Overview

The Manaslu Circuit trekking takes you on a challenging route with jaw-dropping views to the eight highest mountains of the world. The Manaslu circuit route lets you enjoy a challenging trek in comparatively low altitude compared to the Annapurna Circuit.

Itinerary

Kathmandu to Soti Khola Drive (700 m)

The Prithvi highway route from Kathmandu to Soti Khola is very scenic, driving through forested road, over the Trishuli river leading to a dirt road that heads uphill. The road taking us through Dhading Besi, Arughat, and above has splendid views of the southern slopes of the Ganesh, and Manalsu. The route descends downwards as we cross the Ankhur River and Budhi Gandaki at Arughat. Seti Khola is two hours drive from Arughat.
Soti Khola to Macha Khola (930 m)

Today we begin the first stage of our trek to Tsum valley. 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 the sandy riverbed and meandering trails. The last leg of the trail is uphill which takes us to the village of Machha Khola.
Macha Khola to Jagat (1340 m)

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 the small village of Khola beni. 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 Thado Bharyang. Before Jagat, we will come across the Manaslu Conservation area and police check post.
Jagat to Deng (1600 m)

For the first part of the trek, we will be climbing over a rocky ridge to reach Salleri before the route descends downwards. The trail starts to get wider until Ghatta Khola. Along the way, we will pass by the Gurung village of Philim. After a steep climb over a gorge and passing by a few sections of the bamboo forest, we will reach Deng.
Deng to Namrung (2630 m)

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.
Namrung to Shyala (3500 m)

Todays wal will be very short and sweet with the first close view of gigantic mountains.
Shyala to Samagaon (3520 m) (visit Pungen Gompa)

Take the route on the side moraine of the Pungyen Glacier. We will pass by chortens and monasteries along the way. As we head to a higher altitude, the trail becomes more challenging. After Thosang Khola, it starts to descend. This section of the trail is rocky. As we near Samagaon, the rocky trail gives way to wide agricultural lands. After you’ve settled in, you can hike to the Pungen Gompa. The view of glaciers is spectacular from the Gompa.
Rest or optional hike to Manaslu Base Camp (4400 m)

We will stay one day at Samagaon to acclimatize. You can opt to explore the village on your own and explore the local culture. If you are feel adventurous, you can head to the Manaslu Base Camp. You can also opt to hike to Birendra Lake, a glacial lake.
Samagaon to Samdo (3875 m)

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.
Samdo to Dharamshala (4460 m)

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.
Dharamshala to Bhimthang 3590m via Larke La (5160m)

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.
Bhimthang to Gho

Following the trail alongside the Dudh Koshi River, we will cross a wooden bridge and walk through dense forest cover of pine and rhododendrons. Keep a lookout for animals and birds along the way.
Gho to Tilije and drive to Beshisahar

We will be leaving the high altitudes and heading to lower grounds. The trail is mostly downhill today. Enjoy the last of the trek, as we pass along the rows of fields and pastures. The Gurung Villag of Tilije is along the way, well known for its locally brewed brandy. After passing through the forest, and crossing over a bridge, we slowly leave the trails marked with chortens and finally reaching Dharapani. From here, we will drive to Besisahar.
Beshi sahar to Kathmandu

The drive from Besi Sahar to Kathmandu is very scenic. Enjoy the view of the Marsyadi and Trishuli river as we drive on the Prithvi highway. At Kathmandu spend your remaining day at leisure.

Kathmandu to Soti Khola Drive (700 m)

The Prithvi highway route from Kathmandu to Soti Khola is very scenic, driving through forested road, over the Trishuli river leading to a dirt road that heads uphill. The road taking us through Dhading Besi, Arughat, and above has splendid views of the southern slopes of the Ganesh, and Manalsu. The route descends downwards as we cross the Ankhur River and Budhi Gandaki at Arughat. Seti Khola is two hours drive from Arughat.
Soti Khola to Macha Khola (930 m)

Today we begin the first stage of our trek to Tsum valley. 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 the sandy riverbed and meandering trails. The last leg of the trail is uphill which takes us to the village of Machha Khola.
Macha Khola to Jagat (1340 m)

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 the small village of Khola beni. 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 Thado Bharyang. Before Jagat, we will come across the Manaslu Conservation area and police check post.
Jagat to Deng (1600 m)

For the first part of the trek, we will be climbing over a rocky ridge to reach Salleri before the route descends downwards. The trail starts to get wider until Ghatta Khola. Along the way, we will pass by the Gurung village of Philim. After a steep climb over a gorge and passing by a few sections of the bamboo forest, we will reach Deng.
Deng to Namrung (2630 m)

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.
Namrung to Shyala (3500 m)

Todays wal will be very short and sweet with the first close view of gigantic mountains.
Shyala to Samagaon (3520 m) (visit Pungen Gompa)

Take the route on the side moraine of the Pungyen Glacier. We will pass by chortens and monasteries along the way. As we head to a higher altitude, the trail becomes more challenging. After Thosang Khola, it starts to descend. This section of the trail is rocky. As we near Samagaon, the rocky trail gives way to wide agricultural lands. After you’ve settled in, you can hike to the Pungen Gompa. The view of glaciers is spectacular from the Gompa.
Rest or optional hike to Manaslu Base Camp (4400 m)

We will stay one day at Samagaon to acclimatize. You can opt to explore the village on your own and explore the local culture. If you are feel adventurous, you can head to the Manaslu Base Camp. You can also opt to hike to Birendra Lake, a glacial lake.
Samagaon to Samdo (3875 m)

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.
Samdo to Dharamshala (4460 m)

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.
Dharamshala to Bhimthang 3590m via Larke La (5160m)

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.
Bhimthang to Gho

Following the trail alongside the Dudh Koshi River, we will cross a wooden bridge and walk through dense forest cover of pine and rhododendrons. Keep a lookout for animals and birds along the way.
Gho to Tilije and drive to Beshisahar

We will be leaving the high altitudes and heading to lower grounds. The trail is mostly downhill today. Enjoy the last of the trek, as we pass along the rows of fields and pastures. The Gurung Villag of Tilije is along the way, well known for its locally brewed brandy. After passing through the forest, and crossing over a bridge, we slowly leave the trails marked with chortens and finally reaching Dharapani. From here, we will drive to Besisahar.
Beshi sahar to Kathmandu

The drive from Besi Sahar to Kathmandu is very scenic. Enjoy the view of the Marsyadi and Trishuli river as we drive on the Prithvi highway. At Kathmandu spend your remaining day at leisure.

Manaslu Circuit Trek

Kathmandu to Soti Khola Drive (700 m)

Soti Khola to Macha Khola (930 m)

Macha Khola to Jagat (1340 m)

Jagat to Deng (1600 m)

Deng to Namrung (2630 m)

Namrung to Shyala (3500 m)

Shyala to Samagaon (3520 m) (visit Pungen Gompa)

Rest or optional hike to Manaslu Base Camp (4400 m)

Samagaon to Samdo (3875 m)

Samdo to Dharamshala (4460 m)

Dharamshala to Bhimthang 3590m via Larke La (5160m)

Bhimthang to Gho

Gho to Tilije and drive to Beshisahar

Beshi sahar to Kathmandu