Embark on the Manaslu Circuit Trek, a less-crowded alternative to Annapurna, offering outstanding scenery and a remote, culturally rich experience. Discover icy turquoise rivers, snowbound passes, and breathtaking mountain views.
Embark on the Manaslu Circuit Trek, a less-crowded alternative to Annapurna, offering outstanding scenery and a remote, culturally rich experience. Discover icy turquoise rivers, snowbound passes, and breathtaking mountain views.
Kathmandu to Soti Khola (Drive)
Soti Khola - Travelers can opt for a bus or a combination of bus and local jeep to reach the trek’s starting point. A private jeep is another option worth considering, as the road is lengthy, dusty, and bumpy. Local buses and jeeps will pause on the highway for lunch and restroom breaks. A private jeep offers more…
Kathmandu to Soti Khola (Drive)
Soti Khola - Travelers can opt for a bus or a combination of bus and local jeep to reach the trek’s starting point. A private jeep is another option worth considering, as the road is lengthy, dusty, and bumpy. Local buses and jeeps will pause on the highway for lunch and restroom breaks. A private jeep offers more flexibility.
Soti Khola to Maccha Khola
Machhakhola - After yesterday’s bumpy ride, it’s refreshing to begin walking today. The journey feels adventurous as the path is rocky and narrow, passing through sal forests, along rivers, past waterfalls, and high cliffs. Along the way, there are villages primarily inhabited by Gurung and Ghale communities. Lunch will be enjoyed in one of these villages, possibly with fresh local milk and yogurt. At Nyali Khola (river), there is a rocky area where locals and visitors pray to the river and mountain deities for safety on the trail. As the river trail ascends and descends, mule trains may be encountered. It’s advisable to stand on the trail’s hillside (not the drop side) when they pass to avoid slipping downhill! Overnight stay in Maccha Khola (meaning ‘fish river’).
Maccha Khola to Jagat
Jagat - Today, the trail follows the Buri Gandaki River, winding along its path. In the forests, there is a chance to spot monkeys and langurs. Continuing on, travelers reach Gurung villages, home to many shepherds, until arriving at Tatopani (‘hot water’), where a soak in the warm waters is possible. However, the day isn’t over yet! After crossing the Bhuri Gandaki via a suspension bridge, another cantilever bridge awaits further along to reach Jagat. Jagat is a flagstoned Gurung village, significant as it marks the entry into the Manaslu Restricted Area. Overnight stay at Jagat.
Jagat to Pewa
Manaslu - This trek passes through areas deeply influenced by Buddhist traditions. Prayer flags flutter in the wind as the trail descends to Sirdibas from Salleri. Gompas can also be found in Sirdibas. Further along, a checkpost at Phillim requires permit inspection before continuing along the river’s western bank. The trail continues along the river, featuring uniquely water-formed boulders and passing through rhododendron and pine forests. Overnight stay in a teahouse at Pewa, enjoying dal bhat for dinner.
Namrung to Lho
Namrung - The trail today crosses a landslide zone, so extra caution is necessary. It’s important to heed the guide’s instructions. On a positive note, more monkeys can be seen today, providing entertainment, and Namrung village offers a delightful surprise. A local businessman who worked in Hong Kong has returned to build a hotel and restaurant with excellent coffee and wifi!
Namrung to Lho
Lho to Sama Gaun
Acclimatization Day (Day Trip to Manaslu Base Camp or Pungyen Gompa)
Sama Gaun to Samdo
Acclimatization Day (Day Trip to Tibet Border)
Day 11: Samdo to Dharamasala
Manaslu - Walking slowly at high altitude, travelers are captivated by the chain of Himalayan mountains and rugged terrain. Overnight stay in the picturesque village of Dharamsala, offering wonderful views.
Dharamasala – Larkye La Pass – Bimthang
Manaslu - Today marks the highest point of the trail. The Larkya La pass (5,160m) will be crossed. In adverse weather or snow, it is challenging but achievable. It’s essential to pass before the afternoon, so an early start is necessary. The views from the pass are breathtaking - Himlung (7,126m), Kang Guru (6,981m), and Annapurna II (7,937m) in the Annapurna Range. After enjoying the views, it’s about a 3-hour descent, with views of massive icefalls and mountains along the way. Pongkar Tal can also be seen between the Pongkar and Salpudanda Glaciers. Overnight stay at Bimthang.
Bimthang to Tal
Manaslu - On this final day in the Manaslu region, the trek descends through lush forests and rhododendron bushes. Lunch is taken at Karche Village after crossing the Dudh Khola. Signs of glacier floods are visible in this area, and the track becomes quite rough. The valley then becomes more lush, with signs of agriculture as fields and forests are passed.
Tal to Kathmandu
Kathmandu - This is the final day of the journey. The same transport options are available: local jeep and bus or private jeep to reach Kathmandu by the evening.

- Private transportation
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
- All Fees and Taxes
- Private transportation
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
- All Fees and Taxes
- Hotel in Kathmandu
- Porter
- Hotel in Kathmandu
- Porter
Recognized as one of Nepal’s premier treks, the circular route around Manaslu offers a quieter alternative to the renowned Annapurna Circuit Trek. This trek takes adventurers from the lush, terraced rice fields of the lowlands to the snow-covered Larkya La Pass near the Tibetan border, presenting a physically demanding challenge. Its remoteness, rich…
Recognized as one of Nepal’s premier treks, the circular route around Manaslu offers a quieter alternative to the renowned Annapurna Circuit Trek. This trek takes adventurers from the lush, terraced rice fields of the lowlands to the snow-covered Larkya La Pass near the Tibetan border, presenting a physically demanding challenge. Its remoteness, rich local culture, and breathtaking scenery make it a worthwhile journey. Highlights include the Budi Gandaki River gorge, where icy turquoise waters cascade over waterfalls and beneath suspension bridges, and the 5,167m Larkya La Pass, where crampons might be necessary. From the pass, trekkers are rewarded with magnificent views both behind and ahead, featuring a grand glacial cirque and Annapurna II rising above other peaks. This secluded area retains a pioneering expedition atmosphere, distinct from more frequented routes. For those who appreciate solitude, fewer trekkers, and indescribable natural beauty, and who are physically prepared, this trek is a must-explore.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.