Manaslu Circuit Trek

The flight into the Himalayas provides stunning views of some of Nepal’s famous peaks, including Mount Dorje Lakpa (6,966 m), Mount Ganesh (7,422 m), Purbi Chhyachu (6,637 m), and Langtang Lirung (7,227 m), weather permitting, before arriving in the Himalayan capital, Kathmandu. After completing the immigration formalities at the airport, you will be warmly welcomed by a representative from Sampurna Adventure and transferred to your hotel. The remainder of the day is free for relaxation or personal activities after your trip briefing. You may also take a walk around the lively streets of Thamel, the main tourist hub of Kathmandu, where you can explore local restaurants, ATMs, money exchange services, traditional Nepali handicrafts, jewelry shops, clothing stores, and trekking gear outlets.

Visit Swayambhunath, one of the oldest and most sacred Buddhist stupas in Nepal with a history of more than 2,500 years. This UNESCO World Heritage Site stands proudly on a hilltop overlooking the Kathmandu Valley and offers spectacular panoramic views of the city and surrounding hills. Popularly known as the “Monkey Temple,” the complex is home to many playful monkeys roaming freely around the shrine.
The stupa is a fascinating blend of Buddhist and Hindu culture, decorated with colorful prayer flags, ancient carvings, Chaityas, monasteries, and traditional houses of priests. Despite the devastating earthquake of 2015, this beloved monument remained standing and continues to be one of Kathmandu’s most treasured spiritual sites.
As you walk around the stupa, you can experience the peaceful and mystical atmosphere created by the scent of incense and glowing butter lamps. Devotees perform ritual circumambulation around the stupa while spinning prayer wheels set into its base, creating a truly spiritual and unforgettable cultural experience.

Then after we will visit Kathmandu Durbar Square, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most historic and culturally important landmarks of Nepal’s capital city. This fascinating open-air museum is filled with ancient temples, royal courtyards, shrines, and palaces built during the reign of the Malla Kings, who once ruled Kathmandu Valley.
You will also explore the famous Kumari Ghar, home of the Living Goddess Kumari, where visitors may have the opportunity to see the Kumari greeting people from her traditional balcony window. The historic royal palace complex, known as Hanuman Dhoka, stands beside the statue of Hanuman, the Monkey God, guarding the palace entrance. This royal courtyard was once the ceremonial site where the Kings of Nepal were crowned.
Nearby, you can also see the impressive statue of Kala Bhairava, the fierce manifestation of Lord Shiva known as the God of Destruction, along with many beautifully carved temples and ancient monuments that reflect Nepal’s rich art, culture, and history.

Finally we are going to visit Patan Durbar Square, a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its extraordinary art, architecture, and traditional craftsmanship in metal, stone, and terracotta. Located in the historic city of Lalitpur, also known as Patan, this ancient royal city is celebrated for its rich cultural heritage and fine Newari artistry.
During the visit, you will explore the beautifully preserved royal palace complex with its magnificent golden gate, intricately carved windows, ancient courtyards, and remarkable temples dedicated to Hindu and Buddhist deities. Highlights include the famous Krishna Mandir, the temples of Lord Shiva, and the sacred Hiranya Varna Mahavihar, also known as the Golden Temple. The area is also filled with monasteries, shrines, and peaceful courtyards that reflect the timeless beauty of traditional Newari culture and architecture.

Driving from Kathmandu towards Machha Khola, the journey follows a rough mountain road via Dhading Besi, passing through beautiful green hills and traditional villages. Reaching Arughat beside the Budhi Gandaki River, you will notice this lively and important trading town with its hotels, shops, and local markets. From here, the drive continues deeper into the Himalayan foothills toward Machha Khola.
After crossing suspension bridges and walking through peaceful Sal forests, the trail follows the impressive Budhi Gandaki River with its roaring rapids and waterfalls. The route climbs along rocky paths and passes terraced rice fields before reaching the beautiful Gurung settlement of Labu Besi. As the valley gradually widens, the trail continues along sandy riverbanks and stone-covered paths before arriving at Machha Khola village. Along the way, trekkers can enjoy distant views of the magnificent Ganesh Himal range rising above the surrounding landscape.

After crossing Machha Khola and Khorlabesi, the trail reaches the natural hot spring area of Tatopani, where trekkers can enjoy the warm Himalayan spring water. From here, the route continues through peaceful forested paths toward Dovan. Below Dovan, the powerful rapids of the Budhi Gandaki River create an impressive natural scene. As the trek gradually gains elevation, both the landscape and the river scenery begin to change dramatically. Upon reaching Jagat, we stop at the police checkpoint for the registration of trekking permits before continuing further into the Manaslu region.

After descending a long series of stone steps to the river, the trail climbs through terraced hills toward Sirdibas and Philim, offering beautiful views of the impressive Sringi Himal (7,187 m). Along the route, the trail divides, with the right-hand path leading toward the Ganesh Himal region after crossing the Ghatta Khola. Our journey continues upstream through a dramatic gorge surrounded by towering cliffs and rugged landscapes. To avoid the steep valley sides, the trail crosses the river several times before climbing over another steep ridge and finally reaching the peaceful village of Deng.

The trail begins with a gentle and mostly flat walk before gradually climbing uphill through beautiful forests all the way to Namrung. Along the route, you can enjoy magnificent views of Mount Manaslu, rugged rocky hills, lush green valleys, and scenic mountain ridges. Namrung is a charming Buddhist village rich in culture and tradition, where monasteries, Mani walls, Chortens, prayer flags fluttering in the wind, water turbines, and a small hydroelectric power station can be seen. The traditional stone houses and unique architecture strongly reflect Tibetan influence, adding a special cultural experience to the journey.

After crossing the wooden bridge over the Budhi Gandaki River, the trail continues through beautiful cultivated fields and small scattered settlements with traditional houses. Upon reaching Namrung, we complete the necessary check-in at the police checkpoint before continuing toward Lho village. Along the way, trekkers are rewarded with breathtaking mountain views, including Naike Peak (6,416m), Manaslu North (7,774m), and the majestic Mount Manaslu (8,150m), creating an unforgettable Himalayan experience.

Today’s trek from Namrung to Sama Gaon (3,390m) takes around seven hours and offers spectacular Himalayan scenery along the way. Leaving Namrung behind, the trail follows the right bank of the river with magnificent views of Peak 29 rising ahead. Passing through beautiful landscapes, traditional villages, and cultivated fields, we gradually reach the peaceful settlement of Sama Gaon at around 3,500m. Midway through the journey, we take a side trail to visit the sacred Pung Gyen Gompa, a beautiful monastery surrounded by stunning mountain views and glacial landscapes. After exploring the monastery area, we retrace our steps back to Sama Gaon for an overnight stay.

Today is an acclimatization and rest day at Sama Gaon, an important stop to help your body adjust to the higher altitude before continuing further into the mountains. Instead of complete rest, the day is usually spent exploring the beautiful surroundings of the village and enjoying the unique culture of the region. Sama Gaon is a traditional Tibetan-influenced settlement surrounded by dramatic Himalayan scenery, glaciers, and snow-capped peaks, including magnificent views of Mount Manaslu.
During the day, trekkers can visit nearby monasteries, interact with local people, and observe their traditional lifestyle, prayer flags, Mani walls, and stone-built houses. Short hikes around the village provide excellent opportunities to explore the breathtaking landscapes, yak pastures, and glacial valleys. Those looking for extra adventure may also hike toward Birendra Lake or viewpoints near the Manaslu Glacier for incredible mountain panoramas. After a relaxing and memorable day of exploration, we return to Sama Gaon for an overnight stay.

Today’s trek from Sama Gaon to Samdo is a shorter and relatively gentle walk that takes around four to five hours. Leaving Sama Gaon behind, the trail gradually ascends through wide alpine landscapes, barren hills, yak pastures, and traditional settlements with stunning Himalayan scenery all around. Along the route, trekkers can enjoy magnificent views of Mount Manaslu and several surrounding snow-covered peaks.
As the altitude increases, the vegetation becomes sparse and the landscape takes on a more rugged Tibetan plateau character. Crossing wooden bridges and following ancient trade routes once used for trade with Tibet, we finally reach the peaceful village of Samdo, located close to the Tibetan border. Samdo is a small Tibetan-influenced settlement where visitors can experience unique mountain culture, traditional stone houses, prayer flags, and beautiful mountain surroundings before settling in for an overnight stay.

Today’s trek from Samdo to Dharmasala, also known as Larkya Phedi, is a shorter but important journey that takes around four to five hours. The trail gradually climbs through rugged alpine terrain with breathtaking mountain scenery and dramatic landscapes. Along the way, trekkers cross wooden bridges, pass glacial streams, and follow the high Himalayan trail surrounded by snow-covered peaks.
As we gain altitude, the vegetation becomes very limited and the environment turns more remote and barren. The route offers magnificent views of surrounding mountains, glaciers, and rocky valleys, creating a truly adventurous Himalayan experience. Dharmasala serves as the final stopping point before crossing the challenging Larkya La Pass. After reaching this small seasonal settlement, trekkers usually spend the rest of the day resting and preparing for the next day’s early morning ascent over the high mountain pass.

Early in the morning, you begin a challenging trek toward the high mountain pass of Larkya La (5,135 m), following a steep uphill trail through rocky and windy terrain. Packed lunch will be carried for the day, as this is one of the longest and most demanding sections of the trek. Your effort is richly rewarded at the top of the pass with breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding Himalayan giants, including Larkya Peak, Himlung Himal (7,126 m), Cheo Himal (6,905 m), Gyagi Kang (6,981 m), Annapurna II (7,937 m), Mt. Manaslu, Ratna Chuli (7,035 m), and many other snow-covered peaks glowing beautifully in the morning light.
After enjoying the spectacular scenery, the trail descends steeply over rocky and icy sections. Along the way, you will pass several frozen lakes and dramatic alpine landscapes. Eventually, you arrive at Bimtang, a wide and peaceful glacial valley dotted with Mani walls, abandoned stone houses, and surrounded by magnificent mountain scenery.

Today the trail descends gradually from the beautiful glacial valley of Bimtang through lush forests of rhododendron, pine, and oak. As you leave the high alpine landscape behind, the path follows the Dudh Khola River with several wooden bridges and scenic waterfalls along the way. The trek offers impressive views of Manaslu, Lamjung Himal, Himlung Himal, and other surrounding peaks. Passing through charming villages such as Karche and Gho, you can experience the local culture and traditional lifestyle of the mountain communities.
Continuing downhill, the vegetation becomes greener and the climate warmer as you enter the Annapurna region. The trail eventually reaches Tilije village, known for its beautiful stone houses and mixed Buddhist and Hindu culture. From here, a pleasant walk along the Marsyangdi River leads to Dharapani, a lively village and an important junction of the famous Annapurna Circuit Trek.

The trail follows the beautiful Marshyangdi Valley, descending along an alternative route toward the village of Tal (1,700 m). Tal is the last traditional Buddhist village in this valley, peacefully situated on a wide flat plain where the fast-flowing river briefly calms before continuing downstream. Beyond Tal, the journey continues along an old trail on the eastern side of the river, passing through scenic landscapes, forests, and small settlements.
Upon reaching Chamje, the trekking trail and roadway meet again for the final steep descent to Jagat (1,300 m), marking the completion of the unforgettable Manaslu Circuit Trek. This incredible adventure offers memories of spectacular Himalayan scenery, rich culture, and some of the world’s highest mountains.
At Jagat, we celebrate and congratulate our entire trekking team who accompanied and supported us throughout this remarkable journey.

After breakfast, you begin a long but scenic jeep drive from Jagat back to Kathmandu. The journey follows winding mountain roads along the Marshyangdi and Trishuli Rivers, passing through beautiful hills, terraced farmlands, waterfalls, and traditional villages. Along the way, you can enjoy changing landscapes from remote mountain terrain to the busy countryside and towns of central Nepal.
The drive offers a final opportunity to experience the natural beauty and local lifestyle of rural Nepal before reaching the capital city. After several hours of travel, you arrive in Kathmandu, where you can relax and reflect on the unforgettable memories of the Manaslu Circuit Trek and the incredible Himalayan adventure.
After reaching Kathmandu,first we do check-in in the hotel and rest of the time as personal free time.

Visit Bhaktapur Durbar Square, a UNESCO World Heritage Site located in the ancient medieval city of Bhaktapur. Once the royal capital of the Kathmandu Valley, Bhaktapur is renowned for its rich Newari culture, traditional lifestyle, and remarkable architecture. The Durbar Square beautifully showcases the artistic excellence of Newari craftsmen through intricately carved temples, palaces, and courtyards built over many centuries. Highlights include the magnificent 55 Window Palace with its famous Golden Gate, the impressive Nyatapola Temple, Bhairab Temple, Dattatreya Temple, and the lively Pottery Square where traditional ceramic art is still practiced today.

Later, visit Boudhanath, one of the largest spherical stupas in the world and among the most sacred Buddhist sites outside Tibet. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is an important center of Tibetan Buddhism and has become home to many Tibetan refugees since the 1960s. The area surrounding the great stupa is lined with more than fifty Buddhist monasteries, prayer wheels, colorful flags, and peaceful cafés. According to Buddhist tradition, the remains of Kassapa Buddha are believed to be enshrined within the stupa, making it a deeply revered pilgrimage destination and a place of remarkable spiritual atmosphere.

After breakfast, you will have some free time for personal activities, relaxation, or last-minute shopping in the morning. Later, at the arranged time, our representative will transfer you to the airport for your final departure.
We wish you a safe and pleasant journey home and sincerely hope to welcome and serve you again in Nepal in the near future. End of Service.