Manaslu Circuit Trek 16 Days

Welcome to Nepal and the Manaslu Circuit Trek

Your Manaslu Circuit Trek begins with your arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu. A representative from Himalayan Dream Team will meet you at the airport and welcome you with a traditional Nepali flower garland before transferring you by private vehicle to your hotel.

After check-in, the rest of the afternoon is free to relax after your international journey. Depending on your arrival time, you may also take a short walk around the nearby streets and get your first impression of Kathmandu.

In the evening, we invite you to a welcome dinner at a traditional Nepali restaurant, where you can enjoy authentic local cuisine and hospitality while meeting your trekking team and looking forward to the adventure ahead.

After breakfast at the hotel, you will join your guide for a cultural sightseeing tour of some of Kathmandu's most important UNESCO World Heritage Sites. This day provides an introduction to Nepal's Buddhist and Hindu traditions, historic architecture and everyday city life before you leave for the Manaslu region.

Your first visit is Swayambhunath Stupa (Monkey Temple), situated on a hill overlooking the Kathmandu Valley. At approximately 1,335 m, it is also the highest point reached during today's sightseeing. This ancient Buddhist stupa is sacred to both Buddhists and Hindus and offers panoramic views across Kathmandu on a clear day.

You then continue to Pashupatinath Temple, Nepal's most important Hindu temple complex, located beside the sacred Bagmati River. Here you can observe temples, shrines, saffron-robed sadhus and traditional Hindu cremation ceremonies along the riverbanks.

Afterwards, continue to Kathmandu Durbar Square, the historic royal center of old Kathmandu. Walk through its courtyards and narrow streets while discovering traditional Newari architecture, carved wooden buildings, temples and former royal palaces.

The sightseeing concludes with a walk through the lively local market areas of central Kathmandu, where spice shops, vegetable stalls, traditional stores and busy streets provide a glimpse into everyday life in the capital.

After the tour, return to your hotel and prepare for the journey toward Machha Khola, the starting point of your Manaslu Circuit trek, the following morning.

After breakfast, your journey toward the Manaslu Circuit Trek begins with a scenic drive from Kathmandu to Machha Khola (870 m). Leaving the Kathmandu Valley, we follow the Prithvi Highway westward alongside the Trishuli River before turning toward the hills of the Gorkha region.

The journey passes through changing landscapes of terraced farmland, river valleys, small settlements and forested hills. As we continue toward Arughat and Soti Khola, the road gradually becomes rougher and more adventurous, particularly on the final section toward Machha Khola.

Depending on the weather and road conditions, the drive normally takes around 8–10 hours. On arrival in Machha Khola, check into the lodge and relax beside the Budhi Gandaki Valley. Tomorrow, the walking section of the Manaslu Circuit officially begins.

After breakfast in Machha Khola, begin trekking north along the Budhi Gandaki River, following a dramatic trail through narrow valleys, forest, small settlements and rocky riverbanks.

The route passes through Khorlabesi before reaching the natural hot-spring area of Tatopani. From here, continue beside the river, crossing suspension bridges and climbing gradually through the gorge. The changing scenery provides a good introduction to the rugged terrain that characterizes the lower Manaslu region.

As the trail continues toward Dobhan, Thulo Dunga and Yaru, you will repeatedly cross the Budhi Gandaki before making the final approach to Jagat (1,340 m).

Jagat is an attractive stone-built village and an important checkpoint on the route. From here, you formally enter the Manaslu Conservation Area and the restricted trekking region of Manaslu.

After breakfast, leave Jagat and continue through the spectacular Budhi Gandaki Valley. The trail climbs over a rocky ridge before passing through Salleri and Sirdibas, where traditional stone houses and terraced fields line the route.

Continue toward Philim, an important Gurung village and permit-check area along the Manaslu Circuit. From Philim, the trail leads through farmland toward Ekle Bhatti before entering a narrower and increasingly remote section of the valley.

The route then passes through forest, crosses several streams and suspension bridges, and continues toward the junction leading to the Tsum Valley. Staying on the main Manaslu Circuit trail, we follow the Budhi Gandaki northward through bamboo and pine forest before reaching Deng (1,860 m).

Deng marks an important transition in the journey as the landscape becomes more mountainous and the cultural influence of the upper Manaslu region begins to become increasingly noticeable.

Today is a shorter trekking day, allowing for a gradual gain in altitude as we continue deeper into the Nubri Valley.

After breakfast in Deng, descend toward the Budhi Gandaki and cross the river before continuing through forest and small settlements. The trail follows the river upstream through a peaceful landscape of pine forest, waterfalls and steep valley walls.

As we approach Ghap (2,160 m), the Tibetan Buddhist character of the upper Manaslu region becomes increasingly visible. Along the trail you will begin to see mani walls, chortens, prayer flags and stones carved with Buddhist mantras.

Ghap is surrounded by forest and mountain scenery and provides a comfortable overnight stop before tomorrow's larger altitude gain toward Lho.

After breakfast, begin one of the most rewarding stages of the Manaslu Circuit as the trail climbs steadily from Ghap toward the higher villages of the Nubri Valley.

The route passes through beautiful pine, fir and rhododendron forest while repeatedly crossing the Budhi Gandaki River. After a gradual climb, reach Namrung (approximately 2,630 m), an important village with traditional stone houses, mani walls and excellent views of the surrounding mountains.

From Namrung, the valley begins to open and the Himalayan scenery becomes increasingly dramatic. Continue through Lihi (approximately 2,900 m), surrounded by barley fields, chortens and traditional Tibetan-style settlements.

The trail then climbs toward Sho (approximately 3,000 m), where clear weather can provide the first impressive close views of Manaslu (8,163 m), Himalchuli and surrounding peaks.

A final gradual ascent brings you to Lho (approximately 3,180 m), one of the most beautiful villages on the Manaslu Circuit. The village is known for its strong Tibetan Buddhist character and spectacular position beneath Mount Manaslu.

If the weather is clear, the area around Lho offers excellent sunset and sunrise views of Mount Manaslu, making this one of the memorable overnight stops of the trek.

Today is one of the most scenic and culturally rewarding days of the Manaslu Circuit Trek. After breakfast in Lho, begin walking with impressive morning views of Mount Manaslu (8,163 m) rising above the valley.

The trail climbs gradually through forest and open alpine landscapes toward Shyala (approximately 3,500 m). Surrounded by mountains, Shyala is one of the finest viewpoints on the route, with panoramic views of Manaslu and several surrounding Himalayan peaks.

From Shyala, we make a worthwhile side trip to Pungyen Gompa (approximately 4,000 m), the highest point reached today. Set beneath the dramatic mountain walls and glaciers of the Manaslu massif, this remote Buddhist monastery offers an impressive combination of Himalayan scenery and spiritual atmosphere.

After visiting Pungyen Gompa, descend and continue toward Samagaun (3,530 m), one of the most important villages in the upper Nubri Valley. Traditional stone houses, mani walls, chortens, prayer flags and monasteries reflect the strong Tibetan Buddhist heritage of the region.

We spend the night in Samagaun, where tomorrow is reserved for acclimatization before continuing to higher elevations.

Flexible acclimatization day

Today is an important acclimatization day in Samagaun (3,530 m). Rather than remaining completely inactive, we recommend a suitable acclimatization walk based on your fitness, weather conditions and how well you are adapting to the altitude.

For strong and well-acclimatized trekkers, the most challenging option is the hike toward Manaslu Base Camp (approximately 4,800 m). The trail climbs above Samagaun toward Birendra Lake and continues through increasingly rugged alpine and glacial terrain. The higher sections offer close views of Mount Manaslu, the Manaslu Glacier and surrounding peaks. This is a demanding return hike, and your guide will decide how far it is appropriate to continue based on conditions and the group's acclimatization.

A gentler alternative is the walk to Birendra Lake (approximately 3,690 m), a beautiful glacial lake beneath the Manaslu Glacier. This shorter excursion provides excellent scenery while allowing more time for rest and recovery.

You can also explore Samagaun, visit local monasteries and observe everyday life in this traditional Nubri village.

Whichever option you choose, we return to Samagaun (3,530 m) for a second night. Sleeping at the same elevation while reaching a higher point during the day supports the important high-altitude principle of climbing high and sleeping low.
 

Trek Time
Approx. 7–8 hrs for Manaslu Base Camp return hike
Approx. 2–3 hrs for Birendra Lake and local exploration

After breakfast, leave Samagaun and continue north through the increasingly open and remote upper Budhi Gandaki Valley. Today's walk is deliberately shorter, allowing your body additional time to adjust to the higher altitude.

The trail passes long mani walls and the seasonal grazing area of Kermo Kharka before gradually descending toward the Budhi Gandaki. After crossing the river by bridge, a final climb leads through the traditional entrance chorten to Samdo (approximately 3,860 m).

Situated close to the Tibetan border, Samdo has strong historical and cultural connections with Tibet. The village traditionally depended on yak and livestock herding, barley cultivation and cross-border trade, and its stone houses and surrounding pastures reflect life in this remote high-altitude environment.

After lunch, take time to rest and acclimatize. If you are feeling well, a short walk above the village is worthwhile for additional acclimatization and views across the valley.

The noticeably colder temperatures at Samdo are a reminder that we are now approaching the high-altitude section of the Manaslu Circuit and the crossing of Larkya La Pass.

After breakfast, leave Samdo and follow the upper Budhi Gandaki Valley through an increasingly barren and dramatic high-altitude landscape.

The route follows part of an old trade corridor toward Tibet, passing seasonal grazing areas and remnants associated with the historic Larkya Bazaar, once used by traders travelling through this remote Himalayan region.

After crossing the river, the trail climbs steadily through sparse alpine terrain with views of glaciers and surrounding peaks. As vegetation gradually disappears, the landscape becomes noticeably more rugged and the effects of altitude become increasingly apparent.

We eventually reach Dharamsala, also known as Larkya Phedi (4,460 m), the final overnight stop before crossing Larkya La.

Accommodation here is considerably more basic and limited than at lower elevations. After lunch, we keep activity light, stay hydrated and rest in preparation for the longest and most demanding trekking day of the journey.

An early night is important because tomorrow's crossing of Larkya La Pass begins before sunrise.

Today is the highest, longest and most demanding day of the Manaslu Circuit Trek. We start very early from Dharamsala, normally before sunrise, to cross Larkya La Pass (5,106 m) under the safest possible conditions.

The trail climbs gradually through a stark high-altitude landscape toward the Larkya Glacier, crossing rocky moraine and sections that may be covered by snow or ice depending on the season. The increasing altitude makes the ascent physically demanding, so we maintain a slow and steady pace.

Eventually, we reach Larkya La Pass (5,106 m / 16,752 ft), the highest point of the entire trek. Prayer flags mark the crossing, while the surrounding Himalayan panorama can include Himlung Himal, Cheo Himal, Kang Guru and Annapurna II, together with glaciers and high mountain ridges.

After taking time for photographs and enjoying the achievement of crossing the pass, begin the long descent toward Bimthang. The initial descent can be steep, rocky and potentially icy, so trekking poles and microspikes may be particularly useful when snow or ice is present.

As we lose altitude, the landscape gradually changes from glacial moraine to alpine pastures. Eventually, we reach Bimthang (approximately 3,590 m), surrounded by spectacular mountain scenery.

After one of the most memorable days of the journey, settle into the lodge for a well-earned meal and rest.

After breakfast in Bimthang, take a final look at the spectacular mountain panorama before beginning the long descent toward the lower valleys.

From Bimthang (approximately 3,590 m), the trail descends through alpine pastures toward the Dudh Khola. On a clear morning, the surrounding area provides impressive views toward Manaslu, Himlung Himal, Cheo Himal and the nearby mountain ranges.

After crossing the Dudh Khola, continue through beautiful rhododendron, pine and mixed forest. The dramatic high-altitude landscape gradually gives way to greener vegetation as we lose elevation.

The trail passes through Karche (approximately 2,700 m) and continues through several small settlements and cultivated areas toward Gho and Tilije.

From Tilije, continue toward Dharapani (approximately 1,860 m), where the Manaslu Circuit joins the well-known Annapurna Circuit trekking route.

This is a long trekking day, but the substantial descent brings us back into warmer conditions and greener surroundings. On arrival in Dharapani, check into the lodge and celebrate the completion of the walking section of the Manaslu Circuit Trek.

After breakfast in Dharapani, we begin the overland journey back to Kathmandu after completing the Manaslu Circuit on foot.

The first section follows the mountain road from Dharapani toward Besisahar, passing through the Marsyangdi Valley and several settlements along the lower Annapurna Circuit. Road conditions on this section can be rough, and travelling time can vary depending on weather, traffic and ongoing road conditions.

From Besisahar, continue toward Kathmandu on more established roads, passing river valleys, terraced hills, rural settlements and the changing landscapes of central Nepal.

The complete journey normally takes approximately 8–9 hours, although delays are possible because of mountain road and traffic conditions.

On arrival in Kathmandu, transfer to your hotel and enjoy a comfortable evening after completing one of Nepal's most rewarding high-altitude trekking circuits.

After completing the Manaslu Circuit Trek, today is reserved as a well-earned leisure day in Kathmandu. There are no scheduled activities, giving you the freedom to rest at the hotel or explore the city at your own pace.

If you would like to go out, the lively streets of Thamel are ideal for a relaxed walk, with cafés, restaurants and shops selling Nepali handicrafts, pashmina products, singing bowls, prayer flags, trekking gear and locally made souvenirs.

You may also visit any cultural sites you missed earlier, enjoy a traditional Nepali meal, book a massage or simply relax with a cup of Nepali tea while reflecting on your journey through the Manaslu region and across Larkya La Pass (5,106 m).

This free day also provides a useful contingency day in Kathmandu in case unexpected weather, road conditions or other circumstances cause delays during the trek.

Your 16-day Manaslu Circuit Trek comes to an end today. After breakfast at the hotel, you will have some free time depending on the departure time of your international flight.

At the appropriate time, a Himalayan Dream Team representative will meet you at the hotel and transfer you by private vehicle to Tribhuvan International Airport for your onward journey. We normally arrange the transfer with sufficient time for international check-in, taking Kathmandu traffic conditions into consideration.

If your flight departs later in the day, you can leave your luggage at the hotel and enjoy some additional free time for last-minute shopping, sightseeing or relaxing before the airport transfer.

For travellers who would like to extend their stay in Nepal, Himalayan Dream Team can also arrange additional experiences in Pokhara, Chitwan, the Kathmandu Valley or other destinations.