Manaslu Circuit Trek with Larkya Pass – 17 Days

Day 1 Arrive Kathmandu (Altitude: 1300 m/4264 ft.)
On your arrival at Kathmandu International Airport, one of our representatives will pick up you and escort you to the hotel as well as help you to check-in at the hotel. After your refreshment, you will be briefed about the next day trip.

Day 2 Cultural tour of Kathmandu UNESCO Heritage Site and Trek Preparation (Altitude: 1300 m/4264 ft. Meal: Breakfast)
After your delightful breakfast, you will be introduced with a guide and takes you to UNESCO Heritage sites of the valley where you will observe living heritage of Medieval Nepal - Witness the biggest Hindu temple of Nepal, Pashupatinath and capture the sacred moments of Hindu death ritual at Aryaghat in Pashupatinath. Stroll the lively streets of Kathmandu Old Market Asan to Kathmandu Durbar Square and visit the home of The Living Goddess Kumari, Nepalese style of Architecture as well as astonishing wooden carving. A short drive from Kathmandu Durbar Square will take you to a hilltop stupa called as “Swyambhu” meaning “self -emerge” and belief that the hill emerged impulsively from the great lake that once covered Kathmandu valley. Also famous as a Monkey Temple.

Day 03: Drive from Kathmandu to Soti Khola via Arughat (Altitude: 700-m/2296 ft. 6/7 hour’s drive. Meal: BLD)
Wake up early morning and get ready after having breakfast at the hotel, also re-check your luggage. Our driver will escort you to the Bus Park to catch a bus to Arughat.  You will be driving towards the western part of the valley following a blacktopped Prithvi Highway. Crossing the Trishuli River, you will drive towards Dhading besi from where you will have a bumpy drive of around 3 hours to Arughat. On the way, you can view the beautiful landscape, countryside lifestyle, terraced fields, rivers, and waterfalls. Arughat is a small town mostly settled by the Newar ethnic group.

Resting for a while at Arughat starts a journey towards Soti Khola. Crossing a bridge across the Budhi Gandaki River, you will pass small villages settled by Gurung and Magar ethnic groups, beautiful field of millet and Paddy and landscape along the Sotikhola. Spend overnight at the local lodge.

Day 04: Trek from Soti Khola to Machhakhola (Altitude: 870 m/2952 ft. Trek: 6/7 hrs. Meal: BLD)
Begins trek on few ups/down rocky trail after crossing a suspension bridge passing beautiful Sal forest. Viewing tropical waterfalls and passing terraces, you will walk up to the village of Lapubesi settled by traditional Gurung. Resting for a while, you will start walking uphill along the bank of the Budhi Gandaki River till Khanibesi. Here, you can click North-east view of Ganesh Himal and a beautiful waterfall and then starts descending towards the village at Macchakhola. You can take a relaxing dip in a hot spring and explore the surrounding. Spend overnight at the local lodge.

Day 05: Trek from Machhakhola Gaon to Jagat (Altitude: 2340 m/7676 ft. Trek: 6/7 hrs. Meal: BLD)
Today, you will start walking in a narrow trail following the Budhi Gandaki River. Just walking in a zigzag trail and crossing a suspension bridge will take you to the Khorlabesi that offers a fantastic view of Ganesh Himal. Now onwards, you will walk in an ascending and descending trail, crosses several suspension bridges, passes landslides, rock falls, and small hamlets; even walk in stone steps along with rocky trail en-route to Jagat. On reaching Jagat, see the fabulous view of Sringi Himal; mani walls and Chirtens representing the Himalayan culture. Spend overnight at the local lodge.

Day 06 Trek to Deng (Altitude: 1870m/6170 ft. Trek: 6-7 hrs. Meal: BLD)
After sliding down a long chain of stone steps to the river, you will climb on a terraced hill to Saguleri.  See the impressive view of Singri Himal, 7187m from Saguleri. At Saguleri, the path splits. You will continue with the left-hand branch heading upstream, through a gorge section with towering walls. Thrice you cross the river in next couple of hours to avoid difficult valley sides and then slide up over a further steep spur to reach the village of Deng. Spend overnight at Deng local lodge/camping.

Day 07 Trek to Ghap (Altitude: 2,160m/7,086ft. Trek: 4-5 hrs. Meal: BLD)
Today, you will cross the village of Lamaistic Buddhism, see the some Mani walls/ Chortens and flattering flags while entering the elevated Buddhist Community. Since today’s trek is relatively short you reach the village of Ghap in about four hours, which straddles the river. Officially, you have entered the Tibetan Region as you feel perceptible change in the climate and culture. Spend overnight at Ghap local lodge/camping.

Day 08 Trek to Lho (Altitude: 3150m/10395 ft. Trek: 6/ hrs. Meal: BLD)
The clear sighs of gaining the elevation are visible as you move into alpine territory where the mountain views are more than terrific. Myriads of mani stone walls and crossings of the Buri Gandaki thrice en-route will bring to Namrung. At Namrung, you need to issue trekking permits and MCAP permit. Beyond Namrung, the valley opens out and there are extensive pastures. Then, a gradual up climb followed by crossing a bridge over a large stream flowing down from the Lidanda Glaciers, you reach the Tibetan village of Sho, 3000m. Beyond Sho, you get first incredible views of the Manaslu North and then of Manaslu Main. A further trek will bring you to Lho, a large village at 3150 metres where there is a lovely little monastery and numerous chortens and Manis. Looking back, Ganesh I is visible. Spend overnight at Lho local lodge/camping.

Day 09 Trek to Sama Gaon (Altitude: 3500m/11550 ft. Trek: 3-4 hrs. Meal: BLD)
Beyond Lho, chase the right bank of the river, with views of Peak 29 ahead. Continuing along the main trail, you will reach Sama Gaon 3500m after a while trek. You can visit Sama Gompa which is just 20 minutes’ walk from Sama. Spend overnight at Sama local lodge/camping.

Day 10 Rest day at Sama Gaon (Altitude: 3500m/11550 ft. Trek: 3-4 hrs. Meal: BLD)
It is wise to rest during trek for proper acclimatization before gaining the height. Spend your time at Sama Village enjoying the culture, lifestyle, and people following Lamaism. You can either hike to a ridge to view the stunning mountain including Nadi CHuli, Manaslu, Larke, and Naike. Or, you can also go to visit the Pung Gyen Gompa, capture the fabulous view of Puggen Glacier. Your walk on rest will let you familiarize with height. Retrace Back to Sama Goan for the overnight stay.

Day 11: Trek to Samdo (Altitude: 3,690m/12,106 ft. Trek: 6/7 hrs. Meal: BLD)
Today, you will trek to the Manaslu Base Camp that is incredibly a great trip. You will walk up for around 5 hours to base camp. Explore the surrounding and continue walking for your final destination towards Samdo. Todays’ trail will be a bit longer enjoying the sunlight on the mountains and glaciers. The best part of the trek is the incredible turquoise view of Birendra Lake. Spend some time in the base camp, then trek to Samdo. From now, you will enter the forest filled with birch, juniper, rhododendron, moss and Lichen. The trail will take you towards the Kyonggma Kharka that manifests small huts made with stones and a long Mani walls. Crossing a bridge over Budhi Gandaki River, you will enter the village of Samdo. It is a very close village to Tibet settled by the Tibetan Refugee community, have Taka Choeling Gompa, big Mani wall and close to Sonam Glacier as well as a viewpoint of Naike and Pangboche Peaks. Spend overnight at Local lodge/camping.

Day 12: Trek to Larkya Phedi (Altitude: 4,470m/14,665ft. Trek: 6/7 hrs. Meal: BLD)
Today, you will gain a significant height. Beyond Samdo 3780m, you will trek along Larke Khola to Dharmashala (Stone Hut) 4460 along the steep trail above the river. At a point on today’s trek, you will be mesmerized with the incredible view of Larke Kunda. Keeping on gaining the height, you will arrive at Larkya Phedi 5105 crossing Larkya-la Pass 5153m. The trail passes through the Mani walls and Stone Huts while walking towards Larke Phedi. Larke Phedi is also called as Dharmasala or Rest House, is a seasonal village that provides rooms and tents for the trekkers. On reaching, you can hike the hills for acclimatization and retrace back to Phedi for the overnight stay at Resthouse/camping.

Day 13: Trek to Bimtang crossing Larkya La Pass (Altitude: Larkya La Pass: 5153 m/ 17005 ft. Bimtang: 3,720m/12,204ft. Trek: 8/9 hrs. Meal: BLD)
Today will be the most exciting day crossing a Larkya-la Pass gaining an ultimate altitude of this trek. Just starts walking in the early morning, you will pass the moraine route of the Larkya Glacier, cross frozen lakes and follow the steep up will takes you to Larkya-La. You will see the flattering colorful flags in a place, make your day a wonderful time catching the magnificent view of the snowcapped peaks including Annapurna II, Kangguru, Himlung, Larkey and many more. Continue walking following the guide in a steep descend on a high moraine ridge of Salpudanda glacier. Now onwards, the trail will be grassy moraine rock fall of Dingboche Kharka. Walking for a while will take you to the beautiful Bimthang Village. From here, you can view the fantastic scene of the peaks like the Lamjung, Manaslu, Phungi, Himlung and Cheo Himal. Spend overnight at Local lodge/ Camping at Bimthang. Today’s trek gains significant height. Beyond Samdo 3780m, you will trek along Larke Khola to Dharmashala (Stone Hut) 4460 along the steep trial above the river. At a point on today’s trek, we will be mesmerized with the incredible view of Larke Kunda. Keeping on gaining the height we will arrive to Larkya Phedi 5105 crossing Larkya Pass 5153m. We will camp for the night at Larkya Phedi.

Day 14: Trek to Dharapani (Altitude: 1,860m/6,102ft. Trek: 5/6 hrs. Meal: BLD)
Begins the trail to the Hampuk, a rock shelter cave, and crossing a bridge, you will continue walking down through the forest of Rhododendron and Pine, passing several villages and cultivated land, explore the Gho Village settled by the Gurung community as well as the Kilpu waterfall. You will reach Tilje, where you can rest for a while. Explore traditional Gurung Village. From now, you will continue walking towards Dharapani after crossing a bridge over the Dudh River. Explore the village and spend time enjoying the surrounding. Spend overnight at Local Lodge.

Day 15: Trek to Syange and Jeep/Public Bus drive to Besisahar (Altitude: 60 m/2,493ft. Trek: 3/4 hrs. Drive: 5/6 hrs. Meal: BLD
From Today, your trek will officially enter the Annapurna Conservation Area Project and Marshyangdi Valley. Show the TIMS and ACAP at Check Post while leaving Dharapani. Dharapani is a knot of Annapurna and Manaslu Trail as well as a junction of Dudh Khola and Marshyandgi River. Begins walking in a downhill trail passing Tal Village, you will continue a steep stone trail and cross a suspension bridge over Marshyangdi River, you will reach Chamje. From here, a steep descend towards the Syange village and crossing a bridge will take you to the bus stop. Driving for hours down in a snaky road will take you to Besisahar. Spend overnight at lodge.

Day 16: Drive to Kathmandu (Altitude: 1,300m/4,264 ft. Drive: 7/8 hrs. Meal: B)
Wake up and get ready to return back to Kathmandu after breakfast. Catch a bus to Kathmandu. Along the serpentine mountain mishmash road followed by snaky Prithvi Highway the journey longs for 7-8 hours. The journey on this highway is also a highlighting part of the trip. The cultural practices in the semi-urban areas of Nepal, the fast flowing Himalayan Rivers and the ongoing adventurous activities there and most importantly the hilly landscapes on the roadsides represents different Nepal. You will be having your lunch at one of the highway resorts and in the late afternoon, you will be arriving in Kathmandu. Rest of the time in Kathmandu you can unleash your trekking tiredness hunting the souvenirs on the streets of Thamel or simply chill in your hotel room.

Day 17: Departure day (Altitude: 1300 m/4264 ft. Meal: Breakfast)
It is the last day with us. Our supporting team will take you to the airport for your final departure. We hope to see you again. Additionally, if you have a plan of any adjoining trip, you can let us organize.

Dates and Cost

Note : Set your own departure date if you have a group size of 2 packs or more.

Cost Include

• Airport / Hotel / Airport pick up & drop off service by a private tourist vehicle.
• Standard twin-sharing accommodation in a three-star hotel in Kathmandu including breakfast.
• Basic guesthouse accommodation during the trek in mostly twin-share and occasionally dormitory-style rooms.
• Local licensed English-speaking trekking guide.
• The required number of local staff and porters to carry your luggage during the trek (We assign one porter for every two guests.
• Food, accommodation, insurance, equipment, and medicine for all staff.
• Manaslu Conservation Area Project (MCAP) fee
• Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP) fee
• Trekkers’ Information Management System (TIMS) Card fee
• All our government taxes, VAT, and tourist service charges.
• Guided sightseeing tour in Kathmandu by an English-speaking local guide
• Private jeep transfer for Kathmandu/Sotikhola or Machhakhola and Besisahar/Kathmandu drive in a  private car
• Sharing jeep drive to Besisahar
• Exclusive medical kit bag, Duffle Bag, Trekking T-shirt, Trekking Maps, Adventure Certificate
• Sleeping Bag and Down Jacket during Trek
• Official expenses.

Cost Exclude

• Dinner and lunch in Kathmandu except for welcome and farewell dinner. 
• Your personal expenses for mineral water, soft beverages, confectionaries, laundries, phone calls, hot drinking water, barbills, showers etc. 
• Internet facility, battery chargers, multi plugs etc. 
• Extra baggage excess while flying to Lukla.
• Extra porter if you require. 
• Personal trekking equipment.
• Your travel insurance covers Helicopter evacuation.
• Medical expenses and trip cancellation. 
• Any other extended trips and accommodation.
• Tips of the guide, porters, and driver as a token of appreciation. 
• Monument entrance fee for a sightseeing tour in Kathmandu.
• Any other expenses or charges not mentioned in the “cost includes” list. 
• Nepal arrival visa. 

Passport and Visas:
First, be sure you have a valid passport with at least 6 months validity from return date.  You can obtain visas for Nepal from the Nepalese Consulate in your country or up on arrival in Kathmandu Airport. Nepalese visas cost USD 25 for 15 days and USD 40 for 30 days till date.

Get the required visa for Nepal.
You can get Nepal visa prior to arrival from the Nepalese Embassy at your home country. Likewise, you can easily get an up on arrival visa at Kathmandu airport and other different borders from Nepal. This is for those who travel from India and Tibet. For more information and download please visit Nepal Visa Information.

Bring Official Papers
Some of the required official documents are your valid passport, 4 extra passports sized photographs (for trekking permits), travel insurance, airline tickets, and luggage tags. Visas can be obtained upon entry into Nepal. For detail information, we request you to visit our visa page.

Money & Credit card Info
We find that most of the credit card, master and visa card is blocked from your card provider. It may be because of a security reason. It, sometimes, may bring you in a problematic situation that you can't get money from ATMs and that you find difficult to pay for your treks and tour. To find yourself free from this problem, you can call your card provider before you travel to Nepal and inform there that you are traveling to Nepal. Ensure them to give the authorization for the payment. In Nepal, you have to pay 3.5 % credit card commission s per Nepal Bank rules, on top of your payable amount for the trek cost.  So, please be sure that you bring some cash in USD to pay us. Likewise, be sure you have brought some small amount for your daily expenses as well as for those items which are not included in our cost. We request you not to change money in the Airport. The exchange rate is very low there. Our office provides you with the facility to change your money. Or, you can take help from Money Changers in Thamel.

Travel Insurance:
Our clients must have comprehensive travel insurance package. Their insurance must cover against medical, personal accident, emergency evacuation, trip cancellation, lost of gears, natural calamity, theft of or damage to baggage etc.

Who can trek?
No special degree of fitness is required and that there is no age barrier. However, in the areas over 3000m altitude, extra care should be taken. One can trek who have strong legs and the spirit for adventure to explore the exotic will enjoy the thrills of trekking in the hills of Nepal. Normally, for weary trekkers, we have a list of short, easy and exotic treks and for the experienced trekkers, we offer a longer trek with lots of excitement and adventure. We encourage all men and women, families, students and professionals around the world to enjoy the enchanting trekking in Nepal. You can join us as an individual team member or with your own group. We commit to arranging the best trekking that delight you in the Nepal Himalayas. If you can have fun walking for 3-6 hours up and down hills to Nepal, pack your luggage and join us for an exhilarating and unforgettable journey. All the necessary things for your trekking will be arranged by us. What you can do is to enjoy the beautiful scenery and magnificent view of Nepal Himalayas.

Clothing and Equipment for Traveling in Nepal
Trekking in the Himalayas needs to the arrangement of equipment as you have to find yourself comfortable at higher altitude. The basic clothing item that you are expected to be prepared with are well described here. Remember that excess baggage is likely to be a burden for yourself and your supporting staff. "Pack light, but pack right", is our motto. This will allow you to enjoy a comfortable journey with your energies and enthusiastic zeal focused on the exploration of this enchanting Nepal scenic beauty. Please visit here for Clothing and Equipment list.

Buying and Renting Equipment in Kathmandu
It is not really necessary to spend a large amount of money buying extra equipment and clothing prior to your trip. It is because most of the trekking equipment can be hired from many adventure shops within Kathmandu. Most of the gear is locally manufactured (hence a lot cheaper). Some Chinese gear are likely to be more expensive but qualitative. Sleeping bag and down jacket are easily rented. Each item can be rented for less than USD 1, for a day. You have to manage other items buying them yourself. However, these items are more likely to be cheaper than those in your hometown. We will arrange all the necessary items you need on the second day of your arrival. 

Vaccination for Nepal
All travelers should consult with their physician or update on vaccination requirements before travel. (Your doctor or health-care provider will determine what you will need, depending on factors such as your health and immunization history, areas of the country you will be visiting, and planned activities) For traveling to Nepal; we recommend you to take a vaccination of Polio, Tetanus, Typhoid, Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, Rabies etc, it is not really must but recommended.

How to Book
While you chose which trip you wanted to go with, contact us to our head office Thamel Kathmandu Nepal by mail or phone, email is more easy and clear options, as soon as we get your email or call we will process for your booking. We need 20% booking amount to confirm your booking, the payment can be made through the Bank transfer, Credit card payment (Master/Visa card) or through online money transfers also Money Gram, Western Unions or others. After we get the 20% amount we will confirm your booking and you will get the official booking and payment receipt. The final balance for the tour will be paid up on arrival in Kathmandu.