Manaslu Circuit Trek

We leave Kathmandu early in the morning by a bus. It is a scenic drive with several picturesque gorges and occasional glimpses of mountain peaks. After exiting the Kathmandu valley we drive along the Pokhara road following Trishuli River until we turn off to heading north following Budhi Gandaki River to Arughat Bazaar. After Dhading Besi the road is not sealed so it is likely to be quite dusty in the bus or other vehicles so it is a good idea to bring a buff or scarf along with you. The road has recently been built beyond Arughat so these days we continue the drive in the bus or change to local jeeps for the drive to Machha Khola. This village is a better trailhead than Arughat and it saves a day walking along the dusty road.

During the months of both April and October it will be very hot and humid with temperatures often more than 30 degrees Celsius for the first three days of the trek on the lower area of the region. These dates have been chosen for optimal conditions in crossing the high passes, however please be aware of the hot start to the trek. It is important to bring plenty of water, wear a sun hat and apply sun cream.

You follow the Budhi Gandaki river climbing up and down a number of ridges passing through the villages of Khorlabesi and Tatopani. After crossing the bridge over to the east bank of Buri Gandaki you continue through forest to Dobhan. Further along you cross the bridge over Yaru khola (river) then shortly after cross another bridge over Buri Gandaki over to Jagat village.

After Jagat you cross a bridge over Dudh Pokhari khola (river) then pass through the villages of Salleri and Sirdibas. The trail then descends to cross the bridge over Buri Gandaki to the larger village of Philim. At Philim there is a check point to enter Manaslu Conservation Area and Tsum Valley where our permits will be reviewed. We continue onwards to stay at Deng and enter this village through a Buddhist stone arch known as a Kani.

A short distance out of Deng, the trail crosses back over the Buri Gandaki onto what is now its north bank near Rana. From the bridge the trail climbs a little before heading west on level ground and passing a large waterfall. Once over a wooden bridge, the trail contours up and out of the canyon and climbs high above the river before dropping into the Shringi Khola Valley. After the suspension bridge over the Shringi Khola there is a steep climb and the trail traverses along the Buri Gandaki as it flows between vertical walls of rock.

After a few more ups and downs through forests, the trail turns a corner and arrives at Ghap through an intricate kani with well-preserved paintings and an elegant mani wall. After leaving Ghap, you pass more Buddhist Mani walls on the southern side of the river before heading into some woods. The trail climbs along the river, past a waterfall and continues through deep fir and rhododendron. The trail makes a long climb through bamboo and Rhododendron forest (locally known as Laligurans flower) - the national flower of Nepal and finally enters Namrung through another stone archway.

Today is a shorter day as we need to limit our increases in altitude in order to have time to acclimatize. Not long after leaving Namrung we arrived at Banjam with its wide fields. Soon after Banjam the trail steeps as we walk up to the next village of Lihi with a fine view of Ganesh Himal.

A further hour along the trail we arrive at Sho and then followed by another hour to Lho. From this village there are fine views of Mount Manaslu and the Kutang Himal. In the afternoon it would be worth visiting Ribung Gompa Monastery overlooking the village as well as exploring the stupas, mani walls and kani gateway.

After leaving Lho the next village is Shyala located on a plateau then you cross a bridge over Numla Khola. After crossing a boulder field, the trail emerges onto the extensive pastures and fields near Samagaon village. There is a lot to explore, it is a little piece of Tibet with many Gompas and a traditional Tibetan village. In the afternoon you can walk up to Pung Gyen Gompa: Manaslu's Hidden Gem located on a ridge above the village.

We spend two nights at Samagaon to help acclimatize. There is a good day walk with views of Mount Manaslu and many others to Manaslu Base Camp (4800m) or towards Birendra Lake - one of the pristine crystal freshwater lakes located at the altitude of 3691 m above the sea level.

Follow the Buri Gandaki northwards to a bridge over a side stream where the trail forks: the left leading towards the Manaslu Base Camp, the other passing several Mani walls heads for the Larkya La. The valley widens along an easy trail past juniper and birch forest to the stone huts at Kermo Kharka, then drops off a shelf to cross a wooden bridge and climbing between a fork in the river to a promontory. From this vantage point, one can see the white stone kani marking the entrance to Samdo.

Samdo is a small, windswept settlement close to the Tibetan border. It is a crucial stop for acclimatisation during the Manaslu Circuit trek and is situated beyond Samagaon. Deep Tibetan culture can be observed in Samdo, which originated by Tibetan refugees. It is made up of sweeping views of the mountains, dry, arid landscapes, ancient Choeling gompa, and Tibetan houses.

Trekkers prepare themselves for the higher Larke Pass by acclimating in Samdo. Trek all day to the viewpoint of Samdo Ri. You may get magnificent vistas of the Tibetan plateau, the Samdo Himal, Naike himal, Pangbuche himal and Manaslu from this short but steep hike. Along the historic Tibetan trading route is another wonderful day walk. It offers an insight into the existence of ancient trade but doesn't go to Tibet. In the hills of Samdo, you can observe herds of blue sheep, marmot and other birds.

Before crossing 5,106 meters at Larke La, an additional night at Samdo helps prevent altitude sickness. The elevation of 3,875 meters allows for gradual acclimatisation.

Samdo is perfect for acclimatisation because of its cultural isolation, raw beauty, and close proximity to sceneries. Trekkers can relax comfortably, socialise with locals, and acclimatise both physically and emotionally.

Today we start the ascent to the pass by descending through fields to an old Mani wall and stone arch before dropping to the river and crossing on a wooden bridge. This place shows up on maps as the mythical Larka Bazaar, which used to be a flourishing market, but there is nothing remaining there now.

Another Mani wall marks the beginning of ascent to the pass where the trail starts climbing through tundra and juniper; the huge Larkya Glacier coming from Manaslu can be seen from here. Stay on the ridge to the right to find a trail that crosses over the top of two ravines. The trail grows steeper, climbing up the side of a gorge to a viewpoint at the edge of a huge gorge at 4000 m. Nearing the Larkya Glacier, we reach Larkya Phedi, where there is a small lodge, built to serve travelers crossing the Larkya La which lies now just ahead.

The trail starts as a long gentle climb across the ridge, descends a little to a lake and then becomes rough and indistinct as it crosses to the south of steep grassy slopes. Today we will have our packed lunch and will be served on the way as there are no teahouses nearer the Larkya La or Dharmasala pass. The trail stays on the ridge marked by two cairns, from here the prayer flags marking the pass are visible. Descend to the four frozen lakes then make the final steep climb to the pass. On the descent from the pass the trail follows the top of the moraine to the west and makes a set of steep, rough switchbacks as it crosses the moraine then descends more gently on loose gravel to another grassy moraine at 4,450m. The conditions for crossing the pass vary depending on time of year however in case it is icy we should have micro crampons.

The trail now becomes easier to follow and reaches a small meadow and spring at 4,080m. The valley becomes wider as the trails head down to a large meadow, past a Mani wall and a small rest house that marks Bimtang at 3,590m.

The trail drops to a glacial stream, the headwaters of the Dudh Khola, and crosses a wooden bridge and descends into pine and rhododendron forest to Hompuk at 3,430m. The trail improves as it descends to a fork in the river and then follows the river to a stable at 3030m. Not far from here you reach Karche's fenced fields, then cross a landslide before making a steep climb to a ridge decorated with prayer flags. It makes a descent to the river bank at Gho.

The trail continues through fields and intermittent stands of rhododendron and oak to arrive at Tilje, a large Gurung village. Exit the village through a stone arch, cross the Dudh Khola and follow along its embankment descending through scrub forest. The walls of the Marsyangdi Valley loom larger and finally the houses of Dharapani appear in the distance. Pass through Thonje via a wooden bridge and through a chorten-shaped arch, and Dharapani lies across a long suspension bridge over the Marsyangdi river.

After breakfast at Dharapani, our guide will arrange a transfer to Besisahar that will pass through Jagat village as the road is accessible by vehicle nowadays. You can also trek to Jagat which takes 6 to 7 hours and overnight there.

After reaching Besisahar, we will switch vehicles depending upon the vehicle arrangement to reach Kathmandu. You will get back to Kathmandu in the late afternoon or early evening and our staff will transfer you to your booked hotel here in Kathmandu.