Manaslu Circuit Trek

Arrive at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu, where our representative will welcome you and escort you to your hotel. Meet your licensed guide for a pre-trek briefing, check gear, and submit passports for the mandatory Manaslu Restricted Area Permit (RAP) verification.

Depart Kathmandu early morning in a private 4WD vehicle, traveling along the Trishuli River highway before turning toward Dhading Besi and Arughat. Continue along the rugged mountain road flanking the Budhi Gandaki River to the village of Machha Khola.

Driving Time: 8–9 hours | Overnight: Teahouse lodge in Machha Khola

Cross the Machha Khola and follow the winding trail upstream along the gorge. Pass natural hot springs at Tatopani, traverse a cantilever suspension bridge over the roaring Budhi Gandaki, and ascend stone steps to Jagat, the official entry checkpoint for the Manaslu Conservation Area.

Trekking Time: 6–7 hours | Distance: 15 km | Overnight: Teahouse lodge in Jagat

Climb over a rocky ridge to Salleri with panoramic views of Sringi Himal (7,187m). Descend to Sirdibas, cross the longest suspension bridge on the route to Philim, and walk through bamboo and pine forests before reaching the small Gurung settlement of Deng.

Trekking Time: 6–7 hours | Distance: 19 km | Overnight: Teahouse lodge in Deng

Cross the Budhi Gandaki and enter the upper sub-alpine valley influenced by Tibetan Buddhist culture. Ascend through dense forests of fir, rhododendron, and oak, passing intricately carved mani stone walls and chortens to arrive at Namrung.

Trekking Time: 6–7 hours | Distance: 17 km | Overnight: Teahouse lodge in Namrung

A stunning, visual trekking day. Pass through the alpine village of Lihi with its stepped barley fields, then ascend to Lho. Visit the hillside Ribung Gompa, home to dozens of young monks, and gaze upon unobstructed views of Mount Manaslu (8,163m) towering directly behind the monastery.

Trekking Time: 4–5 hours | Distance: 10.5 km | Overnight: Teahouse lodge in Lho

Walk past the ancient chortens of Shyala village, surrounded by glaciers and 7,000m peaks including Himal Chuli and Peak 29. Descend to the wide glacial valley of Samagaon, the largest and most historic settlement in the upper Nubri Valley.

Trekking Time: 4–5 hours | Distance: 8.5 km | Overnight: Teahouse lodge in Samagaon

An essential rest and acclimatization day. Take an active morning day hike to the turquoise waters of Birendra Lake (3,450m) beneath the Manaslu Glacier, or make the rewarding hike up to Pungyen Gompa (4,050m) nestled in a high amphitheater facing Manaslu East Peak.

Activity: 4–5 hour acclimatization hike | Overnight: Teahouse lodge in Samagaon

Descend to the Budhi Gandaki riverbed, pass through birch and juniper woodlands, and climb the shelf above the river to Samdo, a traditional village inhabited by Tibetan refugees just a few hours walk from the border with Tibet.

Trekking Time: 3–4 hours | Distance: 8 km | Overnight: Teahouse lodge in Samdo

Take a morning acclimatization hike along the historic trade route toward the Tibetan border at Lajyung Bhanjyang pass. Enjoy grand vistas of Larkya Peak, Simrang, and the Manaslu range before returning to Samdo for an afternoon of rest.

Activity: 3–4 hour hike | Overnight: Teahouse lodge in Samdo

Descend to cross the wooden bridge over the Budhi Gandaki and climb across the rugged moraine flanking the Larkya Glacier. Arrive at Dharamsala (Larkya Phedi), a seasonal base camp shelter located at the foot of the pass. Rest early for tomorrow alpine crossing.

Trekking Time: 4–5 hours | Distance: 7 km | Overnight: Teahouse lodge in Dharamsala

Begin before dawn at 4:30 AM. Climb the gentle but freezing glacial lateral moraine past frozen lakes to the summit of Larkya La Pass (5,106m). Take in 360-degree panoramas of Himlung Himal, Cheo Himal, Kang Guru, and Annapurna II. Descend steeply on a snow and scree ridge down to the green alpine valley of Bimthang.

Trekking Time: 8–9 hours | Distance: 16 km | Overnight: Teahouse lodge in Bimthang

Descend through pristine rhododendron, oak, and pine forests following the Dudh Khola. Pass through the villages of Gho and Tilije, cross a suspension bridge over the Marshyangdi River, and join the main Annapurna Circuit trail at Dharapani.

Trekking Time: 6–7 hours | Distance: 17.5 km | Overnight: Teahouse lodge in Dharapani

Board a private 4WD jeep from Dharapani to Besisahar, then transfer to a private vehicle for the scenic drive along the highway back to Kathmandu. Check into your hotel and enjoy a warm shower.

Driving Time: 8–9 hours | Overnight: Hotel in Kathmandu

Enjoy breakfast in Kathmandu. Our driver will transfer you to Tribhuvan International Airport 3 hours prior to your scheduled flight departure for your onward journey.