Overview
The Manaslu Circuit circles the world''s eighth highest peak, Manaslu at 8,163 meters, through a landscape that shifts from subtropical jungle to high-altitude desert in the span of two weeks. The Larkya La Pass at 5,160 meters is the climax of the trek, a snow-dusted crossing with views of Manaslu''s north face, Himlung, and Cheo Himal. The route was only opened to trekkers in 1991, and a restricted area permit keeps numbers low, so the trails remain quiet and the villages feel authentic.
The trek follows the Budhi Gandaki river valley northward from the lowland town of Soti Khola through gorges, hot springs, and Tibetan-influenced villages. Monasteries with painted walls line the trail in the upper valley, and the people here — a mix of Gurung, Tibetan, and Nubri communities — maintain traditions that have barely changed in centuries. This is often compared to what the Annapurna Circuit was like 30 years ago, before roads and crowds transformed it.
Itinerary
After breakfast, you will take a bus and drive through the west of Prithvi Highway to reach Seti Khola. Seti Khola is located on the Bank of Budhi Gandaki. On the way, you can see different hills, green lands decorated with terrace farming. You can also explore the view of Mt. Annapurna, Manaslu, Ganesh Himal and Langtang HImal. The road during the drive is very dusty and uneven. After 9/10 hours of drive, you will arrive at Soti Khola.
Overnight at lodge in Seti Khola
Today, we will be heading towards Machha Khola. Your trek begins by crossing a bridge and then climbing up a ridge above the vast rapids of the Budhi Gandaki river. In addition to the pleasant views of waterfall and dense forests, you can observe Annapurna Circuit in between BahunDanda and Syange.Then you will reach Gurung village where you can observe their cultures and customs. Soon you will be descending to Naulikhola through a suspension bridge and then reach Machha Khola.
Overnight at lodge in Maccha Khola
You will trek towards Tatopani through Khorla Besi. Tatopani is famous for natural hot springs and also has religious importance for locals here. The trail is narrow in the initial stage and it gradually widens as we approach Tatopani. During the trek, you will come across a few places like Dobhan, Yaru Khola where you can see a long suspension bridge and Thado Bharyang where you can find stone stairs. Then you will arrive at Jagat village as you set foot in Manaslu Conservation Area.
Overnight at lodge in Jagat
Today, you will be hiking in the direction of a village located in Philim during which you can explore suspension bridges and rainforests. Ascending steadily across ridges, rivers and villages takes you to Salleri from where you will descend towards Sirdibas. The route progresses towards Ghatta Khola and then Deng Khola with different ups and downs in between. Continuing the trek from there, you arrive at Deng.
Overnight at lodge in Deng
The route starts by crossing the Budhi Gandaki river after which you will be climbing up the bridge with a view to join a trail leading to Bhi. You can also have a look at the major mountains namely Shringi Himal, Ganesh Himal, Kutang Himal. Then you will be taking a trail through Prok. You might run into a few gompas along the way. Once you complete a steep climb, you will arrive at Namrung where you can take rest.
Overnight at lodge in Namrung
Today we will be going towards Lho, a scenic village. The way through the forests takes you to the village named Lihi which is famous for stupas and barley terraces.Then we march towards Simnang inorder to reach Lho through Sho in between the path. You can explore the fascinating view of Manaslu and Rebung Gompa.
Overnight at lodge in Lho
After having breakfast, you will be moving towards the beautiful village of Shyala from where you can explore the splendid panorama of Manaslu,Naike, Kutang Himal,Nadi and Pangbuche Himal. After that you will be ascending towards Sama village and spend your night there. You can view many rivers and forests throughout the way.
Overnight at lodge in Sama Gaun
Acclimatization day at Sama gaun is spent by going on a short hike to explore the scenic beauty nearby. You will be visiting Birendra Taal and Anie Gompa. You can even go to Manaslu Base Camp which is the heart of Manaslu. You can also choose the alternative track for returning to Sama Gaun. Today, you will only be going on a low energy hike since you have to be ready for the rest of your trip.
Overnight at lodge in Sama Gaun
The trip trail follows Budhi Gandaki river which leads you to Larke La. Walking along the right of Larke La, the trail starts to steepen which takes you straight up to Samdo. On the way, you will pass Mani walls, birch forest and junipers along with more of Budhi Gandaki river. You will arrive here at midday so you can use the rest of the day either in resting or roaming around.
Overnight at lodge in Samdo
Today your goal is to reach Larkya Base Camp. You have already crossed 3600m. On the way to Larkya Base Camp, you will reach Dharmasala which is also the house of the Larkya La pass base camp which is the highest altitude of our trek. You can view the world's largest Himalayas. You can also see Makalu himal, Chuli himal etc. Almost in September and October you can see Mahmud which is really dazzling.
Overnight at lodge in Larkya
Early morning, you will walk a long time to reach Bhimtang. You can see the world's highest mountains. Your trek begins with ascending towardsthe Northern which is the end of Larkya glaciers. Your path goes rising and falling with rising altitude. From there you will descend to Bhimtang.
Overnight at lodge in Bhimthang
You will be heading downwards from Bhimthang through plenty of yak pastures. You will reach Dudh Khola's headwaters which can be clearly seen falling down the slope. Then you will follow the path through a bridge where you will see rhododendron jungle After a few hours of trek, you will reach a village named Tilje from where you will be ascending towards Dharapani.
Overnight at lodge in Dharapani
While returning to Kathmandu, you will catch a bus that follows the scenic route. You can traverse beautiful scenarios. It includes Marsyangdi and Trishuli River. You can also enjoy the greeneries, fields, terrace farming along with many hills and mountains. After driving for 9-10 hours, you will arrive at Kathmandu