16-Day Manaslu Circuit Trek from Kathmandu via Larkya La Pass

16 Days Duration

Experiences

About This Tour

The Manaslu Circuit Trek is one of Nepal's finest trekking experiences, combining astonishing cultural and natural beauty as you travel through the Manaslu Cons...

Duration: 16 Days · Tour type: Shared · Activity level: Hard · Accommodation: Included · Standard · Transport: Included · Wheelchair access: No · Cities: Kathmandu, Lhotse, Manaslu, Patan, Besisahar, Dharapani · Languages: English

Know before you go: Which season is best for this trekking?Normally, the Manaslu Circuit Trek in Nepal can be done at any time of the year. However, February, March, and April (spring), and September, October, and November (autumn) are the main trekking seasons. During these months, the weather is clear and there is a good chance of seeing amazing mountain views. Most days are sunny, warmer, and easier for walking. Along the trail, you can also see different types of flowers and fauna. In winter (December, January, and February), most trekking routes are covered by snow and temperatures are extremely cold. Many teahouses along the trekking route remain closed because of the low temperatures. Views may also be covered by fog and snow, so travelers usually do tent camping for this trek in winter. The monsoon season (June, July, and August) is an unfavorable time for trekking due to heavy rain, making the trek difficult and reducing the chances of mountain views.; What kinds of accommodation do we get during this trip?We provide a 3-star hotel, Hotel Bliss International or a similar category hotel, in Kathmandu, located on a peaceful street on the edge of Thamel. During the trek, we provide basic teahouses or local lodges. All accommodation is on a twin-share basis. A single supplement is available for an extra charge of $300.; What sort of meals do we get during this trip?We provide buffet breakfast in Kathmandu and Pokhara, which is included in the cost. We also provide three meals per day during the trek, namely breakfast, lunch, and dinner, selected from the available menu in the lodge and teahouse. Food during the trek is not as well presented as in Kathmandu; however, most of it is prepared by local people using produce from their fields. The food is organic, delicious, and quite healthy.; How fit should a trekker be for this trekking?Manaslu Circuit trekking is a moderate trek in the Manaslu and Annapurna region, so it can be done by people of any age group who have good health and fitness. Previous trekking experience is not required. We do not recommend this trek for travelers suffering from blood pressure issues or any disease or medical condition within the previous year. We highly recommend consulting a doctor before the trek.

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What's Included

Airport pickup and drop-off.
Kathmandu heritage sightseeing, including a tour guide, entry fees, and a private vehicle.
Three nights in a 3-star hotel in Kathmandu (Hotel Bliss International or a similar category) with breakfast on a twin-share basis.
Welcome dinner in Kathmandu.
Kathmandu - Arughat and Besisahar - Kathmandu by local bus/jeep.
Accommodation in lodges or teahouses during the trek on a twin-share basis.
Food during the trek: three meals a day - breakfast, lunch, and dinner - with tea or coffee.
An experienced, English-speaking, government-licensed trek leader and assistant trek leader (1 assistant guide for every 4 trekkers).
A professional, insured porter (1 porter for 2 guests), including salary, meals, accommodation, transportation, and insurance.
All necessary paperwork and permits, including the National Park Permit and restricted area permit.
Sleeping bag, trekking pole, and trekking map (the sleeping bag and trekking pole must be returned after trip completion).
A comprehensive medical kit.
All government and local taxes.

Not Included

Nepal visa fee (bring small denomination cash in USD and two passport photographs).
International airfare to and from Kathmandu.
Extra sightseeing activities beyond the itinerary.
Extra night accommodation in Kathmandu and guesthouse accommodation in case of early arrival, late departure, or early return from the mountain for any reason beyond the scheduled itinerary.
Lunch and evening meals in Kathmandu.
Excess baggage charges.
Travel and health insurance - emergency helicopter rescue insurance is highly recommended.
Personal expenses, such as phone calls, laundry, bar bills, battery recharge, extra porters, bottled or boiled water, showers, etc.
Tips for guides and porters.

Itinerary

1

Day 01

Arrival in Kathmandu and Hotel Transfer

Meet our representative at the international airport, who will guide you through the traditional alleys and winding streets of Kathmandu to your hotel. Receive a warm welcome with a cup of tea or coffee. Savor a welcome dinner organized by our team in the evening and get to know each other.
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Day 02

Kathmandu Sightseeing and Trek Preparation

Receive a quick briefing in the morning, then follow your guide to Kathmandu Pashupatinath Temple before driving to Boudhanath Stupa. Drive to Swayambhunath Stupa, popularly known as the "Monkey Temple," located on a small hill from where you can observe the whole Kathmandu Valley. Continue to the ancient royal palace of Patan Durbar Square, which houses several Hindu temples such as Bhimesh Temple, Vishwanath Temple, Taleju Bhawani Temple, and the famous Krishna Temple. Later in the evening, join a meeting with the trekking guide, make your trekking preparations, and check your trekking equipment. This will be your second overnight stay in Kathmandu.
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Day 03

Drive from Kathmandu to Soti Khola

Start your first day of the trek with an early morning drive west along the Kathmandu-Pokhara Highway to Soti Khola village, heading toward the Dhading hilltop village. The road passes through rural villages, settlements, green terraces, and lush hills. Inevitably, the road becomes a dirt track, and you begin to see Annapurna, Manaslu, Ganesh Himal, and Langtang Himal on the southern slopes. There are several rest stops along the way where you can take a quick break and have lunch. You will spend the night at a teahouse in Soti Khola.
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Day 04

Trek from Soti Khola to Machha Khola

Begin this thrilling trek after breakfast in Soti Khola. Pass through spectacular landscapes, including woods and swirling rice paddies, a cliff-face ridge, a rumbling river, and awe-inspiring waterfalls. Despite the rugged trail, the first day of this trek will be an unforgettable experience, and the breathtaking views of the landscape will delight you throughout the journey. Cross a bridge and walk through a Sal forest to the ridge above the Budhi Gandaki River, which is joined by the Tum Khola River in the Tibetan mountains. After passing two tropical waterfalls clinging to a cliffside, you reach Khorsane. Descend and pass through the rice paddies, continuing up to the beautiful Gurung village of Labubesi. Start ascending past a steep hillside where the valley opens up beside the river. Descend to the riverbank, walk over rounded stones, and then climb over a side ridge. Descend again to the river and cross another suspension bridge to enter the village of Machha Khola, where you will find many teahouses for your overnight stay.
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Day 05

Trek from Machha Khola to Jagat

Begin walking along the winding route on the bank of the Budhi Gandaki River. As you enter the forest trail, you may see many monkeys and langurs. Stroll through Gurung villages such as Lower Khorlabeshi, where the shepherds wear the traditional smoke-brown cape known as Bokkhu. After a short walk, reach Tatopani, meaning "hot water," where you can take a hot bath to relax. From there, cross a suspension bridge over the Budhi Gandaki River to reach Dobhan. Hike up the stone stairs after crossing the Yaru Khola, then descend to the stream and climb more stone stairs to Tharo Bharyang. Cross the Budhi Gandaki on the west bank, walk over a slope, trek along the waterway, and then make your way to Jagat. Overnight at Jagat.
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Day 06

Trek from Jagat to Deng

Begin the day with breakfast in the village of Jagat. Walk through diverse scenery, subtropical forests, small rivers, and simple yet attractive villages as you make your way to your final destination. Start the journey by moving to Salleri on a rough trail, then continue to Sirdibas. The valley widens a little as the route keeps going toward Ghatta Khola. Hike uphill to a long suspension bridge in the famous Gurung town of Philim. From here, the trail turns north above the lowest village houses and remains on a fairly level path as it passes through millet fields to Ekle Bhatti. The route then reaches a steep gorge, where grassy paths descend before crossing the Budhi Gandaki River. Walk a little along the west bank, then cross to the east bank before returning again to the west side. As you continue along the trail, the valley expands, and you pass through bamboo forest to the Deng Khola. Reach the village of Deng after crossing the Khola, where you will spend a cozy overnight stay.
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Day 07

Trek from Deng to Ghap

Depart the Gurung village of Deng, enjoying views of Siringi Himal, and walk past Bihi Phedi and Bihi to reach Ghap. A short distance beyond Deng, cross the Budhi Gandaki on the north bank and then ascend to Rana at 1,980 m. Climb a little from the bridge to reach the Bhi trail, then continue west up the Budhi Gandaki valley. Enter the Sringi Valley after crossing several streams and rivers. Pass through forests and mani walls to Ghap, where you will spend the night. You may also take a short side trip to Prok to see Tibetan gompas.
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Day 08

Trek from Ghap to Lho

Ascend through a dense pine forest before crossing a river running down a narrow gorge. Continue on the narrow forest trail to Namru, where there is a checkpoint, and then proceed to Lihi through the forest route past small Tibetan villages. Reach Sho village, where the cluster of stone homes and the chorten with intricate paintings make this small settlement extremely pleasant. The mountain views become more sensational as the altitude rises. Continue toward the village of Lho for your overnight stay. Along the way, spot Manaslu, Manaslu North, Himalchuli, Saula Himal, and Dwijen Himal on either side of the trail.
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Day 09

Trek from Lho to Samagaon

Begin with a steep descent through the Thusang Khola, a rock-strewn river. Climb to Shyala village on a plateau by hiking through shady fir trees. Enjoy magnificent views of Himal Chuli, Peak 29 (Ngadi Chuli), Manaslu, and Ganesh Himal surrounding the village as you pass through a big chorten into a small descent, where the main part of Samagaon is formed by two rows of houses. Stay overnight at Samagaon. Samagaon also has a renowned monastery.
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Day 10

Acclimatization Day in Samagaon

Spend the day in Samagaon for acclimatization and rest. You can walk to the famous monastery of Pung Gyen Gompa, from where you can enjoy a stunning view of the glacier. Observe a thousand mani stones inscribed with Buddhist texts, portraits of Sherpa women in traditional clothes and ornaments, and Buddhist books. Spend your day exploring and gaining insight into the village's everyday life.
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Day 11

Trek from Sama to Samdo

Start from Sama, at the foot of the massive Manaslu Glacier, where the path to Manaslu Base Camp splits. As the valley widens, take the trail toward Larkya La, passing several mani walls. Enter a birch, juniper, and rhododendron woodland, cross a wooden bridge, and climb gradually onto a hillside between two river forks before arriving at Samdo for the night.
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Day 12

Trek from Samdo to Dharamsala

After breakfast in Samdo, hike through Larke Bazaar, a seasonal Tibetan market, before descending to the Budhi Gandaki River. Cross the wooden bridge and continue ascending, passing two streams and enjoying views of the Larkya Glacier. Travel through the Salka Khola valley before climbing back up to Dharamsala, also known as Larke Phedi. Many traditional monasteries can be encountered along the way.
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Day 13

Cross Larkya La and Trek to Bimthang

After a brief climb, arrive in a valley on the north side of the Larkya Glaciers, from where you can see Cho Danda and Larkya Peak. Walk over the glacier moraines, gradually ascending to the pass, where you will be rewarded with spectacular views of Himlung Himal, Cheo Himal, Kanguru, and Annapurna II. Continue through yak pastures toward Bimthang, taking in the beautiful views from the pass and enjoying the evening mist. Overnight at Bimthang.
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Day 14

Trek from Bimthang to Tal

This is the last day of hiking on the Manaslu trails. As you descend, pass through lush forests rich in flora and fauna, particularly rhododendron. Walk straight across the Dudh Khola to Karche for lunch. In the next hour, see several signs of a glacial flood, including smashed tree trunks and bank erosion, and notice how the path becomes very rugged. Follow the trail as it descends to Gurung Goa, the first true village since Samdo. The valley begins to look more agricultural and greener as you pass through fields and forests of oak and rhododendron, continuing on the north bank until you reach Tilije. Continue your walk toward Dharapani and then onward to Tal.
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Day 15

Drive to Kathmandu via Besisahar

Drive to Kathmandu for 7 to 8 hours along the banks of the Marsyangdi and Trishuli rivers, admiring beautiful views of green hills, mountains, agricultural terraces, and villages. Freshen up and take a walk around the city before returning to your hotel in Kathmandu for the night. In the evening, enjoy a farewell dinner with our office team leader, where you can share your experience of the Manaslu Circuit Trek.
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Day 16

Departure from Kathmandu

On your last day in Nepal, our office staff will drop you off at the airport two hours before your departure, leaving you with fond memories of us and a memorable trekking experience.

Meeting Point

Meeting point: Tribhuvan International Airport (KTM), International Terminal, Kathmandu, Nepal · Tour start: Kathmandu 44600, Nepal — Tour ends at the same location as the start point.