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The Manaslu Circuit Trek is one of Nepal’s most breathtaking Himalayan adventures, taking you deep into remote mountain valleys, authentic Tibetan-influenced villages, and dramatic alpine landscapes beneath the towering Mt. Manaslu (8,163m). Far from the crowded trekking trails, this journey offers a perfect blend of raw wilderness, rich culture, glacier-fed rivers, ancient monasteries, and the thrilling crossing of the legendary Larke Pass (5,160m). Every step on this trail reveals untouched beauty, warm mountain hospitality, and unforgettable Himalayan panoramas that create memories for a lifetime.
The Manaslu Circuit Trek is one of Nepal’s finest off-the-beaten-path trekking experiences. Located in the remote Gorkha district, this spectacular Himalayan trail circles around Mt. Manaslu and follows the dramatic Budhi Gandaki River valley toward the high mountain pass of Larke La. The journey begins with a scenic drive from Kathmandu to Machhakhola, where the trekking adventure starts. As the trail gradually ascends through lush forests, terraced farmlands, waterfalls, and suspension bridges, trekkers pass through culturally rich villages such as Jagat, Deng, Namrung, Lho, Samagaon, and Samdo.
One of the most rewarding aspects of this trek is the cultural immersion. The lower region is dominated by Hindu Gurung communities, while the upper valleys reflect strong Tibetan Buddhist traditions. Ancient monasteries, prayer flags, chortens, mani walls, and traditional stone houses create a deeply spiritual atmosphere throughout the trek. The landscapes continuously transform from green river valleys and rhododendron forests to rugged alpine terrain, glacier moraines, and snow-covered mountain scenery. Trekkers enjoy magnificent views of Manaslu, Himlung Himal, Ganesh Himal, Cheo Himal, Kang Guru, and Annapurna II. The ultimate highlight is crossing the challenging Larke Pass (5,160m), one of Nepal’s most scenic Himalayan passes. The reward at the top is an unforgettable panorama of giant snow peaks and dramatic glaciers stretching across the horizon.
After the pass, the trail descends into the beautiful alpine meadows of Bhimtang before joining the Annapurna region route near Dharapani and returning to Kathmandu.
The Manaslu Circuit Trek is ideal for travelers seeking a quieter and more authentic Himalayan experience compared to the busier Everest and Annapurna trails.
What Makes This Trek Special?
|
Day |
Route |
Elevation |
Duration |
|
Day 01 |
Arrival in Kathmandu |
1,350m / 4,429ft |
30 min transfer |
|
Day 02 |
Drive to Machhakhola via Arughat |
930m / 3,051ft |
7–8 hrs |
|
Day 03 |
Trek to Jagat |
1,340m / 4,396ft |
6 hrs |
|
Day 04 |
Trek to Deng |
1,860m / 6,102ft |
7 hrs |
|
Day 05 |
Trek to Namrung |
2,630m / 8,628ft |
7–8 hrs |
|
Day 06 |
Trek to Samagaon |
3,530m / 11,581ft |
7 hrs |
|
Day 07 |
Acclimatization at Samagaon |
3,530m / 11,581ft |
Exploration day |
|
Day 08 |
Trek to Samdo |
3,865m / 12,680ft |
4 hrs |
|
Day 09 |
Trek to Dharmashala |
4,460m / 14,632ft |
4 hrs |
|
Day 10 |
Cross Larke Pass to Bhimtang |
5,160m / 16,929ft |
8 hrs |
|
Day 11 |
Trek to Tilije |
2,300m / 7,545ft |
6 hrs |
|
Day 12 |
Trek to Dharapani & drive to Besisahar |
1,963m / 6,440ft |
7 hrs |
|
Day 13 |
Drive back to Kathmandu |
1,350m / 4,429ft |
7–8 hrs |
|
Day 14 |
Final departure |
— |
Airport transfer |
Spring (March – May): Spring is one of the best seasons for the Manaslu Circuit Trek. The weather remains stable with clear mountain views, blooming rhododendron forests, and comfortable trekking temperatures.
Autumn (September – November): Autumn offers crystal-clear skies, dry trails, and excellent visibility. This is the most popular trekking season due to stable weather and ideal mountain conditions.
Winter (December – February): Winter trekking is possible but extremely cold at higher elevations. Heavy snowfall may block Larke Pass.
Monsoon (June – August): The monsoon season brings rain, muddy trails, landslides, and limited mountain visibility, making trekking more challenging.
The Manaslu Circuit Trek is considered a moderate to strenuous trek suitable for physically fit travelers with good endurance.
Trekkers walk approximately 5–8 hours daily through steep ascents, rocky paths, suspension bridges, and high-altitude terrain. The crossing of Larke Pass above 5,000m is physically demanding and requires proper acclimatization.
Previous trekking experience is helpful but not mandatory. Regular cardio exercise, hiking practice, and mental preparation are recommended before joining this adventure.
Altitude sickness can occur above 3,500m, so gradual acclimatization, hydration, and proper rest are essential.
Accommodation during the trek is mainly in local teahouses and mountain lodges. Rooms are generally simple, clean, and twin-sharing with basic bedding facilities.
In Kathmandu, travelers stay in comfortable 3-star hotels with breakfast included.
Meals Available
Most teahouses provide:
Dharmashala near Larke Pass offers only very basic accommodation due to the remote high-altitude location.
The Manaslu region is culturally rich and heavily influenced by Tibetan Buddhism. The upper valley communities maintain centuries-old traditions, language, clothing, architecture, and spiritual practices.
Trekkers encounter:
Villages such as Samagaon and Samdo provide a rare opportunity to experience authentic Himalayan culture untouched by modernization.
The warm hospitality of local Gurung and Tibetan communities makes the journey even more meaningful.
The journey begins with a scenic private drive from Kathmandu to Machhakhola via Arughat, covering approximately 160–170 km in around 7–8 hours.
Road conditions vary from paved highways to rough mountain dirt roads.
After completing the trek, travelers drive from Dharapani/Taal to Besisahar and continue back to Kathmandu by private vehicle.
Private transportation provides greater comfort, flexibility, and safety throughout the journey.
Experienced Local Trekking Experts - Professional guides with extensive Himalayan trekking experience.
Safety First Approach - Proper acclimatization planning, first-aid support, and emergency preparedness.
Personalized Service - Flexible itineraries tailored to your fitness, interests, and travel style.
Responsible Tourism - Supporting local communities and eco-friendly trekking practices.
24/7 Customer Support - Reliable assistance before, during, and after your trek.
Discover remote mountain trails, authentic Tibetan culture, and the breathtaking beauty of the Manaslu region with Ghumnajaau. Whether you are an experienced trekker or seeking your next big adventure, the Manaslu Circuit Trek promises a life-changing journey in the heart of the Himalayas.
📩 Contact us today to customize your trip, check availability, and reserve your Manaslu Circuit Trek for 2026/27!
Upon arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu, We're grateful for the warm welcome extended by our official. We will take you to the hotel in our private tourist vehicle. Pre-trip meeting will be done and you will meet with your trip guide. Make sure to confirm your queries about trekking in the mountains.
We start our journey from Kathmandu to Arughat bazzar by private jeep/car. It takes 5 hours for 125 hours. And continue drive to Soti Khola & Machha Khola additional 3 hours on dirt track. At the bank of Budhi Gandaki river. Overnigh in trekking ldoge.
Today follow the gorge and continue up the river. Langur monkeys can usually be heard playing in the jungle high above, where there are also larger Garung villages. We trek through the villages of Khorlabesi, Tatopani, Dovan, Thulo Dunga and finally the cultural village of Jagat at the elevation of 1340m. Now I can see the first Tibetan Buddhist culture influenced village in Manaslu trail. Overnight in Jagat.
After spending the night in Jagat the trail begins to climb a rocky ridge where views of Sringi Himal (7,187m) emerge. Continue through rich terraced fields of maize, potato and millet before entering the Nupri (‘the Western Mountains) via bamboo forests. We spend the night in the Buddhist village of Deng for overnight stay.
From Deng, pass by numerous Tibetan mani walls (intricately hand carved stone walls with Buddhist scriptures), weaving in and out of canyons. Enter into a colourful forest of firs, oaks and rhododendrons before arriving in the settlement of Namrung for overnight stay.
Continuing from Namrung the trek climbs steadily into the alpine where you’ll see a first stunning glimpse of Manaslu North and Manaslu. From this point on many of the locals dress in traditional Tibetan clothing called chubas. Still keep going to Sama Gaun through the villages of Shyo, Lho and Shyala. This will be a long day of 7-8 hours walk. Overnight in Sama Gaun
Rest days to get physically acclimatized. We can spend the day exploring surroundings such as, Birendra Taal (lake), Buddhist monasteries, Samagaun, a big Tibetan cultured community and a side trip to Pun Gyen Gompa or Manaslu Base Camp but this both side trips requires almost a full day for each. We will see a marvelous view of Manaslu. Stay overnight at same place.
This is short day to allow you to better adjust to the altitude. Here is a land of yaks, plentiful marmots and pastures where only barley and potatoes can grow (due the high elevation) and where we finally depart to above the tree line. A pleasant walk brings us to the picturesque village of Samdo –a town known for its yak herding. Samdo is also at the convergence of 3 valleys and is only a day’s walk from Tibet. You are quite likely to see traders coming from the valley carrying Chinese and Tibetan goods. Stay overnight at Samdo.
Continuing on from Samdo follow along a wide, broad path, crossing the Bhuri Gandaki River and traversing along a mani wall. Continue climbing over the Larkya Glacier until coming to a ridge which offers grand views of a huge gorge. We will spend the night here, before embarking on the high Larkya La the next morning. Overnight at Dharmasaala. Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Time: 4 hours. Mode: Lodge.
Today; it is demanding walk, though not technically difficult trek over the Larkya La at a breathtaking 5160m. From Larkya Phedi, cross glacial moraine and past four frozen lakes as you make your way to the pass. It takes approximately 5 hours to reach this point. From here you can see incredible views of Himlung Himal (7,126m), Cheo Himal (6,820m), Gyaji Kung (7,030m), Kang Guru (6,981m) and Annapurna II (7937). Begin your descent down a trail along a steep gully. Eventually the trail peters out into more level area of grassy moraine. The valley opens up as you continue your descent to Bimthang and we’ll overnight here.
Cross a glacial stream and climb over the side of the moraine descending into a spectacular forest of rhododendron and impressive pines, with view of Manaslu providing an equal amount of splendor. Descend down towards the Dudh (milk) Khola then continue through a more agricultural landscape until reaching the village of Gho, Tilje and finally down to Dharapani.
After breakfast, the trail descends gradually from Tilije through beautiful pine and rhododendron forests toward Dharapani. Crossing the Marsyangdi River and passing small traditional villages, you reach Dharapani after approximately 2–3 hours of trekking. Dharapani is a popular junction connecting the Manaslu Circuit and Annapurna Circuit trekking routes.
From Dharapani, continue the journey by shared or private jeep drive to Besisahar along a rough mountain road. The drive takes around 4 hours, passing waterfalls, terraced hillsides, and scenic rural settlements. Upon arrival in Besisahar, enjoy a comfortable rest and overnight stay at a lodge.
After our breakfast we will catch a local jeep or bus get a bus to Beshisahar and connecting local hiace van drive to Kathmandu. This is will be a long day drive. Considering to extend a night and stay overnight in Besi Sahar allows you to travel relaxingly to Kathmandu. Transfer to hotel in Kathmandu. Overnight in Kathmandu.
It’s the end of our exciting journey in the Manaslu region. Today we conclude our 13 day Manaslu Circuit Trekking. One of our airport representatives will accompany you to the International Airport for your flight back home.
We bid you farewell, and hoping you’ll travel to Nepal again.
The trek is considered moderate to strenuous due to long walking days, high altitude, and the crossing of Larke Pass (5,160m).
Previous trekking experience is helpful but not compulsory. Good physical fitness is highly recommended.
Yes. The Manaslu region is a restricted area, and trekkers must travel with a licensed guide through a registered trekking agency.
You need:
Spring (March–May) and Autumn (September–November) are the best seasons.
Altitude sickness is possible above 3,500m. Proper acclimatization and hydration help minimize risks.
Yes, most teahouses offer charging and limited Wi-Fi services for an additional fee.
Yes, beginners with good fitness, determination, and preparation can complete the trek successfully.
Accommodation includes basic but comfortable teahouses and lodges throughout the trekking route.
Temperatures can drop below freezing at higher elevations, especially near Larke Pass during mornings and nights.