Manaslu Circuit Trek

Upon your arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA), our representative from Adventure Team will be available to collect you. You will be transferred to your hotel in a private vehicle within the next thirty minutes. During the drive, we will discuss the specifics of our trip, providing you with an opportunity to relax and recuperate. In the evening, we will convene for a welcome dinner at a traditional Nepali restaurant. The dinner will be accompanied by a cultural program that illuminates the profound heritage of Nepal.

Overnight accommodation at our hotel in Kathmandu.

Half-Day Kathmandu Sightseeing Tour (1,380 meters).

Following breakfast, your tour guide will collect you for a half-day sightseeing tour of Kathmandu Durbar Square, Pashupatinath Temple, and Boudhanath Stupa. You will be served lunch at a restaurant with a panoramic view of the stupa. The tour will conclude with your return to your hotel, where you will meet your trek leader to discuss the upcoming trek, finalizing any necessary arrangements.

Overnight Accommodation in Kathmandu.

Drive to Sotikhola via Arughat (710 meters). The journey will take approximately 8-9 hours. We will commence our journey early today for Sotikhola. During the drive, we will be treated to breathtaking views of the Nepalese countryside and majestic mountain sceneries. We will be driving on a pitched road from Kathmandu to Dhading Besi, the district headquarters of Dhading. However, the road from Dhading Besi to Arughat will be rough. Upon reaching Arughat, a major town in the region, we will continue our journey towards Sotikhola through Arkhet Bazar. This bustling market is a one-stop shop for all the goods and materials required for the Manashlu region.

Overnight at a lodge in Arughat.

The trek to Maccha Khola (900 meters) typically takes approximately 5-6 hours.

Our day commences with a bridge crossing and subsequent trekking through picturesque forests. We ascend a ridge overlooking the formidable rapids of the Budhi Gandaki River. From this vantage point, we reach Khursanibari, where the rocky trail traverses the riverbank and the village of Lapubesi.

Overnight stay at camp in Maccha Khola.

The trek to Jagat (1410 meters) typically takes approximately 6-7 hours.

The narrow trail features some minor elevation changes and eventually crosses the Thado Khola, reaching Khorlabesi. After several additional ascents and descents, we encounter a small hot spring known as Tatopani. From the hot spring, we ascend another ridge and cross the Budhi Gandaki once more. We ascend on a wide, well-constructed staircase, then cross a landslide and over a ridge to Yarubagar via Dobhan. Crossing the west bank of the Budhi Gandaki, we ascend over a ridge, trek along the river, and then climb towards the village of Jagat.

Overnight accommodation at a camp in Jagat.

The trek to Deng (1804 meters) typically takes 6-7 hours.

Today’s trek commences with an ascent over a rocky ridge to Salleri, followed by a descent to Sirdibas. As the trail ascends to Ghatte Khola, the valley narrows slightly. We proceed upstream to a lengthy suspension bridge that transports us to Philim, a substantial Gurung village. The trail then turns northward just above the lowest dwelling in the village and traverses a relatively level trail as it traverses millet and corn fields to Ekle Bhatti.

The trail subsequently enters the Manashlu circuit and Tsum Valley. At this juncture, we descend to the grassland slopes, cross the Budhi Gandaki River, and traverse the west bank for a period. We then cross to the east bank and return to the west bank. As we continue on the trail, we traverse bamboo forests and reach the Deng Khola. Crossing the Khola, we arrive at the diminutive village of Deng.

Overnight accommodation will be provided at a camp in Deng.

The ascent to Namrung (2630 meters) is a challenging trek that typically takes 6-7 hours.

The day commences with the crossing of the Budhi Gandaki River and the subsequent ascent to Rana. From the bridge, a slight elevation gain is made to join a trail originating from Bihi Fadi. Subsequently, the trail traverses westward along the Budhi Gandaki valley. The trail traverses through dense forests and man-made walls before turning towards a corner that leads to Ghap. The Budhi Gandaki River is crossed multiple times throughout the day, and several gompas (monasteries) are encountered along the way. The trail follows the river upstream through a dense forest. After crossing the river at a remarkable location where it thunderously cascades through a narrow gorge, the forest becomes less dense, and the trail becomes clear once more. The pleasant walk continues, culminating in a final steep ascent that leads to Namrung.

An overnight stay at a lodge in Namrung.

Trek to Samagaon (3530 meters) - 6-7 hours.

Namrung Village offers a panoramic vista of the Siring and Ganesh Himal ranges. From this vantage point, Mount Himal Chuli is also readily visible in the south. The ascent proceeds through verdant forests, culminating in the charming village of Lihi, characterized by its numerous chortens and barley terraces. The trail descends and traverses the Simnang Himal side valley, with Ganesh Himal perpetually in our rearview mirror. We continue through the villages of Shyo, Lho, and Shyala before reaching Sama Village. From Lho Village, we are rewarded with exceptional views of Mount Manashlu and the opportunity to explore the renowned Ribung Gompa. In Shyala Village, we are surrounded by majestic mountains, including Himal Chuli and Peak 29 (Ngadi Chuli) to the left, Manaslu and vast glaciers directly ahead, and other snow summits to the right. Ganesh Himal stands tall at the far end of this spectacle. Today’s journey culminates in Samagaon.

Overnight accommodation at a camp in Samagaon.

Acclimatization Day in Samagaon.

Today, we spent the day in Samagaon, both for rest and acclimatization. We immersed ourselves in the rich Sherpa culture. We marveled at the sight of thousands of mane stones adorned with Buddhist texts and pictures. We ventured into the monastery (Pungyen Gompa), offering breathtaking views of the glacier. The name Pungyen Gompa aptly describes the two peaks, as Pungyen means bracelet. Tragically, the monastery was destroyed a year after the first unsuccessful Japanese attempt to climb Manashlu. The locals believed that the climb had angered the gods, and when the Japanese returned a year later, they faced significant resistance, forcing them to abandon their attempt. However, the Japanese finally achieved success in 1959.

The ascent to Samdo (3,860 meters) typically takes approximately 2 to 3 hours.

Today, we descend to the Budhi Gandaki River, which has turned northward, and follow it to a bridge spanning a tributary. The trail to the left leads to the Manashlu Base Camp. As the valley expands, the Larkya La Trail traverses several mane walls. It is an easy trail on a shelf above the river, traversing the juniper and birch forests of Kermu Kharka. We descend to the river, cross the Budhi Gandaki on a wooden bridge, and ascend steeply onto a promontory between two forks of the river. From the summit, we locate Samdo.

The ascent to Dharamsala or Larke Fedi (4460 meters) typically takes approximately 3-4 hours.

Even in the present day, we continue our ascent along the ridge, cross the wooden bridge spanning the Budi Gandaki River, and commence our upward journey. After crossing two streams and admiring the Larkya Glacier, we circumnavigate the valley of the Salka Khola and ascend once more to the stone guest house (4450 meters), which is not a lodge but rather a type of shelter known as Dharmshala, also commonly referred to as Larke Phedi. To the north, the path leads to the Tibetan border. Today’s brief trek also affords ample time for acclimatisation and relaxation in the afternoon.

The ascent to Bhimthang (3,720 meters) via Larke-La (5,106 meters) typically takes approximately 8-9 hours.

After a brief ascent, we reach a valley on the northern side of the Larke Glaciers, offering panoramic views of Cho Danda and Larke Peak. Subsequently, we traverse the glacier’s moraines, gradually ascending until the final section becomes more precipitous. From the pass, we are rewarded with breathtaking vistas of Himlung Himal, Cheo Himal, Kangguru, and the majestic Annapurna II. The descent from Larke-La to the base is both awe-inspiring and arduous. Entering these low pastures as the evening mist envelops the mountains, including the imposing presence of Mt. Manaslu, is an overwhelming and humbling experience.

The ascent to Tilche (2,300 meters) typically requires approximately 5-6 hours.

From a ridge in Bhimthang, we are rewarded with panoramic views of Mt. Manaslu, Lamjung Himal, Himlung Himal, and Cheo Himal. Descending further, we cross a high pasture (Sangure Kharka) and a bridge over Dudh Khola. We traverse a rhododendron forest and follow a narrow valley until we reach the highest cultivated land of the valley at Karche. We pass through fields and ascend a ridge before descending the ridge in a sweeping arc to the riverbank. A short distance beyond lies the village of Gowa. Given our fatigue yesterday, we may consider an overnight rest at Gowa, but there are more suitable settlements in Tilche.

The ascent to Tal (1700 meters) takes approximately 4-5 hours.

We ascend a small ridge and traverse the stone-paved trail as it passes through a picturesque village. Subsequently, we cross the bridge over Dudh Khola and ascend through a chorten-shaped arch. We encounter a mane wall and reach the Thochen village. At the village, we proceed through a police checkpoint and continue to Dharapani. This marks the commencement of our journey on the Annapurna circuit.

Further down, we encounter Karte village. After a brief walk, we cross a bridge over Marshyangdi Khola. We also encounter some mane walls before reaching the village of Tal, situated at the foot of a magnificent waterfall.

The ascent to Syange (1,080 meters) is a 4- to 5-hour journey.

We traverse the trail to Chyamche village, traversing the Marshyangdi Khola once more. The Marsyandi valley unfolds, exposing terrace fields and villages perched precariously on the hillsides. The trail descends through rhododendron and pine forests, eventually reaching Syange via Jagat.

Travel to Kathmandu via Besi Sahar, which typically takes approximately 8-9 hours.

The journey from Syange to Kathmandu via Besi Sahar provides an opportunity to observe both hill and mountain vistas. The route frequently traverses the banks of the Marsyangdi and Trishuli rivers. Furthermore, we encounter charming villages characterized by farming terraces adorning either side of the road.

Leisure Day in Kathmandu

Following the arduous trek, you will be rewarded with a day to unwind and rejuvenate. You may opt for a relaxing massage or browse the local shops to acquire souvenirs. In the evening, we will convene for a farewell dinner.

You will be transferred to the International Airport for your departure flight to your onward destination. Kindly ensure that you depart three hours prior to your scheduled flight time.