Manaslu Circuit Trek

After a few more ups & downs, we reach Tatopani. From the hot spring climb over a ridge to Dobhan. Crossing a suspension bridge over the Dobhan Khola, the trail climbs on a rugged trail to Duman. we climb the stone stairs and then drop to the river and again climb more stone stairs to Tharo Bharyang. Trek along the Budhi Gandaki river then climb towards the village of Jagat.

The day begins by following the river bank again for the first hour up to Ghata Khola. We then cross to the eastern bank before ascending to Philim, one of the few large settlements on this route and home to the Manaslu Conservation Area Project office.

lowly and gradually we gain altitude and enter into the alpine territory. We also have increasing mountain views. On the way to Namrung, we find more Mani walls and three more crossings of the Budi Gandaki. Finally, we reach Namrung where we will stay overnight.

Continuing from Namrung the trek climbs steadily into the alpine where you’ll see a first stunning glimpse of Manaslu North and Manaslu. From this point on many of the locals dress in traditional Tibetan clothing called chubas. Still keep going to Sama Gaun through the villages of Shyo, Lho, and Shyala. This will be a long day of 7-8 hours walk. Overnight in Sama Gaun.

Rest day to get physically acclimatized. We can spend the day exploring surroundings such as Pung Gyen Ghumpa Birendra Taal (lake), Buddhist monasteries, Samagaun, a big Tibetan cultured community, and a side trip to Pun Gyen Gompa or Manaslu Base Camp but both side trips require almost a full day for each. We will see a marvelous view of Manaslu.

This is a short day to allow you to better adjust to the altitude. Here is a land of yaks, plentiful marmots, and pastures where only barley and potatoes can grow (due to the high elevation) and where we finally depart to above the tree line. A pleasant walk brings us to the picturesque village of Samdo –a town known for its yak herding. Samdo is also at the convergence of 3 valleys and is only a day’s walk from Tibet. You are quite likely to see traders coming from the valley carrying Chinese and Tibetan goods. Stay overnight at Samdo.

Continuing on from Samdo follow along a wide, broad path, crossing the Bhuri Gandaki River and traversing along a mani wall. Continue climbing over the Larkya Glacier until coming to a ridge that offers grand views of a huge gorge. We will spend the night here, before embarking on the high Larkya La the next morning. Overnight at Dharmasaala.

Today; it is a demanding walk, though not technically difficult trek over the Larkya La at a breathtaking 5160m. From Larkya Phedi, cross the glacial moraine and pass four frozen lakes as you make your way to the pass. It takes approximately 5 hours to reach this point. From here you can see incredible views of Himlung Himal (7,126m), Cheo Himal (6,820m), Gyaji Kung (7,030m), Kang Guru (6,981m), and Annapurna II (7937). Begin your descent down a trail along a steep gully. Eventually, the trail peters out into the more level area of the grassy moraine. The valley opens up as you continue your descent to Bimthang and we’ll overnight here.

Cross a glacial stream and climb over the side of the moraine descending into a spectacular forest of rhododendron and impressive pines, with a view of Manaslu providing an equal amount of splendor. Descend down towards the Dudh (milk) Khola then continues through a more agricultural landscape until reaching the village of Goa, Tilje, and finally down to Dharapani.

After our breakfast, we will catch a local jeep/Hice or bus get a bus to Beshisahar, connect to the local Hiace van drive to Kathmandu. This is will be a long day's drive. Considering extending a night and staying overnight in Besi Sahar allows you to travel relaxingly to Kathmandu. Transfer to hotel in Kathmandu. Overnight in Kathmandu.