Our trek begins from the hilly village of Sotikhola which is a bit far from Arughat. Trekkers can witness local villages perched along the Budhi Gandaki river. Even though only a few trekkers come and visit this region, it holds a vast amount of protected wildlife and the indigenous culture that are simply a blessing for foreign travelers. Trekkers follow an ancient route which leads them near the borderline between Nepal and Tibet. In addition to that, this trek also offers lively Buddhist culture, hospitality of locals, challenging Larkya La Pass (5135m). Last but not the least, you can even see the panoramic view of Mt. Manaslu, Mt. Himjung, Mt. Cheo, Mt. Annapurna II & Mt. Kang Garu among the other peaks.

Moving upward along the mighty river the trail opens up to the alpine vegetation, desolated landscape and Buddhism influenced culture. The path moves past gorges and contours along the slate-paved streets of Jagat. As we continue ahead, you can adore the amazing view of mountains in the villages of Sho, Lho and Sama. Before reaching Samagaun, the largest of this region. Here we can explore the monasteries and Mani walls, ancient temples and meditation caves, glittering lakes and many more. Next, we move on to the formidable Larkya La Pass that links Budhi Gandaki valley and Marshyangdi valley. Now the smaller settlements of Bimtang, Tilije, Syange will keep us busy for the upcoming few days. And after that, we follow the trail of Annapurna Circuit Trek and call it a day at Besisahar.

You need to be physically fit and mentally prepared in order to go for this trek. Because you will have to walk for 6-7 hours a day on average while carrying a light backpack. Along with that, we also suggest March to May and Sep to Nov as the prime seasons for doing this trek. Furthermore, the trek itinerary also aids in acclimatization.

Permits for the trek:

Manaslu is restricted region trek in Nepal. So we need to have a special permit for the trek. Two trekkers are compulsory. The local agents and companies can get you the two Permits, ACAP and MCAP.

Where to stay during Trek?

For some days, we have to forget the luxury and comfort as we are trekking to one of the most remote place of country. The trek is mostlty tea-house trek.  Tea house are basic and has two single beds. There are mostly shared toilets but most of them are cleaned every day. All the lunches are done on the tea house.

Internet Access during the Trek?

Its funny when we think of Internet while we are trekking. But there are times when Internet facility can help in some situations. Most of the Tea houses have WiFi access. The internet is what you shouldnot expect much during the trek.

Itinerary

Day 01: Kathmandu City tour & Trip briefing
Today’s schedule shall consist the sightseeing of the well-preserved medieval city of Kathmandu valley, home to some of the heritages listed in the UNESCO World Heritage Sites. We shall visit the holy Hindu pilgrimage of Pashupatinath Temple, the famed ‘Monkey Temple’ ( Swayambhunath stupa), the ancient Buddhist shrine of Bouddhanath Stupa, one of the largest stupa in the world and the architectural excellences of Patan Durbar Square. The city tour shall follow the interaction with the trekking guide and briefing on the trekking adventure shall take place. You may take the opportunity to buy needed trekking materials before heading up for the adventure.
Overnight in Kathmandu.

Day 02: Kathmandu to Sotikhola by bus or private Jeep. 710m (7/8 hrs)
We shall leave early today. Our destination is Sotikhola for today and we shall commute in private vehicle. Enjoying the rural and mountain scenery along the journey, we shall travel through the district headquarter of Dhading, Dhading Besi. Past Dhading Besi we shall move to the destination through the place called Arughat which consist of a bit bumpy and winding dirt road from Arughat to Sotilhola.
Overnight in Sotikhola.

Day 03: Trek from Sotikhola to Machha Khola. 900m (6/7 hrs)
Today’s journey shall give you several glimpses of beautiful hilly landscape. We shall traverse through the forests and proceed towards the source of the Budhi Gandaki river. We shall pass through the villages of Riden Gaon, Lambesi and Labubesi. Up and down the trail we shall witness beautiful waterfalls, rice terrains, valleys and suspension bridges. Crossing the Budhi Gandaki and along the river bed of the same river after Lambesi we reach to our destination of Machha Khola.
Overnight in Machhe Khola.

Day 04: Trek from Machha Khola to Jagat. 1410m (6/7 hrs)
We shall have some more ups and down in this section of the trekking trail. Ascending along the river and past the cultivated fields and stone steps, we shall reach the hot spring in Tatopani village. After enjoying in the gushy hot waters and relaxing ourselves a bit we shall climb through forest and cross the Budhi Gandaki to reach the ridge of Dobhan. We shall cross the Yaru Khola and reach to Tharo Bharyang walking through the stone steps. Our destination of Jagat is reached after crossing the west bank of Budhi Gandaki river.
Overnight in Jagat.

Day 05: Trek from Jagat to Deng. 1805m (6/7 hrs)
Jagat will impress you with the tidy slate-pave street. After getting our trekking permit and MCAP ticket checked at Jagat, we climb over the hills of Salleri and then pass through the village of Sirdibas. Soon after, we cross over the Ghatta Khola past the water operated mill and through a suspension bridge to reach to the Gurung village of Philim. Philim has the MCAP head office, micro hydropower plant, school supported by Japanese nationals and a health post besides other. The trail turns north above the village and soon pass the village of Ekle Bhatti. We continue on past a narrow gorge, beautiful waterfall, occasional glimpses of wildlife and the smaller settlements to the opposite side of the gorge. After around two hours, we part away from the main trail and proceed further north after crossing a river. Further along the trail and past the dense rhododendron forests, flowers and views of the Ganesh Himal we cross Dyang river and reach to the Deng village.
Overnight in Deng.

Day 06: Trek from Deng to Namrung. 2630m (6/7 hrs)
We shall cross the Budhi Gandaki River several times today through the suspension bridges. Beyond Deng, we cross the Budhi Gandaki and ascend to the Rana village. We further ascend and join the trail of Bhi pass the Bhi Phedi and through the Mani walls and forests to Ghap. The trail from Prok village gives the view of Siringi Himal. The trail further goes upstream through the river crossing the river at a spot where river thunders into a gorge past which the trail becomes easier again. We reach Namrung after a steep climb.
Overnight in Namrung.

Day 07: Trek from Namrung to Samagaun. 3530m (6/7 hrs)
Today we shall explore the gompas, barley terraces, chortens and Mani walls along with beautiful villages in today’s section of our trekking adventure. We pass through the side valley of Simnang Himal with the close view of Ganesh Himal. Through the sho, Lho and Shyala village we reach the Sama village. Views of Mt. Manaslu, ancient Ribung Gompa shall enrich our trekking experience. Shyala village provides the view of Himal chuli, Peak 29, glaciers and other treks including the Ganesh Himal seen far away. Ahead lies our destination for today, the Samagaun.
Overnight in Samagaun.

Day 08: Samagaun Rest (Visit Pungyen gompa and Sherpa village)
This is the day is set aside for the purpose of acclimatization. Utilizing the day we shall explore the surroundings of the village. We hike through the grazing wall towards the Manaslu Base Camp and Birendra Lake. Dense forests and bit dusty trails, rhododendron and juniper trees welcome us as we move further up to be welcomed by lake and icefall of Manaslu Glacier. Samagaun is a lovely village that has houses aligned in a row and the closest village to Manaslu Base Camp. We also visit the ancient Pungyen gompa that provides an extraordinary view to the glacier. There are several folklores that narrate the faith of the locals towards the gompa. We also explore the nearby Sherpa village and have an insider’s insight into the local cultures and lifestyle.
Overnight in Samagaun.

Day 09: Trek from Samagaun to Samdo. 3860m (5/6 hrs)
Today we continue our journey along the Budhi Gandaki river that has turned north from the village of Samagaun. We move past the trail leading to the Manaslu Base Camp along the Larke La Pass where the Mani walls radiate the faith of the locals. On our way comes the Kermo Kharka past which we continue further by crossing the Budhi Gandaki river and ascend on to the stone arc below which we find a large white Kani. Finally we reach the destination of Samdo past through the Kani. Samdo has two hiking options; one to the back of the Samdo village and the other to the Gya La pass.
Overnight in Samdo.

Day 10: Trek from Samdo to Dharmasala. 4460m (4/5 hrs)
The mighty Budhi Gandaki river is again our companion of today where we walk down the edge and cross the river moving up the trail. We reach to the stone guest house in Larke Phedi or Dharmashala after crossing couple of streams and witnessing the Larke glacier and around the valley of Salka Khola. Today will be a short walk which leaves a plenty of time for the purpose of acclimatization. This further enhances the ability of the trekkers to adapt to the rest of the trekking experience, the ascend to the Larke pass being the imminent challenge the next day.
Overnight in Dharmasala.

Day 11: Wake up early morning for Larke La pass (5160m) and Bhimthang. 3720m (8/9 hrs)
One of the most interesting and challenging day, we climb up to the Larke La Pass after we set off early. Today we are going to have a long day. We reach the north side of the pass to witness the Larke Peak. You may find blue sheep, marmot, pika and Tibetan snow-cock tracks and snow leopard paw prints if you are lucky enough. Across the accumulated earth and stones deposited by the glacier, slow ascent takes us to the steep and last section of the pass. We view the Annapurna II, Kang Garu peak and Cheo peak. We march past the pastures to Bimtang village in the mist dominated afternoon.
Overnight in Bhimthang.

Day 12: Trek from Bhimthang to Tilje. 2300m (5/6 hrs)
We move past the pastures of Bhimthang and make our climb over the moraine, through the wooden bridge and the dense forest of rhododendron, pine, juniper, and spruce. Following the intersecting glacier we cross the steel Bailey’s bridge to reach the small village of Karche. Further on the rocky terrain along the river bed we contour along the sliding hillsides towards the lower altitude and reach to the village of Tilije. Tilije, a larger village on this section of the trail, has the diverse coexistence of Ghale Gurung, Manangis and Chhetri community. This has also created a blend of cultural and architectural elements.
Overnight in Tilije.

Day 13: Trek from Tilje to Tal. 1700m (5/6 hrs)
Today we leave the welcoming environment of the agricultural activity-rich Tilije village and move further to Thonche, marking the ending of the Manaslu trail. Another bridge leads trekkers to Dharapani where the Annapurna tourist highway is met and you start missing the quaint Manaslu trail. From here the trek to Tal takes half a day down the Marsyangdi river trail. In trekking season, this trail is busy hosting tourists, locals and mule’s caravan. We move past the Mani walls and absorb in us the spirituality preached by the mantras carved in those Mani walls. There comes our destination of Tal village, located at the foothill of a large and beautiful waterfall.
Overnight in Tal.

Day 14: Trek from Tal to Syange. 1010m (5/6 hrs)
After we move ahead past the Mani walls of Syangs, we descend steeply on the stone steps past the village at Sattale. We continue along the Marshyangdi river, continue down through the forests, cross bridge leading to the village of Chyame and join a motorable dirt road in Chyame. Further on the similar road we continue to the village of Syange. We take on jeep if the dirty road starts creating uncomfortable condition. On our way to Syange we also pass the terraced fields in the Marshyangdi village and the villages on the high hillsides. After we navigate through the rhododendron and pine forest we reach to the Syange village. It is a pleasant place to stay and call it a day.
Overnight in Syange.

Day 15: Trek from Syange to Besisahar. 800m (5/6 hrs)
We make an early start to the hilly town of Besisahar from syange. The trail to the town is located above the Marsyangdi River on mild slopes rich with the vegetation that put curtain on the exposed rocks on the trail. We also pass through waterfalls, temples and rural setting that gives an insight into the rural cultural settings that is new to the trekkers from the western hemisphere of the globe. We reach to the Distric headquarter of Lamjung, Besisahar.
Overnight in Besisahar.

Day 16: Besisahar to Kathmandu by Bus or private Jeep.
We shall move away from our field of adventure today. Besisahar bids us adieu and we take on private vehicle that may be a bus or a jeep for our journey back to the Kathmandu valley. Try to get the window seat of the vehicle that allows you to view the greenery, mountains, rural villages, rivers and gorges, terrace farming and the rural lifestyle. In Kathmandu, we shall rest after a long, tiresome yet exciting and adventurous trekking experience. Enjoy the hospitality in the hotel and Nepalese cuisine. Count on the memories you created during the expedition!
Overnight in Kathmandu