Manaslu Circuit Trek

As you glide through the air and approach the bustling metropolis of Kathmandu, you'll be greeted with a magnificent sight of the valley, the Himalayas, and the terraced fields below. Once you've completed the necessary customs procedures, a designated representative will be waiting to help you navigate through the initial culture shock of Kathmandu's winding and narrow streets, leading you to your accommodation. Once you've settled in, take some time to explore one of Kathmandu's most distinguished cultural attractions. In the evening, head to Thamel, the tourist hub of the city, where you can indulge in a wide range of dining options, from traditional Nepalese cuisine to Western dishes.

Today's itinerary is packed with exciting experiences that will take you through some of the most treasured cultural and religious landmarks in the Kathmandu Valley. You'll begin by visiting Swayambhunath, affectionately known as the Monkey Temple, an ancient Buddhist stupa that's a prominent religious site and offers breathtaking views of the city from atop a hill.

Next, you'll visit Baudhanath, the largest stupa in Nepal, located in a vibrant Tibetan neighborhood, where you can immerse yourself in religious activities and witness traditional practices in motion.

After lunch, you'll visit Pashupatinath, a sprawling temple complex dedicated to Lord Shiva that attracts devotees from all over the world. The temple complex's riverside setting is tranquil and serene, providing a peaceful respite amidst the chaos of the city.

Your final stop will be Patan, an ancient city known for its stunning architecture and rich history. You'll explore Patan's Durbar Square, which is home to several temples and palaces from the Malla period, and admire intricate wood carvings, metalwork, and other traditional handicrafts in the area.

After a full day of exploration, you'll return to your hotel in Kathmandu, where you can reflect on the incredible experiences of the day and prepare for whatever adventures lie ahead.

After a hearty breakfast, your journey continues westward along the scenic Kathmandu-Pokhara Highway towards the picturesque village of Machhi Khola. Along the way, you'll be treated to stunning views of rural communities, small towns, verdant terraces, and lush hillsides. As you approach Dhading, the road will gradually transition from a smooth ride to a rugged, dirt path, offering breathtaking vistas of the southern slopes of Annapurna, Manaslu, Ganesh Himal, and Langtang Himal.

As the day progresses, you'll arrive at the Bhuri Gandaki Valley's Machhi Khola, where you'll have the opportunity to savor a delicious dinner. This tranquil village is situated on the banks of the Machhi Khola River and is surrounded by stunning natural scenery, including rolling hills and lush forests.

After a hearty breakfast in Machha Khola, your trekking adventure continues as you traverse the narrow gorge and head upstream. The trail features gentle inclines and declines, winding its way past the Tharo Khola before arriving at Khorlabesi. You'll continue to trek through hills and valleys, surrounded by stunning natural scenery, until you reach Tatopani, a small village famous for its natural hot springs, where you can relax and rejuvenate.

Leaving Tatopani, you'll climb over a ridge and cross the Budhi Gandaki River on a suspension bridge. The trail continues with more climbs up staircases and over ridges before reaching Dobhan. Crossing another suspension bridge over the Yaru Khola, you'll ascend another staircase and descend towards the river before hiking up more stone stairs to Tharo Bharyang. Along the way, you may come across charming Gurung villages nestled high in the jungle and may even spot playful Langur monkeys.

After crossing the west bank of the Budhi Gandaki, you'll ascend a ridge and trek along the river before climbing towards the village of Jagat. This village is perched on a hilltop and offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape. With every step, you'll feel more and more immersed in the beauty of the region and the unique culture of the local communities.

After spending the night in Deng, you'll continue on the trail by crossing the Budhi Gandaki river and hiking through a dense forest to Rana. From there, you'll reach the village of Bihi, where you'll be able to take a break and enjoy the views of the surrounding landscape.

The trail will then continue on to Ghap, a small Tibetan village with traditional houses and prayer flags fluttering in the wind. You'll have the chance to interact with the locals and learn more about their culture before moving on.

After leaving Ghap, the trail will climb through alpine forests and pastures before reaching the village of Namrung. Here, you'll be able to see views of the Himalayas, including the peaks of Siring, Ganesh Himal, and Himal Chuli.

Finally, you'll end the day in the village of Lho, which is famous for its monastery and stunning views of the Manaslu mountain range. You'll have the chance to explore the village and interact with the locals before settling in for the night.

After breakfast in Deng, you'll begin one of the most important and culturally significant sections of the trek. First, you'll cross the Budhi Gandaki river and climb up to the bridge, where you'll climb a bit further to join a trail from Bhi. Then, head west up the valley, passing through lush forests, alpine vegetation, and quaint villages housing ethnic groups of the Manaslu region. You'll start to see major peaks appearing in the distance.

Even though there is another route, you'll take the trail through Prok. This village has a beautiful vantage point of the snowcapped Siringi Himal. Take a break here and then continue to cross the Budhi Gandaki several times today, running into several gompas along the way. The trail then follows the river upstream through a dense forest and leads to a narrow gorge. Keep going until you notice the forest becomes less dense. This rewarding part of the walk is a magnificent way to experience the Manaslu Conservation Area. You'll eventually reach one last steep climb to get you to the village of Namrung.

After breakfast in Namrung, take a stroll around the village to soak in the stunning views of Siring, Ganesh Himal, and Mount Himal Chuli to the south. Once on the trail, climb steadily through the forests until reaching the picturesque village of Lihi, with its numerous stupas and barley terraces. The trail then descends and crosses the side valley of Simnang Himal, with Ganesh Himal always visible in the distance.

Continue through the villages of Sho, Lho, and Shyala, before arriving at Sama Village. From Lho, enjoy breathtaking views of Manaslu and visit the renowned Ribung Gompa. Shyala Village is encircled by towering mountains such as Himal Chuli and Peak 29 (Ngadi Chuli) on the left, while Manaslu and vast glaciers lie directly ahead. To the right, you can see other snow-capped peaks, and Ganesh Himal stands at the far end. Spend the night in Samagaon, marking the end of today's journey.

During your rest day in Samagaon, you can take the opportunity to recharge and take it easy. Sleep in, have a relaxed breakfast, and spend the day exploring the village or simply enjoying the beautiful scenery.

For the more adventurous trekkers, there's an optional day hike that's worth considering. You can explore the rich Sherpa culture of the area and observe thousands of mani stones inscribed with Buddhist texts. You can also take a closer look at photographs of Sherpa women dressed in traditional clothing and adorned with ornaments. If you're up for a short hike, you can climb up to a small hill near Sama Village to visit Pungyen Gompa, an old monastery that offers breathtaking views of the nearby glacier.

After having breakfast in Samagaon, you'll start your trek by descending towards the Budhi Gandaki River and following it until you reach a bridge over a side stream. Along the way, you'll pass several mani walls and enjoy the stunning mountain views that the route has to offer, including views of the Tibetan border.

This part of the trek is relatively easy and follows a shelf above the river. You'll pass through juniper and birch forests in Kermo Kharka before dropping down to cross the Budhi Gandaki on a wooden bridge. After crossing the river, you'll climb steeply onto a promontory between two forks of the river, where you'll come across a stone archway. From there, you'll continue your trek until you reach the village of Samdo.

After having breakfast in Samdo, you'll set off towards Larke Bazaar, a seasonal Tibetan market. The trail descends to the Budhi Gandaki River, where you'll cross a wooden bridge before beginning a steady ascent, passing by two streams and enjoying stunning views of the Larkya Glacier. You'll then follow the trail around the valley of the Salka Khola before climbing again to Dharamsala, also known as Larke Phedi. You'll pass by several traditional monasteries along the way.

Today's hike is relatively short, which will give you ample time to acclimatize and relax in the afternoon.

Once you have had breakfast in Dharamsala, you will embark on a more challenging and longer trek today. The trail will take you through several rustic villages, clear glacier lakes, beautiful valleys, and diverse flora and fauna, in addition to some remarkable snow-capped peaks.

After a brief ascent, you will arrive at a valley on the north side of the Larkya Glacier, providing you with stunning views of Cho Danda and Larkya Peak. As you walk across the glacier moraines, you will gradually ascend, with the steepness increasing in the final part of the pass. From here, you will enjoy breathtaking views of Himlung Himal, Cheo Himal, and the enormous Annapurna II. Your trek will conclude with a rewarding walk through misty low pastures in the early evening, with Mount Manaslu looming majestically in the distance.

After enjoying a satisfying breakfast in Bhimtang, you'll begin your descent towards the Burdin Khola and walk through a dense forest. The trail becomes less strenuous as it follows the Marsyangdi River downstream. You'll pass through the charming villages of Karche and Gho before crossing a bridge over the Dudh Khola and continuing on toward Tilije.

Tilije is a picturesque village that reflects a fusion of Gurung and Magar cultures. After Tilije, you'll cross another bridge over the Marsyangdi River and walk through a stone arch to reach the village of Thonje. Here, you'll need to show your trekking permit and cross another bridge over the Marsyangdi River before reaching Dharapani. Dharapani is a delightful village in the Annapurna region that offers breathtaking views of Manaslu and Annapurna II.

After breakfast in Dharapani, you'll take a jeep to Besisahar, where you'll switch to a bus to make the final journey to Kathmandu. The drive to Besisahar takes about 4-5 hours, and the bus ride to Kathmandu takes approximately 6-7 hours.

On your last day in Nepal, you can enjoy a leisurely breakfast at your hotel before checking out and heading to the airport for your flight home. If you have some extra time, you may want to squeeze in some last-minute shopping or sightseeing. Don't forget to exchange any remaining Nepali currency and double-check your flight details before departing.

As you leave Nepal, take with you the memories of the stunning landscapes, rich cultures, and warm hospitality of the Nepali people. Your trek around the Manaslu Circuit will surely be an unforgettable adventure that will stay with you for a lifetime.

As your journey comes to an end, you'll be transferred to the airport for your departure flight. We hope you had an unforgettable experience trekking in the Himalayas and exploring the rich cultural heritage of Nepal. Safe travels, and we look forward to welcoming you back soon.