Nepal · Trekking

18-Day Manaslu Circuit Trek from Kathmandu via Larkya La Pass

18 Days Round trip from Kathmandu 44600 Hard pace

The journey

Trip highlights
  • 01 Admire the unique cultural blend of authentic Hindu and Tibetan-style Buddhism
  • 02 See the pristine Budhi Gandaki River valley
  • 03 Enjoy eye-catching views of Mt. Manaslu, the eighth highest peak in the world
  • 04 Cross the Larkya La Pass at 5,153 meters
  • 05 Observe the unspoiled ecosystem and biodiversity
  • 06 Take in enticing natural scenery

Embark on an exciting Manaslu Circuit Trek in the central Gorkha district bordering Tibet. This trek offers a genuine adventure into a remote wilderness, untouched by the effects of tourism, as you walk through bridges, rivers, farming fields, green valleys, and beautiful villages. The journey leads to the Larkya-La Pass before descending through magnificent rhododendron forest, with rewarding mountain scenery and rich cultural encounters along the way.

The pass offers a captivating panorama of Larke Peak at 6,249 m, Manaslu North at 7,157 m, and the Salpudanda Glacier.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 18 Days
Tour type Private
Activity level Hard
Accommodation Included · Standard
Transport Included
Wheelchair access No
Cities Kathmandu, Manaslu, Besisahar, Dharapani
Languages English

Day by day

The itinerary

1
Day 01

Arrival in Kathmandu and Hotel Transfer

  • Reach Kathmandu via your respective airline at the airport terminal.

  • Meet our staff, who will greet you and provide complimentary transportation to your hotel.

2
Day 02

Kathmandu Leisure Day and Trek Preparation

  • Today is your leisure day.

  • We will arrange your Manaslu permit. If you are interested, you can also go on a Kathmandu city tour.

Hotel and breakfast included.

3
Day 03

Drive to Arkhet and Trek to Soti Khola

  • Begin this first day's journey with a long scenic drive to Arkhet, enjoying Himalayan mountain views over green hills.

  • The drive continues on the main highway to Malekhu town. From here, our route diverts over the Trisuli River to Dhading Besi and then follows the dirt road to the first overnight camp at Arkhet village.

  • After the drive, we trek to Soti Khola, following the Buri Gandaki River upstream and then into thick forest of Sal trees, which continues for the next few days in the warmer areas. As the trek progresses, enjoy fabulous views of Ganesh II at 7,118 m and Ganesh IV at 7,104 m.

  • The trek continues on the riverbank, passing Arkhet Bazaar, then climbing to a small settlement for an overnight stop at Soti Khola.

Breakfast, lunch, dinner, and lodge accommodation.

4
Day 04

Trek from Soti Khola to Machha Khola

  • From Soti Khola village, the walk leads on a descent along the riverbank, passing several tea shops and coming across mule caravans on the way toward Machha Khola.

  • This pleasant day's walk leads to a suspension bridge over Nauli Khola and Khanigaon, reaching the bridge over Machha Khola.

  • After the bridge, the trail climbs uphill to Machha Khola for an overnight stop. This area is popular for fishing, which is why it is called Machha Khola, meaning fishing stream.

Breakfast, lunch, dinner, and lodge accommodation.

5
Day 05

Trek to Jagat via Tatopani

  • After a nice breakfast, the morning journey continues to the small village of Khola Beshi and toward Tatopani, known for its natural hot spring.

  • From here, trek through Dovan and Yaruphant village, then follow the Buri Gandaki River. After crossing the bridge, we reach the large village of Jagat for an overnight stop.

Breakfast, lunch, dinner, and lodge accommodation.

6
Day 06

Trek through Philim to Deng

  • From here onward, we head toward the cooler mountain area to Dyang village and beyond. The morning walk follows the river, passing through several small scattered farm villages and Sidibas Bazaar.

  • Then climb uphill and cross a small suspension bridge at Nagjet to reach Philim village, where there is a small primary school supported by Japanese people.

  • After Philim, trek through terraced fields of wheat and barley, then continue uphill on a rocky ridge. The walk passes through bamboo forest and climbs to reach Deng village for an overnight stop.

Breakfast, lunch, dinner, and lodge accommodation.

7
Day 07

Trek to Ghap and Enter Tibetan Cultural Region

  • On leaving Dyang village, a slow descent along the riverbank takes you to Bihi Bazaar.

  • From this village onward, near the Tibetan border, you can observe Tibetan traditions and culture in this area and throughout the upper Manaslu and Gorkha region.

  • After walking for a few more hours, we take an overnight halt at Ghap village.

Breakfast, lunch, dinner, and lodge accommodation.

8
Day 08

Trek to Lho Bazaar with Manaslu Views

  • In the morning, the trek crosses the Budhi Gandaki River and passes small settlements with terraced fields.

  • Then reach Numrung village with superb views of Mt. Manaslu North Face along with other tall peaks.

  • Continue walking through several small villages such as Banjham and Sho, then follow the winding uphill trail for a few hours through Shrip.

  • Move onward for an overnight stop at Lho Bazaar.

Breakfast, lunch, dinner, and lodge accommodation.

9
Day 09

Trek to Samagaon via Phungen Glacier

  • As the walk progresses, reach higher Manaslu at Samagaon and further toward Larkya Phedi.

  • The morning begins with a stunning sunrise view over striking Mt. Manaslu, and you will have ample time to capture this awesome scenery. Then head toward Samagaon, passing through rhododendron forest. As the walk leads to higher terrain, you can observe changes in the landscape and increasingly sparse vegetation.

  • Walk for a few hours on the debris of Phungen Glacier, then finally reach Samagaon village for an overnight stop.

Breakfast, lunch, dinner, and lodge accommodation.

10
Day 10

Acclimatization Day in Samagaon

  • It is a free day in this high area for acclimatization, with a short walk around this interesting village where Tibetan Buddhist religion, culture, and old traditions remain strong.

Breakfast, lunch, dinner, and lodge accommodation.

11
Day 11

Trek to Samdo near the Tibetan Border

  • After a wonderful time in Samagaon, the morning walk starts toward Samdo, passing traders coming from Tibet with yaks laden with Tibetan and Chinese goods.

  • The walk continues following the stream to reach our overnight stop at Samdo village. From here, it is close to the Tibetan border.

Breakfast, lunch, dinner, and lodge accommodation.

12
Day 12

Trek to Dharamsala at Larkya Phedi

  • Today is a short but rewarding walk to the base of Larkya La at Phedi, starting in the morning by following the river coming from Gya La. From here, there is a trail on the right that leads to Tibet.

  • Our adventure continues straight to a small settlement at Larkya Bazaar, and then it is a couple of hours' walk from here to Dharamsala for lunch and an overnight stop beneath the bottom of Larkya Pass.

Breakfast, lunch, dinner, and lodge accommodation.

13
Day 13

Cross Larkya La Pass and Descend to Bimthang

  • Today is the main highlight of this wonderful adventure, beginning with a long day and an early morning walk. Follow a steep climb toward four frozen glacial ponds, then continue to the top of Larkya La Pass at 5,200 m, the highest point of this adventurous journey.

  • The path here can sometimes be quite hard depending on snow conditions while crossing moraines and glaciers. On a fine day, when there is no snow, the walk is moderate yet still adventurous as you traverse this high-altitude terrain.

  • The pass offers a captivating panorama of Larke Peak at 6,249 m, Manaslu North at 7,157 m, and the Salpudanda Glacier. The pass is festooned with Buddhist prayer flags.

  • After a great moment at the top, descend toward a magnificent green valley surrounded by rhododendron and pine trees at Bhimthang for an overnight stop after a vigorous 8-hour trek.

Breakfast, lunch, dinner, and lodge accommodation.

14
Day 14

Trek to Gho through Meadows and Forest

  • After breakfast in this beautiful spot, the trek continues by crossing a glacier stream and climbing over the moraine.

  • Then descend on a pleasant path through meadows and forest of pine and rhododendron trees, reaching Gho for an overnight stop. Gho is a small settlement surrounded by enchanting forests.

Breakfast, lunch, dinner, and lodge accommodation.

15
Day 15

Trek to Dharapani via Tilche Village

  • On this leisure day, walk downhill to Dharapani, passing Tilche village by the Marshyangdi River. Around this area live the Manang people, who are rich in Tibetan Buddhist traditions and culture.

  • From this village, the walk becomes easier, with a short uphill climb to the large village of Dharapani for an overnight stop. Check into the lodge, with an opportunity for hot showers, as this place is popular on the Annapurna Circuit trekking route.

Breakfast, lunch, dinner, and lodge accommodation.

16
Day 16

Final Trek to Jagat along the Marshyangdi River

  • Today is the last day's walk of this remarkable adventure, as the pleasant trek gradually passes through several villages including Tal Besi, Tal Karte, and Sattale.

  • This walk descends to cross a suspension bridge over the raging Marshyangdi River, overlooking fabulous views of the Annapurna Himalaya range.

  • Then walk through lush green forest following the Marshyangdi River downstream, with a gradual downhill trail to Jagat village for an overnight stop.

Breakfast, lunch, dinner, and lodge accommodation.

17
Day 17

Drive to Kathmandu via Beshi Sahar

  • Today is the last day in the Himalayan mid-hills.

  • After breakfast, drive on the dirt road for a few hours, passing through several farm villages and reaching the large town of Beshi Sahar, the headquarters of Lamjung district.

  • From here, continue on the excellent road to Kathmandu and enjoy a scenic drive.

  • Finally, reach Kathmandu after completing this mesmerising adventure.

Breakfast, lunch, and hotel.

18
Day 18

Departure from Kathmandu

  • After a fantastic time in the Nepal Himalaya, our staff will transfer you to the international airport for your onward destination according to your flight timing.

Breakfast in hotel.

The route

Where you'll travel

Tour route map
Round trip from Kathmandu 44600 4 cities · 18 Days

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

  • Airport / hotel / airport transfers by private car, van, or bus

  • 3 nights in a standard hotel in Kathmandu

  • Valley sightseeing with a government license holder tour guide

  • Annapurna Conservation permits

  • Manaslu special permit

  • Full-board meals: breakfast, lunch, and dinner with tea and coffee during the trek

  • Lodge-to-lodge accommodation during the trek

  • An experienced trekking guide (trained by the Ministry of Tourism), the required number of porters, and their food, accommodation, salary, insurance, and equipment

  • Camping and trekking equipment, including two-man tent, dining tent, kitchen tent, table with chairs, kitchen utensils, down sleeping bags/jackets, walking sticks, and other necessary equipment

  • Arrangements for emergency helicopter service, which will be paid by your travel insurance company

  • Medical supplies (a first aid kit will be available)

  • All government taxes

  • Service charge

  • Airport drop-off by car, van, or bus

What's Not Included

  • Nepal entry visa fee (you may easily obtain the visa upon your arrival at Tribhuwan International Airport, Kathmandu)

  • Your travel and rescue insurance

  • International airfare

  • All food in Kathmandu, and also in the case of an early return from the mountain due to any reason other than the scheduled itinerary

  • All expenses in the mountain beyond the scheduled itinerary due to strike, landslide, blocked roads, etc.

  • Extra night hotel in Kathmandu if you arrive early or depart later than the scheduled itinerary

  • All bar bills and personal expenses, such as laundry service, battery recharge, bottled water, hot water, showers, a pot of tea, and coffee

  • Tips for the guide and porter

What to bring

BAG/RUCKSACK

  • Duffel bag or rucksack for our porter to carry your gear

  • Daypack for carrying your personal items such as water, snacks, and your camera

  • Waterproof pack cover or dry bags

FOOTWEAR

  • Weatherproof walking boots or shoes

  • Inside footwear (flip-flops)

  • A couple of pairs of woollen warm socks

CLOTHING

  • Warm base layer underwear top and bottoms (woollen or synthetic)

  • Light, breathable hiking trousers and shirt or T-shirt

  • Warm mid-layer top (woollen or synthetic)

  • Fleece or down jacket

  • Waterproof jacket

  • Comfortable, warm clothing for night time

  • Insulated hat

  • Warm gloves

  • Sun hat

  • Sunglasses

GEAR

  • Sleeping bag (suitable for temperatures as cold as 0°C / 32°F)

  • Trekking poles (optional)

  • Aluminium water bottle

  • Headlamp or torch

PERSONAL ITEMS

  • Sunscreen

  • Camera and batteries

  • Power adapter and chargers

  • Toiletries

  • Travel towel

Logistics

Meeting & route

Meeting point
Adventure Great Himalaya Treks & Expedition, Saat Ghumti Marg, Kathmandu, Nepal
Tour start
Kathmandu 44600, Nepal
Tour ends at the same location as the start point.
End of the journey

Your 18 days finish where they began, in Kathmandu 44600.

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Estimated room rates

Single Room $1,500.00 — $1,600.00
Double Sharing $1,500.00 — $1,600.00

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