Manaslu Round Trek - 15 Days

Elevation: 1400 m → 570 m → 730 m 

Drive Duration: 7–8 hours

Trek Duration: 3 hours

Overnight Stay: Soti Khola

Manaslu Round Trek begins with an adventurous and scenic journey from Kathmandu (1,400m) to Arughat (600m), followed by a short trek to Soti Khola (730m). The day starts early with a 7–8 hour drive through picturesque countryside, winding mountain roads, and charming rural settlements. As you leave the bustling capital behind, the landscape gradually transforms — from the urban sprawl of the Kathmandu Valley to the terraced farmlands, lush hills, and small riverside villages of central Nepal.

The route follows the Prithvi Highway westward toward Dhading Besi, the administrative center of Dhading District. From there, the journey becomes more rugged as the road turns off toward Arughat, a lively market town on the banks of the Budhi Gandaki River, marking the traditional starting point of the Manaslu trek. Arughat was once a key trading hub between the highland and lowland communities, and its vibrant bazaar still reflects the local culture and hospitality.

After a short break at Arughat, your trek officially begins with a gentle 3-hour walk to Soti Khola. The trail meanders along the Budhi Gandaki River through paddy fields, terraced hillsides, and small Gurung and Magar villages. You’ll pass through lush subtropical forests alive with the sound of cicadas and birds, cross suspension bridges, and get your first taste of the rural charm that defines this trek.

The walk to Soti Khola is a perfect introduction — easygoing yet scenic, giving you time to adjust to the rhythm of trekking life. Upon reaching Soti Khola, you’ll settle into a teahouse for the night, surrounded by the tranquil sounds of the flowing river and the rustling forest. This marks the beginning of your journey into the remote and stunning Manaslu region, where adventure, culture, and breathtaking landscapes await.

Elevation: 730 m → 930 m 

Trek Duration: 6–7 hours

Overnight Stay: Machha Khola

Your adventure continues with a beautiful and slightly challenging trek from Soti Khola (730m) to Machha Khola (930m) — a scenic stretch that introduces you to the natural diversity and rugged terrain of the Manaslu region. This section, taking about 6–7 hours, follows the Budhi Gandaki River through dense forests, rocky trails, cascading waterfalls, and charming Gurung settlements.

Leaving Soti Khola, the trail leads you across a suspension bridge and into a lush forest filled with sal trees and tropical vegetation. The path undulates along steep cliffs, offering occasional glimpses of the glacial river below. You’ll pass through small villages like Khursane and Lapubesi, a picturesque Gurung settlement surrounded by terraced fields and forested hills. The people here live a simple lifestyle, deeply connected to agriculture and the rhythms of mountain life.

As you continue, the trail narrows and winds through rocky ridges carved by the Budhi Gandaki. Several short ascents and descents take you across ridgelines and streams before the valley gradually opens up again. Along the way, you’ll cross suspension bridges draped with prayer flags and walk beneath towering cliffs that echo the sound of the river below. The mixture of forest shade and open sunlight, combined with the cool mountain air, makes this section particularly enjoyable.

The final stretch to Machha Khola, meaning “Fish River,” follows a gentle path along the riverbank. The village sits beside a calm section of the Budhi Gandaki and offers cozy teahouses with warm hospitality. This is a perfect place to relax, enjoy a hearty meal, and unwind after your day’s trek. The soothing sound of the river and the peaceful atmosphere of the valley set the tone for the coming days as you continue deeper into the heart of the Manaslu region.

Elevation: 930 m → 1340 m 

Trek Duration: 6–7 hours

Overnight Stay: Jagat

The trek from Machha Khola (930m) to Jagat (1,340m) is a fascinating and diverse day on the Manaslu Circuit Trek, offering a mix of dramatic gorges, hot springs, and culturally rich villages. This stretch takes about 6–7 hours, following the winding path of the Budhi Gandaki River through steep valleys and subtropical landscapes.

After leaving Machha Khola, the trail crosses a small stream and continues through narrow pathways along the riverbank. You’ll ascend and descend over rocky ridges, passing through Tatopani, a village famous for its natural hot springs. Many trekkers take a short break here to soak their feet in the warm waters — a refreshing relief after several days of trekking. From Tatopani, the trail climbs over another ridge before descending to cross the Budhi Gandaki on a suspension bridge.

As you continue north, the scenery begins to change — the valley narrows and deepens, and the hills become steeper and rockier. You’ll pass through Doban and Yaru, small settlements surrounded by terraced fields. The trail features a series of stone steps and suspension bridges that zigzag along the river, with the roar of the Budhi Gandaki echoing below. The route is rugged but immensely scenic, showcasing waterfalls tumbling down cliffs and dense patches of forest.

Eventually, you’ll cross a long cantilever bridge before making a gradual ascent to Jagat, a well-known Gurung village that serves as the official entry point to the Manaslu Conservation Area. Upon arrival, your permits are checked at the local checkpoint. Jagat is a charming stone-built settlement with beautifully paved lanes, traditional houses, and a few comfortable teahouses. From here, you can see the landscape beginning to shift — from lush subtropical valleys toward the alpine terrain that awaits in the higher reaches of the trek.

Elevation: 1340 m → 1860 m 

Trek Duration: 6–7 hours

Overnight Stay: Deng

The trek from Jagat (1,340m) to Deng (1,860m) is a beautiful and culturally enriching section of the Manaslu Round Trek, taking around 6–7 hours of walking through scenic valleys, charming villages, and lush subtropical forests. This stage marks your gradual transition into the more remote and culturally Tibetan-influenced parts of the Manaslu region.

Leaving Jagat, the trail ascends on a well-paved stone path past charming houses and terraced fields. After a short climb, you’ll reach a ridge overlooking the Budhi Gandaki River, which continues to guide your route northward. The trail then descends to Sirdibas, a picturesque village adorned with Buddhist prayer flags and mani walls, offering your first real glimpse into Tibetan Buddhist culture. From here, the valley widens, and the terrain becomes more open and scenic.

Continuing onward, you’ll reach Philim (1,590m), a large Gurung village surrounded by millet fields and beautiful stone houses. Philim is one of the most well-maintained settlements in the region, with a school and a few local shops. This is an ideal place to rest for tea or lunch while enjoying panoramic views of the surrounding hills. From Philim, the trail traverses through a dense forest of pine and rhododendron, with the sound of the river echoing below as you make your way through a series of ridges and narrow gorges.

Beyond Philim, the trail passes Ekle Bhatti and descends through bamboo forests toward the junction where the route to Tsum Valley branches off. Staying on the Manaslu trail, you follow the Budhi Gandaki northward, crossing several suspension bridges and small streams. The valley gradually narrows again as you approach Deng, a small but culturally significant Gurung village nestled on a hillside above the river.

Deng offers a warm and welcoming atmosphere, with traditional stone houses, fluttering prayer flags, and cozy teahouses. This is your first real introduction to the influence of Tibetan Buddhism, which becomes more prominent as you continue deeper into the Manaslu region.

Elevation: 1860 m → 2630 m 

Trek Duration: 6–7 hours

Overnight Stay: Namrung

The trek from Deng (1,860m) to Namrung (2,630m) is a long yet deeply rewarding day on the Manaslu Round Trek, typically taking around 6–7 hours of walking through dense forests, high cliffs, cascading rivers, and culturally rich villages. This stage marks the point where the landscape and culture begin to shift dramatically—vegetation becomes alpine, the air feels cooler, and Tibetan Buddhist influence grows stronger as you ascend further into the highlands.

Leaving Deng, the trail descends briefly before crossing the Budhi Gandaki River and climbing steeply to reach Rana village (1,980m). The route continues through pine and rhododendron forests, with occasional glimpses of snow-capped peaks between the trees. The sound of the river accompanies you as you walk along a winding path carved into the cliffs, creating a dramatic and adventurous feel.

Soon, the trail leads to Bihi Phedi (2,130m) and Bihi Village, where mani walls and chortens mark the entrance to Buddhist territory. The people here are ethnically Tibetan, and their daily lives revolve around farming and traditional practices. Continuing north, you’ll pass several small settlements and terraced fields where locals grow barley and potatoes.

As you ascend further, the valley opens up, revealing magnificent views of Manaslu (8,163m) and other surrounding peaks. The trail then passes through Ghaph (2,160m), a charming village surrounded by forests of fir and rhododendron. From here, you continue climbing gradually through the enchanting woodland along the river, where you might encounter Himalayan wildlife such as langurs, blue sheep, or even the elusive red panda.

The final section of the day includes a steep ascent through lush vegetation and stone stairways to reach Namrung (2,630m), a culturally rich and picturesque village that serves as a gateway to the upper Nubri region. Namrung has a monastery, mani walls, and several teahouses offering excellent mountain views. From here, you can see the stunning peaks of Himal Chuli (7,893m) and Ganesh Himal (7,422m) shining brightly to the east.

Namrung is an excellent place to rest and acclimatize, with its serene atmosphere and beautiful surroundings. The village also has a checkpoint where trekkers must register before proceeding further into the restricted area.

Elevation: 2630 m → 3180 m 

Trek Duration: 4–5 hours

Overnight Stay: Lho Village

The trek from Namrung (2,630m) to Lho (3,180m) is a spectacular day on the Manaslu Circuit Trek, offering breathtaking Himalayan views, ancient monasteries, and an immersive glimpse into Tibetan-influenced mountain culture. The trek takes about 4–5 hours, following a gradual ascent through picturesque villages, alpine forests, and terraced farmlands surrounded by towering peaks.

Leaving Namrung, the trail ascends steadily through a beautiful forest of rhododendron, oak, and fir. Early in the morning, the sunlight streaming through the trees and the distant sound of yak bells create a tranquil trekking experience. Shortly after departing, you’ll arrive at Lihi (2,920m), a lovely village adorned with prayer flags, chortens, and traditional stone houses. The village is known for its fertile fields of barley and potatoes and offers impressive views of Ganesh Himal and Himal Chuli.

Continuing along the trail, you pass several mani walls and small settlements like Sho (2,880m), where the locals wear traditional Tibetan dress and spin prayer wheels as they walk along the trails. The influence of Tibetan Buddhism becomes more pronounced here, and the air feels thinner as you approach the higher elevations.

As you gain altitude, the views open up dramatically. The mighty Manaslu (8,163m), the eighth-highest mountain in the world, begins to dominate the skyline. The landscape transitions from forested hillsides to wide alpine meadows, and colorful prayer flags flutter in the crisp mountain breeze.

After crossing a few small streams and ridges, you’ll finally reach Lho Village (3,180m) — one of the most beautiful settlements on the trek. The village is famous for its ancient Ribung Monastery (Lho Monastery) perched on a hill above, offering stunning panoramic views of Manaslu, Manaslu North, and Naike Peak. The sight of the sun setting or rising over Manaslu from Lho is truly mesmerizing.

Lho provides several comfortable teahouses and lodges, making it an excellent place to rest and acclimatize. The evening can be spent exploring the monastery, observing monks in prayer, or simply soaking in the serene mountain atmosphere.

Elevation: 3180 m → 3530 m 

Trek Duration: 4–5 hours

Overnight Stay: Samagaun

The trek from Lho (3,180m) to Samagaun (3,530m) is a moderately challenging yet highly rewarding section of the Manaslu Circuit Trek, taking approximately 4–5 hours. This stage marks your entry into the high alpine zone, where the landscape opens up to panoramic views of snow-capped peaks, glaciers, and rugged valleys, and the air becomes noticeably cooler and thinner.

Leaving Lho, the trail initially descends slightly through terraced fields and clusters of traditional stone houses before beginning a steady ascent toward Samagaun. Along the way, trekkers pass through Lho Village’s outskirts, where colorful prayer flags flutter over mani walls and chortens, reflecting the strong Tibetan Buddhist influence of the region. The path also passes small streams, yak pastures, and rocky outcrops, offering the first true sense of the high-altitude environment.

As the trek progresses, the views of Manaslu (8,163m) become increasingly dramatic. On clear days, you can also spot Naike Peak (5,780m) and other surrounding mountains, creating a stunning alpine panorama. The trail meanders along ridges and riverbanks, occasionally crossing suspension bridges over glacial streams, and the terrain gradually transitions from mixed forests to alpine meadows.

Approaching Samagaun, the largest village in the upper Manaslu region, you will notice its well-preserved stone houses, mani walls, and the majestic Manaslu Base Camp trail marker. Samagaun is an important acclimatization stop and cultural hub for trekkers, offering several comfortable teahouses and lodges with warm meals and hot drinks. The village also serves as a base for those attempting the Manaslu Base Camp trek, and the surrounding area provides excellent opportunities for photography, short side hikes, and observing local Tibetan Buddhist traditions.

The evening in Samagaun can be spent exploring the village, visiting the monastery, or enjoying the spectacular sunset over the towering peaks of the Manaslu region. This stop is crucial for acclimatization before moving higher toward Samdo and Larkya La Pass.

Elevation:  3530 m 

Activities: Short hikes, village exploration, photography, monastery visit

Overnight Stay: Samagaun

Acclimatization Day in Samagaun (3,530m) is a crucial part of the Manaslu Circuit Trek, allowing your body to adjust to higher altitudes and reducing the risk of Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) before continuing toward higher elevations like Samdo and Larkya La Pass. This day also provides an opportunity to explore the surrounding area, enjoy panoramic mountain views, and experience the local culture.

During the day, trekkers often take short hikes to nearby viewpoints to gradually expose themselves to higher altitudes. A popular excursion is the hike to Pungyen Gompa or the ridge above Samagaun, which rises to around 3,800–3,900m. From here, you can enjoy breathtaking vistas of Manaslu (8,163m), Naike Peak, and the surrounding Himalayan ranges. Walking to a higher altitude for a few hours and returning to Samagaun helps your body acclimatize effectively.

Aside from trekking, you can explore Samagaun village, interact with local Tibetan Buddhist communities, and visit the small monastery in the village. The architecture of the stone houses, prayer wheels, mani walls, and fluttering prayer flags provides insight into the region’s rich culture and traditions.

The acclimatization day is also a perfect opportunity to rest, hydrate, and eat well, as proper nutrition and fluid intake are essential at high altitudes. Many teahouses offer warm meals, herbal teas, and local specialties, providing comfort and energy for the next stage of the trek.

By taking this day to acclimatize, trekkers prepare their bodies for the challenging days ahead, including the trek to Samdo and the Larkya La Pass, ensuring a safer and more enjoyable high-altitude experience.

Elevation: 3530 m → 3860 m

Trek Duration: 3–4 hours

Overnight Stay: Samdo 

Elevation: 3860 m → 4460 m

Trek Duration: 5–6 hours

Overnight Stay: Dharamsala / Larkya Phedi

Elevation: 4460 m → 5160 m → 3720 m

Trek Duration: 8–10 hours

Overnight Stay: Bimthang

Elevation: 3720 m → 2300 m

Trek Duration: 6–7 hours

Overnight Stay: Tilije

Elevation: 2300 m → 1700 m

Trek Duration: 5–6 hours

Overnight Stay: Tal

Elevation: 1700 m → 1450 m

Trek Duration: 5–6 hours

Overnight Stay: Syangge

Elevation: 1450 m → 1400 m

Drive Duration: 7–9 hours

End of Trek: Kathmandu