The Manaslu Circuit Trek is often described as one of Nepal’s most exhilarating and rewarding trekking routes. For the adventurer who seeks both physical challenge and spiritual beauty, the trek around Manaslu—the eighth-highest mountain in the world—offers an unforgettable experience. Spanning 15 days, the circuit takes you through remote villages, alpine meadows, and high mountain passes, giving you a taste of untouched wilderness and rich cultural encounters.

At Wandering Trail Adventures, we focus on providing a journey that goes beyond the typical trek, offering not just the scenic splendor of the Himalayas but also a chance to deeply connect with the local culture, history, and nature. We emphasize safety, comfort, and eco-friendly travel, ensuring that your trek is both enjoyable and sustainable.

Why the Manaslu Circuit Trek?

• Off-the-Beaten-Path Experience: While popular trekking routes like Everest and Annapurna attract crowds, the Manaslu Circuit remains relatively untouched by mass tourism. It offers a more intimate, less commercialized trekking experience.

• Diverse Landscapes: From lush, subtropical forests to stark, high-altitude deserts, this trek offers a diverse range of environments. You’ll be surrounded by pristine rivers, alpine meadows, and valleys that seem frozen in time.

• Cultural Richness: This region is home to Tibetan Buddhist communities who have preserved their traditions for centuries. Along the way, you’ll visit ancient monasteries, experience local customs, and enjoy the hospitality of villagers who are happy to share their way of life.

Trek Itinerary Overview

Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu
Your adventure begins in Kathmandu, Nepal’s bustling capital. After you arrive, you’ll meet your Wandering Trail Adventures guide, who will brief you on the trek ahead. Take some time to explore the vibrant streets of Thamel, known for its shops, restaurants, and cafes. You’ll also have an orientation session about the journey and a chance to prepare.

Day 2: Drive to Soti Khola (700m)
We begin our journey with a scenic drive to Soti Khola. The 7-8 hour drive takes us through small towns, terraced fields, and picturesque valleys. The surrounding views of the Ganesh Himal will keep you excited for what’s to come.

Day 3: Soti Khola to Machhakhola (900m)
The trek officially starts today. As we head towards Machhakhola, we’ll walk alongside the Budi Gandaki River and pass through rural villages, lush forests, and waterfalls. This section of the trek allows you to get into a steady rhythm while enjoying the beautiful landscape.

Day 4: Machhakhola to Jagat (1,340m)
The trek today leads you through rocky trails, terraced fields, and traditional stone houses to the village of Jagat. The route will start to become steeper as you head further into the mountains. Jagat offers a peaceful atmosphere where you can enjoy the local culture and relax after a long day’s walk.

Day 5: Jagat to Deng (1,860m)
Today’s trek takes you through dense forests and past bamboo groves. As you ascend, the village of Deng offers you your first taste of Tibetan culture, with stone houses and traditional Buddhist prayer flags lining the streets. The peace and quiet here is a perfect escape from the world.

Day 6: Deng to Namrung (2,660m)
The path to Namrung is both challenging and rewarding, as you pass through dense forests, cross suspension bridges, and gain views of the Manaslu range. Namrung is a Tibetan-style village with narrow streets and prayer wheels, providing the perfect place to rest and enjoy the scenery.

Day 7: Namrung to Lho (3,180m)
Today, you’ll trek to Lho, a village situated beneath towering peaks such as Manaslu and Himal Chuli. The trek offers great photo opportunities with panoramic views of snow-covered mountains, and the village itself offers a glimpse into traditional Tibetan life.

Day 8: Lho to Samagaon (3,530m)
The trek today leads to Samagaon, a large Tibetan settlement at the base of Manaslu. Here, you’ll have the opportunity to explore Manaslu Base Camp (4,450m) or visit the Pungyen Gompa. This is a key acclimatization stop as you prepare for the challenging days ahead.

Day 9: Acclimatization Day at Samagaon
To ensure you stay healthy at high altitude, today is dedicated to acclimatization. You can hike to nearby viewpoints, rest, or take a short trek to Manaslu Base Camp. Rest and relaxation are crucial for acclimatization and to get ready for the more strenuous sections ahead.

Day 10: Samagaon to Samdo (3,875m)
The trek to Samdo is a gradual climb through a sparse, rugged landscape. Samdo is the last village before you head into the high-altitude wilderness, and you’ll be treated to stunning views of Manaslu, Himal Chuli, and Ngadi Chuli.

Day 11: Samdo to Dharamsala (4,460m)
Today’s trek brings you to Dharamsala, a high-altitude camp located beneath the Larke La Pass. This is the final stop before crossing the pass. The striking scenery and isolated feel of the area will be a memorable part of the trek.

Day 12: Dharamsala to Bhimthang via Larke La Pass (5,160m)
The Larke La Pass is one of the highest points of the trek at 5,160 meters. The ascent is challenging, but the panoramic views of Manaslu, Annapurna, and other Himalayan peaks are worth every step. After crossing the pass, you’ll descend to Bhimthang.

Day 13: Bhimthang to Tilje (2,300m)
From Bhimthang, the trail descends through alpine meadows and forests to the village of Tilje, where you’ll experience a noticeable shift in the landscape as you enter more temperate regions with forests and terraced fields.

Day 14: Tilje to Tal (1,700m)
As you descend into the Marsyangdi Valley, you’ll notice the change in vegetation and climate as the path brings you to the village of Tal, where you’ll spend the night by the river. The cool river breeze and peaceful ambiance make this a perfect final stop.

Day 15: Drive from Tal to Kathmandu
On the last day of the trek, you’ll drive back to Kathmandu, reflecting on the amazing journey you’ve just completed. The scenic drive takes you through valleys and small towns, and once you reach Kathmandu, we’ll gather for a celebratory dinner to mark the successful completion of the Manaslu Circuit Trek.

Tips for the Manaslu Circuit Trek

1. Physical Preparation: The trek is challenging, especially the high-altitude sections. It’s important to train and get used to walking on rugged terrain with a backpack. Regular cardio workouts and hikes are a good start.

2. Pack Light but Smart: Even though it’s a high-altitude trek, you don’t need to overpack. Essentials include a good sleeping bag, sturdy trekking boots, layers for warmth, and a water bottle. Make sure to have a first aid kit and personal medications on hand.

3. Hydrate and Acclimatize: Altitude sickness can affect anyone, so drink plenty of water and take your time with acclimatization. Don’t rush through high-altitude sections—take breaks and listen to your body.

4. Respect Local Culture: The villages you’ll visit are home to Tibetan Buddhists, and it’s important to respect their customs. Always ask permission before taking photos of people or sacred sites.

5. Mental Toughness: The trek can be physically demanding, so having a positive attitude and determination is key. There may be tough days, but the rewards are worth it!

Why Choose Wandering Trail Adventures?

• Expert Guides: Our team is made up of experienced, local guides who know the Manaslu Circuit like the back of their hands. They’ll ensure a safe and enjoyable journey while offering insights into the culture and landscapes.

• Small Groups for Personalized Attention: We focus on keeping group sizes small to ensure you have a more personalized experience on the trail.

• Sustainability: We prioritize eco-friendly practices and work closely with local communities to ensure that the trek benefits the environment and the people who call this region home.

Conclusion

The Manaslu Circuit Trek is a once-in-a-lifetime adventure that offers much more than just a physical challenge. It’s an opportunity to explore a pristine corner of the world, connect with local cultures, and stand in awe of some of the most stunning views in Nepal. At Wandering Trail Adventures, we’ll help you make this dream journey a reality, ensuring that every moment of your trek is filled with joy, discovery, and wonder.