| Duration: | 18 Days | Trip Code: | CO-252 |
| Trip Grade | Moderate to Strenuous | Max-Altitude: | 5160m/16, 924 ft Larkya La |
| Meals: | All meals during trek | Accommodation: | Lodges during trek and hotel in Kathmandu |
| Group size: | Minimum 2 | Transportation: | Private transportation |
| Trip Start: | Kathmandu | Trip End: | Kathmandu |
| Primary Activity: | Trekking, Sightseeing & Hiking | Best Season | March to May, Mid September to Mid December. |
The Manaslu Circuit trail is one of the treks in the Himalayas that aptly fits the bill of an off-beaten trek. Besides offering a fair share of seclusion and relatively untouched nature and culture, there is much to experience. Classic Outdoors offers this rendition of the Manaslu trek which is more gradual in the ascent to the Larkya La and offers a bit more flexibility. With improvement in road conditions at the start point of the trek, the lesser interesting sections have been shortened with a private jeep transfer while managing extra days for rest and exploration before the ascent to the highest point on the trek where trekkers generally struggle. As you trek through the Manaslu Conservation Area, a variety of vegetation and wildlife, tranquil villages, instances of a simplistic rural lifestyle, artistic adornments, and landmarks make you feel welcome. All of these entwined with the sub-tropical to alpine geographical delights make for an epic journey. The magnificence of Mt. Manaslu (8,163m), Ganesh Himal (7,422m) mountain range, Mount Himalchuli (7,893m), Ngadi Chuli, Shringi (7,165m), and others only make it better.
The 18-day Manaslu Circuit trek begins with a heritage sightseeing tour of the UNESCO World Heritage site of historic Kathmandu Valley. The highest point in this trek is the ‘Larkya La' Pass which is widely believed to be one of the most dramatic passes in the Himalayas. Starting at an altitude of 700m and gradually ascending to 5,106m, this trek ensures ample time for acclimatization. Some sections of the trail make for a tough challenge with numerous serious ups and downs passing through temperate and subalpine vegetation as well as the breathtaking gorges. The raging Budi Gandaki River is crossed several times during this trek.
Classic Outdoors offers you this 18-day standard package to Manaslu Circuit Trek that includes two extra days allotted for local explorations and rests at the high and scenic villages of Samagaon and Samdo. For shorter alternatives in the Manaslu region, please check out our Manaslu Trek and Tsum Valley Trek packages.
We offer special discounts for a group. Our guaranteed departure on your chosen date. For more information on Manaslu Circuit Trek, please email us at inquiry@theclassicoutdoors.com.
Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu [1,300m/4,264 ft]
Day 02: Kathmandu: UNESCO World Heritage Sightseeing and Trek Preparation
Day 03: Drive Kathmandu to Machha Khola [900m/2952 ft]: 8 - 9 hours
Day 04: Trek Machha Khola to Jagat [1340m/4396ft], 5 to 6 hours
Day 05: Trek Jagat to Ekle Bhatti [1600m/5249ft], 5 to 6 hours
Day 06: Trek Eklebhatti to Bihi Phedi [1990m/6529ft], 5 to 6 hours
Day 07: Trek Bihi Phedi to Namrung [2630m/8629ft], 5 to 6 hours
Day 08: Trek Namrung to Lho [3180m/10433ft], 4 to 5 hours
Day 09: Trek Lho to Samagaon [3525m/11565ft], 3 to 4 hours
Day 10: Acclimatization and Exploration Day in Samagaon (Exploration to Pungyen Gompa- 6 to 7 hours OR Birendra Lake & Manaslu Base Camp- 4 to 6 hours)
Day 11: Trek Samagaon to Samdo [3860m/12,660 ft]: 4 - 5 hours
Day 12: Acclimatization and Exploration Day in Samdo
Day 13: Trek Samdo – Dharamsala (Larkya Phedi) [4460m/14, 628 ft]: 4 - 5 hours
Day 14: Trek Dharamsala (Larkya Phedi) – Larkya La [5160m/16, 924 ft] – Bimthang [3720m/12, 201 ft]: 8 - 9 hours
Day 15: Trek Bimthang – Tilije [2300m/7544ft]: 5 - 6 hours
Day 16: Trek Tilije – Tal [1700m/5576 ft]: 4 - 6 hours
Day 17: Drive Tal to Besishahar and onward to Kathmandu, 7 - 8 hours total. Evening farewell dinner.
Day 18: Final departure
Trip Includes
Trip Excludes:
If you have any queries or would like further information regarding the Manaslu Circuit Trek, please write to us. You may also Contact us for the customized trip of your choice.
Welcome to Kathmandu! Our representative accompanies you to your hotel. A pre-trip meeting is scheduled in the evening. You're also introduced to your trek guide. Overnight in Kathmandu
Day 2: Kathmandu: Sightseeing and Trek Preparation
Total duration: 5-6 hours
Meals included: Breakfast
After breakfast, we begin our sightseeing tour (at 9.30 AM). The tour includes four historic and cultural sites in Kathmandu. A professional English-speaking guide would be at your service and a private car is arranged. The tour includes either Kathmandu Durbar Square or Patan Durbar Square, Baudhanath, Swayambhunath, and Pashupatinath. You would have some time to go for last-minute shopping in the evening in preparation for your trek.
Day 3: Drive from Kathmandu to Machha Khola [900m/2952 ft]
Total duration: 8-9 hours
Meals included: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner
We start off our journey early in the morning for Machha Khola. The drive is a great way to experience the suburban lifestyle of Nepal as you drive alongside the Trishuli River in the majority of the initial parts of the drive. The drive then enters the rural sections along a gravelled highway. It is a rather exciting drive alongside the Budhi Gandaki River starting from Aarughat–a small town before we arrive at Soti Khola. We drive further to Machha Khola to stop for the night.
Day 4: Machha Khola – Jagat [1340m/4396ft]
Total duration: 6-7 hours
Meals included: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner
We have numerous ups and downs along the narrow trail that we walk today. Upon reaching Thado Khola we cross the suspension bridge to reach Khorlabesi. From here an uneven trail leads to Tatopani (Hot spring). We reach a wide ridge on the other side of the suspension bridge over Budhi Gandaki. From here the trail is relatively easier as we climb a well-crafted flight of stone steps. The trail opens up at Dobhan. We follow the riverside path leading to Tharo Bharyang crossing the suspension bridge over Yaru Khola. We then walk on the first cantilever bridge of Nepal installed on the steep face of the cliff at Yarubagar. As we climb the steep stone-crafted trail, we finally reach Jagat as we switch to the west bank of Budhi Gandaki. Jagat is a beautiful small village where we overnight.
Day 5: Jagat – Ekle Bhatti [1,804m/5917 ft]
Total duration: 5-6 hours
Meals included: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner
After breakfast, we continue the trek with a climb along a rocky ridge to Salleri. From Salleri we descend to Sirdibas and then to Ghatta Khola. We reach Philim - a large Gurung Village after crossing a long suspension bridge. Onward, we walk towards Eklebhatti passing through small hamlets and millet fields. Overnight at Eklebhatti
Day 6: Eklebhatti – Bihi Phedi [1990m/6529ft]
Total duration: 5-6 hours
Meals included: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner
The trail onward enters a steep gorge with no settlements around. We cross a suspension bridge over the confluence of Syar Khola and Budhigandaki to reach Nyak Phedi and then Pewa. We trek further to Deng where we are welcomed by a spectacular view of Sringi Himal. We climb towards Rana (1910 m) and continue further to Bihi Phedi to stop for the night.
Day 7: Bihi Phedi – Namrung [2630m/8629ft]
Total duration: 5-6 hours
Meals included: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner
We resume the trek and cross toward the western bank of the Budhi Gandaki River. We walk through the temperate forest alongside Mani walls to arrive at Ghap. We continue to cross the Budhigandaki several times and pass several gompas en route during the day's trek. The trail follows the river upstream through a dense forest. The pleasant walk continues and after a final steep climb, we reach Namrung.
Day 8: Namrung – Lho [3180m/10433ft]
Total duration: 4-5 hours
Meals included: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner
Namrung is a good viewpoint for Ganesh Himal and Sringi Himal. We can also see the beautiful Mt. Hiunchuli in the south. After spending some time at Namrung we walk towards Lihi, a small village with beautifully terraced barley fields and few settlements. This village is adorned by many Chortens. Ganesh Himal can be seen to the east from this village. We cross the Himang Khola before arriving at the village of Sho. Manaslu gets more distinct in view as we approach the village of Lho, home of the Ribung Gompa. Overnight at Lho.
Day 9: Lho – Samagaon [3525m/11565ft]
Total duration: 3-4 hours
Meals included: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner
The introductory section of the trail today leads us to Shyala village which offers striking views of Manaslu and other peaks. Since it is a short trek, we have plenty of time to relish the 360 vistas of the magnificent peaks like Himalchuli, Ngadi Chuli (Peak 29), and Mt. Manaslu to the south, and a vast glacial landscape right in front. Ganesh Himal is also visible towards the east. We walk further to reach Samagaon and explore this beautiful Sherpa village before ending the trek.
Day 10: Acclimatization and Exploration Day in Samagaon (Pungyen Gompa OR Birendra Lake & Manaslu Base Camp)
Total duration: 6-7 hours (Exploration trip to Pungyen Gompa) OR 4-6 hours (Birendra Lake and Manaslu BC)
Meals included: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner
We have an extra day in Samagaon today. We make the most out of it with an exploration trip to Pungyen Gompa or Birendra Lake and Manaslu Base Camp. The Pungyen Gompa is a historic monastery and an iconic viewpoint of the Pugyen glacier and the mesmerizing surrounding peaks. We return back to Samagaon to rest and unwind. Overnight in Samagaon.
Day 11: Samagaon – Samdo [3860m/12,660 ft]
Total duration: 4-5 hours
Meals included: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner
Our destination for today is set for Samdo. The day's trek starts with a descent to the Budhi Gandaki River. Passing alongside numerous mani walls, the trail enters a broad part of the valley. We walk through the birch and juniper forest until we reach Kermo Kharka. From this point we descend and cross a wooden bridge over the Budhigandaki River and ascend the steep trails to reach a 'kani' (traditional welcome gate) shortly before arriving at Samdo. A sweeping view of Manaslu can be enjoyed from here.
Day 12: Acclimatization and Exploration Day in Samdo
Total duration: 4-5 hours
Meals included: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner
This day is also set as acclimatization and rest, a few days ahead of the big climb across the pass. We can hike above the Samdo village to witness the trade passes to Tibet and a great view of Mt. Manaslu along with other Himalayan ranges including Simrang, Himalchuli, Nagdi, Larkya Peak, Cheo, and others beyond the pass. This place is also famous for birds such as: Lophophorous (Nepal's national bird), Lammergeyer, and Himalayan Griffin soaring high above us. Rest and overnight at Samdo.
Day 13: Samdo – Dharamsala (Larkya Phedi) [4460m/14, 628 ft]
Total duration: 4-5 hours
Meals included: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner
The initial section of the trek today descends over the edge of the ridge to cross the wooden bridge over Budhi Gandaki and then climbs. We walk past the gigantic Larkya Glacier. From here we ascend to reach Dharamsala (a stoned guest house) situated at 4460m. We may head out for a short exploration trip before resting and bracing for the big climb tomorrow.
Day 14: Dharamsala – Larkya la [5160m/16, 924 ft] - Bimthang [3720m/12, 201 ft]
Total duration: 8-9 hours
Meals included: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner
We are in for a long walk today. We begin the trek by approaching the valley to the north of Larkya Glaciers. This is the point that offers an amazing view of Cho Danda and Larkya Peak. After crossing the moraine of the glaciers we further ascend while being cautious to reach the last section of the pass. The conditions could be quite windy and the trail would most likely be icy. The perks of climbing this steep point are getting the amazing view of Himlung Himal, Cheo Himal, Kangguru, and the massive Annapurna II. After continuing for about 3 hours we reach Bhimtang from where we can view the beautiful Mt. Manaslu. Overnight at Bhimtang.
Day 15: Bimthang – Tilije [2300m/7544ft]:
Total duration: 5-6 hours
Meals included: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner
Today, before moving further we enjoy the majestic view of Mt. Manaslu, Lamjung Himal, Himlung Himal, and Cheo Himal. The trek resumes with a descent to Sangure Kharka a high pasture. A section of rhododendron forested trail is up next until we reach the cultivated valley of Karche situated at 2785m. We reach the ridge passing through the terraced fields and then finally reach Tilije. This place consists of many comfortable lodges for overnight stays, much to the delight after the weary trekking days.
Day 16: Tilije – Tal [1700m/5576 ft]
Total duration: 5-6 hours
Meals included: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner
The destination for today is set for Tal. We first climb over the ridge passing through chortens, and Mani walls to reach Thonje Village. From here we go past a police checkpoint and continue to Dharapani. The trail now connects the Annapurna Circuit trail. We then descend to Karte village crossing the bridge over Marsyangdi Khola. From here we walk to reach the village of Tal which is situated at the foot of a large waterfall. Overnight at Tal.
Day 17: Drive Tal to Besishahar (760m / 2493ft) and onward to Kathmandu [1,300m/4,264 ft]
Total duration: 7-8 hours
Meals included: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner
We drive back to Kathmandu via Besisahar. This drive is going to be interesting as we traverse the winding roads witnessing amazing landscapes, waterfalls, and mountains alongside the Marsyangdi and Trisuli Rivers. A farewell dinner is hosted by Classic Outdoors in the evening which is an opportunity for us to appreciate you for putting your trust in us. Also, we would receive any constructive feedback with regard to our service
Day 18: Final departure
Meals included: Breakfast
This is the last day of your trip with us. You can extend your trip for one or two days to visit other interesting places in and out of Kathmandu which is completely optional. You can roam around the city and buy souvenirs’ or shop. A representative escorts you to the airport as per your scheduled departure.