10 Days Manaslu Circuit Trek

After breakfast, we drive from Kathmandu to Soti Khola (710 m). The scenic drive along the Prithvi Highway passes through green hills, terraced farms, and the Trishuli River before turning north at Dhading Besi to Arughat and Soti Khola. This 6–7 hour journey offers glimpses of rural Nepalese life and builds anticipation for the trek.

After breakfast, begin the trek by following the Budhi Gandaki River through lush sal forests and terraced fields. Pass through the Gurung and Magar villages of Lapubesi and Nauli Khola as you contour above the river, crossing suspension bridges and walking on rocky ridges. The trail undulates before descending to the small village of Machha Khola (900 m), where we spend the night.

After breakfast in Jagat, we enter the restricted area of the Manaslu Conservation Area, where our permits are checked. The trail climbs past Salleri and descends to Sirdibas, offering fine views of the Shringi Himal. Crossing a long suspension bridge, we reach the large village of Philim, known for its schools and monasteries. Just beyond Philim at Ekle Bhatti, the trail divides: the left-hand path continues along the Budhi Gandaki toward Deng on the Manaslu Circuit, while the right-hand trail climbs north-east to Lokpa, the first settlement and entry point to the remote Tsum Valley. Trekkers wishing to explore this hidden Himalayan valley can branch off here to follow the Tsum Valley Trek. Staying on the Manaslu Circuit, we continue along bamboo forests and river crossings before finally reaching Deng (1,860 m), a small but welcoming village.

Climb out of Jagat along a rocky ridge to Salleri and continue to Sirdibas, where beautiful stone houses line the path. Cross the Budhi Gandaki on a long suspension bridge to reach the Gurung village of Philim. After Ekle Bhatti, the trail enters a narrow gorge, crossing the river several times past cascading waterfalls and pine forests. A final ascent brings us to the small hamlet of Deng (1,804 m), marking our entry into the highlands of the Manaslu region.

Today we leave Deng and cross the Budhi Gandaki to climb through bamboo forests to the hamlets of Rana and Bihi Phedi. The trail follows the river westward, offering occasional glimpses of Mount Siringi, and meanders through dense pine and rhododendron forests. After several bridge crossings and mani walls, we make a final ascent to the neat village of Namrung (2,630 m), known for its stone houses, chortens and checkpoint for trekking permits.

Leaving Namrung, we ascend gradually through oak, fir and rhododendron forests to the settlements of Lihi and Sho, enjoying spectacular views of Manaslu, Naike Peak and Himal Chuli. After visiting the ancient Ribung gompa at Lho (3,180 m), the trail crosses a plateau to Shyala with vistas of glaciers and snow‑capped peaks. We continue along alpine pastures and glacial streams to the sprawling village of Sama Gaun (3,530 m), the cultural and administrative centre of the Nubri valley.

Today we remain in Sama Gaun to properly acclimatize to the high altitude. You can take a hike to Manaslu Base Camp (4,800 m) for spectacular up‑close views of Manaslu and Birendra Lake or explore the ancient Pungyen Gompa tucked beneath the glacier. Alternatively, wander around the village, visit the mani walls and stupas, interact with friendly locals and rest up for the upcoming high‑altitude days.

Begin the day by descending slightly to cross the Budhi Gandaki on a wooden bridge, then climb steadily past the remnants of the legendary Larkya Bazaar, a seasonal trading post near the Tibetan border. As the valley widens, we traverse rocky tundra and sparse juniper bushes before making a final ascent to Dharamsala, also known as Larkya Phedi (4,460 m). This small cluster of stone shelters serves as the base camp for the Larkya La Pass crossing.

We start well before sunrise, ascending the rocky moraine above Dharamsala to reach the prayer flag‑adorned Larkya La Pass (5,106 m), the highest point of the trek. The summit rewards us with breathtaking panoramas of Manaslu, Himlung Himal, Cheo Himal and the Annapurna range. After soaking in the views, we descend steeply across glacial scree to the grassy terraces of Bhimtang where we stop for lunch. Continuing our descent through rhododendron and pine forests, we pass the villages of Kharche and Tilije before boarding a vehicle for the drive to Dharapani/Besisahar. Our epic Manaslu Circuit adventure comes to an end.