16 days of adventure, trekking, yoga & breathwork at the highest mountain range in the world
21. November – 06. December 2026
Spirit of Manaslu Trail
Embark on the adventure of a lifetime
"Manas" means spirit – and that is exactly what makes this trek so special. The Manaslu Circuit remains one of Nepal’s best-kept secrets. While Annapurna and Everest Base Camp draw huge crowds, here you’ll experience authentic mountain villages, rich Tibetan-influenced culture, and the awe-inspiring moment when 8,163-meter Mount Manaslu towers right before you.
Over 13 days of hiking, you’ll journey from subtropical valleys up to Larkya La Pass (5,106 m), where the giant peaks of the Himalayas reveal themselves in full glory. Along the way, yoga, breathwork, and mindfulness prompts accompany your steps, turning every stage into both an inner and outer journey.
Every day on the trail is mindfully designed: Rewarding trekking, quiet moments by the teahouse stove, and creative photography tips to inspire you to capture the raw magic of the Himalayas.
A trek that leaves an imprint not just on the landscape, but deep within you.
English & German Speaking Hosts
From your arrival in Kathmandu to the final mountain photo – we, the founders of Aspire Adventures, are right there with you. With all our passion, seamless organization, and bilingual guidance, we handle the details so you can be fully present in every moment.
Intimate Group Size
With a maximum of 12 participants, we bring together like-minded souls – people who love adventure, crave personal growth, and look for genuine depth. This creates space for inspiring conversations, mutual support, and friendships that often last far beyond the trip.Photography Coaching
Photographer David Herzig guides you – technically, creatively, and hands-on. You’ll get practical tips, individual feedback, and creative inspiration to help your photography flourish. No pressure – just lots of real-world practice in stunning light.
Yoga & Breathwork
As we move through spectacular landscapes, yoga, breathwork, and mindfulness practices accompany our steps. This turns your Himalayan adventure into more than a physical challenge – it becomes an invitation to connect with yourself, nature, and the group on a deeper level.
Goosebump Moments
We set off while others are still sleeping. Or stay a little longer when the light turns magic. For sunsets above the clouds, quiet moments by glacial lakes, and perspectives you’ll never forget. Not a cookie-cutter tour, but intentionally planned wow-moments.
Local Guides & Porters
Our guides and porters come from the region. We know them personally, pay fair wages, and work directly without middle agencies. This ensures more support stays where it belongs – and you can travel with a good feeling.
Your Host
Tarah Voss - Mountain leader & Life Coach
Tarah is Co-Founder of Aspire Adventures, a mountain leader, yoga teacher, and life coach.
Her own path hasn’t always been linear – but that’s precisely why she knows how transformative nature, movement, silence, and honest community can be. On our trips, she’s the heart of the group: attentive, empathetic, and always making sure everyone feels seen and cared for.
Her passion is empowering people through unique nature experiences to step into their own creative power. With Aspire Adventures, she creates spaces that feel safe, genuine, and full of vibrant energy.
Your Host
David Herzig - Photographer & Alpinist
David is a professional photographer, experienced mountaineer, and passionate adventurer rooted in the Alps.
For years, he has explored remote landscapes, moved safely in high-alpine terrain, and captured the untouched beauty of nature through his lens. On this journey, he accompanies you not only with his technical expertise, but with his calm, inspiring presence. He gives you valuable creative input, helps you deepen your photography skills, and ensures you feel well looked after every step of the way.
Whether you want to step out of your comfort zone, take better photos, or simply soak in the magic of the Himalayas – with David by your side, this journey will be unforgettable.
More than a trip
Join us and dive into the magic of Nepal – experience deep-rooted culture, meet inspiring people, and discover what happens when you leave your comfort zone behind. Together, we’ll traverse breathtaking mountain landscapes, share sunsets above the clouds, and feel the Himalayas closer than ever before.
16 Days. Nature & Culture. Countless moments for a lifetime.
Optional Add-On
Discover Kathmandu with us
-
Upon landing at Kathmandu airport, you’ll be met by our team and transferred to our hotel. In the evening, we gather for a welcome dinner to set our intentions for the days ahead and get to know each other in a relaxed atmosphere.
-
After a nourishing breakfast, we explore bustling Thamel and visit historic Durbar Square, taking time for photos and soaking in the history. Enjoy a delicious lunch with panoramic views from a rooftop café, followed by sunset at Swayambhunath Stupa (the Monkey Temple) – a magical place where ancient spirituality meets playful wildlife. In the evening, we enjoy dinner together at one of our favorite spots in the city.
-
After breakfast, we do a short gear talk to review your equipment and answer any last-minute questions before hitting the trail. After lunch at a local spot, we visit the impressive Boudhanath Stupa, one of Nepal's largest stupas, followed by sunset at Pashupatinath Temple on the banks of the Bagmati River – one of the country's most sacred Hindu sites. Over dinner, we meet the rest of our local team and get ready for the adventure ahead!
THE ITINERARY
-
Upon your arrival at Kathmandu Airport, you will be met by our team and transferred to your hotel. In the evening, we’ll get ready for the coming days over a welcome dinner together and get to know each other in a relaxed atmosphere.
-
A long, scenic drive takes us out of bustling Kathmandu and into the lush green valleys of the Budhi Gandaki river. A travel day to arrive, let go of daily life, and form initial connections with the group.
-
Let’s hit the trail! Our first steps lead along the river, crossing suspension bridges and passing traditional villages. The blend of nature, rushing water, and simple mountain settlements makes for a charming start and a sweet taste of what’s to come.
-
The landscape grows wilder, the valley narrower, and the vegetation richer. Hiking through small hamlets and dense forests, you’ll feel the quiet peace of the mountains and the crisp change in the air as we move closer to the high peaks.
-
Today we climb steadily as sweeping views of surrounding peaks begin to open up. Namrung is a classic mountain village steeped in Tibetan culture, adorned with Mani walls and chortens – offering our first true taste of high-Himalayan life.
-
We continue our ascent into higher terrain. Shyala greets us with breathtaking 360-degree views of giant peaks, including Manaslu itself. A stunning, rewarding day on the trail.
-
A short yet deeply moving day. We trek up to historic Pungyen Gompa, sitting peacefully on the mountainside with unreal views of Manaslu. We then head down to Samagaon, a vibrant mountain village perfect for interacting with locals and acclimatising.
-
Rest and acclimatization day with the option for a full-day hike to Manaslu Base Camp. Experience dramatic glacier landscapes and the immense scale of the mountains. Alternatively, you can explore the village or simply rest by the fire.
-
We trek further up the high valley, passing remote stone houses and quiet prayer walls. As the air thins and the landscape turns raw, every step invites mindfulness, freedom, and awe.
-
Another acclimatization day with the option to hike towards the Tibetan border. Up here, you can feel the endless vastness of the Himalayas and soak in the altitude and silence. Shorter walks around Samdo are also available for those wanting a gentler day.
-
A short, steady climb up to Dharmasala (Larkya Phedi), our high camp before the pass. We rest early, prepare our gear, and take in the dramatic high-altitude surroundings.
-
An unforgettable day! An early morning start leads us up to cross the Larkya La Pass. This is our longest, most challenging, and most emotional day: Expansive snowfields, jagged summits, and the incredible feeling of transcending your own limits stay with you forever. We then descend into Bhimtang for a well-deserved rest.
-
We descend back into greener valleys and wooded trails. Your legs get to relax as you take in the mountains from a fresh perspective. Goa provides a peaceful, quiet conclusion to our trekking stages.
-
Today it's time to lace up your hiking boots one last time and enjoy the final legs of our Manaslu Trek. We hike from Goa to Tilje through snowy paths, dense forests, and picturesque villages—always accompanied by breathtaking views of the surrounding peaks.
After the trek, another adventurous segment awaits: the jeep ride to Besisahar. The winding mountain roads provide a real thrill as we take in our final impressions of the Himalayas. The drive takes approximately 2–3 hours, depending on road conditions. Once in Besisahar, we can look forward to a well-deserved break and reflect on the memories of the past few days.
-
Today we say goodbye to the trails of the Manaslu region and set off on our jeep ride back to Kathmandu. The route takes us along winding roads, past small villages, rice paddies, and impressive mountain panoramas—a true adventure on wheels! Hold on tight and enjoy the mix of thrills, nature, and last glimpses of the majestic Himalayan mountains. The drive takes about 6–7 hours, depending on road and traffic conditions. Once we arrive in Kathmandu, we can stretch our legs, explore the city, and reflect on the unforgettable memories of the trip.
-
After breakfast, our journey together comes to an end. You can choose to explore Kathmandu further, catch your flight back home, or dive straight into your next adventure.
Packed in your bag: lifelong memories and friendships that endure.
Until next time – stay curious, stay bold, and keep the spirit of adventure alive!
LET THE ADVENTURE BEGIN
16-Day Spirit of Manaslu Trail
Price: 2.790,- Euro
Optional Add-On:
Discover Kathmandu with us
Immerse yourself deeper into Nepalese culture before the trek and explore the most beautiful temples, hidden spots, and our favorite places in Kathmandu with us. We’ll take you to special locations, show you our favorite local restaurants, and give you a relaxed, authentic introduction to your adventure.
Price : 240,- Euro
2 Day Kathmandu Exploration | 19.11 - 21.11.2026
Thanks to Tarah and David’s personal passions—yoga and photography—we didn’t just learn how to capture special moments much better with our cameras, but also got to experience the whole journey with so much more mindfulness."
Rebecca (35, from München)
"This journey was so much more than just an adventure into a distant world. It was a chance to grow beyond myself, test my mental boundaries, and truly reconnect with who I am.
And along the way, I made lifelong friends."
Madeleine (35, from München)
“This trip was one of the greatest adventures of my life and exceeded all my expectations.”
Ulrike (26, aus Liechtenstein)
Das Leben ist zu kurz für ‘irgendwann’.
Responsibility and Connection
-
Local Guides & Porters
Our local guides and porters are so much more than just team members – through countless shared adventures, they’ve become true friends. They enrich every journey with their deep experience, genuine warmth, and joy in sharing their culture with us.
-
Fair Pay & Direct Impact
We choose not to work through third-party local agencies; instead, we handle every detail ourselves – from initial planning to building our local team.
This allows us to ensure that fair pay goes directly to the people who make this journey possible: our local guides and porters.
-
Meaningful Connections
Along the trail, we regularly connect with locals from small villages – over a warm cup of tea, in a cozy mountain lodge, or simply along the path. These genuine interactions are often the most beautiful moments of the entire trek. We approach every connection with openness and respect, consciously supporting small local businesses wherever we go.
-
Giving Back
A portion of our revenue flows directly into local initiatives – supporting education, environmental conservation, or community projects. We believe that when a country gives us so much, something meaningful should always flow back.
FAQ
-
This trip is challenging, but it’s not an elite athletic contest. You don’t need to be a top athlete – a solid baseline fitness is completely enough. If you hike regularly, love spending time outdoors, and are ready to embrace mountain air and a bit of sore muscles, you’re in the right place. We grow beyond ourselves together – step by step.
As a rough guide: You should feel comfortable hiking 10km+ with 800m+ of elevation gain.
-
A blend of endurance, strength, and regular hikes is ideal. Aim to train 2–3 times a week: Walking, hiking, cycling, taking the stairs, or practicing yoga – every bit helps build your stamina.
-
Not at all! In fact, many of our participants join solo and leave as lifelong friends. This trip is ideal if you’re excited to meet new people, share meaningful conversations, and be part of a supportive group. We place great value on a warm, inclusive community.
-
Altitude acclimatization is a central topic on this journey – and we take it very seriously. Our route is intentionally designed so we acclimatize slowly and take plenty of rest breaks. Our experienced guides keep a close eye on every single group member and recognize early signs of altitude discomfort.
We do everything we can to create the best conditions for you to master the trek successfully. And we go the extra mile for this: In consultation with our guides, we check individually whether route sections can be adjusted flexibly or if the group can be split temporarily – always prioritizing your health.
Even so, there are moments when you have to listen to your body and draw a line. Should that happen, we are right by your side. We monitor everyone's condition closely and make clear recommendations when needed. In an emergency, we decide together with you (and if necessary, for you) that stepping back is the safest choice.
Depending on the situation, there are various return options available:
On foot accompanied by a porter,
By horse,
Or – in urgent cases – via helicopter evacuation.
Have more questions or concerns about this? Feel free to write to us personally. We want you to feel safe, supported, and cared for – no matter how the path unfolds.
-
We stay in traditional local lodges (known as teahouses) – simple, cozy, and charming. Featuring shared bathrooms, warm hospitality, and set amidst spectacular mountain backdrops.
In Kathmandu, a lovely, simple hotel with the kindest staff awaits you right in the vibrant heart of Thamel.
Please note: Accommodations do not match Western hotel standards – and that is truly part of the adventure! We encourage our participants to travel with openness and understanding, as this trip isn't about luxury, but about experiencing a vibrant culture as it is: real, simple, and authentic.
-
We intentionally travel during a season when weather conditions are historically stable. However, mountain weather can never be predicted with absolute certainty – and that, too, is part of the wild beauty of this journey. We plan with care and guide you with experience and calm through any necessary adjustments.
-
In Kathmandu and a few spots along the trail, Wi-Fi or mobile reception is available – though in mountain teahouses, it often comes at a small extra fee and can be quite slow. Beyond those spots, it’s time for a digital detox! A wonderful opportunity to truly switch off, unwind, and be present with yourself.
-
If you want to join this adventure, simply send us a non-binding inquiry via our contact form. We’ll follow up via email to make sure the trip is the right fit for you and that our expectations align – because it matters deeply to us that everyone starts this journey with a great feeling.
Once everything fits, you’ll receive your official confirmation along with payment details for the deposit. As soon as the deposit is received, your spot is officially reserved – and your adventure begins!
-
This trip is a genuine adventure packed with heart, depth, and unforgettable moments.
Together, we hike through spectacular Himalayan landscapes, experience remote mountain villages, and gaze at majestic panoramas. Yoga, breathwork, and mindfulness practices accompany our path, making every stage an inner journey as much as a physical one.
Professional photographer David Herzig accompanies the trek, sharing practical tips and creative inspiration to help you consciously perceive and capture unforgettable moments.
This trek is so much more than a hiking trip: It invites you to grow personally, discover fresh perspectives, and connect with like-minded souls who share your love for adventure.
At Aspire Adventures, we go every extra mile – in planning, on the trail, or whenever challenges arise – so that you feel safe, supported to grow, and return home with a backpack full of memories for a lifetime.
For everyone who wants more than just trekking.