Description
The Manaslu Circuit is one of Nepal’s most spectacular and culturally rich trekking routes, encircling Mt. Manaslu, the world’s eighth-highest peak. Located between the Budhi Gandaki and Marsyangdi rivers, the Manaslu region (also known as Gorkha Himal) offers dramatic landscapes, deep gorges, high mountain passes, and villages strongly influenced by Tibetan Buddhism.
Opened for trekking only in 1991, this restricted region remains wonderfully unspoiled. The trail leads from low subtropical valleys through remote Gurung and Nubri villages, ancient monasteries, prayer-flag-lined passes, and alpine meadows, culminating in the crossing of the Larkya La Pass (5,160 m).
With Sherpa Society Trekking’s 50 years of experience, this journey is carefully designed with proper acclimatization, safety, and respect for local culture, making it ideal for trekkers seeking an authentic and less-crowded Himalayan adventure.
Duration
14 DAYS
Grade
ADVENTURE / STRENUOUS
Average Trekking Duration
4-9 HRS
Altitude
MAX 5,160 M (Larkya La Pass)
Group Size
2-15 PAX
Season
APR-MAY & OCT-NOV
Route itinerary
Drive Kathmandu – Macha Khola (990 m)
Drive from Kathmandu to Macha Khola via Dhading and Soti Khola. The journey follows the Trishuli River before climbing into the Budhi Gandaki valley on winding hill roads.
Overnight: Lodge
Trek Macha Khola – Jagat (1,350 m)
Begin trekking along the Budhi Gandaki River, crossing suspension bridges and passing small settlements, hot springs (Tatopani), waterfalls, and dramatic cliffs.
Overnight: Lodge
Trek Jagat – Philim – Deng (1,860 m)
Enter the Manaslu Conservation Area at Jagat. Trek through Philim, a large Gurung village with fine views of Sringi Himal and Ganesh Himal, then continue through narrow gorges and cultivated fields to Deng, a village with strong Tibetan influence.
Overnight: Lodge
Trek Deng – Ghap (2,300m)
Cross the Budhi Gandaki several times and pass mani stone walls, chortens, and pine forests. Gradual ascent leads to Ghap, surrounded by terraced fields.
Overnight: Lodge
Trek Ghap – Namrung (2,630m)
The trail climbs steadily through alpine forests and traditional villages such as Lihi and Sho. Namrung is one of the largest villages in the upper Manaslu region.
Overnight: Lodge
Trek Namrung – Lho Gaon (3,180m)
Trek through wide valleys and Buddhist settlements adorned with prayer flags. From Lho, enjoy your first close view of Mt. Manaslu and visit the local monastery.
Overnight: Lodge
Trek Lho Gaon – Sama Gaon (3,360 m)
A scenic walk through Shyala village offers breathtaking panoramic views of Manaslu, Naike Peak, and Manaslu North before reaching Sama Gaon, the main settlement of the Nubri people.
Overnight: Lodge
Acclimatization Day – Sama Gaon
Optional excursions for acclimatization:
· Pungen Glacier & Monastery (3,450 m) – approx. 5 hours
· Manaslu Base Camp (4,800 m) – for strong hikers, weather permitting
Overnight: Lodge
Trek Sama Gaon – Samdo (3,700m)
Gradual ascent across open landscapes and yak pastures to Samdo, a high Tibetan village near the Nepal–Tibet border.
Overnight: Lodge
Trek Samdo – Dharamsala (Larkya Phedi) (4,460m)
Cross a wooden bridge near the Manaslu Glacier and ascend to Dharamsala, the base camp for Larkya La. Facilities here are basic but essential for the pass crossing.
Overnight: Lodge
Cross Larkya La Pass (5,160 m) – Bhimthang (3,630 m)
An early start leads to the highest point of the trek. Enjoy stunning views of Cheo Himal, Kang Guru, Nemjung, and Himlung Himal. Descend through moraines and alpine meadows to Bhimthang Valley.
Overnight: Lodge
Trekking time: 8–9 hours
Trek Bhimthang – Tilje (2,300 m)
Descend through rhododendron and oak forests, crossing streams and villages as the landscape gradually changes to subtropical terrain.
Overnight: Lodge
Trek Tilje – Dharapani – Jagat
Follow the Marsyangdi River, crossing suspension bridges to Dharapani, the junction of the Annapurna Circuit, then continue to Jagat.
Overnight: Lodge
Drive Jagat – Besi Sahar – Kathmandu
Drive to Besi Sahar and continue along the Prithvi Highway back to Kathmandu.
End of Trek
Drive Kathmandu – Macha Khola (990 m)
Drive from Kathmandu to Macha Khola via Dhading and Soti Khola. The journey follows the Trishuli River before climbing into the Budhi Gandaki valley on winding hill roads.
Overnight: Lodge
Trek Macha Khola – Jagat (1,350 m)
Begin trekking along the Budhi Gandaki River, crossing suspension bridges and passing small settlements, hot springs (Tatopani), waterfalls, and dramatic cliffs.
Overnight: Lodge
Trek Jagat – Philim – Deng (1,860 m)
Enter the Manaslu Conservation Area at Jagat. Trek through Philim, a large Gurung village with fine views of Sringi Himal and Ganesh Himal, then continue through narrow gorges and cultivated fields to Deng, a village with strong Tibetan influence.
Overnight: Lodge
Trek Deng – Ghap (2,300m)
Cross the Budhi Gandaki several times and pass mani stone walls, chortens, and pine forests. Gradual ascent leads to Ghap, surrounded by terraced fields.
Overnight: Lodge
Trek Ghap – Namrung (2,630m)
The trail climbs steadily through alpine forests and traditional villages such as Lihi and Sho. Namrung is one of the largest villages in the upper Manaslu region.
Overnight: Lodge
Trek Namrung – Lho Gaon (3,180m)
Trek through wide valleys and Buddhist settlements adorned with prayer flags. From Lho, enjoy your first close view of Mt. Manaslu and visit the local monastery.
Overnight: Lodge
Trek Lho Gaon – Sama Gaon (3,360 m)
A scenic walk through Shyala village offers breathtaking panoramic views of Manaslu, Naike Peak, and Manaslu North before reaching Sama Gaon, the main settlement of the Nubri people.
Overnight: Lodge
Acclimatization Day – Sama Gaon
Optional excursions for acclimatization:
· Pungen Glacier & Monastery (3,450 m) – approx. 5 hours
· Manaslu Base Camp (4,800 m) – for strong hikers, weather permitting
Overnight: Lodge
Trek Sama Gaon – Samdo (3,700m)
Gradual ascent across open landscapes and yak pastures to Samdo, a high Tibetan village near the Nepal–Tibet border.
Overnight: Lodge
Trek Samdo – Dharamsala (Larkya Phedi) (4,460m)
Cross a wooden bridge near the Manaslu Glacier and ascend to Dharamsala, the base camp for Larkya La. Facilities here are basic but essential for the pass crossing.
Overnight: Lodge
Cross Larkya La Pass (5,160 m) – Bhimthang (3,630 m)
An early start leads to the highest point of the trek. Enjoy stunning views of Cheo Himal, Kang Guru, Nemjung, and Himlung Himal. Descend through moraines and alpine meadows to Bhimthang Valley.
Overnight: Lodge
Trekking time: 8–9 hours
Trek Bhimthang – Tilje (2,300 m)
Descend through rhododendron and oak forests, crossing streams and villages as the landscape gradually changes to subtropical terrain.
Overnight: Lodge
