Manaslu Circuit Trek (14 Days)

Early morning pickup from your Kathmandu hotel in our private 4WD Scorpio jeep. Drive west along the Prithvi Highway to Dhading Besi, continuing over scenic hill ridges to Arughat and Soti Khola along the Budhi Gandaki river to Machha Khola (869m). Check into your lodge and enjoy a dinner briefing with your Sherpa guide.

Follow the undulating trail along the Budhi Gandaki river, crossing suspension bridges and passing natural hot springs at Tatopani. Climb past Khorlabesi and Dovan, crossing the river on a dramatic bridge before ascending stone-paved stairs into the picturesque stone village of Jagat (1,340m).

Complete police permit registration at the Jagat Restricted Area Checkpoint. Climb through terraced fields to Salleri and Sirdibas, then cross the large suspension bridge to Philim. Pass the Tsum Valley trail junction and trek through dense bamboo and pine forests to reach Deng (1,860m).

Cross the Budhi Gandaki river and ascend through steep rhododendron forests past Rana and Bihi Phedi. Enter the culturally distinct Nubri region where Tibetan Buddhist architecture, carved mani stones, and prayer flags become prevalent. Reach the scenic ridge village of Namrung (2,630m).

Trek through alpine barley fields past Lihi and Sho. Climb into the spectacular village of Lho (3,180m), where you are greeted by your first breathtaking close-up view of Mt. Manaslu (8,163m). In the afternoon, explore the massive hilltop Ribung Gompa and interact with young Buddhist monks.

A gentle morning walk through pine and birch forests brings you to Shyala, offering 360-degree views of Himal Chuli (7,893m), Peak 29 (7,871m), and Manaslu. Continue across glacial streams into Samagaon (3,530m), the cultural capital of the Nubri valley with over 500 flat-roofed stone houses.

Vital acclimatization day. Take a morning hike to emerald-green Birendra Glacial Lake (3,691m) directly below the calving Manaslu Glacier, or undertake the higher hike to Pungyen Gompa (4,050m) for unbelievable views of Manaslu’s east face. Afternoon rest and gear check in Samagaon.

Descend to the Budhi Gandaki riverbed and follow the wide glacial valley past long mani walls and birch forests. Climb a stone staircase to Samdo (3,860m), an authentic Tibetan refugee settlement situated just a few hours' walk from the high border pass with Tibet.

Cross the wooden bridge over the Budhi Gandaki and begin the steady ascent up the alpine tundra toward the Larkya Glacier moraine. Arrive early at Dharamsala / Larkya Phedi (4,460m). Enjoy hot soup, rest, early dinner, and prepare your headlamps for tomorrow’s pass crossing.

Pre-dawn departure (4:30 AM). Climb steadily along the lateral moraine of Larkya Glacier past four frozen alpine tarns. Reach the prayer-flag-strewn summit of Larkya La Pass (5,106m) at sunrise. Savor unbelievable panoramas of Himlung Himal (7,126m), Cheo Himal, Gyaji Kung, Kang Guru, and Annapurna II. Undertake the long descent down snowy ridges into the majestic amphitheater of Bimthang (3,720m).

Descend from the glacial valley into lush rhododendron, pine, and oak forests along the Dudh Khola river. Pass alpine pastures at Hompuk and Karche, continuing through agricultural fields into the charming Gurung village of Tilije (2,300m).

A gentle morning walk crosses the Marsyangdi river to Dharapani (1,860m), where the Manaslu Circuit meets the famous Annapurna Circuit. Celebrate the completion of your foot trek with cold drinks, hot showers, and a celebration dinner.

Board our private 4WD Scorpio jeep in Dharapani. Drive along the Marsyangdi gorge road past Tal and Chamje to Besisahar, then join the paved highway back to Kathmandu. Check into your hotel in Thamel and rest.

Enjoy a relaxing buffer and sightseeing day in Kathmandu. In the evening, join the Best Treks Nepal team for a traditional celebration dinner and presentation of your Manaslu Circuit Completion Certificate.