Manaslu Circuit Trek (15 days)

This Morning Wake up and enjoy a hearty breakfast at your hotel.
Meet your tour guide at the hotel lobby and embark on your city tour of Kathmandu Valley.
Visit Pashupatinath Temple, one of the holiest Hindu temples in the world. Witness the cremation ceremony and observe the peaceful atmosphere of the temple. Drive to
Boudhanath Stupa, the largest stupa in Nepal. Take a leisurely stroll around the stupa and admire its intricate architecture.
Head to Swayambhunath Monastery, also known as the Monkey Temple. Climb the 365 steps to reach the top and enjoy panoramic views of Kathmandu Valley.
Lastly visit Patan Durbar Square is a museum in a former royal palace housing Hindu and Buddhist sculptures and other cultural artifacts. It is located in Lalitpur, Nepal, and is open from 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM.
Lunch at a local restaurant, savoring authentic Nepali cuisine.
Return to your hotel to prepare for the Manaslu Circuit Trek.
Evening Check your trekking gear and ensure you have everything you need for the trek.
Then Pack your bags and get ready for an early morning departure the next day to start your trek.

After a delicious breakfast at your hotel in Kathmandu, you’ll embark on a scenic drive to Soti Khola, the starting point of the Manaslu Circuit Trek. The drive takes you along the Kathmandu-Pokhara highway, winding through picturesque landscapes of rural villages, small towns, and terraced fields. Along the way, you’ll be treated to breathtaking views of the majestic Annapurna, Manaslu, Ganesh Himal, and Langtang Himal mountain ranges.

The trek from Soti Khola to Jagat is a moderately challenging section of the Manaslu Circuit Trek, offering a diverse mix of landscapes, suspension bridges, and ascents and descents. The trail follows the Budhi Gandaki River, providing opportunities to immerse in the natural beauty of the region.

Today’s trek will take you through a variety of landscapes, including dense forests, small rivers, and classic villages. You will also cross a steep gorge and grassy slopes before reaching the wide valley and bamboo forests leading to the Deng Khola river. The trail is approximately 21 kilometers (13 miles) long and will take you about 6-7 hours to complete.

Embarking on the next leg of your trek from Deng to Namrung, you’ll encounter diverse landscapes and captivating cultural elements. The journey begins with a meal to refuel, followed by a traverse through various small village settlements from Deng.

Navigating a winding path that meanders through ups and downs, you’ll eventually reach a log bridge. Crossing this bridge marks the gateway to an isolated watermill. Descending further, you’ll reach Bihi Phedi and cross the Serang Khola on a small bridge.

The trail then guides you through basalt walls, navigating a maze and wheat fields with accompanying small waterfalls. As you follow the northeastern routes, the valley widens, presenting a stunning river crossing via a suspension bridge.

Ghap comes into view after crossing another bridge. The journey continues through a lush green forest adorned with rhododendrons and pine trees. Descending alongside the north bank of the river, you’ll eventually cross the river, arriving at Namrung.

Namrung, an enchanting Tibetan village, serves as the gateway to Upper Nupri. Your night will be spent at a Namrung teahouse, offering a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the traditional and ancient local culture. Influenced by Tibetan culture, the region boasts landmarks such as Mani walls and chortens, providing a glimpse into the rich heritage of the area.

The ascent continues steadily, guiding you through forests until you reach Lihi. Descending thereafter, the trail crosses the side valley of Simnang Himal, with Ganesh Himal in close proximity. As you progress through the villages of Sho, Lho, Shayala, and Sama, be prepared for breathtaking views of Manaslu, surrounded by the imposing presence of Himal Chuli, Peak 29 (Ngadi Chuli), and expansive glaciers. Your journey culminates in the enchanting village of Samagaon, where you will spend the night in teahouses, immersed in the serene ambiance of the Himalayan landscape.

Take a rest day for acclimatization. Explore Sama Gaon, visit monasteries, and enjoy the surrounding beauty. Overnight stay in Sama Gaon.

Embarking on the trail from Samagaon to Samdo, your journey unfolds with an initial descent along the Budhi Gandaki base camp trail. As you traverse through juniper-laden terrain, the path gradually descends to a wooden bridge. Crossing this bridge, a steep climb to a ridge awaits you, offering spectacular panoramas of snow-capped peaks, including Samdo peak, Dharamsala, Manaslu, and the Siachen Glacier.

The trail then meanders through arid landscapes, providing awe-inspiring views of the Himalayan wonders. Your exploration culminates in the charming village of Samdo, where you’ll spend the night. Immerse yourself in the local activities, witnessing traditional practices and the rich Tibetan Buddhist culture that characterizes this mountain settlement. Once a pivotal route for Himalayan caravan trade, Samdo offers a unique and memorable experience beneath the majestic shadow of Mount Manaslu.

The trail on this day unfolds through diverse landscapes, taking you from Dharamsala to Samdo. Traversing barren fields and crossing the Budhi Gandaki river brings you to Dharamsala. Subsequently, the trail leads to the Larkya Bazaar, and from there, you’ll enter the Pana Danda Valley. Journeying through grassy slopes to the Syacha Khola Valley, you’ll be treated to magical views of snow-capped mountains and the Syacha Glacier, creating a truly awe-inspiring spectacle.

Continuing along this route, you’ll make your way to the Larkya Glacier before reaching Dharamsala. This vantage point offers unparalleled views of snow-capped peaks, including Larke and Naike. Your night will be spent in Dharamsala, surrounded by the breathtaking beauty of the Himalayan landscape.

On this day, the trail leads through diverse landscapes, culminating at Larkya La Pass, the highest point of the trek. The journey involves a continuous uphill climb to reach Larkya La Pass, the pinnacle of the trek. As you ascend gradually, the path traverses the valley, passing by frozen lakes. The glacial moraine treats you to enchanting views of Pawar Peak and Larke Peak. After a few hours of trekking in this breathtaking region, you’ll reach Larkya La Pass, offering magical views of snow-capped mountains, including Himlung Pyramid, Cheo Himal, Kang Garu, Gyaji Kung, and more.

The trail descends through the Budhi Gandaki River, leading to the destination of Larkya-La at an elevation of 5,106 meters. From Larke-La, you can marvel at awe-inspiring views of Mt. Annapurna II (7,937m) and other snow-covered peaks. This segment of the trek is a highlight, captivating you with natural beauty. The trail passes through rural villages, glacial lakes, rare wildlife, lush valleys, and snowy mountains. Cho Danda and Larkya Peak present a magical spectacle from the Larkya Glacier. From this viewpoint, you can also observe Annapurna II, Cheo Himal, Himlung Himal, and Mount Manaslu.

Reaching the highest point, Larkya La, is a memorable moment of the trek. Spend some time exploring the surroundings before descending along winding paths to Dingboche Kharka. Continuing the trek, you’ll arrive at Bimthang, a village settlement offering incredible views of Kechakyu Himal and Manaslu. Bimthang is frequented by Samdo villagers during winters and serves as a trading point. Take in the scenic beauty and spend time in Bimthang.

The trail on this day meanders through diverse landscapes, guiding you from Dharapani to Bhimthang. The journey involves a descent and crossing of a stony glacier, followed by an ascent from a moraine. Navigating through dense forests, you’ll be treated to majestic views of Manaslu, Larke, Nadi, and Chuli Himal. The trail descends to Karcher via Sangura Kharka and Hompuk, passing through fields before ascending to Gho. Continuing through the Marsyangdi valley, you’ll reach Tilje, a picturesque village settlement in the Manaslu region offering panoramic views of snow-capped mountains.

Passing through small settlements where locals are busy with farming and animal rearing, you’ll observe their traditional lifestyle. Crossing Dudh Khola via a suspension bridge, the trail climbs a chorten-shaped arch and passes through the scenic Thonje village. En route, you’ll encounter a police checkpoint, and as you progress to Dharapani, you’ll have vistas of the snow-capped mountains. Dharapani is a notable stop in the Annapurna circuit, offering views of the surrounding peaks. The day concludes with an overnight stay at a teahouse in Dharapani.

Start your trek from Dharapani and follow the well-marked trail of the Annapurna Circuit.
The trail passes through picturesque villages, terraced fields, and forests.
You’ll descend gradually as you make your way toward Besishahar.
The trek from Dharapani to Besisahar usually takes around 5-7 hours of walking, covering a distance of approximately 22-25 kilometers (about 14-16 miles).

The distance from Besisahar to Kathmandu is approximately 180 kilometers, and it takes about 6-7 hours to drive from Besisahar to Kathmandu by private car or jeep. The road is paved and in good condition, but there are some narrow sections and winding curves. The drive is scenic and offers views of the Himalayas, including the Annapurna and Manaslu mountain ranges.

On this day, we bid you farewell at the hotel and provide transportation to the international airport for your onward journey. Safe travels!

Drive or local flight from Kathmandu to Soti Khola

Yes, both a Manaslu Conservation Area Permit and a Special Area Permit are required

Mostly tea houses with basic amenities, camping is possible in some areas

Costs vary depending on operator, group size, and inclusions, expect ~$2000-3500

Moderate to challenging, requires good physical fitness and acclimatization

Larkya La Pass at 5,106 meters

Regular cardio and strength training, hiking experience in high altitudes recommended

Be familiar with symptoms like headache, dizziness, nausea, and practice proper acclimatization

Respect local customs and dress modestly, be mindful of religious sites