Manaslu Circuit Trek - 14 days

Welcome to Nepal! Upon your arrival at Tribhuwan International Airport (TIA), our friendly Himalayan Partner representative will warmly greet you and transfer you to your comfortable hotel in Kathmandu. Take time to relax and settle in. In the evening, we’ll have a pre-trek briefing to discuss your adventure and meet your expert guide. You will get personal bed space, private bathrooms, hot showers, and 24x7 electricity and internet services in the community.

Your adventure begins to conquer the Manaslu Circuit with and overland journey from Kathmandu to Macha Khola. Our guide will pick you up early from your hotel in the morning and take a taxi to Gongabu Buspark. You will get to experience thrilling off-road adventure in the first day itself, which offers breathtaking scenic views of rural Nepal, passing through valleys and hilly landscapes, riverside villages and terraced farmland. Finally after 8-9 hours drive in the remote Nepal you will reach the serene village of the Machha Khola Nested along the Budhigandaki river.

The following day you will begin your journey after a full breakfast early in the morning. You will start by walking across the twisted roads by the banks of the beautifully flowing Budi Gandaki River. You will witness numerous monkeys and langurs as you enter the forest trail. After the forest is completed you will walk through authentic Gurung villages, like Khoarlabesi. You may get to see the shepherds clad in typical smoke-brown capes called bokkhu. After this short hike along the banks, forest trail and a beautiful village you will reach tatopani 'Hot Water' which is famous for its relxaing hot springs. After enjoying the relaxing break we cross a wooden suspension bridge over the Budi Gandaki River to reach the Jagat a beautifully flagstoned Gurung village located at 1350 meters above the sea level. We need to verify the Manaslu Circuit Trek permits at the check post, as from today you have officially entered the resticted region. 
Here you can rest and enjoy the peaceful environment while the remaining Journey and the Himalayas whispers tales in your ears.

Today, you will walk to Salleri and descend to Sirdibas, a village welcoming you with several gompas and Buddhist prayer flags. After a permit check at Phillim, you continue along the western bank of the river. The trail is beautiful, with unique sculptures over the boulders, rhododendron forests, Himalayan pine, and overhanging rocks. You'll cross the Siyar Khola bridge and reach a junction where the trail separates to Tsum Valley. Finally, you will reach Pewa, and then Deng, where you can finally rest.

The trek from Jagat to Deng involves six and a half hours of continuous hiking, and a night's stay in a cozy teahouse, giving you ample rest.

Your sixth day start off by breakfast leading to todays trek across the bamboo forest. Moving further, you will need to cross a suspension bridge to climb to Rana and Bihi Phedi. You will encounter some White-faced monkeys visiting villages in search for food. The trail then proceeds to Ghap crossing various landslide zones. Be carefull and cautious as these trails could be hard. After the landslide zone you will follow the trail up to Namrung with the elevation of 2660 meters above the sea level. Here you get to see beautiful scenery decorated with the Buddhist symbols like Mani walls, Prayer flags and chorten depicting the area's cultural richness. Todays trek will include dense forests of Rhododendrons, fir and oak trees with occasional suspension bridges and stairway along the way. 
Namrung is known for some of the best teashops and even a mordern restaurant.

Namrung is the right place to find yourself inside the vast and spectacular mountain panaroma that reveals the valley beneath. Witnessing the lifestyles of the Nubri people you will gradually walk past several mani walls, lush terraces, and houses through Banjam to enter the breathtaking fir, rhododendron, and oak forest before climbing to Lhi and then to Sho. During this path you will get to witness the bright green of the lowland valley turn into the muted brown and grays of the Himalayan landscapre of the Manaslu circuit as the sky becomes more clearer. 
From Lho you can catch stunning views of Mount Manaslu Nepal (8163m) and Manaslu North(7157m). If the time favors you can take a optional short hike to Shyala for breathtaking panaromas of the Himal Chuli, Peak 29, Manaslu, and Ganesh Himal.

The next morning the beautiful picturesque view of the Mount Manaslu acconpanies you including gorgeous view of snow-capped mountains including Nga Dze Chuli or Peak 29, Himchuli,Naike peak,etc. Today you will walk across and comparatively easy trail to Shyala, passing through pine and rhododendron gullly. You will encounter some ascending sections tho until you reach the bridge over Numla Khola. The hikers will then climb up the hillside moraine of the Pungyen Glacier and see scattered monasteries that are centuries old. Its challenges increase as the expedition continues down the rocky moraine and across the extensive meadows. From Shyala you will need to walk for almost and hour to reach Sama Gaun. Once you enter the village, mountain views may fade but thr yak pastures and typical Nubri settlement will attrat you. Sama gaun is the principal village of the Nubri Community. You can get to explore the large gompas, shops, a health post and even Wi-Fi access which might be limited in such remote place due to weather.

This day is vitally important for your successful Manaslu Circuit Trek as it serves as a crucial acclimatization day at Sama Gaun. At an altitude of 3,530 meters (11,581 feet) above sea level, allowing your body to adapt to the thinner mountain air is paramount to prevent altitude-related illnesses and ensure your continued progress on the trek Manaslu. Focus on remaining well-hydrated, consuming healthy and nutritious meals, and getting adequate rest to replenish your energy and stamina for the challenging days ahead, particularly the crossing of Larkya La Pass.

While rest is key, this day also offers enriching opportunities for exploration and further acclimatization through optional side trips that adhere to the "trek high, sleep low" principle:

• Side Trip to Manaslu Base Camp (Approx. 4,800m / 15,750ft): For those feeling strong and wishing to push their acclimatization, a challenging yet incredibly rewarding hike to Manaslu Base Camp is a popular choice. This approximately 7-hour roundtrip ascent takes you past Birendra Tal (Birendra Lake) and then steadily climbs north towards the towering Manaslu Glacier. From the Manaslu Base Camp, you'll be greeted by awe-inspiring, up-close views of the magnificent Mount Manaslu Nepal (8,163m) and its surrounding glacial landscapes. This high-altitude excursion, reaching around 4,800 meters, is an excellent way to prepare your body for the higher elevations of the main Manaslu trek route.

• Exploration of Birendra Lake (Approx. 3,600m / 11,811ft): A more relaxed, yet equally picturesque, option is a shorter walk to Birendra Lake. This stunning turquoise glacial lake sits nestled at the base of the Manaslu Glacier, a short distance north of Sama Gaun. It offers serene views and an opportunity for gentle exploration, perfect for light activity that aids acclimatization without excessive strain. It's a fantastic spot for photography and peaceful reflection.

• Hike to Pungyen Monastery (Approx. 4,000m / 13,123ft): Alternatively, you can choose to travel further south towards the ridge of Pungyen Monastery (also known as Pungyen Gompa), a significant cultural and ancient Buddhist site next to Sama Gaun. This approximately 5-6 hour moderate roundtrip walk offers not only spiritual insight into the local Tibetan Buddhist traditions but also provides a fantastic viewpoint for grand panoramas of the Manaslu range. Witnessing the ancient artistry and serene atmosphere of the monastery provides a deep cultural immersion, making it a valuable part of your trekking Nepal Manaslu Circuit experience.

Your expert guide will help you decide the best option based on your energy levels and the group's overall acclimatization status, ensuring your safety and enjoyment on this pivotal day of your Manaslu Circuit Trek.

On the eighth day of your ascend to Manaslu Circuit Trek, your hike begins with an early morning breakfast in the serene village of  Sama Gaun. After a nourishing meal, we will continue conquering our Manaslu trek from Sama Gaun embracing the beautiful Sama Gaun. Todays trek you will experience new height of 3,875 meters (12,713 feet) above the sea leavel. This segement of journey is approximately 16 kilometers(9.4 miles) and typically takes 5-6 hours to complete. This generous timeframe allows you to fully experience  the breathtaking beauty of the surrounding scenery without feeling rushed.
The trek today leads you through a magical landscape, transitioning from vast open valleys to the magical rhododendron and fir forests that line your path. After some time you will meet your previous trekking buddy walking right beside you, Budhi Gandaki River. Across the river, a sturdy wodden bridge awaits carrying you on your way uphill towards the serene and peacefull Samdo village, located majestically at the end of the trail. You will get to enjoy truly magnificent views of the iconic mountains like Mount Manaslu Nepal, and from a favourable angle you will also get glipse of majestic Annapurna range and potentially Dhaulagiri. This will surely make a place in your core memories making this moment an absolute highlight of your adventure. This stedy ascend is crucial step in your acclimatization process, preparing you for the higher altitudes that lie ahead on the Manaslu Circuit Trek.

Today, as the Manaslu Circuit Trek continues its ascent into the high Himalayas, is your second crucial acclimatization day, spent in the remote and culturally vibrant Samdo Village. At an altitude of 3,860 meters (12,664 feet), resting and allowing your body to adapt further is paramount before you face the ultimate challenge of Larkya La Pass. This day is designed for both relaxation and optional exploration to aid your acclimatization process, adhering to the "trek high, sleep low" principle.

You have an invigorating optional hike to the Tibetan border at Rui La Pass, which stands at a remarkable 4,998 meters (16,400 feet) high above the ground. The trek begins directly from Samdo and gradually rises along the Athara Saya Khola (often referred to as the "1800 rivers"), offering a glimpse into the stark beauty of the high-alpine landscape. The climb to Rui La Pass is a rewarding endeavor, offering a spectacular viewpoint. A journey along this trail will be rewarded with awe-inspiring panoramic views of the stunning Himalayas, which majestically cover both Nepal and Tibet, providing a unique cross-border perspective. You'll also be treated to a spectacular sight of the Fukang Glacier, a testament to the powerful natural forces shaping this rugged region. For those who choose this hike, it's an excellent opportunity to gain altitude and test your body's response, making your upcoming pass crossing feel more manageable.

After finishing this thrilling optional hike, you will return to Samdo again to rest, reflect, and ponder about the day's fantastic happenings, preparing for the challenging days ahead on your trekking Nepal Manaslu Circuit adventure.

Today marks a pivotal day on your Manaslu Circuit Trek as you make the final push to Dharmasala, also known as Larkya La Phedi, the crucial base camp before ascending the formidable Larkya La Pass. The trail begins with a gradual descent through picturesque fields adorned with ancient mani walls, reflecting the deep Buddhist traditions of the Manaslu region. After a while, you'll cross a sturdy wooden bridge spanning the powerful Budhi Gandaki River, a constant companion throughout much of your Manaslu trek.

As you gain subtle altitude, the landscape becomes increasingly rugged and high-alpine. The sight of fluttering prayer flags and more intricately carved mani walls lets you know that you are steadily nearing the base of the pass. Throughout this challenging segment of the trail, you will get the chance to cross two glacial streams, and at the same time, enjoy breathtaking views of the majestic Larkya Glacier cascading down the mountainside. The path now takes you around the expansive valley of Salkha Khola, offering panoramic vistas of the raw Himalayan wilderness, before beginning the final ascent up to Dharmasala. This important rest stop, at 4,460 meters (14,633 feet), is where you'll spend the night, focusing on rest and final preparations for the strenuous yet rewarding crossing of the Larkya La Pass on your trekking Nepal Manaslu Circuit adventure.

Today is undeniably the most significant and challenging day of your entire Manaslu Circuit Trek as you set out to conquer the formidable Larkya La Pass. Your journey will begin in the early morning, typically around 3 AM, after a quick breakfast at Dharmasala. Starting early is crucial to cross the pass before strong winds often pick up by mid-morning, increasing the difficulty.

The trail is rough, rugged, and challenging, leading you through moraine fields and often steep, snow-covered sections. You'll trek steadily along a steep grassy slope and walk along the side of the mountain, drawing nearer to your high-altitude destination with each determined step. Be prepared for the possibility of strong winds and even snow or storms, which can further increase the difficulty level of completing this demanding hiking journey.

After a challenging ascent, you'll first navigate downhill to a set of four serene, often frozen, lakes, before making the final push uphill towards the highest point of the pass. When you are finally standing on the majestic peak of Larkya La Pass (5,106m / 16,752ft), you'll be rewarded with breathtaking panoramic views of towering snow-capped giants. Feast your eyes on the incredible vistas of Mount Manaslu Nepal (8,163m), Himlung Himal (7,126m), Mt. Kang Guru (6,981m), and Annapurna II (7,937m). This awe-inspiring 360-degree spectacle makes every challenging step worthwhile on your trek Manaslu.

After soaking in the triumphant views, you'll begin a long and careful descent. Moving ahead, the valley gradually widens, leading you past traditional Mani walls and beautiful, high-altitude settlements as you continue towards the picturesque Bimthang village. This long day, typically lasting 8-10 hours, culminates in the serene valley of Bimthang, where you'll find much-deserved rest after conquering the highest point of your trekking Nepal Manaslu Circuit adventure.

On the 14th day of your Manaslu Circuit Trek, you'll begin your descent from the stunning alpine valley of Bimthang (3,590m / 11,778ft) towards Dharapani, your next significant destination. Today's journey marks a dramatic shift in scenery as you move from the rugged high-altitude wilderness back into lush, more populated valleys.

The trail starts with a continuous descent, initially leading you towards the Budhi Gandaki River. After a few hours of walking, you'll arrive at the small village of Gho. From Gho, the hike continues for about two more hours, taking you through vibrant forests and open meadows that will be your companions. You'll pass by the charming village of Tilje before reaching the bustling village of Dharapani (1,930m / 6,299ft) at Thonje. This area is rich in Buddhist culture, evident in the monasteries and prayer flags adorning the villages. Upon reaching Thonje, a final quick hike brings you directly into Dharapani. This day offers a long but rewarding descent, providing a sense of completion as you re-enter a more connected part of Nepal.

On day fifteen of your remarkable journey, you will travel from Dharapani back to the vibrant capital city of Kathmandu, marking the grand conclusion of your immersive Manaslu Circuit Trek. Your return journey begins with a drive from Dharapani (1,920m / 6,299ft) to Besisahar. Depending on your preference and group size, this leg of the trip will be covered by either a private jeep or a public bus, offering diverse views of changing landscapes as you descend from the mountains.

From Besisahar, a scenic drive will take you another 6 to 7 hours before you arrive in the colorful and bustling capital city of Nepal, Kathmandu (1,400m / 4,593ft). Upon your arrival in Kathmandu, our dedicated Himalayan Partner agent will be there to guide you seamlessly to your comfortable hotel, ensuring a smooth transition back to urban life after your high-altitude adventure. In the evening, you’ll have the opportunity to take a well-deserved break, reflect on your incredible Manaslu trek, and perhaps even take a leisurely stroll to explore the city's lively atmosphere and unique way of life. Himalayan Partner will also host a special farewell dinner to celebrate your successful completion of the challenging yet immensely rewarding trekking Nepal Manaslu Circuit.