Manaslu Circuit Trek

Detail Itinerary

• Day 03: Driving by local bus or private jeep to Machha Khola 930 meter

  Today we leave Kathmandu early in the morning. We will pass through the villages of Arughat, Lapubesi, Naulikhola, Khanibesi, and finally to the destination of Machhekhola.

• Day 04: Machha Khola trek to Yarubagar 1350 meters

  Machha Khola is a village perched on the hill slope with comfortable accommodation arrangements; however, camping is another option preferred by trekkers. After the view of Ganesh Himal from Machhekhola, we further to Khorlabesi after meeting the trail from Barpak before we cross the suspension bridge. Rocky trails continue to accompany us beside the roaring Budhi Gandaki River. Past another viewpoint of Ganesh Himal, we reach a tiny point of Tatopani, renowned for the hot water in the village square. Squeezed in between the torrential Budhi Gandaki and tremendous cliff, Tatopani may have you experience the echo of roaring landslides. Ahead of this settlement, we have some waterfalls, suspension bridges, and the villages of Dobhan before we reach our destination of Yarubagar. Overnight in Yarubagar.

• Day 05: Yarubagar walk to Fillim 1570 meters

  Further along the trek, we continue along the trail past the long suspension bridge to reach stone-paved trails in Jagat. These slate-paved streets of Jagat are impressive. You will also have your MCAP (Manaslu Conservation Area Project) permit checked at the MCAP office in Jagat and you may learn about MCAP activities. From Jagat we descend to the beautiful village of Salleri and quickly to another village of Primo, affected by a landslide a few years back. We reach other compact villages of Sardinas with stone houses and slate roofs. Past the village of Ghate Khola and suspension bridge, we have a steep climb to Philim. Overnight in Fillim.

• Day 06: Trek from Fillim to Deng 1860 meters

  Today we shall cross the Budhi Gandaki River a couple of times before we reach our destination. We move through the highlighted spot of Ekle Batti, a large Gurung village, and part our ways off the trail to Tsum valley ahead of Lokpa before we reach the village of Nyack. The pines decorating the trail after Ekle Bhatti contrasting with the tropical vegetation down at the lower altitude show richness of the trail. We ascend the milder climbing past the narrow gorge, through the suspension bridges, bamboo, rhododendron, and pine forest have an easier descent along one of the branches of Budhi Gandaki to reach the destination of Deng. Along the trail, we observe mesmerizing waterfalls, beautiful gorges with towering walls alongside, and the views of mountains including Ganesh Himal IV. Overnight in Deng.

• Day 07: Trek from Deng to Ghap 2165 meters

  We leave the Gurung village of Deng with the view of Siring Himal and move ahead past the Bihi Phedi and Bihi to reach the destination of Ghap which may also be reached through the alternative route via Prok village. The short descent after Deng and a steep ascend take us to Rana Bridge. Through the pine forests and bridge, we reach Budhi Phedi. Beyond this, we enter the Buddhism-dominated region where we witness the Mani walls and stones portraying gods and goddesses. Further ahead in the trail we cross the Sereng River located high off the main Budhi Gandaki River and experience the unique environment provided by the breathtaking gorge, culturally rich chorten and cross another suspension bridge before we reach Ghap. Overnight in Ghap.

• Day 08: Trek from Ghap to Lho 3180 meters

  Today is another beautiful section of the trekking expedition. We move ahead of Ghap only to find dense and beautiful forests decorated with fir, rhododendron, bamboo and oaks, and other alpine vegetation along the way. With occasional steep trails and streams along the way, we reach the village of Namrung past a couple of suspension bridges and stone stairs. Ahead of the village, the landscape opens up to extensive barley fields. We navigate through the village with unique architecture, Lihi, cross a large stream with its source in the Lidanda Glacier, and reach the Tibetan-style village of Sho along with the view of Simnang Himal (6251m). A couple of hours of trekking leads us to the village of Lho. Lho is a beautiful and culturally rich village adorned with ancient Buddhist monasteries decorated with prayer flags, chorten, Mani walls, and several stupas besides the bigger Nyingma Rimjung gompa. The view of twin-peaked Manasalu and the majestic Ganesh Himal makes this landscape further beautiful. Overnight in Lho.

• Day 09: Trek to Samagaun 3525 meters

  Decorated with rich Buddhist cultural ensembles, Lho bids us adieu as we move to ascend ahead through the quite beaten forest towards the other settlement of Shyala. With significant agricultural activity, the village of Shyala is also engaged in the construction of wooden houses presumably aimed at making it a resting place. We march ahead on the trail crossing the slopes that drain the Punggen glacier and reaching the nice flat area that hosts the lovely village of Samagaun. With properly aligned houses with beautiful courtyards and fields located on both sides of the village, Samagaun is busy during the season of the Manasalu climbing expedition as it is the closest village to the Manaslu Base camp. Overnight in Samagaun.

• Day 10: Samagaun to Samdo 3860 meters

  The trail today to Samdo village turns to the north on the upper region of the Budhi Gandaki River. Following the gradual ascends, we pass through the point of confluence of Larke river and the river formed due to Samdo glacier, also the origin of the torrential Budhi Gandaki and we reach the settlement at Samdo. Before that we leave the trail to Manaslu Base Camp to our left and ahead of the point where we part from the trail to Manaslu Base Camp, we pass through the beautiful juniper and birch forests of Kermo Kharka. We march ahead through wooden bridges and steep climb onto the headland from where a large white Kani can be viewed. Past the Kani, we reach our destination for today. Overnight in Samdo.

• Day 11: Acclimatization day.

  Today is an acclimatization day. We explore the lovely Samdo village with several points to explore. Samdo is located just under the majestic Samdo peak and Samdo glacier. One side trip from Samdo is to the Tibetan border of Rui La either through the Lajyung pass or through the Rui La pass which is the main route path. We can also hike to the valley at the back of the valley past the seasonal herding settlements, flora, and fauna and the views of peaks such as Mt Manasalu, Simrang, Hiuchuli, Larkye peak, Cheo, Ngadi along the way. Another available option is the hike to the longer route to Gya La. Overnight in Samdo.

• Day 12: Samdo to Dharamshala 4460 meters

  The trail from Samdo to Dharamshala is a relatively shorter section of our trekking experience. We move along the trail through the Athahra Saya River and along the Larke River. We pass through the Taka Choeling Gumba, with the view of Naike and Pangboche Peak, and climb gradually along the trail. We cross a bridge and move past the Mani walls and stone huts to reach the Larkya Bazaar, a settlement that hosts accommodation sites as well. We reach the highest point before the Larke pass, Dharamshala or Larke Phedi with the place to set up campsites and structures. Along the way we also have a view of Syacha Glacier, grazing land, beautiful forests, lichened stones and keep an eye for the Blue sheep. After reaching Dharamshala we may optionally hike around the ridges of the village. Overnight in Dharamshala.

• Day 13: Dharamshala to Bhimtang 3610 meters via crossing over Larkey La pass 5140m.

  Get ready for some strenuous activity today as we shall cross over the Larkey La Pass (5140m) to reach Bhimtang. We set off early in the morning for a long trek today. After a short climb, we reach the north of the Larkya Glacier, into a valley that provides spectacular views of Cho Danda and Larkya Peak. Further, we march across the moraines, make a slow climb initially, and steeper into the last section of the Larkey La pass. The view from the top of the pass includes the Samdo Peak and other peaks bordering Tibet, Larkya peak to the southeast, the Annapurna region along with several mountains, and a bit further down to the west for the view of Annapurna II. We have a steep descent on the slippery path out of the Pass following the trail to the left of Saludando glacier moraine. Past the grassy moraine and rockfall area, a flatter valley with primulas and azalea bushes we reach the sandy plain of Bhimtang. Overnight in Bhimtang.

• Day 14: Bhimtang to Tilche 2300 meters

  Bhimtang is a region used by the Samdo people as a place to keep their yaks and horses in the summer and winter months. We traverse along the magical trail to the south of Bhimtang after we have the views of Lamjung Himal, Himlung Himal, Manasalu, and Cheo Himal from a ridge at Bhimtang. After we cross pasture and bridge, we navigate through the rhododendron forest, further through a narrow valley, and reach the valley at Karache. Along the rocky riverbed and on the trails on hillsides we pass through the small and lush villages signifying the lower altitudes. Further ahead we reach the village of Tilche, a culturally vibrant and coexisting village populated by Ghale Gurung, Chhetris, and Manangis. Overnight in Tilch.

• Day 15: Trek from Tilche to Dharapani and take local transport to Besisahar

  Tilche to Dharapani is an easy 8-kilometer trek that takes about 3 hours. The Annapurna Circuit Trek also includes Dharapani. On this walk, you may see the Buddhist Mani wall as well as little settlements. We'll take a local bus from Dharapani to Besisahar, which will take about 5 hours. Today we'll stay at Beshsahar.

• Day 16: Tal to Bhulbhule 840 meters

  This is the later section on the trekking trail with real physical trekking along the way. On a relatively longer trekking day, we start with the march on a steep stone trail before crossing the Marshyangdi River at Chamje. Past the atmospheric village of traditional-style teahouses at Chamje we move further ahead, along the Marshyangdi River, for a steep climb before we settle at Jagat. We traverse through the settlements of Syange, Ghermu, Bahundanda, and Nadi Bazar and we reach our destination of Bhulbhule. Along the way, we encounter lush villages and forests, changing landscapes, and locals full of hospitality. Overnight in Bhulbhule.

• Day 17: Bhulbhule drive to Kathmandu.

  This ends the exciting, enriched, and adventurous trekking experience of the past couple of weeks. We drive back from this hilly settlement to Kathmandu enjoying the beautiful landscapes, waterfalls, river gorges, terraced fields and views of mountains, rural lifestyles, and many more. We shall have a farewell dinner with the trekkers in our expedition. You may extend the trip to the scenic Pokhara valley and the other tourist towns of Chitwan, Kathmandu valley, and the adjoining cities. On the departure day, our representative shall drop you at the Tribhuvan International Airport.

  Hope the trekking experience with us was amazing. This tiny Himalayan nation always has something different to offer to visitors of all interests. We hope that you visit again for another adventurous experience.