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Nepal · Trekking
The journey
A mystical adventure on the Manaslu Circuit Trek offers breathtaking panoramic views of mountains, glacier valleys, gigantic snow-clad peaks, narrow river valleys, wild animals, and lush green forests rich in flora and fauna. Following the Budi Gandaki River route, also known as the ancient salt trading route, this trek leads through remote villages and high Himalayan landscapes. Along the way, magnificent views of Mount Manaslu, Mount Himalchuli, Shringi Himal, Buddha Himal, and Ganesh Himal will engross travellers and make them forget the difficulties of the trek.
From Larkya La Pass, you get amazing views of Cheo Himal, Gyaji Kung, Kang Guru, and Annapurna II, all above 6,000 meters.
From the itinerary
At a glance
Day by day
Get picked up at the airport and transfer to the hotel.
The rest of the day is free at leisure.
Overnight stay at your hotel in Kathmandu.
Traveller's Note: The office representative will warmly welcome you at the airport and transfer you to the hotel.
Enjoy breakfast at the hotel.
Get picked up by the team and head to the office for your trek briefing and preparation.
In the afternoon, go sightseeing in Kathmandu:
Kathmandu Durbar Square
Swayambhunath Monkey Temple
Drop-off at your hotel.
Overnight in Kathmandu.
Traveller's Note: The staff will briefly explain the program. You will visit cultural heritage sites, including famous World Heritage Sites such as Swayambhunath and Kathmandu Durbar Square.
Have breakfast at the hotel and check out.
Get picked up by the team and transfer to the bus park or travel by private jeep.
Savour a scenic bus or jeep ride to Sotikhola, the starting point of the Manaslu region.
Check in at the Soti Khola hotel.
Dinner and overnight stay at the hotel.
Traveller's Note: Soti is a small town famous as a market centre for local people from the northern part of Gorkha District. Most of the people are Buddhist and Hindu, and it is situated on the bank of the Bhudhi Gandaki River, which starts from Tsum Valley and Larke Pass.
After breakfast at the hotel, check out.
From here, the road takes you to Machhakhola.
Dinner and overnight stay at Machhakhola.
Traveller's Note: Most of the way follows the bank of the Budhi Gandaki River, and you can expect waterfalls, monkey sightings, rice fields, and green forest. If the weather permits, you can catch your first views of Ganesh Himal along the road. There is also a high chance of seeing waterfalls and crossing several local settlements.
Have breakfast and depart. Today, Ganesh Himal is in clear view.
Pass waterfalls, stone-paved paths, and a mani wall with your Manaslu hiking guide.
Arrive in Jagat.
Dinner and overnight stay in Jagat.
Traveller's Note: Amazing views of Ganesh Himal and Shingri Himal await today. From Jagat, the previously restricted trekking area begins with your adventure.
After breakfast, depart.
Start the trail by heading gently uphill.
Continue across a flat, levelled plateau until reaching the river crossing.
Cross the suspension bridge over the Bhudi Gandaki and enter Philim village.
Climb further uphill until you reach Ekle Bhatti.
Proceed to cross another suspension bridge and reach Deng.
Dinner and overnight stay at Deng.
Traveller's Note: Today your destination is Deng, where you can try local food with a good taste. As you continue, you cross the Siyar Khola bridge and reach a junction where the trail to Tsum Valley branches off to the right. From there, you continue walking to Deng, where you will spend the night.
Wake up for breakfast and depart.
Start by heading down to the riverside.
After crossing the bridge, the uphill climb takes you to Ranagaon.
From here, trek further to Bihi Phedi.
The trail splits into two, and you take the right-side trail to Ghap.
After passing through Ghap village, climb up to Namrung.
Dinner and overnight stay at Namrung village.
Traveller's Note: Today, you get clear views of Ganesh Himal, Shingri Himal, and Kutang Himal.
Rise for breakfast and depart.
Pass the permit check post and start the trail towards Lho.
Follow the path through Lihi Gaon.
Continue down to Sho Gaon. It is not long before reaching the village of Lho.
Lunch, dinner, and overnight stay in Lho village.
Traveller's Note: The eighth-highest mountain in the world, Mt. Manaslu, comes into sight today. This is the first day to see Manaslu, and the fascinating view of Larke begins from here. You will also see most locals clad in traditional Tibetan dress while walking on the way to Lho. From this day onward, you move towards the quiet high altitude, so walking slowly and checking your body signs carefully is recommended.
Wake up, have breakfast, and depart.
Today is a short trek as you gradually head towards Sama (Ryo).
Stop in Shyala to take in the fantastic 360-degree Himalayan view.
Continue further until reaching Sama (Ryo).
Dinner and overnight stay in Sama (Ryo) village.
Traveller's Note: Sama is locally better known as Samagaon, with gaon meaning village. Incredible views await today of Manaslu, Himal Chuli, Nadi Peak, Naike Peak, Kutang Himal, and Pangbuche Himal. Shyala is the first town you will reach today, and it is one of the best viewpoints in this region for 360-degree mountain views from the town.
Rise for breakfast. A well-deserved acclimatization day is planned today.
After breakfast, you can take a hike to get more used to the high altitude:
Option 1: Hike around Birendra Lake and Manaslu Base Camp.
Option 2: Hike up to Pungen Gumpa.
Dinner and overnight stay in Sama (Ryo).
Traveller's Note: Samagaun is a village development committee in Gorkha District in the Gandaki Zone of northern-central Nepal. At the time of the 1991 Nepal census, it had a population of 665 and 179 houses in the village. Today is an acclimatization day, and you can hike around Birendra Lake, Manaslu Base Camp, or Pungen Gumpa. Discuss with the Nepali trekking guide which option will best suit your fitness and preference.
After breakfast, depart. It is a relatively short trek today up to Samdo.
Due to the high elevation, take it slowly while climbing uphill.
By lunchtime, reach Samdo village.
In the afternoon, you can rest or hike up to Samdo Peak.
Dinner and overnight stay at Samdo.
Traveller's Note: The views of Mt. Manaslu from Samdo Peak are incredible, and if you have the stamina, it is worth hiking up there. Samdo is a well-known Tibetan refugee camp. After spending a whole day and two nights in Samagau, you continue your trek towards Samdo and nearby hiking options. Samdo has excellent views of Manaslu and other Himalayan ranges, including Simrang, Hiunchuli, Ngadi, Larkye Peak, Cheo, and possibly Kang Guru behind the pass. Here, you can also see many beautiful mountain birds like the Lophophorus, the national bird of Nepal, as well as yak, horses, mountain mice, and blue sheep.
Enjoy breakfast and depart.
Today, head to the foot of the Larkya La, Dharamsala.
The trail climbs gradually until reaching your overnight stop.
Dinner and overnight stay in Dharamsala.
Traveller's Note: Tomorrow, you face your first pass at Larkya La at 5,160 meters, so it is best to get a good night's rest and prepare your camera batteries. Did you know that Dharamsala is also known as Larkya Phedi? After breakfast today, continue from Samdo to Dharamsala. You will pass a seasonal Tibetan market called Larke Bazaar beside the Budi Gandaki River and see many traditional monasteries. The shorter hike to Dharamsala leaves time for acclimatization and relaxation in the afternoon.
Wake up early for breakfast and depart.
The trail climbs gradually until reaching Larkya La Pass.
At the pass, take a break to enjoy the amazing views.
After completing the crossing, the trail leads downhill to Bhimtang.
Dinner and overnight stay at Bhimtang village.
Traveller's Note: From Larkya La Pass, you get amazing views of Cheo Himal, Gyaji Kung, Kang Guru, and Annapurna II, all above 6,000 meters. Today is one of the most crucial and eagerly awaited days of the trip for both adventure and great views, with 7-8 hours of walking. Once you reach Bhimtang, it may offer the best accommodation of the trek and is the right place to celebrate the great success of crossing Larke La.
Wake up for breakfast and depart.
Hike downhill for most of the day.
After about 4 hours, reach the village of Ghoa.
From here, continue down to Tilje.
Dinner and overnight stay in Tilje village.
Traveller's Note: Waking up early today allows for a fantastic sunrise view from the teahouse. After crossing the high mountain pass, you continue your journey from Bimthang towards Tilje. Tilje is a beautiful village with beautiful people and local culture. In Tilje, you can find good hotels and free Wi-Fi after crossing the mountain.
Rise for breakfast and depart.
Follow the trail down to Dharapani.
The path leads through pine forests and several small villages.
Have lunch in Dharapani and arrange a jeep to Besisahar.
After lunch, drive to Besisahar.
After arriving in Besisahar after 4 hours of driving, settle into town, enjoy good food and drinks, and plan for the following days.
Traveller's Note: This is your last day of the massive Manaslu Circuit Trek.
Enjoy breakfast and depart.
Drive to your destination.
Traveller's Note: A guide and porters will drive back to Kathmandu. If clients have time, spending a few nights in Pokhara, a beautiful touristic town in Nepal, is recommended. So transfer to Pokhara, or if there is no time, drive back together to Kathmandu.
Where this trip takes you
Larkya La Pass, Manaslu slopes, Samagaun village, Bhimtang descent
The route
The fine print
Pick-up and drop-off from the international airport.
Hotel in Kathmandu with BB plan.
Welcome and farewell dinner.
Internal transport and flight within Nepal as per the itinerary.
The itinerary includes three meals a day during the trek: breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Accommodation during trekking includes tents or local lodges/guesthouses.
All trekking and climbing permit fees, including the entry permit and TIMS Card.
Professional English-speaking Nepali tour leader, guides, and required porters.
Sleeping bag and duffel bag during the trekking period.
A comprehensive medical kit.
All government and local taxes.
International airfare to and from Nepal.
Entry visa fees for Nepal.
Entry fees for tourist areas during sightseeing.
Lunch and dinner in Kathmandu.
Insurance covering medical treatment, emergency evacuation, loss, and theft expenses.
Drinks, both alcoholic and bottled, other than sterilized drinking water.
Laundry fees.
All food and beverages other than those mentioned in the itinerary.
Extra night accommodation in Kathmandu due to early arrival, late departure, or early return from trekking for any reason.
Personal gear and expenses.
Tips and gratuities for staff.
Travel Documents:
Valid passport, airline tickets & trip blueprint, Nepal visa, 4 passport-size photos, travel insurance, proof of immunization against COVID-19, Yellow Fever Certificate, cash, and credit cards.
Travel Clothing:
Headwear
Bodywear - Torso
Bodywear - Beneath the torso
Handwear
Footwear
Trekking Equipment, Gears & Accessories:
First Aid & Medicines:
Toiletries & Personal Hygiene
The Manaslu (Soul Mountain), also known as Kutang Himal, is one of the eighth-highest mountains in the world, situated in the west-central part of Nepal between two beautiful mountains, Annapurna and Ganesh Himal, standing at 8,163 meters above sea level. This trek is one of the best all-round treks in Nepal and is becoming increasingly popular among trekking and expedition lovers. It was officially opened in 1991, primarily for trekking, and since then special permits have been required for trekking groups to enter this region.
The Manaslu Trek begins from Arughat and gradually ascends along the bank of the Budi Gandaki River. This trek offers a unique opportunity to experience a reasonably untouched region of Nepal, where few trekkers visit, making it more exclusive and unspoiled, with spectacular beauty along the border of Tibet and Nepal. Major highlights of this trekking route include several rivers, waterfalls, suspension bridges, spectacular natural beauty, a unique environment, vibrant biodiversity and culture, and many different types of flora, fauna, and herbal products. On the other hand, this region also provides fantastic views of Manaslu (8,163 m), Peak 29 Himalchuli (7,871 m), Ganesh Himal (7,422 m), Naike Peak (6,211 m), and various other snowcapped mountains. Additional attractions such as Manaslu Base Camp, Pungen Gumpa, Kal Tal, Birendra Lake, the Tibet border, and more cultural visits make the trip wonderful. Furthermore, after the Larke La (5,160 m) pass, you will see Annapurna II (7,937 m), Larke Peak, Himlung Himal (7,126 m), Cheo Himal, Gyaji Kang, Kang Guru (6,981 m), Ponkar Himal, and more, giving extra energy for the trek.
Lying in the lap of Manaslu, the eighth-highest peak in the world, the Manaslu Circuit Trek, known as the
Logistics
Your 16 days finish where they began, in Kathmandu 44600.
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