Fair Himalayan

Manaslu Trek

Trip Facts

Duration

14 Days

Difficulty Level

Moderate

Max. Altitude

5106 Meter

Group Size

+2

Trip Starts

Kathmandu

Trip Ends

Kathmandu

Group Style

Private & Group

Best Season

March-May/September-December

Duration

14 Days

Difficulty Level

Moderate

Max. Altitude

5106 Meter

Group Size

+2

Trip Starts

Kathmandu

Trip Ends

Kathmandu

Group Style

Private & Group

Best Season

March-May/September-December

Highlights

The Manaslu Trek is located in the Gorkha District of Nepal, in the western-central Himalayan region, within the Manaslu Conservation Area. This trek is one of Nepal’s most beautiful and less-crowded trekking routes, famous for its untouched landscapes, traditional villages, rich Tibetan-influenced culture, and spectacular mountain scenery.

The Manaslu trek is considered a restricted trekking region, so outdoor visitors must obtain a special trekking permit along with other required permits. Normally, to enter this trekking route, you need at least two trekkers and a licensed guide, and the trek must be led through a registered agency. This makes the trek well-managed and safe while preserving the region’s natural and cultural heritage.

The trek usually begins at around 870 meters above sea level and gradually ascends to cross the challenging Larkya La Pass (5,106 m), the trek’s highest point. Because of this dramatic altitude gain, trekkers experience a wide variety of landscapes—from subtropical river valleys and terraced farmlands to alpine forests, glacial valleys, and high mountain deserts.

During the trek, visitors are warmly welcomed by the breathtaking views of Mt Manaslu (8,163 m), Himalchuli, Naike Peak, and Ngadi Peak. Many of these peaks are clearly visible from scenic places such as Shyala Village and cultural landmarks like Pungyen Gompa, where trekkers can also witness Buddhist prayer flags, monasteries, mani walls, and chortens, making the journey spiritually and culturally enriching.

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu (1,500 m)

Welcome to Nepal! After you arrive at Tribhuvan International Airport, our team will receive you and transfer you to your hotel in Thamel (about a 30-minute drive, depending on traffic).
In the evening, you will meet your trekking guide for a short trip briefing, where you’ll receive detailed information about the trek, check your gear, and review the itinerary.
Overnight: Hotel in Kathmandu
Meals: Not included (depending on arrival time)

Day 2: Drive to Machha Khola (869 m)

After breakfast at the hotel, we begin our journey to Machha Khola by private jeep (approx. 6–7 hours). The drive follows the scenic countryside of Nepal with rivers, terraced hills, small villages, and mountain views as you leave Kathmandu Valley behind.
The road becomes rougher as we approach the Budhi Gandaki River region—an exciting start to your adventure.
Overnight: Tea house/lodge in Machha Khola
Meals: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

Day 3: Trek to Jagat (1,340 m)

Today your trekking adventure begins! After breakfast, we start walking from Machha Khola toward Jagat. The trail follows the Budhi Gandaki River, crossing several suspension bridges and passing beautiful villages such as Khorlabesi, Tatopani (natural hot springs), Dovan, and Nakphedi. Nakphedi is a common lunch stop. After lunch, we continue for about 3 hours to Jagat, including a section where we may cross a landslide area, so careful walking is required.
Walking time: Approx. 7–8 hours
Overnight: Tea house in Jagat
Meals: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

Day 4: Trek to Deng (1,860 m)

After breakfast, we continue trekking through forest trails and river valleys, crossing several suspension bridges. The day includes a permit checkpoint at Philim village, where your Manaslu Restricted Area Permit and other permits are checked.We then walk toward Ekle Bhatti, a good lunch stop, and continue through beautiful landscapes to reach Deng village.
Walking time: Approx. 7–9 hours
Overnight: Tea house in Deng
Meals: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

Day 5: Trek to Namrung (2,630 m)

Today the scenery becomes more mountainous and culturally Tibetan. We pass several villages and cross more suspension bridges along the Budhi Gandaki River. The trail includes ups and downs through forest and rocky sections.Before reaching Namrung, we cross a final bridge and climb uphill through lush forest for about 1–1.5 hours. Namrung is a beautiful village known for its stone houses, mani walls, prayer flags, and incredible views of Ganesh Himal, Himal Chuli, and Mount Manaslu.
Walking time: Approx. 7–8 hours
Overnight: Tea house in Namrung
Meals: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

Day 6: Trek to Lho (3,180 m)

This is a scenic and enjoyable day as we walk through Tibetan-style villages with stunning mountain views. The trail is mostly gentle, with occasional uphill sections.We pass Lihi and Sho, where you can see beautiful farmlands and locals growing crops. As we get closer to Lho, the view of Mount Manaslu becomes more dramatic.Lho is also home to a famous monastery (Ribung Monastery), offering great viewpoints.
Walking time: Approx. 5–6 hours
Overnight: Tea house in Lho
Meals: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

Day 7: Trek to Sama Gaon (3,530 m)

Today is a relatively short trek with amazing views. After breakfast, we walk past monasteries and villages, crossing small rivers and bridges.We pass through Shyala, one of the best viewpoints on the trek, with panoramic views of Mt. Manaslu (8,163 m), Himal Chuli (7,893 m), the Ganesh Himal range, and other peaks.The trail includes gentle climbs and flat sections until we reach Sama Gaon, the largest village in the region and an important stop for acclimatization.
Walking time: Approx. 3–4 hours
Overnight: Tea house in Sama Gaon
Meals: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

Day 8: Acclimatization Day in Sama Gaon (3,530 m)

Acclimatization is essential for a safe and successful trek. Today you will rest and take short hikes to help your body adapt to the altitude.Pungen Gompa (beautiful monastery with Manaslu views)Birendra Lake (glacial lake near Sama)You can also explore the village, visit monasteries, and relax.
Overnight: Tea house in Sama Gaon
Meals: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

Day 9: Trek to Samdo (3,875 m)

Today is another short trek. The trail climbs gradually with open landscapes and fewer trees. You may see yaks grazing and enjoy views of surrounding peaks.After crossing a small bridge, the trail climbs gently uphill before reaching Samdo, a traditional village near the Tibetan border, rich in Tibetan culture.
Walking time: Approx. 4–5 hou
Overnight: Tea house in Samdo
Meals: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

Day 10: Trek to Dharamsala (Larkya Phedi) (4,460 m)

We continue toward Dharamsala, the base camp for the Larkya La Pass. The trail is mostly gradual uphill, passing rocky landscapes and glacial valleys.You will see breathtaking views of snow-covered peaks along the way. Dharamsala is a basic place with simple lodges (sometimes very cold), so warm clothing is important.
Walking time: Approx. 5–6 hours
Overnight: Lodge in Dharamsala
Meals: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

Day 11: Cross Larkya La Pass (5,106 m) & Trek to Bhimthang (3,720 m)

This is the longest and most challenging day, but also the most rewarding. We start very early (around 3–4 AM) with headlamps.The trail climbs steadily through rocky and snowy terrain toward the Larkya La Pass (5,106 m). From the top, you will enjoy spectacular panoramic views of peaks like Himlung Himal, Cheo Himal, Kang Guru, Annapurna II, and more.After enjoying the pass, we descend carefully on a long downhill trek to Bhimthang, a beautiful valley surrounded by mountains.
Walking time: Approx. 9–11 hours
Overnight: Tea house in Bhimthang
Meals: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

Day 12: Trek to Tilije or Dharapani (2,300 m)

Today we descend through forests, rhododendron areas (seasonal), and charming villages. The trail becomes easier as we lose altitude and reach warmer temperature.Lunch is usually at Surki Khola, then we continue toward Goa village, Tilije, and finally Dharapani, where we connect with the Annapurna Circuit route.
Walking time: Approx. 6–8 hours (depending on overnight place)
Overnight: Tea house in Tilije or Dharapani
Meals: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

Day 13: Drive to Kathmandu via Besisahar

After breakfast, we take a private jeep drive via Besisahar back to Kathmandu. The drive usually takes 5–7 hours, depending on road conditions and traffic.Once in Kathmandu, you can relax, enjoy a hot shower, explore Thamel, and celebrate completing your trek.
Overnight: Hotel in Kathmandu
Meals: Breakfast (Lunch optional on the way)

Day 14: Departure from Kathmandu

Today is your final day in Nepal. Depending on your flight time, we will transfer you to the airport for your departure. If you have extra time, you can do some last-minute shopping or sightseeing in Kathmandu.
Meals: Breakfast (depending on flight time)

Cost Includes

  • Airport pickup and drop-off by private vehicle.
  • Private jeeps for ground transport from Kathmandu to Machhakhola, Besishar, and back to Kathmandu.
  • Accommodation during the trek in teahouses (twin-sharing rooms).
  • 3 main course meals per day (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) during the trek, including a cup of black tea.
  • All necessary permits: Manaslu Conservation Area Permit (MCAP), Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP), local municipality entry fees, and the Manaslu Special Restricted Area Permit (RAP).
  • 2 nights hotel accommodation in Kathmandu with breakfast (twin share).
  • Wages, food, insurance, and equipment for your guide and porters.

Price Excludes

  • Personal expenses: All your personal spending money (snacks, extra drinks, bottled water, hot showers, Wi-Fi, device charging, etc.).
  • Tipping: Good tipping for the guide and porters at the end of the trek
  • Meals in Kathmandu (other than breakfast).

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