The Manaslu Circuit Trek is a challenging yet rewarding trekking trail in Nepal, that takes you through remote and pristine landscapes. Known as “The Spirit Mountain,” Manaslu is revered as sacred by locals, who believe it to be inhabited by deities. The trek offers stunning views of snow-capped mountains, high glacier lakes, and diverse wildlife. Passing through Gurung and Indo-Tibetan settlements, hikers can immerse themselves in Himalayan culture. Mt. Manaslu, the 8th highest peak globally, dominates the scenery. Whether you prefer teahouse accommodations or camping, the trek accommodates all preferences. With its highest point, the Larkya-La Pass, reaching 5,300m, the trek presents a significant challenge. Typically lasting 16 days, the trek requires both a hiking permit and admission tickets valid for both the Manaslu and Annapurna Circuits.
Also Read: 10 Things to Know Before Trekking Manaslu Circuit
Public buses depart from Kathmandu to Arughat-Soti Khola every morning between 6 and 7 a.m. If your trip falls between September 30th and the first week of October, it may be challenging to secure an open seat on a bus for a last-minute booking. However, outside of this season, there are plenty of bus seats available. For a more comfortable and efficient journey to the trek’s starting point, we can arrange a private jeep.
Spring and autumn are the optimal seasons for hiking in the Manaslu region. During these times, the mountain views are breathtaking, adorned with vibrant flowers, and the route is dotted with picturesque villages. However, trekking during the monsoon or winter seasons is not advisable due to unfavorable weather conditions.
Welcome to Kathmandu, Nepal! As you arrive, an Asian Heritage Treks & Travel representative will welcome you at the airport with your nameplate. Then, you will be immediately transferred to the hotel. On the way to the hotel, you will pass by the open cremation place (Pashupatinath Temple), the Royal Palace Museum, i.e., Narayanhity, and the Garden of Dreams before you reach Thamel. Your hotel will be in the downtown area of the tourist hub. Our representative will facilitate and discuss your travel itinerary. There will be enough time to stroll through the streets of Thamel.
Includes: an overnight stay at the Yatri Suites & Spa hotel.
After breakfast, our tour guide will pick you up along with the driver and a vehicle. Firstly, you will visit Kathmandu Durbar Square, a UNESCO world heritage site where you can observe the typical wood-carved temples and buildings reflecting the ancient Kathmandu city. Afterward, we will head towards Swayambhunath, the monkey temple, where you can observe the panoramic view of Kathmandu city.
Then after, you will visit the Pashupatinath Temple, one of the biggest pilgrimage sites for Hindus in southeast Asia. You will explore the surroundings and observe the ritual body cremation ceremony process of the Hindu people. We can also visit another pilgrimage site nearby the Pashupatinath Temple, i.e., the Guweyswori Temple. Lastly, we will visit Boudhanath Stupa, another UNESCO world heritage site. The stupa was built in 600 A.D. and is the only kind of stupa that reflects Buddhism in the world. We shall explore the surroundings of Boudhanath Stupa. After completing our sightseeing, you can get back to the hotel and enjoy some rest.
Includes: an overnight stay at the Yatri Suites & Spa hotel, or a similar one in Thamel, Kathmandu.
On the third day of the Manaslu Circuit trek, our guide will greet you and then escort you to Patan for sightseeing. In Patan, you will visit heritage sites like the Krishna Temple and Patan Durbar Square. Later, we’ll explore the Patan Museum to delve deeper into the city’s history and its royal lineage. We’ll also stop by the Golden Temple and Banglamukhi Temple, significant attractions for both Hindu and Buddhist devotees.
Afterward, we’ll proceed to Bhaktapur, renowned for its awe-inspiring architecture. Marvel at the intricately carved wooden buildings throughout Bhaktapur and explore its surroundings. We’ll visit the Nyatapola Temple, the largest temple in Nepal, and you’ll have the opportunity to participate in a pottery-making class using traditional techniques at Pottery Square. You’ll learn to craft and embellish your own pot with intricate patterns and designs.
Includes: an overnight stay at the Yatri Suites & Spa hotel, or a similar one in Thamel, Kathmandu.
Today, you will drive towards Soti Khola. The road passes through the Dhading Besi and then through the place called Arughat. From Arughat, we will head towards Soti Khola. Driving through this countryside will give you a pleasant experience on a rough road.
Includes: breakfast, lunch, dinner, and an overnight stay in an available local lodge.
The trail will take you across the bridge, and then you will be walking through the dense Sal forest. After crossing the Budi Gandaki River, you will reach a place called Khursane. As you leave Khursane behind, the trail weaves up and down your path. You will be passing through two subtropical waterfalls before you reach Labubesi, a Gurung village. From Labubesi, you will cross another suspension bridge and reach Machha Khola village.
Includes: breakfast, lunch, dinner, and an overnight stay in an available local lodge.
The trail ahead will be challenging, primarily uphill and narrow. After some initial walking, you’ll arrive at Tharo Khola and then Khorla Besi. Continuing, you’ll encounter a hot spring before crossing a suspension bridge over the Budhi Gandaki. Following this, a climb up a well-crafted staircase leads to Dobhan. Crossing another suspension bridge over the YaruKhola, you’ll ascend stone stairs before descending towards Tharo Bharyang. Finally, you’ll cross to the west bank of the Budhi Gandaki, eventually reaching Jagat.
Includes: breakfast, lunch, dinner, and an overnight stay in an available local lodge.
Today’s Manaslu Circuit trek begins with a climb over a rocky ridge to Salleri, followed by a descent to Sirdibas. The valley widens as you continue up to Ghatta Khola. Upstream, you’ll reach a long suspension bridge in Philip. Turning north, the trail stays fairly level, crossing millet fields to reach Ekle Bhatti. From there, it enters a steep, uninhabited gorge. Descend to grassy slopes, crossing the Budhi Gandaki, then trek along the west bank until the valley widens. Passing through bamboo forests, you’ll reach Deng Khola and, after crossing the Khola, the tiny village of Deng.
Includes: breakfast, lunch, dinner, and an overnight stay in an available local lodge.
After a short walk beyond Deng, you’ll cross the Budhi Gandaki and ascend to Rana village. From there, you’ll climb slightly to join a trail from Bhi before heading west up the Budhi Gandaki valley. Passing through forests and mani, you’ll turn towards a corner contouring to Ghap. Despite alternative routes, you’ll take the path through Prok Village, known for its viewpoint offering a beautiful sight of the Siringi Himal.
Continuing, you’ll cross the Budhi Gandaki again and encounter a few gompas along the way. The trail follows the river upstream through dense forest. After crossing the river at an impressive spot where it thunders down a narrow gorge, the forest gradually thins. The pleasant walk persists, and after a final steep climb, you’ll reach Namrung.
Includes: breakfast, lunch, dinner, and an overnight stay in an available local lodge.
Namrung village offers stunning views of Siring and Ganesh Himal, with Mt. Himal Chuli visible to the south. Continuing on, you’ll climb steadily to reach Lihi, a picturesque village adorned with chortens and barley terraces. As the trail descends, it crosses the side valleys of Simnang Himal and Ganesh Himal.
Passing through Sho, Lho, and Shyala villages, you’ll eventually reach Sama village. In Lho village, take in breathtaking views of Mt. Manaslu and visit the renowned Ribung Gompa. From Shyala village, gaze upon towering peaks like Himal Chuli and Peak 29 (Ngadi Chuli) to the left, while Manaslu and its sprawling glaciers unfold straight ahead. Other snow-capped summits grace the view to the right, with the majestic Ganesh Himal standing tall in the distance. The day’s journey culminates in Samagaun, where you’ll spend the night.
Includes: breakfast, lunch, dinner, and an overnight stay in an available local lodge.
Today, you will rest at Samagaon for some acclimatization. You will get acquainted with the rich Sherpa culture. You enjoy the sight of thousands of mani stones with Buddhist texts and pictures. Sherpa women are clad in traditional clothes and ornaments. On a little hill near the Sama village is an old gompa (Pungyen gompa), a monastery with great views of the glacier.
It is named after Manaslu. Pungyen means bracelet, a good description of the two peaks. It was destroyed a year after the first unsuccessful Japanese attempt at climbing Manaslu. The locals believed that the climb angered the gods. They were finally successful in 1959.
Includes: breakfast, lunch, dinner, and an overnight stay in an available local lodge.
On the eleventh day of the Manaslu Circuit trek, descending to the Budhi Gandaki River, you’ll cross a bridge over a side stream and then veer left onto the path leading to Manaslu Base Camp. Along the Larkya La Trail, you’ll encounter several mani walls as the valley widens. The trail remains relatively easy, running along a shelf above the river and through the juniper and birch forests of Kermo Kharka.
Crossing the Budhi Gandaki once more, this time via a wooden bridge, you’ll ascend a steep trail ahead. Eventually, you’ll reach a stone arch, offering a view of a large white Kani. Passing through the Kani, you can find lodging at Samdo.
Includes: breakfast, lunch, dinner, and an overnight stay in an available local lodge.
Today is another tough walk for you. You will continue your walk down the edge and cross the wooden bridge over Budi Gandaki. Upon crossing two streams and witnessing the Larkya Glacier, you go around the valley of the Salka Khola. Then, you can climb up to the stone guest house (4450 m). It’s not a lodge but a kind of shelter called Dharmshala, also known as Larke Phedi. Today’s short walk leaves you with plenty of time for acclimatization and relaxation.
Includes: breakfast, lunch, dinner, and an overnight stay in an available local lodge.
After a short climb, you will reach a valley on the north side of the Larkya Glaciers. You can enjoy great views of Cho Danda and Larkya Peak. Finally, walk across the moraines of the glacier, making a gradual ascent. It becomes steeper only in the last section of the pass. From the Pass, there are outstanding views of Himlung Himal, Cheo Himal, and Annapurna II. It is a long day to Bimtang, but walking these low pastures with Mt. Manaslu looming close by is an overwhelming experience.
Includes: breakfast, lunch, dinner, and an overnight stay in an available local lodge.
Today is a strenuous day as we descend to cross a high pasture called Sangure Kharka, followed by crossing a bridge over Dudh Khola. We then pass through a rhododendron forest and follow a trail through a narrow valley. Eventually, we reach the highest cultivated land in the valley at Karcher, at an altitude of 2785 meters. We cross the fields before embarking on a steep climb over a ridge. After a short walk, we arrive at the village of Gho, followed by Dharapani.
Includes: breakfast, lunch, dinner, and an overnight stay in an available local lodge.
After breakfast, you will drive back to Kathmandu via Besisahar. The route alongside the Trishuli River on the Prithvi Highway is delightful. With the road situated high above the rivers on gentle slopes adorned with vegetation, you can relish the picturesque scenery. Rice fields, terraced farms, and flowing rivers grace the landscape. Verdant hills, lush vegetation, and quaint villages eventually lead you back to Kathmandu.
Includes: breakfast, lunch, and an overnight stay at Yatri Suites & Spa or a similar hotel in Thamel, Kathmandu.
On the last day of your 16-Day Nepal Highlights Tour with Yoga Classes, our representative will pick you up with a private van and drop you off at Kathmandu Tribhuvan International Airport approximately three hours before your scheduled flight back to your home or other destination.
Have a safe journey onward, and we look forward to welcoming you back in the future.
Includes: breakfast.
