Explore the challenging Manaslu Circuit Trek, a 12-day adventure through Nepal’s rich culture and stunning landscapes. Requires experience and superior fitness.
Explore the challenging Manaslu Circuit Trek, a 12-day adventure through Nepal’s rich culture and stunning landscapes. Requires experience and superior fitness.
Kathmandu to Aarkhet Bazaar (620m) and onward to Soti Khola (1000m), then to Machhekhola (870m), 10–12 hours.
Machhakhola - Begin the day with an early morning drive along the Prithivi Highway to Malekhu Pul, then turn right towards Dhading Besi, the district headquarters of Dhading. Continue off-road to Salentar and Arughat Bazar, proceeding to…
Kathmandu to Aarkhet Bazaar (620m) and onward to Soti Khola (1000m), then to Machhekhola (870m), 10–12 hours.
Machhakhola - Begin the day with an early morning drive along the Prithivi Highway to Malekhu Pul, then turn right towards Dhading Besi, the district headquarters of Dhading. Continue off-road to Salentar and Arughat Bazar, proceeding to Sotikhola. The journey follows the Budigandaki River, where the landscape transforms as the broad valley narrows, with the trail sometimes carved into the steep, forested valley side. Pass several small villages nestled on the hillside until reaching a wider part of the valley, opposite where a large tributary joins the Buri Gandaki. The terraced fields here belong to Lapu Besi village. The trek descends to the wide, sandy riverbed, following a path beneath the steep, rugged valley side. Eventually, ascend again on a trail to Machhekhaola (870m), meaning “Fish stream,” a 10–12 hour drive by bus or jeep, with an overnight stay at a guest house.
MachheKhola to Jagat (1340m), 5-6 hours.
Jagat to Deng (1860m), 5-6 hours.
Deng to Namrung (2630m), 5–6 hours, overnight at Lodge/Guest House.
Namrung - The valley remains steep-sided and impressive. Cross to the village of Lana, where Mani stones indicate entry into a high-altitude Buddhist region. After about four hours, reach the village of Ghap, which spans the river. This marks entry into Tibetan areas, with noticeable cultural and climate changes. The trekking is now pleasantly cool. Gain altitude to enter alpine territory, enhancing mountain views. More Mani walls appear after Ghap, with three more crossings of the Budi Gandaki en route to Namrung (2630m), a 5-6 hour trek, with an overnight stay at a lodge or hotel.
Namrung to Lho (3180m), 4 hours, overnight at Lodge/Guest House.
Manaslu - Today is a shorter trekking day due to the magnificent views on the way to Lho. After breakfast, begin trekking past Lihi, cross the Hinang River, and climb to Sho, then gradually ascend to a large village at 3150m, home to a charming monastery and numerous Chortens and Mani walls, known as Lho village. Looking back, Ganesh Himal I is visible. Overnight at a guest house or hotel.
Lho to Samagaou (3520m), 4–5 hours, overnight at Lodge/Guest House.
Samagaun - After breakfast, leave the village of Lho Gau, following the right bank of the river with views of Peak 29 ahead. At a trail fork, take a detour left to How Sansho Gompa and the Punggen Glaciers, offering stunning views of Peak 29, Himalchuli, and Manaslu. Continuing on the main trail, soon reach the fields of Sama Gau, 3520m, a 4-5 hour trek, with an overnight stay at a hotel or guest house.
Rest day - Acclimatization rest day in Samagaou, overnight at Lodge/Guest House.
Samagaun - Enjoy a rest day at Samagaon for acclimatization. Surrounded by mountains in a tranquil forest, take a break to acclimatize and relax. Consider hiking to Manaslu Base Camp for excellent views of Samdo (Pang phuchuli), Nagdi chuli, Simnang Himal, Manaslu glacier, Manaslu ice fall, and Birendra Kunda, an ice lake near the Manaslu Base Camp. Discuss with your guide to plan a day tour based on your preferences and situation, with an overnight stay at a lodge or hotel.
Trek from Samagaon to Samdo (3875m), 4-5 hours, overnight at Lodge/Guest House.
Samagaun - Trek gently uphill to Samdo through a desert path and windy valley. The Tibetan border is just four kilometers from Samdo, but visitors cannot cross the border. An extra day is needed to visit the Tibetan border. Samdo hosts a Tibetan refugee village and offers excellent views of Mt. Manaslu, Samdo (Pang phuchuli), Nagdi chuli, Sonam Himal, Manaslu glacier, Manaslu ice fall, and other majestic peaks. Overnight at a lodge in Samdo (3875m).
Trek from Samdo to Larke La Phedi/Dharmasala (4460 m), 4-5 hours, overnight at Lodge/Guest House.
Manaslu - The trek to Dharmashala or Larky Phedi or Larke base camp takes about 4/5 hours. The trail is rocky and zigzags to the destination. Before reaching Larke Phedi, visit Larkya Bazaar, where seasonal fairs are held for locals. Goods from Tibet are sold and exchanged here. Overnight at a basic tea house in Dharmasala/Larkya Phedi.
Trek from Larke La Phedi to Larke La Pass (5213m) to Bimthang (3590m), 8–12 hours, overnight at Lodge/Guest House.
Bimthang - The trek takes about 8/12 hours. Start early with a steep ascent to Larkya La via a rocky and windy trail. Carry a packed lunch. From the top, enjoy views of Larke peak, sunrise at Mt. Manaslu, Ratna chuli, Cheo Himal, and other snow-capped mountains and peaks. After crossing the pass, descend steeply through rock and ice. If trekking in December or early March, mini crampons are recommended. Trekking poles may help in other seasons. Encounter many icy lakes along the way. Exercise caution while descending. Bimthang is a broad, level ablation valley with Mani walls and deserted houses. Overnight at a guest house in Bimthang (3590m), 8–12 hours of trekking.
Bhimtang to Tilije 2360m / Dharapani, 5–6 hours, overnight at Lodge/Guest House.
Dharapani - The trek from Bimthang to Tillje takes about six to seven hours. Cross the high pasture and descend the Purdin Khola valley to the West side of Manaslu Base Camp. From a ridge at 4150 meters, enjoy excellent views of Manaslu to the Southeast and Annapurna II to the Southwest. Beyond a bridge over the Dudh Khola headwaters, descend into a rhododendron forest and follow a trail through a narrow valley to reach the highest cultivated land in this valley at Karche, 2785 meters. Continue downhill, crossing a stream to reach Tilje, known for its apple orchard and local wine. Overnight at a guest house.
Tilije/Dharapani to Besisahar (800m) by Jeep and continue to Kathmandu by bus, 9–10 hours, transfer to hotel.
Kathmandu - Departing Tilje, trek uphill for about 1-1.5 hours to reach Dharapani, crossing a bridge over the Marshyangdi River. Check the Manaslu special permit again and continue on the Annapurna trail to Katre (Khotro), then to Tal village and Besi Sahar (800m), a 4-6 hour drive by local jeep or bus. From Besi Sahar, continue to Kathmandu, a 5-hour drive by bus or jeep, with a hotel transfer marking the end of the trek. If interested, a drive to Pokhara is also possible from Besi Sahar, taking 4 hours.

- All Fees and Taxes
- 11 nights hotel/Guest house (sharing basic)
- Lunch, Dinner, Breakfast
- Kathmandu to Machhekhola & Dharapani to Kathmandu land transport
- First Aid and Eco trained & Government licensed, professional equipped English speaking guide
- All Fees and Taxes
- 11 nights hotel/Guest house (sharing basic)
- Lunch, Dinner, Breakfast
- Kathmandu to Machhekhola & Dharapani to Kathmandu land transport
- First Aid and Eco trained & Government licensed, professional equipped English speaking guide
- Personal Natural expensive/ travel Insurance.
- Hot and cold drinks, Hot showers etc.
- Internet, WI-fi, Tel Phone etc.
- Personal trekking equipment.
- Tips / Donation.
- Personal Natural expensive/ travel Insurance.
- Hot and cold drinks, Hot showers etc.
- Internet, WI-fi, Tel Phone etc.
- Personal trekking equipment.
- Tips / Donation.
Manaslu Circuit Trekking is located in the Gorkha district, northwest of Kathmandu, home to the legendary Gorkha soldiers. Opened to trekkers in 1992, the Manaslu area offers a blend of rich cultural heritage, stunning beauty, and diverse biological landscapes. Special permits are required to visit the upper Manaslu trekking region.
Manaslu is…
Manaslu Circuit Trekking is located in the Gorkha district, northwest of Kathmandu, home to the legendary Gorkha soldiers. Opened to trekkers in 1992, the Manaslu area offers a blend of rich cultural heritage, stunning beauty, and diverse biological landscapes. Special permits are required to visit the upper Manaslu trekking region.
Manaslu is considered one of the most challenging treks in Nepal, demanding significant trekking experience and excellent physical fitness. Key highlights include Tatopani (a natural hot spring), Lho, Samagaun, Samdo, and Larkya Bazaar, which offer insights into authentic culture, local life, and a surprising variety of experiences.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.