Manaslu Circuit Trek: A Himalayan Adventure

When you arrive in the city of Kathmandu, a hardworking representative will welcome you and take you back to your assigned hotel, where you will prepare for the trekking adventure. Afterwards, pre-trek planning and briefing will take place, and you will review the itinerary and final preparations and arrangements to make a smooth journey ahead.

Once you have had refreshment, take some time to explore your surroundings and deep dive into the fantastic atmosphere of the neighborhood. Later, go to the tremendous welcome dinner featuring Nepalese food and customs, accompanied by a traditional dance performance that shows the great region's cultural vastness. This also makes your first night in the enchanting city known for its impressive temples and immemorial history.

Today, we go on a guided sightseeing tour at Kathmandu, beginning with a visit to the great Boudhnath Stupa, one of the biggest Buddhist stupas in the entire globe. This great site is connected through spirituality as well as cultural traditions, attracting the locals and visitors too. Our next destination is Pashupatinath, the country's most beloved Hindu temple, at the OK Bagmati River. Here, you can also observe Hindu holy men and pilgrims engaging in the great washings and witnessing the sights of funeral pyres at the ghats, a significant aspect of the great culture where both royal family members and ordinary people are burned and cremated.

After a morning of exploration, you will have the afternoon to relax on your hotel terrace or go into Thamel for some rare shopping opportunities. As the day goes down, we will provide you with great information about your trek's departure, ensuring that you are prepared for the adventure that also waits. Enjoy a tasty breakfast included to charge yourself physically and mentally.

After eating a hefty breakfast, we will leave early at 7:00 am through the New Bus Park at Machhapokhari, at the Machha Khola. For a happy journey, you have to hire a jeep, especially if you are searching for a 4WD vehicle made for travelling. Despite your choice, the joyous ride on the Prithvi Highway, which goes through the Trisuli River, gives captivating views of the incredible landscape.

Our route at the Hanuman Danda takes 4 hours on the well-maintained road and 4 hours on the Machha Khola, although traffic also extends travel time. The journey could be condensed and bumpy, but the sights are worth the trip. By late afternoon, at 4 pm, we will be going to the Machha Khola after the great 8-hour drive. Here, you can rest with a refreshing dip in the river if you want. We will spend the night at one of the comfortable local teahouses and eat meals, including OK breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

After crossing through the Machha Khola, we will journey to the hot springs through Tatopani, going through the great village of Khorla Bensi. Here, the valley goes on dramatically, and we will switch at the left bank through the suspension bridge. As we trek on, you could encounter sections of the trail that are challenging and left exposed, adding to the adventurous element of our incredible journey. Following through the brief wooded stretch, we will go on only teahouse in Doban, providing the welcome opportunity at the rest.

Above Doban, the Budi Gandaki River descends at the finest cascades, captivating us with its splendor. The river's flow becomes gentler after passing through steep terrain as it meanders across the comprehensive gravel bank. We will cross the river again through the Lauri using another suspension bridge, followed by the steep ascent to the fields of Jagat. All day, we will be fed delicate meals that will nourish us.

The trek to Deng will take around eight hours, with the trail going along the finer slopes of Salleri village. As we climb, we will be rewarded with breathtaking views of the Sringi Himal, which is 7,177 meters high. It's an excellent opportunity to take a small break, relax, and fully see the incredible mountain scenery surrounding us.

On the trail, we will pass Sirish Gaon, which will go through towering cliffs and narrow valleys for the Gandaki River. Each turn offers a nuanced perspective of the breathtaking landscape, rewarding the journey. At the end of our longer day, we will go to the comfortable lodge in Deng to rest for the night, where we can rest, reflect, and enjoy delicious meals.

After breakfast, we will begin our journey to Namrung, which will take six hours. The trek starts at the banks of the Deng River, leading us to the rock tunnel, which adds a great touch to the landscape. As we move down, you will notice the increasing presence of Tibetan culture, highlighted through the Mani stones and Chortens on the trail, creating a rare spiritual atmosphere.

As we continue our ascent, the scenery changes, giving glimpses of the great local culture in this region. The trail is also captivating and peaceful, making the walk a wonderful experience.

Today, we will go on our trek to Syala, staying here at a more common camping spot at the Samagaun, as the views through Syala are tremendous and have a breathtaking tone. As we move down an elevation of more than 1,000 meters, we inspire our trekkers to take slow and steady to rest appropriately at the bigger altitude. The path goes through past vibrant ethnic communities and lush barley fields, leading through the picturesque villages of Banham, Lihi, Sho, and Lho. Sho  Lihi is traditional Tibetan villages that glimpse a local culture. At the same time, Lho stands at the great monastery and refined mani walls, all defined by colourful flags.

As we climb today's challenging climb, we will be rewarded with spectacular views of the surrounding peaks, such as Simnang Himal, Ganesh Himal, Manaslu, Kutang Himal, Phungi, Mount 29, and so on. After a hard day of hiking in the hills, we will arrive at Syala, a charming village in the snow-capped mountains. 

After a well-deserved breakfast, we will go on our trek to Samagaun. The journey starts with a two-hour ascent, which leads us to the charming wooden bridge crossing at the Budi Gandaki River. As we move on, we will pass through the homes and well-terraced fields, immersing ourselves in the landscape. Following at the right bank for the river, we will see the stunning views of Peak 29 well ahead. Continuing at the fine trail, we will reach the first side of Sama Gaon, standing at a high altitude of 3,500 meters.

As we trek on, we'll be treated to the breathtaking places at Naike Peak, Manaslu North, and the great Manaslu, which will significantly boost our spirits as tiredness sets in. After the fulfilling day at the trail, we will settle at the local lodge at night. Our adventure continues; just the 20-minute walk all beyond Samagaun brings us to Sama Gompa, right at the Tibetan border, where we can feel the cultural traditions of this remarkable region.

Located in a peaceful forest sanctuary and mystified by the majestic mountains, we go on this day to rest, allowing ourselves to explore and rest. This is a great opportunity to catch up on that book you've been seeing to read or tackle around laundry time, but if you do nothing at all, simply soaking in the breathtaking scenery is a great way to spend the full day.

For those seeking more adventure, you can go on the trek to the Manaslu Base Camp, which takes around 7 to 8 hours, or witness the Birendra Taal, a stunning lake placed at the base of the Manaslu glacier. Whichever choice you choose, you will be treated to great views and a finer connection with this once-in-a-lifetime place.

As we go along the more extensive trail at the roaring Budi Gandaki, the river flows through the mighty torrent in a fine trickle while the breathtaking mountains engulf us from all sides. This peaceful and dramatic landscape takes center stage upon our arrival around Samdo, the last acceptable settlement in the place. Here, the incredible views of Manaslu are genuinely mesmerizing, providing a fine backdrop for our trek.

In Samdo, we will encounter and establish the Tibetan refugees who have made this village their home, combined too with the tremendous cultural elements in our experience. The community here combines resilience and hospitality, giving us great insight into their way of life. After a day filled with finer beauty and a cultural side, we'll settle for the night at Samdo, surrounded by the calm feel of the mountains and the warmth of the local societies.

After leaving at the Samdo, we will cross the stream, which flows down through the Gya La Pass, a historical trail leading to Tibet. Our journey takes us to the famous Larkya Bazaar, a long-abandoned village. As we move up, the Dharmasala trail is at a height of 4,460 meters. Here, teahouses are established to accommodate the aspiring trekkers preparing to cross the Larkya La pass.

Through Dharmasala, we can also rest before the next start of our adventure. The atmosphere here is refined, filled with several travellers sharing their stories and experiences. After a day of exploration and climbing, we will settle for the night in the nearby teahouse, surrounded by the incredible beauty of the mountains.

Today's journey is a good challenge as we go on the nine-hour trek to an altitude of 5,106 meters. After a happy breakfast, we will begin our ascent, with the trail rising at the Cho Chanda before steeply descending at the Larkya La pass. The section of the trek requires fine strength and endurance, but the rewards are well worth the effort.

Upon reaching the pass, we are greeted by breathtaking views of snow-covered peaks, including Himlung Himal, Cheo Himal, Kang Kuru Gyagi Kung, Kang Kuru, and the legendary Annapurna II. After soaking in the stunning views, we descend steeply to the Bhimtang, where we'll find some solace for the night. 

As we start our journey, the trail is more straightforward and less demanding, to say the least, giving the great change of walk. The move down towards the Dharapani goes through lush pine and rhododendron forests alongside the meadows and the fine settlement for the Hampuk. 

Following the path through the Dudh Koshi River, we move further to reach the villages of Tilche and Thoche. After crossing the Marshyandi River, we arrive at Trapani, a great town that marks the end of our day.

Our journey back to   Kathmandu takes around nine hours and gives excellent views. We begin our four-hour drive through Dharapani to Besishar in an off-beaten vehicle, followed by a five-hour bus ride to the city's heart. We will stop for lunch during the trip at a fine roadside restaurant, allowing us to savour local flavours before our adventure.

Upon arriving in the capital city of Kathmandu, we will arrange your transfer to your accommodation. After settling in, you'll have the evening to explore the vibrant streets of Thamel. This busy neighbourhood is known for its extravagant shops, various cafes, and soothing atmosphere, making it the ideal place to rest and immerse yourself in the local culture upon your trek. 

As the adventure ends, our office support staff will be the vehicle and transport you to the airport upon your departure. If you are still getting ready to leave, there are several exciting options to add to your stay. You might also go on thrilling game drives or wild safaris in close national parks, which offer great opportunities to see wildlife up close.