Manaslu High Pass Trek

The day begins early in the morning with a scenic drive from Kathmandu, departing after breakfast. Over the next 8–9 hours, the route follows the Prithvi Highway, offering changing landscapes of terraced hillsides, rural villages, and flowing rivers.

As the journey continues, the road gradually climbs into the hill region, passing through small towns and providing distant views of the Trishuli River. Sections of winding mountain roads and rougher stretches add a sense of adventure, especially as the scenery becomes more remote.

By late afternoon, you arrive at Machha Khola, a riverside settlement along the Budhi Gandaki River. After checking into your lodge, the evening is free to rest and enjoy dinner. From this point onward, the trek includes full-board accommodation and meals.

Altitude: 829 m / 2,723 ft

After breakfast, the trek begins along the banks of the Budhi Gandaki River, following a rugged trail through forested sections and rocky paths. Early in the walk, several suspension bridges lead across the river, with small waterfalls and terraced hillsides adding to the scenery.

Midway through the day, you reach Khorlabesi, where there is time to rest and enjoy lunch. The route then continues through the Yaru Khola area, gradually gaining elevation as the landscape becomes more distinctly Himalayan.

After approximately 4–5 hours of trekking, you arrive in Jagat, a traditional village marked by stone-paved streets, prayer wheels, and classic mountain houses. Jagat serves as the official entry point to the Manaslu Conservation Area and is also the junction where the trail branches toward the Tsum Valley. The evening is spent here with dinner and an overnight stay.

Trekking Duration: 4–5 hours

Highest Altitude: 1,340 m / 4,396 ft

The trek begins with a gradual ascent from Jagat, passing through Sirdibas, a Gurung village that introduces you to local culture. The trail follows the Budhi Gandaki River, offering views of terraced fields and rural landscapes along the way.

You continue through forested sections, cross suspension bridges, and pass small villages before reaching Philim, a charming settlement surrounded by farmland. After several hours on the trail, the path leads to Deng, a peaceful village tucked beneath the mountains. Here, you spend the night in a lodge, enjoying the serene Himalayan surroundings.

Trekking Duration: 4–5 hours

Highest Altitude: 1,860 m / 6,102 ft

The trek starts with a gradual climb from Deng, following paths through forests, terraced fields, and small streams. Along the way, you pass villages such as Ghap (2,160 m / 7,087 ft), offering glimpses of local life and traditional architecture.

As the trail ascends, panoramic views of the surrounding Himalayan peaks begin to open up, creating striking photo opportunities. After approximately 6–7 hours of trekking, you reach Namrung, a picturesque village built in traditional Tibetan style. The evening can be spent relaxing at your lodge, with views of the Himalchuli and Ganesh Himal mountains enhancing the serene atmosphere.

Trekking Duration: 6–7 hours

Distance: 12 km / 7.5 mi

Highest Altitude: 2,630 m / 8,628 ft

The day begins with a steady ascent from Namrung, as the trail winds through forests, villages, and suspension bridges. Along the way, you enjoy spectacular views of Ganesh Himal and Manaslu, which dominate the skyline.

The path passes through Sho and Lho, villages known for their traditional Tibetan architecture and ancient monasteries. After approximately 6–7 hours of trekking, you reach Samagaon, located at the base of the Manaslu Glacier. Here, you can explore the village and visit Pungyen Gompa, taking in the region’s rich cultural heritage and the surrounding Himalayan scenery.

Evening is spent at your lodge, with full-board meals and time to rest in preparation for higher-altitude trekking the next day.

Trekking Duration: 6–7 hours

Distance: 17 km / 10.5 mi

Highest Altitude: 3,520 m / 11,549 ft

Today is dedicated to acclimatization at Samagaon. Taking a day to adjust to the altitude is essential before continuing to higher elevations, helping to reduce the risk of altitude sickness.

You can take short hikes around the village to explore the surrounding hills and enjoy panoramic views of Manaslu and neighboring peaks. A walk to Birendra Lake, a stunning glacial lake nearby, offers a chance for both sightseeing and gentle activity. The rest of the day can be spent relaxing, interacting with locals, and preparing for the trek ahead.

Evening is spent at your lodge with full-board meals, giving your body and mind time to rest at 3,520 m / 11,549 ft.

Trekking Duration: Short hikes for acclimatization

Distance: Varies (local walks around Samagaon)

The trail from Samagaon to Samdo offers some of the most scenic and culturally rich sections of the Manaslu Circuit. Leaving the forests behind, the path opens into broad valleys with panoramic views of the surrounding Himalayan peaks, including Manaslu, Naike Peak, and Pangboche.

Along the way, you may encounter herds of yaks grazing in the meadows, a glimpse of the traditional Tibetan-style lifestyle that has shaped this region for centuries. The trail passes through small hamlets and open fields, providing both natural beauty and insight into local life.

Arriving at Samdo (3,860 m / 12,664 ft), you find a compact village of stone huts designed to withstand the harsh mountain winds. Prayer flags flutter in the breeze, chortens dot the area, and villagers dressed in traditional attire showcase a culture that has remained largely unchanged. The evening brings cooler temperatures and a peaceful mountain atmosphere, ideal for rest and acclimatization at high altitude.

Trekking Duration: 5–6 hours

Distance: 13 km / 8 mi

Highest Altitude: 3,860 m / 12,664 ft

The trek begins from Samdo, winding through forested trails toward Larkya Bazaar, where a short rest is taken at a basic tea house. From here, the trail climbs steadily to Dharamsala (Larkya Phedi), which serves as the base camp for Larkya La Pass.

Reaching Dharamsala, you are rewarded with stunning views of surrounding peaks, including Himlung Himal, Cheo Himal, Kang Guru, and Annapurna II. The area provides a peaceful setting to rest and acclimatize before the challenging pass ahead.

Evening at the lodge is reserved for a hearty meal and an early night’s rest, ensuring your body is ready for the early start and the ascent of Larkya La the following day.

Trekking Duration: 5–6 hours

Highest Altitude: 4,460 m / 14,633 ft

An early start from Dharamsala is essential to tackle Larkya La Pass, the highest and most challenging section of the Manaslu Circuit Trek. The morning hike rewards you with spectacular views of neighboring peaks and glaciers as you steadily ascend to the summit.

Reaching the pass is a moment of triumph, offering breathtaking panoramic views of Manaslu and the surrounding Himalayan range. After taking in the scenery and resting briefly, the trail descends through scenic valleys toward Bimthang, where you spend the night at a full-board lodge.

Throughout the day, maintaining a steady pace is important for stamina, and our guides provide support as needed to ensure a safe and successful crossing. The descent to Bimthang offers continued views of Lamjung Himal and the surrounding landscapes, making the long day extremely rewarding.

Distance: 14 km / 8.7 mi

Highest Altitude: 5,160 m / 16,929 ft (Larkya La Pass)

After successfully crossing Larkya La Pass, the trail descends gradually from Bimthang (3,590 m) through some of the most peaceful landscapes of the trek. The day combines gentle downhill trekking with opportunities to enjoy stunning mountain scenery.

Along the way, there is an optional side trip to Ponker Lake, a glacial lake with turquoise waters reflecting Himachuli, Ngadi Chuli, and the north face of Manaslu. This spot is one of the most photogenic locations on the route.

The trail continues through Yak Kharka (4,050 m), a small high-altitude settlement where yaks graze in open meadows amid a glacial backdrop. Trekking further down, you cross the Kechakyu Khola Glacier, an impressive ice and rock formation, before reaching Gho Valley (2,515 m).

The day ends at Tilije (2,300 m), a charming village surrounded by green hills and snow-capped peaks. Tilije, famous for its Gurung culture and mountain views, offers a cozy lodge for a relaxing evening after the trek.

Distance: 18 km / 11 mi

Highest Altitude: 4,050 m / 13,287 ft (Yak Kharka)

The final day of the trek begins with a downhill walk from Tilije to Dharapani (1,963 m). This village is surrounded by forests, terraced fields, and highland views—a gentle contrast to the high-altitude landscapes of previous days.

From Dharapani, you travel by vehicle to Besisahar, the gateway to the Annapurna region, and continue onward to Kathmandu. The drive covers approximately 190 km (7–9 hours), passing river valleys, hillside terraces, and rural villages, offering one last glimpse of Nepal’s natural and cultural beauty.

Upon arrival in Kathmandu in the evening, you check into your 3-star hotel. The day concludes with a farewell dinner. It’s a day to reflect on the journey, the high passes, glaciers, and local encounters that made the trek unforgettable.

Drive: 190 km / 118 mi

Highest Altitude: 1,963 m / 6,444 ft

After breakfast, you will be transferred to the airport for your departure flight. Say goodbye to Nepal with memories of an unforgettable trek.