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The Manaslu Circuit Trek is one of the most breathtaking treks in Nepal, offering a perfect mix of natural beauty, culture, and adventure. The trek follows the Budi Gandaki River for the first few days, crossing scenic suspension bridges and passing through picturesque villages like Lho and Shyala. Along the way, you’ll experience the spiritual atmosphere of Pungen Gompa and the serene beauty of Samagaun, all while being surrounded by the impressive backdrop of Mount Manaslu (8,163m). The trek also features the tranquil Birendra Lake, a highlight for many trekkers seeking peace amid stunning scenery.
The journey reaches its highest point at Larkya La Pass (5,160m), where you’ll be rewarded with panoramic views of some of the most spectacular peaks in the region. Manaslu offers everything a trekker could ask for—rivers, bridges, cultural immersion, and awe-inspiring mountain vistas—all wrapped up in one epic adventure. It’s truly a complete Himalayan experience.
(Overnight altitude: 1,338m) We will pick you up at the airport and rest before we meet for the full trek briefing. We’ll meet the rest of the group and go over any questions you may have.
(Overnight altitude: 890m) Today, we embark on an exciting 9-10 hour drive to Machha Khola, passing through the scenic Arughat and Soti Khola. The journey offers a diverse landscape, with views of vibrant villages, terraced rice fields, and winding rivers. As we drive along the Trisuli and Budi Gandaki Rivers, we gradually enter warmer areas, passing charming farm villages and small towns. Machha Khola, nestled in the Gorkha district, welcomes us with its beautiful valley. We’ll spend the night in a cozy local guest house, ready for the adventure ahead!
(overnight altitude: 1,410m) After a restful overnight at Machha Khola, we start our morning by following the Budi Gandaki River upstream towards the small farm village of Khorla Beshi. The trail meanders along a pleasant, winding path, leading us to Tatopani, known for its natural hot springs—perfect for a relaxing soak if time allows. After rejuvenating in the hot springs, we continue our walk to Yaruphant, following the river as we make our way to Jagat village. Here, we cross a short suspension bridge before entering this moderately sized farm village, which offers shops and local stores for a quick break before continuing our trek.
(Overnight altitude: 1,800m) Today, we leave Jagat behind and start climbing higher, passing through small farm villages like Sirdibas Bazaar. It’s a pretty little spot where we’ll take a quick rest before pushing on. We then tackle a short climb, followed by a downhill stroll across a suspension bridge to reach Nagjet. From here, it’s a solid climb up to Philim, a larger village with scattered farmhouses. The trail winds through golden fields of wheat and barley, and the views are just epic! After soaking it all in, we head up a rocky ridge, diving into a bamboo forest before we settle in for the night at Deng village. It’s a bit of a challenge, but the adventure is well worth it! Let’s get ready for what’s next!
(Overnight altitude: 2,660mm) Today, we’re heading out of Deng and into the heart of nature! The trail takes us through a beautiful forest, passing countless Tibetan mani walls—those cool, intricately hand-carved stone walls with Buddhist scriptures. We’ll be weaving in and out of canyons, and the walk is mostly gradual as we make our way into a wide-open valley. As we continue, the landscape transforms into a colorful forest filled with firs, oaks, and rhododendrons. After a full day of trekking, we’ll arrive in the vibrant settlement of Namrung for a well-deserved overnight stay. It’s a long day, but the scenery makes it all worth it!
(Overnight altitude: 3,500m) Today, we trek for 6-7 hours towards Shyala, gradually ascending into the mountains. Along the way, we pass through Lho village, where you can explore its traditional houses and the massive Buddhist monastery, with stunning views of Mount Manaslu. The trail is filled with local culture, monasteries, and amazing landscapes. Once we reach Shyala, we’re surrounded by the majestic Manaslu Himalayas, offering a close-up view of Mount Manaslu and unforgettable mountain scenery.
(Overnight altitude: 3,585m) After breakfast, we’ll visit the peaceful Pungyen Monastery, a sacred site that showcases the rich spiritual and cultural heritage of the Manaslu region. It’s a perfect spot to soak in the tranquility and unique Tibetan Buddhist culture. After our visit, we’ll head to Samagaun, walking through a stunning landscape of pine and juniper trees, with sparkling peaks all around. We’ll end the day with an overnight stay in the charming village of Samagaun, surrounded by the beauty of the Himalayas.
(Overnight altitude: 4,910m) Today is an important rest day for acclimatization before we push higher towards Larkya La Pass. We’ll take a short hike around the village to help our bodies adjust to the altitude. For those feeling adventurous, there’s an option to hike to the stunning Birendra Lake, a beautiful 3 hour round trip. The lake sits at 3,691m meters, offering spectacular views of the surrounding peaks. This hike is a fantastic way to soak in the natural beauty and cultural richness of the Manaslu region. If you’re up for more, you can also choose to extend your hike to the Manaslu Base Camp (4,800m). Just remember to pack a lunch, bring plenty of water, and gear up with warm clothing, trekking poles, gloves, sunglasses, and a warm hat. It’s a day full of unforgettable scenery and exploration!
(Overnight altitude: 3,860m) Today, we trek for about 5-6 hours towards Samdo, the last village before Larkya La Pass (5,106m), nestled close to the Tibet border. Samdo is the largest and highest village on our trek, offering a unique glimpse into the local culture, traditions, and customs. You’ll have the chance to explore its monasteries and enjoy mesmerizing views of the Manaslu Himalayas. This village has a strong Tibetan influence, and you’ll even find Chinese goods as a reminder of its proximity to Tibet. It’s a fascinating and scenic stop on our journey!
(Overnight altitude: 4,460m) Today is a short but essential day as we head towards Larkya Phedi (4,600m), also known as Dharmasala. After a nice stop at Samdo, we’ll cross an icy stream and enter a drier, more barren area. While the trek itself isn’t too tough, the rapid altitude gain is something to keep in mind. We’ll gradually ascend and descend before reaching Larkya Phedi, the base of Larkya La Pass. The afternoon is free for leisure, and we recommend a short hike to help with acclimatization. If you feel up for it, we suggest ascending at least 200 meters to aid your body in adjusting to the higher altitude.
(Overnight altitude: 3,790m) We start early this morning for the challenging ascent to Larkya La Pass (5,106m). It’s a strenuous climb, but the incredible views of surrounding hills, valleys, and towering peaks like Mt. Manaslu, Larkya Peak, Bouddha Himal, Himalchuli, and Peak 29 make it all worthwhile. After a tough climb, we’ll reach the top, adorned with colorful Buddhist prayer flags, and be rewarded with breathtaking panoramic views. After soaking in the scenery, we’ll begin our descent to Bimthang village. The downhill can be slippery and tricky, so it’s highly recommended to use crampons and trekking poles for safety. We’ll spend the night in Bimthang, surrounded by a majestic valley, reflecting on the incredible achievement of the day.
(Overnight altitude: 2,300m) After the tough climb of Larkya La Pass, today’s trek is a much more relaxed, gradual downhill. We’ll pass through the peaceful Gho village before making our way to Tilje village. The trail takes us through pristine woodlands, filled with rhododendrons, pines, and oak trees, with glimpses of local farmhouses along the way. We’ll cross the Phurke Khola, and from Bhimthang, the trail mostly descends, merging with the popular Annapurna Circuit route. Once we reach Tilje, we can catch a jeep to Besisahar, and after a rewarding day, we’ll spend the night in a cozy hotel, soaking in the beauty of the place.
After an unforgettable trek, today we drive back to Kathmandu, soaking in the last views of Nepal’s stunning landscapes. It’s a long drive, but filled with great memories of the journey we’ve shared. Once we arrive in Kathmandu, we’ll wrap up the adventure with a special farewell dinner, celebrating the whole team and all the incredible moments we’ve experienced together. A perfect ending to an amazing trip!
As our Masnaslu Circuit Trek concludes, it’s time to say goodbye. We look forward to many more adventures together in the future. Until next time.
Because a great trek is about much more than following a trail.
Our guides provide:
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Many guests tell us that their guide became one of the most memorable parts of their journey.
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Our philosophy is simple:
Experienced certified guides.
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Real Himalayan experiences.
We believe the best expeditions are measured not only by where you go but by how deeply you experience the journey.
