Short Manaslu Circuit Trek - 13 Days

Early in the morning, we begin our drive out of the Kathmandu Valley heading west towards the starting point of our trek. The road journey passes through beautiful hills, terraced fields, and local villages. As we leave the paved roads behind, the route becomes more rugged, especially after Arughat. By late afternoon, we reach Maccha Khola, a peaceful riverside village where we spend the night.

Today’s trek starts by following the Budhi Gandaki River through narrow trails and small settlements. We pass through Khorla Besi and reach the natural hot springs of Tatopani. After crossing a few suspension bridges and climbing stone steps, we finally arrive in Jagat. This is a charming village made of stone houses and also serves as an entry point to the restricted Manaslu region.

After breakfast, we begin our trek through scenic trails and forested sections with rhododendrons and bamboo. We pass by Salleri and descend to Sirdibas, then continue to cross the suspension bridge at Philim. The route becomes quieter as we move away from the main settlements. After a gentle ascent and peaceful walk, we reach Pewa, a small village nestled along the riverbank.

The trail from Pewa continues through lush forests and climbs gradually. Along the way, we pass Deng, a small village with Tibetan influences. Crossing suspension bridges and winding along ridges, we slowly make our way higher. As we approach Namrung, the views of the mountains become clearer, and the village offers a stunning panorama of Ganesh Himal and surrounding peaks.

Today is a scenic and rewarding day as the trail leads us through alpine landscapes and traditional villages like Lihi, Sho, and Lho. We can see mani walls, chortens, and prayer flags that reflect the Tibetan Buddhist culture of the area. As we reach Lho, the majestic view of Mt. Manaslu comes into full sight. After a few more hours of trekking through pine forests and open fields, we arrive at Sama Gaun, a beautiful village surrounded by high mountains.

This is a rest day to adjust to the altitude. For acclimatization, we take a side hike either to Manaslu Base Camp or Pungyen Gompa. The hike to the base camp is a bit more challenging but offers jaw-dropping views of glaciers and towering peaks. Alternatively, the walk to Pungyen Gompa is easier and culturally rich, with panoramic views of the valley. After the hike, we return to Sama Gaun for the night.

After a relaxed breakfast, we start our short trek towards Samdo. The trail gradually ascends through barren fields and yak pastures. As we gain elevation, the vegetation becomes sparse, but the views become more dramatic. Samdo is a small village near the Tibetan border and is home to people of Tibetan origin. We reach early and spend the rest of the day exploring or resting.

The walk to Dharmasala, also known as Larkya Phedi, is relatively short but steady. The trail is dry and rocky, surrounded by breathtaking Himalayan landscapes. As we reach Dharmasala, we prepare ourselves for the big crossing of the Larkya La Pass the following day. Due to the altitude, we keep things easy and take plenty of time to rest.

Today is the most challenging and exciting part of the trek. We begin early before sunrise and climb gradually towards Larkya La Pass. The views from the top are absolutely stunning, with peaks like Himlung Himal, Kang Guru, and Annapurna II in sight. After enjoying the success of crossing the pass, we descend a long way down to Bimthang, where the landscape shifts to alpine meadows and forests.

The trail from Bimthang descends through dense forests and alongside beautiful rivers. The walk is refreshing as we go lower in altitude and re-enter green valleys. We pass through charming villages like Gho and Tilije before finally reaching Dharapani. This is the point where we reconnect with the Annapurna Circuit trail.

After breakfast, we take a long drive back to Kathmandu. The road winds through the Marsyangdi Valley, offering glimpses of waterfalls, hills, and traditional villages. By evening, we arrive in Kathmandu, where you can enjoy a hot shower, good food, and a soft bed after days of adventure.

Today marks the end of your Manaslu Circuit journey. Depending on your flight schedule, we’ll transfer you to the airport. With unforgettable memories and mountain stories in your heart, you leave Nepal until next time.