Upon our arrival in the Tribhuwan International Airport (TIA) in Kathmandu, we will be greeted by a representative from Adventure Trans Himalayan who will drop us off at our hotel. After checking in, we take a rest or visit Adventure Trans Himalayan office. We may also stroll in the streets of Thamel, a tourist hub in Kathmandu for some souvenir shopping. In the evening, there will be a welcome dinner hosted by Adventure Trans Himalayan. For dinner, you will be served excellent Nepalese cuisine which will introduce you to the country’s authentic food culture. Overnight in Kathmandu.
We set off early today for Machhakhola. During the drive, we enjoy views of the Nepalese countryside along with the rolling hills and mountain sceneries. We will be driving on a paved road from Kathmandu to Dhading Bensi, district headquarter of Dhading (1050m)but the drive from Dhanding Bensi to Arughat will be on a rough road. Upon reaching Arughat, a major town in the region we drive further towards via Sotikhola to Machhckhola. Overnight in Machha Khola.
The narrow trail makes some minor ups and downs and eventually crosses the Tharo Khola and reaching Khorlabesi. After a few more ascends and descends we come across a small Hotspring in Tatopani. From the hot spring, we climb over another ridge, then cross the Budhi Gandaki on a suspension bridge. At this juncture, we climb on a wide, well-crafted staircase, then across a landslide and over a ridge to Dobhan. Upon crossing a suspension bridge over the Yaru Khola, we climb the stone stairs and walking on wall hanging IRON Bridge then drop to the river and again climb more stone stairs to Tharo Bharyang. Crossing the west bank of the Budhi Gandaki, we climb over a ridge, trek along the river and then climb towards the village of Jagat. Overnight in Jagat.
We begin today’s trek by climbing over a rocky ridge to Salleri, and then descend to Sirdibas. The valley widens a bit as the trail continues up to Ghatta Khola. We further continue walking upstream to a long suspension bridge in Philim, a large Gurung village. The trail turns north through the village and stays on a fairly level trail as it crosses millet fields to Ekle Bhatti. The route now enters a steep, uninhabited gorge. At this point, we descend to the grassy land slopes, cross the Budhi Gandaki, then trek along the west bank for a while, then cross to the east bank and then back again. As we continue through the trail the valley widens and we pass through bamboo forests to the Deng Khola. Upon crossing the Khola, we reach the tiny village of Deng. Overnight in Deng.
After a brief walk beyond Deng, we cross the Budhi Gandaki and climb to Rana at 1910m. From the bridge, we climb a bit to join a trail from Bhi, then head west up the Budhi Gandaki valley. The trail also passes through forests and mani where we turn towards a corner that contours to Ghap. Even though there is another route, we take the route through Prok village. Prok village has a viewpoint for a beautiful sight of Siringi Himal. We further cross the Budi Gandaki several times today and come across several gompas en route. The trail follows the river upstream through a dense forest. After crossing the river at an impressive spot where it thunders down a narrow gorge, the forest becomes less dense and the trail is fine again. The pleasant walk continues and after a last steep climb we reach Namrung. Overnight in Namrung.
Namrung village is a good viewpoint for Siring and Ganesh Himal and from the village one can also see Mt. Himal Chuli in the south. We climb steadily and pass through forests and reach Lihi, a fine village with many chortens and barley terraces. The trail drops and crosses the side valley of Simnang Himal with Ganesh Himal always close by. We further pass through Sho, Lho and Shyala villages before reaching Sama Village. We enjoy extraordianary views of Mt. Manaslu from Lho village and also explore the famous Ribung Gompa. In Shyala village we will be surrounded by high mountains like Himal Chuli and Peak 29 (Ngadi Chuli) to the left, Manaslu and large glaciers straight ahead, and other snow summits to the right, and at the far end stands Ganesh Himal. Today’s journey ends in Samagaon where we spend the night.
We spend the day at Samagaon both for rest and acclimatization. Today, we get acquainted with the rich Tibetan culture. We enjoy the sight of thousands of mani stones with Buddhist texts and pictures and the Tibetan women clad in traditional clothes and ornaments. On a little hill near the Sama village is an old Gompa (Pungyen Gompa), a monastery with great views of the glacier. It is named after Manaslu, Pungyen means bracelet, a good description of the two peaks. It was destroyed a year after the first unsuccessful Japanese attempt to climb Manaslu. The locals believed that the climb angered the gods, and when the Japanese came back a year later they met with a lot of resistance that they had to give up their attempt. They were finally successful in 1959. Overnight in Samagaon.
Today, we descend to the Budhi Gandaki River, that has turned north and follow it to a bridge over a side stream. The trail to the left leads to the Manaslu Base camp. The Larkya la Trail passes several mani walls as the valley begins to widen. It is an easy trail on a shelf above the river passing the juniper and birch forests of Kermo Kharka. We drop off the shelf, cross the Budhi Gandaki on a wooden bridge and climb steeply onto a promontory between two forks of the river. From a stone arch we can view a large white kani. Finally passing through the kani we find Samdo. Overnight in Samdo.
This is another day set aside for proper acclimatization. There are two options for us today. The option that we highly recommend is a hike, up the valley directly at the back of the Samdo village. This hike will take us to one of the trade passes to Tibet for excellent views of Mt. Manaslu along with other Himalayan ranges including Simrang, Hiunchuli, Ngadi, Larkye Peak, Cheo and possibly Kang Guru behind the pass. En route to these viewpoints we pass many seasonal herding settlements called Doksas and sight some beautiful mountain birds like the Lophophorus (the national bird of Nepal), Lammergeyer and Himalayan Griffin soaring high above us. Another option for today could be a trip to the Gya La (‘large pass’) to the north of Samdo, a more frequently used trading route to Tibet. But, this is a rather longer hike (whole day) and hence could be a little tiring. Overnight in Samdo.
Even today, we continue our walk down the edge, cross the wooden bridge over Budi Gandaki and begin walking upward. Upon crossing two streams and witnessing the Larkya Glacier we go around the valley of the Salka Khola and climb up again to the stone guest house (4450 m), which is not a lodge but a kind of shelter called Dharmshala, also known as Larke Phedi Bazar. Now there is couple of Lodge. The short walk today also leaves plenty of time for acclimatization and relaxing in the afternoon. Overnight in Dharmashala.
After a short climb, 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. Finally, we walk across moraines of the glacier, making a gradual ascent which becomes steeper only in the last section of the pass. From the pass, there are outstanding views of Himlung Himal, Cheo Himal, Kangguru and the huge Annapurna II. It is a longer day than usual to Bimtang, but to walk into these low pastures with the evening mist coming in with Mt. Manaslu looming close by is an overwhelming experience. Overnight in Bimthang.
From a ridge at Bimthang, we can enjoy great views of Mt. Manaslu, Lamjung Himal, Himlung Himal and Cheo Himal. We descend further and cross a high pasture (Sangure Kharka) followed by a bridge over Dudh Khola. We walk through rhododendron forest and follow a trail through a narrow valley until we reach the highest cultivated land of the valley at Karche, 2785 meters. We pass across fields before making a steep climb over a ridge. The trail comes off the ridge in a big, sweeping arc to the river bank at 2580m. A short distance beyond is the village of Gho. Due to yesterday’s tiredness we might take an overnight rest at Gho but better lodges are available at Tilije, so Adventure Trans Himalayan recommends we stay at Tilije. Overnight in Tilije Village.
We climb over a small ridge and enjoy the stone paved trail as it passes through a beautiful village. We then cross the bridge over Dudh Khola and climb up through a chorten-shaped arch, pass a mani wall and reach the Thonje village. At the village, we go through a police checkpoint and continue to Dharapani. We have entered the Annapurna circuit section from Dharapani (1960m). The path now joins the classic Annapurna Circuit in reverse and passes trek continues through the deep wooded canyon Marking the end of the great Marsyangdi Gorge, make a steep climb to Timang, then the trail settles into gentler slopes as the vegetation transforms from dense pine forests to drier slopes passing through the Thanchok a Gurung Village and continue to Chame. The district headquarters of Manang, largest settlement.
A slew of breathtaking scenery is on the cards today as the trail goes through a deep gorge, then past the great sweeping slope of Paungi Danda. Today is mostly an easy walk with few ascending stretches of trail dotted throughout the day.
Trek the northern trail via upper Pisang and Ghyaru – an area renowned for its spectacular views. It is now drier and you are sure to come across local farmers herding yaks. Here’s a hot tip – Tibetan yaks take a special interest in people wearing red, so choose your gear carefully today! Manang, a village of about 500 flat-roofed houses, offers excellent views of Annapurna II, Annapurna III, Gangapurna and Chulu East
Walking out of the Manang village after breakfast, we hike on gradually ascending trail which elevates all the way up to Khangsar village. At the beginning of the trek, we follow the down to the river. Crossing the suspension bridge over Khangsar Khola, we ascend the easy slope to the village of Khangsar. The houses in this village are built in the old Tibetan Style. Because of the ancient building, this village is also known as the last village of Nepal. Once reaching an ancient and culturally rich village, you can go explore around the village. We will stay at the guest house for the overnight.
A most adventurous and thrilling adventure awaits us today. Walking from the village of Khangsar, we trek towards the direction of mysterious Tilicho Lake. Passing a Gompa (monastery/Tare Gomba) our trail goes uphill through the recently constructed path. Traversing through an interesting or occasionally even surrealistic landscape of weathered slopes and rocks, we come across the long ridge. From this location, you can have the splendid view of the magnificent mountains. From here the path is narrow and slippery. So watch your steps. After a short and challenging walk on a steep screed, leads us the right to the Tilicho Base Camp.
Today we will finally see the magical lake Tilicho. We will start our hike to the magnificent lake Tilicho before the dawn in order to avoid the wind blow. From base camp, about 3 – 4 hours of a steep climb through the icy trail of the mountains leads us to the Tilicho Lake. Elevated at the elevation of 5200 meters, this pristine lake system is considered to be the highest lake in the world. The lake seems to lay on the boundary of two worlds. On one hand side there is bare and weathered landscape and on the other impossibly steep sides of Himalayan peaks, towering two kilometers above the lake and directly from it. After spending some time in the tranquility of Tilicho lake, we will descend downhill for an hour to reach the camping site of Tilicho High Camp. We will set up camp here for overnight stay.
Today we will be trekking towards Churi Kharka. After having our refreshing breakfast, we will head out for the hike. After hiking for some time, we need to check our gear for a difficult trail onwards. We need to cross Mesokanto La Pass, which is the difficult climb for today. After checking our gears and resting for a bit we will continue our climb for crossing Mesokanto La Pass. After some small climb, we need to hike for about 3 – 4 hours for completely crossing the pass. We will enter into Mustang district after crossing the pass. From here the trail is easy until we reach Churi Kharka. This place lacks Lodges and tea houses. So, we will set our tented camps for the overnight stay.
It’s the final day of our walking journey. The walk today is going to be a little windy as we move along the river valley towards Jomsom. After an early breakfast, we will follow the trail that descends all the way to Jomsom through the Lower Mustang Region and Kali Gandaki River valley. Jomsom is the center of the beautiful Mustang that boasts varieties of beautiful features in the region. It is also an important hub for Mustang and Upper Mustang Treks with the airstrip, abundance of tea houses and services.
A short but overwhelming flight to Pokhara across the mountains is due this morning. We board the plane and fly southward from Jomsom passing through several gigantic snow-capped mountains. It’s in incredible mountain flight experience of about 20 minutes. Once we are in Pokhara, we have leisurely time on our own to go explore the town. We can find massage to relieve the tiredness of trekking or simply walk around the lakeside. There are options of going for some adventure activities like paragliding, zip flying, bungee jumping, and ultra-light flight, etc.
We take a drive back to Kathmandu via same highway we took earlier to go there. Once in Kathmandu, we spend leisurely time back in the chaos of the city after so many days of serene mountain air and incredible adventure.
As the last day on this trip, we drive you to the airport as per your flight schedule back to home or onward destination.
We definitely hope that you enjoyed the Annapurna Circuit Trek and hope to see you for another adventure soon
The Manaslu Circuit Trek with Adventure Trans Himalayan Treks was an extraordinary adventure. The route was stunningly remote and diverse, and our guide made the entire experience seamless. From crossing high passes to exploring authentic mountain villages, every moment felt real and untouched. Truly a hidden gem, expertly organized!
The Manaslu Circuit Trek is one of the most adventurous and scenic treks in Nepal, circling the majestic Mount Manaslu (8,163 meters), the eighth-highest mountain in the world. This trek takes you through remote villages, dense forests, high-altitude landscapes, and over the Larkya La Pass (5,160 meters), one of the highest trekking passes in the world. The trek offers stunning panoramic views of Manaslu, Ngadi Chuli, Siringi Himal, and Himalchuli, making it a rewarding journey for those seeking both natural beauty and cultural immersion. The Manaslu Circuit Trek is less crowded than more popular routes like the Annapurna Circuit, offering a more authentic and serene trekking experience in the heart of the Himalayas.
The Manaslu Circuit Trek is considered a moderately challenging trek. It involves long trekking days, steep ascents and descents, and reaching altitudes of over 5,000 meters at Larkya La Pass. The trek's difficulty is mainly due to its high altitudes, the technical challenges of crossing the Larkya La Pass, and the remote nature of the trek. Though it is less demanding than some of the more technical climbs in Nepal, it still requires trekkers to have a good level of fitness and experience with high-altitude trekking. Proper acclimatization and a slow ascent are crucial to avoid altitude sickness. Adventure Trans Himalayan Treks ensures a carefully planned itinerary and guides who are experienced in navigating this challenging terrain.
The Manaslu Circuit Trek typically takes 14 to 18 days, depending on the pace of the trek and any optional detours or side trips. This includes days for acclimatization, especially in areas like Samagaon and Samdo, before crossing the Larkya La Pass. The journey starts in Soti Khola and gradually ascends through villages like Arughat, Machha Khola, and Tsum Valley, before making the final push to the pass and descending to Besisahar.
Our itineraries at Adventure Trans Himalayan Treks are designed to allow you plenty of time to rest and adjust to the altitude, ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience. We also provide flexibility if you'd like to extend your stay in some areas or adjust your trekking pace.
The best time to do the Manaslu Circuit Trek is during spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November). These seasons provide stable weather conditions, with clear skies, moderate temperatures, and good visibility of the surrounding mountain peaks. Spring brings vibrant wildflower blooms, while autumn is characterized by crisp air and clear views of the Himalayas. Trekking in these seasons allows you to experience the best of nature and ensures safer conditions when crossing the Larkya La Pass.
While trekking in winter (December–February) is possible, the temperatures can be extremely cold, particularly at higher altitudes, and snowstorms can make the pass crossing dangerous. The monsoon season (June to August) brings heavy rains, which make the trails slippery and potentially hazardous, especially in the lower regions.
To trek in the Manaslu region, you will need the following permits:
Manaslu Restricted Area Permit (RAP) – This special permit is required as the Manaslu region is a restricted area. It can only be obtained through a licensed trekking agency like Adventure Trans Himalayan Treks.
Manaslu Conservation Area Permit (MCAP) – Required to enter the Manaslu Conservation Area.
Trekking Permit (TIMS) – A Trekkers' Information Management System (TIMS) card is required for all trekkers in Nepal.
Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) – In some cases, as the trek ends in Besisahar, a permit for the Annapurna region might also be required.
Adventure Trans Himalayan Treks handles all the necessary permits and documentation for you, so you don’t need to worry about the logistics.
Accommodation on the Manaslu Circuit Trek will be in teahouses or lodges. These provide basic, yet comfortable lodging with twin-sharing rooms. At higher altitudes, the accommodations are more modest, and in some places, you may have to share a room with other trekkers. As the trek is in a remote area, some of the lodges may be simpler, but they offer a cozy environment with a chance to experience the local culture.
The food along the trek will primarily be Nepalese, Tibetan, and local Manaslu dishes. Expect meals like dal bhat (lentils and rice), noodles, fried rice, and soup. You will also find Tibetan bread and momos (dumplings) in some places. At higher altitudes, the food becomes simpler, but there will still be enough nutritious options to fuel you for the long days of trekking. As the trek progresses, expect to find fewer food choices, but the teahouses are well-prepared for trekkers and will provide hearty meals.
Altitude sickness is a key consideration when trekking at altitudes above 3,000 meters, and the Manaslu Circuit Trek reaches an altitude of 5,160 meters at Larkya La Pass. To avoid Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS), Adventure Trans Himalayan Treks follows a well-planned acclimatization schedule, which includes rest days at higher altitudes like Samagaon and Samdo. Our guides are experienced in identifying the symptoms of AMS, and the trek is designed to gradually increase in altitude to give your body time to adjust.
Our team carries medical kits, including diamox for treating AMS symptoms, and oxygen tanks for emergencies. If any serious symptoms of AMS occur, we have emergency evacuation plans in place. Your safety and well-being are our top priorities.
The Manaslu Circuit Trek involves varying terrain, including rocky trails, forests, rivers, and high-altitude passes, so you will need to bring the appropriate gear. Essential items include:
Trekking boots and gaiters for challenging trail conditions
Warm clothing, including down jackets, thermal layers, and waterproof outer layers
Sleeping bag (rated for -20°C)
Trekking poles to help with steep ascents and descents
Sunglasses and sun protection
Headlamp with extra batteries
Personal first aid kit
Water purification system (tablets or filters)
Adventure Trans Himalayan Treks provides a detailed packing list and offers gear rental options in Kathmandu for items like sleeping bags, down jackets, and trekking poles.
Yes, the Manaslu Circuit Trek is suitable for solo trekkers and female trekkers. The region is less crowded than more popular trekking routes, allowing for a more peaceful and private experience. The local communities along the trail are welcoming, and with the support of our experienced guides and porters, solo trekkers will feel well-supported throughout the journey.
At Adventure Trans Himalayan Treks, we ensure that your trek is safe, enjoyable, and comfortable. We provide experienced guides who are trained to ensure the well-being of trekkers, including female travelers. Our guides are skilled in managing all aspects of the trek, allowing you to focus solely on the adventure.
At Adventure Trans Himalayan Treks, we offer a personalized trekking experience that combines our local expertise, attention to detail, and commitment to sustainable tourism. Our team of professional guides and porters ensures that you have a safe, comfortable, and memorable journey on the Manaslu Circuit Trek. We provide flexible itineraries to accommodate your needs and pace, making sure you enjoy every aspect of the trek—from the breathtaking mountain views to the unique local culture of the Manaslu region.
Our priority is to make sure you enjoy a challenging yet rewarding adventure, while keeping your safety and comfort at the forefront of our services.
