Trekking Around the Eighth Tallest Mountain in the World | April 26 to May 8, 2025
Trek Participants
- Samir Palnitkar
- Anu Palnitkar
- Dr. Sandeep Shrotri
- Teja Palsodkar
- Chauta Palsodkar
- Aditya Godbole
- Aniruddha Deshpande
- Anay Tamhankar
- Yashwant Sakhardande
- Vinayak Oak
Trek leaders: Akhil Katkar and Rahul Sonke | Nepali Guides: Karma and Lakpa
We also had 9 porters with us to carry our luggage. The Nepali guides and porters are the true heroes that made the trek happen.
Day-by-Day Summary:
Day 0 (April 25): Pune to Kathmandu: The Journey Begins
Day 1 (April 26): Drive from Kathmandu to Macha Khola (8-9 hours).
Day 2 (April 27): Trek from Macha Khola to Jagat (19.6 km).
Day 3 (April 28): Trek from Jagat to Deng (22.6 km).
Day 4 (April 29): Trek from Deng to Namrung (approximately 21.1 km).
Day 5 (April 30): Trek from Namrung to Shyala (approximately 18.5 km).
Day 6 (May 1): Trek from Shyala to Samagaon (4.25 km).
Day 7 (May 2): Acclimatization trek around Samagaon to 4,000 m (approx. 10 km).
Day 8 (May 3): Trek from Samagaon to Samdo (approximately 9 km).
Day 9 (May 4): Trek from Samdo to Dharmasala (approximately 8-10 km).
Day 10 (May 5): Trek from Dharmasala to Larke Pass and then to Bhimtang (approximately 18 km).
Day 11 (May 6): Trek from Bhimtang to Tilije (approximately 20 km)
Here is a general map of the trek clicked at our hotel.
Day 0 – April 25, 2025: Pune to Kathmandu: The Journey Begins
The day we had been eagerly waiting for had finally come. We left Pune on a 7:30 AM IndiGo flight, connecting through Delhi, and landed in Kathmandu around 3:40 PM.
We checked into Hotel Kailash Kutee, a cozy hotel in the vibrant Thamel neighbourhood.
Our first task was simple but essential: picking up local Nepal SIM cards from a nearby supermarket. The Nepal Telecom (NTC) SIM card cost us NPR 900 per person. It gave us 10 GB of data for a period of 28 days. It worked very well in the mountains and gave us 4G coverage for the most part.
With that sorted, we wandered the lively streets until hunger called.
Dinner was early — around 7 PM — at a tiny falafel place we stumbled upon about 200 ft from Hotel Kailash Kutee. The food was fresh, flavorful, and just what we needed: a crispy falafel sandwich and a hearty falafel plate. Great start to our trip.
Later that evening, we joined our fellow trekkers for a small but joyful celebration — it was Teja Palsodkar’s birthday, and a cake made its way to the table, laughter filling the air.
It was a perfect, celebratory start before the real adventure.
Day 1 – April 26, 2025: Kathmandu to Macha Khola
We were up and ready by 7:30 AM, filled with excitement. Our journey toward the mountains had officially begun.
A comfortable 30-seater AC bus became our world for the day, weaving its way out of bustling Kathmandu into the wilderness.
The road quality quickly shifted from paved highways to rough dirt tracks, and with every bump and jolt, the landscape grew more spectacular — lush hills, misty valleys, and the constant whisper of rivers in the distance.
The scenery grew wilder and more breathtaking with every passing hour. Around 12:30 PM, we stopped deep in the jungle for lunch. It felt like a hidden world, far from the city’s chaos.
By late afternoon, after almost nine hours on the road, we finally rolled into the village of Macha Khola — the true starting point of the Manaslu Circuit trek. We checked into Chum Valley Guest House — basic but clean — and stretched our legs, eager and a little restless.
Tired but happy, we gathered at the dinner table, sipping hot lemon tea, letting the journey’s dust settle. There was laughter, soft conversations, and a shared sense of anticipation about the days to come. Tomorrow, we will finally be on foot.
Day 2 – April 27, 2025: Macha Khola to Jagat
- Distance: 19.6 km
- Net Elevation Gain: 1,574 ft
- Gross Elevation Gain: 3,116 ft
- Walking Time: 5.5 hours
- Jagat Elevation: 4,625 ft
Our first real trekking day! We began at 7:30 AM with a small, meaningful ceremony — breaking a coconut and offering a prayer to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. A great way to start the trek!
The trail took us along swinging bridges over rushing rivers, through tiny villages, and past countless little waterfalls that felt like nature’s air conditioning, offering us cool breezes as we walked.
Around 10:30 AM, we paused at the village of Tatopani (“warm water”) for a brief rest. Nepali children waved shyly as we passed — their wide smiles lighting up the trail.
At about 10:45 AM, we reached our lunch stop earlier than expected. In high spirits, Anu and I found ourselves singing “Ek Main Aur Ek Tu” as we arrived — music blending with the sound of the river.
It started raining lightly after lunch, and we quickly pulled out our ponchos. The rain was gentle, but the winds whipped around us, making the mountains come alive with mist and movement.
Because of a landslide on the usual trail, we took an alternate path — following a rough vehicle track instead of a footpath. Still, the views were unforgettable: a lone tree silhouetted against a vast Himalayan backdrop, the mighty Budhi Gandaki river snaking below us.
By around 2:15 PM, we reached Jagat, a picturesque village perched on the hillside. After stretching out our tired legs (and laughing about how “noodly” we already felt), we settled in.
Our accommodations were simple but warm, and to our surprise, the food menu was long and varied — this was starting to feel almost like a luxury trek!
Day 3 – April 28, 2025: Jagat to Deng
We set off from Jagat around 7:10 AM, walking through a courtyard bursting with bright roses — a vivid splash of color.
The landscapes changed almost immediately: towering cliffs, deep gorges, waterfalls crashing down in white curtains. Every few minutes, we found ourselves reaching for our phones or cameras, trying to capture the sheer beauty around us.
By mid-morning, we crossed a long, swaying suspension bridge — the kind you see in postcards — and paused for some fresh fruit at the village of Filim. Apples and bananas tasted better than any gourmet meal when eaten under open skies.
After lunch at around 11:50 AM, the path led us deep into bamboo forests. A natural canopy formed overhead, and the air was cool and sweet-smelling. Horses shared the trail with us (and yes, horse manure, too — adding an earthy scent to the adventure!).
Following the Budhi Gandaki river’s twists and turns, we crossed countless wooden and metal bridges, switching from one side of the valley to the other. It felt like walking through a secret, ancient world.
Around 2:45 PM, we passed the village of Pewa, and by 4:00 PM, we reached Deng (sometimes written as Dyang) — our resting place for the night. Tired but deeply happy, we sank into our beds, dreaming of rivers, forests, and the road still ahead.
Day 4 – April 29, 2025: Deng (Dyang) to Namrung
Distance: 21.14 km
Walking Time: 7-8 hours
Total Elevation Gain: 4,454 ft
Namrung Altitude: 8,692 ft
The morning started with a familiar tea house experience. It’s strange how these simple rooms have become so comforting — basic in structure, yet full of warmth. The simplicity has its charm. It’s almost like these tea houses are a perfect reflection of the trek itself — raw, unpretentious, and surprisingly cozy.
We left Deng early, around 7:10 AM, feeling the familiar excitement of the day ahead. Today, the first major sight of the trek greeted us: a view of a peak in the Tsum Valley. This was a new perspective, and a reminder of how much more is out there, waiting to be discovered. Every day on the trail offers something new, and today was no different. The path immediately began to climb, and we could feel the altitude, but it also gave us the kind of views that made every step worth it.
Teja Palsodkar, unfortunately, had gotten blisters the day before, so she decided to trek with floaters instead of shoes. Tough as it was, she was determined to keep going. Climbing today was relentless, and we found ourselves constantly heading upwards, with every climb revealing even more spectacular views. At times, we could see the village of Bihiphedi far below us, and just across the mountains, the Tibet border was only about 15 km away. The landscape here feels like a world apart, and I couldn’t help but marvel at the untouched beauty surrounding us. Everywhere we looked, there were waterfalls — some large, some small — cascading down the mountainsides.
It’s not easy, though. The climbs were tough, no doubt about it. But despite the strain, our spirits stayed high, encouraged by the beauty that kept unfolding around us. Along the way, I couldn’t help but take a moment to admire the purple cabbage growing along the route. It was an unexpected pop of color in the rugged landscape, and it seemed like a small but beautiful reminder of life’s resilience here
.By 11:50 AM, we reached Gaap (गाप) for lunch. Our steps today had already added up: 19,774 to be exact. The climb had been gruelling, and we were all ready for a break. After lunch, we started our steep ascent at 2:00 PM. It was relentless, with no real respite, just a continuous climb for the next 2.5 hours. We finally arrived in the village of Namrung at 4:25 PM, feeling completely exhausted but accomplished.
Along the way, we passed through more wildflower meadows, saw lush moss-covered trees, and caught glimpses of berries hanging from vines. Despite the difficulty of the climb, the natural beauty here is impossible to ignore.
Arriving in Namrung, the tiredness of the day seemed to melt away. The guest house we were staying at is a true gem. It felt almost like a tourist resort with its beautiful cottages, great views, and a surprise bakery to satisfy our sweet tooth. The atmosphere here was relaxed, and the fatigue of the day quickly turned into a sense of accomplishment.
At dinner, our trek guide, Akhil, certainly showed us what a real adventurer looks like. He started his meal with four eggs and then proceeded to finish everything left over from the group’s plates. He really does live up to his title as trek leader!
For dinner, we were treated to pizza, spaghetti with cheese, fried rice, thali, and fried potatoes. It was an indulgent feast after such a tough day. We ate with a sense of satisfaction, knowing that the next chapter of the trek was already waiting for us tomorrow.
Day 5 – April 30, 2025 : Trek from Namrung to Shyala
Distance: 18.5 km
Walking Time: 6-7 hours
Elevation Gain: 2,300 ft
Shyala Altitude: 11,732 ft
Today felt like a truly special day — we woke up to the sight of a spectacular peak next to Namrung, towering above us with its snow-capped beauty. It set the tone for the day — everything seemed a little more magnificent up here. And, just next door, there was a monastery, nestled in the mountains like something out of a dream. The peacefulness of this place is something you can feel deep within.
The journey started at 7:30 AM, and already, the landscape was treating us to its wonders. As we made our way from Namrung, it quickly became clear that the mountains and valleys here are unlike anything we’ve ever seen before. The air feels fresher, and there’s a sense of immensity that accompanies each step. Even the toilets at the guest houses along the way have been impressively clean, and the rooms — cozy and well-kept — have been a surprising, yet much-needed, comfort on this challenging trek.
At around 9:45 AM, we passed the village of Lhi, and by 10:50 AM, we had crossed Shyo. The day was shaping up to be a good one. We reached Lho by 12:15 PM. In total, we covered 12.7 km, feeling like we were inching ever closer to Manaslu.
Along the way, we couldn’t help but admire the wildlife and flora around us. The vibrant flowers dotted the landscape, and we came across berries that were both beautiful and dangerous. These red berries, I learned, are incredibly poisonous and can be deadly if eaten. It was a strange contrast — so pretty, yet so deadly. We also encountered a Bicchu shrub — a plant that, if touched, feels like thousands of needles piercing the skin. I made the mistake of touching it twice and felt the discomfort for hours. But that’s part of the journey, right? Nature, in all its beauty and danger.
In the middle of the trek, we stumbled upon an apple tree in full bloom, its white flowers creating a picture-perfect moment in the middle of the rugged terrain. The air was fresh, the scenery was lush, and we were making steady progress.
And then, the moment we had all been waiting for — the first sighting of Manaslu. At a towering 8,163 meters (26,781 ft), it appeared before us in all its glory, its massive, snow-covered face gleaming under the sun. It was such an exciting moment — one that left me speechless, and I know Anu felt the same. I’ve been looking forward to this for so long, and seeing Manaslu was everything I had imagined. What a sight!
We continued on after lunch, leaving around 1:35 PM. The rest of the trek today was truly unforgettable. Manaslu stayed in view, reminding us of its power and majesty. Alongside it, we saw Naike Peak, which stands at an impressive 6,200 meters (20,300 ft), adding even more grandeur to the scene. But it wasn’t just about the towering peaks. The wildflowers today were a true treat — from rhododendrons in every color imaginable to wildflowers of every shape and size. It felt like a whole new world of nature was unfolding before us.
as seen from our guest house
By 3:35 PM, we reached Shyala, a small but enchanting town surrounded by towering peaks in every direction. The town’s serenity made it feel like we were staying in a secluded paradise. Our guest house here was exactly what we needed — the room was cozy, and the view was nothing short of spectacular.
The highlight of the day was the 360-degree view of the mountains. From the guest house, we could see the snow-capped peaks stretching out in every direction. It felt like we were standing at the center of the world, surrounded by nature’s majesty. The Shyala Monastery was visible from the guest house, adding to the town’s tranquil vibe.
As the day ended, I reflected on this incredible day, and I couldn’t help but feel grateful. Grateful for the company of Anu, the stunning landscapes, and the opportunity to witness nature at its finest.
Day 6 – May 1, 2025: Trek from Shyala to Samagaon & Acclimatisation Day
Distance: 4.25 km
Walking Time: 2 hours
Elevation Gain: 400 ft
Final Elevation: 11,700 ft
Today was a relatively easy trek compared to the challenging climbs of the past few days, but the beauty we encountered made it just as memorable.
We woke up early to amazing views of Manaslu and its entire mountain range. It was 6:10 AM, and we stood in awe of the towering peaks, the sun just starting to illuminate their snow-capped peaks. This is what trekking at this altitude is all about — being so close to these immense giants. Shyala is truly one of the best places to catch the view of Manaslu and the surrounding peaks. It feels like the mountains are right in front of you, waiting to be explored.
Our trek began at 8:15 AM, starting from Shyala at an elevation of 11,300 ft. The morning was peaceful and full of promise, with the trek taking us through more stunning landscapes and over the bridge to Manaslu — a landmark on the trail.
The path was lined with wildflowers in full bloom, and today, we had the luxury of a relaxed trek. The mood was light, and even the terrain felt gentler than what we had experienced before. It gave us a chance to soak in the scenery and really appreciate the beauty around us. It wasn’t just the physical trek, but the emotional journey of being surrounded by such beauty.
We reached Samagaon by 10:15 AM, having covered just 4.25 km in about 2 hours. A quick trek today, but the reward was staying in Samagaon for the night, and tomorrow we’ll be taking a well-earned rest day.
After settling in, we embarked on our acclimatization trek to Virendra Taal, a beautiful lake at 11,700 ft. It was a short hike, but it felt necessary as we prepared for the more difficult parts of the trek ahead. The lake itself was a serene, stunning sight — a calm blue surrounded by the mountains.
While we were there, we witnessed something extraordinary — a rare avalanche hit the mountainside behind the lake. It was an awe-inspiring sight, watching the snow and ice break loose and tumble down the mountain. It felt like we were witnessing nature in its rawest, most untamed form. A humbling moment, to say the least. Video on the avalanche at Virendra Taal.
We completed our acclimatization trek and returned to the guest house around 1:45 PM, where we settled in for a restful afternoon. The trekking pace was light, but the experiences of the day left us with a sense of gratitude. Tomorrow will be a full day of rest, but even in the downtime, there’s so much to take in here. We’ll take a break and recharge for the trek ahead.
Day 7 – May 2, 2025 : Rest Day at Samagaon & Acclimatization Trek
Today was a well-deserved rest day here at Samagaon, where we got the chance to rest, relax, and take in the awe-inspiring views around us. We started the day with a hearty breakfast at 7:30 AM before heading out for our acclimatization trek toward Manaslu Base Camp.
Our goal today was to gain some elevation and help our bodies adjust to the thin air before the tougher sections of the trek. As we started out on the trail, we had the pleasure of meeting an inspiring fellow trekker. A 79-year-old Korean man named Chan Ki Kim was on the trail, having just completed the Manaslu Base Camp trek. He was also doing the entire Manaslu Circuit with us, which was truly inspiring. His energy and spirit were a reminder that age is no barrier when it comes to pursuing dreams.
The wildflowers along the trek were stunning today, bursting in all colors and sizes. It was a flower lover’s dream, and each turn we took offered us new blooms to admire. By 8:25 AM, we were on our way, steadily climbing towards the 4,000 m (13,300 ft) mark. The hike was gradual but steady. By 11 AM, we had made it, climbing nearly 1,470 ft (440 m) over the course of about 2.5 hours. The views from this altitude were beyond anything we could have expected.
From 4,000 m, we had an unbelievable panoramic view of Virendra Lake and the surrounding mountains, including the ever-present Manaslu peak in the distance. The sight of the glacier below Manaslu Base Camp was equally breathtaking.
After soaking in the scenery, we descended back down to Virendra Lake, where the reflection of the mountains on the lake gave us a new perspective. The colors were even more vivid from the lower vantage point, making the lake even more captivating than before.
We retraced our steps back to Samagaon, passing the monastery we had visited yesterday. It’s amazing how the same path can look so different on a return journey, depending on the light and the angle of the mountains.
By 12:45 PM, we were back at our guest house, having walked 14,500 steps and climbed 1,470 ft. A total of 10 km covered today, which felt like just the right amount for an acclimatization trek.
And of course, a trek in the Himalayas wouldn’t be complete without a little luxury: Kairi (raw mango) with spice accompanied by chivda mixed with onion. Dr. Shrotri truly introduced us to this treat, and we could not imagine a tastier snack to have on the trail!
As the day drew to a close, we were once again treated to the majestic view of Manaslu from our guest house. With each passing day, we were seeing this mighty peak from different perspectives, and each time it left us mesmerized.
Day 8 – May 3, 2025 : From Samagaon to Samdo
The morning light greeted us today with a stunning golden glow on Manaslu and the surrounding peaks. It was an incredible sight as the sun cast its warm hues across the snow-covered mountains, including Manaslu, which stood proud against the early morning sky. We were up early, at 5:20 AM, to witness this magnificent view from the town of Samagaon.
By 7:43 AM, we were ready to leave Samagaon and head to Samdo, a small village nestled in the mountains. The path ahead was dotted with stunning views of Manaslu and the Manaslu Glacier, both of which seemed to follow us throughout the journey. We passed herds of grazing yaks, their distinctive bells ringing through the air, adding to the peaceful rhythm of the trek.
The walk was pleasant, with moderate climbs, and by 10:52 AM, we had reached Samdo, our destination for the day. The village is at an altitude of 12,600 ft, and it felt like we were walking among the clouds, with sweeping views of the surrounding mountains. Today’s trek was 9 km in total, with us walking about 14,000 steps.
Despite the distance, the trail felt gentle compared to some of the steeper ascents we’ve done in the past few days. It was a welcome change, and we arrived in Samdo feeling good, with plenty of energy left for the afternoon’s acclimatisation trek.
After a brief rest, we set off for a small acclimatisation trek at 1:35 PM. This time, the trek took us higher, offering more breathtaking views of Samdo Village, Naike Peak, and Samdo Peak in the distance.
While in Samdo, we were fortunate to witness a special ceremony at the local monastery. The ceremony involved the distribution of Buddhist scriptures to the residents of Samdo, a humbling experience that brought the community together in a shared sense of faith and tradition.
As the day wound down, Anu and I took some time to unwind and relax. A game of cards (specifically, 7 of hearts, also called, Badam Saat in Marathi) turned out to be the perfect way to pass the time as the sun dipped below the peaks. Laughter echoed through our small group as we enjoyed a lighthearted break from the trek.
Today was a peaceful day of trekking and acclimatization, and we were ready for the challenges that lay ahead. Samdo is a beautiful village, and the sense of quiet here is truly refreshing. The surrounding mountains added a sense of tranquillity, making it an ideal place to rest before we push further along the circuit.
Day 9 – May 4, 2025: Samdo (12,600 ft) to Dharmasala (14,600+ ft) – A Snowy March to the Base Camp of Larke Pass
We woke up to grey skies and the quiet tap of rain on our windows in Samdo. At 7:55 am, with layers zipped up and ponchos in place, we set off toward Dharmasala, the base camp for the formidable Larke Pass. The air was thick with anticipation—and cold drizzle.
It took sheer willpower to start walking in the rain at that altitude. By 9:10 am, we had crossed 4,100 meters (13,450 ft). The rain had given way to snowfall, gentle at first, then increasingly steady. The trail turned magical—delicate ice crystals clung to wildflowers, turning them into tiny sculptures of frozen beauty. The path, lined with hardy mountain shrubs, was now dusted in white.
As we climbed to 4,200 meters by 9:34 am, the world around us grew quieter, more otherworldly. The snowflakes landed softly on our jackets as we pressed forward, breath steady, spirits surprisingly high. The cold bit through gloves and boots, but the landscape—raw, desolate, stunning—kept us going.
The final push to Dharmasala (around 4,460 meters / 14,630 ft) was slow but steady. By noon, we were at the camp, greeted by a bitter sub-zero wind that sliced through every layer. Yet inside the dining hall, things were warmer—in every sense. We huddled over bowls of spaghetti in tomato sauce with cheese, cooked with love and impressive flair for such high altitude. It was one of the best meals of the trek so far.
The camp itself was stark—Dharmasala isn’t a village, just a cluster of stone huts and tents used seasonally by trekkers braving the Larke Pass. It’s remote, freezing, and windswept. But there was a wild beauty here that commanded reverence.
Today was not just a test of the body, but of the mind. Walking for hours in snow, steadily gaining altitude, takes a kind of quiet strength. But tomorrow, we were to take on the Larke La—the highest point of the circuit. The hardest day lies ahead.
Day 10 – May 5, 2025: Dharmasala (4,460 m) → Larke Pass (5,106 m) → Bhimtang (3,590 m)
Distance: 18 km | Total Ascent: 2,000 ft | Descent: 4,500 ft
A Brutal, Beautiful Day Across the Roof of the World
This was the day we had been preparing for—the crossing of Larke La, the highest point of the Manaslu Circuit. We left Dharmasala at 4:10 am, our breath fogging in the bitter cold, headlamps casting narrow beams on the snow-covered trail. It had snowed through the night, but we were blessed with clear skies and a field of stars overhead—a surreal beginning to a monumental day.
By 5:10 am, daylight broke across the high Himalayas, revealing a pristine, frozen world bathed in silver and gold. The silence of the mountains was absolute, broken only by the crunch of our boots on ice. Layered in every possible item of clothing, we trudged upward through this spectacular, alien landscape.
At 7:40 am, we reached 5,000 meters—an important psychological and physical milestone. Each breath was an effort, and the cold had begun to claw into our bones. But the views—of glaciers, frosted peaks, and ribbons of snow-dusted ridgelines—made the exertion worthwhile.
Finally, at 9:00 am, after an unrelenting 4 hour 50 minute climb, we reached the summit of Larke Pass (5,106 m / 16,750 ft). This was the culmination of our trek, the highest point, and a deeply emotional moment. Despite a headache from the altitude, Anu pressed on with unwavering spirit, reaching the pass beaming and proud.
Jai Hind at Larke Pass! Photos were clicked with Larke Peak towering behind us, prayer flags fluttering in the freezing wind.
Thanks to the clear weather, we spent nearly an hour at the pass, soaking in the views and reflecting on the journey. At 10:00 am, we began our descent, where another kind of magic awaited. Wildflowers—fragile and defiant—bloomed even in the icy cold. Then, in a simple but deeply moving gesture, one of our porters trekked ahead and returned with warm lemon tea for us on the trail. In that cold, it tasted like a miracle.
By 11:15 am, we reached Phedi, where lunch was served. We rested there for over two hours, waiting for the rest of the group to arrive. But as the weather started to turn, we reluctantly left Phedi at 1:50 pm and began our final descent for the day.
The trail to Bhimtang was gentler, a welcome contrast to the brutal morning climb. As we walked, the landscape shifted from snow and rock to pine and moss. At 3:40 pm, we entered the charming village of Bhimtang (3,590 m), exhausted but triumphant.
This was the toughest day of the trek—18 km, a 2,000 ft climb, and 4,500 ft descent. Every muscle ached. But the sense of accomplishment, the stark beauty of the high pass, and the small acts of care and camaraderie along the way made it a day we’ll never forget.
Day 11 – May 6, 2025: Bhimtang (3,800 m) → Tilije (2,500 m) → Besisahar
Distance Walked: 20 km | Descent: 1,300 m (4,400 ft)
Final Day – Through Forest, Flowers, and a Tractor Ride
Though we had technically completed the trek by crossing Larke Pass, there was still one final day of walking ahead. Our bodies were weary, but the spirit was light—we were nearly at the end of the road.
We woke to a glorious view of Manaslu at 5:30 am, this time from the western side, the sun painting the summit in golden hues. It was a peaceful moment, almost like a farewell from the mighty mountain.
We started walking at 7:45 am, and by 9:30 am, we had crossed into the Annapurna Conservation Area—an exciting transition, symbolizing the journey’s progression into its final chapter. As we descended, the landscape changed dramatically. The alpine terrain gave way to thick, vibrant forests.
The forest trail was a riot of color—rhododendrons in every shade, delicate wildflowers along the path, and tall trees draped in moss. It felt magical, like walking through an ancient, enchanted woodland. Much of today’s walk was along the Dudh Khola (“milk river”), its white, frothy waters rushing beside us in a constant murmur. Even at lower altitudes, the scenery remained spectacular.
We reached the village of Surki Khola by 12 noon and paused for lunch. Hot chocolate on a wooden deck overlooking the river—after days of high-altitude trekking, it felt like luxury.
At 2:35 pm, we set off toward our final destination: Tilije. But fate had one last adventure planned for us. Just as we were passing through Gowa, we spotted a tractor making its way toward Tilije. We climbed aboard, perching ourselves on the back, bouncing and laughing our way along a rutted mountain road in true celebratory style. The 25-minute tractor ride was a joyous, unexpected end to our trekking journey.
By 4:00 pm, we reached Tilije, officially marking the completion of our Manaslu Circuit Trek. There was quiet satisfaction in that moment. We had done it.
A Bolero jeep picked us up at 4:15 pm and we began the long, rough ride to Besisahar, our night halt. Along the way, we stopped at Chyamche village, where we took in the sight of a gorgeous waterfall, one final brush with the wild Himalayan beauty.
After 3 hours and 15 minutes of driving over winding, unpaved roads, we arrived in Besisahar at 7:30 pm. The trek was officially over.
Today’s walk: 20 km, with a descent of 1,300 meters from 3,800 m to 2,500 m.
The full Manaslu Circuit: 160 km over 10 days.
This journey has been everything we hoped for—challenging, inspiring, and filled with natural wonder. The views of Manaslu, the warmth of the local people, the camaraderie of fellow trekkers, and the ever-changing landscape made this an unforgettable experience.
Highly recommended.
