Manaslu Circuit Trek – 15 Days

Upon arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport, you will be met by our representative and transferred to your hotel in the heart of Thamel. After check-in, you can rest or explore the vibrant streets. In the evening, you'll have a detailed trek briefing with your guide, complete a final gear check, and prepare for your adventure .

After an early breakfast, we embark on a long but incredibly scenic drive to Machha Khola. The journey follows the Prithvi Highway before turning off at Arughat and heading into the Gorkha district. The road winds through beautiful rural landscapes, following the Trisuli and then the Budi Gandaki River. This is your first taste of the remote region you are about to explore .

Our trekking adventure begins in earnest. The trail follows the Budi Gandaki River, crossing several suspension bridges and passing through small settlements like Khorlabeshi. The path offers beautiful views of waterfalls and lush subtropical hills. We'll stop at Tatopani, where you can see (but not bathe in) the natural hot springs. The day ends as we arrive at the traditional stone-built village of Jagat, which serves as a checkpoint for trekking permits .

Today the trail continues to follow the river, but the valley narrows, and the terrain becomes more rugged. We pass through Sirdibas and Phillim, another permit checkpoint, and cross more spectacular suspension bridges. The cultural influence begins to shift as we encounter more chortens and mani walls. After crossing the Siyar Khola bridge, we make our way to the small settlement of Deng, nestled in a forested area, where we stay overnight .

The trail continues its ascent, winding through forests of pine, oak, and rhododendron. We pass through the villages of Rana and Bihi Phedi. As we climb, the valley opens up, offering our first distant views of snow-capped peaks. The Tibetan Buddhist influence becomes even more pronounced as we approach Namrung, a large and picturesque village with traditional stone houses and a welcoming atmosphere .

Today is a shorter but rewarding trek. The trail passes through the villages of Lihi and Sho, each with its own charm and stunning views. As we round a corner, the magnificent south face of Mt. Manaslu suddenly comes into full view, an awe-inspiring sight. We arrive at Lho Gaun, a beautiful village dominated by its large gompa (monastery), Ribung Gompa, which houses over 150 monks. The sunset views of Manaslu from here are unforgettable .

We continue our gradual ascent through a beautiful valley, with the trail passing through pine forests and offering ever-improving views of Manaslu and its neighboring peaks, Peak 29 and Himlung Himal. We pass the village of Shyala before arriving at Samagaun, the largest village in the Nupri region. Samagaun is a cultural hub with a backdrop of towering peaks, making it an ideal place for our acclimatization stop .

Proper acclimatization is crucial before attempting the Larkya La Pass. Today we stay in Samagaun to rest and let our bodies adjust to the altitude. We recommend a hike to Manaslu Base Camp (4,800m) or to the scenic Pungyen Gompa, perched on a ridge above the village. Both options offer spectacular views of Manaslu, Himlung Himal, and the surrounding glaciers, and the hike itself aids in acclimatization. You can also explore the village and its Buddhist monastery .

The trail continues up the valley, following the Budi Gandaki River, which is now a much smaller stream. The landscape becomes more barren and alpine as we gain altitude. We cross a large suspension bridge and pass through a forest of dwarf juniper before arriving at Samdo, a village with a distinct Tibetan character, inhabited by descendants of traders from across the border. The views from Samdo, looking back towards the valley and up towards the pass, are stunning .

Today is a short but important day to position ourselves for the pass crossing. The trail continues along the valley floor, crossing moraines and small streams. We'll have our final views of Samdo before the path climbs gently to Dharamsala, also known as Larkya Phedi. This is a basic lodge at the foot of the pass. The afternoon is for resting, hydrating, and making final preparations for the challenging day ahead .

The most challenging and rewarding day of the trek begins early, around 3-4 AM. We ascend steadily by headlamp, climbing a steep moraine to reach the Larkya La Pass. The feeling of standing on the pass at sunrise, surrounded by a 360-degree panorama of snow-capped giants like Himlung Himal, Cheo Himal, Kang Guru, and Annapurna II, is an unforgettable achievement. After celebrating and taking photos, we begin the long descent, which is steep and slippery, eventually reaching the beautiful glacial valley of Bimthang .

Our descent continues through a dramatic landscape of glacial valleys and pine forests. We pass through the villages of Gho and Karche, noticing the change in vegetation as we lose altitude. The cultural atmosphere also shifts as we leave the Tibetan-influenced region and enter villages with more Gurung and Magar traditions. Our destination is Tilije, a charming village perched on a hillside with stone houses and terraced fields .

On our final day of trekking, we descend through forests and villages, eventually joining the main Annapurna Circuit trail at Dharapani. This marks the end of our trekking journey. From Dharapani, we board a private jeep for a scenic drive along the Marshyangdi River to Besisahar, the administrative center of the Lamjung district. We'll stay overnight in a lodge in Besisahar .

After breakfast, we continue our journey by private jeep or tourist bus back to Kathmandu. The drive offers scenic views of hills, rivers, and rural life. Upon arrival in Kathmandu, you'll be transferred to your hotel. The rest of the day is free for rest, souvenir shopping, or a farewell dinner in Thamel to celebrate your incredible accomplishment .

Your epic Manaslu Circuit adventure ends today. Our team will drop you at Tribhuvan International Airport for your onward flight. You'll leave Nepal with the profound memory of having trekked one of the world's greatest Himalayan circuits. If your flight is the following day, we can arrange an extra night's accommodation.