Manasalu Circuit Trek

Welcome to Nepal!

Upon arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport, your representative will meet you and transfer you to your hotel in Kathmandu.

After checking in, you can rest and recover from your international journey.

Depending on your arrival time, we will arrange a short trek briefing. During the briefing, your guide will explain the trekking route, accommodation, meals, equipment, permits, altitude considerations and other practical preparations for the Manaslu Circuit.

The rest of the day is free for you to relax and prepare for the adventure ahead.

Overnight: Kathmandu

Altitude: 1,300–1,400 m / 4,265–4,593 ft

Walking: No trekking

Driving: Approximately 30–45 minutes from the airport to the hotel, depending on traffic

Accommodation: Hotel

Meals: None

Today is reserved for final trek preparation and permit arrangements.

The Manaslu region is a restricted trekking area, and trekkers must obtain the appropriate trekking permit through an authorized trekking agency. We will arrange the necessary permit formalities.

You will also have time to check your trekking equipment, purchase or rent any missing items and make final preparations.

If you would like to explore Kathmandu, an optional sightseeing tour can be arranged. Depending on your

interests and available time, you may visit:

Swayambhunath Stupa

Boudhanath Stupa

Pashupatinath Temple

Kathmandu Durbar Square

In the evening, you can relax at the hotel and prepare for the following morning's journey.

Overnight: Kathmandu

Altitude: 1,300–1,400 m / 4,265–4,593 ft

Walking: Optional sightseeing

Driving: Depending on sightseeing program

Accommodation: Hotel

Meals: Breakfast

After an early breakfast, we leave Kathmandu and drive towards Soti Khola, the starting point of our trekking route.

The journey takes us away from the Kathmandu Valley and through rural Nepal. Along the way, we passrivers, terraced hillsides, forests, traditional villages and small market settlements.

The road becomes increasingly rugged as we approach the Manaslu region, and some sections can be rough and winding.

The exact driving time and road distance can vary according to road conditions, traffic and the condition of the local road.

After arriving at Soti Khola, we check into a local teahouse and rest before beginning our trek the following morning.

Overnight: Soti Khola

Altitude: Approximately 710 m / 2,329 ft

Driving distance: Approximately 140–160 km / 87–99 miles

Driving time: Approximately 8–10 hours

Walking: No trekking

Accommodation: Teahouse lodge

Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner

Today marks the beginning of our Manaslu Circuit Trek.

We follow the Budhi Gandaki River through a warm, subtropical landscape. The trail passes through forests, waterfalls, cultivated hillsides and small settlements.

We cross several suspension bridges and encounter a mixture of rocky paths, stone steps and gradual ascents and descents.

The route passes through Lapubesi and other riverside settlements before continuing towards Machha Khola.

After reaching Machha Khola, we check into our teahouse and have time to rest.

Altitude: Approximately 870–900 m / 2,854–2,953 ft

Walking distance: Approximately 14 km / 8.7 miles

Walking time: Approximately 6–7 hours

Driving: None

Accommodation: Teahouse lodge

Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner

After breakfast, we continue along the Budhi Gandaki River.

The trail passes through Khorlabesi and the natural hot-spring area of Tatopani before continuing through forested sections and dramatic river gorges.

We cross several suspension bridges and pass through small mountain settlements before continuing towards Jagat.

Jagat is a traditional stone-paved village and an important point on the route into the restricted Manaslu region.

We spend the night in Jagat.

Overnight: Jagat

Altitude: Approximately 1,340–1,410 m / 4,396–4,626 ft

Walking distance: Approximately 17–22 km / 10.6–13.7 miles

Walking time: Approximately 6–7 hours

Driving: None

Accommodation: Teahouse lodge

Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner

Today we continue deeper into the Budhi Gandaki Valley.

The trail passes through forests, cultivated fields, waterfalls and impressive river gorges. We cross suspension bridges and continue through traditional settlements.

One of the important villages along today's route is Philim. From here, the trail continues through increasingly remote scenery.

We remain alongside the Budhi Gandaki River before eventually reaching Deng.

The landscape and vegetation begin to change as we gradually gain elevation.

Overnight: Deng

Altitude: Approximately 1,800–1,860 m / 5,906–6,102 ft

Walking distance: Approximately 19–20 km / 11.8–12.4 miles

Walking time: Approximately 6–8 hours

Driving: None

Accommodation: Teahouse lodgeMeals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner

Leaving Deng, we continue climbing gradually through the upper Budhi Gandaki Valley.

The landscape becomes cooler and more alpine, while Tibetan Buddhist cultural influences become increasingly noticeable.

We pass mani walls, prayer flags, traditional stone houses and Buddhist monuments as we make our way towards Namrung.

The trail crosses forests and follows the river before climbing towards the village.As we approach Namrung, the Himalayan scenery becomes increasingly impressive, and weatherpermitting, we can enjoy views of the surrounding mountain peaks.

Overnight: Namrung

Altitude: Approximately 2,630 m / 8,628 ft

Walking distance: Approximately 17–19 km / 10.6–11.8 miles

Walking time: Approximately 6–7 hours

Driving: None

Accommodation: Teahouse lodge

Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner

Today is one of the most scenic days of the trek.

We leave Namrung and continue through the beautiful mountain villages of Lihi, Sho, Lho and Shyala.

The route is surrounded by mani walls, chortens, prayer wheels and Buddhist monasteries. The scenery becomes increasingly dramatic as we enter the higher Manaslu Valley.

Weather permitting, we can enjoy spectacular views of Manaslu and other surrounding Himalayan peaks.

After passing through Shyala, we continue across open alpine terrain towards Samagaon. Samagaon is one of the most important settlements in the upper Manaslu Valley and is surrounded by impressive mountain scenery.

Overnight: Samagaon

Altitude: Approximately 3,530 m / 11,581 ft

Walking distance: Approximately 17–19 km / 10.6–11.8 miles

Walking time: Approximately 7–9 hours

Driving: None

Accommodation: Teahouse lodge

Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner

Today is a shorter trekking day, which helps us gain altitude progressively.

We leave Samagaon and continue north through the upper Budhi Gandaki Valley.

The landscape becomes increasingly open and alpine, with yak pastures, mani walls and impressive views of Manaslu and the surrounding mountains.

The trail gradually climbs towards Samdo, a traditional Tibetan-influenced settlement located close to the Nepal–Tibet border.

After reaching Samdo, we check into our teahouse and have the remainder of the afternoon to rest.

Overnight: Samdo

Altitude: Approximately 3,860 m / 12,664 ft

Walking distance: Approximately 8–9 km / 5–5.6 miles

Walking time: Approximately 3–5 hoursDriving: None

Accommodation: Teahouse lodge

Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner

Today is an important acclimatization day before we continue towards Larkya La Pass.

Rather than spending the entire day resting, we take a gradual acclimatization hike above Samdo and return to the village to sleep at the same altitude. Depending on weather conditions, group fitness and local trail conditions, the guide may choose an appropriate viewpoint or ridge for the acclimatization walk.

The hike provides excellent views of the surrounding Himalayan landscape and the Tibetan border region.The remainder of the day is spent resting, staying hydrated and preparing our clothing and equipment for the higher-altitude section of the trek.

Overnight: Samdo

Altitude: Approximately 3,860 m / 12,664 ft

Walking: Approximately 3–5 hours, depending on conditions

Driving: None

Accommodation: Teahouse lodge

Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner

After breakfast, we leave Samdo and begin the short but important journey towards Dharamsala, also known as Larkya Phedi. We initially descend towards the Budhi Gandaki River before climbing gradually through increasingly barren and alpine terrain.

We pass the historic Larkya Bazaar area before continuing towards Dharamsala.

The accommodation here is basic because of the remote location and high altitude. Once we arrive, we have time to rest, hydrate and prepare our clothing, headlamp, gloves and other equipment for the following day's Larkya La crossing.

Because the pass crossing requires an early start, we have an early dinner and rest in preparation for the long day ahead.

Overnight: Dharamsala / Larkya Phedi

Altitude: Approximately 4,460 m / 14,633 ft

Walking distance: Approximately 6–7 km / 3.7–4.3 miles

Walking time: Approximately 4–5 hours

Driving: None

Accommodation: Basic teahouse lodge

Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner

Today is the highest and most demanding day of the Manaslu Circuit Trek.

We start very early in the morning and gradually ascend from Dharamsala towards Larkya La Pass.

The trail crosses rugged high-altitude terrain and moraine, and the pace is deliberately kept slow and steady.

The exact conditions of the pass can vary significantly depending on the season and weather. Snow and ice can make sections of the route more demanding.

After reaching the top of Larkya La, we are rewarded with spectacular Himalayan views, including Himlung Himal, Cheo Himal, Kang Guru, Annapurna II and other surrounding peaks. After spending some time at the pass, we begin the long descent towards Bimthang. The descent can be steep and tiring, but the landscape gradually becomes greener as we lose altitude.

Eventually, we reach Bimthang, where we can enjoy a well-earned rest after crossing the highest point of the trek.

Overnight: Bimthang

Larkya La Pass: Approximately 5,100–5,160 m / 16,700–16,930 ft

Bimthang: Approximately 3,600–3,700 m / 11,800–12,140 ft

Walking distance: Approximately 16–24 km / 10–15 miles

Walking time: Approximately 8–10 hours

Driving: None

Accommodation: Teahouse lodge

Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner

After breakfast, we leave Bimthang and begin our descent towards Tilije.

The trail follows the Dudh Khola through beautiful alpine meadows and forests of pine and rhododendron. After the challenging crossing of Larkya La Pass, today's walk feels considerably more relaxed as we gradually lose altitude and the landscape becomes greener.

Along the way, we pass through areas such as Karche and Gho, with traditional mountain settlements and cultivated fields appearing as we descend. The trail continues through forests and along the valley before reaching Tilije, a traditional Gurung village known for its stone houses and beautiful mountain surroundings.

Tilije marks the end of our main trekking section. We check into a local teahouse and enjoy a well-earned evening of rest.

Overnight: Tilije

Starting altitude: Bimthang – approximately 3,590–3,720 m / 11,778–12,205 ft

Tilije altitude: Approximately 2,300 m / 7,546 ft

Walking distance: Approximately 14–20 km / 8.7–12.4 milesWalking time: Approximately 5–7 hours

Driving: None

Accommodation: Teahouse lodge

Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner

After breakfast, we leave Tilije by local or shared jeep and begin the road journey towards Besishahar.

The first section follows the Marsyangdi Valley through the mountain road towards Besishahar. The road can be rough and winding in places, and travel time depends on road conditions, traffic and the type of vehicle available.

After reaching Besishahar, we continue by road towards Kathmandu. The journey follows the Marsyangdi and Trishuli river valleys, passing through rural villages, terraced hillsides, rivers and busy roadside settlements. The total journey from Tilije to Kathmandu is a long travel day, but it allows us to return to Kathmandu without adding another overnight stop.

Upon arrival in Kathmandu, we transfer to the hotel and have time to rest and freshen up.

In the evening, Scenic Nepal Treks will arrange a farewell dinner where you can celebrate the successful completion of your Manaslu Circuit Trek while enjoying traditional Nepali food and cultural performances.

Overnight: Kathmandu

Tilije altitude: Approximately 2,300 m / 7,546 ft

Besishahar altitude: Approximately 760 m / 2,493 ft

Driving distance: Approximately 40–50 km from Tilije to Besishahar, plus approximately 175 km from

Besishahar to Kathmandu

Total driving distance: Approximately 215–225 km / 134–140 miles

Driving time: Approximately 9–11 hours in total, depending on road and traffic conditions

Walking: No trekking

Accommodation: Hotel

Meals: Breakfast

Your Manaslu Circuit adventure sadly comes to an end today.

After breakfast, you will have some free time depending on your international flight schedule before being transferred to Tribhuvan International Airport approximately three hours before your scheduled international departure.

Altitude: Kathmandu – approximately 1,300–1,400 m / 4,265–4,593 ft

Walking: No trekking

Driving: Approximately 30–45 minutes to Tribhuvan International Airport, depending on traffic

Accommodation: None

Meals: Breakfast