Nepal · Trekking

12-Day Manaslu Trek through Larkya La Pass and Tibetan Villages

12 Days Round trip from Machhakhola Challenging pace

The journey

Trip highlights
  • 01 Witness extraordinary views of Mt Manaslu and neighbouring Himalayan peaks
  • 02 Cross the iconic Larkya La Pass at 5,160 metres
  • 03 Explore remote Tibetan-influenced villages, monasteries, and cultural sites
  • 04 Trek along peaceful, less-crowded trails with expert guidance throughout

Embark on a 12-day Himalayan journey through remote valleys, Tibetan-influenced villages, and the spectacular landscapes surrounding Mt Manaslu. This challenging trek follows the Great Himalayan Trail, crosses the dramatic Larkya La Pass, and offers sweeping mountain panoramas throughout. With expert guidance, warm tea house hospitality, and fewer crowds than other major routes, the experience blends adventure, culture, and serene wilderness. It is an ideal choice for trekkers seeking a demanding and rewarding expedition.

Embark on a 12-day Himalayan journey through remote valleys, Tibetan-influenced villages, and the spectacular landscapes surrounding Mt Manaslu.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 12 Days
Tour type Shared
Activity level Challenging
Accommodation Included · Standard
Transport Included
Wheelchair access No
Cities Pokhara, Kathmandu, Manaslu, Besisahar, Dharapani
Languages English, Hindi, Spanish

Day by day

The itinerary

1
Day 01

Drive from Kathmandu to Machha Khola

  • Have an early breakfast before boarding a local bus.
  • Drive on winding and off-road terrain along the Trishuli River towards Machha Khola via Arughat Bazaar and Sotikhola.
  • Enjoy views of the Nepalese countryside and mountain scenery.
  • Continue driving from Arughat to Machha Khola.

Overnight in Machha Khola.

(Meals included: breakfast, lunch and dinner. Accommodation: Tea House)

2
Day 02

Trek from Machha Khola to Jagat

  • Begin the trek with minor ascents and descents, crossing the Tharo Khola to reach Khorlabesi.
  • Pass a small hot spring in Tatopani.
  • Climb over a ridge and cross the Budhi Gandaki on a suspension bridge.
  • Ascend a staircase, cross a landslide, and trek to Dobhan.
  • Cross a suspension bridge over the Yaru Khola and climb stone stairs to Tharo Bharyang.
  • Climb over a ridge and trek towards Jagat.

Overnight in Jagat.

(Meals included: breakfast, lunch and dinner. Accommodation: Tea House)

3
Day 03

Trek from Jagat to Deng

  • Begin with a climb over a rocky ridge to Salleri and descend to Sirdibas.
  • Continue along Ghatta Khola and cross a long suspension bridge in Philim.
  • Walk through millet fields to Ekle Bhatti.
  • Enter a steep gorge and cross the Budhi Gandaki several times.
  • Pass through bamboo forests towards Deng Khola.
  • Cross the Khola to reach Deng.

Overnight in Deng.

(Meals included: breakfast, lunch and dinner. Accommodation: Tea House)

4
Day 04

Trek from Deng to Namrung

  • Walk beyond Deng and cross the Budhi Gandaki to reach Rana.
  • Follow the trail through forests and mani towards Ghap.
  • Take the route through Prok village with views of Siringi Himal.
  • Cross the river several times and pass several gompas.
  • Trek through dense forests and climb steeply to Namrung.

Overnight in Namrung.

(Meals included: breakfast, lunch and dinner. Accommodation: Tea House)

5
Day 05

Trek from Namrung to Syala

  • Trek through Tibetan-influenced villages and mani walls.
  • Enjoy views of Manaslu and Naike Peak.
  • Reach Lho with its gompa and mani stones.
  • Continue through forests and cross a creek.
  • Arrive in Syala with views of Manaslu, Himalchuli and Ngadi Chuli.

Overnight in Syala.

(Meals included: breakfast, lunch and dinner. Accommodation: Tea House)

6
Day 06

Hike to Pungyen Gumpa and continue to Samagaon

  • Hike to Pungyen Gumpa in around three hours.
  • Explore Buddhist culture, mani stones, and Sherpa traditions.
  • Visit Pungyen Gompa with glacier views.
  • Learn about the historic Japanese expeditions.

Overnight in Samagaon.

(Meals included: breakfast, lunch and dinner. Accommodation: Tea House)

7
Day 07

Acclimatisation trek to Manaslu Base Camp

  • Begin a full-day trek from Samagaon to Manaslu Base Camp.
  • Pass Birendra Lake and ascend through woods and open terrain.
  • Climb a narrow moraine trail to reach the base camp area.
  • Enjoy views of glaciers and surrounding mountains.
  • Return to Samagaon.

(Meals included: breakfast, lunch and dinner. Accommodation: Tea House)

8
Day 08

Trek from Samagaon to Samdo

  • Descend to the Budhi Gandaki River.
  • Follow the Larkya La trail past mani walls.
  • Walk above the river through juniper and birch forests.
  • Cross bridges and climb to a promontory overlooking the valley.
  • Pass through a large white kani to reach Samdo.

Overnight in Samdo.

(Meals included: breakfast, lunch and dinner. Accommodation: Tea House)

9
Day 09

Trek from Samdo to Larkya Phedi

  • Walk down the edge and cross a wooden bridge over the Budhi Gandaki.
  • Ascend past streams and the Larkya Glacier.
  • Enter the Salka Khola valley and climb to Dharmasala.
  • Spend the afternoon resting and acclimatising.

Overnight in Larkya Phedi.

(Meals included: breakfast, lunch and dinner. Accommodation: Tea House)

10
Day 10

Cross Larkya Pass and descend to Bimthang

  • Begin early around 3:30 AM for the toughest day.
  • Descend to four ice lakes and begin the steep climb to Larkya La.
  • Enjoy views of Himlung Himal, Cheo Himal, Kang Garu and Annapurna II.
  • Descend into the valley with views of Cho Danda and Larkya Peak.
  • Walk through moraines to reach Bimthang.

Overnight in Bimthang.

(Meals included: breakfast, lunch and dinner. Accommodation: Tea House)

11
Day 11

Descend from Bimthang to Dharapani

  • Descend through fields and pastures towards Goha and Tilje.
  • Pass mani walls and reach Thonje village.
  • Enter Dharapani and stay overnight.

(Meals included: breakfast, lunch and dinner. Accommodation: Tea House)

12
Day 12

Drive to Kathmandu or Pokhara via Besishar

  • Take a local sharing jeep to Besishar.
  • Stop for lunch in Besishar.
  • The guide arranges bus tickets for Pokhara while the rest of the team returns to Kathmandu.

(Meals included: breakfast and lunch)

Mt Manaslu, Larkya La Pass crossing, Budhi Gandaki valley

Where this trip takes you

Mt Manaslu, Larkya La Pass crossing, Budhi Gandaki valley

The route

Where you'll travel

Tour route map
Round trip from Machhakhola 5 cities · 12 Days

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

  • Local bus or sharing jeep from Kathmandu to Machhikhola and from Dharapani to Besishar to Pokhara

  • All accommodation during the trek in tea houses

  • All necessary trekking permits: MCAP, ACAP, RAP, and community fees

  • All meals during trekking (breakfast, lunch, and dinner, plus one tea or coffee)

  • Duffle bag for trekking (to be returned after the trip)

  • Trekking porter (one porter for every two clients)

  • Sleeping bags and down jackets (to be returned after the trip)

  • Experienced English-speaking trekking guide and porter with all expenses covered

  • First aid kit carried by the trekking guide

  • Company service charge, local tax, and VAT

  • Company T-shirt or cap

What's Not Included

  • International flight, travel insurance, and visitor visa fee

  • Airport pickup and drop-off service

  • Accommodation in Kathmandu

  • Private vehicles from Kathmandu to Machhikhola and from Dharapani to Besishar

  • Your meals in Kathmandu (lunch and dinner)

  • Personal expenses

  • Drinking water, snacks, hot showers, tea, coffee, and Wi-Fi during trekking

  • Tips for guides and porters

  • Any extra costs due to unforeseen circumstances

What to bring

  • Trekking boots (comfortable, waterproof, and well broken-in)

  • Warm layers (fleece jacket, down jacket)

  • Base layers (thermal tops and bottoms)

  • Waterproof jacket and trousers

  • Sleeping bag rated for -15°C or colder

  • Trekking poles

  • Sunglasses

  • Woollen cap

  • Warm gloves

  • Headlamp with extra batteries

  • Water purification tablets or filter

  • Personal first-aid kit including altitude medicine

  • Reusable water bottle

  • Crampons for icy sections near Larkya La Pass

Know before you go

  • Weather is best in autumn and spring; winter brings snow and cold at high passes.

  • A minimum group size of two trekkers is required for permits.

  • A licensed guide is mandatory for the restricted area.

  • RAP, MCAP and ACAP permits are required.

  • A moderate to high fitness level is needed for long days and altitude.

  • Facilities are limited, with basic lodges, limited Wi-Fi, and paid hot showers and power.

Logistics

Meeting & route

Meeting point
Alpine Vista Treks, Gaa Hiti Road, Kathmandu, Nepal
Tour start
Machhakhola, Uiya, Nepal
Tour ends at the same location as the start point.
End of the journey

Your 12 days finish where they began, in Machhakhola.

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