Manaslu Circuit Trek

Trip Itinerary

Day 1 : Arrival in Kathmandu (1,300m /4,264 ft) & transfer to hotel
A representative from Kathmandu Adventure Treks will pick you up from the airport and take you to your hotel. If time permits we will guide you around Thamel and help you buy some necessary equipment you may require on your trek. There will be a short briefing about our trek, with ample opportunity to answer any questions you may have.

Day 2 : Drive from Kathmandu to Soti Khola(7,10m) Duration: 7-8 hours.
After early morning breakfast, you drive to Soti Khola on a Local Bus. You will follow the Budhi Gandaki River towards the northern side and pass through Morder and Simre villages. It will be bumping and winding dirt road drive which will take around 7-8 hours. Tonight we will stay at Soti Khola. Breakfast, lunch & dinner included.

Day 3 : Trek from Soti Khola to Machha Khola (9,30m) Duration: 5-6 hours.
Our trek today traverses a mule track and ascends on a breathtaking path cut into the face of the cliff, then descends to Lapubesi (880m). Caution is required here! We then continue to Nauli Khola, crossing a suspension bridge on the way and then take the trail beside the Budi Gandaki River before reaching Machha Khola(900m). This so happens to be where many trekkers were stranded after the earthquake in 2015 and had to be rescued, Depending on current conditions, there is an alternative overnight stop in Kashi Gaun located on the east side of the river. Breakfast, lunch & dinner included.

Day 4 : Trek from Machha Khola to Jagat (1410m) Duration: 6-7 hours.
Our route today follows the river to Khorlabesi and the tepid spring at Tatopani (meaning hot water) (930m), and then continues on the eastern bank of the Budi Gandaki River to Doban, Thulo Dunga and Yara Bagar (1370m). The trail zigzags across the river with several suspension bridges to cross before reaching the entrance gate to Manaslu Conservation Area and Jagat (1410m), with its unique flagstone village square. Permits are checked by authorities. Kathmandu Adventure Treks will check that the route is passable, and may suggest we take an alternative route taking a much higher path on the east side of the river before descending to the old trail near Doban. Breakfast, lunch & dinner included.

Day 5 : Trek from Jagat to Deng (1860m) Duration: 6-7 hours.
Above Jagat, the trail climbs to Salleri and Sirdibas before reaching Philim. The landscape becomes increasingly barren as the trail winds past several waterfalls until reaching a junction at Ekle Bhatti where the trail leads to Lokpa a village on the trail to the Tsum Valley. We then climb above the junction of the Buri Gandaki and Shar Khola Rivers and then head to Pewa and finally Deng (1860m). Many villages in this area suffered extensive damage in the 2015 earthquake. Breakfast, lunch & dinner included.

Day 6 : Trek from Deng to Namrung (2,600m) Duration 5-6 hours.
Today we climb beyond the Tom (tum) Khola to Longa Chuta and then come into a captivating fir and rhododendron forest filled with birds and Langur monkeys located on the north side of the Buri Gandak Riveri. We then cross back to the other side of the river before reaching Namrung(2660m), an earlier customs post in the days when this was a route for transporting salt from Tibet. Namrung also suffered extensive damage from the 2015 earthquake, but today it has been restored to its previous charm. .Breakfast, lunch & dinner included.

Day 7 : Trek from Namrung to Sama Gaun (3,530m) Duration: 5-6 hours.
Guest house accommodation. The trail today leads to Shyaula (5320m) where a substantial number of buildings were damaged in the 2015 earhtquake, including the Gompa (Buddhist temple).. We continue on passing through a number of valleys and trails before arriving at the more remote village of Gompas and continue to Sama Gaun(3530) - also known as Samagaun. The town boasts of several fascinating monasteries in the village. Breakfast, lunch & dinner included.

Day 8 : Acclimatization day at Samagaun.
At these higher altitudes it is necessary to get acclimatized, for at least one day, before attempting climbs to higher altitudes. Health specialists suggest that you move about and don’t sit idly. A good way to stay active is to explore the gompa at Pugyen(4070m), a one day hike that leaves the trail between Syaula and Sama. If time permits, it is possible for you to carry on up this valley to the rugged rocks and terrain of the Pugin glacier. Another option is a trip to the lake at Birendra Tal (3450m) and a demanding ascent to Manaslu Base Camp (4900m). It is believed that north of Birendra Tal is Milarepa's Cave (famous Buddha) claimed to have been used as a meditation retreat by the Buddhist saint. Breakfast, lunch & dinner.

Day 9 : Trek from Sama to Samdo (3,860m) Duration: 3-4 hours.
Today the trail descends and heads back to the Buri Gandaki River passing the junction of Birendra Tal and Manaslu Base Camp. The valley expands before reaching Kermo Khadka and then continuing to the white Kani Gateway signaling the entrance to Samdo (3860m). If time permits we may trek to the peak above the village for impressive views of Mount Manaslu. If it is necessary to further acclimatize, there is a 6 t0 7 hour trek climbing 640m to the moraine of the Fukang Glacier, where you will be rewarded with far-reaching views towards several passes used by locals to cross over into Tibet. Breakfast, lunch & dinner included.

Day 10 : Trek from Samdo to Dharmasala (4,480m) Duration: 4-5 hours.
A relatively short day sees us descending through fields prior to starting our climb towards the Larkya-La Pass, a trek offering dazzling views of Manaslu and the Syacha Glacier, and a likelihood of spotting Himalayan blue sheep on your trek to Dharmashala (4480m). This is as high as we go today without risking altitude sickness. This is the last safe haven before reaching the pass. This sector of the trek is often subject to snowfall and from mid-December to mid-March, when snow blocks the Larkya-La Pass, the Samdo Lodge is typically closed. Your guide will know in advance if the lodge is closed. Breakfast, lunch & dinner included.

Day 11 : Trek from Dharmasha to Bimtang (3,720m) Via Larkya la Pass (5,106m) Duration: 7-9 hours.
A 4 to 6-hour trek will see us cross Lakya-La Pass (5100m) and is the highest elevation on this trek. The climb is wintry and blustery and can often be hazardous, especially if there is snow on the pass. Your guide will check the condition of the crossing before leaving Samdo. The trail passes many cairns that are often covered in snow. It then traverses the moraine to four frozen lakes before ascending to the pass where a majestic number of peaks take your breath away. These include Himlung Himal(7126m), Cheo Himal(6820m), Gyaji Kung(7030m), Kang Guru(6981m) and Annapurna II(7937m). After this fantastic photo opportunity we descend in a westerly direction along a dangerous track before reaching Taubuche, where the trail becomes less demanding. The valley gradually opens up and then descends to Bimtang(3720m), one of the many trading posts along the Tibetan salt route. An appealing detour leads to a trail follows a trail above Bimtang to the translucent glacial lake of Pungkar Tal(4100m). Breakfast, lunch & dinner included.

Day 12 : Trek from Bimtang to Dharapani (1,960m) Duration: 5-6 hours.
Today we descend to Dudh Khola and Soti Khola(2700m) also known as Khare, following a trail directly below the enormous Phunki Peak(6258m). We then take a trail across the ridge heading downhill to the river before reaching Gho village. At this lower altitude it is noticeable greener as we descend through cultivated fields and forests and take the trail on the north bank of the Dudh Khola before reaching Tilche(2300m) the largest village since leaving Samdo. The village is well known for its flagstone paved streets and the home of Gurung. After passing Tilche through the Kani (gateway arches) we, then cross the stream before reaching Thonje. The trail to Dharapani(1920m) requires crossing a suspension-bridge over the Marsyangdi river. We are soon at the junction of the Annapurna Circuit trek where the going gets easier before descending to Bensi Sahar and ultimately Kathmandu. Breakfast, lunch & dinner included.

Day 13 : Drive from Dharapani to Kathmandu via Beshisahar Duration: 7-8 hours.
We leave Dharapani by jeep heading to Bensisahar – the final leg of our trek. You will take with you memories that will last a lifetime and photos of some of the most spectacular mountains in the world. We take the bus from Bensisahar to Kathmandu. Breakfast & Lunch Included!

Day 14 : Transfer to International airport.
You will leave Nepal, but will never forget this great adventure and the laughs you shared on this journey to some of the world’s most spectacular peaks. A Kathmandu Adventure Treks representative will drop you off at the airport approximately 3 hours before your scheduled flight. Breakfast included.