Manaslu Circuit with Larke La Pass

Today is set aside for final preparations for your trek in Kathmandu, ensuring you are physically, logistically, and mentally ready for high-altitude trekking in the Himalayas. After breakfast, meet your guide for a detailed briefing covering the full route, daily walking distances, altitude awareness, acclimatization strategy, weather conditions, and essential safety guidelines for trekking in mountainous terrain. Your guide will also carefully check your equipment to ensure everything is suitable for the journey, and if anything is missing, you can rent or purchase gear in Thamel, the city’s main trekking hub. During the day, all required permits and documentation for the trek will be arranged. The rest of the day remains flexible for relaxation, last-minute shopping, exploring Kathmandu’s cultural and UNESCO World Heritage sites, or carefully organizing and packing your trekking gear and personal belongings before departure. Overnight stay at a hotel in Kathmandu, marking the final preparation day before your Himalayan adventure begins.

Your journey into the remote Himalayas begins with a scenic 145 km drive from Kathmandu to Machhakhola—the starting point of the iconic Manaslu Circuit trek. This 9–10 hour drive offers a perfect introduction to Nepal’s diverse landscapes, combining river valleys, terraced hills, and mountain views.Heading west toward Pokhara, you’ll follow the winding road alongside the Trishuli River, with occasional glimpses of snow-capped Himalayan peaks. After around 1.5 hours, you’ll reach Malekhu, a popular riverside stop, before turning toward Dhading Besi, a bustling local town and gateway to the Manaslu region. From Dhading Besi, the road continues through picturesque hillside villages with stunning views of the Ganesh Himal range. While the section up to Arughat is relatively smooth, the road becomes more rugged and adventurous from Arughat to Machha Khola—adding a sense of excitement to your journey. Choosing this drive allows you to skip the lower trekking section, saving time and energy while gradually adjusting to the region’s altitude—an important step for a successful high-altitude trek. By late afternoon or early evening, you’ll arrive in Machha Khola, where you’ll settle into a welcoming local tea house. Enjoy a warm meal, relax, and soak in the peaceful atmosphere of this riverside village as you prepare for the trekking days ahead. Overnight in Machha Khola.

Today’s trek follows the scenic trail along the Budhi Gandaki River, marking a gradual and rewarding ascent deeper into the Manaslu region. The journey takes approximately 7–8 hours, with a mix of gentle paths, stone steps, suspension bridges, and riverside walks. After breakfast, you head north through terraced fields and forested sections, gradually reaching the village of Khorlabesi. Along the way, you pass through small settlements and arrive at Tatopani, where you can take a short break and relax in natural hot springs—a refreshing highlight of the day. Continuing the trek, the trail winds through peaceful forests and villages such as Dobhan, with several suspension bridge crossings over the Budhi Gandaki and its tributaries, including the Yaru Khola. The changing landscapes of rivers, forests, and hillside trails make the journey both scenic and engaging. By late afternoon, you reach Jagat, a traditional stone-paved village and the official entry point to the Manaslu Conservation Area. Here, your trekking permits are checked as you enter this protected Himalayan region. Settle into a local teahouse, enjoy the mountain atmosphere, and rest after a fulfilling day on the trail. Overnight in Jagat.

The day begins with a steady climb out of Jagat along stone steps, leading across a rocky ridge and forested slopes to Salleri. From here, you’re rewarded with distant views of Sringi Himal before descending to Sirdibas. The trail then continues through villages like Philim and Chisapani, where terraced fields cling to steep hillsides and prayer flags appear more frequently, signaling a growing Tibetan Buddhist influence. Beyond Philim, the trail enters rhododendron and pine forests, offering a peaceful, shaded walk. Continuing onward, you cross the Siyar Khola bridge and reach a junction where a side trail branches off toward the Tsum Valley. Staying on the main route, the trail narrows as it follows the Budhi Gandaki River through a more rugged and remote valley The path becomes increasingly varied—rocky sections, forest trails, and suspension bridges—passing through quieter stops like Ekle Bhatti and Nyak Phedi. After several river crossings, the trail gradually ascends to Deng (1,900m), a small traditional village set among cliffs and forested slopes. At Deng, you officially enter the upper valley of the Manaslu Circuit, where Tibetan-style villages, mani walls, and chortens become a defining part of the landscape. Overnight stay in Jagat.

Today’s journey involves multiple river crossings and a gradual shift in both landscape and culture. The day begins with a bridge crossing, followed by a brief descent and a short but steep 20-minute zigzag climb to the charming village of Rana. From here, a steady ascent of around two hours leads to Bihi Phedi. The trail continues along the Budhi Gandaki River, crossing the Serang Khola and passing through Ghap (2,040m), where another wooden bridge takes you across the river once again. As you move beyond Ghap, Tibetan cultural influences become more visible, with mani walls, monasteries, and prayer flags lining the route. Waterfalls, ancient stone carvings, and seasonal mustard fields add natural and cultural richness to the journey. The path then enters a dense forest of blue pine, oak, and rhododendron. With several crossings of the Budhi Gandaki River and a gradually narrowing valley, the trail leads steadily toward Namrung village. Namrung was heavily affected by the 2015 earthquake but has since been rebuilt. Today, it stands as a warm and welcoming mountain village where trekkers can rest and experience local Himalayan life. Overnight stay in Namrung.

Today’s trek is relatively shorter, taking around 3–4 hours, and offers a gradual ascent as you move deeper into the Manaslu Circuit. This steady climb helps with proper acclimatization to higher altitude. The trail begins from Namrung and steadily rises through a changing landscape. As the valley opens up, you pass barley fields and open pastures around Banjam village, offering wide Himalayan views and a peaceful walking experience. The route then continues upward to Lihi (2,920m), a small and scenic village known for its traditional stone houses and terraced fields. From Lihi, the trail follows a stream originating from the Lidanda Glacier and gradually enters Sho village, where Tibetan culture becomes more visible. Prayer flags, chortens, and traditional architecture reflect the strong cultural heritage of the region. Along this section, you are rewarded with your first clear views of Manaslu North and surrounding Himalayan peaks. By midday, you arrive at Lho (3,020m), a large and culturally rich village and home to the historic Ribung Monastery. The village is decorated with carved wooden details and colorful prayer flags, showcasing strong Tibetan influence. From here, stunning views of Manaslu, Ganesh Himal, Kutang Himal, and Saula (6,235m) dominate the horizon. In the afternoon, you can relax or take a short walk to a nearby viewpoint for panoramic views of Manaslu and Manaslu North—one of the highlights of the entire trek. Overnight stay in Lho.

After breakfast, begin your trek toward Samagaun, one of the most important villages on the Manaslu Circuit and a key acclimatization stop. The trail starts with a steady climb to Shyala, taking around two hours. You walk through pine forests and a mix of gradual and moderately steep sections, with increasingly open landscapes as you gain altitude. The scenery becomes wider and more dramatic, with excellent views of the surrounding Himalayan peaks. From Shyala, the route continues gently toward Samagaun, entering a broad alpine valley beneath Mount Manaslu. By afternoon, you reach Samagaun (3,450m), a large traditional village known for its strong Tibetan culture and spectacular mountain setting. In the afternoon, you may visit the nearby Pungyen Monastery, located on a ridge with panoramic views of Manaslu and surrounding peaks—offering both cultural experience and one of the best viewpoints of the trek. Overnight stay in Samagaun.

Spending two nights in Samagaun is an important part of proper acclimatization on the Manaslu Circuit, allowing your body to gradually adjust to higher altitude before continuing the trek. Today is a flexible exploration day, with several options depending on your energy level and interest:

Option 1: Village Viewpoint Hike

A short and relaxed hike above Samagaun offers excellent views of Mount Manaslu and the surrounding peaks. This easy option is ideal for acclimatization, photography, and a gentle walk.

Option 2: Pungyen Monastery Hike

A moderate day hike to Pungyen Monastery, located on a ridge above the valley. The trail rewards you with wide alpine scenery, cultural insight, and panoramic mountain views.

Option 3: Manaslu Base Camp (4,500m)

A longer and more demanding full-day trek to Manaslu Base Camp, passing through rugged terrain, glacier zones, and seasonal snow. This route offers dramatic views of Mount Manaslu, glaciers, and high-altitude landscapes. It is a physically challenging full-day hike and best suited for well-acclimatized trekkers seeking a more strenuous adventure. After your chosen excursion, return to Samagaun for rest and recovery. Overnight stay in Samagaun.

Today’s trek continues north from Samagaun, following the Budhi Gandaki River as it gradually becomes smaller and more alpine in character within the Manaslu Circuit. Leaving Samagaun, the trail offers stunning mountain views, with Mount Manaslu gradually fading behind as you walk toward Kermo Kharka, a scenic viewpoint along the route. The landscape becomes more open and rugged, with wide valleys and high-altitude terrain. After crossing the river, you continue on a steady uphill path to Samdo (3,850m), a remote village close to the Tibet border. This is the last permanent settlement in the valley and is historically home to Tibetan refugee communities who settled here in the 1950s due to its proximity and safety. Samdo is a quiet, windswept mountain village surrounded by dramatic Himalayan scenery and offers a true sense of high-altitude life near the border region. Overnight stay in Samdo.

Today’s short but important trek takes you deeper into the high Himalayas toward Larke Phedi, also known as Dharmasala, along the Manaslu Circuit. The trail begins with a steady ascent from Samdo, gradually entering a wide, open alpine landscape with dramatic mountain views and a noticeably harsher high-altitude environment. Vegetation becomes sparse, and the terrain more rugged as you approach the upper valley. Along the way, you pass an ancient mani wall and a stone arch, as well as yak pastures, and cross glacial-fed streams, with increasing views of surrounding peaks and wind-swept valleys. The walk is relatively short in distance but feels more demanding due to the altitude gain. By afternoon, you arrive at Larke Phedi (4,460m), the final stop before crossing the Larke La Pass. This basic high-altitude settlement serves as a crucial resting point for trekkers preparing for the long, challenging pass crossing the next day. Overnight stay at Larke Phedi (Dharmasala).

Today is the most challenging and rewarding day of the Manaslu Circuit. An early start is essential as you leave Larke Phedi (Dharmasala) in cold, high-altitude conditions and begin the gradual ascent toward Larke La Pass. The trail follows a rugged route across moraine, rocky terrain, and occasional snow or ice depending on the season. As you gain elevation, the landscape becomes more dramatic, with expansive views of surrounding Himalayan peaks. Reaching the summit of Larke La Pass (5,106m) is a major milestone. From the top, you are rewarded with stunning panoramic views of Himlung Himal, Cheo Himal, Kang Guru, and Annapurna II—one of the most memorable highlights of the entire trek. Prayer flags flutter at the pass, making it a perfect spot for photos and a short rest. After spending some time at the top, the descent toward Bhimtang begins. The trail can be long and physically demanding, with steep sections, glacial terrain, and potentially icy paths, so careful footing is important. Trekking poles and micro crampons can be useful, especially in colder conditions. As you descend, the landscape gradually changes  from a high alpine environment to greener valleys. Following the route along the glacial basin and into the Burdin Khola valley, you eventually reach Bhimtang (3,720m), a beautiful alpine meadow surrounded by snow-capped peaks. After a long and rewarding day, you can relax and enjoy a well-earned rest in Bhimtang. Overnight stay in Bhimtang.

This day is kept flexible as a rest or contingency day in Bhimtang, following the demanding crossing of Larke La Pass. It provides a buffer in case of delays due to weather, trail conditions, or acclimatization needs. If the schedule is on track, the day can be used to rest and recover in the peaceful alpine surroundings of Bhimtang. Surrounded by snow-capped peaks and open meadows, it’s an ideal place to relax, rehydrate, and regain energy after the toughest day of the Manaslu Circuit. For those feeling active, short acclimatization walks around the valley offer beautiful views of the surrounding mountains and glacial landscapes. You can also take a short hike to Pongkar Lake. This extra day adds flexibility and enhances safety in high-altitude trekking conditions. Overnight stay in Bhimtang.

After a restful night in Bhimtang, the trail descends through a stunning alpine landscape along the Manaslu Circuit. You begin by crossing open meadows with impressive mountain views before entering a dense forest of rhododendron, pine, and oak. The route follows the Dudh Khola River, crossing several wooden bridges as you steadily lose altitude. As you descend, the scenery gradually shifts from high alpine terrain to lush green valleys and warmer surroundings. Passing through villages such as Gho and Tilije, you’ll notice a return to mixed cultural influences and traditional agricultural landscapes. The trail eventually joins the Annapurna Circuit route near Dharapani. Arriving at Dharapani (1,960m), you enter a lively village with better facilities, marking your return to more accessible trekking regions and the successful completion of this remarkable journey. At the end of the trek, it is customary to show appreciation to your guide and porters. While tipping is optional, it is a thoughtful way to acknowledge their support and dedication throughout the journey. Overnight stay in Dharapani.

The distance from Dharapani to Kathmandu is approximately 180 kilometers. From Dharapani, the journey begins with a drive to Besisahar in a 4WD vehicle, as the road is rough and unpaved in sections. Travel conditions may vary depending on the season and weather. Upon reaching Besisahar, you continue the journey to Kathmandu by private vehicle. From here, the road is paved and more comfortable, offering a smoother drive back to the capital.

Optional Extension (Trekking Route):

For those who wish to extend the adventure, it is also possible to trek for 2–3 additional days from Dharapani to Besisahar via the lower Annapurna region trails. This offers a more gradual transition out of the mountains and a deeper cultural experience through rural villages.

To ensure a safe and stress-free conclusion of the Manaslu Circuit with Larke La Pass trek, a buffer day is included in Kathmandu before your onward travel. This is especially important for itineraries crossing high mountain passes such as Larke La, where conditions in the high Himalayas can change rapidly. Heavy snowfall, strong winds, or low visibility may temporarily affect trail safety and require trekkers to adjust their pace or wait an additional day for improved conditions. Such delays are unpredictable and are a normal part of high-altitude trekking. The buffer day also provides flexibility in case of slower progress due to altitude, fatigue, or recovery needs during the trek. This extra time ensures the journey remains safe, well-paced, and stress-free throughout. If it is not required for delays, the day becomes a valuable opportunity to rest and recover after the trek, explore the cultural highlights of Kathmandu, enjoy optional sightseeing, or do last-minute shopping in Thamel. Overall, this added flexibility enhances safety, comfort, and peace of mind, making your Himalayan adventure smoother and more enjoyable.