Manaslu Circuit Trek

Upon your arrival in Kathmandu (1,400m/4,590ft), the vibrant capital city of Nepal, you will be warmly welcomed at the airport after completing immigration and customs formalities. A representative will assist with your transfer to the hotel, ensuring a smooth start to your journey.

After check-in, you can take time to rest and recover from your flight or explore the lively streets of Thamel, a popular area known for its colorful markets, cultural atmosphere, and wide range of restaurants and cafés.

In the evening, a detailed trek briefing will be conducted. During this session, you will meet your trekking guide and receive important information about the Manaslu Circuit Trek, including the itinerary and preparation guidelines.

Overnight stay at a comfortable hotel in Kathmandu.

The journey from Kathmandu to Soti Khola (710m/2,330ft) is an exciting overland drive that marks the beginning of your Manaslu trekking adventure. Leaving the busy capital behind, the road winds through scenic landscapes, passing terraced farmlands, green hills, and traditional villages along the Trishuli and Budhi Gandaki river valleys.

As the drive continues, the surroundings become increasingly rural and natural, with occasional views of distant Himalayan peaks. The final section of the journey follows a more rugged mountain road, adding a sense of adventure as you approach the remote foothills of the Manaslu region.

After approximately 7 to 8 hours of travel, you will reach Soti Khola, a peaceful riverside settlement and the official starting point of the trek. Upon arrival, you can relax and enjoy the calm natural environment as you prepare for the days of trekking ahead.

Overnight stay at a teahouse in Soti Khola.

The trek from Soti Khola to Machha Khola (950m/3,115ft) marks the beginning of your journey through the dramatic landscapes of the Manaslu region. The trail gradually enters a more remote setting, passing through lush forests, terraced farmlands, and traditional Gurung villages that offer insight into rural life in Nepal.

Following the Budhi Gandaki River, the path alternates between forested sections, rocky trails, suspension bridges, and narrow pathways carved into steep hillsides. Along the way, you will encounter waterfalls, dense greenery, and striking river gorges that add to the natural beauty of the route.

The trail includes a mix of ascents and descents, making this an engaging and moderately challenging first day of trekking. After approximately 6 to 7 hours of walking, you will arrive at Machha Khola, a small riverside settlement named after the nearby “Fish River.”

Upon arrival, you can relax in a teahouse, enjoy a warm meal, and rest before continuing deeper into the Manaslu region.

Starting from Machha Khola, the trek to Jagat (1,400m/4,590ft) continues along the Budhi Gandaki River, gradually entering deeper into the scenic landscapes of the Manaslu region. The trail passes through subtropical forests, terraced fields, and a mix of rocky and narrow pathways carved into the hillsides.

The route begins with a gentle ascent before crossing the Tharo Khola via a suspension bridge, leading to the small settlement of Khorlabesi, a traditional Gurung village. Further along, the trail reaches Tatopani, where natural hot springs provide an optional resting point for trekkers to relax in warm, mineral-rich waters.

As the journey continues, the path becomes more rugged, passing through landslide-prone sections, wooden bridges, and deep river gorges. A steady climb leads to Dobhan, followed by a series of ascents and descents toward Yaru, where the Budhi Gandaki River forms a narrow and dramatic canyon.

The final section involves a steeper climb along stone staircases before arriving at Jagat, a well-structured village known for its traditional architecture and entrance gateway. Jagat serves as the official entry point to the Manaslu Conservation Area, marking an important milestone on the trek.

The trek from Jagat to Deng (1,850m/6,070ft) takes you further into the heart of the Manaslu region, where both the landscape and cultural influences begin to change noticeably. The trail starts with a steady climb along stone-paved paths, leading to Salleri, where clear views of Sringi Himal can be enjoyed on clear days.

The route then descends to Sirdibas, a traditional village marked by mani walls and prayer flags, reflecting the growing Tibetan Buddhist influence as you move higher into the valley. After crossing a long suspension bridge over the Budhi Gandaki River, the trail ascends to Philim, a larger Gurung settlement known for its terraced fields and traditional stone houses.

From Philim, the path continues through dense forests filled with rhododendron and bamboo, adding rich greenery and color to the surroundings. A gradual walk leads to Ekle Bhatti, where the valley becomes narrower and the terrain more rugged.

As the journey progresses, the trail follows winding cliffside paths, crossing several small bridges before entering pine forests. The final section includes a mix of gentle ascents and descents, eventually reaching Deng, a quiet village surrounded by steep hills and natural beauty.

Upon arrival, you can relax in a teahouse and enjoy the peaceful environment as you prepare for the higher elevations ahead.

The trek from Deng to Namrung (2,640m/8,660ft) leads deeper into the Manaslu region, where the scenery becomes increasingly dramatic and the cultural influence more distinctly Tibetan. The trail begins with a gentle descent toward the Budhi Gandaki River before gradually ascending through dense forests and narrow cliffside paths.

As you continue along the valley, you pass small settlements such as Rana and Bihi Phedi, where mani walls, prayer wheels, and chortens highlight the strong Buddhist traditions of the region. The route then winds through rhododendron and pine forests, with occasional views of distant snow-capped peaks.

After crossing a series of suspension bridges, the trail reaches Ghap, a picturesque village known for its well-preserved stone architecture and religious carvings. From here, the ascent becomes more gradual but sustained, with the river flowing far below as the path climbs through wooded terrain.

Along the way, the peaceful environment is enhanced by the presence of grazing yaks and the distant sounds of monastery chants, adding a spiritual atmosphere to the journey. The final climb brings you to Namrung, a beautiful village offering panoramic views of Ganesh Himal and Himalchuli.

Namrung is known for its traditional stone houses and warm hospitality, making it an ideal place to rest and acclimatize before continuing further into the higher Himalayas.

The trek from Namrung to Sama Gaon (3,500m/11,480ft) offers some of the most spectacular Himalayan scenery on the Manaslu Circuit, along with a deeper immersion into Tibetan-influenced culture. The trail begins with a gradual ascent through rhododendron and fir forests, slowly opening up to wider mountain views.

The route leads to Lho, a beautiful village set against the dramatic backdrop of Mt. Manaslu. Here, visitors can explore Ribung Monastery, where prayer flags, chanting monks, and traditional Buddhist practices create a peaceful spiritual atmosphere. From Lho, the trail continues along a scenic ridge with expansive views of Himalchuli and Ngadi Chuli (Peak 29).

Further along, the path reaches Shyala, a striking village surrounded by snow-covered peaks. This is an ideal viewpoint to admire panoramic vistas of Manaslu, Ganesh Himal, and other surrounding mountains.

As the trek progresses, the landscape gradually changes from forested trails to more open, alpine terrain with glacial streams and rocky slopes. The final section descends gently into the wide valley of Sama Gaon, the largest settlement in the region, located at the foot of Mt. Manaslu.

Sama Gaon is a traditional Tibetan-style village rich in Buddhist heritage, featuring ancient monasteries, mani walls, and yak pastures. It also serves as an important acclimatization stop on the Manaslu Circuit. In the evening, trekkers can explore the village, visit Pungyen Monastery, or simply enjoy the peaceful mountain surroundings.

A rest and acclimatization day in Sama Gaon (3,500m/11,480ft) is an important part of the Manaslu Circuit Trek, allowing trekkers to adjust to the increasing altitude before heading higher into the mountains. Surrounded by dramatic Himalayan scenery, this traditional Tibetan-style village also offers several rewarding short hikes and cultural experiences.

One of the most popular acclimatization options is a hike to Pungyen Gompa, an ancient monastery set on a hillside with impressive views of Mt. Manaslu and nearby glaciers. Another excellent option is a trek toward Birendra Lake, a beautiful glacial lake known for its turquoise waters and reflections of surrounding snow peaks. More adventurous trekkers may also consider a hike in the direction of Manaslu Base Camp for even closer mountain views.

While exploring the village, you can observe the rich local culture, with mani walls, prayer wheels, and traditional stone houses lining the paths. The majority of residents are yak herders and farmers, offering a glimpse into the daily life of this remote Himalayan community.

This rest day plays a key role in preparing for higher altitudes while also giving time to enjoy the peaceful environment and stunning landscapes. In the evening, trekkers can relax in a teahouse, enjoy warm meals, and share experiences with fellow travelers.

The trek from Sama Gaon to Samdo (3,860m/12,665ft) is a relatively short but important ascent as you move deeper into the high-altitude landscape of the Manaslu region. The trail gradually climbs through a wide valley, following the Budhi Gandaki River as the surroundings become increasingly barren and rugged.

As the tree line disappears, the terrain shifts into a high-altitude environment with open yak pastures and expansive mountain views. Along the way, trekkers are treated to impressive sights of Mt. Manaslu, Samdo Peak, and other surrounding Himalayan ranges.

The cultural landscape also becomes more distinctly Tibetan, with mani walls, chortens, and prayer flags marking the route. The thin air and rising elevation make the walk more demanding, but the dramatic scenery provides constant encouragement.

After a steady uphill trek, you arrive at Samdo, a small Tibetan-influenced settlement located close to the Nepal–Tibet border. Known for its traditional stone houses and yak-herding lifestyle, the village offers a unique glimpse into life in this remote mountain region.

Samdo also serves as an important acclimatization stop before crossing the Larkya La Pass. In the afternoon, you may choose to rest or take a short hike to a nearby viewpoint for panoramic views of the surrounding peaks and glaciers.

As evening approaches and temperatures drop, the warmth of a teahouse provides a comfortable place to relax and prepare for the next stage of the journey.

The trek from Samdo to Dharmasala (Larkya Phedi) at 4,450m (14,600ft) is a short but challenging ascent as you move closer to the Larkya La Pass. Although the distance is not long, the increasing altitude makes this section more demanding.

The trail begins with a descent to a wooden bridge over the Budhi Gandaki River, followed by a steady climb over rocky slopes and barren hills. As you gain elevation, the landscape becomes increasingly harsh and alpine, with little to no vegetation remaining.

The air grows thinner, so a slow and steady pace is important. The route follows glacial moraine terrain, passing occasional stone shelters and seasonal yak grazing areas used by herders.

Along the way, trekkers are rewarded with impressive views of Larkya Peak, Mt. Manaslu, and the surrounding snow-covered ridges. The trail then narrows as it winds through rugged terrain before reaching Dharmasala, a basic settlement consisting of simple teahouses and tented accommodations.

Dharmasala serves as the final stop before crossing the Larkya La Pass, making it an important rest and preparation point. Trekkers typically spend the remainder of the day resting, acclimatizing, and preparing for the demanding high-altitude crossing ahead.

The trek from Dharmasala to Bhimthang (3,700m/12,140ft) via Larkya La Pass (5,220m/17,125ft) is the most demanding and memorable day of the Manaslu Circuit Trek. The journey begins early in the morning to avoid strong winds and unstable weather conditions at higher elevations.

A steep ascent leads through rocky terrain toward the base of the Larkya Glacier, where the trail continues over glacial moraine. As the altitude increases, the surroundings become stark and icy, with sweeping views of surrounding peaks including Himlung Himal, Cheo Himal, Kang Guru, and Annapurna II.

The final approach to Larkya La Pass is physically challenging due to the high altitude, cold temperatures, and icy sections of the trail. Reaching the pass is a major highlight of the trek, marked by prayer flags fluttering at the highest point of the journey and panoramic Himalayan views.

From the pass, a long and steep descent begins over loose scree and glacial terrain. Gradually, the landscape transforms from barren ice fields into alpine meadows and then into greener valleys filled with rhododendron and vegetation.

The trail continues down into the beautiful valley of Bhimthang, a peaceful settlement surrounded by towering Himalayan peaks. After a long and exhausting day, Bhimthang offers a welcoming and scenic resting place where trekkers can relax, enjoy a warm meal, and reflect on the achievement of crossing one of Nepal’s most iconic high passes.

The trek from Bhimthang to Tilije (2,300m/7,545ft) is a pleasant and scenic descent after crossing the Larkya La Pass, offering a gradual return to lower elevations and greener landscapes. The trail begins with magnificent morning views of Mt. Manaslu, Lamjung Himal, and surrounding snow-covered peaks.

As the descent continues, the terrain slowly changes from alpine meadows and glacial surroundings to lush forests filled with rhododendron and pine trees. The increasing vegetation brings a refreshing contrast to the high mountain environment of the previous days.

The route follows the Dudh Khola River, crossing wooden bridges and passing through small settlements such as Gho, where trekkers often pause for rest. Along the way, the trail is enriched with waterfalls, terraced fields, and occasional teahouses that reflect local life in the region.

The final section leads to Tilije, a larger village known for its blend of Tibetan and Gurung cultural influences. With its traditional stone houses, prayer flags, and welcoming atmosphere, Tilije offers a comfortable and culturally rich stopping point.

Here, trekkers can relax in a teahouse, enjoy local meals, and reflect on the successful completion of the high mountain section of the Manaslu Circuit Trek.

The final day of the Manaslu Circuit Trek takes you from Tilije (2,300m/7,545ft) to Dharapani (1,860m/6,100ft), followed by a drive back to Kathmandu (1,400m/4,590ft). The trail descends through lush forests and traditional villages, following stone-paved paths that gradually lead to lower elevations.

Along the way, you reach Thonje, where you officially exit the Manaslu Conservation Area. Continuing onward, the route arrives at Dharapani, an important junction where the Manaslu and Annapurna trekking routes meet, marking the completion of the trekking section.

From Dharapani, a scenic drive returns you to Kathmandu. The journey follows winding mountain roads, passing rivers, waterfalls, terraced fields, and rural settlements, gradually reconnecting with the main highway as you approach the capital.

Upon arrival in Kathmandu, you will be transferred to your hotel for rest and relaxation after the trek. The evening is free to unwind, explore the city, enjoy local cuisine, or simply recover from the journey through the Himalayas.

After completing the Manaslu Circuit Trek, it is time to depart from Nepal. Depending on your flight schedule, you may have some free time in Kathmandu to explore local markets, visit cultural sites, or simply relax at your hotel.

A representative will assist with your transfer to Tribhuvan International Airport, ensuring a smooth and timely departure process. Upon arrival at the airport, you will board your flight home or to your next destination.

As you leave Nepal, you can reflect on the remarkable journey through the Himalayas—its dramatic mountain scenery, remote villages, and rich cultural experiences. The Manaslu Circuit Trek offers memories that last a lifetime and a deeper appreciation for the natural beauty of the region.

Wishing you safe travels and a pleasant journey ahead.