Manaslu Circuit Trek -13 Days

The trip to Manaslu Circuit begins with a good breakfast in Kathmandu. Travelling in a private jeep, you will head along the Prithvi Highway. At several turns, you will get a peek of Annapurna, Ganesh Himal, and Manaslu peaks. From the road that winds alongside the Trishuli and Marsyangdi Rivers, you will enjoy scenic landscapes throughout the eight-hour drive. Later in the day you will reach Budhi-Gandaki Valley, arriving at Machha Khola. In the evening, explore the village, savour the view of the peaks, and settle in a cosy teahouse for a well-deserved rest. Each passing hour grows with excitement as you prepare for the trek that awaits you in the coming days.

You begin the day early in Machha Khola, followed by a good breakfast before hitting the trail. You begin by crossing a bridge over the Budhi Gandaki River, and then trekking uphill through forests of pines and bushes of rhododendrons. As you ascend further, the sound of rushing water will entice you as it guides you to a tiny hamlet called Kholabesi. A little further, and you will pause for some relaxation in the hot springs at Tatopani. After this perfect mid-day break, you will continue through suspension bridges, climb stone stairs, and enjoy the marvellous views of Ganesh Himal. Finally, at the end of the day you will arrive at the charming village of Jagat, where dinner and a restful night awaits you.

Begin the day after breakfast, walking through rich subtropical forests and pastoral villages. Trek past the villages of Salleri and Sirdibas, before crossing a suspension bridge over the Ghatte Khola. More walking will bring you to Philim, a large Gurung village where you can admire the terraced fields, and farming. After a brief pause, you will continue along the Budhi Gandaki River through bamboo forests. Further up, you will enjoy views of wide valleys and have glimpses of the majestic Shringi Himal. The tranquil sounds of nature will surround you as you ascend further, finally arriving at the tiny village of Deng. Hop in a teahouse, have dinner, and go to bed early so that you will conserve energy for tomorrow’s adventure.

You begin the day early, embarking on an uphill trek for most of the day. The trail first leads you through dense forests and alpine vegetation. The sounds of nature surround you, as you keep climbing higher and cheering with fellow trekkers. You cross Budhi Gandaki River several times on suspension bridges, and enjoy stunning views of several majestic peaks of the Manaslu region. Crossing the villages of Rana and Ghap, you will come to carved mani stones depicting Tibetan culture. The scenic route has enchanting views of Ganesh Himal and Shringi Himal. Trekking further, you will arrive at an impressive mani wall. This is the village of Lho, where you will spend the night

Begin your day in Namrung with a breathtaking sunrise view of Ganesh Himal, Naike Peak, and Mt. Manaslu North. You will travel towards Sama from Lho, the destination for tonight. Passing through suspension bridge, streem, lush forest and picturesque villages with terraced fields, you will move ahead. Along the route, mesmerising views of several peaks of Manaslu region will capture your attention, including Himlachuli and Peak 29. As you approach Sama, the unmissable and most-prominent village on the route, you will be welcomed by stunning glaciers and a centuries-old monastery. Hop into a teahouse, take a little break and then explore the enchanting village before calling it a day.

Staying this close to mountains has its own benefits — like having a breakfast with sumptuous views of Mt. Manaslu. As excitement builds up, you will realise that it’s a day of relaxation and enjoyment in this mountain village — with only short hikes for the sake of acclimatisation. Today is also your chance to catch some breath and let your body adjust to the thinner air at this altitude. As options, you can either hike to the ancient Pungyen Gumba or trek to the beautiful Lake Birendra — a serene glacial lake nestled among the giant peaks. If you choose to visit the Gumba, you will have panoramic views of Manaslu Glacier. And if you feel like it, you can take a third option — a longer challenge — where you reach Manaslu Base Camp. Whichever activity you choose to take, you will return to Sama after mid-day, rest, and bask at the natural beauty of the place.

The trek from Sama Gaun to Samdo, situated at 3800 meters, takes approximately 3 hours and offers stunning views. The trail follows a gentle ascent through alpine meadows and rocky terrain, offering panoramic views of the surrounding mountains. As you progress, you’ll gain altitude, passing through pine and juniper forests and observing wildlife like Himalayan marmots and blue sheep. After 3 hours, you’ll arrive at Samdo, a traditional Tibetan village with colorful prayer flags and snow-capped peaks. You’ll stay in a tea house, where you can explore the village, interact with locals, and enjoy a delicious meal prepared by your hosts.

Get up at leisure, have breakfast, and set off towards Larkya Bazaar — a barren land with just a suspension bridge and pure green river flowing underneath. The word ‘Bazaar’, aka market, comes from the seasonal market this place hosts from time to time. If you happen to be here at the time of the markets, you will see Nepali and Tibetan vendors and barters going about their business. Cross the bridge and head slowly and steadily past streams, ascending gradually along the way. After about four hours of challenging trek, you will arrive at Dharmashala, a picturesque campsite and an acclimatisation stop. Here, sights of the stunning Larkya Glacier will melt your heart. Settle in a cosy teahouse in order to rest for the challenging ascent to Larkya-La Pass tomorrow — at a whooping altitude of 5,106 metres.

Wake up well before dawn to embark on the challenging trek to Larkya-La Pass, the highest point on the Manaslu Circuit trail. As you trek higher and higher through the barren terrain, the breathtaking snowcapped peaks of Annapurna II and Himlung Himal will become visible. The terrain is rocky, but views of glaciers and glacial lakes down below will bring some respite to the aching muscles. Keeping your determination at an all time high, you should tread slowly Larkya Glacial Valley in order to avoid altitude sickness. And when you reach the summit at 5,106 metres, you will be greeted by a stunning panorama of the Himalayas. Continue the slow and careful descent as the trail is steep and difficult, and much later you’ll come to the highland pastures of Bimthang, your stop for tonight. The most difficult part of the trek being over, you’ll spend the night in a cosy teahouse, reflecting on the day’s incredible journey.

Set off from Bimthang after breakfast, following views of stunning sunrise over the majestic Cheo, Himlung, Lamjung, and Manaslu peaks. The challenging trail descends along a ridge, so tread carefully. High up, you will have breathtaking mountain vistas but put your attention on the trail below for a safe descent. As you cross Dudh Khola, a river with the whitest white water, you will have entered the district of Manang. Trek further through beautiful rhododendron forests and cultivated farmlands dotted with houses and hamlets. The undulating rugged path will test your knees, no doubt. Stops at traditional villages like Karche and Hampuk will allow for brief rests and hot drinks, and also lunch. Later in the day you will arrive at Tilje, a charming village where you’ll spend the night.

In the morning, begin a winding drive from Tilje to Kathmandu. For about nine hours you will see views of the Nepalese hilly terrain, including terraced paddies and countless valleys. Except where the highway is under construction, the ride is comfortable. After a brief refreshment at Besisahar, you will continue the drive to Kathmandu. Along the long winding way, you will enjoy the beauty of rivers, waterfalls, and villages, before finally arriving in Kathmandu. Once here, you will check into the hotel and have rest and refreshments. Later, as we gather for the dinner, we will share stories of our unforgettable trip of the past two weeks. As you prepare to unwind for the night, you will reflect on the essence and beauty of the regions that you just visited. The tiresome but a soul-satisfying journey that you just undertook in Nepal will be in your memories, which you will cherish throughout your life.

After breakfast or depending upon your flight schedule we will transfer you to the airport. As your plane takes off from the runway in Kathmandu, your journey to Nepal comes to an end for this time — until you decide to visit again for some memorable and soul-searching trip in the Himalayas.