Physical Requirements
Strong cardiovascular endurance, physical stamina, and the ability to walk for 5 to 8 hours daily over steep, rugged, and sometimes icy mountain terrain.
Pokhara Departure
Manaslu Circuit Trek
Walking through the pristine, less-crowded Manaslu Conservation Area. Conquering the breathtaking alpine heights of Larkya La Pass (5,106 m). Immersive cultural encounters with Gurung and Tibetan-boundary communities. Incredible views of Mt. Manaslu (8,163 m), Ganesh Himal, and the surrounding glaciers.
14 Days
Duration
5,106 m
Max Altitude
Challenging
Difficulty
Teahouse / Lodge
Lodging
Sep–Nov, Mar–May
Best Season
Highlights
Walking through the pristine, less-crowded Manaslu Conservation Area. Conquering the breathtaking alpine heights of Larkya La Pass (5,106 m). Immersive cultural encounters with Gurung and Tibetan-boundary communities. Incredible views of Mt. Manaslu (8,163 m), Ganesh Himal, and the surrounding glaciers.
Expedition Brief
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Day 1
1,400m
Arrival in Kathmandu
Arrive in the capital city, check into your hotel, meet your trekking guide, and finalize your restricted area trekking permits.
Day 2
710m
Drive from Kathmandu to Soti Khola
A scenic but bumpy 7-to-8-hour overland drive via Arughat, winding along rural highways, waterfalls, and the Budhi Gandaki river valley.
Day 3
900m
Trek from Soti Khola to Machha Khola
Begin your foot journey along the riverbed, navigating undulating forest trails and crossing multiple suspension bridges.
Day 4
1,340m
Trek from Machha Khola to Jagat
Follow a gradual uphill path passing through Khorlabesi and Tatopani's natural hot springs, entering the official checkpoint for the Manaslu Conservation Area at Jagat.
Day 5
1,860m
Trek from Jagat to Deng
Descend to the riverbank, climb through steep rocky cliffs, and cross the valley into the large Gurung village of Philim before reaching Deng.
Day 6
2,630m
Trek from Deng to Namrung
Ascend through deep alpine river gorges and thick rhododendron forests, catching your first brilliant views of the Ganesh Himal and Himal Chuli peaks.
Day 7
2,630m
Rest and Acclimatization Day in Namrung
A built-in rest window to allow your respiratory system to adjust to the elevation. Explore the traditional village or visit local Buddhist monasteries.
Day 8
3,180m
Trek from Namrung to Lho
Enter the deeply Tibetan-influenced highlands, passing large mani walls and chortens to reach Lho, which offers an incredible close-up view of Mount Manaslu.
Day 9
3,530m
Trek from Lho to Samagaon
Walk through the spectacular valley settlement of Shyala, arriving by afternoon at the stone houses of Samagaon, nestled directly below the massive Manaslu Glacier.
Day 10
3,530m
Acclimatization Day in Samagaon
A critical rest day before ascending higher. Take an optional acclimatization side-hike to the emerald Birendra Glacial Lake, Pungyen Gompa, or the viewpoint toward Manaslu Base Camp.
Day 11
3,875m
Trek from Samagaon to Samdo
A shorter, gradual morning climb through high alpine pastures where yaks graze, arriving at the remote Tibetan refugee village of Samdo.
Day 12
3,590m
Cross Larkya La Pass (5,106m) to Bimthang
The ultimate crux of the expedition. A grueling pre-dawn push past Larkya Phedi (Dharamsala) leads to the prayer flags of the pass (5,106m), unveiling 360-degree vistas of Himlung Himal and Annapurna II, followed by a long descent to Bimthang.
Day 13
2,300m
Trek from Bimthang to Tilije
A steady, knees-rewarding descent down through lush pine, oak, and rhododendron forests along the Dudh Khola river trail.
Day 14
Trek to Dharapani (1,963m) & Drive back to Kathmandu
A brief final walk down to Dharapani, where the trail merges with the Annapurna Circuit. Catch a local or private mountain jeep/bus for the scenic drive back to Besisahar and onward to Kathmandu to conclude the circuit.
Pre-Trek Medical & Safety Prep
For any multi-day trek in Nepal—especially those exceeding 3,000 meters—it is highly recommended to get a baseline health check, confirm your physical fitness levels, and secure proper altitude sickness guidance or necessary travel vaccinations before departure.
Trail Logistics
What's Included
- Standard teahouse accommodation on a twin-sharing basis throughout the trail
- Required government-restricted area permits (Manaslu RAP, MCAP, and ACAP)
- licensed, English-speaking mountain guide
- porter support
- Three main meals daily (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner) along the trek
- Ground transportation from Kathmandu to the trailhead
- return
What's Not Included
- International flights
- Nepal entry visa fees
- Comprehensive travel medical insurance with specific high-altitude evacuation coverage
- Personal trekking gear and clothing (down jackets, broken-in boots, trekking poles)
- Teahouse extras such as hot showers, satellite Wi-Fi access, device charging, and bottled beverages
- Tips
- gratitude for your field guide, kitchen staff,
- porter team
What to Bring
4-season down jacket
high-quality waterproof shell layers
sleeping bag comfort-rated down to at least -15°C
Sturdy, broken-in trekking boots paired with warm wool blend socks
Microspikes for traction on slippery or frozen pass segments
UV-blocking glacier sunglasses, a high-lumens headlamp, and a personal medical kit with water purification tablets
The Green Forest Standard
cottageVerified teahouses
medical_servicesFirst-Aid certified guides
languageJP · EN · HI
monitor_heartOximeters & satellite comms
home_pinPokhara start & end
Related Routes
Annapurna Circuit Trek (via Thorong La Pass)
Cross Thorong La Pass (5,416m) — from lush Marsyangdi forests through Manang to the sacred Muktinath valley and Poon Hill sunrise.
Dhorpatan Wildlife Reserve
Nepal's only dedicated wildlife reserve — blue sheep, isolated Tibetan settlements, and remote marshlands.
Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek
A 14-day alpine expedition circling Dhaulagiri I — French Pass, glacier camps, and the snow-bound Hidden Valley.
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