Gongabu, Kathmandu, Nepal
+977-9841409994
info@earthmtreks.com.np
Earth Matter Treks & Expedition Nepal

  • Destination

    Nepal

  • Regions

    Manasulu

  • Activity

    Trekking/Hiking

  • Accomodation

    Hotel (Kathmandu) / Local Teahouses (Trek)

  • Transportation

    Hiace & Local bus

  • Duration

    17 Days

  • Trip Grade

    Strenuous

  • Altitude

    5,106m

  • Best Season

    March-May & Sept-December

  • Start/End Point

    Machakhola/Kathmandu

Destination Region Activity Accomodation Transportation
Nepal Manasulu Trekking/Hiking Hotel (Kathmandu) / Local Teahouses (Trek) Hiace & Local bus
Duration Trip Grade Altitude Best Season Start/End Point
17 Days Strenuous 5,106m March-May & Sept-December Machakhola/Kathmandu

Trip Overview

The Manaslu Circuit Trek is a massive, high-altitude loop around Mount Manaslu—the 8th tallest peak on the planet—and it’s pretty much the gold standard if you want huge Himalayan views without stepping on other hikers’ toes every five minutes. It takes you straight from warm river gorges up into high, remote Tibetan-influenced mountain territory right near the border.

You start out low in green, sub-tropical canyons along the Budhi Gandaki River, crossing high suspension bridges over rushing glacial water. As the days go on, the trees thin out and the valley opens up into raw alpine landscapes. Villages like Samagaun and Samdo feel world’s away from Kathmandu—stone houses, ancient monasteries, yak pastures, and local Tamang and Gurung communities whose way of life hasn’t changed much in generations.

The big climax of the trip is pushing over Larkya La Pass at 5,106 meters. It’s a long, cold, breathless early-morning slog, but standing up top looking out at Himlung Himal, Cheo Himal, and the massive glaciers hanging off Manaslu makes the sore legs completely forgettable. After that, you drop down through Bimthang into quiet rhododendron forests before hitting the road back out.

Trip Highlights

  • Trek over Larkya La Pass (5,106 m): Early morning push over a high mountain pass for sweeping views of Himlung Himal, Cheo, and the Annapurna mountains.
  • Get up close to Mount Manaslu: Stay in Samagaun village right beneath the world’s 8th highest peak (8,163 m).
  • Side trips around Samagaun: Hike up to the turquoise waters of Birendra Lake or hit the trail toward Manaslu Base Camp at 4,400 meters.
  • Overland drive to Machha Khola: Head out from Kathmandu through green hills and river valleys to the trail start point.
  • Walk along the Budhi Gandaki River: Follow the river gorge inside the Manaslu Conservation Area, crossing high suspension bridges along the way.
  • Finish in the Marsyangdi Valley: Drop down through quiet mountain trails until you merge onto the main Annapurna route at Dharapani.
  • Varied forest trails: Walk through thick woods of rhododendron, pine, oak, and bamboo.
  • Spot rare mountain wildlife: Keep an eye out for blue sheep, Himalayan tahr, rare snow leopards, and red pandas along the trail.
  • Drive back to Kathmandu: Wrap up the circuit with a road trip back to town after finishing the trek.

Itinerary

  • Our team will pick you up from the airport and take you to your hotel in Kathmandu. You can rest after your journey or take a walk around Thamel if you have some free time.
  • Overnight stay in Kathmandu.

  • We spend today running through route details, checking your gear list, and sorting out necessary trekking permits. If you need any final personal items or clothing layers, you will have plenty of time during the day in Thamel. In the evening, you can pack your duffel bag and rest before the journey begins.
  • Overnight stay in Kathmandu.

  • Driving time: 8 to 9 hours
  • We leave Kathmandu early in the morning on a private vehicle, taking a scenic drive along the Prithvi Highway before heading north through Dhading besi and rural dirt roads along the Budhi Gandaki River until we reach Machha Khola.
  • Overnight stay in Machha Khola.

  • Hiking time: 6 to 7 hours
  • The trail crosses several suspension streams, passes hot springs at Tatopani, and climbs up stone staircases carved into cliffside paths. We cross the Budhi Gandaki via a suspension bridge and ascend into the stone-paved village of Jagat, the checkpoint for the restricted area.
  • Overnight stay in Jagat.

  • Hiking time: 6 to 7 hours
  • We pass through lush sub-tropical forests, terraced fields, and small settlements like Philim and Ekle Bhatti. The trail gradually gains elevation, offering dramatic canyon views before arriving at the compact village of Deng.
  • Overnight stay in Deng.

  • Hiking time: 6 to 7 hours
  • Crossing the Budhi Gandaki River multiple times, we trek through pine and bamboo forests, passing through traditional Tibetan-influenced villages adorned with mani stones and prayer wheels. The climb intensifies as we approach Namrung, which offers stunning views of Siring Himal.
  • Overnight stay in Namrung.

  • Hiking time: 4 to 5 hours
  • Today’s trail ascends steadily through lush rhododendron and fir forests, passing through the village of Lihi. As we reach Lho, you are rewarded with your first breathtaking, up-close view of Mount Manaslu (8,163 m) and its majestic double peaks towering over the village's historic monastery.
  • Overnight stay in Lho.

  • Hiking time: 3 to 4 hours
  • A scenic and gentle walking day that takes us past Shyala village, surrounded by an amphitheater of high peaks including Himalchuli, Peak 29, and Manaslu. We arrive early in Samagaon, the cultural heart of the Nubri Valley, allowing ample time to explore the village and rest.
  • Overnight stay in Samagaon.

  • Hiking time: 4 to 5 hours
  • A crucial day for altitude adjustment. You can take a side hike up to Birendra Lake near the Manaslu Glacier or trek higher up to the historic Pungyen Gompa, nestled beneath the massive east face of Mount Manaslu.
  • Overnight stay in Samagaon.

  • Hiking time: 3 to 4 hours
  • A shorter trek today to help with acclimatization. The trail gently climbs out of the valley past juniper forests, stone walls, and yak pastures, following the Budhi Gandaki upward to reach Samdo, the last permanent Tibetan refugee village before the pass.
  • Overnight stay in Samdo.

  • Hiking time: 4 to 5 hours
  • We cross the wooden bridge over the Budhi Gandaki and begin ascending past rugged wilderness and glacial streams. We arrive early afternoon at Dharamshala (Larke Phedi), the base camp for crossing the pass.
  • Overnight stay at Dharamshala.

  • Hiking time: 8 to 10 hours
  • The most challenging and rewarding day of the trip. We start before dawn in freezing temperatures, climbing steadily over moraines and rocky slopes to reach the summit of Larkya La Pass (5,106 m). The pass rewards you with extraordinary panoramic views of Himlung Himal, Cheo Himal, Kangguru, and Annapurna II. From the pass, we make a long, careful descent down to the wide glacial ablation valley of Bimthang.
  • Overnight stay in Bimthang.

  • Hiking time: 5 to 6 hours
  • After the grueling pass crossing, today’s walk is a welcome descent through pine and rhododendron forests, crossing wooden bridges over rushing glacial rivers, and passing through small pastoral settlements like Gho down to Tilje.
  • Overnight stay in Tilje.

  • Hiking time: 2 hours | Driving time: 3 to 4 hours
  • We take a short morning walk down from Tilje to Dharapani, where we join the main route and complete our trekking journey. From Dharapani, we board our private vehicle for a bumpy mountain drive down along the Marsyangdi River gorge to Besisahar.
  • Overnight stay in Besisahar.

  • Driving time: 5 to 6 hours
  • After breakfast, we leave Besisahar and drive along the paved highway back to Kathmandu. Upon arrival, you are transferred to your hotel with the rest of the day free to rest, refresh, or explore Thamel.
  • Overnight stay in Kathmandu.

  • A dedicated day to explore UNESCO World Heritage Sites across the Kathmandu Valley, visiting iconic spots like Swayambhunath, Boudhanath, and Kathmandu Durbar Square. In the evening, you can head out into Thamel to explore its markets, rooftop bars, and lively nightlife.
  • Overnight stay in Kathmandu.

  • After breakfast, our representative transfers you to Tribhuvan International Airport according to your flight schedule. This marks the end of your 17-day Manaslu Circuit trekking adventure in Nepal. Safe travels!

Cost Inclusion/Exclusion

Cost Inclusion

  • Airport pick-up and drop-off by private vehicle.
  • Four nights accommodation in Kathmandu on a bed and breakfast (BB) plan.
  • All accommodation during the trek and in Besisahar in handpicked teahouses/hotels (attached bathrooms where available).
  • Full board meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) during the trekking days, along with a cup of tea or coffee with every meal.
  • Fresh seasonal fruit provided after dinner during the trek (if and when available).
  • All overland ground transportation between Kathmandu, Machha Khola, Dharapani, Besisahar, and Kathmandu as per the itinerary by private vehicle.
  • Manaslu Restricted Area Permit (RAP), Manaslu Conservation Area Permit (MCAP), and Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP).
  • Experienced, English-speaking, government-licensed trekking guide and local porters (1 porter for every 2 trekkers) to carry your main luggage.
  • Complete staff insurance, daily wages, meals, accommodations, equipment, and transportation for all trekking staff.
  • Full-day guided sightseeing tour of Kathmandu Valley UNESCO World Heritage Sites by private vehicle.
  • Complimentary use of an Earth Matter Treks duffel bag for the trek duration.

Cost Exclusion

  • International airfare and Nepal Visa fees.
  • Lunch and dinner during your stay in Kathmandu and Besisahar.
  • Entrance ticket fees for heritage sites, monuments, and temples during the Kathmandu Valley sightseeing tour.
  • Personal travel and medical insurance (including mandatory coverage for high-altitude trekking above 5,000 m and emergency helicopter evacuation).
  • Personal expenses such as alcoholic beverages, soft drinks, mineral/bottled water, hot showers, Wi-Fi, and electronic device charging fees on the trail.
  • Personal trekking equipment and gear (e.g., down jacket, sleeping bag, trekking poles, hiking boots).
  • Tips for your guide, porters, and drivers at the end of the trip as a gesture of thanks.
  • Extra accommodation or transport (land/air) due to unforeseen circumstances.

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