Manaslu Circuit Trekking - 19 Days

Quick Facts:

The Manaslu Himalayan region opened to tourism in 1991, where foreign visitors are now allowed to hike here with special permits. The region is also declared as Manaslu Conservation Area, which is important progress in efforts to preserve the nature and culture resources of this area. 

It is another less travelled trail that goes through terraced fields, beautiful meadows, lush forests, river valleys and snowcapped mountain scenery. This trek begins in Arughat in the foothills. We will hike along the Budigandaki River to Larkya Pass on the Eastside and then down the Dudh Khola (river) which begins at Larkya Glacier on the Westside.

At Dharapani, we connect with Annapurna Circuit trail and then hike down the Marshyangdi River valley to Bulbule and Besisahar from where we will be transferred to Kathmandu by road.

People and cultural experience along this route: 

While hiking in the lower foothills, we will see mixed ethnic groups, and in the upper foothills are Tibetan ethnic groups who are Nepali nationals today; however, their main cultural practice is Tibetan in every aspect of the life they live. They dwell in villages in the upper Manaslu valleys and lead traditional lifestyles. They raise Yaks, sheep, horses and other life stock. They practice limited farming in challenging soils and climates that include potatoes, barley, buckwheat, radish, and mustard greens. The cultural heritage and bonds continue and enhanced with their ongoing trade with Tibet.

Since the opening of Manaslu region for tourism, some of the villagers are operating lodges and teahouses to cater the growing number of visitors. However, the tourism infrastructures are still very basic and limited. We hope to see more comfortable lodging developments along this route soon.

The Westside of Manaslu including the Dudh Khola valley is spectacular. The forest is pristine and well preserved in this part of the world. The local inhabitants living along the Dudh Khola are mostly Gurung, Magar and Tibetan ethnic groups. Whether we hike from the east or west, we will see people of mixed ethnic groups. Whoever they are, they greet us with a smile and Namaste.

Advice: If you are not a regular hiker and have doubts on your ability to hike over Larkya Pass at 16,925 feet, we suggest that you hike to Samdo and return via the same way down to Sama or Lho Village. From there you can then take a helicopter out to Kathmandu or Pokhara that is the best option. Please note that arriving and departing via helicopter transport requires advance arrangements. You can see and enjoy the beauty of nature and culture in the Himalaya of Nepal without crossing high altitude passes. 

Detailed Itinerary:

Day 1 Arrive Kathmandu (4,400ft)

Meet on arrival, be welcomed and then transfer to your hotel for check in. 

Evening-trip briefing and welcome dinner. Two overnight at hotel.

Day 2 Kathmandu World Heritage Site Tour

Breakfast will be served at your hotel, and then depart to visit various Cultural World Heritage Sites to see ancient Nepalese arts and architect. This is an easy day which allows you to overcome your jetlag after a long flight. Afternoon return to hotel and remainder of the day free.

Day 3 Road to Arughat (570m/1,870ft) and to Soti Khola (2,460ft)

We wake up early, eat breakfast, and travel by road to Aurughat and then continue another hour on newly built road to our evening stop at Soti Khola. It is about six to eight hour of scenic drive. If traveling in the fall, we will experience part of the road in muddy and uneven condition at places that got damages during the monsoon season. If traveling in the spring, road will be better condition, but dust is expected on this day. We will arrive in late afternoon, unload and get settled for the evening. Our trek goes along the Burigandaki River originates at Larkya Pass Glaclier. Overnight stay in local lodge.

Day 4 Tek to Khorla Bensi (970m/3,182ft)

We will hike along the Burigandaki River valley passing through terraced farmlands, evergreen vegetation and scenic views. We will see Shringi (7187m) and Ganesh Himal peaks in the distance at the start of our hike.

Day 5 Trek to Jagat (1,370m/4,495ft)

As we progress our hike farther upriver, we will see river carved steep narrow gorges at various points. The ancient foot trail goes along the entire length of Burigandaki River, so we can hear the river as we hike its banks. Despite the variations in landscapes, we will see small villages, farmlands along the riverbanks and mountain slopes. We will hike through open space and narrow gorges on again and off again until we reach Lho village. The sheer rock cliffs, waterfalls, and the river valley evergreen scenery is part of the experience on this trail.

Day 6 Trek to Deng (1800m/5,904ft) via

We hike upriver valley following the ancient foot trail. Below Phillim village, we cross a long suspension bridge to get to the Magar and Gurung village. From this wide-open valley, we can see some snowcapped peaks with scenic views. About an hour after Phillim, we cross the other side of the river again and continue trek through forested area and narrow gorge to our evening stop at Dyang (Deng). 

Day 7 Trek to Namrung (2,660m/8,725ft)

We will continue our hike along this scenic river crisscrossing at various points. Occasionally we will walk past small settlements, teahouses and farmlands. 

Day 8 Trek to Lho Gaon (3,180m/10,435ft)

Today, we will hike in the extreme lower shoulder of Himal Chuli peaks through the forest covered areas and open space. We will also see Mount Manaslu and Himal Chuli from several locations. It is a well-maintained trail so we will have easy to moderate hike. 

Lho Gaon is a very traditional Tibetan settlement with monasteries, stupas, mani walls (wals that hold rock slates carved with Buddhist prayers) and terraced farms. The view of Manaslu and scenic vistas are excellent from here.

Day 9 Trek to Sama Gaon (11,565ft)

Sama Gaon, located below the majestic peak of Manaslu, is the biggest settlement of Tibetan ethnic people since time immemorial. Sama is amazingly flatland surrounded by extraordinarily beautiful peaks and scenery.

We will hike on ancient foot trail which is well maintained and surrounded by beautiful forest scenery and excellent mountain views. It is an easy to moderate hike to Sama. We stay overnight at lodge for two nights.

Day 10 rest day for acclimatization

Today we will visit the village monastery and possibly one or two village homes to see people’s way of life here.

Return to our lodge and remainder of the day rest to better acclimatization.

Day 11 Samdo Gaon (12,703ft)

Samdo is a Tibetan ethnic village located above the bank of Burigandaki River and next to Sonam (Samdo) glacier and Samdo peak 6335m. From here, we’ll have an excellent view of Samdo peak, Himal Chili peaks and Larkya Pass area. The lodging facilities in this village are very limited and are still at the developing stage. 

We will hike along the Burigandaki River to Samdo for lunch. It is a pleasant and easy hike. We will pass several mani walls en route and cross couple of small wooded bridges. The hike between Sama and Samdo is extraordinarily beautiful with excellent views of Manaslu, Himal Chuli, Khayang and Samdo peaks and scenic valley.

Day 12 Larkya Phedi (Base Camp) (14,629ft)

The base camp is also known as Dharamshala, which literally means a hut that is built by the community or the government for local pilgrims and travelers to spend a night free of charge. 

Today, these huts have become private business lodges with addition of more huts and big tents. The inn rooms are very basic. Guests staying in the inn can order their meals and eat in a large canteen type dining that is with minimal comfort. There are limited camping sites here. 

Rescue Helipad: The Larkya base camp also has a helipad to pick up sick travelers to Kathmandu. 

Day 13 Trek over Larkya Pass 16,925ft) to Bimthang (11,775ft),

Today, we wakeup very early in the morning, and then eat plenty of hot breakfast with fresh coffee; we will then start hiking uphill through Lakya Glacier. We shall reach the pass by 9:00AM to 10:00AM depending on the trail condition. We will take celebration photos as we reach the pass, enjoy the scenic views from the pass, and then hike downhill to Bimthang for overnight. The view we see from the pass is breathtaking. 

The trail: This is the rockiest trail of this trek which goes through rocks and boulders most of the day. Extreme caution is required. It is a manageable trail for most experienced hikers.

Bimthang is a scenic flatland with plenty of camping sites surrounded by Bimthang Glacier ridge on the Westside, Himlung Himal and Larkya Pass peaks in the northwest to east; then immediately to the east is hillside with birch, rhododendron and alpine scrub forest, and then continuing farther to the southeast to south are mount Manaslu’s northwest ridge and Pungge Himal. A clean and quiet stream flows past the campgrounds which we hope exists unpolluted for the years to come.

Bimthang, traditionally used as Yak and sheep pasture in the summer, is fast becoming a small resort town. The people operating the lodges are locals from downstream villages such as Gho and Tilche.

Rescue Helipad: Bimthang has plenty of flatland where helicopters could land and take off easily. Travelers suffering from high altitude sickness or intestinal problems can be picked up by helicopter to transfer to Kathmandu.

Telephone: One lodge has a telephone that can be used to make emergency calls for a fee.

Day 14 Tilche (7,544ft)

Breakfast and then hike downhill through the scenic forest trail along the Dudh Khola to our evening stop. Hot fresh lunch will be served en-route. We will then reach the Tilche Village, which has a medieval appearance. It is a Gurung and Tibetan ethnic village surrounded by beautiful forests below the sheer rocky walls.

Day 15 Jagat (1,300m/4,264ft)

After breakfast, we’ll trek along the Dodh Khola until we reach Dharapani, a small village of Gurung and Tibetan ethnic groups. There are several lodges, teahouses, and a police check post with Annapurna and Manaslu Conservation Area officers to check your permits. It is where the Annapurna Circle and Manaslu Circle trails separate.

After the check post, we will hike down Marshyangdi River gorge passing through thin deciduous to evergreen forest and sparsely inhabited area. Every now and then we will need to hike on dirt roads recently bulldozed as well as built by pick and shovel. The road construction in recent years destroyed centuries old foot trails at various locations. The foot trails were built by people as trade route between the lowlands and the highland people of Manang. However, the natural beauty of the mountains, scenery and unique cultural experience make us overcome the eye sore road scars. Lunch at the local teahouse inn. 

Day 16 Bhulbule (2,755ft)

Breakfast and trek through uninhabited areas, farmlands and villages.

Lunch at the local teahouse inn.

Day 17 Transfer to Kathmandu by Road

Early breakfast and then board our private van or bus to Kathmandu.

We will have a scenic drive back to the capital. 

Lunch will be served en route.

Farewell dinner at local restaurant. Overnight at hotel / 2 nights.

Day 18 Free Day in Kathmandu

Breakfast served at hotel and free for your own activities.

Day 19 Depart from Nepal

Breakfast served at your hotel, and then our complimentary transfer will take you to Kathmandu Airport for your flight.