Manaslu Circuit Trek – 11 Days

Kathmandu Valley

Wake up early and after breakfast head on a long drive towards Soti Khola. The 8 hours-long drive takes you across the lush hills of central Nepal, following various never networks. Along the way witness views of scatted settlements perched on hilltops and riversides. Upon reaching Dhading Besi from here you will be traveling on sections of off roads high above the hills with great views of the landscapes. After a tiring journey, you will finally reach Soti Khola, the district headquarters of Dhading district.

Maximum Altitude: 1400m (Kathmandu)
Duration: 7-8 hours drive
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Accommodation: Guesthouse

After breakfast starts your trek. Traversing across lush woodlands of central Nepal, following the upstream banks of the mighty Budhi Gandaki River. As you progress you will be traversing along the banks of the blue rapids of the Budhi Gandaki. From here follow uphill trails on a forested route, as you gain altitude witness grand views of the Himalayas and various river networks cutting through massive hills of the Mahabharat range. As you head further up you will reach Machha Khola.

Maximum Altitude: 900m
Duration: 5-6 hours
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Accommodation: Guesthouse

Jagat

Start the trek following the banks of Machha Khola after a short walk across the river and following the trail you will reach the settlement of Khorlabesi. From here head towards Tatopani, a renowned village that has various natural hot water springs. Traversing across the lush canopy of the region head towards the Dovan Khola. As you proceed you will enter the Budhi Gandaki Valley. As you gain altitude the dense forest thins out and you will be trekking on high mountain grounds with patches of shrubs and scattered vegetation. Following the trail, you will reach the settlement of Jagat.

Maximum Altitude: 1340m
Duration: 6-7 hours
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Accommodation: Guesthouse

Deng

After breakfast starts your trek. Following the trails of the vibrant Budi Gandaki Valley towards the tiny hamlet of Sirdibas. Along this trail witness grand views of the Shringi Himal. Next, cross a suspension bridge and after a steep climb, you will eventually reach Philim. Traversing along high cliffs with a series of waterfalls cascading down on both sides of the valley reach the villages of Ekle Bhatti and then to Pewa. Continuing along the trail you will emerge out of the valley and arrive at the settlement of Deng.

Maximum Altitude: 2095m
Duration: 6-7 hours
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Accommodation: Guesthouse

Namrung

Today’s trek is mostly on uphill sections so it can be tuff and strenuous, but the views will make you forget your pain. Following a steep ascent and descent head towards the Budi Gandaki River. The trail then crosses through a high valley and several settlements with grand views of the landscapes. As you progress you will witness a series of Mani stones which marks the starting of Namrung. Upon reaching Namrung head towards your accommodation and rest for a while. If you are not too tired head on a short hike towards Prok village. The views from the village are breathtaking. If not stroll around and start a friendly conversation with the people and get an insight into their lifestyle and cultures.

Maximum Altitude: 2900m
Duration: 5-6 hours
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Accommodation: Guesthouse

Samagaun

Traversing on high mountain country start your trek. Following the alpine grassland, you will reach the ancient settlement of Lho. A village clinging to the foothills of Ngadi Chuli (7871 meters aka Peak 29). Here witness the rural and isolated communities frozen in time. After a short walk, you will eventually reach Samagaun. If you are not too tired head on a short detour to the Pungen Glacier to catch the majestic view of Mt. Manaslu.

Maximum Altitude: 3500m
Duration: 6-7 hours
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Accommodation: Guesthouse

Samdo Peak

Crossing high alpine pasture lands head down the valley. Along the trail witness grand views of the various Himalayas and the mighty Manaslu standing at its grandeur. As, you progress you will reach the Tibetan refugee village of Samdo, situated very close to the Tibetan border. Here learn about the unspoiled and primitive culture of the local people exploring around.

Maximum Altitude: 3690m
Duration: 4-5 hours
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Accommodation: Guesthouse

Start by. Next, you will be traversing across inclined sections with great views of the landscapes. As you gain altitude you will eventually reach the isolated village of Dharamshala. Following the tracks of the wide pastures and crossing the Budi Gandaki river the way visit various monasteries and pass through Larke Bazar “a seasonal Tibetan market”. Upon reaching Dharamshala head out to explore the green fields, surrounding mountains, and Larkya Glacier. Also, witness majestic sunset from the porch of your tea house.

Maximum Altitude: 4450m
Duration: 4-5 hours
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Accommodation: Guesthouse

Larkya La Pass

Today’s trail is tuff and strenuous and takes you to the highest point of your trek. As, you will cross one of the longest passes in the Himalayas of Nepal, situated at 5,106 meters it is essential to start early. Apart from the altitude, the climb is non-technical. Following the inclined trail head towards the summit. The summit is marked with colorful praying flags, from here witness grand views of the landscapes like never before. Soak in the panoramic views of Manaslu, Himlung Himal, Ganesh Himal, Annapurna, and other mountain ranges of Tibet. After spending a brief time at the summit head on a steep descending route. Traversing along rocky terrain you will reach a small ice lake as you progress from here you will eventually reach the settlement of Bhimthang on the other side of the pass.

Maximum Altitude: 5106m (Larkya La Pass)
Duration: 7-8 hours
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Accommodation: Guesthouse

Today is your final day of the trek. After breakfast start by following the downhill trail, as you descend you will come across large alpine pastureland. From here cross a suspension bridge over the Dudh Khola. As you descend further the landscapes changes to lush woodlands. Following the dense canopy of rhododendron and oak with miles of undergrowth, you will reach Dharapani. The trail section of the Annapurna circuit ( if you wish you can extend your trek to include the Annapurna circuit).

Maximum Altitude: 1860m
Duration: 6-7 hours
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Accommodation: Guesthouse

After breakfast head on a long drive towards Kathmandu. Initially, the drive takes you on an off-road ride on high cliffs and later joins the blacktop roads of the Prithvi Highway. Passing through various settlements perched on hilltops, riverbeds, and lush rolling hills of central Nepal you will finally reach Kathmandu. Upon reaching Kathmandu head towards your accommodation and later in the evening join in for a dinner program to mark the end of your trekking.

NOTE: All of the aforementioned trekking hours are approximations and should only be used as a general guideline.

Maximum Altitude: 1400m
Duration: 7-8 hours
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Accommodation: Hotel in Kathmandu