Manaslu Circuit Trek

Our representative receives you at the Tribhuvan International Airport upon your arrival and transfers you to your hotel. Later, we meet to orient you regarding the plans for the following days.

Kathmandu is the historical and cultural heart of Nepal. It has been a popular destination for tourists ever since Nepal opened its doors to its visitors. Markedly, the city presents a wonderful mix of almost all the cultures of Nepal and a fair share of Western influences in the valley. Our guided tour comprises memorable heritage sites such as the biggest Hindu shrine of Pashupatinath, the largest Buddhist stupa in Nepal – Boudhanath, the exemplary Kathmandu Durbar Square, and the famous Monkey Temple in Swayambhunath. After the day sightseeing tour, we drive back to the hotel to pack our equipment and gear for the trek. With the remaining spare time, you may explore the Thamel Market and nearby shops for last-minute shopping for trekking supplies.

The drive from Kathmandu to Machha Khola starts along the Prithivi Highway and branches off to Dhading Besi. Following this, another few hours of drive to Arughat crosses through beautiful mid-hill regions with the view of Ganesh Himal over the horizon. Finally, we drive further to Machha Khola where we overnight.

The Manaslu Circuit Trek begins today alongside the Budhigandaki River, through Khorlabesi, and warm spring at Tatopani. We cross the river and continue along the eastern banks to eventually cross an impressive 195m cantilever bridge drilled into the cliff at Yarubagar. Much to our delight, beautifully cascading waterfalls show up before we stop for lunch at Dobhan. After Yaruphant, we switch to the western banks of Budhigandaki and trek for about half an hour to enter the Manaslu Conservation Area at Jagat. Overnight at Jagat.

The trek resumes along the slate-paved trail that drops down to a suspension bridge followed by a gradual climb past Salleri and Sirdibas. Onward, fascinating Buddhist monuments mark the trail. Walking almost two hours beyond Philim, along the western banks, the trail to Tsum Valley veers to our right. We proceed straight ahead to cross the metal bridge over Budhigandaki and trek west of the river. Further ahead, a forested trail and uphill climb brings us to Nubri Valley where the symbols of Tibetan Buddhism get more extensive. We walk a bit further to arrive at Deng and overnight.

The trail continues parallel to the river along the northeastern bank. Later, we arrive at Ghap, a traditional Buddhist hamlet with myriads of Mani stones and Chortens. Beyond Ghap, we cross the wooden bridge over the Budhigandaki River and make the final climb along the low mountainous rhododendron forest to Namrung, a beautiful highland village with abundant traces of Buddhism. Overnight at Namrung.

The trek resumes after breakfast along the trail that enters the inner Himalayan range. We cross the glacial Hinang River at Lamagaon as we head towards Lho. Throughout the trail, the views of peaks including Mt. Manaslu, Gorkha Himal, Dwijen Himal, Saula Himal, and Lajing Peak among others entice us. As the trek gains elevation, the landscape now begins to be dominated by scant alpine vegetation. A short trek today ends as we approach mani walls, Chortens, prayer flags, and monasteries – signalling our entry into the highland village of Lho where we overnight. The Ribung Gompa looks spectacular with Mt. Manaslu behind it.

The treks for the coming few days are shorter to help in the acclimatization and prevent altitude sickness. The trek today beings through a stone gate with a series of colorful mani walls with a striking view of Peak 29 (Ngadi Chuli) right ahead of us. We trek up to Punggen Glacier from where we can savor the close-up view of majestic Manaslu. Finally, we chase the trail along the lateral moraine of Punggen Glacier to reach Sama Gaon to stop for the night.

We have trekked for more than a week. So, to acclimatize well before heading towards a higher elevation at Larkya La Pass (5106m) we take a day to rest and explore Sama Gaon. The day hike takes you to Manaslu Base Camp, a viewpoint of Manaslu, Larke, and Naike Peak, Punggen, and Manaslu glaciers among others. Additionally, we walk to Birendra Lake which is spectacularly crystal blue during summer and glistening ice during winter.

We have a comfortable day ahead of us making a gradual climb to Samdo along the deserted trail of the windy valley. The Tibetan border lies 4 kilometers north. Samdo is a small settlement in the proximity of Tibet and hence we can observe plenty of Tibetan traces at Samdo. Besides, the mesmerizing views of Mt. Manaslu, Samdo (Pang Chuli), Ngadi Chuli, Simnang Himal, Manaslu glacier, Manaslu Icefall, and several other majestic peaks greet us.

The ascent of the Manaslu Circuit trek continues as we get one camp closer to Larkya (Larke) La Pass. We walk further leaving behind the Budhigandaki River and walk through the trails that take us up the acclivity of high hills. The day ends at Larkya La Phedi.

Summiting the highest point of our entire trek- Larkya La pass highlights the day. We start with a short hike up to Larkya Glacier. The area around the glacier offers a beautiful vista of the Cho Danda and Larkya Peak. Up ahead, the pass gets steeper until we reach the summit at 5,106m. However, our efforts are rewarded with a breathtaking Himalayan vista. The mountain peaks such as Cheo Himal, Annapurna II, Kangguru Himal, and Himlung Himal can be seen. Undoubtedly, we capture the splendid views from Larkya La Pass in our hearts and then descend to Taubuche. Eventually, we reach Bimthang and spend the night at a tea house.

After breakfast, we descend further down through forests of rhododendron, bamboo, and pine. We continue through settlements like Sangure Kharka, Khareche and Gho until we stop for the night at Tilje.

The final day of the Manaslu Circuit trek begins with crossing the bridge over Dudh Khola as we exit out of Tilje and arrive at Tonje. We can witness the striking view of Mt. Manaslu from Tonje. The trek continues via Dharapani and Karte to arrive at Tal village located at the foot of a cascading waterfall. Overnight at Tal.

We drive to Kathmandu in a private vehicle, along the serpentine roads through beautiful villages and busy towns. On your arrival at Kathmandu, you are transferred to your hotel. In the evening, we enjoy a farewell dinner together in one of the finest restaurants in Kathmandu.

This is your last day in Nepal. You may indulge yourself in some souvenir shopping or relax until your departure to the airport. Whenever you’re ready, an airport drop-off is arranged for your final departure flight. Hope to see you again!