14-Day Manaslu Circuit Trek with Larke La and Birendra Lake

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Day 01

Arrival in Kathmandu and Explore Thamel

• Welcome to Nepal, a country that epitomizes the perfect combination of cultural and natural diversity.
• Upon your arrival at Kathmandu Airport, you will meet us. After a warm greeting, you will be escorted to your hotel, where you can freshen up, relax tired muscles, and enjoy the hotel's amenities.
• In the evening, you can wander around the vibrant marketplace of Thamel and get familiar with your new surroundings and the local people.

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Day 02

Free Day or Kathmandu Valley Sightseeing

• The second day of the escapade is allocated as a free day, during which you can independently explore the time-honored Kathmandu Valley. Of course, we are here to provide you with the necessary information and directions to the valley's major landmarks. The valley comprises three cities: Kathmandu, Lalitpur, and Bhaktapur. Traverse these sister cities, each home to its own Durbar Square complex, an ancient marvel of Nepalese architecture.
• You can also visit the Hindu temples of Pashupatinath and Changunarayan or the Buddhist stupas of Boudhanath and Swayambhunath. These monuments and buildings are listed as UNESCO Cultural World Heritage Sites.
• Witness the magnificent architecture as well as the artistic skills of medieval craftsmen.

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Day 03

Drive from Kathmandu to Machhekhola

• After a healthy breakfast early in the morning, we will set off from Kathmandu to Dhading Besi by public vehicle on a paved highway. The continuous drive then leads onto a rock-strewn and bumpy path, eventually arriving at Jyamire and continuing to Machhakhola (930m), an organic village of Nepal.
• Along the way, we will catch glimpses of picturesque countryside embracing verdant valleys, terraces, paddy fields, raging rivers, and green hills.
• You will also observe rustic villages settled alongside the highway and catch sight of the traditional way of life.

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Day 04

Trek from Machhekhola to Jagat

• Leaving Machhakhola, we will commence our trekking venture. We will follow the serpentine mountain pathway as it climbs uphill along the Budhi Gandaki River. With some ups and downs, the tapering route gradually proceeds across the Tharo Khola and reaches Khorlabesi. After a few more ascents and descents, the trail reaches Tatopani and then climbs over another ridge to cross the Budhi Gandaki via a suspension bridge.
• We will now find a wide, well-crafted staircase along the trail. Advancing over another ridge, we will get to Doban.
• We will eventually make our way along the rugged trail beyond Dobhan Khola, Duman, Yaru Khola, and Tharo Bharyang.
• As we cross to the west bank of the Budhi Gandaki, we will climb uphill and then continue alongside the river to Jagat (1,340m).

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Day 05

Trek from Jagat to Deng

• Resuming our trek, we will conquer a rocky ridge to arrive at Salleri (1,440m).
• From here, we can savor the spectacular vistas of Sringi Himal. We will then descend to Setibas (1,430m) and continue along the route to Ghatta Khola. After that, we ascend to Ngyak past Philim and Ekle Bhatti. This settlement is one of the largest we can find along the journey.
• Accompanied by views of Mt. Lapuchun (5,950m), we will arrive at the Manaslu Conservation Area Project office. Along the trail, we will descend through lush slopes and dense woodland thriving in a narrow valley. The valley offers a pleasant walk through bamboo forest to Deng (1,800m).

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Day 06

Trek from Deng to Namrung

• We will forge ahead to the north and continue beyond the tiny settlement of Ranagaon (1,980m) to Bihi Phedi (1,985m), with noteworthy vistas of the Budhi Gandaki gorge along the way.
• Eventually, we will arrive at Prok (2,380m), a beautiful village with traditional houses, large fields, welcoming residents, and a Gompa. Descending to Ghap, the trail enters dreamy woodland, then crosses the Budhi Gandaki twice on wooden bridges above splendid gorges before reaching Namrung (2,630m). This lovely village offers sublime views of Himalayan summits, including Himal Chuli (7,893m) and Ganesh Himal (7,422m).

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Day 07

Trek from Namrung to Lho

• The route navigates across the small yet beautiful Bhanzam plateau, where you can discover barley fields and stone houses. We will then reach Lihi Village.
• At its entrance, you can find a small flat area to the right that offers an exquisite panorama of the surroundings.
• After crossing to the other side of Hinang Khola, we will first emerge in Sho village and then continue along the pathway to Lho.

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Day 08

Trek from Lho to Samagaun

• Ascending through beaten woodland, we will begin our walk toward Shyala (3,520m). The snowy mountain scenery from this spot is among the best on the trek.
• We will continue along the path, which later crosses the slope draining the Pungen Glacier and heads to Samagaon (3,520m).

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Day 09

Rest Day in Samagaon with Local Exploration

• Today, we will rest at Samagoan. Since it is the closest village to Manaslu Base Camp and other beautiful attractions such as Birendra Lake, we will explore these places and return to the village. Options can be discussed with your guide depending on your fitness and requirements. Birendra Tal is a turquoise lake at the foot of the Manaslu Glacier.
• You can dip into its pristine water and enjoy the scenery. If you intend to set foot at the foothills of an eight-thousander, you can hike up to Makalu Base Camp. On the way to the base camp, the landscapes become more and more spectacular as the elevation increases, with a turquoise lake below, the glacier close by, and snow-capped mountaintops stretching as far as the eye can see.

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Day 10

Trek from Samagaon to Samdo

• As our journey proceeds farther north, the trekking pathway heads to the upper part of the Budhi Gandaki. It then climbs uphill toward Samdo (3,860m). This adorable settlement is overlooked by the majestic Samdo Peak (6,335m) and the frozen Samdo Glacier. Just before entering the village's territory, we will come across the spot where the Budhi Gandaki literally begins - at the confluence of the Larke Khola and the river originating from the Samdo Glacier.

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Day 11

Trek from Samdo to Dharmasala

• Leaving Samdo behind, we will walk over the Athahra Saya Khola and trek along the side of the Larke Khola. After a gradual climb, we will arrive at Dharamshala (4,460m), also known as Larke Phedi. Dharamshala is a broad, moderate mountain slope with a campsite and a lodge offering many double rooms and a well-equipped kitchen. Ignore the previous awful stories you may have heard about this place. At present, it is the best place to rest before facing the toughest challenge of this adventure.

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Day 12

Cross Larke La and Trek to Bhimthang

• We will progress to Larke La (5,160m) before sunrise. This is a back-breaking and strenuous part of the journey. The route becomes wearisome as it climbs over several rocky glacial moraines dominated by hills and snowy ridges.
• We will encounter numerous small, shallow lakes before the final ascent to the prayer flags marking the top of the pass.
• We will then happily descend along the trail toward the moraine of the Salpudanda Glacier. Beside the Bhimtang Glacier, the trail gradually reaches Bhimthang (3,590m). Rejoice in the delightful scenery around you during your stay in this village.

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Day 13

Trek from Bhimthang to Dharapani

• This stretch of trail is lush and colorful. We will pass by the foot of the Bhimtang Glacier, taking in elegant scenery. Beyond the spellbinding landscapes adorned with prayer flags, we can enjoy wonderful mountain views around us, with the Manaslu Range to the southeast.
• Following the trail, we will move through mystical fir woods to Yak Kharka. Crossing to the other end of the woodland, we will reach Gho (2,560m).
• Past the lovely village of Tilche (2,300m), the trail crosses the Dudh Khola via a long suspension bridge and arrives at Thonche, which marks the official ending of the Manaslu trail.
• We will finally continue over the bridge spanning the Masryangdi River to Dharapani (1,960m).

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Day 14

Drive from Dharapani to Pokhara or Kathmandu

• We will now meet up with the popular Annapurna Circuit Trail.
• Through a police checkpoint, we will trek past waterfalls as well as the settlements of Karta and Tal to Chamje Village. From here, we can take a jeep to Pokhara.
• If you are tired, jeep services are available directly to Pokhara from Dharapani.
• Alternatively, we may drive to Kathmandu from Pokhara by tourist bus. This blissful drive on the Prithvi Highway takes us along the riversides of the Masryangdi and Trishuli, during which we can gaze at scenic terrain, including green hillocks, flourishing forests, local villages, and verdant cultivated fields.
• Once in Kathmandu, you can reward your tired body with rest or massage therapies. Remember to go souvenir shopping at the local marketplaces.