Discover the extraordinary beauty of the Manaslu Circuit Trek, a spectacular Himalayan adventure that has welcomed trekkers since 1991. Far from Nepal's busier trekking routes, this remarkable journey takes you through pristine mountain landscapes, traditional villages and authentic Tibetan-influenced cultures along the Nepal-Tibet border.
From lush river valleys and dense forests to remote alpine settlements and breathtaking Himalayan panoramas, every day reveals a new side of Nepal's natural and cultural heritage. The highlight is crossing the dramatic Larkya La Pass (5,106 m), where magnificent views of snow-capped peaks reward your efforts.
As a restricted trekking region, Manaslu requires special permits and an authorized trekking arrangement, helping preserve its unique environment and cultural traditions. Ideal for trekkers seeking a less-crowded alternative to Nepal's popular trails, the Manaslu Circuit offers an unforgettable blend of adventure, cultural discovery and mountain scenery. Proper acclimatization and preparation are essential for this high-altitude journey.
What's Included?
- Airport pick-up and drop-off in Nepal
- 11 day trek, all accommodations and meals included
- 3 nights accommodation in Kathmandu (Breakfast Included)
- Transfer from Kathmandu to Sotikhola via Local Bus
- Sharing Transfer from Dharapani to Besisahar via Jeep
- All applicable trekking, climbing permit and TIMS card
- Licensed English-speaking trekking guide
- Porter service
- All local and government taxes
- Farewell dinner in Kathmandu
- Trek completion certificate
* Travel insurance is required on every trek: see what cover you need
*Special rules apply to solo trekkers on the Manaslu Trek: see the solo traveler details
DAY 1 - KATHMANDU: ARRIVAL DAY
Welcome to Nepal! Our representative will meet you at Tribhuvan International Airport and transfer you to your hotel in Kathmandu. Check in and relax after your journey. Depending on your arrival time, you can explore the nearby streets of Thamel.
Overnight: Kathmandu (Hotel)
DAY 2 - KATHMANDU: FREE DAY (PERMIT PROCESS)
Enjoy breakfast at the hotel. Today is reserved for processing the special permits required for the Manaslu Restricted Area and preparing for the trek. You can spend the day relaxing or exploring Kathmandu at your own pace.
In the afternoon or early evening, meet your trekking guide for a trek briefing and equipment check.
Overnight: Kathmandu (Hotel)
DAY 3 - DRIVE FROM KATHMANDU TO SOTI KHOLA (BY LOCAL BUS)
Approximately 140–160 km – 8–10 hours driving
After an early breakfast, travel by local bus from Kathmandu towards Soti Khola. The journey passes through scenic hills, terraced fields, rural settlements and river valleys. After leaving the main highway, the road becomes rougher as you approach the Budhi Gandaki region.
Take tea and meal breaks along the way. Arrive at Soti Khola and check in at your teahouse.
Overnight: Soti Khola (Teahouse)
DAY 4 - TREK FROM SOTI KHOLA TO MACHHA KHOLA (890 M)
Approximately 14 km – 6–7 hours trekking
After breakfast, begin trekking along the Budhi Gandaki River. Follow forest trails, pass rocky sections and enjoy views of waterfalls and green hillsides. Cross suspension bridges and walk through small settlements as the trail winds through the river valley.
Continue past areas around Lapubesi before reaching Machha Khola, a riverside village and an important stop along the Manaslu trail.
Overnight: Machha Khola (Teahouse)
DAY 5 - TREK FROM MACHHA KHOLA TO JAGAT (1,410 M)
Approximately 13–14 km – 6–7 hours trekking
After breakfast, continue along the Budhi Gandaki River, crossing suspension bridges and passing through small villages. Walk through Khorlabesi and reach Tatopani, known for its natural hot springs near the trail.
Continue through Dovan and follow the river past rocky cliffs and cascading waterfalls. The trail gradually ascends towards Jagat, a traditional stone-paved village and an important checkpoint for the Manaslu region.
Overnight: Jagat (Teahouse)
DAY 6 - TREK FROM JAGAT TO DYANG (1,800 M)
Approximately 18–20 km – 7–8 hours trekking
After breakfast, continue through the Budhi Gandaki Valley, passing terraced fields, traditional villages and forested hillsides. Cross suspension bridges and proceed through settlements such as Salleri, Sirdibas and Philim.
Beyond Philim, the valley becomes narrower and the trail passes through rugged landscapes, waterfalls and smaller settlements. Continue towards Dyang, enjoying the changing scenery as you gain altitude.
Overnight: Dyang (Teahouse)
DAY 7 - TREK FROM DYANG TO NAMRUNG (2,660 M)
Approximately 18–19 km – 7–8 hours trekking
After breakfast, follow the trail through the upper Budhi Gandaki Valley. Pass small settlements and forested sections before continuing towards Ghap, where Tibetan Buddhist culture becomes increasingly visible through mani walls, prayer flags and chortens.
Walk through pine forests and traditional villages before ascending towards Namrung. On arrival, enjoy the mountain atmosphere and views of the surrounding Himalayan landscape, weather permitting.
Overnight: Namrung (Teahouse)
DAY 8 - TREK FROM NAMRUNG TO SAMAGAON (3,530 M APPROX.)
Approximately 17–19 km – 7–8 hours trekking
After breakfast, leave Namrung and continue through beautiful mountain villages and alpine landscapes. Pass Lho, where you can enjoy views of Manaslu and surrounding peaks, weather permitting.
Continue through Shyala, a scenic settlement surrounded by dramatic mountain views, forests and open meadows. Follow the trail towards Samagaon, an important village in the Manaslu region with traditional stone houses and strong Tibetan cultural influences.
Overnight: Samagaon (Teahouse)
DAY 9 - SAMAGAON: EXPLORE PUNGYEN MONASTERY
Today is dedicated to exploring the beautiful surroundings of Samagaon and visiting Pungyen Monastery. After breakfast, set out with your guide along the trail towards the monastery, enjoying views of alpine meadows, rugged slopes and Mount Manaslu, weather permitting.
Spend time exploring the peaceful monastery area before returning to Samagaon. This excursion also helps with acclimatization, although the route involves a substantial uphill walk at high altitude. Your guide may adjust the plan according to your health, weather and trail conditions.
Overnight: Samagaon (Teahouse)
DAY 10 - TREK FROM SAMAGAON TO SAMDO (3,860 M)
Approximately 8 km – 3–4 hours trekking
After breakfast, leave Samagaon and follow the trail through an open alpine valley alongside the Budhi Gandaki River. The route gradually ascends through high-altitude pastures and sparse juniper vegetation, with views of the surrounding mountains.
Pass mani walls and traditional chortens before reaching Samdo, a remote village close to the Tibetan border. Spend the afternoon resting and preparing for the higher-altitude stages ahead.
Overnight: Samdo (Teahouse)
DAY 11 - TREK FROM SAMDO TO DHARMASHALA / LARKYA LA PHEDI (4,460 M)
Approximately 6–7 km – 4–5 hours trekking
After breakfast, continue towards Dharmashala, also known as Larkya La Phedi. Cross a wooden bridge and follow the trail uphill through increasingly rugged mountain terrain.
Along the way, enjoy views of the Larkya Glacier and surrounding high-altitude landscapes. Arrive at Dharmashala, the overnight stop before crossing Larkya La Pass.
The afternoon is reserved for rest, hydration and preparation for an early start the following morning. Accommodation is basic and may be in a simple teahouse or tented shelter, depending on availability and conditions.
Overnight: Dharmashala / Larkya La Phedi (Basic Teahouse or Tent)
DAY 12 - TREK FROM DHARMASHALA OVER LARKYA LA PASS TO BIMTHANG (3,720 M APPROX.)
Approximately 15–18 km – 8–10 hours trekking; Larkya La Pass approximately 5,106 M
Start early in the morning for the challenging crossing of Larkya La Pass. Follow your guide along rocky trails and glacial moraine, ascending gradually towards the high mountain pass.
From the pass, enjoy panoramic views of Himlung Himal, Cheo Himal, Kang Guru and Annapurna II, weather permitting. After reaching the top, begin the long descent through rugged mountain terrain towards Bimthang.
This is one of the most demanding days of the trek, requiring good preparation, a steady pace and careful attention to your guide's instructions.
Overnight: Bimthang (Teahouse)
DAY 13 - TREK FROM BIMTHANG TO DHARAPANI
Approximately 15–20 km – 6–7 hours trekking
After breakfast, descend from Bimthang through alpine meadows and beautiful forests. Follow the trail alongside streams and through changing landscapes as you gradually leave the high-altitude terrain behind.
Continue through forested sections and settlements along the route towards Dharapani. Enjoy the greener surroundings and views of the hills after the challenging pass crossing.
On arrival in Dharapani, check in at your teahouse and relax.
Overnight: Dharapani (Teahouse)
DAY 14 - DRIVE FROM DHARAPANI TO BESISAHAR BY SHARING JEEP AND CONTINUE TO KATHMANDU BY LOCAL BUS
Approximately 3–4 hours by sharing jeep to Besisahar, followed by 6–8 hours by local bus to Kathmandu
After breakfast, board a sharing jeep from Dharapani to Besisahar. Travel along mountain roads through rural settlements, river valleys and hillside landscapes. Road conditions may be rough, and travel time can vary.
On reaching Besisahar, transfer to a local bus for the onward journey to Kathmandu. Stop for refreshments and meals along the way as required.
Arrive in Kathmandu, transfer to your hotel and relax after the long journey.
Overnight: Kathmandu (Hotel)
DAY 15 - KATHMANDU: FINAL DEPARTURE
Enjoy breakfast at the hotel, depending on your flight schedule. Check out and transfer to Tribhuvan International Airport for your onward flight.
We hope you leave Nepal with wonderful memories of the Manaslu Circuit, its dramatic mountain scenery, traditional villages and warm local hospitality.
Meal: Breakfast, subject to departure time.
