Manaslu Circuit Trekking - 18 Days

Your second day is more relaxed, starting with breakfast at your hotel. Thamel is the popular area for trekking gear and souvenirs, where you can buy any last-minute items before beginning your trek.

Spend the day wandering through narrow, lively streets filled with vibrant shops, ancient temples, and cozy restaurants. Alternatively, you can explore the UNESCO World Heritage Sites of Kathmandu.

Overnight stay at a hotel in Kathmandu.

Highlights of the day

• The drive starts at 7 AM and ends at around 3 PM
• Road passes through the stunning hills, rivers, and local villages
• Changing landscapes near Soti Khola with lush green hills and Budhi Gandaki River views
• Soti Khola, a peaceful night camp surrounded by terraced fields

Your journey kicks off today with a scenic drive to Soti Khola. Starting early in the morning at 07:00 AM from Kathmandu, the bus follows the Prithivi highway, passing Galchi, Malekhu, and Dhading Besi. The winding mountain roads offer breathtaking panoramic views of lush hills, sparkling rivers, and charming local villages.

As you get closer to Soti Khola, the landscape changes into a mosaic of lush green hills alongside the Budhi Gandaki River, offering a breathtaking view. The small village of Soti Khola is surrounded by terraced fields and mild hills, offering a few hotels.

Overnight stay at a hotel in Soti Khola

Highlights of the day

• · Trek starts at 8 AM and ends at around 3 PM
• · Scenic trail through lush Sal forests following the Budhi Gandaki River
• · Rocky trail with frequent ascents, descents, and crossings of several suspension bridges
• · Machha Khola, the popular starting point of the Tsum Valley Trek and Manaslu Base Camp Trek

The trek begins early, around 8:00 AM, after breakfast, from Soti Khola heading to Machha Khola, passing through Sal forests near the river. The path is frequently rocky with numerous ascents and descents, supported by bridges made of rope and metal. After a few hours of trek through lush forests and occasional views of towering cliffs, you reach a lunch stop.

After lunch, the scenery changes to terraced rice paddies and small traditional villages. Arrive at Machha Khola, a small Gurung village next to the river in the same valley, where you'll stay overnight in a simple lodge and enjoy a hot meal.

Overnight stay at the teahouse in Machha Khola.

Highlights of the day

• Trek starts at 8 AM and ends at 3 PM
• Scenic forest trail with gentle ups and downs along the Budhi Gandaki River
• Narrow gorges crossed by stone staircases and rugged dirt paths
• Beautiful waterfalls, forested hills, and terraced farmland with young crops.

The trek begins after breakfast, at around 8:00 AM. The trail leads through the gentle descents and ascents along the forest. Afterwards, the narrow and dirt trail follows the Budhi Gandaki River, which leads to Tatopani, a natural hot spring where trekkers often stop to rejuvenate their muscles.

Continue the trek after a lunch at Dovan, through the path that offers the beautiful waterfalls, forested hills, and terraced farmlands. The few hours of walking take you to Jagat for a night's stay.

Jagat is a popular stop along the Manaslu region trek, featuring houses with Tibetan architecture and stone streets.

Overnight stay at the hotel in Jagat

Highlights of the day

• The day starts at 7 AM for a trek to Pewa
• The trail follows the Budhi Gandaki River through narrow canyons
• Panoramic views of rolling green hills and cascading waterfalls from high cliffs
• Gradual change in landscape to dense, lush forest near Pewa

After an early breakfast, begin the trek to Pewa, which is about 16 km away. The route crosses several narrow canyons and runs alongside the Budhi Gandaki River. The trail passes through small villages and includes suspension bridges, offering breathtaking views of rolling green hills and waterfalls cascading from cliffs above.

Although the trail is quite challenging, there are flat sections that offer the chance to enjoy the peaceful sound of the river. At midday, take a break for lunch in a charming rural village, try Dal Bhat, a local dish, or Tibetan bread. Upon arriving at Pewa, explore this tranquil village with full of greenery.

Overnight stay at the teahouse in Pewa

Highlights of the day

• Trek starts at 8 AM and ends at 3 PM
• Scenic climb through rhododendron and pine forests
• Challenging trails offering stunning mountain and valley views
• Explore traditional villages that showcase local mountain life.
• Namrung, a scenic village with stone houses and stupas.

Depart early at around 8 AM, after having a delicious breakfast at Pewa. The trek follows a gentle, rocky trail through the rhododendron and pine forests. It included going through a couple of the typical villages and having the picturesque views of the mountains around.

After a few hours of walking, enjoy lunch at the local teahouse before climbing higher into the more rugged terrain to reach Namrung.

Once you reach Namrung, explore this Tibetan-influenced village with stone houses and stupas.

Overnight stay at the tea house in Namrung

Highlights of the day

• Short and relaxed trekking day, that starts at 8 AM
• Stunning close-up views of Manaslu and the surrounding mountains
• Lho Gaun, a high-altitude Tibetan Village
• Visit to Lho Monastery to learn about local history, culture, and Buddhism

Today, the trek is shorter than on other days. Start at 8 AM after breakfast and follow the Manaslu Trekking trail that gently ascends, offering the first view of Mt. Manaslu. As you continue the trek, the scenery opens up, revealing wildflower fields and a small village.

Upon reaching the Lho Gaun, a small Tibetan village, enjoy the delicious lunch. Afterwards, explore the village and visit the Lho Monastery to learn about local history, culture, and Buddhism.

In the evening, stay in the warm teahouse and interact with locals about the region’s culture and history.

Overnight stay at the teahouse ni Lho

Highlights of the day

• The trek starts at 8 AM after breakfast
• Gradually ascending trail through the
• Scenic trail through alpine meadows with stunning views of Mt. Manaslu and surrounding peaks
• Encounters with chortens, prayer wheels, and strong Tibetan Buddhist influence
• Arrival at Sama Gaun, one of the largest villages in the Manaslu region

Starting at 8 AM after breakfast, today you climb higher as you slowly ascend to Sama Gaun, a remote village nestled in the mountains. This trail passes through alpine meadows and offers breathtaking views of Manaslu and the surrounding peaks.

The trek is 8 miles, and lunch will be taken along the way in a local village. Chortens and prayer wheels line the path, reflecting the clear influence of Tibetan Buddhism as you approach Sama Gaun.

Sama Gaun is a large village where visitors can learn about the local lifestyle and ways of survival. It features a monastery that can be explored, along with friendly residents to interact with.

Overnight stay at the teahouse in Sama Gaun

Highlights of the day

• Leisurely morning in Sama Gaun surrounded by Mt. Manaslu and Himalayan peaks
• Acclimatization day to adapt safely to high altitude
• Easy 4–5 hours acclimatization hike to Pungyen Gompa
• Visit to Pungyen Gompa, a peaceful Buddhist monastery adorned with prayer flags
• Insight into local Tibetan-descendant culture, farming, and animal husbandry

Wake up leisurely in Sama Gaun, and enjoy breakfast before embarking on Pungyen Gompa. It takes around 4-5 hours for a round trip, enjoying the panoramic views of Manaslu.

Pungyen Gompa, located on a hill, is a peaceful Buddhist monastery of cultural importance where Tibetan descendants reside.

After returning to Sama Gaun, spend the remaining time exploring the largest village of the Manaslu Region. Interact with the locals and immerse yourself in the region’s culture and history.

Overnight stay at the teahouse in Sama Gaun

Note: You can opt to hike to Mansalu Base Camp, which takes around 5-6 hours for a round trip.

Highlights of the day

• Early morning departure from Sama Gaun to Samdo around 8 AM
• Gradual ascent following the Budhi Gandaki River into a dramatic mountain gorge
• Walk through alpine meadows and yak pastures with grazing yak herds
• Increasingly barren and remote landscapes as altitude rises
• Arrival at Samdo, one of the highest settlements in the Manaslu region

After a peaceful night, wake up, feel refreshed, have breakfast, and then leave Sama Gaun around 8 AM for Samdo. The trail gradually ascends along the winding Budhi Gandaki River into a deep gorge, an 8 km walk taking 4-5 hours. As the elevation increases, the Himalayan views become more spectacular as you pass through alpine meadows and yak pastures.

Approaching Samdo, the landscape becomes more barren and remote. Have lunch at a simple tea house before reaching Samdo, a Tibetan refugee community with stone houses and terraced fields influenced by Tibetan culture. The villagers live modestly, mainly relying on farming, animal husbandry, and trade with Tibet. Explore the village, interact with locals, and take a walk through the area.

Overnight stay at the teahouse in Samdo

Highlights of the day

• Full-day acclimatization excursion from Samdo to the Tibet border
• Breathtaking 360° views of snow-covered Himalayan peaks and dry highland landscapes.
• Walk along ancient Nepal–Tibet trade routes once used by trading caravans
• Encounters with yak herders’ camps and Tibetan traders

Today is another day of acclimatization as you hike to the Tibet Border. Start with breakfast around 6:00 AM and undertake a 6-7 hour trek. The trail leads steeply to a pass, offering great views of snow-capped peaks and the surrounding desert. Along the way, see ancient trade routes once used by caravans between Nepal and Tibet.

The side trip is challenging but culturally enriching, passing yak herder camps and Tibetan traders. The rugged landscape, with towering mountains and unpopulated valleys, is breathtaking. The walk is about 15 km round trip, with plenty of time for photos and enjoying the scenery.

Enjoy your packed lunches, which include Tibetan bread, boiled eggs, and fruit, as there are no villages or tea houses along the route. In the late afternoon, return to Samdo and rest properly in the cozy teahouses at the high altitude of Samdo.

Overnight stay at the teahouse in Samdo

Highlights of the day

• The day starts at 7 AM with breakfast and departure from Samdo to Dharamsala
• Gentle ascent along the valley floor with stark, high-altitude landscapes
• Walk through yak pastures and glacial moraines
• Changing scenery near Dharmasala with closer snow-capped peaks and thinner air
• Dharmasala (Larke Phedi), the last stop before Larkya La Pass

After having an early breakfast at 7 AM, start the trek at around 8 AM from Samdo to Dharamsala. The trail begins by winding along the valley floor and gradually climbs through sparse vegetation and rugged, dry terrain featuring rubble and limited plant life.

Pass through yak pastures and walk along moraines, with Larkya Peak and other surrounding mountains becoming more visible. As you near Dharamsala, the landscape changes, with snow-capped peaks coming into sight and the air feeling lighter.

Dharmasala, which is also popularly known as Lyarkla Phedi, is a lost stop before Lyark La Pass, featuring a few teahouses with basic facilities.

Overnight stay at the teahouse in Dharamsala

Highlights of the day

• The day starts at around 4:00 AM for an early start toward Larkya La Pass
• Larkya La Pass (5,160 m), the highest point of the trek
• Spectacular sunrise views over Himlung Himal(7126m), Cheo Himal(6820m), and Annapurna II (7937m)
• Breathtaking views of glaciers and surrounding Himalayan peaks from the pass
• Bhimtang, a scenic village set beneath towering mountains

Today is a challenging and remarkable day on this 18-day Manaslu Circuit Trek as you cross the world’s longest trekking pass, Larkya La Pass. Wake up early and start the trek precisely at 4 AM, following the ascending trail toward Larkya La Pass. The trail was steep and rocky, slowed further by the altitude.

Enjoy the spectacular sunrise views over Himlung Himal (7126m), Cheo Himal (6820m), and Annapurna II (7937m) along the trail. The 4-5 hours of challenging walk takes you to the ultimate Larkya La Pass, which offers breathtaking views of glaciers and surrounding Himalayan peaks. Take your time to capture some memories and enjoy your packed food.

Afterwards, the 3-4 hours of descent take you to Bhimtang, which is a small and scenic village beneath towering mountains.

Overnight stay at the teahouse in Bhimtang.

Highlights of the day

• The trek starts at 8 AM and ends at around 3 PM
• Gentle downhill trek through lush rhododendron and pine forests
• Distant panoramic views of Mt. Manaslu and surrounding peaks
• Scenic forested landscapes and peaceful mountain atmosphere

Start your day around 8 AM after a peaceful night, gradually descending from Bhimtang. Today, the trail is gentler as you walk through beautiful rhododendron and pine forests. You will enjoy a stunning view of Manaslu and other distant mountains, which appear within reach. The 12 km trek includes a lunch break at a tea house along the way.

In the early afternoon, you will reach Tilije, a beautiful village surrounded by hills. Here, you can cosy up with a hot meal in front of the fireplace.

Overnight stay at the teahouse in Tilije

Highlights of the day

• The final trekking day starts at 8 AM from Tilije to Dharapani after breakfast
• Easy and scenic 2–3 hour walks with a gradual descent
• Walk through alpine landscapes, terraced farms, and charming villages
• Trekking concludes at Dharapani, where you take a jeep drive to Besi Sahar
• Besisahar, a lively trekking hub and gateway to the Annapurna region

After breakfast, begin your last day with a trek to Dharapani, then drive to Besisahar. The route from Tilije to Dharapani is a fairly easy, charming walk lasting 2-3 hours, with gentle descents through alpine scenery and views of farms and villages. This well-marked final section lets you enjoy the surroundings and reflect on your adventure as you descend.

Trekking ends at Dharapani, a village connecting the Manaslu Circuit Trek and the Annapurna Circuit Trek. From here, take a jeep to Besisahar in 3-4 hours, passing along the Budhi Gandaki River.

As you descend, the weather warms up, passing through lush Nepali valleys and lower Himalayan regions. This is your opportunity to relax, slow down, and enjoy the last views of the mountains and the diverse landscapes you've seen.

Once you reach Besisahar, explore this lively small town nestled in the hills. It is the main starting point for the Annapurna Circuit Trek and the Tilicho Lake Trek.

Overnight stay at a hotel in Besisahar.

Highlights of the day

• Scenic 6–7 hour drive from Besisahar to Kathmandu (approx. 176 km)
• Beautiful views of villages, terraced fields, and lush forests along the way
• Kathmandu, a city of temples, where your 18-day Manaslu Trek concludes
• Special farewell dinner to celebrate the successful trek

On the final day of the trek, wake up early at 6 AM and enjoy breakfast before catching the bus at 7 AM. The scenic 6–7 hour drive from Besisahar to Kathmandu, covering about 176 km, follows the roads along the Marshyandi River to Dumbre.

From here, the road travels along the Prithivi Highway, passing charming small towns such as Malekhu, Galchi, and Naubise before reaching Kathmandu.

Once you arrive in Kathmandu, check into your hotel and relax for a while before attending the farewell dinner in the evening, organised by Overland Trek Nepal. After the dinner, you'll receive the trek completion certificate and some company merchandise as a gift.

Overnight stay at a hotel in Kathmandu.

Your 18-day Manaslu Circuit Trekking concludes today. If your flight schedule allows and you have some extra time, consider exploring Thamel and picking up souvenirs for your loved ones. One of our representatives will escort you to Tribhuvan International Airport in a private vehicle. Say farewell to Nepal, carrying a heart full of experiences and memories.