The Manaslu Circuit Trekking – to the Mountain of Souls

Detailed itinerary

• Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu – briefing, equipment check and welcome dinner

  You are welcomed at the airport by our staff member and brought to the hotel. In the afternoon a briefing takes place. In the evening we are invited to a dinner with our staff member. Overnight at the Kathmandu Guest House or Hotel Tibet (D).

• Day 2: Sightseeing in Kathmandu and preparation for the tour

  Today we discover Kathmandu with a local guide. Among the most popular sights are the Pashupatinath Temple, one of the most important Hindu temples, the Swayambhunath Stupa, also known as the Monkey Temple, and the Boudhanath Stupa, an impressive Buddhist structure.
  In the late afternoon you return to the hotel to pack your things for the tour the next day. The rest of the day you can spend as you wish and enjoy the free time. If you would like, you can also leave a piece of luggage at the hotel that contains items you will not need during the tour. Overnight at the Kathmandu Guest House or Hotel Tibet (B).

  

• Day 3: Drive Kathmandu to Jagat (1,440 m) – 8/9 hours

  Early in the morning we set off in a private vehicle and drive through the endless green valleys. Throughout the journey we will keep enjoying impressive views. In some places the road is a little bumpy and dusty. We pass villages, forests and waterfalls as we drive up and down the roads – a breathtaking landscape that continually fascinates us. Along the way we have a view of Shringi Himal and the fertile fields. Eventually we reach Jagat, where we will spend the night.
  Overnight at a tea house lodge (B|L|D).

• Day 4: Trek to Deng (1,860 m) – approx. 7 hours

  After breakfast we begin our trek. The path leads us to Setibas, along the mani walls (prayer walls into which prayers are carved), which show us that we are entering a region strongly influenced by Tibetan culture. Below Serson we reach a steep gorge and walk over grassy slopes with pines. On our hike we cross the shallowest point of the riverbed on a self-supporting wooden bridge. Just below the bridge we see the confluence of the Shar Khola and the Buri Gandaki. Nearby lies the village of Nyak. Afterwards our path leads westward through the valley and offers a delightful walk through bamboo forests to the Deng Khola and the village of Deng. Overnight at a tea house lodge (B|L|D).

  

• Day 5: Trek to Namrung (2,540 m) – approx. 7 hours

  After a short stretch out of Deng the path leads back across the Buri Gandaki to the north side at Rana. After the bridge the path climbs gently, before we continue west and pass a large waterfall. The path now leads into the Shringi Khola valley. Back on the south side, the path runs through bamboo and rhododendron forests and continues on a stone path to Namrung. Overnight at a tea house lodge (B|L|D).

• Day 6: Trek to Lho (3,020 m) – approx. 4 hours

  Today is a shorter day, as we need to adjust to the altitude. After leaving Namrung we reach Banjam, where wide fields await us. Shortly after Banjam the path becomes steeper. We hike on to the next village, Lihi, with a wonderful view of the Ganesh Himal. After an hour we reach Sho and after another hour Lho. From this village we have a magnificent view of Manaslu and the Kutang Himal. In the afternoon a visit to Ribang Gompa is well worth it, to take a look at the town, see the stupas and explore the mani walls and the Kani gateway.
  Overnight at a tea house lodge (B|L|D).

• Day 7: Trek to Sama Gaon (3,450 m) – approx. 4 hours

  The path crosses the ridge and enters the Buri Gandaki Valley, then leads down to a moraine covered with rocks. Afterwards we head southwest, which opens up beautiful views of the Manaslu massif and the summit at 8,163 metres. We then continue on our way and reach the village of Samagaon.
  Overnight at a tea house lodge (B|L|D).

  

• Day 8: Acclimatisation day in Samagaon (3,450 m)

  We spend a second night in Samagaon to support acclimatisation. A day trip to the Pung Gyen monastery, which offers beautiful panoramas of Manaslu and Peak 29 – Nadi Chuli (7,871 m), is very worthwhile. 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 northwards to a bridge over a tributary, where the path forks. To the left we reach the Manaslu Base Camp; to the right, past mani walls, the trail leads to the Larkya La. The valley extends along an easy path through juniper and birch forests up to the stone huts at Kermo Kharka. Overnight at a tea house lodge (B|L|D).

• Day 10: Acclimatisation day in Samdo (3,875 m) – optional ascent to Samdo Ri (5,140 m) – approx. 5 hours

  Trade was the main activity in the village of Samdo, which has a long history of trade with Tibet. We spend two nights in Samdo to acclimatise to the altitude. Alternatively, we can hike to the Gya La, the trading place with Tibet. An ascent to Samdo Ri (5,140 m) is also possible, in order to support acclimatisation. From the summit we can admire Manaslu (8,163 m), 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) – approx. 3 to 4 hours

  We continue our ascent towards Larkya La. First we walk down through fields to an old mani wall and a stone gateway, before descending to the river. On the map this place is marked as the legendary Larka market, which was once a flourishing trading place. Another mani wall marks the beginning of the ascent to the pass. The path now climbs steeply through tundra and juniper. From here we can admire the Larkya Glacier, fed by the Manaslu. As we approach the Larkya Glacier we reach Larkya Phedi and our lodge for today. Overnight at a tea house (B|L|D).

  

• Day 12: Crossing of the Larkya La (5,106 m), trek to Bimtang (3,590 m) – approx. 7 to 8 hours

  We get up early today, before sunrise. The path begins with a long, gentle ascent over a moraine up to the Larkya La (5,106 m). In clear weather, breathtaking panoramic views of the six- and seven-thousand-metre summits of Larkya, Himlung Himal and Cheo to the north as well as the Manaslu Himal to the south await us. The descent leads through steeper terrain into the Dudh Khola Valley. After that the path becomes easier, and we pass a small pasture and spring at 4,080 m. The valley opens up, and we can already see a large grazing area in front of us. Finally we reach our destination near a mani wall at Bimthang at 3,590 metres. Overnight at a tea house lodge (B|L|D).

  

• Day 13: Trek Bimthang to Tilje (2,330 m) – approx. 6 hours

  Bimthang offers breathtaking views of Mt. Manaslu (8,163 m), Lamjung Himal (6,931 m), Himlung Himal (7,127 m) and Cheo Himal (6,870 m). Today’s path begins with a descent and leads across a high pasture, through rhododendron forests, along a narrow valley until we reach the highest agricultural area of the valley at Karche (2,785 m). We will descend from the alpine into the subtropical forest, which leads us to Karche. Passing the village of Gho gives us further opportunities to observe Himalayan culture and way of life. About an hour further on, we reach the old Gurung village of Tilje. Overnight at a tea house lodge (B|L|D).

• Day 14: Trek Tilje to Chamje (1,410 m) – approx. 4–5 hours

  We descend gently through green forests, offering opportunities to spot deer, langurs and various bird species. The path winds through picturesque villages and gives us insights into the local culture. We continue through pine forests to Tal, a charming riverside village with waterfalls. We cross several suspension bridges over the Marsyangdi River before reaching Chamje, a quiet town surrounded by hills and waterfalls. Overnight at a tea house lodge (B|L|D).

  

• Day 15: Drive via Chamje and Besisahar to Bandipur (approx. 4 hours of driving)

  In the morning we leave the quiet village of Chamje and board our private vehicle. The drive takes us through picturesque landscapes, past terraced fields, small villages and along the Marsyangdi River. Along the way we have the chance to admire the diverse scenic beauty of Nepal as we drive in the direction of Beshishar. Once in Beshishar, we can take a short stroll through the lively little town, which is known for its traditional architecture and busy market. From here we continue our journey to Bandipur, a charming mountain village at around 1,090 metres of altitude, which is known for its well-preserved Newari architecture, ancient temples and breathtaking views of the Himalayan range. Once in Bandipur we move into our hotel, the Old Inn or a similar one, and have the rest of the day at our leisure to enjoy the atmosphere of the place, stroll through the narrow lanes and admire the sunset over the mountains. Overnight at The Old Inn or an accommodation of similar category (B).

• Day 16: Drive to Kathmandu and free time – approx. 5 hours of driving

  After breakfast we drive to Kathmandu. The rest of the day is at your leisure. Overnight at the Kathmandu Guest House or an accommodation of similar category (B).

• Day 17: Flight back home

  Today it is time to say goodbye. Depending on your flight time, we will drive you to Kathmandu airport to start your journey home. We thank you for the time we shared and for the unforgettable experiences in Nepal. Have a good trip home! (B)

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

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