Manaslu Circuit Trek

The first day of Manaslu Circuit Trek. After an early breakfast, today we will head to Macha Khola via Soti Khola. We will drive from Kathmandu to Dhading Besi then to Arughat, then to Soti Khola, and then to Macha Khola. The drive will take about 7 – 9 hours. Dhading Besi is the headquarter of Dhading. On the way, we will view the amazing villages, the river falls, rivers and the green mountains. There is a beautiful forest of Sal trees en route. Following the trail of the Budhi Gandaki river, we will continue our walk over the rocky paths, ups, and downs, amazing waterfalls, etc. Then we will pass by Labubesi, a Gurung village. There is a suspension bridge ahead and by crossing it, we will reach Machha Khola. Overnight in Machha Khola.

Accommodation: Tea House/Lodge

Meal: Lunch, Dinner

From Machha Khola, we will walk until we reach Jagat. On the way, we will walk upstream to the beautiful Khorla Besi village. There is a hot spring at Tatopani. We will cross a suspension bridge and pass by the challenging rocky pathways with river falls and forests en route. We will then reach Dovan and can see the bubbling Budi Gandaki river flowing down on the steep series of rapids and cutting through. There is another suspension bridge at Lauri. After crossing it, we will walk the stone-paved roads to Thaaro Bharyang and finally arrive at Jagat. Overnight in Jagat.

Accommodation: Tea House/Lodge

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

We will walk uphill and downhill, pass by the Fir, Pine, and Rhododendron forests, villages where there are thatched roof houses, fields of barley, buckwheat, cabbage, spinach, and potatoes, and river falls. We will cross a suspension bridge built over the Budi Gandaki river and enter Philim. Philim is a Gurung village. There are Buddhist monasteries, the chortens surrounded by colorful prayer flags, etc. After walking for some distance, we will reach Deng. Overnight in Deng.

Accommodation: Tea House/Lodge

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Today’s destination is Namrung which might take about 6 – 7 hours to reach Deng. We will move up crossing the Budhi Gandaki river and climbing up to Rana. The surrounding is almost similar to the mountains. The beautiful sight of the Himalayas, fields at the bases, and the rivers flowing from the Himalayas. We will reach Namrung, a Buddhist village. There is a water-turbine hydro electricity powerhouse here. Overnight at Namrung.

Accommodation: Tea House/Lodge

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Namrung village is the starting point of today’s walk. This is a good viewpoint for the sight of Siring and Ganesh Himal. We will walk through the dense forests and reach another village, Lihi. There are many chortens with colorful prayer flags and barley fields. On the way, we will pass via Sho village, Lho village, Shyala village, and reach Sama village. Walking for about 6 – 7 hours, we will end the trek for today in Samagaon. Overnight at Samagaon.

Accommodation: Tea House/Lodge

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Acclimatization plus rest day at Samagaon. We will meander in Samagoan and neighboring areas. This day will provide us the time to relax from the hectic walks and feel the amazing surrounding. We can view the stunning sights of Mt. Simnang Himal, Mt. Manaslu, Mt. Nagdi chuli, Mt. Samdo (Pang phuchuli), etc. There is a Birendra Kunda nearby the Manaslu Base camp. Pungyen Gompa is an old Buddhist Gompa. Pungyen means bracelet describing two peaks. There is a story of this Gompa. It was destroyed after 1 year of the attempt to climb Manaslu by the Japanese but it was unsuccessful. The gods were angered and hence, there were many hindrances to the attempt. Later in 1959, the Japanese became successful. We will pay the visit to Pungyen Gompa and return to Samagaon overnight.

Accommodation: Tea House/Lodge

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

We will today walk from Samagaon to Samdo which will take about 4 – 5 hours. We will walk down to the Budhi Gandaki river and follow the trail. Turning towards the left, we will reach the Manaslu Base camp. Walking through the deserted path with the windy valley, we will reach Samdo. There is the amazing forest of Juniper and Birch and a huge white Kani. Overnight in Samdo.

Accommodation: Tea House/Lodge

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

We will start our trek from Samdo after having breakfast. Crossing the wooden bridge built over the Budhi Gandaki river, we will hike up. On the way, we will witness the Larkya Glacier. We will wander in the valley of the Salka river and then walk again to reach the amazing stone-built guest house known as “Dharamshala”. Here is a Larkya Bazaar where we can do shopping. Overnight in Dharamshala.

Accommodation: Tea House/Lodge

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Bimthang is the destination today. We will walk from Dharamshala after having breakfast. We will ascend the rocky road and feel the windy weather to reach Larkya La. We will eat packed lunch here enjoying the overwhelming views of Mt. Manaslu, Himlung Himal, Kang guru, Cheo Himal, and Annapurna II. The low pastures and the icy lakes on the way will make us feel chilly, but the experience is awesome. After reaching Bimthang, we will rest here overnight.

Accommodation: Tea House/Lodge

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

We will start our today's journey with a yummy breakfast. Being offered the attractive views of Mt. Manaslu, Himlung Himal, Cheo Himal, and Lamjung Himal, we will now descend and cross the Sangure Kharka, a high pasture land. Then we will cross a bridge over Dudh Khola and then walk further passing through the forest of Rhododendron. There is agricultural land in the valley at Karche situated at a height of 2785m. We will now follow the trail and reach the village of Gho crossing a sweeping arch to the bank of the river at 2580m. As our destination is to reach Dharapani, we continue our walk uphill where you will feel the warmth and hot climate. Then again the path starts descending through the pine forests where you can find 8 to 10 different colored Rhododendrons during the months of May and June. At Surkhi, we will stop by for lunch and then walk uphill to reach Goa which is a peaceful place. Here are 4 hotels for accommodation with good quality food. After walking shortly for about 20 minutes, you will lead to Mane, heading towards Tiliche and then Dharapani after a 30 to 35 minutes walk. Stay overnight at Dharapani.

Accommodation: Tea House/Lodge

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Today is the final day of trekking at Manaslu Circuit Trek. After having breakfast, we have to speed up our pace to catch a sharing jeep that will drive us to Besisahar, as we should reach before 3 pm otherwise we might have to spend an extra night at Besisahar to get local transportation for Kathmandu the next day. From Besisahar, we will hop onto local transportation to Kathmandu. It will take about 6 to 7 hours to reach Kathmandu. En route, you will be again mesmerized by the beautiful view of the greenery of dense forests, traditionally built houses, terraced farmlands and bridges and waterfalls, and mainly the charming Marsyangdi River.

We also have an option of hiring private transportation, most probably a jeep, which might take us from Dharapani directly to Kathmandu without dropping us off at Besisahar. But it might cost a little extra. 

 After arriving in Kathmandu, you will be taken to the hotel where you can freshen up, rest, and get ready for a farewell dinner and cultural program as a token of remembrance from the Step on Himalaya family.

Accommodation: Tea House/Lodge

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner