Manaslu Circuit Trek - 14 Days

On the first day of the Manaslu Circuit Trek 14 Days, you will arrive in Kathmandu. You will experience the energetic atmosphere of Kathmandu immediately after arriving at Tribhuvan International Airport in a city rich with cultural heritage. The Nepalese capital combines its traditional historical landmarks with busy city streets and inviting local attitudes. You will then move into your hotel then dedicate time to visit Kathmandu Durbar Square to see the medieval Nepal history depicted through intricate palace and shrine carvings. Every visitor must see the Swayambhunath Stupa (Monkey Temple) which crowns a hilltop where it provides spectacular views across the Kathmandu Valley.

Tourists can both finish their trek preparations and enjoy traditional Nepali dinner at the tourist destination of Thamel during the evening. The Boudhanath Stupa stands as one of the largest Buddhist stupas worldwide and should be explored if your schedule permits. Alternatively you can visit the sacred Hindu temple of Pashupatinath. These destinations show visitors the profound religious background of Nepal. The trek briefing session will occur to discuss the upcoming path with guides. The adventure starts in full force on the upcoming morning so proper sleep is essential before the first day begins.

The trip starts with a scenic vehicle ride beginning from Kathmandu that leads travelers to Machhi Khola via picturesque rural areas enveloped by terraced fields and green hills. During the initial stretch of the road you will experience views of rolling hills because it runs parallel to the Trishuli River following the Prithvi Highway. The path changes to an off-road track when you reach Arughat Bazar which sits on the Budhi Gandaki River banks because it leads to a rugged path through rural areas.

The journey to Machhi Khola becomes rough yet satisfying because the landscape changes from agricultural plots to thick forested slopes. Traditional Gurung and Magar settlements line your path while you observe different populations that exist in the region. When you reach Machhi Khola you will find a riverside settlement that provides an opportunity to appreciate the tranquil atmosphere of surrounding mountains. Before starting the actual trek you can find rest and enjoy a fulfilling meal at this location which serves as the final stop.

The adventure on the second day starts by following the Budhi Gandaki River during a casual walk up to Khorlabesi and its surrounding forested areas. The path includes a mixture of terrain elevation changes with restricted walking routes and it requires crossing suspension bridges. A major attraction of this section features Tatopani Hot Springs that provides an opportunity to rest your feet in naturally heated water. The trail advances toward steep ridges and stops at the villages of Dovan before the roaring Budhi Gandaki overtakes the path.

At Jagat, altitude the trail transforms into stone-paved paths which coexist with rising Buddhist cultural elements. Jagat provides the official starting point for the Manaslu Conservation Area where all trekkers must register their permits. The traditional stone houses together with prayer flags and chortens (Buddhist shrines) are what define the village as a whole. The village provides an excellent setting to mingle with locals while experiencing the Tibetan cultural elements that strengthen as you advance into the Himalayas.

Our journey starts with ascending through forests and fields which leads us through Salleri and then descends down to Sirdibas by the riverbank. Sringi Himal (7,187m) reaches full visibility as it stretches across the horizon to produce outstanding vistas. When you get past Philim you will find a lengthy suspension bridge followed by a confined canyon that shows remarkable cliffs combined with rock formations. The path reveals its new vegetation through the appearance of bamboo groves and rhododendron forests.

After Philim the trek moves up through Ekle Bhatti until it reaches the point where the Tsum Valley trail diverges from the path. From the Manaslu Circuit route you will cross multiple suspension bridges until reaching the small Tibetan-influenced village of Deng while surrounded by dense forests. The cultural shift becomes visible because households display prayer flags while people in the region maintain Tibetan traditional clothing. The village serves as a rest stop for the night because its combination of flowing river sounds and mountain breeze creates an atmospheric atmosphere.

Today, the trail crosses over Budhi Gandaki River on a suspension bridge and then crosses dense pine and fir forestland. The trail goes gradually higher by means of switchback turns as it reveals periodic views towards Shiringi Himal. Bihi Phedi is the initial point where you will be able to see Tibetan-style architecture and Mani walls with Buddhist prayer inscriptions before going through a ridge section with breathtaking valley views. Different landscapes emerge because the green vegetation transforms into rough mountains.

Beyond this point lies Ghap which serves as a culturally important settlement with traditional Mani walls along with prayer wheels decorating its landscape. Namrung becomes accessible after climbing steeply through wooded terrain until the trail reveals breathtaking views that combine Ganesh Himal and Himal Chuli mountains. Namrung stands as an essential settlement that features tea houses and traditional stone houses along with a Buddhist monastery. Here you will begin to experience the Tibetan influences because local residents speak a dialect that is more Tibetan than Nepali. Have a satisfying dinner while preparing for upcoming treks at elevated altitudes.

On the sixth day of the Manaslu Circuit Trek 14 Days, we will hike to Lho from Namrung, which takes around 6 hours. The morning starts with a gentle climb that takes you through rhododendron and oak forests before you encounter small chortens along with prayer flags in the environment. Two traditional village settlements named Lihi and Sho lie on your path. These places showcase terraced barley fields beside ancient monasteries. Your journey into the highlands reveals breathtaking scenery because the Himal Chuli and Ngadi Chuli (Peak 29) create a stunning mountain view across the skyline. The highland air produces cooler temperatures as Tibetan Buddhist architecture becomes more prominent through complex chorten structures that welcome visitors into each settlement.

The majority impressive sight on your trek manifests when you reach Lho because Manaslu (8,163m) reveals its stunning sight to you. Lho stands as a picturesque village which gained fame through its location above the valley where visitors can see Ribung Monastery on a hill. Visitors can watch Buddhist ceremonies and communicate with student monks at this monastery. The landscape presents a peaceful scene because Manaslu’s peaks radiate sunset light. Because of higher elevation it is essential to drink plenty of water while maintaining a controlled walking speed to avoid altitude sickness symptoms.

Today’s journey is short but spectacular because it reveals breathtaking vistas of Manaslu together with the snow-clad mountain range. Shyala presents itself as a scenic village through which the trail passes while displaying traditional Tibetan homes and yaks who roam the fields. The mountains at this point seem close enough to touch as Himal Chuli Peak 29 and Manaslu create a spectacular view against the sky. After descending slightly the path moves onto the valley floor to eventually scale up to Sama Gaun which stands as the biggest and culturally important settlement in Manaslu region.

Sama Gaun stands as a beautiful mountain settlement which presents itself to stunning views of peaks along with glacial moraines. Tibetan culture dominates the settlement and visitors can find ancient monasteries together with chortens and Mani walls throughout the area. Visitors must not miss the Pungyen Gompa monastery which provides spectacular sights of Manaslu Glacier while remaining in a distant location. The settlement functions as a crucial stop for acclimatization because hikers use it to adapt to growing altitudes before advancing toward higher Himalayan elevations.

Your body requires today for high-altitude adaptation through acclimatization. You can rest and take a short hike around today just to adapt into high altitude. A popular excursion from Sama Gaun takes you to Manaslu Base Camp (4,800m) through a challenging route where you can see spectacular views of Manaslu Glacier and Birendra Lake. The trek allows you to build your high-altitude stamina while giving you some of the most outstanding views across the whole circuit path. A visit to Birendra Tal offers hikers a chance to admire a beautiful glacial lake featuring water that shines like turquoise against mountain backgrounds.

While in Sama Gaun you should experience the traditional Tibetan way of life through observing the local people who herd yaks and conduct seasonal trade across the border with Tibet. Tourists can watch daily Buddhist prayer services at the Sama Monastery where monks perform their rituals. This rest day enables you to drink plenty of fluids as well as prepare mentally and physically for the complex sections that lie ahead. Before tackling Larkya La Pass you need this acclimatization day to endure your journey both successfully and pleasurably.

Today, the trail climbs gradually out of Sama Gaun and along the Budhi Gandaki River into a wide open valley, surrounded by barren hills. The tree line disappears and the country gets more rugged with rocky paths and yak pastures replacing dense forests. The wind starts to gather in strength as you climb up, and it makes the chill far worse even during the day. In the meantime, you might catch sight of some blue sheep and Himalayan marmots as they go about grazing on whatever little vegetation they can find at this elevation.

After a steady climb, you’ll come to the last permanent settlement before crossing Larkya La Pass, Samdo. A small Tibetan refugee settlement of only a few dozen families, they all still follow their traditional way of living. The village is located on a ridge and possesses magnificent views of Manaslu and Samdo Peak and the border of Tibet. You can do a short acclimatization hike on the nearby ridge to get better views and a chance to spot some Himalayan wildlife. Because of the altitude, it is going to be cold at night, so warm layers are a must.

On the tenth day of the Manaslu Circuit Trek 14 Days, the trail away from Samdo goes gradually upwards, at the mercies of the barren rocky slopes, with the gain of wind as another negative factor against you. The trails become unkempt and far less vegetated, presenting a clear yet exquisite high-altitude landscape. Once across a wooden bridge that cuts over the Budhi Gandaki, the path turns sharply up into magnificent views of Manaslu, Larkya Peak, and Syacha Glacier. 

After a few hours of trekking, you reach Dharamsala (or Larkya Phedi), a natural expanse with small seasonal lodges/makeshift tea houses, built to cater to trekkers. Owing to the altitude, the facilities are almost nonexistent; they consist basically of lodging with good food in lesser quantities. Most of the trekkers spend the afternoon resting and hydrating to ready themselves for the crossing of Larkya La Pass the next day. In the case of short acclimatization hikes to the nearby ridges, would assist in the adjustment of any hiking group. At night, the temperature here becomes a harsh drop, so warm layers and appropriate gear become essential attributes for survival.

This is the most difficult and definitely rewarding day of the trek, and you walk beyond the Larkya La Pass (5,106 m), the highest point in the Manaslu Circuit. Early morning, the waking starts at a grueling long, straight ascent over rocky ground, moraines, and glacial ridges. This steep ascent is bitterly cold and windswept, trumpeting strength, while the views along the way keep growing ever more spectacular with Himlung Himal (7,126 m), Cheo Himal, Kang Guru, and Annapurna II forming a background picture.

Once that’s cleared, you climb up to the top of Larkya La Pass where you’re sure to be rewarded with a complete 360-degree breathtaking view of snow-covered peaks and glaciers extending well beyond the horizon. After a brief rest, this is where the descent begins—a steep, rather treacherous path that extends downhill toward Bimthang. The landscape changes, somewhat suddenly at the start, from the dry to the wet alpine meadows and glacial rivers. With the descent further, some areas now open up to patches of pine and rhododendron forests, which present quite a refreshing difference from the high bare lands. Right now, you’re going to come to Bimthang, and you’ll find yourself back between towering lush valleys.

Today’s journey feels easier as you go down to wonderful forests and river valleys. It is a magical world; the morning light dances here in Bimthang with an echo of Manasim and Lamjung Himal on the glacial streams. The trail meanders down Dudh Khola River amidst some beautiful pastures and forests full of rhododendron and oak trees. There will be some wooden bridges across several settlements such as Gho where Tibetan culture is reflected even now.

The more you descend, the warmer it gets, and so does the landscape. Finally, join the Annapurna Circuit trail at Dharapani, one of the larger villages along this leg, and then larger facilities. Here, one can definitely see a contrast from all those remote villages of Manaslu; indeed, doe has become a traveling point for trekkers on their way to Annapurna and Thorong La Pass. After days of isolated mountain terrain, these comforts of better lodges with hot showers are justified.

This is the final day of trek on this great adventure — a jeep trip back to Kathmandu from Dharapani. Jagat, Syange, and BesiSahar are the destinations traveled across rugged, twisting, winding roads, where nature shows itself through terraced hills, waterfalls and dense forests. The journey takes 7 to 9 hours since the road gets quite better when you enter the more developed areas near the main highway.

You will spend the evening relaxing at a hotel in Kathmandu, thinking about all the wonders of your adventure. Many trekkers will head off to a farewell dinner at a traditional Nepali restaurant enjoying dishes like dal bhat, momo (dumplings), and Newari cuisine. Otherwise, if energy still abounds, a walk through those colorful streets of Thamel where souvenir shops and local craft stores are present will yield an ideal opportunity for getting something home from the trek.

Your adventure comes to an end today. Our representative will escort you to Tribhuvan International Airport from where you will fly back to your home with memories about Manaslu Circuit Trek.