Manaslu Circuit Trek

On Day 1, you will be travelling from Kathmandu to the great Soti Khola, a drive that takes about 6-7 hours all through scenic and wonderful mountain roads. The route also passes through fine villages, terraced fields, and lush forests, offering glimpses of the great rural Nepal. Soti Khola serves as the starting point for the Manaslu Circuit Trek, where the trek begins in the evening.

The trek from the Soti Khola to Machha Khola takes 6-7 hours, following the fine trail through dense forests and the Budhi Gandaki River. The route also passes through tiny villages, well-terraced fields, and serene landscapes. Walking on, you will enjoy views of the surrounding hills and rivers, gradually moving towards Machha Khola.

The trek through the Machha Khola to the state of Jagat takes around 5-6 hours. It passes through terraced fields and small villages along the Budhi Gandaki River. The trail has a picturesque view of the whole river valley, with rare glimpses of the surrounding clothing. Jagat, a traditional town, marks the most significant stop, offering a glimpse at the local lifestyle.

The trek from Jagat to Deng takes around 6-7 hours, entering the great Nubri region, where the landscape becomes more rugged and alpine. As you move on, the trail passes through forests, high cliffs, and traditional Tibetan-style themed villages. The cultural shift is also noticeable, with Tibetan Buddhist influences becoming more dominant in the towns and monasteries.

The trek from the place of Deng to Namrung takes almost 6-7 hours, going through the higher altitudes where the landscape becomes increasingly alpine too. As you move through the Manaslu Conservation Area, you will notice a shift and more rugged terrain, with lush forests giving way to the alpine meadows. The area is also rich in wildlife, including the possibility of spotting Himalayan tahr and many kinds of bird species.

The trek from Namrung to Lho takes around 4-5 hours, offering stunning views of Mount Manaslu and the close peaks. As you move on, the trail passes through alpine forests and tiny Tibetan-influenced villages. Lho, located at a higher elevation, provides breathtaking panoramas of Manaslu and surrounding snow-capped mountains.

The trek through Lho to the place of Samagaon takes around 4-5 hours, bringing trekkers closer to the Tibetan border and offering spectacular views of the tremendous high Himalayas. As you walk through the alpine meadows and sparse vegetation, the landscape becomes more dramatic and remote. Again, Sam, a traditional Tibetan village, works as the primary stop for acclimatization and exploring the surrounding area.

Spending the day around Samagaon allows for excellent acclimatization through the altitude. You can explore the significant Pungyen Gompa, an ancient monastery with fine mountain views, or visit Birendra Lake, a calm glacial lake. The day also provides the opportunity to rest and soak through the beautiful surrounding landscapes.

The trek through the Samagaon to Samdo takes around 4-5 hours. It passes through alpine terrain and offers views of the nearby peaks. Samdo is a petite Tibetan-influenced village near the Tibetan border region, with age-old stone houses and a vibrant, thriving cultural atmosphere. The town is a great spot to experience and witness the rare Tibetan customs and enjoy the lovely high-altitude landscapes.

Another acclimatization day in the place of Samdo allows trekkers to rest and adjust to altitude. Short hikes around the village, such as to the close ridge, help improve acclimatization and rest while offering spectacular views of the fine surrounding peaks. This extra day gives a safer and more comfortable continuation of the fine trek toward higher altitude plains.

The trek to the great Dharamsala (Larkya Phedi) takes around 4-5 hours. It passes through rocky terrain and gains a high altitude. Dharamsala is the last stop before attempting the challenging Larkya La Pass. It offers stunning views of the surrounding snow-capped peaks and is an important resting point to prepare for the fine high-altitude pass crossing.

Crossing the full Larkya La Pass (5,160 meters) is the trek's main highlight, offering great panoramic views of Manaslu and surrounding peaks. The descent towards Bimthang takes 6-7 hours, passing through glacial landscapes and alpine meadows. Bimthang, the scenic valley, also provides a well-deserved rest after the challenging pass crossing.

The trek from Mthang to Tilije takes 5-6 hours and passes through lush forests and picturesque pastures. The trail also offers views of traditional villages, well-terraced fields, and flowing rivers. Tilije, a quaint village, provides a glimpse of local life and is a peaceful stop along the route.

The trek from Tilije to Tal takes about 5-6 hours. The landscape transitions back to lush greenery and fertile land. The trail goes through forests, rivers, and petite villages, offering scenic and incredible views of the close surrounding hills. Tal, located at the foot of the great Annapurna range, is a vibrant village marking the entrance to the glorious Marsyangdi Valley.

The trek through the Tal to Syange takes 5-6 hours. The entire descent continues at the Marsyangdi River. The route also passes through terraced fields, tiny villages, and forests, offering peaceful riverside views. Syange marks the end of the Manaslu Circuit, where the trail meets the road at Besishahar.

The trek from Syange to Besisahar takes 3-4 hours, following the scenic route through the ever-flowing Marsyangdi River. Through Besisahar, a vehicle ride takes you back to Kathmandu, offering a comfortable return upon the challenging trek. This marks the end of the Manaslu Circuit Trek, with memories of several breathtaking landscapes and cultural experiences.