The Manaslu Circuit Trek, nestled in the remote and rugged landscapes of Nepal, offers adventurous journey through some of the most breathtaking terrain in the Himalayas. This trek, encircling the eighth highest peak in the world, Mount Manaslu (8,163 meters or 26,781 feet), presents a perfect blend of natural beauty, cultural immersion, and physical challenge. Moreover, While the main trail offers breathtaking vistas of towering peaks, cascading waterfalls, and remote villages, there are several side trips that add further depth and excitement to the Manaslu trekking experience.
If you have been looking for less crowded trekking area and at the same time aspiring to have life long memorable adventure, Manaslu is the best choice. Manaslu region, although opened for trekkers in 1991, was otherwise less prefered option due to its being in restricted list, extra cost and procedures for special permit, until it got limelight after getting hit by 2015 earthquake. Now, Manaslu Circuit Trek is a treasured trekking route that offers pristine mountain views, unique culture and thrilling adventure.It has preserved its distinctiveness and offers a great combination of exclusive culture, unmatched natural beauty and rich bio-diversity. The eighth tallest mountain in the world, Manaslu (8163), stands tall in the very center of the Nepalese Himalayas.
However, in compare to other popular trekking area like Everest and Annapurna, Mansalu still seeks better recognition as its camps are notoriously remote. For being situated at geographicaly challenging site, the local population is thin. Most sherpa people still rely on handful of agricultural product and animal husbandry. More and more Sherpa people are looking for better job and business opportunity through possible tourim boom in this area.
The trek can be started from Machhhakhola after 7-8 hours drive. We can opt to go by public bus or hire a private jeep for more comfort. The trail passes by small villages in Gorkha district, and follows the ancient salt-trading route with Tibet along the Budhi Gandaki River. The trek takes you to off the beaten ways passing through colorful villages filled with prayer flags, Mani walls, splendor of pine, bamboo and rhododendron forests and monasteries along the dramatic landscape of the Manaslu Circuit. The trek gives a wonderful opportunity to get an insight into the local culture and lifestyle. The people of the Upper Budi Gandaki region are known as Nupri (the Western Mountains) who are direct descendants of Tibetan Immigrants and still retain the strong Tibetan culture.
During the trek, we spend an extra night either at Syala Village (3500 m) or Sama Village 3520 for Acclimatization. On the acclimatization day, we go extra side hiking which is equally exciting and makes the trek memorable. We have number of options for the side trips during this trek and the trip can be extended or shortened according to your comfort and preferance.
1. Samagaon to Manaslu Base camp (4900mm) and Birendra Tal: Nestled amidst the rugged Himalayan terrain, the beauty of Manaslu Base Camp and Birendra Tal harmoniously intertwine to create an enchanting spectacle. At Manaslu Base Camp, the towering peaks stand as silent sentinels, draped in blankets of snow that glisten under the sun's gentle caress. As the sun's rays dance upon the snow-capped peaks, a symphony of colors unfolds, painting the surrounding landscape with hues of gold and pink.The tranquil Birendra Tal, a pristine alpine lake, mirrors the surrounding splendor, reflecting the azure sky and verdant forests that fringe its shores. Together, these natural wonders offer a symphony of sights and sounds, where the crisp mountain air whispers tales of ancient glory and the serene landscapes invite introspection, leaving an indelible mark on the soul.
2. Syala to Pung Gyen Gompa (4050m): Perched high in the Himalayas along the Manaslu Circuit lies Pung Gyen Gompa, a sacred Buddhist monastery steeped in history and spirituality. This ancient gompa, nestled amidst the majestic mountains, offers trekkers a glimpse into the rich cultural heritage of the region. As pilgrims and adventurers ascend the rugged trails to reach this revered site, they are greeted by intricate Tibetan Buddhist murals, prayer wheels spinning in the wind, and the peaceful ambiance of monks engaged in prayer and meditation. Pung Gyen Gompa stands as a testament to the enduring spiritual traditions that have flourished in the remote reaches of the Himalayas for centuries.
3. Samdo to Rui La Pass Tibet border (4998m): Rui-La Pass, a boarder to Tibet, stands as a formidable yet alluring obstacle along the Manaslu Circuit trek, reaching an altitude of approximately 5,200 meters.This high mountain pass offers trekkers a thrilling and challenging ascent, rewarding their efforts with breathtaking panoramic views of pristine alpine landscapes, with snow-capped peaks, crystal-clear glacial lakes, and cascading waterfalls dotting the horizon. Click for FAQs.
Welcome to the beautiful Himalayan country Nepal. Upon your arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu, we will be glad to greet you and assist you to the hotel. After you check in at the hotel, a pre-trek briefing will be given regarding the official formalities required for the trek. After the short pre trek briefing, we are free to explore the surrounding area of Thamel or to repose at your comfort in the hotel. In the evening, a welcome dinner will be served to you in a traditional Nepali Restaurant where you will be able to savor the authentic Nepali cuisine followed by a cultural program.
We make your permit today. At the same time you can explore Kathmandu with cultural guide. We will pick you up for this guided tour of various UNESCO listed cultural heritage sites in the Kathmandu Valley. Traditional Newari Temples and Palaces in the Kathmandu valley flaunt the rich artistry and architecture of the state. The valley boasts a unique culture which is a perfect blend of Buddhism and Hinduism. We will be exploring the diverse culture of the valley in the famous world heritage sites: Swoyambhunath Stupa (monkey temple), Boudhanath Stupa and Pasupatinath temple. After the wonderful tour around the city, there is a brief pre-trip discussion and final preparation.
We set out early today for Machha khola. During the 7 hour drive into the western mountains, we enjoy the view of Nepalese landscape, villages, farms along with the mountain sceneries. We will be riding on a paved route from Kathmandu to Dhading Bensi, and onward is partially off road. After crossing the bridge to the dense Sal forests, we climb onto the ridge along the Budi Gandaki River. On reaching Khursane, the rocky trail weaves its way upward and downward through several tropical waterfalls on the way. The track then follows terraced rice fields up to the Gurung Village of Labubesi. We further drive up the boulders, where the valley spreads out up to the Budhi Gandaki meandering among wide gravel bars. We descend to the extensive, sandy riverbed to continue on a winding mountain path overlooking the river. As the trail continues, we stop at Machi Khola for the night.
The trail is undulating, crosses streams and rocky ravines and reaches Khorla Besi. After walking for a short while, we come across a small Hotspring in Tatopan. A suspension bridge leads us to the eastern bank where we climb on a wide well crafted staircase to Dobhan. Resuming on a steep rocky trail, we skirt landslips in challenging landscape to cross a suspension bridge over Yaru Khola. We climb numerous stairs to reach Thado Bharyang from where we cross to the west bank of Budhi Gandaki to climb towards our night’s perch at the village of Jagat.
We begin our trek to Deng with an ascent over a rocky ridge to Salleri. We descend to Setibas and continue to Ghatta Khola where we cross a hanging bridge to reach the Gurung village of Philim. Passing along the millet fields to Ekle Bhatti from where the trail enters a steep, uninhabited gorge. As we keep walking the valley widens through bamboo forests to the Deng Khola. As we cross the Deng Khola, we arrive at a tiny village called Deng to spend the night.
We walk from Deng to cross the Budhi Gandaki to climb to Rana. We head west up the Budhi Gandaki valley crossing various streams and rivers to reach the Sringi Valley. We traverse up and down in the forests and Mani Walls to spend overnight at Ghap. We can also make a side-trip to visit Tibetan Gompas at Prok
The trail starts up through the forest densely vegetated with pine and birch to cross the river roaring down a narrow gorge . We continue on the narrow path through the forest to Namru with its check post, then continue through the forest path past small Tibetan villages towards Lihi. A Chorten with detailed paintings welcomes us to the Sho village with cluster of stone houses. With increasing altitude, the mountain views become more sensational. Manaslu, Manaslu North, Himalchuli, Saula Himal and Dwijen Himal rise either side of the trail as we move towards the village of Lho to spend the night.
We start our trek with a steep descent crossing a rock-strewn torrent, the Thusang Khola. Walking through the shady fir forest, we climb to the Village of Shyala on a plateau. The village is surrounded by gigantic mountains offering us the splendid panorama of Himal Chuli, Peak 29 (Ngadi Chuli), Manaslu and Ganesh Himal. As we move forward as we pass a large chorten into a little dip where two rows of houses makes the main part of the village of Samagoan. We spend our night at Samagoan which holds well known monastery called Sama.
We spend our day at Samagoan for acclimatization. We can walk to Pung-gyen Gompa, a renowned monastery from where we can enjoy the great views of the glacier. Pungen Gomba is a hidden gem worth exploring as a side trip on the Manaslu Circuit Trek. Nestled on a peaceful ridge above the village of Lho, this ancient monastery offers trekkers a quiet escape with breathtaking views of Manaslu and surrounding snow-capped peaks. The short detour to Pungen Gomba adds a spiritual dimension to the trek, with fluttering prayer flags, serene surroundings, and the soft chants of monks enhancing the tranquil atmosphere. It's also a fantastic spot for photographers and nature lovers, as the early morning light casts magical hues on the mountains. The path to the gompa winds through alpine forests and yak pastures, offering a rewarding and less-traveled experience. V
We start from Sama through the foot of the great Manaslu Glacier as the trail to Manaslu Base Camp branches off. We take the trail towards Larkya la and pass several Mani walls as the valley begins to widen. We enter a forest of birch, juniper and rhododendron, cross a wooden bridge and climb steeply onto a promontory between two forks of the rivers before reaching Samdo to spend the night.
We start our walk by crossing the wooden bridge over the Budi Gandaki River. After crossing a couple of streams, the Larkya Glacier appears on the opposite bank. We steadily climb, skirting around the Sarka Khola towards the stone guest house called Dharmashalaat Larkya Phedi.
After a short ascent we reach a valley on the north side of the Larkya Glaciers from where we can enjoy great views of Cho Danda and Larkya Peak. We walk across the moraines of the glacier while making a gradual ascent to the pass. Larke La Pass, at an altitude of 5,160 meters (16,930 ft), is the highest and most challenging point of the Manaslu Circuit Trek in Nepal. This dramatic mountain pass offers breathtaking panoramic views of snow-capped peaks including Himlung Himal, Cheo Himal, Kang Guru, and Annapurna II. The crossing typically occurs early in the morning to avoid strong winds and unpredictable weather. The steep ascent and descent require good physical fitness and acclimatization, but the reward is immense—an awe-inspiring Himalayan landscape untouched by mass tourism. Surrounded by glacial valleys and rugged cliffs, Larke La is a highlight of the trek, combining raw natural beauty with a thrilling sense of achievement. It is a truly unforgettable Himalayan experience. Savoring the spectacular view from the pass, we continue our walk onto yak pastures towards Bhimtang enjoying the evening mist.
We descend the valley of the Burdin Khola as we cross the high pasture. We cross the bridge over the Dudh Khola while entering a pristine forest of pine and rhododendron. We follow a trail through a narrow valley to the Karche as we pass the fields making a steep climb over the ridge to the river bank. After a short while we reach a tiny village of Gho. From Gho to Dharapani passing through the village of Tilije along the stone paved village. We cross the Dudh Khola walking along the river bank until we again pass over the wooden bridge to the northern side of the river. We pass a chorten shaped arch and Mani Wall to the village of Thonje and continue towards Dharapani where we will rest for a night.
First, we take a sharing jeep from Dharapani to Beshisahar. It is about 4 hours off road drive and then we can get a car or Deluxe bus to Pokhara or Kathmandu.
We will pick you up from the hotel for the departure from the Tribhuvan international airport. Bid Goodbye to the beautiful Himalayan country as you cherish the wonderful memories of your adventure. We are always happy to welcome you back to Nepal for another amazing adventurous holiday.
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