Itinerary
- Day 1
Kathmandu to Machha Khola
You'll start early from Kathmandu and drive through Dhading Beshi and Arughat toward Machha Khola. The road changes from paved highways to rougher unpaved terrain as you get closer, eventually narrowing into a scenic trail running alongside the Budhi Gandaki River. There are photo stops and rest breaks built in along the route. You'll arrive in Machha Khola village by evening and check into a local guesthouse.
- Meals
- Lunch, Dinner
Landmarks Budhi Gandaki River - Day 2
Machha Khola to Jagat
After crossing the Machha Khola River, you'll trek toward Khorlabesi by walking through small villages along the river. Later you reach Tatopani, known for its therapeutic hot springs where you can relax for a bit. The path continues through forested areas alongside the Dovan Khola into the Budhi Gandaki Valley. As you climb higher, the vegetation shifts to more rugged, mountainous terrain. By evening you'll be in Jagat village, staying at a local guesthouse right along the river.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Landmarks Tatopani Budhi Gandaki Valley - Day 3
Jagat to Deng
You'll trek through the Budhi Gandaki Valley past Sirdibas with nice views of Shringi Himal. Then you'll cross a suspension bridge and make a steep climb up to Philim village, which sits surrounded by waterfalls coming down from the mountains. From there, you continue past Ekle Bhatti following the river toward Pewa Village before heading upward to Deng. This section mixes dramatic scenery with quiet, isolated landscapes. The night's stay is at a local guesthouse in Deng.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Landmarks Shringi Himal Philim - Day 4
Deng to Namrung
The day starts with a steep climb through the valley followed by a descent to the Budhi Gandaki River. You'll pass through settlements of local Tibetan Buddhist communities, and as Namrung gets closer, you'll start seeing Mani stones carved with Tibetan mantras, signaling entry into a Tibetan-influenced region. In the afternoon, there's an optional short detour to Prok Village (about 2 hours round trip) for views of Manaslu and surrounding peaks. Then you'll head to Namrung for the night at a guesthouse.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Optional Activities
- Optional detour to Prok Village for views of Manaslu (2-hour round trip)
Landmarks Manaslu Prok Village - Day 5
Namrung to Samagaon
You'll walk through Lho Village where traditional Tibetan culture exists largely unchanged by modern life. The route offers views of Ngadi Chuli (also called Peak 29). There's a short detour to the Pungen Glacier for closer views of Mt. Manaslu and good photo opportunities. After that, you'll continue to Samagaon, a village positioned at the base of Manaslu, and settle in at a guesthouse for the night.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Landmarks Lho Village Ngadi Chuli (Peak 29) Pungen Glacier Mt. Manaslu - Day 6
Samagaon to Dharamsala
You'll trek through several rivers to reach Larkya Bazaar, a historic trading village that once was a major hub for Tibetan traders. Then comes a steep ascent toward Dharamsala at high altitude. The air gets thinner as elevation increases, so you'll need to take your time and let your body adjust properly. Overnight accommodation is at a guesthouse in Dharamsala to prepare for the challenging pass that's coming next.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Landmarks Larkya Bazaar - Day 7
Dharamsala to Bimtang
This is a long and physically demanding day as you trek toward Larkya La Pass, the trek's highest point at 5106m/16,745 ft. The climb is steep and potentially snow-covered, making it tough going. But reaching the pass rewards you with panoramic views across the Himalayas including Himlung Himal, Cheo Himal, and Annapurna II. After crossing, there's a steep descent over moraines to Bimtang where you'll stay at a guesthouse.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Landmarks Larkya La Pass Himlung Himal Cheo Himal Annapurna II - Day 8
Bimtang to Dharapani
You'll descend from Bimtang and leave the high-altitude terrain behind. The trek takes you through rhododendron forests (particularly colorful in spring) and across the Dudh Khola River on a suspension bridge. You'll continue toward Dharapani while entering the Annapurna Conservation Area, known for diverse plant and animal life. Dharapani marks where the Manaslu Circuit ends and connects easily to the Annapurna Circuit. The night is at a guesthouse in Dharapani.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Landmarks Annapurna Conservation Area Dudh Khola River - Day 9
Dharapani to Kathmandu
Your return to Kathmandu starts with a local jeep ride from Dharapani to Besisahar, then you'll board a bus for the long drive back to the city. You'll see countryside and distant mountain views along the way. Once you arrive in Kathmandu, you'll be dropped at your hotel, which marks the completion of your Manaslu Circuit Trek.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
