Manaslu Circuit — Nepal's Last Great Himalayan Journey

A scenic drive through the foothills of the Himalayas takes you from Kathmandu to the trailhead at Soti Khola. The winding roads reveal terraced fields, river valleys, and the first glimpses of Himalayan peaks.

• 7-hour scenic drive through rural Nepal
• Lunch en route at a local village
• Overnight at a riverside tea house in Soti Khola

Your first day of trekking follows the Buri Gandaki River through subtropical forests, past small hamlets and waterfalls. The trail is gentle with a few climbs, offering a wonderful introduction to the Manaslu region.

• Trek through lush subtropical forests
• Cross suspension bridges over the Buri Gandaki
• Overnight at a tea house in Machha Khola

The trail climbs steadily through terraced fields and pine forests. At Jagat, you officially enter the Manaslu Conservation Area. The village, perched above the river, is a beautiful settlement of traditional stone houses.

• Checkpoint entry to Manaslu Conservation Area
• Terraced hillsides and mountain vistas
• Explore the traditional village of Jagat

Deep gorges and dense forests accompany you as the valley narrows. The trail passes through several small settlements where the architecture shifts to Tibetan-influenced stone homes with prayer flags fluttering above.

• Walk through narrowing river gorges
• First signs of Tibetan Buddhist culture
• Overnight in the peaceful village of Deng

The landscape opens up to reveal stunning views of the Manaslu massif. Enter the heartland of Tibetan Buddhism as you arrive at Namrung, home to a magnificent gompa and some of the region's finest mountain panoramas.

• Spectacular views of Mount Manaslu
• Visit the Namrung Monastery
• Tibetan architecture and prayer wall-lined paths

A steady climb takes you through alpine meadows and yak pastures to the largest village in the Manaslu region. Samagaon sits in a dramatic glacial valley with the south face of Manaslu towering overhead.

• Yak pastures and alpine landscapes
• Magnificent views of Manaslu South Face
• Explore the village and visit the ancient monastery

An acclimatisation day with a hike to the Pungen Glacier and the base of Manaslu. The trail offers breathtaking close-up views of the mountain while helping your body adjust to the altitude.

• Hike to Pungen Glacier viewpoint
• Learn about Sherpa and Tibetan mountain culture
• Afternoon rest and preparation for the high pass

A short but steep climb leads to the Tibetan-influenced village of Samdo, the last permanent settlement before the pass. The surrounding landscape becomes increasingly barren and high-altitude, with views stretching into Tibet.

• High-altitude alpine landscape
• Cultural fusion of Nepali and Tibetan traditions
• Preparation for the Larkya La crossing

A challenging day as you climb to the Larkya Phedi, the base camp for the pass crossing. The sparse landscape is otherworldly, with moraines and icy streams surrounding the humble stone lodge that offers shelter for the night.

• High-altitude trek above the treeline
• Dramatic glacial moraine landscape
• Early dinner and early sleep for the pass crossing

The most exhilarating day of the trek. An early start takes you up the steep moraine to the pass, where prayer flags and panoramic views of Manaslu, Himlung Himal, Cheo Himal, and the Annapurna range await. The descent into the lush Bimthang valley is equally spectacular.

• Pre-dawn start for the pass crossing
• 360-degree Himalayan panorama from the pass
• Long descent through glacial valleys to Bimthang

The trail descends through rhododendron and pine forests, passing waterfalls and tiny hamlets. The change in vegetation is dramatic — from high-altitude desert to lush green valleys filled with wildflowers.

• Rhododendron and pine forest trails
• Waterfalls and mountain streams
• Overnight in the charming village of Tilje

A short final trek brings you to Dharapani, where your vehicle awaits for the drive back to Kathmandu. The journey traces the Marsyangdi River valley, offering one last panorama of the Himalayan foothills.

• Final morning trek through mountain villages
• Scenic drive back to Kathmandu
• Farewell dinner in Kathmandu

After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your departure. We ensure you leave with memories of Nepal's last great Himalayan wilderness and the warmth of its mountain people.

• Breakfast at the hotel
• Airport transfer
• Depart with a lifetime of memories