Manaslu Circuit Trek-16 Days

Kathmandu Valley has the highest concentration of World Heritage Sites, and it’s only fitting not to miss them while you’re staying in the valley itself. A great beginning to an exciting itinerary, you can visit plenty of places in this capital city full of heritage. You will visit the Swayambhunath Stupa (aka “Monkey Temple”) in the morning. Later on, have a sumptuous lunch at a restaurant in Kathmandu Durbar Square — one of the three mediaeval Durbar Squares inside the Valley. In the afternoon, you’ll visit the temple of Pashupatinath, belonging to Lord Shiva, where you can soak in the atmosphere and watch the world go by from a quiet bench above the bank of Bagmati. Later in the afternoon you will circumnavigate the renowned Stupa of Bauddhanath — probably the largest stupa in the world. Feel free to customise a day-trip from a number of choices.

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. Later in the day you will arrive in Namrung, a village with monasteries and some local charm, where you’ll spend the night.

After a filling breakfast in Namrung, you will begin the trek to Lho. Out of Namrung, the trail leads you through bushes of rhododendron and forests of oak. From several turns, you will have glimpses of the enchanting Nubri Valley. As you ascend further, stunning views of the snow-capped Manaslu and Shringi ranges will inspire you. As you pass through the charming little villages of Lihi and Sho, you will see barley plantations in terraced farms. The views of ancient chortens there might even remind you of a cinema set. 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 Lho with a breathtaking sunrise view of Ganesh Himal, Himalchuli, and Mt. Shringi. After a quick breakfast, you might want to visit the monastery of Ribung Gompa, a slight deviation from the main track. If not, you can travel towards Sama, the destination for tonight. Passing through 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.

After breakfast in Sama, you will take a trail along the banks of the Budhi Gandaki River. Along the way, you will cross suspension bridges and mani walls — making for an immersive experience. As you pass through juniper and birch forests at higher altitudes, the landscape transforms from thickets to thin vegetation. The stark beauty of the highlands will be immediately visible, especially when you catch a breathtaking view of Manaslu and Samdo peaks nearby. You will trek further through hamlets reflecting Buddhist culture, and lying on the ancient trade routes. Later in the day you will reach Samdo, a charming village where you’ll settle into a teahouse and get a well-deserved rest.

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 Tilche, a charming village where you’ll spend the night.

Although the name is the same, ‘Jagat’, which you will be reaching today, is a completely different place from ‘Jagat’, that you set off from, towards the beginning of this trek. Today, starting after breakfast from Tilche, you’ll first walk through beautiful highland pastures and later, through forests of rhododendron trees. Mani walls and prayer flags will greet you along the way; and as you come near Dharapani, you will walk along the riverbank on stone-paved stairs. Thus, after about three hours out of Tilche, you’ll have arrived at the popular village of Dharapani at the bank of Marsyangdi River. Dharapani is a place where the Manaslu Circuit connects with the Annapurna Circuit. Trekkers coming in for Annapurna region will mingle with trekkers coming out of Manaslu region, making for a spectacular sight of several nationalities from around the world. Sharing laughter and speaking a dozen languages, the ambience at Dharapani, one of the remotest locations on the planet, is unique in itself.

Coming out of Dharapani, scenic views of local villages will keep you on the rugged track to Jagat. Arriving at the village of Tal, mid-way to Jagat, you will be coming closer to the end of this trek. Ahead of Tal, you will encounter several waterfalls on your way. Lush forests, terraced fields, and a growing number of houses will signify that you’re coming close to larger villages. Finally it’s there — Jagat — the place where you’ll rest for the night. And this marks the end of the actual trek of Manaslu Circuit. You will lie down in a teahouse and take a long breath of satisfaction as you’ll have completed one of the most difficult treks in Nepal. You’ll realise that this trek has been nothing but the passing of a test of your own endurance and determination.

In the morning, begin a winding drive from Jagat to Kathmandu. For about eight 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.