Manaslu Trek

Arrival and transfer to the hotel.  Free day. Overnight in Kathmandu.

Upon your arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu, you will be met by our staff and transferred to your Hotel. In the evening you guide will be introduced to you, and a briefing session will be conducted about your trek. A free evening.

Optional Kathmandu Valley sightseeing Tour.

If you opt for it, we can organise a guided "walking tour" of Kathmandu Valley UNESCO Heritage sites: old bazaars and Durbar Squares of Patan and Bhaktapur, stupas and Temples for cultural discoveries of ancient temples and religious shrines of the three medieval kingdoms while your permits are processed.

Drive from Kathmandu to Soti Khola (775 m.) or Machhi Khola (990 m.)  7-8 hour drive.
Today is around a 7-8 hour drive. The first 4 hours of the drive are along a comfortable highway, while the rest of the drive is on a rough road.  The first day of the trek starts along the Budhi Gandaki River toward its point of origin. We pass the villages of Morder and Simre to reach the Arkhet River.  The trail passes through a sal forest, rocky mountains, and Magar and Gurung villages. The trail follows down the sandy riverbed of the Budhi Gandaki River.  Overnight in a local tea house at Machhi Khola.

Trek from Machhi Khola to Jagat (1340 m)
After crossing the Machhi River and Khrolabesi, there is a hot spring called "Tatopani". The trail follows a forested area and the Dovan River’s rapids and waterfall. After Dovan, there is an hour-and-a-half ascent and a two-hour straight walk before reaching the tea house.

Trek from Jagat to Deng (1860 m)

It will take around 7 hours of trekking from Jagat to the tiny Deng village, made up of just about 4 houses. From Jagat, we make a descent towards the river through stone steps and then ascend up a terraced hillside, stopping at Saguleri to catch the exotic view of the Sringi Himal (7187m).  Then, after a few more crossings over the river, whenever the path becomes too steep, we ultimately climb up to Deng. Overnight at a tea house.

Trek from Deng to Namru (2660 m)

You will walk for around 6 to 7 hours on a zigzag road before reaching camp at Namru, which is a Sherpa village. After crossing the Budhi Gandaki gorge, there is a pine forest. You will experience rhododendron forests.  Overnight at a tea house.

Trek from Namru to Lho (2957 m)

Witnessing the lifestyle 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, then to Sho.

As you start walking, you will see most of the locals clad in traditional Tibetan dress. As you go 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. On this day, you will gain quite a high altitude, so you must walk slowly and check your body's signs.

Trek from Lho to Samagaon (3520 m.)

The next morning, you will start with a short trek because of the altitude. On walking, the picturesque view of Mt. Manaslu accompanies you. You will walk across the easy trail to Shyala, passing through a pine and rhododendron gully with moss and a gin-clear stream.  From Shyala, you will walk for almost an hour to reach Sama Gaun. Once you enter the village, mountain views fade; however, the yak pastures and typical settlements will attract you. Sama Gaun is the principal village of the Nubri people, which holds a large gompa, many shops, a health post, a heliport, and telephone/wifi access, etc.

An acclimatization day (day trip to Manaslu Base Camp or visit Pungyen Gompa)

This is the day of acclimatization at Sama Gaon to help your body tune to the thin air. And, as an acclimatization hike, you will walk to Pungyen Gompa on the east side of the Nubri Valley. We carry a packed lunch. Once at the hilltop, you will get enticing views of Manaslu. Nearby, you will see many Himalayan Thars and Yaks grazing.

2^nd option: you can hike to Manaslu Base Camp, which is to the north of Sama Gong. You can follow the trail past Birendra Tal and turn left onto the base camp track. You will climb the steady trails; the altitude may cause breathing difficulty, so maintain hydration and walk slowly to the north of Manaslu Glacier to base camp at 4400m then return to base.

Trek from Sama Gaun to Samdo (3880 m)

On this new day, you will reach Samdo. As you are at high altitude, you need to walk slowly, so this is also a short day trek.  You will notice extended yak pastures up a broad valley with long mani walls, with a variety of birds. From here, you will leave the tree line behind and climb to a ridge across the wooden bridge of Buri Gandaki before you reach Kani. It is a neighboring village to Samdo, a very picturesque yak herding village.

The trail heads north and separates from the trail heading to the base camp. We pass several Buddhists shrines and mani or prayer walls, then reach the pasture of Kermo Khaka. Samdo is another Tibetan village offering views of Simang Himal, Samdo Peak, Himalchuli, and Peak 29.

Trek from Samdo to Dharamshala (4480 m)

This is around 4-5 hours of uphill walking. The walk continues with mountain views and through barren steppes. Dharamshala is the high camp before the Larkya La pass (5213 m).  Overnight at a tea house.

Trek from Dharamshala to Bimtang (3590 m)

This is the most difficult day of the trek, as it involves crossing a very long Larkya La Pass (5213 m). The day starts at around 3:30 a.m., and trek starts immediately after breakfast. Around 750 m ascent of around 5-6 hours, and upon reaching the pass, you will have a packed lunch. Then there is a descent of around 1300 m for 4-5 hours to Bimtang.  The trek to Bimtang is known for its toughness and stunning scenery.  The trek includes crossing the Larkya Las Pass, which is a significant challenge due to its high altitude and glacier terrain.  Today's trekking distance is approximately 14 km. (8.0 miles) and it typically takes about 9 - 10 hours to reach Bimtang from Dharamshala.  The trek offers panoramic views of the surrounding Himalayan peaks, including Manaslu, Himlung Himal, and Cheo Himal. 

Normally, on this day, most of the trekkers face challenges such as cold winds, oxygen deprivation, and long distances, making it a demanding experience.  Overall, the trek is a rewarding experience that combines physical endurance with breathtaking natural beauty.  Overnight at Tea house.

Trek from Bhimtang to Gowa (2560 m)

It takes about 4 to 5 hours to reach Gowa, a village on the trail that offers basic accommodation.
We cross the Bhimtang Glacier, gradually descend, and pass colorful decorations with prayer flags, the surrounding mountains, firs, and the scenery. The trail brings us to Yak Kharka; it offers us basic accommodation, and after a 2 and a half hour walk reach Soti Khola. From Soti Khola, it takes us a further 1.5 hours to reach Gowa.  Overnight at Gowa.

Trek from Gowa to Dharapani (1990 m)

We will reach Tilche village (2300 m), which takes about 2 hours passing through a beautiful forest. From Tilche, you cross Dudh Khola and reach Thonche in another 2 hours. A long suspension bridge on the way, and finally our Manaslu Circuit trail comes to an end, and after crossing the bridge of the Marsyangdi River we arrive at Dharapani to join the Annapurna Circuit trail.

Drive from Dharapani to Kathmandu (8 - 9 hour drive)

It's a long drive back to Kathmandu, taking almost all day. From Dharapani, we will take a reserved vehicle to Bensisahar, and from Bensisahar we take another waiting vehicle for the rest of the drive to Kathmandu.  Overnight hotel in Kathmandu.

Free day in Kathmandu.

This day is set aside for any eventuality that may be caused by a delay en route. Also, this day can be used to relax and rejuvenate or simply explore the back streets of Kathmandu to hunt for some last-minute souvenir pick-ups. Overnight hotel.

Departure transfer to the international airport.