Manaslu Circuit Trek 14 Days

Day 1: Drive from Kathmandu to Soti Khola (710m)

Your journey begins with an early morning drive from Kathmandu, heading west along the Prithvi Highway before diverting toward the rural hills of Gorkha. The road gradually becomes rough and dusty as you pass through small towns like Arughat and Arkhet, offering glimpses of terraced fields, rivers, and local village life. After a long drive of around 7–9 hours, you reach Soti Khola, a small riverside settlement where the trek officially begins. You’ll settle into a simple teahouse, enjoy your first dinner in the region, and prepare for the adventure ahead.

Day 2: Trek from Soti Khola to Machha Khola (900m)

The first trekking day follows the Budhi Gandaki River through lush subtropical forests and narrow trails carved into cliffs. You cross several suspension bridges and pass through small Gurung villages, experiencing the raw beauty of the lower Manaslu region. The trail includes a few ascents and descents, making it moderately challenging for the first day. After 6–7 hours of trekking, you arrive at Machha Khola, a quiet village where you’ll rest for the night.

Day 3: Trek from Machha Khola to Jagat (1,340m)

Today’s trek continues along the river, passing hot springs at Tatopani where you can take a short break. The trail becomes more structured as you climb stone steps and cross multiple bridges, gradually gaining elevation. You pass through villages like Dobhan and Yaru before reaching Jagat, a checkpoint village with traditional stone houses. Jagat marks the entry into the restricted Manaslu Conservation Area, and you’ll notice a stronger Tibetan cultural influence from here onward.

Day 4: Trek from Jagat to Deng (1,860m)

Leaving Jagat, the trail climbs steadily through forests and narrow valleys, offering dramatic views of the river gorge below. You pass through villages like Salleri and Philim, where the landscape begins to change and the influence of Tibetan culture becomes more visible in architecture and lifestyle. The trail narrows as you enter deeper into the valley, eventually reaching Deng after around 6–7 hours of trekking. Deng is a small but culturally rich village where you’ll spend the night.

Day 5: Trek from Deng to Namrung (2,630m)

The trail today passes through dense forests of pine and bamboo, crossing several suspension bridges along the Budhi Gandaki River. As you gain altitude, the air becomes cooler and the scenery more alpine. You walk through villages such as Ghap, where mani walls and prayer flags reflect the strong Buddhist culture of the region. After a steady climb, you reach Namrung, a beautiful village with your first clear views of snow-capped peaks, marking a significant transition into the high Himalayas.

Day 6: Trek from Namrung to Lho (3,180m)

Today’s trek offers some of the most rewarding scenery so far. The trail ascends gradually through alpine forests and traditional villages like Lihi and Sho. As you approach Lho, the majestic peak of Manaslu begins to dominate the skyline. Lho is a culturally rich village with a large monastery (Ribung Gompa), and the views of Manaslu at sunset are breathtaking. You’ll stay overnight here, continuing your acclimatization.

Day 7: Trek from Lho to Samagaon (3,530m)

The trail gently climbs through open landscapes and yak pastures, with continuous views of Manaslu and surrounding peaks. You pass through Shyala village, where the mountain panorama becomes even more dramatic. After a relatively short but scenic trek, you reach Samagaon, one of the largest and most important villages in the region. This is a key acclimatization stop, surrounded by glaciers, monasteries, and stunning mountain scenery.

Day 8: Acclimatization Day in Samagaon

This rest day is crucial for adapting to the altitude. Instead of complete rest, you’ll take a short hike to higher elevations, such as Manaslu Base Camp or Pungyen Gompa, to aid acclimatization. The hike offers incredible views of glaciers and surrounding peaks. After exploring, you return to Samagaon for the night, ensuring your body adjusts properly before ascending further.

Day 9: Trek from Samagaon to Samdo (3,860m)

Today’s trek is shorter but important for altitude gain. The trail follows a wide valley with sparse vegetation, indicating the harsher high-altitude environment. You may spot yaks grazing along the trail as you approach Samdo, a small Tibetan refugee village near the border. The cultural atmosphere here is deeply influenced by Tibetan traditions, and the views of surrounding peaks are spectacular.

Day 10: Acclimatization Day in Samdo

Another acclimatization day allows your body to prepare for the upcoming high pass. You can take a short hike toward the Tibetan border or nearby viewpoints, gaining altitude gradually before returning to Samdo. This day is essential for reducing the risk of altitude sickness before heading to higher elevations.

Day 11: Trek from Samdo to Dharamsala (4,460m)

The trail climbs steadily as you leave Samdo, crossing barren landscapes and glacial streams. You gradually ascend to Dharamsala, also known as Larkya Phedi, which serves as the base camp for crossing Larkya La Pass. The environment here is harsh and exposed, with strong winds and colder temperatures. You’ll rest early and prepare for the most challenging day of the trek.

Day 12: Cross Larkya La Pass (5,106m) and Trek to Bimthang (3,720m)

This is the most demanding and rewarding day of the trek. You start early in the morning, climbing gradually to the top of Larkya La Pass. The ascent is long but steady, and reaching the summit rewards you with panoramic views of Himlung Himal, Cheo Himal, Kang Guru, and Annapurna II. After spending some time at the pass, you descend steeply toward Bimthang, passing glaciers and rugged terrain. After a long 8–10 hour day, you reach Bimthang, where you can finally rest and celebrate the achievement.

Day 13: Trek from Bimthang to Dharapani (1,960m)

The descent continues through beautiful alpine meadows, rhododendron forests, and rivers. As you lose altitude, the environment becomes greener and more comfortable. You pass through villages like Tilije before reaching Dharapani, where the Manaslu trail connects with the Annapurna Circuit. This marks the end of the trekking portion.

Day 14: Drive from Dharapani to Kathmandu

On the final day, you take a jeep drive from Dharapani to Besisahar and then continue back to Kathmandu. The journey offers one last look at the rural landscapes of Nepal. Upon arrival in Kathmandu, your trek concludes with unforgettable memories of the Manaslu region.