Introduction
The Manaslu Circuit Trek offers an unforgettable journey through one of Nepal’s most remote and scenic regions. Despite its growing popularity since teahouses were built in 2010, it remains far less crowded than other famous treks. This trek features breathtaking landscapes, thrilling suspension bridge crossings, and the challenge of conquering the 5,100m (17,000-ft.) Larkya La Pass.
Brief Itinerary
Day 1: Drive from Kathmandu to Machakhola via Arughat
Day 2: Machha Khola to Jagat
Day 3: Jagat to Deng
Day 4: Deng to Namrung
Day 5: Namrung to Shyala
Day 6: Rest day at Shyala, Explore Pungen Gumba
Day 7: Shyala to Samagaun
Day 8: Rest day at Samagaun, Explore Manaslu Base Camp
Day 9: Samagaun to Samdo
Day 10: Samdo to Dharmasala
Day 11: Dharmasala to Bhimthang
Day 12: Bhimthang to Goa
Day 13: Goa to Tiliche – drive from Tiliche to Besisahar and back to Kathmandu
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1 (Drive from Kathmandu to Machakhola ‘930M’ via Arughat)
A scenic 9 to 10-hour drive takes you through picturesque villages, rolling hills, and lush rice fields before reaching Machha Khola in the Gorkha district. The journey follows the Trishuli and Budhi Gandaki Rivers, passing through charming farm villages and bustling towns.
Day 2 (Machha Khola ‘930M’ to Jagat ‘1,300M’)
Follow the Budhi Gandaki River, stopping at Khorla Beshi and Tatopani, home to natural hot springs. After a short break, the trek continues through Yaruphant before crossing a suspension bridge to Jagat, a quaint farming village with local shops catering to trekkers.
Day 3 (Jagat ‘1,300M’ to Deng ‘1,860M’)
Walk through Salleri and Sirdibas, passing vibrant Buddhist prayer flags and traditional gompas. The trail winds through stunning rock formations, rhododendron forests, and towering Himalayan pines before reaching Deng, where trekkers gather around a warm fireplace to share stories.
Day 4 (Deng ‘1,860M’ to Namrung ‘2,660M’)
Trek through dense bamboo forests and cross a suspension bridge toward Rana and Bihi Phedi. The trail passes landslide-prone areas before reaching Namrung, a village with modern amenities like WiFi and cappuccino—rare luxuries in the Himalayas.
Day 5 (Namrung ‘2,660M’ to Shyala ‘3,500M’)
After breakfast, the trek begins with a journey toward the charming settlement of Lihi. From there, the trail descends past the Lidanda Glaciers, eventually reaching the picturesque hamlet of Sho at an elevation of 3,000 meters.
As you continue, you’ll be treated to breathtaking vistas of Ngadi Chuli and the majestic Manaslu, making for an unforgettable afternoon en route to Lho. This beautiful village is adorned with countless prayer flags, adding to its spiritual and cultural charm. Beyond Lho, the trail ascends from the Gomba, leading to the stunning hamlet of Shyala.
Day 6 (Rest day at Shyala, Explore Pungen Gumba ‘3,750M’)
After several days of trekking through the breathtaking landscapes of the Manaslu region, Day 6 is reserved for acclimatization and exploration. Shyala, a picturesque Himalayan village, is surrounded by towering peaks, making it an ideal place to rest and soak in the serene mountain atmosphere.
For those eager to explore, a side trip to Pungen Gumba is highly recommended. This ancient monastery, nestled at the base of Mt. Manaslu, offers a peaceful retreat with stunning panoramic views of the surrounding snow-capped mountains. The hike to Pungen Gumba takes about 3 to 4 hours round trip, passing through rugged trails and pristine alpine landscapes. Along the way, you may encounter yaks grazing on the slopes and prayer flags fluttering in the crisp mountain breeze.
Upon reaching the monastery, you’ll be rewarded with a spectacular close-up view of Mt. Manaslu (8,163m)—the eighth-highest mountain in the world. The spiritual ambiance of the Gumba, combined with the breathtaking scenery, makes this excursion an unforgettable experience.
After spending some time exploring and taking in the views, you will return to Shyala for a relaxing evening. You can unwind at a teahouse, enjoy a warm meal, and share stories with fellow trekkers before preparing for the next leg of the journey.
Day 7 (Shyala ‘3,500M’ to Sama Gaun ‘3,530M’)
After a refreshing rest day in Shyala, the journey continues toward Sama Gaun (3,530m), one of the most significant stops on the Manaslu Circuit. This day’s trek is relatively short and easy, allowing you to enjoy the breathtaking scenery along the way.
As you leave Shyala, the trail winds through alpine landscapes with panoramic views of Manaslu (8,163m), Himal Chuli (7,893m), and Ngadi Chuli (7,871m) towering above. You’ll pass through serene yak pastures and dense forests of rhododendron and juniper, creating a peaceful trekking experience.
Approaching Sama Gaun, you’ll notice an increase in Buddhist influences, with mani walls, chortens, and prayer flags adorning the trail. The village itself is a charming settlement nestled in the heart of the Himalayas, offering incredible mountain vistas and a glimpse into the Tibetan-influenced culture of the region.
Upon arrival, you can spend the rest of the day acclimatizing and exploring. Sama Gaun is the gateway to several side trips, including the famous Manaslu Base Camp and Pungen Gumba, which many trekkers visit on their acclimatization day. You can also wander through the village, interact with the friendly locals, or simply relax at a teahouse, soaking in the magnificent surroundings.
Day 8 (Rest day at Sama Gaun, Explore Manaslu Base Camp ‘4,800M’)
Day 8 is reserved for acclimatization and exploration, allowing trekkers to adjust to the higher altitude before continuing their journey. Sama Gaun, nestled at the foot of majestic peaks, provides the perfect setting for rest and relaxation while offering the opportunity to explore the iconic Manaslu Base Camp.
Manaslu Base Camp Excursion:
For those looking to take full advantage of the rest day, a day trip to Manaslu Base Camp (4,800m) is highly recommended. The trek to the base camp takes approximately 6 to 8 hours round trip, so it’s essential to start early to ensure plenty of time for exploration and rest.
The route to Manaslu Base Camp offers some of the most spectacular views of the trek. The trail passes through beautiful landscapes, including glacial moraines, rocky ridges, and alpine meadows, while offering stunning vistas of Mt. Manaslu (8,163m), Himal Chuli, and Ngadi Chuli. Along the way, you may spot wildlife, such as blue sheep or snow leopards in the distance, making this an unforgettable experience.
At Manaslu Base Camp, trekkers are rewarded with dramatic views of the surrounding peaks and the expansive glacier beneath the towering mountain. The base camp itself provides an ideal spot for reflection, photography, and experiencing the true magnitude of Mt. Manaslu.
Returning to Sama Gaun:
After soaking in the beauty and majesty of Manaslu Base Camp, trek back to Sama Gaun for a well-deserved rest. The return journey provides a different perspective of the terrain, allowing you to enjoy the changing scenery and the peaceful surroundings of this remote village.
Rest and Relaxation in Sama Gaun:
Once back in Sama Gaun, you can rest and rejuvenate in the comfort of a local teahouse. This is an excellent opportunity to reflect on the journey so far, interact with fellow trekkers, or explore more of the village. Sama Gaun’s Tibetan-influenced culture and stunning views make it an ideal place to relax and prepare for the next leg of the trek.
Day 9 (Sama Gaun ‘3,500M’ to Samdo ‘3,875M’)
After spending a restful day at Sama Gaun, the trek continues towards Samdo (3,875m), a small Tibetan-influenced village that sits on the edge of the Tibetan Plateau. This leg of the journey offers stunning mountain vistas and a peaceful walk through the high-altitude landscape.
The trail begins with a gradual ascent, leading trekkers across the Buddhist mani stones and prayer flags scattered along the path. As you make your way up, you will pass through yak herders’ settlements and cross several moraine fields. The trail continues through a rugged terrain, with the mighty Mt. Manaslu ever-present, offering awe-inspiring views as you trek closer to the Tibetan border.
As you approach Samdo, the environment becomes more remote and tranquil, with little more than small stone houses and Tibetan-style monasteries dotting the landscape. The village is also known for its incredible panoramic views of the surrounding peaks, including Mt. Manaslu, Naike Peak, and the Tibetan Plateau.
After reaching Samdo, you’ll have the rest of the day to relax and acclimatize to the altitude. This is an important stop before crossing the high-altitude passes in the coming days, so it’s crucial to take it easy and prepare for the challenges ahead.
Day 10 (Samdo ‘3,875M’ to Dharmasala ‘4,460M’)
On Day 10, the journey continues from Samdo (3,875m) to Dharmasala (4,460m), which is located at the base of the Larkya La Pass. This is an important acclimatization stop before crossing the challenging pass, so the trek is relatively short but steep, allowing you to adjust to the increasing altitude.
The trail begins with a gentle ascent, passing through scenic high-altitude landscapes, including rivers, moraine fields, and rugged terrain. As you continue, you’ll cross several small streams and follow a narrow valley that gradually leads towards Dharmasala.
Dharmasala, also known as Larkya Phedi, is a small cluster of stone huts and teahouses located in a stunning setting, with panoramic views of the surrounding peaks, including Mt. Manaslu and Himal Chuli. This is the last stop before the strenuous climb up to the Larkya La Pass, so it’s a good place to rest and mentally prepare for the high-altitude challenges ahead.
Once you arrive, you’ll have the rest of the day to rest and acclimatize. It’s a good idea to take short walks around the area to aid your acclimatization, but avoid exerting yourself too much.
Day 11 (Dharmasala ‘4,460M’ to Larkya La Pass ‘5,160M’ to Bhimthang ‘3,590’)
Day 11 is one of the most challenging and rewarding days of the trek, as you will cross the Larkya La Pass (5,160m), the highest point on the Manaslu Circuit. This day involves a long and strenuous trek, but the spectacular views and sense of achievement at the pass make it one of the highlights of the entire journey.
The day starts early from Dharmasala, as trekkers need to prepare for a long day of hiking. The ascent to Larkya La is steep and gradual, winding through a rocky and snowy terrain. Along the way, you will pass through glacial moraine, snowfields, and high-altitude landscapes. The higher you climb, the more you’ll be surrounded by towering peaks, including Mt. Manaslu, Himal Chuli, and the distant Himalayan giants that make the Larkya La Pass so breathtaking.
Upon reaching the Larkya La Pass, you’ll be rewarded with incredible panoramic views of the snow-covered peaks, glaciers, and the surrounding valleys. It’s a perfect spot to take photos, reflect on your journey, and enjoy the incredible achievement of reaching one of the highest points of the trek.
After spending some time at the pass, the descent begins toward Bhimthang (3,590m). The trail down is steep and can be tricky in places, but it offers stunning views of the Manaslu Glacier, Buddhist monasteries, and alpine meadows. As you descend, the vegetation changes, and you will be greeted by beautiful rhododendron forests and rolling hills, creating a peaceful and scenic atmosphere.
Finally, after a long day of trekking, you will arrive at Bhimthang, a small village with a few teahouses and guesthouses, where you can rest and relax. Enjoy a well-deserved meal and share stories with fellow trekkers as you reflect on the adventure of the day.
Day 12 (Bhimthang ‘3,590M’ to Goa ‘2,560M’)
After crossing the challenging Larkya La Pass and reaching the peaceful village of Bhimthang, Day 12 offers a relatively easier and more relaxed day of trekking as you head towards Goa (2,560m). The journey today takes you through beautiful landscapes, following an amazing descent toward lower altitudes.
The day begins with a gentle descent through alpine meadows and rhododendron forests, offering a refreshing change of scenery compared to the higher-altitude terrains you’ve encountered so far. The path winds through beautiful valleys, offering picturesque views of the surrounding peaks and glacial rivers.
As you continue, you’ll pass through small Tibetan-style villages and farmlands, where you’ll see the locals tending to their crops and livestock. The trek offers an excellent opportunity to experience the rural life of the Manaslu region while enjoying the peaceful atmosphere of the lower altitudes.
Along the way, the trail crosses several streams and rivers, and you may also encounter suspension bridges that add to the excitement of the trek. After a pleasant walk through these landscapes, you will arrive at Goa, a small settlement offering a few teahouses and a chance to rest for the night.
Day 13 (Goa to Tiliche – drive from Tiliche to Besisahar and back to Kathmandu)
Day 13 marks the final day of the Manaslu Circuit Trek, taking you on a journey from Goa to Tiliche (2,300m), followed by a drive back to Besisahar and then a return trip to Kathmandu. It’s a long day of travel, but the sense of accomplishment and the comfort of returning to the capital city make it rewarding.
The day begins with a scenic trek from Goa to Tiliche, passing through dense forests, farmlands, and charming villages. The trail descends gradually, offering beautiful views of the surrounding mountains and the Marsyangdi River. After walking through peaceful landscapes, you will reach Tiliche, a small village that marks the end of your trek. This is a good spot to catch your breath before the drive back.
From Tiliche, you will take a jeep or local bus for the drive to Besisahar. The journey is about 1 to 1.5 hours and takes you through scenic foothill landscapes, crossing rivers and lush valleys. Upon arriving at Besisahar, you will board a vehicle for the long drive back to Kathmandu, which takes about 6-8 hours depending on road conditions.
During the drive, you will pass through small towns, terraced fields, and villages, with views of the Annapurna and Manaslu ranges still visible in the distance. As you approach Kathmandu, the landscape gradually changes as you enter the bustling capital city.
Finally, after a long journey, you will arrive back in Kathmandu, where you can relax and unwind after an unforgettable adventure.
