This 14-day trek takes you through diverse landscapes and remote villages of the Manaslu region, offering a quieter alternative to more popular routes. Along the way, you will experience a mix of cultural encounters, challenging mountain passes, and beautiful Himalayan scenery.
Day 01: Kathmandu arrival day
Arrive in Kathmandu and spend the day exploring the lively streets and cultural highlights of the capital city. It’s a chance to prepare for the trek ahead and meet your guides and fellow trekkers.
Day 02: Drive from Kathmandu to Soti Khola
Enjoy a scenic drive along winding roads to Soti Khola, passing terraced fields, lush valleys, and small villages. This is the official start of the trek and you will stay overnight in a local teahouse.
Day 03: Trek Soti Khola to Machha Khola
Follow the Budhi Gandaki River upstream, trekking through dense forest and crossing suspension bridges. You’ll pass through traditional Gurung villages before arriving at Machha Khola for your overnight stay.
Day 04: Trek Machha Khola to Jagat
Continue trekking beside the river, climbing through farmland and dense forests. Along the way, you’ll find waterfalls and small villages before reaching Jagat, where you can explore local life and spend the night.
Day 05: Trek Jagat to Deng
The trail gradually reveals more of the Himalayan peaks as you trek through rhododendron forests and terraced fields. You will pass several remote villages before arriving in Deng.
Day 06: Trek Deng to Namrung
Ascending into the alpine zone, you will notice a change in vegetation and landscape. Namrung is a traditional village adorned with prayer flags and stone houses, offering stunning mountain views and a comfortable place to rest.
Day 07: Trek Namrung to Samagaun
Move through pine and rhododendron forests, gaining altitude steadily. Samagaun sits below the peaks of Manaslu and Ganesh Himal, and here you’ll have time to explore the village and prepare for the higher sections ahead.
Day 08: Acclimatisation day in Samagaun
Spend the day resting and acclimatising. You can take a short hike nearby for panoramic views of Manaslu or visit local monasteries to learn about the culture and traditions.
Day 09: Trek Samagaun to Samdo
The trail becomes more rugged as you cross yak pastures and suspension bridges. Samdo, close to the Tibetan border, offers a unique cultural atmosphere and overnight accommodation in basic teahouses.
Day 10: Trek Samdo to Dharamsala (Larkya Phedi)
Climb towards Dharamsala, situated just below Larke La Pass. The route provides spectacular mountain views as you prepare for the challenging pass crossing the following day.
Day 11: Dharamsala to Bhimtang via Larke La Pass
Cross Larke La Pass at 5,160 metres, the highest and most demanding part of the trek. The rocky trail is surrounded by snow-capped peaks, providing a sense of achievement. Descend to Bhimtang for rest.
Day 12: Bhimtang to Dharapani
Descend through rhododendron forests and terraced fields. The landscape becomes greener and warmer as you approach Dharapani, passing through several small villages.
Day 13: Drive from Dharapani to Kathmandu via Besisahar
Leave the mountains behind and enjoy a scenic drive back to Kathmandu through rural towns and farmland. Use this time to reflect on your trek. Overnight in Kathmandu.
Day 14: Departure day or stay longer
Depart from Kathmandu or extend your stay to explore more of Nepal’s cultural and natural attractions.
The trek is set in Nepal’s Manaslu region, an area known for its spectacular Himalayan scenery and cultural diversity. It features the eighth highest mountain in the world, Manaslu, and is less crowded than other popular trekking routes. The region offers a combination of river valleys, alpine forests, high mountain passes, and remote villages that retain traditional Tibetan Buddhist culture.
Beginning and ending in Kathmandu, the journey starts with a drive to the trailhead, moving through lush lowlands before reaching high alpine zones. The route crosses challenging passes and takes you deep into villages that are still influenced by Tibetan customs, providing an authentic experience away from busier trekking routes.
Accommodation during the trek is provided mainly in teahouses, which are basic lodges run by local families. These offer simple rooms with shared bathrooms and communal dining areas where you can enjoy traditional Nepali meals. While facilities vary, warmth and hospitality are consistent, giving a genuine mountain experience.
In Kathmandu, accommodation is arranged in comfortable hotels where you can rest before and after the trek. These provide modern amenities and a chance to relax after the adventure. The combination of teahouse stays on the trail and hotel comfort in the city balances authenticity with convenience.
Persons should be physically fit and comfortable walking on uneven mountain trails for several hours daily. Previous trekking experience is recommended, especially for managing the altitude and long days of walking. The crossing of Larke La Pass requires good stamina and mental preparation.
Acclimatisation is key to trekking safely, so following rest days and listening to guides is essential. Knowledge of basic trekking gear and preparation for changing weather conditions will help ensure a smooth and enjoyable trek.
The team brings extensive experience guiding treks across Nepal, with a strong focus on safety and personalised service. Their guides are knowledgeable locals who understand the terrain and culture, offering support that enhances your experience throughout the journey.
They are committed to making a positive impact by supporting local communities and employing guides from financially disadvantaged areas. This ethical approach ensures your trek contributes to the wellbeing of the people and regions you visit, making your adventure meaningful in more ways than one.
The trek demands a good level of fitness as you will be walking for 5 to 7 hours a day on uneven mountain trails. The highest point, Larke La Pass at 5,160 metres, requires strong stamina and endurance to manage the altitude and physical strain.
Proper preparation and regular aerobic exercise before the trek are essential to reduce the risk of altitude sickness and ensure you can enjoy the journey comfortably. It’s also important to pace yourself during the trek and follow your guide’s advice on rest and hydration.
Larke La Pass is considered the most challenging part of the trek due to its high altitude and steep rocky terrain. Crossing at over 5,000 metres means the air is thin, which can make breathing difficult and fatigue set in faster than at lower elevations.
The trek across the pass usually takes several hours and requires careful footwork and a steady pace. Good weather conditions help, but even then, it remains physically demanding, so mental determination and proper acclimatisation are critical.
Accommodation during the trek is in teahouses, which are basic lodges typically run by local families. Rooms usually have simple beds and shared bathroom facilities, with heating available in common areas but not always in bedrooms.
These teahouses provide an authentic cultural experience and a chance to meet other trekkers. Comfort levels can vary depending on the location, but cleanliness and hospitality are generally good throughout the route.
Yes, altitude sickness is a potential risk on this trek, especially when crossing high passes like Larke La. Symptoms can include headache, nausea, dizziness, and fatigue, which may affect your ability to continue safely.
To minimise the risk, the itinerary includes an acclimatisation day in Samagaun and encourages slow, steady ascent. It is vital to listen to your body, stay hydrated, and inform your guide immediately if you experience symptoms.
Meals on the trek mainly consist of traditional Nepali dishes such as dal bhat (lentil soup with rice), momos (dumplings), and local soups. Teahouses offer simple but nourishing options, usually including breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Vegetarian and other dietary preferences can usually be accommodated with advance notice. Eating local food also supports the villages you pass through and provides a genuine cultural experience.
Each person is allowed to carry their personal daypack, but heavy luggage is carried by porters, with one porter assigned per two trekkers. The porter will carry your main duffel bag provided by the company, which contains your overnight clothing and essentials.
It is recommended to pack as lightly as possible to make the trek easier for both you and the porter. Items like warm clothing, toiletries, and any personal gear should fit within the duffel bag limits.
The most popular and recommended seasons for this trek are spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November). During these months, the weather is generally stable, with clear skies and moderate temperatures.
Winter months can be very cold with heavy snowfall, especially at higher altitudes, while the summer monsoon season brings rain and slippery trails, making trekking more difficult and less enjoyable.
Yes, the guides are highly experienced locals with extensive knowledge of the Manaslu region. They are trained to handle various trekking situations and are skilled in altitude management, first aid, and cultural interpretation.
Their support ensures your safety and enhances your experience by providing insights into local customs, geography, and history. The guides also help with logistics and communicate with teahouse owners along the route.
Packing essentials include layered clothing for variable weather, sturdy trekking boots, a warm jacket, hat, gloves, and a good quality sleeping bag. Trekking poles and a daypack for water and snacks are also recommended.
Other important items are sunscreen, sunglasses, a water bottle or hydration system, personal medications, and a headlamp. It’s advisable to keep your gear as light as possible to ease the physical load during the trek.
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About the centre
Kathmandu
Operated by Happyland Treks, a partner of adventuro.
Bagmati Province, Nepal
From $3093
Arunachal Himalaya (Tawang & Siang Region), Nepal
From $1450
