Manaslu Circuit Trek - 14 Days

As you wake up, have your breakfast, and get your backpack checked by the guides, we begin a journey towards the Manaslu region on Day 2. The drive to Machha Khola from Kathmandu traces the Prithvi Highway along winding mountain roads.

As we drive a little far from Kathmandu's city area, we pass through lush hillsides, terraced farmland, and vibrant roadside villages. Gradually, the road diverts the main highway toward the Gorkha region, offering scenic views of the Budhi Gandaki River as it carves its way through steep gorges.

Please note that this section of the drive can be bumpy in places, especially beyond Arughat. As you approach the end destination, Machha Khola, you can catch exclusive glimpses into the rural lifestyle of Nepal. This region consists of simple houses, prayer flags, and grazing cattle. Talking about Machha Khola, the village sits quietly and peacefully beside the Budhi Gandaki River.

Besides, this starting point of the Manaslu Circuit Trekking map offers a few teahouses with basic accommodation and hearty meals to rest and refuel. Take your time to stroll around the village and interact with the locals before heading for dinner and sleep.

After relaxing for a night in Machha Khola, we finally began a trekking journey on the Manaslu Circuit Trek trail. Today, the trail makes its way from Machha Khola to Jagat, a village at an altitude of 1340 meters. Starting with some gentle ups and downs, we gradually walk along a narrow trail carved into hillsides. Besides, we also need to cross multiple suspension bridges today.

In a short time, we will find ourselves passing through tropical forests and then past some small Gurung and Tamang settlements. Tatopani sits as one of the major checkpoints on today's journey. Here, the trekkers can take a relaxing dip in the natural hot water spring before ascending further. After this, the terrain includes steep climbs and descents, along with exceptional views of waterfalls, rural life, and the landscapes.

In about 5 to 6 hours after leaving Maccha Khola, we will arrive in Jagat. This village, known as the checkpoint to the Manaslu Conservation Area, has traditional houses, terraced fields, and a beautiful integration of Tibetan Buddhist culture. We will have dinner and spend a night here before ascending further.

Day 4: Jagat (1,340m) to Deng (1,860m) 5-6hrs Another day calls for another adventurous walk in the Manaslu Circuit Trekking map as we leave Jagat for Deng. This section of the trail climbs over rocky ridges and descends into lush valleys.

Besides, we also get a chance to visit some beautiful villages, including Salleri and Philim, while encountering impressive cliffside trails carved out over the river. Besides, this section of the trek to Manaslu Circuit starts becoming more dramatic as we enter narrower gorges.

In about 5 to 6 hours, we finally reach Deng, a beautifully decorated village located at an altitude of 1860 meters above sea level. Besides, this village also marks the gateway to the culturally Tibetan region of the upper Manaslu area. Here, we can meet and interact with people who are more towards the Tibetan ethnicity and follow Buddhism as their religion. For that reason, this village also has different Buddhist chortens and Mani Walls.

We are slowly and gradually approaching the alpine parts of the Manaslu Circuit Trekking map. On the fifth day, our journey goes to Namrung from Deng. This section of the Manaslu Circuit Trek climbs steadily through forests of pine and fir, passing alpine hamlets like Rana and Bihi Phedi.

Along the way, we also get to witness significant changes in both scenery and culture. Walk a little further from Deng, and the narrow gorges change into a wide valley, and the Tibetan influence becomes stronger. Nevertheless, we also get chances to walk through some waterfalls and across some glacial streams before passing through intricately carved gates known as kani.

The final destination of the day, Namrung, sits peacefully at an altitude of 2630 meters above sea level. Here, the trekkers can witness beautifully designed and built stone houses and a settlement surrounded by green forest with snow-capped peaks as the background.

Just imagine how beautiful this might look! Sipping a cup of tea while witnessing the mesmerizing views of mountains like Ganesh Himal and Himalchuli, that's what Namrung offers to us. Besides, you can also visit some monasteries in the evening to learn more about the Buddhist tradition and religion.

It's high time for the trekkers to be aware of the altitude sickness risks as we ascend above 3000 meters today. Yes, today's journey takes us to the Shyala village, located at an altitude of 3500 meters above sea level. As we leave Namrung, the trail rises gently through lush forests and picturesque fields dotted with chortens and prayer flags. As we ascend higher on the trail, the views of the Manaslu Massif become increasingly dramatic. Furthermore, we also make our way through several beautiful and peaceful villages, including Lihi, Sho, and Lho.

As we reach Shyala, a village located 3,500 meters above sea level, the air starts getting thinner while the surrounding peaks seem to grow. Besides, some epic peaks, including Manaslu, Himalchuli, and Ngadi Chuli, also surround the village as if they protect this quiet settlement. Take your time to stroll around the village and interact with the locals before having a fulfilling dinner and, very importantly, rest for the night. 

On the seventh day, we will first go for abreathtaking side hike to Punggen Gumba, a remote monastery perched at 4,000 meters above the sea level. This Gumba also offers a stunning view of the Manaslu's east face, along with a peaceful and religious experience in the monastery. Talking about the hike, it is steep but incredibly rewarding, which takes us through yak pastures and ancient pine forests. After we take our time to visit the Punggen Gumba, we descend towards Samagaun.

Samagaun is the largest village in the upper Manaslu region. Besides, this village also serves as a hub for trekkers heading to the base camp or the Larkya La Pass. Lying in a wide valley under the shadow of Manaslu, Samagaun offers incredible scenarios of traditional stone-built houses, herds of yaks grazing, and centuries-old monasteries. Besides, the calm energy of this place and its cultural richness also offer us a perfect place to spend the night before ascending further.

On the eighth day, we will not ascend any further and stay back for acclimatization in Samagaun. Besides, we will also be going for a quick hike to the Manaslu Base Camp. The trail from Samagaun to the base camp is steep and challenging, where we have to climb over moraines and glacier-fed streams. Furthermore, let us also tell you that it's going to be a strenuous hike to Manaslu Base Camp, but the spectacular scenery makes it worthwhile.

As you reach the Manaslu Base Camp, you can expect a surreal experience, where you get a chance to stand on the foot of the eighth-highest peak of the world. Besides, you can also see a lot of people setting up camp here and getting ready to summit the Manaslu Peak. After spending some worthwhile time in the base camp, we will return to Samagaun to have dinner and sleep for the night.

Finally, on the ninth day of the Manaslu Circuit Trek, we go for a relatively short and less taxing walk. As we begin the journey, the trail gently ascends along barren slopes and across glacial streams, with wide vistas opening up across the valley. Moreover, this section of the trail also takes us past some herds of blue sheep while we get chances to spot Himalayan marmots along the way.

Within just 3 to 4 hours, we will already be in the village named Samdo, our destination for the day. This windswept village, sitting at an altitude of 3860 meters, feels like a completely different world. Yes, the yak caravans, Tibetan-style homes, and the dry-stone walls make this village almost like a heavenly settlement.

To add more charm to all these, you can also watch the panoramic views of the Samdo peak and get glimpses of Tibet from here. Overnight stay, and dinner will be arranged by the Himalayan Ice Cap team in a tea house or lodge for the night.

Today, we will cover a short yet adventurous and adrenaline-rushing section of the Manaslu Circuit Trekking trail. Also, let you know that we are just one day away from crossing the Larkya La Pass, one of the highest passes in the Annapurna and Manaslu region. We begin the walk immediately after breakfast and climb through arid, rocky terrain and cross seasonal streams fed by melting snow. As we will be walking over 4000 meters above sea level, we can sense the air getting thinner. Therefore, we recommend the trekkers to go for a slow and steady pace.

Walking past a stark and beautiful landscape, past some prayer flags, and into different smaller settlements, we finally reach Dharamsala. This village, located at an altitude of 4460 meters above sea level, is also known as Larkya La Phedi. Here, the trekkers might face difficulties due to limited facilities and amenities. However, this village also provides shelter before the big pass crossing. Moreover, Dharmasala is also surrounded by snow and rock, which provide an atmospheric overnight stop. Make sure that you take proper rest

Finally, we have approached the most awaited day of the Manaslu Circuit Trek. On the eleventh day of this trek, we make our way towards the Larkya La Pass, located at an altitude of 5106 meters above sea level. We begin the trek to Larkya La Pass early in the dark, at around 3 to 4 in the morning. Why so? Well, that's to avoid strong afternoon winds at the pass and to get an outstanding sunrise view from the pass. The walk can certainly be difficult, so we recommend all the trekkers to keep a slow and steady pace. Besides, we can also see cairns and prayer flags mark the entire trail starting from Dharmasala to the Larkya La Pass.

As we reach the Larkya La Pass ( 5,160 meters), we are greeted by fluttering prayer flags and a signboard marking the pass. Besides, we will also get to see some outstanding sights of snow-capped peaks like Manaslu (8,163m), Cheo Himal, Himlung Himal, and Annapurna II. After spending some amazing time in the past, we begin a descent to Bimthang. Located at an altitude of 3700 meters, Bhimtang is a tranquil alpine valley surrounded by glacial peaks.

The name Bhimtang means "Plain of Sand" in Tibetan, and this expansive glacial basin was once a yak pasture and seasonal trading post. While at Bhimtang, we can take a short walk to the edge of the Ponkar Glacier or soak in views of Lamjung Himal and Kechakyu Himal. In the evening, you can stroll around the village and interact with the locals before heading to the hotel for dinner and a cozy sleep.

After so many days ascending on the Manaslu Circuit Trek, it's time for us to descend and return. As we have some delicious breakfast in the hotel, the guides lead us steadily through pristine forests filled with pine and rhododendron.

In a little while, we can experience the air becoming warmer and the greenery denser. Moreover, this section of the Manaslu Circuit Trekking trail crosses glacial rivers and passes through Yak Kharka and the small hamlets of Karche and Gho. Within the next 5 to 6 hours, we will make our way to Tilije, a village located at an altitude of 2300 meters above sea level.

This charming Gurung village is where the traditional mountain life flourishes. Furthermore, the trekkers can also witness the architecture changing significantly as the temperature rises slightly with every mile they cover. Overnight stay, and dinner will be arranged by the Himalayan Ice Cap team at Tilche for the night.

On the thirteenth day, we will bid a final goodbye to the Manaslu Trekking region. After breakfast, the guides will take you to the bus station, from where we will go for a drive to Kathmandu. Starting from the peaceful section of the country, we once again enter the chaotic urban settlement of Kathmandu.

As we reach Kathmandu, you can check in at the hotel room and go for another quick stroll around the city. Besides, we also recommend the trekkers to spend some time in bars, pubs, hotels, spas, or massage centers. In the evening, we invite the trekkers for a farewell dinner as it's the last day of the Manaslu Circuit Trekking package.

After enjoying a delicious, authentic Nepali cuisine for dinner, we also provide all the trekkers with certificates. Well, that's it! We will spend a few more minutes sharing our experience, and then the trekkers can go to sleep.

Today is the day of the final farewell, as you will be leaving for your country after such an outstanding adventure in the Manaslu Circuit. However, if you want to go for another adventure in Nepal, you can certainly book it with Himalayan Ice Cap.

Nevertheless, if you are returning to your home, our representatives will drive you to the airport and bid a final farewell before you board the flight. That, finally, marks the end of our 14-day Manaslu Circuit Trek.