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 17-day 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.

Today is dedicated to exploring Kathmandu's profound cultural heritage. Your expert guide will lead you through four UNESCO World Heritage Sites: the sacred Hindu temple complex of Pashupatinath, the massive Buddhist stupa of Boudhanath, the ancient 'Monkey Temple' of Swayambhunath, and the historic royal palaces of Kathmandu Durbar Square.

The afternoon focuses on trek preparation with a comprehensive briefing covering the Manaslu itinerary, altitude acclimatization strategies, and daily routines. We verify all necessary permits including the Manaslu Restricted Area Permit (RAP), Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP), Manaslu Conservation Area Permit (MCAP), and Trekkers' Information Management System (TIMS) card. A thorough gear check ensures you have all necessary equipment for the challenging trek ahead.

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.

Soti Khola is a small settlement situated at the confluence of the Soti Khola and Budi Gandaki rivers. The name translates to 'Hundred Rivers,' reflecting the numerous streams that feed into the main river here. This village marks the official beginning of the Manaslu Circuit trek and provides your first overnight experience in the mountains, with the sounds of rushing water creating a peaceful atmosphere.

Your trekking adventure begins as you follow the Budi Gandaki River upstream through subtropical forests and traditional villages. The trail crosses several suspension bridges and passes through small settlements where you can observe local life and agricultural practices.

Machha Khola (meaning 'Fish River') is a slightly larger settlement that serves as an important stopping point on the Manaslu Circuit. The village features basic lodges and shops, and marks your last stop before entering the more remote sections of the trek. The increasing Tibetan influence in architecture and culture becomes noticeable as you progress further up the valley.

The trail continues to follow the Budi Gandaki River, climbing steadily through forests and past waterfalls. You'll pass through several small settlements before reaching Tatopani, known for its natural hot springs, and then continuing to Dobhan before the final climb to Jagat.

Jagat is a charming stone village that marks the official entry point to the Manaslu Conservation Area and the restricted zone. Here, your permits will be carefully checked at the ACAP checkpoint. The village features traditional stone houses with carved wooden windows and offers your first clear taste of the unique Tibetan-influenced culture that characterizes this restricted area. The settlement has been beautifully 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, and traverse several dramatic suspension bridges high above the river.

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 who settled here centuries ago.

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 of Ganesh Himal and Himal Chuli emerging as you gain elevation.

Namrung is a significant village in the Nubri Valley, known for its spectacular mountain views and traditional architecture. 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. The village offers your first clear views of the Ganesh Himal range.

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 and enjoy views of Peak 29 (Ngadi Chuli).

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 and traditional lifestyles.

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, with the landscape becoming more dramatic with each step.

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 and its Tibetan Buddhist traditions.

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 including Samdo Peak.

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 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. From here, you can see the trade route to Tibet that was historically used for salt and grain exchange.

A short but challenging trek brings you to Dharamsala (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 of the Larkya Glacier.

Dharamsala 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 before your most challenging trekking 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 including Phu Kang and Manaslu, offering a well-deserved rest after the challenging pass crossing. The valley is known for its beautiful summer flowers and grazing yaks.

A beautiful descent brings you from the high alpine environment of Bimthang down through rhododendron forests and past traditional villages. The trail follows the Dudh Khola (Milk River) downstream, with the vegetation becoming increasingly lush as you lose elevation.

Tilije is a charming village with strong Tibetan influence, known for its traditional architecture and apple orchards. The village is famous for its local apple brandy (raksi) and provides an excellent opportunity to experience local culture and celebrate your successful pass crossing. The warmer temperatures and thicker air at this elevation provide welcome relief after the high-altitude challenges of the previous days.

Your final trekking day takes you to Dharapani, where the Manaslu Circuit meets the Annapurna Circuit. The trail descends through beautiful forests and traditional villages, with the landscape becoming increasingly familiar as you approach this important trekking junction.

Dharapani marks the official end of your Manaslu Circuit trek. From here, a scenic jeep ride takes you down the Marsyangdi Valley to Besisahar, the district headquarters of Lamjung. The drive offers beautiful views of the valley and traditional village life. Besisahar serves as the gateway to the Annapurna region and provides comfortable accommodations for your final night outside Kathmandu.

The return journey to Kathmandu takes you through the picturesque Marsyangdi and Trishuli river valleys. The 7-8 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 and challenging 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 17-day trekking experience that showcases the very best of Nepal's natural beauty and cultural diversity in one of its most remote and spectacular regions.