Home / Manaslu Circuit Trek
Duration
16Days
Activities
Trip Grade
Moderate
Group Size
-
Start
Kathmandu
End Point
Kathmandu
Max-Altitude
-
Accomodation
-
The Manaslu Circuit Trek offers an extraordinary adventure around Mount Manaslu, the eighth-highest peak in the world, situated in the remote western part of Nepal. This journey usually kicks off in Kathmandu, a lively city where trekkers can get ready for their adventure and soak in the vibrant atmosphere before setting off.
The trek begins in Soti Khola, a small village that can be reached by a scenic drive from Kathmandu. From there, the trail takes you through a variety of landscapes, from lush forests and terraced farmland to charming villages. Along the way, you’ll encounter the rich culture of the local Gurung and Tibetan communities, who provide warm hospitality and offer a glimpse into their traditional lifestyles.
Typically taking between 14 to 18 days to complete, the trek involves daily hikes of 5 to 8 hours. A key highlight of the journey is crossing the Larkya La Pass, standing at 5,106 meters (16,752 feet), which offers stunning views of snow-covered peaks and untouched valleys. Although the climb to the pass is demanding, the breathtaking scenery makes every step worth the effort.
Throughout the trek, accommodations are provided by tea houses, offering basic yet comfortable facilities, including cozy beds and nourishing meals. These stops also give trekkers a chance to rest and interact with fellow adventurers. The itinerary includes rest days to help with acclimatization and reduce the risk of altitude sickness.
Unlike the more popular trekking routes in Nepal, the Manaslu Circuit remains relatively untouched, providing a peaceful and immersive experience. The trek is a perfect blend of natural beauty, cultural exploration, and physical challenge, making it an excellent choice for those seeking a less crowded alternative to the Annapurna or Everest regions.
Completing the Manaslu Circuit Trek is a fulfilling accomplishment, leaving trekkers with lasting memories of Nepal’s awe-inspiring landscapes and rich cultural heritage. It’s an adventure that offers both serenity and excitement, uncovering one of the Himalayan region’s hidden gems.
We will welcome you at the Kathmandu airport upon landing. We will provide a seamless transfer to the hotel and help with your luggage. Take your time to rest and explore your surroundings. We have not planned anything on this day apart from a welcome dinner in the late evening with our company's core team.
We have divided this day into two parts—some sightseeing and then trek preparation. You will be accompanied by a professional guide who can communicate well in English for sightseeing. You will visit tourist sites like Swayambhunath Temple, Pashupatinath Temple, Bouddhanath Stupa, and Kathmandu Durbar Square.
After exploring these monuments, the guide will drop you at your hotel. We will then obtain the restricted area permit. You can spend some time resting and later join the trek briefing. Do any last-minute shopping and pack your duffle bags.
The ride from Kathmandu to Machha Khola is long and scenic. For the first few hours, you will follow a pitched highway, which gets bumpy from Arughat onwards. On the way, you will enjoy beautiful views of lush hills, terraces, waterfalls, rivers, and snow-capped mountains.
Leaving Machha Khola, walk following the Budhi Gandaki river within forests. You may get to see butterflies, birds, and langur monkeys on the way. The trekking route is covered with lush vegetation. Passing by Khorla Besi and Tatopani, you will ascend to Doban. Cross a suspension bridge and trek past a landslide area to Yaruphant. From here, the trail climbs to Jagat.
Jagat onward, you will walk on a flat track and cross a suspension bridge over the Budhi Gandaki River. The trail then leads you to Philim and continues through dense rhododendrons and pine forests to Deng.
From Deng, you will trek to Namrung village. Crossing a suspension bridge, ascend uphill to a settlement called Rana. From here, the trail goes west to the Budhi Gandaki Valley. Pass by dense forests and mani stones. On the way, you will come across Ghap and Prok villages. Further, ascend to Namrung, enjoying stunning views of Shringi Himal.
As you trek from Namrung, the trail gets steep and rocky. Walk up to Lihi village and cross a stream. The trail then takes you to Sho village and continues to Lho village. The view of Simnang Himal along the way is fantastic. From here onwards, pass by bushes and rhododendron groves to Shyala village. Further, trek past terraced fields and landslide debris to Sama Gaun.
You will spend a rest day in Sama Gaon. You have multiple hiking options, like Pun Gyen Gompa and Manaslu Base Camp. Both hikes are fantastic and offer a jaw-dropping mountain panorama. On the way to Manaslu Base Camp, you will also explore the hidden Birendra Lake. Likewise, on the way to Pun Gyen Gompa, you will come across PunGyen Glacier.
The trail ascends from Sama Gaon to a Tibetan refugee village called Samdo. You will walk up to pastures. The trail is steep. Witness towering Himalayan mountains around you as you go above the treeline. Further, cross a small wooden bridge and trek past Kani, a small settlement. From here, you will walk to Samdo, which offers a beautiful view of Mt. Manaslu, Ngadi Chuli, and Simnang Himal.
From Samdo, you will hike to Larke Phedi. The trail goes along barren hills, offering mesmerizing snow-capped mountain views. You will trek following the Larke River and ascend to Larke Glacier. The final stretch of the way goes around the Salkha Khola Valley and uphill to Larke Phedi.
Wake up early and gradually ascend to the top of Larkya La pass. First, you will descend and walk via a moraine. The trail then goes downhill to a small alley and follows an unclear route.
Further, cross the steep grass slope south and descend to four frozen lakes. From here, uphill climbing starts. You may have to walk in the snow. The view from the top of the pass is unreal. Now, you descend from the pass to Bimthang.
Trekking from Bimthang, you will ascend and descend along the Budhi Gandaki River. The trail goes through lush rhododendron forests. Karche onwards, the trail gets out of the forest. You will then follow a river bank to Gho. Further, descend through forests and small villages to Dharapani.
Following lush hillsides and small settlements, you trek to Chamje village. The walking part ends here. Further, you will use a local jeep and drive to Besisahar.
Leaving Besisahar early in the morning and driving to Kathmandu. The road is bumpy in the first 2 hours of the ride. From Dumre onwards, you will enjoy a comfortable ride along a winding road across lush hills. Enjoy your remaining day relaxing in Kathmandu.
You have a free day in Kathmandu. Spend as you visit. Rest, explore tourist sites, and do window shopping in Thamel. In the late evening, we will meet and hand over the trek completion certificate.
Our team will drop you off at the international airport for your flight. Get ready on time and double-check your room before leaving.