Upon your arrival in Kathmandu, Nepal, a friendly representative from Manaslu Trek will greet you at the airport and escort you to your hotel. This marks the beginning of your Manaslu Circuit Trek adventure, offering a smooth and comfortable start to your journey in the Himalayan region.

In the evening, we host a special welcome dinner featuring authentic Nepalese cuisine, accompanied by a refreshing reception drink. This welcome evening also provides an opportunity to meet your fellow trekkers, discuss the Manaslu Circuit Trek itinerary, and receive essential tips for trekking in the Himalayas, including acclimatization, packing, and safety advice. Starting your journey in Kathmandu allows you to ease into the adventure while enjoying the city’s vibrant culture and setting the stage for your unforgettable Himalayan trekking experience.

Transfer: 30-45 min | Accommodation: Hotel | Meal: Welcome Dinner

Today, explore the rich culture, history, and heritage of Kathmandu Valley on this full-day city tour before your Manaslu Circuit Trek. The tour takes you to some of Kathmandu's most famous UNESCO World Heritage Sites, offering a perfect introduction to Nepalese art, architecture, and traditions with our professional English-speaking City Tour Guide:

• SWOYAMBHUNATH , also known as the Monkey Temple, is one of Kathmandu Valley’s most iconic Buddhist stupas. Perched on a hilltop, it offers panoramic views of Kathmandu city and features ancient shrines, prayer wheels, and intricate carvings. The site is a spiritual and cultural landmark, attracting both pilgrims and tourists.
• KATHMANDU DURBAR SQUARE is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the historic heart of Kathmandu City. Known for its ancient palaces, temples, courtyards, and intricate wood carvings, it reflects Nepalese art, culture, and architecture. A visit to this iconic square offers a glimpse into the royal history of Nepal.
• BOUDHANATH STUPA is one of the largest and most important Buddhist stupas in Nepal and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Known for its massive white dome, colorful prayer flags, and iconic Buddha eyes, it serves as a major center for Tibetan Buddhism. Visiting Boudhanath provides an immersive cultural and spiritual experience.
• PASHUPATINATH is one of Nepal’s most sacred Hindu temples, dedicated to Lord Shiva and located on the banks of the Bagmati River in Kathmandu. Famous for its intricate pagoda-style architecture, cremation ghats, and spiritual rituals, it offers visitors a deep cultural and religious experience.

Our knowledgeable guide will tell you interesting things about the religious, historical, and architectural importance of each landmark. Kathmandu is a unique city with a rich culture and a spiritual atmosphere that will make your city tour an interesting and memorable way to learn about Nepalese heritage.

Sightseeing: 7-8 Hours | Accommodation: Hotel | Meal: Breakfast

After breakfast in Kathmandu, take a scenic drive of about 144 km to Gorkha Bazaar, which usually takes 5 to 7 hours by private vehicle, depending on traffic. The journey follows the Prithvi Highway, passing towns like Naubise, Malekhu, and Mugling, and running along the sparkling Trishuli River. At Malekhu, stop for a fresh cup of tea, coffee, and light food and watch whitewater rafters on the riverbanks—a classic roadside experience. From Abu Khaireni, leave the main highway toward Pokhara and climb the last 24 km uphill through terraced farmland, forests, and traditional Newari and Magar villages, gradually entering the cooler mountain region. Upon arrival in Gorkha Bazaar, check in at your hotel and enjoy a refreshing cup of tea or coffee to recharge before the afternoon climb.

In the late afternoon, hike up to Gorkha Durbar, the ancestral palace of the Shah dynasty and birthplace of King Prithvi Narayan Shah. The climb involves approximately 1,500 stone steps, shaded by ancient trees and lined with small shrines. The Durbar is a beautiful example of Newari architecture, with intricate wood carvings, red-brick walls, and a mix of fort, palace, and temple. Visit the sacred Kalika Temple and Gorakhnath Cave, where the sage once guided the young king. As the sun sets, enjoy panoramic views of Boudha Himal, Himalchuli, Langtang, and the Annapurna range, with the Daraundi River winding below and the bazaar lights sparkling.

Transfer: 140km, 5-6 Hours |  Accommodation: Hotel l Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

After breakfast in Gorkha, the drive starts by going down from the historic Gorkha ridge toward the lower parts of the district. Along the way, we pass local spots like 13 Kilo and 12 Kilo, where the city influence fades, the air gets warmer, and the plants become more tropical. At Chepetar, the land flattens into wide, green plains with paddy fields and traditional thatched houses, while the turquoise Daraudi Khola flows beside the road. Baluwa is an important stop and often the last place to find a tea shop before the road climbs steeply. After crossing the river near Baluwa, the road winds upward into the hills with sharp turns and cliffs, reaching Rangrung, where the air is cooler, the pine scent fills the air, and the Daraudi River winds below. Passing Mandre, the local communities change from Brahmin and Chhetri settlements to the stone-and-wood houses of Gurung people, with small terrace farms on the mountainsides. Finally, rounding the last bend, Barpak (1,950 m) comes into view, a large village with hundreds of houses clinging to the slope like a fortress. It is known as the home of the Ghale Kings and a recruiting place for Gurkha soldiers, and it was also the epicenter of the 2015 earthquake.

After a hearty lunch in the stone-paved alleys of Barpak, the trek to Laprak begins, taking roughly 4–6 hours and weaving together ancient Gurung traditions with modern resilience. The trail climbs steeply, offering sweeping views of mountains, scattered villages, and the Daraundi Valley. About three hours in, you reach Momche Danda (2,950 m/9,678 ft), a high ridge dotted with rolling pastures and grazing sheep, providing breathtaking panoramas of the Himalayas. From Momche Danda, the trail continues through lush rhododendron forests, which burst into vivid reds, pinks, and whites in spring, framing stunning vistas of the Manaslu Massif, Buddha Himal, and Shringi Himal. The descent leads first to New Laprak (Gupsi Pakha), a modern, earthquake-resistant settlement, before reaching Old Laprak Village. Here, traditional timber-framed houses, narrow alleys, and mud-brick murals preserve the Gurung heritage.

Transfer: 70km, 3-4 Hours | Trekking: 5-6 Hours | Distance: 9 km | Altitude Gain: 930 m | Altitude Loss: 770 m | Accommodation: Lodge l Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

After breakfast in Laprak, the trek begins in the crisp morning air, leaving the village as the sun lights up the slate roofs and smoke rises from Chulo stoves. The trail first drops sharply through fertile terraces of barley and buckwheat, showing the “vertical lifestyle” of locals carrying heavy loads up the slopes. At the base of the valley, we cross the Jyabru Khola on a traditional suspension bridge, where the air is more humid and the forest changes from pines to ferns and broadleaf trees. After the river, the trail climbs steeply, passing terraced fields of pink sorghum and winding along narrow paths that lead to a small chorten below Singla, a quiet mid-hill village with houses decorated with drying corn husks and marigolds, perfect for a mid-morning break with fresh buffalo milk tea. From the ridges near Singla, we enjoy views of Ganesh Himal to the east, the Gupsi Danda ridge behind us, and further north, the Kutang Himal and Sringi Himal, standing on the divide between the Daraudi and Budi Gandaki watersheds. The path then continues through more terraced fields, papaya trees, and the Gurung village of Khorla, passing bamboo groves, wild herbs, and citrus orchards along narrow stone-lined paths, with local women weaving straw mats along the way. The day ends with a steep descent to Khorlabensi (970 m) on the Budi Gandaki River, where the roar of the river grows louder, the canyon walls are dramatic, and trekkers may cross a long suspension bridge. In the evening, the riverside village with narrow streets and cozy lodges often welcomes guests with cultural performances, offering a glimpse into local traditions after a long day of trekking.

Trekking: 7-8 Hours |  Distance: 14 km |  Altitude Gain: 580 m |  Altitude Loss: 1,740 m | Accommodation: Lodge l Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

After breakfast in Khorlabeshi, the trek begins with a scenic walk along the Budhi Gandaki River, passing through lush greenery and small coffee plantations until you reach Tatopani, where natural hot springs offer a refreshing stop for trekkers. After leaving Tatopani, you cross a suspension bridge to the eastern side of the river, and the valley gradually becomes narrower with the sound of rushing water growing stronger. Continuing, you arrive at Doban, a popular lunch spot at the meeting point of two rivers, where the trail becomes more rugged with landslide-prone sections, so it’s important to stay alert and always stand on the mountainside when mule trains pass. As you move toward Yaruphat, the landscape becomes more dramatic, featuring a long metal cantilever bridge fixed to a cliff that helps you safely cross a once-dangerous section, along with a stunning waterfall nearby. The day ends with a steady climb up stone steps to Jagat, a tidy village with paved paths that serves as an official checkpoint for the Manaslu region, where you’ll also notice stronger stone-built houses designed for the cooler mountain environment.

Trekking: 7-8 Hours |  Distance: 14 km |  Altitude Gain: 620 m |  Altitude Loss: 170 m | Accommodation: Lodge l Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

After breakfast, the trek begins by leaving the stone village of Jagat after checking your permits, then following a gentle trail along the river before climbing to Sallari, where you get your first great view of Shringi Himal. You descend to Ghatte Khola, known for its traditional water mills, and then cross a long suspension bridge before making a steady uphill climb to Philim, a large Gurung village perfect for a tea break. From Philim, the trail continues high above the river through farm fields to Ekle Bhatti, where the route splits—taking the left path keeps you on the Manaslu trail toward Lokpa, where the air feels cooler, and the valley narrows. The most dramatic part comes next, as the trail cuts along cliffs through a deep gorge with the roaring river below, crossing several suspension bridges and passing through beautiful pine, rhododendron, and bamboo forests. You walk past the turn-off to Nyak and continue to the quiet settlement of Pewa, a peaceful stop in the woods, before crossing the river again and making a final short climb to Deng, a village that marks the entry into the Tibetan-influenced Nupri region, where you’ll begin to see mani walls and feel a culture shift.

Trekking: 7-8 Hours |  Distance: 20 km |  Altitude Gain: 1,410 m |  Altitude Loss: 880 m | Accommodation: Lodge l Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

After breakfast in Deng, the trail descends to the Budhi Gandaki River and then climbs steep switchbacks to the small settlement of Rana, with the river flowing deep in the canyon below. The path continues along cliffs and forested slopes, passing through oak and other cool-temperate forests until reaching Bihi Phedi near the river, where the trail divides. The main route goes lower toward Ghap, but a more scenic and cultural trail climbs up to Bihi village, a traditional Nupri settlement with barley and buckwheat fields, where women often weave on handlooms. From Bihi, the trail continues to the Prok Plateau, a wide open area with great mountain views, ancient monasteries, and many carved mani stones showing Buddhist prayers. After exploring Prok, the trail descends through dense rhododendron forest, crossing the Budhi Gandaki again before rejoining the main path. The route includes several ups and downs and crosses the river and smaller streams multiple times, offering beautiful views throughout the journey. Finally, a short walk leads to Ghap, a quiet village with long mani walls and a strong Tibetan Buddhist influence, where you stay overnight with friendly local villagers.

Trekking: 5-6 Hours |  Distance: 12 km |  Altitude Gain: 820 m |  Altitude Loss: 550 m | Accommodation: Lodge l Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

After breakfast in Ghap, the trek begins through a dense forest of fir, rhododendron, and oak, where the trail feels quiet and beautiful with soft sunlight passing through the trees. After about an hour of climbing and crossing the Budhi Gandaki River on a bridge, you reach Namrung (2,540m), an important gateway to the Nubri region, where you may see your first clear views of Manaslu, Himal Chuli, and Peak 29, along with teahouses and a small bakery for a short break. As you continue upward, the trail enters alpine terrain with wide views and passes through Lihi (2,840m), a traditional village with stone houses, an ancient monastery, and barley fields protected from wildlife. The walk continues at a steady pace as you cross streams and reach Sho (3,000m), a beautiful Tibetan-style village where you can stop for lunch and enjoy the first full, close views of the Manaslu range. From Sho, it is about an hour’s gentle climb through pine forest to Lho (3,180m), a lively village dominated by Ribung Monastery, where you are rewarded with stunning sunset views of Mount Manaslu glowing over the valley.

Trekking: 7-8 Hours |  Distance: 16 km |  Altitude Gain: 1,200 m |  Altitude Loss: 170 m | Accommodation: Lodge l Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

After breakfast in Lho, the day begins with an early sunrise view of Mount Manaslu, where the first light turns the peaks golden while monks at Ribung Monastery perform their morning prayers. The trail then leaves Lho and passes through rhododendron and pine forests, crossing a small stream before reaching the ridge village of Shyala (3,500m), which offers wide panoramic views of Manaslu, Himal Chuli, Ngadi Chuli, and Ganesh Himal in the distance. From Shyala, there is an optional and challenging side trip toward the Pungyen Glacier and Pungyen Gompa, where the landscape becomes completely alpine with no trees, only rocks, glaciers, and dramatic views of Manaslu’s ice walls; the rebuilt monastery here is quiet and powerful, with occasional sounds of ice breaking from the glacier. After returning to the main trail, you continue across open alpine terrain and grazing areas, passing the junction for the Pungyen route before gradually descending into the wide valley floor. The route then leads into Samagaon through long mani walls and cultivated fields of barley and potatoes. Samagaon is the cultural heart of the region, a large traditional Tibetan-influenced village with stone houses, yaks, and a strong Buddhist heritage, where people maintain trade links with Tibet over nearby high passes and continue traditional weaving and farming. It is an important place for rest and acclimatization, and you can spend the afternoon exploring the village, old monasteries, and surrounding viewpoints.

Trekking: 7-8 Hours |  Distance: 17 km |  Altitude Gain: 970 m |  Altitude Loss: 630 m | Accommodation: Lodge l Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Today is an acclimatization day in Samagaon, giving us time to rest, adjust to the altitude, and prepare for the days ahead. We have two great options: a short and easy hike to Birendra Tal (3,691 m) or a more challenging trek to Manaslu Base Camp (4,800 m). The walk to Birendra Tal takes about 45 minutes to an hour on a mostly flat trail, passing mani walls and chortens along the Manaslu Glacier, leading to a peaceful, emerald-colored lake surrounded by ice cliffs, where you may hear distant avalanches. Many people return from here, but if we continue to Base Camp, the trail becomes steep and demanding, climbing over 1,200 meters in 4–5 hours. The path goes through rocky terrain with less vegetation and thinner air, making the walk slower and more tiring. However, the reward is incredible, with close views of Mt. Manaslu and nearby peaks like Himalchuli and Ngadi Chuli, along with the large Manaslu Glacier below—making it a truly unforgettable experience.

Hiking: 7-8 Hours |  Distance: 15 km |  Altitude Gain: 1,320 m |  Altitude Loss: 1,320 m | Accommodation: Lodge l Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

After breakfast in Samagaon, the trek follows the upper Budi Gandaki River as the green landscape slowly changes into dry alpine terrain, passing through birch and juniper trees before opening into rocky ground with small bushes. As the valley widens, you can enjoy wide views of Mount Manaslu (8,163 m) on the left and the rugged mountains near the Tibetan border on the right, while walking past mani walls and chortens, always keeping them on your left. Along the way, you pass the long mani walls at Kermo Kharka, then cross a small wooden bridge and climb gently to reach Samdo in about 3–4 hours, usually in time for lunch. The village appears as a group of stone houses under a rocky hill, marked by an entrance chorten and a “kane” gateway. After arrival, you can visit a small home gompa where local lamas perform prayers. In the afternoon, you can take an acclimatization hike above the village toward Samdo Peak, walking slowly on a steep and rocky trail in thin air, reaching viewpoints up to around 5,177 m. From there, you can see amazing views of Manaslu’s glaciers, Rani Peak, the route toward Rui La (4,998 m) and even the distant Tibetan plateau, along with glacial valleys and frozen lakes below.

Trekking: 3-5 Hours |  Distance: 8 km |  Altitude Gain: 360 m | Altitude Loss: 10 m | Accommodation: Lodge I Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Leaving Samdo in the morning feels like leaving the last village behind, as you walk past stone houses and yak grazing fields. Near the edge of the village, you pass the old Larke Bazaar, which was once a busy trade point between Tibet and the lower regions, but now only ruins remain. The trail then goes down to cross a wooden bridge over the upper Budi Gandaki River, which has become a small, fast glacier stream, and then slowly climbs along the side of the Larke Glacier. As you go higher, the valley behind toward Lajyung La disappears, and the landscape becomes more rocky, empty, and cold. You may see blue sheep on the cliffs and pass mani walls with prayer flags, which are the last spiritual markers before the pass. After a few hours of steady walking, you reach Dharamsala (Larke Phedi) at 4,460 m, a simple seasonal stop with basic lodges and tents for trekkers and porters. The place is quiet, and everyone is preparing for the next day’s crossing of Larke Pass. After lunch, it is good to take a short walk uphill nearby to help your body adjust to the altitude, with great views of Larke Peak and the glacier below, making it an important rest and preparation day.

Trekking: 4-5 Hours | Distance: 6 km | Altitude Gain: 590 m |  Altitude Loss: 10 m | Accommodation: Lodge I Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

The day starts very early around 3:00 AM in the cold darkness of Dharamsala (Larke Phedi), where trekkers wake up in freezing temperatures of around -10°C to -15°C to cross Larke Pass before strong afternoon winds begin. The first part of the trek is a slow and steady climb over frozen scree and icy paths along the Larke Glacier moraine, moving at a careful, rhythmic pace in the dark with headlamps, passing small prayer flags and frozen lakes along the way. As the sun slowly rises over the surrounding Himalayan peaks, the final ascent becomes more visible, with thin air making every step harder and more deliberate. After hours of climbing, you reach Larkya La Pass at 5,106 m, marked by colorful prayer flags and surrounded by breathtaking views of peaks like Himlung Himal, Cheo Himal, Kang Guru, Gyaji Kung, and even distant Annapurna II, making it a truly rewarding moment.

From the pass, a very steep and long descent begins, which is physically tough on the knees as you walk down loose scree and sometimes snowy paths toward the valley below. The trail then follows the edge of the glacier moraine before gradually entering greener landscapes, where rocky ground turns into grass, shrubs, and finally beautiful alpine forests. After hours of downhill trekking, you arrive at Bhimtang at 3,720 m, a wide and peaceful valley surrounded by glaciers and mountains. Here, the tea houses feel warm and welcoming after a long day, and the incredible views of the Manaslu West Face and surrounding peaks make the effort of crossing the pass completely unforgettable.

Trekking: 7-9 Hours |  Distance: 16 km |  Altitude Gain: 680 m | Altitude Loss: 1,450 m | Accommodation: Lodge I Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

After breakfast in Bhimtang, the day begins with stunning views of Manaslu’s West Face and nearby peaks before you leave the sandy glacial basin and cross the moraine of the Bhimtang Glacier. Soon, the trail enters beautiful forests of rhododendron, pine, birch, and moss-covered trees that feel magical, especially in spring when the ground is covered with red, pink, and white flowers. As you descend further along the Dudh Khola, the air becomes warmer and easier to breathe. The first stop is Chauli Kharka, a wide pasture where yaks graze and trekkers take a short break, followed by Surki Kharka, where the forest becomes thicker, greener, and full of bird sounds. The trail then continues down to Karche, a peaceful village on a river terrace where it is a good place for lunch with dramatic views of the gorge below. After a short climb over a ridge, the path gently descends through terraced fields and farming villages, where you can see local life more clearly. Finally, you reach Gowa, a quiet agricultural village surrounded by barley, wheat, and potato fields, where the air is warm and comfortable, and teahouses offer a relaxing end to the day with hot showers and a sense of achievement after the high mountains.

Trekking: 5-6 Hours |  Distance: 14 km |  Altitude Gain: 50 m  |  Altitude Loss: 1,240 m | Accommodation: Lodge l Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

After breakfast in Gowa, the trek begins with a gentle downhill walk through green, fertile farmland and villages, where the air feels rich in oxygen, and the smell of woodsmoke and fresh earth replaces the cold mountain air. After about 1.5–2 hours, you reach Tilche, a large and traditional Gurung village with stone houses, paved paths, and a more permanent settlement feel. Around Tilche, you can see apple orchards and may also pass a police checkpost where trekking permits are officially stamped for the last time. From here, the trail descends toward the river and crosses a long suspension bridge over the Dudh Khola before climbing up to Dharapani. At this important junction, the Manaslu Circuit meets the Annapurna Circuit. In Dharapani, the atmosphere becomes busier, with more trekkers, better facilities, and official permit checks for the Annapurna Conservation Area. After lunch, the trail continues along the Marsyangdi River through a deep gorge with cliffs and waterfalls, sometimes following the old walking trail to avoid the nearby road. Finally, the valley opens up as you arrive at Tal, a beautiful village on a flat sandy valley floor with a large waterfall nearby, marking a warm and scenic end to this trekking section.

Walk: 5-6 Hours  | Distance: 17 km | Altitude Gain: 140 m  |  Altitude Loss: 990 m | Accommodation: Lodge l Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

After breakfast in Tal, the drive begins with an exciting off-road jeep ride down the Marsyangdi Valley, where the road is carved into cliffs, and the river flows far below. Along the way, you pass villages like Chamje and Jagat, with waterfalls often splashing onto the road, and make a dramatic descent near Syange, where the huge waterfall marks your final view of the high mountains. As you go lower toward Besisahar, the cold alpine air turns warm and humid, and pine forests slowly change into banana trees, bamboo, and green rice fields. Besisahar is a busy town and the main gateway of the region, where many trekkers change from jeep to car or bus and enjoy their first proper “city-style” meal after days in the mountains. From here, the drive continues along the Prithvi Highway through the wide Marsyangdi Valley, passing hydropower projects and eventually reaching Mugling, a busy road junction at the meeting point of the Marsyangdi and Trishuli rivers, known for its heavy traffic, roadside restaurants, and river fish. The final stretch follows the Trishuli River, where you may see white-water rafting and winding roads through green hills before climbing up through Naubise toward Thankot. Finally, you enter Kathmandu Valley, where the mountains fade behind you and the landscape opens into a wide valley filled with houses, temples, and the busy capital city, marking the end of your Himalayan journey.

Transfer: 215 km, 8-10 Hours |  Accommodation: Hotel l Meal: Breakfast, Lunch

Today is a free day in Kathmandu for shopping and other activities. You can explore the lively streets and local markets and buy souvenirs such as handicrafts, prayer flags, and pashmina. You may also try local food or visit nearby cultural sites like Bhaktapur or Patan to see traditional temples, palaces, and local heritage. If you prefer, you can join optional activities such as short hikes, cycling, or adventure experiences around the valley. Or you can simply relax at a café, spa, or hotel and rest after your trek. It is a good opportunity to enjoy the culture, atmosphere, and energy of Kathmandu at your own pace.

Accommodation: Hotel l Meal: Breakfast

Today, we will transfer to Kathmandu International Airport for our departure. After enjoying a hearty breakfast at the hotel, we will gather our belongings and go to the airport. We will ensure we reach the airport well in time to complete all the necessary formalities and board our flight. Before we bid farewell to this enchanting country, take one last look at the breathtaking views of the Himalayas and take a moment to appreciate the warm hospitality and kindness of the Nepalese people. This marks the end of our tour, and we hope you had a memorable and enjoyable time in Nepal.

Meal: Breakfast