Manaslu Circuit Trek - 16 Days

The Manaslu Trek opened in 1992, and it rapidly grew in popularity thanks to its captivating natural essence, exclusiveness, and untouched beauty. The trek takes place along Nepal and Tibet border region, allowing us to experience the culture and lifestyle of both Hindus and Buddhists. The off-beaten trails take us through rich forests full of rhododendron, pine, cedar, birch, and juniper trees and delightful meadows.

The Manaslu Trek is a 16-day tea-house trek that circumnavigates the 8th highest peak in the world- Manaslu (8,156m/26,758ft). The trek carries the essence of other Nepali treks - Hindu and Buddhist culture, delightful wildlife, rhododendron, and other wildflowers, raging rivers, precarious bridges, huge mountains, and stunning landscapes. 

Surrounded by the Annapurnas to the west and Ganesh Himal to the east, Manaslu is one of the most graceful 8,000-meter mountains, but only around two percent of trekkers visit Manaslu. Perhaps because Manaslu is remote, physically demanding even though this trip is culturally enriching and scenically uplifting.

The circuit takes you from the steamy lowlands full of terraced rice and millet fields through the mighty Budhi Gandaki gorge with turquoise waters and amazing waterfalls. During the trek, you will be passing through numerous suspension bridges that are very high and often very long.

Manaslu Trek covers a huge trek distance in the remote Nepali Himalayas so you will have various options to alter the itinerary based on your interests. This trip is highly flexible, and we can tailor side trips according to your request.

The Manaslu Trek begins from the scenic drive from Kathmandu to Arughat and finally to Soti Khola. It takes an entire day to reach the trekking region. On the second day, the trek truly begins as we leave Soti Khola and hike to Machha Khola (890m / 2,965ft). The journey will be delightful as you pass beautiful forests, steep ridges, terraced fields, and suspension bridges.

After a refreshing trek to Macha Khola, we head to Doban (1,070 m/3510 ft), passing the Tharo Khola, which flows in a rocky cavetto reaching Khorla Besi - a traditional Gurung Village. We continue trekking ahead from Khrola Besi to Tatopani and then cross a suspension bridge above Budhi Gandaki to reach Doban. Doban is the Nepali name for the confluence of two rivers.

The next day we leave Doban for Philim. The path is quite rugged and ascends and descends. From the trails, you will get fantastic views of Sringri Himal. When your reach Philim, you will notice that Philim is a large Gurung settlement. The Gurungs grow corn and millet in their village fields.

On our fifth day, we leave Philim to Deng. The trail is very rewarding with impressive waterfalls and a few suspension bridges leading us to Euwa and then Deng village. This Buddhist village contains holy monasteries and rivers, and from Deng, you will begin to see the glorious snow caps. 

Our Manaslu trek continues the next day's destination is Ghap. At first, we descend from Deng and then ascend to Rana Bridge. From this region onwards, you will be entering the Buddhist settlements, which you can sense from seeing Mani walls and stone statues from the path. Just before reaching Ghap, you will be crossing a suspension bridge.

Our journey continues as our trek takes us from Ghap to Namrung. The path passes through the town of Prok - a famous standpoint for viewing Siringi Himal. After staying in Namrung for the night, the following morning, we start our trek to Lho. The distance from Namrung is about 11 kilometers and includes crossing the Budhi Gandaki river and then walking along the forest. Namrung village is famous for its beautiful Ganesh Himal (7,422m) and Mt. Himalchuli (7,893m) views.

This trek is quite long, and we must push ourselves further each day. After Lho, the next day's destination is Samagaun. At first, we descend from Lho, cross Thusang Khola to reach Shyala Village. All around Shyala Village, you will get to enjoy the views of Himal Chuli, Peak 29, Manaslu, and Ganesh Himal. After enjoying the views from Shyala Village, we trek to Samagun. Samagun is a small village with stone-built houses and a monastery. By now, you will have covered a lot of distance so we will be staying at Samagun for rest and acclimatization. You will be exploring the Samagun village and nearby areas - the places of interest are Birendra Lake, Pungyen Monastery, and Manaslu Base Camp.

After resting for a day at Samagaun, we start our trek in vigor to reach Samdo - a Tibetan refugee village. The journey should be pleasant, as we cross the pasture areas and ascend to the valley as the journey takes us through birch and juniper forest. From Samdo, you will get gorgeous views of several mountains - including the mighty Manaslu. 

At this point of the trek, you will have trekked a lot. You should be glad that you are just a day away from crossing Larkya La Pass (5,160m / 16,929ft). The excitement will build up as we leave Samdo for Dharamsala. On the side of the trails, you get to see Mani walls and prayer flags. Another interesting sight is that of the Larkya glacier. We trek around the Salkha Khola valley and ascend to reach Dharamsala, also known as Larkya La Phedi. 

And finally, on our thirteenth day, we will be crossing Larkya La Pass, which is also the highest elevation of our trek. We start early in the morning through the Larkya Glacier moraine route, crossing a few frozen lakes. Larkya La Pass is one of the longest passes in the Himalayas. From the pass, you get to enjoy the views of Himlung Himal, Annapurna II, Cheo Himal, and Kanguru. We cross the Larkya La Pass and pass through several yak pastures to arrive at Bhimtang.

By reaching Bhimtang, we have circled Manaslu mountain. Now the return trip begins. We leave behind Bhimtang and trek south to reach Gho. This day's walk is easier compared to the previous day. As we pass through dense pine forests, you may be able to see sheep, horses, and jackanapes (a type of monkey)..

The last day on the trek takes you from Gho to Dharapani. The trek is mostly downhill to Telje village that stays by the side of Marsyangdi River. Then we climb up to reach the alpine village of Dharapani. This village lies at the junction of the Manaslu and Annapurna Circuit trail.

On the last day, we take a local bus from Dharapani to Besisahar. On the way to Besisahar, we will be passing several beautiful villages, Bhulbhule and Khudi towns. From Besisahar, we will catch a bus to Kathmandu, Manaslu trek concludes.

1. day 1

   Drive from Kathmandu via Arughat to Soti Khola (730m / 2896ft)

   Itinerary Facts

   Driving Hours	(160km / 99.4miles) 6-8hrs

   The trek starts from a drive from Kathmandu on Prithvi Highway that follows the Trishuli River. The views on the road are unlike anything you have ever seen -traditional villages, terraced fields, white water rivers, lush forests, giant mountains - including Annapurna, Manaslu, Langtang, and Ganesh Himal. We will continue our bus ride until we reach Soti Khola. Soti Khola is the gateway to the Manaslu trek.  We will be spending our first night in the trek region at Soti Khola.

   • Overnight stay at ABC Hotel with attached bathroom
   • Included all standard meals (Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner)
2. day 2

   Trek from Soti Khola (730m / 2896ft) to Machha Khola (890m / 2,965ft)

   Itinerary Facts

   Trek Distance	9.7km / 6miles
   Highest Altitude	890m / 2,965ft
   Trek Duration	6-7 hrs

   This will be the first day on the trails. We wake up at Soti Khola, prepare for a long day trek, and head to Maccha Khola. The path itself is stunning, with waterfalls crossing our way. You need to be careful as the path has sharp ascents and descents. We will also be passing through Sal forests, walking by the side of towering cliffs, and at times you might encounter mules on the path. Our path will take us through Khursani village and to Lububesi Gurung settlement and finally to Machha Khola. 

   • Overnight stay at Hotel Everest View
   • Included all standard meals (Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner)
3. day 3

   Trek from Machha Khola (890m / 2,965ft) to Doban (1,070m / 3510ft)

   Itinerary Facts

   Trek Distance	9.5km / 5.9miles
   Highest Altitude	1,070m / 3510ft
   Trek Duration	4 to 5 hrs

   We have not gained much height, which you can tell from the sub-tropical vegetations lying around the trek. However, be prepared to traverse some ups and downs. You will be crossing two major rivers- Tharo Khola and Machha Khola. After crossing Machha Khola on a suspension bridge, we will be entering Tatopani, but we continue on our path that passes through forests and finally to Doban. Doban means the confluence of two rivers in Nepal, and sure enough, Doban lies at the confluence of Shari Khola and Sarpu Khola.

   • Overnight stay at Doban Guest House
   • Included all standard meals (Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner)
4. day 4

   Trek from Doban (1,070m / 3510ft) to Philim (1,570m / 5,150ft)

   Itinerary Facts

   Trek Distance	13km / 8miles
   Highest Altitude	1,570m / 5,150ft
   Trek Duration	5-6 hrs

   After breakfast at Doban, we continue through our journey to reach Philim by the end of the day. The trek starts with a sharp climb to Louri and continues until Thado Bharyang below Jagat. Then we cross a river to reach Jagat - a Tibetan-style settlement, and we cross another river to reach Philim - another Gurung village.

   • Overnight stay at Manaslu River View
   • Included all standard meals (Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner)
5. day 5

   Trek from Philim (1,570m / 5,150ft) to Deng (1,860m / 6,102ft)

   Itinerary Facts

   Trek Distance	11km / 6.8miles
   Highest Altitude	1,860m / 6,102ft
   Trek Duration	4-5hrs

   We continue our trek northwards through terraced millet fields eventually reaching Ekle Bhatti. Our path becomes steeper, passing through sharp gorges and crossing Budhi Gandaki River. We continue on the banks of Budhi Gandaki and then through bamboo forests that lead to the Deng Khola river. Then, we cross this river to reach Deng - our destination. 

   • Overnight stay at Windy Valley Lodge
   • Included all standard meals (Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner)
6. day 6

   Trek from Deng (1,860m / 6,102ft) to Ghap (2,250m / 7382ft)

   Itinerary Facts

   Trek Distance	11.5km / 7.14miles
   Highest Altitude	2,250m / 7,382ft
   Trek Duration	4-5hrs

   Our journey continues after a hearty breakfast intending to reach Ghap. The route takes us through Bihi Phedi and Bihi, but it starts as a short descend followed by a sharp ascend that leads to Rana Bridge. We continue further through the pine forest and cross a bridge to reach Bihi Phedi. As soon as you cross the bridge, you will realize that you have entered a Buddhist region by seeing Mani walls and other portraits of different gods and goddesses. You will cross another suspension bridge before you finally make it to Ghap. 

   • Overnight stay at Lama Hotel
   • Included all standard meals (Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner)
7. day 7

   Trek from Ghap (2,250m / 7,382ft) to Namrung (2,660m / 8,727ft)

   Itinerary Facts

   Trek Distance	9km / 5.5miles
   Highest Altitude	2,660m / 8,727ft
   Trek Duration	4-5hrs

   From Ghap, our next destination will be Namrung. The route takes us through dense fir, rhododendron, oaks, and bamboo forest, past steep ascends, suspension bridges, and stone stairs to Namrung. Around Namrung, you will get to see large barley fields. 

   • Overnight stay at Namrung Guest House with attached bathroom
   • Included all standard meals (Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner)
8. day 8

   Trek from Namrung (2,660m / 8,727ft) to Lho (3,180m / 10,433ft)

   Itinerary Facts

   Trek Distance	11km / 6.8miles
   Highest Altitude	3,180m / 10,433ft
   Trek Duration	5-6hrs

   We continue on our journey after having breakfast, intending to reach Lho. Our path takes us through the beautiful Lihi village, and then we will cross a stream that originates from Lindanda Glacier to reach Sho while enjoying the views of Simnang Himal (6251m). However, we will be pressing ourselves ahead to reach Lho - a culturally rich village adorned in prayer flags, Mani Walls, Chortens, and other stupas.

   • Overnight stay at Hotel Majestic with attached bathroom
   • Included all standard meals (Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner)
9. day 9

   Trek from Lho (3,180m / 10,433ft) to Samagaun (3,530m / 11,581ft)

   Itinerary Facts

   Trek Distance	17.2km / 10.6miles
   Highest Altitude	3,530m / 11,581ft
   Trek Duration	4-5hrs

   From Lho, we start the trek early morning and head to Samagaun. Our path passes through a forest and reaches Shyala village. The Shyala village sits surrounded by agricultural fields and has several wooden resting places. As we move ahead, we will be crossing a small stream that drains the Punggen glacier and reach a flat village called Samagaun. Samaguan is the closest village to Manaslu Base Camp.  

   • Overnight stay at Hotel Manaslu with attached bathroom
   • Included all standard meals (Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner)
10. day 10

    Rest Day in Samagaun

    During this trek, we acclimatize at Samagaon to adjust to the thin air as we would have reached a higher elevation. We will not stay idle but will explore Samagaun. Sure enough, you will be noticing the lifestyles of the locals and experiencing their culture. Moreover, there are other options such as a hike to Manaslu Base Camp or Birendra Lake or visiting Pungyen Monastery. 

    Pungen Monastery lies in the south of Samagaon and is about two and a half hours hike away. It is hidden behind the ridge in front of Manaslu and provides tremendous views of the glaciers. Birendra Tal is a glacial lake at 3,450m where ice blocks tumble into the lake with thunderous displays. Samagaon is indeed an interesting place for acclimatization.

    • Overnight stay at Hotel Manaslu with attached bathroom
    • Included all standard meals (Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner)
11. day 11

    Trek from Samagaun (3,530m / 11,581ft) to Samdo (3,875m / 12,713ft)

    Itinerary Facts

    Trek Distance	8.2km / 5miles
    Highest Altitude	3,875m / 12,713ft
    Trek Duration	3-4 hrs.

    The trek today is comparatively more interesting and pleasant. We will be crossing the pasture areas and ascending to the valley. The trail leads us to forests with juniper and birch. As we reach down the Budhi Gandaki river, we will cross the wooden bridge over Budhi Gandaki and climb up steeply across the river. We will be getting amazing views of mountains, especially Manaslu, as we reach Samdo - a Tibetan refugee village. Upon reaching Samdo, we will also explore this village and the surrounding hills.

    • Overnight stay at Yak Hotel
    • Included all standard meals (Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner)
12. day 12

    Trek from Samdo (3,875m / 12,713ft) to Dharamsala (4,480m / 14,698ft)

    Itinerary Facts

    Trek Distance	11.7km / 7.2miles
    Highest Altitude	4,480m / 14,698ft
    Trek Duration	3-4 hrs.

    We walk down the Samdo edge through fields and old Mani walls, crossing the wooden bridge over the Budhi Gandaki River. We will walk past Athahra Saya River and then along the Larke River. You will be noticing the Mani walls, and the prayer flags hung on the route, signifying the closeness of the Larkya La Pass.

    Then comes Larkya Glacier, which is unquestionably magnificent. As we enjoy the view, we further trek around the valley of Salkha Khola and climb up again to reach the stone guest house (4,450m). The stone guest house is not a lodge, but it is a kind of community dormitory better known as Dharamsala or Larkya La Phedi. This day would be a great day as we will get amazing views of the Larkya Glacier and Mt. Manaslu. 

    • Overnight stay at Dormitory / Tent
    • Included all standard meals (Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner)
13. day 13

    Trek from Dharamsala (4,480m / 14,698ft) to Bhimtang (3,720m / 12,205ft) by crossing Larkya la Pass (5,160m /16,929ft)

    Itinerary Facts

    Trek Distance	24.7km / 15.3miles
    Highest Altitude	5,160m / 16,929ft
    Trek Duration	7-8 hrs

    The exciting part of the journey awaits us, as we will be trekking around the Manaslu circuit, crossing the Larkya La Pass (5,100m). After early morning breakfast, we will leave Dharamsala as it will be a long trek. The weather is the most important factor as the weather decides if the trek becomes more challenging due to strong winds or storms.

    We begin by crossing the moraine, and descending to a small lake. The trail begins to be rough and unclear as we cross the south of a steep grassy slope. Our route stays on the moraine to an edge, marked by two landmarks. The prayer flags mark the route giving us a sense of trek direction. We descend carefully to four frozen lakes, then finally climb a steep trail to the Larkya La Pass. 

    From the pass, you can enjoy the panoramic views of Himlung Himal, Cheo Himal, Kang Guru, and the great Annapurna II. The marvelous trail takes us to the top of the moraine, heads west, and makes steep, rough bends. We further cross the moraine then descend gently to another grassy moraine at 4,450m. As we descend, the trail becomes easier to walk in, as we arrive at a small meadow. The valley begins to widen as we near the large meadow, Mani walls, and small houses that indicate we have reached Bhimtang.

    • Overnight stay at Punkar Guest House with attached bathroom
    • Included all standard meals (Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner)
14. day 14

    Trek from Bhimtang (3,720m / 12,205ft) to Gho (2,550m / 8,367ft)

    Itinerary Facts

    Trek Distance	10km / 6.2miles
    Highest Altitude	3,720m / 12,205ft
    Trek Duration	4-5hrs

    Last day's trek must have been tough, but you can wake up assured that today's trek will not be very taxing. You start by descending to Budhi Gandaki River and cross it to enter the rhododendron forest that opens to Karche - a cultivated area near the top of Budhi Gandaki valley. You continue along the river bank to reach Gho.

    • Overnight stay at Nirvana Guest House with attached bathroom
    • Included all standard meals (Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner)
15. day 15

    Trek from Gho (2,550m / 8,367ft) to Dharapani (1,910m / 6,266ft)

    Itinerary Facts

    Trek Distance	6km / 3.7miles
    Highest Altitude	2,550m / 8,367ft
    Trek Duration	3-4 hrs.

    This will be the last day on the trails. After waking up at Gho, we head to Dharapani. The route descends so the trek should be easy. You will be trekking through many fields and pastures and arrive at Tilje - a large Gurung settlement. This village is famous for brandy. However, we continue forward passing several Mani walls to reach Thonje village and then enter Dharapani village. 

    • Overnight stay at Heaven Guest House
    • Included all standard meals (Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner)
16. day 16

    From Dharapani (1,910m / 6,266ft) to Besisahar (760m / 2,493ft) - then drive back to Kathmandu.

    Itinerary Facts

    Driving Hours	224km / 139miles
    Highest Altitude	1,910m / 6,266ft

    Today, we will be our last day on the road. After early morning breakfast, we leave Dharapani to Besishar on a local bus, which will approximately take about six to seven hours. The drive will be scenic as we will pass many villages, Marsyangdi River, Bhulbhule town, and Khudi. We should be reaching Besisahar before 3 pm to catch the last bus to Kathmandu. If we are late, we will have to extend a day in the itinerary. 

    After catching a bus that takes us back to Kathmandu, on our way, we will see the Marsyagdi River meeting the Trishuli River, as we head east on the Prithivi Highway. The drive allows you to appreciate beautiful and natural scenery - including the terraced lands and high peaks.

    • Included all standard meals (Breakfast + Lunch)

• Transportation from Kathmandu to Arughat to Soti Khola (trek start) and from Dharapani (trek end) to Kathmandu by public bus
• All standard meals (16 Lunches, 15 Dinners, and 16 Breakfasts) during the trek.
• Accommodations. Total 15 nights. Seven nights room with private attached bathroom at Sotikhola, Namrung, Lho, Samagaun(2N), Bhimtang, and Gho. Eight nights standard room at Machha Khola, Doban, Philim, Deng, Ghap, Samdo, Dharamsala, and Dharapani (Generally twin Sharing room)
• Government licensed English speaking Discovery World Trekking experienced trek leader (One assistant guide for a group of 12 or more trekkers) and porter(s) to help trekkers luggage. (one porter for every two trekkers. Each trekker luggage limit is 9 kg.)
• Guides and porter wages, their meals, insurance, lodging, transportation, and equipment cost)
• Manaslu Special Permit with Conservation Area Permit and Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP)
• Water purification tablets for safe drinking water
• Snacks (cookies) and seasonal fresh fruits every day
• All government, local taxes, and official expenses
• Rescue operation arrangement in case of complicated health conditions (funded by travel insurance)
• Souvenir - a company T-shirt & cap
• Discovery World Trekking trek achievement certificate after the successful trek
• Farewell dinner in Kathmandu at the end of the trek

• International flight airfare
• Nepal entry visa fees at Tribhuvan International Airport (paid in cash)
• Excess baggage charges (limit is 9 kg per trekker)
• All accommodations and meals in Kathmandu, before and after the journey
• Extra night accommodation in Kathmandu due to early arrival/late departure or early return from the trek.
• Personal expenses (shopping, snacks, bottled water or boiled water, hot (tea, coffee) and cold drinks, hot shower, alcohol, Wi-Fi, telephone call, battery re-charge fee, extra porters, etc
• Personal clothing and gear
• Travel insurance has to cover emergency helicopter high-altitude rescue, and evacuation along with medical costs (compulsory)
• Tips for guide and porters
• Additional costs due to delays caused by circumstances beyond our control, for example, landslides, bad weather, itinerary modification due to safety concerns, illness, change of government policies, strikes, etc
• All the costs and expenses which are not listed in "What is included in this Trek package?" will be counted as excludes.