Manaslu Circuit Trek

Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu

As you fly into Kathmandu through the stunning view of a high and fully snow-covered mountain welcoming you. As soon as you landed our representative will be waiting outside to receive you. He will take you to the designated hotel with a personal car or taxi and will be helping you with the check-in at Hotel. He / She will take a briefing about the trek. He will collect the passport for the permit. Freshen up, self-exploring the historic stupas and temple if you are not jet lack.

Day 02: Kathmandu to Machha Khola via drive (8/9hrs)

Start your journey early in the morning to make the most of the day. Ensure your vehicle is fueled up and in good condition before departure. Drive from Kathmandu to Mugling, which is approximately 80 kilometers from Kathmandu. The road passes through scenic landscapes, including hills and small towns. Continue driving from Mugling to Dumre, which is around 60 kilometers from Mugling. The road offers picturesque views of the Trishuli River and the surrounding countryside. From Dumre, drive to Besisahar, covering approximately 40 kilometers. The road gradually climbs up towards the Annapurna region, providing stunning mountain views. Proceed from Besisahar to Syange, which is around 40 kilometers away. The road becomes narrower and winds through beautiful valleys and rivers. Finally, drive from Syange to Machha Khola, covering approximately 45 kilometers. The road continues along the Marsyangdi River, passing through small settlements and terraced fields. Arrive at Machha Khola, a scenic village located on the banks of the Budhi Gandaki River. Enjoy the area’s natural beauty, relax, and explore the surroundings..

Day 03: Machha Khola – Jagat (5/6 hrs)

Begin your trek early in the morning to make the most of the day and allow sufficient time for the hike. The trail follows the Budhi Gandaki River, passing through picturesque villages, lush forests, and suspension bridges. Enjoy the natural beauty and take short breaks along the way. The trail gradually ascends, offering scenic views of terraced fields, waterfalls, and distant mountain peaks. Take your time and pace yourself as you climb. The trail passes through beautiful landscapes, including forests, cliffs, and cascading waterfalls. You'll also encounter quaint villages and interact with locals along the way. Reach Jagat, Take some time to rest, explore the village, and immerse yourself in the serene surroundings. Consider visiting the local monasteries or interacting with fellow trekkers in the area.

Day 04: Jagat – Ekle Batti 1600m (6/hrs)

Begin your trek early in the morning to have enough time to reach Ekle Bhatti and enjoy the trekking experience. The trail passes through beautiful landscapes, including forests, terraced fields, and small settlements. Enjoy the scenic beauty and immerse yourself in the local culture along the way. The trail offers a mix of uphill and downhill sections, providing breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. Philim is a picturesque village where you can take a break, interact with locals, and enjoy the peaceful ambiance. The trail meanders through forests, crossing suspension bridges and rocky terrains. As you ascend, you'll be rewarded with stunning vistas of the mountains and the surrounding landscapes. Reach Ekle Bhatti, a small settlement located at an elevation of 1600 meters. Take some time to rest, relax, and enjoy the serene atmosphere. You can interact with fellow trekkers, savor local cuisine, or simply soak in the area’s natural beauty.

Day 05: Ekle Batti – Deng (1860m / 5/6hrs)

Begin your trek early in the morning to make the most of the day and ensure you have enough time to reach Deng. The trail includes both uphill and downhill sections, offering scenic views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. Enjoy the natural beauty and immerse yourself in the peaceful atmosphere. As you reach Deng, take some time to relax and soak in the serene ambiance of the village. Deng, a picturesque village situated at an elevation of 1860 meters. Explore the village, interact with locals, and immerse yourself in the local culture. Take a stroll around the village to appreciate the traditional architecture and enjoy the tranquility of the area

Day 06: Deng – Bihi (2130m / 5/6hrs)

Begin your trek early in the morning to make the most of the day and ensure you have enough supplies for the day. The trail includes both uphill and downhill sections, passing through forests, scenic landscapes, and charming villages. Take breaks along the way to rest, enjoy the surroundings, and interact with locals. Reach Bihi, a picturesque village situated at an elevation of 2130 meters. Take some time to relax, explore the village, and immerse yourself in the serene ambiance. Enjoy the panoramic views, interact with locals, and experience the local culture.

Day 07: Bihi – Serang Gompa (3100m 6/7hrs)

Begin your trek early in the morning as you are climbing uphill for hours. Make sure you have all the essential supplies for the day.
Manaslu trekking with Serang Gumba is known for mixed experiences with sensational mountain vistas, unrivaled fascinating culture, tradition, and Spiritual awakening. The trek offers biological diversity, for example, the lower part is covered with lush green forests and flowering rhododendrons in the spring. Serang Gumba is one of the most powerful Buddhist religious sites prophesied by Guru Padma Sambhava in the 8th century as a Beyul – Hidden Sacred Land. It is currently known as Kyimolung too. This trek with attractive perspectives of Shringi Himal 7161m, Himalchuli 7893m, Ngadi Chuli (Peak 29) 7871m, Mt. Manaslu 8163m, Ganesh Himal II 7118m, Simnang Himal 6251m, Saula Himal 6235m, Cheo Himal 6812m, Himlung Himal 7126m and other beautiful peaks. Offering panoramic views, lakes, and different species of birds, plants, mammals, vegetation, waterfalls, and flora fauna. This region is a natural habitat for many elusive wild animals. Such as the snow leopard, grey wolf, musk deer, Himalayan Tahr, Himalayan goral, and blue sheep – Keep your eyes open!!

Day 08: Serang Gompa – Ghap (2400m / 5/6hrs)

Begin the trek early in the morning right after breakfast at the monastery. Enjoy the surrounding mountains and picturesque valley and start descending downhill for a couple of hours. Immerse yourself in the beautiful forest and the Himalayan goral and blue sheep along the way as it is the best place to spot them. Find a suitable place to have some sweets (chocolate/juice) to refill the energy to your body and resume the trek towards the Ghap after the light food. You will pass by the shepherds along the way and a beautiful waterfall. Reach the Ghap, a small village along the Manaslu circuit. Take a moment to interact with locals and enjoy the overnight.

Day 09: Ghap – Namrung (2630m / 5hrs)

Begin the trek by following the well-marked trail from Ghap. Trek through beautiful forests and lush vegetation. Enjoy the serene atmosphere and the sounds of nature. Take a short break along the way to rest and soak in the panoramic views of the surrounding mountains. Continue the trek and pass through picturesque landscapes. After approximately 3 more hours of trekking, arrive in Namrung (2630m). Find a comfortable teahouse or lodge for accommodation. Explore Namrung village, known for its traditional houses and cultural heritage. Visit the local monastery and interact with the friendly locals. Enjoy the stunning views of the Ganesh Himal and Siring Himal ranges from Namrung. Have a delicious dinner at the teahouse and relax. Overnight stay in Namrung.

Day 10: Namrung – Lho via Hinang Gompa (3180m / 6/7hrs)

Begin your trek from Namrung village, located at an altitude of 3180 meters. Make sure you have all the necessary supplies, including water, snacks, and appropriate trekking gear. Follow the well-marked trail towards Hinang Gompa. Enjoy the scenic views of the surrounding mountains and forests as you trek. The trail might involve some ascents and descents, so pace yourself accordingly. Arrive at Hinang Gompa, which is situated at an elevation of approximately 3600 meters. Take a break and have a well-deserved lunch amidst the tranquil surroundings. Explore the monastery and appreciate the unique Buddhist architecture. After lunch, resume your trek towards Lho village. The trail will take you through picturesque landscapes, including lush green valleys and charming villages. Enjoy the breathtaking views of the snow-capped mountains as you make your way to Lho. Reach Lho village, located at an elevation of around 3180 meters. Settle into your accommodation for the night. Take some time to explore the village and immerse yourself in the local culture. Make sure you make time for an excursion to the Ribung Gompa.

Day 11: Lho – Samagaon via Punggyen Gompa (3520m / 6/7hrs)

Begin your trek from Lho village, enjoying the scenic beauty of the surroundings. Follow the trail that leads you toward Punggyen Gompa. The trail may involve some ascent and descent, so be prepared for varying terrains. Take your time to appreciate the breathtaking views of the Himalayas and the surrounding landscapes. Once you reach Punggyen Gompa, take some time to explore the monastery. Observe the intricate Buddhist architecture and soak in the peaceful atmosphere. Resume your trek towards Samagaon. The trail may involve some uphill sections, so pace yourself accordingly. As you hike, you'll be surrounded by stunning mountain vistas and alpine scenery. Reach Samagaon, a picturesque village nestled amidst the mountains. Take in the serene surroundings and interact with the locals to learn about their way of life.

Day 12: Samagaon Rest Day (Hike to the Manaslu Base Camp via Brindra Tal) (4980m/ 6/7hrs)

Start early in the morning to make the most of your day. Ensure you have all the necessary hiking gear, including proper clothing, trekking poles, and a backpack with essentials (water, snacks, sunscreen, etc.). Begin your hike from Samagaon, a picturesque village in the Manaslu region of Nepal. Enjoy the beautiful scenery as you make your way toward Brindra Tal, a serene mountain lake. The trail to Brindra Tal will lead you through lush forests, meadows, and scenic landscapes. Take your time to appreciate the natural beauty around you and capture memorable photos along the way. After reaching Brindra Tal, take a break and enjoy the tranquility of the lake. Take in the breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains reflected in the calm waters. From Brindra Tal, continue your ascent toward the Manaslu Base Camp. The trail will become steeper as you gain elevation. Make sure to pace yourself and take regular breaks to acclimatize. The landscape will become more rugged and rocky as you approach the Manaslu Base Camp. You'll witness the grandeur of the Manaslu mountain range, including the majestic Mount Manaslu, the eighth-highest peak in the world. Upon reaching the Manaslu Base Camp, take some time to soak in the awe-inspiring views. Marvel at the towering snow-capped peaks and the vastness of the surrounding glaciers. After enjoying the scenery and capturing memories at the base camp, begin your descent back to Samagaon. Take caution while descending, as the terrain can be steep and challenging. Arrive back in Samagaon, where you can relax and rejuvenate after a rewarding day of hiking. Treat yourself to a delicious meal, interact with fellow trekkers, and immerse yourself in the local culture.

Day 13: Sama – Samdo (3875m / 4hrs)

Today’s walk is brief because of the excessive elevation but with exceptional mountain scenery. The trail heads to the north, passing through juniper and birch forests, and then gets tougher as we start the yak trails. We pass through an extensive valley with long Mani partitions, and many marmots keeping watch from their burrows or sunbathing in the afternoon heat. After passing the starting point of the Budhi Gandaki River, we enter Samdo village. Samdo is a Tibetan refugee village, under the Samdo Himal 6335m and Samdo Glacier. The main pass to Tibet is over the Lajyang La Pass 5098m, sloping up the right-hand valley. The Larkye pass is ahead and left. The pass to Tibet is currently closed, but stocks of timber are being carried up to Samdo by yak, in expectation of change.

Day 14: RuiLa (Tibet / China) Border excursion (4998m / 6/7hrs)

Start early in the morning to make the most of the day. Ensure you have proper hiking gear, clothing, and enough water and snacks for the hike. Depart from Samdo (4998m) and head towards the RuiLa Border. The estimated hiking time is 6 to 7 hours, so plan your pace accordingly. The trail from Samdo to the RuiLa Border is approximately 10-12 kilometers in length. It involves ascending to higher altitudes, so take breaks as needed to acclimatize and avoid altitude sickness. Enjoy the breathtaking views of the surrounding Himalayan Mountains and the rugged landscape as you make your way toward the border. Once you reach the RuiLa Border, take some time to soak in the unique atmosphere of the region and appreciate the cultural significance of this border crossing. After spending some time at the border, start your return journey back to Samdo. Take the same route you came from. Pace yourself and be mindful of your energy levels and the altitude. Stay hydrated and fuel up with snacks to keep your energy levels up. Enjoy the scenic beauty of the mountains on your way back, and take breaks whenever needed. Aim to reach Samdo before sunset or as early as possible, considering the available daylight hours. Once you're back in Samdo, take some time to relax, rest, and recover from the hike. Celebrate your achievement and enjoy the tranquility of the village.

Day 15: Samdo – Dharmasala (Larkey Phedi) (4460m / 4/5hrs)

Begin the path slightly uphill to the mythical Larkye Bazar, and from here, people head right to Tibet through Lajyang Bhanjyang 4998m and Gyala Bhanjyang 5375m, which has a flourishing marketplace. The large Larkye glacier coming from Mt. Manaslu is visible on the left, and the trail starts to ascend to the pass. We cross the Athara Saya Khola and then go along the Larke Khola. Along the way maybe spot some Himalayan Blue Sheep or Tahr grazing on the slopes. They are the main prey of the elusive Snow Leopard, which lives in the higher alpine regions. After continuing the climb upwards we reach the mountain facilities at Dharamsala.

Day 16: Dharamsala – Bimtang 3590m 7/8hrs via Larkya la pass (5106m)

After an early wake-up at about 4 am and breakfast, we make a short climb to reach a valley on the north side of Larkey Glacier with exquisite views of Larkya Peak. We ascend the massive lateral moraine of the glacier, which becomes quite steep just before reaching the pass. Leaving early camp allows us to reach the pass before the strong cold winds come up towards the late morning. From the top of the pass, we have breathtaking views of Himlung Himal 7126m near Tibet, Kanguru 6981m, Annapurna II 7937m range, and other peaks. The descent is quite steep, to begin with, and in the snowy months may require the use of crampons. After several hours the trail flattens out into a wide delightful valley - a descent of 1400m over 3-4hrs. It ends at the very scenic Bhimtang, where the exquisite view of Manaslu makes every step worthwhile.

Day 17: Bimtang – Tilije (2300m / 5/6hrs)

After a great sleep and hearty breakfast, the trek starts and after 25m we pass the Kechakyu Khola glacier and enter the Rhododendron wooded area. If you are here in March and April you will see the incredible display of Rhododendrons blooming in full display. The view of Mt. Manaslu is equally impressive. The trail eventually leads towards the Gurung village of Gho 2515m, and on to Tilije where there are better accommodation choices.

Day 18: Tilije – Dharapani (1963m / 3/4hrs)

Begin your trek from Tilije, which is situated at an altitude of 2300 meters. Follow the trail towards Dharapani, which is approximately 1963 meters above sea level. The estimated trekking time is around 3 to 4 hours. Enjoy the scenery: Along the way, take breaks to rest and enjoy the beautiful scenery of the surrounding landscapes, forests, and mountains. Have a meal at a teahouse/restaurant along the route. Reach Dharapani, a village located at an altitude of approximately 1963 meters, after a fulfilling trek. Once you reach Dharapani, you can explore the village, interact with locals, and immerse yourself in the local culture. It is the end of trekking from there you will be coming back by jeep to Besishara and connecting transport to Kathmandu. Accommodation in a guesthouse or teahouse in Dharapani for an overnight stay with fully relaxation.

Day 19: Dharapani – Besishara – Kathmandu via drive (1400m / 8/9hrs)

Start early in the morning from Dharapani, which is located at an altitude of 1963m. Drive through the scenic route towards Besisahar. The road will take you through picturesque landscapes and charming villages. Arrive at Besisahar, a town located at an elevation of around 800m. Take a break and explore Besisahar. You can visit local markets, grab a meal at a local restaurant, or take a short walk around the town. After exploring Besisahar, continue your drive toward Kathmandu. Arrive in Kathmandu, the capital city of Nepal, which is situated at an altitude of around 1400m. Check into your accommodation in Kathmandu. Spend the evening exploring the bustling streets of Kathmandu, trying out local cuisine, and experiencing the vibrant culture of the city.

Day 20: Departure Day