Manaslu Circuit Trek – 16 Days

Itinerary

• Day 01: Arrival day in Kathmandu (1,300 m / 4,265 ft)

  Your journey begins with your arrival in Kathmandu (1,300 m / 4,265 ft), the vibrant capital city and main international gateway to Nepal via Tribhuvan International Airport. Upon landing, you will be warmly welcomed by a representative from Sherpa Himalaya, who will greet you with a traditional flower garland and a brief introduction to your upcoming adventure. Afterward, you will be comfortably transferred to your hotel, where you can relax, freshen up, and recover from jet lag, preparing yourself for the exciting Himalayan journey ahead.

  Overnight at KTM Hotel

• Day 02: Trek preparation day in Kathmandu

  Trek Preparation Day in Kathmandu is dedicated to finalizing your Himalayan adventure. On this day, we will meet to briefly review the full trekking itinerary and provide important information about the journey ahead.

  Our team will also assist you in checking your clothing and trekking equipment to ensure you are fully prepared for the conditions in the mountains. If any essential gear is missing, you will be guided to trusted shops in Kathmandu where you can purchase or rent necessary items.

  This preparation day ensures everything is well-organized and ready for a smooth and comfortable trekking experience. You will spend the night at your hotel in Kathmandu, relaxing and getting ready for the adventure ahead.

  Overnight at KTM Hotel

• Day 03: Drive from Kathmandu to Jagat [1410m/ 4625 feet] (9-10 hours)

  The drive from Kathmandu to Jagat (1,340 m / 4,396 ft) takes approximately 8–10 hours and marks the beginning of the adventurous Manaslu Circuit Trek.

  The journey follows scenic highways and rugged mountain roads alongside beautiful river valleys, terraced farmlands, waterfalls, and traditional hillside villages. Along the way, travelers can enjoy stunning views of green hills, flowing rivers, and glimpses of Himalayan landscapes as the road gradually enters the remote Manaslu region.

  Jagat is a charming mountain village and an important gateway to the Manaslu Conservation Area, where trekkers officially begin their Himalayan trekking adventure.

  Overnight at Jagat

• Day 04: Trek from Jagat (1,340 m / 4,396 ft) to Deng (1,860 m / 6,102 ft) (6 - 7 hours)

  The trek from Jagat (1,340 m / 4,396 ft) to Deng (1,860 m / 6,102 ft) takes approximately 6–7 hours and offers a beautiful journey through the remote landscapes of the Manaslu region.

  The trail follows the Budhi Gandaki River through dense forests, suspension bridges, rocky paths, and traditional mountain villages. Along the way, trekkers pass charming settlements such as Philim and experience the rich culture and lifestyle of the local Gurung and Tibetan-influenced communities.

  The route features dramatic river gorges, cascading waterfalls, and stunning views of surrounding hills and Himalayan peaks. As the trek gradually ascends, the scenery becomes more remote and peaceful, offering an authentic Himalayan trekking experience away from crowded trails.

  Deng is a quiet mountain village surrounded by forests and steep cliffs, making it a perfect overnight stop on the Manaslu Circuit Trek.

  Overnight at Deng.

• Day 05: Trek from Deng (1,860 m / 6,102 ft) to Ghap (2,250 m / 7,382 ft)(5-6 hours)

  The trek from Deng (1,860 m / 6,102 ft) to Ghap (2,250 m / 7,382 ft) takes approximately 5–6 hours and offers a peaceful walk through the beautiful upper Manaslu region.

  Along the way, trekkers can enjoy scenic views of waterfalls, river gorges, and surrounding Himalayan landscapes while following the Budhi Gandaki River.As the trek gains altitude, the culture and scenery gradually change, revealing more Buddhist influences with mani walls, prayer flags, and ancient monasteries along the route. The peaceful environment and untouched mountain beauty make this section of the Manaslu Circuit especially rewarding.

  Ghap is a small and quiet village surrounded by forests and alpine scenery, offering a relaxing overnight stop before continuing toward Namrung and higher Himalayan terrain.

  Overnight at Ghap.

• Day 06: Trek from Ghap (2,250 m / 7,382 ft) to Namrung (2,630 m / 8,628 ft) (5-6 hours)

  The trek from Ghap (2,250 m / 7,382 ft) to Namrung (2,630 m / 8,628 ft) takes approximately 5–6 hours and offers a beautiful journey through the remote Himalayan landscapes of the Manaslu region.

  As you gain altitude, the mountain scenery becomes more dramatic with stunning views of Ganesh Himal, Himal Chuli, and surrounding snow-covered peaks. The peaceful environment, alpine forests, and authentic village lifestyle make this section of the trek both culturally rich and visually rewarding.

  Namrung is a beautiful Tibetan-influenced village surrounded by Himalayan views and serves as an important gateway to the higher alpine region of the Manaslu Circuit Trek.

  Overnight at Namrung.

• Day 07: Trek from Namrung (2,630 m / 8,628 ft) to Shyala (3,500 m / 11,483 ft) (5–6 hours)

  The trek from Namrung (2,630 m / 8,628 ft) to Shyala (3,500 m / 11,483 ft) takes approximately 5–6 hours and offers some of the most spectacular mountain scenery on the Manaslu Circuit Trek.

  The trail passes through beautiful Tibetan-influenced villages, alpine forests, mani walls, and traditional monasteries while gradually ascending into the higher Himalayan region. Along the way, trekkers enjoy breathtaking views of Mt. Manaslu, Himal Chuli, Ngadi Chuli, Ganesh Himal, and other snow-covered peaks.

  Shyala is a beautiful mountain village located in the heart of the Himalayas, offering incredible close-up views of Manaslu and the surrounding peaks, making it one of the most scenic overnight stops of the trek.

  Overnight at Shyala. 

• Day 08: Trek from Shyala (3,500 m / 11,483 ft) to Samagaon (3,530 m / 11,581 ft) (3-4 hours)

  The trek from Shyala (3,500 m / 11,483 ft) to Samagaon (3,530 m / 11,581 ft) takes approximately 3–4 hours and offers breathtaking Himalayan scenery and rich mountain culture.

  The trail passes through wide alpine valleys, yak pastures, mani walls, and traditional Tibetan-influenced villages with stunning views of Mt. Manaslu, Himal Chuli, and surrounding snow-covered peaks.

  As you reach Samagaon, you will experience the authentic lifestyle of the local Tibetan Buddhist community, with stone houses, monasteries, prayer flags, and peaceful Himalayan surroundings. Samagaon is one of the most beautiful and culturally rich villages in the Manaslu region.

  Overnight at Samagaon.

• Day 09: Acclimatization Day (visit Birendra Lake)

  The acclimatization day at Samagaon is an important part of the Manaslu Circuit Trek, helping trekkers adjust to the increasing altitude and reduce the risk of altitude sickness.

  For acclimatization, trekkers can hike to the beautiful Pungyen Gompa, a peaceful Buddhist monastery offering spectacular views of Mt. Manaslu and the surrounding Himalayan landscape. Along the trail, you may spot Himalayan Thars, yaks grazing in alpine meadows, and stunning glacier scenery.

  Another popular option is a hike toward Manaslu Base Camp (4,400 m / 14,435 ft), passing the beautiful Birendra Lake and the Manaslu Glacier. The gradual climb rewards trekkers with breathtaking close-up views of Mt. Manaslu and the dramatic high-altitude landscape.

  For those preferring a shorter and more relaxing walk, Birendra Lake offers a peaceful hiking option with incredible mountain views and tranquil surroundings. This acclimatization day allows trekkers to rest, explore, and prepare for the higher elevations ahead.

  Overnight at Samagaon

   

• Day 10: Trek from Samagaon (3,530 m / 11,581 ft) to Samdo (3,875 m / 12,713 ft) (3 - 4 hours)

  The trek from Samagaon (3,530 m / 11,581 ft) to Samdo (3,875 m / 12,713 ft) takes around 3–4 hours and offers a scenic high-altitude journey in the Manaslu region.

  The trail ascends gradually through alpine landscapes, yak pastures, and traditional Tibetan-influenced villages with stunning views of Mt. Manaslu and surrounding peaks.

  Samdo is a peaceful Himalayan village near the Tibetan border, known for its unique culture, stone houses, and yak herding lifestyle, making it an important acclimatization stop before Larke Pass.

  Overnight at Samdo

• Day 11: Trek from Samdo (3,875 m / 12,713 ft) to Dharamsala (4,460 m / 14,632 ft)(4-5 hours)

  The trek from Samdo (3,875 m / 12,713 ft) to Dharamsala (4,460 m / 14,632 ft) takes approximately 4–5 hours and is a short but important ascent before crossing the Larke Pass.

  The trail climbs gradually through barren alpine terrain, glacial valleys, and rugged mountain landscapes with spectacular views of Mt. Manaslu, Larke Peak, and surrounding Himalayan ranges. As you gain altitude, the environment becomes more remote and dramatic, offering a true high-altitude wilderness experience.

  Along the way, trekkers may encounter yak caravans and witness the traditional lifestyle of the local Tibetan-influenced communities, where life revolves around animal herding and high-mountain trade routes.

  Dharamsala, also known as Larke Phedi, is a basic high-altitude settlement that serves as the final resting point before crossing the challenging Larke Pass.

  Overnight at Dharamsala.

• Day 12: Trek from Dharamsala (4,460 m / 14,632 ft) to Bimthang (3,720 m / 12,205 ft) via the famous Larke Pass (5,106 m / 16,752 ft)  (8-10 hours)

  The journey begins early in the morning with a steady climb toward Larke Pass, crossing glacial terrain, rocky trails, and snow-covered landscapes. From the top of the pass, trekkers are rewarded with breathtaking panoramic views of Mt. Manaslu, Himlung Himal, Cheo Himal, Kang Guru, and the Annapurna range stretching across the horizon.

  After crossing the pass, the trail descends steeply into a dramatic valley filled with glaciers, moraines, and alpine scenery. As you move lower, the landscape becomes greener, with beautiful forests and yak grazing areas.

  Bimthang is a peaceful Himalayan valley surrounded by snow-capped peaks and alpine meadows, where trekkers can relax after the demanding crossing. The village reflects a simple mountain lifestyle centered around yak herding and seasonal trekking tourism, offering a warm and welcoming atmosphere after a long high-altitude day.

  Overnight at Bimthang.

• Day 13: Trek from Bimthang (3,720 m / 12,205 ft) to Gho (2,515 m / 8,251 ft) (5-6 hours)
  The trail gradually descends from alpine terrain into green forests, passing rivers, wooden bridges, and peaceful valleys. Along the way, trekkers enjoy stunning views of Mt. Manaslu, Lamjung Himal, and other surrounding Himalayan peaks as the scenery transitions from rugged mountains to lower, forested hills.

  As you move further down, the environment becomes warmer and more vibrant with rhododendron and pine forests, waterfalls, and traditional settlements. The region reflects a simple mountain lifestyle, where locals depend on farming, livestock, and seasonal trekking activities.

  Gho is a quiet village surrounded by natural beauty and serves as a comfortable resting stop before continuing toward Dharapani and the lower Manaslu region.

  Overnight at Gho

• Day 14: Trek from Gho (2,515 m / 8,251 ft) to Dharapani (1,860 m / 6,102 ft)-2 hours and Drive to Besisahar (760 m / 2,493 ft)-3 hours drive

  The journey from Gho (2,515 m / 8,251 ft) to Dharapani (1,860 m / 6,102 ft) takes approximately 2 hours of easy trekking and offers a smooth transition from the high mountains to the lower Himalayan foothills.

  The trail follows a pleasant descent through forests, riversides, and traditional villages, crossing suspension bridges and scenic valleys along the way. Trekkers can still enjoy views of surrounding Himalayan peaks while gradually entering greener and more cultivated landscapes.

  Dharapani is an important junction connecting the Manaslu and Annapurna trekking regions, where the mountain environment begins to blend with road-accessible settlements. From here, a 3-hour scenic drive leads to Besisahar (760 m / 2,493 ft), passing through winding roads, river valleys, waterfalls, and terraced farmlands.

  This combined trek and drive marks the final phase of the Manaslu Circuit adventure, offering a comfortable and scenic return from the Himalayas back to the lower valleys.

  Overnight at Beshisahar

• Day 15: Drive from Besisahar to Kathmandu (6-7 hours Drive)

  The drive from Besisahar to Kathmandu takes about 6 to 7 hours, winding through scenic valleys, terraced hillsides, and bustling towns. Along the way, you’ll enjoy views of rivers, farmland, and traditional villages, gradually descending from the mountains to the vibrant capital city. This route offers a comfortable and picturesque end to your Manaslu trekking journey.

  Overnight at Hotel in Kathmandu

• Day 16: Final Departure

  On your final day in Kathmandu, a Sherpa Himalaya representative will meet you at your hotel for a warm farewell before your departure. You will be comfortably transferred to Tribhuvan International Airport in time for your flight, ensuring a smooth and hassle-free exit from Nepal.

  Before saying goodbye, the team will express their gratitude for sharing this incredible Himalayan journey with you. As a token of appreciation, you will be presented with a traditional Buddhist scarf (Kha-tak), symbolizing peace, prosperity, long life, and harmony, along with a certificate marking your successful completion of Manaslu Circuit Trek. With heartfelt thanks and a warm Namaste, the team bids you farewell, hoping to welcome you again for another unforgettable adventure in Nepal.