12-Day Manaslu Circuit Trek

Early morning departure from Kathmandu by private 4WD or rugged bus.

Drive west along the Prithvi Highway, turning north past Arughat and Soti Khola into the Budhi Gandaki River basin.

Wind through rural mid-hill farming terraces, cascading streams, and rocky gorges.

Arrive at the riverside trading settlement of Machha Khola (900 m).

Settle into a local teahouse, enjoy a warm dinner, and rest for the first night.

Hearty breakfast before embarking on the first day of foot trekking.

Follow the winding gorge of the Budhi Gandaki River, crossing suspension bridges and passing natural hot springs at Tatopani.

Climb stone stairs through riverbanks, forests, and sheer canyon walls before entering the Gurung village of Jagat (1,340 m).

Complete official Manaslu Conservation Area Project (MCAP) entry permit formalities at the police checkpoint.

Dinner and overnight stay in a traditional stone-paved teahouse.

Morning departure climbing up a rocky ridge to Salleri with panoramic river views, then descending to Sirdibas.

Cross Nepal's longest suspension bridge over the Budhi Gandaki to reach Philim, a large prosperous Gurung town surrounded by millet and corn fields.

Continue through narrow gorges, bamboo groves, and lush pine forests as the valley narrows dramatically.

Cross the river again and enter the small village of Deng (1,860 m), marking your entry into the Tibetan-influenced northern valleys.

Dinner and overnight rest at a local lodge.

Ascend through dense forests of fir, oak, and blooming rhododendron alive with native birdlife and langur monkeys.

Pass ancient Buddhist mani stones and carved prayer wheels in settlements like Ghap.

Trek alongside churning glacial torrents and cross scenic wooden bridges.

Climb steadily up stone steps through alpine forests to arrive at Namrung (2,630 m), renowned for its entrance gate (Kani) and sweeping views of Sringi Himal.

Enjoy a warm dinner and comfortable overnight stay.

Walk through alpine pastures past the picturesque Nubri villages of Lho and Shyala, where views of Mt. Manaslu (8,163 m), Himal Chuli, and Peak 29 open up.

Visit Ribung Gompa in Lho and marvel at the striking twin summits of Manaslu dominating the skyline.

Continue through pine and birch woodlands along the river plateau to reach Samagaon (3,530 m), the largest and most culturally significant village in the Nubri valley.

Settle into the lodge, explore traditional wooden flat-roofed houses, dine, and rest.

Dedicated rest and acclimatization day to adjust to the thinner high-altitude atmosphere.

Optional morning side hike to the turquoise glacial waters of Birendra Lake (3,620 m) nestled at the foot of the Manaslu Glacier.

Alternative excursion to historic Pungyen Gompa, situated on a high pasture with views of Manaslu’s eastern face.

Afternoon leisure to stroll through Samagaon, spin prayer wheels, hydrate, and relax at the lodge.

Hearty dinner and second overnight stay in Samagaon.

Morning departure descending to the Budhi Gandaki riverbed before following a gentle uphill trail through dwarf juniper and alpine tundra.

Cross wooden bridges over glacial meltwaters and pass long carved mani walls and ancient chortens.

Ascend toward Samdo (3,875 m), a traditional Tibetan refugee settlement situated just miles from the border pass to Tibet (Lajyung Bhanjyang).

Enjoy sweeping panoramas of Samdo Peak, Naike Peak, and alpine moraines.

Rehydrate with hot soup, enjoy dinner, and rest overnight in a rustic mountain lodge.

Short, steady high-altitude climb across alpine scree slopes and seasonal streams.

Pass the historic trade junction where the ancient route leads across to Tibet, and cross the wooden bridge over the Athahra Saya Khola.

Ascend through rugged, windswept terrain flanking the Larkya Glacier moraine.

Arrive at Dharamsala (Larkya Phedi) at 4,460 m, the base camp shelter for the pass crossing.

Early dinner, equipment check, and early bedtime to prepare for a pre-dawn push over the pass.

Pre-dawn start (around 04:00) with headlamps, ascending gradual frozen moraines and glacial ridges.

Reach the prayer-flag adorned summit of Larkya La Pass at 5,160 m (16,929 ft), the trek's highest vantage point.

Take in extraordinary 360-degree panoramas of Himlung Himal, Cheo Himal, Kang Guru, Gyaji Kung, and the Annapurna massif.

Celebrate the crossing with hot tea before commencing a steep, careful descent along loose scree and snowfields.

Arrive at the wide, peaceful alpine amphitheater of Bimthang (3,590 m) for well-deserved hot food, celebration, and overnight sleep.

Morning departure enjoying morning views of Mt. Manaslu from a different angle.

Descend through lush pine, rhododendron, and fir woodlands along the banks of the Dudh Khola.

Pass through high pastures at Karche and cultivate terraced fields as altitude drops into warmer, oxygen-rich air.

Walk through Gho village to reach the vibrant multi-ethnic settlement of Tilije (2,300 m).

Enjoy local hospitality, an evening hot meal, and a comfortable night's rest.

Short morning descent crossing a suspension bridge over the Dudh Khola to join the main trail at Thoche.

Cross the Marsyangdi River to arrive at Dharapani, where the Manaslu Circuit joins the Annapurna Circuit route.

Conclude the foot trek and board a rugged 4WD vehicle for the scenic drive along the Marsyangdi River canyon.

Arrive at the district hub of Besisahar.

Check into a comfortable hotel, celebrate the successful circuit crossing with your trekking crew, dine, and rest.

Leisurely breakfast at the lodge before boarding private transport.

Follow the Prithvi Highway along the Marsyangdi and Trishuli river valleys back toward the Kathmandu Valley.

Stop for lunch and fresh river vistas along the highway.

Arrive back in Kathmandu by mid-to-late afternoon and transfer directly to your hotel.

Conclude your Manaslu Circuit expedition with Om Holidays Tour & Trek, with options for onward journey arrangements or holiday extensions.