The Manaslu Circuit Trek starts from Soti Khola/ Machhe Kola and ends two weeks later in Tilje/Dharapani in the Annapurna region. There are two ethnicities mainly inhabiting the Manaslu region: Numbri, and Tsum.
Manaslu Circuit Trek Itinerary
Outline Itinerary
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Day 01: Arrival and transfer to Hotel in Kathmandu 1,400 m./4,600 ft./30 min drive
Upon your arrival at Kathmandu International Airport, our dedicated airport representative warmly welcomed you, presenting you with a vibrant garland of Marigold and a comfortable transfer to your hotel for your pleasant stay.
Day 02: Trek preparation day
Explore Kathmandu at your own pace as you prepare for your upcoming trek. Meet the dedicated team at Global Adventure Trekking, for a comprehensive briefing on the details of your trek. At the same time, you have a chance to check your trek equipment with your guide.
Day 03: Kathmandu to Machhe khola 900 m./3,050 ft./ 175 km./108 miles/8 hours
Embark on a picturesque journey to Macchekhola, where the journey will capture lush green Hills, rice terraces, meandering rivers, small local settlements, and enchanting views of Ganesh Himal and Manaslu ranges. You will pass the beautiful city of Dhading Besi, which is the district headquarters of Dhading. The last part of your journey will be off-road. Early in the evening, you will be reaching Machhe Khola and staying overnight at the comfortable tea house.
Distance covered: 175 km/108 miles
Walking Duration: 8 hrs.
Altitude Descend: 450 m.
Meals: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner
Day 04: Machhe khola Trek to Jagat 1,350 m./4,395 ft./ 22 km. /13 miles/6 hours
This is the narrow, exposed trail that needs to Cross the Macchakhola which is known as a fish-steam trail. This is the small, charming settlement of the Gurung, Magar, and Chhetri people. There are many scrambling up and down slopes. And you will encounter the Tatopani (a natural hot spring). After the short walk in the forest, cross the river via the suspension bridge and continue the uphill journey, to the overnight destination of Jagat
Walking Duration: 5/6 hours
Distance covered: 22 km. (1,366 m).
Altitude gain: 450 m.
Meals: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner
Day 05: Jagat Trek to Deng 1,850 m./ 5,915 ft./19 km./11 miles/ 6-8 hours
The initial section is an easy and leisurely walk and guides you as you cross the Budhi Gandaki. The trail ascending through the picturesque rice terrace leads to the beautiful settlement of Gurung village, Philim.
Once you cross the village, the path 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, the day's journey concludes with a pleasant overnight at the charming village of Deng.
Distance covered: 19 km/18.80 miles
Walking Duration: 6–7 hours
Altitude gain: 500 m.
Meals: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner
Day 06: Deng Trek to Namrung 2,650 m./8,630 ft. / 17 km./11 miles/ 7 hours
Following a short walk, the trail crosses the Budi Gandaki. There are a couple of tea shops where you can buy some drinks, cookies and chocolate bars. The trail darts in and out of two ravines, then continues to climb high above steep slope on the opposite side of the river, then crosses the Budi Gandaki here. Throughout, the day, we cross the Budi Gandaki multiple times. You will take your time and enjoy the beautiful landscape, Gomba, and Mani stone routes. The trail follows the river upstream through a dense forest, followed by a steep climb to Namrung.
Distance covered: 17 km/10.50 miles
Walking Duration: 7 hours
Altitude gain: 800 m.
Day 07: Namrung Trek to Lho 2,550 m./ 11,580 ft./11 km./7 miles/5 hours
Now, the trail enters the Nupri region. The people of this region are all descendants of Tibetan immigrants known as the Bhote People. Usually, they dress in traditional Chubas dress. Today, you can enjoy walking through the rhododendrons, firs, and oak forests. Spectacular views of Manaslu (8,156 m) and Manaslu North (7,154 m). The trail then climbs a small hill and gets to Lho, a big village where you encounter significant landmarks such as the Monastery, Gumba, and Mani Stone.
Distance Covered: 10.5 km/6.25 miles
Walking Duration: 5 hours
Altitude gain: 400 m.
Meals: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner
Day 08: Lho Trek to Sama Gaon 3,500 m./11 km./8 miles/6 hours
To continue our journey, we need to cross the ridge out of the valley to the BudhiGandaki side and navigate the rocky moraine. We climb steadily, pass through forests, and reach Lihi, a wonderful village adorned with numerous 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 the Sho, Lho, and Shyala villages before reaching Sama Village. We can enjoy breathtaking views of Mt. Manaslu from Lho village and also 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. You will have a wonderful night with awe-inspiring views and the tranquil atmosphere of Sama Gaon.
Distance covered: 17 km/10.50 miles
Walking Duration: 5/6 hours
Altitude gain: 650 m.
Meals: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner
Day 09: Acclimatization day at Sama Gaon
This is the acclimatization day, It is a very beautiful day, as Sama Gaou is one of the most spectacular villages. You have several options to explore. South of Sama Gaon, there is an old Punggyen Gompa, which is hidden behind the ridge in front of Manaslu. This is the best viewpoint for the beautiful landscape and surroundings.
An alternative option for adventure-seeking is to hike the captivating glacial lake Birendra Lake' or The renowned Manaslu Base Camp for excellent views of Samdo (Pangphuchuli), Nagdi Chuli, Simnang Himal, Manaslu glacier, and Manaslu icefall. In itself, this is the heavenly paradise environment. After lunch, you can have leisure time.
Option for day tour
Opt. I: Trek Pungyen Gompa and back-14 km. altitude gain 550 m. walking 6 hours
Opt. II: Birendra Tal and back-5 km. 2 hrs.
Opt. II: Trek to Manaslu base camp and back 17 km/8 hours. Altitude gain: 900 m.
Day 10: Sama Gaon Trek to Samdo, 3,875 m./14,500 ft./ 10 km./6 miles/4 hours
Embarking on the trek to Samdo village is another delightful day on a well-mentioned and specific path. Along the way, be prepared to be captivated by the panoramic views of the landscape, pine forest, and Mani Wall. The view of the landscape, Manaslu ranges, Buddha Himal, and Shringi Himal are most eye-catching. After crossing the river through a wooden bridge, the day is a memorable and pleasant trekking day in the heart of the Himalayas. You will enjoy your night at Samdo.
Distance covered: 17 km/10.50 miles
Walking Duration: 4 hours
Altitude gain: 400 m.
Meals: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner
Day 11: Samdo Trek to Dharamsala 4,460 m./14,632 ft./12 km./8 miles/5 hours
Following the acclimatization day in Samagaun, Trekkers are more excited about the Larkya pass. Today, you descend on a wide, gentle path and enjoy the big, significant 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.
Distance covered: 12 km (7.50 miles)
Walking Duration: 5 hours
Altitude gain: 585 m.
Meals: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner
Day 12: Dharmasala Trek to Bimtang 3,600 m./11,770 ft. over Larkya La (5,160 m./16,924 ft.)/24 km./15 miles/9 hours
Today is the main day as you are going to concur the Larke La pass (5,160 m.), 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 steep scree slopes. Ahead, walk through a grassy moraine and a big Mani stone that leads to a large meadow. Finally, you will be in Bimtang where you can have a big night after a successful pass.
Distance covered: 24 km/15 miles
Walking Duration: 8/9 hours
Altitude descend: 860 m.
Meals: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner
Day 13: Bhimthang Trek to Tilje 1,970 m./6,463 ft./17 km./10 miles and continue to Dharapani-5 km. (5 hours walking)
Walk through the forest and waterfall to Dharapani, this is easy and short walking until Tilje stops for lunch and continues to Dharapani. Dharapani is the world-famous Annapurna Circuit trek (Larke pass) starting point as well.
Distance covered: 22 km/13.50 miles
Walking Duration: 7 hours
Altitude descend: 1,630 m.
Meals: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner
Day 14: Dharapani Jeep to Beshisahar and then Bus to Kathmandu, 205 km./124 miles/8-9 hours.
After having a healthy breakfast, drive to Besishahar on the off-road (25 km, 2 hours) by Jeep. You will have a small break for lunch and take another bus to Kathmandu. It is 180 km. from Dharapani and takes about 6 hours. This is a beautiful bus ride, and along the way you can see many beautiful landscapes, rivers, local villages, and rice terraces. It is a paved and smooth road, which makes it an easy and comfortable Jeep ride. Evening farewell Dinner
Distance covered: 216 km/134 miles
Approx. Driving Time Taken: 8 hours
Meals: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner
Day 15: Final Departure
As your journey with us comes to a close, we extend our gratitude for choosing our services. After the farewell, we comfortably transfer you to Kathmandu International Airport for your safe and sound journey.