Manaslu- 16 days
About this Trek
Manaslu (8156m) is the highest peak in the Gorkha district and 8th highest in the world, located northwest of Kathmandu and about forty miles east of Annapurna. One will find relatively less trekkers in this route compared to the other established trekking routes. This trek provides amazing mountain views, rich culture and adventure. Its proximity to Tibet/China makes it a restricted area which makes it mandatory to obtain a special permit in order to trek in this region. Trek gradually gains elevation and then traverses through the Larke la to get to Annapurna region where the trek ends.
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General Information
Key informations that define this iconic adventure
5160m
Maximum Altitude
16 Days
Days Duration
Sep-Nov
Best Season
Lodge
Difficulty Level
No additional content available
Day-by-Day Itinerary
A detailed breakdown of your adventure
Day 1: Arrive in Kathmandu
Touchdown at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu. You will be warmly met at the arrival terminal and transferred directly to the team hotel. Spend the afternoon resting after your flight, exploring the colorful alleys of Thamel, or completing any last-minute gear rentals. Gather in the evening for a comprehensive pre-trek briefing with your expedition leader to sort out your special restricted area permits.
Day 2: Drive Kathmandu to Machha Khola via Soti Khola
We depart Kathmandu early in the morning for a rugged and deeply scenic drive. Heading west, the road follows the winding Trishuli River before turning north along the Budhi Gandaki River. We pass through rural highway towns and vibrant terraced hillsides, moving past Soti Khola to finish our drive at the riverside village of Machha Khola.
Day 3: Trek Machha Khola to Jagat
Our foot journey begins. The trail follows the narrow valley floor, undulating along the banks of the Budhi Gandaki River. We pass through Tatopani (where natural hot water sprouts from the hillside) and cross multiple suspension bridges hanging over the river rapids. After climbing a set of stone steps and navigating a rocky ridge, we enter the neatly paved village of Jagat, the entry checkpoint for the restricted area.
Day 4: Trek Jagat to Deng
We begin the morning with a gradual climb to Salleri, offering beautiful views of Shringi Himal ($7,161\text{m}$). The trail drops down to Sirdibas and crosses the river to Philim, a large Gurung village. From here, the path moves through a dramatic, narrow gorge where the river cascades over massive boulders. We walk through bamboo forests and cross back over the water to reach the small settlement of Deng.
Day 5: Trek Deng to Namrung
A spectacular day of walking as we gain significant altitude. The trail winds through dense, moss-draped forests of fir, oak, and rhododendron, crossing the Budhi Gandaki multiple times. As we climb higher, the cultural landscape shifts from Hindu-influenced villages to traditional Tibetan-Buddhist communities. The trail opens up into the beautiful village of Namrung, known for its ancient mani walls and stone architecture.
Day 6: Trek Namrung to Lho
A shorter trekking day but packed with jaw-dropping views. We walk through fields of barley and past small stone houses to enter the village of Lihi, home to a beautiful Buddhist chorten. As we approach Lho, the towering twin peaks of Mt. Manaslu break spectacularly into view for the first time. Spend the afternoon exploring the massive Ribung Monastery perched on the hillside above the village.
Day 7: Trek Lho to Sama Gaon
We trail through the pine forests of the upper valley, accompanied by grand views of Mt. Manaslu and Naike Peak. We pass through Shyala village, a settlement framed by a $360^{\circ}$ barrier of peaks including Himal Chuli and Peak 29. A short walk brings us into Sama Gaon, the largest and most important village in the region, where the traditional stone houses sit nestled in a wide glacial valley.
Day 8: Acclimatization and Active Rest Day in Sama Gaon
A mandatory rest day to allow your body to adapt to the thin air before heading toward the pass. To stimulate oxygen absorption, we keep active with a morning hike. You can make a steep climb up to the serene, turquoise Birendra Tal glacial lake, or take a longer, challenging hike toward Manaslu Base Camp (4,400m) to watch active mountaineering expeditions preparing for the summit.
Day 9: Trek Sama Gaon to Samdo
We resume our loop, descending to the Budhi Gandaki River and following its gentle incline as it shrinks into a small stream. The trail passes massive mani walls and old prayer chortens, climbing through sparse alpine juniper scrub. We are just a day's walk from the Tibetan border here. We arrive early at Samdo, a quiet, high-altitude outpost populated by Tibetan refugees, leaving a restful afternoon to acclimatize.
Day 10: Acclimatization Day in Samdo (Hike to Tibetan Border Route)
Our second mandatory acclimatization phase. Today we take a mindful hike up the valley toward the ancient Lajyung La pass trade route leading to Tibet. This walk offers incredible perspectives of Larkya Peak, Simrang Himal, and the massive ice walls surrounding Manaslu. We return to Samdo for lunch and a restful afternoon to conserve our energy.
Day 11: Trek Samdo to Dharamsala (Larkya Phedi)
We descend past the stone ruins of a seasonal market and cross a final wooden bridge over the Budhi Gandaki stream. The trail climbs steadily up the lateral moraine of the Larkya Glacier. Trees and vegetation are entirely gone, replaced by a stark, beautiful world of gravel and ice. We finish our short day at Dharamsala, a basic high-altitude stone lodge settlement. Sleep early in preparation for the pass.
Day 12: Cross Larkya La Pass (5,106m) to Bimthang
The grand finale of the circuit. We wake up long before dawn, around 4:00 AM, pacing ourselves up the long, steady switchbacks of the moraine in the freezing alpine air. Guided by headlamps, we navigate the snow fields to stand at the prayer-flag-strewn crest of Larkya La Pass (5,106m). The view is spectacular, stretching across Himlung Himal, Kang Guru, and the Annapurna massif. After celebrating, we face a long, steep, 1,400-meter descent down loose scree and snow slopes to reach the beautiful valley basin of Bimthang.
Day 13: Trek Bimthang to Tilije
Leaving the high peaks behind, we descend into a paradise of lush vegetation. The trail drops through massive, untouched forests of rhododendron, pine, and oak, tracking the fast-flowing Dudh Khola river. The air grows thick, making walking feel light and effortless. We pass through small mountain pastures and riverside clearings before reaching the beautifully paved Gurung village of Tilije, famous for its local apple brandy.
Day 14: Trek Tilije to Dharapani | Drive to Besisahar
Our final morning on the trail. We make a quick, pleasant walk down past terraced fields, crossing a suspension bridge over the Marsyangdi River to hit the village of Dharapani—where the Manaslu Circuit meets the classic Annapurna Circuit route. Here, we say goodbye to our porter team and board a private four-wheel-drive vehicle to navigate the rugged mountain road down to Besisahar.
Day 15: Drive Besisahar back to Kathmandu
We board our private transport or tourist coach for the return drive along the paved Prithvi Highway back to Kathmandu. The route snakes along the white-water rapids of the Trishuli and Marsyangdi rivers. Arriving in Kathmandu by late afternoon, check back into your hotel for a long-awaited hot shower and clean clothes before gathering for a celebratory farewell dinner.
Day 16: Fly Home
Your remote Himalayan loop officially comes to an end today. We provide a private, scheduled airport transfer to align with your international departure flight home.
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