Manaslu Circuit Trek-14 days

Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu (1,345m)

Upon arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu, you’ll be greeted by a representative and transferred to your hotel. The rest of the day is free for you to explore the city or rest, allowing you time to acclimatize and prepare for the upcoming adventure. Kathmandu, rich in history and culture, offers plenty to see, but a restful evening in your 3-star hotel is ideal to gather strength for the trek ahead.

Day 2: Drive from Kathmandu to Soti Khola via Arughat (700m)

You’ll begin the journey with an 8 to 10-hour drive, first to Arughat and then onward to Soti Khola. The trip takes you through scenic rural villages, terraced farms, and green hills. The journey is rugged, with bumpy roads and dusty paths, but offers a glimpse of the countryside’s natural beauty. By evening, you’ll reach Soti Khola and spend the night in a mountain lodge.

Day 3: Trek from Soti Khola to Machha Khola (870m)

Your trek officially begins with a 6-7 hour hike through lush fields, beautiful waterfalls, and small rural villages. You’ll cross a suspension bridge over the Budhi Gandaki River and continue through undulating terrain to reach Machha Khola. The day offers moderate hiking and a chance to experience the serene, remote landscape. You’ll spend the night in a mountain lodge.

Day 4: Trek from Machha Khola to Jagat (1,340m)

Today’s trek will take you through Khorla Besi and the Tatopani hot springs, where you can take a relaxing break. After crossing several suspension bridges and navigating narrow trails, you’ll enter the Manaslu Conservation Area and reach Jagat, a charming, stone-paved village. It’s a 6-7 hour trek that showcases increasingly stunning mountain scenery.

Day 5: Trek from Jagat to Deng (1,860m)

This day brings even more dramatic landscapes as you pass through quaint villages like Salleri and Sirdibas. Crossing multiple bridges over the Budhi Gandaki River, the trail meanders through gorges and bamboo forests before reaching Deng. The day involves around 7 hours of trekking through peaceful and less-traveled paths.

Day 6: Trek from Deng to Namrung (2,900m)

This stage of the trek is rich in cultural significance, passing through alpine forests and traditional villages where ethnic groups from the Manaslu region reside. After a steep ascent to Namrung village, you’ll be rewarded with breathtaking views of snow-capped peaks like Siringi Himal. The 6-7 hour trek introduces you to the deeper aspects of the Manaslu region’s heritage and landscape.

Day 7: Trek from Namrung to Sama Gaon (3,390m)

After a morning of spectacular Himalayan views, you’ll trek uphill through forests and past small villages like Lho and Shyala, which offer some of the best vistas of Mount Manaslu. The trail continues to the larger village of Sama Gaon, nestled in the valley beneath Manaslu, marking the end of a 6-7 hour day of scenic trekking.

Day 8: Acclimatization at Sama Gaon (3,390m)

A rest day in Sama Gaon is essential to acclimatize to the increasing altitude. You can either relax or explore nearby attractions like Pungyen Gompa, a historic monastery that offers stunning views of the glacier. This day ensures you are well-prepared for the higher elevations in the days to come.

Day 9: Trek from Sama Gaon to Samdo (3,690m)

On this day, you’ll trek through more open landscapes as the valley widens. Mani walls and Tibetan Buddhist influences begin to dominate the scenery, reflecting the region’s deep spiritual roots. After a 4-5 hour trek, you’ll arrive in Samdo, a Tibetan refugee village that feels remote and steeped in traditional culture.

Day 10: Trek from Samdo to Larke La Phedi (4,460m)

A relatively easier day of trekking takes you up to Larke La Phedi, also known as Dharamsala. The route follows old trading paths to Tibet, passing glaciers and pristine alpine scenery. After a 4-5 hour trek, you’ll reach the high camp, where you’ll prepare for the following day’s challenging Larke La Pass crossing.

Day 11: Cross Larke La Pass (5,135m) to Bimthang (3,590m)

This is the most demanding and rewarding day of the trek. Starting early, you’ll ascend to the Larke La Pass, the highest point of the trek, where breathtaking views of Larke Peak and the surrounding Himalayas await. After soaking in the vistas, you’ll begin a steep descent, eventually reaching Bimthang. The day involves 8-9 hours of intense trekking.

Day 12: Trek from Bimthang to Tilije (2,300m)

The descent continues as you leave the alpine landscapes behind and re-enter lush forests. The 6-7 hour trek to Tilije passes through rhododendron forests and tranquil rivers. The lower elevation makes the hike easier, with the scenery gradually shifting back to greenery and farmlands.

Day 13: Trek from Tilije to Dharapani (1,960m) and drive to Besisahar

A short 4-hour trek will take you to Dharapani, where your trek officially ends. From here, you’ll drive to Besisahar, marking the transition from trekking terrain back to civilization. After the mountain lodges, a comfortable stay at a local guesthouse awaits.

Day 14: Drive back to Kathmandu

On the final day, you’ll drive back to Kathmandu, where you can rest and reflect on the incredible journey. This scenic drive takes about 6-7 hours, bringing you back to your hotel, where the comforts of the city will welcome you after your Himalayan adventure.