Manaslu Circuit Trek

The journey from Kathmandu to Jagat is more than a transfer—it’s an immersive introduction to Nepal’s diverse landscapes and cultures. Covering approximately 205 km, the drive typically takes 7–8 hours by road. Starting at an elevation of around 1,400 meters in Kathmandu and descending slightly to about 1,340 meters at Jagat, the route involves minimal overall elevation change, making it a comfortable yet scenic journey.
Along the way, you’ll follow the winding courses of the Trishuli River and Budhi Gandaki River, whose valleys shape much of the region’s dramatic terrain. As the urban landscape fades, it gives way to lush forests, terraced fields, and traditional village life.

The route passes through key settlements such as Arughat (550 m) and Soti Khola (730 m), both recognized as important gateways to trekking in the Manaslu region. By the time you arrive in Jagat, you’ll find yourself at the threshold of a distinctly Himalayan world, where Tibetan cultural influences begin to shape the landscape, architecture, and way of life.

Altitude: 1340m
Driving Time: 8-9 hrs – approx
Elevation gain: +60m
Scenic jeep drive along rivers and hills.
Overnight at Trekking Lodge.

After breakfast in the village of Jagat, you’ll make your way through various landscapes and dense sub-tropical forests, as well as small rivers and rustic villages to get to your final destination. Begin the trek by climbing over a rocky ridge to Salleri, and then descend to Sirdibas. The valley widens a bit as the trail continues to the Ghatta Khola river. You’ll continue walking upstream to a long suspension bridge in Philim, a large Gurung village. From here, the trail turns north just above the lowest house in the village and stays on a fairly level trail as it crosses millet fields to Ekle Bhatti. The route now enters a steep, uninhabited gorge where you’ll descend to the grassy slopes, and then cross the Budhi Gandaki river. Trek along the west bank for a while, then cross to the east bank before you return to the west side again. The trail widens through the valley and you’ll pass through bamboo forests to the Deng Khola river. Upon crossing, you’ll reach the tiny village of Deng.

Altitude: 1860m
Walking Time: 6–7 hrs
Elevation Gain: +520m
Enter restricted region with cultural transition.
Overnight at Trekking Lodge.

We leave the Gurung village of Deng with the view of Siringi Himal and move ahead past the Bihi Phedi and Bihi to reach the destination, Ghap (2165m / 4 hrs.), that may also be reached through the alternative route via Prok village. The short descend after Deng and a steep ascend takes us to Rana Bridge. Through the pine forests and bridge, we reach to Bihi Phedi. Beyond this, we enter the Buddhism dominated region where we witness the Mani walls and stones portraying gods and goddesses. Further ahead in the trail, we cross the Sereng River located high off the main Budi Gandaki River and experience the unique environment provided by breathtaking gorge, culturally rich chorten and cross another suspension bridge before we reach Ghap.

Altitude: 2160m
Walking Time: 4–5 hrs
Elevation Gain: +300m
Walk through forests and small settlements.
Overnight at Trekking Lodge.

Today while we are trekking we Pass a few houses and three streams in a forest of big fir alive with birds, including Danphe (national bird of Nepal). We are climbing a bit long in the bamboo and rhododendron forests crossing the river several times. We are crossing the wooden bridge over Budi Gandaki with the beautiful gorges before entering Namrung through a stone archway. As it is a Buddhist village so we can see there are monasteries, a water turbine, hydro electricity powerhouse, Mani walls, Chortens, and prayer flags which can be seen fluttering in the sky.

Altitude: 2630m
Walking Time: 3–4 hrs
Elevation Gain: +470m
Gradual ascent with first mountain views.
Overnight at Trekking Lodge.

From Namrung we climb steeply through a dense forest to reach Lihi village. The trail drops from the village filled with barley terraces and crosses the side valley of Simnang Himal. The route passes along Sho village then Lho village and finally into Shyala village.

Altitude: 3500m
Walking Time: 5–6 hrs
Elevation Gain: +870m
Wide valley with stunning Himalayan panorama.
Overnight at Trekking Lodge.

The Manaslu Circuit Trek route map indicates that the journey from Shyala to Samagaon (3,530 m) typically takes around 4–5 hours. Samagaon is a key acclimatization stop along the trail, where trekkers usually spend two nights to properly adjust to the altitude, following standard high-altitude trekking practices.

This historic Himalayan village offers breathtaking views of the north face of Mount Manaslu, visible directly from the settlement. During your stay, you can enjoy rewarding acclimatization hikes to Manaslu Base Camp or Birendra Lake, or take time to experience the village’s rich cultural heritage and traditional way of life.

According to the Manaslu and Tsum Valley route map, Samagaon also serves as an important junction for several side trips, making it a strategic base for further exploration in the region.

Altitude: 3530m
Walking Time: 2–3 hrs
Elevation Gain: +30m
Short trek with close views of Mt. Manaslu.
Overnight at Trekking Lodge.

Today is an acclimatization day, so sleep in and relax. Enjoy a refreshing breakfast and then spend the day at Samagaon getting some rest. For those who want to explore, there’s an optional day hike that explores some rich Sherpa culture. You can enjoy the sight of thousands of mani stones with Buddhist texts, as well as photos of Sherpa women clad in traditional clothes and ornaments. If you hike up to a little hill near the Sama village, you’ll find an old gompa—Pungyen Gompa—a monastery with great views of the glacier.

Altitude: 3530m
Optional Hike: 3–4 hrs
Elevation Gain/Loss: ±300–400m
Rest and explore nearby glaciers/monasteries.
Overnight at Trekking Lodge.

We are walking uphill in the desert path and windy village till o Samdo. After crossing the Kyagru Chholing Gompa, we walk in the juniper and birch forest and the stone hut of Kermo Kharka. Start climbing to the Samdo and just before entering the village passes through the point where the Budhi Gandaki starts – at the confluence of Larke Khola and the river coming from Samdo Glacier. It is a refugee camp for Tibetans and gives you a rare glimpse into the lifestyle of the Tibetan people. from here we can enjoy the magnificent view of Mount. Manaslu, Ngadi Chuli, Samdo (Pang Phuchuli), Simnang Himal, and also Manaslu glacier. You can see the Manaslu icefall and several other majestic peals.

Altitude: 3875m
Walking Time: 3–4 hrs
Elevation Gain: +345m
Gradual ascent to remote Tibetan-influenced village.
Overnight at Trekking Lodge.

Samdo is the last permanent settlement before Larkya La Pass. The village shows strong Tibetan influence with traditional houses, yak corrals, and prayer flags fluttering in the wind. You can take a side trip to the Tibet border for stunning mountain views.

Altitude: 3875m
Optional Hike: 3–4 hrs
Elevation Gain/Loss: ±300–400m
Short hikes for better acclimatization.
Overnight at Trekking Lodge.

Today we start the ascent to the pass by downhill through fields to an old Mani wall and stone arch before dropping to the river and crossing on a wooden bridge. This place shows up on maps as the mythical Larke Bazaar, which used to be a flourishing market. Another Mani wall marks the beginning of ascent to the pass where the trail starts climbing through tundra and juniper; the huge Larkya Glacier coming from Manaslu can be seen from here.

Altitude: 4460m
Walking Time: 4–5 hrs
Elevation Gain: +585m
Steady climb to base camp of Larkya La Pass.
Overnight at Trekking Lodge.

Today you get up early for the ‘climb’ of the Larkya pass, the highest point of the trek. After walking up and down a few times you arrive at ‘the four frozen lakes’. From here you start the steep trek to the pass. It can be quite cold here, so make sure you wear warm clothes and have a hat, scarf and gloves with you. The view from the pass is nothing short of phenomenal. From here you have a view of the Manaslu chain. And in the west on the Himlung Himal (7126m), Cheo Himal (6820m), Gyaji Kung (7030m), Kang Guru (6891m) and Annapurna II (7937m): overwhelmingly beautiful! For the descent to Bimthang you need about four hours. The first part of the descent can be slippery, especially when there is snow. In the winter months it is wise to have crampons with you. Arriving in Bimthang you can reminisce about your achievements today. The village is located in a large valley, surrounded by steep rock walls. You will no doubt hear some ice avalanches coming down in the distance at night!

Altitude (Larkya Pass): 5106m
Altitude (Bimthang): 3720m
Walking Time: 8–9 hrs
Elevation Gain: +646m / Loss: -1,386m
Cross the highest point with breathtaking views.
Overnight at Trekking Lodge.

After breakfast in Bimthang, head out to a nearby ridge where you can enjoy great views of Manaslu, Lamjung Himal, Himlung Himal, and Cheo Himal. Keep descending on the trail and cross a high pasture followed by a bridge over the Dudh Khola River. From here, walk through a rhododendron forest and follow a trail through a narrow valley until you reach the highest cultivated land of the valley at Karche. Pass through lush fields before making a steep climb over a ridge. The trail comes off the ridge in a big, sweeping arc to the river bank. A short distance beyond is the village of Gho where some trekkers choose to stay the night, but you’ll continue walking until you get to Tilje.

Altitude: 2300m
Walking Time: 6–7 hrs
Elevation Loss: -1,420m
Descend through forests and meadows.
Overnight at Trekking Lodge.

From Tilje, we can drive to Besishahar by Jeep. The jeep ride from Tilje to Besishar is completely off-road, and we get to Besisahar around 3-4 Hours driven by Local jeep. This is about 40 to 45 km of ride only. From Besisahar it is 50km, to Bandipur on the Dumre-Besisahar-Chame Highway takes about 2 hours.

Altitude: 1030m
Driving Time: 4-5 hrs (73 km) and 2 – 3 hrs (61 Km)
Elevation Loss: -1,270m
Scenic drive and relax in heritage town.
Overnight at Old Inn Bandipur.

The journey from Bandipur to Kathmandu is a scenic drive that typically takes around 5 hours, depending on road conditions and traffic. Covering approximately 148 kilometers, the route descends from the peaceful hilltop town of Bandipur down to Dumre, where it connects with the Prithvi Highway—the main roadway linking Pokhara and Kathmandu.

From Bandipur, travelers first take a short drive (about 30–40 minutes) to reach Dumre. This section includes winding roads with beautiful views of terraced fields, traditional villages, and surrounding hills. Once on the highway, the drive continues alongside rivers such as the Trishuli, offering picturesque landscapes throughout the journey.

Altitude: 1400m
Driving Time: 5–6 hrs
Elevation Gain: +370m
Return drive to Kathmandu.
Overnight at Traditional Comfort.

As per airlines regulation, travelers needs to check in to their respective airlines counter at around 3 hours before the scheduled flight time.
Your booked airport transfer will be at your hotel, ready to take you to the airport. Depending upon the traffic on the road, the drive from your hotel to airport may take around 30 minutes or more.
At the airport, security will check for your flight ticket – either hard copy or on your mobile along with your passport before you are allowed to enter the departure hall.