Manaslu Circuit Trek

On Day 2, the trek follows the winding path along the Budhi Gandaki River. The first part of the journey passes through lush forests where monkeys and langurs can often be spotted. As you continue, the Manaslu trekking route leads to Tatopani, a hot spring village where trekkers can relax and rejuvenate in warm waters.

Crossing a suspension bridge, the journey continues toward Doban, winding through scenic landscapes dotted with small settlements and dense forests. The path flattens at Yaru, where a cantilever bridge spans the Budhi Gandaki River, offering a picturesque crossing before reaching Jagat.

Jagat is the entry point to the Manaslu Conservation Area trek, where trekking permits are verified, signaling the start of the restricted region.

Day 3 of the Manaslu trekking route takes you from the charming village of Jagat to the peaceful settlement of Pewa. The trail begins with a gradual ascent, passing through stone-paved streets and lush terraced fields before reaching Salleri.

From here, enjoy breathtaking views of Sringi Himal as the trail descends to the Budhi Gandaki River, which continues to guide your journey. The journey from Jagat to Pewa takes trekkers through Philim, a vibrant Gurung village known for its millet fields and monasteries.

Beyond Philim, the trail passes through scenic sections of the Manaslu Conservation Area trek, featuring waterfalls, bamboo forests, and diverse wildlife.

The day concludes at Pewa, a serene riverside village surrounded by lush forests, providing a peaceful retreat before ascending toward higher altitudes on the Larkya La Pass trek.

The trek from Pewa to Namrung is a day of striking contrasts, blending serene nature and vibrant cultural encounters. The trail meanders along the Budhi Gandaki River, gradually climbing through dense rhododendrons and pine forests, with occasional glimpses of cascading waterfalls.

This stretch of the Manaslu trekking route is particularly scenic and offers a sense of tranquility, broken only by the sounds of chirping birds and rustling leaves.

The highlight of the day is reaching Ghap, a picturesque village adorned with colorful prayer wheels and mani walls that reflect the region's rich Buddhist heritage. Here, trekkers can pause for rest, soaking in the spiritual ambiance.

Arriving at Namrung, a charming village perched, at 2,630 meters, offers stunning views of Ganesh Himal and Sringi Himal, ancient monasteries, and a serene atmosphere. This cultural and scenic highlight marks a peaceful rest before ascending to higher altitudes on the Larkya La Pass trek.

Day 5 begins with a walk through the Nubri villages, where trekkers can observe the Tibetan-influenced lifestyle of the local people. The path winds past mani walls, traditional stone houses, and terraced fields, offering an authentic glimpse into rural Himalayan life.

You will pass through Sho, a small village with Tibetan-style gate arches (Kani) and fine paintings. The route then leads to Lho, a larger village with a significant Tibetan Buddhist presence. Lho offers stunning panoramic views of Mount Manaslu (8,163 m) and Manaslu North (7,157 m), making it a highlight of the day.

Day 6 of the Manaslu Circuit Trek offers scenic beauty and cultural immersion as you trek from Lho to Sama Gaun. The route passes through lush alpine meadows, offering a serene and peaceful atmosphere.

En route, trekkers stop at the small village of Samdo, a gateway to the high Himalayas, known for its traditional stone houses and spectacular mountain views. The village offers a taste of local life, where you may encounter the Tibetan-influenced lifestyle of the inhabitants.

Upon reaching Sama Gaun, the largest village in the area, trekkers are greeted with magnificent views of the towering Mount Manaslu (8,163 meters). Day 6 is unique for its closer approach to the high-altitude region, with panoramic views of Mount Manaslu dominating the landscape, offering trekkers an awe-inspiring glimpse of the towering peak.

Day 7 is dedicated to acclimatization, allowing trekkers to adjust to the higher altitudes of the Manaslu Circuit trek while enjoying a scenic day trip. From Sama Gaun, trekkers have two options for short hikes, both offering stunning views and unique experiences.

For a more challenging adventure, trekkers can take the Manaslu Base Camp Trek, which reaches an altitude of 4,480 meters (14,700 ft). This steep trail offers close-up views of Manaslu Glacier and the towering south face of Mount Manaslu (8,163 m), along with stunning vistas of Himal Chuli and Ngadi Chuli, providing a dramatic view of the world’s eighth-highest peak.

Alternatively, trekkers can opt for a shorter hike to Pungyen Gompa, a peaceful monastery at 3,930 meters (12,890 ft). This hike offers breathtaking views of Manaslu and the surrounding mountains, as well as the opportunity to experience the region’s Tibetan Buddhist culture. The tranquil setting of the gompa makes it an ideal spot for reflection and rest.

Day 8 offers a relatively short but rewarding trek from Sama Gaun to Samdo, a small village nestled at the base of the high Himalayan peaks. The trail gradually ascends through a rocky landscape, offering excellent views of Manaslu, Samdo Peak, and Larkya La Pass in the distance.

Along the way, trekkers pass small settlements and yak herders' camps, providing a glimpse into the traditional way of life in this remote region. Samdo is a quiet, Tibetan-influenced village known for its stone houses and spiritual ambiance, making it a perfect place to rest and acclimatize before the final ascent to Larkya La Pass.

Day 9 serves as a crucial second acclimatization day for trekkers, allowing them to adjust to the high altitude of Samdo (3,860 meters). This helps to prevent altitude sickness before continuing the trek to Larkya La Pass.

The highlight of the day is a short hike to the Tibet border, where trekkers will explore remote, high-altitude landscapes, enjoying views of Larkya Peak, Manaslu, and surrounding peaks, while passing through yak pastures and Tibetan villages.

This acclimatization day is essential as it prepares trekkers for the challenging ascent to Larkya La Pass (5,160 meters). It’s a chance to experience local life in this remote region, with ample time for rest and hydration, making it a true remote Himalayan trek.

On Day 10, the trekkers journey from Samdo to Dharmasala, a crucial stop before the challenging ascent to Larkya La Pass. The trail gradually climbs through alpine meadows, offering sweeping views of Manaslu and the surrounding peaks. As trekkers ascend, the landscape becomes more rugged and barren, with fewer trees and more rocky terrain.

Dharmasala is a small, basic village at 4,460 meters, known for its peaceful atmosphere and dramatic mountain views. It serves as a resting point from which to acclimate. The village offers spectacular views of Larkya Peak and Manaslu, and the surrounding environment is a perfect setting to rest and gather energy before the final leg to Larkya La Pass.

Day 11 is the most challenging yet rewarding day of the trek, taking trekkers from Dharmasala to Bimthang via the dramatic Larkya La Pass (5,160 m).

The day begins with a steep ascent. As trekkers reach the Larkya La pass, they are rewarded with panoramic views of Manaslu, Himal Chuli, and Ngadi Chuli, as well as the surrounding glaciers and snow-capped peaks.

After taking in the views, trekkers descend into the Bimthang Valley, passing through rocky terrain, glacial moraines, and alpine meadows. The descent is long but offers a sense of relief as trekkers enter a more forested landscape.

Bimthang, a small village surrounded by towering peaks, is a well-earned resting point after a strenuous day, offering stunning mountain views and a chance to relax.

On Day 12, trekkers descend from Bimthang to Dharapani, following a varied trail through lush forests, picturesque villages, and terraced fields. The route offers a dramatic shift from high-altitude terrain to a more temperate climate, with beautiful rhododendron and pine forests.

Along the Manaslu Circuit adventure, trekkers pass through charming villages like Tilje and Karcha, offering a glimpse into local culture and hospitality.

This day stands out for its gradual descent and cultural shift, with a mix of forested paths and rural villages, providing trekkers with a different perspective on the region's landscapes and way of life.

As the trail follows the Marsyangdi River, trekkers are treated to scenic views of the surrounding mountains. Reaching Dharapani, the entry point to the Annapurna region, signals the end of the Manaslu Circuit Trek, offering a sense of accomplishment after an unforgettable journey.

On Day 13, the final leg of the journey begins with a scenic drive from Dharapani back to Kathmandu. The drive takes approximately 7-8 hours, offering trekkers a chance to relax after the physically demanding days of trekking. Along the way, enjoy the stunning views of the surrounding mountains, terraced fields, and traditional villages as the road winds through the lower hills of Nepal.