Manaslu Circuit Trek-15 days

Upon arrival you'll be greeted warmly by our representative at Tribhuvan International Airport and taken to your Kathmandu Hotel. After you have checked in you can just sit and relax, or take some time to explore the local area of Thamel, one of the most popular tourist areas of the city. Your trekking guide will meet you in the afternoon for a short orientation on the Manaslu Circuit Trek and to provide you with necessary information on the tour ahead and answer any questions you may have.

• Max Elevation: 1,400 m
• Travel Time: Approximately 30–45 minutes from the airport
• Accommodation: Hotel in Kathmandu
• Meals: Not Included 

It is the day to make the final preparations for Manaslu Circuit Trek. Our staff will make all the preparations for the Manaslu Restricted Area Permit along with other mandatory permits. You can check trekking gear, rent or buy any missing gear and gear up for the trek during the processing of permits.

There will also be a guided sightseeing tour to visit some of the famous cultural and historical sites in Kathmandu Valley. Your guide will give you an in-depth trek brief in the afternoon or evening, which will include information on the route, day schedule, altitude, safety and more. 

• Max Elevation: 1,400 m
• Travel Distance: Approximately 15–25 km
• Travel Hours: Approximately 4–6 hours
• Accommodation: Hotel in Kathmandu
• Meal: Breakfast 

The Manaslu trek starts in the early morning from Kathmandu to Machha Khola. The route goes first along the Trishuli River, then along the Prithvi Highway till the Budhi Gandaki Valley where one turns on a mountain road. On the way, you will visit green hills, terraced farms, rivers, waterfalls and small villages, which will bring a picture of the rural life in Nepal with you. Once in the Manaslu region, the road transforms into uneven and rough terrain, followed by, even more breathtaking surroundings. You will reach the riverside village Machha Khola after a long day of drive and will spend your first night here before you begin your trek.

• Max Elevation: Approximately 930 m
• Travel Distance: Approximately 160 km
• Travel Hours: Approximately 8–9 hours by drive
• Accommodation: Teahouse/Lodge
• Meal: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner 

Your first day of trekking passes through forests, rocky paths and small traditional villages, along the Budhi Gandaki River after leaving Machha Khola. The path involves crossing several suspension bridges as you follow the trail till Khorlabesi and finally arrive at Tatopani with natural hot springs near it. From here it follows narrow river-gorges, waterfalls and terraced cultivation with lovely views of the surrounding hills. You will pass along the Budhi Gandaki River a few times on the way to the stone steps leading to Jagat. In this, a very beautiful stone paved village, trekking permits are checked and it is the official entry to the Manaslu Conservation Area. Racetracks by the houses, flags used for prayers and the nature of the mountains provide a calm start for a rich cultural and nature experience at Jagat.

• Max Elevation: Approximately 1,340 m
• Travel Distance: Approximately 22 km
• Travel Hours: Approximately 6–7 hours of trekking
• Accommodation: Teahouse/Lodge
• Meal: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner 

This day's walk leads deeper into the Manaslu region passing through forests, thin valleys and some villages of the traditional mountain areas. It goes through Salleri, Sirdibas, Philim, Ekle Bhatti, and Bihi Phedi where you can witness the everyday life of the Gurung and Tibetan folks. You will pass through many suspension bridges, step on to sharp cliffs and pass by waterfalls, bamboo forests, pine trees, etc. The landscape slowly shifts and the thrills of Tibetan culture start to become evident as you climb and climb; mani walls, chortens and the clothing of people offering prayer become more prominent along the route. Once through the sublime forest, you will arrive in Deng, a peaceful village. Deng is comfortable being nestled among forests and mountains as it is a base camp before embarking on another trek into the high Himalayas.

• Max Elevation: Approximately 1,860 m
• Travel Distance: Approximately 19 km
• Travel Hours: Approximately 6–7 hours of trekking
• Accommodation: Teahouse/Lodge
• Meal: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner 

This scenic trek passes through the forests of pine trees and bamboo and along the Budhi Gandaki river past Deng. There are multiple suspension bridges and the tourist passes through the small villages such as Rana and Bihi before arriving at Ghap, a traditional Tibetan village in the midst of wonderful forests. En route, you can see colourful prayer flags along the trail, mani walls and chortens to demonstrate the rich Buddhist culture in the region. The views gradually improve from thick forests to more bare, mountainous terrain as you climb onwards. You will get your first glimpse at Mount Manaslu and other far away peaks in the clear days. Artist's rendition of Namrung village by afternoon, you will arrive in the beautiful traditional village of Namrung, which offers excellent views of the mountains, friendly residents and stone houses. Of the villages on the route, it is one of the largest and great stop over before ascending into the higher part of the Himalayas.

• Max Elevation: Approximately 2,630 m
• Travel Distance: Approximately 19 km
• Travel Hours: Approximately 6–7 hours of trekking
• Accommodation: Teahouse/Lodge
• Meal: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner 

After visiting the villages of Namrung the road goes through the villages of Lihi and Sho, before the prayer wheels and traditional Tibetan houses and cropped fields with the mountain views. As you ascend, the views get better and better: Mount Manaslu looks as if it were very near as does Himalchuli, Ngadi Chuli and the Ganesh Himal. The trail is maintained and leads towards the peaceful village of Lho through forests, open hillsides and small streams. You will be able to visit the Ribung Monastery among the many attractions of this beautiful village, which is one of the oldest in the region. From here, you then get the fantastic sunset views of Mount Manaslu looming over the village, making Lho one of the most memorable spots to spend an overnight trekking period.

• Max Elevation: Approximately 3,180 m
• Travel Distance: Approximately 11 km
• Travel Hours: Approximately 4–5 hours of trekking
• Accommodation: Teahouse/Lodge
• Meal: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

As you continue along the trail, you enter forests and alpine areas as you depart from Lho. Following this 30 minute walk you will reach one of the best vantage points on the hike – Shyala. Vested by immense mountains, it is an ideal spot to view Mount Manaslu, Himalchuli, Ngadi Chuli, Peak 29 and other snow capped mountains. The path comes from Shyala, crosses open yak grazing fields, then reaches at the big village of Samagaon. It is a traditional Tibetan settlement, located under Mount Manaslu, and is a significant rest point. Once you have reached a room in the teahouse you can wander around the village, visit neighbouring monasteries, get a feel for the local culture, or simply chill out while enjoying the breathtaking mountains.

• Max Elevation: Approximately 3,530 m
• Travel Distance: Approximately 8 km
• Travel Hours: Approximately 3–4 hours of trekking
• Accommodation: Teahouse/Lodge
• Meal: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner 

This is a crucial acclimatisation day where you can relax and get accustomed to the higher altitude prior to the crossing of Larkya La Pass. Rather than spend an entire day in the lodge, guests will walk to one of the close by viewpoints. You can enjoy the beautiful Birendra Lake, visit the peaceful Pungyen Monastery or hike towards Manaslu BC and enjoy even more amazing mountain views as per your fitness level and weather. During the day, rest and enjoy the mesmerizing panoramic sight of Mount Manaslu, glaciers and neighbouring peaks of the Himalaya from the close distance. After spending some time exploring the area you head back to Samagaon for another night's sleep, before getting ready to make the ascent to the higher sections of the trek.

• Max Elevation: Up to 4,800 m (Manaslu Base Camp hike)
• Travel Distance: Approximately 6–12 km (depending on the hike)
• Travel Hours: Approximately 3–7 hours
• Accommodation: Teahouse/Lodge
• Meal: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner 

On reaching Samagaon after breakfast you will head en route to the remote village Samdo. Today's walk is of a shorter distance but because of the higher elevation it sets a requirement to walk slow and steady. Stretching along a wide river valley, the trail passes through open valleys, up into alpine meadows and over yak herds. While trekking you will have beautiful scenic view of Mount Manaslu, Simnang Himal, Samdo peak and the several snow covered mountains along the way. However, approaching Samdo, you can see that the landscape is arid and hilly to start with and there are less trees and more rocky hillsides. Close to the Tibetan border is the last permanent village of Samdo before Larkya la Pass. Once you reach the summit be sure to pause, wander through the village and enjoy the quiet mountain environment while gearing up for the rest of the hike.

• Max Elevation: Approximately 3,875 m
• Travel Distance: Approximately 8 km
• Travel Hours: Approximately 3–4 hours of trekking
• Accommodation: Teahouse/Lodge
• Meal: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner 

Once more you venture higher in the picturesque terrain of the high Himalayas to climb to the next point of interest – Larkya Phedi or Dharamshala. The path gradually ascends through the rocky trackways, glacial streams, and open valleys, enjoying stunning scenery of the mountains around them. On the way, you'll cross numerous wooden bridges (many man-made) while visiting old mani walls and praying flags. There is an increase in the thickness of the vegetation with its dramatic environment, as the altitude goes up. It is a small settlement created to provide respite for trekkers heading up to Larkya La Pass. Once there, you'll have the chance to take it easy, appreciate the mountain views, and get ready for an adventurous day tomorrow. A good night's sleep is advised; the day of training is to start before sunrise.

• Max Elevation: Approximately 4,460 m
• Travel Distance: Approximately 7 km
• Travel Hours: Approximately 4–5 hours of trekking
• Accommodation: Teahouse/Lodge
• Meal: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner 

This is the longest day and the most rewarding day of the Manaslu Circuit Trek. The journey will begin early in the morning and can be a fairly steep climb up to Larkya La Pass (5,106 metres) the highest point of the trek. The trail passes through rocks, glacial moraines and snow fields to the colorful prayer flags at the top of the mountain. From the pass you will have spectacular panoramic views of Mount Manaslu, Himlung Himal, Cheo Himal, Kang Guru, Annapurna II and many others. This will take you to the pass and then turn back to descend through glacial valleys to Bhimthang through alpine meadows. Enclosed by mountains and the grasslands, Bhimthang is one of the most picturesque overnight campsites along the entire trail.

• Max Elevation: 5,106 m (Larkya La Pass)
• Travel Distance: Approximately 24 km
• Travel Hours: Approximately 8–10 hours of trekking
• Accommodation: Teahouse/Lodge
• Meal: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner 

Today's trek is mostly downhill, through beautiful forest and peaceful valleys, after the challenging pass crossing. The walk continues on through the alpine meadows, then into thick forests of pine, rhododendron and oak, leaving Bhimthang behind. There is a small village named Gho passing through which has a wooden bridge over the Dudh Khola river, across the river is a suspension bridge and is a small village named Karche where you can witness the traditional stone houses and farms. The milder weather and more fertile environment make an enjoyable break from the high altitudes on the way down. You will reach the traditional village of the Gurungs, Tilije by the afternoon of day 5 from where you can rest and enjoy the culmination of the most difficult of days on the trek.

• Max Elevation: Approximately 3,720 m
• Travel Distance: Approximately 19 km
• Travel Hours: Approximately 6–7 hours of trekking
• Accommodation: Teahouse/Lodge
• Meal: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner 

This morning you take a journey from Tilije to Besisahar, on jeeps. The road ascends up the hills and passes through lovely valleys, rivers, forests and typical villages until it merges into the main road. Venturing along you'll see a lot of terraced farmland, waterfalls and the hills around you as you step out of these high mountains progressively. Besisahar, the District headquarter of Lamjung comes after 7-8 hours of travelling. In this place you can have a soothing night, contemplate your trekking journey and commemorate your triumph round Mt Manaslu.

• Max Elevation: Approximately 2,300 m (Tilije)
• Travel Distance: Approximately 65 km
• Travel Hours: Approximately 5–6 hours by jeep
• Accommodation: Hotel/Lodge
• Meal: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner 

Post breakfast, you will take the return journey to Kathmandu back on the Prithvi Highway. The route meanders through small towns, green hills, terraced fields and rural villages, along the Marshyangdi and Trishuli Rivers. On the way you will discover the beauty that changes with the seasons, before reaching the bustling capital once again. You will go to Kathmandu where you will be picked up by taxi for your hotel. The remainder of the day is free to shop, relax or explore the city before traveling further. At the end of the day, kick off the offer of your life-changing Manaslu Circuit trek and reminisce about your trekking experience.

• Max Elevation: 1,400 m (Kathmandu)
• Travel Distance: Approximately 175 km
• Travel Hours: Approximately 6–7 hours by drive
• Accommodation: Hotel in Kathmandu
• Meal: Breakfast