Welcome to Nepal! Upon your arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport, a representative from Summit Nepal Adventure will be waiting to greet you and transfer you to your hotel in the heart of Kathmandu. After checking in, you can relax after your flight or take a short stroll through the lively streets of Thamel, the city’s cultural and tourist hub. In the evening, you’ll have a pre-trek briefing with your guide to go over gear, permits, and final preparations. Overnight in Kathmandu.
Begin your journey early with a scenic and adventurous drive to Machha Khola, the starting point of the Manaslu Circuit Trek. The road takes you through hills, terraced fields, and small settlements along the Trishuli and Budi Gandaki rivers. The drive, though long and bumpy in parts, is filled with glimpses of rural life and natural beauty. You’ll pass towns like Arughat and Soti Khola before arriving in the riverside village of Machha Khola. Overnight at a local teahouse.
The trail today follows the Budi Gandaki River, weaving through narrow gorges, lush forests, and suspension bridges. You'll cross several streams and pass charming villages like Tatopani, known for its natural hot springs. The trail gradually ascends through terraced farmland and rocky terrain until you reach Jagat, a traditional village with stone-paved streets and checkposts for the restricted area. Overnight in a teahouse in Jagat.
Today’s trek takes you deeper into the Manaslu Conservation Area, climbing steadily through subtropical forest and crossing suspension bridges over the Budi Gandaki. The trail passes Philim, a large Gurung village, and continues along scenic ridges and waterfalls. As you gain altitude, the landscape becomes more alpine and the air cooler. Arrive in Deng, a small settlement where Tibetan influence becomes more noticeable. Overnight in Deng.
Leaving Deng, the trail enters a forested section with bamboo and rhododendron. You’ll climb through winding paths with views of cascading waterfalls and dramatic gorges. Pass through Bihi and Ghap, villages with strong Buddhist culture evident in their prayer wheels and mani stones. The trail then ascends through a dense pine forest before reaching Namrung, a beautiful village with panoramic views of Ganesh Himal and Mount Himalchuli. Overnight in a local lodge.
After breakfast, the trail ascends gently through beautiful alpine scenery, with stone chortens, barley fields, and monasteries along the way. You'll pass through Lho, where you can visit Ribung Monastery and enjoy your first clear views of Manaslu (8,163m). Continue on to Shyala, a scenic village with views of Himalchuli, Peak 29, and Manaslu. From there, a short walk brings you to Samagaun, one of the largest and most culturally rich villages in the region. Overnight in Samagaun.
Today's trek is shorter and ideal for further acclimatization. Leaving Samagaun, the trail ascends gradually through yak pastures and open valley landscapes. You'll pass mani walls and chortens before arriving at the picturesque village of Samdo, located near the Tibetan border. This is one of the highest permanently inhabited villages in the region and a great place to learn about Tibetan-influenced lifestyles. After reaching Samdo, explore the surrounding hills or relax and prepare for the higher elevation ahead. Overnight in Samdo.
Today’s hike takes you closer to the challenging Larkya La Pass. Departing from Samdo, the trail climbs steadily along barren, windy terrain and offers stunning views of snow-capped peaks. You'll pass the remains of a seasonal Tibetan bazaar and eventually reach Dharmasala (also known as Larkya Phedi), a small outpost used by trekkers preparing for the pass. Facilities here are basic due to the altitude and remoteness, but the hospitality remains warm. Rest and hydrate for tomorrow’s big ascent. Overnight in Dharmasala.
Start early today for the most challenging and rewarding part of the trek—crossing Larkya La Pass (5,106m). The climb is gradual but strenuous due to high altitude and snow or wind conditions. As you reach the top, enjoy breathtaking views of Himlung Himal, Kang Guru, and Annapurna II. Descend carefully on the other side, which can be slippery, to the beautiful valley of Bimthang, surrounded by glacial moraine and snowy peaks. This long day ends with well-deserved rest. Overnight in Bimthang.
Today’s trail descends dramatically from alpine terrain to lush forests. As you walk down through rhododendron and pine groves, enjoy views of Mount Manaslu and Lamjung Himal. The trail passes through the villages of Yak Kharka, Karche, and Tilje, showcasing changing vegetation and culture. After Tilje, cross the Marsyangdi River and follow the path to Dharapani, where you'll reconnect with the Annapurna Circuit route. Overnight at a lodge in Dharapani.
After breakfast, board a jeep for the drive from Dharapani to Besisahar, where you’ll transfer to a private vehicle for the longer drive back to Kathmandu. The return journey is a mix of rugged mountain roads and scenic highways, offering one last chance to admire the Nepalese countryside. Upon arrival in Kathmandu, check into your hotel and enjoy a celebratory dinner or stroll through the city’s cultural streets. Overnight in Kathmandu.
Depending on your flight time, enjoy a final morning in Kathmandu with some souvenir shopping or a visit to a local café. A Summit Nepal Adventure representative will ensure your smooth transfer to the airport for your onward journey. We hope your Manaslu Circuit Trek has been a memorable and transformative experience, filled with adventure, culture, and natural beauty.
The Manaslu Circuit Trek is one of Nepal’s most stunning and off-the-beaten-path trekking experiences, circling the majestic Mount Manaslu (8,163m)—the world’s 8th highest peak. Known for its raw natural beauty, cultural richness, and fewer crowds compared to the Annapurna or Everest regions, this 12-day adventure offers trekkers a chance to explore remote mountain villages, deep gorges, Tibetan-influenced Buddhist culture, and high alpine scenery. A major highlight of the trek is crossing the Larkya La Pass (5,106m)—one of the most dramatic and rewarding mountain passes in the Himalayas.
The Manaslu Circuit Trek is rated as moderate to challenging. While no technical climbing is involved, trekkers should be prepared for long daily walking hours (6–8 hours on average), high altitudes, and steep ascents and descents. The trail reaches a maximum elevation of 5,106 meters at Larkya La Pass, where proper acclimatization and fitness are key. Summit Nepal Adventure builds in gradual altitude gain and rest points to help you adapt safely. Previous trekking experience is helpful but not mandatory for those in good physical condition.
The ideal seasons for the Manaslu Circuit Trek are spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November). During these periods, the weather is generally stable with clear skies and moderate temperatures. Rhododendron forests bloom in spring, while autumn offers crisp mountain views and dry trails. Winter treks are possible but can be harsh due to snow at higher elevations, especially near Larkya La Pass. The monsoon season (June–August) is not recommended due to heavy rains and slippery trails.
As a restricted area, the Manaslu Circuit requires several permits:
Manaslu Restricted Area Permit (RAP)
Manaslu Conservation Area Permit (MCAP)
Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP)
Trekkers’ Information Management System (TIMS) card (optional depending on route)
These permits help preserve the region's environment and support local communities. Summit Nepal Adventure arranges all permits for you in advance, so you don’t need to worry about the paperwork.
You’ll stay in locally run tea houses and guesthouses along the route. These accommodations are simple but comfortable, offering clean rooms (usually twin sharing), warm meals, and a friendly atmosphere. Some lodges may have attached bathrooms, while others offer shared facilities. At higher elevations like Samagaun, Samdo, and Dharmasala, facilities can be more basic due to remoteness. Summit Nepal Adventure selects the best available lodges and ensures cleanliness, safety, and warm hospitality throughout the trek.
Yes, altitude sickness is a potential risk, especially as the trek reaches elevations above 3,000 meters, with the highest point being Larkya La Pass at 5,106m. Summit Nepal Adventure designs the itinerary to allow proper acclimatization, with gradual elevation gain and overnight stops in key acclimatization points such as Samagaun and Samdo. Our guides are trained to recognize symptoms of altitude sickness and provide support, including first aid and arrangements for emergency evacuation if necessary.
Essential gear includes layered clothing, a warm down jacket, hiking boots, thermal underwear, waterproof outer layers, a hat, gloves, trekking poles, and a sleeping bag rated to -10°C or lower. You’ll also need a headlamp, reusable water bottle, personal toiletries, and a basic medical kit. A detailed packing checklist will be provided by Summit Nepal Adventure after booking to help you prepare adequately for the trek.
Teahouses offer a variety of local and international meals such as dal bhat, noodles, soups, pasta, and pancakes. Vegetarian options are widely available. To stay hydrated, you can purchase boiled water or use purification tablets/filters for tap water. Summit Nepal Adventure emphasizes hygiene and encourages trekkers to avoid plastic bottles by using reusable containers.
The journey begins with a private jeep or public bus ride from Kathmandu to Machha Khola, which takes around 9–10 hours. After completing the trek at Dharapani, you’ll drive back to Kathmandu via Besisahar. While roads can be rough and bumpy in some areas, Summit Nepal Adventure arranges the safest and most reliable transportation available.
Yes, but according to government regulations, solo trekking is not allowed in restricted areas like Manaslu. You must trek with at least one registered guide and a group of two or more people. Summit Nepal Adventure helps pair solo travelers with others or arranges private departures upon request, always ensuring government rules are met.
Absolutely! Summit Nepal Adventure offers flexible and customizable itineraries based on your time, fitness level, and travel interests. Whether you want to extend your stay in Kathmandu, add a side trip to Tsum Valley, or shorten the driving days, we’ll adapt the route to best fit your needs. Private treks, group departures, and upgraded accommodations are also available.
Summit Nepal Adventure is a locally operated and government-licensed trekking company with years of experience leading treks in the Manaslu region. We focus on safety, professionalism, and personalized service, offering knowledgeable guides, ethical practices, and deep cultural insight. From permits to planning, accommodations to altitude care, we handle every detail—so you can focus on enjoying one of Nepal’s most rewarding adventures.
