Manaslu Circuit Trek
The Manaslu Trek is growing in popularity as an alternative trek to the Annapurna Circuit. In 2010 only 2300 people trekked in the Manaslu region which makes it “quiet” compared to the extremely busy Annapurna or Everest Base Camp treks. The downside is numbers are increasing every year so get in quickly to enjoy this beautiful trek through a pristine and relatively remote part of Nepal.
The trek can be divided into 3 sections, for the first couple of days, the countryside is lush and green. The valley of the Budhi Gandaki is subtropical as far as Khorlabeshi, with terraced fields growing every type of crop and banana and mango trees are abundant.
From Philim to Namrung there is a transition as the valley sides become much steeper but the vegetation is still lush with pine trees of various types and spinifex-like grass covering the steep slopes. The Budhi Gandaki is now a raging ribbon far below.
Once we rise above 3000 meters, we enter a much harsher landscape, a land of yaks, barren fields, gray stone villages like Lihi, Lho, Sama, Shyla, and Samdo. We are surrounded by stupendous peaks, crowned by Manaslu, the eighth highest mountain in the world! Acclimatization days are recommended in either Sama or Samdo or both, and so you will have the opportunity to observe the culture of the villagers and their strong links to Tibetan Buddhism.
Our final goal is the Larkye La at around 5100m, the high point of the trip. From the pass, you will have magnificent views of Himlung and Cheo Himals, Gyagi Kang, Menjung, Kang Guru and Annapurna II. As you make the long descent from the pass you will have magnificent views of the upper Bhimtang valley. From Bhimtang it’s a 2-3 day trek to Dharapani, where the Manaslu trail meets the famous Annapurna Circuit. If you have the time and the energy you may continue on and complete the Annapurna Circuit as well!
The Manaslu Trek is a tea house trek and the itinerary can be varied in many ways, largely dependent on the time you have available.
Outline Itinerary
Day 1 Arrival in Kathmandu
Day 2 Transport by Bus or Jeep from Kathmandu to Arughat Bazaar (600m) 6-8 hours.
Day 3 Arughat to Lapubesi (880m) 5-7 hours
Day 4 Lapubesi to Khorlabesi (970m) 3-5 hours
Day 5 Khorlabesi to Jagat (1340m) 4-6 hours
Day 6 Jagat to Philim or Ekle Bhatti (1570m) 3-5 hours
Day 7 Ekle Bhatti to Deng (1860m) 4-5 hours
Day 8 Deng to Namrung (2630m) 5 hours
Day 9 Namrung to Lho or Samagoan (3530m) 5-6 hours
Day 10 Samagoan Acclimatisation Day
Day 11 Samagoan to Samdo (3875m) 2-3 hours
Day 12 Samdo to Dharamsala (4460m) 3 hours
Day 13 Dharamsala to Bhimtang via Larkye La (5106m) 8-12 hours
Day 14 Bhimtang to Gowa (2560m) 5-6 hours
Day 15 Gowa to Dharapani (1860m) 3-5 hours and jeep to Besi Sahar
Day 16 Besi Sahar to Pokhara
Day 17 Bus from Pokhara to Kathmandu
Day 18 Depart Kathmandu
Detailed Itinerary
The Manaslu trek can be done in 16-20 days, depending largely on the time available to the client. The itinerary can be varied in many ways. The following itinerary is a standard itinerary, but other options are included which you might like to consider. Illness or acclimatization problems may also cause the itinerary to be changed.
Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu (1,350m)
Welcome to the Land of Mountains! Upon your arrival at Kathmandu Airport, our representative will be waiting for you, holding a Popular Treks signboard with your name on it. After transporting you to your hotel, you may like to rest for the remainder of the day, or you may like a stroll around the city if feeling energetic after your flight. We will give you a short briefing about our trip in the evening. Overnight in Kathmandu.
WELCOME DINNER
Day 2: Bus or Private Jeep from Kathmandu to Arughat Bazaar (600m) 6-8hours
Catch a bus from Kathmandu to Arughat and allow a full day for travel as travel times vary depending on traffic or any other holdups along the way. From Dhading to Arughat the road is unsealed and can be impassable in the wet. Arughat is a bustling market town straddling the Budhi Gandaki River and is the starting point of our trek. Overnight in Arughat
Option – Drive to Gorkha and walk to Arughat via Khanchok.
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Day 3: Arughat to Lapubesi (880m) 5-7hours
From Arughat, walk along the left-hand side of the Budhi Gandaki through Magar and Gurung villages. The countryside is semi-tropical and can be hot and humid. You will be walking alongside neatly terraced fields where crops of rice, maize, and millet are grown, as well as banana and mango trees. Stop for a break in the pretty market town of Arkhet Bazaar, before continuing along the unsealed road to Soti Khola where we will stop for lunch.
Option – It is possible to take a jeep or local bus as far as Soti Khola but if you have the time walk. It’s a very pretty walk and the bus is slow and an extremely bumpy ride!
After leaving Soti Khola we will cross a suspension bridge and continue up and down along a narrow track which is now higher above the Budhi Gandaki. Lapubesi is a small cluster of farmhouses spread out along the track, but it is very pretty. There are a couple of very nice guest houses on the high side of the track overlooking the river valley.
Overnight in Lapubesi.
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Day 4: Lapubesi to Khorlabesi (970m) 3-5 hours
This is a shorter day, but if you want to continue on past Khorlabesi it is possible.
From Lapubesi we continue along the valley and before Maccha Khola we will be walking along a broad gravel river bed. Notice a newly installed cantilever walkway which has been cut into the cliff face high above the raging Budhi Gandaki. This has been built following the earthquake of 2015 which washed away parts of the original track Engineers with mountaineering experience were employed to construct this amazing 195-meter walkway above the river. Maccha Khola is a larger village and for those who stayed in Soti Khola the previous night is a good overnight stop. Khorlabesi is about another hour from Maccha Khola up and down on rocky pathways, through semi-tropical vegetation. Khorlabesi is a beautiful Gurung village surrounded by terraced fields and mango trees and mountains. Overnight in Khorlabesi
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Day 5 Khorlabesi to Jagat (1340m) 4-6 hours
A slightly longer day today along with a dramatic gorge with waterfalls plunging down all around us. About an hour later we come to a couple of tea houses at a point known as Tatopani (hot water) We will stop here for a break and awash in the hot spring if you like. Soon after crossing another suspension bridge to the east side of the river before reaching Dobhan. Continue on for another hour to a broad grassy slope at Yaruphant where there are a few teahouses and we will stop for a lunch break. This area has a history of landslides so care must be taken. After more ascents and descents on well-made stone staircases, we cross yet another suspension bridge to the west side of the river where we will see a sign “Jagat” However is still some 15 minutes away behind a rocky spur. Jagat is a common name in the mountains and means “customs post” or tax collection point. Your trekking permit needs to be presented at Jagat. Jagat is a tidy village with impressive slate paved walkways.
Overnight in Jagat.
Option About 35 minutes on from Jagat is the lovely small village of Salleri. Most trekkers stop at Jagat, so if you like something quieter move on to Salleri.
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Day 6 Jagat to Philim / Ekle Bhatti (1570m) 2-3 hours
This is a short day and you will have the option of going past Philim to Ekle Bhatti or if your time is really limited continue on to Deng. From Jagat, we will cross the Pangaur Khola via stepping stones and logs before making our way up an easy gradient to Salleri. There are good views of Shringi Himal from here. After a moderate uphill walk, we will descend to Siridibas, and soon after we pass the small village of Ghate Khola where there is a police checkpoint. Immediately after that, we will cross the longest suspension bridge of the trek, which is followed by a very steep climb to the village of Philim. Philim is a pretty village and the stunning views across to the west side of the Budhi Gandaki may entice you to stay there. If you decide to move on, about 45 minutes later you will come to a couple of tea houses at Ekle Bhatti. (Meaning 1 tea house but there are 2 here!) The walk from Philim is relatively easy and the scenery is stunning. It is another 4-5 hours from Ekle Bhatti to Deng so unless you are pressed for time spend a relaxing afternoon at Ekle Bhatti.
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Day 7 Ekle Bhatti to Deng (1860m) 4-5 hours
There are waterfalls on both sides of the steep valley and pine trees dot the steep valley sides. Forty-five minutes after leaving Ekle Bhatti we will come to a trail junction, where we turn left, descend to a bridge and then begin a gradual climb as the valley turns to the west.
Option The right-hand turn at the trail junction will take you to the beautiful Tsum Valley. If you have an extra 5-7 days it is well worth it and many trekkers include it in their Manaslu Trek.
During the next hour, we will cross the Budhi Gandaki to the eastern side and then back again. Ignore the left trail which climbs to Nya and about an hour later we will reach a tea house at Pewa. We will stop for a break here, following which a pleasant hour’s walk will bring us to Deng.
Overnight at Deng.
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Day 8 Deng to Namrung (2630m) 5 hours
The village of Deng is really a complex of tea houses and is a popular stopover, however, if you are willing to continue, Bihi Phedi is about 1hr.20 minutes away. As we trek higher you will notice a change in the structure of the villages, and you will see mani walls and chortens, reflecting the influence of Tibetan Buddhism. Rice and wheat crops are now replaced by buckwheat and barley.
As we gain altitude we will see spectacular views of the Budhi Gandaki gorge.
Option A little past Bihi Phedi you will notice a trail climbing off to the left which will take you to the remote village of Prok. Most trekkers will bypass Prok but it is a lovely village, untouched by the commercialization of the Manaslu Circuit.
From Bihi Phedi continue up and down many stone steps with views of wild canyons. You will notice many beautiful carvings on the mani walls and kani in this area. Cross the Serang Khola coming from the north before climbing and coming to the village of Ghap. After leaving Ghap we will trek through a beautiful forest, cross the Budhi Gandaki twice above beautiful gorges, before arriving in Namrung 2.5 hours later.
Overnight in Namrung
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Day 9 Namrung to Lho or Samagoan (Sama) 3530m approx 5 hours.
Namrung is a neat village and there are some nice guest houses here so it’s probably worth staying. Leaving Namrung we will cross the Therang Khola and continue on an easy trail through the village of Bhanzam. The trail continues on an easy uphill gradient for about an hour before reaching the village of Lihi. As we trek higher note the architecture is typical of the upper Nupri, gray stone houses with a common courtyard with shelter underneath for livestock. Villagers wear traditional Tibetan dress. Cross the Hinang Khola into the small village of Sho and continue on an uphill gradient to Lho or Lhogoan (“goan” means village) From Lho you will have spectacular views of Manaslu, adjacent to the Ribung Gompa which is worth a visit. It is tempting to stay in Lho and it is an option but we will continue another 2.5 hours to Sama. It’s an easy walk to Shyala through a pine and rhododendron gully and then a steady uphill climb to Shyala where we will have magnificent 360-degree views of snow-capped mountains. The trail descends slightly then crosses the slope that drains the Pungyen glacier, before becoming flat all the way to Sama.
Overnight in Sama
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Day 10 Acclimatisation Day in Sama
Sama is one of the larger villages in the area, and it is recommended to spend a day here to acclimatize. Greystone houses line either side of a stream which runs through the village. Potatoes and barley are grown in fields behind the houses. There is also a Gompa in the village which is worth a visit. Other options are:
- Day trip to Pungyen Gompa (4120m) A lovely day walk to the isolated Pungyen Plateau with Manaslu towering high above
- Day trip to Manaslu Base Camp (4900m) a much harder walk for those with the energy.
- Explore Sama village, including the Kargyu Chholing Gompa and Birendra Tal.
Overnight in Sama.
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Day 11 Sama to Samdo (3875m) 2-3 hours
A short day today, but it is recommended because of the altitude. It is easy walking up a broad valley, through yak pastures. The countryside is very barren now with few trees and only low lying juniper bushes dotting the landscape. After about an hour we will climb a small ridge and then drop down to cross the Budhi Gandaki on a wooden bridge. Sometime later we will approach an impressive kani gate which is the entry to Samdo village. This village was created as a Tibetan refugee following the Chinese occupation of Tibet. Take the afternoon to explore the village but take a warm jacket with you – the wind blowing up the valley can be freezing.
Overnight in Samdo
Option: Some may want to spend an extra day in Samdo. It is possible to do a day walk to the Tibetan border from here.
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Day 12 Samdo to Dharamsala (4460m) – 3 hours.
From Samdo we descend out of the village along a broad valley. The trail to the Tibetan border runs off to the right, but we will be taking the trail to the left. Cross a bridge over the Gyala Khola and climb to a large pile of mani stones where you can look down upon Larkye Bazaar which is a local trading ground. We continue to climb over rocky ground and frozen streams with views of Larkye Peak and the north face of Manaslu. Dharamsala is a collection of fixed tents and a basic stone guest house and kitchen. However, it’s the only place to stay until Bhimtang.
Overnight in Dharamsala
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Day 13 Dharamsala to Bhimtang (3590m) 8-12 hours
This will be the most difficult and potentially dangerous trekking day you will encounter. Lack of sleep, darkness, altitude, snow, cold, wind and terrain will make this a very challenging day.
Most trekkers will be up at 3 am for breakfast and will be on their way by 4 am. Temperatures will be below zero, so dress for extreme cold including gloves, warm headwear and weatherproof over clothes.
Make sure your headlamp has fresh batteries because the first couple of hours will be in the dark and it will be a couple of hours before sunrise. Remember your water bottle will freeze so try and keep it warm in your backpack. It’s almost surreal to watch the procession of headlamps moving slowly up the mountain in the dark. The trail is long and rocky underfoot as you will be walking on glacial moraine most of the way. As the sun comes up you find yourself surrounded by grand and rugged mountains like Himlung (7126m) Kang Guru (6981m) and Annapurna II (7937m). Finally, descend past four frozen lakes and then make the tiring climb to the Larkye La (5106m) Stop for a break and admire the 360-degree views of mountains all around you. Descend from the pass on a very steep zigzag trail which if ice can be treacherous. (It’s a good idea to have mini-crampons in your pack in case it is icy) It will be another 3 hours or more before you will finally reach Bhimtang extremely tired and happy after completing your traverse of Larkye La (NB “La” is the Nepalese word for a pass. you may find “Larkye” spelled different ways as well.
Overnight in Bhimtang.
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Day 14 Bhimtang to Gowa (Gho) (2560m) – 5-6 hours
Bhimtang is not much more than a grassy meadow with a few tea houses but it is situated between the Bhimtang glacier and the Larkye Himal Range with magnificent views of Manaslu.
Option: Stay in Bhimtang for an extra day and visit Pongkar Tal – the scenery around there is magnificent.
The hardest part of the trek may be over but the walk down from Bhimtang is magical. After leaving Bhimtang we cross several rocky moraines, before entering one of the nicest forests in Nepal. In the rhododendron season, the mauves, pinks, and whites amongst the tall pines with the Manaslu Range as a backdrop and the Dudh Khola roaring below! Take your time it doesn’t get much nicer than this. We will pass isolated tea houses on the way at Hompuk and Karche, so there are opportunities for a break.
After about 3.5 hours we will arrive at Suti Khola where we will stop for lunch. It’s then only about 1.5 hours until we reach the small village of Gowa. Overnight in Gowa.
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Day 15 Gowa to Dharapani (1860m) 3-5 hours
A 2-hour walk through a beautiful forest will bring us to the lovely village of Tilche. (Many may opt to stay here instead of Gowa) The countryside is now becoming much more agricultural. Two hours from Tilche we will cross a long suspension bridge to reach Thonche, which marks the official ending of the Manaslu trail. Another bridge will take us over the Marsyangdi River to Dharapani. If you turn right at this point you will be on the Annapurna Circuit and if you have another 14 days you may want to complete that trek as well. However, we will turn left and make our way down to Besi Sahar.
You now have the option of continuing to walk through Tal, Jagat and Syange to Besi Sahar but you are now on the Annapurna Circuit which is one of the most popular treks in Nepal so it is very busy.
It is now possible to get a jeep from Dharapani to Besi Sahar so if you are ready for a slow bumpy trip we shall take a jeep. Overnight in Besi Sahar
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Day 16 Besi Sahar to Pokhara
From Besi Sahar, you can travel by bus or jeep to either Kathmandu or Pokhara. We shall take a microbus or jeep to Pokhara where we shall spend a day or two to relax and recover from our trek
Staying in a guest house by the lake in Pokhara is the perfect way to relax after our trek.
Overnight in Pokhara
Included meal: Breakfast and Lunch
Day 17 Bus from Pokhara to Kathmandu
It is an early start to the day, and the trip takes most of the day. We will travel along the main highway between Nepal’s two biggest cities, with a morning tea break and lunch break. As mentioned previously it is a busy road and can be slow at times but there is always something interesting to see on the way. We should arrive in Kathmandu in the mid or late afternoon, after which you can head to your hotel for a rest.
Included meals: Breakfast and Lunch
Day 18 Depart Kathmandu
Depending on how many days you have left you may wish to do any last minute shopping or spend some time visiting Kathmandu’s many tourist attractions, such as the Durbar Square, the Bodhnath Stupa, Pashupatinath and the Swayambhunath Temple.
It is the usual practice for clients to invite their guides/porters to share a farewell dinner and exchange a “khata” (ceremonial scarf) If you have been happy with the service provided by the guide a tip is given. Relive your experiences of the trek around the dinner table and enjoy your last night in Kathmandu.
Our Manaslu trek ends with your departure. Approximately 3 hours before your scheduled flight, our representative will pick you up from the hotel to drop you at the international airport for your flight home. We hope you enjoyed your trek. Please come back and see us soon.
Included meal: Breakfast
- Included in the cost
- Airport pickups and drops in a private vehicle.
- 2 Night’s twin standard bedroom in 3-star hotel in Kathmandu with breakfast.
- 1 Night’s twin standard bedroom in 3-star hotel in Pokhara with breakfast.
- 1 Night twin sharing bedroom in a hotel in Besishar with breakfast.
- Nepali welcome dinner as the first day.
- Half day guided city tour with World Heritage entrance fees as listed in the itinerary in Kathmandu and Pokhara.
- All ground transportation in a comfortable private vehicle as per the itinerary.
- Teahouse accommodation during the trek with twin sharing bed.
- All meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) during the trek.
- English speaking trained and experienced trekking guide.
- Porter service (2 trekkers: 1 porter).
- Insurance for all staff including porter, guide and assistant guide.
- We provide an assistant guide if there are more than 6 clients.
- Warm clothing and trekking gear for staff including porters and guide.
- Food and salary for all of the staff including porter and guide.
- Duffel bag and map of Manaslu circuit Trek
- All necessary paperwork and trekking permit.
- Medical Kit (carried by your guide).
- Excluded in the cost
- Nepal entry visa fees.
- International airfare to and from Kathmandu.
- Extra night accommodation in Kathmandu because of early arrival, late departure, early return from mountain (due to any reason) than the scheduled itinerary.
- Travel and rescue insurance.
- Items of personal expenses like hot shower, battery charge, telephone, beverage drinks and bar items like chocolate etc.
- Lunch and evening meals in Kathmandu (in case of early return from mountain than the scheduled itinerary.
- Tips for Guide, Porter, and Driver
We serve hygienic food in the tea house and good accommodation of twin sharing beds.
You don’t get twin beds at high altitude you have to share with 3 or 5 trekkers during high seasons.
Manaslu Circuit Trek
The Manaslu Trek is growing in popularity as an alternative trek to the Annapurna Circuit. In 2010 only 2300 people trekked in the Manaslu region which makes it “quiet” compared to the extremely busy Annapurna or Everest Base Camp treks. The downside is numbers are increasing every year so get in quickly to enjoy this beautiful trek through a pristine and relatively remote part of Nepal.
The trek can be divided into 3 sections, for the first couple of days, the countryside is lush and green. The valley of the Budhi Gandaki is subtropical as far as Khorlabeshi, with terraced fields growing every type of crop and banana and mango trees are abundant.
From Philim to Namrung there is a transition as the valley sides become much steeper but the vegetation is still lush with pine trees of various types and spinifex-like grass covering the steep slopes. The Budhi Gandaki is now a raging ribbon far below.
Once we rise above 3000 meters, we enter a much harsher landscape, a land of yaks, barren fields, gray stone villages like Lihi, Lho, Sama, Shyla, and Samdo. We are surrounded by stupendous peaks, crowned by Manaslu, the eighth highest mountain in the world! Acclimatization days are recommended in either Sama or Samdo or both, and so you will have the opportunity to observe the culture of the villagers and their strong links to Tibetan Buddhism.
Our final goal is the Larkye La at around 5100m, the high point of the trip. From the pass, you will have magnificent views of Himlung and Cheo Himals, Gyagi Kang, Menjung, Kang Guru and Annapurna II. As you make the long descent from the pass you will have magnificent views of the upper Bhimtang valley. From Bhimtang it’s a 2-3 day trek to Dharapani, where the Manaslu trail meets the famous Annapurna Circuit. If you have the time and the energy you may continue on and complete the Annapurna Circuit as well!
The Manaslu Trek is a tea house trek and the itinerary can be varied in many ways, largely dependent on the time you have available.
Outline Itinerary
Day 1 Arrival in Kathmandu
Day 2 Transport by Bus or Jeep from Kathmandu to Arughat Bazaar (600m) 6-8 hours.
Day 3 Arughat to Lapubesi (880m) 5-7 hours
Day 4 Lapubesi to Khorlabesi (970m) 3-5 hours
Day 5 Khorlabesi to Jagat (1340m) 4-6 hours
Day 6 Jagat to Philim or Ekle Bhatti (1570m) 3-5 hours
Day 7 Ekle Bhatti to Deng (1860m) 4-5 hours
Day 8 Deng to Namrung (2630m) 5 hours
Day 9 Namrung to Lho or Samagoan (3530m) 5-6 hours
Day 10 Samagoan Acclimatisation Day
Day 11 Samagoan to Samdo (3875m) 2-3 hours
Day 12 Samdo to Dharamsala (4460m) 3 hours
Day 13 Dharamsala to Bhimtang via Larkye La (5106m) 8-12 hours
Day 14 Bhimtang to Gowa (2560m) 5-6 hours
Day 15 Gowa to Dharapani (1860m) 3-5 hours and jeep to Besi Sahar
Day 16 Besi Sahar to Pokhara
Day 17 Bus from Pokhara to Kathmandu
Day 18 Depart Kathmandu
Detailed Itinerary
The Manaslu trek can be done in 16-20 days, depending largely on the time available to the client. The itinerary can be varied in many ways. The following itinerary is a standard itinerary, but other options are included which you might like to consider. Illness or acclimatization problems may also cause the itinerary to be changed.
Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu (1,350m)
Welcome to the Land of Mountains! Upon your arrival at Kathmandu Airport, our representative will be waiting for you, holding a Popular Treks signboard with your name on it. After transporting you to your hotel, you may like to rest for the remainder of the day, or you may like a stroll around the city if feeling energetic after your flight. We will give you a short briefing about our trip in the evening. Overnight in Kathmandu.
WELCOME DINNER
Day 2: Bus or Private Jeep from Kathmandu to Arughat Bazaar (600m) 6-8hours
Catch a bus from Kathmandu to Arughat and allow a full day for travel as travel times vary depending on traffic or any other holdups along the way. From Dhading to Arughat the road is unsealed and can be impassable in the wet. Arughat is a bustling market town straddling the Budhi Gandaki River and is the starting point of our trek. Overnight in Arughat
Option – Drive to Gorkha and walk to Arughat via Khanchok.
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Day 3: Arughat to Lapubesi (880m) 5-7hours
From Arughat, walk along the left-hand side of the Budhi Gandaki through Magar and Gurung villages. The countryside is semi-tropical and can be hot and humid. You will be walking alongside neatly terraced fields where crops of rice, maize, and millet are grown, as well as banana and mango trees. Stop for a break in the pretty market town of Arkhet Bazaar, before continuing along the unsealed road to Soti Khola where we will stop for lunch.
Option – It is possible to take a jeep or local bus as far as Soti Khola but if you have the time walk. It’s a very pretty walk and the bus is slow and an extremely bumpy ride!
After leaving Soti Khola we will cross a suspension bridge and continue up and down along a narrow track which is now higher above the Budhi Gandaki. Lapubesi is a small cluster of farmhouses spread out along the track, but it is very pretty. There are a couple of very nice guest houses on the high side of the track overlooking the river valley.
Overnight in Lapubesi.
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Day 4: Lapubesi to Khorlabesi (970m) 3-5 hours
This is a shorter day, but if you want to continue on past Khorlabesi it is possible.
From Lapubesi we continue along the valley and before Maccha Khola we will be walking along a broad gravel river bed. Notice a newly installed cantilever walkway which has been cut into the cliff face high above the raging Budhi Gandaki. This has been built following the earthquake of 2015 which washed away parts of the original track Engineers with mountaineering experience were employed to construct this amazing 195-meter walkway above the river. Maccha Khola is a larger village and for those who stayed in Soti Khola the previous night is a good overnight stop. Khorlabesi is about another hour from Maccha Khola up and down on rocky pathways, through semi-tropical vegetation. Khorlabesi is a beautiful Gurung village surrounded by terraced fields and mango trees and mountains. Overnight in Khorlabesi
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Day 5 Khorlabesi to Jagat (1340m) 4-6 hours
A slightly longer day today along with a dramatic gorge with waterfalls plunging down all around us. About an hour later we come to a couple of tea houses at a point known as Tatopani (hot water) We will stop here for a break and awash in the hot spring if you like. Soon after crossing another suspension bridge to the east side of the river before reaching Dobhan. Continue on for another hour to a broad grassy slope at Yaruphant where there are a few teahouses and we will stop for a lunch break. This area has a history of landslides so care must be taken. After more ascents and descents on well-made stone staircases, we cross yet another suspension bridge to the west side of the river where we will see a sign “Jagat” However is still some 15 minutes away behind a rocky spur. Jagat is a common name in the mountains and means “customs post” or tax collection point. Your trekking permit needs to be presented at Jagat. Jagat is a tidy village with impressive slate paved walkways.
Overnight in Jagat.
Option About 35 minutes on from Jagat is the lovely small village of Salleri. Most trekkers stop at Jagat, so if you like something quieter move on to Salleri.
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Day 6 Jagat to Philim / Ekle Bhatti (1570m) 2-3 hours
This is a short day and you will have the option of going past Philim to Ekle Bhatti or if your time is really limited continue on to Deng. From Jagat, we will cross the Pangaur Khola via stepping stones and logs before making our way up an easy gradient to Salleri. There are good views of Shringi Himal from here. After a moderate uphill walk, we will descend to Siridibas, and soon after we pass the small village of Ghate Khola where there is a police checkpoint. Immediately after that, we will cross the longest suspension bridge of the trek, which is followed by a very steep climb to the village of Philim. Philim is a pretty village and the stunning views across to the west side of the Budhi Gandaki may entice you to stay there. If you decide to move on, about 45 minutes later you will come to a couple of tea houses at Ekle Bhatti. (Meaning 1 tea house but there are 2 here!) The walk from Philim is relatively easy and the scenery is stunning. It is another 4-5 hours from Ekle Bhatti to Deng so unless you are pressed for time spend a relaxing afternoon at Ekle Bhatti.
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Day 7 Ekle Bhatti to Deng (1860m) 4-5 hours
There are waterfalls on both sides of the steep valley and pine trees dot the steep valley sides. Forty-five minutes after leaving Ekle Bhatti we will come to a trail junction, where we turn left, descend to a bridge and then begin a gradual climb as the valley turns to the west.
Option The right-hand turn at the trail junction will take you to the beautiful Tsum Valley. If you have an extra 5-7 days it is well worth it and many trekkers include it in their Manaslu Trek.
During the next hour, we will cross the Budhi Gandaki to the eastern side and then back again. Ignore the left trail which climbs to Nya and about an hour later we will reach a tea house at Pewa. We will stop for a break here, following which a pleasant hour’s walk will bring us to Deng.
Overnight at Deng.
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Day 8 Deng to Namrung (2630m) 5 hours
The village of Deng is really a complex of tea houses and is a popular stopover, however, if you are willing to continue, Bihi Phedi is about 1hr.20 minutes away. As we trek higher you will notice a change in the structure of the villages, and you will see mani walls and chortens, reflecting the influence of Tibetan Buddhism. Rice and wheat crops are now replaced by buckwheat and barley.
As we gain altitude we will see spectacular views of the Budhi Gandaki gorge.
Option A little past Bihi Phedi you will notice a trail climbing off to the left which will take you to the remote village of Prok. Most trekkers will bypass Prok but it is a lovely village, untouched by the commercialization of the Manaslu Circuit.
From Bihi Phedi continue up and down many stone steps with views of wild canyons. You will notice many beautiful carvings on the mani walls and kani in this area. Cross the Serang Khola coming from the north before climbing and coming to the village of Ghap. After leaving Ghap we will trek through a beautiful forest, cross the Budhi Gandaki twice above beautiful gorges, before arriving in Namrung 2.5 hours later.
Overnight in Namrung
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Day 9 Namrung to Lho or Samagoan (Sama) 3530m approx 5 hours.
Namrung is a neat village and there are some nice guest houses here so it’s probably worth staying. Leaving Namrung we will cross the Therang Khola and continue on an easy trail through the village of Bhanzam. The trail continues on an easy uphill gradient for about an hour before reaching the village of Lihi. As we trek higher note the architecture is typical of the upper Nupri, gray stone houses with a common courtyard with shelter underneath for livestock. Villagers wear traditional Tibetan dress. Cross the Hinang Khola into the small village of Sho and continue on an uphill gradient to Lho or Lhogoan (“goan” means village) From Lho you will have spectacular views of Manaslu, adjacent to the Ribung Gompa which is worth a visit. It is tempting to stay in Lho and it is an option but we will continue another 2.5 hours to Sama. It’s an easy walk to Shyala through a pine and rhododendron gully and then a steady uphill climb to Shyala where we will have magnificent 360-degree views of snow-capped mountains. The trail descends slightly then crosses the slope that drains the Pungyen glacier, before becoming flat all the way to Sama.
Overnight in Sama
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Day 10 Acclimatisation Day in Sama
Sama is one of the larger villages in the area, and it is recommended to spend a day here to acclimatize. Greystone houses line either side of a stream which runs through the village. Potatoes and barley are grown in fields behind the houses. There is also a Gompa in the village which is worth a visit. Other options are:
- Day trip to Pungyen Gompa (4120m) A lovely day walk to the isolated Pungyen Plateau with Manaslu towering high above
- Day trip to Manaslu Base Camp (4900m) a much harder walk for those with the energy.
- Explore Sama village, including the Kargyu Chholing Gompa and Birendra Tal.
Overnight in Sama.
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Day 11 Sama to Samdo (3875m) 2-3 hours
A short day today, but it is recommended because of the altitude. It is easy walking up a broad valley, through yak pastures. The countryside is very barren now with few trees and only low lying juniper bushes dotting the landscape. After about an hour we will climb a small ridge and then drop down to cross the Budhi Gandaki on a wooden bridge. Sometime later we will approach an impressive kani gate which is the entry to Samdo village. This village was created as a Tibetan refugee following the Chinese occupation of Tibet. Take the afternoon to explore the village but take a warm jacket with you – the wind blowing up the valley can be freezing.
Overnight in Samdo
Option: Some may want to spend an extra day in Samdo. It is possible to do a day walk to the Tibetan border from here.
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Day 12 Samdo to Dharamsala (4460m) – 3 hours.
From Samdo we descend out of the village along a broad valley. The trail to the Tibetan border runs off to the right, but we will be taking the trail to the left. Cross a bridge over the Gyala Khola and climb to a large pile of mani stones where you can look down upon Larkye Bazaar which is a local trading ground. We continue to climb over rocky ground and frozen streams with views of Larkye Peak and the north face of Manaslu. Dharamsala is a collection of fixed tents and a basic stone guest house and kitchen. However, it’s the only place to stay until Bhimtang.
Overnight in Dharamsala
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Day 13 Dharamsala to Bhimtang (3590m) 8-12 hours
This will be the most difficult and potentially dangerous trekking day you will encounter. Lack of sleep, darkness, altitude, snow, cold, wind and terrain will make this a very challenging day.
Most trekkers will be up at 3 am for breakfast and will be on their way by 4 am. Temperatures will be below zero, so dress for extreme cold including gloves, warm headwear and weatherproof over clothes.
Make sure your headlamp has fresh batteries because the first couple of hours will be in the dark and it will be a couple of hours before sunrise. Remember your water bottle will freeze so try and keep it warm in your backpack. It’s almost surreal to watch the procession of headlamps moving slowly up the mountain in the dark. The trail is long and rocky underfoot as you will be walking on glacial moraine most of the way. As the sun comes up you find yourself surrounded by grand and rugged mountains like Himlung (7126m) Kang Guru (6981m) and Annapurna II (7937m). Finally, descend past four frozen lakes and then make the tiring climb to the Larkye La (5106m) Stop for a break and admire the 360-degree views of mountains all around you. Descend from the pass on a very steep zigzag trail which if ice can be treacherous. (It’s a good idea to have mini-crampons in your pack in case it is icy) It will be another 3 hours or more before you will finally reach Bhimtang extremely tired and happy after completing your traverse of Larkye La (NB “La” is the Nepalese word for a pass. you may find “Larkye” spelled different ways as well.
Overnight in Bhimtang.
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Day 14 Bhimtang to Gowa (Gho) (2560m) – 5-6 hours
Bhimtang is not much more than a grassy meadow with a few tea houses but it is situated between the Bhimtang glacier and the Larkye Himal Range with magnificent views of Manaslu.
Option: Stay in Bhimtang for an extra day and visit Pongkar Tal – the scenery around there is magnificent.
The hardest part of the trek may be over but the walk down from Bhimtang is magical. After leaving Bhimtang we cross several rocky moraines, before entering one of the nicest forests in Nepal. In the rhododendron season, the mauves, pinks, and whites amongst the tall pines with the Manaslu Range as a backdrop and the Dudh Khola roaring below! Take your time it doesn’t get much nicer than this. We will pass isolated tea houses on the way at Hompuk and Karche, so there are opportunities for a break.
After about 3.5 hours we will arrive at Suti Khola where we will stop for lunch. It’s then only about 1.5 hours until we reach the small village of Gowa. Overnight in Gowa.
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Day 15 Gowa to Dharapani (1860m) 3-5 hours
A 2-hour walk through a beautiful forest will bring us to the lovely village of Tilche. (Many may opt to stay here instead of Gowa) The countryside is now becoming much more agricultural. Two hours from Tilche we will cross a long suspension bridge to reach Thonche, which marks the official ending of the Manaslu trail. Another bridge will take us over the Marsyangdi River to Dharapani. If you turn right at this point you will be on the Annapurna Circuit and if you have another 14 days you may want to complete that trek as well. However, we will turn left and make our way down to Besi Sahar.
You now have the option of continuing to walk through Tal, Jagat and Syange to Besi Sahar but you are now on the Annapurna Circuit which is one of the most popular treks in Nepal so it is very busy.
It is now possible to get a jeep from Dharapani to Besi Sahar so if you are ready for a slow bumpy trip we shall take a jeep. Overnight in Besi Sahar
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Day 16 Besi Sahar to Pokhara
From Besi Sahar, you can travel by bus or jeep to either Kathmandu or Pokhara. We shall take a microbus or jeep to Pokhara where we shall spend a day or two to relax and recover from our trek
Staying in a guest house by the lake in Pokhara is the perfect way to relax after our trek.
Overnight in Pokhara
Included meal: Breakfast and Lunch
Day 17 Bus from Pokhara to Kathmandu
It is an early start to the day, and the trip takes most of the day. We will travel along the main highway between Nepal’s two biggest cities, with a morning tea break and lunch break. As mentioned previously it is a busy road and can be slow at times but there is always something interesting to see on the way. We should arrive in Kathmandu in the mid or late afternoon, after which you can head to your hotel for a rest.
Included meals: Breakfast and Lunch
Day 18 Depart Kathmandu
Depending on how many days you have left you may wish to do any last minute shopping or spend some time visiting Kathmandu’s many tourist attractions, such as the Durbar Square, the Bodhnath Stupa, Pashupatinath and the Swayambhunath Temple.
It is the usual practice for clients to invite their guides/porters to share a farewell dinner and exchange a “khata” (ceremonial scarf) If you have been happy with the service provided by the guide a tip is given. Relive your experiences of the trek around the dinner table and enjoy your last night in Kathmandu.
Our Manaslu trek ends with your departure. Approximately 3 hours before your scheduled flight, our representative will pick you up from the hotel to drop you at the international airport for your flight home. We hope you enjoyed your trek. Please come back and see us soon.
Included meal: Breakfast
- Included in the cost
- Airport pickups and drops in a private vehicle.
- 2 Night’s twin standard bedroom in 3-star hotel in Kathmandu with breakfast.
- 1 Night’s twin standard bedroom in 3-star hotel in Pokhara with breakfast.
- 1 Night twin sharing bedroom in a hotel in Besishar with breakfast.
- Nepali welcome dinner as the first day.
- Half day guided city tour with World Heritage entrance fees as listed in the itinerary in Kathmandu and Pokhara.
- All ground transportation in a comfortable private vehicle as per the itinerary.
- Teahouse accommodation during the trek with twin sharing bed.
- All meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) during the trek.
- English speaking trained and experienced trekking guide.
- Porter service (2 trekkers: 1 porter).
- Insurance for all staff including porter, guide and assistant guide.
- We provide an assistant guide if there are more than 6 clients.
- Warm clothing and trekking gear for staff including porters and guide.
- Food and salary for all of the staff including porter and guide.
- Duffel bag and map of Manaslu circuit Trek
- All necessary paperwork and trekking permit.
- Medical Kit (carried by your guide).
- Excluded in the cost
- Nepal entry visa fees.
- International airfare to and from Kathmandu.
- Extra night accommodation in Kathmandu because of early arrival, late departure, early return from mountain (due to any reason) than the scheduled itinerary.
- Travel and rescue insurance.
- Items of personal expenses like hot shower, battery charge, telephone, beverage drinks and bar items like chocolate etc.
- Lunch and evening meals in Kathmandu (in case of early return from mountain than the scheduled itinerary.
- Tips for Guide, Porter, and Driver
