Manaslu Circuit Trek: Off-the-Beaten Path

Today is an arrival and a welcome day. Our representative will guide and assist you at the hotel. Our guide handles check-in activities and briefly overviews the following Manaslu Circuit Trekking trip. Freshen up and stay overnight at the hotel.

A designated guide offers an introductory brief of the whole trip. After the briefing, the tour of the UNESCO sites in Kathmandu starts. Pashupatinath, Boudhanath, Swayambhunath temple, and Kathmandu Durbar Square are the major highlights of the day.

Today is all about gaining brief insights into Nepal's history and architecture. It is better to know about the country before making a long trip there.

Around 8 AM, a guide picks you up at the hotel. Today, you depart from Kathmandu via scenic drive to Macchakhola on a private vehicle.

The drive starts with a smooth, paved road covering 115km, which takes 5 hours to reach Tari Bensi. And the road becomes increasingly uneven and rugged until your last stop, Macchakhola.

You set your first foot on the Manaslu Circuit trekking trail today. After breakfast, you start a hike that mixes uphill and downhill. Then you reach the village of Khorlabesi. Then you head towards the next stop, Tatopani (natural hot spring), which is popular and busy with numerous teahouses. You stop here for lunch. The sighting of Ganesh Himal is a highlight of the day.

This portion of the journey takes you through a dense forest, with mules along the way. As you ascent, the scenery starts to change its colors.

Today, we pass several villages with peeks of Shringi Himal. Shirdibas village is the first village after you climb up the valley.

The next village you pass by is Philim. Look out for the terraced field here. The hike continues until the next stop, Chisapani, for lunch.

Most of the villagers are Tibetan, and their main occupations are agriculture and animal husbandry. Barley, maize, oats, and nuts are the major crops they grow.

The day continues with Pewa and then a tiny campsite before today's final destination, Deng.

Today's day starts with an early hike from Deng, crossing the river and ascending the hill. As the trail continues, mani stone passes by along the path. Each stone has a Buddhist mantra, indicating Tibetan culture-influenced region.

Pass by Rana Gaun, Bihi Phedi, Ghap, and Ghapsya, and with witness of typical villages with typical lifestyles.

Pass by the bold atmosphere of dense forest with sounds of insects and trees. It feels like you've reached Namrung in no time.

Today, the trail has magnificent sights of the mountains, like Himchuli, Shringi range, and Mount Manaslu. Then trek via Lihi and Sho Gaun.

Finally, a long stone mani wall marks your presence in the village of Lho Gaun. Then make lunch camp as a short hike. In the afternoon, you can hike Ribung Gompa as you wish.

The hike starts from Lho Gaun and follows a trail to Shyala village, 3500m. There is a stunning viewpoint of Manaslu.

The trail stretches towards the settlement of Samagaun, one of the most beautiful villages during the Manaslu Circuit Trekking. The remaining time is free for you to explore.

Today, stay at Samagaun for acclimatization, an essential part of the Manaslu Circuit Trek Itinerary. Let your body acclimate to the high altitude.

You hike to the sacred Pun Gyen Gompa of the region. The Gompa provides breathtaking views of the mount. Manaslu and Pungyen Glacier. This area holds a tranquil ambiance with glittered cultural aspects of the Nubri of the Manaslu region.

Or,

You can hike to base camp to conquer Manaslu Base Camp (4400m). This round trip takes you 7-8 hours to complete. If you wish to explore differently, there is a glacier across the valley (Birendra Tal).

Today, the trail swiftly moves across pastures before elevating gradually. Keep your head up for the stunning sight of the Manaslu as you reach Samdo. It is a small Tibetan refugee village very close to the Tibetan border.

After lunch, you may go for a hike around the village.

After breakfast in Samdo, you pass by the Tibetan market Larkya Bazaar, which operates during certain seasons.

Descend to the Budi Gandaki River and cross a wooden bridge. Follow the route that includes crossing two streams with stunning scenery of the Larkya glacier.

Pass by the valley of Salka Khola and climb until you reach Dharamsala, Larkya Phedi.

Tomorrow is a significant and strenuous day: a climb to the Larkya-la pass.

Today is the most awaited day of the Manaslu Circuit Trekking. Today is the day you enter the highest point of the trek, Larkya la. After you leave behind Dharamsala, a gradual climb towards Cho Chanda leads you to Larkya la Pass.

Highlights of the highest point of the trek are to witness the breathtaking 360-degree panoramic view. Mountains such as Himlung Himal, Cheo Himal, Gyaji Kung, Kang Guru, and Annapurna II are visible as you cross the Larkya La Pass.

Walking along the steppe, you reach Bimthang at night.

After a good sleep, rise with the fantastic views of Manaslu, Cheo Himal, and Lamjung Himal.

Starting this day, you descend through vast pastures to the riverbed of the Dudh Khola. Cross a wooden bridge as the trail climbs alongside terraced paddies before Kharche.

This mountain pass is less spectacular than Larkya La. But affords excellent views of the path you are going to take. Witness Marsyangdi River winding through a forested valley far below.

After a few hours of walking, you reach Tilije. Today is when you leave behind the Manaslu with memories filled with unforgettable natural vistas, cultural experiences, and challenging passes. You take a final drive to Beshisahar and then continue to Kathmandu in a private vehicle.

Today is the longest day of the trip before you enjoy your well-deserved nap during the night.

Our representative takes you 3 hours before the scheduled flight. This heartfelt Manaslu Circuit Trekking trip ends with a See you next time.