Itinerary
- Day 1
Kathmandu to Soti Khola
Your Manaslu adventure starts with a scenic bus drive from Kathmandu to Soti Khola, which takes around 9 hours. You'll cover winding mountain roads and pass through several small towns before reaching the trailhead. This is your introduction to Nepal's mountain landscape, and the journey itself gives you a sense of what's ahead. Once you arrive at Soti Khola (700m/2,297ft), you'll settle into your lodge and prepare for trekking to begin tomorrow.
- Start point
- Kathmandu, Bagmati, Nepal (From Hotel)
- Day 2
Soti Khola to Machh Khola
Starting from Soti Khola at 700m, your first trekking day takes you to Machh Khola at 869m. The 6-hour trek moves through scenic Nepali mountain terrain with a gradual elevation gain. You'll walk along river valleys and through small villages, getting accustomed to the pace and rhythm of trekking. By afternoon you'll reach Machh Khola, a small settlement where you can rest and adjust to your new routine.
Included Activities
- Trek from Soti Khola to Machh Khola
- Day 3
Machha Khola to Jagat
From Machh Khola you trek to Jagat, climbing to 1,370m over approximately 6 hours. The trail continues through the Manaslu region with increasing elevation as you move deeper into the mountains. You'll see more forests and terraced fields, and the air gets cooler as you climb. Reaching Jagat in the afternoon gives you time to explore the village and chat with other trekkers.
Included Activities
- Trek from Machha Khola to Jagat
- Day 4
Jagat to Lukuwa
This day presents a real challenge as you ascend from Jagat to Lukuwa at 2,240m. The 7-hour trek gains significant elevation, and you'll feel the effects of climbing higher. The landscape changes noticeably, with fewer trees and more open mountain vistas. This is your first exposure to altitude, so the pace might feel slower than previous days, but that's normal and expected.
Included Activities
- Trek from Jagat to Lukuwa
- Day 5
Lukuwa to Chumling
Continuing from Lukuwa to Chumling at 2,386m takes another 7 hours of trekking through higher mountain terrain. You're now at a point where the air feels thinner and your breathing becomes more deliberate. The views of surrounding peaks improve daily, and you'll see more alpine vegetation. Chumling offers decent lodging and a chance to rest before moving even higher.
Included Activities
- Trek from Lukuwa to Chumling
- Day 6
Chumling to Chhokangparo
From Chumling, you trek to Chhokangparo at 3,031m, reaching higher alpine elevations over 6 hours. The terrain becomes more rugged and the trails steeper as you ascend. Vegetation thins out significantly, and you're entering the realm of high-altitude trekking. The hours feel longer now due to slower pace and altitude effects, but the mountain views make every step worthwhile.
Included Activities
- Trek from Chumling to Chhokangparo
- Day 7
Chhokangparo to Nile
The trek from Chhokangparo to Nile at 3,361m takes about 5 hours and continues your push into higher elevations. At this altitude, 75°F/24°C at midday feels quite different from what you experienced lower down. Your body is working harder to process oxygen, so moving at a slower pace becomes the standard. Nile sits in impressive mountain terrain, and you're getting close to the trek's high point.
Included Activities
- Trek from Chhokangparo to Nile
- Day 8
Day Hike to Mu Gompa from Nile
Today you take a day hike from Nile up to Mu Gompa at 3,700m and back, spending about 5 hours round trip. This isn't a rest day, but it gives your body crucial acclimatization time at high altitude. You'll wake early, hike to the gompa, explore the monastery and its surroundings, then return to Nile before evening. This acclimatization strategy helps your body adjust before continuing the trek.
Included Activities
- Day hike to Mu Gompa and return
Landmarks Mu Gompa - Day 9
Nile to Rachen Gumba to Chhokangparo
From Nile you trek to Rachen Gumba at 3,700m, then descend back to Chhokangparo at 3,031m over 6 hours. The trek up to the monastery takes you through some of the trek's most remote terrain, and visiting this significant cultural site adds depth to your experience. The descent back to Chhokangparo is easier on your legs, and you'll arrive with time to rest before dinner.
Included Activities
- Trek from Nile to Rachen Gumba to Chhokangparo
Landmarks Rachen Gumba - Day 10
Chhokangparo to Lukwa
Now you begin descending from Chhokangparo at 3,031m back down to Lukuwa at 2,240m, a mostly downhill 6-hour trek. Descending can be tough on the knees, so take it steady and use walking poles if you have them. The lower elevations bring more oxygen and easier breathing, which feels like a relief. You'll notice vegetation returning and the landscape becoming less stark than the higher elevations.
Included Activities
- Trek from Chhokangparo to Lukwa
- Day 11
Lokpa to Jagat
Trekking from Lukwa to Jagat at 1,340m takes approximately 6 hours as you continue descending through mountain terrain. The air becomes noticeably warmer and thicker as you drop in elevation, and forests start appearing again. By this point in the trek, your legs have built up strength, so even though you're descending, the going feels manageable. Jagat is a good stopping point with adequate facilities.
Included Activities
- Trek from Lokpa to Jagat
- Day 12
Jagat to Mancha Khola
From Jagat you trek down to Mancha Khola at 869m over 7 hours, dropping significantly in elevation. The trail passes through lower mountain terrain with more vegetation and warmer temperatures. You can see how much you've climbed by looking at where you started, and reaching these lower elevations means the end is in sight. By evening you'll be back at a lower altitude, noticing the difference in how easy it is to breathe.
Included Activities
- Trek from Jagat to Mancha Khola
- Day 13
Mancha Khola to Soti Khola
Your final trekking day takes you from Mancha Khola back to Soti Khola, completing the circuit over approximately 6 hours. You'll retrace some familiar terrain and reflect on the trek as you approach the trailhead. This last day brings a sense of accomplishment as you return to where you started. Once at Soti Khola, you'll meet your bus for the drive back and have time to clean up before the journey to Kathmandu.
Included Activities
- Trek from Mancha Khola to Soti Khola
- Day 14
Soti Khola to Kathmandu
Your return bus journey from Soti Khola to Kathmandu takes about 9 hours, retracing the route from your first day. You'll have plenty of time to process the trek and chat with other trekkers about highlights and experiences. The winding roads might feel different now after spending nearly two weeks in the mountains. Arriving back in Kathmandu, you'll find the city quite lively compared to the quiet mountain villages, and you'll be ready for a proper hot shower and good meal.
- End point
- Kathmandu, Bagmati, Nepal (To Hotel)
