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14 days
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Manaslu
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Challenging
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5,106 m
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From 2 people
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Trekking
Highlights
- Crossing Larkya La (5,106 m), one of the most dramatic passes in Nepal
- Close views of Manaslu (8,163 m), the eighth highest mountain in the world
- The Budhi Gandaki gorge and its waterfalls and suspension bridges
- Tibetan Buddhist villages such as Lho and Samagaon
- A restricted area with far fewer trekkers than the main routes
- Acclimatization day in Samagaon
Overview
The Manaslu Circuit Trek circles Manaslu (8,163 m), the eighth highest mountain in the world, through a restricted area that sees far fewer trekkers than the Annapurna or Everest regions. From Machha Khola the trail follows the Budhi Gandaki gorge past Jagat, Deng and Namrung into the Tibetan Buddhist villages of Lho and Samagaon.
After an acclimatization day in Samagaon you continue to Samdo and Dharamsala and cross Larkya La (5,106 m), one of the most dramatic passes in Nepal, before descending to Bimthang and the Marsyangdi valley.
Know before you go
Best time to go
Spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) are the best seasons, with stable weather and clear mountain views. Autumn usually gives the clearest skies, while spring is a little warmer and the rhododendrons are in bloom lower down.
In winter (December to February) the high passes can be closed by snow, and the monsoon (June to August) brings rain and cloud. We do not recommend this trek outside the main seasons.
Difficulty and fitness
This is a challenging trek with six to seven hours of walking on most days. The crossing of Larkya La (5,106 m) is the longest day, eight to ten hours, with an early start from Dharamsala.
No technical skills are needed, but you should be fit, in good health and ideally have some previous trekking experience. Regular training with long walks before the trip is recommended.
Permits
You need a Manaslu Restricted Area Permit, a Manaslu Conservation Area Permit (MCAP) and an Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP), plus a local municipality fee. Restricted area permits are only issued to groups of at least two trekkers travelling with a licensed guide.
We arrange all permits for you before the trip. See Includes/Excludes for what is covered in the price.
Itinerary
Welcome to Nepal. On arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport, a Pikey Sherpa Adventure representative will meet you and transfer you to your hotel. We arrange the restricted area permit for the Manaslu region, and later in the day your guide gives a trek briefing and checks your equipment. Overnight in a hotel in Kathmandu (1,400 m).
A long drive of 8–10 hours takes you out of Kathmandu via Arughat and Soti Khola, with the final section on rough, unpaved road. You arrive at the riverside settlement of Machha Khola in the Budhi Gandaki valley. Overnight in a teahouse in Machha Khola (869 m).
The trail follows the narrow Budhi Gandaki gorge, crossing suspension bridges and passing the small hot springs at Tatopani. After a steady climb you reach the stone-paved village of Jagat, where permits are checked. Overnight in a teahouse in Jagat (1,340 m).
Beyond Philim the valley narrows, and you pass the turn-off to the Tsum Valley before continuing through forest and bamboo along the river. The day ends in the small settlement of Deng. Overnight in a teahouse in Deng (1,860 m).
Several river crossings and a gradual climb lead you into the upper valley, where the culture becomes increasingly Tibetan. Namrung is the first village with this character, marked by prayer flags and mani walls, and offers good mountain views. Overnight in a teahouse in Namrung (2,630 m).
A short day via the villages of Lihi and Sho, with barley fields and mani walls along the trail. Views of Manaslu grow steadily as you approach Lho, and the short distance helps with acclimatization. Overnight in a teahouse in Lho (3,180 m).
From Lho the trail climbs through forest to Shyala, with fine views of Manaslu and the surrounding peaks. A gentle walk then brings you to Samagaon, the main village of the upper valley, set below the mountain. Overnight in a teahouse in Samagaon (3,520 m).
A rest and acclimatization day in Samagaon. Following the climb-high, sleep-low principle, you hike up to Birendra Lake or towards Manaslu Base Camp, then return to the village to rest. Overnight in a teahouse in Samagaon (3,520 m).
A gentle climb along the river brings you to Samdo, the last village before the pass, close to the Tibetan border. The short day helps you adjust to the altitude, with time to explore the village in the afternoon. Overnight in a teahouse in Samdo (3,875 m).
The trail passes the old trading site of Larkya Bazaar and climbs steadily to the simple lodges at Dharamsala, below the pass. Rest well, keep warm and have an early night in preparation for tomorrow's crossing. Overnight in a lodge in Dharamsala (4,460 m).
The most demanding day of the trek begins with a pre-dawn start to cross Larkya La (5,106 m), with views of Himlung Himal and Annapurna II from the top. A long, steep descent follows to the pastures of Bimthang. Expect around 8–10 hours on the trail. Overnight in a teahouse in Bimthang (3,600 m).
The descent continues through pine and rhododendron forest and open pastures via Karche, with views back towards Manaslu. The air becomes noticeably warmer as you lose height. Overnight in a teahouse in Goa (2,515 m).
A short walk through farmland and villages via Tilije and Thonje brings you to Dharapani, where the route joins the Annapurna road. From there a jeep takes you down the Marsyangdi valley via Besisahar to Kathmandu, a drive of nine to twelve hours that usually arrives in the evening. Overnight in a hotel in Kathmandu (1,400 m).
Your trip ends today. Depending on your flight time, you may have a few free hours for last-minute shopping or a final stroll, before a Pikey Sherpa Adventure representative transfers you to Tribhuvan International Airport for your onward flight.
