Manaslu Circuit Trek - 16 Days

After arriving at Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA) in Kathmandu, you will meet our representative at the airport. They will transfer you to your hotel, where you can check in and relax for the rest of the day. Enjoy a traditional Nepali dinner at a local restaurant and overnight at your hotel in Kathmandu.

Brunch in a hotel, Our staff will pick you up and take you to our office for a briefing and preparation for your journey. The software will be briefly explained by our personnel. If of interest, you will see cultural landmarks, some of which are well-known World Heritage sites, such as Swyambhunath and Kathmandu Durbar Square.

Your trek begins with an early morning departure from Kathmandu, as your private vehicle winds through the scenic hills and river valleys toward the trailhead. The drive takes you via Arughat and Soti Khola, following the Buri Gandaki River through lush subtropical forests and terraced farmlands. Along the way, you’ll pass traditional Gurung and Magar settlements, catching glimpses of rural life in the foothills of the Himalayas. The road gradually narrows, hugging the river gorge as you approach your destination for the day.

You arrive at Machha Khola, a small settlement at an altitude of 830 meters, where the true adventure begins. This riverside village marks the official starting point of the Manaslu Circuit Trek, and the sound of the rushing river provides a soothing backdrop for your first evening on the trail. After checking into your teahouse, you’ll have time to explore the surrounding area, enjoy a warm meal, and prepare for the days ahead. The overnight stay in Machha Khola allows you to settle into the rhythm of trekking life before the trail climbs higher into the mountains.

Today’s walk leads from Machha Khola into the Budhi Gandaki Valley, following the river through deep gorges, terraced farmlands, and subtropical forests. You’ll cross suspension bridges with dramatic views of churning water below and pass through villages like Khorlabesi and Tatopani, where natural hot springs bubble beside the river. The sound of the Budhi Gandaki grows louder as the valley narrows and hillsides steepen.

After six to seven hours, you’ll reach Jagat, a traditional Gurung settlement that marks the entrance to the Manaslu Conservation Area. Have your permits ready for the checkpoint here. Jagat charms with stone-paved lanes, whitewashed houses, and a small monastery above the river, where golden afternoon light falls on terraced fields and the air carries woodsmoke and wild herbs. This is your first taste of the remote, unspoiled character that defines the Manaslu Circuit—a world away from Kathmandu, with only the river, wind, and prayer bell for company.

Day 5 brings six to seven hours of trail through the dramatic Budhi Gandaki gorge, following the roaring river past dense forest, waterfalls, and steep rock faces. You’ll cross swaying suspension bridges that offer fresh views of the turquoise water below, with varied ascents and descents through lush greenery.

The valley narrows in the afternoon, the forest thinning to reveal open hillsides and small settlements. Arrive at Deng, a quiet village at 1,860 meters, where teahouses provide a warm welcome. The evening is peaceful, the river’s sound in the distance as you feel yourself deepening into the Manaslu region.

Your trek from Deng to Namrung ascends to 2,630 meters along the Budhi Gandaki River. The narrowing valley shifts from subtropical forests to terraced fields and pine trees, with about 5 to 6 hours of gradual climbing. You'll cross suspension bridges offering dramatic river views.

In Namrung, whitewashed houses and prayer flags welcome you to a Tibetan-influenced community. Explore the local monastery with ancient murals, and see chortens and mani walls carved with sacred mantras along the hillsides.

Evenings here are for rest and acclimatization in a cozy teahouse, with Mount Manaslu's northern face becoming more visible through the thinning air. This leg blends cultural immersion with your first real sense of the mountain's scale.

Today you trek from Namrung to Shyala, a journey that lifts you from 2,630 meters to 3,520 meters through a landscape that feels increasingly Tibetan in character. The trail winds through pine forests and past stone-walled fields, with the snow-capped peaks of the Manaslu range growing closer with every step. You will stop for lunch in the beautiful village of Lho, where the whitewashed walls of the ancient monastery and the fluttering prayer flags create a serene pause in your day. From here, the views of Mount Manaslu itself begin to dominate the horizon, a dramatic reward for your steady ascent.

As you continue toward Shyala, the trail opens onto broad ridges that offer sweeping Himalayan panoramas. The village itself is a quiet settlement perched on a hillside, surrounded by terraced fields and offering a genuine glimpse into high-altitude life. Your teahouse for the night is warm and welcoming, and the evening light paints the peaks in shades of gold and rose. This is a day of gentle discovery, where the culture and the mountains merge into an unforgettable experience.

Today’s walk takes you from Shyala to Samagaun, with a rewarding detour to the sacred Pungen Gompa. This shorter day aids acclimatization while offering breathtaking alpine views. The trail climbs gently past yak pastures and juniper bushes, the thin, crisp air broken only by prayer flags and distant glacial ice.

Pungen Gompa is a hidden gem, a serene Buddhist monastery with panoramic views of Mount Manaslu and Himal Chuli. After absorbing the humbling scale of the massif, descend into the broad valley toward Samagaun, passing mani walls and chortens with the Manaslu Glacier dominating the horizon. Samagaun is a cultural hub with a Tibetan Buddhist community; spend the afternoon exploring its ancient monastery or resting. This 4–5 hour walk blends scenic beauty, culture, and essential rest before higher altitudes.

Today is a dedicated acclimatization day in the high-altitude village of Samagaun. You will hike to serene Birendra Lake, a glacial gem reflecting the surrounding peaks, and continue toward Manaslu Base Camp at 4,900 meters. The trail offers your first close-up views of Manaslu’s towering south face and the sprawling Manaslu Glacier, with the entire hike taking roughly five to six hours.

Reaching the base camp is a profound moment, standing at the foot of the world’s eighth-highest mountain amid icefalls and seracs. After soaking in the panoramic views, you retrace your steps to Samagaun, where the afternoon is free to explore the village’s ancient Buddhist monastery or relax with tea in a teahouse. This day is designed to prepare you for the challenging Larkya La Pass while offering an unforgettable encounter with Manaslu’s grandeur.

Today's walk from Samagaun to Samdo is a gentle day to absorb the shifting character of the upper Manaslu valley. The trail follows the Budhi Gandaki River upstream through an open, arid landscape dotted with juniper, with the massive south face of Mount Manaslu dominating the skyline. The walking takes around four to five hours, with plenty of opportunities to pause for sweeping mountain views.

Samdo sits at 3,860 meters, where Tibetan culture feels particularly strong. Prayer flags flutter over stone houses and a simple gompa serves as the spiritual heart of the hamlet. The valley opens to reveal the Samdo Glacier and the ridge leading toward Larkya La Pass. After settling in, take a short acclimatization walk or enjoy tea in the afternoon sun—the quiet pace and superb views offer a chance to reflect and prepare for the challenge ahead.

Today’s short but crucial acclimatization walk takes you from Samdo to Dharmashala (Larkya Phedi) at 4,460 meters, your final stop before crossing Larkya La Pass. Over 4-5 hours, you leave the last permanent village and follow a rocky, moraine-laced path through the upper Larkya valley, where sweeping views of the Larkya Glacier and surrounding peaks unfold. The gentle ascent helps your body adjust while keeping you fresh for tomorrow.

Dharmashala offers simple teahouse accommodation and your last hot meal before the pass. Spend the afternoon hydrating, checking your gear, and listening to your guide’s briefing. Short walks aid acclimatization as you soak in the magnificent Manaslu massif views, the quiet thrill of anticipation building among fellow trekkers in the communal dining room.

Your day starts early from Samdo or Dharmasala, climbing across a windswept plateau as dawn lights Manaslu, Cheo Himal, and Himlung Himal. Reaching Larkya La Pass at 5,106 meters, the world opens into a 360-degree panorama of glaciers and ridges. The crossing takes 4 to 5 hours to the prayer-flag summit, a deeply rewarding milestone.

The descent drops steeply past the Larkya Glacier into a broad valley, leading to the alpine pastures of Bhimthang. Walking 7 to 9 hours, this is the longest day, but the sense of accomplishment and shifting scenery make it unforgettable. In Bhimthang, the altitude eases and meadows dotted with yaks welcome you. A warm teahouse and hot meal await, capping a day of triumph and serene beauty you’ll carry long after the trek ends.

From the high pastures of Bhimthang, your final alpine day descends through open meadows and into pine and rhododendron forests. The air warms as you follow the Buri Gandaki River, trading stark landscapes for lush greenery over a steady downhill walk of 4 to 5 hours.

Emerging at Tilje, a charming village at 2,300 meters, you find terraced fields and stone houses blending Gurung and Tibetan influences. Rest at a welcoming teahouse, soaking in the late afternoon sun and reflecting on the alpine wilderness left behind.

Tilje offers a peaceful overnight stop at a cultural crossroads, where prayer flags flutter beside mani walls. The river’s murmur and distant cattle bells remind you the high passes are behind, and your journey nears its gentle conclusion.

Today marks your final day of trekking as you descend from Tilche at 2,300 meters to the charming village of Dharapani at 1,860 meters. The trail winds through lush forests of rhododendron and oak, following the banks of the Marsyangdi River. This is a gentle, downhill walk lasting approximately three to four hours, offering a last chance to soak in the serene mountain scenery and the warm hospitality of the teahouses along the way. As you approach Dharapani, the valley widens, and the air grows noticeably warmer, signaling your return to lower elevations.

Upon reaching Dharapani, you transfer to a shared jeep for a scenic four-hour drive to Besisahar at 760 meters. The journey follows the winding Marsyangdi River road, passing through terraced farmlands, traditional villages, and subtropical forests. The dramatic shift in landscape from alpine to lush green valleys is a fitting end to your Manaslu Circuit adventure. In Besisahar, you connect with a tourist bus for the final leg back to Kathmandu, where you can reflect on the unforgettable experiences of the past two weeks.

Your journey concludes with a scenic 5-6 hour drive from Dharapani to Kathmandu. The road winds through terraced hillsides, lush valleys, and charming villages, offering a final glimpse of central Nepal's diverse landscapes before you return to the capital.

Passing through Besisahar and along the Marsyangdi and Trishuli rivers, the scenery shifts from pine forests to subtropical farmlands, mirroring your descent. This drive provides a reflective transition, allowing you to revisit memories of the Larkya La Pass and the warm hospitality of Manaslu villages.

Arriving in Kathmandu in the late afternoon, you'll be transferred to your hotel for a well-deserved rest. The drive marks the official end of your Manaslu Circuit adventure, but the stories and friendships gathered along the trail will remain with you long after you return to the city.