You will arrive at Tribhuvan International airport in Kathmandu, the capital city of Nepal. This ancient city is generally known for its unique cultures, traditions, and heritage. The medieval town has many temples, palaces, and Malla-era courtyards.
Our staff and representative will pick you then transfer you to a hotel. Then, they will brief you about this tour in short. After arriving at the hotel, you will encounter hotel staff members with flower garlands as a means of greeting. Then the staff will help you to check-in at the hotel.
The travelers can also take a short tour and pass through the famous streets of the Thamel. You can rest in the evening and plan for your trip the next day.
After breakfast, we will go on a short sightseeing tour of Kathmandu, the ancient city. This incredible city has many medieval landmarks, including temples, palaces, and bihars. There are various UNESCO-listed world heritage sites in Kathmandu valley that are open museums of sorts. These beautiful landmarks provide you with great cultural and historical exploration.
Firstly, we will travel to Swayambhunath stupa, located on a hilltop, to observe the gorgeous sunrise. It is also known as a monkey temple as there are many monkeys in this stupa area. You can get the complete views of Kathmandu valley from this stupa viewpoint. Then, we will travel to other religious landmarks of the city, including Pashupatinath and Boudhanath.
Pashupatinath is a Hindu pilgrimage site and abode of Lord Shiva, whereas Boudhanath is a beautiful stupa dedicated to Lord Buddha. There are many Thanka galleries, restaurants, cafes, and others nearby Boudha. If time allows, we can then travel to durbar squares in the city, including Basantapur, Patan, and Bhaktapur. Various temples of this city date back to the Malla era period.
Since you will not be able to complete a tour of all landmarks of this city, you can select a few places in advance. There are various Newar settlements with unique architecture. You can explore lovely local eateries that provide you with local delicacies. After exploring around these beautiful landmarks, you will return to your hotel, where you can stay overnight.
Driving Hours (160km / 99.4miles) 6-8hrs
The trek starts from a drive from Kathmandu on Prithvi Highway that follows the Trishuli River. The views on the road are unlike anything you have ever seen -traditional villages, terraced fields, white water rivers, lush forests, giant mountains – including Annapurna, Manaslu, Langtang, and Ganesh Himal. We will continue our bus ride until we reach Soti Khola. Soti Khola is the gateway to the Manaslu trek. We will be spending our first night in the trek region at Soti Khola.
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Drive time: 7 hours
Accommodation: Tea House
Your tour to Manaslu Circuit begins from Kathmandu. To start, you can take a direct bus at 6 am and 8 am from Gongabu Bus Park, Kathmandu, to Maccha Khola.
Our guide will come to your hotel to pick you up and take you to the bus station in a taxi. It takes 8 to 9 hours to reach Maccha Khola via Public bus and 7 to 8 hours by Private Jeep. We recommend you to have breakfast or ask your hotel to pack your breakfast. The bus will stop on the way for a toilet break and lunch
if you upgrade it to a private Jeep, you can stop anywhere for a toilet break or lunch.
Although the road is dusty and bumpy, you will catch the best landscape views from your window seat. En route, you can stop at many rest stops for short breaks and meals. Overnight at one of the teahouses in Maccha Khola.
Trek Distance 9.7km / 6miles
Highest Altitude 890m / 2,965ft
Trek Duration 6-7 hrs
This will be the first day on the trails. We wake up at Soti Khola, prepare for a long day trek, and head to Maccha Khola. The path itself is stunning, with waterfalls crossing our way. You need to be careful as the path has sharp ascents and descents. We will also be passing through Sal forests, walking by the side of towering cliffs, and at times you might encounter mules on the path. Our path will take us through Khursani village and to Lububesi Gurung settlement and finally to Machha Khola.
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The following day, you will start walking across the twisting road on the bank of the Budi Gandaki River. You will witness many monkeys and langurs as you enter the forest trail.
After the forest, you will walk to the Gurung villages, like lower Khorlabeshi. In the village, you will notice the shepherds clad in a typical smoke-browned cape called Bokkhu.
On walking further, you will reach Tatopani ‘hot water’, where you can take warm showers and relax your soaring body. After hot water relaxation, you cross a new suspension bridge over the Bhudi Gandaki River to reach Doban.
After a landslip and Yaruphant, you cross a wooden bridge to the left of the Budi Gandaki river and avoid a torturous 3-hour climb up Gurung village trails.
Following the waves, you will find the river flattening at Yaru, from where you cross a long cantilever bridge to reach Jagat, a neatly flagstoned Gurung village. Upon entering the village, you will have to verify your trekking permits at the check post. From this day, you will be walking in the restricted region.
Trek Distance 9.5km / 5.9miles
Highest Altitude 1,070m / 3510ft
Trek Duration 4 to 5 hrs
We have not gained much height, which you can tell from the sub-tropical vegetations lying around the trek. However, be prepared to traverse some ups and downs. You will be crossing two major rivers- Tharo Khola and Machha Khola. After crossing Machha Khola on a suspension bridge, we will be entering Tatopani, but we continue on our path that passes through forests and finally to Doban. Doban means the confluence of two rivers in Nepal, and sure enough, Doban lies at the confluence of Shari Khola and Sarpu Khola.
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The next day, you will walk to Salleri and descend to Sirdibas. The village welcomes you with several gompas and Buddhist prayer flags. You can also try the local alcohol at many stopovers on the route before you reach Phillim. At Phillim, you will have your permits checked, and then you will continue along the western bank of the river.
The trail is beautiful, with unique sculptures over the boulders on the river bank formed due to river water. Leaving the riverbank, you proceed through rhododendron forests, Himalayan pine, and the overhanging rocks on the towering peaks. These highlights beautify the trail.
On proceeding further, you cross the Siyar Khola bridge and reach a junction where the trail separates Tsum Valley on your right.
Finally, you will reach Pewa, the final destination of the day. There are only two teahouses in the region where they serve basic food and a night of cozy sleep. Pewa has the best Dal Bhat in Nepal with the Shilong Acha.
You can gather around the fireplace in the evening and share your experiences with fellow trekkers and locals before you go to bed.
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With a distant view of Sringi Himal, the walk begins over a rocky slope. Before reaching Philim, a Gurung settlement, you will go past Salleri, Sirdibas, and Ghatta Khola. Your Short Manaslu Circuit Trek Route will next travel to Nyak village through Ekle Bhatti, twice over the Budhi Gandaki River on suspension bridges. You will reach Deng village by passing via Pewa Khola and bamboo trees, following the Budhi Gandaki’s bank walkways, and passing through a lonely canyon.
Trek Distance 13km / 8miles
Highest Altitude 1,570m / 5,150ft
Trek Duration 5-6 hrs
After breakfast at Doban, we continue through our journey to reach Philim by the end of the day. The trek starts with a sharp climb to Louri and continues until Thado Bharyang below Jagat. Then we cross a river to reach Jagat – a Tibetan-style settlement, and we cross another river to reach Philim – another Gurung village.
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After the sun rises, you will have breakfast and start the day’s trek. Before ascending the winding trails, you will walk across the bamboo forest to reach Deng. Moving further, you will cross a suspension bridge to climb to Rana and Bihi Phedi. On the trail, white-faced monkeys visit villages looking for a free feed.
The trail then proceeds to Ghap through several landslide zones. At this point, you must be extra careful as you walk. Plus, you must be attentive to your guide’s instructions to maintain physical safety. After the landslide zone, you will follow the trail up to Namrung.
After about 1hr on the uneven trail, you will climb a zigzag from the river to the neat village of Namrung (2660m). The place has some of the best teashops, a restaurant, and rest houses on the trek. A local businessman worked for over a decade in Hong Kong, then returned to Namrung and built a modern restaurant and hotel with Cappuccinos and WiFi.
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Beginning at Deng, the Manaslu Circuit Short Trek will ascend to Rana and Bihi Phedi while traversing a suspension bridge over the Budhi Gandaki River. Before reaching the charming village of Ghap, this hike will gradually ascend and pass through a variety of woods and mani stones. After that, you will go to Ghapsya while admiring the breathtaking views of Shringi Himal along the way. Be cautious since the landslide area will start near Ghapsya. By following the river and repeatedly crossing it via the forest and gompas, you may ascend to Namrung.
Trek Distance 11km / 6.8miles
Highest Altitude 1,860m / 6,102ft
Trek Duration 4-5hrs
We continue our trek northwards through terraced millet fields eventually reaching Ekle Bhatti. Our path becomes steeper, passing through sharp gorges and crossing Budhi Gandaki River. We continue on the banks of Budhi Gandaki and then through bamboo forests that lead to the Deng Khola river. Then, we cross this river to reach Deng – our destination.
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Witnessing the lifestyles of the Nubri people, you will start the day. Exploring their Tibet-influenced typical lifestyle, you will walk past several mani walls, lush terraces, and houses through Banjam to enter the fir, rhododendron, and oak forest before climbing to Lihi and then to Sho.
As you start walking, you will see most locals clad in traditional Tibetan dress. As you start further, you will notice some fine paintings in the Kani (gate arches) that you pass before Sho. Walking across the rocky hillside routes, you will finally reach Lho.
You can catch stunning views of Manaslu (8163m) and Manaslu North (7157m) from the place. You will gain a high altitude on this day, so you must walk slowly and check your body signs.
Trek Distance 11.5km / 7.14miles
Highest Altitude 2,250m / 7,382ft
Trek Duration 4-5hrs
Our journey continues after a hearty breakfast intending to reach Ghap. The route takes us through Bihi Phedi and Bihi, but it starts as a short descend followed by a sharp ascend that leads to Rana Bridge. We continue further through the pine forest and cross a bridge to reach Bihi Phedi. As soon as you cross the bridge, you will realize that you have entered a Buddhist region by seeing Mani walls and other portraits of different gods and goddesses. You will cross another suspension bridge before you finally make it to Ghap.
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The trail today takes you from Samagaon to Namrung. You will walk through a forested path and then some barley fields. After some time, you will arrive at Lihi observing magical views of snow-capped mountains, including Ganesh Himal and Himal Chuli. You will descend along the trails to enter a beautiful valley and cross over the Hinang Khola.
You will then do a steep climb in the Chortens to get the best views of Ngadi Chuli. We will trek further for some time to arrive at Lho, a Gurung village. There is a beautiful large monastery called “Ribung Monastery.” From here, we will descend to Damodar Khola.
You will then trek further to Shyala village and cross the Numla Khola over a suspension bridge. A gentle trail uphill will take you to the Pungyen Gompa. Following the trail, we will trek to various points to arrive at Samagaon. You will stay at a Samagaon teahouse.
Trek Distance 9km / 5.5miles
Highest Altitude 2,660m / 8,727ft
Trek Duration 4-5hrs
From Ghap, our next destination will be Namrung. The route takes us through dense fir, rhododendron, oaks, and bamboo forest, past steep ascends, suspension bridges, and stone stairs to Namrung. Around Namrung, you will get to see large barley fields.
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This is the day of acclimatization at Sama Gaon to prevent altitude-related illness. And, as an acclimatization hike, you will walk to Pungyen Gompa east of the Nubra Valley. On this acclimatization hike, You have to take a packed lunch.
You can then visit various monasteries in the region, including Labrang Gompa and Kargya Chholing Monastery. Besides that, you can also hike till Pungyen Gompa. The breathtaking views of Mt. Manaslu, Pungyen Glacier, and Nadi River will enchant all travelers.
Once at the hilltop, you will get enticing views of Manaslu. Nearby, you will see many Himalayan Tahr and Yaks grazing.
Or, you can hike to Manaslu Base Camp north of Sama Gaon. You can follow the trail past Birendra Tal and turn left onto the base camp track.
You will climb the steady trails. However, the altitude may cause breathing difficulty. So, you need to maintain body hydration and walk slowly. Proceeding slowly, you will walk north of Manaslu Glacier to base camp at 4,400m / 14,435, then return.
Or, you can hike to Birendra Tal, a short walk from Sama Gaon. This is an option if you feel the need for a rest or if you are finding the altitude difficult.
Trek Distance 11km / 6.8miles
Highest Altitude 3,180m / 10,433ft
Trek Duration 5-6hrs
We continue on our journey after having breakfast, intending to reach Lho. Our path takes us through the beautiful Lihi village, and then we will cross a stream that originates from Lindanda Glacier to reach Sho while enjoying the views of Simnang Himal (6251m). However, we will be pressing ourselves ahead to reach Lho – a culturally rich village adorned in prayer flags, Mani Walls, Chortens, and other stupas.
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On this new day, you will reach the newer destination ie Samdo. But, as you are in a high altitude, you need to walk slowly so this is a short day trek. You will notice extended yak pastures up a broad valley with long mani walls, with a variety of birds.
From there, you will leave the tree line and climb to a ridge across the wooden bridge of Budi Gandaki before you reach White Kani. It is a neighboring village to Samdo, a very picturesque village dedicated to yak herding.
Once at Samdo, you can explore the nearby villages or hike to Samdo Peak. The Larkya La trail is on the left above the valley. You can also see the main track for Tibet over the Larjyang La forming slopes on the Larkya La trail.
Trek Distance 17.2km / 10.6miles
Highest Altitude 3,530m / 11,581ft
Trek Duration 4-5hrs
From Lho, we start the trek early morning and head to Samagaun. Our path passes through a forest and reaches Shyala village. The Shyala village sits surrounded by agricultural fields and has several wooden resting places. As we move ahead, we will be crossing a small stream that drains the Punggen glacier and reach a flat village called Samagaun. Samaguan is the closest village to Manaslu Base Camp.
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As a day for rest, you will stop at Samdo where you will go for a day trip to the Tibetan border. From the border, you can also see parts of Tibet and Nepal. If lucky, you can also witness the Yak caravan passing the border.
Once at the border, if you look towards the south of Samdo Glacier you will get excellent photos with a huge serac near the top of the glacier. You can also frame Blue Sheep, Pica’s, and Marmots in season.
During this trek, we acclimatize at Samagaon to adjust to the thin air as we would have reached a higher elevation. We will not stay idle but will explore Samagaun. Sure enough, you will be noticing the lifestyles of the locals and experiencing their culture. Moreover, there are other options such as a hike to Manaslu Base Camp or Birendra Lake or visiting Pungyen Monastery.
Pungen Monastery lies in the south of Samagaon and is about two and a half hours hike away. It is hidden behind the ridge in front of Manaslu and provides tremendous views of the glaciers. Birendra Tal is a glacial lake at 3,450m where ice blocks tumble into the lake with thunderous displays. Samagaon is indeed an interesting place for acclimatization.
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The trail today passes through various landscapes to arrive at from Dharmasala to Samdo. Travelers will trail past barren fields and cross the Budhi Gandaki river to arrive at Dharmasala.
This trail then leads you to the Larkya bazaar from where you reach Pana Danda Valley. From the trail, we will pass through grassy slopes to Syacha Khola Valley. The magical views of snow-capped mountains and Syacha Glacier from this viewpoint are pretty awe-inspiring.
From this route, you will then head towards Larkya Glacier and then reach Dharmasala. You will get the best views of snow-capped mountains, including Larke and Naike peaks, from this viewpoint. You will spend the night in Dharmasala.
Trek Distance 8.2km / 5miles
Highest Altitude 3,875m / 12,713ft
Trek Duration 3-4 hrs.
The trek today is comparatively more interesting and pleasant. We will be crossing the pasture areas and ascending to the valley. The trail leads us to forests with juniper and birch. As we reach down the Budhi Gandaki river, we will cross the wooden bridge over Budhi Gandaki and climb up steeply across the river. We will be getting amazing views of mountains, especially Manaslu, as we reach Samdo – a Tibetan refugee village. Upon reaching Samdo, we will also explore this village and the surrounding hills.
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This is a special day as you will walk to the trail’s highest point. On this day, you will walk to Larkya La Pass (5,160m / 16,929 ft). The walk could be quite challenging in bad weather and the snow, yet; it is doable. You will cross the pass before the afternoon, so you must wake up early( 3 a.m.), have breakfast, and leave the teahouse early. This is the challenging part of the trek, but if you walk steadily, you can walk to the pass successfully.
The stunning views you will witness once you stand at the pass make the trip more enlightened. You will catch views of Himlung (7,126m/ 23,379 ft) near Tibet Kang Guru (6,981m /22,903 ft), and Annapurna II (7,937m / 26,040 ft) in the Annapurna Range.
You will spend some time exploring the region and then descend the trails. Following the winding paths, we will reach Dingboche Kharka. You will trek further to arrive at Bimthang. Bimthang village settlement provides you incredible views of Kechakyu Himal and Manaslu. Moreover, Samdo village settlers come here during winters. It is also a trading point. Spending your particular time at the pass, you will walk down for around 3 hours toward Bimthang for an overnight stay. On descending, you will get views of huge icefalls and mountains in all directions, Pongkar Tal between the Pongkar and Salpu Danda Glaciers.
Trek Distance 11.7km / 7.2miles
Highest Altitude 4,480m / 14,698ft
Trek Duration 3-4 hrs.
We walk down the Samdo edge through fields and old Mani walls, crossing the wooden bridge over the Budhi Gandaki River. We will walk past Athahra Saya River and then along the Larke River. You will be noticing the Mani walls, and the prayer flags hung on the route, signifying the closeness of the Larkya La Pass.
Then comes Larkya Glacier, which is unquestionably magnificent. As we enjoy the view, we further trek around the valley of Salkha Khola and climb up again to reach the stone guest house (4,450m). The stone guest house is not a lodge, but it is a kind of community dormitory better known as Dharamsala or Larkya La Phedi. This day would be a great day as we will get amazing views of the Larkya Glacier and Mt. Manaslu.
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The trail today passes through various landscapes of the region to arrive at Bhimthang from Dharapani. The tracks then descend and cross a stony glacier before finally ascending from a moraine. The trails then lead you through the dense forests of the region.
This route will provide you with majestic views of Manaslu, Larke, Nadi, and Chuli Himal. Then you will descend and reach Karche via Sangura Kharka and Hompuk. The trails then pass through fields and climb uphill to arrive at Gho. The trail takes you to Tilje, passing through Marsyangdi valley.
It is a beautiful village settlement in the Manaslu region that provides you with the best views of snow-capped mountains. There are various small settlements, and people in the area are generally busy farming and animal rearing. You can find them looking after their freezing sheep and engaged in their traditional lifestyle.
After breakfast, you will pass through a small ridge and other natural diverse trails along enjoy the stone-paved course. You will then cross over Dudh Khola through the suspension bridge and climb a chorten-shaped arch. You will then pass the top wall and the beautiful Thonje village.
There is a police checkpoint in the town as you trail ahead to Dharapani. The city remains located in the Annapurna circuit for many trekkers. From Dharapani, you can observe the snow-capped mountains of the region. The trail then takes you around Dharapani, where you will stay overnight at a teahouse.
The exciting part of the journey awaits us, as we will be trekking around the Manaslu circuit, crossing the Larkya La Pass (5,100m). After early morning breakfast, we will leave Dharamsala as it will be a long trek. The weather is the most important factor as the weather decides if the trek becomes more challenging due to strong winds or storms.
We begin by crossing the moraine, and descending to a small lake. The trail begins to be rough and unclear as we cross the south of a steep grassy slope. Our route stays on the moraine to an edge, marked by two landmarks. The prayer flags mark the route giving us a sense of trek direction. We descend carefully to four frozen lakes, then finally climb a steep trail to the Larkya La Pass.
From the pass, you can enjoy the panoramic views of Himlung Himal, Cheo Himal, Kang Guru, and the great Annapurna II. The marvelous trail takes us to the top of the moraine, heads west, and makes steep, rough bends. We further cross the moraine then descend gently to another grassy moraine at 4,450m. As we descend, the trail becomes easier to walk in, as we arrive at a small meadow. The valley begins to widen as we near the large meadow, Mani walls, and small houses that indicate we have reached Bhimtang.
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Trek time: 7 hours
This Manaslu Circuit Trek itinerary comes to an end in Dharapani as you will take a scenic drive to Kathmandu. Its is diret road from Dharapani -Besishar which might takes about 4 hours drive. Its paved road from Besishar onward journey. After having a healthy breakfast, we will tip our guides and porter and then board a private Jeep to Kathmandu. Following the trail, we will take the route through Prithvi highway to Kathmandu.
After arriving in Kathmandu, we will stay overnight at a hotel. You can also explore the city and its beautiful landmarks in the evening. You can also experience the fantastic nightlife clubs and pubs in Thamel. You can also go souvenir shopping for your family and friends back home. After having a meal early in the morning, we will continue our journey with a scenic drive to Kathmandu from Dharapani.
This incredible trekking journey passes through various scenic trails, including natural diversities of green hills, mountain valleys, vast meadows, and deep mountain valleys. This beautiful journey along Prithvi Highway takes around 8-10 hours to complete. You will stay overnight at a hotel in Kathmandu after your arrival.
Trek Distance 10km / 6.2miles
Highest Altitude 3,720m / 12,205ft
Trek Duration 4-5hrs
Last day’s trek must have been tough, but you can wake up assured that today’s trek will not be very taxing. You start by descending to Budhi Gandaki River and cross it to enter the rhododendron forest that opens to Karche – a cultivated area near the top of Budhi Gandaki valley. You continue along the river bank to reach Gho.
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Our Friendship World Trek staff representative will help you transfer you to the airport from your hotel. You can then board a flight back to your desired destination.
Included standard Meal (Breakfast)
Driving Distance 224km / 139miles
Highest Altitude 1,910m / 6,266ft
Today, we will be our last day on the road. After early morning breakfast, we leave Dharapani to Besishar on a local bus, which will approximately take about six to seven hours. The drive will be scenic as we will pass many villages, Marsyangdi River, Bhulbhule town, and Khudi. We should be reaching Besisahar before 3 pm to catch the last bus to Kathmandu. If we are late, we will have to extend a day in the itinerary.
After catching a bus that takes us back to Kathmandu, on our way, we will see the Marsyagdi River meeting the Trishuli River, as we head east on the Prithivi Highway. The drive allows you to appreciate beautiful and natural scenery – including the terraced lands and high peaks.
Our Friendship World Trek staff representative will help you transfer you to the airport from your hotel. You can then board a flight back to your desired destination. We will drop you at airport 3 hours earlier than departure time. We hope that you will have enjoyed your trek to the fullest.