Manaslu Circuit Trek

Early morning drive from Kathmandu along the Prithvi Highway toward Pokhara. Turn north at Dhading Besi and continue through terraced hills and traditional villages. Pass through Arughat, the starting point of the Manaslu Circuit. Continue along the Budhi Gandaki River valley on rough roads. Reach Soti Khola, a small village marking the official trek start.

Trek begins following the Budhi Gandaki River through subtropical forests. Trail alternates between climbing and descending over ridges. Cross several suspension bridges. Pass through small villages and terraced fields. Walk through dense sal forests. Cross a suspension bridge and climb over another ridge to reach Machha Khola village beside the river.

Narrow trail carved into the cliff face high above the river. Cross several suspension bridges back and forth across the Budhi Gandaki. Pass through Khorlabesi village and hot springs. Climb through terraced fields and past waterfalls. Cross into the Manaslu Conservation Area at Jagat. The village sits at the confluence of two rivers with dramatic gorge views.

Trail climbs through rocky terrain and forest. Cross several suspension bridges with stunning valley views. Pass through Salleri and Sirdibas villages. Enter deeper canyon with vertical rock walls. Notice increasing Buddhist influence with mani walls and prayer flags. Reach Philim, a large Gurung village. Continue through narrow gorge to Deng, where Tibetan culture becomes more prominent.

Cross the Budhi Gandaki and climb through forests of pine and rhododendron. Pass through Rana village with its gompa and mani walls. The landscape opens up with first views of Manaslu. Trek through bamboo and rhododendron forests. Pass through Bihi Phedi and cross bridge. Climb to Namrung, a beautiful Tibetan village with traditional stone houses. Excellent views of Ganesh Himal and Siringi Himal.

Spectacular trekking day with continuous mountain views. Pass through Lihi and Sho villages with traditional Tibetan architecture. Trek through forests and across several streams. Views of Manaslu, Ganesh Himal, and Himalchuli. Pass through Lho village with its beautiful monastery. Visit the monastery for panoramic mountain views. Continue to Samagaun, a large Tibetan village with a gompa. Spectacular views of Manaslu's north face and surrounding glaciers.

Important acclimatization before crossing Larkya La Pass. Options include: Hike to Manaslu Base Camp (4,800m) or Birendra Lake through yak pastures and moraine. Visit Pungyen Gompa monastery perched on a hill above the village with incredible mountain views. Explore Samagaun village and its Tibetan culture, mani walls, and chortens. Rest and prepare gear for the high pass crossing ahead.

Relatively short day to aid acclimatization. Trek through alpine landscape with views of Tibetan border peaks. Cross streams and walk through juniper scrub. Pass ancient mani walls and chortens. Reach Samdo, the last village before the pass. This was once an important trading post with Tibet. Excellent views of peaks on the Tibet border. Prepare for the pass crossing.

Trek through yak pastures with spectacular views. Cross several wooden bridges over glacial streams. Trail climbs gradually through alpine desert landscape. Pass frozen waterfalls and enter a glacial valley. Views of Larkya Glacier and surrounding peaks. Reach Dharamsala (also called Larkya Phedi), basic accommodation at the base of the pass. Rest, hydrate, and go to bed early for tomorrow's pre-dawn start.

Start before dawn (3-4 AM) for the challenging climb to Larkya La Pass. Trek through glacier moraine and frozen landscapes. Steep climb with stunning sunrise views. Reach Larkya La Pass (5,160m), the highest point of the trek. Incredible panorama of Himlung Himal, Cheo Himal, Kang Guru, Annapurna II, and countless peaks. Prayer flags mark the pass. Long descent losing over 1,600m to Bimthang through varied terrain. Dramatic change from alpine desert to green pastures.

Long descent day through changing landscapes. Pass through high pastures and rhododendron forests. Views of Manaslu, Lamjung Himal, and Annapurna II. Cross several streams and through beautiful forests. Pass through Karche village. Descend through Gho village to finally reach Dharapani where you join the Annapurna Circuit trail. Major altitude loss - your body will appreciate the thicker air.

Retrace steps from the Annapurna Circuit trek. Descend through forests and terraced fields. Cross suspension bridges over the Marsyangdi River. Pass through Tal village with its waterfall. Continue through Chamje and Sattale. Cross dramatic bridges in the narrow canyon. Reach Jagat for the night. Celebrate completing the Manaslu Circuit.

Final trekking day descending to Syange. Pass through familiar villages from the beginning of the trek. Cross final suspension bridges. Reach Syange where the road begins. Meet your vehicle for the drive back to Kathmandu. Drive along the Marsyangdi and then Trishuli rivers. Arrive in Kathmandu evening. Hot shower and comfortable bed await.

Buffer day for any delays during the trek or drive. If schedule went smoothly, use this day for rest, shopping in Thamel, visiting cultural sites like Pashupatinath or Boudhanath, or spa treatments. Process photos and memories from the incredible Manaslu Circuit.

Transfer to airport for international departure. Or extend your Nepal adventure with Chitwan jungle safari, Pokhara relaxation, or another trek. We can arrange any extension activities.