Manaslu Circuit Trek Itinerary

Manaslu Circuit Trek is one of the remote treks in the Himalayas, which leads to Mt. Manaslu (8163m); the eighth-highest mountain peak in the world. The Manaslu Trek Itinerary typically begins from Machhakhola and terminates at BesiSahar of the Manaslu region in Nepal. 

The Manaslu Circuit Trek requires approximately 14 days of trekking to complete. Life Himalaya Trekking has designed a Manaslu Circuit Trek 18 days itinerary package including arrival and departure days for the convenience of our foreign customers. However, this package can also be customized if you wish to complete your expedition as quickly as possible. Depending on your preference, you may either make a Manaslu Circuit Trek 12 days or a Manaslu Circuit Trek 14 days package.

The Manaslu Circuit Itinerary includes accommodation at 3 stars hotels in Kathmandu as well as basic teahouse lodges throughout the trek. You are provided three-time meals ie. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner during the Manaslu Trekking Itinerary.

Manaslu Circuit Trek 18 Days Itinerary: 

The Manaslu Circuit Trek 18 Days Itinerary package has been designed to incorporate the days of arrival and departure as well as a day for sightseeing in Kathmandu. It also includes driving from Kathmandu to Arughat towards Machhakhola, where the Manaslu Circuit Trek officially starts.

Day 01:  Arrival in Kathmandu (1,300 m/4,264 ft.) and transfer to hotel

Your first day in Nepal is today. When you arrive at Kathmandu International Airport, in Kathmandu, your wonderful time officially begins. At the airport, our representative will kindly welcome and receive you before taking you in a private vehicle to the appropriate hotel.

Day 02: Kathmandu Sightseeing tour around world heritage sites and trek preparation

Today is our day to explore Kathmandu. After breakfast, we check out of the hotel and embark on a sightseeing tour of the Kathmandu Valley with a local guide. In addition to Pashupatinath Temple, we’ll also see Bouddhanath Stupa, Swyambhunath Stupa (Monkey Temple), and Kathmandu Durbar Square, all of which are classified as UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Your trekking guide will give you a quick overview of the Manaslu Trek route and help you prepare for it during a briefing session that takes place in the evening.

Day 03: Drive from Kathmandu to Arughat (670 m/2,198 ft.) and towards Soti Khola (710 m/2,330 ft.) 135km, 8-9 hrs drive

The start of our day is breakfast at the hotel. Today we begin our leisurely journey of roughly 7-8 hours to the lovely Arughat village.

We take in the views of the swiftly moving white river, the Nepali countryside, the natural landscape, and mountain vistas as we travel. From Kathmandu to Dhading Beshi, we will travel on a paved road, and then from Dhading Beshi to the stunning Arughat Valley, we will travel off-road.

Then, we proceed on a lovely journey in the direction of the picturesque community of Soti Khola.

Day 04: Trek from Soti Khola to Machha Khola (890 m/2,920 ft.)14km, 6-7 hrs.

After breakfast, we enjoy a nice walk down the Budhi Gandaki riverbank and through the lovely Sal woodland to start the day. Then we proceed along the rocky trail in the direction of Khursane.

Our hiking route leads us to picturesque terraced farms and a waterfall along the way before ascending to the Gurung settlement of Labubeshi.

We eat lunch here and then continue walking to the river bank where we cross a suspension bridge to get to the Machha Khola.

Day 05: Trek from Machha Khola to Dobhan (1,000 m/3,280 ft.) 11km, 6-7 hrs. 

After breakfast at the teahouse, our day-to-day gets underway. Today’s trekking route includes some significant ascents and descents. Inching closer to the picturesque Gurung settlement of Tharo Khola, the path narrows.

After that, we hike past the picturesque village of Khorlabeshi and the Tatopani little natural hot spring. Following lunch, we ascend the hill, cross the Budhi Gandaki, and hike into the lovely village of Dobhan, which is located at the confluence of the lovely Sihar Khola.

Day 06: Trek from Dobhan to Philim (1,590 m/5,216 ft.) 10km, 6-7 hrs.

Over the Yaru Khola, we first crossed a suspension bridge to start our trip. We then gently make our way through the stone stairways onto Yaru hamlet, descend to the river, and then climb once more in the direction of Thro Bharyang. In order to continue our journey, we cross Budhi Gandaki’s left bank and ascend to the neat Gurung settlement of Jagat, which is built of flagstones.

We continue our leisurely ascent to Salleri over a rocky path after lunch at Jagat while taking in the breathtaking mountain scenery. Then we make our way down to Sirdibas and continue walking across the largest suspension bridge till we arrive at the lovely Gurung village of Philim.

Day 07: Trek from Philim to Deng (1,804 m/5,917 ft.) 10km, 6-7 hrs.

Today’s route leads us to the lovely village of Deng. We go along the hiking route as we approach the Larkya La Pass. Turning northward, the road leads to Yekle Bhatti while passing through lovely, traditional villages and a terraced field. Then, to cross the Budhi Gandaki River once more, our trail leads us to descend toward the gorge and grassy area.

On a suspension bridge, we pass across to the east bank before making our way back to the west bank to enter the Nupri. The trail travels through a bamboo forest before arriving at the charming little Gurung village of Deng, where Buddhism is practiced.

Day 08: Trek from Deng to Namrung (2,660 m/8,725 ft.) 12km, 6-7 hrs.

Having breakfast at the teahouse, we slowly make our way to the Budhi Gandaki River’s east bank and climb to Rana. After passing through a forest and climbing a challenging rise to return to the Ghap, trial trekking takes us to the village of the Bhi.

After eating at Gho, we continue through gorges and have the option of taking a different route through Prok Village to see the stunning view of Siringi and Ganesh Himal. Along the way, we also passed a number of Gompas and mani walls that pointed in the direction of the Budi Gandaki.

The path then continues through a lovely rhododendron forest, and we slowly cross the stream. After that, we make a gradual, enjoyable descent into the tidy settlement of Narmung.

Day 09: Trek from Narmung to Lho (3,180 m/10,430 ft.) 4km, 3-4hrs.

Since today is a short day, there is less of a rush than on previous days to start the day. The nicest vistas of Siring Himal, Ganesh Himal, and Himal Chuli greet us as our day slowly gets underway. Then, as we make our way to the settlement of Lihi, we travel through mani walls, chortens, and rhododendron and oak forests.

Then, we make our way down toward the Simnang Himal’s side valley and toward the Sho settlement. After eating lunch in Sho, we hike across to the lovely Lho village. Lho is a renowned Gurung and Magar settlement with Tibetan influences and the greatest location to see Mt. Manaslu in all its majestic beauty.

Day 10: Trek from Lho to Sama Gaon (3,530 m/11,578 ft.) 8km, 5-6 hrs.

At Lho, we start the day with breakfast. Our day starts with a little stroll through the Lho town where we take in the breathtaking views of Mt. Manaslu. We keep examining the Ribung Gompa, one of the most well-known and recognized gompas in this area.

Then we hike towards the Shyala settlement, which is bordered by the greatest glacier up ahead and mountains like Mt. Manaslu, Himal Chuli, and Nagdi Chuli. Then, we carry on walking toward Sama Gaon, a sizable settlement.

It is renowned for its breathtaking mountain vistas, yak pastures, and traditional architecture, and food grains grown at high altitudes, like potatoes and barley.

Day 11: Acclimatization and exploration day at Sama Gaon. Explore Birendra Tal or Pungyen Gompa or Manaslu Base Camp 4800m/15748 ft 4-5 hrs.

To achieve proper acclimation to the altitude and maintain activity on a high-altitude walk, we make a break today at Sama Gaon. It is thought that acclimatizing your body by climbing high and sleeping low will prevent any symptoms of altitude sickness.

Thousands of Mani stones decorated with chortens and other traditional Buddhist ornamentation can be seen today. You enjoy a free day today where you are drawn in.

There are three options available to you today. You can either visit the historic and well-known Buddhist monastery Pungyen Gompa in the Manaslu region, or you can explore the glacier lake, Birendra Tal. You can also ascend via hiking to Manaslu Base Camp (4,900 m).

Day 12: Trek from Sama Gaon to Samdo (3,860 m/12,660 ft.) 8km, 3-4 hrs. 

After eating breakfast at the teahouse, our day officially starts. The major trail from Sama to Samdo runs through the iceberg-covered Birendra Tal and under the Manaslu glacier, which we descend to at the Budhi Gandaki River.

The path up to Larkya La Pass continues past several mani walls, yak pastures, and vast valleys. We leave the forest line behind low-lying junipers as we ascend a slope and descend to a wooden bridge over the Budhi Gandaki.

Then we make a difficult ascent into the white Kani, a charming settlement where yak herding is the main occupation. We finally got to Samdo village after going through the Kani.

Day 13: Trek from Samdo to Larkya Phedi/Dharamsala (4,460 m/14,628 ft.) 7km, 3-5 hrs.

We start our day with a casual stroll down the cliff beyond Samdo on a wide trail. We then cross the wooden bridge over the Budhi Gandaki River and start to climb higher. To get to the Salka Khola valley, we must traverse streams, navigate tight turns, and pass by the stunning Larkye glacier.

Then we hike toward the sporadic stone shelters and stone-built cottages, which are primarily known as Dharamsala. Dharamsala, also known as Larke Phedi, is encircled by stunning mountain views.

The Blue Sheep or Himalayan Thar are among the animals that call this location home. You have plenty of time today to unwind and enjoy yourself after the quick walk to Dharamsala yesterday.

Day 14: Trek from Dharamsala to Bimthang (3,720 m/12,201 ft.) via Larkya La pass (5,160 m/16,930 ft.) 12km, 7-9 hrs.

We are passing one of Nepal’s adventurous passes today, making it the longest and most difficult day of our walk. We start the day with an early breakfast. From the valley on the north side of the huge lateral moraine of Larkye Glacier, where we enjoy the mesmerizing views of Cho Danda and Larkya Peak, we gently and steadily ascend over the ridge behind Dharamsala.

We ascend gradually and cross frozen lakes and glacial moraines as we make our way to the prayer flag-decorated Larkye La pass. We can see the magnificent views of Himlung Himal, Cheo Himal, Kanguru, Annapurna II, and the towering peaks from the past.

Then, as we make our way towards the lovely valley of Bimthang, we drop over a moraine, a rough road, and a stunning vista of Mount Manaslu from a different angle.

Day 15: Trek from Bimthang to Gho (2,515 m/8,250 ft.)12km, 5-6 hrs.

After eating breakfast at the teahouse, our day officially starts. Today’s route primarily descends downhill, travels through expansive pastures, and crosses a river on suspension bridges. Our journey continues as we pass through a Rhododendron forest and negotiate a little valley with a breathtaking view of Manaslu till we arrive at Karche, the highest point of cultivation in the Manaslu region.

We entered through the hill and made a leisurely descent down the Dhud Khola river’s bank. After that, we proceed past the picturesque village of Karche to the Gurung tribe-inhabited village of Gho.

Day 16: Trek from Gho to Dharapani (1,920 m/6,300 ft.) 8km, 3-4 hrs.

The morning breakfast teahouse kicks off our day. We slowly make our way down the mountain while admiring the stunning scenery, the traditional way of life, the culture, the mountain settlement, and the serene surroundings. As we move closer to the settlement of Tilije, we pass by terraced farms and a lush, green Rhododendron forest.

We also love the stone-paved trail and climb up and down a little rigidly. Then we cross the Dudh Khola bridge and make our way through a pine grove toward the Marsyangdi valley.

We arrive at the town of Thonje to begin the famous Annapurna Circuit trekking trail by following the mani walls and prayer flags. We eat lunch, then proceed through the police checkpoint on our way to Dharapani.

Day 17: Trek from Dharapani to Beshi Sahar (760 m/2,495 ft.) and drive to Kathmandu (1,300 m/4,264 ft.) 190km 7-8 hrs drive.

After breakfast, we go a short distance by Land Cruiser to Beshi Sahar. Next, we go by tourist bus down a breathtaking highway to Kathmandu, the nation’s capital.

From Beshi Sahar, we go back to Kathmandu via Pokhara, visiting the lovely countryside and charming villages along the way. You will be transported to the appropriate hotel following your arrival at the Kathmandu bus terminal.

As a thank you for your accomplishment on the trip, Life Himalaya Trekking will throw a farewell dinner for you in the evening at a typical Nepalese restaurant.

Day 18: Final Departure

Today marks the end of our thrilling Manaslu Circuit Trek. With a friendly greeting and the sincere hope that you will visit Nepal again soon, our representative will drive you to the international airport three hours before the departure time of your trip home.

If you have more time in Nepal, we can also plan some more activities for you, such as paragliding, bungee jumping, jungle safaris, and tours of well-known cities.

Manaslu Circuit Trek 14 Days Itinerary: