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The Manaslu Circuit Group Trek is one of Nepal’s premier trekking experiences, offering a journey through the stunning Manaslu Conservation Area. This trek provides breathtaking views of Manaslu, the 8th highest mountain in the world. Flanked by the Annapurna range to the west and Ganesh Himal to the east, Manaslu is one of the most graceful of the 8000-meter giants. This trek promises a blend of natural beauty, cultural richness, and a sense of adventure that is truly unparalleled.
Forget about maximum phone coverage, well-marked trails, upscale establishments, and luxury hotels. Adventure awaits! Explore places where few travelers go, in areas you’ve never been and never thought you’d reach. Join Govinda, and he’ll take you and a group of other travelers on this massive trekking adventure. A journey through one of the rugged restricted regions of the Himalayas of Nepal.
The Manaslu Circuit Group Trek is a unique 12-day trekking adventure in the restricted region of Manaslu. It leads you via the rough Buri Gandaki Valley via the high mountain pass of Larkya La (5,106 m / 16,751 ft).
This trek can be a great alternative if you’ve already been to the Annapurna Circuit. Or, if you’re looking for a quieter area than Annapurna and Everest, which are flooded by trekkers worldwide.
The Manaslu circuit usually sees fewer people along its route. It is remote and physically demanding yet culturally enriching and scenically uplifting.
Manaslu is the 8th highest mountain in the world (8,163 m / 26,781 ft). Its name means “mountain of the spirit” which comes from the Sanskrit word manasa, meaning “intellect” or “soul”. Manaslu is located in the Gorkha district, east of Annapurna.
The Manaslu Circuit Trek is a trekking adventure that begins in Soti Khola and concludes in Besi Sahar. This trek offers an incredible journey from the green lowlands, with their rice and millet terraces, through the majestic gorges of the Budi Gandaki, featuring turquoise waters and breathtaking waterfalls. To the high mountain pass of Larkya La near the Tibetan border.
Opened to a limited number of 400 trekkers in 1992, the Manaslu Circuit still feels like an adventurous expedition. Be prepared, though, as it requires a good level of fitness.
Gradually, you’ll wind your way north towards the snowbound Larkya La Pass, near the Tibetan border. The altitude here can be challenging, but the jaw-dropping views of Manaslu make it all worthwhile. At 5,167 meters (16,952 feet), Larkya La Pass is usually covered in snow and ice, making crampons necessary. To reach the highest point before the winds pick up, usually around mid-morning, you’ll need to start well before sunrise.
From the pass, looking back reveals a clear view of the path you’ve taken. But the most astounding view comes after you leave the pass and walk along a corridor to the west. Here, you can see the massive wall of Cheo Himal, Himlung Himal, Nemjung, Gyaji Kang, and Kang Guru, while Annapurna II rises ahead. This stunning view alone makes the entire trek worthwhile.
The Manaslu trek is a mountain lodge trek, meaning you’ll stay in basic mountain lodges each night.
Each room typically features two single beds. The bedding is simple, so bringing a sleeping bag is highly recommended for extra warmth and comfort. Facilities are generally shared and may be located outside the teahouses.
Heating is usually available only in the dining area, so the bedrooms can get quite cold, especially at higher altitudes. Warm clothing and a good sleeping bag are essential. All meals are provided at the mountain lodges. You’ll enjoy breakfast and dinner where you’re staying, and you’ll stop at other lodges along the trail for lunch. The food is simple but hearty, perfect for keeping your energy up during the trek.
When considering the weather in Manaslu, October is usually favorable for trekking. With clear skies and mild daytime temperatures, this month is one of the best times to undertake the trek. The monsoon rains have ceased, and the winter cold hasn’t set in yet.
During the day, temperatures can range from 10 to 20 degrees Celsius in the lower regions, while at night it can get significantly colder, especially at higher altitudes. On the Larkya La Pass, temperatures can drop below zero. It’s important to be prepared for changing weather conditions and to bring enough warm clothing. You will receive a packing list from By Mountain People to help you prepare.
The trek is challenging, with daily walks of 6 to 8 hours and an altitude range from 700 to 5,135 meters at the Larkya La Pass.
Experience with mountain trekking and acclimatisation at high altitudes is a great advantage. It’s recommended to regularly exercise before the trek, including cardio and strength training, to ensure your body is well-prepared for the physical demands of the journey. Having a positive mental attitude and perseverance is just as crucial as physical fitness.
Welcome to Nepal! You’ll land at Tribhuvan Airport, the international airport in Kathmandu.
After a good night of sleep and hopefully beating the jetlag, you will meet Govinda and … the group! Together, we will discuss the itinerary. If you have any questions, requests or concerns, please let Govinda know.
What’s next? You can use this day to just relax and adjust to the different timezone, altitude and climate. Or, you can do some last shoppings at one of the many outdoor gear shops around your hotel or explore the city of Kathmandu.
pre-trip meeting
Your adventure to the Manaslu Circuit kicks off early in the morning. You’ll meet Govinda and the group at the bus to Machha Khola (930 m / 3,051 ft). This bus ride will probably take about 8 to 9 hours.
We suggest grabbing some breakfast or bringing some snacks. The bus will make a few stops along the way for toilet breaks and lunch.
While the roads may be dusty and bumpy, you’ll be rewarded with stunning views of the landscape from your window seat. There will be plenty of opportunities to take short breaks and enjoy meals at various rest stops. You’ll spend the night at a charming mountain lodge in Machha Khola.
Distance: 160 km / 99 mi
bus – dinner – mountain lodge
The next day, you’ll begin your trek along the winding path beside the Budi Gandaki River. As you make your way into the forest trail, keep an eye out for playful monkeys and langurs.
After exploring the forest, you’ll arrive at the Gurung villages, including lower Khorlabeshi. Here, you’ll see shepherds wearing traditional smoke-browned capes known as Bokkhu.
Continuing your journey, you’ll reach Tatopani, which means ‘hot water’. This is a perfect spot to unwind with a warm shower and soothe your tired muscles. Once you’ve refreshed yourself, you cross a new suspension bridge over the Budi Gandaki River.
After navigating a landslip and passing through Yaruphant, you cross a wooden bridge to the left of the river, skipping a steep three-hour climb up the trails leading to the Gurung villages.
As you follow the river, it flattens out at Yaru. Here, you cross a long cantilever bridge that leads you to Jagat, a beautifully paved Gurung village. Upon entering, you will need to check in at the post to verify your trekking permits. From this point onward, you will be trekking in a restricted area, adding a sense of adventure to your journey.
Distance: 14 km / 8.6 mi
breakfast, lunch & dinner – mountain lodge
Today, you’ll set off towards Salleri, making your way down to Sirdibas. This village greets you with a charming array of gompas and vibrant Buddhist prayer flags. Here, your permits will be checked before you continue along the western bank of the river.
The trail offers stunning scenery, with unique sculptures created by the river’s flow decorating the boulders along the riverbank. As you move away from the river, you will find yourself walking through lush rhododendron forests and Himalayan pine, surrounded by towering peaks and overhanging rocks that enhance the beauty of your trek.
As you venture further, you’ll cross the Siyar Khola bridge and arrive at a junction where the trail splits, with Tsum Valley on your right.
Eventually, you’ll reach Pewa, and just a little further lies Deng, where you can settle in and rest for the day.
In the evening, gather around the warm fireplace to share stories and experiences with the group and locals before turning in for the night.
Distance: 19.9 km / 12.3 mi
breakfast, lunch & dinner – mountain lodge
After the sun rises, you will enjoy breakfast before embarking on your trek for the day. First, you will stroll through a bamboo forest on your way to Deng.
As you continue, you cross a suspension bridge to begin your climb towards Rana and Bihi Phedi. Let’s keep an eye out here for white-faced monkeys, as they often visit nearby villages in search of food!
The trail leads you through several landslide zones on your way to Ghap. So, take extra care while walking. It’s important to listen closely to your guide Govinda’s instructions to ensure your safety. Once you’ve navigated the landslide area, you’ll follow the path up to Namrung.
After about an hour on the uneven terrain, you’ll zigzag your way up from the river to the tidy village of Namrung, situated at 2,660 metres (8,728 ft).
Namrung boasts some of the best teashops, restaurants, and rest houses along the trek. One local businessman spent over a decade working in Hong Kong before returning to his hometown, where he established a modern restaurant and hotel, offering cappuccinos and WiFi for trekkers to enjoy.
Distance: 20 km / 12 mi
breakfast, lunch & dinner – mountain lodge
You can kick off the day by immersing yourself in the lifestyles of the Nubri people. As you explore their Tibetan-influenced way of life, you’ll walk past numerous mani walls, vibrant terraces, and traditional houses as you make your way through Banjam. This will lead you into a beautiful forest filled with fir, rhododendron, and oak trees before you climb up to Lihi and then to Sho.
As you set out, you’ll notice that many locals wear traditional Tibetan clothing. Continuing on, keep an eye out for the intricate paintings on the Kani (gate arches) that you encounter before reaching Sho. The path will take you across rocky hillside trails, eventually leading you to Lho.
From Lho, you’ll be rewarded with breathtaking views of Manaslu (8,163 m / 26,781 ft) and Manaslu North (7,157 m / 23,480 ft). Since you’ll be gaining altitude today, it’s important to pace yourself and pay attention to how your body feels.
Distance: 10 km / 6 mi
breakfast, lunch & dinner – mountain lodge
The next morning, if the skies are clear, the picturesque view of Mount Manaslu accompanies you. You will walk across the easy trail to Shyala, passing through pine and rhododendron gully with moss and gin-clear stream. From Shyala, you will walk for almost an hour to reach Samagaon.
Once you enter the village, mountain views fade; however, the yak pastures and typical settlements will attract you.
Samagaon is the principal village of the Nubri people. It has a large gompa, many shops, a health post, a heliport, etc.
Distance: 9 km / 5 mi
breakfast, lunch & dinner – mountain lodge
Today is dedicated to acclimatization in Samagaon, helping you adjust to the altitude and avoid altitude-related illnesses. For your acclimatization hike, there will be the option to choose from 3 exciting destinations, along with Govinda and the group:
Pungyen Gompa is located east of the Nubra Valley. For this hike, you will need to pack a lunch. Once you reach the hilltop and if the weather is clear, you’ll be treated to stunning views of Manaslu. You might also spot Himalayan Thars and Yaks grazing nearby, adding to the beauty of the scenery.
Manaslu Base Camp is situated to the north of Samagaon. The ascent is steady, but the altitude might make breathing a bit challenging. It’s important to stay hydrated and take your time. As you proceed slowly, you’ll walk along the Manaslu Glacier, reaching the base camp at 4,400 metres (14,435 feet) before making your way back.
Alternatively, you can opt for a shorter hike to Birendra Tal, which is just a brief walk from Samagaon. This is a great option if you feel the need to take it easy or are struggling with the altitude.
You can also decide to spend the day at Samagaon to relax.
Distance: 11 km / 6 mi
breakfast, lunch & dinner – mountain lodge
On this new day, you’ll make your way to the charming village of Samdo. Since you’re at a high altitude, this will be a shorter trek, allowing you to take it easy and enjoy the scenery. As you walk, you pass expansive yak pastures in a broad valley adorned with long mani walls and a variety of birds.
As you continue, you’ll leave the treeline behind and ascend to a ridge, crossing the wooden bridge over the Buri Gandaki River before reaching White Kani, a village adjacent to Samdo. This picturesque settlement is known for its yak herding.
Once you arrive in Samdo, you’ll have the chance to explore the nearby villages or take a hike up to Samdo Peak. You’ll also notice the Larkya La trail on your left, winding above the valley. This trail leads to the main route to Tibet over the Larjyang La, which you can see forming gentle slopes along the Larkya La path.
Distance: 10 km / 6 mi
breakfast, lunch & dinner – mountain lodge
Today’s trek is relatively short but still challenging due to the remote terrain. The trek to the highest point of Manaslu is about 4.5 hours. Your only chance for a break along the way is Larke Bazaar, roughly 30 minutes from Samdo. Larke Bazaar is also the diversion point for the Tibet border.
After leaving Larke Bazaar, you’ll cross the Budhi Gandaki River via a bridge and head toward the alpine meadow. As you take in the stunning views of the Larkya Glacier, you’ll continue your trek until you reach a stone-built guest house in Dharamsala. You should arrive around 1 pm, where you can enjoy a warm lunch.
Dharamsala is the remotest stop on the route, with no villages nearby and only three mountain lodges. The accommodations here are very basic, and you may need to sleep in a common room.
In the afternoon, if you feel up to it, you can take an acclimatization hike for a few hours to Khaka Danda. This optional hike can help you adjust to the altitude and enjoy more spectacular views of the surrounding landscapes.
Distance: 12 km / 7.5 mi
breakfast, lunch & dinner – mountain lodge
Today is a highlight of your trek as you’ll reach the highest point on the trail at Larkya La Pass (5,160 m / 16,929 ft). While this section can be challenging, especially in poor weather and snow, it’s certainly achievable with determination.
You’ll need to rise early — around 3 a.m. — to have breakfast and set off from the teahouse. This part of the trek is demanding, but if you maintain a steady pace, you’ll successfully cross the pass.
Once you reach the top, the breathtaking views will make the effort worthwhile. From the pass, you’ll be treated to stunning sights of Himlung (7,126 m / 23,379 ft), Kang Guru (6,981 m / 22,903 ft), and Annapurna II (7,937 m / 26,040 ft) within the Annapurna Range.
After taking in the beauty of the pass, you’ll begin your descent toward Bimthang, where you’ll spend the night. The three-hour walk down will reward you with views of massive icefalls and towering mountains all around, including Pongkar Tal nestled between the Pongkar and Salpu Danda Glaciers.
Distance: 25 km / 15.5 mi
breakfast, lunch & dinner – mountain lodge
Today marks your final day trekking through the stunning Manaslu region. As you descend, you’ll traverse lush forests teeming with diverse flora and fauna, including beautiful rhododendron bushes.
After crossing the Dudh Khola River, you’ll make your way to Karche for lunch. In the following hour, you can notice clear signs of glacial floods along the trail, with uprooted tree trunks and eroded riverbanks indicating the power of nature. The path can be quite rough as you descend to Gurung Goa, the first village you’ll encounter since leaving Samdo.
As you continue, the valley transforms into a more agricultural landscape, featuring fields and clusters of oak and rhododendron to Tilije. From there, your leisurely stroll will take you towards Dharapani, where you can reflect on the incredible journey you’ve just completed.
Distance: 21 km / 13 mi
breakfast, lunch & dinner – mountain lodge
Today, you’ll hop in a jeep for the ride from Tilije to Besi Sahar. Once you arrive, you’ll board a vehicle for your return journey to Kathmandu.
After a scenic 6 to 7-hour drive from Besi Sahar, you’ll arrive back in the bustling capital. Here, you can unwind and relax in the hotel, reflecting on your incredible adventure through the Manaslu region.
In the evening, you’ll enjoy a festive farewell dinner with the group and your guide Govinda. It’s an evening to celebrate the adventure we’ve shared and the memories we’ve created together.
Distance: 243 km / 143 mi
breakfast, lunch & farewell dinner – drive
Is this your last day in Nepal?
Goodbye, friends! We wish you a smooth journey home and hope our paths will cross again in the future.
Govinda is the co-founder and co-owner of By Mountain People. He loves going on adventures, both as a guide and as a traveller.
What’s more? Govinda splits his time between Nepal and the Netherlands with his family.
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