NepalUpdated Nov 26, 2024
Manaslu Circuit Trek Guide
Manaslu suits experienced walkers who want a quieter restricted-area circuit. Permits, guide requirements, remoteness, and the Larkya La crossing shape the plan.
Manaslu Trek With Larkya la Pass
Manaslu Circuit Trek: Explore 8th highest peak, scenic hikes, remote villages, rich culture
Duration
15 Days
Traveler rating
Max elevation
5,135m/16,847ft at Larkya La pass
From group price
US$ 1,560
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Manaslu Trek With Larkya la Pass
Trip overview
The essentials, in one place
Journey overview
A quick read on the route, the comfort level, the pricing rhythm, and the details most travelers want before they get in touch.
01Service levelAmigo Plus02Comfort profileHigh-Altitude Trek
03Accommodation standardBoutique Hotel in Kathmandu & Standard Lodge on a trek
Activities covered
2In short
Manaslu Trek With Larkya la Pass is a guided trek in Nepal usually presented as a 15 Days itinerary. It is designed for travelers comparing route fit, pacing, inclusions, and booking support before sending an inquiry. Key route focus: "This year's Gyalpo Lhosar- Tibetan New Year is on 28th February"..
Quick route highlights
The four details travelers usually care about first.
Short, practical, and easy to scan before you dive into the longer trip description.
Highlight
"This year's Gyalpo Lhosar- Tibetan New Year is on 28th February".
"Girls/ladies/women, plan to start your trek on 8th March and enjoy special Women's Day package price".
"If you are planning to celebrate the Holi Festival in Nepal, this festival, this year is on 13th March".
Manaslu Circuit Trek with Larkya La pass, or Around Manaslu Trek- all these names direct you nowhere else but towards
"This year's Gyalpo Lhosar- Tibetan New Year is on 28th February".
"Girls/ladies/women, plan to start your trek on 8th March and enjoy special Women's Day package price".
Useful details at a glance
- How many days do you need?
- 15 Days
- Where does this trip operate?
- Nepal
- What is the highest elevation?
- 5,135m/16,847ft at Larkya La pass
- When is the best season?
- March - May & October - November
- What type of trip is it?
- Remote Trek
- How are departures handled?
- Scheduled departures
Why travelers plan with Amigo
"This year's Gyalpo Lhosar- Tibetan New Year is on 28th February".
Day-by-day route outline
Open each day to see the route notes, overnight rhythm, altitude cues, and the small details that help you understand how the journey actually flows.
Day 1
Arrival day (1,300m/4,264 ft)
Day details
Welcome to Kathmandu, Nepal. Today is your first day with Amigo Treks & Expedition. Therefore, we send one of our company representatives to receive you at the Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA), who will further escort you to a tourist standard hotel booked for you in Kathmandu. If possible, we also schedule a meeting at our office for the briefing regarding the trek, which is followed by an introduction session with other team members (especially Sherpas and guides). Today, we also arrange a welcome dinner in one of the most popular local restaurants, where you can enjoy the ethnic dance and cultural music along with great Nepali food. If your flight arrives late, both the meeting and dinner can be scheduled for the following day. Meals include: Dinner (Highlights of the day: Nepali food, Cultural music and Ethnic dance)
Day 2
Kathmandu Valley sightseeing and trek preparation (1,300m/4,264 ft)
Day details
The capital, Kathmandu valley itself, is a big storehouse of exclusive natural, cultural and historical sites. Therefore, today, we take you on a few hour tours to the major attractions of Kathmandu valley. After spending few hours observing these wonderful sites, we again meet for a few hours to finalize your clothing and trekking gears (down jacket, trekking boots, sleeping bags etc.) required during the trek. The night will be spent at a hotel in Kathmandu. Meals included: Breakfast (Highlights of the day: World Heritage sites like Kathmandu Durbar Square (a historical structure offering architectural wonders), the Pashupatinath temple (a Hindu shrine dedicated to Lord Shiva- lord possessing the power of destruction), Swyambhunath and Boudhanath – (a Buddhist shrine dedicated to Lord Buddha- Light of Asia). Optional site:Another World Heritage site ‘Patan Durbar Square’ along with other historical masterpieces like Mahabouddha Temple, Krishna Temple, Golden Temple and Kumbeshwor Temple.)
Day 3
Drive from Kathmandu to Arughat (570m/1,870ft)
Day details
Our destination set for today is Arughat, which is about 7-8 hour drive from Kathmandu. Therefore, early in the morning, after having breakfast, you will be escorted to the bus park to catch a bus to Arughat. Leaving Kathmandu, the bus heads towards the western part of the valley, following the Prithvi Highway. The bus follows the highway for about 70 kilometers from Kathmandu, which then leaves the highway, crossing the Trisuli River and heads towards the Dhading Besi. We stop here for lunch. From Dhading Besi, the bus heads towards Arughat. After about 3 hours ride on a bumpy road, we reach Arughat (a town of Newari ethnic group), which is the starting point of the trek. The night will be spent at a lodge in Arughat. Meals include: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner (Highlights of the day: Experience of winding Highway, black topped road as well as bumpy road accompanied by the breathtaking view of waterfalls, rivers, jungles, green hills, hamlets higher up on the hills, terraced fields flaunting seasonal crops, a variety of vegetation and the curious faces of people running motels, restaurants and lodges with the experience of Newari community away from the Kathmandu valley – all in a single day.)
Day 4
Trek to Soti Khola(730m/2,395ft)
Day details
Soti Khola is the destination set for the day. The actual trekking begins today. We first cross the bridge across the Budhi Gandaki River and head north, following the west bank of the river. The trail, passing through Mangaltar and Shanti Bazaar, accompanied by millet and rice field is fairly easy up till the Arkhet River. As we cross the suspension bridge over the Arkhet River, the trail gets steeper and difficult. We further walk up towards Keurenipani. From Keurenipani, the trail starts to descend to Soti Khola. From here, crossing a few suspension bridges, we finally reach Soti Khola. The night will either be spent in a tented camp or a basic teahouse in Soti Khola. Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner (Highlights of the day: The view of hydroelectric power plant, magnificent terrace fields of rice, millet and maize; forest of Sal, Chilaune, and other local vegetations, and beautiful waterfalls before reaching the Soti Khola. Some lucky trekkers also get a chance to spot wild monkeys. The trail passing through various Magar and Gurung communities presents an important insight on their lifestyle.)
Day 5
Trek to Machha Khola (930m/3,051ft)
Day details
Machhakhola Gaon is the destination set for the day. We cross the bridge over Soti River and continue through the forest of Sal, on a rocky trail. After a number of ups and downs, crossing two tropical waterfalls, we climb down, pass few rice terraces and walk up to the village of Lapubesi. Lapubesi is a beautiful settlement of Gurung people. From Lapubesi, the upward hike further continues along the bank of the Budhi Gandaki River till Khanibesi, which offers a beautiful view of the waterfall. Then the trail descends to Machhakhola Gaon. On reaching Machhakhola Gaon, you can also take a relaxing dip in the hot spring. The night will be spent at a lodge in Machhakhola Gaon. Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner (Highlights of the day: Beautiful forest of Sal, view of rice terraces, experience of rocky trail, rugged Cliffside, gravel bar and sandy river bed. A very pleasant view of tropical waterfalls, white wild rapids on the Budhi Gandaki River and a quick insight on the lifestyle of Gurung people and a very relaxing hot spring dip at Machhakhola Gaon.)
Day 6
Trek to Jagat (1,410m/4,625ft)
Day details
Jagat is the destination set for the day. Leaving Machhakhola Gaon, we continue through the narrow trail along the Budhi Gandaki River. After a few ups and downs, we cross a bridge to reach Khorlabesi that offers one of the best views of the Ganesh Himal. A few additional ups and downs from here will take us to Tatopani. Climbing the ridge over Tatopani, we cross a bridge across the Budhi Gandaki River and now walking on the east bank of the river on a wide steps, we cross the landslide and walk up to Dobhan to cross the suspension bridge across the Dobhan River. On crossing the river, the walk continues on a rocky trail, crossing another landslide, towards a 93m long suspension bridge over the Yaru River. We cross this bridge, pass the landslide on the stone steps and then drop down to cross one more bridge over the Budhi Gandaki River. Then, following the west bank of the river, we continue through the stone steps until we reach the village of Jagat. The night will be spent at a lodge in Jagat. Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner (Highlights of the day: Best view of Ganesh Himal from Khorlabesi and Shringi Himal from Jagat, experience of rocky trail, stone steps, landslide and rockfall areas, view of organic coffee garden at Khorlabesi, numerous suspension bridges over different river, including the roaring Budhi Gandaki River, view of waterfalls and a number of Chortens and Mani walls en route.)
Day 7
Trek to Deng (1,800m/5,905ft)
Day details
Deng is the destination set for the day. After the necessary formalities (fulfilled by the team leader) at the office of MCAP in Jagat, we walk up the river bed and hike over a rocky ridge to Salleri. Following the river, we further hike up to Sirdibas and then continue towards the suspension bridge over the Budhi Gandaki River. We cross the bridge and climb to a Gurung village named Philim. The walk further continues towards Chisopani crossing the forest. With Budhi Gandaki River on our left, we traverse Ekle Bhatti and then the gorge to reach a large waterfall, before entering the pine forest. The trail then drops down to a trail junction of Ghap and the Tsum Valley. Leaving the Tsum Valley trail, we cross the bridge and head northeast, trekking along the west bank for a while. We then cross to the east bank and back to the west bank again. We pass through the bamboo forest before reaching Deng. The night will be spent at a lodge in Deng. Meal included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner (Highlights of the day: Potato, maize and climbing bean’s fields, various signs of Buddhist culture, Chortens and the prosperous Philim village of Gurung people surrounded by the fields of maize, potato and millet. The village also flaunts Chhyoling Sandu Gompa, School made by Japanese, police station and a large campsite offering the view of Shringi Himal. The experience of walking through pine, rhododendron and bamboo forest, enjoying the pleasant view of the waterfall, Himalchuli and Shringi Himal, and the settlement, lifestyle and culture of people in Lokpa, Nayk and a Gurung village called Deng.)
Day 8
Trek to Ghap (2,160m/7,086ft)
Day details
Ghap is the destination set for today. We cross the suspension bridge, leaving Deng and climb Rana. The walk continues northwest, following the bank of the Budhi Gandaki River towards Bihi and then west, up the Budhi Gandaki Valley. From Bihi, the trail splits into two trails that again meet at Ghap. One follows the northern bank of the Budhi Gandaki River, while the other (alternate route) follows the southern bank of the river. The walk continues in and out of unbroken wild canyons and then a steep climb will finally take us to Ghap. If time permits, we also take you for a side-trip up to Prok village and an excursion to Kal Tal. We again return to Ghap, where the night will be spent at a lodge. Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner (Highlights of the day: An experience of the lifestyle of Gurung people who practice Buddhism in the village of Deng, experience of beautiful stone-carving village of Bihi, walk through the wild canyons, village of Ghap that flaunts intricate quality carvings of various meditating Buddha in the hard local stone, the village of Prok that features the best view point of Shringi Himal, micro hydro, eco-lodges and the nearby Kal Chhokang Gompa and a beautiful Kalchhuman Lake (Kal Tal) located at the altitude of 3,574m.)
Day 9
Trek to Lho (2630m/8626ft)
Day details
Lho is the destination set for today. The trail first passes through the beautiful forest of fir and rhododendron on the south bank of the river. Then we cross a wooden bridge that will take us to the north bank of the river and after walking for some time, we again cross a bridge to get to the south bank. The trail then makes you climb well-made stairs. However, if you are looking for a short cut, you can follow the trail along the bank of the river, through the forest of pine. Both the trails take us to the village of Namrung. We then pass Mani walls, fields and houses through Banjam, entering the rhododendron, fir and oak forest, before reaching Lihi. From Lihi, the trail moves towards Sho, crossing the bridge over Hinang River and then from Sho, a leisurely walk will finally take us to Lho. The night will be spent at a lodge in Lho. Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner (Highlights of the day: Experience of fir, rhododendron forest accompanied by chirping birds, Namrung village featuring Gompas, hotels, camp sites and the beautiful view point of Ganesh and Shringi Himal and Mt. Himal Chuli in the south, Lihi village flaunting Chortens, barley terraces and Sherpa culture, Sho village offering the best view point of Manaslu, Manaslu North & Naike Peak and the Lho Village that features Mani walls, the Ribung Gompa, Kandjur Scripts Monastery and the view of Manaslu massif.)
Day 10
Trek to Samagaon (3,530m/11,581ft)
Day details
The destination set for today is Samagaon. From Lho, we first hike up to Shyala village up a pine and rhododendron forest, passing the big curtain, enjoying the crystal clear stream. The Shyala village is surrounded by mountains and glacier. We cross the glacier-fed Numla Khola and hike up to the village of Sama, which is a pure Lama settlement following Tibetan culture. The night will be spent at a lodge in Sama Gaon. Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner (Highlights of the day: Magnificent view of peaks like Manaslu, Himal Chuli and Nadi Chuli, Ganesh Himal and Punggen Glacier from the village of Shyala, and the introduction of Lama and Tibetan culture practiced in the village of Sama.)
Day 11
Acclimatize day
Day details
Today is both rest and acclimatization day. It is always good to acclimatize before ascending the height. We spend our day enjoying the Lama settlement of Sama village. We also visit Sama Gompa and hike up to the ridge to view the mountain and village. Or, we can also hike up to visit the Pung Gyen Gompa, which aids a lot in acclimatization process. Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner (Highlights of the day: An insight on the lifestyle, tradition and culture of people living in Sama village. Sama Gompa, view of Puggen Glacier form Pung Gyen Gompa, and the view of Nadi Chuli, Manaslu, Larke, and the Naike peak from the ridge.)
Day 12
Trek to Samdo (3,690m/12,106ft)
Day details
Samdo is the destination set for today. After the previous day’s acclimatization, you are ready to hike further. Following the west bank of the Budhi Gandaki River, we proceed towards the destination of the day. After a short walk, we come across the trail that leads to Manaslu Base Camp trail; however, passing the trail, we now enter the forest filled with birch, juniper, rhododendron, moss and lichen. Then enjoying the stone huts and long Mani walls of Kyonggma Kharka we cross a bridge over the Budhi Gandaki River and enter the village of Samdo, which is very close to Tibet. The night will be spent at a lodge in Samdo. Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner (Highlights of the day: View of Manaslu glacier, walk through the thick forest of birch, juniper, and rhododendron, a number of Mani walls and stone huts, and the village of Samdo featuring Taka Choeling Gompa, Sonam Glacier, big Mani wall, and a Tibetan refugee community. You can also enjoy a splendid view of the Naike and Pangbuche peak.)
Day 13
Trek to Larkya Rest House (4,470m/14,665ft)
Day details
Larkya Rest House is the destination set for the day. From Samdo, the trail descends to the bridge over the Budhi Gandaki River. Crossing the last bridge across the Budhi Gandaki River, we progress towards the Larkya Rest House through juniper and tundra. The trail passes through Mani wall and Stone huts before reaching Larke Phedi also known as Dharmasala. It is a seasonal village that provides rooms and tents for trekkers. The evening will be spent exploring the hills for the purpose of acclimatization. The night will be spent at the Larkya Rest House. Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner (Highlights of the day: Mani walls with inscriptions of well wishes for progress over the pass, small stone huts, view of Syacha Glacier and the pleasant view of Larkya Peak and Naike Peak from Larkya Phedi.)
Day 14
Trek to Bimtang (3,720m/12,204ft)
Day details
Today conquering the ultimate altitude of this trek - Larkya La (5,160m) - we trek to Bimthang. You can expect the day to be long and extended as the day requires 8-9 hour walking. Therefore, we start early in the morning in order to skip afternoon gale. The trail passes through the north side of the Larkya Glacier. We walk across the moraine of the glacier, cross four frozen lakes and then a steep way up will take us to Larkya La that greets trekker with prayer flags and the magnificent views of the snow capped peaks. After a steep descent from the pass, we now trek west on a high moraine ridge of Salpudanda Glacier on our right. The trail now descends on long scree, towards the grassy moraine of Dangboche Kharka. The track now following the east bank of the large lateral moraine, descends to the beautiful village of Bimthang. The night will be spent at a lodge in Bimthang. Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner (Highlights of the day: 4 frozen lakes,Larkya La Pass that greets trekkers with flapping prayer flags and the heavenly view of Himlung Himal, Kangguru, Annapurna II, Cheo Himal, Gyaji Kang, Larke peak, Namjung Himal, Ratan Chuli, thrilling trail accompanied by Larkya Glacier, Bimthang and Salpudanda Glacier, rocky and grassy moraine and scree, icefall and mountains, glacial lake –Pongkar Taal in between the Pongkar and Salpudanda Glacier, and the magnificent view of Lamjung, Manaslu (NE), Phungi (S-Face) Himlung (NW) and Cheo Himal from Bimthang.)
Day 15
Trek to Dharapani (1,860m/6,102ft)
Day details
Dharapani is the destination set for today. Initially, the trail follows the Bimthang glacier and heads south. Then, leaving the Bimthang Glacier and Bimthang village behind, the trail enters the forest of rhododendron and pine, passes Sangure Kharka and continues till the cultivated land of Kharche. The trail, now following the west bank of the Dudh Khola, heads towards Tilije crossing the view point of Manaslu, Gho – a Gurung village, and Kilpu fall. On reaching Tilije, we cross the bridge over the Dudh Khola and walk south for about an hour to reach Dharapani. The evening can be utilized strolling around the village. The night will be spent at a lodge in Dharapani. Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner (Highlights of the day: Unforgettable view of Mt. Manaslu, Lamjung Himal, Himlung Himal and Cheo Himal, trail accompanied by beautiful forest of rhododendron and pine, cave, high pasture, and cultivated land, Goa or Gho – a beautiful settlement of Gurung people flaunting Gurung lifestyle, view point of Manaslu and monastery, lodges and Kilpu waterfall, Tilije – another Gurung village on the trail that allows trekkers to enjoy monastery like Tilije, mobile network, lodges and teahouses, and the village of Dharapani, where trekkers can enjoy time visiting Sangey Cholign Gompa and one of the best view point of Manaslu.)
Day 16
Trek to Bahundanda (1,310m/4,297ft)
Day details
Bahundanda is the destination set for the day. Dharapani is also a confluence of two rivers (Dudh Khola and Marsyangdi River) and two trails (Annapurna and Manaslu circuit). A few up and down hill from Dharapani towards the south will bring us to Tal village. The walk further continues on a steep stone trail towards the suspension bridge over the Marsyangdi River at Chamje. A steep descent will bring us to the village of Jagat. The walk further continues following the bank of the Marsyangdi River to Bahundanda crossing Syange and Ghermu. On reaching Bahundanda you can take a relaxing dip in the natural hot water spring and relax your tired muscle. The night will be spent at a lodge in Bahundanda. Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner (Highlights of the day: Beautiful settlement of Tal, Jagat, Syange, Ghermu and Bahundanda, trail accompanied by Mani wall, Chorten, temple, waterfalls and a field of Marijuana and a relaxing natural hot water dip.)
Day 17
Trek to Besisahar (7,60m/2,493ft)
Day details
Today is the last day of the trek and Besisahar is the destination of the day. The walk continues south towards the village of Nadi Bazaar crossing the suspension bridge over Nagdi River. We further walk down to the village of Bhulbhule that offers the view of a 60m high waterfall and the last view of Manaslu, Himchuli and Nagdi Chuli. Then the trail passes through the rice terraces and sub-tropical forest to reach Besisahar which is the ending point of Manaslu Trek. The evening can be spent enjoying the internet facilities, temples and lifestyle of Gurung and Tamang people living in Besisahar. The night will be spent at a lodge in Besisahar. Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner (Highlights of the day: subtropical forest, 60meter long waterfall, last views of Mt. Manaslu, Himchuli and Nagdichuli, rice terraces and the settlement of Gurung and Tamang people.)
Day 18
Drive to Kathmandu (1,300m/4,264 ft)
Day details
After successfully completing the trek, we now come back to Kathmandu. Early in the morning, we catch a bus to Kathmandu. The bus heads south till Dumre, which then follows the Prithvi Highway until it reaches Kathmandu. We stop twice, once for breakfast and once for lunch. After about 7-8 hour ride, you will reach Kathmandu. Once you reach Kathmandu, you will be escorted to your hotel, where you can freshen up and rest for some time. Around evening, the company representatives conduct a short meeting to discuss the trip, your experience and feedback. The night will be spent at a 3 star standard hotel in Kathmandu. Meals include: Breakfast & Dinner (Highlights of the day: Comfortable bus, windy highway along the Trisuli River, breathtaking view of a waterfall, river, jungle, hamlets higher up on the hills, terraced fields with seasonal crops, different vegetations and the curious faces of people running motels, restaurants and lodges.)
Day 19
Departure day
Day details
This day is the last day of your trip in Nepal with Amigo Treks and Expedition. If your flight is scheduled early morning, then one of our company representatives will escort you to the airport as per your flight departure time. But, if the flight is scheduled later in the evening, you can go shopping and collect a few mementos or simply hang around shopping areas in Kathmandu. However, if you are planning to spend some extra days in Nepal, Amigo Treks and Expedition can also make the arrangements for some other top adventurous activities that you can attend while you are in Nepal. Meals include: Breakfast (The usual day for a trek: Every day, our guides will come to wake you up at around 7:00-7:30am. A western breakfast like porridge, oats, toasts, etc. will be served at around 8:00-8:30am. The lunch will be served from a teahouse menu (mostly typical Nepali and Tibetan food) at about 12-1pm. However, the lunch time can also be postponed on request. The dinner will be served at around 8:30-9:00pm. Your accommodation is arranged at a lodge or local guest houses, where we stop for overnight. While you are walking, you can also request your guide to slow down and stop at the places where you want to take some snaps. After dinner and before going to bed your team leader will brief you regarding the next day’s schedule.)
Group pricing tiers
Group rates by party size
Per-person rates adjust automatically with your party size. Member discounts apply where available.
2-10 travelers
US$ 1,560
per personTraveler suitability
Is this guided trek right for you?
This guided trek in Nepal is planned across 15 Days around route flow, support logistics, traveler comfort, and realistic operating conditions. The pace protects acclimatization, daily effort, and weather flexibility.
Best for
- Travelers comparing a guided trek in Nepal with local planning support.
- Guests with roughly 15 Days available who want route, permit, transport, and guide coordination handled together.
- Travelers whose timing can fit the stronger operating months: March - May & October - November.
Not ideal for
- Travelers only looking for the cheapest possible package.
- Guests who need every day to feel low-altitude, low-effort, or fully predictable.
- Travelers who cannot allow flexibility for weather, roads, flights, permits, or border processes.
- Duration
- 15 Days
- Max elevation
- 5,135m/16,847ft at Larkya La pass
- Best season
- March - May & October - November
- Destination
- Nepal
- Trip style
- Remote Trek
- Difficulty profile
- High-Altitude Trek
Why this itinerary is designed this way
We review Nepal routes around altitude or road rhythm, daily effort, guide support, permit timing, accommodation flow, and traveler comfort before confirming the final version.