top of page

Manaslu Circuit 12 Days Trekking

Updated: Jan 9, 2023

A relatively new route, the Manaslu Circuit Trek is a trekker's dream come true. With rich biodiversity, breathtaking Himalaya panorama, and warm, welcoming people, the uncrowded trails on this trek allow the pure essence and tranquility of the wilderness to shine through.





Highlights of the Manaslu Circuit Trek

Traverse Larkya La Mountain Pass at 5,106 meters 

Enjoy panoramic views of mountains well over 8,000 meters, including Mt. Manaslu, Ngadi Chuli, and Himalchuli.

Wilderness and scenic drive to Aarughat and from Besisahar to Kathmandu

Trek to the restricted area in remote Nepal, one can experience the vast diversities, traditional culture (Sama gau, Samdo village, and Lho), and landscapes.

Beautiful lake, Manaslu Base Camp, the stunning backdrop of the wide Annapurna range

You can look at ancient Tibetan Culture, which is still a way of life for the local people.

Set your sights on stunning views of the Himalayan range, valley, glaciers and moraines, rich flora and fauna, and an abundance of wildlife in the remote.


View a Presentation about Manaslu Circuit Trek


Getting Here

There are two ways to reach Soti Khola and the starting point of this epic trek.

Board a local bus for the 10-hour journey from Kathmandu to Sati Khola,

or choose to travel by private 4-wheel drive jeep arriving in Soti Khola both timely and refreshed.


Trip Facts


trip duration icon hourglass

12 Days


Trek Challenge Grade level 4

Moderate to Rigorous



Max Elev - 5,106 meters


Best season to trek icon, happy face icon

SPRING: March-May

AUTUMN: September-November


Symbol for Accommodation Icon

Hotels, Lodges and Tea Houses

Manaslu Circuit Trek Map


Trekking route map idea for Manaslu Circuit Trek Nepal

Outline Itinerary of Manaslu Circuit Trek

Day 01: Drive from Kathmandu to Machha Khola 10 hours 900m (B/L/D)

Day 02: Trek from Machha Khola to Jagat 7 hours 1,410m (B/L/D)

Day 03: Trek from Jagat to Dyang 7hours 1,804m (B/L/D)

Day 04: Trek from Deng to Namrung 7 hours 2,630m (B/L/D)

Day 05: Trek from Namrung to Shayala/Samagaon (3400m)7 hours 3,530m (B/L/D)

Day 06: Trek from Acclimatization Hike to Pungyen Gompa to Samagaon: 7 hours (B/L/D)

Day 07: Trek from Samagaon to Samdo 5 hours 3,860m (B/L/D)

Day 08: Trek from Samdo to Dharamsala (Larkya Phedi) 5 hours 4,460m (B/L/D)

Day 09: Trek from Dharamsala over Larkya la Pass (5160m) to Bhimtang 9-10 hours 3,720m (B/L/D)

Day 10: Trek Bhimtang to Tilije 6 hours 2,300m (B/L/D)

Day 11: Trek from Tilije to Dharapani, drive to Besi Sahar 7 hours 1,700m (B/L/D)

Day 12: Travel to Kathmandu/Pokhara by Deluxe bus or Micro. B, L 6-7hrs/ 5 hrs


Day 1: Drive from Kathmandu to Machha Khola Via Aarughat

After an early breakfast, we board a local bus for the 10-hour journey to Machha Khola via Soti Khola, enjoying enchanting mountain scenery and a fascinating glimpse into Nepalese rural life. Since today's journey is over a mixture of paved and rough roads by a sharing jeep. Overnight - Machha Khola.


Day 2: Trek to Jagat

After an early breakfast, we follow the trail upstream to the tiny village of Khola Bensi and the hot springs of Tatopani. Here the whole valley becomes much steeper as we switch over to the left bank by the suspension bridge and continue along the exposed and challenging trail.

After a short traverse of the forest track, we reach a single teahouse at Doban, where we can relax and enjoy a short break. Above Doban village, the Budhi-Gandaki River descends the steep ravine with a display of rushing rapids only to settle once again into a tranquil water flow meandering vast gravel river banks.

At Lauri, we will cross the river anew, hiking over an airy suspension bridge, before climbing a high trail to the fields of Jagat; here, we will overnight.



Day 3: Trek to Dyang

Today our journey begins by trekking over a rocky ridge to Salleri before descending to the village of Sirdibas, where the valley widens, and the trail continues up to Ghatta Khola. As we continue walking upstream, we traverse a long suspension bridge leading to the large Gurung village of Philim. From here, the trail turns north and stays reasonably level as it crosses millet fields on the way to Ekle Bhatti. The route now enters a steep, uninhabited gorge where we descend to grassy slopes crisscrossing the Budhi Gandaki River. As the trail continues, the valley widens, and we pass through dense bamboo forests before crossing the Deng Khola River to the tiny village of Deng, where we will overnight.



Day 4: Trek to Namrung

This morning, after a short hike, we cross the Budhi Gandaki River and climb to Rana at 1910m before joining the trail from Bhi and heading west up the Budhi-Gandaki Valley. Here, the trail passes through a dense forest peppered with mani stone walls and prayer wheels before heading toward the village of Ghap, nestled peacefully within the contours of the mountainside. Although another route is available, today we choose to travel through Prok village. The views of Siring Himal are simply breathtaking. We continue to crisscross the Budi Gandaki River passing several monasteries en route as the trail follows the mighty river upstream through the primordial forest before one last dramatic crossing as the river thunders down a narrow gorge. From here, the forest becomes less dense, and the trail settles into a pleasant hike with one last steep climb up to Namrung, where we overnight.

Day 5: Trek to Shayla

Namrung is a small village surrounded by forests, with viewpoints to see Ganesh Himal, Siring Himal, and Himalchuli in the south. We climb gradually up through the woods to Lhi. The attractions of Lhi are Barley terraces and Chortens with a carving of holy Buddhist mantras and sketches.

We further walk through the Sho, Lho, and Shyala Village. There’s a famous Ribung Gomba in Lho. You can see the incredible views of Manaslu from the courtyard of Gumba. Similarly, there are great views of Mt Himalchhuli and peak 29 on the top of Shayala village.

Overnight in a teahouse.

Day 6: ACCLIMATIZATION Day Pungen Gompa Samagaon

We often recommend our clients get used to the height. Take an extra night in and above 3000 m. On Acclimatization Day, we take you to the old Monastery (PUNGYEN-GOMBA) by the hill of Sama-Gaun.

The Monastery lies on the hills, and we can see the fantastic glacier views and expansive views of the surrounding mountains. We descend to Sama gaon.


Day 7: Trek from Sama Gaun to Samdo

Today we go down the Budhi Gandaki River, which turns north and follows it to the bridge by the stream. The path on the left leads to Manaslu Base Camp. The trail to Larkya la passes several mani walls as the valley widens. This is an easy path on the plain above the river, passing via the juniper and birch forests of Kermo Kharka. We drop the center, cross the Budhi Gandaki on a wooden bridge and climb the stairs to the promontory between the two forks in the river. From the rocks, a large white Kani can be seen. Finally passing Kani, we found Samdo. At night in Samdo



Day 8 Samdo - Dharamsala/Larkya B. C.

Today, our walk will be upward, continuing down the edge, crossing the wooden bridge over Budi Gandaki, and witnessing the Larkya Glacier by going around the valley of the Salka Khola and climbing up again to the stone guest house (4450m) while crossing two streams, which is a kind of shelter called Dharamshala, also known as Larke Phedi. The short walk today also leaves ample time for acclimatization and afternoon relaxation.



Day 9: Dharamsala - Larkya la - Bimthang

The most active day of Manaslu Larke Pass Trekking comes when you reach Larke Pass. The day is fun, but you will have a hard and long journey. It will also be one of the longest days. The morning of the day also brings many things to do. It would be best if you woke up early in the morning to start the journey earlier to have more time to travel.

There is no doubt that the road to Larke Pass is tough, bumpy, and challenging. It is better to reach the pass in the afternoon because you will get to Bimthang before dark. As you approach Larke Pass, you will have the trekking day of your life today; all the struggle and sweat will pay off from the top. It stands at a height of 5,106m. You can get a perfect view of the Manaslu region and the mountains and valleys of the nearby Annapurna region.

After a wonderful time at the top, you will come down to Bimthang. Although the path is low and easy to follow, hard and slippery rocks can slow down the journey. It will take 3 hours to reach the night's destination, and on the way, you will meet different glaciers in the area: a warm and proper night's rest in Bimthang.

Day 10: Bimthang - Tilije

Bhimtang is a small settlement on the Manang side. Morning views from the ridge of the Bhimtang are gorgeous.

We can see the great view of Mt. Manaslu, Mt Lamjung, Mt Himlung, and Cheu Himal. We descend through the forest, long pastures, and Rhododendron forest.

The Karche valley has a cultivation field, and we even descend to Gho village further down to Tilije; Tilije has a good guest house, clean and warm. Overnight in teahouse.

Day 11: Tilije - Dharapani -Besisahar

Continuing on our way, we will go to Tal after breakfast. The journey of 5 hours takes along the path below the Marshyangdi River. In the village, we pass the police checkpoint and continue to Dharapani. We entered the Annapurna circuit section from Dharapani. Moving on, we passed the town of Karte, and after a good walk, we crossed a bridge over the Marshyangdi Khola. We give some walls before we reach the village of Tal, located at the bottom of a large stream. At night in Tal

Day 12: Drive Back to Kathmandu or Pokhara


Comments


bottom of page