Manaslu Circuit Trek

After finishing your visa and luggage checking process, you will be warmly greeted by our office representative and transfer you to the hotel in Kathmandu on private vehicle.  A pre-trek briefing will be scheduled to discuss the trekking program and coordinate any last-minute arrangements.

You can refresh yourself, go for a walk down the street to get familiar with your surroundings before preparing for a tasty welcome dinner of local Nepalese cuisine which you will truly enjoy accompanied by a cultural dance performed by the local belles. Your first overnight in the city of temples, probably the most in the world.

Our trip to Machha Khola takes off in the early morning after breakfast. We take a local bus from Machhapokhari’s New Bus Park early morning around at 7:00 am. You also have an option of a private jeep from Kathmandu to Machha Khola at an additional cost for your comfortable drive. A 4WD jeep, which is designed specifically for an off-road drive, is what you choose if you prefer to use a private jeep for your Manaslu Circuit journey.

Driving along the Prithivi Highway following the Trishuli River, we get to enjoy the aspects of the countryside with the scenery of the gorgeous landscapes.
From Kathmandu to Hanuman Danda, there is a smooth, pitched road. It takes about 4 hours to reach Hanuman Danda and further 3–4 hours to Machha Khola. However, occasionally there is heavy traffic on the road, so the actual travel time may be longer.

Although it will be a quite bumpy and dusty road. After about an 8 hrs of the long drive from Kathmandu, we finally reach Machha Khola via Soti Khola around 3-4 pm. You can freshen up by taking a bath in the river. We stop overnight at one of the local teahouses in Machha Khola.

Overview of Machha Khola (900m)

Machha Khola is a small riverside settlement along the Budi Gandaki River and serves as one of the early overnight stops on the Manaslu Circuit. The village is mainly filled with Gurung communities and simple teahouses along the trail. Surrounded by forest hills and terraced farmland, the sound of the river keeps company with trekkers throughout this section of the valley.

We cross over Machha Khola and head upstream to the tiny village of Khorla Bensi and the hot springs at Tatopani. The whole valley here becomes steeper to the limits till the route to cross then switches to the left bank by a suspension bridge. The trekking trail is quite exposed and challenging in some places. After a short section of forest trail, we reach a single teahouse at Doban.

Above Doban village, the Budi Gandaki descends with some notable flowing of rapids. Beyond this hard steep section, the River is much more placid, meandering across a wide gravel bank, and from Lauri, we will cross the river by crossing a suspension bridge, and then climb on a high trail to the fields of Jagat.

Overview of Jagat (1370m)

Jagat is a charming stone-paved village that marks the official entrance to the restricted Manaslu region. Traditional houses built from stone and slate line in its narrow streets, giving the village a distinctive Himalayan character. The village also marks the beginning of a stronger Tibetan Buddhist cultural influence, visible in prayer flags, mani stones, and small chortens.

Permit Checkpoint Note:
At Jagat, we present our trekking permits at the official MCAP (Manaslu Conservation Area Project) checkpoint, where records of trekkers entering the region are verified.

The next 8 hours walk is to reach up to Deng. The trail goes ascending through a terraced hill of Salleri village where you can get enchanting views of Sringi Himal (7,177m). We can rest a while to enjoy the views of beautiful mountains. Continuing the journey, the trail goes through Sirish Gaon and narrow Gandaki valleys and some tall walls. Overnight at Deng at the local lodge.

Overview of Deng (2095m)

Deng is a quiet Himalayan settlement located beside the Budi Gandaki River. The village consists of a small cluster of houses and teahouses surrounded by forests and steep hillsides. This area is predominantly Buddhist, and trekkers begin to notice mani walls, prayer flags, and chortens along the trail, reflecting the Tibetan cultural heritage of the region.

After having a hot breakfast, we will set off for Namrung which is about a 6 hours walk. The trek starts following Deng River and the trail next goes through a newly built rock tunnel. The influences of Tibetan culture start to appear as you can see Mani stones and Chortens around it. Overnight at the local lodge.

Overview of Namrung (2630m)

Namrung is a picturesque Tibetan-style village known for its carved wooden houses, stone alleys, and prayer wheels. As trekkers gain elevation, the cultural atmosphere becomes distinctly Tibetan. On clear days, Namrung offers the first close views of Manaslu (8,163m) and Himlung Himal (7,126m), making it an exciting milestone on the trek.

Today, we are heading to Syala. Travelers often set their camp in Samagaun from Namrung but we stay in Syala. The views seen from Syala village are far more attractive than from Samagaun.

Today is the day that -we are going to climb almost 1000m elevations, hence we advise our trekkers for an easy and slow walk as we are gaining the high altitude within a short period.

Leaving Namrung, the trail leads us through barley fields, ethnic settlements and the picturesque village of Banham, Lihi, Sho, and Lho. Lihi and Sho are the traditional Tibetan villages in the Manaslu region.

Lho, is one of the largest villages decorated with lots of Buddhist prayers flags with a beautiful monastery and mani walls. In addition, the sight of gorgeous Simnang Himal (6251m), Ganesh Himal I, Manaslu, Kutang Himal, Phungi, Peak 29 and Himalchuli add some pleasant flavor to our today’s tough hike.

After long day haul ups and down walks, we reached Syala, a beautiful village surrounded by snowcapped mountains. Stay overnight at a local lodge in Syala.

Overview of Syala (3500m)

Syala is a scenic mountain village surrounded by some of the most spectacular Himalayan views on the Manaslu Circuit. A small Buddhist monastery stands at the center of the village, while open pastures and yak grazing fields surround the settlement. From here, trekkers can enjoy panoramic views of Manaslu, Himalchuli, Ngadi Chuli, and Ganesh Himal.

We wake up, be fresh, have breakfast and hike to Pungyen monastery. It is perched above the Manaslu Valley that holds deep spiritual significance for local Buddhists. It also offers a sacred space for meditation and worship, with stunning views of Manaslu reinforcing the connection between nature and spirituality. The monastery also plays a key role in preserving the cultural heritage of the Nubri people.

After visiting the Pungyen gompa we retrace our trail to Samagaun. The journey goes through a wooden bridge over Budi Gandaki River. Going forward the trail passes some houses and cultivated fields. We follow the right section of the Riverbank, with views of Peak 29 ahead. As we continue on the main trekking trail, we reach the first section of Sama Gaon, 3500m.

The trail also provides you the view of peaks like Naike peak, Manaslu north (7,774m) and Manaslu (8,150m), which will lessen your exhaustion. Overnight at the local lodge.

Overview of Samagaun (3530m)

Samagaon is the largest and most developed village in the upper Manaslu region. The settlement is home to the ancient Pungyen Monastery, an important spiritual center for local Tibetan Buddhist communities. There lies Birendra Lake, a turquoise glacial lake fed by the Manaslu Glacier. Samagaon is also the main acclimatization stop before higher altitude trekking.

Surrounded by mountains in a peaceful forest hideaway, we take an acclimatization day here and explore around and relax. Maybe you can catch up on that book you love so much or even do some washing, if not this then just contemplate on your lovely surroundings.

If you are interested, you can hike up to Manaslu base camp which is about 8-9 hours (both way) or hike to Birendra Taal (2 hours hike – both way), a turquoise lake at the foot of the Manaslu glacier. Overnight at Sama Gaon.

The thundering Budi Gandaki trickles to a stream as we walk ahead to its upper course which seems to never end; hereabouts we are surrounded by spectacular mountains from all around.

Manaslu is particularly impressive after crossing over to the east bank of the River; we reach the last permanent settlement in the valley, which is called Samdo. The Village has well-established Tibetan refugee inhabitants. Overnight at Samdo.

Overview of Samdo (3850m)

Samdo is the la

Your Guide’s Advice for Today:

The walking distance is shorter today, so avoid sleeping during the day in Samdo, as it may affect your sleep at night. After lunch, take a relaxed walk around the village to stay active. At around 3,850 meters, keep yourself warm and well hydrated. And if you notice any changes in your health let your guide know immediately.

st permanent village before the Larkya La Pass and lies close to the Tibetan border. The village is inhabited by people of Tibetan origin, and its culture strongly reflects Tibetan traditions. Yak herding and trade historically sustained the community, and trekkers often see yak caravans and stone-built houses clustered beneath Samdo Peak.

About the Tibetan Border (5,030m)

The high meadows near the Tibetan border were historically used for trade and seasonal grazing.

Historical Note:
This area was once a vital part of the ancient salt trade route between Nepal and Tibet. For centuries, traders crossed these mountain passes with caravans of mules and yaks, exchanging salt, wool, and grain between the Himalayan regions.

After Samdo, we cross the stream, which runs down from the Gya La (Pass), way to Tibet. We come to the ruins of an abandoned village, known as Larkya Bazaar. Perhaps, this village must have been a trading point with Tibet lying over the Gya La at some time in the past. The local market seems to have dried up, leading to the migration of the settlement near the Larkya Glacier; Climbing further, we arrive Dharmasala at 4460m, the teahouses have been built for travelers before they cross over the Larkya La. Overnight at a local Teahouse.

Overview of Dharmasala (4,460m)

Dharmasala, also known as Larkya Phedi, is a remote high-altitude stop used as the final overnight point before crossing Larkya La Pass. Accommodation here is very basic, consisting of simple lodges built to shelter trekkers. The surrounding landscape is rugged and glacial, with impressive views of the Larkya Glacier and nearby snow peaks.

Today is a little adventurous and longer trek than before as we have to walk for about 9 hours passing an altitude of 5,106 meters. Our journey starts after we have our breakfast. The trail ascends towards Cho Chanda and then slowly goes steep up to the Larkya La pass which requires lots of strength and stamina.

After we reach the top, we can have a magnificent view of the snowy peaks of Himlung Himal (7,126m), Cheo Himal (6,820m), Gyagi Kung, Kang Kuru (6,981m), and the Annapurna II (7,937m) standing in front of us. After this, we descend to Bhimtang walking over steep paths. Overnight at the local lodge.

About Larkya La Pass (5,106m)

Larkya La Pass is the highest point of the Manaslu Circuit Trek and one of the most dramatic Himalayan passes. From the summit, trekkers are rewarded with breathtaking panoramic views of Himlung Himal, Cheo Himal, Kang Guru, Annapurna II, and Manaslu. Colorful prayer flags mark the pass, symbolizing safe passage through the mountains.

Overview of Bimthang (3,720m)

Bimthang lies in a beautiful alpine forest surrounded by glacial landscapes and grassy meadows. The village offers spectacular views of Manaslu, Lamjung Himal, and Annapurna II. After the challenging Larkya La crossing, Bimthang provides a peaceful setting where trekkers can rest beside streams, forests, and wide Himalayan pastures.

Conquering heights and lengths, the trail today goes easy and normal. The trail to Dharapani drops further, through meadows, pine, and rhododendron forest until reaching Hampuk.

Moving forward, we Follow the course of Dudh Koshi River, and then the trail further drops down to Tilche and Thoche. Crossing the Marshyandi River, we reach the village of Dharapani. Overnight at the local lodges.

Overview of Dharapani (1,860m)

Dharapani is a lively village where the Manaslu Circuit trail meets the Annapurna Circuit route. The settlement sits along a major trekking corridor and has relatively better facilities compared to earlier villages. From here, trekkers typically continue toward Besisahar or Kathmandu, marking the final stage of the Manaslu journey.

This is an approximately 9 hour’s scenic drive to Kathmandu. In the first part, we take 4 hours off-road jeep drive to Besishar from Dharapani and then a further 5 hours bus drive to Kathmandu. We lunch out A la carte at a good roadside restaurant. After so long, we will drive back to Kathmandu by bus goes through Marshyangdi and Trishuli River.

You can observe the people and their lifestyles staying beside the highway. After we reach Kathmandu, you will be taken to your hotel. You can freshen up and enjoy an evening walk around Thamel.

Our office support staff will be on standby with a vehicle to take you to the airport for your connecting flight home. On the other hand, if you prefer to stay longer you can go for short tours such as game drives, some go-wild safaris at National parks, or maybe some white water rafting, there are mountain biking thrills or you can even get bolder & cross the border for some fantastic overland tours to Tibet.