Manaslu Circuit Trek

Today, you will visit three UNESCO World Heritage Sites in the Kathmandu Valley: Kathmandu Durbar Square, Boudhanath Stupa, and Pashupatinath Temple.

Kathmandu Durbar Square is one of the three Durbar (palace) squares in Kathmandu valley. Kathmandu Durbar Square is rich with its intricate wood carving and its history. Also known as the “Musuem of Temples” there are over 50 temples in the square. You will explore the area around the former palace of the kings of Nepal, viewing various temples and monuments.

Following the visit, you will drive to Boudanath Stupa. Boudanath Stupa is one of the largest Buddhist stupa in Nepal and also a World Heritage Site. Boudanath signifies peace and tranquility, and is a Centre of religious and spiritual significance. You will see thousands of pilgrims circumambulating the stupa, you will circumambulate with pilgrims and visit the surrounding monasteries.

Afterward, you will proceed to Pashupatinath Temple. The Pashupatinath temple is situated on the banks of the Bagmati river and is one of the most revered Hindu temple in Nepal. The main temple complex is not accessible to non-Hindus, but you can explore around the periphery of the temple complex which is quite large and impressive.

The drive from Kathmandu to Arughat offers a captivating panorama of Nepal’s countryside, unveiling its natural charm. Along this route, you will be treated to picturesque sights of quaint villages and vibrant green rice fields, providing a glimpse into the authentic indigenous lifestyle of the region.

Upon reaching Arughat, the paved highway gives way to a dirt road, leading towards Machhakhola and marking a transition to a rougher, more rugged terrain. Traveling along this uneven path becomes an adventure in its own.

Your trek begins from Machhakhola, you’ll trek along a trail that winds along the riverbed, with some ups and downs. After crossing the Thado Khola and Machha Khola, you will arrive at Tatopani.

As you continue your trek, the trail goes over uphill climb, navigating a ridge that eventually leads to a suspension bridge stretching across the Budhi Gandaki river.

After crossing the Budi Gandaki river, you will ascend over a well-constructed stairway, navigating through a landslide area before reaching Dovan. You will cross the river over a suspension bridge, and ascend the stone stairs, descend back to the river, and finally an uphill hike will bring you to Thado Bharyang

Upon reaching Tharo Bharyang, you will navigate across the Budhi Gandaki river, followed by an ascent over a ridge. Eventually leading to the picturesque village of Jagat, where you will spend the night.

The day’s journey begins along a stone-paved trail that leads northwards, navigating through a rocky ridge towards Salleri. Continuing on, the path winds down towards Sirdibas and Ghatte Khola, with beautiful views of the surrounding and rural countryside

After crossing over the Budi Gandaki river over a suspension bridge, the route then continues uphill over stone stairs to Philim. From Philim, the trails winds up and down the hillside, the valley gets wider with sparse vegetation.

Leaving the river bank, the path meanders through a breathtaking landscape adorned with rhododendrons and pine trees. You’ll navigate across the Shiar Khola river, eventually arriving at the village of Pewa.

Today you begin with a gradual uphill hike to Deng. After crossing the Budhi Gandaki River, you will climb to Rana and continue further until you reach Bihi Phedi. The hike goes through varied terrain, passing through several villages.

Continuing westward along the valley, you will come across panoramic views of the Budhi Gandaki River. This part of the trek passes through dense forests, past ancient mani walls, and occasionally opens up to expansive landscapes with breathtaking views.

After crossing over a suspension bridge, the trail contours to Ghap, a picturesque village with its own unique charm. You will also pass through Prok village, where you can experience the local culture and customs.

The trail to Namrung involves crossings of the Budhi Gandaki river several times, past chortens and mani walls. The trail goes through dense fir, rhododendron, oak, and bamboo forest. The trail then further leads you to the village of Namrung, with breathtaking panoramic views of the landscapes and majestic mountains.

Leaving Namrung the landscape changes, the valley gets more wide and open. As you trek through the forests and cross a side valley, you’ll encounter Lhi village, which is known for its charm, with chortens and terraced fields.

Continuing along the ridgeline, the trail leads to Sho, another beautiful village along the route. You will continue further to reach Lho, a culturally reach village with stunning vistas of the Manaslu and Manaslu North peaks.

Today’s trek involves a moderate hike on an easy trail, offering spectacular views of Mt. Manaslu. In the beginning it is a steep climb out of Lho, and then it is a gradual climb to Shyala. The trail goes through verdant rhododendron and pine forest, with panoramic views of snow-capped peaks such as Mt. Manaslu, Himal Chuli, Ngadi Chuli, and Ganesh Himal.

A short climb from Shyala past pine trees and scatter bushes, you will come across an open valley with Samagaon at the far end. Samagaun surrounded by snow-covered peaks on three sides is one of the largest settlement in this region. You will pass through several gates, Chortens, and Mani walls as you approach Samagaon.

Begin your day by immersing in the magnificent beauty of the Himalayas. Enjoy the awe-inspiring vistas, capture the breathtaking panoramic moment and experience the majestic sunrise as it bathes the landscape in vibrant and radiant hues.

Following breakfast, take a leisurely stroll through the village. Engage with the locals to immerse yourself in their culture, traditions, and daily routines. This interaction offers an invaluable opportunity to gain insights into their customs, beliefs, and their way of life.

Moreover, there are also other options such as a hike to Manaslu Base Camp or Pungyen Gompa. The Manaslu Base camp is located just north of the village and past Birendra Lake. Though challenging, the hike could be quite promising.

Pungyen Gompa lies to the south of Samagaon and is about two and a half hours hike away. It is hidden behind the ridge in front of Manaslu and provides massive views of the glaciers.

You will descend into the Budhi Gandaki River valley, traversing through juniper and birch forests of Kermo Kharka, adorned with their unique flora. You will cross over a wooden bridge, followed by an ascent onto a promontory, offering a breathtaking panoramic view nestled between the converging forks of the river. You will come across a white Mani wall that marks the path towards Samdo.

Starting along the edge, you will cross over the wooden bridge. And then ascend steep hill, past small streams with the stunning views of the Lakya Glacier. You will follow the trail along the Salka Khola valley and the climb up to reach the stone guest of Dharmashala. It is not a proper guest house or lodge, but it is a kind of a dormitory made in to meet the need of the trekkers in this region.

The journey across the Larkya La Pass is a thrilling and challenging adventure in this trek. As it will the longest day, you will start early in the morning. The trail winds through the valley on the northern side of the Larkya Glaciers. Along the way, you will be treated with awe-inspiring views of Cho Danda and Larkya Peak.

The journey offers a gradual but demanding uphill trek, especially challenging at higher elevations. The weather plays an important factor, it will be more challenging if there is storm or snow along the trail.

Despite the exertion, the journey rewards you with breathtaking panoramic views and a deep sense of accomplishment as you progress towards the pass. The views from the pass is truly awe-inspiring, with the panoramic views of Himlung Himal, Cheo Himal, Kang Guru, and Annapurna II in their complete grandeur.

After crossing the pass, you will descend to the meadows of Langbuche Kharka and continue on to reach the picturesque village of Bimthang. The trail offers stunning views and diverse landscapes, making the journey an enriching experience.

From Bimthang, your journey unfolds with the incredible views of the breathtaking panoramas of Mt. Manaslu, Lamjung Himal, Himlung Himal, and Cheo Himal.

Today’s hike begins with a descent to the Budhi Gandaki river, and you will cross the river and hike past stunning rhododendron forest, and arrive at the Karche valley, the highest cultivated land in the area.

Traversing these fields, the trail ascends beyond a ridge with panoramic view of the changing landscapes. Ultimately, you will arrive at Gho(2515m). This is the last village that precedes the end of your  adventure at Tilche village. From Gho, the trail is almost over a dirt road for about 2 kms until the village of Tilche, where you stop for the night.

After breakfast, you will board a private 4 wheel jeep  from Tilche to Besisahar. Situated as a significant transit hub, Besisahar acts as the pivotal starting point for numerous treks across the Annapurna region.

After lunch at Besisahar, you will than transfer to a standard vehicle and drive back to Kathmandu. The drive from Besisahar to Kathmandu goes through diverse landscapes, offering glimpses of enchanting villages and terraced fields, presenting a scenic journey filled with charm and beauty.

Transfer to the airport for your flight homewards.