14 days Trek • Challenging

Manaslu Circuit & Larkya La Pass Expedition

The Manaslu Circuit is Nepal's premier off-the-beaten-path high-altitude wilderness trek. Circling the world's eighth-highest mountain, this journey traverses dramatic subtropical river gorges, authentic Gurung and Tibetan-heritage Bhotia settlements with ancient mani walls and gompas, culminating in a dramatic crossing of Larkya La Pass at 5,106 meters.

Difficulty

Challenging

Total Cost

USD 1,350 - 2,100 (~NPR 180,000 - 280,000)

Estimated all-inclusive guide & permits

Duration

14 days

Best For

Experienced trekkers, Wilderness lovers, Cultural explorers, High altitude hikers

Overview

What to Expect

Pristine mountain wilderness, steep stone staircases, suspension bridges, traditional Tibetan culture, basic but hospitable tea houses, and high-altitude endurance.

Highlights

✓Cross the high alpine Larkya La Pass at 5,106m

✓Unobstructed close-up vistas of Mt. Manaslu (8,163m) and Himlung Himal

✓Ancient Buddhist monasteries in Samagaon and Samdo

✓Pristine, uncommercialized trails with restricted tourist quotas

✓Dramatic suspension bridges over the thundering Budhi Gandaki River

Day-by-Day Itinerary

Day 1

Drive Kathmandu to Machha Khola (869m)

📍 Machha Khola

Day BudgetIncluded

Activities

→Scenic 4WD drive through Arughat & Soti Khola

Meals

B: Kathmandu

L: Highway

D: Machha Khola

ACCOMMODATION

Teahouse

💡 Note: Trailhead reached

Day 2

Trek Machha Khola to Jagat (1,340m)

📍 Jagat

Day BudgetIncluded

Activities

→Trek along Budhi Gandaki river gorge
→Cross Tatopani hot springs

Meals

B: Machha Khola

L: Dovan

D: Jagat

ACCOMMODATION

Teahouse

💡 Note: Enter MCAP checkpoint

Day 3

Trek Jagat to Deng (1,860m)

📍 Deng

Day BudgetIncluded

Activities

→Walk through pine and bamboo forests
→Pass dramatic waterfalls

Meals

B: Jagat

L: Philim

D: Deng

ACCOMMODATION

Teahouse

💡 Note: First Tibetan mani walls

Day 4

Trek Deng to Namrung (2,630m)

📍 Namrung

Day BudgetIncluded

Activities

→Ascend through alpine forest
→View of Siringi Himal

Meals

B: Deng

L: Ghap

D: Namrung

ACCOMMODATION

Teahouse

💡 Note: Entry into Upper Nubri

Day 5

Trek Namrung to Lho (3,180m)

📍 Lho

Day BudgetIncluded

Activities

→First close-up view of Mt. Manaslu
→Visit Ribung Gompa

Meals

B: Namrung

L: Lihi

D: Lho

ACCOMMODATION

Teahouse

💡 Note: Iconic view of Manaslu double peaks

Day 6

Trek Lho to Samagaon (3,530m)

📍 Samagaon

Day BudgetIncluded

Activities

→Walk past long mani walls
→Explore historical Sherpa-Tibetan village

Meals

B: Lho

L: Shyala

D: Samagaon

ACCOMMODATION

Teahouse

💡 Note: Main village of the valley

Day 7

Acclimatization Day in Samagaon

📍 Samagaon

Day BudgetIncluded

Activities

→Hike to turquoise Birendra Glacier Lake
→Explore Pungyen Gompa

Meals

B: Samagaon

L: Packed/Gompa

D: Samagaon

ACCOMMODATION

Teahouse

💡 Note: Crucial altitude adaptation

Day 8

Trek Samagaon to Samdo (3,860m)

📍 Samdo

Day BudgetIncluded

Activities

→Gentle climb through birch and juniper forests
→Visit ancient border trading village

Meals

B: Samagaon

L: Samdo

D: Samdo

ACCOMMODATION

Teahouse

💡 Note: Close to Tibetan border pass

Day 9

Trek Samdo to Dharamsala / Larkya Phedi (4,460m)

📍 Dharamsala

Day BudgetIncluded

Activities

→Cross wooden bridge over Budhi Gandaki
→Arrive at high camp shelter

Meals

B: Samdo

L: Dharamsala

D: Dharamsala

ACCOMMODATION

Teahouse/Lodge

💡 Note: Early rest for pass crossing

Day 10

Cross Larkya La Pass (5,106m) to Bimthang (3,590m)

📍 Bimthang

Day BudgetIncluded

Activities

→Pre-dawn ascent across glacier moraine
→Stand atop Larkya La (5,106m)
→Descend to Bimthang meadow

Meals

B: Dharamsala

L: Packed on pass

D: Bimthang

ACCOMMODATION

Teahouse

💡 Note: Highest point of expedition!

Day 11

Trek Bimthang to Tilije (2,300m)

📍 Tilije

Day BudgetIncluded

Activities

→Descent through rhododendron and pine forests
→Views of Manaslu and Himlung

Meals

B: Bimthang

L: Gho

D: Tilije

ACCOMMODATION

Teahouse

💡 Note: Noticeable oxygen increase

Day 12

Trek Tilije to Dharapani (1,860m)

📍 Dharapani

Day BudgetIncluded

Activities

→Walk to Dharapani & join Annapurna Circuit trail

Meals

B: Tilije

L: Dharapani

D: Dharapani

ACCOMMODATION

Teahouse

💡 Note: Trek completed

Day 13

Drive Dharapani to Besisahar

📍 Besisahar

Day BudgetIncluded

Activities

→Rugged 4WD jeep drive along Marshyangdi gorge

Meals

B: Dharapani

L: Syange

D: Besisahar

ACCOMMODATION

Hotel

💡 Note: Exit mountain roads

Day 14

Drive Besisahar to Kathmandu

📍 Kathmandu

Day BudgetIncluded

Activities

→Scenic highway drive back to Kathmandu
→Farewell celebration

Meals

B: Besisahar

L: Highway

D: Kathmandu

ACCOMMODATION

Hotel

💡 Note: Circuit completed safely

✓ Included in Cost

+Special Restricted Area Permit & MCAP/ACAP permits
+Certified trekking guide & porters
+All tea house accommodations
+All meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner)
+4WD transport Kathmandu to Machha Khola & Dharapani to Kathmandu

✕ Not Included in Cost

-Travel insurance with helicopter evacuation
-Hot showers & device charging in lodges
-Personal trekking gear
-Tips for guide & porter

Essential Packing List

🎒Four-season sleeping bag (-15°C)

🎒Microspikes / crampons for pass

🎒Down jacket (800 fill)

🎒Water purification tablets

🎒Trekking poles

Pro Tips

★Mandatory minimum of two trekkers accompanied by a licensed guide for restricted area permit issuance
★Spend an extra acclimatization day in Samagaon to hike to Manaslu Base Camp or Birendra Lake
★Start pass day at 4:00 AM to cross Larkya La before noon high winds

Ready for Your Adventure?

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