Manaslu Circuit

Early departure from Kathmandu by private jeep or bus for the Budhi Gandaki roadhead at Soti Khola. The drive takes the full day on a rough mountain road; a jeep or minibus is recommended for comfort and flexibility.

Follow the Budhi Gandaki through a valley that is still warm and subtropical, amongst sal forests, terraced fields and small waterfalls. The path passes through Lapubesi, crosses several streams via suspension bridges and, in places, winds its way at the foot of rocky cliffs. The slight difference in altitude between the start and finish is deceptive, as the day involves a series of ascents and descents over terrain that is at times damp and uneven.

Hike up the Budhi Gandaki Gorge, passing through Khorla Besi, the Tatopani hot springs, Doban and Yaru. A series of suspension bridges span the often-raging river, with several stone stairways and narrow passages carved into the gorge. The climb becomes steeper in the second half of the stage before reaching the cobbled streets of Jagat, the official gateway to the Manaslu restricted area.

Leave Jagat via Salleri and Sirdibas, with a first stunning view of the Shringi Himal, then cross the Ghatte Khola and its watermills before climbing up to the large Gurung village of Philim. Beyond Ekle Bhatti, leave the fork leading to the Tsum Valley and enter a wilder gorge, lined with bamboo, pine trees and cliffs. It’s a long, very hilly day, punctuated by suspension bridges, waterfalls and a few exposed sections above the river.

First, head down towards the Budhi Gandaki, then make your way to Rana, Bihi Phedi and Ghap, tackling some steep climbs and crossing rivers again. The valley narrows between high cliffs as pine and fir forests take over from the subtropical vegetation. Mani walls, chortens and Buddhist gates gradually herald the Nubri region, before a final sustained climb to the stone village of Namrung.

Quickly gain altitude amongst the alpine forests and fields of barley, then pass through Lihi and Sho, recognisable by their stone houses, chortens and long terraced fields. The day’s walk is fairly short, but the elevation gain takes its toll as you climb above 3,000 metres. As you approach Lho, Manaslu finally reveals itself in all its glory, towering over the village and the Ribung monastery perched on the hillside.

Climb up to the Ribung Monastery, then cross a forest which may still be icy in places at the start of the season before emerging onto the vast pastures of Shyala. This clearing offers one of the most beautiful panoramic views on the trek, taking in Manaslu, Himal Chuli, Ngadi Chuli and the neighbouring peaks. The trail then leads to Samagaon over gentler terrain, but the altitude of nearly 3,500 metres makes it advisable to slow down and save any excursions to Pungyen Gompa, Lake Birendra or base camp for a dedicated acclimatisation day.

Samagaon (3,530 m) sits in a wide valley with a full view of Manaslu’s south face and surrounding ridges. A rest day here allows altitude adjustment before the higher camps above 4,000 m. The short hike to Pungyen Gompa above the village gives the best direct view of the 8,163 m summit. A second option is the walk to Birendra Tal, a glacial lake at approximately 3,450 m with clear reflections of the ice faces, the lake used by Manaslu expedition teams.

Hike to Pungyen Gompa or Birendra Tal - Pungyen Gompa (approx. 4,000 m) is a 3-hour round trip with the closest trekking viewpoint of Manaslu’s summit pyramid. Birendra Tal (approx. 3,450 m) is a 2-hour round trip to a glacial lake with reflections of the surrounding peaks.

Leave the houses and fields of Samagaon behind and follow a wide, high-altitude valley dotted with yak pastures and mani walls. The trail runs alongside the upper Budhi Gandaki towards Kermo Kharka, through a landscape that becomes increasingly rocky and opens out onto the mountains of the Tibetan border. After crossing the river, a short but steep climb leads to Samdo, one of the highest permanent villages on the route, where the thin air makes this short stage more challenging than it appears.

Follow the ancient trade route to Tibet past the ruins of Larkya Bazaar, amongst mani walls, yak pastures and increasingly arid slopes. The climb is generally gentle, but the exposure to the wind and the ascent of nearly 600 metres to this altitude mean you’ll need to take it at a leisurely pace. Dharmasala, also known as Larkya Phedi, is a basic camp at the foot of the pass, where the afternoon is mainly spent resting and preparing for the very early start the following day.

Set off before dawn for the highlight of the trek, starting with a long approach across a moraine, then over scree, frozen streams and, at times, hard-packed snow. The Larkya La, situated at around 5,150 metres along the route, offers sweeping views of the Himlung Himal, the Cheo Himal, the Kang Guru and, on a clear day, Annapurna II. The challenge doesn’t end at the pass, as a long, steep descent over moraine, ice or scree leads down to the glacial meadows of Bimthang, nearly 1,500 metres below.

Leave the wide Bimthang basin, facing the western flank of Manaslu, cross the moraines and glacial torrents, then head into the pine and rhododendron forests of the Dudh Khola. The trail passes through Yak Kharka and Karche, with a few landslides where the route may be less clear, before climbing briefly up a ridge. A long descent through the fields and hamlets of Gho finally brings you back to the inhabited, verdant landscapes of Tilche.

Finish the circuit with an easy descent through cultivated terraces and Gurung villages, first towards Thonje and then down to the Marsyangdi Valley. Some sections now follow a track, but the final suspension bridges retain the route’s mountainous character. As you cross the Marsyangdi to reach Dharapani, you leave the Manaslu route and rejoin the main Annapurna Circuit trail.

An early jeep or bus leaves Dharapani for Besisahar, approximately 2 to 3 hours away on a rough road, with onward paved-road connections to Kathmandu or Pokhara. Trekkers continuing on the Annapurna Circuit remain on the trail from Dharapani and head toward Manang instead.