The Manaslu Circuit trek 16 days is one of the best treks in Nepal. Enjoy offbeat trekking, hidden valleys, stunning mountain vistas, and a simple mountain lifestyle.
The Manaslu Circuit trek is a 15 days trekking program in the Himalayas of Nepal. It is an adventure of a lifetime across tall mountains, hidden valleys, and glaciers. Travelers enjoy offbeat trekking, no crowded trails, and the wonders of the Manaslu Conservation Area. The journey takes you around the eight-highest mountain in the world, Mount Manaslu.
Manaslu is a restricted area in Nepal for foreigners. So, a special restricted area permit is required to enter, which is very expensive. Because of that, only a handful of tourists embark on the Manaslu Circuit trek every year, keeping the trails untouched and pristine. Trekkers looking for an alternative to the Annapurna Circuit trek can go for Manaslu Circuit.
The Manaslu Circuit trek offers a glimpse of the vastness of the Himalayas, from subtropical forests to alpine zones. Following the gushing Budhi Gandaki River, you ascend deep into the Manaslu region. The vegetation, birds, butterflies, and flowers along the way are remarkable.
The trail takes you across many beautiful villages resided by Nepalese communities like Gurung, Nubri, and others, along with Tibetan refugees. The locals' rich cultural heritage and warm hospitality will blow your mind. Stupas, chortens, prayer wheels, and prayer flags are scattered around the trekking route.
Pun Gyen Gompa is one of the ancient monasteries in this region that you may visit during your acclimatization in Sama Gaun. Another hiking option is the Manaslu Base Camp via Birendra Lake. Likewise, explore Samdo village, a Tibetan refugee village, and have intimate encounters with the villagers.
You will explore the isolated area near the Tibetan border during your time here. The most epic part of the Manaslu Circuit trek comes when you are climbing to reach the top of the Larkya La pass. It will be a challenging ascent via moraines and steep, snowy slopes. However, once you reach the top, a jaw-dropping mountain panorama will sweep away all the hurdles from your mind.
Itinerary
Day 1: Welcome to Kathmandu and transfer to the hotel
We will welcome you at the Kathmandu airport upon landing. We will provide a seamless transfer to the hotel and help with your luggage. Take your time to rest and explore your surroundings. Rest of the day is Leisure.
Day 2: Free in Kathmandu.
You have a full free day in Kathmandu. prepare for trekking. Option day sightseeing
Day 3: Drive from Kathmandu to Machha Khola
The ride from Kathmandu to Machha Khola is long and scenic. For the first few hours, you will follow a pitched highway, which gets bumpy from Arughat onwards. On the way, you will enjoy beautiful views of lush hills, terraces, waterfalls, rivers, and snow-capped mountains.
Day 4: Trek from Machha Khola to Jagat
Leaving Machha Khola, walk following the Budhi Gandaki river within forests. You may get to see butterflies, birds, and langur monkeys on the way. The trekking route is covered with lush vegetation. Passing by Khorla Besi and Tatopani, you will ascend to Doban. Cross a suspension bridge and trek past a landslide area to Yaruphant. From here, the trail climbs to Jagat.
Day 5: Trek from Jagat to Deng
Jagat onward, you will walk on a flat track and cross a suspension bridge over the Budhi Gandaki River. The trail then leads you to Philim and continues through dense rhododendrons and pine forests to Deng.
Day 6: Trek from Deng to Namrung
From Deng, you will trek to Namrung village. Crossing a suspension bridge, ascend uphill to a settlement called Rana. From here, the trail goes west to the Budhi Gandaki Valley. Pass by dense forests and mani stones. On the way, you will come across Ghap and Prok villages. Further, ascend to Namrung, enjoying stunning views of Shringi Himal.
Day 7: Trek from Namrung to Sama Gaon
As you trek from Namrung, the trail gets steep and rocky. Walk up to Lihi village and cross a stream. The trail then takes you to Sho village and continues to Lho village. The view of Simnang Himal along the way is fantastic. From here onwards, pass by bushes and rhododendron groves to Shyala village. Further, trek past terraced fields and landslide debris to Sama Gaun.
Day 8: Acclimatization day- hike to Manaslu Base Camp or Pun Gyen Gompa
You will spend a rest day in Sama Gaon. You have multiple hiking options, like Pun Gyen Gompa and Manaslu Base Camp. Both hikes are fantastic and offer a jaw-dropping mountain panorama. On the way to Manaslu Base Camp, you will also explore the hidden Birendra Lake. Likewise, on the way to Pun Gyen Gompa, you will come across PunGyen Glacier.
Day 9: Trek from Sama Gaon to Samdo
The trail ascends from Sama Gaon to a Tibetan refugee village called Samdo. You will walk up to pastures. The trail is steep. Witness towering Himalayan mountains around you as you go above the treeline. Further, cross a small wooden bridge and trek past Kani, a small settlement. From here, you will walk to Samdo, which offers a beautiful view of Mt. Manaslu, Ngadi Chuli, and Simnang Himal.
Day 10: Trek from Samdo to Larke Phedi (Dharamsala)
From Samdo, you will hike to Larke Phedi. The trail goes along barren hills, offering mesmerizing snow-capped mountain views. You will trek following the Larke River and ascend to Larke Glacier. The final stretch of the way goes around the Salkha Khola Valley and uphill to Larke Phedi.
Day 11: Trek from Dharamsala to Bimthang (3,720 m/12,205 ft) by crossing Larkya la pass
Wake up early and gradually ascend to the top of Larkya La pass. First, you will descend and walk via a moraine. The trail then goes downhill to a small alley and follows an unclear route.Further, cross the steep grass slope south and descend to four frozen lakes. From here, uphill climbing starts. You may have to walk in the snow. The view from the top of the pass is unreal. Now, you descend from the pass to Bimthang.
Day 12: Trek from Bimthang to Dharapani
Trekking from Bimthang, you will ascend and descend along the Budhi Gandaki River. The trail goes through lush rhododendron forests. Karche onwards, the trail gets out of the forest. You will then follow a river bank to Gho. Further, descend through forests and small villages to Dharapani.
Day 13: Drive from Dharapani to Kathmandu via Besisahar
After breakfast, we begin the drive about three to four-hour, roughly 35-kilometer off-road jeep trip from Dharapani (1,930 meters) to Besisahar (around 760 meters), before continuing on to Kathmandu via Dumre. You will have a pleasant journey through verdant hills on a winding road from Dumre on. Spend the rest of the day unwinding in Kathmandu.
Day 14: Free day in Kathmandu
On this day you will have time to do anything in Kathmandu Valley. There are many tourists’ attractions around Kathmandu like Kathmandu Durbar Square, Patan Durbar Square etc. which you can visit. You can walk around the streets of Thamel for last minute shopping and to have good food. We are happy to offer you some recommendations.
Day 15: Trip ends! Fly back home with memories to cherish forever
Our team will drop you off at the international airport for your flight. Get ready on time and double-check your room before leaving.