Manaslu Circuit Trek - 15 Days

Manaslu Circuit Trek Itinerary

Manaslu Circuit Trek is a marvellous journey to the remote villages and pristine Himalayan landscapes. A land of magic and wonder with spectacular views of Mount Manaslu and the surrounding peaks. It starts with a picturesque drive from Kathmandu to Soti Khola and then goes up to the green forests, typical Gurung villages, and alpine pastures. It offers challenging Larkya La Pass, panoramic mountain scenery, and unique cultural experiences in the Tibetan-influenced villages. This, combined with acclimatization days and really cautious altitude management, makes this trek ideal for all forms of adventures seeking an out of the beaten path adventure in the grand mountains of Nepal.

Day 1: Arrival at Kathmandu (1350m/4450 ft)

On arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA), your pleasant Touch Planet Treks representative will receive you warmly and transfer you to the 3 star-standard hotel in Kathmandu. After checking in, there will be a pre trekking brief regarding options for trek details and an itinerary. The rest of the day is free to explore the lively stress of Thamel, cafes, restaurants and local shops. Enjoy the night being excited for the upcomming adventure. Overnight in Kathmandu.

Day 2: Drive to Machha Khola 890 m. via Soti Khola (730 m/2,896 ft)

Today we start our day early. Have a warm breakfast and drive from Kathmandu to Soti Khola continuing onto Machha Khola. The road leading Prithvi Highway is scenic, with rural landscapes and hills dotted with beautiful local villages. Along the Trisuli river.Continuing further from Dhading Besi, you will drive to Salyantaar. From Salyantaar continue the gravel road passing by Aarughat, Arkher and Soti Khola till Machha Khola. However, pays off as we soon catch glimpse of the Ganesh and Manaslu Mountain ranges. We will be having dinner at Machha Khola, from where the Manaslu Circuit trek starts. Overnight in Machha Khola.

Day 3: Trek to Jagat (1,365 m/4,545 ft)

Wake up for the sunrise, today we will trek from Machha Khola. The trek goes along riverbanks, with teeming terrains, up to the village of Jagat. We pass through fascinating terrains and picturesque farmlands until we arrive at Tatopani, popularly known for its natural hot springs, where a refreshing stop can be taken. The route then continuous uphill, offering views of the local farmlands and small villages. It is a mix of gradual ascents and descents to Jagat. The beauty of today's hike showcases the landscape and the local village life too. Overnight at Jagat.

Day 4: Trek Jagat to Deng (2,095 m/6,985 ft)

The trek today takes us deeper into the Manaslu region as we head to Deng. The trail now winds its way up the Budhi Gandaki River Valley upward, enveloped by a beautiful sceneries of rhododendrons and pine forests. Traditional Gurung and Magar villages will be crossed along the way on wooden bridges and narrow ridges. With each step that we make, altitude is gained and the feeling of the remoteness begins. The landscape of the forested areas is serene, with clearings that afford glimpses of the peaks around us including Ganesh Himal (7,442 m), Buddha Himal (6,150 m) and Himalchuli (7,893 m). By evening, we reach Deng, where we stay at a local family teahouse.

Day 5: Trek to Namrung (2,900 m/9,670 ft)

From Deng, we continue to trek through dense forests, small streams, and ridges. Gradually, the vegetation will change and slowly we will catch glimpses of Mt. Manaslu (8,163 m). Passing through a series of small villages through out the route, you get to see the locals and their cultural insights into Tibetan-influenced culture. Finally, reaching the Buddhist village of Namrung. The cultural feel of change hits with the appearance of prayer flags and Mani walls along the trail. You will be taken aback by the different blend of cultural heritage and mountain views that Namrung has in store for you. Overnight at Namrung.

Day 6: Namrung to Samagaun (3,530 m/11,581 ft)

Today after a warm breakfast, we trek through beautiful Tibetan-influenced himalayan villages, with their iconic village gates known as "Kanis." We cross the Damonan River and make a gradual ascent towards Syala, a plateau with panoramic views of the surrounding mountains that include Manaslu, Himalchuli, and Ngai Chuli. Sama village rests on the lap of Mount Manaslu, which is culturally rich with a Buddhist monastery and traditional houses. You will see Buddhist inscriptions and Mani stones everywhere in the traditional village, adding extra tranquility. Overnight in Samagaun.

Day 7: Rest and Acclimatization Day in Samagaun (3,530 m/11,581 ft)

Today you will wake up with a sunrise to explore the surroundings enjoy the morning views of stunning snowcapped peaks from your tea house. Acclimatization day in Samagaun is necessary for preparation to cross Larkya La Pass at high altitude. You have options for short hikes to nearby landmarks such as Birendra Lake or Pungyen Gompa. Birendra Lake and Pungyen Gompa both are peaceful and amazing to explore. Great views and insights into the local culture are obtained with these side trips. Samagaun is also the nearest village to the Manaslu Base Camp and a very well-suited location to get acclimatized to the altitude. Utilize your day to explore, talk with locals, and enjoy a serene atmosphere in the mountains. Overnight in cozy teahouse at Samagaun.

Day, 8: Samagaun to Samdo (3,875 m./ 12714 ft)

Wake up with the sunshine of sunrise views, you will have your breakfast and get ready for trek to Samdo, which is the today’s destination. Samdo is in altitude of 3,87m m. above sea level and it will take around 4-5 hours to reach Samdo. Along the trail you will encounter varieties of flora and fauna, Blue Sheep, birds of prey and others. Trekkers pass by lush forest, streams and beautiful villages. Along the trekking you will explore the Buddhist Tibetan culture and treir way of the life. However, once you reach in Samdo you will be transferred to the warm and comfortable Tea house, where you stay overnight.

Day 9: Samdo to Rui La (4998 m.) and back to Samdo (3,875 m.)

Samdo is a best place to have acclimatization also, today we will prepare for the Larkya La pass. It is like acclimatization for today. Wake up in the morning, get refresh and you will have your delicious breakfast. After the breakfast trekkers will be ready for Rui La trekking. Rui La (4,998 m.) is a Tibetan border; you can view beautiful Himalayas range and explore amazing Fukang glacier which is part of the Manaslu conservation area. You can have pack lunch or dry picnic along the way. In the afternoon come back to the hotel and have rest explore around the Samdo, overnight unwind in the hotel after the dinner.

Day 10: Trek to Dharma Shala (4,465 m/14,646 ft)

From Samdo we make our way to Dharma Shala, also known as Larkya La Phedi. Today we will be going into complete alpine terrain with fewer trees and an increasingly rugged topography. We start going uphill, slowly gaining altitude to acclimatize. The view of snowcapped peaks gets more and more imposing, and the atmosphere is tranquil but challenging. Dharma Shala is a small settlement that serves as the last rest stop before crossing the Larkya La Pass. Overnight at Dharma Shala.

Day 11: Cross Larkya La Pass (5,106 m/16,732 ft) and trek to Bimtang (3,590 m/11,778 ft)

Early start for the challenging climb to the Larkya La Pass. The trek today is demanding as well as requiring caution since the weather in this region is unpredictable. Packed lunches are taken for the route. Through the several frozen lakes and moraines, and then after a short climb up, we reach the pass itself. The splendid views of Manaslu (8,163 m), North Manaslu (7,157 m), Himlung (7,126 m), Cheo (6,820 m), Samdo Peak (5,177 m) amazingly greet us. The descent to Bimtang is quite steep and slippery. However, the scenery is extra ordinarily beautiful. Passing grassy slopes and glacier fed rivers, we reach the meadow-like village of Bimtang. Overnight at Bimtang.

Day 12: Bimtang to Dharapani (1,860 m/6,102 ft)

After a comfortable sleep and a warm breakfast, we start our trek from Bimtang, the route follows a beautiful rhododendron forest and crosses the Dudh Khola river, passing through traditional Gurung villages. As it descends, the temperature increases with more vegetation, and also more signs of settlement. The trek today will involve crossing wooden bridges, seeing local activities, and finally reaching the bigger Marshyangdi Valley, signaling our arrival in Dharapani. This active village is a significant stoppage point on the Annapurna Circuit, and you will find more facility options available. Overnight stay in Dharapani.
*If we arrive early in Dharapani, we will drive to the Besisshar it’s about 4 hours to drive.

Day 13: Drive to Kathmandu via Besisahar (760 m / 2,493 ft)

Over the morning have a delicious breakfast, then we headed for an adventurous jeep ride from Dharapani to Besisahar and Kathmandu by bus. Dharapani to Besisahar is about 35 km and Besisahar to Kathmandu is about 175 km. This journey takes us through the mountain, terraced fields, forests and picturesque himalayan villages. It is a fantastic opportunity to relax and absorb scenic views as it is the time to bid farewell to the wildlife of Manaslu region. While way to Kathmandu you will pass by the ever-green forest terrace field, streams and river. Such as Marsandi and Trisuli river you can explore. Once you arrive in Kathmandu you will transfer in the luxury hotel, where you will relax and unwind from the long trekking.

Day 14: Kathmandu Valley Sightseeing (1,4o0 m/4450 ft)

Today is the last day of the trek after a delicious breakfast, we depart early morning around 8 am to the journey of beautiful Kathmandu Valley Sightseeing. Kathmandu Durbar Square, Boudhanath Stupa, Pashupatinath Temple, Patan, Swayambhunath Stupa, Bhaktapur and many others. We have 4 selected sites to visit for Kathmandu valley sightseeing. In the evening. Once finish Kathmandu valley sightseeing you will be transfer to the hotel, have rest and you can do shopping as souvenir. At evening we will host a farewell dinner to celebrate the successful adventure in the Manaslu Circuit. You will be awarded with certificates for you trekking. It is also the best time to relax, share you tales from your adventure and to enjoy the vibrancy of the Kathmandu. Overnight stay in Kathmandu.

Day 15: Final Departure

Today, your lifelong memorable journey around the Manaslu Circuit comes to conclusion. Our Touch Planet Treks representative will drop you at Tribhuvan International Airport for your final departure. Bring back the memories of breathtaking landscapes, warm village welcomes, and the excitement of crossing Larkya La Pass. Let pride remain in your conquest of the various trails and newfound cultures of Nepal. We hope you take back home unforgettable memories and an appreciation for the Himalayas. Thank you so much for trusting Touch Planet Treks and looking forward to many more mountain adventures with you in the near future. Have a safe journey, Namaste!