Day 01Arrival in Kathmandu (1,365 m)
Depending on how you plan to arrive at Kathmandu, we will arrange for you to arrive at your hotel.
If you're flying into Tribhuvan International Airport, you'll be greeted by our representative holding an "Everest Sherpa Expedition" sign at the opposite railing of the terminal gates. You'll then be transferred to your hotel in Thamel.
A program briefing with your group will be held in the evening. Late arrivals will have their briefing and group meeting at breakfast the following morning.
- Accommodation: Hotel Manaslu, Deluxe Heritage & Boutique Hotel 4 star
- Meals: Welcome Dinner
- Transportation: Private Transfer
- Driving Duration: 35 minutes
Day 02Drive from Kathmandu to Machha Khola (890 m). Change vehicle and drive ahead to Jagat (1,410 m)
Your Manaslu Circuit Trek adventure begins with a long and scenic drive from Kathmandu to Machha Khola, a journey that takes you through the heart of rural Nepal. The road initially follows the Trishuli River, offering glimpses of terraced fields, traditional villages, and lush green hills. After Machha Khola, you'll take a 4x4 jeep for the final leg to Jagat.
This day is all about experiencing the diversity of Nepal's landscapes, from the bustling Kathmandu Valley to the remote river gorges.
- Accommodation: Local Lodge at Jagat
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
- Transportation: Private Transfer
- Drive: Kathmandu to Maccha Khola (160 km; 6-7 hrs)
- Drive: Machha Khola to Jagat (40 km; 2-3 hours)
Day 03 Trek from Jagat to Dyang (1,800 m)
The trek from Jagat to Dyang begins with a roughly two-hour hike along the Budhi Gandaki River to Philim. This section offers views of Shringi Himal, a 7,175-meter peak near the Tibetan border.
The valley narrows as the trail ascends from Philim. After a short descent and crossing the Budhi Gandaki via a narrow wooden bridge, the trail climbs steeply for about thirty minutes before leveling out, offering a high vantage point above the confluence of the Shar Khola and Budhi Gandaki rivers. Here, the valley opens up, revealing scenic views.
The trail, sometimes a stone-paved trench carved into the rock face, leads to a section crossed by a bridge of branches and bamboo. This marks the end of the most challenging part of the day’s trail, though a short, difficult climb and descent remain. The scenery improves, with bamboo and rhododendron trees lining the path. The trek continues through forests of deciduous trees, rhododendrons, pines, and bamboo, with opportunities to spot birds, butterflies, and possibly Langur monkeys. Dyang, the first Tibetan village along the way, features a chorten adorned with intricate inscriptions.
- Accommodation: Local Lodge at Dyang
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
- Trek Time: 7-8 hours
- Distance: 22 km
Day 04Trek from Dyang to Namrung (2,660 m)
Your hike from Dyang to Namrung begins with a winding descent to the riverbed. The trail is fascinating as you will find the river has carved the steep, rocky walls. After crossing numerous suspension bridges, you'll climb steeply along the left bank to the town of Lana. From there, the trail gradually ascends to the village of Unbae.
After lunch, you'll descend back towards the river. In the middle of the forest, you'll behold a remarkable sight: the Budhi Gandaki appears to have carved a passage through a huge rock. A wooden bridge spans this gap, offering a worthwhile opportunity to gaze down at the wild, swirling water below. A short while later, you'll cross the river again. From here, a rather long and somewhat steep climb begins, leading you through bamboo and rhododendron forests to Namrung, a beautiful village with a Buddhist monastery. Along the trail, after passing Prok village, a beautiful viewpoint offers stunning views of the snow-capped peaks of the Siringi Himal.
- Accommodation: Local Lodge at Namrung
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
- Trek Time: 7-8 hours
- Distance: 20 km
Day 05Trek from Namrung to Samagaun (3,585 m)
The hike from Namrung to Samagaon unveils a dramatic shift in landscape and culture. The trail ascends from Namrung through rhododendron and bamboo forests, opening up to expansive views of Siringi Himal and other peaks. After crossing the Hinan Khola, fed by the Lidanda glacier, the trail ascends revealing a wide valley; the gateway to an alpine meadow before Sho village's stone gate, offering stunning views of Naike Peak, Manaslu North, and Manaslu itself. The path continues uphill through houses and farmland to Lo, where Ganesh Himal graces the valley below.
The path continues, crossing streams and traversing rocky slopes, with Manaslu, Dwijen Himal, and Lana Peak dominating the skyline. Lho showcases more Tibetan culture, with prayer wheels and mani walls lining the trail. Its gompa provides insight into local Buddhist traditions.
A final climb leads to Samagaon, the largest village on the circuit. Nestled in a wide valley, Samagaon offers breathtaking panoramic views, with Manaslu as its crown jewel.
- Accommodation: Local Lodge at Samagaun
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
- Trek Time: 7-8 hours
- Distance: 18 km
Day 06Acclimatization Day at Samagaun - Hike to Pungyen Gumba (5,039 m)
The acclimatization excursion to Pungyen Gumba is crucial for the success of your Manaslu Circuit Trek. It is an important Buddhist monastery above 5,000 m where breathtaking panoramas and a serene atmosphere awaits you.
The trail from Samgaon to Pungyen Gumba winds along the Lungu Khola, crossing suspension bridges and ascending through changing vegetation. As you climb, views of Manaslu and other towering peaks unfold, and you’ll encounter mani walls, prayer flags, and small stupas, reflecting the region's deep spiritual heritage.
- Accommodation: Local Lodge at Samagaun
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
- Trek Time: 6-7 hours
- Distance: 13.5 km
Day 07Trek from Samagaun to Samdo (3,860 m). Optional detour to Birendra Tal (3,450 m)
The hike from Samagaon to Samdo begins with a gentle walk along the Budhi Gandaki River in a northwesterly direction. The trail diverges before Kermo Kharka, taking a higher path towards Manaslu Base Camp. This detour involves a steep 3.5km climb over 45 minutes to the Manaslu glacier's moraine, followed by a gentler ascent to a cairn marking the base camp, which offers a view of Birendra Tal.
After soaking in the views, you'll backtrack to the main trail and continue following the Budhi Gandaki. You'll pass the impressive Mani walls at Kermo Kharka and you will soon spot the entrance to the Samdo Chorten high on a bluff. It is a challenging, steep climb to reach the chorten. From there, you'll descend back to the Budhi Gandaki, cross a small bridge, and then make a short final climb to the "Kane" entrance of Samdo.
Samdo, the highest village in the Nupri valley, was founded in the 1950s by Tibetan refugees. After lunch, you can choose to ascend another 200m on the Rui La trail for even better views or simply relax for the rest of the day.
- Accommodation: Local Lodge at Samdo
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
- Trek Time: 5-6 hours
- Distance: 10 km
Day 08Acclimatization Day at Samdo - Hike to Rui La, a.k.a. Lajing Bhanjyang (4,998 m)
Unlike other Manaslu Circuit Trek itineraries which only include one acclimatization routine, our program includes an additional acclimatization excursion to Rui La (pass). This prepares your body for the long and grueling Larkya La while offering one of the best views on the Manaslu Circuit Trek.
From Samdo, you'll follow the trail towards Dharamshala, traversing towards the visible bridge on the Athahra Saya Khola (a wooden bridge, with a newer one under construction). A steep, 40-minute climb will bring you to a large boulder where the trail branches. The path straight ahead continues to Dharamshala; instead, you'll be taking the path climbing to the right. This trail traverses parallel to the right bank of the Athahra Saya Khola, high above the valley floor.
As you gradually gain altitude, you'll cross several small streams before descending to a larger side tributary. After crossing this tributary on a wooden bridge and ascending further on the west side of the Athahra Saya Khola, you'll reach a plateau where the river begins to turn west. Here, a side valley branching east leads to the Rui La Pass. After crossing a wooden bridge from the left side of the river, you ascend the arduous, zigzagging trail up the valley to arrive at Rui La pass which is marked by a Nepalese-Chinese border post. After taking in the views, you will retrace your steps back to Samdo.
- Accommodation: Local Lodge at Samdo
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
- Trek Time: 8-9 hours
- Distance: 22 km
Day 09Trek from Samdo to Dharmasala a.k.a. Larkya La Phedi (4,460 m)
Today's hike follows yesterday's route to the Athahra Saya Khola from where you diverted to to Rui La. Following the straight path, you'll cross the river and then ascend through the remnants of Larkya Bazaar, a once-thriving trade market.
The ascent to Dharamsala, approximately three hours away, is demanding, as you traverse the moraine walls left by the Larkya Glacier. However, the trek is also incredibly rewarding, as you'll be accompanied by awe-inspiring panoramic views.
- Accommodation: Local Lodge at Dharmasala
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
- Trek Time: 2-3 hours
- Distance: 6.5 km
Day 10Trek from Dharmasala to Bhimthang (3,790 m) via Larkya La (5,106 m)
Today marks the highlight of your trek-quite literally, its highest point.
You'll begin your day before dawn, trekking by headlamp. Weather permitting, you'll witness an awe-inspiring sunrise as the first rays of light ignite the towering peaks, slowly illuminating the landscape in a magnificent display.
The ascent to Larkya La pass is gradual at first. You'll initially follow the moraine alongside the Larkya Glacier, then traverse the glacier itself for approximately three hours. The rugged terrain is dramatic; moraines, imposing massifs, glaciers, and snow-capped peaks contrasting sharply against the azure sky and the subtle glacial frost. The pass itself isn't a sharply defined point, but the vibrant prayer flags will signal your arrival at Larkya La (5,106 m), the highest point of the Manaslu Circuit trek. From here, it's all downhill.
The descent to Bimthang is initially quite steep, navigating the high moraine ridge of the Salpudanda Glacier. From the grassy moraine of Dangboche Kharka, the trail eases, leading you along the moraine's edge to a large meadow dotted with houses-the village of Bimthang.
- Accommodation: Local Lodge at Bhimthang
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
- Trek Time: 9-10 hours
- Distance: 15-16 km
Day 11Trek from Bhimthang to Gho (2,560 m)
After a delicious breakfast in Bimthang, with stunning views of Manaslu, Lamjung Himal, Himlung Himal, and Cheo Himal, you'll begin a gradual descent through the Burdin Khola valley. The trail crosses the high-altitude pasture of Sangure Kharka before a bridge crossing over the Dudh Khola.
You'll then trek through a rhododendron forest and a narrow valley until reaching Karche (2,785m), the highest cultivated land in the valley. After traversing the fields, a steep climb over a ridge awaits. Beyond the ridge, the trail sweeps in a large arc down to the riverbank at 2,580m, just a short distance from the village of Goa.
- Accommodation: Local Lodge at Gho
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
- Trek Time: 5-6 hours
- Distance: 14.5 km
Day 12Trek from Gho to Dharapani (1,700 m) & drive to Besisahar (760 m)
This is the final day of trek on the Manaslu Circuit Trek.
You’ll continue on the relatively flat trail for about an hour until Tilche, where you'll begin a descent on stone-paved paths, eventually crossing a suspension bridge over the Dudh Khola. From there, it's a 1.5-hour ascent into the Annapurna Conservation Area to reach Dharapani.
After lunch, you will drive through terraced fields and winding roads to Besisahar, the hub of the Annapurna Circuit Trek.
- Accommodation: Hotel at Besisahar
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
- Trek Distance: 10 km
- Trek Time: 3-4 hrs
- Driving Distance: 45 km
- Driving Time: 5-6 hrs
Day 13Drive from Besisahar to Kathmandu
After breakfast, you’ll begin your journey back to Kathmandu by vehicle. The scenic drive through rural villages, hills, and river valleys offers a unique opportunity to witness the changing landscapes of Nepal. Upon reaching Kathmandu, you will be transferred to your hotel, where you can unwind and relax after your remarkable trek.
- Accommodation: Hotel Manaslu, Deluxe Heritage & Boutique Hotel 4 star
- Meals: Breakfast
- Transport: Private Transfer
- Driving Distance: 5-6 hours
Day 14Free day in Kathmandu
Enjoy a free day in Kathmandu to rest, shop, or explore the city's cultural sites in Kathmandu, Patan, and Bhaktapur. In the evening you’re invited to a farewell dinner with your guide to celebrate your Manaslu Circuit Trek achievement.
- Accommodation: Hotel Manaslu, Deluxe Heritage & Boutique Hotel 4 star
- Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
Day 15Final Departure
Your adventure in Nepal ends today.
Based on your flight schedule, we will provide a transfer to Tribhuvan International Airport for your onward journey. If you have a later flight, you can spend some extra time exploring Kathmandu’s cultural heritage.
- Meals: Breakfast
- Transportation: Private Transfer
- Driving Duration: 35 minutes
Important Note: The itinerary presented above is a suggested plan and can be customized according to your preferences. At Everest Sherpa Expedition, we understand that every adventurer is unique. If you have specific needs or wants, or if you wish to modify the number of days and explore different destinations, our team is here to help. We are committed to creating the best possible experience for you. Contact us to discuss your ideas and embark on a personalized adventure.
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