Your adventure begins early in the morning with a scenic drive from Kathmandu to Machha Khola. As you leave the bustling city behind, the journey takes you along the Prithvi Highway, offering breathtaking views of the Trishuli River and rolling hills dotted with terraced farms. The route passes through picturesque villages and towns, providing a glimpse into Nepal’s rural life.

After a lunch stop at Dhading Besi, the drive transitions from smooth highways to off-road sections, taking you deeper into the countryside. You’ll follow the Budi Gandaki River, surrounded by lush landscapes and, on clear days, enjoy stunning views of Mt. Manaslu (8,163 m / 26,781 ft) and Ganesh Himal (7,422 m / 24,350 ft). These towering peaks serve as a dramatic backdrop, heightening the anticipation for the days ahead.

Arriving at Machha Khola, a charming village nestled by the river, you’ll settle into a cozy teahouse for the night. The village, primarily inhabited by the Gurung community, offers a peaceful introduction to life in the Himalayas. Overnight at a local teahouse with modern amenities like Wi-Fi and attached bathrooms.

After a hearty breakfast at Machha Khola, your second day begins with a trek through the lush landscape along the Budi Gandaki River. The trail gradually ascends, leading you to the small village of Khorla Besi (970 m / 3,182 ft), where the vibrant green hills and river views are stunning. Continuing on, you’ll reach the natural hot springs of Tatopani (990 m / 3,248 ft), where you can pause to soak in the warm waters, rejuvenating your muscles for the journey ahead.

From Tatopani, the trail winds through dense forests and along ridges, offering occasional glimpses of snow-capped peaks like Mt. Manaslu (8,163 m / 26,781 ft). Passing through the settlements of Dobhan and Thulo Dhunga, you’ll cross suspension bridges over the river, adding an adventurous touch to the day.

The final stretch is a steady uphill climb, rewarding you with the serene, stone-paved village of Jagat. As the entry point to the Manaslu Conservation Area, this traditional Gurung settlement marks a cultural transition, offering a taste of Tibetan influence. Enjoy a peaceful evening in one of the cozy teahouses before the journey continues.

Starting your day with a scenic trek from Jagat, the trail leads you through a mix of rugged paths and riverbank crossings. After about an hour, you’ll arrive at the village of Salleri, where the views of Sringi Himal (7,187m) captivate with their majesty. Continuing onward, you’ll reach the lively village of Philim (1,570m), a significant Gurung settlement known for its Buddhist culture, mani walls, and vibrant atmosphere. Here, you’ll pass through lush terraced fields and cross the Budhi Gandaki River via a suspension bridge.
As you push forward, the trail takes you through serene bamboo and rhododendron forests, creating a peaceful ambiance. You may stop at Ekle Bhatti, a small settlement, for lunch before tackling the final stretch. The route climbs steadily, revealing sweeping vistas of the surrounding valleys and mountains. A final descent brings you to Deng, a remote village nestled beside the riverbank, where the Tibetan culture is evident through the local customs and small stupas. The peacefulness of the area and the stunning mountain backdrop make it the perfect place to rest and recharge for the next leg of your adventure.

The journey from Deng to Namrung takes you through diverse landscapes and culturally rich villages, offering a memorable day of trekking. After leaving Deng, you'll cross the Budhi Gandaki River, entering a scenic forest of bamboo, firs, and rhododendrons. The trail weaves through villages like Rana and Bihi Phedi, where you may spot white-faced monkeys in search of food. As you ascend, you’ll pass intricate mani walls and chortens, symbolizing the strong Tibetan Buddhist influence in the area.

Continuing to Ghap, the trail takes you through a landslide zone, requiring careful attention. From here, you'll climb toward Prok, where you'll be rewarded with stunning views of Sringi Himal (7,187m) and Ganesh Himal (7,429m). The path then leads through lush forests, with the sound of the Budhi Gandaki River accompanying you as you cross suspension bridges and enjoy the tranquil surroundings.
The final ascent to Namrung is steep but rewarding, as you arrive at a beautiful village offering views of Ganesh Himal and Himchuli (7,893m). Namrung is a culturally significant stop with cozy teahouses, a modern restaurant, and Wi-Fi access. It serves as a gateway to the Upper Nupri region, where the Tibetan influence is even more pronounced, making this an ideal spot to rest and acclimatize.

Today’s journey takes you deeper into the heart of the Nubri Valley, where Tibetan culture thrives. After breakfast with stunning mountain views, you'll set off toward Lho Gaun. The trail ascends through dense forests of fir, rhododendron, and oak, leading to the village of Lihi (2,920m), where terraced barley fields and traditional stone houses paint a charming picture of local life. As you hike, the landscape gradually shifts to alpine scenery, and the magnificent sight of Mount Manaslu (8,163m) and Manaslu face (7,157m) dominates the horizon.

Passing through the village of Sho, with its mani walls and colorful prayer flags, the first clear views of Mount Manaslu’s twin peaks will leave you in awe. The trail winds through rocky hillside paths until you reach the picturesque village of Lho. Known for its majestic monastery, Ribung Gompa, perched on a hilltop, Lho offers breathtaking panoramas of Mount Manaslu, especially at sunrise. After a rewarding day of trekking, you'll rest in a local tea house, surrounded by the spiritual ambiance of Tibetan Buddhist culture.

Today's trek takes you from Lho Gaun to Sama Gaun, a culturally rich Tibetan village nestled at the foot of Mount Manaslu. After leaving Lho, you’ll pass through alpine forests and picturesque settlements like Shyala (3,500m), which offers breathtaking panoramic views of Mount Manaslu (8,163m), Naike Peak (6,291m), and Himal Chuli (7,893m). Along the way, the sight of grazing yaks and charming stone houses heightens the experience.

The trail gradually ascends, offering a chance to visit Pungyen Monastery, with its incredible views of the Manaslu Glacier. As you approach Sama Gaun, the scenery opens into wide alpine pastures, dotted with chortens and prayer flags, while the towering peaks create a majestic backdrop. Sama Gaun, located at 3,530m, is the heart of the Nubri people and a key stop for acclimatization. The village is renowned for its traditional stone houses, ancient gompas, and its tranquil atmosphere.

From here, the view of Mount Manaslu is simply spectacular, making this an unforgettable stop on your journey. You'll spend the night at a local guesthouse, immersing yourself in the serene beauty and rich culture of this high-altitude village.

Today is a crucial acclimatization day in Sama Gaun (3,530m/11,580ft), a vibrant Tibetan village nestled in a broad valley under the towering Mount Manaslu. The day presents two options for exploration, both equally rewarding.

The more adventurous can trek to Manaslu Base Camp, a strenuous hike that takes 5-7 hours round trip. The route gains over 1,200 meters as you ascend through rugged terrain, passing the stunning Birendra Lake with its turquoise waters. The trail skirts along the Manaslu Glacier, offering breathtaking views of Mount Manaslu (8,163m/26,781ft) and the surrounding peaks, including Naike Peak and Himal Chuli. Reaching the base camp is an exhilarating experience, with panoramic vistas of the snow-capped giants and a firsthand look at mountaineers preparing for their summit attempts.

Alternatively, for those seeking a less strenuous activity, a hike to Pungyen Gompa (4,000m/13,123ft) provides a peaceful yet equally rewarding experience. This ancient monastery, tucked away in a meadow, offers spectacular views of Manaslu Glacier and a chance to observe the spiritual ambiance of the region.

After returning to Sama Gaun, the afternoon can be spent exploring the village’s rich Tibetan culture, preparing for the higher altitudes that lie ahead. Whether you opt for a demanding ascent or a cultural exploration, this day is key to acclimatizing for the next phase of your trek.

On Day 8, you will embark on a shorter but captivating trek from Sama Gaun to Samdo. The trail initially takes you through alpine meadows, scattered juniper trees, and sparse vegetation as you begin ascending gradually. You’ll cross the Budhi Gandaki River via a wooden bridge before continuing along a rocky path. The altitude starts to take a noticeable toll, so taking your time is essential to avoid overexertion. Along the way, the views become increasingly spectacular, with the peaks of Manaslu (8,163m), Samdo Peak (6,335m), and the nearby Himalchuli (7,893m) dominating the skyline.

As you approach Samdo, the last Tibetan village before the Larkya La Pass, you’ll notice the traditional stone houses and prayer flags adorning the hillsides. This isolated village offers a glimpse into the authentic Tibetan lifestyle, with its rich culture and unique Buddhist monasteries. You’ll also witness yaks grazing on the high-altitude pastures and local families going about their daily lives in this rugged environment.

Samdo (3,875m) offers a strategic resting point before tackling the higher altitudes, and it’s surrounded by some of the most picturesque mountain landscapes of the entire trek. Upon arrival, you can relax, explore the village, and take in the breathtaking views of the surrounding peaks before settling down for the night at a cozy tea house.

You’ll leave behind the charming village of Samdo and begin your ascent to Dharmasala, a crucial rest stop before crossing the formidable Larkya La Pass. The trek starts with a gentle descent, crossing the Budhi Gandaki River on a wooden bridge, followed by a steady climb. As you traverse the high-altitude meadows and rugged alpine terrain, the landscapes transform dramatically, with thorny bushes and juniper trees dotting the path.

Throughout the hike, you’ll be treated to spectacular views of Samdo Peak (6,335m), Syacha Glacier, and the majestic Manaslu range (8,163m), along with other nearby peaks. The trail, though short in distance, challenges trekkers due to the high altitude, making it essential to pace yourself and take in the pristine surroundings.

Upon arrival at Dharmasala, a small stone-built settlement surrounded by towering peaks, you can rest and acclimatize in preparation for the next day’s crossing of Larkya La Pass. The accommodations here are basic, but the panoramic views of the Manaslu Himalayas and glaciers more than make up for the simplicity. Take this opportunity to relax, enjoy the stunning scenery, and prepare for the trek's most challenging section.

Today marks one of the most challenging and rewarding days of the Manaslu Circuit trek. Starting early, we leave Dharmasala around 3 AM to ascend towards the famous Larkya La Pass. The rocky, uneven path gradually transforms into a snow-filled route as we approach the pass, with prayer flags marking the summit. The climb to Larkya La, at 5,160m, demands caution, especially in harsh weather, but the panoramic views from the top make the effort worthwhile.

Highlight: Larkya La Pass

Larkya La Pass, at 5,160m, is the highest point of the Manaslu Circuit and undoubtedly its highlight.From the pass, trekkers are rewarded with breathtaking vistas of majestic Himalayan peaks, including Himlung Himal (7,126m), Cheo Himal (6,820m), Kang Guru (6,981m), and Annapurna II (7,937m). The sense of accomplishment at the summit, combined with the breathtaking of towering giants like Manaslu and Annapurna, makes this a once-in-a-lifetime experience. After taking in these spectacular sights, the descent begins. The trail leads past frozen lakes and steep, slippery sections before opening into a valley that signals our approach to Bhimtang. Along the way, you'll pass icy glaciers, serene meadows, and glimpses of enormous icefalls, creating an unforgettable experience.

By mid-afternoon, you’ll arrive in the tranquil village of Bhimtang, surrounded by verdant meadows and towering peaks. This serene spot provides the perfect place to rest and reflect on the day's achievements, making it one of the most memorable stops of the trek.

The final trekking day of the Manaslu Circuit is nothing short of spectacular. Begin your journey from Bhimtang, where the sunrise over the snow-capped peaks of Manaslu (8,163m), Cheo Himal (6,812m), and Himlung Himal (7,126m) will take your breath away. Descend through lush meadows and dense forests of rhododendron and pine, with the fresh mountain air rejuvenating you at every step.

The trail follows the Dudh Khola, a stunning milky-blue river, and passes through the picturesque settlements of Hompuk and Sangore Kharka. Along the way, you will traverse varied landscapes, from rugged glacial terrain to pastoral fields, with intermittent views of oak and rhododendron trees. As you descend, the valley opens up, transitioning into a more agricultural setting.

Pause for lunch at the beautiful village of Karche before continuing your trek towards Tilije, a multi-ethnic village known for its scenic beauty. The final stretch of the day takes you past Mani walls and the quaint village of Thonje before crossing a suspension bridge over the Marsyangdi River. Arriving at Dharapani, a lively village nestled in the Annapurna region, you will conclude your trek in a warm and welcoming teahouse.

From Dharapani, trekkers have the unique opportunity to combine the Manaslu Circuit with the Annapurna Circuit, creating an extended and more diverse trekking adventure. As Dharapani lies on both the Manaslu and Annapurna circuits, those looking to explore more of Nepal's iconic landscapes can seamlessly continue their journey through the breathtaking Annapurna region. This combination offers trekkers the chance to experience two of Nepal’s most renowned trekking routes, with dramatic mountain views, diverse cultures, and varied landscapes enriching the overall experience.

Your final day on the Manaslu Circuit Trek offers a relaxing drive through the beautiful landscapes of Nepal. After a hearty breakfast, you’ll board a shared jeep from Dharapani and embark on a scenic 3–4-hour drive to Besisahar. The road meanders through lush hills, picturesque villages, and along the Marsyangdi River, with occasional glimpses of snow-capped peaks in the distance.

Once you arrive in Besisahar, you'll transfer to a local bus or private vehicle for the longer journey to Kathmandu or Pokhara. The drive, which takes about 8-9 hours, offers incredible views of terraced fields, rivers, and rural settlements. As you travel along the Prithvi Highway, you'll pass through charming towns and valleys, with the Trisuli River accompanying much of your route.