Manaslu Circuit Trekking

Once you land at Tribhuvan International Airport, our company representative will be waiting for you with a welcome sign. After that, you’ll be driven to your hotel, and after checking into your hotel and freshening up, you’ll gather in the lobby for an informal briefing. This is where you’ll meet your trekking guide, learn about the days ahead, and ask any last-minute questions. It’s also a great time to connect with your fellow trekkers

The real adventure begins with an early morning departure from Kathmandu. You’ll pass through terraced hillsides, small market towns, and eventually reach Arughat. From Arughat, the road becomes rougher as you continue on a dirt track following the Buri Gandaki River. This final stretch gives you your first real taste of the remote terrain you’ll be trekking through. By the time you reach Machha Khola, you’ll be ready to stretch your legs.

The First-day walk starts following the Buri-Gandaki River upstream, heading into a gorge covered with dense forest, as walks lead to a climb into the cool shade of the forest. From these fishing villages, the morning leads following the Buri-Gandaki River upstream for a few hours, as the walk leads past Khorla Beshi, a small farm village, and on a winding trail to reach Tatopani village with natural “Hot Spring.” As time permits, enjoy the warm, refreshing bathe then walk uphill to Jagat village for the overnight stop. This is a nice village with many shops and stores, including a fair number of simple good lodges to stay.

After the pleasant stop at Jagat, the journey continues , walking past a number of farm villages and then on a downhill to cross over a bridge to reach Nagjet and Philim, a large village with many scattered farmhouses. After Philim walks into farm terraces of golden fields of wheat and barley, then climbs on rocky ridge top into the bamboo forest area to our overnight stop at Dyang village

A morning walk from Dyang leads to a cooler area where you can feel the rise in altitude, on entering the Himalayan alpine region, continue to walk downhill to a riverside to reach Bihi Bazaar a small village near a riverside. From here onwards, encountering more villages of strong Tibetan culture, the walk leads on a gentle trail with few short ups and downs till Namrung village is reached for the overnight stop Namrung .

The trek from Namrung to Shyala Village is a picturesque segment of the Manaslu Circuit, offering stunning views of the Himalayas and a deep immersion into the local culture and natural beauty. This day’s trek is relatively moderate in terms of difficulty, with gradual ascents and descents through beautiful landscapes. Shyala (also called Lho) is a fascinating village with a beautiful monastery perched on a hill above. If you arrive early enough, you can hike up to the monastery for sunset – the views are absolutely worth the extra climb. The village also offers clear views of the north face of Manaslu, a sight that never gets old.

The trek from Shyala to Samagaon via Pungyen Monastery is a captivating segment of the Manaslu Circuit. This route offers trekkers the opportunity to explore a remote monastery with breathtaking views of Mount Manaslu and the surrounding peaks. The journey combines cultural exploration with stunning natural landscapes, making it a highlight of the trek. Pungyen Monastery: Visit the secluded Pungyen Monastery, nestled in the mountains.Scenic Views: Panoramic views of Mount Manaslu, Himal Chuli, and other peaks.

This rest day is about smart acclimatization and the principle is “climb high, sleep low,” so you’ll take a day hike to a higher altitude before returning to sleep at the same elevation. You can choose to hike toward Manaslu Base Camp (4,800m). It’s a 7-9 hour round trip. This hike is strenuous but highly rewarding, offering magnificent views of Mount Manaslu up close. It helps in acclimatization by exposing you to higher altitudes before you return to sleep at a lower altitude in Samagaon. The trail passes through glacial moraines and offers stunning panoramic views. Alternatively, you can hike up to the Manaslu Glacier viewpoint or explore Birendra Lake, a sacred glacial lake about two hours above the village. Whatever you choose, drink plenty of water and pay attention to how your body feels. Our guide will check everyone’s oxygen saturation levels and discuss any altitude-related symptoms

After your time in Sama gaon, you’ll continue the trek to reach Samdo. The trail climbs gradually alongside the meltwater from the Larkya Glacier, passing through a landscape that becomes increasingly barren and moon-like.Samdo is an interesting village and it’s one of the last settlements before the Tibetan border.Historically, trade with Tibet was the village’s lifeblood. Even now, you’ll sometimes see traders coming down from the high passes with their yak caravans. The village has a distinct Tibetan feel, and many locals still speak Tibetan as their first language.Samdo sits in a wide valley surrounded by high peaks, with three different valleys meeting here. The sense of remoteness is palpable. Despite arriving early, it’s worth using the afternoon to rest and stay hydrated. You can explore the village or walk a short distance toward the Tibet border for views.

Today you’ll trek to the highest sleeping point of your journey. The trail descends initially to cross the Buri Gandaki River one final time, then climbs steadily through the Larkya Valley. Dharamsala (also called Larkya Phedi) is more of a shelter than a village and there are just a few basic lodges in this high, remote spot. The accommodation is simple. This is the highest you’ll sleep on the entire trek, and some people feel the altitude here. Your guide will check everyone’s condition carefully. Try to eat well even if you’re not hungry, stay hydrated, and get to bed early – you’ll be waking up well before dawn tomorrow.

You’ll start before sunrise, hiking by headlamp initially. The pre-dawn cold is intense, so layer up. The climb is long and steady. The final push to the pass is the steepest, but when you reach the top, the 360-degree panorama is absolutely breathtaking. Prayer flags snap in the wind, and if conditions are clear, you’ll see Himlung Himal, Cheo Himal, Kang Guru, Annapurna II, and countless other peaks stretching to the horizon. The descent is long and requires careful footing, especially if there’s snow. You’ll drop down steep rocky slopes and across moraines before finally reaching the valley floor. Overnight, staying in Bimthang.

After a long day’s walk to Bhimtang the previous day, today is an easy trek from here onward to Dharapani past a thickly forested area of pines, and rhododendron trees with a view of snow peaks From here the track leads downhill into the forest passing small summer settlement and then climb on a terraced field to Karcher La, and then down to Marsyangdi River. After a few hours’ walks reach Tilje village by following Dudh (milky) river downstream, the assigned number of villages, including Thonje. From Tilje an hour’s climb after crossing a bridge and then joining the main trail of the Annapurna circuit joins in Dharapani village. Dharapani a lovely large village will be a civilization after being in the complete wilderness, where one can celebrate with a beer and buy a hot shower from the lodge.

Enjoy a comfortable transport, passing through scenic hills, rivers, and rural villages. The 8–10 hour journey offers a relaxing end to your trek, combining off-road mountain trails and smooth highways as you return to the capital Kathmandu.

Last day in Nepal in the country of high Himalayan mountains with fascinating culture, after a memorable experience and great scenic adventure on Manaslu Circuit trekking, as per your international flight time our staff will transfer you to the airport for the flight homeward bound or to your next port of call and respective countries.

(The usual day for a trek: Every day, our guides will come to wake you up at around 7:00-7: 30 am. In case of special days like sunrise viewing days, our guides will wake you up early in the morning at around 4-4: 30 am.  A western breakfast like porridge, oats, toast, etc. will be served at around 8:00-8: 30 am. The lunch will be served from a teahouse menu at about 12-1 pm. However, lunchtime can also be postponed on request. The dinner will be served at around 8:30-9: 00 pm. Your accommodation is arranged at a lodge or a tourist standard hotel (subject to availability) where we stop overnight.

While walking, you can also request your guide to slow down and stop at the places where you want to take some snaps. After dinner and before bed, your team leader will brief you regarding the next day’s schedule.