Manaslu Circuit Trek — 16 Days

Arrive at Tribhuvan International Airport and transfer to your hotel in Thamel. Meet your guide for a trek briefing and gear check. Explore Thamel's bustling lanes in the evening.

Early morning drive northwest through Arughat Bazar along the Budhi Gandaki valley. The road becomes rough past Arughat; arrive at Soti Khola by afternoon. Restricted Area permit checkpoint here — have all documents ready.

Trek begins along the Budhi Gandaki river gorge through tropical forest and terraced fields. Cross suspension bridges and pass through Gurung and Magar villages. The trail is narrow with several river crossings.

Continue upvalley through the dramatic Budhi Gandaki gorge. The trail alternates between river banks via multiple suspension bridges. Jagat is the main Manaslu Restricted Area permit checkpoint — all trekkers must register here.

The gorge narrows dramatically with towering rock walls as you pass through Salleri and Philim. A long suspension bridge at Ekle Bhatti leads into Gorkha district. Deng is a small settlement with improving teahouse facilities.

The valley gradually opens as you gain altitude through Rana and Bhi villages. Tibetan Buddhist influence becomes evident in prayer flags, mani walls, and chortens. Namrung offers the first clear views of Himalchuli and Ganesh Himal.

Rhododendron and oak forests give way to pine as you climb through Lihi and Sho villages. Lho village has a beautiful gompa with a spectacular view of Manaslu's south face — at 8,163 m it dominates the skyline.

A relatively short day through high-altitude terrain passing Shyala village. Sama Gaun is the largest settlement in the upper valley — a Tibetan enclave with a 17th-century gompa, prayer wheel hall, and sweeping Manaslu views.

A rest and acclimatization day is essential at this altitude. Hike to Pungen Gompa (4,000 m) above the village for panoramic views of Manaslu, Ngadi Chuli (Peak 29), and the Pungen Glacier. Return to Sama Gaun for the night.

Short ascent through open yak pastures to Samdo, another Tibetan-speaking village near the Tibetan border. The high plateau landscape feels genuinely remote; Samdo is the last major settlement before the high camp.

Ascend steeply through barren moraines and glacial terrain to Dharmasala (also called Larkya La High Camp). This stone shelter sits just below the pass approach. Acclimatize, eat well, and retire early for the pre-dawn start.

The high point of the circuit. Start at 3–4 am by headlamp, crossing the Larkya La pass at 5,106 m with breathtaking views of Himlung, Cheo Himal, Annapurna II, and Lamjung Himal. A long descent through moraines and rhododendron forest reaches Bimthang by afternoon.

Descend steeply through dense rhododendron and bamboo forest past Hampuk to Tilije, a Gurung village in the Dudh Khola valley. The rapid descent from 3,720 m to 2,300 m is dramatic — knees feel it but the vegetation change is remarkable.

Continue down the Dudh Khola to its confluence with the Marsyangdi River at Dharapani, where you join the Annapurna Circuit route. This is the official exit point from the Manaslu Restricted Area — permit checked at the police post.

Board a jeep or local bus for the long but scenic drive back to Kathmandu via Besisahar and Dumre. Road conditions have improved significantly; expect 7–9 hours total. Arrive Kathmandu evening — celebration dinner with your team.

Free morning for last-minute shopping in Thamel or visiting Pashupatinath and Boudhanath. Transfer to Tribhuvan International Airport for your departure flight. Your Manaslu Circuit adventure concludes.