Manaslu Circuit Trek Itinerery

The adventure of Manaslu circuit trek begins in Kathmandu, the bustling capital of Nepal. You leave the city early in the morning, setting out on a long drive toward Machha Khola, the official starting point of the Manaslu Circuit Trek.

The road first leads to Arughat Bazaar, a lively trade hub beside the Budhi Gandaki River. The town is the last major stop before heading deeper into the Manaslu region. It takes you further into the remote hills, passing through scattered villages and dense forests. As you continue, the road turns rugged, signaling the start of the Himalayan adventure.

As you arrive in Soti Khola (710m/2,330 ft), a peaceful riverside village surrounded by lush hills. The long journey is tiring but rewarding. Along the way, you get the first glimpses of snow-capped peaks, rolling hills, and deep valleys. The fresh mountain air and the sound of the Budhi Gandaki River make you feel connected to nature.

Crossing the river, the trail enters a lush Sal forest. The path is well-trodden but uneven, shaped by the footsteps of trekkers and mule caravans. As you move ahead, the trail becomes rocky and steep, leading up to Khursane village. The climb feels challenging, but the views of the Manaslu and Ganesh Himal ranges make it rewarding.

Machha Khola is a small but lively village, with teahouses offering basic rooms and warm meals. The day's trek may be tiring, but a hot meal of Dal Bhat makes everything feel better. As night falls, trekkers rest, knowing that tomorrow brings another exciting day on the Manaslu Circuit.

• Meals: Lunch+Dinner
• Accommodation: Tea House
• Place: Macha Khola
• Altitude: 869m

The journey from Machha Khola to Jagat is an exciting and adventurous walk along the Budhi Gandaki River. Today’s trail passes through lush forests, charming villages, and natural hot springs, making the trek both refreshing and challenging. You will walk through different landscapes and cultural settlements before arriving in Jagat, a beautifully paved village and an entry checkpoint for the Manaslu Conservation Area.

After breakfast at the teahouse in Machha Khola, the trek starts with a gentle walk along the river. The trail follows a winding path through forests and small settlements. Soon, you will reach Khorla Besi, a small Gurung village.

From Khorla Besi, the trail continues towards Tatopani. This place has a natural hot spring where trekkers can soak their tired feet and relax. If time permits, taking a short break here can be refreshing. After crossing a suspension bridge, the trek moves forward through a beautiful forested section.

The path gradually ascends and leads to Dobhan, a small settlement surrounded by steep cliffs and dense greenery. After Dobhan, the trail climbs higher, passing a few landslide-prone areas. As you continue, you will reach Yaru Phant, a wide, open area where the river flows gently. The trail then crosses a long cantilever bridge, offering spectacular views of the Budhi Gandaki River. The final section of the trek involves a steady uphill climb, leading to the village of Jagat.

Jagat is a picturesque Gurung village built with stone-paved streets and traditional houses. This is the checkpoint for the restricted Manaslu region, where your trekking permits will be checked. The village has several teahouses with good facilities, including attached bathrooms, Wi-Fi, and charging ports.

In the evening, you can explore the village and observe the unique Himalayan lifestyle. Mani walls, stupas, and prayer flags decorate the area, creating a peaceful atmosphere. Jagat marks the transition from the lower subtropical region to the more mountainous terrain ahead.

After a long and fulfilling day, you will rest at a teahouse in Jagat, preparing for the next day’s adventure.

• Meals: Breakfast+Lunch+Dinner
• Accommodation: Tea House
• Place: Kathmandu
• Altitude: 1410m

Today's trek is long and adventurous. After breakfast in Jagat, the trek begins with a steady climb. The stone-paved paths lead to Salleri, a small village with stunning views of Sringi Himal. The trail then descends towards Sirdibas, a charming Gurung village with traditional houses.

Crossing a suspension bridge over the Budhi Gandaki River, the trail continues uphill towards Philim. This is one of the largest villages in the region. The village has schools, a hospital, and a checkpoint where your Manaslu Conservation Area Permit is checked. The houses are built in a traditional style, and the people here mainly follow Buddhism.

Leaving Philim, the trail passes through golden wheat and barley fields. The path then winds through rhododendron and pine forests, offering a peaceful walk. After some time, you will reach a junction where the trail to Tsum Valley separates. From here, the path leads to Pewa, a small settlement with a few teahouses. The journey then continues uphill, crossing the Siyar Khola bridge. This section is more challenging, but the beautiful scenery makes it worthwhile.

The final part of the trek involves walking through a rocky ridge and crossing another suspension bridge. After a few more uphill sections, you will arrive in Deng, a small village nestled in a scenic gorge. The village is surrounded by dense forests and towering cliffs. Most of the people here are of Tibetan origin, and their lifestyle reflects strong Buddhist traditions.

Deng is a quiet place with only a few houses and teahouses. In the evening, trekkers often gather around the fireplace to share their experiences. The village sits right beside the river, offering a peaceful and refreshing atmosphere. After a long day of trekking, resting here feels rewarding.

Tomorrow, the journey continues towards higher elevations, bringing more adventure and breathtaking views.

• Meals: Breakfast+Lunch+Dinner
• Accommodation: Tea House
• Place: Deng
• Altitude: 1860m

Today's journey is long but rewarding. The trail starts with a short walk through a bamboo forest. Then, you cross a suspension bridge over the Budhi Gandaki River. A steep climb brings you to Rana, a small village with a few teahouses. From here, the trail continues uphill to Bihi Phedi. This section is exciting because white-faced monkeys sometimes appear, looking for food.

As you walk further, the path leads to Ghap. This part of the trail is tricky because of landslides. You need to be careful and follow the guide’s instructions. Ghap is a peaceful village with mani walls and Buddhist prayer wheels. After a short rest, you continue the journey.

After Ghap, the trail follows the Budhi Gandaki River. The sound of the rushing water makes the trek feel refreshing. You cross the river several times on suspension bridges. Then, the path enters a dense forest of rhododendrons, oaks, and pines. The smell of the forest and the cool air make the walk enjoyable.

A steep climb brings you to Prok, a village with amazing views of Sringi Himal. After Prok, the trail becomes steeper. You climb uphill in a zigzag pattern, passing through rocky terrain. After hours of trekking, you finally reach Namrung. This village is known for its Tibetan culture and stunning mountain views. The people here are mostly of Tibetan origin, and they follow Buddhist traditions.

Namrung is one of the best places to stay on the trek. It has teahouses, a modern restaurant, and even WiFi. The village is also an important acclimatization stop before going higher. The evening is peaceful, and you can relax while enjoying the view of the snow-capped peaks.

Tomorrow, the journey continues towards Lho, bringing you even closer to the heart of the Himalayas. 

• Meals: Breakfast+Lunch+Dinner
• Accommodation: Tea House
• Place: Namrung
• Altitude: 2600m

After breakfast, you start walking towards your today’s resting destination, Samagon. The fresh mountain air and the peaceful surroundings make the morning walk pleasant. You pass through fields and stone houses, where locals work on their farms. Most of the people here follow Tibetan Buddhism.

The trail gradually climbs through a forest of firs, rhododendrons, and oaks. The trees provide shade, and the sound of birds fills the air. After a while, you reach Lihi, a small village with traditional architecture. The stone houses here look unique. Leaving Lihi, the trail continues uphill. The climb is not too steep, but the air gets thinner. You must take your time and rest if needed.

Soon, you arrive at Sho, another small village. This is where you get the first clear view of Mount Manaslu. Near Sho, you pass through a Buddhist gate arch, known as a Kani. These arches have beautiful paintings and carvings. They add to the cultural beauty of the trek. From here, the trail follows a rocky hillside. The final part of the trek is a gentle climb to Lho.

After a few hours of trekking, you reach Lho. This is one of the bigger villages on the route. The place is famous for its monastery, Ribung Gompa. From here, you can see a magnificent view of Manaslu. The village is full of Buddhist prayer flags, stone houses, and small chortens.

After crossing the stream, you follow a forested path filled with rhododendrons and pine trees. As you move ahead, the forest opens up to a wide plateau. This is Shyala, a small village with spectacular mountain views. From here, you can see Manaslu, Himal Chuli, and Naike Peak.

Beyond Shyala, the landscape begins to change. The forests disappear, and you enter an open valley with yak pastures. You will see yaks grazing on the green slopes, with towering mountains all around. Further along the trail, you come across ancient mani walls and prayer flags.

After a few hours of walking, you finally reach Sama Gaon. The village sits in a wide valley. The towering peak of Manaslu stands right above the village. It has a monastery, several teahouses, and even a small health post. There is also a heliport for emergency evacuations. The village has a calm and spiritual atmosphere, making it a perfect place to rest and acclimatize.

In the evening, you can walk around and explore. If you have extra energy, you can visit the Pungyen Monastery, which offers stunning views of the Manaslu Glacier. Otherwise, you can simply relax and prepare for the next day’s adventure.

• Meals: Breakfast+Lunch+Dinner
• Accommodation: Tea House
• Place: Samagaun
• Altitude: 3540m

Today is a rest day in Sama Gaon. This is important because the altitude is high, and your body needs time to adjust. Even though it is a rest day, you can explore the area. There are three main options. You can visit Birendra Tal, Pungyen Gompa, or Manaslu Base Camp.

Birendra Tal is a beautiful turquoise lake at the foot of the Manaslu Glacier. The hike takes about 1 to 3 hours, depending on your pace. This is a great option if you want a short and easy walk. The water is ice-cold, but some trekkers like to take a quick dip. The lake is peaceful, surrounded by high mountains and glaciers.

Pungyen Gompa is an old Buddhist monastery located on a grassy plateau. The hike starts from a trail between Shyala and Sama Gaon. The place is quiet and spiritual, with amazing views of Mount Manaslu. The monastery has a small prayer hall and monk dormitories built into the mountainside. This is a good option if you want to experience Tibetan Buddhist culture.

If you are feeling strong, you can hike to Manaslu Base Camp. The climb is steep and difficult, but the views are incredible. The trail first passes through a forest, then becomes open and exposed. As you climb higher, you get closer to the Manaslu Glacier, with a turquoise lake below. The final part of the hike is the hardest, with a narrow and slippery trail. If the weather is good and there is no ice, this hike is worth the effort.

If you do not want to hike, you can explore Sama Gaon. You can visit a local monastery, walk around the stone houses, or meet the Nubri people. You can also sit back and enjoy the beautiful mountain scenery.

• Meals: Breakfast+Lunch+Dinner
• Accommodation: Tea House
• Place: Samagaun
• Altitude: 3530m

After breakfast, the trek to Samdo begins. Today’s walk is short and can be considered relatively easy. The trail slowly climbs through a wide valley, following the Budhi Gandaki River. The landscape is now barren and open, with yak pastures and mani walls along the way.

As you walk, you will see marmots running to hide in their burrows. The air feels thin and crisp as you leave the tree line behind. After about two hours, you will cross a wooden bridge over the Budhi Gandaki River. From here, the trail climbs gently towards White Kani, a beautiful settlement where people herd yaks.

Soon, you will reach Samdo, a small Tibetan village. The village has 30 to 40 stone houses, and the people here follow Buddhist traditions. You will see monasteries, stupas, and prayer flags around the village. Samdo is the last village before Larkya La Pass. The people here rely on yak herding, agriculture, and trade with Tibet.

From the village, you can see Sambo Peak, Simnang Himal, Ngadi Chuli, and Mount Manaslu. The scenery is breathtaking, with snow-covered peaks all around.

In the afternoon, you can relax and explore. Some trekkers hike to Samdo Peak for better views, while others enjoy watching the sunset over the mountains. After a warm meal, you will spend the night in a teahouse in Samdo.

• Meals: Breakfast+Lunch+Dinner
• Accommodation: Lodge
• Place: Samdo
• Altitude: 3,860m

After having some delightful breakfast at Samdo, the trek to Dharamsala begins. Today’s walk is short but challenging because of the high altitude. The trail starts gently, passing through fields, mani walls, and a stone archway. Then, it descends towards the Budhi Gandaki River.

After crossing a wooden bridge, the trail climbs slowly through tundra and juniper forests. As you walk, you will see Larkya Glacier hanging from Manaslu North. The path then goes in and out of a deep gorge, with rugged cliffs on both sides.

After about three to four hours, you will reach Dharamsala, also known as Larkya Phedi. This is the last rest stop before crossing the Larkya La Pass. There are only a few stone huts, and the lodges here are very basic. Trekkers often sleep in common rooms because of limited space.

The afternoon is free to rest and prepare for tomorrow’s long trek. Some trekkers take a short acclimatization hike to Khaki Danda for better adaptation. The weather here is cold and unpredictable, but the views of the Manaslu range and Larkya Glacier make it all worth it.

After a warm meal, you will spend the night in a simple teahouse, getting ready for the biggest challenge of the trek, crossing Larkya La Pass.

• Meals: Breakfast+Lunch+Dinner
• Accommodation: Lodge
• Place: Dharmasala
• Altitude: 5160m

Today is the most challenging and most exciting day of the Manaslu circuit trek. You will wake up at 3 AM and prepare for the climb to Larkya La Pass. After having a warm breakfast, the journey begins.

The trail starts steep and rocky. The air is thin and cold, making the climb harder. Step by step, you will move toward the highest point of the Manaslu circuit trek, Larkya La Pass (5,160m/16,930ft). After a few hours of steady walking, the top of the pass appears.

Standing at Larkya La Pass is an unforgettable moment. The pass is decorated with colorful prayer flags, and the Himalayan views are breathtaking. You will see Himlung Himal, Kang Guru, Cheo Himal, and Annapurna II. After spending some time here, the journey continues.

The descent is steep and slippery, so you need to walk carefully. The trail winds through frozen lakes, glaciers, and rocky slopes. Trekking poles and crampons are helpful on this part of the trek. After 2.5 hours, you will reach Larkya Phedi, where many trekkers stop for lunch.

After a short rest, the trail gradually descends through a valley filled with icefalls and mountain views. The path becomes easier, and after another 1.5 to 2 hours, you will arrive at Bimthang (3,720m/12,201ft).

Bimthang is a beautiful valley surrounded by towering peaks. The area is calm and peaceful, making it a perfect place to rest after today’s tough journey. From here, you can see Mount Manaslu, Punker Himal, and Lamjung Himal. After a warm meal, you will spend the night in a simple teahouse, recovering from an incredible adventure.

• Meals: Breakfast+Lunch+Dinner
• Accommodation: Lodge
• Place: Samagaon
• Altitude: 5130m

The Manaslu circuit trek is coming near the end. On the twelfth day of the trek it takes you from Bimthang to Gho, a journey of around 14 kilometers. This will be a mostly downhill trek, making it a bit easier compared to some of the previous days. You will descend 1,150 meters from the higher altitudes of Bimthang, feeling the air become warmer as you get lower.

The trek is a mix of gradual descents and some flat sections, making it a relatively moderate day of trekking. You will continue along the Dudh Khola and Soti Khola rivers, with the landscape offering stunning views of Manaslu and the surrounding peaks.

After hours of trekking, you will reach Gho, a small village nestled at 2,515 meters. This village offers a comfortable and warm environment compared to the higher altitudes. Gho has a few cozy teahouses and lodges, where you can rest and relax after the day's journey.

Today’s trek allows you to experience the changing landscapes of the Manaslu region. The beauty of pine forests, meadows, and spectacular views will make this another memorable day of your trek.

• Meals: Breakfast+Lunch+Dinner
• Accommodation: Tea House

Today’s trek from Gho to Dharapani is a short and relaxing journey. After many long trekking days, this section feels much easier. The trail is mostly downhill, passing through beautiful forests, villages, and rivers.

The day starts with a gentle climb through paddy fields. Soon, you will reach Karcha La Pass, a small and easy pass. From here, the trail descends through fir and rhododendron forests. The fresh mountain air and the sound of birds make the walk peaceful.

As you continue, you will enter Tilije village, a charming place with stone-paved paths and traditional houses. After walking through Tilije, you will cross a suspension bridge over Dudh Khola. After crossing the bridge, the trail climbs up through a chorten-shaped arch into Thonje village. The trail then merges with the Annapurna Circuit Trek, and you may start seeing more trekkers from different routes. As you walk further, the Marsyangdi River flows beside the trail, creating a soothing background sound.

Finally, you will arrive at Dharapani, a lively village at 1,920m (6,300ft). The village has many teahouses, lodges, and small shops, providing a comfortable place to rest. Dharapani is surrounded by lush greenery and terraced fields, creating a beautiful setting. This is the perfect place to relax and enjoy the warm atmosphere before continuing your journey.

• Meals: Breakfast+Lunch+Dinner

Today is the last day of the journey. After breakfast, you will leave Dharapani and start the drive towards Besi Sahar. This drive takes 3-4 hours, passing through small villages, green hills, and the Marsyangdi River. The road is rough in some places, but the views make the journey enjoyable.

On the way, you will see farms, forests, and waterfalls. The landscapes look different from the high-altitude regions. You may also meet other trekkers who are starting their journey towards Manaslu Circuit or Annapurna Circuit.

After reaching Besi Sahar, you will take a private jeep or local bus to Kathmandu. This journey takes 5-6 hours. The road follows rivers, forests, and terraced fields, giving you a final chance to enjoy Nepal’s beautiful countryside.

As you get closer to Kathmandu, the hills slowly disappear, and the city comes into view. The streets will feel busy after the peaceful trek in the mountains. This marks the end of your Manaslu Circuit Trek. Over the past two weeks, you have crossed high mountain passes, remote villages, and beautiful valleys. Every step brought you closer to nature and the unique culture of the Himalayas.

Tonight, you can relax in a comfortable hotel, enjoy a warm meal, and look back on the incredible adventure.