Manaslu Circuit Trek

Itinerary

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1. Day 01 Arrival at Kathmandu.

   You will be welcomed by our staff standing with your name card at the airport arrival terminal and transferred to your hotel by vehicle. Your hotel is in the middle of the city. You will have nothing planned for the day, so take a rest and gather the energy to walk on the trails. Else, if you have some personal gears to buy, you can go shopping in the Market in the evening. There will be a small meeting about the trek in the evening. You will spend a night in a hotel.
   Accommodation: Hotel (BB Plan) - Transportation: Private vehicle.

2. Day 02 Kathmandu | trek preparation, Permits Procedure

   After enjoying breakfast, you have the option to spend your day exploring the many famous sights around Kathmandu. The city has a unique charm in the early morning as it slowly comes to life, but still remains relatively peaceful. You can choose to have a free day or take advantage of our offer to provide a knowledgeable, English-speaking guide who can lead you to some of the most significant sites and explain their history.
   Optional day tours:
   We offer a variety of optional day tours to choose from, including the Sacred Sites of the Valley, a full-day excursion to visit Swayambhunath, Pashupatinath, and you can also visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site, Boudhanath, and see the world's largest spherical stupa, or explore the largest and most sacred Hindu temple in Nepal.
   For those who want to venture outside of the city, a 30-minute drive will take you to the ancient city of Bhaktapur, known for its medieval art and wood carving. You can also take a one-hour mountain flight to see Mount Everest or go for Day hiking around Kathmandu valley or mountain biking in the scenic Shivapuri National Park, located on the northern edge of the Kathmandu Valley.
   After your day's adventure, you'll return to your hotel in the early evening where you'll meet with our specialist or one of their staff members who will provide you with a detailed briefing of your upcoming trip, including what to expect and transportation logistics.
   Accommodation: Hotel (BB Plan)

3. Day 03 Kathmandu to Maccha Khola – 930 m / 3051 ft – 6 hrs

   The journey towards Arughat begins with a scenic drive along the Prithvi Highway that takes us through lush hills, offering picturesque views of the western countryside. As we pass through Dhading Bisi or Gorkha Bazaar, the road becomes more challenging due to its rough condition. From there, we head towards Arughat via a bumpy dirt road that runs through the Dhading Besi, the headquarters of the Dhading district. It takes about 8-9 hours to cover the distance from Kathmandu to Arughat, passing through Soti Khola and Machha Khola, located along the banks of the Budhi Gandaki River. The journey from Salyantar to Machha Khola is particularly mesmerizing, as we get to witness the verdant hills and natural beauty of the region. Once we reach Machha Khola, we stay overnight at a lodge before starting our trek.
   Accommodation: Tea House/Lodge (B,L,D) - Transportation: Local bus (opt. Private vehicle)

4. Day 04 Maccha Khola to Jagat – 1340 m /4396 ft – 6 hrs

   Today's trek begins with crossing Machha Khola and following the river upstream. After a few ups and downs, a small trailside hot spring led to Tatopani. Climbing over another ridge and crossing the Budhi Gandaki on a suspension bridge, the trail continues through a woody area towards Dovan. With stunning views of Ganesh Himal and Himalchuli, the trail crosses a bridge over the Dovan Khola, ascending and crossing another suspension bridge to reach Thado Bharyang. Continuing along the Budi Gandaki River, the trail makes a final climb to the village of Jagat.
   Accommodation: Tea House/Lodge (B,L,D)

5. Day 05 Jagat to Deng (2095m/6871ft)- 8-9 Hours

   As we leave Jagat behind, the trail winds its way up the valley towards Sirdabas, a charming village with well-paved streets. As we climb higher, the stunning views of Shringi Himal unfold before us. Descending towards the river, we cross a long suspension bridge before the trail steeply ascends towards Philim. Along the way, we are treated to the sight of magnificent waterfalls cascading down either side of the valley. Passing through Ekle Bhatti, we make our way towards the river, crossing it twice over suspension bridges. The trek leads us past Pewa and a small campsite until we finally reach the peaceful village of Deng nestled in the valley.
   Accommodation: Tea House/Lodge (B,L,D)

6. Day 06 Deng to Namrung (2,660m / 8,727ft)

   The trail continues from Philim to Ekle Bhatti, passing through bamboo forests to reach the village of Deng, inhabited by Gurungs who practice Buddhism. From Deng, the trail crosses the Serang Khola and climbs steeply before circling into Ghap, where the Manaslu Thakuri Lodge and Kyimolung Lodge and camping ground are located. Mani walls in this area display intricate carvings of various Buddhas. A side trip from a bridge below Bihi can take you up to Prok and an excursion to Kal Tal. The trek then continues to Namrung, a beautiful village nestled at an elevation of 2630m.
   Accommodation: Tea House/Lodge (B,L,D)

7. Day 07 Namrung to Lho (3,180m / 10,433ft)-5-6hrs

   Begin your day by observing the lifestyles of the Nubri people. While walking past mani walls, terraces, and houses through Banjam, immerse yourself in their Tibet-influenced way of living. As you progress, you will witness locals dressed in traditional Tibetan attire and discover exquisite paintings in the Kani gates before reaching Sho. Following the rocky hillside paths, your journey will take you to Lho, where you can take in breathtaking views of Manaslu and Manaslu North. Remember to take it easy and pay attention to your body's signals as you will be gaining altitude on this leg of the trek.
   Accommodation: Tea House/Lodge (B,L,D)

8. Day 08 Lho to Sama Gaun - 3 to 4 hours

   As you embark on your trek the next morning, relish the picturesque view of Mt. Manaslu. The simple trail to Shyala takes you through a scenic pine and rhododendron gully with a mossy undergrowth and a transparent stream. After Shyala, it takes nearly an hour to reach Sama Gaun, where the mountains disappear from sight, but the delightful yak pastures and typical settlements are sure to impress. "Sama Gaun, the main village of the Nubri people, boasts many facilities such as a large gompa, various shops, a health post, a heliport, and telephone and wifi access, among others."
   Accommodation: Tea House/Lodge (B,L,D)

9. Day 09 Rest day in Samagaon (3500m/11480ft)

   To acclimate to the altitude and avoid any altitude-related illnesses, you will spend a day in Sama Gaon. During this time, you can take an acclimatization hike to Pungyen Gompa in the east of Nubri Valley, carrying a packed lunch with you. From the hilltop, you can admire the breathtaking views of Mt. Manaslu and spot many Himalayan Thars and Yaks grazing around you.
   If you are feeling adventurous and want to push your limits, you can hike to the Manaslu Base Camp located north of Sama Gaon. To reach the base camp, you will need to pass Birendra Tal and take a left onto the base camp track. However, the high altitude may make it difficult to breathe, so you should stay hydrated and take your time to climb the steady trails. Once you reach the base camp at 4,400m / 14,435ft, you can soak in the stunning views and then make your way back.
   For a more leisurely activity, you can opt for a short walk to Birendra Tal from Sama Gaon. This is a good option if you need to rest or are struggling with the high altitude.
   Accommodation: Tea House/Lodge (B,L,D)

10. Day 10 Samagaon to Samdo (12,713 feet / 3,875 m)- 4 hours

    Start by descending towards the Budhi Gandaki River, which now flows towards the north. You'll pass a trail that leads to Birendra Tal and Manaslu Base Camp. The trail is easy and takes you through juniper and birch forests, where you'll come across Kermo Kharka. As you continue on the trail, it gradually ascends and takes you across the Budhi Gandaki River via a wooden bridge. You'll then walk on the riverbed and cross Mani walls before finally reaching Samdo. From Samdo, you can enjoy breathtaking views of Samdo Peak (6335m) and its glacial basin to the east, the Sama Valley and its arrays to the south, and a bird's eye view of the northern Syacha Glacier from Manaslu to the west. Spend the night at a lodge in Samdo.
    Accommodation: Tea House/Lodge (B,L,D)

11. Day 11 Rest Day in Samdo (12,713 feet / 3,875 m)

    Today is another day set aside for proper acclimatization. After breakfast, you can either rest in Samdo or choose between two hiking options: Option 1 Take an easy trail up the valley directly behind Samdo to one of the trade passes headed for Tibet. This route has excellent views of Manaslu along with other Himalayan ranges including Simrang, Hiunchuli, Ngadi, Larkye Peak, Cheo, and possibly Kang Guru behind the pass. En route to these viewpoints, you will pass many seasonal herding settlements called doksas and see some beautiful mountain birds like the Lophophorus (the national bird of Nepal), Lammergeyer, and Himalayan Griffin soaring above. Option 2 A more challenging route is the trek to the Gya La (large pass) north of Samdo—a more frequently used trading route to Tibet. This is a longer full-day hike and is not advised for those seeking a little rest.
    Accommodation: Tea House/Lodge (B,L,D)

12. Day 12 Trek from Samdo to Dharamsala 4460m/3-4 hours

    To begin the day, we make our way across the lush village fields to arrive at the Budhi Gandaki River for the final time, where we reach the historical Larkya Bazaar site. As the river flows north up the Pana Danda Valley, we continue on the westward trail, which provides us with a spectacular view of the Syacha Glacier, which originates from the Manaslu North point. We follow the trail as it ascends the gorge and leads us towards the Larkya Glacier, outside of the Larkya La Phedi in Dharamsala. From here, we can enjoy breathtaking views of Larkya Peak (6249m) and Naike Peak (6211m). We will spend the night at a lodge in Dharamsala.
    Accommodation: Tea House/Lodge (B,L,D)

13. Day 13 Trek from Dharamsala to Bimthang 3590m/7-8 hours via Larkya-La Pass 5160m

    Starting from Dharamsala, the trail leads to a ridge, followed by a gradual ascent to the vast and messy moraine of Larkya Glacier. After a short walk, a gorge follows, and then we descend to the first of four small, scattered frozen lakes. As we make our way through the Larkya Glacier, we reach the Larkya-La Pass (5160m), which is the longest mountain pass in Nepal. At the top of Larkya-La, enjoy the breathtaking view of Cheo Himal (6812m), Himlung (7126m), Gyaji Kung (7030m), Kangguru (6981m), and Annapurna II (7937m). After taking in the stunning mountain views, we descend to Dangboche Kharka and follow the curve of the side moraine of the Salpudanda Glacier into the picturesque Bimthang Valley. Overnight at a lodge in Bimthang.
    Accommodation: Tea House/Lodge (B,L,D)

14. Day 14 Trek from Bimtang to Dharapani 1860m/6-7 hours

    The journey from Bimthang begins with a descent across a rocky glacier, leading to a picturesque landscape of untouched rhododendron and pine forests. The trail winds down the west bank of Dudh Khola, passing through Hompuk and Sangure Kharka before reaching Kharche, the highest cultivated land in the area. From there, the route meanders through lush wooded areas until reaching the charming Gurung village of Tilje. Continuing on, the trek descends rapidly through the scrub forest towards the Marsayangdi Valley. After passing the west bank just before Thonje, the Marsayangdi River is crossed to arrive at Dharapani. Overnight accommodations are available at a lodge in Dharapani.
    Accommodation: Tea House/Lodge (B,L,D)

15. Day 15 Dharapani to Kathmandu 1400/8-9 hours

    The journey will begin by taking a jeep ride from Tilije towards Beshi Sahar. Upon reaching Beshi Sahar, you will then embark on a road trip back to Kathmandu. The drive from Beshi Sahar to Kathmandu will take approximately 6 to 7 hours. After arriving in Kathmandu, you can relax and rejuvenate at one of the upscale hotels in the city.
    Accommodation: Tea House/Lodge (B,L) - Transportation: Local bus (opt. Private vehicle)

16. Day 16 Departure (Breakfast)

    Breakfast at the hotel. Free & easy until the representative of our team will transfer you to the airport and depart to your own country.