Manaslu Circuit Trek

It is our great honor and privilege to warmly welcome you to Nepal. May our valued relationship continue to grow, flourish, and last forever.

Discover the rich cultural and historical heritage of the Kathmandu Valley with a Simrik Real Nepal tour guide specializing in the country’s cultural diversity. Explore the sacred Pashupatinath Temple, a renowned Hindu pilgrimage site, and experience the spiritual atmosphere of Boudhanath Stupa, one of the largest Buddhist stupas in the world. Stroll through the ancient royal cities of Bhaktapur and Patan, where centuries-old palaces, temples, and intricate wood carvings reflect Nepal’s artistic excellence. Finally, visit Swayambhunath Stupa (the Monkey Temple), which offers panoramic views of the Kathmandu Valley and deep insights into Buddhist traditions.

Start today’s adventure with a scenic drive from Kathmandu to Machha Khola (870m / 8–9 hours). The journey takes you along mountainous countryside roads, through village settlements, and along the banks of the Budhi Gandaki River, offering beautiful glimpses of Nepal’s diverse landscapes.

Begin the Manaslu Circuit Trek by following the Budhi Gandaki River through narrow gorges, lush forests, and charming Gurung villages. Cross scenic suspension bridges, pass the natural hot springs at Tatopani, and gradually ascend to the village of Jagat, a traditional checkpoint in the Manaslu region.

Continue your Manaslu Circuit Trek through terraced hillsides and dense subtropical forests as you depart from Jagat. Traverse multiple suspension bridges and culturally rich traditional villages such as Salleri, Sirdibas, and Philim, all of which are deeply rooted in Gurung heritage and Buddhist influence. The trail progressively narrows as you enter a dramatic river gorge before arriving at Deng, a serene hamlet adorned with stone-built houses and sweeping mountain vistas. This stage of the trek offers an exceptional fusion of pristine nature, cultural immersion, and the raw wilderness of the Himalayas.

Today’s trail takes you deeper into the mystical landscapes of the Manaslu Circuit Trek. Begin your journey from Deng, following the Budhi Gandaki River through lush pine and rhododendron forests. Pass through the picturesque villages of Rana and Bihi, where you will notice increasingly strong Tibetan cultural influences. The trail offers intermittent glimpses of snow-capped peaks and crosses several suspension bridges before arriving at the quaint village of Ghap, renowned for its mani walls, chortens, and serene ambiance. This day delivers a remarkable synthesis of pristine nature, cultural richness, and Himalayan heritage.

Leave the charming village of Ghap behind as the Manaslu Circuit Trek gradually ascends through enchanting alpine forests along the roaring Budhi Gandaki River. Cross a series of wooden and suspension bridges, passing scattered settlements and terraced farmlands. As you gain altitude, the air becomes cooler and more invigorating, and the landscape opens up to reveal breathtaking views of Manaslu and the surrounding Himalayan peaks. Reach the picturesque village of Lho, a culturally rich, Tibetan-influenced settlement featuring a majestic hilltop monastery and sweeping panoramic vistas. Lho offers one of the first dramatic views of Mt. Manaslu (8,163m), making it a major highlight of the trek.

This trek offers some of the most breathtaking Himalayan scenery in the entire Manaslu Circuit Trek. Begin your morning with a peaceful walk through pine forests and past mani walls as you leave Lho behind. After a short ascent, arrive at Shyala Village, surrounded by panoramic views of Himalchuli, Peak 29, Manaslu, and the Ganesh Himal range. Take time to absorb the awe-inspiring landscapes before continuing along a gradual trail to Samagaon (also known as Samaryo), a large, culturally rich Tibetan village nestled beneath the towering face of Mt. Manaslu. The village is home to ancient monasteries, yak pastures, and traditional stone houses; it is the perfect place to experience local culture and prepare for higher altitudes.

Spend a well-deserved rest day in the spectacular village of Samagaon, ideally situated beneath the towering summit of Mt. Manaslu. This acclimatization day is vital for adapting to the altitude while providing an opportunity to explore the cultural and natural treasures of the region.

In the morning, enjoy a short yet scenic hike to Birendra Tal, a pristine glacial lake located at the base of the Manaslu Glacier. The turquoise waters, framed by a dramatic Himalayan backdrop, create a tranquil and photogenic setting ideal for relaxation and reflection. Along the trail, pass ancient mani walls, traditional stone houses, and expansive yak pastures.

In the afternoon, explore Pungyen Gompa, a serene monastery perched on a ridge with magnificent views of the glacier and surrounding Himalayan peaks. You may also spend time wandering through the village, interacting with welcoming locals, and discovering their Tibetan-influenced culture and traditional way of life.

This rest day not only supports effective altitude acclimatization but also strengthens your connection to the landscapes, people, and spiritual essence of the Manaslu Circuit Trek.

After a peaceful night in Samagaon, begin your trek with a gentle ascent through expansive yak pastures and juniper-scented alpine landscapes. The trail gradually climbs above the tree line, offering panoramic views of Mount Manaslu, its glaciers, and the surrounding snow-capped peaks.

As you journey northward, follow the Budhi Gandaki River past mani walls, ancient chortens, and prayer flags fluttering in the mountain breeze, each reflecting the deeply rooted Tibetan Buddhist heritage of the region.

The air becomes thinner, yet the trail remains moderate and remarkably scenic. After crossing a wooden bridge, the path gently ascends toward the small, windswept village of Samdo, located just a few kilometers from the Tibetan border. Samdo is a traditional Tibetan refugee settlement, renowned for its rich culture and authenticity. You will witness locals spinning prayer wheels, herding yaks, and living harmoniously within the rugged Himalayan environment.

This shorter trekking day is ideal for acclimatization and offers one of the most culturally immersive experiences of the Manaslu Circuit Trek.

Begin your day with a gradual ascent from the traditional Tibetan village of Samdo, entering the spectacular high alpine zone of the Manaslu Circuit Trek. Today’s journey is relatively short yet critically important for proper acclimatization before crossing the legendary Larkya La Pass the following day.

Trek across barren Himalayan landscapes and glacial streams while enjoying dramatic views of Larkya Peak, Manaslu North, and the magnificent Syacha Glacier. As the elevation increases, the terrain becomes increasingly rugged and remote, revealing the untamed beauty of Nepal’s high-altitude wilderness.

Along the Manaslu Circuit Trek trail, you may encounter blue sheep grazing on the rocky slopes. The profound silence of the route, interrupted only by powerful mountain winds and distant rockfalls, creates an extraordinary sense of authentic Himalayan isolation and adventure.

Arrive at Dharamsala, a simple stone-built mountain shelter situated at the base of the iconic Larkya La Pass. Although the accommodation is basic, the surrounding scenery is truly breathtaking, framed by towering snow-capped peaks and ancient glaciers. Rest well and maintain proper hydration as you prepare for the most challenging, exhilarating, and rewarding stage of the Manaslu Circuit Trek.

Cross the Larkya La Pass (5,160m), the most challenging and rewarding day of the Manaslu Circuit Trek. Begin early in the morning, typically before sunrise, to ensure stable weather conditions for crossing one of the longest and most dramatic Himalayan passes.

The trail starts with a steady ascent over rocky moraines and glacial terrain, gaining elevation gradually. As you climb higher, the landscape opens into a surreal alpine realm with panoramic views of Himlung Himal, Cheo Himal, Kang Guru, and the Annapurna II range. Prayer flags at the summit mark your achievement, creating an unforgettable highlight of the journey.

After celebrating the crossing with photos and breathtaking vistas, begin a long descent along a steep, rugged trail that gradually transitions into lush meadows. The scenery transforms dramatically from icy wilderness to verdant landscapes as you arrive at Bhimtang, a breathtaking valley surrounded by snow-capped peaks

After a peaceful night in the scenic alpine valley of Bhimtang, begin your descent toward lower elevations. The trail offers a refreshing transformation in the landscape—from glacial moraine and snow-capped peaks to lush forests and vibrant hillsides. As you trek downhill, enjoy spectacular views of Mount Manaslu, Lamjung Himal, Himlung Himal, and Cheo Himal in the distance.

Cross a wooden bridge over the Dudh Khola River and enter dense forests of pine, oak, and rhododendron. The air becomes warmer and richer in oxygen as you descend, passing through beautiful yak pastures and seasonal herding settlements.

After approximately 5–6 hours of scenic and moderate trekking, you will arrive at Gowa, a tranquil village surrounded by lush greenery and an ideal resting point after the high-altitude Manaslu Circuit Trek. This section is highly regarded among trekkers for its natural beauty, serene environment, and deep sense of Himalayan tranquility

Begin your final day on the trekking trail with a pleasant descent from Gowa, following a well-defined forested path through the lower Himalayan foothills. The route passes through lush temperate forests of oak, maple, and rhododendron, gradually revealing increasing signs of human settlement and cultivated land.

As you descend further, you will pass through Tilije Village, a large and vibrant settlement predominantly inhabited by Gurung and Tamang communities. This village showcases traditional stone houses, terraced fields, and a local lifestyle deeply rooted in agriculture and Himalayan trade. It offers an excellent opportunity to observe the cultural transition from the high, Tibetan-influenced mountain regions to Nepal’s mid-hill communities.

Continuing from Tilije, the trail merges into a wider path and eventually connects with the main Annapurna Circuit route as you reach Dharapani, a busy trekking hub located at the confluence of the Dudh Khola and Marsyangdi Rivers. The region’s geography transforms significantly here, characterized by a warmer climate, greener hills, and improved infrastructure, including lodges, shops, and communication facilities.

Dharapani marks the completion of your adventurous and culturally enriching Manaslu Circuit Trek. Celebrate your achievement with a well-deserved rest and prepare for your return journey to Kathmandu

After completing your unforgettable Manaslu Circuit Trek, begin your journey back to the lowlands with a scenic jeep drive from Dharapani to Besisahar. This drive takes approximately 4 to 5 hours, depending on road and weather conditions.

The route is rugged and largely off-road—particularly in the upper sections—as it winds narrowly and bumpily through the Marsyangdi River valley. Along the way, you will pass through picturesque villages such as Tal, Chamje, and Jagat, where cascading waterfalls, steep cliffs, and terraced farmlands define the dramatic Himalayan landscape.

As the descent continues, the terrain gradually softens, revealing increased agricultural activity and denser settlements; this reflects the transition from high Himalayan terrain to Nepal’s mid-hill regions. Despite the rough road conditions, the journey offers spectacular scenery and a final glimpse of rivers, lush hills, and traditional rural life.

Upon reaching Besisahar, the district headquarters of Lamjung, check into a local guesthouse or hotel. Enjoy a relaxing evening in this vibrant town, marking the conclusion of your Manaslu adventure before continuing your return journey to Kathmandu the following day.

After breakfast in Besisahar, begin your return journey to Kathmandu along the Prithvi Highway, one of Nepal’s major transportation corridors. This scenic drive offers a gradual transition from the Himalayan foothills to vibrant mid-hill landscapes, providing a final opportunity to experience Nepal’s diverse geography and rural lifestyle.

The road from Besisahar to Dumre is relatively narrow, winding, and partially unpaved in sections, reflecting typical rural Himalayan road conditions. Upon reaching Dumre, you connect with the Prithvi Highway, where the route becomes fully paved and significantly smoother for the remainder of the journey to Kathmandu. Please note that occasional traffic congestion and road maintenance may be encountered, particularly near urban settlements.

Travel through the picturesque Marshyangdi and Trishuli River valleys, passing terraced hillsides, dense forests, and traditional villages perched along ridgelines. As the elevation decreases, the climate becomes warmer and more humid, while the landscape transitions into Nepal’s lush, subtropical mid-hills.

Along the route, observe vibrant local life: farmers cultivating terraced fields, schoolchildren walking along roadside paths, bustling local markets, and traditional villages featuring clay houses and tin-roofed structures. Small tea shops, roadside shrines, temples, and fluttering prayer flags add cultural richness to the journey.

Arrive in Kathmandu by late afternoon or early evening and transfer to your hotel. After an unforgettable Manaslu Circuit Trek, the dynamic capital city welcomes you back with modern comforts, diverse dining options, and relaxing hospitality

After breakfast, enjoy your final moments in the heart of Kathmandu. Depending on your flight schedule, you may spend the morning relaxing at your hotel, shopping for souvenirs, or taking a final stroll through the vibrant streets of Thamel.

At the appropriate time, a representative from Simrik Nepal Treks will escort you to Tribhuvan International Airport in a private vehicle. We ensure your arrival at the airport at least three hours prior to your international departure for a smooth and hassle-free check-in process.

As we bid you farewell, we sincerely thank you for choosing us as your trusted Himalayan adventure partner. We hope you depart Nepal with unforgettable memories and a heart filled with the spirit of the mountains. Namaste and safe travels.