Manaslu Circuit Trek – 15 Days

Day 2 is dedicated to a tour of Kathmandu’s most prominent centers. After breakfast, you will board a private vehicle and set out on a full-day sightseeing tour of UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The tour takes you to the historic city square in the heart of Kathmandu. Here, you will find archaeological and ancient temple wonders dating back several centuries. Next, you will drive to the hill-top destination of Swyambhunath, also known as the Monkey Temple. After a cultural and spiritual tour of Kathmandu, you will return to your hotel, where you can spend your time preparing for the trek.

Today, you will depart from Kathmandu on a scenic drive to Machha Khola. You will travel the winding highway and the off-road sections northward from Kathmandu via Gorkha. The bus journey lasts 7 to 8 hours across rural Nepal, but the diverse landscapes and quaint highway lifestyle will keep you occupied. Upon reaching Machha Khola, you will check into your local teahouse. Overnight stay in Machha Khola.

The trek along the diverse terrain of the Manaslu circuit officially starts today. You will begin your journey along the Budhi Gandaki River through the lush forests and crossing suspension bridges. You will find sparse settlements in Khorla Besi, Dovan, and Yaru Bagar, and the famous natural hot springs in Khorla Besi.

The trail passes through the agricultural lands and small communities as you head toward your overnight destination of Jagat. Jagat is known for its ancient stone architecture and is also the entry point of the Manaslu Conservation Area.

Today, you will travel from Jagat to Deng. The trek takes you along the Budhi Gandaki River and across several settlements. You will cross a thrilling suspension bridge before taking on a gradual ascent into the lush sub-tropical forests of rhododendron and pine, and experience a change in the landscape. As you reach Deng, you will find Tibetan Buddhism influences on the culture, lifestyle, and architecture of the region.

The trek to Namrung takes you to the upper Manaslu region. You will journey through scattered settlements across several suspension bridges. Along the way, you will find gentle ascents and descents through charming villages and terraced farmlands of Bhim Phedi, Ghap, and Prok. Today’s trek also gives you the first glimpse of the majestic Ganesh Himal.

Upon reaching Namrung, you will check into the stone architecture teahouse/lodge, where you can enjoy the awe-inspiring views of Ganesh Himal and Siringi Himal.

As you ascend into higher altitude regions along the Manaslu circuit, the mountain views grow increasingly spectacular. Relishing the Himalayan vistas, you will trek the off-the-beaten-path routes into a more alpine region. As you trek through the fir, rhododendron, and oak forests, you will reach Lho. Here, the Tibetan Buddhism influences are more pronounced. From this large settlement, you will find the first views of Mount Manaslu and close-up views of Himalchuli and Ngadi Chuli.

Today’s trek is relatively shorter. Your journey begins with a brief downhill hike, followed by an ascent through several villages and pastures. You will pass beautiful chortens and mani walls, and can also take a detour to the spiritual hub of the Pungyen Monastery before continuing to your overnight destination at Samagaun.

After a week of hiking the diverse Manaslu terrain, you will spend today acclimatizing. This day is crucial as it allows you to get used to the increasing elevations. Your body copes with the extreme Himalayan conditions and significantly reduces the risks of Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) or altitude sickness.

To better acclimatize, you will hike to a higher altitude region of Manaslu Base Camp or Birendra Taal. From the vantage point, you will find incredible views of your surrounding landscape with the icy peaks standing at a close distance from you. After returning, you can explore the local communities or head back to the Pungyen Monastery to soak in the spiritual aura of this ancient gompa.

After the acclimatization day, you will leave Samagaun behind and continue your journey toward Samdo. Today’s trek allows you to walk side-by-side with the stunning Himalayan peaks across gradual ascents and descents through the barren terrain. A 4-hour trek takes you to the Tibetan refugee village of Samdo. Samdo is a quaint village that neighbors Tibet and gives you a glimpse of the traditional nomadic lifestyle of the Manaslu region.

Today, you will continue the Himalayan trails, enjoying the sights of the stunning Himalayan backdrops. The journey from Samdo passes through the trade center of the Manaslu region, the Larke Bazaar. Here, you will find several Buddhist heritage sites and monuments, including mani walls, chortens, and colorful prayer flags.

Leaving Larke Bazaar behind, you will continue toward the Larke Base Camp viewpoint, then trek to your overnight destination at Dharmashala. From Dharmashala, you can get close-up views of the Naike Peak.

Today’s journey takes you to the pinnacle of your trek. You will begin the day before dawn and ascend the rugged mountainous terrain over the Larke Pass (5,106 meters). This is the highest point and the most difficult section of your trek. Once you reach the Larke Pass viewpoint, you will be rewarded with a stunning view of the sunrise over the Manaslu Range, Cheo Himal, Himlung Himal, and Annapurna II. After celebrating your achievement, you will descend through the rugged terrain toward Bimtang.

Today’s journey is a long and strenuous trek lasting 8 to 9 hours. Get some much-deserved rest upon reaching Bimtang.

After days of continuous ascents, you will begin a moderate 7-hour downhill journey from Bimtang to Dharapani. During this leisure hike, you can freely enjoy the Himalayan landscape, experiencing the significant change in the scenery. From rugged terrains, you will pass through sub-tropical pine and rhododendron forests, eventually joining the route to the Annapurna Circuit Trek at Dharapani. In Dharapani, you will find better amenities and services, including hot showers and rooms with attached bathrooms.

Today is the end of your incredible trek through the Manaslu region. From Dharapani, you will board a vehicle and take a scenic 8-9-hour drive back to Kathmandu. After reaching Kathmandu, you will be transferred to your 3-star boutique hotel. Take some time to rest and unwind. In the evening, you will meet your fellow trekkers and representatives from Himalayas on Foot, and enjoy a celebratory farewell dinner.

After breakfast, depending on your flight schedule, you will be transferred to Tribhuvan International Airport for your departure home, officially concluding your unforgettable 15-day Manaslu Circuit adventure with Himalayas on Foot.