Manaslu Circuit Trek - 15 Days

Your journey begins with your arrival in Kathmandu, the capital city of Nepal. Upon landing at Tribhuvan International Airport, a representative from our team will be there to receive you and escort you to your hotel. After checking in, you will have some free time to rest or explore the vibrant streets of Thamel. In the evening, you will be welcomed with a traditional Nepali dinner, followed by a briefing about the upcoming trek.

Today is reserved for cultural exploration and final preparations for your trek. You will embark on a guided sightseeing tour of Kathmandu Valley, where you will visit some of the city's UNESCO World Heritage Sites. These include the sacred Hindu temple of Pashupatinath, the massive Boudhanath Stupa, the ancient Kathmandu Durbar Square, and the hilltop stupa of Swayambhunath, also known as the Monkey Temple. In the late afternoon, your trekking guide will meet you for a detailed briefing, gear check, and to answer any last-minute questions.

Leaving Kathmandu after an early breakfast, you will embark on a scenic and at times rugged drive through the hills of central Nepal. The journey passes through picturesque villages, terraced fields, and riverside settlements. After approximately eight to nine hours of travel, you will reach the riverside town of Machha Khola, situated along the banks of the Budhi Gandaki River. This marks the official starting point of your trek.

Today marks your first day on foot. The trail follows the Budhi Gandaki River upstream, passing through tropical forests, small Gurung settlements, and several suspension bridges. The path is narrow and undulating, offering glimpses of waterfalls and dramatic cliffs. You will gradually ascend to the charming village of Jagat, known for its stone-paved lanes and beautiful views of the surrounding hills.

Departing Jagat, the trail climbs steadily as you pass through lush landscapes and rural farming communities. Along the way, you will encounter villages such as Sirdibas and Philim, where you can see the early influence of Tibetan culture. As the trail narrows and enters a more rugged valley, you will arrive at the small settlement of Deng, which marks the entrance to the culturally Tibetan region of the trek.

The trail today takes you through dense pine and rhododendron forests, passing cascading waterfalls and small streams. As you gain elevation, the scenery becomes increasingly alpine. After several ascents and descents, you will reach the village of Namrung, an important checkpoint and a place known for its spectacular views of Siringi Himal and Ganesh Himal. The cultural shift becomes more prominent here, with Buddhist prayer flags and chortens marking the trail.

From Namrung, the trail ascends gradually through alpine forests and open fields. You will pass through the beautiful villages of Lihi and Sho, both offering breathtaking mountain views and unique stone architecture. Eventually, you will reach Lho Gaun, a culturally rich village dominated by the impressive Ribung Monastery and magnificent views of Manaslu rising above the landscape.

Continuing along the trail, the terrain opens into wide pastures and glacial valleys. You will walk through yak pastures and cross several streams before arriving in Samagaon, one of the largest and most scenic villages in the region. The village is a cultural gem, featuring traditional Tibetan-style houses, ancient mani walls, and Buddhist monasteries nestled beneath the towering face of Mount Manaslu.

To allow your body to adjust to the higher elevation, you will spend the day acclimatizing in Samagaon. There are several rewarding options for day hikes. One popular route leads to Pungyen Gompa, a peaceful monastery with panoramic views of Manaslu and surrounding peaks. For those feeling well-acclimatized, a longer and more demanding hike to Manaslu Base Camp is also possible. Alternatively, you can take a gentler walk to Birendra Lake, a glacial lake with crystal-clear water. The day is meant to help you rest and prepare for the higher elevations ahead.

Today’s trek is relatively short but continues to gain altitude. The trail climbs steadily above the tree line through barren terrain and yak pastures, crossing several streams and mani walls. You will reach the windswept village of Samdo by early afternoon. Located just a few kilometers from the Tibetan border, Samdo is home to Tibetan refugee families and offers remarkable insights into high-altitude living.

Leaving Samdo behind, you will make your way to Dharamshala, also known as Larkya Phedi, the base camp for Larkya La Pass. The trail ascends gradually, offering stunning views of glaciers and surrounding peaks. As you reach Dharamshala, the landscape becomes stark and dramatic. The afternoon is reserved for rest and acclimatization in preparation for the challenging pass crossing the next day.

Today is the most physically demanding yet most rewarding day of the trek. You will begin your ascent before dawn to cross the high Larkya La Pass. As you climb, the scenery becomes increasingly glaciated, and the views open up to include Himlung Himal, Cheo Himal, Kang Guru, and Annapurna II. Upon reaching the pass, you will be rewarded with breathtaking panoramic vistas. After spending some time at the summit, you will descend steeply into the alpine valley of Bhimtang, a beautiful meadow surrounded by snowy peaks.

The trail today leads you downhill through rhododendron and pine forests, with the sound of rivers and waterfalls accompanying your descent. You will pass through several small villages and terraced fields as you re-enter lower elevations. After a full day of walking, you will reach Dharapani, a vibrant village where the trail intersects with the Annapurna Circuit.

Following breakfast, you will board a vehicle for the return journey to Kathmandu. The drive retraces your route through Besisahar and the scenic hills of central Nepal. After approximately eight to nine hours on the road, you will arrive back in Kathmandu, where you can relax at your hotel and reflect on the incredible journey you've just completed.

After breakfast, our team will arrange your transfer to Tribhuvan International Airport according to your flight schedule. If you are extending your stay in Nepal, we would be happy to assist you with additional travel arrangements. Otherwise, we wish you a pleasant journey home and hope to welcome you again in the future.