13-Day Manaslu Circuit Trek in Nepal with Larkya La Pass

Our journey begins with a scenic yet lengthy drive from Kathmandu to Machha Khola. Leaving the busy city behind, we travel through the countryside, passing terraced hillsides, traditional settlements, and riverside landscapes. The road follows the Budhi Gandaki River through Arughat and continues along a rugged mountain route to Machha Khola.

As we approach the Manaslu region, the landscape becomes increasingly remote, with steep hills, dense vegetation, and cascading waterfalls along the way. Machha Khola, meaning "Fish River," is a small riverside settlement and the starting point of our trekking adventure.

Day Highlight: A scenic drive through rural Nepal, following the Budhi Gandaki River into the remote Manaslu region.

Arrival and check-in: Mountain Guest House

Our trek begins along the Budhi Gandaki River, passing through Khorlabesi and Tatopani, known for its natural hot springs. We continue across suspension bridges and through narrow river gorges before reaching Dobhan and gradually ascending to Jagat, a traditional stone-paved village and an important checkpoint for the Manaslu Conservation Area.

Day Highlight: Natural hot springs, river gorges, suspension bridges, and traditional villages.

Accommodation: Mountain Guest House

We follow the Budhi Gandaki River through subtropical forests, small settlements, and terraced farmland. After crossing several suspension bridges, we reach Philim, a picturesque village surrounded by cultivated hillsides. From here, the trail branches towards Tsum Valley, while we continue northwest towards Deng through increasingly narrow and forested landscapes.

Day Highlight: Explore Philim village and enter the remote upper Budhi Gandaki Valley.

Accommodation: Guesthouse

Leaving Deng, we continue through forests, traditional villages, and cultivated hillsides, passing Bihi and Ghap along the way. As we gain altitude, the first impressive Himalayan views begin to appear, including Sringi Himal and surrounding peaks. We eventually reach Namrung, a beautiful mountain village and gateway to the culturally rich Nubri Valley.

Day Highlight: First Himalayan mountain views and traditional Tibetan-influenced villages.

Accommodation: Guesthouse

Today's trail takes us through beautiful forests and traditional villages, including Lihi and Sho, before reaching Lho. As we ascend, the valley opens up to magnificent views of Mount Manaslu (8,163 m). After arriving in Lho, we have time to explore the village and visit Ribung Gompa, which offers wonderful views of the surrounding mountains.

Day Highlight: Spectacular views of Mount Manaslu and a visit to Ribung Gompa.

Accommodation: Guesthouse

We continue towards Sama Gaun, passing through the scenic village of Shyala, surrounded by impressive Himalayan peaks, including Manaslu and Himalchuli. The trail gradually climbs through open landscapes and yak pastures before reaching Sama Gaun, one of the largest traditional villages in the upper Manaslu region. If time permits, we can visit nearby Birendra Lake.

Day Highlight: Panoramic mountain views from Shyala and the beautiful glacial Birendra Lake.

Accommodation: Guesthouse

Today is reserved for acclimatization before heading towards higher elevations. Depending on our fitness and weather conditions, we can take optional hikes to Birendra Lake, Pungyen Gompa, or Manaslu Base Camp. These walks offer excellent mountain scenery while helping our bodies adjust to the altitude. We return to Sama Gaun for another overnight stay.

Day Highlight: Acclimatization with optional hikes to Birendra Lake, Pungyen Gompa, or Manaslu Base Camp.

Accommodation: Guesthouse

We follow a gradual trail along the upper Budhi Gandaki Valley, passing open landscapes and traditional yak pastures. As we gain altitude, the vegetation becomes sparse, and the surroundings take on a rugged Himalayan character. We eventually reach Samdo, a remote Tibetan-influenced village close to the Nepal-Tibet border.

Day Highlight: Experience the high-altitude landscape and traditional culture of Samdo.

Accommodation: Guesthouse

Another acclimatization day allows us to prepare for the upcoming high-altitude pass crossing. For those feeling fit and well-adjusted, an optional hike towards Rui La (approximately 4,998 m), near the Nepal-Tibet border, offers spectacular views of the surrounding mountains and glacial landscapes. We return to Samdo for the night.

Day Highlight: Optional high-altitude hike towards Rui La and views of the remote Himalayan border region.

Accommodation: Guesthouse

We continue ascending through the rugged upper Budhi Gandaki Valley towards Dharamsala, also known as Larke Phedi. The trail passes through barren mountain landscapes, streams, and glacial terrain. Upon reaching Dharamsala (approximately 4,460 m), we settle into our basic mountain accommodation and prepare for the challenging Larkya La crossing the following morning.

Day Highlight: Reach the final overnight camp before crossing Larkya La Pass.

Accommodation: Guesthouse

We start early for the challenging ascent to Larkya La Pass (5,106 m), the highest point of the trek. After several hours of climbing through rocky and glacial terrain, we reach the prayer flags marking the summit, rewarded with spectacular views of Himlung Himal, Cheo Himal, Kang Guru, and Annapurna II. We then descend through alpine landscapes to Bhimthang.

Day Highlight: Cross Larkya La Pass (5,106 m) and enjoy breathtaking panoramic Himalayan views.

Accommodation: Guesthouse

Leaving Bhimthang, we descend through beautiful alpine meadows and yak pastures before entering forests of rhododendron and pine. The trail passes through Gho and Tilije, a traditional Gurung settlement, before reaching Dharapani, where the Manaslu Circuit connects with the Annapurna Circuit route.

Day Highlight: Descend through alpine meadows and rhododendron forests to Dharapani.

Accommodation: Guesthouse

After breakfast, we drive back to Kathmandu, following the Marsyangdi River through mountain villages, terraced hillsides, and scenic countryside. The journey is long and road conditions can vary, but it offers a final opportunity to enjoy Nepal's beautiful landscapes. Upon arrival in Kathmandu, our Manaslu Circuit Trek comes to an end.

Day Highlight: Scenic return drive to Kathmandu after completing the Manaslu Circuit Trek.