Manaslu Circuit Trek – 17 Days | Complete Larkya La Pass Adventure

Manaslu Ciruit Trekking is a wonderful trekking experience in the isolated Manaslu region and Nubri Valley of the Himalayas. The trek goes along the Budhi Gandaki River Valley to enter the spectacular Nubri Valley in the Manaslu region. Manaslu Circuit Trekking is highly peaceful trekking experience given the less number of trekkers travelling to the region. This trekking starts from the very low river valley and reaches to a high Himalayan pass of Larke La at the elevation of 5160 meters above the sea level. Several days of traversing the beautiful mountain trails walking past wonderful cultural villages gives a real experience of wonderful mixture of cultural and natural riches. The trekking throughout the Nubri valley adds spiritual charm on top of the natural and Himalayan wonders.

Mt. Manaslu (8156m) is a prime attraction of this trek, which is the eighth highest peak in the world and other extensive views of snowy peaks as Lamjung and Larke peak. From manasalu basecamp you can see himlung himal, Hiuchuli, Ngdi, Cheo Himal,Ganesh himal and Annapurnan II and the environs resemble the worth of the Manaslu trek.The Manaslu conservation area project has safeguarded the land of snow leopard. Culturally, Samagaon is a village to witness the real Tibetan culture and enjoy a hiking day through the rhododendron forest. The extensive views of snowy peaks as Manaslu, Lamjung, Larke peak and the environs resemble the worth of the Manaslu trek. Larke Pass at 5160 meters is the challenging section of the trip, including the steep descending to Annapurna site.

Succeeding the trek in round Manaslu, you need to be physically fit and acclimatized. We offers expert services by following the safety measures. We recommend spring and autumn to join with us for a wonderful trek.

Difficulty

The Manaslu Circuit Trek is classified as a moderate-to-difficult trek. The trail involves long walking days, significant altitude gain, and the challenging Larke La Pass (5,160 m / 16,929 ft), which requires careful acclimatization and physical preparation. Fitness training should include cardio, leg strengthening, and endurance building. No technical climbing is needed, but prior trekking experience at altitude is strongly recommended for a safe and rewarding experience.

Accommodation

Accommodation on the Manaslu Circuit Trek is in teahouses and Basic Mountain lodges along the trail, offering twin-sharing rooms with simple beds and shared bathrooms. Attached bathroom is also available in some places and we provide private twin sharing rooms.As a restricted and less-travelled route, facilities are more basic compared to popular trails.Amenities are simple but the warmth and hospitality of the local hosts more than make up for it.

Trip Highlights

★ Cross the dramatic Larke La Pass (5,160 m / 16,929 ft)  the thrilling high point of the circuit  with sweeping views of Himlung Himal, Annapurna II, Kang Guru, and surrounding Himalayan giants.

★ Trek through the remote Nubri Valley past ancient Buddhist monasteries, Mani walls, and traditional Tibetan-influenced villages such as Samagaon and Samdo.

★ Enjoy close-up views of Mt. Manaslu (8,156 m), the world's eighth highest peak, along with Lamjung Himal, Larke Peak, and Ganesh Himal throughout the route.

★ Experience one of Nepal's least-crowded trekking circuits a rare, off-the-beaten-path Himalayan adventure through pristine landscapes and untouched wilderness.

Detailed Itinerary:

Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu (1300 m/4265ft)

Arrival in Kathmandu. Meet with our friendly representative at the arrival terminal of only International airport. And, then you will be transferred to your hotel. You check-in at your Hotel and then after short rest you can go to explore market area of Thamel – where you can eat your supper, change money, buy some stuffs from supermarket, or buy trekking gears – if you need to do. Later we take you to our office for the trip briefing. Overnight at your hotel. Delay of any kind will postpone the events for next day according to feasibility.

Day 02: Kathmandu Valley Sightseeing - 4-5 hrs tour.

You start the day with delicious breakfast served at your Hotel. The sightseeing involves tour of two religious and cultural sites of Pashupatinath temple and Boudhanath stupa.

Pashupatinath Temple: It is one of the most celebrated Hindu temples in South-Asia. The temple is devoted to Lord Shiva. This place is a UNESCO world cultural heritage site. The Bagmati river flowing besides the temple is religiously and spiritually significant for Hindus where cremation of dead body takes place. Pashupatinath temple holds the most of prominence during Shivaratri – Shiva’s birthday and thousands of pilgrims gather in the night to celebrate the day.

Boudhanath Stupa: It is one of the biggest Stupas in terms of size and height in Nepal and located in east of Kathmandu in the ancient trade route between India-Nepal and Tibet. The site is peaceful and culturally filled with intermixed influence of Tibetan and Sherpa roots. Stupa built in the trading route between Kathmandu and Tibet has four pairs of eyes directed towards all four directions. It is believed to be influenced by Mahayana Buddhist philosophy. After short tour of city we return to hotel and prepare for the trek. Overnight will be spent at hotel.

Day 03: Kathmandu – Machha Khola (900 m/2952ft) / 7-8  hrs drive

Early morning after breakfast, you start the day by long drive – yet enjoyable and adventurous – to Machakhola, the gateway to Manaslu trekking. We drive on a highway that stretches on the central hills of Nepal and boasts spectacular views. About 8 hours long drive goes past several small towns and dotted villages where you will come across with full of rural Nepalese life. We drive alongside beautiful River Trishuli for some distance and drive across it to go towards Machakhola via Arughat Bazar. Overnight local lodge.

Day 04: Trek Machha Khola – Jagat (1,410 m/4625ft)/ 6 - 7 hrs walk

From Machha Khola, start your second day of walk early to complete the trail. You will walk past Kholabesi to further reach Tatopani – literally means hot water in Nepali language where the natural hot spring pool is located and famous among Nepali for healthy bath. The day will be definitely adventurous and full of suspension bridges – if you scare of crossing will definitely add the adventure to you. The trek will be tiring given the hill landscape and uphill track. You will walk along Budhi Gandaki to reach Jagat. Overnight will be spent at a local lodge.

Day 05: Trek Jagat – Philim (1,590 m/5216ft)/ 4 hrs walk

Today is comparatively short day of the trek. From Jagat you walk towards Salleri village. Depending on the weather conditions the visibility of mountains varies. If you are lucky enough and walking in a beautiful day then you will witness the grandeur view of the Sringi Himal from Salleri. You then climb all the way up to Sirdibas village. On your way you will cross a suspension bridge and after a final ascent you reach your destination of Philim. Overnight will be spent at local lodge.

Day 06: Trek Philim – Bihi Phedi (2,130 m/6988ft)/ 6 hrs walk

From Philim you walk quite long hours and long trail to reach Bihi Phedi. You eventually walk past the view of the Sringi Himal and the track will be flat for the first part with gradual downhill till you reach the intersection of two paths; one leads to Tusm Valley and the other towards the Manaslu circuit – your trail. You then walk further towards Nyak and Deng and with a final climb, you will make it to Bihi for overnight stay in the local lodge.

Day 07: Trek Bihi Phedi – Namrung (2,670 m/8759ft)/ 6 hrs walk

You will be greeted by the beautiful view of the Kutang Himal as soon as you start the day. The trail for today is long but very adventurous and eventful and even informative. You walk past lots of Buddhist Mani walls, Chortens and prayer flags. On your way, you pass the Ghap village with detectable Buddhist culture. You spend your night at the local lodge at Namrung village.

Day 08: Trek Namrung – Lho (3,180 m/10433ft) / 4 hrs walk

You begin the day early and walk your way up to Lihi village. This place brings you with beautiful view of the surrounding mountains. The uphill trek does not end here, you will then walk all the way up to Lho passing Shyo. The trek is short and only takes four hours, nonetheless full of adventures and splendid view of the mountains. You officially enter the height of 3,000 m – the height you need to be careful with altitude sickness – from Lho. You spend overnight at the local lodge.

Day 09: Trek Lho – Samagaun (3,530 m/ 11581ft)/ 5 hrs walk

After breakfast you start the trek with a downhill trail. However, once you reach Shyala the uphill trail begins. Along the way, you witness breathtaking views of mountains and beautiful sceneries. You will pass through isolated valley of Nubri now. Samagaun will be your destination for the day. Overnight will be spent at local lodge.

Day 10: Acclimatization Day/ Exploration Day at Samagaon/ 4-5 hrs hike or Pugen Gumpa( 4000m/13123.36 ) 6.30  hrs or 5 hrs walk.

This day is separated for acclimatization purpose. For the adjustment of height, you will travel to Kharka (4,400 m/14435ft). You can enjoy the serene view of the lake Birendra Tal – named after the former King of Nepal Birendra Bikram Shah – along with the view of the mountains. After the hike of about four hours you relax for the day at the local lodge.

Or , You can also visit Pungen Gumpa (Buddhist monastery). The hike takes around 3 hours uphill and 2 hours downhill. The monastery is usually closed, so you may only be able to see it from the outside. However, from this place you can enjoy beautiful views of Mt. Manaslu and Ngadi Chuli. After exploring the area, return back to the lodge for an overnight stay.

Day 11: Trek to Samagaun – Samdo (3,860 m/ 12664ft)/ 5 hrs walk

After beautiful time spent at Samagaun you will be heading towards Samdo. Enjoy your morning breakfast at the lodge and start your day early. You are now exposed with herds of Yaks and donkeys on the way as you walk past a yak pasture. Once you reach Samdo after some five hours of walk, you will be as excited as ever because of the view of beautiful peaks: Samdo and Pangboche. Overnight will be spent at local lodge.

Day 12: Trek Samdo – Dharamshala or Larke Phedi (4,460 m/14632ft)| 5 hrs walk

You will trek to Dharamshala today, also known as Larke Phedi – base of the Larke Pass. The trekking will take approximately five hours. You will now enter barren landscape but still beautiful and exhilarating. You will be able to observe the north face of Mt. Manasalu before reaching Dharamshala. Overnight will be spent at the local lodge.

Day 13: Trek Dharamshala –Larke La Pass (5,160 m/16929ft) –Bimthang (3,720 m/12204ft)/ 8 hrs walk

This day is your most memorable day and highlights of your trip. The trail is difficult comparatively but very adventurous and breathtaking. You leave Dharmashala early in the morning and trek along a windy trail up to the Larke La Pass. Once you reach the top you can view the spectacular range of Himlung Himal, Gyaji Kang, Pang Phuchi, Annapurna II, Kang Guru, Namjung Himal and many more. You spend some time at the top of the pass and soak in all the moment before slowly heading down to Bhimthang. Although downhill, the trail is difficult and requires careful attention throughout. Once you reach Bhimthang where you spend the overnight at the local lodge.

Day 14: Trek Bimthang – Tilje (2,300 m/7545ft)/ 6 hrs walk

After an adventurous day this day might be a lot easier and interesting to walk through after the pass. You trek your way to reach the destination of Tiliche. On the way you will witness mountains including Mt. Manasalu, Lamjung Himal, Himlung Himal and many more. You pass through Sangure Kharka and Dudh Khola on your way and even get to cross the suspension bridge. You walk past Gho village and finally reach Tilje Overnight will be spent at the local lodge.

Day 15: Drive Tiliche – Kathmandu (1300m) 10 hrs drive

The drive will be pretty long nonetheless very eventful given the beautiful sceneries to look forward to. You will pass through rural settlements and towns and villages on your way to Kathmandu. Once you reach Kathmandu you could relax and have great time around. Overnight in hotel.

Day 16: Cultural Tour of Kathmandu City

After breakfast at your Hotel, we take you to the mysterious Kathmandu city tour. This historical, cultural and spiritual city unveils the social and historical mysteries to visitors. You will walk through the narrow lanes of the ancient Kathmandu – the center of power – that includes markets of Ason, Glass beads market at Indrachowk, oldest supermarket at New Road, Kilagal, and Hidden Stupas inside the family courtyard. Visit of Kathmandu Durbar Square – the administrative quarter of Malla Kings (fourteenth to eighteenth century), and Shah Kings who ruled Nepal from 1768 until 2008. The most unique experience in the square is the visit to the temple of the living goddess “Kumari”. After the tour, return back to your Hotel. If you are staying in Thamel, you can hang around this bustling tourist market and enjoy shopping. Overnight in Hotel.

Day 17: Departure Day

As per your flight schedule, you will be transferred to the international airport of Kathmandu three hours prior to the flight time.We hope that you will take wonderful memories from the Himalayas of Nepal.

🏔️ Why Choose Us

This itinerary follows the full circuit rather than shortened road-based alternatives, maintaining the integrity of the original route. Proper acclimatisation, experienced local guides, and realistic pacing reduce risk while preserving the challenge.

Strong logistical support, local knowledge, and attention to safety ensure the focus stays on the journey itself. The result is a complete circuit note for those who want to experience the Annapurna region in depth.

🧗 Prerequisites

While no technical climbing skills are required, this is a long and demanding trek with extended days at altitude. Participants should have strong general fitness and be comfortable walking for 6–8 hours a day over consecutive days.

You must be prepared for high-altitude conditions, basic accommodation, and cold temperatures near the pass. Previous multi-day trekking experience is strongly recommended.