Manaslu Circuit

• Altitude: 1350m/4428ft
• Overnight: Hotel in Kathmandu

Upon arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport, we will greet you at the airport and transfer you to your hotel. After check-in, there will be a short briefing covering trek logistics, safety, and equipment checks. If time allows, explore the vibrant streets of Thamel.  Overnight at Kathmandu hotel.

• Altitude: 1350m/4428ft
• Meal:  Breakfast
• Activity:  Rest day and trek preparations
• Overnight:  Hotel

To trek in Nepal’s restricted areas, including Manaslu, you must spend at least one full working day in Kathmandu to allow a registered agency to process your Special Permit at the Department of Immigration. This procedure requires your original passport and a valid Nepal visa.

Strict government regulations prohibit solo trekking in these zones; you must be in a minimum group of two trekkers and be accompanied by a licensed guide. Your time in Kathmandu also serves as a final preparation window to meet your guide, review the itinerary, and purchase any necessary high-altitude gear before heading into the mountains.

• Altitude: 930m / 3,051 ft
• Meal:  Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
• Activity:  8–10 hours Drive
• Overnight:  Mt. Lodge in Machha-Khola

Today, we leave the city behind and head into the heart of the Gorkha district. The drive follows the scenic banks of the Trisuli and Budhi Gandaki rivers, passing through the bustling hubs of Arughat and Soti Khola.

As we descend into the warmer subtropical valleys, you will see a vibrant tapestry of terraced rice farms, traditional roadside villages, and rolling green hills. The road can be rugged and dusty, but the evolving landscape offers a beautiful introduction to rural Nepal. We end the day in the riverside village of Machha Khola, where we settle into a local lodge for the night.

• Altitude: 1,410m / 4,626 ft
• Meal:  Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
• Activity:  Trekking (6 hrs walk)
• Overnight:  Mt. Lodge in Jagat

After a restful night in Machha Khola, we begin our trek by following the Budhi Gandaki River upstream. The trail winds through the charming farm village of Khorla Beshi before reaching Tatopani, famous for its natural hot springs. If time permits, you can enjoy a quick, refreshing soak in the healing waters.

The journey continues through the scenic villages of Dovan and Yaruphant. As we ascend, the valley narrows and the river becomes more thunderous. We conclude the day in Jagat, a well-established village with paved flagstones and the entry point where your trekking permits will be officially checked at the conservation post.

• Altitude: 1,800m / 5,905ft
• Meal:  Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
• Activity:  Trekking (6 hrs walk)
• Overnight:  Mt. Lodge in Dyang

Leaving Jagat, the trail climbs toward higher ground, passing through a series of scattered farm villages. After a mix of short ascents and descents, we cross a suspension bridge to reach Philim, a prosperous and expansive village known for its neatly spread-out farmhouses and school.

The path continues through vibrant terraced fields of golden wheat and barley. As we leave the farmland behind, the landscape shifts dramatically; we climb a rocky ridge that leads into lush, dense bamboo forests. The day ends in the small, traditional village of Dyang, marking our entry into the deeper, more remote sections of the valley.

• Altitude: 2,160m / 7,087 ft
• Meal:  Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
• Activity:  Trekking (4 hrs walk)
• Overnight:  Mt. Lodge in Gha

Today’s trek is shorter, allowing for better acclimatization as you enter the Himalayan alpine region. Leaving Dyang, you will notice the air turning crisp and cool. The trail descends toward the riverbanks to reach Bihi Bazaar, a charming settlement situated near the water.

As you continue, the cultural landscape begins to shift—you will encounter more villages reflecting a strong Tibetan influence, characterized by intricate stone carvings and prayer walls. The trail remains relatively gentle with minor undulations, leading you through scenic woods until you reach the village of Ghap for your overnight stay.

• Altitude: 3,180 m / 0,433 ft
• Meal:  Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
• Activity:  Trekking (6 hrs walk)
• Overnight:  Mt. Lodge in Lho Gaon

Today is a landmark day as you break the $3,000text{ m}$ barrier. The trail continues to follow the Budhi Gandaki River, leading you through fertile fields of barley, wheat, and millet. Upon reaching Namrung, you are rewarded with your first dramatic, close-up views of the Manaslu North Face.

The journey carries on through the culturally rich villages of Banjham, Lhi, and Sho. As the altitude increases, you’ll notice the local residents dressed in traditional Tibetan wrap-around coats (Chubas). After a final hour of steady climbing, you arrive at Lho Gaon, a picturesque village dominated by a large monastery and stunning views of Manaslu’s twin peaks.

• Altitude: 3,530 m / 11,581 ft
• Meal:  Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
• Activity:  Trekking (5 hrs walk)
• Overnight:  Mt. Lodge in Sama Gaon 

As you depart Lho Gaon, the landscape undergoes a striking transformation. The lush tree lines begin to fade, replaced by hardy juniper bushes and scattered willow trees as you enter the high-altitude tundra. The trail offers a relatively easy but incredibly scenic walk, with the towering peaks of the Manaslu massif dominating the skyline.

The day concludes in Sama Gaon, one of the largest and most significant villages in the region. This ancient settlement serves as a vital hub for trekkers heading toward Manaslu Base Camp, the Tibet border, and the Larkya La Pass. The village is rich in Tibetan heritage, featuring long Mani walls, local monasteries, and traditional stone houses.

• Altitude: 3,530 m / 11,581 ft
• Meal:  Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
• Activity:  Acclimatization & Local Exploration
• Overnight:  Mt. Lodge in Mt. Lodge in Sama Gaon 

At this altitude, a rest day is vital to allow your body to adjust to the thinner air before tackling the higher elevations of the Larkya La Pass. Sama Gaon is the cultural heart of the Nubri Valley and offers plenty to explore while you recover.

You can spend the morning wandering through the village to observe the local Tibetan-influenced lifestyle, visiting the ancient Pungyen Gompa, or walking to the shores of Birendra Lake, a stunning turquoise glacial lake at the foot of the Manaslu Glacier.

• Altitude: 3,860m / 12,664 ft
• Meal:  Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
• Activity:  Trekking (5 hrs walk)
• Overnight:  Mt. Lodge in Samdo

Today’s trek takes you to Samdo, the final permanent settlement in the Manaslu region. The trail offers a steady climb through high-altitude landscapes with expansive views of the surrounding peaks.

Samdo is uniquely positioned near the Tibetan border, and its residents share a long, rich history of trans-Himalayan trade. Even today, the influence is visible; you will likely see yaks carrying goods across the border and find various Chinese products in the local shops. This remote outpost feels like a step back in time, serving as a gateway between two ancient cultures.

• Altitude: 4,470m / 14,665 ft
• Meal:  Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
• Activity:  Trekking (4 hrs walk)
• Overnight:  Mt. Lodge in Dharamsala / Larke phedi

After a pleasant stay in Samdo, today’s journey is a short but vital ascent to Dharmasala, also known as Larkya Phedi (meaning "foot of the pass"). The terrain becomes increasingly dry and barren as you enter the true high-altitude wilderness.

The trail features gentle, rolling slopes that allow you to manage the gain in elevation slowly. Arriving by lunchtime, you have the afternoon free to rest, hydrate, and mentally prepare for the crossing of the Larkya La tomorrow. The facilities here are basic but functional, providing a necessary shelter before the highest point of your adventure.

• Altitude: 3,720m / 12,205 ft (Pass Height: 5,135m/16,847 ft)
• Meal:  Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
• Activity:  Trekking (10 hrs walk)
• Overnight:  Mt. Lodge in to Bimthang

Today is the summit of your adventure. We start before dawn to tackle the long, steady climb to the crest of the Larkya La Pass (5,135m). As the sun rises, the surrounding giants reveal themselves: Mount Manaslu, Larkya Peak, Bouddha Himal, Himal Chuli, and Peak 29.

Standing at the top—the highest point of your journey—you’ll be surrounded by fluttering Buddhist prayer flags and a breathtaking panoramic view of the Himalayas. After celebrating your achievement, the trail begins a long, steep descent. The landscape transforms from icy moraines into lush greenery as you enter the beautiful valley of Bimthang, nestled among towering rhododendrons and ancient pine trees.

• Altitude: 2,560m / 8,399 ft
• Meal:  Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
• Activity:  Trekking (5 hrs walk)
• Overnight:  Mt. Lodge in to Gho

ollowing the physical challenge of the Larkya La, today offers a much-needed and easier downhill trek. You will leave the high glacial moraines behind and descend into some of the most beautiful woodlands in Nepal.

The trail winds through dense forests of rhododendron, pine, and oak, providing plenty of shade and a noticeable increase in oxygen. Along the way, you’ll pass through several seasonal farm shelters and summer pastures. The day concludes in the peaceful settlement of Gho, a quiet village tucked away in the heart of the forest, offering a tranquil atmosphere for your penultimate night on the trail.

• Altitude: 1,860m / 6,102 ft (Tal-Besi: 1,740m/ 5,708 ft)
• Meal:  Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
• Activity:  Trekking (7 hrs walk)
• Overnight: Mt. Lodge in to Tal-Besi

he journey continues through serene, lush forests as we follow the trail toward the village of Tilje, situated along the banks of the powerful Marsyangdi River. After passing Tilje, a steady one-hour climb brings us to Dharapani. This major hub serves as the junction where the Manaslu Circuit meets the famous Annapurna Circuit. You’ll notice an increase in activity here, as Dharapani is a large village filled with well-equipped lodges.

After a refreshing break, we follow an easy, gradual path back toward the river. After crossing a suspension bridge, we arrive at Tal-Besi. Located in a wide, scenic valley at the base of a massive waterfall, Tal is one of the most picturesque villages in the region and provides a beautiful setting for your final night in the mountains.

• Altitude: 1350m/4428ft 
• Meal:  Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
• Activity:  8–10 hours Drive
• Overnight: Mt. Lodge in to Tal-Besi

Today marks the end of your trekking adventure. Leaving the beautiful waterfalls of Tal-Besi behind, you transition back into the subtropical climate of the lower valleys, passing through lush paddy fields and terraced farmlands.

The journey concludes with an exciting and scenic drive back to Kathmandu. As the rugged mountain roads give way to the paved highways leading into the city, you can reflect on the incredible achievement of crossing the Larkya La. Upon arrival in Kathmandu, you will be transferred to your hotel, with the late afternoon free for well-deserved rest, a hot shower, or some last-minute souvenir shopping in Thamel.

• Altitude: (1350m/4428ft)
• Meals: Breakfast
• Activity: Departure

After breakfast at your hotel, you will have some free time in Kathmandu, depending on your flight schedule. Guests can choose to explore Thamel for last-minute shopping, visit local markets for handicrafts or souvenirs, or take a short sightseeing trip to Swayambhunath (Monkey Temple) or Boudhanath Stupa to soak in the spiritual atmosphere one last time.

When it’s time for your onward journey, you will be transferred to Tribhuvan International Airport for your departure. Bid farewell to Nepal and the Himalayas, taking with you unforgettable memories from your Everest Base Camp adventure. End of services.