culture and high-altitude resilience. The stone houses were intricately painted windows, fields of barley and buckwheat, and a bustling monastery where monks perform daily rituals. Samdo’s proximity to the Tibetan border lends it a frontier atmosphere, and you might spot traders with yak caravans carrying goods across the border. Settle into your teahouse and enjoy the afternoon exploring the village’s narrow alleys or hiking to a nearby viewpoint for sunset over the surrounding peaks.

Another vital acclimatization day, this time with the option to hike to Samdo Peak (5,120m) or toward the Tibetan border. The route to Samdo Peak climbs steeply behind the village, traversing rocky slopes and scree fields. As you ascend, the vista expands to include Manaslu, Ngadi Chuli, and the sprawling Samdo Glacier. The summit rewards you with a jaw-dropping panorama of the Tibetan Plateau to the north and the Annapurna range to the west.

Alternatively, a shorter hike toward the Lajyung La border pass offers glimpses of the ancient trade route to Tibet. You will see the yak caravans once transported salt and wool. Both options provide essential altitude exposure while showcasing the region’s stark beauty. Return to Samdo for a leisurely afternoon, sipping butter tea and chatting with locals about their unique way of life in this high-altitude outpost.

Today’s short but steep trek takes you to Dharmasala (also called Larke Phedi), the final stop before crossing Larkya La. The trail ascends through a barren, moon-like valley, where the only signs of life are the occasional blue sheep darting across the slopes.

As you climb above 4,000 meters, the air thins, and the temperature drops noticeably. Dharmasala itself is a rudimentary settlement with a few basic lodges and a stone shelter for trekkers. The afternoon is spent resting, hydrating, and preparing for tomorrow’s demanding climb. Take time to watch the sunset paint Larkya Peak in golden hues, and turn in early for a pre-dawn start.

The most challenging yet exhilarating day of the trek begins before sunrise. You will start the steep, zigzagging ascent to Larkya La (5,160m) armed with headlamps. The climb is grueling over loose scree and glacial debris. Prayer flags flutter wildly in the wind which is the sign that you reach to pass. After celebrating at the summit, we will then begin the long descent to Bhimtang (3,700m). The contrast between the stark pass and Bhimtang’s verdant valley is striking. Celebrate with a warm meal and a well-earned rest, reflecting on the monumental journey behind you.

The trail plunges through enchanted forests of rhododendron and pine, where sunlight filters through the canopy in dappled patterns. We will cross the Dudh Khola and pass the picturesque village of Gho. You will see the traditional stone houses adorned with carved wooden windows.

The trail then follows the Marsyangdi River, leading to Tilje. The scent of apple orchards signals your return to lower altitudes. The final stretch to Dharapani (1,860m) is a symbolic transition. Here, the Manaslu and Annapurna Circuit trails converge, marked by a towering chorten. Celebrate with a hot shower at one of the village’s cozy lodges, relishing the return to “civilization” after days in the high wilderness.

Today’s trek traces the Marsyangdi Valley, weaving through terraced fields and pine forests. Pass Bagarchap, its blue-painted houses clustered around a stupa, and Timang, where the first jaw-dropping views of Manaslu’s west face emerge. The trail then climbs to Koto, which is a quiet village at the junction to the Nar Phu Valley.

Koto’s checkpoint marks the start of the restricted zone, and your permit will be carefully inspected here. As evening falls, listen for the distant roar of the Nar Phu River and prepare for tomorrow’s journey into one of Nepal’s most secluded regions.

Entering the Nar Phu Valley, the trail narrows into a dramatic gorge. The cliffs soar vertically and the river thunders below. Cross suspension bridges strung with tattered prayer flags, remnants of past travelers’ blessings. The forest shifts to juniper and dwarf birch, and the air grows crisp as you ascend.

By afternoon, the valley opens to reveal Meta. This village is a windswept outpost of stone huts and yak pastures. At 3,560m, Meta feels like a frontier town and the lodges are basic but welcoming. Gaze up at the stars here; the lack of light pollution makes for an unforgettable celestial display.

The trail climbs steadily through a surreal landscape of hoodoos (rock spires) and eroded cliffs, resembling a Tibetan canyon. Keep an eye out for blue sheep navigating the steep slopes with improbable grace. Kyang is mostly a seasonal herders’ settlement and appears like a mirage. These settlements are low stone shelters blending into the terrain. This remote spot offers a glimpse into nomadic life; yaks graze nearby, and the evening might bring the sound of herders singing traditional ballads. With limited electricity or Wi-Fi, the silence here is profound, broken only by the wind whistling through the valley.

A short but steep climb leads to Phu Village which is a hidden gem of Tibetan culture. The approach is dramatic with traverse a medieval gate adorned with skulls (a protective Buddhist symbol). We will then descend into a bowl-shaped valley where 30-odd stone houses cluster around a 15th-century gompa (monastery). Phu feels frozen in time where women spin wool on hand spindles, and children play with yak-hair ropes. Visit Tashi Lhakhang Monastery, where ancient manuscripts and thangkas are preserved. As the sun sets, the village glows amber against the backdrop of Himlung Himal (7,126m), its icy summit catching the last light.

Today’s acclimatization hike to Himlung Base Camp is a highlight. The trail follows the Phu Khola upstream, passing chortens and mani walls inscribed with Tibetan mantras. As you ascend, the valley narrows, revealing glaciers clinging to the flanks of Himlung Himal. This peak is opened to climbers only in 1992. The base camp (4,920m) sits on a moraine littered with expedition debris, a stark reminder of the mountain’s challenge. Return to Phu for a warm meal of tsampa (roasted barley flour) and butter tea. It will be amazing to share with villagers who may recount tales of yeti sightings in the surrounding valleys.

Retracing your steps down the Phu Khola, the trail diverges toward Naar Phedi. This is a tranquil pastureland dotted with herders’ huts. The descent is steep, dropping 580m into a side valley where the air feels noticeably thicker. Naar Phedi’s campsite is set beside a gurgling stream. Watch for lammergeiers (bearded vultures) circling overhead as you can notice the wingspans casting shadows on the valley floor.

A rugged climb leads to Naar Village, smaller than Phu but equally captivating. Those village is situated on a hillside, Naar’s whitewashed houses seem to grow from the rock itself. The village is famed for its annual horse festival, where riders race bareback across the high pastures. Explore the labyrinthine alleys, pausing at a family-run teahouse to try chhyang (fermented millet beer), a local specialty. As evening falls, the Kang Guru massif (6,981m) turns fiery red with a spectacle best enjoyed from the village’s rooftop terraces.

The Kang La Pass is today’s crown jewel. Depart before dawn, climbing switchbacks etched into the mountainside. At the summit (5,420m), the Annapurna range explodes into view forming a jagged horizon of Annapurna II, III, and IV. The descent is steep but exhilarating, passing the hamlet of Julu before reaching Ngawal, a medieval village of slate-roofed houses. Ngawal’s 400-year-old monastery houses a statue of Guru Rinpoche said to have flown here from Tibet. Celebrate your pass crossing with a slice of buckwheat cake, a local delicacy.

A leisurely morning trek leads to Manang, the cultural heart of the Annapurna Circuit. En route, we can take a detour to the Gangapurna Viewpoint. You can see the Gangapurna Glacier spills like a frozen river into turquoise lakes. In Manang, visit the Bhraga Monastery, which is home to a revered statue of Avalokiteshvara.

Leaving Manang, the trail ascends through juniper shrubs and yak pastures, offering panoramic views of the Annapurna III (7,555m) and Gangapurna Glacier. The route crosses the Kangsar Khola via a swaying suspension bridge before climbing steeply to Kangsar. From here, the path narrows into a dramatic landslide zone. You need to be careful with footing. Tilicho Base Camp (4,045m) emerges as a cluster of basic lodges clinging to the mountainside. The air is thin and the night skies dazzle with stars. As evening falls, sip ginger tea while watching the sunset paint Tilicho Peak (7,134m) in fiery hues, preparing for tomorrow’s pre-dawn start.

Depart before sunrise with headlamps illuminating the frosty trail. The 3-hour climb to Tilicho Lake is grueling but magical. Glacial moraines give way to a surreal turquoise basin cradled by Tilicho Peak’s vertical walls. At dawn, the lake’s glassy surface mirrors the surrounding peaks, creating a scene of ethereal beauty.

After soaking in the silence (broken only by distant avalanches), descend carefully through scree slopes to Shree Kharka. You will notice a verdant grazing pasture dotted with herders’ stone huts. The contrast between the lake’s stark grandeur and Shree Kharka’s grassy meadows is striking, symbolizing your return to lower altitudes.

A gentler day follows as the trail contours along the Jarsang Khola Valley. You will pass through weaving juniper bushes alive with Himalayan monal pheasants. Cross ancient mani walls carved with Tibetan mantras before reaching Yak Kharka. Here, yaks and dzos (yak-cow hybrids) graze on alpine grasses, their bells tinkling in the wind. The lodges at Yak Kharka are cozy, with wood-burning stoves and views of Chulu West (6,419m). Use the afternoon to rest or take a short acclimatization hike up the nearby ridges, where golden eagles circle overhead.

The climb to Thorong High Camp is short but steep, gaining 800m in elevation. The trail switchbacks through barren slopes where the air grows noticeably thinner. High Camp’s lodges sit at 4,850m, just below the pass. The altitude headaches are common here, so hydrate relentlessly and avoid alcohol. As dusk falls, temperatures plummet; bundle up to witness the last light on Dhaulagiri (8,167m) to the west. Most trekkers dine early and retire by 8 PM, setting alarms for the 3 AM departure to beat the pass’s notorious winds.

The crown jewel of the Annapurna Circuit begins in darkness, with headlamps bobbing in a slow procession up the pass. The 2 to 3 hour ascent to Thorong La (5,416m) is physically demanding with thin air, freezing temps, and scree-covered switchbacks test your resolve. But the summit rewards you with prayer flags whipping in the wind and a 360° Himalayan panorama: Dhaulagiri, Nilgiri, and the Mukut Himal stretch to the horizon. The 3-hour descent to Muktinath is knee-jarring but scenic, passing the sacred Jhong Khola waterfalls before reaching the temple complex.

At Muktinath, Hindu and Buddhist pilgrims mingle at the 108 water spouts and eternal flame (where natural gas ignites). Shed your trekking boots to join the ritual circumnavigation of the temple, then celebrate with a hot shower and a feast of dal bhat at one of the village’s apple orchards.

You will reach Kathmandu in the morning between 8 and 9 AM