15-Day Manaslu Circuit Trek with Larkya La Pass and Samagaun

15 Days Kathmandu to Pokhara/Kathmandu Challenging pace

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The journey

Trip highlights

01 Trek around Mount Manaslu (8,163 m) on a less-crowded Himalayan route.
02 Cross Larkya La Pass at 5,106 m.
03 Experience Tibetan-influenced villages, monasteries, prayer walls, and mountain culture.
04 Walk through dramatic river valleys, forests, waterfalls, and high alpine landscapes.
05 Acclimatize in Samagaun with an optional Manaslu Base Camp hike.
06 Required restricted-area permits are arranged for the trek.

A quieter high-Himalayan circuit around Mount Manaslu, combining Tibetan-influenced villages, remote valleys, and the dramatic crossing of Larkya La Pass. The Manaslu Circuit Trek circles Mount Manaslu (8,163 m), the world's eighth-highest mountain, through one of Nepal's most scenic restricted trekking regions, following the Budhi Gandaki valley through Jagat, Deng, Namrung, Shyala, and Samagaun before climbing toward Samdo and Dharamsala. The journey reaches its high point at Larkya La Pass (5,106 m) and descends through Bimthang to connect with the Annapurna region. Manaslu is excellent for experienced travelers looking for a quieter alternative to Everest Base Camp and the Annapurna Circuit.

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 15 Days

Tour type Private

Activity level Challenging

Accommodation Included · Standard

Transport Included

Wheelchair access No

Cities Pokhara, Kathmandu, Manaslu, Besisahar, Dharapani

Day by day

The itinerary

Day 01

Arrival in Kathmandu and Program Briefing

Arrival: Airport welcome, hotel transfer, and program briefing.

Day 02

Drive from Kathmandu to Machha Khola

Drive: Enjoy a scenic overland journey toward the Budhi Gandaki valley and the Manaslu trekking corridor.

Day 03

Trek from Machha Khola to Jagat

Trek: Follow the river past villages, suspension bridges, and narrow valley sections to Jagat.

Day 04

Trek from Jagat to Deng

Trek: Continue through changing river landscapes and traditional settlements toward Deng.

Day 05

Trek from Deng to Namrung via Ghap

Trek: Climb gradually through forests and Tibetan-influenced villages to Namrung.

Day 06

Trek from Namrung to Shyala Village

Trek: Move into the higher Manaslu valley with increasingly open views of the surrounding peaks.

Day 07

Trek from Shyala to Samagaun via Pungyen Gompa

Trek: Explore the scenic Pungyen area before reaching Samagaun, one of the major cultural centers of the upper valley.

Day 08

Acclimatization Day in Samagaun

Acclimatization: Rest and acclimatize.
Optional hike: An optional hike toward Manaslu Base Camp (up to about 4,980 m) can be considered according to conditions and fitness.

Day 09

Trek from Samagaun to Samdo

Trek: A shorter trekking day through the upper valley to the Tibetan-influenced settlement of Samdo.

Day 10

Trek from Samdo to Dharamsala

Trek: Climb toward the final overnight stop before the Larkya La crossing.

Day 11

Cross Larkya La Pass and Descend to Bimthang

Pass crossing: Start early for the challenging pass crossing, then descend into the broad alpine valley of Bimthang.

Day 12

Trek from Bimthang to Gowa

Trek: Descend through rhododendron forest and follow the Dudh Khola toward Gowa.

Day 13

Trek to Dharapani and Drive to Besisahar

Trek: Complete the trekking section and continue by shared jeep toward Besisahar.

Day 14

Drive from Besisahar to Kathmandu or Pokhara

Drive: Return by road according to your onward travel plan.

Day 15

Departure or Free Day

End of program: The program ends with an airport transfer if departing Nepal.

The route

Where you'll travel

Tour route map — Kathmandu to Pokhara/Kathmandu 5 cities · 15 Days

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

Airport pick-up and drop-off by private vehicle.
Ground transportation Kathmandu-Machha Khola, Dharapani-Besisahar, and Besisahar-Kathmandu.
3-star standard hotel accommodation in Kathmandu as listed in the itinerary, and teahouse accommodation during the trek.
Meals during the trek, including breakfast, lunch, and dinner as scheduled, plus selected tea and seasonal fruit.
Experienced government-licensed English-speaking trekking guide, and an assistant guide for larger groups.
Restricted Area Permit, Manaslu Conservation Area Permit (MCAP), and Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP).
Staff insurance, trekking map, first-aid kit, sleeping bag, down jacket, trekking poles, and winter spikes when required.
Emergency rescue coordination, duffel bag, completion certificate, farewell dinner, government taxes, and service charges.

What's Not Included

Nepal visa fees and international airfare.
Porter service unless included in a custom quotation.
Kathmandu sightseeing and meals in Kathmandu beyond those specified.
Extra tea/coffee and cold or alcoholic beverages.
Personal trekking expenses such as showers, charging, bottled water, snacks, and Wi-Fi.
Emergency evacuation costs; appropriate travel insurance is required.
Tips, early-arrival/departure costs, and expenses caused by early return or unforeseen events.

What to bring

Insurance covering emergency evacuation
Passport

Know before you go

Restricted Area: The trek must be arranged through a registered Nepal trekking company and requires special permits and a licensed guide.
Altitude: The route reaches 5,106 m at Larkya La and includes an acclimatization day in Samagaun.
Trail Conditions: Road access and trail conditions can change; the guide may adjust stops for safety and operational reasons.

Logistics