Manaslu Circuit Trek

Before we dive into the adventure of the trek, we've arranged a guided sightseeing tour for you around Kathmandu. A warm and knowledgeable guide, along with a driver and car, will be ready to pick you up from your hotel lobby at a pre-arranged time. The tour will cover significant historical sites such as the Monkey Temple (Swayambhunath), Kathmandu Durbar Square, and Boudhnath Stupa, each offering a glimpse into Nepal's rich cultural heritage. Following the morning’s explorations and a lunch break, we'll convene at our office. This will be your opportunity to meet your mountain guide, who will introduce himself and provide a comprehensive briefing on the trek's itinerary. We'll proceed to pack the duffle bags and conduct a thorough check of all trekking gear to ensure you're fully prepared. This time also allows for any last-minute shopping, ensuring you have all the essentials for the journey ahead. With preparations complete, we recommend taking the remainder of the day to relax and rest up, gearing up for the exciting adventure that awaits.

Departing Kathmandu early in the morning, your journey begins on the Prithvi Highway, winding along the scenic Trishuli River. As you travel, the route is adorned with lush green hills, cascading waterfalls, and terraced fields, presenting a captivating landscape that epitomizes Nepal's natural beauty. Approaching the journey's end, the horizon expands to reveal breathtaking views of Himalayan giants such as Manaslu, Annapurna, Ganesh Himal, and Langtang Himal, setting a majestic backdrop that hints at the adventure to come. The road to Arughat introduces a more rugged terrain, transitioning to a bumpy path until reaching Machha Khol, adding a sense of adventure right from the start.

Following Machha Khola, the trail meanders along the bank of the Budi Gandaki river, taking you through a twisting path adorned with the natural beauty of lush forests. Here, the presence of monkeys and langurs adds a playful element to the serene environment. Progressing through the trail, you'll pass by Khorla Besi before making an ascent to Tatopani, a spot famed for its rejuvenating natural hot springs where you can pause for a well-deserved break. Continuing the journey, the path challenges you with two suspension bridge crossings over the Budhi Gandaki river, leading you to Doban. From this point, the trek takes you past areas marked by landslides and through the village of Yaruphant. The adventure continues as you cross a wooden bridge, pushing forward towards Jagat. Jagat is a Gurung village known for its rich culture and hospitality, serving as a gateway to the restricted areas of this trek. Here, you'll need to register your restricted area permit at the check post, marking a significant milestone in your journey and officially ushering you into the heart of the Manaslu region's unparalleled beauty.

Beyond Jagat, you enter the restricted area, marking a significant phase in your trek. The journey continues upwards, along a pristine path that merges the rugged with the serene. After trekking on a relatively flat trail for a while, you will encounter a long suspension bridge spanning the Budhi Gandaki River, a testament to the engineering adapted to the natural challenges of the region. The trail then guides you to Philim, a sizable Gurung village that stands as a vibrant testament to the culture of the area. Philim greets you with an array of prayer flags fluttering in the wind, stupas that speak of centuries-old faith, and monasteries that have been centers of peace and contemplation. This village is not just a settlement; it's a colorful canvas of local customs and religious practices. From Philim, your trek takes you through enchanting forests of rhododendron and pine, each step further immersing you in the tranquil beauty of the Himalayas. The path eventually leads to Deng, a village that captivates you with its stunning waterfall and an aura of peace that envelops you. Deng’s tranquility offers a moment of respite and a chance to reflect on the journey thus far, amidst the backdrop of nature’s unparalleled beauty.

The trek advances, weaving through verdant farmlands before taking a dramatic turn to cross the Budhi Gandaki River on a swaying suspension bridge. The ascent to Rana offers a prelude to the deeper, secluded realms of the Budhi Gandaki valley. Traversing ancient forests dotted with mani stones, the path to Ghap is both a physical journey and a spiritual passage. Venturing through Prok village, trekkers are treated to the majestic sight of Singri Himal, enhancing the trek's visual feast. Alongside the river, marked by numerous crossings, the trail is lined with dense forests and ancient stupas. This segment of the journey peaks with a challenging yet rewarding climb to Namrung, promising an unparalleled sense of achievement and anticipation for the adventures that lie ahead.

Namrung, nestled within the heart of the Himalayas, greets trekkers with its breathtaking vistas of Hiunchuli, Singri Himal, and Ganesh Himal. Mornings in Namrung are magical, offering panoramic mountain views paired with delicious breakfasts to start the day. Post-breakfast, the journey to Lho begins, ascending steeply through alpine woods to reach Lihi village, where a noticeable shift in vegetation and the prominent influence of Tibetan Buddhism become evident. The path is adorned with chortens and barley fields, showcasing the region's rich culture and agricultural practices. As we trek towards Low Village for our overnight stay, the magnificent Mt. Manaslu accompanies us, enhancing the journey's scenic beauty and serenity.

Departing from Low Village, our path winds through lush agricultural fields, bringing us closer to the essence of local life. We cross a small stream emanating from the Punggung Glacier, making our way towards Sama Gaun. Today's journey includes a rewarding side trip to the ancient Pung Gyen Gompa, offering a deeper insight into the region's spiritual heritage amidst steep and uneven trails. Upon reaching Samagaun, a visit to the venerable Ribung Gompa is on the agenda, further immersing us in the area's rich Buddhist traditions. This segment of the trek not only challenges the body but also enriches the spirit, providing a unique blend of natural beauty and cultural depth.

In Samagaun, we take a well-deserved rest day, recognizing the importance of acclimatization at this altitude, over 4,500 meters. Should the visit to Pung Gyen Gompa not have occurred the previous day, it's scheduled for today. Additionally, we're offered the opportunity for an enriching hike to Manaslu Base Camp and Birendra Lake, two significant highlights that showcase the region's exquisite natural beauty. Following our hike, we'll spend the remainder of the day back in Samagaun, embracing a slower pace. This time allows us to relax, absorb the serene surroundings, and engage with the local community, further enriching our trekking experience.

Today unfolds as a blend of excitement and scenic beauty as we depart from Samagaun. Our journey leads us across a pasture, ascending to command splendid views over the valley. We thread our way through serene juniper and birch forests, a testament to the area's rich biodiversity. Our descent brings us to the Budhi Gandaki riverbed, which we cross via a quaint wooden bridge. A steep climb on the other side of the river takes us to Samdo, a village that boasts stunning views of Mount Manaslu. This Tibetan refugee village is nestled amidst breathtaking scenery, offering a unique glimpse into the resilient spirit and culture of its inhabitants.

Descending from Samdo, the trail unfurls along the picturesque edges of hills and fields. We'll amble past ancient mani walls and cross the Budhi Gandaki River via a rustic wooden bridge. Our path then skirts the Athahra Saya River, aligning with the Larke River, adorned along the way with fluttering prayer flags and venerable mani walls. The journey advances through the Larkya Glacier, offering a feast of magnificent landscapes. As we meander around the Salkha Khola valley, the trail climbs to an altitude of 4,480 meters, reaching a stone guest house known as Larkya Phedi. This dormitory-like establishment stands amidst the grandeur of the Himalayas, with Mt. Manaslu asserting its dominance in the backdrop, encapsulating the majesty of the trek.

Today marks the pinnacle of our Manaslu Circuit Trek as we set out to cross the formidable Larkya La Pass. Departing from Dharamsala, also known as Larkya Phedi, the path leads us through a moraine, descending briefly to a serene lake, where we brace against the potential challenge of strong winds. The trail becomes rougher and less defined, navigating a steep, grassy slope on the south side. Our journey continues along the moraine to a crucial edge, demarcated by two significant landmarks, guiding us toward four frozen lakes. A final, strenuous ascent from here brings us to the crest of Larkya La Pass, where the panoramic mountain vistas of Himlung Himal, Annapurna II, Mt. Kang Guru, and Cheo Himal are nothing short of breathtaking. The descent from the pass is equally impressive, leading over the top of a moraine and veering west through a steep bed of moraine, gradually descending to a grassy moraine. The trail then winds downhill to a quaint meadow, eventually opening up to a vast meadow, dotted with small houses and mani walls, guiding us to our destination of Bhimthang, encapsulating the essence of adventure and the unparalleled beauty of the Himalayas in our journey.

Having conquered the most challenging segment of the Manaslu Circuit Trek, the path ahead is predominantly marked by descents. From Bhimthang, our route leads downward through verdant pastures, continuously unfolding before us. We cross the Dudh Khola River, immersing ourselves in the tranquil beauty of lush rhododendron forests. Our journey meanders through captivating river valleys and vibrant farmlands, painting a picture of serene rural life. The trail then ascends gently to Gho village, a quaint settlement nestled in the heart of nature. From Gho, we proceed with our trek towards Tilje, where we will rest and spend the night, reflecting on the adventures behind us and anticipating the journey still to come.

Departing Tilje with a hearty breakfast, our trail weaves through lush forests and terraced landscapes. Along the way, we cross several suspension bridges and encounter beautiful waterfalls, enhancing the journey's scenic allure. As we descend, the path takes us through quaint settlements, each presenting splendid mountain vistas. Our trek concludes at Dharapani, where we transition from walking to vehicular travel, heading to Besisahar for our overnight stay, marking the end of an unforgettable walking adventure.

Departing Besisahar early, our drive back to Kathmandu is long but graced with picturesque views of green hills, meandering rivers, and cascading waterfalls. Arriving in Kathmandu by late afternoon, you’ll have the remainder of the day at leisure. Take this opportunity to freshen up and perhaps indulge in some window shopping in Thamel, explore nearby tourist attractions, or enjoy a relaxing spa visit. To celebrate our journey, Nature Heaven Treks and Expedition will host a farewell dinner in the late evening, where we'll share memories of our adventure.

Having completed the Manaslu Circuit Trek, it’s time to journey onwards to your home or next adventure. Our airport team will facilitate your transfer to the international airport for your departure flight. We welcome your feedback and recommendations and commit to enhancing our services based on your insights. Safe travels!

Allow our experts at Nature Heaven Treks and Expedition to help you Plan one of the most Memorable Vacations based on your interests with their in-depth knowledge of the Himalayas, they can craft the journey of your dreams considering your preferred location, time frame, and Budget