Manaslu Circuit Trekking -18 Days

Trip Overview

Trip at a Glance

Country: Nepal
Trip grade: Strenuous
Destination: Manaslu
Activities: Trekking / Hiking
Accommodation: Hotel,Tea house Lodge
Meals: As per in your itinerary
Maximum altitude: 5160m
Group size: Min - 2
Best Season: March, April, May, September, October, November

Manaslu region is one of the new and less human invaded trekking destinations in Nepal. This area is so unique for its dramatic landscapes, ecological disparities, ethnicities, and the alluring sceneries. Our 18-days Manaslu Circuit Trekking is an authentic route that encircles Mt. Manaslu (8,163m – 8^th highest peak in the world).

This trip begins from Kathmandu and gradually extends to the sensational elevation of 5,160m (Larkya La pass). Walking through the beaten path, ethnic villages, against the current of Budi Gandaki river, forests, and glacial lakes are some best features of this journey. Form Larkya La pass, we can see the finest view of Manaslu family including Mt. Manaslu, Manaslu North (7,157m), Himalchuli (7,893m), and Pungi Himal (6,538m).

Comparatively, Manaslu regions are less crowded by tourists and development activities. So, if silent nature, freshness and a challenging adventure is your preference, this could be a good selection. Contact us, we’re happy to help you know more about this trekking trip.

Detail Itinerary

Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu

We’ll welcome you at Kathmandu airport (TIA) and take you to the chosen hotel at the heart of the city. You can freshen up and relax for the rest of the day. In the evening we’ll organize a welcome dinner at a Nepali restaurant where you can enjoy authentic Nepali taste and cultural dance presentation. (Meal: Dinner)

Day 02: Kathmandu sightseeing tour & trek preparation

Kathmandu valley itself is living heritage with excellent artistic monuments, culture, and religious practices. It has 7 UNESCO listed cultural sites. We’ll explore 4 of them today i.e. Kathmandu Durbar Square, Pashupatinath temple, Swyambhunath, and Boudhnath stupa. One of our experienced culture guides will escort and provides you a brief insight out about these monuments. Late afternoon is for a pre-trip discussion and completion of needed formalities. (Meal: Breakfast)

Day 03: Drive from Kathmandu to Sotikhola (720m): 8-9 hours’ drive

Leaving Kathmandu, we’ll drive towards Sotikhola through dramatic foothills, highways, rivers, and villages. Somewhere from Dhading Bensi, the road is muddy and rough. Be prepared for some bumps. Overnight Sotikhola. (Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner)

Day 04: Trek from Soti Khola to Machha Khola (900m): 6 hours’ trek

With our entire trekking crew, we’ll begin our first day of trekking through dense forest and the Budi Gandaki river. Lapubesi and Khanikhola are two of the lovely settlements we’d pass through before reaching to Machha Khola for overnight stay. In the mountain, the trail is mostly rocky on gradual up and downhills. Walk slow and get help of your crew if any need. (Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner)

Day 05: Trek from Machha Khola to Jagat (1410m): 6 hours’ trek

After breakfast, we’ll proceed through off the beaten path, which is narrow and snaky. Lush jungle and farmlands are the major part of our journey. At Tatopani village, you’ll get a chance to explore a natural hot spring. Further, we’ll pass the village of Cobham and Yaruphant and finally reach Jagat village for overnight stay. (Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner)

Day 06: Trek to Deng (1804m)- 6-7 hours’ trek

This section is another beautiful part of the journey as we enter into the Manaslu conservation area. Salleri, Sirdibas, and Phillim are few of big villages, having traditional and cultural lifestyles. Enjoy the hike via dramatic trails, hills and millet fields. We’ll set our overnight stay in the village of Deng. (Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner)

Day 07: Trek to Namrung (2630m): 6-7 hours’ trek

Cross a suspension bridge over the Budi Gandaki river and climb towards Rana village and Bihi Phedi. The trail then proceeds towards Ghap via beautiful Budi Gandaki valley. At points, we need to extra careful while walking via a narrow path and landslide zones. Namrung village has some of the best teahouses for good food and good sleep. (Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner)

Day 08: Trek to Samagaun (3,530m): 6-7 hours’ trek

The view of sparkling mountains and Himalayan lifestyles are the major attractions of today’s journey. The beautiful mountain villages of Lihi, Sho, Lho and Samagaun are popular for their amazing social life and cultural practices. Enjoy the fine view of Siring Himal, Ganesh Himal, Himal Chuli (7,893m), Manaslu (8,163m) and more while setting our overnight stay in Samagaun. (Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner)

Day 09: Rest day in Samagaun (3,530m)

A day of acclimatization is needed to the increasing altitude. Take a good rest and explore this beautiful village. Sam again has major population of Sherpa people, practicing the Tibetan Buddhist lifestyle. If you are fit enough, hike to Pungen Gompa (3-4 hours hike) for the spectacular view of mountains and glaciers. Overnight Samagaun. (Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner)

Day 10: Trek to Samdo (3860m): 4-5 hours’ trek

Against the stream, we follow Budi Gandaki River northward by crossing a suspension bridge. It is a fairly easy trail that passes through juniper and birch forest, several Mani walls and chortens. Hike slowly. A slow and steady walk will help you to adopt with that altitude. We’ll set our overnight stay at Samdo village. (Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner)

Day 11: Rest day in Samdo

We’ll set another rest day in Samdo. Mostly to people who have the less Himalayan experience, the AMS (Acute Mountain Sickness) is an easy attack. We avoid it only by letting our body more time to adapt to that environment.

In the afternoon, go for a hike to a valley behind Samdo village. The valley offers a spectacular view of Manaslu mountains including Manaslu (8,163m), Himalchuli (7,331m), Simnang (6,251m), and Larkye peak (6,249m). As an option, we can hike to Gya La as well. (Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner)

Day 12: Trek to Dharmasala (4460m): 4-5 hours’ trek

Our day trip begins by crossing the wooden bridge over Budi Gandaki River. Further, we’ll hike up towards Larkya Bazaar (4,090m) – a seasonal Tibetan market. The trail around the valley of Larkya glacier is wonderful. Enjoy this please walk until reaching to a guesthouse called Dharmasala for overnight stay. (Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner)

Day 13: Trek to Bimthang (3,590m) via Larkya pass (5,160m): 7-8 hours’ trek

This is the most exciting yet long day of our trip. We begin with a short hike towards the north side of Larkya glacier. Further, we ascend the moraines of the glacier that eventually goes steep until reaching to the peak of Larkya-La pass. It is by far the best point for the breathtaking views of the entire Manaslu range along with Himlung, Cheo, Kanggru and the Annapurna. Take your time to capture this exquisite view and descend down to Bimthang for overnight rest. (Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner)

Day 14: Trek to Tilije (2300m): 5 hours’ trek

Wake up early to enjoy the ravishing sunrise view over the Manaslu range. After breakfast, we make our way down towards a high pasture and then a bridge over Dudh Khola. Our trail passes through rhododendron forests, narrow valleys, farmlands, and riverbanks. Tilije is a small village with few guesthouses. Overnight Tilije. (Meal: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner)

Day 15: Trek to Tal (1,700m): 5 hours’ trek

The trail is easy and mostly downhill. From this subtropical climatic zone, you’ll get to explore the amazing cultural contrast of hilly Nepal while passing through several settlement, landscapes, and forests. Somewhere from Dharapani, we’ll enter to Annapurna circuit trekking trail. We’ll set our night stay in the village of Tal. (Meal: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner)

Day 16: Trek to Syange (1080m)- 6-7 hours’ trek

Following the stream of Marshyandi river, we’ll descend down through lush jungle, farmlands, and villages. Roll your eyes around the fine beauty of hilly Nepal. Overnight at Syange village. (Meal: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner)

Day 17: Drive back to Kathmandu: 8-9 hours’ drive

From Syange, we’ll take bus/jeep and drive back to the capital city of Kathmandu via Beshishar. Along windy hills and riverbeds of Marshyandi and the Trishuli river, it will be an exciting journey. Upon arrival in Kathmandu, we’ll drop you to your chosen hotel. (Meal: Breakfast, Dinner)

Day 18: Final departure

Time to say, “see you again!” We thank you for choosing us for this amazing adventure journey to the Manaslu region. At about 3 hours prior to your departure flight, we’ll drop you to the airport. (Meal: Breakfast)