Manaslu Circuit Trek

DAY 1

Arrive Kathmandu

Arriving at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu, you'll be met and receive a private transfer for the short distance into central Kathmandu and to the "KGH" Hotel in the heart of the Thamel district. You'll be given a briefing on your forthcoming adventure, and in the evening, you can take dinner at your leisure in one of the many choices of cafes and restaurants in Kathmandu, although the open-air courtyard cafe of the KGH Hotel is as good as anywhere.

Please note that a special permit is required for this trek. In order for us to obtain permits for you, we have to present hard copies of your passport (scans are not accepted) by 1000 hrs. to the permit issuing office. The permit office is open Sunday-Thursday, Friday Mornings, and all day Saturday. The permit office is also closed on the many Nepal Public Holiday days. Please anticipate that you may require extra days in Kathmandu as a result so that we can obtain your permit.

Accommodation: KGH Hotel, Kathmandu
Included Meals: None

DAY 2

Drive to Machha Khola

It's a full and arduous day's drive today as a private vehicle takes you from Kathmandu along the main highway to then turn towards the mountains on a road that follows the Burhi Gandakhi Valley. At some stage (usually around Arghat), a locally chartered jeep will be used in order to reach Machha Khola. Driving time is approximately 7 hours.

Accommodation: Trekking Lodge, Machha Khola
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

Find out more about Trekking Lodges

DAY 3

Trek to Doban

Over the Machha Khola River and up to Tatopani. Across a suspension bridge to the other side of the valley and through forests to Doban (1070m). Around 5 hours walking

Accommodation: Trekking Lodge, Doban
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

DAY 4

To Philim

It's a stiff (but relatively short) climb up to Louri, and then just over an hour more walking to Jagat (1410m). Trekking permits having been checked, a stone-stepped trail descends to the river, followed by an ascent through terraced fields to Saguleri and a further climb to Philim. Around 6 hours walking

Accommodation: Trekking Lodge, Philim
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

DAY 5

Trek to Deng

A little down and then mostly uphil, at times steep. Beyond Chisopani, the trail contours the hillside, and forests of pine become prevalent. Things get interesting as the trail is cut into the walls of a gorge, and it's then up and along to Deng (1860m). Walking time: approx. 5 hours.

Accommodation: Trekking Lodge, Deng
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

DAY 6

Walk to Namrung

The valley you're ascending is quite steep, and the first signs of Buddhist influence appear. There are several crossings of rivers (by bridges) today and after around  6-7 hours of fairly tough trekking, you reach Namrung (2540m)

Accommodation: Trekking Lodge,Namrung
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

DAY 7

Trek to Lho

Not as long today, and as you'll be going over 3000 m, that is fortunate. Heading deeper, as the valley opens out, there's a steep climb to Lihi (2925 m), and the villages become more Tibetan-influenced. Manaslu presents herself boldly to you today, and her twin peaks will be evident. It's likely that today's destination of Lho (3150m) will take around 4-5 hours of walking.

Accommodation: Trekking Lodge, Lo
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

DAY 8

Trek to Samdo

Up through pine forests and then a bit of downhill walking followed by a bit of gradual ascent to reach Sama Gaon (3520m).You're still following the Burhi Gandaki upstream, and the scenery now gets seriously spectacular. Samdo (3690m) is today's destination and takes around 6-7 hours of challenging walking to reach. The village itself was established by Tibetan refugees, and Tibet itself is just a day's walk away.

Accommodation: Trekking Lodge, Samdo
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

DAY 9

Acclimatisation Day

It's a good idea to aid your acclimatisation by walking to a higher altitude today and then back down to Samdo for the night. You can climb up to the ridge behind Somdu to achieve this. It is a stiff, steep ascent, but it does afford some very good vistas.

Accommodation: Trekking Lodge, Samdo
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

DAY 10

To Larkya Phedi

Heading towards the Larkya Glacier today is primarily all uphill as you trek to Larkya Phedi, which confusingly is also known as Dharamsala and Duwang. At an altitude of 4460 m, you'll likely not be too bothered by what it's called. The lodge here is particularly basic. Although it's only about 6km from Somdu to here, the higher altitude makes it feel further, progress is slow, and around 3-5 hours of walking are required.

Accommodation: Trekking Lodge, Larkya Phedi
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

DAY 11

The Larkya La to Bimthang

The 'Thorung La' of the Manaslu Circuit is the hardest day of walking, the highest point of the trek, the longest walking day, and essentially the crux of the trek. The crossing of the Larkya La can take 8–10 hours or more, depending on conditions. After an initial steep climb out of Larkya Phedi, it's a steady slog up and up for almost 5 hours. Prayer flags line the pass, and it is usually pretty chilly up here. Enjoy the views quickly, and then begin the steep descent down scree (often snow-covered high up) to a yak pasture (kharka). It's still downhill, but the gradient eases as you make your way to Bimthang (3590m).

Accommodation: Trekking Lodge, Bimthang
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

DAY 12

Down to Dharapani

Dropping down into the Burdin Khola Valley, there's some uphill too. But then it's down again and into woodlands, followed by an ascent to the Karche La. Far below lies the Marsyangdi Valley and your exit route. A lot more downhill will make your knees ache, but after a good 8 hours of walking, you reach Dharapani (1963m). At this point, you've joined the Annapurna Circuit route.

Accommodation: Trekking Lodge, Dharapani
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

DAY 13

Dharapani to Kathmandu

Using locally chartered 4x4 vehicle(s), you'll travel to Besisahar by way of the jeep road. It is very bumpy and dusty. Reaching the tarmac of Besisahar, the onward private vehicle journey to Kathmandu may feel like you're floating on a cloud. But it's a long drive, for sure. If you prefer to break up the journey, then our very own The Old Inn at Bandipur makes for a pleasing overnight respite. However, you may wish to consider some additional contingencies for this trek, whether it be for any overland travel delays that can and do occur or any difficulties that may arise on the trek.

Accommodation: KGH Hotel, Kathmandu
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

DAY 14

Depart Nepal

A private transfer will take you to the airport for your return international flight.

Included Meals: Breakfast

Of course, there's no reason to depart today; your Nepal holiday can be readily tailor-made.