Manaslu Circuit Trek

Your adventure begins as you land in Kathmandu, where our team welcomes you and transfers you to your hotel. After settling in, you can explore the vibrant streets of Thamel or relax after your flight. In the evening, a brief orientation will be provided about the trek, routes, permits, and safety measures.

Today, you explore some of Kathmandu’s UNESCO World Heritage Sites such as Swayambhunath, Pashupatinath, Boudhanath, or Kathmandu Durbar Square. In between, we arrange your special Manaslu Restricted Area Permit and TIMS card. You’ll also prepare gear, buy essentials, and rest early for the next day’s drive.

Leaving Kathmandu early, you embark on a scenic 8–9 hour drive through winding hills, river valleys, and terraced fields. Crossing Arughat and Soti Khola, the final stretch takes you along rugged dirt roads until you reach Machha Khola, a riverside settlement where you spend the night.

Your trek begins with a gradual route alongside the Budhi Gandaki River. Passing through small villages, hot springs at Tatopani, and peaceful forests, the trail includes a few gentle ascents and descents. After crossing suspension bridges and navigating narrow ridges, you reach Jagat—an official entry point of the Manaslu Conservation Area.

The trail climbs steadily, leading through dense subtropical forests, stone stairways, and picturesque villages like Philim. Terraced farmlands and beautiful waterfalls accompany you throughout the day. You eventually reach Deng, a charming Gurung village offering serene mountain and valley views.

Today the valley widens as you move deeper into more remote terrain. The trail takes you through alpine forests, landslide areas, and scenic bridges before climbing towards Namrung. This Tibetan-influenced village welcomes you with stupas, prayer flags, and your first close views of Manaslu and Ganesh Himal.

A stunning trekking day begins with a gentle ascent through forests and past traditional Tibetan villages like Lho, offering mesmerizing views of Manaslu North and Naike Peak. After exploring Ribung Monastery, the trail continues to Samagaon, one of the most culturally rich and picturesque villages in the region.

To adjust to the altitude, you spend the day exploring Samagaon. You can choose to hike to Manaslu Base Camp (4,800m) for breathtaking glacier views or take a moderate walk to the sacred Pungyen Gompa. Or simply wander the village, observing local Tibetan culture and traditional mountain livelihoods.

A short but visually rewarding day leads you along a high valley with spectacular Himalayan landscapes. The trail gradually rises as you follow the Budhi Gandaki River to Samdo, a Tibetan refugee village near the Nepal–Tibet border. The village offers panoramic mountain views and a unique cultural experience.

Another important acclimatization day helps prepare for the high-altitude crossing of Larke Pass. You may hike to the Tibetan border viewpoint or explore Samdo’s ridges and yak pastures. This short active day helps your body adjust while offering dramatic views of the surrounding peaks.

The trail climbs steadily across barren landscapes and rocky terrain until you reach Dharamshala, also known as Larke Phedi. This is the last stop before the high pass. Accommodation is basic but surrounded by glaciers and towering mountains, creating a dramatic atmosphere for the night.

The most challenging and rewarding day of the trek begins early before sunrise. The trail ascends gradually towards Larke Pass, offering magnificent views of Larke Peak, Manaslu, Cheo Himal, and Himlung Himal. Upon reaching the summit of the pass, colorful prayer flags and Himalayan vistas mark your accomplishment. The long descent to Bimthang takes you across glacial moraines and alpine meadows. You end the day in a peaceful forested valley.

The trail continues downhill through lush forests, crossing streams, and passing through the beautiful village of Tilije. With the landscapes transforming from alpine to subtropical, the walk becomes peaceful and rewarding. By afternoon, you join the Annapurna Circuit route and reach Dharapani for the night.

Beginning the day with an off-road Jeep ride, you descend through Tal, Chamje, and Jagat until reaching Besisahar. From here a comfortable highway drive takes you back to Kathmandu. You check into your hotel and enjoy a well-deserved rest.

This is a buffer or relaxation day. You can shop for souvenirs, enjoy Nepali cuisine, or relax at cafés in Thamel. If weather or road conditions earlier caused delays, this day ensures your itinerary stays smooth.

After breakfast, we transfer you to Tribhuvan International Airport for your flight home. Your Manaslu adventure concludes with unforgettable memories of Himalayan culture, landscapes, and high mountain achievements.