Adventure Friendship
Manaslu Circuit Trek
Trip Overview
Trip Highlight
- Spectacular views of Mount Manaslu, Ganesh Himal, Himalchuli, and other Himalayan peaks
- Trek through remote villages and experience the Tibetan-influenced culture
- Walk along ancient salt trade routes beside the Budhi Gandaki River
- Cross numerous suspension bridges over glacial rivers
- Experience lush forests of rhododendron, pine, cedar, and juniper
- Acclimatization options at Manaslu Base Camp or Pungyen Gompa
- Opportunity to witness Hindu and Buddhist traditions and monasteries
- Enjoy authentic Nepalese cuisine at local tea houses
Detailed Itinerary
- Day 1 : Kathmandu → Machha Khola (Drive, 8–9 hrs | 850 m)
Start your journey with a scenic drive from Kathmandu through the Trishuli River Valley, Dhading Besi, Gorkha, and Arughat Bazaar, finally reaching Machha Khola. Enjoy views of terraced fields, lush hills, the Budhi Gandaki River, and glimpses of Ganesh Himal and the Manaslu massif.
- Accommodation: Teahouse/Guesthouse
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Day 2 : Machha Khola → Jagat (Trek, 6–7 hrs | 1,290 m)
Begin trekking along the Budhi Gandaki River, crossing suspension bridges and terraced fields. The trail winds through forests and small villages before reaching Jagat, known for its stone-paved streets and local monastery.
- Distance: 15 km
- Day 3 : Jagat → Deng (Trek, 6–8 hrs | 1,860 m)
The trail passes Philim village, showcasing Gurung culture, and ascends through dense pine and rhododendron forests with distant views of Shringi Himal. Arrive in Deng and soak in the alpine surroundings.
- Distance: 15 km
- Day 4 : Deng → Namrung (Trek, 6–7 hrs | 2,660 m)
Trek through quaint villages like Bihi, cross stone paths, suspension bridges, and enjoy panoramic views of Ganesh Himal and Manaslu. The alpine scenery intensifies as you approach Namrung with its Tibetan-style houses.
- Distance: 12 km
- Day 5 : Namrung → Lho (Trek, 5–6 hrs | 3,180 m)
Walk through forests and terraced fields, pass through Lihi and Sho villages, and admire Manaslu and Himlung Himal. Explore the Ribung Gompa monastery upon arrival in Lho.
- Distance: 15 km
- Day 6 : Lho → Sama Gaun (Trek, 6–7 hrs | 3,530 m)
Ascend through pine forests, alpine meadows, and villages such as Shyala before reaching Sama Gaun. Views of Manaslu, Himalchuli, and Ngadi Chuli dominate the landscape.
- Distance: 12 km
- Day 7 : Acclimatization Day – Day Trip to Manaslu Base Camp or Pungyen Gompa
Option to trek 10 km to Manaslu Base Camp (4,800 m) for breathtaking glacial views or 8 km to Pungyen Gompa (4,000 m) for cultural immersion. Return to Sama Gaun for overnight stay.
- Duration: 4–7 hrs
- Day 8 : Sama Gaun → Samdo (Trek, 4–6 hrs | 3,865 m)
Trek through yak pastures, high-altitude terrain, and Tibetan-influenced villages. Samdo offers panoramic mountain views and rich local culture.
- Distance: 10 km
- Day 9 : Acclimatization Day – Day Trip to Tibet Border (4–5 km each way | 4,572 m)
Ascend toward the Tibet border to acclimatize, enjoy views of Larke Peak, Himal Chuli, and Manaslu. Experience high-altitude Tibetan landscapes and return to Samdo.
- Distance: ~12 km round trip
- Day 10 : Samdo → Dharmasala (Trek, 4–5 hrs | 4,460 m)
Traverse rocky terrain, yak pastures, and reach Dharmasala (High Camp), the staging point for Larkya La Pass. Prepare for the challenging pass the next day.
- Distance: 10 km
- Day 11 : Dharmasala → Bimthang via Larkya La Pass (Trek, 8–10 hrs | 5,135 m)
Ascend the Larkya La Pass, the trek’s highest point. Marvel at surrounding peaks like Himlung Himal and Annapurna II. Descend to Bimthang and enjoy alpine meadows.
- Distance: 14 km
- Day 12 : Bimthang → Dharapani (Trek, 7–8 hrs | 1,860 m)
Descend through rhododendron forests, rivers, and terraced villages, experiencing Manaslu, Annapurna, and Lamjung panoramas. Reach Dharapani for overnight stay.
- Distance: 19 km
- Day 13 : Dharapani → Kathmandu (Drive, 8–9 hrs | 1,400 m)
Drive back to Kathmandu via Besisahar and Bhulbhule. Enjoy a farewell dinner in the city to conclude your journey.
- Distance: 220 km
Trip Cost Inclusion
- Airport pickup and drop-off
- Kathmandu → Machha Khola by bus; Dharapani → Beshisahar by Jeep; Beshisahar → Kathmandu by bus
- 12 nights in tea houses (MAP plan, twin-sharing)
- Trekking permits (TIMS, Manaslu Conservation Area, Annapurna Conservation Area)
- Breakfast, lunch, and dinner as per itinerary
- 1 Porter on each 2 trekkers
- Experienced English-speaking trekking guide
- Staff insurance and first-aid kit
- Farewell dinner in Kathmandu
Trip Cost Exclusion
- Nepal visa fees
- Personal expenses (drinks, laundry, WiFi, hot showers)
- Travel insurance (required, minimum USD 100,000 coverage)
- Tips for guide, staff, drivers
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