Manaslu Circuit Trek

Upon your arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu, a representative will greet you and transfer you to your hotel. After check-in, you can relax and recover from your journey. Depending on your arrival time, you may explore nearby cultural landmarks, enjoy local cuisine, or attend a pre-trek briefing. This day allows you to settle in and prepare for the adventure ahead.

After an early breakfast, you'll begin a long but scenic drive from Kathmandu to MachhaKhola. The journey follows the Trishuli River and passes through picturesque hills, terraced fields, and rural villages. The road becomes more rugged as you enter the Gorkha region. After approximately 9–10 hours of driving, you’ll arrive in the small riverside village of MachhaKhola, where you’ll spend the night. This marks the starting point of your trek.

Today’s trek follows a narrow trail along the Budhi Gandaki River, passing through small settlements like Khorlabesi and Tatopani (natural hot spring). The path includes several ups and downs, suspension bridges, and rocky trails carved into steep hillsides. After crossing the river multiple times and navigating through lush forests and ridges, you’ll reach Jagat—a beautiful stone-paved village and the entry point to the Manaslu Conservation Area.

Today’s trail ascends through terraced hillsides and dense subtropical forests as you pass through villages like Salleri and Sirdibas. Crossing a long suspension bridge, you’ll reach the charming village of Philim, known for its Gurung culture and picturesque setting. The trail then becomes narrower and more dramatic as it winds through gorge-like sections and bamboo forests. After crossing several small bridges and landslide-prone areas, you'll arrive at Dyang, a peaceful village with Tibetan influence.

The trail from Dyang to Namrung offers a mix of natural beauty and cultural depth. You'll trek through lush forests, cross wooden bridges, and pass small settlements like Bihi and Ghap. As you ascend, the landscape begins to change, revealing more alpine vegetation and distant mountain views. You’ll walk alongside the Budhi Gandaki River, enjoying peaceful forest sections filled with birdsong and waterfalls. Reaching Namrung, a beautiful village with Tibetan-style architecture and stunning views of mountains like Himalchuli and Ganesh Himal, you'll feel the increasing cultural and geographical shift.

Today’s trek offers breathtaking scenery and deeper immersion into Tibetan-influenced culture. Leaving Namrung, you’ll pass through charming villages like Lihi, Sho, and Lho, each adorned with mani walls, prayer flags, and ancient monasteries. The trail steadily climbs, revealing panoramic views of Mt. Manaslu, Himalchuli, and Ngadi Chuli. After visiting the impressive Ribung Monastery in Lho, you’ll continue through pine and rhododendron forests to reach Shyala. Nestled among snowy peaks, Shyala offers stunning 360° mountain views, making it one of the most scenic stops on the trek.

After breakfast in Shyala, you'll take a side trip to Pungyen Monastery, located on a ridge with stunning views of Mount Manaslu and surrounding glaciers. This peaceful monastery offers a spiritual and scenic break from the main trail. After exploring and soaking in the beauty, you’ll return to the main route and continue your trek towards Samagaun, one of the largest and most culturally rich villages in the region. The trail offers fantastic views, yak pastures, and traditional Tibetan houses.

Today is an important acclimatization day to help your body adjust to the altitude. After breakfast, you’ll embark on a challenging but rewarding hike to Manaslu Base Camp (4,800 m). The trail climbs steeply above Samagaun, offering breathtaking views of glaciers, icefalls, and the majestic Manaslu massif. Reaching the base camp, you’ll be greeted with panoramic mountain scenery and a sense of achievement. After spending some time there, you’ll descend back to Samagaun for rest and recovery.

Today’s trek is shorter but involves a steady ascent as you leave Samagaun and head toward Dharmasala (also called Larkya La Phedi), the base camp for crossing the challenging Larkya La Pass. The trail passes through rocky terrain, moraines, and alpine landscapes with stunning views of Manaslu and surrounding peaks. Dharmasala offers basic teahouse accommodations and is the perfect place to rest and prepare for tomorrow’s early and strenuous Larkya La Pass crossing.

Today is the most challenging and rewarding day of the trek. You’ll start early to cross the Larkya La Pass, the highest point of the trek at 5,106 meters. The ascent is steep and demanding, but once you reach the summit, you’ll be rewarded with spectacular panoramic views of the Himalayas. After enjoying the breathtaking scenery, you’ll begin a long descent through rocky trails and alpine meadows down to Bhimthang, a peaceful village nestled in a broad valley. Overnight stay in Bhimthang, where you can rest and recover after the strenuous day.

Today, you’ll descend through lush alpine meadows, rhododendron forests, and traditional villages. The trail gradually winds down from Bhimthang, passing through small settlements and yak pastures. You’ll enjoy stunning views of surrounding peaks and serene natural landscapes as you make your way to Gho, a quiet village known for its Tibetan culture and hospitality. The descent helps your body recover while offering beautiful scenery along the way.

On this final trek day, you’ll descend further through beautiful forests and traditional villages toward Dharapani. From here, many trekkers continue down to Besishahar Bazaar, the district headquarters and a gateway to the Annapurna region. The trail is easier and shorter today, allowing for a relaxed pace as you soak in the last views of the valley and surrounding hills. Overnight stay in Dharapani or Besishahar, depending on your itinerary

After breakfast, you’ll complete the trek with a downhill walk from Dharapani to Besisahar, passing through lush valleys and rural villages. The trek takes a few hours and offers final views of the beautiful landscape. Upon arrival in Besisahar, you’ll board a vehicle for a scenic drive back to Kathmandu, covering approximately 224 km. Expect around 7–9 hours on the road, depending on traffic and road conditions. Once in Kathmandu, you’ll check into your hotel and relax after your incredible journey.

Ask ChatGPT

Today, you’ll be transferred to Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu for your onward flight home. Take with you unforgettable memories of the Manaslu Circuit Trek — its stunning landscapes, rich culture, and the personal achievement of completing this remote Himalayan adventure. Safe travels!