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3 Star Hotel, Lodge, Tea House
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March to May and September to November
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Kathmandu
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No — cancellation charges apply
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Guided
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English, Hindi
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5,106m / 16,752ft.
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Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
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VISA, AMEX, MASTERCARD
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Available
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Private 4WD Jeep
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6-7 Hours
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15 Days
The 15-day Manaslu Circuit Trek travels from Kathmandu to Machha Khola, then follows the Budhi Gandaki valley through Jagat, Deng, Namrung, Lho and Samagaon. Two acclimatization days in Samagaon and Samdo precede the crossing of Larkya La Pass (5,106m). The route descends through Bimthang and Dharapani before returning to Kathmandu.
Manaslu Circuit Trek Highlights
- Follow the Budhi Gandaki gorge from Machha Khola into the upper Nubri Valley.
- Visit Lho and Ribung Gompa, with itinerary views of Mount Manaslu (8,163m).
- Build in acclimatization hikes from Samagaon and Samdo before the high pass.
- Cross Larkya La Pass (5,106m) and descend to Bimthang.
- Descend through forest and villages to Dharapani, then return to Kathmandu.
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.
- Airport arrival and departure transfers in Kathmandu by private vehicle.
- 2 nights hotel accommodation in Kathmandu with breakfast included.
- Private 4WD Jeep transport: Kathmandu to Machha Khola trailhead and Dharapani to Besisahar/Kathmandu.
- Special Manaslu Restricted Area Permit (RAP), Manaslu Conservation Area Permit (MCAP), and Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP).
- Licensed government-certified English-speaking trekking guide and experienced porter support.
- 12 nights teahouse and lodge accommodation along the Manaslu Circuit trail.
- All three daily meals during the trek (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner) with hot tea or coffee.
- High-quality down jacket and four-season sleeping bag rental on request.
- Comprehensive first aid kit.
- All applicable government taxes, VAT, and local community service fees.
- Celebratory farewell dinner in Kathmandu upon completion.
- International airfare to and from Kathmandu.
- Nepal entry visa fee.
- Mandatory travel and evacuation insurance covering trekking up to 5,500m.
- Lunches and dinners in Kathmandu (except farewell dinner).
- Personal trekking gear and warm clothing.
- Personal expenses: hot showers in high lodges, Wi-Fi, battery charging, laundry, snacks, and alcoholic drinks.
- Tips for guide, porters, and drivers (customary in Nepal trekking).
- Any additional costs due to landslides, weather disruptions, or personal emergency deviations.
The Manaslu region is a regulated eco-zone requiring three official permits: the Manaslu Restricted Area Permit (RAP), the Manaslu Conservation Area Permit (MCAP), and the Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP). All three permits are 100% arranged and included in our package price by Exotic Mountains.
No. Nepal government regulations strictly mandate that all foreign trekkers in the Manaslu Restricted Area must be accompanied by a licensed government guide and travel in a registered group of at least two persons.
The Manaslu Circuit is considered moderately strenuous. It is more remote and rugged than the Everest or Annapurna Base Camp treks. Crossing Larkya La Pass (5,106m / 16,752ft) is a long, demanding high-altitude day, but our itinerary features two built-in acclimatization stops (Samagaon and Samdo) for safety.
The best trekking windows are Autumn (September to November) and Spring (March to May). Autumn offers crisp mountain views and stable conditions, while spring features blooming rhododendrons and melting snowlines.
Teahouse infrastructure on the Manaslu Circuit has developed significantly. Lodges offer twin rooms, foam mattresses, warm dining halls heated with stoves, and hearty meals including Dal Bhat, noodles, soups, and porridge. Basic solar showers and device charging are available for a small fee.
