Itinerary
- Day 1
Kathmandu to Maccha Khola
Your journey kicks off with a 7-8 hour drive through Nepal's countryside to Maccha Khola village. You'll travel by local bus or private jeep, passing through forests, rivers, and terraced fields as the landscape unfolds around you. By the time you arrive at 930 meters altitude, you're ready to begin your actual trekking adventure.
Landmarks Maccha Khola - Day 2
Maccha Khola to Jagat
The trek toward Jagat takes about 6 hours of walking through lush forests and across suspension bridges. You'll navigate terraced fields while gaining elevation to 1,410 meters, and the village itself sits nicely positioned as a checkpoint for trekkers heading into the Manaslu region. The locals offer traditional hospitality for your overnight stay.
Included Activities
- Trek to Jagat
Landmarks Jagat - Day 3
Jagat to Deng
From here, you're heading toward Deng in another 6-hour trek through dense rhododendron and pine forests. Wooden bridges carry you across the Budhi Gandaki River as you pass through small villages and climb to 1,800 meters. Deng itself is quite vibrant, with local hospitality as you push deeper into the Manaslu region.
Included Activities
- Trek to Deng
Landmarks Budhi Gandaki River Deng - Day 4
Deng to Namrung
This is a harder day covering 6 hours to Namrung at 2,660 meters. The trail gets steep in sections as it climbs through forests, and you'll start seeing snow-capped peaks in the distance with Manaslu Mountain coming into view. By the time you reach Namrung, Tibetan-influenced culture becomes noticeably more visible in the villages around you.
Included Activities
- Trek to Namrung
Landmarks Manaslu Mountain Namrung - Day 5
Namrung to Samagaon
A 6-hour trek takes you to Samagaon at 3,530 meters, the closest village to Manaslu Base Camp. The path gets rockier and crosses through forested areas as you gain elevation. As you approach, Manaslu itself rises dramatically at 8,163 meters, along with surrounding snow-covered peaks that create an excellent base for acclimatization.
Included Activities
- Trek to Samagaon
Landmarks Manaslu Samagaon - Day 6
Samagaon Acclimatization Day
Today you rest in Samagaon and take a day hike to Manaslu Base Camp at 4,400 meters for those views of the peak itself. Later, walk over to serene Birendra Lake at 3,450 meters where you can sit and take in the mountain scenery. This lighter schedule gives your body a chance to adjust before the tougher days ahead.
Included Activities
- Hike to Manaslu Base Camp
- Visit Birendra Lake
Landmarks Manaslu Base Camp Birendra Lake - Day 7
Samagaon to Dharmasala
The 6-hour trek to Dharmasala at 4,470 meters brings gradual ascent through rocky terrain. The higher you go, the more barren and rugged the landscape becomes, and you'll definitely notice the thinner air as you climb. Dharmasala serves as a crucial spot to acclimatize before you tackle the challenging Larkya La Pass.
Included Activities
- Trek to Dharmasala
Landmarks Dharmasala - Day 8
Dharmasala to Bhimthang (via Larkya La Pass)
This is the trek's main highlight crossing Larkya La Pass at 5,106 meters, a challenging 7-8 hour day that delivers spectacular panoramic mountain views from the top. After crossing, you descend to Bhimthang at 3,720 meters to recover and rest from this strenuous but rewarding experience.
Included Activities
- Cross Larkya La Pass
- Trek to Bhimthang
Landmarks Larkya La Pass Bhimthang - Day 9
Bhimthang to Dharapani
Now you get an easier 6-hour downhill trek to Dharapani at 1,910 meters. As you lose elevation, the scenery shifts from alpine landscape to subtropical with terraced fields, forests, and traditional villages replacing the high-altitude terrain. Dharapani is a peaceful spot where you can finally relax after the mountain challenges.
Included Activities
- Trek to Dharapani
Landmarks Dharapani - Day 10
Dharapani to Kathmandu or Pokhara
Your Manaslu Circuit wrap-up happens with a 6-7 hour drive to either Kathmandu or Pokhara depending on your preference. The route offers final glimpses of rural Nepali life with villages, rivers, and hillsides passing by your window. This drive gives you time to reflect on the incredible journey and celebrate what you've accomplished.
Landmarks Kathmandu Pokhara
