Overview
Manaslu Circuit trek is one of the best treks for those adventure junkies who want to test their stamina on a strenuous trail. This trek is a great alternative to the Annapurna Circuit as it is a less crowded trail with similar views.
Arughat from Gorkha District is the starting point of this trail passing through the lofty summit and rough topography. This stretch involves ascending mountains and crossing rivulets, streams, and waterfalls.
Likewise, you’ll witness rustic villages, gripping monasteries and hospitable natives of Manaslu region on the route of the Manaslu Circuit Trek. The highest point of the trek is Larkya La Pass (5,135 m) which is one of the most dramatic passes of the Nepalese Himalayas.
In addition to this, while trekking, you can also get an insight into the lives of the local, the inhabitants and explore their unique culture along with outstanding and impressive surroundings.
The major highlights of Manaslu Circuit Trek are high altitude glacial lakes, diverse range of flora and fauna, wonderful mountain vistas, and charming Tibetan culture. All these facts make the Manaslu Circuit Trek inimitable experiences.
This trek is perfect for everyone who wants to enjoy authentic beauties of the Himalayas including the highland villages and rich Tibetan culture and lifestyle. The full trail dots in the ancient Buddhists monasteries, chortens, and mani walls.
It is a perfect destination for those who are looking for virgin trails and wilderness and explore the diverse natural treasure of Nepal. The best time to visit this region is from March to May in the spring and September to December during the autumn.
Highlights
- Walking through the dense forests of rhododendron, oak, pines, and hemlock
- Majestic views of snow-clad peaks like Mt. Manaslu (8,163 m), Mt. Machhapuchhre (6,997 m), Mt. Gangapurna (7,455 m), Mt. Annapurna I (8,091 m), Mt. Annapurna South (7,219 m), and Mt. Annapurna III (7,555 m)
- Trek along through the virgin, rough, and off-beaten trail
- Crossing Larkya La Pass (5,153 m)
- Observe traditional village lifestyle and culture
- Cross several suspension bridges and pass through several huge Mani walls on the trail
Max Elevation: 1338 m, Kathmandu
Our representative will receive you at Kathmandu Tribhuvan International Airport and transfer to the respective hotel. You’ll get some time to settle in and after freshening up, you’ll visit our office for short team meet up. In the meeting, we’ll discuss on the trekking itinerary and equipment.
Note: If you arrive at night the same team meeting will be in the next day morning after your breakfast.
Overnight in Kathmandu.
In the second day, after breakfast, you’ll go for the sightseeing tour around Kathmandu Valley. At first, you’ll a Hindu shrine dedicated to Lord Shiva -Pashupatinath Temple.
You’ll also visit monkey temple, Swayambhunath and largest Buddhist stupa- Boudhanath. You’ll also walk via Kathmandu Durbar Square. Living goddess Kumari temple, Kal Bhairav Temple, Nautale Durbar, Taleju Temple, and the freak street are some highlights of the square.
In the evening, your trekking guide will check your trekking gear and equipment. And you can do last minute shopping in Thamel, a tourist hub of Kathmandu.
Overnight in Kathmandu.
Drive Duration: 8-9 hours
Max Elevation: 900 m
Early in the morning, after breakfast, you will begin a scenic drive from Kathmandu toward Machha Khola. The journey follows the Kathmandu–Pokhara Highway, passing through Dhading Bensi before the road diverts toward Arughat. During this beautiful drive, you will enjoy views of traditional villages, flowing rivers, terraced fields, and diverse landscapes along the way. On clear days, you may also catch distant views of the majestic Manaslu and Ganesh Himal ranges.
As the road continues, you will travel through small settlements, forests, and along the Budhi Gandaki River valley. The route offers impressive natural scenery including rocky cliffs, waterfalls, suspension bridges, and beautiful river views, giving you a glimpse of the remote lifestyle of the local communities in the region.
After a long but rewarding drive through the countryside and mountain terrain, you will finally arrive at Machha Khola in the late afternoon or evening. Upon arrival, you will check in at a local teahouse and rest for the night, preparing for the trekking adventure that begins the following day.
Trek Duration: 6-7 hours
Max Elevation: 1,410 m
Following the narrow trail from Maccha Khola, you’ll first reach Tharo Khola and then Khorla Besi. Here you’ll get the eye-catching view of Ganesh Himal. After a few ascends and descends, you’ll reach popular natural hot springs called Tatopani.
Further, continuing the trek, you’ll climb another ridge and cross the Budhi Gandaki river on another suspension bridge. Then after you’ll climb a staircase and cross a landslide area and reach Doban.
Again following the similar trail, climbing some stone staircase you’ll reach Thado Bharyang. Lastly, you’ll cross the west bank of Budhi Gandaki river and climb over a ridge you’ll reach the village called Jagat. Jagat is the entry point of Manaslu Conservation Area. It’s also has a helipad for emergency services. Overnight at a teahouse in Jagat.
Trek Duration: 6-7 hours
Max Elevation: 1,804 m
Today you’ll set off the journey to Salleri by climbing over a rocky ridge and descend to Sirdibas. Along the side of a cliff, you’ll get good views of Shringi Himal. Further, the trail descends to Setibas where you’ll witness the Mani Walls, prayers engraved into wayside rocks. The view of all these things will show that you are entering into a region that has a great Tibetan influence.
Again the trail continues past the stone houses of Ghattu Khola. After then you’ll cross a long suspension bridge and reach a Gurung village in Phillim. Soon you’ll head north towards Ekle Bhatti. Here the route to Nubri Valley and Tsum Valley divides.
Further, descending on the grassy land slopes you’ll finally cross the Budhi Gandaki bridge. Again you’ll continue your walk along the western and eastern bank and come across the bamboo forests. You’ll spend a night at a teahouse in Deng village.
Trek Duration: 6-7 hours
Max Elevation: 2,630 m
Today you’ll continue your trek through a forest trail and reach a beautiful place called Rana. Here you’ll notice big fields of beautiful flowers. It’ll be refreshing and relaxing for your eyes. After passing through Bihi Phedi and Bhijam, you’ll reach Ghap.
En route you’ll cross a lot of suspension bridges. Also, you’ll come across the landslide area and following the narrow trail down Budhi Gandaki River you’ll reach Ghap. From here, you’ll pass through thick forests till you reach Namrung.
You’ll spend a night at one of the finest teahouses in Namrung.
Trek Duration: 6-7 hours
Max Elevation: 3,500 m
After breakfast, the trek continues beyond the Namrung checkpoint, following a pleasant trail through beautiful pine forests. Gradually, you make your way toward the small settlement of Bhanjam, surrounded by impressive mountain scenery. From here, the path climbs steadily for about an hour until reaching Lhi Monastery, a peaceful spot that offers magnificent views of nearby Himalayan peaks including Himalchuli and Ganesh Himal.
Continuing along the trail, you pass through the traditional villages of Sho and Lho, where you can observe local monasteries, prayer stones (Mani walls), and herds of grazing yaks along the route. The stunning views of Mt. Manaslu, Manaslu North, and the striking Nike Peak accompany you throughout the walk, making the journey even more rewarding.
By late afternoon, you will reach the beautiful village of Shyala, surrounded by dramatic mountain landscapes. Here you will relax and spend the night at a local teahouse, enjoying the peaceful atmosphere of the Himalayas.
Trek Duration: 6-7 hours
Max Elevation: 3530 m
Early in the morning, the first rays of sunlight illuminate the summit of Manaslu, turning the peak a beautiful golden color and creating a truly memorable Himalayan view. After breakfast, you will begin your trek toward Pungyen Gompa, one of the oldest and most significant monasteries in the Manaslu region. The trail offers impressive views of the surrounding mountains as well as the nearby Pungyen Glacier.
The walk begins with a gradual uphill climb before the path becomes more level, making the journey comfortable and enjoyable. Along the way, you will be surrounded by spectacular mountain scenery and peaceful alpine landscapes.
After spending some time exploring Pungyen Gompa and enjoying the magnificent views of Manaslu, Himalchuli, and Ngadi Chuli, you will descend for about two to three hours back to Sama Gaon. Upon arrival, you will settle into a local teahouse and rest overnight in this beautiful Himalayan village.
Trek Duration: 6-7 hours
Max Elevation: 4,900 m, Manaslu Base Camp
Today is exploration day of Sama Gaon. On the trail of Manaslu, Sama Gaon is one of the most beautiful villages, where all houses aligns in rows along a small river and face nice courtyards.
You can go for a day trip to Manaslu Base Camp. It is a first station of the expeditions. From the base camp, you’ll get a close view of Manaslu range.
Likewise, on the little hill near Sama Gaon, there is an old Gompa called as Pungyen Gompa. It got its name after Manaslu, Pungyen means “bracelet” an ideal description of the two peaks.
While exploring Sama Gaon, you’ll get familiar with the rich Sherpa culture. You’ll also enjoy the sight of thousands of mani stones with Buddhists texts and pictures. Many Sherpa women are clad in Sherpa traditional attire and ornaments. After exploring the village, you’ll get back to the teahouse for an overnight stay.
Trek Duration: 4-5 hours
Max Elevation: 3,860 m
The trail from Sama Gaon descends to the Budhi Gandaki River, and turn north and follow until a bridge over a side stream. The trail passes several mani walls and the valley starts to widen. Today’s trial is quite easy and passes through the juniper and birch forests of Kermo Kharka.
Again crossing a Budhi Gandaki river over a wooden bridge, you’ll climb steeply onto a cliff between two forks of the river. As soon as you get close to Samdo village, you’ll get a view of large Kani. Finally passing through the Kani you’ll reach Samdo for an overnight stay.
Trek Duration: 4-5 hours
Max Elevation: 4,460 m
Today you’ll continue your trek from Samdo village to Dharmasala/ Larkya Base Camp. The trail descends and passes through a huge old Mani wall and stone huts. You’ll also traverse through a wooden bridge and reach legendary Larka Bazaar.
Further, crossing two streams, you’ll witness the Larkya Glacier. Again passing the valley of Salka Khola you’ll climb up to the stone guest house at 4,450 m. It is not a lodge but a kind of shelter called Dharamshala also known as Larke La Phedi.
In the evening, you can stroll around and enjoy the surrounding views. Overnight stay at Dharamshala.
Trek Duration: 8-9 hours
Max Elevation: 5,160 m, Larkya La Pass
Today is the most important and exciting day of your whole trip as you’ll be at the highest point i.e 5,160 m, Larkya La Pass. Continuous ascend from Larka La Phedi will take you to Larkya Glacier. This point offers an amazing view of the Cho Danda and Larkya Peak as well.
Further, continuing walk, the trail gets steeper until you reach the top of the Larkya La pass at an altitude of 5,160 m. From the top of the pass, you’ll get a mesmerizing view of Himlung Himal, Cheo Himal, Kang Guru, and the huge Annapurna II.
After enjoying the outstanding mountain view you’ll trek down to Bimthang for an overnight stay.
Trek Duration: 7-8 hours
Max Elevation: 3720 m
After an early breakfast in Bimtang, the journey begins with a gentle walk across the moraine before descending toward the headwaters of the Dudh Khola. The river is crossed via a wooden bridge, and the trail continues through peaceful forests of pine and rhododendron until reaching Hompuk (3,430 m). Along the way, trekkers are rewarded with magnificent views of surrounding peaks including Manaslu, Manaslu North Peak, Phungi, Cheo Himal, and Himlung Himal.
From here, the trail gradually descends through forested paths for about 30 minutes to the beautiful meadow of Sangore Kharka. The route then crosses a landslide section before climbing steeply to a ridge and descending again toward the riverside settlement of Gho (2,575 m). The trail features several ups and downs, passing through open fields and occasional stretches of dense pine forest. After less than an hour of walking through farmland and patches of rhododendron and oak trees, you arrive at Tilije, a charming village inhabited by different ethnic communities.
After a short rest at Tilije, the trek continues by crossing the Dudh Khola once again and following the river downstream through light forest. As the trail progresses, the impressive walls of the Marsyangdi Valley come into view. Eventually, the village of Dharapani appears in the distance. Passing through Thonje via a wooden bridge and a traditional chorten-style gateway, you cross a long suspension bridge over the Marsyangdi River and finally arrive at Dharapani for the overnight stay.
Travel Duration: 11-12 hours (Drive)
After breakfast in Dharapani, you will begin the journey back toward Kathmandu. The day involves a long but scenic drive as you travel by local jeep or bus from Dharapani to Besisahar. The road follows the beautiful Marsyangdi River and passes through several traditional villages and small towns, including Bhulbhule, offering wonderful views of hills, rivers, and rural landscapes. This part of the drive usually takes around four to five hours.
Upon reaching Besisahar, you will continue your journey toward Kathmandu. To stay on schedule, it is best to arrive in Besisahar in time to catch the afternoon bus heading to the capital. From there, the drive follows the Prithvi Highway, tracing the routes of the Marsyangdi and Trishuli rivers while passing through scenic countryside and hillside settlements.
After several hours on the highway, you will finally arrive in Kathmandu, marking the end of your memorable trekking adventure in the Himalayas.
Our Osho Vision representative will take you to the airport for your flight home. Or, you can extend your vacation with short tours like Jungle safari, paragliding tour, rafting, Tibet tour, etc.
Trip Note: We can customize this trip according to our client’s requirements. Feel free to contact us for further queries.
Happy Trekking !
