Short Manaslu Circuit Trek - 10 Days

Today, your trekking journey begins with an early morning drive from Kathmandu towards the remote Manaslu region. You will leave the busy city behind and follow the Prithvi Highway. You will slowly see the green hills and rivers in the first half of the drive. Along the way to the Manaslu Region, you will pass rivers, terraced fields, small villages, and green hills. The road will be rough at the end of the drive, giving you a taste of the adventure ahead.

By late afternoon, you will arrive at the peaceful village of Machha Khola. Upon arrival, take time to relax and enjoy the first view of the mountain village in Nepal. You can also walk around. Enjoy your first dinner in the mountains and get a proper rest before the trek begins tomorrow.

Today is your first day on the trail, so we will walk at a comfortable pace while your body gets used to trekking. As the trail follows the Budhi Gandaki River, you can hear the sound of the river flowing while walking. You will cross several suspension bridges and small villages surrounded by green hills. As you leave the road behind, you'll start to feel that your Himalayan adventure has truly begun. 

The major highlights of the day are Tatopani, where natural hot springs sit beside the river. From there, we will continue trekking, passing through forested paths and following the rushing river towards Doban before climbing gradually to Jagat. You will notice the valley becomes narrower and the mountain scenery becomes much closer.

By late afternoon, you will arrive in the beautiful stone-paved village of Jagat, the official gateway to the Manaslu Conservation Area. Settle in your teahouse, enjoy a warm meal, and relax before continuing deeper into the Manaslu region tomorrow.

NOTE: Jagat is the first permit checkpoint on the trek. Your guide will handle the permit verification, but it’s a good idea to keep your passport handy.

Today, you will enter the restricted area of the Manaslu region where the scenery and local culture slowly begin to change. The trail passes through peaceful forests, suspension bridges, and traditional villages decorated with prayer flags and mani walls. As you gain altitude, you will notice fewer crowds and a stronger Tibetan influence.

After passing villages like Sirdibas and Philim, the trail continues through bamboo forests before reaching the quiet village of Deng. Settle into your teahouse, walk around, enjoy a warm meal, and relax as you prepare to trek deeper into the Manaslu region tomorrow.

NOTE: From today onwards, you will be trekking in the restricted area of the Manaslu region. Follow your guide’s instructions, let your guide know before going anywhere on your own, and keep your trekking permits handy during the journey.

Today, the trail takes you deeper into the Manaslu region as you walk through peaceful pine and rhododendron forests, crossing the Budhi Gandaki River several times on suspension bridges. Along the way, you will pass small Tibetan-influenced villages where colourful prayer flags, mani walls, and traditional stone houses become a regular part of the landscape. As you gain altitude, the mountain scenery becomes even more impressive.

By afternoon, you will arrive in Namrung, a charming mountain village known for its rich culture and beautiful Himalayan views. Take some time to walk around the village, enjoy the peaceful surroundings, and rest for tomorrow’s journey to Samagaun. If the weather is clear, Namrung offers your first rewarding views of Mount Manaslu and several nearby Himalayan peaks. 

Today is one of the most scenic days of the trek. As you leave Namrung, the forests gradually open wide valleys, and the views of Mount Manaslu become even more impressive and closer. The trail passes through the traditional villages of Lho and Shyala, where you will see stone houses, colorful prayer flags, grazing yaks, and local people living their daily lives.

By afternoon, you will arrive in Samagaun, one of the largest and most beautiful villages in the Manaslu region. The village is surrounded by snow-capped peaks. It is the perfect place to slow down, explore the village, and prepare for the higher altitude in the coming days.

Today is an important rest day to help your body adjust to the higher altitude before crossing Larkya La Pass. Instead of staying at the teahouse all day, you'll take a short hike to aid acclimatization. You can choose an easy walk to the beautiful Birendra Lake, known for its crystal-clear glacial water, or continue towards Manaslu Base Camp if you're feeling fit and the weather is favourable. Both hikes reward you with stunning mountain views and help your body prepare for the higher elevations ahead.

After returning to Samagaun, spend the afternoon relaxing, enjoying a warm meal, and getting ready for the next stage of your adventure.

You will leave Samagaun behind and make your way towards Dharmashala, the final stop before crossing Larkya La Pass. The trail passes through Samdo, the last permanent village on the route, before gradually climbing into a rocky alpine landscape. As you gain altitude, the trees disappear, and the mountain views become even more spectacular.

By afternoon, you'll arrive at Dharmashala (Larkya La Phedi), a small teahouse settlement surrounded by towering peaks. Spend the rest of the day resting, staying hydrated, and preparing for tomorrow, the most challenging and rewarding day of the trek.

NOTE: Get an early night’s sleep and keep your headlamp, warm clothes, and water bottle ready, as tomorrow’s trek begins before sunrise.

Today is the most challenging and rewarding day of your trek. We'll start before sunrise and slowly make our way towards Larkya La Pass (5,106m), the highest point of the short Manaslu Circuit Trek. The climb is steady, so it's important to walk at your own pace and take regular breaks as you gain altitude. 

Reaching the top of the pass is an unforgettable moment. Colourful prayer flags welcome you, while breathtaking views of Mount Manaslu, Himlung Himal, Cheo Himal, Kang Guru, and Annapurna II stretch across the horizon. After enjoying the views, you'll begin the long descent to Bhimtang, where the rocky mountain landscape gradually changes into green meadows and yak pastures. 

NOTE: Today's trek is the longest of the journey; descending trails will be very slippery and narrow, so we need to take a slow pace and be careful. Carry enough water, snacks, and warm clothing, as weather conditions at the pass can change quickly. 

After a challenging day at Larkya La pass, today's walk feels much more relaxed. The trail descends through beautiful pine and rhododendron forests, crossing wooden bridges, clear mountain streams, and peaceful meadows along the way. As you lose altitude, you'll notice the air becoming warmer and the landscape turning greener. 

Passing through small villages and farmland, you'll eventually reach Dharapani, where the Manaslu Circuit joins the famous Annapurna Circuit. This is your final night in the mountains, making it the perfect time to celebrate everything you've accomplished and enjoy one last evening at a mountain teahouse.

Today is the end of your Short Manaslu Circuit Trek. After breakfast, you'll leave the mountains behind and begin the journey to Besisahar by shared jeep. Along the way, enjoy your final views of the Manaslu region as you pass green hills, waterfalls, rivers, and small mountain villages. 

From Besisahar, you'll continue the drive to Kathmandu along the scenic Marsyangdi and Trishuli Rivers. The road passes terraced farmland, peaceful villages, and beautiful countryside before reaching the capital by evening. After checking into your hotel, join us for a farewell dinner to celebrate the successful completion of your Manaslu adventure and share your favourite memories from the trail.

NOTE: You can also travel to Pokhara or Chitwan National Park from Besisahar instead of returning to Kathmandu. Our team will be happy to help you arrange your onward travel.