Manaslu Circuit Trek

Start your journey by being picked up from Kathmandu and taking a scenic drive beside the Trishuli River to Arugath Bazar. Along the way, you’ll see beautiful scenery and a glimpse of the lifestyle in this rural area. You’ll also pass through Dhadingbensi, which is the district headquarters of Dhading. The settlement of Arughat Bazar (670 m/2,198’) is clustered on both banks of the Budhigandaki River, with a suspension bridge connecting the two sides. After exploring this popular trading center, continue your drive to reach Soti Khola (597 m/1,959’), where you will spend the night.

Begin your trek today after breakfast in your hotel. Cross the bridge then follow the trail through the lovely Sal forest. The trail then begins to climb up onto a ridge that overlooks a very large section of rapids on the Budhigandaki River. Pass through several small villages, then climb again behind an outcrop until you come to a broad valley. Here, a tributary river meets the Budhigandaki. Follow the sandy riverbed down to the suspension bridge. When you cross this bridge, you’ll arrive in the village of Machha Khola (825 m/2,707’), where you’ll spend the night.

Leave the village of Machha Khola by first crossing a stream that is also called Machha Khola. The trail today is a series of ups and downs, as well as streams and bridges. Follow the trail from Machha Khola to the Tharokhola stream, then cross the stream and continue upstream toward the little village of Khorlabesi. The undulating path then takes you to Tatopani, where there is a natural hot spring. Cross another suspension bridge to continue your trek on the opposite riverbank to your left. A wide staircase then takes you up to Doban, where you’ll find a tea house on the other side of a small forested section of the trail. Cross the Yaru Khola via the suspension bridge, then climb up to the ridge. Follow the river as you climb further to reach Jagat (1,330 m/4,364’). Spend the night in this lovely village.

Visit several small towns and villages along your route today. Begin today’s trek by descending a long stone staircase down to the riverbank. Then climb to the other side of a terraced hill to the town of Salleri. From here you can see the peak of Sringi Himal (7,187 m/23,579’) before descending again to the village of Sirdibas. As the valley begins to widen, the trail will reach Ghatte Khola, where a suspension bridge takes you across the river. Once across, the trail climbs steeply up to the large Gurung village of Philam, then on to Chisopani. After Chisopani, an incredible waterfall view awaits you as you cross a hillside, then descend again to grassy slopes before crossing the Budhi Gandaki River. Notice the pine trees in this alpine zone. Follow the river along its west bank, then cross over to the eastern side for a stretch, then cross back to the west again. Pass through a bamboo forest before you come to Deng Khola. When you cross the stream, you’ll find yourself in a small village called Deng (1,860 m/6,102’). Deng is your destination for today.

Leaving Deng, the trail descends for approximately 40 minutes then crosses the Budi Gandaki River to arrive in Rana (1,910 m/6,266’). After another hour of ups and downs you’ll come to Bhi, then cross the Serang Khola continue to the west into the Budi Gandaki valley. You’ll see impressive mani stones then enter a forest before turning toward Ghap. The hike from Bhi to Ghap takes approximately 2.5 hours. The village of Ghap reveals a clear Tibetan influence. A different route option takes you through the village of Prok, where you can find a beautiful view of Siringi Himal. Then follow the path of the river upstream as it carves its way through a densely forested area. Enjoy the cooler temperatures as you gain altitude in the shade of the pine and juniper trees. After crossing the river one more time, you’ll arrive at a steep staircase that will take you up to Namrung (2,580 m/8,465’), where you will spend the night.

Take time to appreciate the wonderful views of the peaks of Sringi Himal, Ganesh Himal, and Mount Himal Chuli that are available in Namrung, the continue your trek on to Samagaon. As you leave the village, the trail leads through expansive pastures and barley fields. After a steep climb, you’ll come to Lihi village (2,920 m/9,580’). In this picturesque village you’ll see barley terraces and many chortens. Cross the stream that flows down from the Lidanda Glacier to come to Sho village. Here in this Tibetan village you’ll find incredible views of Manaslu and Manaslu North. Next, you’ll come to the village of Lho, which is a larger village full of mani walls, chortens, and an ornate stupa. You can also visit the Ribung Gompa monastery in Lho while enjoying clear and breathtaking views of Mount Manaslu. Continue down the trail to the village of Shyala, which is absolutely surrounded by tall, stunning mountain peaks. To your left will be Himal Chuli and Nagi Chuli (Peak 29). On the right is a collection of snow-capped peaks and Ganesh Himal in the distance. Straight ahead of you is the majestic Mount Manaslu and several glaciers. Continue walking to come to Samagaon village (3,480 m/11,417’), where you will spend the night.

Spend a second night in Samagaon to help your body adjust to the altitude. This acclimatization day will help you prepare both physically and psychologically for the rest of your journey as your body adapts to the new elevation and climate. It is important to stay active today, so explore the village and the surrounding area. There are thousands of mani stones here with pictures and text that are very meaningful to Buddhists. See the traditional clothing and jewelry of the Sherpa women. You can explore the nearby Sama Gompa monastery and witness spectacular views of the pyramid-shaped Mount Manaslu. Today’s hike takes you to the stunning turquoise lake Birendra Tal, and also to the Manaslu Base Camp (4,500 m/14,764’). Return to Samagaon for the night.

Leave Samagaon today and work your way down to the Budhi Gandaki River, then follow the river up again. Along your walk you will be surrounded by exceptional mountain views. When you reach the Kermo Kharka meadows, where the trail to Manaslu Base Camp begins, turn around and experience yet another incredible view of Mount Manaslu. The trail is easy for a while as it crosses above the river along a shelf. Here you’ll walk through the Kermo Kharka forests of birch and juniper trees. Eventually you’ll leave the shelf, returning down to the Budhi Gandaki River and crossing it via the wooden bridge. Here there is a promontory that is between two forks of the river that will require a steep climb. Cross to the eastern side of the river to reach the last permanent settlement of this valley, Samdo (3,860 m/12,664’). Stop for the night in Samdo.

From Samdo, the trail returns down to the Budhi Gandaki River, crosses it on a wooden bridge, then begins to go up again. You’ll also cross a stream that runs down from the Gya La Pass, which is a pass that crosses into Tibet. Pass the village of Larkya Bazaar and continue on toward the Larkya glacier, you’ll come to a village with many names. It is called Dewang, or Dharmasala. Because of its location at the base of the Larkya La pass, it is also called Larkya Phedi (“Foot of Larkya”). Spend the night here in Dharmasala (4,470 m/14,665’).

Be prepared for a long and challenging day today. Begin by climbing northward until you come to the Larkya glacier’s ablation zone. Here there are frozen lakes and great views of Larkya Peak and Cho Danda. Cross the boulder fields. You will crest multiple times. Notice the lines of prayer flags from the summit cairn as they flutter in the wind. Here at the top of the Larkya La Pass (5,125 m/16,814’) you’ll find awe-inspiring panoramic views of the Himalayas. You can see well-known peaks such as Cheo Himal, Himlung Himal, Kang Guru, and even Annapurna II. Leaving the summit, the descent down the other side of the pass is steep and likely snow-covered. Cross the screen and join the ablation zone trail that leads to Dangboche Kharka. You can rest here before continuing on to today’s destination of Bimthang (3,855 m/12,648’), a village in the wide, flat ablation zone. Great job completing this challenging but very rewarding trekking day.

Enjoy a well-deserved rest day today, exploring the village of Bimthang and the surrounding area. Expect beautiful scenery and stunning mountain views. From this amazing location, you can see the peaks of Cheo Himal, Himlung, Kanguru, Lamjung Himal, Poker Mountain, Phungi Himal, Annapurna II, Mount Manaslu, and many more.

Today, the journey continues with a descent into the high pasture of Sangure Kharka, followed by crossing a bridge over the Dudh Khola. The path leads through a rhododendron forest and a narrow valley, reaching the highest cultivated area in Karche (2,785 m). After passing through fields, a steep climb takes you over a ridge, then the trail sweeps down in a wide arc to the riverbank at 2,580 m. Shortly after, you'll reach the village of Gho, where we will stop for lunch. From there, the trek continues to Dharapani, where you will spend the night.

After an early breakfast, the journey continues with a 3-hour drive from Dharapani to Besisahar in a local jeep. Upon arrival, we will take a lunch break before resuming the trip to Kathmandu in a private car or bus. Enjoy the scenic drive from Besisahar to Kathmandu. Upon reaching Kathmandu, you'll be transferred to your hotel (not included) for rest and relaxation.