The Manaslu Circuit trekking starts from Soti Khola and ends in two weeks later in Dharapani in Annapurna region. There are two ethnicity mainly inhabiting in Manaslu region-Nubri and Tsum.
Manaslu Circuit Trek Itinerary
Outline Itinerary
Day 01: Arrival and transfer to Hotel in Kathmandu (1,350 m)
Upon arrival at Kathmandu Airport, met our airport representative transfer to Hotel. Overnight at hotel.
Day 02: Trek preparation day
Enjoy! visiting Kathmandu and shopping for missing trek gears.
Day 03: Kathmandu to Machhakhola (900 m)/8hrs bus drive
Today we take a long drive to Macchekhola. Along the way, we can see many beautiful greenery landscapes, rivers, and beautiful views of the Ganesh Himal and Manaslu mountain ranges. Beautiful rivers local villages, Waterfalls, and rice fields make your drive more excited. Arrival and check-in guesthouse.
Day 04: Trek to Jagat (1,350 m), 17 km/6 hours
This is the narrow exposed trail and needs to Cross the Macchakhola which is known as a fish- steam. This is the small settlement of the Gurung, Magar, and Chhetri people. There are many scrambling up and down slopes. And you will reach the Tatopani(natural hot spring). After the short walk to the forest, cross the river over the suspension bridge and walk uphill to Jagat overnight.
Day 05: Trek to Deng 1,850 m/ 19 km/6-8 hours
The first section is easy going walk and cross the Budhi Gandaki, the trail ascends through the rice terrace up to Philim. This is quite a big Gurung settlement and beautiful people. Once you cross the village, the route enters the uninhabited gorge. Cross the Budi Gandaki over the wooden cantilever bridge. Then the trail makes its way up to the western side and valley offering a pleasant walk through the bamboo forest to Deng Khola once you cross the Khola, we reach to Deng village overnight at Deng.
Day 06: Trek to Namrung 2,650 m/ 17 km/7 hours
After a short walk, the trail crosses the Budi Gandaki. There is a shop where you can buy some drinks. The trail darts in and out of two ravines then continues to climb high above steep on the opposite side of the river then cross the Budi Gandaki here. we cross the Budi Gandaki several times today and come across several Gomba and Mani stone routes. The trail follows the river upstream through a dense forest followed by a steep climb to Namrung.
Day 07: Trek to Lho 3,150 m/ 11 km/4 hours.
Now, the trail enters the Nupri region. The people of this region are all descendants of Tibetan immigrants. Most of them dress Chubas, they are known as Bhote people. Today, you can enjoy walking through the rhododendron, firs, and oak forest. Spectacular views of Manaslu (8,156 m) and Manaslu North (7,154 m). The trail then climbs small steam and gets to Lho, a big village with Monastery, gumba, and Mani stone.
Day 08: Trek to Sama Gaon 3,500 m/ 8 km/4 hours
We need to cross the ridge out of the valley to the BudhiGandaki side, and trek in and out through the rock-strewn moraine. We climb steadily and pass through forests and reach Lihi, a wonderful village with many Mani Stones, Chortens, and barley terraces. The trail drops and crosses the side valley of Simnang Himal with Ganesh Himal always close by. We further pass through Sho, Lho, and Shyala villages before reaching Sama Village. We can enjoy breathtaking views of Mt. Manaslu from Lho village and also can explore the very popular Ribung Gompa. Shyala village will be surrounded by high mountains like Himal Chuli and Peak 29 (Ngadi Chuli) to the left and other snow summits to the right, and at the far end stands Ganesh Himal. This will be a pleasant stay at Sama Gaon.
Day 09: Acclimatization day
This is the acclimatization day, it is a very beautiful day as Sama Gaou is one of the most spectacular villages. You have a couple of options to explore around. South of Sama Gaon, there is an old Pung-Gyen gompa, which is hidden behind the ridge in front of Manaslu. This is the best viewpoint for the beautiful landscape and surroundings. You take a rest to acclimatize and relax. In addition one can hike to the beautiful glacial Lake 'Birendra Lake' or Manaslu Base Camp for excellent views of Samdo (Pangphuchuli), Nagdi Chuli, Simnang Himal, Manaslu glacier, and Manaslu icefall. Itself, this is the heavenly paradise environment.
Option for detour
Opt I: Trek Pungen Gompa and back-14 km, altitude gain 550m, walking 6 hours
Opt II: Birendra Tal and back-5km, 2 hrs
Opt II: Trek to Manaslu base camp and back-17km/8hrs altitude gain-900m
Day 10: Trek to Samdo 3,700 m/9 km/4 hours
Trek to Samdo village is another pleasant day. The path is wide and properly managed. Passing the pine forest and Mani wall, the view of the landscape and Manaslu ranges and Buddha Himal, Shringi Himal are most eye-catching. After crossing the river through wooden bridge leads you to Samdo.
Day 11: Trek to Dharamsala 4,450 m/6 km/4 hours
After acclimatization day in Samagaun, people are more excited about the Larkya pass. Today, we descend on a wide gentle path and enjoy the big old mani stone wall and Chorten. Upon crossing two streams and witnessing the Larkya Glacier we go around the valley of the Salka Khola and climb up again to the Dharmasala. Along the way passing Larke Bazaar "fair seasonal Tibetan market" is another interesting place to explore.
Day 12: Trek to Bimtang (3,600 m) crossing Larkya La (5,106 m)/16 km/7 hours
Today is the main day as we are going to cross the (5,106 m) Larkya La pass which is one of the most beautiful and tremendous. The route is long and gentle climbing beside the moraine. The Larkya Glacier offers great views of Cheo Himal (6,820 m), Gyaji Kung, Kang Guru (6,981 m), Annapurna range, and Larkya Peak. Now, we descend along the top of a moraine, down steeply scree slopes. Ahead walk through grassy moraine and a big Mani stone that leads to a large meadow. Finally, we will be in Bimtang where we can have a big night after the successful pass.
Day 13: trek to Tilje 5hrs/17km and continue to Dharapani-5km
Walk through the forest and waterfall to Dharapani, this is easy and short walking until Tilje here stops for lunch and keep continues to Dharapani.
Day 14: Dharapani Jeep to Beshisahar and then Bus to Kathmandu, 205 km, 8-9 hours.
After having a healthy breakfast drive to Besishahar (25 km / 2 hours) by Jeep along with graveled road and take another bus to Kathmandu. It is 180 km from Dharapani and takes about 6 hours. This is a beautiful bus ride along the way you can see many beautiful landscapes, rivers, local villages, and rice terraces. It is a paved and smooth road which is an easy and comfortable ride. Evening farewell Dinner
Day 15: Final Departure
As per your flight schedule, we will drop you off at Tribhuvan International Airport. Bye!