Manaslu Circuit Luxury Trek: Nepal’s Ultimate Himalayan Adventure

Your Manaslu Circuit adventure begins with a premium VIP welcome at Tribhuvan International Airport. Our representative will greet you with traditional hospitality and facilitate a seamless transfer to your luxury hotel in the vibrant Thamel district.

The evening features a gourmet welcome dinner at an authentic Nepali restaurant, where you'll sample traditional cuisine while receiving a comprehensive trek briefing. Your lead guide will outline the Manaslu Circuit itinerary, discuss the unique aspects of this restricted area trek, and introduce you to the team that will ensure a safe and memorable journey around the world's eighth-highest mountain.

An 8-9 hour scenic drive transports you from Kathmandu to the starting point of your Manaslu adventure. The journey follows the Prithvi Highway before turning north into the Budi Gandaki Valley, passing through traditional villages and terraced farmland with increasingly dramatic mountain views.

Machha Khola (meaning 'Fish River') is a small settlement situated at the confluence of the Machha Khola and Budi Gandaki rivers. This village marks the official beginning of the Manaslu Circuit trek and provides your first overnight experience in the mountains. The sounds of the rushing river and the sight of local life offer an authentic introduction to rural Nepal.

Your trekking adventure begins in earnest as you follow the Budi Gandaki River upstream. The trail passes through several small settlements and crosses multiple suspension bridges, offering increasingly dramatic views of the valley. You'll notice the landscape becoming more rugged and the architecture reflecting Tibetan influence.

Jagat is a charming stone village that marks the official entry point to the Manaslu Conservation Area. Here, your permits will be checked at the ACAP checkpoint. The village features traditional stone houses with carved wooden windows and offers your first taste of the unique culture that characterizes this restricted area. The settlement has been rebuilt in traditional style following the 2015 earthquake.

The trail continues to follow the Budi Gandaki River, climbing steadily through beautiful pine and rhododendron forests. You'll pass numerous mani walls (stone structures carved with Buddhist prayers) and chortens, indicating the strong Tibetan Buddhist influence in this region.

Deng is a small settlement situated in a dramatic gorge where the valley narrows significantly. The village offers stunning views of Shringi Himal (7,187m) and provides a peaceful overnight stop. The cultural transition becomes more apparent here, with architecture and customs showing clear Tibetan influence as you approach the Nubri Valley, home to descendants of Tibetan immigrants.

Today's trek brings you into the beautiful Nubri Valley, a culturally Tibetan region that remained largely isolated until recent decades. The trail climbs steadily through forests of pine and juniper, with increasingly dramatic mountain views emerging as you gain elevation.

Namrung is a significant village in the Nubri Valley, known for its spectacular views of Himal Chuli (7,893m) and other peaks. The village features a beautiful entrance gate and traditional stone houses, with the Nubri Valley stretching out before you. This is your first proper high-altitude settlement, and the mountain atmosphere becomes palpable as you approach the heart of the Manaslu region.

A shorter but spectacular trek brings you closer to Manaslu's base. The trail climbs gradually through the Nubri Valley, with increasingly dramatic views of Manaslu's massive north face. You'll pass through several traditional villages with prayer flags fluttering in the mountain breeze.

Lho is a beautiful village dominated by the impressive Ribung Gompa (monastery), which sits above the settlement. The monastery houses ancient Buddhist scriptures and offers breathtaking views of Manaslu (8,163m) and the surrounding peaks. This is your first proper view of the world's eighth-highest mountain in its entirety, and the sight is truly awe-inspiring. The village atmosphere is deeply spiritual, with constant evidence of Tibetan Buddhist practices.

The trail to Samagaon takes you through increasingly alpine terrain with spectacular views of Manaslu and its surrounding glaciers. You'll pass the ancient Pungyen Gompa and several mani walls as you approach the main settlement in the Manaslu region.

Samagaon is the largest village in the upper Nubri Valley and serves as the main acclimatization stop before crossing the Larkya La Pass. The village offers stunning close-up views of Manaslu's north face and is home to several monasteries and a vibrant community of Tibetan descendants. The afternoon provides opportunities to explore the village, visit the local monastery, or simply admire the incredible mountain scenery that surrounds this high-altitude settlement.

This essential acclimatization day follows the 'climb high, sleep low' principle. You have several options for day hikes, including a visit to Manaslu Base Camp (4,800m) for close-up views of the mountain's north face and surrounding glaciers, or a shorter hike to the ancient Pungyen Gompa, which offers panoramic views of the entire Manaslu range.

Proper acclimatization is crucial before attempting the Larkya La Pass. The additional day at Samagaon allows your body to adapt to the altitude while providing opportunities to explore this fascinating high-altitude environment. The village itself offers cultural experiences, including visits to local homes and monasteries, providing deeper insights into the unique culture of the Nubri Valley.

A relatively short trek brings you to Samdo, the last permanent settlement before the Larkya La Pass. The trail climbs gradually through alpine meadows and past yak pastures, with increasingly dramatic views of the Tibetan border peaks.

Samdo is a Tibetan refugee village situated close to the border with Tibet. The cultural atmosphere here is strongly Tibetan, with residents maintaining traditional customs and dress. The village offers spectacular views of the Samdo Peak and the surrounding mountains, and serves as an important acclimatization stop before the pass crossing. The high-altitude environment is palpable, with thin air and dramatic mountain scenery creating a true Himalayan atmosphere.

A short but challenging trek brings you to Dharmashala (also known as Larkya La Phedi), the base camp for the pass crossing. The trail climbs steadily through moraine and alpine terrain, with increasingly sparse vegetation and dramatic mountain views.

Dharmashala is a basic settlement consisting mainly of trekker lodges situated at the foot of the Larkya La Pass. This high-altitude stop is essential for proper acclimatization before the pass crossing. The afternoon should be spent resting and hydrating, with short walks to aid acclimatization. The stark, high-altitude environment and views of the Larkya Glacier create a dramatic setting for this crucial preparation day.

This is the most challenging and rewarding day of the trek. An early morning start is essential for the ascent to Larkya La Pass (5,160m). The climb takes you through moraine and across the Larkya Glacier, with increasingly spectacular mountain views. The final ascent to the pass is steep but rewarded with one of the most breathtaking panoramas in the Himalayas.

From the pass, you're treated to spectacular views of Himlung Himal (7,126m), Cheo Himal, Annapurna II, and countless other peaks. The descent to Bimthang is long but beautiful, taking you through dramatic moraine landscapes and eventually into the lush Bimthang Valley. Bimthang sits in a stunning alpine meadow surrounded by high peaks, offering a well-deserved rest after the challenging pass crossing.

A long descent brings you from the high alpine environment of Bimthang down to the more temperate climate of the Marsyangdi Valley. The trail descends through beautiful rhododendron and pine forests, passing several waterfalls and crossing the Dudh Khola river.

Dharapani marks the junction where the Manaslu Circuit meets the Annapurna Circuit. This significant village features a beautiful Tibetan-style entrance chorten and offers a range of lodges and facilities. Arriving here feels like returning to civilization after the remote wilderness of the Manaslu region, and provides an opportunity to celebrate the successful completion of the circuit with your trekking team.

The return journey to Kathmandu begins with a drive to Besisahar and then continues along the Prithvi Highway. The 8-9 hour drive provides time to reflect on your incredible Manaslu Circuit experience as you watch the landscape transition from mountain wilderness back to the Kathmandu Valley.

Upon arrival in Kathmandu, you'll check into your luxury hotel with time to refresh. The evening features a special gourmet farewell dinner at a fine restaurant, where you can share memories with your travel companions and guides, reflecting on the cultural and natural wonders you've experienced on one of Nepal's most spectacular trekking routes.

Enjoy a final gourmet breakfast at your hotel, with time for some last-minute souvenir shopping or personal relaxation. According to your flight schedule, our team will provide a VIP transfer to Tribhuvan International Airport and assist with check-in procedures.

As you depart, you carry with you lasting memories of ancient monasteries, Tibetan-influenced cultures, breathtaking Himalayan passes, and the majestic presence of Manaslu—a comprehensive trekking experience that showcases the very best of Nepal's natural beauty and cultural diversity.