Manaslu, Nar Phu and Annapurna Three Passes Trek

Three Himalayan passes make this trek serious. This 34-day route links the Manaslu Circuit, Tsum Valley and Nar Phu before finishing on the Annapurna Circuit, with Larkya La, Kang La and Thorung La all on the route. I like the careful acclimatization days at Samagaon and Phu, and I like the rare chance to visit remote Tibetan-influenced villages that see far fewer people than the main Annapurna trail.

The main concern is cost clarity. The advertised price is $2,426.67 per person, but mountain meals and accommodation may cost extra under the package terms. You also need strong fitness for repeated high-altitude days, especially the 5,306-meter Kang La and 5,416-meter Thorung La.

Key things to know before booking

• Three major passes: Larkya La reaches 5,160 meters, Kang La reaches 5,306 meters, and Thorung La tops out at 5,416 meters.
• Tsum Valley feels culturally distinct: Expect mani walls, prayer wheels, gompas, chortens and Tibetan Buddhist villages such as Chumling, Chhokan Paro and Mu Gompa.
• Two valuable acclimatization days: You spend time around Samagaon and Phu, with optional hikes to Birendra Lake, Manaslu Base Camp, Pungen Gompa and Himlung Base Camp.
• Tilicho Lake adds a major detour: The route reaches Nepal’s highest lake before joining the final section toward Thorung La.
• Long but well-supported: Airport transfers, permits, a local guide, porter support and rescue arrangements are included, though personal insurance remains your responsibility.
• The itinerary is private: Only your group participates, with one porter for every two clients and an assistant guide for each five trekkers.

Why this route is unusually ambitious

Many Nepal treks focus on one famous circuit. This one links several major routes into a single crossing of northern Nepal. You begin near the Manaslu region, enter the restricted Tsum Valley, return to the main Manaslu trail, cross Larkya La, turn north into Nar Phu, cross Kang La, visit Tilicho Lake, and finish over Thorung La.

That variety is the great strength of the trip. You get wet green valleys early on, high glaciers and snowy summits around Manaslu, dry Tibetan-style villages in Nar Phu, and the stark upper Kali Gandaki region near Muktinath and Jomsom.

The price includes several expensive and important pieces: special permits for Manaslu, Tsum Valley and Nar Phu, TIMS and conservation permits, airport transfers, transport at the start and end, a local guide, porter support, taxes, a first-aid kit and rescue arrangements if needed.

Still, read the meal and lodging terms carefully before paying. The information says mountain meals and accommodation can be arranged, with the cost added according to the package agreement. That means the headline price may not be the final total. Ask for a written breakdown of teahouse rooms, breakfasts, lunches, dinners, hot drinks and staff tips.

Kathmandu gives you two useful preparation days

Your first day is simple. A representative meets you at Tribhuvan International Airport and takes you to your hotel. The rest of the day is free, which is useful after a long international flight.

Day two combines a trek briefing with sightseeing. You visit Kathmandu Durbar Square and Swayambhunath, the Monkey Temple. Entry fees are not included, so carry some Nepalese rupees. The office briefing is the time to confirm permits, transport, gear, walking pace and the exact treatment of meals and lodging.

This is also when you should ask about weather flexibility. The route depends on mountain conditions, and the operator states that poor weather can lead to a new date or a full refund.

Arughat, Soti Khola and the first Manaslu villages

On day three, a bus takes you toward Arughat, the original starting point of the Manaslu trek. The ride passes terraced fields, hills and rural settlements. It is scenic, but road travel in this part of Nepal is part of the adventure rather than a polished transfer.

A local vehicle then carries you toward Soti Khola and Machhakhola. You may see waterfalls, monkeys and early views of Ganesh Himal if conditions are clear. The trail becomes more interesting after Machhakhola, with stone-paved sections, mani walls and views of Ganesh and Shingri Himal.

Jagat marks an important change. From here, the route enters the former restricted trekking area. That matters because permits and guide arrangements are essential, and independent walking is not the point of this trip.

Tsum Valley brings the strongest cultural character

From Jagat, you cross the Budhi Gandaki on a suspension bridge, pass Philim and Ekle Bhatti, and turn into Tsum Valley. The walk to Lokpa introduces a quieter valley shaped by Tibetan Buddhist traditions.

The route climbs to Chumling, where gompas, prayer wheels and views toward Ganesh Himal reward the effort. The plan allows for camping or returning to Lokpa, so confirm what your group will actually do. Chhokan Paro, made up of two settlements, offers more time among mani walls and Buddhist villages.

Mu Gompa is one of the cultural highlights. The route passes rustic settlements and prayer walls before reaching the monastery area. You may see chortens, ceremonies and the Milarepa Cave. The next day returns toward Chumling, mostly downhill, before you retrace the route to Philim and continue toward Deng.

This section is not just a scenic warm-up. It gives you several days to build walking strength before the much higher Manaslu stages. The drawback is repetition: you use some of the same trail on the way out of Tsum Valley.

Manaslu views grow around Namrung and Samagaon

From Deng, the trail passes Bihi Phedi, Ghap and Namrung. The scenery opens toward Ganesh, Shingri and Kutang Himal. At Lho, Mount Manaslu, the world’s eighth-highest mountain, comes into view.

The walk to Samagaon is shorter and more gradual. A stop in Shyala offers broad Himalayan views, including Manaslu, Himal Chuli, Nadi Peak, Naike Peak, Kutang Himal and Pangbuche Himal.

Samagaon is one of the smartest rest points in the itinerary. You get an acclimatization day, with a choice between Birendra Lake and Manaslu Base Camp or Pungen Gompa. Do not treat this as a wasted day. At this altitude, a slower schedule can make the next pass safer and more manageable.

Samdo follows, with a gradual climb to a village known as a Tibetan refugee settlement. If you still have energy, the optional hike toward Samdo Peak offers especially fine views of Manaslu. The following day reaches Dharmasala, also called Larkya Phedi, where you prepare for the first major pass.

Larkya La is the first major test

The Larkya La crossing reaches 5,160 meters. You leave early, climb steadily and then descend toward Bhimtang. From the pass, the route looks toward Cheo Himal, Gyaji Kung, Kang Guru and Annapurna II, all towering above 6,000 meters.

This is a demanding day even though the listed walking time is about six hours. Weather, snow and your pace can change the experience. A good guide will manage the group carefully, but your own fitness and clothing matter just as much.

Bhimtang gives you a welcome break after the pass. The next day descends through Gho to Dharapani. An early start may provide a fine sunrise from the teahouse, but the main reward is the gradual return to lower elevations.

Nar Phu is the route’s most remote-feeling section

From Dharapani, the trail turns toward the Annapurna region and continues through pine forest to Koto. This is the last convenient place to restock, so check batteries, snacks, water treatment supplies and personal items before heading north.

The route follows the Nar Khola past a large waterfall at Singenge Dharmasala and onward to Meta. The next stage reaches Phu through Nar Phedi. Phu has chortens, mani wheels and an old stupa, giving the village a strong spiritual character.

The day around Phu is another acclimatization stop. The optional hike to Himlung Base Camp adds effort, but it also gives you a useful reason to spend more time at altitude before Kang La. Phu is also noted for bird watching, blue sheep and the possibility of seeing a snow leopard. Wildlife sightings are never guaranteed, so enjoy the setting rather than planning your day around an animal encounter.

After returning to Nar Phedi, you cross the Phu Khola and reach Naar. This area was only recently opened more widely by the Nepalese government, which helps explain the route’s isolated feel. Services are more limited here than on the main Annapurna trail, so ask your guide what food, water and charging options will be available.

Kang La leads into the Annapurna Circuit

From Naar, you climb toward Kang Phedi and then Kang La, the highest point of this trek at 5,306 meters. The descent to Ngawal is steep, and tired legs will notice it.

This is one of the route’s most demanding transitions. You gain a high pass, lose altitude quickly and then continue toward Braga, Manang and Khangsar. Manang is the best place in this section to refill supplies, but do not assume every item will be available.

Khangsar brings you closer to Tilicho Lake. The route follows the Marshyangdi River and passes a large gompa before reaching Tilicho Base Camp. This is a useful staging point because the lake day begins early.

Tilicho Lake adds scenery and extra effort

You leave around 6 a.m. for Tilicho Lake. The gradual climb takes about three hours to reach the lake, followed by time to enjoy the views and a return toward base camp. The itinerary then uses a northern trail to Siri Kharka.

Tilicho is widely described as one of the world’s highest lakes and is commonly regarded as the highest lake in Nepal. Its appeal is not only the elevation. The lake creates a striking high-altitude goal after the cultural sections of Tsum and Nar Phu.

The downside is fatigue. By this point, you have already crossed Larkya La and Kang La. The Tilicho detour adds a long day and another overnight change before the final pass, so this route suits people who prefer a full expedition-style itinerary rather than a relaxed circuit.

Thorung La and the descent to Muktinath

After Siri Kharka, you continue toward Yak Kharka and cross the Thorung Khola. Yak Kharka has a safe drinking water station, making it a useful place to refill.

The next stage reaches Thorung Phedi and then Thorung High Camp. You may see blue sheep, and snow leopard sightings are possible but rare. Since the final pass day starts around 4 or 4:30 a.m., use the afternoon to organize clothing, water and a headlamp, then rest.

Thorung La reaches 5,416 meters, the highest point of the trek. After crossing, the trail drops into much drier country and continues to Muktinath. The temple is important to Hindu pilgrims and is known for 180 water taps associated with purification. You can also arrange horse riding in Muktinath.

The following day continues through Kagbeni to Jomsom beside the Kali Gandaki River. Apple orchards around Kagbeni and Jomsom provide a pleasant change after the high, barren sections.

Transport, staff and practical value

The return from Jomsom to Pokhara may be by flight or road. The flight takes about 25 minutes, while driving takes roughly half a day. Pokhara gives you a brief chance to rest and explore before a scenic bus ride returns you to Kathmandu on day 34.

Airport pickup and drop-off use a car, jeep, Hiace or bus depending on group size. The package provides one porter for every two clients and one assistant guide for every five trekkers. An expert local Manaslu guide is included, along with guide insurance, accommodation, meals and salary.

The company also lists rescue arrangements and a basic first-aid kit. You still need personal insurance covering medical treatment, emergency evacuation, loss and theft. Tips are not included, and neither are international flights, the Nepal visa, sightseeing entry fees, personal gear, Wi-Fi, charging, hot showers or drinks.

Past trips organized by Madan included Manaslu, Tsum Valley and Annapurna routes, with one group describing the itinerary as well planned even at short notice. Another group returned to the same company for a third Nepal trip. That repeat business suggests a dependable planning relationship, though you should still confirm the current guide, porter plan and final cost in writing.

Who should book this trek?

You should consider it if you want:

• A long, private trek combining several major regions
• Remote Buddhist villages rather than only famous viewpoints
• Three high passes and a demanding physical challenge
• Time for acclimatization built into the schedule
• A guided and permitted route with porter support
• The chance to see Manaslu, Annapurna II, Tilicho Lake and Muktinath in one trip

You should think twice if you prefer short walking days, fixed comfort, easy road access or a simple price with every meal and room already included. Thirty-four days is a major commitment, and the altitude profile is serious even though the itinerary is broken into manageable stages.

At $2,426.67, the trip can offer strong value if the quoted price covers the services you expect. Its permits, staff, transfers and private organization would be costly to arrange alone. The key is to confirm the extra mountain costs before booking.

FAQ

How long is the Manaslu, Nar Phu and Annapurna trek?

The itinerary lasts approximately 34 days, including arrival and departure arrangements in Kathmandu, the trek, the return through Pokhara and the journey back to Kathmandu.

What are the highest passes on the route?

The route crosses Larkya La at 5,160 meters, Kang La at 5,306 meters and Thorung La at 5,416 meters.

Is airport pickup included?

Yes. Airport pickup and drop-off are included, using a car, jeep, Hiace or bus depending on the group size.

Are meals and accommodation in the mountains included?

The package information says mountain meals and accommodation can be arranged, with the cost added according to the package agreement. Confirm the exact inclusions before booking.

What permits are included?

TIMS, ACAP and MCAP permits are included, along with the special restricted-area permits for Tsum Valley, Manaslu and Nar Phu.

Is this a private tour?

Yes. Only your group participates. The support plan provides one porter for every two clients and one assistant guide for every five trekkers.

What fitness level is required?

A moderate physical fitness level is listed, but the three high passes and long duration mean you should be comfortable with sustained uphill and downhill walking at high altitude.

Should you book it?

Book this trek if you want Nepal at its most varied: remote valleys, serious passes, Buddhist villages, Manaslu views, Tilicho Lake and the pilgrimage center of Muktinath. The itinerary is ambitious, but its acclimatization days and local support make the challenge more sensible.

Before paying, request a written price sheet covering every mountain night, meal, porter tip, hot shower, charging fee and transport change. If those details are clear and you are ready for a month of hard walking, this is a powerful route with excellent cultural and scenic range.