Manaslu Circuit Trek

Welcome to the Himalayan country of Nepal! Upon your arrival at the Tribhuvan International Airport, a representative will welcome you and assist you in transferring to your hotel in Kathmandu. After you settle in and enjoy some time to refresh, you will meet with your group and guide in the evening. Your representative transfers you to a typical Nepalese restaurant in the heart of the city for a welcome dinner and a briefing about the journey ahead. You then spend the night at the hotel.

After breakfast, you visit the Pashupatinath Temple, Nepal's largest Hindu religious complex, dedicated to Lord Shiva, which is significant not only for its spiritual devotion but also for its historical and artistic architecture.  After lunch, you will travel to Patan Durbar Square, which was located in the medieval royal palace of Patan until the mid-19th century. The area is surrounded by beautiful, imposing monuments that tell stories that recount fascinating, esoteric legends and fascinating historical events. Finally, visit the stupa of Swayambhunath, situated at a vantage point that gives you a good view of the valley. From there, you will have a beautiful view of Kathmandu.

Prepare for an early start today after enjoying breakfast. You take an approximately 8 to 9-hour private drive from Kathmandu toward Soti Khola via Arughat. The journey starts on smooth country roads before becoming a rugged, off-road experience toward the second half, leading you to Arughat Bazaar, a major trading hub for the local inhabitants of Gorkha. From Arughat, you then travel by local bus for the final stretch to Soti Khola. You settle into a mountain lodge for the night, ready for the trek to begin tomorrow.

Elevation: 730 meters / 2395 feet / 140 kilometers
Distance: Approximately 8 hours drive

The trekking officially begins today as you set out from Soti Khola toward Khorla Bensi. You walk alongside the majestic Budhi Gandaki River, taking in beautiful mountainous landscapes and terraced farmlands as you follow the river's winding path. You comfortably reach Khorla Bensi at the end of the day for your overnight stay.

Elevation: 900 meters / 2,952 feet 
Walking Distance: 14.2 Kilometers / 8.8 Miles
Duration: Approximately 5 - 6 Hours

Today, you follow the bank of the Budhi Gandaki River, navigating steep sections of the trail and witnessing mules walking across the path. You soon see a huge cliff looming on both sides, which requires you to cross to the opposite side to reach your destination. Upon arrival, you officially enter the Manaslu Conservation Area, a restricted zone, before staying overnight at a local teahouse in Jagat.

Overnight at a local mountain lodge

Elevation: 1,370 meters / 4,494 feet
Walking Distance: 22.2 Kilometers / 13.8 Miles
Duration: Approximately 5 - 6 Hours

Exploring deeper into the Manaslu Conservation Area, you maintain the peaceful, natural atmosphere established yesterday. Your path is marked by numerous wooden suspension bridges and continuous crossings of the Budhi Gandaki. After several ascents and descents, you first reach the small settlement of Philim, then pass through Ekle Bhati, finally arriving at Deng. This quiet village, offering plenty of local lodges, is your overnight stop.

Overnight at a local mountain lodge

Elevation: 1,860 meters / 6,102 feet
Walking Distance: 20 Kilometers / 12.4 Miles
Duration: Approximately 8 - 9 Hours

Moving away from Deng, you journey toward Namrung, one of the region's most culturally rich local villages, which provides deep insights into the Himalayan way of life. The day involves minimal significant ascents or descents, but you encounter a steep cliffside near the Budhi Gandaki River, where you may spot local fauna like deer. Before reaching your lodge, you visit a local Buddhist monastery, enjoying its influential and peaceful surroundings before settling into Namrung for the evening.

Elevation: 2,580 meters / 8,464 feet
Walking Distance: 19.4 Kilometers / 12 Miles
Duration: Approximately 5 - 6 Hours

The Manaslu trekking trail offers excellent views today as you make your way through the villages. Walking through beautiful rhododendron forests in Lho, you begin to enjoy panoramic views of the snow-capped Manaslu Himalaya as you reach Shyala. Exploring this stunning landscape and local surroundings, you pass monasteries and local schools before arriving at Sama Gaun for your overnight stay

Elevation: 3,390 meters / 11,122 feet
Walking Distance: 8.1 Kilometers / 5 Miles
Duration:  Approximately 6 - 7 Hours

Today is dedicated to rest and acclimatization at Sama Gaun, allowing your body to adapt to the increasing altitude. You begin your morning with an early walk, journeying through a steep ascent toward Birendra Lake. Later, you hike for a couple of hours to Pungyen Gompa, where you are rewarded with an excellent, up-close view of Manaslu and the chance to visit the monastery. You return to Sama Gaun, having effectively conditioned your body for the higher elevations ahead.
 

Enjoy a comfortable, shorter walk today as you journey toward Samdo. Along the way, you gain insights into the local Tibetan-influenced Buddhist culture, tradition, and lifestyle. You will turn prayer wheels, observe beautiful Mani walls, and admire amazingly built chortens. After just a few hours, you arrive at Samdo, where you will spend the night.

Elevation: 3,690 meters / 12,103 ft
Walking Distance: 8.1 Kilometers / 5.03 Miles
Duration: Approximately 3 - 4 Hours

Today will also be an easy, comfortable walk from Samdo towards Dharmasala. This location is commonly known as the base camp, or 'phedi', for the upcoming Larkya La Pass. As you arrive at your local teahouse, you prepare for the challenge tomorrow. You enjoy your dinner and retire quite early, taking rest and energy bars to prepare for the early-morning trek across the pass above 5,000 meters

Overnight at a local mountain lodge

Elevation: 4,460 meters / 14,632 feet
Walking Distance: 6.6 Kilometers / 4.10 Miles
Duration: Approximately 4 - 5 Hours

You rise before sunrise, departing from your teahouse very early as you head toward Larke La Pass. This is the most demanding day of the trek. You follow steep trails to reach the highest point of the journey, the Larkya La Pass at 5,135 meters. The view from the pass is truly astonishing, revealing an unparalleled perspective of Annapurna 2, Cheu Himal, Himlung Himal, and other surrounding peaks, with the immense Manasalu Himalaya directly in front of you. After capturing this incredible moment, you begin the descent to Bimthang, where you take much-needed rest and re-energize during your overnight stay.

Overnight at a local mountain lodge

Elevation: 3,790 meters / 12,434 feet Via Larkya La Pass 5,135 meters / 16,847 feet
Walking Distance: 24.5 Kilometers / 15.22 Miles
Duration: Approximately 8 - 9 Hours

With the toughest sections of the Manaslu Trek completed, today involves a gradual descent through culturally rich villages. You walk through vast rhododendron forests that bloom magically during the spring months of March, April, and May. Trekking across the ridge with fewer uphills and more downhills, you arrive at Tilche for your overnight stay.

Elevation: 2,255 meters / 7398 feet
Walking Distance: 26 Kilometers / 16.1 Miles
Duration: Approximately 8 - 9 Hours

Moving away from Tilche, you journey toward Syange, which you reach after approximately five to six hours of trekking. Enjoy excellent views of the changing landscapes, the forests, and the terraced farmlands along your final stretch of walking
 

Enjoy breakfast before you take a short, approximately 2-hour drive by local bus to Besisahar. Upon arrival, the rest of the afternoon is free at leisure to relax, explore the town, or reflect on your trekking journey. You spend your final night in the mountains here.

Enjoy breakfast before embarking on the drive back to Kathmandu today. You leave the mountains behind and follow the scenic route back to the capital, where you check into your hotel in Kathmandu. The rest of the day is free at leisure to rest, explore the local area, or do some initial souvenir shopping.

Today is your departure day. The morning is free for you to use as you wish, perhaps enjoying some last minute shopping for gifts or souvenirs for family and friends, or commencing any extra trips or activities you may have booked. When it is time for your international flight, you will be privately transferred to the Tribhuvan International Airport for your journey onwards.