Manaslu Circuit

Upon arrival in Kathmandu, representatives of Himalayan Monks SP. Z O.O., operating through its local partner Jagadamba Holidays, will warmly welcome you at Tribhuvan International Airport, Kathmandu, Nepal, with the company’s logo (Himalayan Monks SP. Z O.O.) and traditional marigold garlands. In the event of a late-night arrival, private transportation to the hotel will be arranged by the representative. Clients will be informed of tour briefings and group meeting times by a representative. During the meeting, travel plans and services will be discussed, and the trek or tour guide will be introduced according to the itinerary. All participants must complete a legally binding travel form and a non-liability disclaimer form. Any outstanding tour payments must be settled during this meeting.

After an early breakfast at your hotel in Kathmandu, begin a full day of travel heading west along the scenic Prithvi Highway. The drive offers beautiful views of the Trishuli River winding through green valleys, terraced farmlands, and small hillside villages that reflect rural Nepali life. As you leave the city behind, the landscape gradually becomes more peaceful and remote.

Stop for lunch at Dhading Besi, a lively town surrounded by rolling hills. After lunch, continue toward Arughat, where the road conditions become rougher and narrower, giving you your first sense of adventure. The journey passes through Soti Khola, marking the gateway to the Manaslu region and the official starting point of the trek.

By late afternoon or early evening, arrive at Machha Khola (869 m), a quiet village set beside the Budhi Gandaki River. Check into a local teahouse, enjoy a warm meal, and relax in the calm mountain atmosphere. This overnight stop allows you to rest and prepare for the trekking days ahead.

Begin your trek from Machha Khola toward Jagat (1,340 m), officially entering the restricted Manaslu region. The trail follows the Budhi Gandaki River, crossing suspension bridges and winding through rocky paths, waterfalls, and forested sections. Along the way, enjoy close-up views of steep hillsides and glimpses of Himalayan peaks rising above the valley.

Pass through small villages where friendly locals offer a warm welcome, giving you a firsthand look at traditional mountain life and culture. This day’s trek covers about 17 km and takes roughly 6–7 hours, with steady ascents and gentle descents that gradually build your trekking rhythm.

Arrive in Jagat by late afternoon and settle into a comfortable teahouse for the night. Take time to relax, enjoy the peaceful surroundings, and reflect on a rewarding day as your Manaslu Circuit adventure continues deeper into the Himalayas.

Begin your day trekking from Jagat, continuing deeper into the Manaslu region toward Nyak Phedi or Pewa Village. The trail gradually climbs through dense forests, narrow valleys, and rocky paths shaped by years of mountain life. Along the way, you will pass cascading waterfalls, stone staircases, and small traditional settlements that reflect the simple yet resilient lifestyle of the local communities.

As you walk, enjoy the peaceful surroundings and changing scenery, with moments to pause and take in the fresh mountain air and natural beauty. Friendly encounters with villagers and prayer flags lining the trail add a cultural and spiritual dimension to the journey. The steady ascent makes for a rewarding trekking day without being overly demanding.

After approximately 6–7 hours of walking, arrive at Nyak Phedi or Pewa Village (1,750 m). Settle into a cozy teahouse, enjoy a warm meal, and relax for the evening. This overnight stop provides a calm mountain setting to rest and prepare for the next stage of your Manaslu Circuit adventure.

Start your trek from Nyak Phedi, heading toward the scenic village of Ghap (2,165 m) in the Manaslu region. The trail winds through dense forests, crosses small streams, and follows rugged mountain paths with expanding views of the surrounding hills and valleys.

As you gain altitude, enjoy the peaceful sounds of nature and the changing landscape, with chances to spot local plants and wildlife along the way. Passing through Deng, the route continues with steady climbs and gentle descents that keep the day engaging and rewarding.

After 5–6 hours of trekking over roughly 15 km, arrive in Ghap, a quiet village known for its welcoming atmosphere. Settle into a comfortable teahouse, enjoy a warm meal, and rest overnight, surrounded by the calm beauty of the Himalayas.

Leave the quiet village of Ghap and continue your journey toward Namrung (2,650 m), moving deeper into the heart of the Manaslu region. The trail gradually ascends along the river valley, passing through dense forests and crossing suspension bridges that offer views of waterfalls and narrow gorges below. Along the way, you’ll notice mani walls, chortens, and stone houses that highlight the strong Tibetan cultural influence in this area.

This section of the trek is relatively short, covering about 8 km in 3–4 hours, making it ideal for steady acclimatization. As you gain elevation, the landscape becomes more alpine and open. Upon arrival in Namrung, explore the traditional village with its monasteries, prayer wheels, and welcoming teahouses. From here, enjoy impressive mountain views, including Ganesh Himal, Himal Chuli, and Shringi Himal, as you rest and prepare for the higher trails ahead.

Trek from Namrung to Shyala, a rewarding and scenic day that leads you further into the high Himalayas. The trail passes through the traditional villages of Sho and Lho, known for their Tibetan-style houses, monasteries, mani walls, and chortens. From Lho, enjoy your first close and dramatic views of Mount Manaslu, rising majestically above the village.

The route steadily ascends through open alpine landscapes, with the mountains becoming more impressive at every turn. After about 5–6 hours of trekking over roughly 13 km, reach Shyala Village (3,520 m), set in a wide alpine basin.

Shyala offers breathtaking panoramic views of Manaslu, Himal Chuli, Ngadi Chuli, and the Manaslu Glacier. The peaceful atmosphere and stunning surroundings make it an excellent place for acclimatization and rest, and one of the most memorable stops on the Manaslu Circuit Trek.

Begin your trek from Shyala toward Samagaon, with a rewarding side trip to the sacred Pungen Gumba. The trail climbs through open alpine terrain, offering stunning views of Mount Manaslu, surrounding peaks, and glacial landscapes. A highlight of the day is the visit to Pungen Gumba (4,064 m), a serene Buddhist monastery set beneath the Manaslu Glacier, where prayer flags, murals, and a peaceful atmosphere create a meaningful spiritual experience.

After exploring the gompa, descend gradually to Samagaon (3,530 m), a traditional mountain village surrounded by high peaks and glacial moraines. Known for its monasteries and close access to Manaslu Base Camp, Samagaon is an important cultural and acclimatization stop on the trek.

This day covers approximately 13.5 km and takes 6–7 hours, involving moderate ascents and descents. Settle into a local teahouse for the night and enjoy the calm Himalayan surroundings after a truly memorable day.

Spend a well-earned acclimatization day in Samagaon, a beautiful Himalayan village set below Mount Manaslu (8,163 m). This rest day helps your body adjust to the altitude while allowing time to explore the village’s rich Tibetan Buddhist culture, traditional stone houses, monasteries, and peaceful surroundings.

You may choose a relaxed day in Samagaon, visiting Birendra Tal, a striking glacial lake, exploring nearby monasteries, spinning prayer wheels, and interacting with local villagers. These gentle activities support acclimatization while offering cultural insight.

For a more active option, take a challenging day hike to Manaslu Base Camp (4,400 m). The trail passes Birendra Lake and climbs through rocky terrain and glacial moraines, rewarding you with close-up views of the Manaslu Glacier and towering Himalayan peaks. The round-trip hike covers about 12 km and takes 7–8 hours.

After your chosen activity, return to Samagaon for a warm meal and overnight stay, resting well for the higher sections of the trek ahead.

Trek from Samagaon to Samdo (3,875 m), a short yet scenic walk that takes you deeper into the high Himalayan landscape of the Manaslu region. The trail gradually ascends through open valleys with expansive mountain views, passing yak pastures and stone shelters that reflect the area’s strong Tibetan influence.

Covering about 6.5 km in 3–4 hours, this moderate trek allows time to settle into the remote village of Samdo, known for its traditional Tibetan culture and dramatic surroundings near the Tibetan border.

For those seeking an extra challenge, an optional hike to Samdo Peak (Samdo Ri – 5,177 m) is available. This demanding round-trip hike takes 6–7 hours and rewards trekkers with sweeping panoramic views of Manaslu, Himal Chuli, and neighboring peaks. After your chosen activity, return to Samdo for an overnight stay, resting in preparation for the high pass crossing ahead.

Trek from Samdo to Dharamshala (Larkya Phedi), a challenging yet rewarding journey into the high alpine zone of the Manaslu region. The trail gradually ascends across rocky terrain, passing glacial streams and barren landscapes, with dramatic mountain views surrounding you throughout the walk.

This section covers about 6.5 km and takes 4–5 hours, with a steady climb that prepares you physically and mentally for the upcoming Larkya La Pass. Upon arrival at Dharamshala (4,460 m), settle into basic mountain lodges that serve as the final stop before crossing the pass.

Dharamshala is an important resting point where you can hydrate, take short walks, and enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding peaks. A calm evening here allows your body to adjust to the altitude and builds confidence for the demanding pass crossing the next day.

Cross Larkya La Pass (5,106 m) on the most challenging and rewarding day of the Manaslu Circuit Trek, trekking from Dharamshala to Bhimthang (3,720 m). The day begins early with a steady climb through glacial moraines, rocky trails, and possible snowfields as you ascend toward the high pass.

Reaching the summit of Larkya La, you are rewarded with breathtaking panoramic views of the Manaslu range, Cheo Himal, Himlung Himal, Kang Guru, and distant peaks of the Annapurna range. Colorful prayer flags mark this unforgettable achievement at one of Nepal’s great Himalayan passes.

After the pass, descend steeply into the scenic Bhimthang valley, where the landscape transforms into alpine meadows, streams, and forested terrain. This long but spectacular day covers about 15.5 km and takes around 9 hours, with a major ascent followed by a long descent. Arrive in Bhimthang to rest overnight, surrounded by stunning mountain scenery and a well-earned sense of accomplishment.

Trek from Bhimthang to Kharche or Surki Khola (2,700 m), enjoying a pleasant day of descent through beautiful alpine and forest landscapes. Begin the morning with views around Bhimthang, including nearby glacial lakes and surrounding Himalayan peaks, before heading downhill.

The trail passes through dense rhododendron and pine forests, alongside clear streams and mossy paths, offering a refreshing change from the high alpine terrain. This scenic walk is rich in natural beauty and provides a peaceful trekking experience.

Covering about 10 km in 4–5 hours, the route is mostly downhill, making it a comfortable and relaxing day. Arrive at Kharche or Surki Khola by afternoon and settle into a local teahouse, enjoying the calm surroundings as you continue your Manaslu Circuit journey toward lower elevations.

Complete your Manaslu Circuit adventure with a scenic trek from Kharche to Dharapani (1,860 m). This final day leads you through lush forests, terraced fields, and traditional villages, offering a last glimpse of rural Himalayan life and natural beauty.

The trail follows mountain rivers and gentle forest paths, with a mostly downhill walk that makes for a comfortable and enjoyable finish. Along the way, enjoy changing landscapes as the high alpine scenery gives way to greener valleys.

Covering about 15 km in 5–6 hours, this trek includes a moderate ascent and a longer descent. Upon reaching Dharapani, celebrate the completion of your Manaslu Circuit Trek. From here, onward travel to Besisahar or Kathmandu is easily arranged, bringing your unforgettable Himalayan journey to a close.

After finishing the Manaslu Circuit Trek, begin your journey back to Kathmandu with a scenic drive from Dharapani (1,860 m). Travel first to Besisahar by local 4WD jeep, covering about 42.5 km in 2.5–3 hours along a rugged mountain road with views of the Manaslu and Annapurna foothills.

After lunch in Besisahar, continue the return journey to Kathmandu in a comfortable vehicle. This final stretch covers approximately 176 km and takes around 6 hours, passing through river valleys, hills, and towns as you return to the capital.

Arrive in Kathmandu by evening, marking the end of your remarkable Manaslu Circuit adventure—an experience filled with dramatic landscapes, cultural encounters, and unforgettable Himalayan memories.

The buffer day in Kathmandu is included to handle any unexpected delays caused by weather or travel disruptions during your Himalayan trek. It provides flexibility and ensures a stress-free return without rushing your schedule.

If everything runs smoothly, this day can be used to explore the cultural treasures of the Kathmandu Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You may visit highlights such as Kathmandu Durbar Square, Swayambhunath (Monkey Temple), Boudhanath Stupa, and Pashupatinath Temple, each offering deep insight into Nepal’s history, religion, and traditions.

Whether used for rest, sightseeing, or schedule adjustments, this buffer day adds comfort and cultural value to your overall trekking experience in Nepal.

As your journey through the Himalayas comes to an end, take a moment to reflect on Nepal’s stunning natural beauty, rich cultural heritage, and memorable experiences—from majestic mountain landscapes to the warm hospitality of local communities.

For a smooth departure, representatives of Himalayan Monks SP. Z O.O., operating through its local partner Jagadamba Holidays, will meet you at your hotel approximately 3.5 hours before your scheduled flight and provide a comfortable, hassle-free transfer to Tribhuvan International Airport, Kathmandu.

We sincerely thank you for choosing Himalayan Monks SP. Z O.O. and Jagadamba Holidays, and we look forward to welcoming you again on future journeys across the Himalayas and beyond.