Major Highlights of the Manaslu Circuit Trek

• ​Circumnavigate Mt. Manaslu: Trek around the world’s 8th-highest mountain (8,163m) and enjoy views of Himalchuli and Ngadi Chuli.
• ​Larkya La Pass Crossing: Conquer one of Nepal's most scenic mountain passes at 5,160m.
• ​Authentic Cultural Immersion: Experience deep Tibetan-Buddhist traditions in remote high-mountain villages.
• ​Diverse Ecological Zones: Travel from subtropical river valleys to alpine glaciers and high-altitude mountain deserts.
• ​Off-the-Beaten-Path Experience: Enjoy quieter, less-crowded trails with authentic teahouse hospitality along the Budhi Gandaki River.

​Detailed 14-Day Itinerary

​Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu (1,400m)

​Upon arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA), you will be greeted by our representative and transferred to your hotel. After check-in, rest or explore the streets of Thamel. In the evening, attend a pre-trip briefing with your guide to review route logistics and safety procedures.

• ​Accommodation: Hotel in Kathmandu
• ​Meals Included: None

​Day 02: Drive Kathmandu to Soti Khola (710m) via Arughat

​Board a private tourist vehicle for a scenic drive along the Prithvi Highway, turning north into the Budhi Gandaki River Valley. Pass through rural villages, terraced farms, and lush green hills before arriving at Soti Khola.

• ​Drive Duration: 8 to 9 hours
• ​Accommodation: Local Teahouse
• ​Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

​Day 03: Trek Soti Khola to Machha Khola (869m)

​Begin your trek along the roaring Budhi Gandaki River. Cross rocky trails, waterfalls, and suspension bridges, passing through subtropical forests and small settlements to reach the peaceful riverside village of Machha Khola.

• ​Trek Duration: 6 to 7 hours
• ​Accommodation: Local Teahouse
• ​Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

​Day 04: Trek Machha Khola to Jagat (1,340m)

​Pass the natural hot springs at Tatopani and cross the river over suspension bridges. Climb up stone staircases to reach Jagat, a neat stone-paved entry village where official trekking permits (MCAP and RAP) are checked.

• ​Trek Duration: 6 to 7 hours
• ​Accommodation: Local Teahouse
• ​Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

​Day 05: Trek Jagat to Deng (1,860m)

​Ascend gradually through dense forests, crossing river gorges on suspension bridges. As you pass through Philim and small hamlets, you will begin to notice Tibetan-style mani walls, chortens, and prayer flags.

• ​Trek Duration: 6 to 7 hours
• ​Accommodation: Local Teahouse
• ​Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

​Day 06: Trek Deng to Namrung (2,630m)

​Follow the winding Budhi Gandaki trail through pine and rhododendron forests. Gain elevation as the valley opens up, offering views of surrounding Himalayan peaks upon reaching the culturally rich village of Namrung.

• ​Trek Duration: 5 to 6 hours
• ​Accommodation: Local Teahouse
• ​Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

​Day 07: Trek Namrung to Samagaon (3,520m)

​Trek past alpine pastures, yak grazing fields, and classic Bhotia settlements like Lihi, Sho, and Lho. Arrive at Samagaon, a major Tibetan-style village sitting directly under the dramatic face of Mt. Manaslu.

• ​Trek Duration: 6 to 7 hours
• ​Accommodation: Local Teahouse
• ​Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

​Day 08: Acclimatization Day in Samagaon

​A critical rest day to allow your body to adapt to high elevation. Take an acclimatization side hike to Birendra Lake or up toward Pungyen Monastery / Manaslu Base Camp for 360-degree mountain panoramas.

• ​Activity: Side hikes & village exploration
• ​Accommodation: Local Teahouse
• ​Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

​Day 09: Trek Samagaon to Samdo (3,875m)

​Follow the river as it climbs gradually through alpine meadows and juniper bushes. Pass through yak pastures to reach Samdo, a remote community located near the border pass to Tibet.

• ​Trek Duration: 3 to 4 hours
• ​Accommodation: Local Teahouse
• ​Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

​Day 10: Trek Samdo to Larkya La Pass (5,160m) & Descend to Bimthang (3,590m)

​An early morning start for the most challenging and rewarding day of the trek. Ascend high alpine moraines to reach Larkya La Pass (5,160m) for views of Himlung Himal, Cheo Himal, Kang Guru, and Annapurna II. Descend carefully down snow and glacial paths to Bimthang.

• ​Trek Duration: 8 to 10 hours
• ​Accommodation: Local Teahouse
• ​Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

​Day 11: Trek Bimthang to Dharapani (1,963m)

​Descend from high alpine terrain into rhododendron and pine forests along the Dudh Khola. Pass through Karche and Tilije before reaching Dharapani, where the trail meets the main Annapurna Circuit route.

• ​Trek Duration: 6 to 7 hours
• ​Accommodation: Local Teahouse
• ​Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

​Day 12: Trek Dharapani to Jagat (1,300m)

​Follow the trail downhill through farming villages, terraced slopes, and river valleys along the Marsyangdi River. Enjoy warmer temperatures and lush scenery on your way to Jagat.

• ​Trek Duration: 5 to 6 hours
• ​Accommodation: Local Teahouse
• ​Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

​Day 13: Trek Jagat to Soti Khola & Drive to Kathmandu

​Trek down to the roadhead at Soti Khola to complete the walking portion of your journey. Board your private vehicle for the scenic drive back to Kathmandu, then check into your hotel for rest.

• ​Trek & Drive Duration: 2 hours trek, 8 to 9 hours drive
• ​Accommodation: Hotel in Kathmandu
• ​Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

​Day 14: Final Departure

​Enjoy breakfast at your hotel before taking your private airport transfer to Tribhuvan International Airport for your return flight home.

• ​Meals Included: Breakfast

​Package Inclusions & Exclusions

​What is Included:

• ​Transfers: Airport pick-up and drop-off by private vehicle.
• ​Accommodation: Hotel stay in Kathmandu and teahouses/guesthouses along the trek.
• ​Meals: Full board meals (18 meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner) during the trek.
• ​Permits: Manaslu Conservation Area Permit (MCAP), TIMS Card, and Restricted Area Permit (RAP).
• ​Guide & Staff: Experienced, licensed trekking guide and porters including their salary, food, insurance, and equipment.
• ​Transport: Private ground transfers between Kathmandu, Soti Khola, and Dharapani.
• ​Safety: First aid medical kit carried by the lead guide.

​What is Excluded:

• ​International airfare and Nepal Entry Visa fees.
• ​Travel insurance covering high-altitude emergency medical evacuation.
• ​Meals (Lunch/Dinner) during the stay in Kathmandu.
• ​Personal expenses (Wi-Fi, device charging, hot showers, snacks, bottled water, alcohol).
• ​Tips for guide, porters, and driver.

​Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

​1. How difficult is the Manaslu Circuit Trek?

​The trek is rated as strenuous. Trekkers should be in good physical condition as it requires walking 5 to 9 hours daily on steep mountain paths and reaching an altitude of 5,160m at Larkya La Pass.

​2. Is a guide mandatory for the Manaslu Circuit Trek?

​Yes. Manaslu is a restricted region in Nepal. Foreign trekkers are required by law to hire a licensed trek guide, book through a registered agency, and trek with a minimum of two participants.

​3. What is the best season for the Manaslu Circuit Trek?

​The prime seasons are Spring (March to May) for stable weather and blooming rhododendrons, and Autumn (September to November) for crystal-clear mountain visibility and pleasant day temperatures.