Manaslu Circuit Trek

The first day of the Manaslu Circuit trek begins with an early-morning departure from Kathmandu. We will head west on the Prithvi Highway as we leave Kathmandu valley. The glimpses of terraced fields, small villages, and forests become common once we are far from Kathmandu. We will also see the Trishuli River far below.

After Naubise, the highway goes through some river valleys and hills. When we reach the turnoff for Dhading Besi or Malekhu, the scenery changes to more traditional rural settings with farmhouses and rice fields.

From Dhading Besi, the road becomes bumpy as we head down to the Budhi Gandaki corridor. We will pass small towns like Arughat, a busy spot by the river where nearby villages trade.

Historically, Arughat was an important trade center along ancient salt-trading routes to Tibet, connecting districts like Dhading and Gorkha, and it remains a vibrant local bazaar. After Arughat, the landscape becomes more remote. We drive along the road that follows the Budhi Gandaki River. The drive passes Soti Khola and other small villages along the way.

Here, we will encounter a bumpy road winding through steep hills. The beautiful views of streams, river gorges, suspension bridges, and forests filled with banana and cardamom plants sustain us. After about 7-9 hours of travel, we will arrive at Machha Khola, a peaceful riverside village. As the name suggests, the town is popular for fishing and fish dishes. We will stay overnight at Machha Khola.

The Manaslu Circuit trail begins today, continuing from Machha Khola. We start walking along the Budhi Gandaki, gradually, following its bends as we approach a small riverside village in Khorla Besi. Here, we will see houses clinging to cliffs and terrace farming as a standard method.

Continuing along the riverbank through Lisyapu, we soon reach Tatopani at approximately 990 m, a natural hot spring where steam rises gently from stone pools set above the river, often crowded with locals and pilgrims bathing and socializing. You can relax your legs here, and watch villagers washing clothes and chat. This site serves as a natural spa and a Hindu pilgrimage site, with a small temple nearby.

After relaxing in Tatopani, we continue our trek by crossing a suspension bridge over the Budhi Gandaki and passing through small villages in Labuchet, Thingjet, and Hulchuk. We then need to cross the confluence of the Budhi Gandaki and Dobhan Khola to reach Dobhan. After Dobhan, we begin ascending through Sulachet and Indur until we reach Yuru Khola.

On the way, we see Gurbang and Chlse Khola, which flow into the main river. Due to the 2015 earthquake, the area is affected; therefore, we proceed slowly toward Jagat, which is situated at 1,340 m. This is the place for our overnight stay.

On the third day of this trek, we will leave after breakfast. We will first trek through the stone-paved lanes, small houses, and mani walls until we reach the checkpoint, which marks the entry to the deeper portion of the Manaslu Conservation Area. From here, our trail gently climbs over a rocky hill as we reach Salleri.

We then descend to Sirdibas, a beautiful village with traditional houses, colorful flags, and even a small gompa. Here, we will see the growing influence of Buddhism in the region. From Sirdibas, we again head upstream to reach Philim, an ideal spot for lunch or a break.

​We follow a level trail from Philim, past more millet fields towards Ekle Bhatti, until we reach a quieter forest with pine, bamboo, and beautiful rhododendron in spring. We then cross high suspension bridges over tributaries, including Ghatta Khola and Yaru Khola.

The path feels wilder now, with waterfalls on the cliffs, narrow gorges, and only a few small teahouse settlements breaking the silence of the forest. In the late afternoon, we reach our destination, Deng, a small but historic village on an ancient trade route, where stone houses, a few lodges, and views of Shringi Himal offer a peaceful place to rest. Here, we experience our first intense taste of Tibetan‑influenced culture on our Manaslu journey.

Our Manaslu Circuit trek is getting more interesting as we approach the fourth day, trekking along the Budhi Gandaki River. From Deng, the trail is gentle, winding through another bamboo-and-pine forest, with the river flowing just below us. As we approach Bihi village, the trail grows rougher, with rocky slopes and slippery paths. We will see a majestic view of the waterfall as we proceed from Bihi Phedi. The valley opens here, and a distant view of Shringi Himal is a sight to enjoy.

From Bihi Phedi, we walk along the river upstream through a narrow gorge to Ghap, where we often stop to rest or eat lunch. Then, we climb steadily through thick pine and rhododendron forests. We cross the Budhi Gandaki on wooden or metal bridges and observe long lines of mani walls, indicating that we are entering the Nubri region.

As we climb higher, the air cools and the views open, revealing Ganesh Himal and other snow-capped peaks. In the late afternoon, we reach Namrung, a charming stone village with a checkpoint, traditional houses, gompas, and sweeping views of Ganesh and Shringi Himal at sunrise and sunset. We stay overnight at Namrung.

On the fifth day in the Manaslu region, we leave Namrung by first passing through another forest, then through the Lihi and Sho villages. Here, we observe traditional stone houses, with colorful prayer flags fluttering in the wind. Here, we can briefly stop to take in Himal Chuli, Ngadi Chuli, and Mount Manshu, which appear very close to us. We walk alongside small streams and cross gentle wooden bridges, feeling cool air as we gain altitude.

As we head toward Shyala, the landscape opens up, revealing majestic views of snowy peaks. We see Mani walls and miniature chortens that mark our path, and the area’s peaceful beauty gives us a deep sense of calm. When we finally arrive at Shyala village, we enjoy stunning views of Manaslu, Himal Chuli, Nadi Chuli, Ganesh Himal, and other nearby peaks. We will spend the night at Shyala.

Today, our Manaslu Circuit itinerary begins with a hike from Shyala. Early mornings, surrounded by majestic mountain views, will propel us forward. From here, the trail gradually takes us to the open meadows along the river. Here, we will see yaks peacefully grazing as we move toward the sacred Pungyen Gompa.

It is a stunning monastery set on a quiet hill with the mighty Manaslu Glacier shining just behind it. We will take a moment to appreciate the calmness of this area and enjoy stunning views of Mount Manaslu, Himalchuli, and the glacier valley.

Now it’s time to descend from the monastery. We follow the trail back down and continue towards Samagaun. We move through small pastures and stone-built houses, with prayer flags fluttering all around. As soon as we reach Samagaun, we will get to see the majestic backdrop of Manaslu and the friendly locals. Samagaun is our place for an overnight stay.

Today is our acclimatization day in Samagaun (3,530 m), a much-needed rest to help our bodies adjust to the higher altitude before we continue the trek. In the morning, we can take a slow walk around the town, meeting friendly locals going about their daily life, tending to their yaks, or spinning prayer wheels near the monasteries. The traditional houses, mani walls, and Buddhist shrines all reflect the region’s growing Tibetan influence.

For those who want to explore more, we have a few great options today. One popular hike leads to Birendra Lake (3,691 m), a shimmering blue glacial lake at the foot of the Manaslu Glacier. The walk is short but rewarding, and listening to the echo of ice blocks breaking and crashing into the lake is a rare experience. If we’re feeling strong and well-acclimatized, we could even continue toward Manaslu Base Camp (4,800 m) for more breathtaking scenery. No matter which option we choose, today offers the perfect mix of rest, exploration, and connection with Samagaun’s mountain culture.

We continue our Manaslu Circuit trek from Samagaun early this morning. The trail begins gently, winding through vast fields and yaks’ pastures that still follow the Budhi Gandaki River. We then pass through Juniper forests, over small wooden bridges, and past fluttering prayer flags along the trails. As we gain altitude regularly, we notice the cold air and the vegetation thinning. On this stretch of the trail, we see herds of yaks grazing and locals carrying loads along the high paths, offering a glimpse of the demanding yet humble mountain lifestyle.

After a steady walk for some hours, we finally reach Samdo. This small village lies near the Tibetan border, which is why Tibetan cultural influence is felt even more strongly here. The people of Samdo are known for deep spiritual traditions, but they are also quite welcoming.

In the afternoon, we will take a short hike above the village. This hike offers excellent views of the valley, the Manaslu Glacier, and the trail to Larkya La Pass. Spending the night in Samdo will help us rest and prepare for the challenging days ahead.

Today, we continue our trek from Samdo early in the morning. The cool mountain air and crisp views of the surrounding peaks will definitely motivate us for the day ahead. We continue to follow the Budhi Gandaki River. However, it has narrowed as we move closer to its glacial source. The landscape becomes completely barren, with few patches of grass and shrubs surviving.

Along the way, we can see beautiful mountain views of Manaslu, Larkya Peak, Naike Peak, and other snow-covered ridges that rise sharply in every direction. We might also spot blue sheep climbing the rocky slopes above us. After a few hours of consistent ascent, we finally reach Dharmasala, also known as Larkya Phedi.

Today, it is our resting place for the night. After a few hours of gradual ascent, we arrive at Dharmasala (also known as Larkya Phedi), our overnight resting place at 4,460 m. This settlement is small, with just a few basic stone lodges. These lodges assist trekkers preparing to cross the high pass.

Today we’ll prepare for an exciting trek around the Manaslu circuit, crossing the Larkya La Pass at 5,106 m. After an early breakfast, we’ll leave Dharmasala for a long day of trekking. The weather is important, as strong winds or storms can make the journey tough. We’ll navigate a rough trail, cross a moraine, and descend to a small lake. Continuing south across a steep slope, guided by prayer flags, we’ll reach four frozen lakes, then climb steeply to the Larkya La Pass.

At the pass, we can enjoy stunning views of Himlung Himal, Cheo Himal, Kang Guru, and Annapurna II. The trail continues over the moraine, heads west, and goes through steep, rough bends. We’ll cross another moraine and then descend to a grassy area at 4,450 m. As we descend, walking becomes easier, and we’ll reach a small meadow. The valley widens as we approach a large meadow, Mani walls, and small houses, which means we have reached Bhimtang.

From today onward, our Manaslu Circuit trek begins with a descent from Bhimtang. We first clear the glacial streams and pass through the yak pastures. As we descend, the forests become denser, and the air feels warmer.

Soon, we reach beautiful rhododendron forests and fir forests, and the atmosphere is markedly more pleasant than that at Larkya La. Gradually, the rocky moraines and ice give way to a calm valley with mossy stones and wooden bridges. As we continue, we pass small clearings and simple shelters used by herders, then reach the quiet settlement of Karche.

The trail follows the valley, passing through forests and fields until we reach Gho, a quiet village surrounded by farms and green hills. Here, we see more trees, including oak and pine, along with rhododendrons.

The temperature is milder, which feels welcoming after the cold nights at higher elevations. By the time we arrive at our lodge in Gho, at about 2,515 m, we sense that our trek has entered a new phase, with cozy villages, friendly locals, and softer landscapes inviting us forward.

On this day, we leave Gho after breakfast and take a gentle path down the Dudh Khola valley. The trail meanders through thick forests and along stone-paved streets. We continue trekking through Karche and then to Tilije, a larger Gurung village filled with mani walls, small shops, and teahouses. Here, we can stop for tea while looking back at the mountains that are now farther away.

After Tilije, we cross a long suspension bridge and descend through mixed forests until we reach Thonje, a checkpoint village where our Manaslu trail connects with the busy Annapurna route, making us feel like we’re back on a well-traveled path.

We then move from Thonje and walk a short distance along the Marsyangdi River to reach Dharapani. Dharapani is a fantastic settlement that also connects the Annapurna Circuit. From here, we stop our trek, rest for a bit, and then begin driving towards Besisahar.

As we drive, the scenery shifts from steep forested hills to broader valleys with more towns and farmland, marking our journey from the quiet mountains. Arriving in Besisahar at 760 meters, we will find warmer, thicker air, with numerous lights and shops. It’s a proud yet nostalgic moment as we conclude our Manaslu Circuit trekking days.

On the last day of our Manaslu journey, we wake up early in Dharapani, have breakfast, and drive down the valley toward Besisahar. Along the rough mountain road, we pass small settlements, terraced fields, and traditional houses, with the Marsyangdi River below and forested slopes on either side.

We see villages such as Bhulbhule and Khudi, with suspension bridges and fields, as the distant snow peaks fade. Arriving in Besisahar around midday, we take a short break to stretch, eat, and reflect on the mountains we’ve called home for days.

​After our rest, we board a bus or private vehicle for the drive back to Kathmandu or onward to Pokhara, following the Prithvi Highway. Along the way, we ride beside the Marsyangdi River until it meets the Trishuli, enjoying views of terraced hills, rivers, waterfalls, and occasional snow-capped peaks. As we approach Kathmandu Valley, the mountain scenery turns into a bustling city, marking the end of our memorable Manaslu Circuit trek.