Manaslu Circuit Trek

A representative from Adventure Kora will escort you from the airport to your hotel. In the afternoon, you can opt to take a short excursion through the city, especially the Kathmandu Durbar Square to take you on a cultural and historical tour of the ancient city.

Today you will spend your day preparing for your trek. If you still have some last minute trek supplies to purchase, our guides will take you to some of the adventure sports stores. We’ll head back to the hotel for dinner where the guide will orient you about the Manaslu Circuit trek.  

We head early towards Sotikhola, a nine hours drive from Kathmandu. The road is paved from Kathmandu until Dhading with a section of rough roads until Arughat. Arughat is one of the major areas of the region. From here on Sotikhola is a few hours away.

Today we begin the first stage of our trek. The route takes us through thick Sal forest, ridges over the huge rapids of Budhi Gandaki river, rocky trails, waterfalls, and a few challenging sections along the cliff. It then heads on to beautiful terraced farms, the Gurung village of Laubesi, through sandy riverbeds until we reach the suspension bridge. The village of Machha Khola lies on the other end of the suspension bridge.

We pass through the hot spring in Tatopani on our way to Jagat. The route includes a few sections of narrow trails until we reach Khorlabesi. Crossing over suspension bridges over the River Budhi Gandaki and Yaru Khola, we have some uphill route awaiting us. Walking on stone staircases, we reach the village of Tharo Bhanjyang. A short while later after crossing the Budhi Gandaki, we have steep climb before we reach Jagat.  

For the first part of the trek, we will have to climb over a rocky ridge to reach Salleri before the route descends downwards. Along the way, the route gives way to a wider route until Ghatta Khola. We will be passing through another Gurung settlement- the village of Philim. Continuing on the route, we tackle a  steep climb over a gorge and a few sections of the bamboo forest until we reach Deng.

Walking at a gradual pace the route takes us across the River Gandaki. It turns uphill and then passes through dense forest, rows of many, gompas, gradually leading upwards towards a thick forest area.  

The sunrise from Narmung valley is very beautiful given its geographical location. The views of Siring, Ganesh Himal, Mt. Himal chuli are simply breathtaking from the viewpoints.  Walking away from terraced rows and beautiful mountains, we head towards the village of Samagaon. We can also visit the famous Ribung Gompa at Lho village. Along the way, we will be greeted by a spectacular view of Mt. Manaslu and other mountains.

We stay at Samagaon for acclimatization. Feel free to explore the area, its rich Sherpa culture and walk towards the Pungyen Gompa. From here you will have an undisturbed view of the glaciers.

We head down towards the Budhi Gandaki River. Our route leads us through the Larkya La Trail passes. The route is fairly easy, passing through juniper and birch forest of Kermo Kharka. A small section of the steep climb and across the Budhi Gandaki River, we take the route leading towards Samdo.

Today we stay at Samdo to acclimatize. There are many hiking options. But the one we recommend is the route that leads to the trade passes to Tibet where you will come across several herding settlements called doksas. Keep a lookout for the Lophophorus while you hike. The route has breathtaking views of Manaslu and several other mountain ranges like Simrang, Hiunchuli, Ngadi, Larkye Peak, Cheo and possibly Kang Guru behind the pass.

As we head towards the valley of Salka Khola, the trail leads us to streams and views of Larkya Glacier. Our destination today is the shelter house- Dharamshala. Since we have a short trek today, we have plenty of time to acclimatize.

A long trek awaits us today. The route takes us to valley facing the north side of the Larkya Glaciers, across moraines and uphill route at the later section of the pass. Enjoy the views of Himlung Himal, Cheo Himal, Kangguru and the huge Annapurna II. The last stretch towards Bimthang is slightly strenuous, however, the incredible sight of the low pastures being engulfed with mist and the daunting peak of Mt. Manaslu is well worth the effort.

Heading towards high pasture, we cross the bridge over the Dudh Khola. The trail is very scenic passing through rhododendron forest to the narrow valley until the valley of Karche, a cultivated land area on a high altitude. A short steep climb over a ridge and a short distance later we reach Gho. Continuing on the route, we reach the village of Tilije.

The trek today is enjoyable as it passes through scenic routes, with rustic villages, walls with mani, and shortens shaped arches before we enter the boundaries that marks the Annapurna Circuit. The village of Tal is very picturesque situated near a wall.

Following the trail towards the Chyamje village and across the Marshyangdi Khola we head towards the forest trail. Passing through terraced fields and villages, the trail heads towards through rhododendron and pine forest before opening up to the trail that leads to Syange.

The drive from Syanje to Kathmandu takes around 8-9 hours. Along the way, you can enjoy the landscape that slowly changes from mountainous to hilly, while you reminisce about your Manaslu Circuit Trek. At Kathmandu, feel free to spend your time at leisure.

A representative from Adventure Kora will drop you off at the airport.