Manaslu Circuit Trek – Remote Beauty Around the Eighth Highest Peak

Welcome to Nepal! Upon arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport, you’ll be transferred to your hotel. Free time to rest or explore the vibrant streets of Thamel.

Today, we explore Kathmandu’s rich history and spiritual heritage. After breakfast, your cultural tour begins with a visit to Swayambhunath (Monkey Temple), an ancient hilltop stupa with panoramic views of the city. Next, we head to the sacred Pashupatinath Temple, Nepal’s most revered Hindu shrine. Finally, you’ll visit the massive Boudhanath Stupa, a center of Tibetan Buddhism in Nepal.

While you enjoy sightseeing, our team will arrange your trekking permits:

• Manaslu Restricted Area Permit (RAP)
• Manaslu Conservation Area Project (MCAP)
• Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP)

In the evening, there will be a gear check and final briefing to ensure you're fully prepared for the trail.
🛏️ Overnight at hotel in Kathmandu.

Today we leave the capital and embark on a long but scenic drive westward. The road winds through lush countryside, terraced fields, and traditional hillside villages. After crossing Arughat, the journey becomes more rugged as we follow the Budhi Gandaki River into the Himalayan foothills. We reach the riverside village of Machha Khola, the starting point of our trek.
🛏️ Overnight in teahouse at Machha Khola.

Our first day on the trail begins with a pleasant walk along the riverbank. We pass waterfalls, farmlands, and small settlements like Tatopani, known for its natural hot springs. The trail includes several suspension bridges and gentle climbs before reaching Jagat, a charming village with stone-paved paths and checkpoint for restricted area permits.
🛏️ Overnight in teahouse at Jagat.

After breakfast, we continue ascending gradually. The trail weaves through lush forest, terraced fields, and traditional Gurung villages such as Salleri and Philim. As we gain elevation, the landscape becomes more dramatic, and the river gorge narrows. We cross the Budhi Gandaki several times on steel bridges before reaching Deng, where Tibetan influence starts to appear in the architecture and culture.
🛏️ Overnight in teahouse at Deng.

Today’s trail winds through bamboo forests and climbs steeply past mani walls and prayer flags. You’ll pass several quaint settlements including Rana, Bihi Phedi, and Ghap. The valley opens up into a magical alpine forest full of wildlife like Himalayan thars and langurs. After a final push uphill, we arrive at Namrung, a stone village with stunning views of Ganesh Himal and Siringi Himal.
🛏️ Overnight in teahouse at Namrung.

We ascend through picturesque villages like Lihi, Sho, and Lho, where you'll see beautiful chortens and traditional Tibetan architecture. This is a visually rewarding day with your first full views of Mount Manaslu and Manaslu North. We stop for lunch in Lho, then continue past pine forests and open pastures before reaching Sama Gaun, the largest and most culturally significant village in the region.
🛏️ Overnight in teahouse at Sama Gaun.

To help your body adjust to the altitude, we spend the day exploring the surroundings of Sama Gaun.

• Option 1: Hike to Manaslu Base Camp (4,800m) for experienced trekkers (full-day, steep ascent).
• Option 2: Shorter hike to Pungyen Gompa, a peaceful monastery with panoramic views of Manaslu and the glacier.

Sama Gaun also offers cultural exploration, with yak pastures, traditional stone houses, and prayer walls lining the village.
🛏️ Overnight in teahouse at Sama Gaun.

A short and relatively easy day. The trail gently ascends along barren hills and yak pastures as we head closer to the Tibetan border. The air gets thinner, and the terrain becomes more arid. We reach Samdo, a remote Tibetan refugee village surrounded by dramatic peaks.
🛏️ Overnight in teahouse at Samdo.

Today we make our way to Dharamsala (also called Larkya Phedi), the base camp before crossing the high pass. The trail is scenic, offering panoramic views of Manaslu, Larkya Peak, and Naike Peak. We pass by grazing yaks and perhaps even blue sheep. The lodge at Dharamsala is basic but sufficient for acclimatization and rest.
🛏️ Overnight in teahouse at Dharamsala.

This is the most demanding and rewarding day of the trek. We start before sunrise with a steady uphill climb toward Larkya La Pass, the highest point of the trek. From the top, we’re treated to awe-inspiring views of Himlung Himal, Cheo Himal, Kang Guru, and Annapurna II.

The descent is long but equally stunning as we descend into the glacial valley of Bimthang, a magical alpine basin surrounded by peaks.
🛏️ Overnight in teahouse at Bimthang.

We leave behind the high mountains and begin our descent into lush green forest. Today’s walk is through rhododendron groves, mossy trails, and crystal-clear streams. Pass through small settlements like Karcher and Gho before reaching Tilije, a Gurung village that marks our return to lower altitudes.
🛏️ Overnight in teahouse at Tilije.

Our final morning on the trail is a pleasant walk to Dharapani, where we exit the Manaslu Conservation Area. Here, we join the famous Annapurna Circuit Trail and begin the bumpy drive to Besisahar, the transport hub of the region.
🛏️ Overnight at guesthouse in Besisahar.

After breakfast, we drive back to Kathmandu via scenic countryside roads. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel and enjoy a hot shower, good food, and perhaps some souvenir shopping. Celebrate your successful trek with a traditional farewell dinner in the evening.
🛏️ Overnight at hotel in Kathmandu.

Depending on your flight schedule, our team will transfer you to the airport for your onward journey. If you have more time, we can help you arrange additional tours such as Chitwan Safari, Pokhara, or a scenic Everest flight.