Manaslu Circuit Trek

Visa and Entry Process:

Upon landing at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu, you'll begin the process of obtaining your visa. There are several options for securing your visa:

Visa on Arrival:

• Fill out an arrival card at the airport.
• Provide your passport, which must be valid for at least 6 months.
• Pay the visa fee: USD 30 for 15 days, USD 50 for 30 days, or USD 125 for 90 days.

Online Application: To expedite the process, you can apply for a visa online up to 15 days before your arrival. Visit the Nepal Immigration website for detailed instructions and to submit your application.

Visa at Embassies: If you prefer to obtain your visa in advance, you can apply at a Nepalese embassy or consulate in your home country.

Airport Procedures:

After obtaining your visa, proceed to the security checkpoint to have your luggage and belongings scanned. Once cleared, you’ll head to the baggage claim area to collect your luggage.

Upon exiting the baggage claim area, move towards the airport’s exit where you will find a designated waiting area for airport pickups. Look for a sign with your name, held by a representative from Luxury Holidays Nepal. Our representative will warmly welcome you and assist with your private transfer to your hotel in Thamel, Kathmandu’s vibrant tourist district.

Your first day in Kathmandu is designed to be relaxed, allowing you to ease into the lively atmosphere of the city and settle in before your trek. After reaching your hotel, your representative will help you check in and provide a brief orientation, covering the next steps of your journey and the upcoming pre-trek preparations.

After breakfast, your adventure starts with a scenic drive from Kathmandu to Maccha Khola, the starting point of the trek. The drive takes you along the beautiful countryside, passing through rural villages, terraced farmlands, and the Trishuli River. The road becomes bumpier after Dhading Besi, transitioning from paved roads to rugged, unpaved trails. 

You’ll get your first glimpse of rural Nepal, with its lush green hills, rivers, and traditional villages, setting the tone for the trek ahead.

The first day of trekking begins as you leave Maccha Khola and follow the Budhi Gandaki River upstream. The trail crosses several suspension bridges and passes through small settlements, waterfalls, and forests. The trail is undulating, with some steep sections, but the scenic beauty makes it worthwhile.

The trek takes you through Khorlabesi, Tatopani (hot springs), and Doban before reaching the stone-paved village of Jagat, which serves as the checkpoint for the Manaslu Conservation Area. Stunning river views, charming villages, and the chance to soak in hot springs at Tatopani.

After registering your trekking permits at the Jagat checkpoint, you’ll continue following the Budhi Gandaki River. The trail gradually ascends, offering beautiful views of the surrounding hills and waterfalls. You’ll pass through the village of Philim, a large Gurung village known for its terraced fields. 

After Philim, the trail enters a more secluded and forested area. You’ll cross the river several times before reaching Pewa, a small settlement offering a peaceful overnight stop.

Today’s trek takes you deeper into the Manaslu Conservation Area, with the landscape gradually changing from subtropical forests to alpine terrain. The trail offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains as you climb higher into the valley. You’ll pass several small villages, where you can observe traditional Tibetan-influenced lifestyles.

The trek passes through the villages of Deng and Ghata Khola, and after crossing suspension bridges and steep ascents, you’ll arrive at Namrung, a village known for its Tibetan-style houses, monasteries, and breathtaking views of Ganesh Himal and Himalchuli.

The trek from Namrung to Lho is a relatively short but scenic journey, offering stunning views of the Himalayan peaks and a deep cultural immersion into the Tibetan-influenced region. The trail ascends gradually through lush forests and small fields, passing through charming villages like Lihi and Sho, both known for their traditional houses and terraced farming. Along the way, you'll encounter mani walls and chortens, reflecting the area's spiritual significance.

In Lho, a larger village with a dominant Buddhist monastery, trekkers can enjoy peaceful surroundings and spectacular views of Mt. Manaslu, especially at sunrise and sunset. The village is rich in Tibetan culture, with prayer flags and a serene atmosphere. The Lho Gompa offers a chance to learn about local Buddhist practices. You'll stay in a teahouse, enjoying the warm hospitality and preparing for the next leg to Sama Gaun.

The trek from Lho to Sama Gaun is a scenic and culturally enriching journey through the Manaslu region, offering panoramic views of towering Himalayan peaks. The trail ascends gradually through dense forests and small settlements, with Mt. Manaslu dominating the skyline as you trek. Along the way, you pass through the village of Shyala, which offers breathtaking views of Himalchuli, Ngadi Chuli, and Manaslu, making it one of the most scenic spots on the route.

As you reach Sama Gaun, a picturesque Tibetan-influenced village, you’ll find yourself surrounded by high mountains and glaciers. This village is one of the most culturally rich stops on the trek, with traditional Tibetan architecture, mani walls, and prayer wheels. Sama Gaun serves as a base for acclimatization and offers optional hikes to nearby attractions like Manaslu Base Camp and Pungyen Gompa. You'll stay in a cozy teahouse, enjoying the local hospitality and preparing for higher-altitude trekking ahead.

To properly acclimatize to the increasing altitude, Sama Gaun serves as an ideal location for a rest day. You have the option to take a day trip to one of two stunning destinations, both of which offer breathtaking views and cultural significance:

Manaslu Base Camp (4,460m): This is a challenging but rewarding hike that takes you closer to the towering Mt. Manaslu and the Manaslu Glacier. The trek involves a steep ascent, but once you reach the base camp, you are rewarded with spectacular views of Manaslu’s north face, surrounding peaks, and glacier formations. This hike offers an excellent opportunity to experience the high-altitude terrain and prepare for the higher elevations ahead.

Pungyen Gompa: For a less strenuous but equally beautiful option, a hike to Pungyen Gompa provides a peaceful cultural experience. The gompa is a serene Tibetan Buddhist monastery located on a ridge, offering magnificent views of the surrounding mountains and glaciers. The name "Pungyen" comes from a nearby peak and glacier, and the gompa holds spiritual significance for the locals. This hike allows you to immerse yourself in the tranquil surroundings while also learning about the local culture and religious practices.

Both day trips help you adjust to the altitude while offering extraordinary scenic and cultural experiences. After your exploration, you'll return to Sama Gaun to rest and prepare for the next leg of your journey.

The trek from Sama Gaun to Samdo is a relatively short and gradual ascent, allowing trekkers to continue acclimatizing to the higher altitudes. The trail follows the Budhi Gandaki River, passing through yak pastures and barren terrain as the landscape becomes more rugged and remote. The trek offers magnificent views of Mount Manaslu and other nearby peaks, with the surrounding scenery transitioning to more alpine meadows and fewer trees as you approach Samdo.

As you arrive in Samdo, a traditional Tibetan village located near the Tibet-Nepal border, you’ll find a settlement that has preserved its ancient way of life. The village is a cultural gem, with a deep-rooted Tibetan influence visible in the architecture, lifestyle, and spiritual practices. Trekkers can explore the village’s chortens, prayer flags, and mani walls, or visit the nearby Samdo Gompa for a deeper connection to the local culture.

Staying in a teahouse in Samdo, you’ll enjoy the hospitality of the locals while preparing for the higher elevations and more challenging days ahead. 

Today is an important acclimatization day in Samdo, giving you time to adjust to the altitude before crossing the Larkya La Pass. A popular option for the day is a scenic hike toward the Tibet-Nepal border, where you can enjoy stunning views of the Tibetan plateau and surrounding peaks. The trail passes through alpine meadows and offers a glimpse of the highland terrain, making it an adventurous and rewarding excursion. Along the way, you may encounter yak herders and traders, as this path has historically been used for cross-border trade.

The hike not only aids in acclimatization but also provides a cultural experience, with the remote landscape offering a sense of the region's isolation and beauty. After the trek, you'll return to Samdo for a peaceful evening at your teahouse, resting and preparing for the more challenging days ahead. This day ensures you're better acclimatized while enjoying the natural and cultural wonders of the area.

The trek from Samdo to Dharmasala (also known as Larke Phedi) is a gradual ascent through high-altitude terrain as you prepare for the challenging Larkya La Pass. The trail leaves the village of Samdo and continues along the Budhi Gandaki River, passing through barren landscapes and open valleys with occasional views of snow-capped peaks. The route is less forested as you climb higher, with rocky and rugged terrain replacing the greenery of earlier stages of the trek.

As you approach Dharmasala, the altitude becomes more noticeable, and the landscape turns into alpine tundra. This final stop before the pass is a basic settlement with limited facilities, designed for trekkers to rest and prepare for the long, demanding trek over Larkya La Pass the following day. Although the accommodations are basic, the views are incredible, and the sense of adventure builds as you prepare for the high point of the Manaslu Circuit Trek. You'll spend the night in a teahouse at Dharmasala, resting for the exciting day ahead.

This is the most challenging and rewarding day of the Manaslu Circuit Trek as you cross the Larkya La Pass at 5,106 meters, the highest point of the trek. An early start is essential to take advantage of stable morning weather. The trail from Dharmasala begins with a steep ascent through rocky and snowy terrain, gradually leading to the high pass. The climb is demanding, but the spectacular views of Himlung Himal, Cheo Himal, Kang Guru, and the immense Manaslu make every step worthwhile.

Upon reaching the top of the Larkya La Pass, you’ll be rewarded with breathtaking panoramic vistas of the surrounding Himalayan peaks. After a brief rest at the pass, you begin the long descent towards Bimthang.

The trail down can be steep and challenging, especially in snowy or icy conditions, but as you descend, the landscape changes dramatically from barren highlands to lush forests and meadows. Bimthang (3,720m) is a beautiful valley, surrounded by towering peaks and rich with greenery, where you’ll rest for the night in a cozy teahouse, reflecting on the incredible journey across the Larkya La Pass.

The trek from Bimthang to Dharapani is a long but rewarding descent as you leave the high-altitude regions and make your way back to lower altitudes. The trail begins with a scenic walk through alpine meadows and dense rhododendron forests, with stunning views of Mt. Manaslu, Lamjung Himal, and other peaks in the background. As you descend, the environment becomes increasingly lush, with vibrant greenery and rivers accompanying you along the way. The trail passes through several villages, including Gho and Tilije, where you can observe the changing culture and architecture as you move further from the Tibetan-influenced regions. The walk is mostly downhill, making it easier on the legs, though the long trekking hours can still be tiring. Upon reaching Dharapani, you’ll feel a sense of accomplishment as you complete this section of the Manaslu Circuit Trek. Dharapani is part of the Annapurna Circuit, and you’ll notice a more developed infrastructure here. You’ll spend the night in a comfortable teahouse, preparing for the final drive back to Kathmandu the next day.

After completing your trek, the journey back to Kathmandu begins with a scenic drive from Dharapani. The drive takes approximately 8-9 hours and offers a chance to relax and reflect on your incredible trekking experience. You’ll pass through picturesque landscapes, including terraced farmlands, hillside villages, and the rushing rivers that characterize Nepal’s countryside. The road can be a mix of paved and rough sections, especially through the mountainous regions, but the views make it a worthwhile journey. As you arrive in Kathmandu, you’ll be transferred to your hotel, where you can rest and enjoy a hot shower. In the evening, Luxury Holidays Nepal will host a special farewell dinner in a traditional Nepali restaurant, complete with cultural performances. This is a wonderful way to celebrate the completion of your trek and enjoy the final evening in the vibrant city of Kathmandu. You can spend the night relaxing at your hotel, preparing for your departure the next day.