Manaslu Circuit Trek - 14 days

Arrive at Tribhuvan International Airport, Kathmandu. Your Mountain Eco Treks representative will greet you and transfer you to your hotel in Thamel. Spend the day exploring Kathmandu's bustling streets, visit trekking supply shops, and sample authentic Nepali cuisine. In the evening, attend a comprehensive pre-trek briefing covering the full 13-day itinerary, permit requirements, gear checklist, and safety protocols.

Depart Kathmandu early morning by private jeep or public Bus . The scenic drive follows the Budhi Gandaki and Marsyangdi River valleys through terraced farmlands, hillside villages, and river gorges. The road becomes progressively rougher beyond Arughat Bazaar. Arrive at Machha Khola (930 m)-the official trailhead and starting point of the Manaslu Circuit Trek -and rest overnight at a local lodge.

The first full trekking day follows the Budhi Gandaki River north through dramatic gorges, suspension bridges, subtropical forests, and riverside settlements including Khorlabesi, Tatopani (natural hot springs), and Dobhan. The trail is mostly gradual with some short steep sections. Arrive at Jagat (1,340 m), the first major permit checkpoint village on the Manaslu route, where your Manaslu Conservation Area Permit (MCAP) will be checked.

Trek deeper into the Manaslu region through the villages of Sirdibas and Philim -where permits are checked again-before narrowing through bamboo groves and hanging rock faces. Cross the Siyar Khola bridge and follow the river to Deng (1,860 m), a small village marking the cultural transition from Hindu mid-hills to Tibetan-influenced highlands. First glimpses of Sringi Himal appear on the horizon.

Ascend steadily through dense pine and rhododendron forests, crossing the Budhi Gandaki River multiple times via suspension bridges. The trail passes through Rana Gaun, Bihi Phedi, and Ghap village before a final steep climb to Namrung (2,630 m). A security checkpoint here verifies your Restricted Area Permit (RAP). Namrung offers the first sweeping panoramic views of Ganesh Himal, Sringi Himal, and Himalchuli and is an essential acclimatization stop before the higher valleys ahead.

Pass through the villages of Lihi and Sho before reaching Lho (3,135 m), where the first dramatic close-up view of Mount Manaslu (8,163 m) appears above the Pungen Glacier. A short detour leads to the ancient Ribung Monastery (Pungen Gumba) -one of the oldest in the Manaslu region. Continue uphill through juniper and birch forests to Shyala (3,500 m), a quiet high-altitude village with exceptional all-round mountain panoramas. The shorter distance today allows critical acclimatization at altitude.

Trek through high alpine terrain, rocky moraines, and long mani walls with continuous views of Manaslu, Ngadi Chuli (7,871 m), and Himalchuli (7,893 m). Arrive at Samagaun (3,530 m)-the largest Nubri Tibetan-speaking village in the Manaslu region and the most important acclimatization base before the Larkya La Pass crossing. Explore the village monastery, local teahouses, and traditional stone architecture in the afternoon.

A mandatory rest and acclimatization day -essential for a safe Larkya La Pass crossing. Two highly recommended optional hikes include Birendra Glacial Lake (3,644 m), a pristine glacial lake with stunning Manaslu reflections approximately 1–2 hours uphill from the village, and Pungen Gumba Monastery (4,040 m), a steep hike above Samagaun with sweeping Himalayan views. Rest well, eat a nutritious dinner, and sleep early.

A short, gradual ascent through open alpine meadows and rocky high-altitude terrain with continuous views of the Manaslu massif. Samdo (3,860 m) is a small Tibetan-style village near the Nepal-Tibet border, surrounded by prayer flags and sweeping mountain ridges. Take an optional afternoon walk toward the old Tibet trade route. The reduced distance today is intentional conserve energy for the most demanding section of the trek ahead.

 Ascend steadily over glacial moraines, boulder fields, and windswept ridges to reach Dharamsala (4,460 m) also known as Larkya Phedi, meaning "Foot of Larkya Pass"- the base camp for the Larkya La Pass crossing. Accommodation here is sparse and basic. Temperatures drop sharply after sunset. Eat a high-carbohydrate dinner, hydrate thoroughly, organize all gear tonight, and sleep by 8:00 PM. Tomorrow's alpine start begins before dawn.

The defining day of the Manaslu Circuit Trek. Depart Dharamsala between 4:00–5:00 AM by headlamp. The long ascent crosses snowfields and glacial terrain before reaching the summit of Larkya La Pass (5,160 m)-the highest and most spectacular point of the trek. The panoramic summit view includes Himlung Himal (7,126 m), Cheo Himal (6,820 m), Kang Guru (6,981 m), Annapurna II (7,937 m), and the full Manaslu massif behind you. Descend steeply through glacial valleys and rocky switchbacks into the lush green meadows of Bimthang (3,720 m)-rest, recover, and celebrate.

Descend through rhododendron and bamboo forests, cross the Dudh Khola River, and pass through traditional Gurung villages and terraced farmland. Arrive at Tilije (2,300 m), a charming village surrounded by forest marking the end of the high-altitude trail. From Tilije, board a waiting vehicle and drive through the scenic Marsyangdi River valley to Besisahar (800 m), the road junction connecting to the national highway.

An early morning departure from Besisahar follows the Prithvi Highway through Mugling, the Trishuli River valley, and the lower hills before arriving in Kathmandu (1,400 m) or Pokhara (827 m). Transfer to your hotel for a well-deserved hot shower, a restaurant meal, and comfortable rest. Your 13-day Manaslu Circuit Trek is complete.

After a final Nepali breakfast, our team transfers you to Tribhuvan International Airport, Kathmandu, for your onward international flight. Allow a minimum of 3 hours before departure for check-in and security. Your Manaslu Circuit Trek adventure concludes here- but the memories of the Himalayas stay with you forever. Safe travels-Namaste.