Manaslu Circuit Trek or Larke Pass Trek: A Journey Through Remote Himalayas where you will get opportunity to explore off the beaten trail. The Manaslu Circuit Trek is a less-crowded alternative popular trekking route of Nepal. Located in the shadow of Mt. Manaslu (8,163 m), the world’s eighth-highest mountain, this trek offers to explore a remote and culturally rich region of Nepal.
The circuit takes you through a diverse range of landscapes, from subtropical jungles and terraced farmlands to high-altitude alpine meadows and rugged mountain terrain. One of the highlights is crossing the Larke La Pass (5,106 m), which provides breathtaking views of snow-covered peaks, including the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges.
This trek also offers a deep cultural experience. The trail passes through villages inhabited by people of Tibetan origin, allowing trekkers to witness ancient customs, Buddhist monasteries, and the traditional way of life that has remained unchanged for centuries. The region is influenced by Tibetan culture due to its proximity to the Tibetan border, evident in the local architecture, prayer flags, and monasteries along the way.
The trek is moderately challenging, with a few steep ascents, but is accessible to most trekkers with a reasonable level of fitness. It typically takes 14-18 days to complete, depending on the chosen itinerary, and offers the comfort of staying in tea houses or lodges along the route.
Overall, the Manaslu Circuit Trek is an unforgettable adventure, combining breathtaking mountain scenery, rich cultural encounters, and the solitude of one of Nepal’s lesser-traveled paths. It’s a perfect choice for trekkers seeking both natural beauty and an authentic Himalayan experience.
Day 1: Arrive in Kathmandu and transfer to hotel
Day 2: Day 02: Drive from Kathmandu to Soti Khola (1340m) – 8 hours
Day 3: Trek to Machha khola 930 m – 6 hrs
Day 4: Trek to Jagat 1,410 m – 6 hrs
Day 5: Trek to Dyang 1,800 m – 6 hrs
Day 6: Trek to Ghap 2,160 m – 4 hrs
Day 7: Trek to Lho 3,180 m – 6 hrs
Day 8: Trek to Samagaon 3,530 m – 5 hrs
Day 9: Rest day in Samagaon (for acclimatization)
Day 10: Trek to Samdo 3,860 m – 5 hrs
Day 11: Trek to Dharamsala / Larke phedi 4,460 m – 4 hrs
Day 12: Cross Larke la 5,200 m / 17,060 ft and to Bimthang 3,720 m – 8 hrs
Day 13: Trek to Tilje 2,300 m – 7 hrs
Day 14: Trek to Chamje village 1,430 m – 7 hrs
Day 15: Drive back to Kathmandu via Beshishar – 9 hrs
Day 16: Free time in Kathmandu
Day 17: International departure
Welcome to Nepal Himalaya, we meet in Kathmandu airport and will be transferred to your hotel.
Overnight at hotel
Starting this wonderful trekking to Manaslu with an interesting and exciting drive following the Trisuli River for a while along the busy main highway of Nepal that connects various destination within Nepal, and leaving the main road our route heads across the river to mid hill town of Dhadingbesi, and then on the dirt track for few hours reaching warmer sub tropical area near Budhi Gandaki river at Arughat bazaar for overnight stop in one of the few good lodge here in this busy village with shops and stores.
From Arughat village following the Budhi Gandaki River upstream newly open road leads to Soti Khola through many scattered farm fields and villages and sal tree (sorea robusta) forest with fantastic views of Ganesh II at 7,118 m, Ganesh IV 7,104 meters. Soti Khola a small village for overnight stop with simple and basic lodge facilities.
Overnight at guesthouse
Breakfast, lunch and dinner included.
After a nice stop in this small village, today’s’ walk starts with a descent to reach the river side with small tea shops around, walk continues on the nice paved stone steps to cross Nauli Khola (stream) overlooking at waterfalls and then coming at Khanigaon a small village wand then walking on the gradual path to cross another bridge to reach our overnight stop at Machha Khola, a small farm village by the stream where fishing is popular here as the name of this village called Machha khola meaning fishing stream.
Overnight at guesthouse
Breakfast, lunch and dinner included.
From here leaving the warmer to little cooler area as the morning walk continues following the Budhi Gandaki river upstream passing many small villages with Khorla Beshi, after few breaks in between walk carries on the winding trail to reach Tatopani a place with hot spring as the name of this place Tatopani meaning hot water because of the natural hot springs located in the midst of a forest, after a nice stop walk leads passing few villages of Dovan and Yaruphants, by the river Budhi Gandaki after crossing a bridge with a short climb to our overnight halt at Jagat village a moderate size and populated village with nice typical Nepali style houses with great number of shops and lodges.
Overnight at guesthouse
Breakfast, lunch and dinner included.
After Jagat village walk heads higher with more elevation and getting cooler leaving the rice fields and terraces and walking past several farm villages and coming at Sidibas Bazaar, a nice small farm village and then leading to an uphill to cross a small bridge at place over Nagjet, to reach at Philim village a nice large farm village and populated with nice houses with well tended farm fields with wheat’s and barley growing on terraces, then slowly heading up hill to reach a large rocky top walking into bamboo forest and coming to a clearing on leaving the forest at Dyang village for overnight stop.
Overnight at guesthouse
Breakfast, lunch and dinner included.
From this village onwards you can notice the difference of the villagers of Tibetan origin and culture and traditions. After Dyang a slow descent then walking by the river side, and then crossing the fast torrent river to reach Bihi Bazaar a small farm village with small stores and tea shops, and then continue walk for few hours to Ghap village for overnight stop.
Overnight at guesthouse
Breakfast, lunch and dinner included.
Walk continues on this pleasant morning with scenic surrounding on reaching upper side of Manaslu area, and then following Budhi Gandaki River, after crossing the river, leading into scattered small farm villages and nice well maintained terraced of millets, wheat’s or barley ( as rice are grown only in warmer area below 1,900 meters) with few breaks in between and walking through Numrung village with first close views of majestic Mt. Manaslu North Face at 8,163 meters high with line of adjoining peaks. After enjoying the grand views of mountains walk leads past Banjham, Lhi and Sho small village and with another couple of hours walk to reach our overnight place at Lho village also called as Lho Bazaar.
Overnight at guesthouse
Breakfast, lunch and dinner included.
After Lho village with views of striking sunrise over towering Mt. Manaslu, today’s walk is quite long but with great views as the walk leads into the Upper Manaslu with high hills and mountains on both side of this valley to reach the main village of this region at Samagaon, walking further capturing amazing views of the landscapes and of snow peaks passing several cattle herders shelters in this summer pastures and then finally reaching at Samagaon as the altitude slowly gains higher with change in terrain and vegetation. At Samagaon after getting organized in a nice lodge with time for walk around this large village of strong Tibetan influence in all nature.
Overnight at guesthouse
Breakfast, lunch and dinner included.
An important to have a rest or free day here at this altitude before heading across Larkya-la in few days time, a short hike around and explore the village and the monastery nearby with grand vista of snow peaks of many snow capped peaks with Mt. Manaslu. From Samagaon leads to Manaslu base camp as well, with free day which allows acclimatizing also.
Overnight at guesthouse
Breakfast, lunch and dinner included.
From Samagaon starting the morning walk towards higher ground on the open wide valley with few vegetation of rhododendron and juniper bushes, from here onwards tree lines ends in this wild country passing few summer shelters and farm lands to pass over Manaslu Glacier with views of Birendra Lake also called Samagaon Pokhari (pond) as the walk progress towards Samdo village close to the border of Tibet, after a nice pleasant walk on this high altitude for about five hours reaching at Samdo the last village before crossing Larky-la pass to Dharapani village on the main Annapurna circuit route to Manang area. Samdo a large village on this remote place, where local trade with Tibet leading Yaks caravan to bring Chinese goods in exchange of Nepali food stuff and spices.
Overnight at guesthouse
Breakfast, lunch and dinner included.
After Samdo gaon heading towards the base of Larkya-la pass at Dharmasala or phedi, walk is short on this morning walk for about 3-4 hours to reach our today’s destination for lunch and overnight stop. Starting on crossing a stream flowing from Gya La which is near the Tibet border, walking ahead leaving the cross trail that leads to upper north towards Tibet frontier, with stunning views on the walk and then reaching at Dharmasala also called as Larkya Bazaar in early years before Chinese invasion of Tibet, a market or bazaar used to take place from both side of the country exchanging and trading goods.
Overnight at guesthouse
Breakfast, lunch and dinner included.
Starting much earlier this morning for the big and long day to cross over Larkya-la pass at 5,200 meters and 17,060 ft high, walk leads to a steep climb dominate by awesome scenery of surrounding high mountains, then leading pasts four frozen ponds then with strenuous climb to Larkya La Pass top, the highest point of this adventure, forgetting the tiredness overlooking at magnificent views of Mt. Manaslu, Larkya peak, Himlung Himal and towards Ganesh Himal in the east direction. After a nice stop and rest walk downhill for 2 hours reaching the other side base of Larkya-la and back to tree lines of rhododendron, pines and firs forest after reaching the bottom of the pass, walk continues on gradual path for another 2 hours to reach Bhimthang for overnight stop after a long day of near or over 8 hours, this is a nice spot with large green meadow surrounded by coniferous woodlands.
Overnight at guesthouse
Breakfast, lunch and dinner included.
From this wonderful place at Bhimthang with number of small and neat lodges walk continues to reach Tilje. Morning walk is mostly through thick woodlands on downhill path all the way at Tilje, small settlement.
Overnight at guesthouse
Breakfast, lunch and dinner included.
The trail combines at Dharapani with the popular Annapurna Circuit Trail. Today is the last day of our hiking. Leaving behind the mountains, we now head towards Chamje. We walk alongside the Marsyangdi river.
Overnight at guesthouse
Breakfast, lunch and dinner included.
From here taking a jeep ride in the morning after breakfast on the winding road above Marsyangdi river overlooking beautiful cascading waterfalls and then a reaching warmer area back into farm terraces of rice paddies and to Besisahar a large town the headquarter of Lamjung district, here after a short rest probably lunch and carry on with the drive back to Kathmandu on the interesting highway, after 5-6 hours of exciting driving journey reaching at hustle bustle city life of Kathmandu and transfer to respective hotels after an overwhelming and enjoyable trekking around Manaslu.
Overnight at Hotel
Breakfast included.
This day reserved a free day in case of delay on trek due to bad weather conditions, and we can go for sightseeing tour in Kathmandu valley.
Overnight at Hotel
Breakfast included
After a great memorable time and experience with Ace Hiking, depart from the hotel to the airport for final departure homeward bound or to respective destinations.
Breakfast included
Manaslu Circuit Trek is relatively harder and longer in duration than the Annapurna Base Camp Trek. It is because trekkers will be hiking to the ultimate heights at 5,100 m / 16,732 feet . Trekkers do not require technical training or rock climbing and mountaineering skills but you need to be physically fitness to hike 6 to 7 hours daily. Some physical fitness programs such as running, swimming, and hiking are recommended before your journey.
The best months to do the Manaslu Circuit Trek is February, March, April, May, September, October, November, and December. During these months, the weather is generally favorable with clear skies and mild temperatures, making for optimal trekking conditions and stunning mountain views.
Our trekking guides are trained and hold a trekking guide license issued by the Nepalese government. All of our guides are local with a deep understanding of the mountains, culture, health and your safety. All of our guides are skilled, experienced, courteous and helpful. They are proficient in English and will be able to communicate effectively with you throughout the trip.
You can get verity of meals including typical Nepali Dal Bhat (Rice, Curry and lentils), breads, noodles, soups, eggs, toast, potato varieties, pizza, pasta, burger items are common choices in the menu. Breakfast and dinner will be served from tea house or lodge where we stay overnight and lunch will be served on the way to next destination. Breakfast, lunch and dinner are included during the trek.
Boiled water and safe drinking water options are available along the trekking route. We do not recommend you drink water from local sources such as taps, wells, and rivers.
You will be accommodated in 3 star level hotel in Kathmandu. During the trek, you will have a private room in guesthouses and lodges. In some cases, during peak season, you need to share a room with others.
Yes, it is necessary to have insurance to join this Annapurna Circuit Trek. Your insurance should cover cost of Helicopter rescue and treatment.
Yes, while porters can carry the majority of your belongings, it’s recommended to carry a small day backpack yourself. This backpack can hold essentials such as drinking water, snacks, sunscreen, camera, sunglasses and any other items you may need easy access to during the day hike.
Yes, trekkers should note that the luggage limit for a porter is 20kg, and typically, there is one porter assigned for every two trekkers. It’s advisable to pack efficiently and within this weight limit to ensure ease of transportation during the trek.