The Manaslu Circuit Trek, a relatively new gem in the realm of trekking, beckons adventurers to explore the hidden wonders of Nepal’s restricted trekking area. Named after the majestic Mt. Manaslu (8163 m), the world’s eighth-highest peak, this trail unveils a pristine wilderness that remains untouched by the masses. Trekking through this region requires a special permit, creating an exclusive journey away from the well-trodden paths.
In addition, Manaslu Circuit Trek is a symphony of diverse landscapes. Nature’s canvas unfolds as you traverse lush forests of rhododendron, bamboo and pine, cross several suspension bridges above deep river gorges, conquer steep mountain passes, and gaze upon glistening glaciers and alpine meadows. En route, you’ll encounter holy mani walls, sacred chortens, and ancient monasteries that offer glimpses into a Tibetan and Gurung traditions. The trail rambles through remote villages like Machha Khola, Jagat, Samagaun, and Samdo.
Overall, Our meticulously crafted 13 days Manaslu Circuit Trek begins with a drive to Machha Khola. We trek along the Budhi Gandaki River, guiding you through terraced fields and many charming villages. As we advance further to Larkya La Pass, our trail becomes steeper. Standing majestically at 5,215 meters above sea level, this vintage point opens up to reveal a breathtaking panorama of the surrounding mountains, including iconic Mt. Manaslu. Following the summit, the trail merges with the Annapurna Circuit, seamlessly connecting two of Nepal’s most extraordinary trekking routes. As our trek draws to a close, you’ll retrace your steps back to Kathmandu or Pokhara.
Upon your arrival in Kathmandu, you will be greeted at the airport and transferred to your hotel. Later in the evening, we will have a pre-departure meeting regarding the details of your trip.
In the morning, we will pick you up from your hotel and drive towards the beautiful Machha Khola Village. The scenic drive takes us westwards, following the Prithvi Highway. During the drive, we follow Trisuli River and pass many picturesque villages that dot the landscape. In a distance, Mt. Manaslu and the Annapurna Mountain ranges grace the horizon. Upon arriving at Dhading we head northward towards Arughat Bazar along the river. We then drive on off road towards Machha Khola following Budhi Gandaki River. Machha Khola is a charming village beside Budhi Gandaki River. You can get amazing North East view of Ganesh Himal for the village.
After breakfast, we will embark on our first day of the trek to Manaslu Circuit. Today’s trail unfolds amidst the embrace of verdant forests, following the undulating crests of ridges, and tracing the meandering course of a river. Along the way, we cross many suspension bridges and landslide zones that add a touch of adventure to our path. Though the trail ahead will be bit long and strenuous, the promise of magnificent mountain vistas and cascading waterfalls awaits, ready to reward our efforts.
We pass many enchanting villages that dot this trail. Khorlabesi, Tatopani, Dovan, and Thulo Dunga beckon us with their rustic charm, revealing the lives and traditions of their inhabitants. Moving forward, we arrive at the captivating village of Jagat. Excellent view Sringi Himal, mani walls and terraced fields are the attraction of this village. This place is inhabited by Gurung, Magar, and Tamang.
Leaving behind Jagat, our path descends gracefully, guiding us down stone steps that lead us to the river. Crossing the river, our journey then ascends, unfolding before us a terraced hillside as we make our way to Salleri. The track goes up and down as we approach the Buri-Gandaki bridge. After crossing the bridge from Ghata-Khola, the trail ascends once more towards Philim. Here, a pause is needed, as Philim serves as the gateway to the captivating realm of the Manaslu Restricted Area. After registering our special permit, we venture forth. Our trail becomes a harmonious walk through millet, maize, and potato fields and some waterfall. Crossing the Siyar Khola, we find ourselves at a crossroads where the trail parts, Tsum Valley beckoning with its own allure. Then after Pewa village, we pass through bamboo forests to arrive at Gurung Village, Deng. Sringi Himal 7,187m accompanies our trail today.
Our trek beings by crossing a suspension bridge over Budhi Gandaki River then climb up to Rana and Bihi Phedi. Our trek to Ghap continues via beautiful forests, alpine vegetation, charming villages, and multiple landslide zones. If you are interested there is an alternative route, less trekked trail from Bihi to Ghap via Prok village. The trail will then ascend in a zigzag pattern through bamboo and rhododendron forest to Namrung, a haven nestled in the Nupri region. The locals here are descendants of Tibetan migrants who came here some 500 years ago, hence Tibetan influence can be seen in local Buddhist Gompas, Mani, and village entrance gates. You will have good view of Siringi and Ganesh Himal from this village.
As our trek unfolds, the trail guides us towards the heart of the alpine realm of Manaslu. The trail we ascend, winds through emerald-green forests and mani walls before reaching the Tibetan village of Sho. From Sho, the trail unfurls like a ribbon of dreams, leading us to Lho. With each step, we traverse hillsides that unveil panoramas of breathtaking beauty—a canvas adorned with the Punggen Glacier below and snow-capped mountains like Peak 29 (Ngadi Chuli) and Mt. Manaslu above. Our trail is adorned with treasures—big Chortens that stand as sentinels of spiritual significance, Mani walls that whisper stories of devotion, and vistas that allow us to glimpse the Manaslu Massif in all its majestic glory. If you’re interested, we’ll go to visit Ribung Gompa.
We set forth on another day of adventure. The trail from Namrung to Sama Gaon beckons, promising a short yet enchanting journey through a landscape brimming with natural wonders. Our path leads us through a verdant forest and you can enjoy spectacular views of mountains like Ganesh, Singri, Himchuli, and, most significantly, Mt. Manaslu. Amidst our trail, we will pass through the picturesque Shayla village. As we continue our trek, Samagaon awaits with open arms. A haven inhabited by the Tibetan Buddhist community. Locals take a day trip to the Tibetan border to trade with Tibet. This route is one of the ancient salt trade routes connecting Nepal and Tibet.
To adjust to high altitude, we will spend a day exploring Sama Gaun. We will trek around 5 hours round trip to Manaslu Base Camp, where we will witness Mt. Manaslu, Naike Peak, glaciers, and Birendra Lake. If you don’t want to go to Manaslu Base Camp, you can just go to Birendra Tal, a turquoise glacial lake surrounded by snow-capped mountains in the Nubri valley.
The hike today is short, but the altitude will test us. Our journey begins with a pleasant descend to the Budhi Gandaki River’s banks. As we approach the Tibetan-influenced Sherpa settlement of Samdo, we are guided by Mani walls covered with prayers and blessings and a glimpse of the Manaslu glacier. It is the most remote and last big village before the Larke pass, nestled on a high mountainside overlooking the Budhi Gandaki River. We have the option of exploring the village, venturing into surrounding communities, or ascending to Samdo Peak—a height that affords a panoramic grasp of the world below.
Leaving Samdo behind, we will trek towards Dharmasala passing by Larkya Glacier and many streams. Despite the short distance, today’s hike will take us over 4,000m with some steep ascends. Dharmasala, which translates to Pilgrims Rest House is also known as Larkye Phedi.
Today is the most awaited day of our trek. We wake up early in the morning to reach our destination for today, Larke La at 5135m. Our hike begins with a short ascent above Dharmasala to a valley north of Larkya Glacier, from where you can see Cho Danda and Larkya Peak stand tall and mighty. Our trail rambles over glacial moraine and gradually ascend, which eventually becomes steeper until reaching the summit. Once at the summit, you’ll be greeted by fluttering colorful prayer flags and breathtaking views of Himlung (7,126m), Cheo Himal, Kang Guru (6,981m), Larkey Peak, Namjung Himal, Ratna Chuli and Annapurna II (7,937m).
After admiring the surrounding and celebrating this glorious moment, we descend steeply to Bimtang across snow and grassy moraine ridge overlooking Salpudanda glacier. Bhimtang is inhabited by Gurung people and we can have amazing view of mountains such as Lamjung, Manaslu, Phungi, Himlung and Cheo Himal.
As our trek continues, the landscape transforms once more. With the drop in altitude, our trail will be mostly downhill. We leave behind the rugged glaciers and alpine meadows, entering subtropical forests of rhododendron and pine trees. The melody of flowing water accompanies us, as the upper Dudh Khola merges with smaller streams. With each step, the mountains such as Manaslu, Larke, Nadi, and Chuli Himal reveal themselves. Before reaching in Tilche, our journey passes through various picturesque villages such as Kharche and Gho, as well as farmland fields and waterfalls. Tilche is a Tibetan and Chhetri village surrounded by apple orchards and farmland.
Today is the last day of our trek where our Manaslu trail ends and joins the Annapurna trail at Dharapani. We start our hike by walking down to the Dudh Khola bridge and then follow the embankment through forests and Thomje village until arriving in Dharapani. After some rest, we will take a local sharing jeep to the city of Besisahar and subsequently to Kathmandu or Pokhara.
