Kathmandu to Machha Khola, Trek Through the Manaslu Region and Return
Day 1: Drive from Kathmandu (1,400 m) to Machha Khola (890 m)
After breakfast in Kathmandu, you will begin your journey with a public bus drive toward Machha Khola via Arughat and Soti Khola. The drive is long but scenic, following paved roads up to Arughat before continuing on a rugged off-road section. Although bumpy, the journey rewards you with beautiful views of rivers, hills, terraced farmlands, and rural Nepali life. Upon arrival at Machha Khola, you will settle into a teahouse for the night.
Accommodation: Tea House / Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Duration: 9-10 hours
Distance: 150.2 km
Day 2: Trek from Machha Khola (890 m) to Jagat (1,340 m)
Today's trek follows the Budhi Gandaki River, passing through Khorlabesi and the natural hot spring at Tatopani. The trail includes several short ascents and descents and crosses suspension bridges offering impressive views at Doban, Thulo Dunga, and Yaru Bagar. Upon reaching Jagat, you will officially enter the Manaslu Conservation Area and register your permits at the police checkpoint. The landscape and vegetation gradually change as you gain elevation.
Accommodation: Tea House / Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Duration: 7-8 hours
Distance: 22 km
Day 3: Trek from Jagat (1,340 m) to Deng (1,860 m)
The trek begins with a rocky ascent and distant views of Sringi Himal. You will pass through Salleri, Sirdibas, and Philim, a charming Gurung village. The trail continues via Ekle Bhatti and Nyak village, crossing the Budhi Gandaki River several times on suspension bridges. Passing bamboo forests and narrow gorges, you will arrive at Deng, a quiet settlement along the riverbank.
Accommodation: Tea House / Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Duration: 8-9 hours
Distance: 20 km
Day 4: Trek from Deng (1,860 m) to Namrung (2,630 m)
Leaving Deng, the trail ascends through Rana and Bihi Phedi, crossing suspension bridges and passing mani stones and dense forests. After Ghap, the route enters a landslide-prone area, requiring careful walking. Gradually climbing alongside the river and passing small gompas, you will reach Namrung, a beautiful village with the first clear views of high Himalayan peaks.
Accommodation: Tea House / Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Duration: 8-9 hours
Distance: 19 km
Day 5: Trek from Namrung (2,630 m) to Samagaun (3,520 m)
Today's trek offers spectacular mountain scenery. Passing through Lihi, Sho, Lho, and Shyala villages, you will enjoy stunning views of Saula Himal, Pangkar Himal, Kutang Himal, Pangbuche Himal, and Manaslu Himalchuli. The landscape becomes increasingly alpine, with barley fields, chortens, and strong Tibetan Buddhist influence. A short walk from Lho brings you to Samagaun, one of the most important villages in the Manaslu region.
Accommodation: Tea House / Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Duration: 6-7 hours
Distance: 18 km
Day 6: Acclimatization Day at Samagaun
This day is reserved for acclimatization to help your body adjust to the altitude. Optional hikes include Birendra Lake, Pung Gyen Gompa, or Manaslu Base Camp. Birendra Lake offers stunning turquoise views just an hour from Samagaun, while Pung Gyen Gompa provides a peaceful setting surrounded by towering peaks. You will also have time to explore Samagaun village and observe local daily life.
Accommodation: Tea House / Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 7: Trek from Samagaun (3,520 m) to Samdo (3,875 m)
The trail ascends gradually through alpine terrain along the Budhi Gandaki River. Passing juniper and birch forests, the valley opens near Kermo Kharka and the white Kani gateway. Stone walls line the path as you approach Samdo, a remote village close to the Tibetan border. From here, enjoy views of Manaslu, Ngadi Chuli, Manaslu Glacier, and the surrounding Himalayan giants.
Accommodation: Tea House / Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Duration: 4-5 hours
Distance: 9 km
Day 8: Trek from Samdo (3,875 m) to Dharamsala / Larkya Phedi (4,460 m)
Today's trek is relatively short, allowing further acclimatization. The trail crosses wooden bridges, glacial streams, and open valleys beneath towering peaks. You will walk alongside the Larkya Glacier and may spot Himalayan blue sheep along the way. Dharamsala serves as the base camp for crossing Larkya La Pass.
Accommodation: Dormitory Room
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Duration: 4-5 hours
Distance: 8 km
Day 9: Trek from Dharamsala (4,460 m) to Bhimthang (3,590 m) via Larkya La Pass (5,160 m)
This is the most challenging and rewarding day of the trek. You will ascend gradually to Larkya La Pass, the highest point of the journey. From the top, enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of Himlung Himal, Cheo Himal, Gyaji Kang, Kang Guru, and Annapurna II. After celebrating at the pass, descend carefully through moraines and glacial landscapes to Bhimthang.
Accommodation: Tea House / Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Duration: 8-9 hours
Distance: 24.7 km
Day 10: Trek from Bhimthang (3,590 m) to Tilche (2,560 m)
The final trekking day descends through alpine meadows, rhododendron forests, and along the Dudh Khola. You will pass villages such as Hampuk and Gho, enjoying views of Manaslu, Lamjung Himal, and Himlung Himal. The trail gradually leads to Tilche, marking the end of your Manaslu trekking adventure.
Accommodation: Tea House / Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Duration: 5-6 hours
Distance: 26.3 km
Day 11: Drive from Tilche to Kathmandu or Pokhara
After breakfast, you will drive from Tilche to Besisahar by shared jeep and continue onward by public bus to Kathmandu or Pokhara. The journey concludes with unforgettable memories of the Manaslu region. In Kathmandu, Marvel Treks will host a farewell dinner to celebrate the successful completion of your trek.
Meals: Breakfast and Lunch
Duration: 9-10 hours
Distance: 220 km
