Manaslu Circuit Trek

Long drive from Kathmandu through the hills to Soti Khola — the trailhead. The road is rough in the final section. Arrive by afternoon, settle into a riverside lodge. The Budhi Gandaki is already roaring beside you.

Enter the Budhi Gandaki gorge. Trail follows the river through subtropical forest — sal trees, banana plants, waterfalls cascading from cliffs above. Cross suspension bridges, pass through small Gurung settlements. Machha Khola is a small village strung along the river.

The gorge deepens. Trail is carved into rock walls in places — narrow, exposed sections with the river far below. Hot springs at Tatopani (not the famous one — a different Tatopani). Jagat marks the entrance to the restricted area — your permits are checked here.

The landscape and culture begin to shift. Subtropical gives way to temperate forest. Villages become more Tibetan — flat-roofed stone houses, mani walls, prayer flags. Deng is a tiny settlement where the valley briefly opens up. First views of snow peaks above.

Steady climbing through pine and rhododendron forest. Pass through Ghap — a pretty village with a monastery and kani (entrance arch). The trail climbs a forested ridge before dropping into Namrung, a Tibetan-style village with stunning views of Manaslu and Ganesh Himal. You can feel the altitude beginning.

Through Lho village — gorgeous monastery with Manaslu directly behind — and up to Samagaon, the largest village on the circuit. Tibetan culture is dominant now: large gompa, mani walls stretching hundreds of metres, yak herds. Manaslu's south face dominates the skyline. Rest day tomorrow.

Essential rest day. Options: walk to Birendra Tal, a glacial lake at the foot of Manaslu's glacier. Or climb to Pungyen Gompa for close-up views of Manaslu. Afternoon in the village — watch grain being threshed, visit the monastery, drink butter tea. Your body is adjusting to 3,500m.

Short day — important for acclimatization. The trail follows the Budhi Gandaki upstream through increasingly barren terrain. Samdo is a windswept trading village near the Tibet border. Yak caravans still come through. Basic lodges but friendly people and strong tea.

Another short day to aid acclimatization before the pass. The trail leaves vegetation behind entirely — just rock, scree, and snow. Dharamsala (also called Larkya Phedi) is a stone shelter at the base of the pass. Cold, windy, and stark. Early dinner, early sleep. Tomorrow starts at 4:30am.

The big day. Pre-dawn start in darkness, headlamps on. Steady climb up glacial moraine — the trail is cairned but can be snowy. The pass is broad and draped in prayer flags. Views of Manaslu North, Himlung, and Cheo Himal. Long, steep descent — knees will complain — down to Bimthang's green valley. You've crossed. Relief, elation, exhaustion.

Descend through alpine meadows into forest. Rhododendrons and birch return. The air feels rich. Pass through Karche and Gho villages. The landscape is softer on this side — terraced fields, stone walls, grazing animals. Tilije is a compact village with a monastery and good lodges.

Final trekking day. Continue descending through villages and farmland to Dharapani on the Annapurna Circuit trail. The Marsyangdi river is wide and fast here. Dharapani marks the end of the trek — a road-head village where your jeep waits.

Long drive back to Kathmandu along the Marsyangdi and Trisuli river valleys. Rough road for the first few hours, then highway. Arrive evening. Hot shower, real bed, city noise. The mountains feel far away already.

Built-in buffer for weather delays or simply to rest before flying home. Explore Kathmandu — Boudhanath stupa, Patan Durbar Square, or the chaos of Thamel. Farewell dinner with the team.