Manaslu Circuit Trek: Self-Launched Edition

Fly into Tribhuvan International Airport and make your own way to a guesthouse in Thamel, Kathmandu's backpacker hub. Spend the evening exploring Thamel's lively streets, grab a dal bhat at a local restaurant, and meet fellow trekkers. Use this evening to confirm your trekking permits are in order and buy any last-minute gear from Thamel's many trekking shops.

🚌Airport taxi to Thamel ~£5-8

🛏Kathmandu Guesthouse or similar Thamel guesthouse

• →Explore Thamel neighbourhood
• →Arrange Manaslu Restricted Area Permit (RAP) and MCAP permit at the Nepal Tourism Board office — ~£70 per person total
• →Hire a licensed local guide in Thamel (mandatory by law) — budget ~£20-25/day
• →Stock up on snacks and any missing gear in Thamel

Early morning departure from Kathmandu. Take a shared jeep or private jeep from Thamel to Arket Bazaar via Dading Besi and Arughat in the Buri Gandaki Valley — a bumpy 7-hour journey. From Arket Bazaar, walk approximately 2 hours (5km) down to Soti Khola. Teahouses in Soti Khola are basic but comfortable.

🚌Shared jeep Kathmandu to Arket Bazaar ~£10-15pp (book through guesthouse or Thamel jeep stand)

🛏Teahouse in Soti Khola (sleeping altitude ~720m)

• →Long drive through Kathmandu Valley and into the hills
• →Short afternoon trek to Soti Khola (5km, ~2 hours)
• →First views of the Buri Gandaki River valley

A long trekking day (17km) following the Buri Gandaki Valley north. Drop to the river and cross to the other side, climbing steeply through forested areas and small villages. The trail undulates through farmland before descending to cross the river again for lunch at Lapu Besi. Continue along the undulating jeep track to Machha Khola. Can be very hot in spring — start early and carry plenty of water.

🚌Trekking on foot

🛏Teahouse in Machha Khola (sleeping altitude ~875m)

• →River crossings and forested valley walking
• →Lunch stop at Lapu Besi village
• →17km trekking day through farming communities

Another long day (20km) as the trail undulates by the river and high above it, passing small hamlets. The valley narrows with spectacular waterfalls. Stop at Tatopani village where natural hot springs feed taps in the village centre — a great opportunity to refresh. Continue through Dovan and Shyauli for lunch, then navigate steep sections down to the river at Yaruphant. Cross a suspension bridge and undulate on to well-kept, paved Jagat, where you'll see your first signs of Tibetan Buddhism.

🚌Trekking on foot

🛏Teahouse in Jagat (sleeping altitude ~1,370m)

• →Dip feet in natural hot springs at Tatopani
• →Multiple suspension bridge crossings
• →First Tibetan Buddhist influences at Jagat
• →20km valley trekking day

A demanding 22km day due to lack of lodges between stops. Trek up the valley through Salleri, Sirdabas and Ghate Khola with views of Chamar ahead. Cross a long suspension bridge and climb steeply to lunch at Philim. From Philim, the trail undulates past impressive waterfalls through Chisapani and Eklabatti. At a fork, the right leads to the remote Tsum Valley — stay left and follow the Buri Gandaki. Wind through forest to reach the small village of Deng.

🚌Trekking on foot

🛏Teahouse in Deng (sleeping altitude ~1,870m)

• →Views of Chamar peak
• →Tsum Valley junction — tempting side-trip option
• →Impressive waterfalls on both sides of valley
• →22km trekking day — start early

A shorter, more manageable 11.5km day. Descend from Deng to the river and cross by bridge, then climb steeply onto a spectacular trail. Pass through the small settlements of Rana and Bihi Phedi, watching for mani stones (carved prayer stones) marking your entry into Buddhist territory. Arrive in Ghap by lunchtime. In the afternoon, take an optional walk up the hill behind the lodge for panoramic views across to Prok and the whole valley.

🚌Trekking on foot

🛏Teahouse in Ghap (sleeping altitude ~2,110m)

• →First mani stones and Buddhist prayer walls
• →Optional afternoon hike for panoramic valley views
• →Shorter trekking day — enjoy the pace

A strenuous 19km day with significant ascent. The valley widens into farmland — watch for lookout platforms built to ward off bears. From Ghap, cross the river three times and make a long steady climb through forest to Namrung (watch for langur monkeys). Continue via Lihi for lunch, then descend to the river and climb again through Sho to Lho. Now passing through Tibetan-style villages, you'll be rewarded with your first stunning views of Manaslu and Naike peaks.

🚌Trekking on foot

🛏Teahouse in Lho (sleeping altitude ~3,170m)

• →First view of Manaslu and Naike peaks
• →Watch for langur monkeys in the forest
• →Tibetan-style villages and architecture
• →Bear lookout platforms in the farmland

A shorter 9km day with big rewards. Climb out of Lho past the monastery (worth a visit) and follow the valley with Manaslu ahead. Reach the stone houses and fields of Samagaon by lunchtime, with magnificent Manaslu views from the lodge. Spend the afternoon exploring the village, visiting the monastery, and walking out to Birendra Tal — a beautiful glacial lake. Essential acclimatisation day before pushing higher.

🚌Trekking on foot

🛏Teahouse in Samagaon (sleeping altitude ~3,530m)

• →Visit Lho monastery
• →Afternoon visit to Birendra Tal glacial lake
• →Explore Samagaon village
• →Views of Himalchuli and Naike peaks

An easy half-day walk (8km) across grazing areas with gradual climbing. Enjoy fantastic rearward views of Himalchuli. Arrive at Samdo — the last permanent settlement in the valley, just a day's walk from the Tibetan border. Lodges here are very basic. Spend the afternoon on an acclimatisation walk and explore this remote Himalayan village. Drink plenty of water and avoid alcohol to aid acclimatisation.

🚌Trekking on foot

🛏Basic teahouse in Samdo (sleeping altitude ~3,860m)

• →Easy half-day acclimatisation trek
• →Afternoon acclimatisation walk
• →Explore remote Samdo village near Tibetan border
• →Hydrate well — altitude now ~3,860m

Leave Samdo and cross a stream for the last time over the Buri Gandaki. Climb steadily to the deserted Larkya Bazaar — a once-thriving trade village with Tibet. Manaslu comes into magnificent view as you climb. Reach the very basic lodge at Dharamsala (the only accommodation before the pass). Watch for blue sheep near the small stream. In the afternoon, energetic trekkers can climb the hill behind the lodge for even better views. Get to bed early — tomorrow is the biggest day of the trek.

🚌Trekking on foot

🛏Basic hut/lodge at Dharamsala (sleeping altitude ~4,480m)

• →Pass the ruins of Larkya Bazaar
• →Watch for blue sheep (bharal)
• →Optional afternoon hill climb for views
• →Early night — Larkya La crossing tomorrow

The most challenging and rewarding day of the trek — approximately 11 hours of walking. Make a very early start (typically 3-4am) to cross the Larkya La (5,130m/16,830ft). The ascent crosses rocky glacial moraine and can involve snow and ice — trekking poles and gaiters are essential. At the top, enjoy breathtaking 360° views of Himalchuli, Manaslu, Cheo Himal, and Himlung Himal. A very steep and demanding descent follows to the teahouses of Bimthang. This is a serious high-altitude day — know the signs of altitude sickness.

🚌Trekking on foot

🛏Teahouse in Bimthang (sleeping altitude ~3,700m)

• →Cross Larkya La pass at 5,130m — highest point of the trek
• →Panoramic Himalayan views: Manaslu, Himalchuli, Cheo Himal, Himlung Himal
• →Rocky glacial moraine and potential snow/ice crossing
• →Steep descent to Bimthang valley

A welcome rest day after yesterday's enormous effort. Stay in Bimthang and take an optional day walk (6km round trip) to the beautiful Pongkar Lake, sitting in a glacially carved valley with Manaslu towering above. Alternatively, rest, recover, wash clothes, and enjoy the slower pace. This day also serves as a contingency day in case of bad weather on the pass. Bimthang is a lovely open valley with great mountain views.

🚌Trekking on foot

🛏Teahouse in Bimthang (sleeping altitude ~3,700m)

• →Optional day walk to Pongkar Lake (6km)
• →Rest and recovery after Larkya La crossing
• →Mountain views from Bimthang valley
• →Contingency day if weather delayed pass crossing

An 18km day descending through spectacular scenery. The trail drops through rhododendron and pine forest as the altitude decreases, with views back to the high peaks you've just crossed. Pass through Hampuk, enjoying the dramatic transition from alpine to forested terrain, and continue down to the village of Tilje, now joining sections of the classic Annapurna Circuit route.

🚌Trekking on foot

🛏Teahouse in Tilje (sleeping altitude ~2,240m)

• →Long descent through rhododendron and pine forest
• →Views back to Manaslu and Larkya La
• →Joining the Annapurna Circuit trail
• →18km trekking day

A 14km day continuing the descent. Trek to the remote village of Nache and descend to the main Annapurna Circuit trail. The landscape opens up dramatically as you drop to lower elevations, with lush vegetation and small farming villages. A satisfying day as the toughest part of the circuit is now firmly behind you.

🚌Trekking on foot

🛏Teahouse in Nache (sleeping altitude ~1,700m)

• →Descent to the main Annapurna Circuit route
• →Remote village of Nache
• →Lush lower-elevation forest and farmland

An 11km day descending to Syange via Chyamje and Jagat, following the Marsyangdi River valley. The trail passes through traditional villages with monasteries and chortens, and the air becomes noticeably warmer as you lose altitude. A relatively gentle day to enjoy the lower valley landscapes.

🚌Trekking on foot

🛏Teahouse in Syange (sleeping altitude ~1,080m)

• →Descent through Chyamje and Jagat villages
• →Marsyangdi River valley walking
• →Monasteries and chortens en route

Trek or take a short local jeep down to Besishar, the trailhead town of the Annapurna Circuit. From Besishar, take a shared bus or jeep back to Kathmandu — approximately 5-6 hours through the hills. Return to Thamel, check in to your guesthouse, take a hot shower, and celebrate completing the Manaslu Circuit with a proper meal out in Kathmandu.

🚌Shared jeep/bus Besishar to Kathmandu ~£8-10pp

🛏Kathmandu Guesthouse or similar in Thamel

• →Short trek or jeep to Besishar trailhead
• →Bus or shared jeep to Kathmandu (~£6-10pp)
• →Celebrate completing the circuit with a meal in Thamel

A well-deserved free day in Kathmandu. Visit the UNESCO World Heritage Sites of Pashupatinath Temple, Boudhanath Stupa, or Swayambhunath (Monkey Temple). Browse Thamel for souvenirs, pick up trekking gear to bring home or donate, and enjoy Kathmandu's excellent cafe scene. Try Roadhouse Cafe or OR2K for great food. Book GetYourGuide tours of Bhaktapur or Patan Durbar Squares for a cultural half-day.

🚌Taxi or walking within Kathmandu

🛏Kathmandu Guesthouse or similar in Thamel

• →Visit Boudhanath Stupa (self-guided, ~£2 entry)
• →Explore Pashupatinath Temple complex (~£10 entry for foreigners)
• →Browse Thamel for souvenirs and trekking gear
• →Optional half-day trip to Bhaktapur Durbar Square (~£12 entry)

Final morning in Kathmandu. Enjoy a last dal bhat breakfast in Thamel before heading to Tribhuvan International Airport. Take a taxi to the airport (~£5). Allow plenty of time — the airport can be busy. Safe travels, and congratulations on completing one of Nepal's most spectacular and remote treks!

🚌Taxi to Tribhuvan International Airport ~£5

🛏None (departure day)

• →Final breakfast in Thamel
• →Airport departure