Manaslu Circuit Trek - 17 Days

Upon arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA) in Kathmandu, you will be greeted by our correspondent who will assist with your transfer to the hotel. Once checked in, we will arrange a pre-trip meeting where we will brief in short about the trek, answer any queries you have and meet your trekking guide as well. After the short brief, you can relax and spend rest of the day at your leisure. Stay overnight at the hotel.

Today we will have to prepare for the Special Restricted Area permit for Manaslu Circuit Trek issued by immigration of Nepal.

While the permit being prepared guest can explore around the Kathmandu city and visit UNESCO Listed World Heritage sites: Kathmandu Durbar Square, Swoyambhunath, Boudhanath and Pashupatinath today. Stay overnight at the hotel.

After an early breakfast in Kathmandu, we will start our journey around (7 am) towards Soti Khola (132 km) via Arughat Bazaar. The drive takes around 8 to 9 hours, driving along winding mountain roads, passing through scenic hills, terraced farms, traditional houses, following the beautiful rivers. We will have lunch on the way to Sotikhola.

Arughat Bazaar (608m) is a little town on the banks of the Budi Gandaki River. It’s often the starting point from where Manaslu region starts. From here, we will continue on a narrow road towards Soti Khola (710m), a peaceful riverside village surrounded by green hills.

Soti Khola is the starting point of our trek on foot. The village lies in the Gorkha district and is home to the Gurung people, known for their warm hospitality and rich culture. Overnight stay at lodge in Soti Khola.

After having breakfast, we will start our trek heading towards Machha Khola which takes about 6 hours of walking. You will walk through the uphill through the beautiful landscape of the Manaslu Region. The trail follows the Budi Gandaki River, passing through lush forests, small villages, and terraced fields.

Machha Khola is a small village at 870 meters above sea level, located in the Gorkha district. It is inhabited mostly by the Gurung community, who are known for their friendly nature and rich culture. This village is an important stop for trekkers to rest and prepare for the next day’s journey. Overnight at lodge in Machha Khola, enjoying the peaceful mountain atmosphere.

Note: If travellers are interested to reduce trek days by 1 day then it is possible to drive till Machha Khola from Kathmandu on same day.

After breakfast you begin your trek towards Jagat, which takes about 7 hours. The trail starts by crossing the suspension bridge over the Machha Khola River. From there, you follow a gentle uphill path through forests and small villages.

Along the way, you pass through Khola Bensi and then reach Tatopani, a natural hot spring, perfect for a refreshing stop. After Tatopani, we climb through a dense forest of Sal trees until we arrive at Doban. From Doban, we descend to the Budhi Gandaki River, where we cross another suspension bridge at Lauri. After crossing, we climb uphill again towards Jagat, a traditional village surrounded by stunning mountain views and beautiful landscapes.

Jagat was seriously affected by the 2015 earthquake during Barpak of Gorkha being epicenter, but the village and trekking paths have been carefully rebuilt. Here, you’ll see the local people living their simple, rural lives with terraced farms and traditional homes. Stay overnight at lodge in Jagat.

After breakfast start the trek from Jagat to Deng, which takes about 7 hours. The trail follows a mostly straight path along the road, gradually climbing higher into the mountains.

On the way, you will pass through several small farming villages, including Sidibas Bazaar, a beautiful village where you can take a short rest. After that, we descent across a suspension bridge to Nagjet, then climbs uphill to Philim, one of the larger villages in the area with scattered farmhouses.

From Philim, you walk through golden wheat and barley fields on terraced farms, then climbs up a rocky hill. Then enter a bamboo forest, continuing on to Dyang village where trekkers often stop for a break. Continuing onward, you cross the Budhi Gandaki River again and finally reach Deng. Along the way, you’ll see beautiful views of Shringi Himal and the surrounding mountains. Overnight at lodge in Deng.

After breakfast start the towards Namrung which takes about 7/8 hours of walking. You have to walk mix of gentle and steeper climbs, with waterfalls and rocky cliffs adding to the natural beauty along the way.

Today you cross several suspension bridges over the Budhi Gandaki River and walk through beautiful pine and rhododendron forests. The trail passes through small villages with terraced wheat fields and potato farms, where you can closely observe the simple rural life over there.

You walk through peaceful forests and an amazing settlement like Rana and Bihi Phedi, with the settlement of Tibetan culture and monasteries. As we climb higher, the views open up to stunning snow-capped peaks, including the astonishing Shringi Himal.

After about 7 - 8 hours, we reach Namrung, a lovely village known for its stone houses, Buddhist monasteries, and breathtaking mountain views. Overnight at lodge in Namrung.

After breakfast start the trek towards Samagaun, one of the most culturally rich and picturesque villages in the Manaslu region. Today’s walk takes about 7 to 8 hours, full of natural beauty and cultural charm.

Today’s walk will be mostly uphill crossing through pine and rhododendron forests, with the views becoming more beautiful as we ascend. Along the way, you’ll enjoy stunning sights of Mount Siringi, Mount Ganesh, and Himchuli.

As you pass through the beautiful big Lho Village, home to a remarkable monastery and from where you can see clear view of Mount Manaslu (8163 m) which will be our truly unforgettable moment. In Lho village, you can explore around ancient authentic houses, one of the biggest Buddhist monastery of Manaslu and Buddhist Chhorten.

Reaching Shyala Village, you are surrounded by a panorama of snow-capped peaks and a gentle walk through a broad valley that leads us to Samagaun, a traditional village made of stone houses, spinning prayer wheels, and colorful Mani walls. This place is influenced by Tibetan culture which is deeply spiritual and welcoming. Stay overnight at basic lodge in Samagaun.

Today is a rest and acclimatization day in Samagaun, giving your body time to adjust to the higher altitude before heading further up. But it doesn’t mean you won’t go elsewhere; there are some beautiful and worthwhile short hikes you can enjoy in the area.

One of the most popular options is a hike to Manaslu Base Camp (approx. 4800 m), which takes about 6–7 hours round trip. The trail is challenging but incredibly rewarding, offering up-close views of Mt. Manaslu, glaciers, and Himalayan peaks.

If you don’t feel like doing a long hike, you can take a short walk to Birendra Lake, a beautiful glacial lake about an hour from the village. The lake has calm, turquoise water and is surrounded by mountains—it's a perfect place to relax.

Another nice option is a visit to Pungyen Gompa, a peaceful monastery on a hill with wide views of the valley and nearby mountains. It's a quiet, spiritual spot and shows the Tibetan culture of the area.

You can also spend time walking around the village, seeing the stone houses, colorful prayer flags, and prayer wheels. Today is a good day to take it easy, let your body adjust to the altitude, and enjoy the natural beauty all around you. Stay overnight at lodge in Samagaun.

Today after having breakfast, start the short and not too hard trek towards Samdo which takes about 4 - 5 hours of walking

Along the way you’ll have plenty of time to enjoy the views. As you walk, you’ll see amazing views of Mount Manaslu, Samdo Peak, and other snow-covered mountains. There will be fewer trees, and the landscape feels drier and higher up in the mountains.

You’ll also see stone prayer walls (mani walls) and prayer flags along the way, which show the strong Tibetan culture in this area. After a slow and gentle uphill walk, you’ll reach Samdo, a small village close to the Tibetan border. Overnight stay at a lodge in Samdo.

Today after having breakfast trek towards Dharmasala which takes about 4 – 5 hours of walking.

Today you will be walking through high mountains for not too long, but you will walk slow and steady as you will be gaining to high altitude.

The trail starts with a short downhill walk, and then cross a wooden bridge over the Budhi Gandaki River and then path goes uphill slowly. From here, you will climb gradually uphill, passing yak pastures and small stone huts used by local herders.

As you go higher, you’ll see even better views of Mount Manaslu, Larkya Peak, and other tall, snowy mountains. The land here is dry, rocky, and open. You’ll also see prayer flags and stone mani walls, showing the strong Tibetan culture in the area. After a steady walk uphill, you’ll reach Dharmasala, also called Larkya Phedi, which is a small resting place before crossing the big mountain pass tomorrow. Overnight stay at basic lodge in Dharmasala.

Today is the most exciting and important day of the trek! Today you wake up early in the morning (around 4:30 am), have breakfast and then start trek to climb towards the highest pass of the trek, Larkya La Pass (5106 m).

The walk up to the pass is tough and steep, but doable - and the trail might be icy or windy, so you’ll have go slowly and carefully. But once you reach the top, it’s all worth it. From the pass, you’ll see amazing views of snowy mountains like Mount Manaslu, Mount Himlung, Larkya Peak, Himalchuli, and Annapurna II. There are also colorful prayer flags fluttering in the wind, making it a truly special moment.

After enjoying the view from the pass, you start for long descent down. The trail is rocky and passes through glacier areas, so you’ll take our time. Slowly, the landscape changes from snow and rocks to green forests and grassy meadows. We finally reach Bhimtang, a peaceful valley surrounded by pine trees and mountain views, the perfect place to relax after this big day. Overnight stay at a lodge in Bhimtang.

Today with the warm mermories of Manaslu Trek and successful summit to Larkya La Pass, you begin to descend towards lower altitude. After breakfast you start the trek towards Tilche which takes about 6- 7 hours of walking.

The trail goes downhill, and it’s much easier than the past few days. We’ll start with a gentle walk-through open meadow, enjoying the last beautiful views of Manaslu and other snowy peaks. As we go lower, the path leads us into lush green forests full of pine and rhododendron trees.

Along the way we will pass through many villages like: Yak Kharka, Karche & Gho – explore traditional stone houses, farm terraces, and friendly locals. We’ll also cross a few suspension bridges over rivers like the Dudhkhola and Marshyangdi, and hear the calming sound of waterfalls in the background. By the afternoon, you will reach charming Gurung village, Tilche. Overnight at lodge in Tilche.

Today is the final & short descend of your trek. After breakfast, you prepare to descend for about 2 hours to reach Dharapani. As you enter Dharapani, it is the first day route to Annapurna Circuit Trek. From Dharapani we will drive till Besisahar which takes about 3 hours in private local jeep. Stay overnight at Besisahar.

Note: It is also possible to return back Kathmandu on same day or extension of trek – if you have time in Nepal to different destination like: Pokhara, Chitwan, Lumbini, Bandipur etc.....

After breakfast, we take a private vehicle or local bus back to Kathmandu, which takes about 6 to 7 hours. During our drive, we’ll follow the Marshyangdi and Trishuli Rivers, enjoying views of terraced fields, forests, and even distant mountains along the way until we reach Kathmandu. Upon reaching in Kathmandu, we’ll drop you at your hotel. You can rest, freshen up, or explore the city.

If you want to extend your trip, this is also the perfect time to continue your journey to Pokhara, Chitwan, Lumbini, or other parts of Nepal. We can help arrange this based on your interest. Overnight stay in Kathmandu.

Free day in Kathmandu for sightseeing / shopping / massage, and etc... We can do half day sightseeing in the UNESCO listed World Heritage sites like:

• Swoyambhunath: Also known as the Monkey Temple, it offers panoramic views of Kathmandu.
• Boudhanath: One of the largest stupas in the world and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
• Pashupatinath: A sacred Hindu temple complex on the banks of the Bagmati River.

Stay overnight at Hotel in Kathmandu.

Note: If you have extra days in Kathmandu then it is possible to do Short Kathmandu Heritage Tour, Nepal Tour, explore Nature and Wildlife and so on.. in Nepal. Also, it is possible to extend the tours to other destinations like: Tibet, Bhutan or India also.