Manaslu Circuit Trek 12 Days from Kathmandu

What's Included

Meeting and pickup

Itinerary

Day 1
Kathmandu to Machhakhola
1 stop
1
Drive from Kathmandu to Machha Khola. Machha Khola (930 m) is the traditional starting point of the Manaslu Circuit Trek in Gorkha District, Nepal. Reached by a scenic 8–10 hour drive from Kathmandu via Arughat and Soti Khola. Located along the Budhi Gandaki River, surrounded by hills, forests, and waterfalls. Offers basic tea houses, lodges, restaurants, and small shops for trekkers. The trek begins with well-marked trails, suspension bridges, and traditional villages. First section passes through Khorlabesi, Tatopani, and Jagat. Entry point to the Manaslu Conservation Area, known for its rich biodiversity. Home to Gurung and Tibetan-influenced communities, offering authentic cultural experiences. Ideal place to rest and prepare before starting the trek. Gateway to the spectacular Manaslu Circuit, leading to Larke Pass (5,106 m) and breathtaking Himalayan scenery.
10 hours • Admission ticket free
Day 2
Machhakhola - Jagat (1,340 m)
1 stop
2
Jagat (1,340 m) is a traditional stone-built village in Gorkha District and an important stop on the Manaslu Circuit Trek. Located along the Budhi Gandaki River, surrounded by terraced fields and forested hills. Reached after trekking from Machha Khola, making it one of the first major overnight stops. Serves as the official entry checkpoint for the Manaslu Conservation Area. Offers comfortable tea houses, lodges, restaurants, and basic trekking facilities. Known for its stone-paved streets, traditional houses, and peaceful mountain atmosphere. Home to Gurung and Tibetan-influenced communities, offering an authentic cultural experience. From Jagat, the trail becomes more remote as it continues deeper into the Manaslu region. Enjoy scenic views of waterfalls, surrounding hills, and the Budhi Gandaki Valley. An ideal place to rest and prepare for the higher-altitude sections of the Manaslu Circuit Trek.
7 hours • Admission ticket free
Day 3
Jagat (1,340 m) to Deng (1,860 m)
1 stop
3
Deng (1,860 m) is a small mountain village and an important overnight stop on the Manaslu Circuit Trek. Located along the Budhi Gandaki River, surrounded by dense forests and steep hillsides. Reached after trekking through Philim, Ekle Bhatti, and Bihi Phedi. Marks the transition into the Tibetan-influenced region of the Manaslu Valley. Offers comfortable tea houses, lodges, restaurants, and basic trekking facilities. Home to traditional stone houses, prayer flags, and peaceful mountain scenery. Provides the first clear glimpse of Tibetan Buddhist culture and local traditions. Surrounded by pine and rhododendron forests with opportunities to spot Himalayan wildlife. A peaceful location ideal for resting before continuing to higher villages such as Namrung. An excellent stop to experience authentic Himalayan hospitality and the remote beauty of the Manaslu region.
7 hours • Admission ticket free
Day 4
Deng (1,860 m) to Namrung (2,630 m)
1 stop
4
Namrung (2,630 m) is a beautiful mountain village and a popular overnight stop on the Manaslu Circuit Trek. Located in the upper Manaslu region, surrounded by forests, alpine landscapes, and traditional Tibetan-style villages. Reached after trekking from Deng through scenic trails, suspension bridges, and peaceful settlements. Known for its strong Tibetan Buddhist culture, ancient mani walls, chortens, and prayer wheels. Offers comfortable tea houses, lodges, restaurants, and basic trekking facilities. Provides the first spectacular views of Mount Manaslu, Himalchuli, Ganesh Himal, and other Himalayan peaks. Home to traditional stone houses and welcoming local communities. A great place to rest and acclimatize before trekking to higher elevations. The trail beyond Namrung enters a more open alpine landscape with breathtaking mountain scenery. An ideal stop to experience authentic Himalayan culture, stunning views, and peaceful surroundings.
7 hours • Admission ticket free
Day 5
Namrung (2,630 m) to Lho (3,180 m)
1 stop
5
Lho (3,180 m) is a picturesque mountain village and one of the highlights of the Manaslu Circuit Trek. Located in the upper Manaslu region, surrounded by alpine forests and breathtaking Himalayan scenery. Famous for its panoramic views of Mount Manaslu (8,163 m), one of the world's highest peaks. Home to the beautiful Ribung Monastery, an important center of Tibetan Buddhism. Offers comfortable tea houses, lodges, restaurants, and basic trekking facilities. Features traditional Tibetan-style houses, prayer flags, mani walls, and chortens. Provides excellent opportunities to experience the local Nubri Valley culture and hospitality. A popular stop for rest and acclimatization before continuing to Samagaun. Enjoy spectacular sunrise and sunset views over the snow-capped Himalayas. An ideal destination for photography, cultural exploration, and unforgettable mountain scenery.
5 hours • Admission ticket free
Day 6
Lho (3,180 m) to Samagaun (3,530 m)
1 stop
6
Samagaun
Samagaun (3,530 m) is one of the largest and most important villages on the Manaslu Circuit Trek. Located at the base of Mount Manaslu, surrounded by glaciers, alpine meadows, and towering Himalayan peaks. A key acclimatization stop before ascending to higher elevations and Larke Pass. Home to traditional Tibetan-style houses, ancient monasteries, mani walls, and prayer flags. Offers comfortable tea houses, lodges, restaurants, bakeries, and basic trekking facilities. Serves as the starting point for popular side trips to Manaslu Base Camp, Birendra Lake, and Pungyen Gompa. Provides spectacular views of Mount Manaslu (8,163 m), Naike Peak, and surrounding snow-capped mountains. Experience authentic Tibetan Buddhist culture and the warm hospitality of the local Nubri community. A peaceful village with wide yak pastures, glacial rivers, and breathtaking alpine scenery. An ideal place to rest, acclimatize, and explore before continuing toward Samdo and Larke Pass.
4 hours • Admission ticket free
Day 7
Acclimatization day at Samagaun
1 stop
7
Optional hike to Birendra lake. Acclimization day at Samagaun
1 day • Admission ticket free
Day 8
Samagaun to Samdo (3,875 m)
1 stop
8
Samdo (3,875 m) is the last permanent village before crossing the Larke Pass on the Manaslu Circuit Trek. Located near the Nepal–Tibet border, surrounded by rugged mountains, glaciers, and wide alpine valleys. Home to a traditional Tibetan-influenced community with a rich Buddhist culture. Offers comfortable tea houses, lodges, restaurants, and basic trekking facilities. A popular acclimatization stop before ascending to Dharamsala and Larke Pass. Enjoy breathtaking views of Mount Manaslu, Samdo Peak, and surrounding Himalayan ranges. Explore nearby viewpoints or hike toward the Tibetan border for spectacular panoramic scenery. Experience the peaceful lifestyle of local yak herders and mountain communities. Surrounded by alpine meadows, glacial rivers, and dramatic high-altitude landscapes. An ideal place to rest, acclimatize, and prepare for the challenging crossing of Larke Pass (5,106 m).
4 hours • Admission ticket free
Day 9
Samdo to Dharamsala (4,460 m)
1 stop
9
Dharamsala (4,460 m), also known as Larke Phedi, is the final overnight stop before crossing Larke Pass. Located in a remote alpine valley, surrounded by glaciers, rocky terrain, and towering Himalayan peaks. Serves as the base camp for the ascent to Larke Pass (5,106 m), the highest point of the Manaslu Circuit Trek. Offers basic tea houses and simple accommodation for trekkers preparing for the pass crossing. Provides stunning views of snow-covered mountains and the dramatic high-altitude landscape. A vital acclimatization and rest point before the most challenging day of the trek. Trekkers usually arrive by early afternoon to rest and prepare for an early morning departure. The surrounding area features glacial streams, alpine terrain, and breathtaking mountain scenery. Temperatures can drop well below freezing, especially during the night and early morning. An essential stop before the unforgettable crossing of Larke Pass and the descent into the Annapurna region.
5 hours • Admission ticket free
Day 10
Dharamsala to Larke Pass (5,106 m) and descend to Bimthang (3,720 m)
1 stop
10
* Begin the trek before sunrise from Dharamsala (4,460 m) toward Larke Pass (5,106 m), the highest point of the Manaslu Circuit Trek. * Cross the spectacular Larke Pass and enjoy panoramic views of Mount Manaslu, Himlung Himal, Cheo Himal, Kang Guru, and Annapurna II. * Admire glaciers, snow-covered peaks, colorful prayer flags, and dramatic Himalayan landscapes along the way. * Descend through glacial moraines, alpine meadows, and rhododendron forests to Bimthang (3,720 m). * Arrive in Bimthang, a beautiful alpine valley surrounded by towering mountains and pristine natural scenery. * Enjoy comfortable tea houses, peaceful surroundings, grazing yak pastures, and spectacular mountain views. * A perfect place to rest and recover after the most challenging day of the trek. * Popular for photography, breathtaking sunrise and sunset views, and marks the transition from the Manaslu region into the Annapurna region.
9 hours • Admission ticket free
Day 11
Bimthang to Dharapani (1,960 m)
1 stop
11
Dharapani (1,960 m) is a traditional mountain village and the ending point of the Manaslu Circuit Trek. Located in the Annapurna Conservation Area along the Marsyangdi River. Connected to the famous Annapurna Circuit trekking route. Offers comfortable lodges, tea houses, restaurants, and basic shops. Surrounded by pine forests, waterfalls, and scenic mountain landscapes. Home to Gurung, Tibetan, and Manangi communities with rich local culture. A popular place to relax after completing the trek. From Dharapani, travelers drive to Besisahar and continue to Kathmandu. Celebrate the successful completion of one of Nepal's most spectacular trekking adventures. Depart with unforgettable memories of the Himalayas, diverse landscapes, and authentic mountain culture.
7 hours • Admission ticket free
Day 12
Drive from Dharapani to Kathmandu via Besisahar
1 stop
12
Kathmandu
Enjoy a scenic drive from Dharapani to Kathmandu via Besisahar. Travel through picturesque mountain roads, rivers, waterfalls, and traditional villages. Pass terraced farmlands, lush forests, and beautiful Himalayan foothills. Stop at local restaurants and viewpoints along the journey. Drive alongside the Marsyangdi and Trishuli Rivers before reaching Kathmandu. Witness Nepal's diverse landscapes as you descend from the mountains to the valleys. Arrive in Kathmandu and transfer to your hotel. Spend the evening relaxing or exploring the vibrant streets of Thamel. Celebrate the successful completion of the Manaslu Circuit Trek. Overnight stay in Kathmandu.
10 hours • Admission ticket free

Additional info

• Public transportation options are available nearby
• Specialized infant seats are available
• Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
• Not recommended for pregnant travelers
• Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
• Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness

Tags