This area, long closed to foreigners because of its proximity to the Chinese border has recently been opened. The trails are relatively less trekked, culture and traditions are less affected and the scenery – one of the best in Nepal. This is a fascinating course around Manaslu (8,163m) and its three peaks known as the ‘Japanese Peaks’ ascending along Buri Gandaki River and through contrasting worlds of Lho, Sama gaon (3,450m) and crossing the highest point of the trek Larkya La (5,213m), which is a mere 8 km from Tibet border. A classic vista opens to the west – Himlung Himal (7,126m), Cheo Himal, Gyaji Kang, Kang guru (6,981m) and Annapurna II (7,937m). From Larkya La, the descent is steep and usually snow covered upto Tanbuche. From Tanbuche the narrow trail enters a wide meadow where we camp. Then we follow the white Dudh Khola river banks passing though magnificent forests of rhododendron, Pine and Juniper which then give way to apple orchards around Thonje and Dharapani. As we descend further the alpine vegetation gives way to subtropical lushness. We then walk down the Marshyangdi Khola river valley to Besishahar, the end point of the trek. From Besishahar there is regular local bus service to Dumre and from then on to Kathmandu by private transport.

Day 01: Drive Kathmandu to Trishuli and overnight.

Day 02: Trek from Trishuli to Baran Gurun crossing Somrie La (1,290m) 6 hrs. walk. (B,L,D)

Day 03: Trek from Baran Gurun to Charanki Phedi (650m) 5 hrs. walk. (B,L,D)

Day 04: Trek from Charanki Phedi to Arughat Bazaar (530m) across Buri Gandaki river 6 hrs. walk. (B,L,D)

Day 05: Trek from Arughat Bazaar to confluence of Soti Khola 7 hrs. walk. (B,L,D)

Day 06: Trek from Soti Khola to confluence of Machha Khola (890m) 6 hrs. walk. (B,L,D)

Day 07: Trek from Machha Khola to Jagat (1,350m) 7 hrs. walk (B,L,D)

Day 08: Trek from Jagat to Deng. 7 hrs. walk. (B,L,D)

Day 09: Trek from Deng to Ghap (2,095m) 6 hrs. walk. (B,L,D)

Day 10: Trek from Ghap to Lo Gaon (3,150m) 5 hrs. walk. (B,L,D)

Day 11: Trek from Lo Gaon to the main village, Sama Gaon/Sama Gompa (3,500m) 6 hrs. walk. (B,L,D)

Day 12: Trek from Sama to campsite at guest house beyond Samdo (4,450m) 6 hrs. walk. (B,L,D)

Day 13: Cross the Larkya La (5,153m) to Tanbuche (3,900m) 8 hrs. walk. (B,L,D)

Day 14: Trek from Tanbuche to Karche (2,785m) 6 hrs. walk. (B,L,D)

Day 15: Trek from Karche to Tal (1,707m) 6 hrs. walk. (B,L,D)

Day 16: Trek from Tal to Syange (1,311m) 6 hrs. walk. (B,L,D)

Day 17: Trek from Syange to Besishahar (823m) 5 hrs. walk. (B,L,D)

Day 18: Drive Besishahar to Dumre and Dumre to Kathmandu. (B)

(Note: B = Breakfast, L= Lunch, D = Dinner)