Trekking in Nepal: Manaslu Circuit Trek – An Epic Adventure around Mt. Manaslu, the 8th Highest Peak in the World. The Manaslu Circuit Trek is one of the most iconic treks in Nepal, offering an unforgettable adventure around Mt. Manaslu (8,156 meters), the 8th highest peak in the world. This thrilling trek not only takes you through remote and beautiful landscapes but also provides a deep immersion into the unique culture of Nepal’s mountain communities. For trekkers seeking an off-the-beaten-path experience, the Manaslu Circuit is a perfect choice for trekking in Nepal.
The journey begins in the historic Gorkha District, which is a 5-6 hour drive from the capital, Kathmandu. From Gorkha, the trail follows the Budi Gandaki River, leading trekkers through wild, unexplored terrain, with the valley inhabited predominantly by members of the Gurung ethnic group. As you continue your trek, you’ll witness the raw beauty of Nepal’s Himalayas.
The Manaslu Circuit Trek offers trekkers stunning views of Mt. Manaslu and the surrounding peaks. The trek reaches the challenging Larkya Pass at an altitude of 5,100 meters, offering breathtaking panoramic views of the region. After crossing the pass, the trail descends into the Marshyangdi River valley, where it joins the main Annapurna Circuit trail.
This itinerary includes the trek via Jomsong – Muktinath through the Thorung La Pass (5,416 meters), another high-altitude challenge that rewards trekkers with sweeping views of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri massifs.
Manaslu Circuit Trek is one of the best options for trekking in Nepal, combining challenging terrain with some of the most spectacular Himalayan views. It’s an ideal trek for those looking for a more remote, cultural, and less-crowded alternative to other popular trekking routes in Nepal.
If you’re seeking the adventure of a lifetime, trekking in Nepal on the Manaslu Circuit Trek offers a chance to explore stunning natural landscapes, experience unique cultures, and challenge yourself physically and mentally. Book your trek today with Blissful Himalayas and get ready to embark on a truly unforgettable journey through the heart of the Himalayas.
Itinerary
You will arrive in Kathmandu, the capital of Nepal. Upon arrival, you’ll be transferred to your hotel to rest and acclimatize. This day is mainly for arrival, orientation, and relaxation.
This day is dedicated to exploring Kathmandu’s cultural and historical sites, such as Swayambhunath (Monkey Temple), Pashupatinath Temple, Boudhanath Stupa, or Durbar Square. You will also meet with your trekking team (guide and porter), finalize preparations, and gather any last-minute trekking supplies.
You will take a scenic drive to Arughat Bazaar, a popular starting point for treks in the Manaslu region. The drive will take several hours, passing through picturesque landscapes, rural villages, and lush valleys.
From Arughat, you’ll start your trek heading toward Sundi Khola. The trek will introduce you to the trails, passing through subtropical forests and small villages. You’ll get a sense of the rural Nepali lifestyle.
The journey continues toward Machha Khola, a small village along the trekking route. The path will take you through more rugged terrain, with rivers and small streams, leading to your overnight stop in this peaceful village.
From Machha Khola, you’ll trek to Jagat, a larger village. The trail gets steeper, passing through forests, suspension bridges, and terraced fields. Jagat is a popular overnight stop with views of the surrounding hills and mountains.
This day takes you deeper into the trekking route toward Deng, a remote village in the region. The trail continues to ascend, offering more spectacular mountain views and passing through villages where you can interact with the local people.
Continuing the ascent, you’ll reach Ghap, a village that’s part of the route to the high Himalayas. The landscape begins to shift as you move higher, with beautiful views of the surrounding peaks.
On this day, you’ll trek to Lho Village, which is a significant village on the way to Manaslu Base Camp. The village is situated at a higher altitude, and you’ll start to feel the mountain atmosphere as you get closer to the high Himalayas.
From Lho, you will trek to Sama Gaon, a beautiful village near the base of Manaslu. This village is a key stop for trekkers who are aiming to reach Manaslu Base Camp. It’s a good point to take in the stunning views of the surrounding peaks.
This is a rest day to help you acclimatize to the higher altitude. You can either relax or explore nearby areas, such as Manaslu Base Camp or the surrounding valleys. The day will help your body adjust to the increasing altitude.
You’ll trek to Larkya Lodge (also called Dharmashala), a resting point before the final ascent to Larkya Pass. It’s a crucial stop for acclimatization, and trekkers often stay here to prepare for the challenging day ahead.
From Dharmashala, you will continue your trek to Tanbuche. The route starts to descend, offering views of glaciers and high-altitude landscapes. This day marks a shift in the scenery as you approach more manageable altitudes.
The trek continues to Karche, a village that will be a good resting point on your descent. The trail descends through beautiful landscapes, offering views of valleys and villages below.
From Karche, you’ll trek to Bagar Chaap, a smaller village that marks another step in your descent. The lower altitudes mean more lush green landscapes and pleasant trekking conditions.
The trek to Chame brings you further down the trail. Chame is a larger village known for its hot springs and stunning views of the Annapurna range. It’s a great place to relax after several days of trekking in higher altitudes.
From Chame, you will continue your trek to Pisang, another charming village. The trek to Pisang is beautiful, passing through pine forests and terraced fields, with the Annapurna and Manaslu peaks looming in the distance.
The next stop is Manang, a popular village for trekkers in the Annapurna Circuit. Manang sits at a high altitude, making it an ideal place for acclimatization before the higher passes. It has several lodges and offers amazing views of the Annapurna and Gangapurna mountains.
From Manang, the trek takes you to Thorung Phedi, the last stop before the challenging ascent of Thorung La Pass, one of the highest trekking passes in the world. It’s an important rest day to prepare for the strenuous crossing of the pass.
This is one of the most challenging days, where you’ll ascend to Thorung La Pass (5,416 meters), and then descend to Muktinath, a sacred pilgrimage site for Hindus and Buddhists. The pass offers stunning views, but it requires physical preparation and good acclimatization.
After reaching Muktinath, you’ll continue your descent to Jomsom, a large town in the Mustang region. The trek to Jomsom is relatively easier, with a more gentle descent through the Kali Gandaki Valley.
From Jomsom, you’ll take a flight back to Kathmandu, stopping at Pokhara on the way. This scenic flight offers views of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri mountain ranges. You’ll return to Kathmandu for a final night of rest.
On this final day, you’ll depart Kathmandu for your onward journey. Whether you’re heading home or continuing to explore Nepal or other destinations, this marks the end of your incredible trekking adventure.