Nepal · Trekking

16-Day Manaslu Circuit Trek in Nepal with Larkya La Pass and Villages

16 Days Round trip from Gorkha Easy pace

The journey

Trip highlights
  • 01 Trek through remote and less-traveled Himalayan regions with fewer crowds
  • 02 Cross the dramatic Larkya La Pass (5,160m), one of Nepal's most scenic high-altitude passes
  • 03 Witness breathtaking views of Mount Manaslu (8,163m), the world's eighth-highest mountain
  • 04 Explore authentic Tibetan-influenced villages and experience rich Buddhist culture
  • 05 Visit ancient monasteries including Ribung Gompa and Pungyen Gompa
  • 06 Walk through lush rhododendron and pine forests, cascading waterfalls, and terraced farmlands
  • 07 Traverse suspension bridges over the Budhi Gandaki River and other dramatic Himalayan landscapes

Experience the adventure of a lifetime on this 16-day Manaslu Circuit Trek in Nepal. Journey through remote mountain trails, cross high suspension bridges, explore traditional Tibetan-influenced villages, and enjoy spectacular views of Manaslu, Ganesh Himal, and the Annapurna range. Trek through diverse landscapes from lush forests to high alpine terrain, and conquer the challenging Larkya La Pass at 5,160 meters. Along the way, enjoy cultural encounters, peaceful monasteries, and warm hospitality in authentic teahouses.

Trek through diverse landscapes from lush forests to high alpine terrain, and conquer the challenging Larkya La Pass at 5,160 meters.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 16 Days
Tour type Shared
Activity level Easy
Accommodation Included · Standard
Transport Included
Wheelchair access No
Cities Kathmandu, Lhotse, Manaslu, Besisahar, Dharapani
Languages English

Day by day

The itinerary

1
Day 01

Arrival in Kathmandu and Pre-Trek Briefing

  • Arrive at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu.
  • Meet your representative and transfer to your hotel.
  • Attend a pre-trek briefing and complete any necessary preparations.
  • Rest and explore the nearby markets or temples.

Overnight in Kathmandu.

2
Day 02

Scenic Drive from Kathmandu to Soti Khola

  • Depart Kathmandu by private Jeep or public bus.
  • Enjoy a scenic drive through the Trishuli and Budhi Gandaki river valleys.
  • Pass traditional villages, rice fields, and riverside landscapes.
  • Arrive at Soti Khola in the evening.

Overnight in a local teahouse.

3
Day 03

Trek Through Forest Trails to Machha Khola

  • Begin your trek with a gentle climb along forested trails.
  • Cross suspension bridges and pass cascading waterfalls.
  • Walk through Gurung and Magar villages.
  • Arrive at Machha Khola by late afternoon.

Overnight in a teahouse.

4
Day 04

Into the Manaslu Conservation Area to Jagat

  • Hike through forested hills and along the river.
  • Cross suspension bridges and rocky ridges.
  • Enter the Manaslu Conservation Area.
  • Reach the village of Jagat, known for its stone-paved streets.

Overnight in Jagat.

5
Day 05

Through Bamboo Forests and Villages to Deng

  • Continue through small settlements like Salleri and Philim.
  • Walk through bamboo forests and cross the Budhi Gandaki.
  • Catch your first glimpses of Tibetan Buddhist culture.
  • Arrive in Deng, a small but significant village.

Overnight in Deng.

6
Day 06

Climb to Namrung with Himalayan Views

  • Climb steadily through pine and rhododendron forests.
  • Cross multiple river valleys and pass mani walls and chortens.
  • View the stunning Siring Himal along the way.
  • Arrive at Namrung, a traditional village with Tibetan architecture.

Overnight in Namrung.

7
Day 07

Into Nubri Valley and Onward to Lho

  • Enter the culturally rich Nubri Valley.
  • Pass through the villages of Lihi and Sho.
  • View spectacular panoramas of Manaslu and Ganesh Himal.
  • Visit Ribung Gompa before arriving in Lho.

Overnight in Lho.

8
Day 08

Mountain Views and Alpine Landscapes to Samagaon

  • Walk through the scenic village of Shyala with panoramic mountain views.
  • Observe glacial rivers and alpine landscapes.
  • Reach Samagaon, the largest village in the region.
  • Begin to notice stronger Tibetan cultural influences.

Overnight in Samagaon.

9
Day 09

Acclimatization in Samagaon

  • Spend the day acclimatizing to the altitude.
  • Choose between a hike to Manaslu Base Camp (4,800m) or Pungyen Gompa.
  • Explore the village and interact with local people.
  • Rest and prepare for higher elevations.

Overnight in Samagaon.

10
Day 10

Alpine Meadows and Yak Pastures to Samdo

  • Climb gradually through alpine meadows and yak pastures.
  • Pass mani walls and ancient chortens.
  • Reach Samdo, located near the Tibetan border.
  • Observe the simple lifestyle of Tibetan-descended locals.

Overnight in Samdo.

11
Day 11

Acclimatization and Preparation in Samdo

  • Use the day to rest or hike to the Tibet viewpoint.
  • Explore Samdo village and surrounding yak-herding settlements.
  • Finalize gear and prepare for crossing the high pass.

Overnight in Samdo.

12
Day 12

High-Altitude Trek to Dharmashala

  • Trek a short distance at high altitude.
  • Walk past glacier-fed rivers and steep ridges.
  • Arrive at Dharmashala, the last stop before the pass.
  • Rest in a basic shelter and hydrate well.

Overnight in Dharmashala.

13
Day 13

Cross Larkya La Pass and Descend to Bimthang

  • Start early before sunrise to cross the challenging Larkya La Pass.
  • Enjoy panoramic views of Himlung Himal, Kang Guru, and Annapurna II.
  • Descend through glacial moraine into the Bimthang valley.
  • Celebrate completing the trek's highest and most scenic section.

Overnight in Bimthang.

14
Day 14

Descend Through Forests to Dharapani

  • Begin a long descent through rhododendron forests and alpine meadows.
  • Pass villages like Gho and Tilije.
  • Reconnect with the Annapurna Circuit trail.
  • Arrive at the busy trekking junction of Dharapani.

Overnight in Dharapani.

15
Day 15

Drive Back to Kathmandu via Besisahar

  • Travel by Jeep from Dharapani to Besisahar, then continue to Kathmandu.
  • Enjoy scenic views of hills, rivers, and rural communities.
  • Arrive in Kathmandu by evening.
  • Transfer to your hotel for rest and relaxation.

Overnight in Kathmandu.

16
Day 16

Departure from Kathmandu

  • Eat breakfast at your hotel.
  • Transfer to Tribhuvan International Airport for your departure.
  • Fly home or continue to your next destination with memories of the Himalayas.
Larkya La Pass, Manaslu vistas, Samagaon alpine meadows, Budhi Gandaki River crossings

Where this trip takes you

Larkya La Pass, Manaslu vistas, Samagaon alpine meadows, Budhi Gandaki River crossings

The route

Where you'll travel

Tour route map
Round trip from Gorkha 5 cities · 16 Days

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

  • All ground transportation throughout the trek
  • Private Jeep or local bus from Kathmandu to Soti Khola and Dharapani to Kathmandu
  • Manaslu Restricted Area Permit (MRAP)
  • Manaslu Conservation Area Permit (MCAP)
  • Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP)
  • TIMS card (as per updated requirements)
  • Licensed, English-speaking trekking guide certified by the government
  • Experienced in high-altitude trekking and first aid
  • Teahouse or lodge accommodation during the trek (basic but comfortable)
  • Three meals a day during the trek (breakfast, lunch, and dinner with local Nepali and Tibetan cuisine)
  • First aid kit and basic safety equipment (including oximeter) provided by the guide
  • Company service charges and all applicable government taxes
  • Trekking map and pre-trek orientation session

What's Not Included

  • International airfare to and from Nepal
  • Nepal visa fee (on arrival or from the embassy)
  • Travel insurance (must include emergency medical and evacuation coverage)
  • Personal expenses such as snacks, drinks, Wi-Fi, hot showers, and device charging
  • Tips and gratuities for trekking guide and porter
  • Extra hotel nights in Kathmandu before or after the trek (unless specifically requested and included)

What to bring

  • 2-3 moisture-wicking T-shirts
  • 2 sets of thermal tops and bottoms
  • 1 fleece jacket or pullover
  • 1 lightweight insulated down jacket
  • 1 waterproof/windproof shell jacket (Gore-Tex or similar)
  • 1 pair of waterproof trekking pants
  • 2-3 pairs of hiking pants
  • 1 pair of lightweight trekking shorts (optional)
  • Several pairs of comfortable underwear
  • 1 set of warm sleeping clothes
  • 1 warm hat or beanie
  • 1 sun hat or cap
  • 1 buff or neck gaiter
  • 1 pair of inner gloves
  • 1 pair of windproof outer gloves
  • 1 pair of well-broken-in waterproof trekking boots
  • 1 pair of camp shoes or sandals for evenings
  • 3-4 pairs of hiking socks
  • 1-2 pairs of warm thermal socks
  • 1 backpack (30-40L for personal use)
  • 1 duffel bag (for porters, if included)
  • 1 sleeping bag (rated -10°C to -15°C)
  • 1 pair of trekking poles (highly recommended)
  • 1 headlamp with extra batteries
  • 2 water bottles (1L each) and/or hydration bladder
  • Water purification tablets or a filter
  • Sunscreen (SPF 50+)
  • Lip balm with SPF
  • Wet wipes & hand sanitizer
  • Quick-dry towel
  • Toothbrush and toothpaste
  • Biodegradable soap
  • Toilet paper and small trash bags
  • Personal medications
  • Diamox (for altitude sickness prevention)
  • Painkillers, cold medicine, anti-diarrheal medication
  • Blister plasters and band-aids
  • 1 power bank (10,000-20,000 mAh)
  • Charging cables (solar charger optional)
  • Extra memory card (for camera or phone)
  • Passport, permits, and photocopies
  • Cash in Nepalese Rupees (ATMs are unavailable during the trek)

Know before you go

  • Optional porter service is included in group packages, typically 1 porter for 2 trekkers, carrying up to 20-25 kg total.

Logistics

Meeting & route

Meeting point
Kathmandu, Nepal
Tour start
Gorkha, Nepal
Tour ends at the same location as the start point.
End of the journey

Your 16 days finish where they began, in Gorkha.

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