Nepal18 days
Manaslu Circuit Trek — 18 Days
Around Nepal's eighth-highest mountain: 8,163m peaks, remote river valleys, and the 5,160m Larkya La pass
The Manaslu Circuit circumnavigates the eighth-highest mountain on earth in a region that receives a fraction of the foot traffic of Nepal's better-known treks. The route follows the Budhi Gandaki River northward from low subtropical forest through bamboo and rhododendron growth into high alpine terrain, crosses the major pass at Larkya La (5,160m), and descends into the Annapurna foothills before returning to Kathmandu. Teahouses operate at regular intervals along the trek, eliminating the need for camping or porters carrying heavy loads. The trailhead lies within driving distance of Kathmandu, accessible by road without requiring domestic flights. Daily stages range from four to nine hours of walking, with the highest camps reached through gradual daily ascents rather than sudden elevation jumps. The trek passes through settled valleys where Gurung, Sherpa, and Tibetan communities maintain trade routes, monasteries, and seasonal herding settlements, and traverses several high-altitude passes used historically for trade with Tibet.
Best time to go: March to May in spring and September to mid-December during autumn
Highlights
- Budhi Gandaki River valley trek with suspension bridge crossings through Sal forest and rocky gorge sections
- Samagaon village and Ribung Gompa at 3,530m with mountain views of Manaslu, Ganesh Himal, and Himal Chuli
- Larkya La pass crossing at 5,160m with views of Himlung Himal, Annapurna II, and surrounding Himalayan peaks
- Acclimatization day hike to trade passes above Samdo village with sightings of Lophophorus, Lammergeyer, and Himalayan Griffin
- High-altitude glacier and moraine terrain between Dharamshala and Bimthang at 4,460–3,720m
- Descent through rhododendron and pine forest to lower foothills and entry into the Annapurna Circuit region
Day by day
1Arrival in KathmanduKathmandu · Tribhuvan International Airport · Thamel
Arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport is met with a transfer to a three-star hotel in Kathmandu. The remainder of the day allows for rest or an informal walk through Thamel, the city's main tourist district, with opportunity for initial souvenir shopping. A welcome dinner featuring Nepalese cuisine is held in the evening. Overnight in Kathmandu.
2Kathmandu Sightseeing and Trek PreparationDurbar Square · Pashupatinath · Swoyambhunath · Bouddhanath
Following breakfast, a guided tour covers major historical and religious sites in the city: Durbar Square with its palaces and temples; Pashupatinath, a principal Hindu temple complex; Swoyambhunath (the monkey temple), a Buddhist shrine on a hilltop overlooking the valley; and Bouddhanath, a large Buddhist stupa. The afternoon includes a pre-trek group discussion and preparation meeting. Overnight in Kathmandu.
3Drive to SotikholaSotikhola · Kathmandu · Dhading Besi · Arughat
An early departure from Kathmandu begins with a paved road drive to Dhading Besi, the district headquarters, followed by a rougher road section to Arughat and onwards to Sotikhola (710m), a regional hub at the trailhead. The eight- to nine-hour journey passes through Nepalese countryside with views of distant mountain ridges. Overnight in Sotikhola.
4Trekking to Maccha KholaMaccha Khola · Budhi Gandaki River · Budhi Gandaki · Khursane · tropical waterfalls · Labubesi
The trek begins with a bridge crossing and passage through Sal forest, climbing to a ridge overlooking rapids in the Budhi Gandaki River. The rocky trail passes Khursane, descends steeply past two tropical waterfalls clinging to cliff faces, and continues around the Gurung village of Labubesi. The path opens into a wider valley where the Budhi Gandaki meanders among gravel bars. After crossing another suspension bridge and walking along rounded stones, the route reaches Maccha Khola village (900m). Walking time is six to seven hours. Overnight in Maccha Khola.
5Trekking to JagatTharo Khola · Tatopani · Budhi Gandaki · Yaru Khola · Jagat village
A narrow trail with minor undulations crosses the Tharo Khola to Khorlabesi. Continuing with several ascents and descents, the route passes a small hot spring at Tatopani. The trail then climbs over a ridge, crosses the Budhi Gandaki by suspension bridge, and ascends a wide stone staircase. After traversing a landslide section and another ridge, the path crosses a suspension bridge over the Yaru Khola and climbs stone stairs to Tharo Bharyang. The trek follows the river, crosses the west bank of the Budhi Gandaki, and climbs toward Jagat village (1,410m). Walking time is six to seven hours. Overnight in Jagat.
6Trekking to DengDeng · rocky ridge to Salleri · Sirsibas · suspension bridge at Philim · Ekle Bhatti · steep, uninhabited gorge · Budhi Gandaki · bamboo forests · Deng Khola
The day begins with a climb over a rocky ridge to Salleri, then a descent to Sirsibas. The widening valley leads the trail to Ghatta Hola and further upstream to a long suspension bridge at Philim, a large Gurung settlement. The trail turns north onto level terrain crossing millet fields to Ekle Bhatti. The route enters a steep, uninhabited gorge, descends to grassy slopes, and crosses the Budhi Gandaki repeatedly, staying first on the west bank, then the east, then west again. Continuing through the valley, the trail passes bamboo forests before reaching the Deng Khola, which is crossed to arrive at the small village of Deng (1,804m). Walking time is six to seven hours. Overnight in Deng.
7Trekking to NamrungNamrung · Budhi Gandaki valley · Prok village · Deng to Rana · Budhi Gandaki River gorge
After a brief walk from Deng, the trail crosses the Budhi Gandaki and climbs to Rana (1,920m), then joins a trail from Bhi heading west up the Budhi Gandaki valley. The trek passes through forests and stone prayer walls (mani), turning at a corner to contour toward Ghap. The route continues through Prok village, which has a viewpoint overlooking Siringi Himal. The Budhi Gandaki is crossed several times, and several monasteries (gompas) are passed en route as the trail follows the river upstream through dense forest. After crossing at an impressive spot where the river thunders through a narrow gorge, the forest thins and a steep final climb leads to Namrung (2,630m). Walking time is six to seven hours. Overnight in Namrung.
8Trekking to Samagaon with Mountain ViewsSamagaon · Lihi · Lho · Shyala · Ribung Gompa
The day begins with views of Siringi and Ganesh Himal, and Himal Chuli to the south, as the trail climbs steadily through forests to Lihi, a village marked by numerous chortens and barley terraces. The path drops to cross a side valley while Ganesh Himal remains prominent. After passing through Sho, Lho, and Shyala villages, the trek enters Sama village. At Shyala, high mountains surround the trail: Himal Chuli and Peak 29 (Ngadi Chuli) to the left, Manaslu and large glaciers directly ahead, and other snow summits to the right, with Ganesh Himal at the far end. The route continues to Lho village, which offers sustained views of Manaslu, and passes the Ribung Gompa before reaching Samagaon (3,530m). Walking time is six to seven hours. Overnight in Samagaon.
9Acclimatization Day in SamagaonSamagaon
This day is spent at Samagaon for rest and acclimatization to the altitude. Time is devoted to observing and learning about local Sherpa culture, the thousands of mani stones inscribed with Buddhist texts, and traditional dress worn by women in the community. Overnight in Samagaon.
10Trekking to SamdoSamdo · Budhi Gandaki · Samagaon to Budhi Gandaki River
From Samagaon, the trail descends to the Budhi Gandaki River, now flowing north, and follows it to a bridge crossing a side stream. The Larkya La trail passes several mani walls as the valley widens; a left fork leads to Manaslu Base Camp. The route drops off the shelf, crosses the Budhi Gandaki on a wooden bridge, and climbs steeply onto a promontory between two river forks. Passing through a kani (archway), the trek reaches Samdo (3,860m). Walking time is four to five hours. Overnight in Samdo.
11Acclimatization and Hike from SamdoSamdo · historic trade passes to Tibet · Gy La
This acclimatization day offers two options. The recommended option is a hike up the valley behind Samdo to historic trade passes to Tibet, providing panoramic views of Manaslu and other Himalayan ranges including Simrang, Hiuchuli, Ngadi, Larkya Peak, Cheo, and possibly Kang Guru beyond the pass. En route to these viewpoints, the hike passes seasonal herding settlements called dorkas and offers sightings of mountain birds including the Lophophorus (Nepal's national bird), Lammergeyer, and Himalayan Griffin. An alternative option is a full-day hike to Gy La, a more frequently used trade route to Tibet north of Samdo, though this is a longer and potentially more tiring option. Overnight in Samdo.
12Trekking to Dharamshala (Larkya Base Camp)Dharamshala · wooden bridge over the Budhi Gandaki · Larkya Glacier
Continuing along the valley edge, the trail crosses a wooden bridge over the Budhi Gandaki and begins an upward traverse. Two streams are crossed while the Larkya Glacier comes into view. The route passes around the valley of the Salka Khola and climbs to a stone shelter building known as Dharamshala or Larke Phedi (4,460m). The relatively short walking day of four to five hours leaves ample time for rest and afternoon acclimatization. Overnight in Dharamshala.
13Crossing Larkya La Pass to BimthangLarkya La · Bimthang · valley on the north side of the Larkya Glaciers
A short climb reaches a valley on the north side of the Larkya Glaciers with views of Cho Danda and Larkya Peak. The trek crosses glacier moraines on a gradual ascent that steepens only near the pass itself, reaching Larkya La (5,160m) with outstanding views of Himlung Himal, Cheo Himal, Kangguru, and the massive Annapurna II. The descent to Bimthang (3,720m) through low pastures extends the day to eight or nine hours. Evening mist rising over the grassy terrain with Manaslu looming nearby marks the arrival at this alpine setting. Overnight in Bimthang.
14Descending to TilijeTilije · ridge at Bimthang · Sangure Kharka · Dudh Khola · rhododendron forest · Karche · Gho
The day begins with views of Manaslu, Lamjung Himal, Himlung Himal, and Cheo Himal from a ridge at Bimthang. The trek descends further through high pasture (Sangure Kharka) and crosses a bridge over Dudh Khola. Passing through rhododendron forest and following a narrow valley trail, the route reaches Karche (2,785m), the highest cultivated land in the valley, followed by the village of Gho. The descent continues to Tilije (2,300m). Walking time is five to six hours. Overnight in Tilije.
15Trekking to TalTal · a small ridge · Thonje village · Dharapani
A small ridge is crossed and a stone-paved trail passes through a well-maintained village before crossing a bridge over Dudh Khola. The path climbs through a chorten-shaped arch, passes a mani wall, and reaches Thonje village. After passing a police checkpoint, the route continues to Dharapani, where the trek enters the Annapurna Circuit region. The trail descends further through Karte village, crosses a bridge over the Marshyangdi Khola, and arrives at Tal (1,700m), situated at the base of a large waterfall. Walking time is five to six hours. Overnight in Tal.
16Trekking to SyangjeSyangje · Chyamje village · Marshyangdi Khola · Marshyangdi valley
The trail follows the route to Chyamje village and crosses the Marshyangdi Khola again, entering the open Marshyangdi valley with its terrace fields and villages positioned high on the hillsides. The descent continues through rhododendron and pine forests to Syangje (1,080m). Walking time is six to seven hours. Overnight in Syangje.
17Drive from Syangje to KathmanduSyangje to Kathmandu · Kathmandu
The return to Kathmandu covers eight to nine hours by vehicle, traveling via Besi Sahar along the banks of the Marshyangdi and Trishuli rivers. The drive passes through hill and mountain landscapes, observing terraced agricultural fields. Upon arrival in Kathmandu, travelers are escorted to their hotels. The afternoon and early evening allow for relaxation or final shopping. A farewell dinner is held at the end of the day. Overnight in Kathmandu.
18Departure from KathmanduTribhuvan International Airport
The trek ends with transfer to Tribhuvan International Airport for the departure flight. Time before departure can be spent with travel companions exchanging contact information and organizing photographs from the trek.
Where you go
- 1Kathmandu
- 2Tribhuvan International Airport
- 3Pashupatinath
- 4Kathmandu
- 5Dharapani
- 6Kathmandu
- 7Tribhuvan International Airport
Included
- Included
- Airport pick-up and drop services.
- Double sharing full board basis 4-star hotel in Nepalgunj, as per itinerary
- Scheduled flight Nepalgunj – Simikot – Nepalgunj
- Charter helicopter flight 30min share by 5 person Simikot – Lapcha la - Simikot
- Double-sharing hotel in Nepalgunj and 3 or 4 pax in Simikot and Tugling
- Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner as per itinerary (B, L, D)
- Nepali Team Leader and Supporting Sherpa Team and Medical Insurance for staff
- Veg. Indian meals during the trip
- Duffel Bag (a large bag to keep the yatris' luggage for the trip), Gore-Tex Jacket (returnable-trip)
- Upper Humla permit fee for the client and the helicopter landing charge
- Gamow bag, oxygen, and oxy- meter for safety
Not included
- Excluded
- All beverages during the trip and in Kathmandu, Nepalgunj, and Simikot
- Extra room bills due to flight delays because of weather conditions
- Insurance of clients and evacuation costs
- Domestic excess baggage charges and airport taxes
- Tips for supporting staff
Activities: TREKING, HIKING