Short Manaslu Circuit Trek via Arughat - 14 days

Welcome to the mountainous country of Nepal. After arrival at the Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu, you will be greeted by our team at the international terminal. They will transfer you to the hotel 5 km away in Thamel. Take some rest, then head out to visit our office's team and your guide.

The rest of the day is spent strolling around the streets of Thamel and, in the evening, enjoying authentic Nepali meals.

Overnight stay in Kathmandu.

You will take a day tour around Kathmandu's important religious and cultural sites with your guide. But before that, you will be quickly briefed about the Manaslu trek, and then the guide will assist in getting all the permits and documentation ready. You can also buy/hire needed gear and equipment for the trekking.

After that, you can visit Kathmandu Durbar Square, located in Basantapur, Freak Street. Make sure you visit the Hanuman Dhoka Museum, once the palace of the reigning Shah dynasty.

If time permits, also visit the Boudhanath Stupa, one of the biggest stupas in Asia. It is located north of the city, and a Buddhist community inhabits the locality. After circumambulation and clicking pictures, you can try their local cuisine before you head back to your hotel for the night. 

Overnight stay in Kathmandu.

This is the day when you will be leaving for the trek as you drive from Kathmandu city to Machha Khola. You will pass the Kathmandu valley towards Dhading Besi. The road can be tricky in some areas due to construction. The drive will take you northwest to the village of Arughat, sitting on the opposite side of the Budhi Gandaki River.

From Arughat, the road goes to Sotikhola, where some parts of the road are graveled. Passing through the Gurung and Magar villages, you will reach Soti Khola, then pass on to Machha Khola. You will enjoy the views of Shringri Himal on the way.

Overnight stay in Machha Khola.

Trekking starts from this day, with the initial leg following a narrow trail through Khoralabesi. You will also cross a natural hot spring called Tatopani, where you can stop briefly to relax your feet or have a warm bath. After lunch, you can climb the ravine and cross a bridge over the Budhi Gandaki River. In 2 to 3 hours of trek, you will reach Dobhan. Following a lovely trail with waterfalls and wildflowers, cross a suspension bridge and ascend the hill. You have to cross a long wall-hanging bridge to reach a rock wall at Yaruphat, where you can click pictures for memory.

Walking for another 2 hours will get you to Jagat, the gateway to the Manaslu region's restricted area. Here you need to show your permit and documentation as asked by officials. You will get to Philim village in a short while, where you will stay for the night. From the village, amazing views of mountain ranges such as Tewa Himal (6,008m), Lumbo Himal (6,250m), Lapuchen (5,996m), Dwijen Himal (6,309m), and Shiringi Himal (7,161m) are visible.

Stay overnight in Jagat.

Start your trek from Jagat towards Deng early in the morning. The trek initiates with a gradual uphill walk in the Budhi Gandaki River valley. There is a wonderful bridge that leads to a waterfall a little further. Passing by pine forests, you will walk along the gorges of the Gandaki river and then on towards Deng.

Overnight stay in Deng.

You will begin your trek from Deng to Namrung, passing by beautiful alpine valleys and small villages. The villages have traditional stone houses and picturesque views of mountains and greenery. You might come across mani walls, chortens, and prayer flags along the way. As you walk north, you will reach closer to the Tibetan border, so there are signs of Tibetan Buddhist communities.

Namrung is only 6 km away from Namrung, so most people speak Tibetan and follow the culture.

Overnight in Namrung.

From Namrung, you will walk towards Sama Gaon while enjoying amazing views of mountains like Ganesh, Singri, Boudha, Himchuli, and, most importantly, Manaslu. On the way, you will pass the villages of Lih, Sho, Lho, and Shayla, which are predominantly inhabited by the Tibetan Buddhist community.

As you reach Sama Gaon, you will be mesmerized by the views of mountain Manaslu. This village is also called the 'gateway to Manaslu and is worth taking a day roaming around and exploring.

Overnight in Sama Gaon.

On this day, you will rest and explore the nearby areas in Sama Gaon. After breakfast, you can head out to the streets and interact with the villagers to understand their way of life. You can take a walk to the Pung Gyan Monastery, near the base of Hiunchuli and Nadi Chuli. Tibetan traditions heavily influence the area.

If you want some exciting challenge, then you can trek up to Manaslu Base Camp and return, which will take the entire day. If not Manaslu Base Camp, you can visit Birendra Tal, a turquoise glacial lake surrounded by the snow-capped mountains in the Nubri valley. After your exploration, return to your tea house.

Overnight in Sama Gaon.

After breakfast, you will walk off from Sama Gaon to Samado. The initial path takes you to Khermo Kharka, a green pasture with lined mani walls. There are two paths from there on, one which leads to Manaslu Base Camp and the other to Samado. Taking the Samado trail, you will walk past the Manaslu Glacier. Following the birth and rhododendron forest ascends to the village of Samado, which is filled with the Tibetan community. Samado is the last settlement before crossing the Larkya La pass. It was a popular trade route to Tibet because of the border proximity.

Overnight in Samado.

The trek will take you from Samado to Larkya Base Camp to Dharamshala. On your trek today, you will witness clear views of Manaslu as it is in the closest proximity. Alongside the views of the massive Himalayas, you will take the circuit towards Lakya Phedi, the base of the Larkya La Pass. From the base camp, the second half of your trek takes you to Dharmashala. There are only some temporary settlements in Dharamshala.

Overnight in Dharamsala.

This day is one of the most awaited days of the trek as you will be crossing the mighty Larkya La pass, one of the highest in Nepal. You will climb uphill to the northern side of the amazing Larkya glacier. From there, the views of Larkya Peak and Cho Peak are visible. Following the tricky moraines of the glacier, you will hike up to the Larkya La Pass. This is the most challenging yet exciting day of the entire trek.

From the high point of the pass, you can witness mesmerizing views of Cheo Himal, Himlung, Kangaru, Gyaji, and even Annapurna II. After the tough climb, you will continue your way towards Bimthang and rest at a tea house.

Overnight in Bimthang.

Another exciting day and your final trek are towards Dharapani. You will descend through a rhododendron treeline to the rocky riverbed along the hillside. The day is long, but the views are picturesque. You will eventually reach Tilje village, inhabited by the Tibetan and Chhetri community. Due to the mix of distinct cultures, you will find amazing cultures, meals, and traditions. Tibetan prayer flags flutter in the wind as you cross the Annapurna circuit trail and head to Thongje. Eventually, you will reach Dharapani for the night's stay. Considering that this is the final day of the trek, you can enjoy it with the locals and your team.

Overnight in Dharapani.

On this day, you will leave the Marsyangdi river valley and drive back to Kathmandu. It is a long drive, so you will start the day early and board the drive to Besisahar. The road is bumpy in some areas. From Besisahar, the drive continues to Kathmandu, passing farmlands and rivers.

Upon returning to Kathmandu, you will be transferred to your hotel in Thamel to take some rest after the long drive. You can enjoy your last day in Nepal at night by enjoying a local pub or club or buying souvenirs to take back home.

Overnight in Kathmandu.

After an amazing trek to one of Nepal's remote yet amazing trekking regions, you will bid farewell. Our Third Rock Adventures team will transfer you to the airport with the hopes that you will return for similar trekking experiences in different parts of Nepal.

When is the best time to trek Manaslu?

The Manaslu Circuit Trek is a unique trek in Nepal, best done in spring (March-May) or autumn (September-November). These seasons offer clear skies, mild weather, and great mountain views. Spring brings flowers and melting snow, while autumn has clear days and beautiful scenery. March and November nights can be cold, so pack warm clothes for a safe and comfortable adventure.

How to Obtain Manaslu Circuit Trek permits?

The Manaslu Circuit Trek requires three Permits the Restricted Area Permit (RAP), Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP), and Manaslu Conservation Area Project (MCAP). RAP is only available through licensed Nepali trekking agencies, while ACAP and MCAP can be obtained independently in Kathmandu, Pokhara, or Besisahar. Solo trekking is not allowed, making agency support essential for documentation and permits.

Top 10 FAQs for Manaslu Trek in Nepal

The Manaslu Trek offers a true Himalayan adventure, filled with stunning landscapes and rich culture. Far from the crowds, this trek takes you through lush valleys, ancient villages, and over high mountain passes. Experience the beauty of Nepal and the unique traditions of its mountain communities, making it a perfect choice for an unforgettable journey.

Manaslu Trek - A Complete Guide

The Manaslu Trek is a peaceful journey around Nepal’s remote Mt. Manaslu (8,163m). Discover untouched landscapes, Tibetan culture, and rare wildlife. Limited permits keep it quiet and natural. Basic tea houses provide comfort along this authentic Himalayan trail.

Plan Your Manaslu Trek: Must Known Facts & Sights

The Manaslu Trek is a thrilling journey around Mount Manaslu, offering breathtaking mountain views and rich Tibetan culture. Less crowded than other trails, it features highlights like the Larkya La Pass and peaceful monasteries. With tips on permits, weather, altitude, and lodging, this trek promises an unforgettable adventure for both new and experienced hikers.