Manaslu Circuit
15 Days
5106m
Easy to Challenging
Mar–May / Sep–Nov
Overview
The Manaslu Circuit Trek offers a remarkable journey through pristine river valleys, lush forests, and dramatic high-mountain landscapes ranging from 800 m to over 5,100 m. Walking alongside rivers fed by glaciers and glacial lakes, the trail provides an immersive experience of untouched nature and traditional Himalayan life.
The trek follows the base of Mount Manaslu (8,163 m), the eighth-highest mountain in the world, offering stunning views of waterfalls, rivers, and remote villages rich in unique culture and traditions. As the trail ascends above 3,000 m, trekkers are rewarded with surreal views of Manaslu and surrounding peaks.
The region is deeply influenced by Tibetan Buddhist culture blended with ancient animism and shamanism, reflected in beautifully carved gateways, monasteries, and centuries-old rituals. Highlights include Pungen Gompa, one of the oldest monasteries in the region with panoramic views of mountains and glaciers, Manaslu Base Camp, which offers striking views of the glacier lake and villages below, and Larkya Bazaar, a historic trading hub between Nepal and Tibet.
Crossing the high Larkya La Pass (5,106 m) provides breathtaking views of surrounding peaks, glaciers, and the Annapurna II range before descending to Dharapani, where the trail connects with the Annapurna Circuit.
Outline Itinerary
Day 01: Arrival and transfer to hotel
Day 02: Kathmandu to Macchakhola (860 m), 7 hours’ drive.
Day 03: Macchakhola to Jagat (1,340 m), Trek about 7 hours.
Day 04: Jagat to Deng (1,860 m), Trek about 8 hours.
Day 05: Deng to Namrung (2,630 m), Trek about 8 hours.
Day 06: Namrung to Shyala (3,500 m), Trek about 6 hours.
Day 07: Shyala to Sama(3,520 m) via Pungen Gumba(4,000 m), Trek about 6 hours.
Day 08: Sama – explore/rest.
Day 09: Sama to Samdo (3,875 m), Trek about 3 hours.
Day 10: Samdo to Dharmasala (4,460 m), Trek about 3 hours.
Day 11: Dharmasala to Larkya-La (5,160 m) – Bhimtang(3,590 m), Trek about 10 hours.
Day 12: Bhimtang to Goa (2,515 m), Trek about 6 hours.
Day 13: Goa to Besisahar (760 m), Trek about 2 hours & 4 hours’ drive.
Day 14: Besisahar to Kathmandu (1,350 m), 7 hours’ drive.
Day 15: Kathmandu Departure.
Detailed Itinerary
Altitude: 1,350 m
Arrive at Tribhuvan International Airport, where our representative will welcome you and transfer you to your hotel. After check-in, enjoy some time to rest and explore the nearby area. In the evening, meet your trekking guide for a briefing covering the route, permits, safety, and trek preparations.
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Overnight: Kathmandu
Meals: Welcome Dinner
Accommodation: Tourist-Standard Hotel
Transfer: Airport to Hotel
Altitude: 860 m | Drive: ~7 Hours
After breakfast, begin the scenic drive toward Macchakhola. The journey takes you through Nepal’s countryside, following winding mountain roads, rivers, green hills, terraced fields, and traditional villages.
Arrive in Macchakhola and settle into your lodge, preparing for the start of the Manaslu Circuit trek the following morning.
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Overnight: Macchakhola
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Transport: Private/Tourist Vehicle
Altitude: 1,340 m | Trek: ~7 Hours
Begin your trek along the Budhi Gandaki River. The trail passes through lush forests, small settlements, waterfalls, and scenic river valleys, with several ascents and descents along the way.
Continue toward Jagat, a traditional mountain settlement and the formal entry point into the Manaslu Conservation Area.
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Overnight: Jagat
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Teahouse/Lodge
Altitude: 1,860 m | Trek: ~8 Hours
Continue trekking through beautiful forests and traditional villages as the valley gradually narrows. Cross suspension bridges and follow the Budhi Gandaki River through dramatic Himalayan landscapes.
As you gain altitude, the scenery becomes increasingly mountainous. After a rewarding day on the trail, arrive at Deng and settle into your lodge.
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Overnight: Deng
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Teahouse/Lodge
Altitude: 2,630 m | Trek: ~8 Hours
Today’s trail takes you deeper into the Manaslu region. Trek through forests, rocky paths, traditional villages, and impressive mountain scenery while continuing to gain altitude.
The landscape gradually changes as you approach the higher Himalayan settlements. Arrive at Namrung, a beautiful village surrounded by spectacular mountain views.
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Overnight: Namrung
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Teahouse/Lodge
Altitude: 3,500 m | Trek: ~6 Hours
Trek through alpine forests and traditional Tibetan-influenced villages toward the higher reaches of the Manaslu region.
As the trail climbs, the views become increasingly impressive, with snow-covered peaks surrounding the valley. Continue to Shyala, a scenic mountain village offering magnificent views of the Himalayan range.
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Overnight: Shyala
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Teahouse/Lodge
Sama Gaun: 3,520 m | Pungen Gomba: ~4,000 m | Trek: ~6 Hours
Today’s trek offers some of the most spectacular scenery of the journey. Hike toward Pungen Gomba, a peaceful Buddhist monastery situated in a dramatic Himalayan setting.
Enjoy magnificent views of Manaslu and surrounding peaks before continuing toward Sama Gaun. The trail gradually leads into the wide alpine valley where Sama Gaun is located.
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Overnight: Sama Gaun
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Teahouse/Lodge
Altitude: 3,520 m
Today is an important acclimatization and rest day to help your body adjust to the increasing altitude.
Enjoy a relaxed morning and explore the beautiful surroundings of Sama Gaun. Depending on conditions and the group’s preference, you may take a short hike to nearby viewpoints, visit local monasteries, or explore the traditional village.
Take plenty of rest and prepare for the higher-altitude section of the trek ahead.
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Overnight: Sama Gaun
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Teahouse/Lodge
Altitude: 3,875 m | Trek: ~3 Hours
After breakfast, continue toward Samdo along the upper Budhi Gandaki valley. The landscape becomes increasingly barren and alpine as you approach the Tibetan border region.
The relatively short trekking day allows you to enjoy the scenery while gradually gaining altitude. Arrive at Samdo and spend the afternoon relaxing and acclimatizing.
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Overnight: Samdo
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Teahouse/Lodge
Altitude: 4,460 m | Trek: ~3 Hours
Continue your ascent toward Dharmasala, the final overnight stop before crossing the challenging Larkya La Pass.
The trail leads through rugged alpine terrain with spectacular views of the surrounding mountains and glaciers. Upon reaching Dharmasala, rest well and prepare for the early start and long trek across Larkya La the following day.
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Overnight: Dharmasala
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Teahouse/Lodge
Larkya La: 5,160 m | Bhimtang: 3,590 m | Trek: ~10 Hours
Today is the most challenging and rewarding day of the trek. Begin early and ascend gradually through rugged high-altitude terrain toward Larkya La Pass, the highest point of the Manaslu Circuit.
After reaching the pass, celebrate your achievement while enjoying breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding Himalayan peaks. The trail then descends through dramatic mountain landscapes toward Bhimtang.
After the long descent, arrive at Bhimtang and enjoy a well-earned rest.
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Overnight: Bhimtang
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Teahouse/Lodge
Altitude: 2,515 m | Trek: ~6 Hours
After breakfast, continue your descent through beautiful forests and mountain landscapes. The trail gradually enters greener terrain as you lose altitude.
Enjoy peaceful forest paths, waterfalls, and changing Himalayan scenery before reaching Goa for your overnight stay.
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Overnight: Goa
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Teahouse/Lodge
Altitude: 760 m | Trek: ~2 Hours + Drive: ~4 Hours
Enjoy a short final trek through the lower Himalayan landscape before reaching the roadhead. From here, continue by vehicle toward Besisahar.
The journey takes you through scenic valleys, villages, terraced fields, and rivers as the landscape gradually changes from high mountains to the lower hills.
Arrive in Besisahar and enjoy a comfortable evening after completing the main trekking section.
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Overnight: Besisahar
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Trekking: ~2 Hours
Driving: ~4 Hours
Altitude: 1,350 m | Drive: ~7 Hours
After breakfast, begin the scenic drive back to Kathmandu. Travel through Nepal’s beautiful hill country, passing rivers, villages, terraced farmland, and bustling roadside settlements.
Upon arrival in Kathmandu, check into your hotel and enjoy the rest of the day at leisure.
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Overnight: Kathmandu
Meals: Breakfast
Transport: Tourist/Private Vehicle
Your Manaslu Circuit adventure comes to an end today. Depending on your flight schedule, enjoy some free time for last-minute shopping or relaxation before our representative transfers you to Tribhuvan International Airport for your onward flight.
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Meals: Breakfast
Airport Transfer: Included
Included / Excluded
Included: Guide, permits, accommodation, airport transfers
Excluded: International flights, personal expenses, tips