Manaslu Circuit Trek- 19 Days

Upon arriving at Kathmandu International Airport, you will be warmly greeted by our representative and transferred to your hotel for check-in. The rest of the day is yours to explore this historic and vibrant city at your leisure. Overnight at the hotel. Meals: None.­

After breakfast, we will hold a trip orientation meeting, followed by a full day of guided exploration around Kathmandu Valley. As the historical and cultural heart of Nepal, Kathmandu offers a rich blend of Hinduism, Tibetan Buddhism, and Western influences.

During the tour, you'll admire the stunning Newari architecture at Kathmandu Durbar Square, visit the impressive Boudhanath Stupa and Swayambhunath Stupa, and explore Pashupatinath Temple, Nepal’s most significant Hindu temple situated on the banks of the sacred Bagmati River.

You’ll also have time for last-minute shopping. Overnight stay at the hotel. Meals included: Breakfast and Welcome Dinner.

We drive to Arughat Bazar which is a bustling market town cut in half by the Buri Gandaki River. Overnight at tented camp. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner 

To begin the trek from Arughat, we cross a bridge over the Buri Gandaki River and head west. We pass by the stone buildings of the hydroelectric power plant and walk through fields of rice and millet until we reach Maltar. The trek continues through forests inhabited by monkeys, leading us to Sante Bazar with views of Sringi Himal (7,187 meters) up the valley.

The trail becomes more challenging as we cross the Arkhet Khola on a suspension bridge and pass through Arkhet (760 meters). From there, we follow a stone-paved path that climbs through fields before descending to a high, cascading waterfall. We then tackle a long, steep climb up a ridge to reach Kyopani, a small Magar and Gurung village at 820 meters. From Kyopani, the trail descends to Soti Khola, where you can enjoy a good swimming hole and waterfalls. Overnight will be at a tented camp. Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.­

After crossing the bridge, we navigate through scenic sal forests and ascend a ridge above the powerful rapids of the Buri Gandaki. The trail becomes more challenging as it traverses a large rock and crosses a stream. We continue up and down, passing two tropical waterfalls on a steep, rocky path that descends through rice terraces to the Gurung village of Labubesi (880 meters). From Labubesi, we descend to a sandy riverbed at 860 meters and walk over rounded stones before climbing approximately 110 meters over a side ridge. We then descend again to the river and cross to the village of Maccha Khola. Overnight stay at a tented camp. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.

The trail crosses the Tharo Khola, which flows through a rocky ravine, and then reaches Khorlabesi, known for its fields of tobacco, wheat, and buckwheat. The valley here is extremely steep, and the trail involves climbing over a small ridge, followed by a series of ascents and descents. We’ll pass a small trailside hot spring before continuing to Tatopani (930 meters). From this hot spring, we ascend another ridge, cross the Buri Gandaki River via a suspension bridge, and then climb a staircase to navigate a landslide. After crossing another ridge, we reach the village of Doban (1,000 meters).

We then cross a long suspension bridge and a significant landslide, finding ourselves on top of a ridge before descending to Yaru Khola (1,330 meters). Here, we cross a 93-meter-long suspension bridge and, after navigating more stone stairs, arrive at Tharo Bhanjyang. From there, we cross to the west bank of the Buri Gandaki, climb over a ridge, and trek along the river before ascending to the compact village of Jagat. We will camp overnight. Meals provided: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.

From Jagat, we travel upstream, crossing a suspension bridge and ascending a ridge to reach the settlement of Salleri (1,440 meters). As we climb along the cliffside, we are treated to impressive views of Sringi Himal. The trail then descends to Setibas (1,430 meters), where a dilapidated stone kani and several mani walls signal our entry into a region influenced by Tibetan culture, although the locals are still primarily Gurungs.

Continuing on, we reach the stone houses of Ghatta Khola and cross a bridge before climbing to the large Gurung village of Philim (1,590 meters), known for its corn and millet fields. The trail then turns north, remaining relatively level as it crosses millet fields on the way to Ekle Bhatti. Overnight will be spent at a tented camp. Meals provided: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.

Beyond Ekle Bhatti, the trail enters a steep and uninhabited gorge. We cross grassy slopes dotted with pine trees and traverse the blue metal bridge over the Buri Gandaki River. As we trek along the riverbanks, climbing over ridges and descending back to the river, the route leads us through bamboo forests to the Deng Khola. Finally, we arrive at the Gurung village of Deng. Overnight will be at a tented camp. Meals provided: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.

After recrossing the Buri Gandaki, we reach the north bank and ascend to Rana (1,980 meters). We continue climbing on steps past a waterfall and cross two streams, with the trail navigating in and out of two ravines. It then climbs high above the river before descending into the Sringi Valley. We cross the Sringi Khola at 1,990 meters on a distinctive suspension bridge, then ascend steeply and traverse above the Buri Gandaki as it flows between vertical rock walls.

The trail features more ups and downs through forests, passing a mani wall, and eventually turns a corner to contour towards Ghap. The mani wall in Ghap is notable for its elegant carvings, depicting the Buddha in various meditative poses as well as the Tibetan saint Milarepa. Overnight will be at a tented camp. Meals provided: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.

Our route traverses fields and enters a dense forest, crossing three streams amidst towering fir trees and the occasional sighting of Nepal’s national bird, the Danphe. On the north side of the river lies the Tom Khola, which flows through a deep gorge originating from Tibet. We follow the river, passing two long mani walls and a waterfall. To navigate a large mud hole, we climb over a rock and continue through dense fir and rhododendron forests.

In the heart of the forest, we encounter a wooden bridge spanning the Buri Gandaki River at 2,240 meters. The crossing is enhanced by mist rising from the valley and the absence of handrails. The trail leads us to a large rock cave, followed by another wooden bridge at 2,510 meters, watched over by a troop of grey langur monkeys.

We then embark on a steep climb through bamboo and rhododendron forests, arriving at Namrung (2,660 meters) through a stone archway. Beyond Namrung, we enter upper Nupri, where the local dialect shifts to a Tibetan form and the traditional dress includes Tibetan-style wraparound cloaks. The trail ascends past mani walls and fields to Basram, then continues through fir, rhododendron, and oak forests to a promontory.

Passing through a stone arch and wheat fields, we reach Lihi (2,900 meters). From here, we make a long descent into a wooded canyon and cross the Hinan Khola on a double-span cantilever bridge to reach Sho (2,960 meters). The views become spectacular as Manaslu, Manaslu North (7,157 meters), and Naike Peak (5,515 meters) dominate the valley. The trail crosses a small ravine and wheat fields to arrive at the settlement of Shrip, then continues to Lhogaon, a larger village with a gompa and impressive views of Manaslu.

Overnight will be at a tented camp. Meals provided: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.

We descend to cross the Damonan Khola bridge and then climb again. Taking the right-hand trail, we follow the north fork of the stream, progressing through damp forests that vary between muddy and icy terrain. We eventually reach the plateau of Shyaula (3,520 meters), offering expansive views of Himalchuli (7,893 meters), Ngadi Chuli (7,879 meters), and Manaslu.

From here, we traverse a desolate area marked by blackened tree stumps and cross a ridge. The trail weaves in and out of the Thosang Khola canyon before descending onto a moraine strewn with rocks and boulders. Continuing through these rugged fields, we arrive at Samagaon, a large village known for its gompa and fields of potatoes and barley. Overnight will be spent at a tented camp. Meals provided: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.­

Walking west along the stream, we head towards Kargyu Chholing Gompa, climbing up past numerous buildings and residences. This Nyingma gompa features eight separate temple structures, with the largest being Pemba Chholing Gompa, which houses a grand statue of Guru Rinpoche.

The Larkya La trail continues past several mani walls and through juniper and birch forests, leading to the stone huts of Kermo Kharka. The terrain becomes rougher as we approach a ridge, where yak trains have softened the trail. We then descend from the ridge, cross the Buri Gandaki River on a wooden bridge, and climb steeply between two river forks. Passing through a kani, we finally reach Samdo, nestled behind a ridge. Overnight will be at a tented camp. Meals provided: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.

From Samdo, we descend on a broad, gentle trail, passing numerous fields and a large mani wall, and cross a wooden bridge at 3,850 meters. An old mani wall marks the beginning of our ascent to Larkya La. We climb gradually through tundra and juniper, with views of the massive Larkya Glacier descending from Manaslu North. Following the ridge to the right, we navigate a trail that crosses the tops of two large ravines before becoming steeper. We ascend the ridge to approximately 4,000 meters, reaching a viewpoint overlooking a vast gorge.

The trail continues in and out of the gorge, leading us to the only shelter on the route before the pass, Larkya Rest House at Larkya Phedi. Overnight will be at a tented camp. Meals provided: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.

Starting early in the morning, we embark on a long, gentle climb alongside a moraine. After crossing a small ridge, we descend slightly to a lake before continuing our ascent up the ridge until we reach the top of the moraine at 4,690 meters. From here, we cross rough, steep, and grassy slopes, descending to four frozen lakes, and then make the final steep climb to the Larkya La, where the views are spectacular. From the pass, you can see the impressive peaks of Himlung Himal (7,126 meters), Cheo Himal (6,820 meters), Gyaji Kung (7,030 meters), Kang Guru (6,981 meters), and Annapurna II (7,937 meters).

The descent begins along the top of a moraine to the west, dropping steeply and traversing scree slopes with a series of rough switchbacks. If there is snow, we may need to use ropes on the steepest sections. Once off the moraine, the trail descends more gently, leading to a final long, steep, and slippery descent on loose gravel to Taubuche (4,450 meters). From there, the trail continues through grassy moraine to a small meadow and spring at 4,080 meters. The valley widens as we turn a corner, leading to a large meadow and a mani wall at Bimtang, a vast valley surrounded by high peaks where we might hear avalanches during the night. Overnight will be at a tented camp. Meals provided: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.

The trail descends from Bimtang, crossing a glacial stream—the headwaters of the Dudh Khola—via a wooden bridge. We then climb over a moraine and descend into a scenic forest of pine and rhododendron, reaching Hompuk (3,430 meters). From here, the trail switchbacks down to a fork in the Dudh Khola and follows the river through forested areas to a herders' hut at 3,030 meters, eventually arriving at Karache (2,700 meters).

We continue across fields and make a steep climb over a decorated ridge, with the river meandering below in an “S” shape. This leads us to the village of Gho (2,560 meters). The trail then passes through fields, crosses a clear stream, and traverses rhododendron and oak forests. Staying on the north bank of the Dukh Khola, we climb over a small ridge to reach the large Gurung village of Tilje. Overnight will be at a tented camp. Meals provided: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.

Leaving the village through a stone arch, we cross the Dudh Khola and trek along the river embankment. As we descend through scrub forests, the walls of the Marsyangdi Valley become more prominent. We cross a wooden bridge back to the northern side of the Dudh Khola at 1,930 meters and climb up through an arch and mani wall to reach the village of Thonje. From Thonje, we turn left and cross a long suspension bridge over the Marsyangdi River to arrive at Dharapani (1,920 meters).

From Dharapani, we descend to the village of Karte (1,850 meters), passing fields and stands of bamboo and rhododendrons. Continuing downhill, we reach Chamje (1,410 meters) and then descend further to arrive at the village of Jagat. Finally, we reach Syange. Overnight will be at a tented camp. Meals provided: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.

Descending south along the Marsyangdi Khola, we pass through villages with rice terraces and reach Bhulbule. Along the way, we cross the Brahmin settlement of Bahundanda (1,270 meters), a picturesque village situated on a long ridge, and Ngadi (900 meters). Overnight will be at a tented camp. Meals provided: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.

From Bhulbule, we drive back to Kathmandu. This is a leisure day, perfect for shopping for gifts and souvenirs for friends and family. In the evening, you are invited to a farewell gathering where you can review great photos and share experiences from the trip. Overnight stay at the hotel. Meals: Breakfast, Farewell Dinner.

If you wish to extend your stay, we offer additional short tours including game drives in national parks, rafting, mountain biking, and tours to Tibet, India, or Bhutan. Please consult us for more details. Meals provided: Breakfast.