Manaslu Circuit Trek

After breakfast, we'll visit three UNESCO World Heritage Sites: the sacred Swayambhunath Stupa with its iconic Buddha eyes, the historic Kathmandu Durbar Square showcasing Newari architecture, and the famous for its exquisite temples and charming courtyards, Patan Durbar Square is a living museum of Newari culture.

Swayambhunath: Swayambhunath Stupa, affectionately called the Monkey Temple, is one of Nepal's most sacred Buddhist sites, dating back over 2,000 years. This UNESCO World Heritage Site features a majestic white dome adorned with the iconic all-seeing Buddha eyes, representing wisdom and compassion. Surrounded by smaller shrines, prayer wheels, and lively monkeys, the complex offers a spiritual atmosphere with panoramic views of Kathmandu Valley.

Kathmandu Durbar Square: Kathmandu Durbar Square, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, showcases Nepal's royal heritage through exquisite Newari architecture. The complex features historic landmarks like Hanuman Dhoka Palace, the sacred Kumari Ghar (home of the living goddess), and the towering Taleju Temple. These intricately carved structures, along with courtyards and shrines, offer a glimpse into Nepal's rich cultural past.

Patan Durbar Square: A jewel in Nepal's cultural crown, Patan Durbar Square's UNESCO-listed complex displays the Newari architectural tradition at its finest. This living museum features the stone-carved Krishna Mandir, golden-roofed Hiranya Varna Mahavihar, and the historic Patan Museum housed in the royal palace. Intricate woodwork adorns temples and courtyards like Sundari Chowk, preserving medieval Nepal's artistic legacy.

Hotel

B

Your adventure begins with a scenic 7-8 hour drive along the Trishuli River Valley, passing through terraced farms and traditional villages. Arriving in Soti Khola (700m), the trek's starting point, you'll check into a riverside lodge and prepare gear with your guide. Spend the evening exploring this lively trailhead village, where mule caravans load supplies for mountain settlements. Rest well - tomorrow you'll cross your first suspension bridge into the Budhi Gandaki valley, beginning the ascent toward the Manaslu wilderness.

Travel Distance: 138 km

Driving: 8-9 hrs.

Simple Lodge

B

The trek begins with a gentle climb along the Budhi Gandaki River, crossing swaying suspension bridges and passing waterfalls. You'll navigate stone-paved trails through terraced fields where farmers grow millet and maize, greeting curious local children along the way. After 5-6 hours, arrive at Maccha Khola (900m), a riverside village where you'll spend your first night in a cozy teahouse. Fall asleep to the sound of rushing water, acclimating to the rhythm of trekking life.

Hiking: 6-7 hrs.

Simple Lodge

B

The day's adventure follows the mighty Budhi Gandaki for 6-7 hours through constantly evolving Himalayan scenery. Cross seven suspension bridges, passing waterfalls and the hot springs at Tatopani. Notice the architecture shift as you enter the Tibetan-influenced region near Jagat (1,410m) - stone houses now feature carved wooden windows and prayer flags flutter above stone-paved streets. At the village entrance, register at the Manaslu Conservation Area checkpoint. Explore Jagat's 17th-century monastery before settling into a family-run teahouse, where the evening might bring spontaneous cultural exchanges with local traders preparing for higher-altitude journeys.

Hiking: 6-7 hrs

Simple Lodge

B

Today's 6-7 hour trek reveals the Manaslu region's dramatic contrasts. The trail winds through subtropical forests where langur monkeys play, then emerges into alpine meadows dotted with Tibetan chortens. Cross five swaying suspension bridges over the turquoise Budhi Gandaki, pausing at waterfalls that cascade down 300m cliffs. Notice the architectural shift as flat-roofed stone houses replace the thatched villages of lower altitudes. Arriving in Deng (1,860m), a cluster of traditional homes beside an ancient mani wall, you'll stay in a family-run teahouse where the evening menu features your first taste of authentic Tibetan thukpa soup.

Hiking: 6-7 hrs

Simple Lodge

B

The trail climbs steadily through rhododendron forests alive with birdsong, emerging into alpine pastures near Prok village, where you'll spot your first panoramic views of Manaslu's snow-capped peaks. Cross ancient mani walls carved with Tibetan mantras as the valley narrows, revealing waterfalls cascading down 500m cliffs. Arriving in Namrung (2,630m), a fortified village with stone gates, you'll notice the distinct Tibetan influence in the architecture and daily life. Visit the 300-year-old Namrung Monastery at dusk, where butter lamps flicker against frescoed walls, then warm up with a bowl of hearty buckwheat noodles at your family-run teahouse.

Hiking: 6-7 hrs

Simple Lodge

B

Today's 6-7 hour trek unveils ever-grander Himalayan vistas as you ascend through old-growth forests to Lihi village, famous for its intricately carved mani stones. The trail then climbs past the dramatic Hinan River gorge, where prayer flags span cascading waterfalls. Entering Samagaon (3,530m), you'll be greeted by panoramic views of Manaslu's north face towering above traditional stone houses. Visit the 400-year-old Samagaon Monastery at sunset when monks perform ceremonial horn rituals. Warm up in a cozy teahouse with Sherpa stew (shyakpa) as the Milky Way emerges over the glaciers.

Hiking: 6-7 hrs

Simple Lodge

B

Today is dedicated to adjusting to the altitude (3,530m) while exploring Manaslu’s spiritual heart. Beginning with a gentle hike to Pungyen Gompa (4,000m), a 17th-century monastery nestled beneath Manaslu’s glaciers. The 3-hour round-trip rewards you with panoramic views of Manaslu’s west face and the chance to spin ancient prayer wheels inside the gompa. Return to Samagaon for lunch, then visit the village’s whitewashed stupa and traditional stone mills where locals grind barley. Spend the afternoon sipping butter tea with Sherpa families, learning about their Tibetan Buddhist traditions, or taking a short walk to the turquoise Birendra Tal glacial lake. As evening falls, enjoy garlic soup (a natural altitude remedy) in your teahouse while the sunset paints the peaks gold.

Hiking: 6-7 hrs.

Simple Lodge

B

Today’s 5-6 hour trek reveals the raw grandeur of the Manaslu region as you ascend through glacial valleys to Samdo (3,875m). The trail weaves past turquoise meltwater lakes and across ancient moraines, where yaks graze beside crumbling stone herders’ huts. Notice the landscape transform – juniper shrubs replace trees, and the air grows thin as you approach Tibet’s border. Samdo’s cluster of flat-roofed homes sits beneath the imposing Mount Manaslu (8,163m), with prayer flags snapping in the crisp wind. Visit the village’s hilltop gompa at dusk for unparalleled views of the Himalayan frontier, then warm up with a bowl of thukpa in a candlelit teahouse buzzing with Tibetan traders’ stories.

Hiking: 4-5 hrs.

Simple Lodge

B

Today is dedicated to adjusting to the altitude (3,875m) while exploring this last Tibetan outpost before Larkya La. Take a gentle hike to Samdo Peak viewpoint (4,200m) for breathtaking vistas of Manaslu’s north face and the bordering Tibetan plateau. Step into living history at the village's 18th-century Karma Kagyu monastery, where dawn comes alive with monks' ceremonial horn rituals. Observe local herders tending dzopkyo (yak-cow hybrids) in high pastures or stroll to the historic trade route marker stones near Tibet’s border. The afternoon is perfect for journaling in a sunlit teahouse, sipping butter tea while watching clouds dance across Himalchuli’s ridges. This strategic rest day ensures you’re ready for tomorrow’s challenging ascent.

Simple Lodge

B

Today's 4-5 hour trek ascends through a dramatic glacial valley to Dharamsala (4,460m), your launch point for tomorrow's Larkya La crossing. The trail weaves across ancient moraines where blue sheep often graze, with the Larke Peak glacier looming ahead. Notice the landscape transforms into the alpine desert as you pass frozen streams and wind-sculpted boulders. At camp, acclimate with short walks to nearby viewpoints revealing Manaslu's icy north face. As temperatures plummet, gather in the dining tent for garlic soup and a thorough briefing about tomorrow's challenging pass crossing. Fall asleep to the sound of crunching glacier ice under a spectacular display of stars.

Hiking: 4-5 hrs.

Simple Lodge

B

Your pre-dawn departure begins with headlamps illuminating the frozen trail toward Larkya La Pass (5,160m). As sunrise paints the glaciers gold, conquer the final steep slope to reach the prayer-flag-draped summit by mid-morning. Celebrate with 360° views of Manaslu, Himlung Himal, and the Annapurna range. The 4-hour descent reveals turquoise glacial lakes and the massive Larke Glacier, before entering Bimthang’s (3,720m) alpine meadows dotted with wildflowers. This hidden valley, framed by snow peaks, offers cozy lodges where you'll savor hot chocolate while reliving your high-altitude triumph.

Hiking: 8-9 hrs

Simple Lodge

B

Descend through enchanted rhododendron forests to Tilije (2,300m), where medieval stone houses cluster around a 17th-century monastery. The air sweetens with apple blossoms as you enter this Gurung village, crossing ancient irrigation channels fed by glacial streams. Celebrate your Larkya La triumph with copper-distilled apple brandy and a farm-fresh feast of wild mushrooms, buckwheat bread, and just-harvested greens. In this sacred space, butter lamps cast moving shadows on divine mandalas as the sarangi's melancholic voice recounts epic Himalayan journeys. This sensory homecoming rewards your high-altitude trials with warmth, flavor, and the comfort of thicker air.

Hiking: 5-6 hrs.

Simple Lodge

B

The trail descends dramatically through the Marsyangdi Gorge, where cascades plunge 200m down mossy cliffs. Cross swaying bridges over turquoise rapids, passing villages where children offer freshly picked persimmons. Tal (1,700m) emerges like a mirage – a tranquil oasis beside a thunderous waterfall, its mist creating rainbows in the afternoon light. Stay at a riverside lodge, where your final night in the mountains is serenaded by the waterfall’s roar. Soak in the hot shower (a luxury after days of trekking), then join fellow hikers for a celebratory dinner featuring the valley’s famous trout and organic buckwheat pancakes.

Hiking: 5-6 hrs.

Simple Lodge

B

The trail descends through the dramatic Marsyangdi Gorge, where waterfalls plunge from hanging valleys into turquoise pools. Pass through Chamje village, its stone houses clinging to cliffs above the roaring river. Cross suspension bridges draped with prayer flags, their colors vibrant against the canyon walls. Arriving in Syange (1,100m), the air hums with moisture from the thunderous nearby waterfall, where rainbows dance in the spray. Stay at a riverside lodge, savoring your first citrus fruits since the lowlands - a refreshing finale after weeks of trekking. As evening falls, celebrate your journey's completion with fellow trekkers, sharing stories beneath the stars to the soundtrack of cascading water.

Hiking: 6-7 hrs.

Simple Lodge

B

On the final day of your Manaslu Circuit Trek, depart Syange and trek alongside the Marsyangdi River, enjoying scenic views of terraced fields and rural landscapes. After a few hours, reach Bulbule, where you’ll switch to a private vehicle or bus for the drive to Kathmandu. The journey passes through charming villages and lush countryside, offering glimpses of local life. Upon arrival in Kathmandu, transfer to your hotel to rest and freshen up. Spend the evening relaxing or exploring the vibrant streets, reflecting on your unforgettable adventure in the Manaslu region. This marks the end of your trek, leaving you with lasting memories of Nepal’s breathtaking mountains and culture.

Driving: 7 hrs.

Hotel

B

Enjoy a free morning in Kathmandu before your transfer to the airport. With peaks etched in memory, take one last glance at Nepal before boarding, wishing you smooth skies ahead!

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Ø  The best times for this trek are during the spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) when the weather is pleasant, and the mountain views are clear.

Ø  The Manaslu Circuit Trek is moderately challenging and requires a good level of physical fitness. Prior trekking experience and some experience with high altitudes are beneficial.

Ø  A guide is not mandatory, but it's recommended for safety, navigation, and cultural insights. Restricted area permits for Manaslu require trekkers to be in a group with a registered guide.

Ø  You will need the Manaslu Restricted Area Permit and the Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) for certain sections of the trek. These can be obtained in Kathmandu.

Ø  A good level of physical fitness is necessary for this trek due to the long trekking days, high altitudes, and challenging terrain. Cardiovascular training and strength are recommended.

Ø  Essentials include warm clothing, a good pair of hiking boots, a rain jacket, a daypack, a sleeping bag suitable for cold weather, and a trekking pole.

Ø  Highlights include the remote and pristine nature of the Manaslu region, the unique Tibetan culture, and experiencing a less-traveled route with panoramic mountain views.

Ø  Some customization is possible, depending on your preferences. You can explore nearby attractions or adjust the itinerary. Discuss these options with your trekking agency.

Ø  Altitude sickness can be a concern, especially when crossing the Larkya Pass. Proper acclimatization and monitoring are crucial to minimize the risk.

Ø  Teahouses and lodges are available along the route, providing basic but comfortable accommodations and meals. Facilities may vary in some remote areas.

Ø  There are limited medical facilities in the region. It's important to have travel insurance that covers emergency evacuation if needed.

Ø  You can do the Manaslu Circuit Trek independently, but it's often safer and more convenient to go with a group or hire a guide, especially if you're not familiar with the area.

Ø  The highest point on the Manaslu Circuit Trek is the Larkya Pass at 5,106 meters. Adequate acclimatization is essential to prevent altitude sickness. There are several villages along the way where you can spend an extra day to acclimatize.

Ø  It's best to book through a reputable trekking agency before your trip. They can help with permits, accommodations, and logistics for this remote trek.