Classic Manaslu Circuit Trek with Base Camp

Your adventure begins from the historic capital of Kathmandu. Upon arrival at the Tribhuvan International Airport, our representative will welcome and help transfer you to your hotel. Spend some time relaxing and unwinding. Later in the day, you will meet your guide for a pre-trek briefing and gear check.

The day begins with an early drive along the scenic highway toward the Manaslu region. The paved highway transitions to rustic tracks where you can get a first glimpse of the rural village life of Nepal. You will follow the Budhi Gandaki River to reach the Manaslu trailhead at Machakhola.

Your journey winds alongside the river and crosses several suspension bridges. You will further walk through small settlements, including Tatopani, known for its natural hot water springs. After crossing the West Bank, you will climb a ridge to reach Jagat, your overnight destination and the entry point to Manaslu Restricted Area.

Today, you will traverse deep into the dense bamboo forests and pass spectacular waterfalls. As you cross the Budhi Gandaki River several times, the valley narrows, and you enter settlements with heavy Tibetan influences. After a 6 to 7-hour hike, you will reach the quiet settlement of Deng or Pewa.

As you leave Deng/Pewa behind, you will begin to feel a shift in altitude as the vegetation shifts to rhododendron and pine forests. The journey to Namrung is steeper but rewards you with excellent viewpoints, offering the first clear glimpses of Siringi Himal and Ganesh Himal.

Today’s trek offers visually stunning views. You will trek through the upper regions of Nupri and take a detour to the ancient spiritual center of Pungyen Gompa. The Gompa is hidden under the massive glaciers of Manaslu. You will continue your journey toward Lho, where you will find a massive monastery and an awe-inspiring close-up view of Manaslu’s double peaks.

The trek from Lho to Sama Gaon is short and aids in better acclimatization. Your journey passes through the pine forests of Shyala before emerging into the wide glacial valley of Sama Gaon. Sama Gaon is the largest village of the region with deeply rooted Tibetan traditions.

Today is a crucial day as you dedicate the day to better acclimatization. As a part of this process, you will hike to the Manaslu Base Camp (4,800 meters) and find a close-up view of the glaciers. Alternatively, you can opt for a shorter walk to the turquoise Birendra Lake before returning to Sama Gaon.

From Sama Gaon, your journey continues upward of the Budhi Gandaki. The trail passes through juniper forests and wide meadows before reaching the remote settlement of Samdo, close to the Tibetan border. Here, you may find sights of yak caravans carrying goods across the high passes.

Today’s trek involves a significant increase in altitude. As you move toward the foot of the Larkya La Pass, you will experience high-altitude desert-like terrain. After a 4 to 5–hour hike, you will reach Larkya La Phedi or Dharmashala. Lodging is basic here and is designed specifically for trekkers crossing the pass. Go to bed early, as you will start the hike to Larkya La Pass early.

This is the most challenging but rewarding day of the trek. You will start the journey before dawn with the help of headlamps and flashlights. The pre-dawn start is crucial to avoid the high winds in the afternoon. The ascent to the Larkya La Pass (5,106 meters) is demanding, but upon reaching the summit, you will find breathtaking 360-degree views amid the colorful prayer flags. After spending some time on the summit, you will begin a long, steep descent to Bimthang.

Leaving the high-altitude destinations behind, you will descend through pine and rhododendron forest. The downhill journey to Tilje can be demanding on the knees. Follow the Himalayan rhythm for a more comfortable descent.

From Tilje, the trails transition from the Manaslu region to the Annapurna region. A further one-hour hike gets you to Dharapani, from where you will catch a local jeep for a bumpy but scenic drive to Besisahar.

You have come to the final day of the trek. You will board a bus back to Kathmandu (or Pokhara, depending on your preference). Enjoy the scenic highway views as you make your way along the Trishuli River, reflecting on the incredible memories of the 13-day Classic Manaslu Circuit Trek with Manaslu Base Camp.