Manaslu Circuit Trek

A remote 15-day circuit trek around Mount Manaslu through pristine valleys, Tibetan villages, and the dramatic Larkya La Pass.

Overview

Remote, raw, and richly rewarding, the Manaslu Circuit Trek is a 15-day journey that traces a circular path around the world’s eighth-highest peak — Mount Manaslu (8,163m). This trail offers a quieter alternative to the Annapurna or Everest regions, leading trekkers through pristine valleys, ancient Tibetan-influenced villages, and across the dramatic Larkya La Pass at 5,160m.

The route climbs gradually along the Budi Gandaki River, passing cascading waterfalls, bamboo forests, and suspension bridges. From tropical lowlands to high-altitude terrain, every day is a study in contrast and a tribute to nature’s grandeur and human resilience.

 

  • Duration: 15 Days
  • Difficulty: Moderate to Challenging
  • Max Elevation: Larkya La Pass (5,160m)
  • Best Season: Spring (March–May) and Autumn (September–November)

Duration

15 Days

Location

Gorkha

Difficulty

Moderate to Challenging

Altitude

5,160 m

Best Season

Spring

About the Region

The Manaslu region lies in northern Gorkha District and is part of the Manaslu Conservation Area. It is a restricted trekking zone, requiring a special permit, which helps preserve its raw beauty and low visitor numbers.

The region is home to ethnic Nubri and Tsum communities, with strong Tibetan Buddhist influences. The high pass, Larkya La, arrived after weeks of trekking through some of the remotest trails of the world, offers panoramic views of Manaslu, Himlung, Cheo Himal, and Annapurna II — a breathtaking reward for your perseverance.

Route

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route image

What to Expect

  • Physical Challenge: Sustained high-altitude trekking with long walking days.
  • Accommodation: Basic teahouses in remote mountain villages.
  • Food: Simple Nepali and Tibetan meals — dal bhat, tsampa, and noodles.
  • Weather: Cold above 3,500m; snow possible near Larkya La.

Trip Highlights

  • Trek through remote, off-the-beaten-path villages with Tibetan heritage.
  • Cross the dramatic Larkya La Pass with views of Manaslu and Annapurna ranges.
  • Visit ancient monasteries in Sama Gaun and Samdo.
  • Experience authentic mountain culture with fewer trekkers on the trail.

Outline Itinerary

Day 1-3: Arrive in Kathmandu; drive to Machha Khola.
Day 4-7: Trek along the Budi Gandaki through Jagat and Namrung to arrive into Sama Gaon.
Day 8-10: Acclimatise at Sama Gaon, Ascend to Samdo and Dharmasala.
Day 11-13: Cross Larkya La Pass to Bimthang, then descend to Dharapani.
Day 14-15: Drive back to Kathmandu, and final departure.

Itinerary

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1

Day

ARRIVAL IN KATHMANDU (1,400M)

Activities: Arrive at Tribhuvan International Airport, transfer to hotel, and rest.
Accommodation: Nepali Ghar or Hotel Manaslu.
Meals: Self-paid.

2

Day

KATHMANDU SIGHTSEEING AND TREK PREPARATION

Activities: (Optional) Explore Kathmandu’s UNESCO World Heritage Sites such as the Swayambhunath, Bouddhanath, and Pashupatinath Temples.

Make necessary preparations for the trek such as permits and gears.

Accommodation: Nepali Ghar or Hotel Manaslu in Kathmandu.

Meals: Self-paid.

3

Day

DRIVE TO MACHA KHOLA (930M) – 8/9 hours drive

Activities: Depart Kathmandu in the morning to take a scenic drive via Dhading, Arughat and Soti Khola, through lush hills and river valleys.
Accommodation: Teahouse in Machha Khola.
Meals: Self-paid.

4

Day

MACHA KHOLA TO JAGAT (1,300M) – 6/7 hours trek

Activities: Trek through narrow gorges, past waterfalls, and small settlements to Jagat.
Accommodation: Teahouse in Jagat.
Meals: Self-paid.

5

Day

JAGAT TO DENG (1,800M) – 6/7 hours trek

Activities: Trek through narrow stone steps, cross the Budi Gandaki several times via suspension bridges, and pass Philim and Ekle Bhatti.
Accommodation: Teahouse in Deng.
Meals: Self-paid.

6

Day

DENG TO NAMRUNG (2,660M) – 6/7 hours trek

Activities: Follow the Budi Gandaki River and trek through pine forests and mani walls; enter the culturally Tibetan region.
Accommodation: Teahouse in Namrung.
Meals: Self-paid.

7

Day

NAMRUNG TO SAMA GAUN (3,530M) – 6/7 hours trek

Activities: Climb steadily through forests and picturesque villages like Lho and Shyala, offering breathtaking views of Manaslu and surrounding Himalayan peaks.
Accommodation: Teahouse in Sama Gaun.
Meals: Self-paid.

8

Day

ACCLIMATISATION IN SAMA GAUN

Activities: Sama Gaun, a serene alpine village, is ideal for acclimatisation. Optional hikes to Manaslu Base Camp or Pungyen Gompa.
Accommodation: Teahouse in Sama Gaun.
Meals: Self-paid.

9

Day

SAMA GAUN TO SAMDO (3,860M) – 3/4 hours trek

Activities: A short but scenic trek alongside the Budhi Gandaki River through yak pastures and open alpine terrain with expansive views of the Manaslu range.
Accommodation: Teahouse in Samdo.
Meals: Self-paid.

10

Day

SAMDO TO DHARMASALA (4,460M) – 4/5 hours trek

Activities: Ascend gradualy through barren, high-altitude landscapes to cross a wooden bridge over Budhi Gandaki to arrive at Dharamsala, also known as Larke Phedi.
Accommodation: Basic lodge in Dharmasala (aka Larkya Phedi).
Meals: Self-paid.

11

Day

CROSS LARKYA LA PASS (5,160M), DESCEND TO BIMTHANG (3,590M) – 8/9 hours trek

Activities: Today is a long, challenging day over the snow-covered Larkya La (Larkya Pass) with stunning Himalayan views.
Accommodation: Teahouse in Bimthang.
Meals: Self-paid.

12

Day

BIMTHANG TO TILIJE (2,300M) – 5/6 hours trek

Activities: Descend through rhododendron forests and alpine meadows.
Accommodation: Teahouse in Tilije.
Meals: Self-paid.

13

Day

TILIJE TO DHARAPANI (1,920M) – 4/5 hours trek

Activities: Final day of trekking, rejoining the Annapurna Circuit trail.
Accommodation: Teahouse in Dharapani.
Meals: Self-paid.

14

Day

DRIVE FROM DHARAPANI TO KATHMANDU – 8/9 hours jeep

Activities: Drive through mountain and hilly roads to return to Kathmandu.
Accommodation: Nepali Ghar or Hotel Manaslu.
Meals: Self-paid.

15

Day

DEPARTURE FROM KATHMANDU

Activities: Transfer to Tribhuvan International Airport for your onward journey.

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