Manaslu Circuit Trek
Duration13 Days
CategoryIconic's Trek
GuideLed by Rajendra PudashainiSeasonspring · autumnHighlights
- Crossing the iconic Larkya La Pass at 5160m with a 360° panorama
- Authentic encounters with Gurung and Tibetan ethnic communities
- Joining the legendary Annapurna Circuit at the end of the trek
- Spectacular yak caravans and Tibetan merchants near the Tibetan border
- Deep immersion in Tibetan Buddhist culture and traditional mountain villages
Overview
Embark on one of Nepal's most rewarding off-the-beaten-path adventures: the Manaslu Circuit Trek. Circumnavigating the world's eighth highest peak (8163m), this 13-day journey takes you through the pristine Manaslu Conservation Area, deep into Tibetan Buddhist culture and spectacular high-altitude landscapes. From subtropical river valleys to glacial moraines, traditional Gurung and Tibetan villages to the legendary Larkya La Pass at 5160m, this trek offers an unforgettable blend of physical challenge, cultural immersion and natural beauty.
Day by day
Itinerary
Day 01 : Kathmandu – Soti Khola — Journey to the Himalayas
Your adventure begins as you leave the Kathmandu Valley, heading west on a long scenic drive. You pass through lush terraced rice fields and typical Nepali villages, following the winding road along the Trishuli River. After reaching Arughat Bazar, the gateway to the Manaslu region, you arrive at Soti Khola, a small village on the banks of the Budhi Gandaki River, where your trek officially starts.
Day 01 : Kathmandu – Soti Khola — Journey to the Himalayas
Your adventure begins as you leave the Kathmandu Valley, heading west on a long scenic drive. You pass through lush terraced rice fields and typical Nepali villages, following the winding road along the Trishuli River. After reaching Arughat Bazar, the gateway to the Manaslu region, you arrive at Soti Khola, a small village on the banks of the Budhi Gandaki River, where your trek officially starts.
Day 02 : Soti Khola – Machha Khola — First Day of Trekking
After breakfast, you begin your trek along the Budhi Gandaki River. The trail winds through a lush subtropical forest dotted with spectacular waterfalls. You cross several suspension bridges and navigate narrow gorges with impressive cliffs. Along the way, the villages of Khursane and Labubesi offer opportunities to meet local inhabitants. Arrive at Machha Khola — literally 'fish river'.
Day 02 : Soti Khola – Machha Khola — First Day of Trekking
After breakfast, you begin your trek along the Budhi Gandaki River. The trail winds through a lush subtropical forest dotted with spectacular waterfalls. You cross several suspension bridges and navigate narrow gorges with impressive cliffs. Along the way, the villages of Khursane and Labubesi offer opportunities to meet local inhabitants. Arrive at Machha Khola — literally 'fish river'.
Day 03 : Machha Khola – Jagat — Entering the Manaslu Conservation Area
Today's trek takes you deeper into a narrowing valley with constant ups and downs. You pass through the villages of Khorlabesi and Tatopani, known for its hot springs. Multiple crossings of the Budhi Gandaki on vertiginous suspension bridges add to the adventure. The trail carved into the cliffside offers spectacular views of the deep gorges. You officially enter the Manaslu Conservation Area and reach Jagat, a village inhabited by Tibetan-origin communities with its first mani walls and colourful prayer flags.
Day 03 : Machha Khola – Jagat — Entering the Manaslu Conservation Area
Today's trek takes you deeper into a narrowing valley with constant ups and downs. You pass through the villages of Khorlabesi and Tatopani, known for its hot springs. Multiple crossings of the Budhi Gandaki on vertiginous suspension bridges add to the adventure. The trail carved into the cliffside offers spectacular views of the deep gorges. You officially enter the Manaslu Conservation Area and reach Jagat, a village inhabited by Tibetan-origin communities with its first mani walls and colourful prayer flags.
Day 04 : Jagat – Deng — Immersion in Buddhist Culture
The day begins with a steady climb through pine and spruce forests. You pass the villages of Salleri and Philim, where Tibetan cultural influences grow stronger. The trail winds through narrow gorges before crossing an impressive suspension bridge. You continue along a cliffside path with panoramic views of the Ganesh Himal range. Arrival at Deng, a charming Buddhist village adorned with chortens and prayer wheels, where the spiritual atmosphere deepens.
Day 04 : Jagat – Deng — Immersion in Buddhist Culture
The day begins with a steady climb through pine and spruce forests. You pass the villages of Salleri and Philim, where Tibetan cultural influences grow stronger. The trail winds through narrow gorges before crossing an impressive suspension bridge. You continue along a cliffside path with panoramic views of the Ganesh Himal range. Arrival at Deng, a charming Buddhist village adorned with chortens and prayer wheels, where the spiritual atmosphere deepens.
Day 05 : Deng – Namrung — First Views of Manaslu
Today you gain altitude, entering a high mountain landscape. The trail passes through the villages of Rana and Bihi Phedi before reaching Ghap, a village with traditional Tibetan-style stone houses. You trek through rhododendron and bamboo forests. For the first time, you enjoy spectacular views of Manaslu (8163m), majestically towering over the valley. Terraced fields of barley and potatoes illustrate the local adaptation to altitude. Arrive at Namrung, a traditional Gurung village with exceptional panoramic views.
Day 05 : Deng – Namrung — First Views of Manaslu
Today you gain altitude, entering a high mountain landscape. The trail passes through the villages of Rana and Bihi Phedi before reaching Ghap, a village with traditional Tibetan-style stone houses. You trek through rhododendron and bamboo forests. For the first time, you enjoy spectacular views of Manaslu (8163m), majestically towering over the valley. Terraced fields of barley and potatoes illustrate the local adaptation to altitude. Arrive at Namrung, a traditional Gurung village with exceptional panoramic views.
Interactive Map
Trek Route
This Expedition Is Led By Rajendra Pudashaini
Rajendra Pudashaini
Co-Director of the Agency
Born and raised in the Langtang Valley, in the heart of the Nepalese Himalayas, Rajendra grew up to the rhythm of the mountains, forests and traditions that shape this exceptional region. An experienc...
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