Manaslu Circuit – Lodge Trek

Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu – Briefing, Equipment Check, and Welcome Dinner
You will be welcomed at Kathmandu Airport by our staff and transferred to the hotel. In the afternoon, there will be a briefing. In the evening, we invite you to a welcome dinner with our staff. Overnight at Kathmandu Guest House or Hotel Tibet (D).

Day 2: Sightseeing in Kathmandu and Preparation for the Trek
Today, we explore Kathmandu with a local guide. The most popular sights include the Pashupatinath Temple, one of the most significant Hindu temples; the Swayambhunath Stupa, also known as the Monkey Temple; and the Boudhanath Stupa, an impressive Buddhist monument. In the late afternoon, you will return to the hotel to pack for the next day’s trek. You can spend the rest of the day at leisure. If desired, you may leave a luggage piece at the hotel containing items you won’t need during the trek. Overnight at Kathmandu Guest House or Hotel Tibet (B).

Day 3: Drive from Kathmandu to Jagat (1,440 m) – 8/9 hours
Early in the morning, we start in a private vehicle and drive through endless green valleys. Along the way, we will enjoy breathtaking views and pass through villages, forests, and waterfalls. The road may be bumpy and dusty at times. We traverse the undulating terrain with spectacular scenery, including views of Shringi Himal and fertile fields. Finally, we arrive in Jagat, where we will spend the night. Overnight at a tea house lodge (B|L|D).

Day 4: Trek to Deng (1,860 m) – approximately 7 hours
After breakfast, we begin our trek. The path leads us to Setibas, along Mani walls (prayer walls with inscriptions), indicating that we are entering a region strongly influenced by Tibetan culture. Below Serson, we reach a steep gorge and hike over grassy slopes with pine trees. We cross the flattest part of the riverbed on a suspended wooden bridge. Directly beneath the bridge, we see the confluence of Shar Khola and Buri Gandaki. The village of Nyak is nearby. From here, the trail heads west through the valley, offering a delightful walk through bamboo forests to Deng Khola and the village of Deng. Overnight at a tea house lodge (B|L|D).

Day 5: Trek to Namrung (2,540 m) – approximately 7 hours
After a short trek from Deng, we cross the Buri Gandaki back to the north side at Rana. The path gently ascends after the bridge, then continues westward passing a large waterfall. The trail now heads into the Shringi Khola Valley. Returning to the south side, we walk through bamboo and rhododendron forests, continuing along a stone path to Namrung. Overnight at a tea house lodge (B|L|D).

Day 6: Trek to Lho (3,020 m) – approximately 4 hours
Today is a shorter day, allowing us to acclimatize. After leaving Namrung, we reach Banjam, where expansive fields await us. Shortly after Banjam, the trail steepens. We hike to the village of Lihi, with a wonderful view of Ganesh Himal. After about an hour, we arrive in Sho, and another hour later, in Lho. From this village, we enjoy superb views of Manaslu and Kutang Himal. In the afternoon, a visit to Ribang Gompa is recommended for panoramic mountain views, along with exploring stupas, Mani walls, and the Kani Street. Overnight at a tea house lodge (B|L|D).

Day 7: Trek to Sama Gaon (3,450 m) – approximately 4 hours
The path crosses a ridge into the Buri Gandaki Valley and then descends to a moraine covered with rocks. From here, we trek southwest, offering stunning views of the Manaslu massif and the 8,163-meter summit. We continue along the trail to the village of Sama Gaon. Overnight at a tea house lodge (B|L|D).

Day 8: Acclimatization day in Sama Gaon (3,450 m)
We spend a second night in Sama Gaon to help with acclimatization. A day trip to Pung Gyen Monastery offers beautiful panoramic views of Manaslu and Peak 29 – Nadi Chuli (7,871 m). Overnight at a tea house lodge (B|L|D).

Day 9: Trek to Samdo (3,875 m) – 3 to 4 hours
We follow the Buri Gandaki north to a bridge over a side branch, where the trail splits. To the left, it leads to the base camp of Manaslu; to the right, past Mani walls, to Larkya La. The valley extends along a simple path through juniper and birch forests to the stone huts at Kermo Kharka. Overnight at a tea house lodge (B|L|D).

Day 10: Acclimatization day in Samdo (3,875 m) – optional ascent to Samdo Ri (5,140 m) – about 5 hours
Historically, trade was the main activity in Samdo, which has a long history of trading with Tibet. We spend two nights here to acclimatize. Alternatively, we can hike to Gya La, the trading post with Tibet, or ascend to Samdo Ri (5,140 m) to enhance acclimatization. From the summit, we can enjoy spectacular views of Manaslu, Pang Phuchi (6,335 m), and the mountains of Tibet. Overnight at a tea house lodge (B|L|D).

Day 11: Trek to Larkya Phedi (4,460 m) – approximately 3 to 4 hours
We continue ascending toward Larkya La. First, we descend through fields to an ancient mani wall and stone gate, then down to the river. This spot is historically known as Larka Market, once a thriving trading hub. Another mani wall marks the start of the ascent to the pass. The trail steeply climbs through tundra and juniper, offering views of the Larkya Glacier, fed by the Manaslu. We reach Larkya Phedi, our lodge for the night. Overnight at a tea house lodge (B|L|D).

Day 12: Cross Larkya La (5,106 m), trek to Bimtang (3,590 m) – about 7 to 8 hours
We wake early before sunrise. The trail begins with a long, gentle ascent over a moraine to Larkya La (5,106 m). On clear days, breathtaking panoramic views of the six- and seven-thousand-meter peaks of Larkya, Himlung Himal, and Cheo Himal await us, along with the Manaslu Himal. The descent involves steep terrain into the Dudh Khola Valley. The trail then becomes easier, passing a small pasture and spring at 4,080 meters. We emerge into a broad valley and arrive at our destination, near a mani wall in Bimthang at 3,590 meters. Overnight at a tea house lodge (B|L|D).

Day 13: Trek Bimthang to Tilje (2,330 m) – about 6 hours
Bimthang offers stunning views of Mt. Manaslu (8,163 m), Lamjung Himal (6,931 m), Himlung Himal (7,127 m), and Cheo Himal (6,870 m). The trek begins with a descent across high pastures, through rhododendron forests, along a narrow valley, to the highest cultivated area at Karche (2,785 m). We descend from alpine to subtropical forests as we reach Karche. Passing the Gho village provides further insight into Himalayan culture and lifestyle. About an hour further, we arrive in the old Gurung village of Tilje. Overnight at a tea house lodge (B|L|D).

Day 14: Trek Tilje to Chamje (1,410 m) – about 4-5 hours
We descend gently through lush forests, with opportunities to spot deer, langurs, and various bird species. The trail winds through picturesque villages, offering glimpses into local culture. Continuing through pine forests, we reach Tal, a charming riverside village with waterfalls. We cross several hanging bridges over the Marsyangdi River before arriving at Chamje, a peaceful town nestled among hills and waterfalls. Overnight at a tea house lodge (B|L|D).

Day 15: Drive via Chamje and Besisahar to Bandipur (about 4 hours drive)
In the morning, we leave the quiet village of Chamje and board our private vehicle. The drive takes us through scenic landscapes, past terraced fields, small villages, and along the Marsyangdi River. Along the way, you’ll have the opportunity to enjoy Nepal’s diverse natural beauty as we head toward Besisahar. Upon arrival in Besisahar, we can take a short walk through this lively town, known for its traditional architecture and bustling markets. From there, we continue our journey to Bandipur, a charming hilltop village at approximately 1,090 meters, famous for its well-preserved Newari architecture, ancient temples, and breathtaking views of the Himalayas. Once in Bandipur, we check into our hotel, such as The Old Inn or a similar place, and have the rest of the day free to enjoy the atmosphere, stroll through the narrow streets, and watch the sunset over the mountains. Overnight at The Old Inn or similar category (B).

Day 16: Drive to Kathmandu and free time – about 5 hours drive
After breakfast, we head back to Kathmandu. The rest of the day is at your leisure. Overnight at Kathmandu Guest House or similar category (B).

Day 17: Return flight home
Today, it’s time to say goodbye. Depending on your flight time, we will transfer you to Kathmandu Airport for your journey back home. Have a safe journey home! (B)

We reserve the right to make program changes due to special events, force majeure or weather reasons.

Legends: B = Breakfast | L = Lunch | D = Dinner

Visa
Your visa can be issued on arrival at a counter at Kathmandu airport. Visa costs on arriving in Kathmandu amount to US $ 50 (stay of up to 30 days) and US $ 100 (stay of up to 90 days).
The fees can also be paid in euros, which are converted by the bank at the airport in accordance with the dollar exchange rate. Two passport size photographs must be provided for the visa. At the time of the trip your passport must be valid for at least a further six months and have at least one blank page.

These visa and passport regulations apply to EU countries, Switzerland and the USA. Other nationals should check with the relevant consular authorities.

Insurance
Travel health insurance (with recovery costs) is essential for your own safety and a precondition for participation in our trips. In the event of an accident in the mountains which requires a helicopter rescue, the helicopter will not take off before the responsibility for the cost is clarified.
The conclusion of travel cancellation insurance is highly recommended. In the case of bargain price flights in particular, changes or cancellations generally can’t be made free of charge. In Nepal complications with the weather or with your health could make it necessary to break off your journey.
We have requested ERGO (Reiseversicherung) to create various service packages for you. You can book travel health insurance at www.reiseversicherung.de.

Please note: ERGO insurance can be booked by residents of Germany and Austria. Those living in other countries are requested to book their travel insurance through an insurance provider in their own country.

It should be noted that geoDiscovery Tours advises its customers to book their travel insurance via ERGO as a recommendation only, and accepts no responsibility for the contractual content between the customer and the travel insurance provider. Customers can book their travel insurance via ERGO or another provider at their own discretion.

The hotels and lodges booked by us
In Kathmandu and Pokhara the hotels we book are good and correspond to medium-level Western standards. Sanitary facilities are clean and functional; the hotel cuisine is adapted to Western eating habits and the food is safe to enjoy. There may sometimes be power cuts, or no hot water may be available for a while. The hotel staff is generally very friendly and looks after the welfare of guests. The hotels booked by us are as follows:

Kathmandu: Hotel Tibet/Manaslu ***+
Pokhara: Mount Kailash Resort, Lake side retreat ***
Palpa/Tansen: Hotel Srinagar **
Lumbini: Hotel New Crystal ***
Chitwan: Jungle Villa Resort
Nagarkot: Nagarkot Farmhouse

During the trek and in the interior of the country conditions are very varied, and travelers must sometimes expect basic sanitation facilities. For standard treks and tours you will stay overnight in typical “lodges” (teahouses). These usually offer very small single rooms or double rooms (some with no running water and no private shower / toilet).
In general, during the trekking tour you can select what you wish to eat from the menu. However, at altitudes of 4,000 meters it can happen that on some routes the choice of food is not very extensive. Typical Nepalese cuisine is mostly vegetarian, but very tasty, filling and wholesome. Travelers need to be adaptable, however.

Flying in Nepal
The domestic flights booked by us are with Tara Air, Yeti Air or Buddha.

Tour program
The travel program for all of our recommended tours is carefully planned. It can happen, however, that roads are closed without advance notice or are impassable, that there are waiting times of several hours because of traffic congestion or fuel shortages and that specific tourist attractions are closed for various reasons. Other restrictions such as flight delays or even cancellations due to bad weather, strikes, the health of participants or unfavorable conditions while trekking may also make the implementation of the travel program more difficult or at worst make it impossible. However, our local guides are prepared for such situations and will make every effort to achieve every aspect of the program to your satisfaction. As a result the inconvenience can normally be kept to a reasonable level. Nevertheless, it must be pointed out at this juncture that for the above reasons program changes are possible at any time and cannot be influenced by the organizers. The resulting costs are borne by the traveler. We ask for your understanding.