The Manaslu Region, located in the northern Himalayas of Nepal, offers one of the most awe-inspiring trekking experiences in the country. Derived from the Sanskrit word “Manasa,” meaning “intellect” or “soul,” Manaslu rises to 8,163 meters, making it the eighth-highest peak in the world. This trek, winding through the Manaslu Conservation Area, allows adventurers to witness breathtaking views of Manaslu itself, as well as other towering peaks like Buddha Himal, Himal Chuli Peak, Ganesh Himal, and Annapurna.
The 12-day trek offers a mix of nature, culture, and adventure. While it may be challenging, the stunning landscapes and cultural immersion make it a highly rewarding experience.
The adventure begins with an early morning departure from Kathmandu, taking a local bus to Arughat and then a jeep to Soti Khola. The 8-10 hour journey takes you through the beautiful countryside, passing through the terraced farmlands, river valleys, and rural villages of Dhading. The road is a mix of paved and dirt paths, becoming bumpy and dusty as you get closer to Soti Khola, where you spend the night in a trekking lodge.
The trek officially starts today with a 6-7 hour hike from Soti Khola to Machha Khola. You’ll follow a scenic trail through rice paddies, waterfalls, and small villages, showcasing traditional Nepali lifestyle and architecture. As the path follows the Budi Gandaki River, you’ll cross several suspension bridges and experience rugged landscapes before reaching Machha Khola, where you’ll lodge for the night.
From Machha Khola, the trail ascends towards Khorla Besi and continues through narrow paths and along the Thado Khola river. After passing the hot spring at Tatopani, you’ll cross the Budhi Gandaki River and enter the Manaslu Conservation Area at Jagat. The journey offers mesmerizing views of the surrounding mountains and lush hills, with the trek lasting around 6-7 hours.
Today’s 7-hour hike takes you through several charming villages like Salleri, Sirdibas, and Ghatta Khola. You’ll cross multiple suspension bridges and climb through deep gorges before entering the bamboo forest that leads to Deng. The day is filled with scenic beauty and solitude as you venture deeper into the Manaslu region, staying overnight at a teahouse in Deng.
This day involves a challenging but rewarding trek as you cross the Budi Gandaki River multiple times and ascend through forested ridges and stone stairways. You’ll pass ancient gompas and suspension bridges, with breathtaking views of the surrounding peaks. After a long 8-hour journey, you’ll arrive in Namrung, a quaint village where you’ll rest for the night.
The trek from Namrung to Sama Gaon offers some of the most stunning views of the trek. You’ll pass through villages like Lihi, Sho, Lho, and Shyala, each offering panoramic views of Mt. Manaslu and other snow-capped peaks. The ascent through lush forests and open fields leads to Sama Gaon, where you’ll spend the night after a 7-8 hour hike.
To help adjust to the altitude, you’ll spend a rest day in Sama Gaon. However, it’s recommended to stay active, and you can hike to Pungyen Gompa, a monastery offering a breathtaking view of glaciers. This day allows your body to adapt to the elevation and prepare for the higher altitudes ahead, ensuring a smoother trek for the rest of the journey.
The 4-5 hour trek to Samdo follows a more gradual trail, allowing you to relax and enjoy the journey. After crossing the Budhi Gandaki River and passing several mani walls, you’ll reach Samdo, a traditional Tibetan village. The day provides opportunities to explore the surrounding landscapes and immerse yourself in the local culture.
After a morning start from Samdo, you’ll trek through the Salka Khola Valley and Larkya Bazaar, a seasonal trading village near the Tibetan border. The path ascends gradually, with views of the Larkya Glacier and surrounding mountains. After a 4-5 hour trek, you’ll arrive at Larkya La Phedi (Dharamshala), where you’ll rest for the night before tackling the highest point of the trek.
This is the most demanding day of the trek as you ascend to Larkya La Pass, the highest point of the journey at 5106 meters. Starting early, you’ll hike through a rugged, rocky path to the summit, rewarded with spectacular views of Mt. Manaslu, Larkya Peak, Cheo Himal, and more. After soaking in the panoramic views, you’ll descend to Bhimthang, completing an 8-9 hour trek.
On the second last day, the trail descends through the valley of Burdin Khola, passing through rhododendron forests, narrow gorges, and small villages. The trek is more relaxed but still long, with a 6-7 hour hike to Dharapani. You’ll cross rivers and picturesque terraced fields, stopping at the village of Tilje along the way.
The final day of the Manaslu Trek involves a scenic drive back to Kathmandu. You’ll first take a local jeep from Dharapani to Besi Sahar and then board a bus back to Kathmandu. The journey provides a final look at the beautiful countryside, capping off your adventure in the Manaslu region.
This trek offers an incredible blend of nature, culture, and adventure, making it a must-do for trekkers seeking solitude and breathtaking mountain scenery.