16-Day Manaslu Circuit Trek from Kathmandu via Larkya La Pass

16 Days Duration

Experiences

About This Tour

Explore the Manaslu Circuit Trek as it takes hikers around the mountain through forests, rivers, and alpine terrain. This journey passes dense rhododendron and...

Duration: 16 Days · Tour type: Shared · Activity level: Challenging · Accommodation: Included · Standard · Transport: Included · Wheelchair access: No · Cities: Pokhara, Kathmandu, Lhotse, Manaslu, Besisahar, Dharapani · Languages: English, Hindi, Nepali

Know before you go: We can see the natural beauty of forests, rivers, and flora of the Manaslu region.; We can see the friendly people and the region's best culture, including Nepalese and Tibetan ethnic groups.; Pass the height point and visit cultural World Heritage sites in the city.; Incredible landscapes and breathtaking mountain views.; Hiking on a new trekking route.; Explore the local cultural and natural beauty.; Explore the historical Gorkha Palace, home of King Prithvi Narayan Shah.; Visit cultural World Heritage sites in the city.; The Manaslu Circuit Trek is a trekking route in Nepal's Himalayan region, close to Mount Manaslu, the eighth-highest summit in the world. The walk takes hikers around the mountain through forests, rivers, and alpine terrain, covering a distance of roughly 176 km (109 miles).; The trip begins in the town of Arughat at about 1,100 m (3,609 ft) and ascends to its highest point at the Larkya La Pass at 5,213 m (17,093 ft). The hike also offers breathtaking views of Mount Manaslu, located nearby at an elevation of 8,163 m (26,781 ft), along with other summits.; The Manaslu Circuit Trek is renowned for its difficult and lonely routes, and trekkers must cross the Larkya La Pass, the highest point of the walk, along with other high-altitude passes. The hike also gives visitors the chance to learn about the Gurung, Tibetan, and Tamang communities and their local culture and way of life.; The trip takes you through dense rhododendron and bamboo woods, high alpine terrain, and breathtaking views of glaciers, snow-capped mountains, and the Manaslu Range. The walk is also rich in biodiversity, with a wide variety of flora and animals found in the area, including snow leopards, Himalayan black bears, and different species of birds and insects.; Three meals a day during the trek can be provided if required.; Accommodation during the trek can be arranged if required.

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What's Included

Airport pick-up and drop-off by car, jeep, Hiace, or bus, depending on the number of arrivals
Complimentary welcome or farewell dinner according to the suitability of our clients' time
Beginning two nights' stay on arrival in Kathmandu in a tourist-standard hotel with breakfast included (twin-share basis)
Kathmandu to Soti Khola (trekking starting point) transfer by bus, return from Dharapani to Besi Sahar by jeep, and from Besisahar to Kathmandu or Pokhara by tourist bus
All necessary trekking and restricted area permits and fees (entry permit, Manaslu Conservation Area Permit, Annapurna Conservation Permit, Manaslu Restricted Area Special Permit, Tsum Valley Special Permit, and TIMS cards)
An experienced, English-speaking, government-licensed, first aid-trained Manaslu special trekking guide and assistant guide (5 trekkers: 1 assistant guide)
An expert Manaslu local porter (2 trekkers: 1 porter)
Duffel bag (to be returned after trip completion) and complimentary trekking maps
Staff costs, including salary, insurance, equipment, transport, food, and accommodation
Rescue arrangements if necessary
Basic first-aid kit (carried by your trekking guide)
All government and local taxes for trekking, agency service charges, and government tax/VAT
Achievement certificate

Not Included

International airfare and Nepal visa fee
Lunch and dinner in Kathmandu
Extra night accommodation in Kathmandu because of early arrival, late departure, or early return from the mountain for any reason beyond the scheduled itinerary
Meal and accommodation costs (can be arranged by the company as per the package agreement)
Personal insurance covering medical care, emergency evacuation, and loss or theft of property
Personal gear and equipment
Personal expenses such as laundry, hot showers, battery charging, Wi-Fi, etc.
Entry fees and costs for sightseeing (temples, monasteries, etc.)
Tips and gratuities for the guide and porter

Itinerary

1

Day 01

Arrival in Kathmandu and Welcome Dinner

After arriving at Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA) in Kathmandu, you will meet your guide. You will be transferred to your hotel, where you can check in and unwind for the remainder of the day. Enjoy a traditional Nepali dinner at a local restaurant, followed by an overnight stay at your hotel in Kathmandu.
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Day 02

Kathmandu Sightseeing and Trek Preparation

After breakfast at the hotel, you will enjoy a short sightseeing tour around the Kathmandu Valley. Later, after trekking preparation, equipment checking, and permit arrangements, you will be introduced to your guide and porters and take a short walk into town in the evening. You will be given brief instructions about the upcoming trek. The team will pick you up and take you to our office for your trek briefing and preparation. In the afternoon, enjoy sightseeing in Kathmandu:Kathmandu Durbar SquareSwayambunath Monkey Temple Kathmandu Durbar Square Swayambunath Monkey Temple Drop-off at your hotel and overnight stay in Kathmandu.
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Day 03

Drive from Kathmandu to Machhakhola

Enjoy an early morning breakfast at the hotel. Check out from the hotel. Our staff will pick you up and drive you to the bus park in a private vehicle. Travel by bus or jeep to Machha-Khola, where the Manaslu Area and the trek begin. Dinner and an overnight stay at the Machha-Khola Hotel. Travellers Note: Machha-Khola is a tiny town well known for serving locals from the northern part of the Gorkha District. Most of the population is Buddhist and Hindu, and the town is located on the bank of the Bhudhi Gandaki River, which originates in the Tsum Valley and Larke Pass. Much of the route follows the bank of the Budhi Gandaki River. Along the way, you may see waterfalls, monkeys, rice fields, and lush forests, and, if the weather permits, catch your first glimpses of Ganesh Himal. If you keep looking out along the road, there is also a good chance you will spot waterfalls as you pass several local landmarks.
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Day 04

Trek from Machhakhola to Jagat

After breakfast, you will leave Machhakhola and begin your trek towards Jagat. The trail takes you through a beautiful forest, where you may see various wildlife, including monkeys, birds, and deer. You will also pass several waterfalls and a mani wall, a wall of stones inscribed with Buddhist prayers. In the afternoon, you will arrive in Jagat, a small village near Ganesh Himal. Jagat is a popular stop for trekkers, and there are several teahouses and lodges where you can stay. Dinner and an overnight stay. Traveller's note: Amazing views of Ganesh Himal and Shingri Himal await you today. From Jagat, the previous restricted trekking area begins, along with our adventure.
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Day 05

Trek from Jagat to Deng

The trek from Philim to Deng is relatively easy. The trail starts with a gentle uphill climb and then descends to a flat plateau. You will then reach a river crossing, where you will cross the suspension bridge over the Bhudi Gandaki River and enter Philim village. From Philim, the trail continues uphill until you reach Ekle Bhatti, a small village located at the top of a ridge. From Ekle Bhatti, you will cross another suspension bridge and descend into Deng. Deng is a small village in the middle of a valley, with several nearby teahouses and lodges where you can stay for the night. Dinner and an overnight stay. Distance: 6 kilometersElevation gain: 600 metersTime: 4-5 hours Traveller's Note: Today, your destination is Deng. You can try local food with good taste. Proceeding further, you cross the Siyar Khola bridge and reach a junction where the trail to Tsum Valley branches off on your right. Continuing along the trail, you eventually reach Deng.
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Day 06

Trek from Deng to Namrung

After breakfast, depart and head down to the riverside. Cross the bridge and climb up to Ranagoan. Trek further to Bihi Phedi. The trail splits into two; take the right-hand trail to Ghap. After passing through Ghap village, climb up to Namrung. Dinner and an overnight stay in Namrung village. Traveller's note: Today, you will have clear views of Ganesh Himal, Shingri Himal, and Kutang Himal.
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Day 07

Trek from Namrung to Lho

After breakfast at your lodge in Namrung, depart and head towards Lho. The trail passes through a forest of oak, fir, and rhododendron trees, leading to a permit check post where you must show your trekking permit. Continue along the trail through the village of Lihi Gaon and down to the village of Sho Goan. Not long after, you will reach the village of Lho, located at 3,280 meters, where you will enjoy a delicious lunch at a local restaurant. Traditional Nepalese dinner and overnight stay in Lho. Traveller's note: Today, the eighth-highest mountain in the world, Mt. Manaslu, comes into view. This is the first day you will see Manaslu, and the inspiring view of Larke begins today. You will also notice that many locals are dressed in traditional Tibetan clothing while walking to Lho. From this day onward, you move into higher and quieter altitude, so it is recommended that you walk slowly and pay close attention to your body's signs.
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Day 08

Trek from Lho to Samagaun

After breakfast, depart on a short trek to Sama (Ryo). Stop in Shyala to take in the fantastic 360-degree Himalayan view. Continue on your journey until you reach Sama (Ryo). Dinner and an overnight stay in the village. Traveller's Note: Sama is locally better known as Samagaon, with gaon meaning village. Today, incredible views await of Manaslu, Himal Chuli, Nadi Peak, Naike Peak, Kutang Himal, and Pangbuche Himal. Shyala is the first village you visit today, and it offers one of the best views in this region, with 360-degree mountain panoramas from the village.
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Day 09

Acclimatization Day in Sama

Today is your acclimatization day. After a hearty breakfast at your lodge, you will hike to help your body adjust to the high altitude. You can choose between two options: hiking around Birendra Lake and Manaslu Base Camp, or hiking up to Pungen Gumpa. Dinner and an overnight stay will be in Sama (Ryo). Traveller's Note: Samagaun is a village development committee in Gorkha District in the Gandaki Zone of northern-central Nepal. At the time of the 1991 Nepal census, it had a population of 665 and 179 houses. Today is an acclimatization day, and you can hike around Birendra Lake, Manaslu Base Camp, or Pungen Gumpa. Discuss with your guide which option will be best according to your fitness and preferences.
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Day 10

Trek from Samagaun to Samdo

After breakfast, you will depart for a relatively short trek up to Samdo. Due to the high elevation, it is important to take it slowly while climbing. By lunchtime, you will reach Samdo village. In the afternoon, you can rest or take a hike up to Samdo Peak. Dinner and an overnight stay will be at Samdo. Traveller's note: The views of Mt. Manaslu from Samdo Peak are incredible. If you have the stamina, it is worth hiking up there. Samdo is a well-known Tibetan refugee camp. After spending a full day and two nights in Samagaun, we continue our trek towards Samdo and nearby hiking options. Samdo offers excellent views of Manaslu along with other Himalayan ranges, including Simrang, Hiunchuli, Ngadi, Larkye Peak, Cheo, and possibly Kang Guru behind the pass. Here, you may also see many kinds of beautiful mountain birds, including the Lophophorus, the national bird of Nepal. You may also spot yaks, horses, mountain mice, and blue sheep.
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Day 11

Trek from Samdo to Dharamsala

After breakfast, you will depart for Dharmasala, at the foot of the Larya La. The trail leads gradually uphill until you reach your overnight stop. In the evening, you will enjoy dinner and an overnight stay in Dharmasala. Tomorrow, you will face your first pass, the Larkya La at 5,160 meters, so it is best to get a good night's rest and prepare your camera batteries. After breakfast, you move from Samdo to Dharamsala. Along the way, you will pass a seasonal Tibetan market called Larke Bazaar beside the Budi Gandaki River. You will also see many traditional monasteries. While walking towards Dharamsala, you will do a shorter hike, leaving time for acclimatization and relaxation in the afternoon. Did you know that Dharmasala is also known as Larkya Phedi?
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Day 12

Cross Larkya La Pass to Bimthang

You will wake up early for breakfast and depart for the Larkya La Pass. The trail climbs gradually until you reach the pass. At the pass, you will take a break to enjoy the amazing views of the Himalayas. After completing the crossing, the trail descends to Bhimtang. Dinner and an overnight stay in Bhimtang village. From Larkya La Pass, you will enjoy amazing views of Cheo Himal, Gyaji Kung, Kang Guru, and Annapurna II - all above 6,000 meters. Today is one of the most important and eagerly awaited days of the trip for its great views and adventure. Once you reach Bhimthang, it may offer the best accommodation of the trek and is the right place to celebrate the great success of crossing Larke La.
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Day 13

Trek from Bimthang to Tilche

You will have breakfast in the village and then depart. Hike downhill for most of the day. After about 4 hours, you will reach the village of Ghoa. From there, continue descending to Tilche. You will have dinner and stay overnight in Tilche village. Waking up early today allows for an amazing sunrise view from the teahouse. After passing the top peak of the world, we are in Bimthang and begin our next journey towards Tilche. Tilche is a beautiful village with beautiful people and their local culture. In Tilije, you can find good hotels and free Wi-Fi after crossing the mountain.
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Day 14

Trek to Dharapani and Drive to Besisahar

After breakfast, depart from your hotel in Dharapani. Follow the trail down to the small village of Dharapani, located at the confluence of the Marsyangdi and Trishuli rivers. The path leads through pine forests and several small villages. Have lunch in Dharapani. After lunch, arrange a jeep to take you to Besisahar. The drive takes approximately 2 hours. Arrive in Besisahar and check into your hotel. Traveller's note: This is your last day of the massive Manaslu Circuit Trek. After arriving in Besisahar following 4 hours of driving, we head into town, enjoy good food and drinks, and then plan for the next days.
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Day 15

Drive to Kathmandu or Pokhara

After breakfast, you will be driven to your destination. Your guide and porters will return to Kathmandu. If you have time, spend a few nights in Pokhara, a beautiful tourist town in Nepal. You can be transferred to Pokhara. A taxi or shuttle will be arranged if you choose to be dropped off at the airport.