Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu
Upon your arrival at Tribhuwan International Airport, a Himalayan Trekkers representative will warmly welcome you and transfer you to your designated hotel. After check-in and a short rest, we’ll meet in the hotel lobby or at our office to discuss your trek. If your arrival is in the afternoon, we’ll take you for a cultural exploration of two UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Kathmandu: Boudhanath Stupa and Pashupatinath Temple. Boudhanath is a serene Buddhist pilgrimage site, while Pashupatinath is one of the world’s most significant Hindu temples. In the evening, you’ll witness the mesmerizing aarti ceremony by the Bagmati River at Pashupatinath. We’ll then return to Thamel for a delightful dinner at a restaurant offering both Western and authentic Nepali cuisine.
Day 2: Kathmandu City Tour & Trek Preparation
Today, we’ll explore Kathmandu’s World Heritage Sites. Our journey begins at Kathmandu Durbar Square, a historic royal courtyard with temples and shrines. Then, we’ll visit Patan Durbar Square in Lalitpur, known for its exquisite carvings. Bhaktapur, the ‘City of Devotees,’ awaits with its medieval charm. Finally, we’ll explore Swayambhunath, the Monkey Temple, offering stunning views and a unique blend of Hindu and Buddhist elements.
Day 3: Drive to Soti-Khola
Today, we begin our Himalayan adventure. After an early breakfast, we drive west on the Kathmandu-Pokhara Highway, passing through rural areas and little towns, with beautiful views of the Annapurna, Manaslu, Ganesh Himal, and Langtang Himal along the way. Our journey takes us to Dhading Besi, and from there, we continue to Soti Khola on a rough dirt trail. This is where we’ll spend the night at a local teahouse.
Day 4: Trek to Maccha-Khola
Today, our trekking adventure begins after a hearty breakfast amidst stunning landscapes. We follow the Budhi Gandaki River upstream, navigating through rolling terrain in the shade of lush sal forests. As we progress, the trail takes us uphill along a rocky cliff face, providing views of the river’s turbulent rapids below. Descending once more, we arrive at Labubesi, a Gurung village, and continue along the riverbank until we reach our overnight stop in Machha Khola.
Day 5: Trek to Jagat
Today’s trek offers a mix of scenic wonders, including captivating waterfalls, an intriguing Buddha cliff painting, and refreshing hot springs. This stretch of the trail also marks your entry into the Manaslu Conservation Area.
The path leads us through various ups and downs as we follow the river’s path through the gorge. Along the way, we’ll pass several villages like Khorla Besi, Tatopani, Dovan, and Thulo Dhunga before reaching Jagat. Jagat, our destination for the day, is a Tibetan Buddhist-influenced settlement and serves as the gateway to the Manaslu Conservation Area.
Day 6: Trek to Deng
Begin your day with a challenging climb to Salleri along a rocky ridge, followed by a moderate descent to Sirdibas. Next, ascend towards Ghatta Khola and cross a long suspension bridge leading to Philim, a significant Gurung settlement.
Continuing north, the trail takes you to Ekle Bhatti, passing through millet fields. You’ll traverse muddy pastures before crossing the Budhi Gandaki River. Once along the riverbank, the trail opens up as you make your way through bamboo forests to reach Deng Khola. After crossing the river, you’ll arrive in Deng, where you’ll spend the night at a local teahouse.
Day 7: Trek to Namrung
Leaving Deng behind, we cross the Budhi Gandaki River and ascend through the picturesque valley, passing tiny settlements and Tibetan mani walls adorned with Buddhist teachings. Our destination is Ghap village, and from there, we continue toward Prok, enjoying stunning views of Singri Himal. We follow the river, crossing it multiple times through a forest of firs, oaks, and rhododendrons, and finally face a challenging incline to reach Namrung village. This settlement offers fantastic views of peaks like Ganesh Himal, Mount Himchuli, and Singri Himal, along with modern amenities like Wi-Fi-equipped restaurants, hotels, and bakeries. Spend the night in Namrung
Day 8: Trek to Sama Gaon
After breakfast in Namrung, our trek continues with an uphill climb through lush green forests to reach Lihi village. Here, you’ll notice many locals wearing traditional Tibetan attire. We pass through remote settlements like Sho, Lho, and Shyala, each offering stunning views of the surrounding peaks.
Lho provides a breathtaking vista of Mt. Manaslu, the eighth highest peak in the world, along with other impressive peaks. After a short walk from Shyala, we reach Samagaon, known for its captivating beauty and the best views of Mount Manaslu. If time permits, we’ll explore Ribung Monastery. Spend the night at a local lodge.
Day 9: Acclimatization at Sama Gaon & Day Trip to Manaslu Base Camp / Pungyen Gompa
Today is dedicated to acclimatization to prevent altitude sickness. You have two options for acclimatization hikes: one is to trek to Manaslu Base Camp, situated north of Sama village, and the other is to visit Pungyen Gompa, an ancient monastery with a stunning glacier view.Both hikes offer breathtaking vistas of Manaslu, and along the way, you may encounter Himalayan Thars and yaks. Enjoy the day and spend the night at a local lodge.
Day 10: Trek to Samdo
We trek to Samdo in the morning, crossing streams and ascending gradually. The landscape changes as we go, with tough bushes and dry grass against snowy peaks. After a few hours, we arrive in Samdo, check into our accommodation, have lunch, and explore the village with its stone cottages and prayer flags. Overnight at a local teahouse.
Day 11: Acclimatization at Samdo
Day 11 is reserved for acclimatization. We’ll embark on a hike behind Samdo village, leading to a Tibetan trade pass. From there, we’ll have stunning views of Mt. Manaslu and other Himalayan peaks. Along the way, we’ll encounter seasonal herding settlements called doksas and spot beautiful mountain birds like the Lophophorus (Himalayan Monal), Lammergeyer, and Himalayan Griffin soaring above. Overnight at a local teahouse.
Day 12: Trek to Dharmashala
Leaving Samdo, we trek downhill along the Samdo ridge, passing through meadows and ancient Mani walls. We cross the Budhi Gandaki River on a wooden bridge and continue our ascent, passing the Salka Khola valley and crossing two streams. As we proceed, we catch sight of the Larkya Glacier before reaching Dharmasala. Overnight at a guesthouse.
Day 13: Trek to Bhimtang via Larkya La Pass (5106m)
Today is the day we’ve been waiting for – crossing the awe-inspiring Larkya La Pass at 5106 meters, one of the world’s most stunning passes. We set out before dawn, navigating rocky terrain marked by prayer flags to guide our way.
Descending cautiously, we encounter four frozen lakes before tackling a challenging trail that leads us to Larkya La Pass. From here, we’re treated to breathtaking views of Himalayan peaks, including Himlung Himal (7126m), Chap Himal, Gyaji Kang, Kang Guru (6981m), and Annapurna II.
After crossing Larkya La Pass, the trail levels out along a flat, rocky pass for a short distance before descending abruptly. As we approach a small meadow adorned with Mani walls and small buildings, we know we’ve arrived at Bhimtang, where we’ll spend the night. Overnight at a local teahouse.
Day 14: Trek to Dharapani
Begin your day with the mesmerizing sunrise over the misty snowy peaks of Bimthang. As you embark on your adventure, the trail descends through enchanting pine and rhododendron forests, following the swiftly flowing, milky-blue Dudh Khola river.
Continue along the trail, reaching Soti Khola for a well-deserved lunch break. Trek through lush jungles where you might spot langur monkeys, passing through the villages of Homuk and Gho. Traverse fields and pastures until you arrive at Tilije, known for its brandy production. Continue your journey, passing Mani walls, Thonje Village, and finally reaching your destination, Dharapani. Overnight at a local teahouse.
Day 15: Drive to Kathmandu
Your remarkable Manaslu Circuit Trek comes to an end in Dharapani. After breakfast, we’ll embark on a jeep ride to Besi Sahar. Following a short break in Besi Sahar, we’ll continue our journey by vehicle, ultimately arriving back in Kathmandu, concluding this incredible trek.
On our drive eastward along the Prithivi Highway, we’ll witness the confluence of the Marsyagdi River and Trishuli River, providing opportunities to appreciate the region’s natural beauty, including terraced fields and towering hills.
Upon returning to the bustling capital, you can freshen up and relax. In the evening, explore the vibrant streets of Thamel market and savor the flavors, cuisines, and beverages of your choice. Overnight at a hotel or resort.
Day 16: Departure from Kathmandu
As your remarkable journey comes to a close, departure day has arrived. A representative from Himalayan Trekkers will ensure your timely transfer from the hotel to the airport, allowing you ample time before your scheduled flight. Safe travels!
