Manaslu Trek - 18 Days

Touch down at Kathmandu's international airport where our team will greet you and provide complimentary transportation to your accommodation. Take time to rest and adjust after your journey, or explore the vibrant streets of the capital city at your leisure.

Enjoy a relaxed day in the capital while our team processes your Manaslu trekking permits. Take this opportunity to explore Kathmandu's fascinating cultural sites if you wish. The day includes comfortable hotel accommodation and morning meal.

Begin your adventure with a scenic drive to Arkhet, taking approximately seven hours through landscapes showcasing Himalayan peaks above verdant hillsides. The route follows the main highway to Malekhu, then diverges over the Trisuli River toward Dhading-Besi before continuing on unpaved roads. After the drive, embark on a three-hour trek to Sotikhola, following the Buri Gandaki River upstream through thick sal tree forests. Magnificent views of Ganesh II (7,118m) and Ganesh IV (7,104m) accompany your walk through the warmer lowlands.

Descend along the riverbank from Soti Khola, passing numerous tea establishments and encountering mule caravans along the trail toward Machhakhola. This pleasant day's walk crosses a suspension bridge over Nauli-Khola, continues to Khanigaon, then reaches the bridge over Machhakhola. The village takes its name from the local fishing traditions, as "Machha Khola" translates to "fishing stream."

Continue your morning journey to the small settlement of Khorla Beshi, then proceed to Tatopani where natural hot springs offer a welcome respite. The trail leads through Dovan and Yaruphant villages, following the Buri Gandaki River and crossing bridges before arriving at the substantial village of Jagat for your overnight stay.

The journey now heads toward cooler mountain terrain as you progress to Dyang village. Morning walking follows the river, passing scattered farming settlements at Sidibas Bazaar. An uphill climb and suspension bridge crossing at Nagjet leads to Philim village, home to a small primary school with Japanese support. Beyond Philim, traverse wheat and barley terraces, climb a rocky ridge through bamboo groves, and ascend to reach Deng village.

Departing Dyang village, make a gradual descent along the riverbank to reach Bihi Bazaar. This settlement marks the beginning of the Tibetan cultural zone, where traditional customs and heritage become increasingly evident. The proximity to the Tibetan border influences local architecture and religious practices throughout the upper Manaslu and Gorkha regions. A few hours of walking brings you to Ghap village for the night.

Cross the Budhi Gandaki river and pass through small settlements with terraced agricultural land before reaching Numrung village. Here, spectacular views of Manaslu's north face and surrounding high peaks reveal themselves. Continue through several smaller villages including Banjham and Sho, then follow winding uphill paths through Shrip to reach the overnight stop at Lho Bazaar.

Progress toward higher elevations as the route leads to Samagaon and beyond. Morning begins with breathtaking sunrise views over the impressive Mount Manaslu, allowing ample time for photography. The trail passes through rhododendron forests as the landscape transforms into sparse high-altitude terrain. Walking across Phungen Glacier debris eventually brings you to Samagaon village for your overnight rest.

Spend a full day at this elevated location allowing your body to properly adjust to the altitude. Take leisurely walks around this fascinating village steeped in Tibetan Buddhist religion and age-old cultural traditions. This rest day is essential preparation for the challenging high-altitude sections ahead.

Resume your journey toward Samdo, passing traders arriving from Tibet with yaks carrying goods and merchandise. The trail follows the stream through high-altitude terrain to reach Samdo village, situated close to the Tibetan frontier. This traditional trading settlement offers insight into the hardy lifestyle of people living at these extreme elevations.

A shorter but important walking day positions you at the base of Larkya La pass. The morning route follows the river originating from Gya La, where a trail branches toward Tibet. Your adventure continues straight ahead to a small settlement at Larkya Bazaar, then a couple more hours brings you to overnight lodgings at Dharamsala, located directly beneath the pass.

The expedition's crowning achievement begins with an early morning start for the demanding climb and descent. Follow the steep ascent toward four frozen glacial lakes and continue to the summit of Larkya La Pass at 5,200m, the journey's highest elevation. Snow conditions can make the path challenging across moraines and glaciers, though clear weather provides moderate and exhilarating walking conditions. The pass displays captivating views of Larke Peak (6,249m), Manaslu North (7,157m), and Salpudanda Glacier, adorned with Buddhist prayer flags. Descend into a magnificent green valley surrounded by rhododendron and pine forests to reach Bimthang after a demanding eight-hour trek.

Following breakfast in this picturesque setting, cross a glacial stream and climb over moraine before descending on pleasant pathways through meadows and pine and rhododendron woodlands. Arrive at Gho, a small settlement embraced by enchanting forest, for your overnight accommodation.

Enjoy a relaxed downhill walk to Dharapani, passing Tilche village along the Marshyangdi River. The local Manang people maintain rich Tibetan Buddhist traditions and cultural practices. From the village, easier walking with short uphill sections leads to the larger settlement of Dharapani. This popular stop along the Annapurna circuit route offers comfortable lodging with hot shower facilities.

The final trekking day of this remarkable adventure offers pleasant walking on gradual trails passing through charming villages including Tal Besi, Tal Karte, and Sattale. Descend to cross a suspension bridge spanning the rushing Marshyangdi River while enjoying fabulous views of the Annapurna Himalayan range. Continue through lush green forest following the river downstream with a gradual descent to Jagat village, which shares its name with an earlier stop in the Manaslu region.

After breakfast, begin the return journey to Kathmandu. The drive follows unpaved roads for several hours through farming villages to the substantial town of Beshisahar, the administrative center of Lamjung district. From there, travel on improved roads through interesting scenery before finally arriving in Kathmandu, completing this mesmerizing Himalayan adventure.