Short Manaslu Circuit Trek Package

After a hearty breakfast, we leave the bustle of Kathmandu behind and head west toward the Budhi Gandaki valley. The first half of the drive follows the Prithvi Highway before branching off toward Dhading Besi and Arughat. While the initial roads are paved, be prepared for a long day of travel as we transition from the highway into the rugged foothills of the Gorkha district.

The real adventure begins once we reach Soti Khola, where the pavement ends. From here, we switch to a high-clearance 4WD local jeep for a thrilling off-road experience. This rugged track winds along the towering cliffs of the Budhi Gandaki river, passing through Machha Khola and several narrow gorges. It is a bumpy, steep, and dusty ride, but it offers spectacular views of cascading waterfalls and the raw landscape that defines the start of the Manaslu trek.

After a full day of driving (approximately 8–10 hours total), we arrive at the gateway of the circuit near Jagat or Philim. While the journey is physically demanding, reaching these stone-paved villages marks your official entry into the restricted Manaslu region. You’ll settle into a local teahouse for the night, falling asleep to the sound of the river and the quiet of the mountains, ready to begin your trek the following morning.

The 6 hour trek from Philim to Bihi is a rugged journey through the most geologically dramatic section of the Manaslu Circuit. Following the Budhi Gandaki River upstream, the trail features relentless "Nepali flat"—steep ascents and descents across narrow cliffside paths and high suspension bridges. This leg is physically demanding due to the constant elevation changes rather than the altitude, requiring sturdy footwear and careful navigation through ancient landslide zones.

The afternoon push beyond the lunch stop at Deng (1,860m) reveals a spectacular narrowing of the canyon. As the gorge walls close in, you’ll notice a distinct cultural shift into the Nubri region, marked by an increase in Tibetan-style stone architecture, Mani walls, and Buddhist chortens. While high mountain peaks remain hidden by the deep valley, the scenery is dominated by towering cliffs and massive waterfalls cascading directly beside the trail.

The day ends in the scattered settlement of Bihi (1,990m), a traditional village of stone houses and terraced fields. Because the trail is exposed and water sources are limited between stops, staying hydrated and maintaining a steady pace is essential. Resting in Bihi offers a quiet, authentic atmosphere, marking your official entry into the high-altitude cultural heart of the Manaslu region.

The trek from Bihi to Ghap is a 7-kilometer journey that takes roughly 5 hours, marking a dramatic transition from deep river gorges to the high Himalayan threshold. The trail follows the roaring Budhi Gandaki River through steep, forest-clad canyons and across swaying suspension bridges. This section is dynamic and rugged, requiring steady footing as you navigate narrow cliffside paths and ancient landslide zones where a guide’s local knowledge is essential.

As you ascend, the scenery shifts from dense subtropical greenery to open alpine meadows and fragrant pine forests. This physical climb mirrors a cultural shift; you’ll encounter more frequent Mani walls and prayer flags, signaling your entry into the heart of Tibetan Buddhist territory. While the "Nepali flat" terrain (constant short ups and downs) is a moderate challenge for your stamina, it serves as perfect conditioning for the higher altitudes ahead.

Arriving in Ghap, the valley opens up to reveal sun-washed landscapes and traditional terraced fields. The village offers a peaceful resting point where the air is crisper and the mountain views begin to sharpen. It is the final threshold before you enter the wide valleys of the Nubri region, providing an authentic atmosphere to rest and recharge before the ascent toward Lho.

The trek from Ghap to Lho Village is a breathtaking journey that marks your transition into the high-altitude Buddhist heartland of the Manaslu Circuit. Covering a distance of roughly 11 kilometers, the trek usually takes between 5 to 6 hours. While the trail is considered moderate, it involves a steady climb through lush forests of rhododendron and fir, crossing the Budhi Gandaki river multiple times. As you gain elevation, the air becomes crisper and the landscape opens up into wide, dramatic valleys.

Lho Village (3,180m) is one of the most picturesque stops on the entire circuit. It is famous for its "Mani" walls, ancient chortens, and the prominent Ribung Gompa, which sits atop a hill overlooking the settlement. The village provides a front-row seat to Mt. Manaslu (8,163m); the sight of the mountain's massive peak towering directly above the monastery at sunrise is a highlight many trekkers consider the best of the trip. The village is inhabited by the Nubri people, and their unique Tibetan-style architecture and traditional lifestyle offer a deep cultural immersion.

Beyond Lho, the trail towards Shyala is widely considered one of the most scenic and rewarding stretches of the entire Manaslu Circuit. Instead of pushing directly to Samagaon, stopping in Shyala allows you to experience a more intimate, high-altitude sanctuary at 3,575 meters. The trek from Lho to Shyala is a steady 1.5 to 2-hour ascent, covering a short but impactful distance that winds through misty rhododendron forests and across crystal-clear mountain streams.

On Day five, we transition into the high-country sanctuary of Shyala (3,530m). The journey from Lho is a short but spectacular 1.5 to 2-hour steady ascent through misty rhododendron and pine forests. As the canopy opens, you are rewarded with a "panoramic theater" of peaks, including the twin-peaked Himalchuli, Ngadi Chuli, and the massive pyramid of Mt. Manaslu. Shyala itself is a traditional Tibetan village featuring flat-roofed stone houses and colorful prayer flags, offering the best sunrise and sunset views of the entire circuit.

The highlight of the day is a rewarding acclimatization hike to Pungden Gompa (4,050m). Branching off the main trail, we cross a high-altitude plateau for roughly 2 hours to reach this ancient, secluded monastery nestled in a glacial pasture. Following the "climb high, sleep low" principle, this 5 to 6-hour round trip is crucial for preparing your body for the Larkya La Pass. The Gompa offers a serene atmosphere for reflection and the most intimate, face-to-face views of Manaslu’s glaciers.

Shyala serves as an ideal high-altitude sanctuary for the night. The village’s Tibetan residents maintain a lifestyle unchanged for generations, centered around yak herding and barley farming. You will stay in local teahouses which offer a blend of traditional hospitality and essential mountain comforts. The teahouses are in renovation to improve their services and room qualities. After the hike to the Gompa, the evening is yours to recharge, breathe in the juniper-scented air, and enjoy the golden alpenglow on the surrounding 8,000-meter peaks.

Since the distance from Shyala to Samagaon is quite short, we begin the day with a relaxed breakfast before setting out on a scenic 6-kilometer trek. The journey starts with a brief, gentle climb to a suspension bridge; once across, the trail levels out into a pleasant, flat walk. This easy pace is the perfect way to transition into Samagaon, the most vibrant and densely populated village on the Manaslu Circuit, sitting at an altitude of 3,530 meters.

As the cornerstone of the Manaslu region, Samagaon is a living museum of Tibetan Buddhist culture. This is the ancestral home of the Nubri people, whose unique language, stone architecture, and traditions have remained unchanged for centuries. The village serves as a vital spiritual hub, surrounded by ancient monasteries built hundreds of years ago by figures like Guru Rimpoche. Historically a key stop on the Nepal-Tibet trade route, it remains a bustling cultural crossroads nestled in the lap of Mt. Manaslu (8,163m), the world’s 8th tallest peak.

Your stay in Samagaon is dedicated to acclimatization and discovery. We will take a short hike to Birendra Lake, a stunning glacial lake just 2.9 kilometers (about 1–1.5 hours) from the village. This turquoise gem offers a breathtaking foreground to the towering peaks of the Himalchuli Range, Ngadi Chuli, and Shringi Himal. While an extra day is required to reach the Manaslu Base Camp, this visit to the lake provides the perfect balance of activity and rest.

Samagaon offers some of the best teahouses on the trek, with a variety of meals ranging from traditional Nepalese dishes to international mountain cuisine. Whether you are exploring the narrow alleyways, witnessing the chanting in a local monastery, or simply watching the sunset over the Larke Peak, Samagaon offers a deep, authentic immersion into the heart of the Himalayas.

On Day Seven, the journey from Samagaon to Samdo transitions into a more intimate, high-altitude experience. This 8-kilometer trek is intentionally short—taking about 4 hours—to allow your body to adjust as you reach 3,860 meters. The trail follows the turquoise Budhi Gandaki River, crossing swaying suspension bridges and winding through serene, uninhabited landscapes. With no teahouses along this specific stretch, you’ll want to keep your water and snacks handy while you soak in the towering views of Manaslu.

You’ll arrive in Samdo just in time for lunch. This village is a cultural gem, primarily home to the Khampa community, where the Tibetan influence is visible in everything from the stone architecture to the local monasteries. While the local teahouses offer a warm welcome, the accommodations remain basic with shared rooms, making your sleeping bag an essential companion for the night. You'll find a few modern comforts here: the village has electricity for free charging, western-style toilets, and reliable NTC data coverage, though Wi-Fi remains a rare luxury.

To make the most of the day, I highly recommend a short acclimatization hike in the late afternoon. Climbing just 200 meters above the village rewards you with a breathtaking sunset view. From this vantage point, you can look back toward Samagaon, survey the entire village of Samdo below, and trace the rugged path toward Dharmasala—your challenge for the following day. This quiet moment above the clouds is the perfect way to mentally prepare for the higher altitudes ahead.

On day eight, the trek from Samdo to Dharmashala (4,460m) is a short but vital 8-kilometer journey that takes about 3–4 hours. While the walk itself is relatively gentle—passing through the historic Larke Bazar and offering incredible views of the Syacha and Larkya glaciers—the real challenge lies in the destination. Dharmashala is the final high-altitude outpost before the pass, and it is a place where you truly trade modern comfort for the raw adventure of the Manaslu Circuit.

It’s important to prepare yourself for the unique living situation at Dharmashala. Because it is the only stop before the Larkya La Pass, the teahouse is often filled to capacity. The accommodation is very basic and, during the peak trekking season, you should expect to share your room or sleeping space with other trekkers. Privacy is limited, and the thin walls and unheated rooms mean you’ll be relying on your fellow hikers for communal warmth and morale.

Since this is the highest you’ll sleep before the pass, the environment is stark and the air is thin. You’ll spend your afternoon in the communal dining area, which is the heart of the outpost. This is the time to focus on "climb high, sleep low" recovery: drink plenty of hot fluids, organize your gear, and keep your headlamp and extra batteries close. While the lack of privacy and sub-zero temperatures make this one of the most challenging nights of the trip, the shared sense of anticipation among everyone in the lodge creates a unique bond before the pre-dawn push to the summit.

The trek from Dharmasala to Bhimthang via Larkya La Pass is the longest, most challenging, and crowning day of the Manaslu Circuit. It demands a pre-dawn start, around 3 a.m., requiring warm layers, a headlamp, and a packed breakfast and lunch. The strenuous 8-9 hour journey covers roughly 16 kilometers, beginning with a rocky, ascending traverse over the Larkya Glacier to reach the pass summit at 5,106 meters. This significant altitude gain of 636 meters is rewarded with a breathtaking 360-degree panorama of giants like Manaslu, Himlung, and the Annapurna range.

The descent, involving a substantial 1,386-meter altitude loss, is steep and demanding. It leads past small settlements like Larche, through grassy moraine, and past stunning glaciers and lakes, requiring careful attention to the trail and your guide’s direction to safely navigate the route to Bhimthang. While the physical challenge is significant—compounded by altitude, distance, and variable weather—the profound sense of accomplishment is unparalleled. The day concludes in the serene meadow village of Bhimthang (3,700m), where comfortable lodges offer a warm, well-earned rest amidst peaceful Himalayan scenery, making every strenuous step worthwhile.

The trek from Bhimthang to Tilije is a scenic 14-kilometer descent that serves as a highlight of the Manaslu Circuit itinerary. This 6-hour journey begins with a final look at the majestic Manaslu and Lamjung Himal ranges before diving into a lush landscape. As you descend from 3,700m to 2,300m, the trail follows the Dudh Khola river through fragrant pine and rhododendron forests, passing the alpine meadows of Puktu Kharka.

As the elevation drops, the rugged high-mountain terrain transforms into vibrant green terraced fields and traditional stone villages. This leg of the trek is designed for cultural immersion, leading you into Tilche, a picturesque settlement inhabited by the Gurung and Manangi communities. Here, trekkers can explore narrow alleyways, visit local apple orchards, and experience the spiritual atmosphere of the village monastery, characterized by fluttering prayer flags and peaceful chanting.

Your overnight stay in Tilche offers an authentic glimpse into Himalayan life. While the teahouse accommodations are basic, featuring simple twin beds and shared amenities, they provide a warm and comfortable resting point. This day focuses on ease and appreciation, allowing travelers to soak in the diverse beauty of the Himalayas as the circuit trek nears its conclusion.

The final day of the Manaslu Circuit is a rewarding mix of a gentle morning trek and a scenic return to Kathmandu. After a final mountain breakfast in Tilje, you’ll begin a pleasant 2 to 3-hour descent (7.8 km) through lush rhododendron forests and terraced farmlands. After crossing the Marsyangdi Khola and passing through the historic village of Thoche, you arrive at Dharapani (1,860m). As the official meeting point of the Manaslu and Annapurna Circuits, this bustling village offers a vibrant look at the region’s ethnic diversity.

From Dharapani, you trade your trekking boots for a seat in a local 4WD jeep for a thrilling 3-hour off-road journey to Besisahar. This 35-kilometer drive follows the Marsyangdi River, passing through iconic waterfalls and traditional settlements like Tal and Jagat. Upon reaching Besisahar, you’ll enjoy a well-deserved celebratory lunch before transitioning to the paved Prithvi Highway for the final leg of the trip.

The concluding 6 to 7-hour drive to Kathmandu winds through riverside landscapes and terraced hills, bringing you back to the comforts of the capital. Once transferred to your hotel, the evening is yours to indulge in the best of Thamel—whether it’s a world-class meal, a well-earned foot massage to soothe your trekking muscles, or celebratory drinks to toast the completion of your incredible Himalayan circuit.