Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu (1,300m/4,265ft)

On Day 1 of the Manaslu Circuit Trek itinerary, you will arrive in Kathmandu, the capital city of Nepal. After settling in, you can spend the day sightseeing, exploring the city, and preparing for the trek ahead. This includes meeting with your trekking guide, checking your gear, and making necessary last-minute arrangements.

Meals Included: Welcome Dinner.

Day 2: Sightseeing in Kathmandu and preparing for the trek

On Day 2 of the Manaslu Circuit Trek itinerary, you will spend the day in Kathmandu. This is a rest day and an opportunity to explore the city further, do some last-minute shopping for trekking gear, and visit cultural and historical landmarks. Some popular places to visit include the Swayambhunath Stupa, the Monkey Temple, the Boudhanath Stupa, and the Pashupatinath Temple. You can also use this time to attend a trekking briefing with your guide and prepare for the journey ahead.

Meals Included: Breakfast and Dinner.

Day 3: Drive from Kathmandu to Soti Khola (710m/2,330ft) - 8-9 hours

On Day 3 of the Manaslu Circuit Trek itinerary, you will leave Kathmandu and travel by road to Soti Khola, the trek’s starting point. The drive takes approximately 8-9 hours, covering a distance of about 140 km through a scenic route that passes through small towns and villages along the way. You will drive along the Trishuli River and eventually enter the Budi Gandaki Valley, where the trek officially begins. Once you reach Soti Khola, you can relax and prepare for the trek the following day.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.

Day 4: Trek from Soti Khola to Machha Khola (900m/2,950ft) - 6-7 hours

On Day 4 of the Manaslu Circuit Trek itinerary, you will start the trek from Soti Khola and trek to Machha Khola. The trail begins with a gentle climb through beautiful forests, rice paddies and small villages. You will cross several suspension bridges over the Budi Gandaki River and pass by waterfalls before reaching the village of Lapubesi. From there, you will ascend to the beautiful village of Machha Khola, located at an elevation of 900m (2,950ft) and takes about 6-7 hours to reach. Along the way, you will experience the warm hospitality of the locals and enjoy the beautiful scenery of the region.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.

Day 5: Trek from Machha Khola to Jagat (1,340m/4,395ft) - 6-7 hours

On Day 5 of the Manaslu Circuit Trek itinerary, you will continue the trek from Machha Khola to Jagat. The trail takes you through beautiful landscapes, crossing several suspension bridges and waterfalls. You will pass through the small village of Khorlabesi before reaching Tatopani, where you can take a refreshing dip in the natural hot springs. After a short climb from Tatopani, you will reach Dobhan, where you will have lunch. The trail then follows the rocky terrain and takes you to the village of Jagat, located at an altitude of 1,340m (4,395ft). This segment of the trek takes about 6-7 hours and offers stunning views of the surrounding hills and mountains.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.

Day 6: Trek from Jagat to Deng (1,860m/6,102ft) - 6-7 hours

On Day 6 of the Manaslu Circuit Trek itinerary, you will continue the trek from Jagat to Deng. The trail starts with a gentle ascent through lush forests, passing through small villages and crossing several suspension bridges over the Budi Gandaki River. You will reach Philim, a large Gurung village, where you can rest and have lunch. After lunch, the trail ascends through beautiful pine and rhododendron forests, offering stunning views of the Siringi Himal. You will pass through Ekle Bhatti before reaching Deng, a small village at an altitude of 1,860m (6,102ft). This segment of the trek takes about 6-7 hours and is relatively easy, with gradual ascents and descents. Along the way, you will have a chance to interact with the locals and learn about their unique culture and way of life.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.

Day 7: Trek from Deng to Namrung (2,630m/8,630ft) - 6-7 hours

On Day 7 of the Manaslu Circuit Trek itinerary, you will trek from Deng to Namrung. The trail starts with a steep ascent through lush forests, passing through a few small villages and crossing several suspension bridges. You will pass through the beautiful village of Bihi Phedi, where you can take a break and enjoy the scenic views of the mountains. From there, the trail gradually ascends through pine and rhododendron forests, eventually reaching the village of Namrung, located at an altitude of 2,630m (8,630ft). This segment of the trek takes about 6-7 hours and offers stunning views of the surrounding hills and mountains, including the Ganesh Himal and Siringi Himal. Along the way, you will have the opportunity to learn more about the unique culture and way of life of the locals.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.

Day 8: Trek from Namrung to Lho (3,180m/10,433ft) - 3-4 hours

After leaving Namrung, you will trek through a beautiful forested area before reaching the village of Lihi. From there, you’ll continue to Sho and finally to Lho, where you will spend the night. This is a shorter day of trekking, allowing you to rest and acclimatize to the higher altitude.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.

Day 9: Rest day in Lho for acclimatization and exploration

Today is a rest day in Lho, allowing you to acclimatize to the altitude and explore the village and surrounding areas. You can visit the nearby Ribung Gompa, a Buddhist monastery, or take a short hike to the Pungen Glacier for stunning views of the Himalayas.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.

Day 10: Trek from Lho to Samagaon (3,530m/11,578ft) - 4-5 hours

After a rest day in Lho, you will continue your trek to Samagaon. The trail passes through several small villages, including Shyala, where you’ll have first views of Manaslu and other surrounding peaks. You’ll also pass through the village of Sama before reaching Samagaon, where you’ll spend the night.

This itinerary allows for a slower pace of trekking and an extra day for acclimatization, helping to reduce the risk of altitude sickness and allowing you to fully appreciate the beauty of the Manaslu region.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.

Day 11: Rest day in Samagaon for acclimatization and exploration

On Day 11 of the Manaslu Circuit Trek itinerary, you will spend a rest day in Samagaon for acclimatization and exploration. This rest day is an important part of the trek as it allows your body to adjust to the higher altitude and reduces the risk of altitude sickness. You can spend the day exploring the beautiful village of Samagaon, which offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains and glaciers. You can visit the local monastery, the Pungyen Gompa, on a hilltop overlooking the village. The monastery is home to several ancient Buddhist relics and offers panoramic views of the Manaslu and Himal Chuli peaks. You can also take a short hike to the nearby Birendra Tal, a beautiful glacial lake surrounded by lush forests and snow-capped mountains. This rest day is also an excellent opportunity to interact with the locals and learn about their unique culture and way of life.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.

Day 12: Trek from Samagaon to Samdo (3,860m/12,660ft) - 4-5 hours

On Day 12 of the Manaslu Circuit Trek itinerary, you will trek from Samagaon to Samdo. The trail starts with a gentle ascent through the beautiful valley of the Sama River, passing through several small villages along the way. You will cross the river over a suspension bridge and climb gradually up to the village of Samdo, located at an altitude of 3,860m (12,660ft). This segment of the trek takes about 4-5 hours and offers stunning views of the surrounding hills and mountains, including the Manaslu and Himal Chuli peaks. Along the way, you will have a chance to interact with the locals and learn about their unique culture and way of life. Samdo is a small Tibetan refugee village, and you will have the opportunity to explore the village and its surrounding areas. This is also an excellent opportunity for acclimatization before heading to higher altitudes.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.

Day 13: Rest day in Samdo for acclimatization

Today is a rest day in Samdo, allowing you to acclimatize to the higher altitude before continuing your trek. You can explore the village and surrounding areas, including the nearby Tibetan border.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.

Day 14: Trek from Samdo to Dharamsala/Larkya Phedi (4,460m/14,628ft) - 4-5 hours

On Day 14 of the Manaslu Circuit Trek itinerary, you will trek from Samdo to Dharamsala, also known as Larkya Phedi. The trail ascends gradually through the valley and offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains, including the Manaslu and Himal Chuli peaks. You will cross the wooden bridge over the Budhi Gandaki River and climb steeply towards the village of Larkya Bazaar, which was once an important trading point between Tibet and Nepal. You will continue on the trail, now a steep climb, to reach Dharamsala, also known as Larkya Phedi. This segment of the trek takes about 4-5 hours and brings you to an altitude of 4,460m (14,628ft). Dharamsala is a small village that serves as a base camp for the crossing of the Larkya La Pass. Here, you will have the opportunity to rest and acclimatize before continuing to cross the pass the next day. The accommodation options at Dharamsala are basic, and the weather can be very cold, so it’s important to come prepared with warm clothing and sleeping bags.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.

Day 15: Trek from Dharamsala to Bimthang (3,720m/12,205ft) via Larkya La Pass (5,160m/16,930ft) - 8-9 hours

On Day 15 of the Manaslu Circuit Trek itinerary, you will undertake one of the most challenging segments of the trek, as you will trek from Dharamsala to Bimthang via the Larkya La Pass. You will start early in the morning, as this segment of the trek can take anywhere from 8-9 hours, depending on the weather conditions and your fitness level. The trail starts with a steep climb towards the Larkya La Pass, which is located at an altitude of 5,160m (16,930ft). The climb can be challenging, but the stunning views of the surrounding mountains make it well worth the effort.

As you reach the top of the pass, you will be rewarded with breathtaking views of the Manaslu range and the Annapurna range in the distance. From here, you will descend through the rocky terrain to reach Bimthang, located at an altitude of 3,720m (12,205ft). The descent is steep and challenging, so it’s important to take your time and be cautious. Along the way, you will pass through several small villages and enjoy stunning views of the surrounding mountains and glaciers.

Bimthang is a small village in a beautiful valley surrounded by lush forests and snow-capped mountains. Here, you will have the opportunity to rest and recover from the challenging climb of the Larkya La Pass. The accommodation options in Bimthang are basic, but the hospitality of the locals makes up for it.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.

Day 16: Trek from Bimthang to Tilije (2,300m/7,545ft) - 5-6 hours

On Day 16 of the Manaslu Circuit Trek itinerary, you will trek from Bimthang to Tilije. The trail descends through the lush rhododendron forests and pine trees, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains. The trail follows the Dudh Khola river and through several small villages, including Gho and Tilije.

The trek is relatively easy and takes 5-6 hours to complete. You will pass through a suspension bridge, cross the Marsyangdi river, and climb up to the village of Tilije. This village is a great place to experience the local culture and traditions of the Gurung people. You can also visit the local monastery and enjoy the beautiful views of the surrounding mountains.

Tilije is located at an altitude of 2,300m (7,545ft) and has a few basic tea houses and lodges for accommodation. You can enjoy a warm meal and relax after a long day of trekking. The village is also a great place to meet other trekkers and exchange stories about your experiences on the Manaslu Circuit Trek.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.

Day 17: Trek from Tilije to Dharapani (1,960m/6,430ft) - 5-6 hours

On Day 17 of the Manaslu Circuit Trek itinerary, you will trek from Tilije to Dharapani. The trail passes through several small villages, lush forests, and terraced fields. The trek is relatively easy and takes around 5-6 hours to complete.

You will start the trek by crossing a suspension bridge over the Dudh Khola river and continue on a gradual ascent towards the village of Thonje. Here, you will cross a bridge over the Marsyangdi river and enter the Annapurna Conservation Area. The trail then leads to the village of Dharapani, where you will spend the night.

Dharapani is a small village located at an altitude of 1,960m (6,430ft). It is a popular stop for trekkers on the Annapurna Circuit Trek and offers several options for accommodation, including tea houses and lodges. You can explore the village and its surroundings and experience the local culture and traditions of the Gurung and Tibetan people. The village is also a great place to stock up on supplies for the rest of the trek.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.

Day 18: Drive from Dharapani to Kathmandu - 8-9 hours

On Day 18 of the Manaslu Circuit Trek itinerary, you will drive back to Kathmandu from Dharapani. The drive takes around 8-9 hours and covers a distance of approximately 200 kilometres.
You will start the drive early in the morning and follow the same route that you took on Day 1 of the trek. The drive takes you through the beautiful countryside of Nepal, passing through several small towns and villages along the way. You will also cross the Marsyangdi river and drive through the bustling city of Besisahar before reaching Kathmandu.

Once you reach Kathmandu, you will be transferred to your hotel, where you can relax and reflect on your experiences at the Manaslu Circuit Trek. You can also explore the vibrant city of Kathmandu and visit some of its famous landmarks, including the Swayambhunath Stupa, Durbar Square, and Pashupatinath Temple.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.

Day 19: Buffer Day in Kathmandu

Having a buffer day in Kathmandu before and after the trek is recommended to account for any unforeseen circumstances, such as flight delays or cancellations, bad weather, or any other issues that may arise during the trek.

During the buffer day in Kathmandu, you can explore the city and its many attractions. Here’s an example itinerary for a day in Kathmandu:

Start the day with a visit to Swayambhunath Stupa, also known as the Monkey Temple. Located on a hilltop, this ancient Buddhist temple offers stunning city views and is home to hundreds of monkeys.

Next, head to the historic Durbar Square, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with several temples, palaces, and monuments. You can explore the area on foot and learn about Nepal’s rich history and culture.

After lunch, visit the Pashupatinath Temple, one of the most sacred Hindu temples in the world. Located on the banks of the Bagmati river, this temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is known for its intricate architecture and beautiful surroundings.

In the evening, head to the vibrant Thamel neighbourhood, known for its shops, restaurants, and nightlife. You can try some local food, shop for souvenirs, or simply relax and soak in the atmosphere.

There are many other places to visit and things to do in Kathmandu, depending on your interests and preferences. We can also recommend other activities and attractions to make the most of your time in the city.

Meals Included: Breakfast and Farewell Dinner.

Day 20: Departure from Kathmandu

On the final day of your Manaslu Circuit Trek, you will depart from Kathmandu. Depending on your flight time, you may have some time to do some last-minute souvenir shopping or explore the city one last time.

Before leaving, double-check that you have all your belongings, including your trekking gear and any souvenirs or gifts you may have purchased.

If you have some spare time before your flight, you can enjoy a final meal of Nepali cuisine or visit some of the city’s other attractions.

When it’s time to leave, arrive at the airport at least three hours before your scheduled departure time. You can take a taxi or arrange for a shuttle service through your hotel or travel agency.

Overall, departing from Kathmandu marks the end of an incredible adventure on the Manaslu Circuit Trek, and the memories you have made will stay with you for a lifetime.

Meals Included: Breakfast.