Manaslu Circuit Trek

Arrive at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu. Our representative will meet you and transfer you to your hotel. Attend a trip briefing with your guide where you'll receive final preparation information, permit details, and have any questions answered. Spend the evening exploring Thamel or resting for the journey ahead.

Early morning departure from Kathmandu for a scenic drive to Soti Khola (710m). The 7-8 hour journey takes you through terraced hills, traditional villages, and along the Budhi Gandaki River. Watch as the landscape transforms from the Kathmandu valley to the gateway of the Manaslu region. The road can be rough but offers spectacular views.

Begin your trek along the Budhi Gandaki River, traversing through rice paddies, waterfalls, and subtropical forests. The trail passes through small villages where locals farm terraced hillsides. Cross several suspension bridges and enjoy your first views of the dramatic canyon scenery that characterizes this region.

Continue through the deepening Budhi Gandaki gorge, passing through the villages of Khorlabesi and Tatopani (hot springs). The trail involves several ascents and descents, crossing numerous streams and waterfalls. The landscape becomes increasingly dramatic with towering cliffs and the roaring river below.

Enter the Manaslu Conservation Area as the valley narrows dramatically. Trek through Philim, a large Gurung village, and continue through forests of bamboo and rhododendron. The trail climbs and descends repeatedly, crossing the river several times on suspension bridges. Notice the gradual shift in culture and architecture as you approach the Tibetan-influenced region.

The landscape and culture noticeably change as you climb higher. Pass through Ghap with its distinctive Tibetan-style buildings and prayer walls. The trail enters dense forests with occasional clearings offering views of the surrounding peaks. Namrung is a traditional Tibetan village with stone houses, mani walls, and your first clear views of Manaslu.

A spectacular day with increasingly dramatic mountain views. Pass through Lihi and Lho, where you'll see ancient Ribung Gompa perched on the hillside. Continue through juniper and birch forests to Samagaon (Ro), the largest village in the upper valley. This prosperous trading village has stunning views of Manaslu's massive north face and is home to the famous Pungyen Gompa monastery.

Essential rest day for altitude acclimatization. Take a day hike to Birendra Lake (Birendra Tal), a sacred glacial lake at 3,450m offering spectacular views of Manaslu. Alternatively, hike to the Manaslu Base Camp viewpoint or explore Pungyen Gompa and the village. This day is crucial for preparing your body for the high pass crossing ahead.

Continue north through increasingly barren high-altitude terrain. The trail follows the river past mani walls and chortens, climbing gradually through the valley. Samdo is a traditional trading village near the Tibetan border, where locals historically traded salt and wool. Enjoy afternoon views of the surrounding peaks and observe the hardy lifestyle of the Samdo people.

A shorter but important day as you position yourself for the pass crossing. The trail climbs through yak pastures and over moraines with stunning views of Larkya Peak. Dharamsala (also called Larkya Phedi or Larke Phedi) consists of simple stone shelters at the base of the pass - a cold but atmospheric place to spend the night.

The highlight of the trek! Wake before dawn for the challenging climb to Larkya La Pass (5,167m). The ascent takes 3-4 hours over rocky moraine and possible snow. At the top, experience breathtaking 360-degree views of Manaslu, Himlung Himal, Cheo Himal, Kangguru, and the Annapurna range. The descent is long and steep, dropping over 1,500m to the meadows of Bimthang. This demanding 10-12 hour day is the most rewarding of the trek.

Enjoy a more relaxed day as you descend through beautiful forests of rhododendron, oak, and pine. The trail offers stunning views of Manaslu, Lamjung Himal, and Himlung Himal. Pass through traditional farming villages as the landscape becomes greener and warmer. The contrasting scenery to the barren high pass terrain is remarkable.

Continue descending through the Marsyangdi valley, passing through the villages of Thonje and Tal. The trail follows the river through a spectacular gorge and emerges at Dharapani, where you join the Annapurna Circuit trail. Celebrate completing the Manaslu Circuit in this busy trading village on the main highway.