Manaslu Circuit Trek

Guided sightseeing tour at four UNESCO World Heritage Sites including Kathmandu Durbar Square; an ancient courtyard with monuments from the 13th to 15th century, Pashupatinath; a holy temple of Hindus dedicated to Lord Shiva at the bank of Bagmati River, Swayambhunath; an oldest Buddhist stupa at the hillock and an important pilgrimage site of both Buddhist and Hindus, and Boudhanath; a largest Buddhist stupa of the World with a unique octagonal shape. After completion of sightseeing in Kathmandu, a short meeting with our trekking guide. Discuss the trekking gears needed for the trekking and go shopping at Thamel for trekking gears. Roam around the streets of Kathmandu in the evening.

Overnight at Kathmandu.

Drive from Kathmandu to Arughat observing the beautiful natural sceneries, diversified landscape, and dispersed local settlements. Driving along the countryside through the bank of Trishuli River, and crossing the bridge of Trishuli River leads us to Dhading Besi, a headquarter of Dhading. From Dhading, drive to Arughat. The drive to Arughat is not easy as the roads are bumpy and rough but offers a beautiful view of the landscape, local villages, Ganesh Himal and Mt. Manaslu. Arughat is a small village located at the bank of Budhi Gandaki River and furthermore of drive-through bumpy and rough road leads you to Soti Khola.

Overnight at Soti Khola.
Driving Time: 8-9 hours.

The journey to the epic trek begins from Soti Khola. Following the up and down of the trail through various landscapes and observing the terraced farmlands, beautiful forests, picturesque waterfalls, and fast-flowing rivers. Crossing the bridge of Budhi Gandaki River, the trail now leads to the forest and after climbing a ridge above the wild rapids of Budhi Gandaki River leads you to the rocky trail. Passing through tropical waterfalls, the trail descends through the rice and paddy fields around the Gurung Village of Labubesi. The trail ascends up to the rocky outcrop and descends towards the river and after crossing a suspension bridge, you will reach at Machha Khola at an elevation of 870m.

Overnight at Machha Khola.
Walking Time: 5 to 6 hours.

From Machha Khola, the trail ascends uphill through the narrow route crossing a bridge that leads you to Khola Besi. Leaving Khorla Besi behind, walking along the river passing buckwheat fields, often climbing the stone stairs to reach the hot springs of the small village of Tatopani; a good place to take a break and relax for some time dipping yourself at the hot springs. A gentle climb through the woods passing the stunning views of waterfalls brings us at the suspension bridge of Budhi Gandaki. After crossing the suspension bridge and walking ahead through the forest lead to Dobhan and crossing a suspension bridge of Dhoban Khola, climb the stone staircase to reach Tharobharyang, and a good trail leads to Jagat at an elevation of 1340m.

Overnight at Jagat.
Walking Time: 6 to 7 hours

At Jagat, complete the documentation at the checkpoint of the Manaslu Conservation Area. Leaving Jagat behind, climb over a rocky ridge to Salleri and then descends to Sirdibas. The valley widens as the trek continues up to Ghatta Khola and further continue walking upstream to a long suspension bridge in Phillim; a large village of Gurungs. Just above the lowest house in the village, the trail turns to north direction and stays in the fairly level till Ekal Bhatti entering a steep gorge, descends downwards through the grassland slopes and after crossing the suspension bridge of Budhi Gandaki river, continue walk along the west bank for a while then cross to the east bank, the trail then widens through the valley and passing through the Bamboo forest, leads to Deng Khola and after crossing the bridge we will reach a village of Deng at an elevation of 1860m.

Overnight at Deng.
Walking Time: 6 to 7 hours.

Leaving Deng behind, crossing the suspension bridge of Budhi Gandaki River, climb to Rana and furthermore of climb leads to Bhi, then heading towards west of the Budhi Gandaki Valley passing through the forest of Pine, experiencing the alpine vegetation with major peaks appearing at a distance. Following the trail leads us to Pork; a village to view stunning views of snow-capped mountain Siring Himal. The trail today cross Budhi Gandaki several times and observing several gumbas and monasteries en-route, follow the river upstream through the dense forest. Crossing the bridge leads to a narrow gorge and observe the breathtaking views. Continue to walk until the forest becomes less dense and experience the cool and alpine climate. After a pleasant walk, trek to the steep stone staircase till we reach Numrung. Explore around Numrung in the evening.

Overnight at Numrung.
Walking Time: 6 to 7 hours.

Explore around the Namrung village for observing the viewpoint of Siring Himal, Ganesh Himal and Mt. Himal Chuli in the south. From Namrung, climb steadily and pass through the forest to reach Lihi; a fine village with many stupas and barley terraces. The trail descends down and crosses the side valley of Simnang Himal with Ganesh Himal always close-by. Passing through the short descend leading to Sho and climb uphill all the way to Lho, a village adorned with many prayer flags. Enjoy the mesmerizing view of Mt. Manaslu from Lho and explore the famous Ribbing Gomba.

Overnight at Lho.
Walking Time: 4 to 5 hours.

Enjoy the mesmerizing view of Sunrise over Mt. Manaslu. From Lho behind, following the trail crossing the barley fields and Mani walls and observing the panoramic view of Mt. Manaslu and Dhaulagiri. Following the bank of Budhi Gandaki River and passing several springs leads us to Syala; a peaceful village that offers panoramic view of Phunki, Manaslu and Himalchuli peaks. Crossing the outflow from Pung Gyan Glacier, climb beside a huge stream to a ridge and get a side trip to Pung Gyan Gompa. Continue walking along the slippery, icy trail to Numla Khola and Pung Gyan glacier. Observe the close-up view of Mt. Manaslu and the trail descends downwards to the main trail. More of the downhill walk leads us to Sama Gauon at an elevation of 3520m. Explore around Sama Gauon and visit Sama Gompa in the evening.

Overnight at Sama Gauon.
Walking Time: 5 to 6 hours.

Since acclimatization is very important if you are trekking from lower altitude to higher altitude in order to prevent Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS). As Sama Gauon is a very interesting village, explore the culture of local people, enjoy the view of hundreds of Mani stones and Sherpa women in traditional Sherpa dress. Short hike to Pungyen Gompa; a monastery with great views of glaciers. Explore around the monasteries and gompas around Sama Gauon.

Overnight at Sama Gauon.

From Sama Gauon, the trail descends down to Budhi Gandaki River and crossing a suspension bridge over a side stream and head west towards Manaslu Base Camp. Passing through many Mani walls, the valley begins to widen and observe the amazing views of mountains as you get closer to the Tibetan border. The trail is easy above the river as it passes through Rhododendron, Juniper and Birch forest offering the best view of Manaslu Glacier. The trail descends through the Himalayan birch forest and passes by the left side of long mani walls at Kyogma kharka till we spot the entrance gate of Samdo. Descend to Budhi Gandaki and crossing a small wooden bridge then ascending uphill leads to Samdo village at an elevation of 3875m. Explore around Samdo village in the evening and explore the culture and lifestyle of people.

Overnight at Samdo.
Walking Time: 5 to 6 hours.

From Samdo, the trek passes through a seasonal Tibetan Market called Larke Bazaar and descends down to Budhi Gandaki River. Crossing the wooden bridge followed by an uphill walk and crossing two streams witnessing the Larkya Glacier, head towards the village of Sarkya Khola. The trail ascends uphill till we reach Dharamshala also known as Larkya Phedi at an elevation of 4480m. As the altitude increases, feel the cool air breezing. Rest day free for self-exploration around Dharamshala High Camp and observe animals like Blue sheep, yaks grazing in the grassland.

Overnight at Dharamshala High Camp/ Larkya Phedi.
Walking Time: 3 to 4 hours.

Start trek early in the morning as we have to set for a longer hike today. The trail from Dharamshala is going to be challenging and adventurous. Observe the rustic villages, clear glacier lakes, beautiful valleys and a wide range of flora and fauna. The trail to Larkya La pass is all the way uphill and snowy route; slippery, and icy. Upon reaching the top of Larkya La Pass observe the panoramic view of mountain ranges; in east observe the route we have passed to reach at the top and in west observe the Annapurna range along with Cheo Himal and Larkya peak. After enjoying the views for some more time, descend down through the slippery, icy route following the left side of Salpudanda glacier. Continue downhill with another steep section ahead leading us to a flatter valley. Rest for some time and descend all the way to Bimthang at an elevation of 3590m.

Overnight at Bimthang.
Walking Time: 7 to 8 hours.

Observe the beautiful views of Cheo Himal, Lamjung Himal, and Mt. Manaslu from Bimthang. The trail descends and crossing a high pasture followed by a suspension bridge of Dudh Khola. Descending through the open forest of Rhododendron, juniper, birches and follow the trail through a narrow valley until we reach Karche. Following the trail through the riverside passing several small villages leads us to Tiliche; a mixed village of Gurungs and Chhetris. Gradual downward through the villages leads us to Dharapani at an elevation of 1960m. From Dharapani, we have entered the route of Annapurna Circuit.

Overnight at Dharapani.
Walking Time: 5 to 6 hours.

Leaving Dharapani behind, the trail descends down to Karte village and cross the Suspension bridge of Marsyangdi River. Crossing some of the Mani walls leads us to the village of Tal; a village situated at the foothill of a large waterfall. Following the downhill trail passing Chamje village and crossing the Suspension bridge of Marsyangdi River once again, the valley opens up with its terraced fields and local settlements and further descends through Rhododendron and Pine forest till we reach Syange. Explore around Syange in the evening.

Overnight at Syange.
Walking Time: 6 to 7 hours.

Drive back to Kathmandu. Observe the beautiful local villages, breathtaking scenery, waterfalls, terraced farmlands leading you to Besisahar, the headquarter of Lamjung. Driving along the countryside and enjoying the greenery and surroundings, we will reach Kathmandu. Upon arrival at Kathmandu, check-in at the hotel. Rest day free for self-relaxation and pleasure.

Overnight at Kathmandu.

Your Manaslu Circuit Trek ends today. Free till departure. Our representative from Moonline Tours P. Ltd will drop you at Tribhuvan International Airport 3 hours prior to your departure schedule/ flight to board your onward journey.