The Manaslu Circuit is a restricted-area trek that circles the world’s 8th-highest peak, Mt. Manaslu ($8,163m$). It is physically demanding but offers some of the most raw and untouched landscapes in Nepal.
- The Route: You’ll trek along the Budi Gandaki River, passing through deep gorges, lush rhododendron forests, and high-altitude Tibetan-style villages like Sama Gaun and Samdo.
- The Challenge: The highlight is crossing the Larkya La Pass at $5,106m$. It is a strenuous climb, but the reward is an unparalleled panoramic view of the Manaslu and Annapurna ranges.
- Cultural Immersion: Since this is a restricted region, the ancient Buddhist culture remains highly preserved. You will stay in local teahouses and visit remote monasteries that feel frozen in time.
You’ll start with an early 8–10 hour drive. The journey transitions from the paved Prithvi Highway to rugged off-road tracks following the Budhi Gandaki River. You’ll pass through Arughat and Soti Khola before reaching your first teahouse.
The walk begins by following the river upstream. You’ll cross the natural hot springs at Tatopani and several high suspension bridges. Jagat is a beautiful stone-paved village and serves as the official entry point where your permits are checked.
The trail climbs through rocky ridges to Salleri and then descends to Sirdibas. After crossing a long suspension bridge to Philim, you’ll walk through bamboo forests and narrow canyons before arriving at Deng, a village showing the first signs of Tibetan influence.
You’ll cross the Budhi Gandaki several times today. The trail winds through forest and small settlements like Rana and Bihi Phedi. As you reach Namrung, the views of the Ganesh Himal and Sringi Himal become spectacular.
This is a shorter but steeper day. You’ll pass through the village of Lihi, known for its terraced fields and chortens. Lho is home to the famous Ribung Gompa; from here, you get your first majestic, close-up view of Mt. Manaslu.
A pleasant walk through rhododendron and pine forests brings you to Shyala village. From there, the valley opens up into the wide alpine meadows of Sama Gaun, the largest and most important village on the trek.
Rest is vital here. You can take a side trip to Manaslu Base Camp (4,800m) to see the glaciers up close or a shorter hike to Birendra Lake, a stunning turquoise glacial lake at the foot of the mountain.
The trail follows the river through birch and juniper forests before reaching the remote Tibetan refugee settlement of Samdo. This village is just a few miles from the Tibet border.
Rather than rushing, this day is used to visit the Rui La Pass on the border of Tibet. It offers incredible views of the Tibetan plateau and helps your body prepare for the thin air of the Larkya La.
A steady, slow ascent through yak pastures. Dharamsala is a high-altitude “base camp” for the pass. It is basic and can be very cold, so you’ll turn in early for the big climb tomorrow.
The most challenging day. You’ll start at 3:00 or 4:00 AM. After a long climb to the prayer-flag-draped pass, you’re rewarded with views of Himlung Himal and Annapurna II. A steep descent on the other side leads to the beautiful glacial valley of Bimthang.
You’ll descend through lush rhododendron forests and follow the Dudh Khola. After passing through the village of Tilije, you’ll join the main Annapurna Circuit trail at Dharapani.
A local jeep takes you to Besisahar (about 3–4 hours), where you switch to a private car or bus for the 6-hour drive back to Kathmandu, marking the end of your circuit.
