Manaslu Circuit Trek with Kathmandu Sightseeing & Pokhara Getaway
Beyond Manaslu
15 Days / 14 Nights
Kathmandu · Manaslu Circuit (Machha Khola, Jagat, Namrung, Shyala, Samagaun, Samdo, Larkya La Pass, Bhimthang, Tilje) · Besisahar · Pokhara
Trekking & Cultural Tour (Restricted-Area Teahouse Trek)
Manaslu Circuit Trek, Larkya La Pass, Tsum Valley, Manaslu Base Camp, Annapurna Conservation Area, Restricted Area Trek, Himalayan Teahouse Trek, Tibetan Buddhist Culture, Kathmandu Pokhara Tour
The Essence
Key Highlights
- Guided UNESCO World Heritage sightseeing in Kathmandu — Kathmandu Durbar Square, Swayambhunath Stupa, and Bhaktapur Durbar Square
- Trek through the restricted Manaslu region via Tsum Valley municipality lands, with special permits included
- Close-up views of Mount Manaslu (8,163m) from Lho, Shyala, and Samagaun
- Visit to the sacred Pungyen Monastery and the glacial Birendra Lake
- Acclimatization hike to Manaslu Base Camp (4,800m)
- Cross Larkya La Pass (5,106m) — the trek’s highest and most dramatic point
- Explore Tibetan-influenced villages (Samdo, Lho, Namrung) rich in Buddhist culture, Mani walls, and chortens
- Descend through rhododendron, pine, and oak forests into the Annapurna Circuit region
- Relax lakeside in Pokhara at Fish Tail Lodge with Annapurna and Machhapuchhre views
Itinerary
Day 1
Dusit Princess Kathmandu, Kathmandu
ARRIVE KATHMANDU
Meals: Dinner
Welcome to Kathmandu, the vibrant capital of Nepal. On a clear day, your flight offers breathtaking aerial views of the majestic Himalayan range, providing a spectacular introduction to this enchanting destination.
Upon arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport, you will be warmly welcomed by our local representative and chauffeur, who will assist you with your transfer to your designated hotel. After completing the check-in formalities, you will receive a detailed briefing on your upcoming tour program and daily sightseeing schedule.
The remainder of the day is at leisure, allowing you to relax and unwind after your journey.
Dinner and Overnight Stay at the Hotel.
Day 2
Dusit Princess Kathmandu, Kathmandu
KATHMANDU SIGHTSEEING TOUR
Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
After breakfast at the hotel, embark on a full-day guided sightseeing tour of Kathmandu, exploring three of the valley’s most iconic UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Kathmandu Durbar Square, Swayambhunath Stupa, and Bhaktapur Durbar Square.
Kathmandu Durbar Square
Located in the historic heart of Kathmandu at Basantapur, Kathmandu Durbar Square is a remarkable complex of ancient palaces, temples, courtyards, and monuments that once served as the royal residence of Nepal’s Malla and Shah kings. Highlights include the historic Hanuman Dhoka Royal Palace, the towering Taleju Temple, the sacred Kumari Ghar, home to Nepal’s Living Goddess, the Ashok Vinayak Temple dedicated to Lord Ganesha, and the imposing shrine of Kal Bhairav. The square is also home to the historic Kasthamandap, a legendary wooden pavilion believed to have been constructed from the timber of a single tree, from which the city of Kathmandu derives its name.
Swayambhunath Stupa
Perched atop a hill overlooking the Kathmandu Valley, the ancient Swayambhunath Stupa, also known as the Monkey Temple, is one of Nepal’s oldest and most revered Buddhist monuments, dating back nearly 2,000 years. Its magnificent white dome, gilded spire, and the iconic all-seeing eyes of Buddha symbolize wisdom and compassion. Surrounded by numerous shrines, prayer wheels, and monasteries, the site also offers spectacular panoramic views of Kathmandu.
Bhaktapur Durbar Square
Continue to Bhaktapur, the “City of Devotees,” located approximately 12 km east of Kathmandu. Renowned for its exceptionally preserved medieval architecture, Bhaktapur Durbar Square showcases Nepal’s rich cultural and artistic heritage. Explore the magnificent 55-Window Palace, the intricately crafted Golden Gate, the Lion Gate, the statue of King Bhupatindra Malla, the elegant Vatsala Devi Temple, and the historic Bell of Barking Dogs, installed by King Ranjit Malla in 1737. The square is a living museum of traditional Newari craftsmanship and architecture.
Following the sightseeing tour, return to your hotel.
Dinner and Overnight Stay at the Hotel.
Day 3
Trek Day
DRIVE TO MACHHA KHOLA (890M/157KM/9-10 HRS.).
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
After an early breakfast, depart by road for Machha Khola, the gateway to the Manaslu trekking region. The scenic journey takes approximately 9–10 hours, travelling via Arughat and Soti Khola through picturesque countryside.
As you leave Kathmandu behind, the drive follows the winding Trishuli and Budhi Gandaki Rivers, passing charming villages, terraced rice fields, lush hillsides, waterfalls, and vibrant rural settlements. The route offers an authentic glimpse into Nepal’s traditional countryside and gradually transitions into the lower Himalayan foothills of the Gorkha District.
Upon arrival in Machha Khola (890 m), check in to your local lodge and relax after the day’s journey.
Day 4
Trek Day
TREK TO JAGAT (1410M/14KM/7-8 HRS.).
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
After breakfast, begin your trek by following the Budhi Gandaki River upstream through beautiful Himalayan landscapes. The trail passes through the small village of Khorla Besi before continuing along a scenic route surrounded by terraced fields, forested hills, and traditional settlements.
En route, arrive at Tatopani, meaning “Hot Spring,” where, time permitting, you may enjoy a relaxing soak in the natural hot springs. After a refreshing break, continue the trek to Yaru Phant, following the river and crossing a suspension bridge before reaching Jagat.
Situated at an elevation of 1,410 metres, Jagat is a charming stone-paved village and an important checkpoint on the Manaslu Trek. The village features traditional houses, small shops, and stunning views of the surrounding hills, making it an ideal place to rest and experience the warm hospitality of the local community.
Day 5
Trek Day
TREK TO DYANG (1800M/20KM/7-8 HRS.).
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
After breakfast, continue your trek deeper into the scenic Manaslu region, following trails that wind through picturesque valleys, terraced farmland, and traditional Himalayan villages.
The route passes through Sirdibas Bazaar, a charming settlement known for its traditional stone houses and peaceful surroundings. From here, the trail descends to a suspension bridge before gradually ascending through Nagjet and the large village of Philim, one of the region’s most important Gurung villages. Enjoy spectacular views of cultivated terraces filled with seasonal wheat and barley, along with glimpses of the surrounding Himalayan peaks.
Beyond Philim, the trail climbs steadily along a rocky ridge and enters a tranquil bamboo forest before reaching the peaceful village of Dyang (1,800 m), nestled amidst the mountains.
Upon arrival, check in to your local lodge and relax after another rewarding day on the trail.
Day 6
Trek Day
TREK TO NAMRUNG (2660M/19KM/7-8 HRS.).
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
After breakfast, continue your ascent through the spectacular Budhi Gandaki Valley, trekking along scenic forest trails and through traditional Himalayan settlements. Today’s route offers a wonderful blend of natural beauty and rich Tibetan Buddhist culture.
The trail passes through dense forests and alongside numerous Tibetan Mani Walls—beautifully hand-carved stone walls inscribed with sacred Buddhist prayers and mantras. As the journey progresses, the path winds through narrow canyons before opening into a broad alpine valley, revealing increasingly impressive mountain scenery.
Continue through enchanting forests of fir, oak, and rhododendron, enjoying the peaceful surroundings before arriving at the picturesque village of Namrung (2,660 m). This traditional settlement serves as an important gateway to the upper Manaslu region and offers magnificent views of the surrounding Himalayan peaks.
Upon arrival, check in to your local lodge and spend the remainder of the day at leisure.
Day 7
Trek Day
TREK TO SHYALA (3500M/18KM/7-8 HRS.).
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
After breakfast, continue your trek towards the picturesque village of Shyala, ascending gradually through one of the most scenic sections of the Manaslu Trek. As you gain altitude, the landscape transforms into a spectacular alpine environment with breathtaking mountain panoramas.
En route, pass through the traditional village of Lho, renowned for its rich Tibetan Buddhist heritage. Explore its authentic stone houses, ancient monasteries, colourful prayer flags, and impressive Buddhist Chortens, while enjoying magnificent views of Mount Manaslu (8,163 m) and several surrounding Himalayan peaks.
The trail then continues through peaceful forests and open valleys before reaching Shyala (3,500 m), a beautiful Himalayan village set amidst towering snow-capped mountains. Surrounded by the majestic Manaslu range, Shyala offers some of the finest close-up views of Mount Manaslu, creating an unforgettable Himalayan experience.
Upon arrival, check in to your local lodge and enjoy the serene mountain atmosphere.
Day 8
Trek Day
TREK TO SAMAGAUN VIA PUNGYEN MONASTERY (3585M/17KM/6-7 HRS.).
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
After breakfast, begin today’s scenic trek with a visit to the revered Pungyen Monastery, one of the most significant spiritual landmarks in the Manaslu region. Nestled amidst the mountains, this peaceful monastery reflects the rich cultural heritage and deep-rooted traditions of Tibetan Buddhism. Surrounded by prayer flags and breathtaking Himalayan scenery, it offers a tranquil setting for reflection and an opportunity to experience the region’s unique spiritual atmosphere.
Following your visit, continue trekking towards Samagaun, passing through picturesque alpine landscapes adorned with pine and juniper forests. Throughout the journey, enjoy spectacular views of the surrounding snow-capped peaks, including the magnificent Mount Manaslu, as the trail gradually leads into the heart of the upper Manaslu Valley.
Upon arrival in Samagaun (3,585 m), check in to your local lodge and relax while taking in the stunning mountain surroundings.
Day 9
Trek Day
ACCLIMATIZATION DAY HIKE TO MANASLU BASE CAMP (4800M/14KM/5-6 HRS.).
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Today is dedicated to acclimatization, an essential part of your journey to ensure a safe and enjoyable high-altitude trekking experience. After breakfast, embark on a rewarding hike to Manaslu Base Camp (4,800 m), situated at the foot of the world’s eighth-highest mountain, Mount Manaslu (8,163 m).
The round-trip hike takes approximately 5–6 hours and includes a visit to the beautiful Birendra Lake, a pristine glacial lake renowned for its crystal-clear turquoise waters and spectacular mountain backdrop. As you ascend, you’ll be rewarded with breathtaking panoramic views of towering snow-capped peaks, glaciers, and the dramatic Himalayan landscape.
Reaching Manaslu Base Camp is one of the most memorable highlights of the trek, offering an unforgettable close-up view of the majestic mountain and its surrounding glaciers. Although the hike is more demanding than the excursion to Pungyen Monastery, it provides excellent acclimatization while allowing you to fully appreciate the pristine natural beauty and rich cultural heritage of the Manaslu region.
For your comfort and safety, it is recommended to carry a packed lunch, sufficient drinking water, trekking poles, warm clothing, gloves, sunglasses, and other essential high-altitude gear.
Return to Samagaun after the hike.
Day 10
Trek Day
TREK TO SAMDO (3860M/5KM/5-6 HRS.).
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
After breakfast, continue your gradual ascent towards Samdo, the last permanent settlement before crossing the Larkya La Pass. Although today’s trek covers a relatively short distance, the higher altitude calls for a steady pace, allowing your body to acclimatize naturally.
Situated at an elevation of 3,860 metres, Samdo is a traditional Tibetan-influenced village located close to the Nepal–Tibet border. Home to a small community of Tibetan descendants, the village offers a fascinating insight into the region’s unique culture, customs, and way of life. Explore its ancient monasteries, stone-built houses, colourful prayer flags, and experience the warm hospitality of the local people.
Surrounded by spectacular Himalayan scenery, Samdo offers magnificent views of Mount Manaslu and the surrounding snow-capped peaks. Owing to its proximity to the Tibetan border, the village has long served as an important trading settlement, where locally traded goods from Tibet can often be found.
Upon arrival, check in to your local lodge and spend the remainder of the day relaxing and acclimatizing.
Day 11
Trek Day
TREK TO DHARAMASALA/LARKYA LA PHEDI (4460M/6KM/4-5 HRS.).
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
After breakfast, begin a short but important trek to Dharmasala (Larkya La Phedi), the final stop before crossing the spectacular Larkya La Pass. Although the day’s distance is relatively short, the significant gain in altitude requires a slow and steady pace to aid acclimatization.
The trail crosses glacial streams and traverses a rugged alpine landscape, gradually leaving behind the greener valleys for the stark beauty of the high Himalayas. Surrounded by dramatic mountain scenery, the route offers magnificent views of snow-covered peaks and the pristine wilderness of the Manaslu Conservation Area.
Upon arrival at Dharmasala (4,460 m)—also known as Larkya La Phedi, meaning the base of the pass—check in to your local lodge. The afternoon is at leisure to rest and prepare for the challenging pass crossing the following day. To further assist with acclimatization, a short hike of approximately 200 metres above the lodge is recommended before returning for the evening.
Day 12
Trek Day
CROSS LARKYA LA 5106M, DECENT TO BHIMTHANG (3790M/16KM/8-9 HRS.).
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Begin your day before sunrise for the most challenging and rewarding stage of the Manaslu Circuit Trek. Today’s journey takes you across the spectacular Larkya La Pass (5,106 m), the highest point of the trek, before descending to the picturesque alpine village of Bhimthang.
The ascent to the pass is long and demanding, but the effort is richly rewarded with breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding Himalayan giants, including Mount Manaslu, Larkya Peak, Bouddha Himal, Himalchuli, and Peak 29 (Ngadi Chuli). Upon reaching the summit, you’ll be welcomed by colourful Buddhist prayer flags fluttering against a backdrop of snow-covered peaks—an unforgettable highlight of the expedition.
After spending time enjoying the magnificent scenery, begin the steep descent towards Bhimthang (3,790 m). The trail can be rocky, icy, and slippery in places, particularly during colder months, so the use of trekking poles and crampons (when conditions require) is strongly recommended for added stability and safety.
Upon arrival in Bhimthang, check in to your local lodge and relax after an extraordinary day in the high Himalayas.
Day 13
Trek Day
TREK TO TILJE VILLAGE (2300M/13KM/4 HRS.)/DRIVE TO BESISAHAR (4 HRS.).
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
After breakfast, begin a pleasant descent from Bhimthang, leaving the high alpine landscapes behind as the trail winds through lush forests of rhododendron, pine, and oak. Following the demanding crossing of Larkya La Pass, today’s trek is comparatively easy and offers a relaxing walk through beautiful Himalayan scenery.
The trail passes charming villages, seasonal grazing pastures, and crosses the Phurke Khola, before joining the renowned Annapurna Circuit Trail near Dharapani. Continue through the picturesque village of Gho and descend gradually to the traditional village of Tilje (2,300 m), known for its stone houses and warm local hospitality.
Upon arrival in Tilje, board your waiting jeep for a scenic drive to Besisahar, enjoying views of terraced hillsides, rivers, and rural villages along the way.
On arrival, check in to your local lodge and relax after the day’s trek and drive.
Day 14
Fish Tail Lodge, Pokhara
DRIVE TO POKHARA – APPROX. 5–6 HOURS
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
After breakfast at the lodge, depart by road for the picturesque lakeside city of Pokhara. The scenic drive of approximately 5–6 hours winds through beautiful river valleys, terraced hillsides, traditional villages, and lush countryside, offering a relaxing conclusion to your Himalayan adventure.
Upon arrival, check in to your hotel and enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure. Nestled beside the tranquil Phewa Lake and surrounded by spectacular Himalayan peaks, Pokhara provides the perfect setting to unwind after completing the unforgettable Manaslu Circuit Trek.
Dinner and Overnight Stay at the Hotel.
Day 15
End of Itinerary
FINAL DEPARTURE
Meals: Breakfast
After breakfast, check out from the hotel and transfer to Tribhuvan International Airport for your onward flight.
Our representative will assist you with your departure arrangements and ensure a timely transfer to the airport for a smooth and comfortable journey home.
As your unforgettable journey through Nepal comes to an end, depart with cherished memories of its majestic Himalayas, vibrant culture, ancient heritage, and the warm hospitality of its people. We wish you a safe journey and look forward to welcoming you back for another remarkable adventure.
End of Services.
Beyond Manaslu: Nepal's Ultimate Himalayan Odyssey
Manaslu Circuit Trek with Kathmandu Sightseeing & Pokhara Getaway
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