Manaslu Circuit Trek – Complete Package

Arrival in Tribhuvan International Airport (Kathmandu) and Transfer to Hotel

After your arrival in Kathmandu, a representative from Radiant Treks will receive you at the airport with a clear and visible board with your name on it. Then, you will be swiftly transferred to a designated vehicle which will then take you to the star hotel at the core of the city. Depending on the hour of arrival, you can also visit our office to gather more information about the trek. To celebrate your arrival and our partnership, Radiant Treks will also organize a welcome dinner in your honor. At dinner, you will have the chance to meet the rest of the members of your trekking group and crew. After the welcome dinner, we will swiftly transfer you to your hotel for an overnight stay.

Trek Preparation Day

On this day, Radiant Treks will sort out all the necessary requirements before you take the journey to the mountains. Meanwhile, you can explore some of the most iconic cultural, religious, and historical sites in this capital valley. Kathmandu has 7 UNESCO World Heritage Sites (there are a total of 10 in the country), and you can enjoy sightseeing at a few during this preparation day. If you have unfinished shopping for the trek, you can complete it on this day. You can buy or rent the necessary gear in Kathmandu on this day. Also, make sure to pack the necessary products as buying them in the mountains can be expensive.

Drive From Kathmandu to Machha Khola (930 m/3051 ft), Distance: 22.2 km, Duration: 6 to 7 hrs

Altitude Loss: 470 m/ 1,541 ft Drive Distance: 158 km/ 98 miles This day’s exciting drive across the capital valley toward the starting point of Manaslu Circuit Trek will take you across the beautiful landscapes of the country. After heading out from Kathmandu, you will drive along the Prithvi Highway and cross Thankot to head toward Dhading Besi. Then, during the post-noon part, the drive will take you to Arughat, from where the off-roading begins in the west-central part of the country. Enjoying the incredible views of Manaslu, Annapurna, Ganesh Himal, and Langtang, your drive will continue toward the Soti Khola (730 m). From here onwards, you will drive past the beautiful sal forest and towering cliffs; you will also drive by Lhursani and Lububesi Village to reach Machha Khola. This is one of the largest villages in the region, which has over 150 houses mostly of Gurung communities.

Trek From Machha Khola to Jagat (1340 m/ 4396 ft), Distance: 22.2 km/ 13.79 miles, Duration: 6 to 7 hrs

Altitude Gain: 410 m/ 1,345 ft Trek Distance: 22.2 km/ 13.79 miles Your trekking journey on this off-beaten route will finally begin on this day. After enjoying a delicious breakfast at the Machha Khola, you will prepare for the trekking journey up ahead. During the first part of the trek, you will walk for about 45 minutes on an uphill route to reach Kholabesi Village (970 m). Then, about another half an hour of the trek will lead you to Tatopani Village (990 m), which is famous for its natural hot springs. From Tatopani, you will continue pushing across the lush woodlands to reach Dobhan Village (1,050 m), which is situated at the confluence of the Sarpu and Shari Rivers. From here, the sharp climb across Louri Village and Thado Bharyang will then finally lead you to Jagat Village. This is a Tibetan-style settlement influenced by the Tibetan Buddhist culture; there are about 40 houses in this village, with the main attractions being the mani walls, traditional-styled houses, and monasteries.

Trek From Jagat to Deng (1804 m/ 5918 ft), Distance: 20 km/ 12.4 miles, Duration: 6 to 7 hrs

Altitude Gain: 464 m/ 1,522 ft Trek Distance: 20 km/ 12.4 miles After leaving the Jagat Village, you will follow the trails alongside the bank of the Budhi Gandaki River for about an hour to reach the Salleri Village. You will then continue trekking for about an hour and cross the suspension bridge over the Budhi Gandaki River to reach the Philim Village (1,590 m). This is one of the largest villages in the Manaslu and also has a checkpoint for entering the Manaslu Conservation Area. Proceeding ahead on your exciting trails from here, you will reach the Chisapani Village in about 45 minutes, this will also be your lunch destination. During the final part of this day’s trek, you will continue trekking across the lush rhododendron and bamboo forests to head toward Ekle Bhatti. As the valley starts to narrow down, the trail slowly starts to soar, and you will arrive at Nyak, where the trails between Tsum Valley and Larkya La Pass split. A gradual ascend from the Pewa VIllage will then bring you to Deng. This beautiful village is located on the right bank of the river and has around 20 houses with 5 to 6 hotels; 90% of the residents here follow Buddhism.

Trek From Deng to Namrung (2630 m/ 8629 ft), Distance: 19.4 km/ 12 miles, Duration 6 to 7 hrs

Altitude Gain: 826 m/ 2,709 ft Trek Distance: 19.4 km/ 12 miles Your exciting trekking journey on this day will start after a warm and delicious breakfast, enjoying the majestic mountain views. During the initial part, you will follow the uphill route and cross a bridge to reach Rana Village. You will then continue following the uphill trail for about two hours to reach Bhee Phedi, where the views of the central peaks are even clearer. Then, you will head toward the Ghap Village (2,080 m) across the lush woodland and mani walls. On the way, you will also cross the Prok VIllage (2,397 m), which also offers stunning views of Ganesh Himal and Shingri Himal. As the final segment of the trail approaches, you will follow the path beside the river and pass forested trails and gompas to reach the Namrung Village.

Trek From Namrung to Lho (3,180 m/10,433 ft), Distance: 10 km/6 miles Duration 3 to 4 hrs

Altitude Gain: 550 m/1,804 ft

Trekking Distance: 10 km/6 miles

We will depart Namrung after a nourishing breakfast in the teahouse. We will follow the trails ascending steeply through the forested areas and leading us toward the Lihi Village (2,920 m). Enjoying the incredible mountain views at the backdrop (Ganesh Himal, Himalchuli, Manaslu), we will continue to move on.

The flora and fauna of the region slowly start to alter as you head toward the alpine zone. The trail passes through several villages, offering views of lush barley terraces and numerous chortens. On the way, we will cross a stream that flows from the Lindanda Glacier. Then, we will make our way to Sho Village (2,880 m) while taking in the stunning views of Simnang Himal (6,251m). This lovely high-altitude village provides easy access to Lho Village.

Continuing further, we will finally arrive at the Lho, a culturally vibrant village decorated with prayer flags, mani walls and chortens, reflecting the rich Tibetan Buddhist heritage of the region.

Trek From Lho to Samagaon (3,530 m/11,582 ft), Distance: 9 km/5 miles, duration 3 to 4 hrs

Altitude Gain: 350 m/ 1,148 ft

Trekking Distance: 9 km/5 miles

From Lho, we will head towards Samagaon after enjoying a hearty morning breakfast. Initially, you will take an easy trek to Shyala, walking across moss-covered rocks and crystal-clear streams. You will follow the two-hour trail to access the lovely pine and rhododendron forests and reach Shyala Village. Beautiful mountain ranges such as Ngadi Chuli, Manaslu, Naike Peak, Manaslu North, and Simnang Himal can be seen from this village.

Moving on, you will approach the trail with the most important religious site, the Ribung Gompa. Snow capped mountains, glaciers and other spectacular landscapes will enthrall you as you ascend further. Relishing the fresh Himalayan atmosphere, you will then move along the descending trail that leads to Samagaon.

Before reaching this charming mountain village, you will pass over a small stream from the Pungyen Glacier. Samagaon is the nearest village to Manaslu Base Camp. Upon arrival in this village, the yak pastures, traditional settlements and panoramic views of the Himalayas will immediately catch your eye. This village is home to the Nubri people, offering insight into the local culture and lifestyle.

Acclimatization Day in Samagaon (Hike to Punggen Gompa or Manaslu Base Camp and Birendra Lake)

By this day in your Manaslu Circuit Trek, you have already reached a significant altitude. Thus, before pushing to even further higher altitudes, you will enjoy a rest day here to give your body a proper rest and adapt to the new climate. For this day’s acclimatization hike, you have three major options: Punggen Gompa, Manaslu Base Camp, or Birendra Lake. Both the Punggen Gompa and Birendra Lake are at an approximate hiking distance of 4 to 5 hours. However, if you are planning to visit the Manaslu Base Camp, including the return trek, it will take about 7 to 8 hours. From these hiking points, you will be able to enjoy the panoramic views of the incredible mountain ranges, such as Manaslu, Ngadi Chuli, Himal Chuli, Cheo Himal, Kang Garu, Annapurna, and many more. After the hike, you can also explore the Samagaon, which is a local market hub and has an old monastery, school, health post, and check post.

Trek From Samagaon to Samdo (3860 m/ 12665 ft), Distance: 8.1 km/ 5.3 miles, duration 3 to 4 Hrs

Altitude Gain: 330 m/ 1,082 ft Trek Distance: 8.1 km/ 5.3 miles On this day, you will explore the isolated part of the Manaslu region. It is a short and simple trail; there are no villages in this alpine meadow section, just a few huts here and there. There is one suspension bridge along the trail, and most part of the route is flat. Only during the last part will you have to follow the uphill route to reach Samdo Village across the Budhi Gandaki River. This village is just about 4 km further from the Tibetan border and the natives here are of the Tibetan refugee community. This Tibtean village is popular for its unique architecture, stupas, and monasteries. From here, you will be able to enjoy the entire view of the Manaslu range, as well as incredible views of other peaks, such as Samdo, Ngadi Chuli, and Simnang Himal.

Trek From Samdo to Dharamsala (4460 m/ 14633 ft), Distance: 6.6 km/ 4.10 miles, Duration 4 to 5 Hrs

Altitude Gain: 600 m/ 1,968 ft Trek Distance: 6.6 km/ 4.10 miles After enjoying your tasty breakfast at the Tibetan refugee village, you will then continue heading higher towards Dharamsala. The trail on this section is level and you will slowly traverse across the barren landscape to reach the Larkya Bazaar, a historic Tiebtan trading post. You will then continue trekking alongside the Budhi Gandaki River and cross a wooden bridge to reach the uphill section. Enjoying the stunning views of the Larkkya Glacier, you will continue trekking toward the stone-built guesthouse of Dharmsala. This is one of the most remote parts of the Manaslu Circuit route; there are no villages here, only three hotels, and they provide the most basic facilities. As you will reach Dharamsala by mid-day, you can also do the acclimatization hike to Khaka Danda nearby if you want.

Trek From Dharamsala to Bimthang (3890 m/ 12762 ft) via Larkya Pass (5160 m/ 16930 ft), Distance: 24.5 km/ 15.22 miles, duration 8 to 9 Hrs

Altitude Gain: 700 m/ 2,296 ft Trek Distance: 24.5 km/ 15.22 miles This is one of the most physically demanding sections in this remote Himalayan exploration. From Dharamsala, you will start your trek early in the morning to avoid the afternoon wind at the top of the pass. Traversing across the Cho Danda and four frozen lakes, you will start climbing the pass and reach the top around 9 to 10 AM. You will stop at the top of the pass briefly to enjoy the views of the surrounding peaks, such as Cheo Himal, Himlung Himal, Ngadi Chuli, Kang Garu, Annapurna II, and others. After relishing the views and tranquil atmosphere, you will then prepare for the descending journey. You will trek for about two and half hours to reach the Larke Phedi, and from here, another one-and-a-half-hour walk will bring you to Bimthang, your resting destination tonight.

Trek From Bimthang to Dharapani (1970 m/ 6463 ft), istance: 20 km/ 13.6 miles, Duration 7 to 8 Hrs

Altitude Loss: 1,920 m/ 6,299 ft

Trek Distance: 20 km/ 13.6 miles

After overcoming a challenging portion of the trek, on this day, you will follow a gradually descending trail from Bhimtang toward Dharapani. You will begin your trek descending to the banks of the Dudh Khola and cross the wooden bridge over the river to reach Hompuk Village (3,430 m). Then, after descending for another half hour, you will reach the Sangore Kharka and cross the landslide area to reach Gho Village.

Following the trails alongside the pine, rhododendron, and oaks forests, you will then arrive at the Tilije Village, a beautiful village with multi-ethnic communities. The, you will cross the Dudh Khola one more time and descend across the scrub forests to reach the Marsyangdi Valley. During the last part, you will trek past Thonje Village via a wooden bridge and head toward the long suspension bridge over the Marsyangdi River that leads to Dharapani.

Drive From Dharapani to Kathmandu, Drive Distance: 224 km/ 139 miles, Duratoin 7 to 8 Hrs

Altitude Loss: 570 m/ 1,870 ft Drive Distance: 224 km/ 139 miles As this a long day’s drive, you will be on the road the whole day. After enjoying your breakfast at Dharapani Village, you will take a comfortable jeep or bus to Besisahar (807 m). Following the ride on the Marsyangdi River, you will drive past Bhulbhule Town and reach Besisahar. Then, you will continue driving toward Kathmandu on the Prithvi Highway. This return scenic drive will take you across the lush hills, terraced farms, and colorful settlements on the banks of the Trishuli and Marsyangdi Rivers. After your arrival in Kathmandu, a representative of Radiant Treks will then drop you back at your hotel, where after enjoying your meal, you can get your much-deserved rest.

Departure Day

After two weeks of exploration in the Himalayas, it is time for you to bid farewell to this beautiful country. Depending on the flight schedules, you can also do some sightseeing around the city and shop for souvenirs. Then, our representative will drop you back at the airport for your departure flight. Make preparations to reach the airport at least 2 to 3 hours before your scheduled flight, which is recommended. Thank you for trekking with Radiant Treks; we hope to see you again. Have a safe journey back home.