Manaslu Circuit Luxury Trek
Overview
The Manaslu Circuit is Nepal's most rewarding restricted-area trek, circling the world's eighth highest peak through remote Himalayan landscapes. Cross the dramatic Larkya La (5,106m) and discover Tibetan Buddhist villages untouched by mass tourism. This luxury version ensures the finest available lodges, experienced high-altitude guides, and meticulous acclimatization for this challenging remote wilderness journey.
Route
Kathmandu → Soti Khola → Machha Khola → Jagat → Deng → Namrung → Samagaon → Samdo → Dharamsala → Larkya La Pass → Bimthang → Dharapani → Kathmandu
Highlights
- Cross the spectacular Larkya La Pass (5,106m) with views of Manaslu (8,163m)
- Trek through the restricted Nubri and Tsum Valley cultural zones
- Visit the ancient Tibetan Buddhist village of Samagaon beneath Manaslu
- Experience genuine remote Himalayan culture untouched by mass tourism
- Walk through diverse ecosystems from subtropical to high-alpine
- Only 5-7% of Nepal's trekkers visit this route — true wilderness solitude
Quick Facts
- Duration
- 18 Days / 17 Nights
- Difficulty
- Challenging
- Group Size
- 2-8 guests
- Max Altitude
- 5,106m
- Best Months
- March-May, September-November
- Starting From
- $4,800 pp
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Arrival in Kathmandu
Arrive and transfer to your luxury hotel. Trek briefing, permit documentation, and welcome dinner.
Drive to Soti Khola
Private vehicle transfer via Arughat to Soti Khola (8-9 hours). The drive follows the Prithvi Highway before turning north through increasingly remote terrain along the Budhi Gandaki river. Arrive at the trek starting point.
Trek to Machha Khola
Trek along the Budhi Gandaki river through dense subtropical forest. Cross suspension bridges and traverse rocky terrain. The trail rises and falls through hot, humid terrain past waterfalls and small Gurung villages to the riverside camp at Machha Khola.
Trek to Jagat
Continue through the narrowing Budhi Gandaki gorge. The trail is dramatic, cut into vertical rock faces above the rushing river. Cross several suspension bridges and pass through Tatopani village with its hot springs. Reach Jagat, a historic trading village that once served as a customs post for the Tibet salt trade.
Trek to Deng
Enter the Manaslu Conservation Area and the restricted zone. The valley begins to widen, and Tibetan Buddhist culture becomes evident with mani walls, chortens, and prayer flags. Pass through Philim and Ekle Bhatti to reach the small settlement of Deng.
Trek to Namrung
The trail enters a spectacular gorge and crosses to the west bank of the Budhi Gandaki. Pass through Rana and Bihi, noting the transition to flat-roofed Tibetan architecture. Climb steadily to Namrung, a charming village with its large chorten and the first clear views of Manaslu.
Trek to Samagaon
Trek through forests of pine and rhododendron to Lihi and Sho. The landscape opens dramatically as you enter the Nubri Valley. Pass ancient monasteries and mani walls to reach Samagaon (Ro), a large Tibetan-influenced village at the foot of Manaslu with its massive glacier. Visit the Pungyen Gompa.
Acclimatization Day in Samagaon
Essential acclimatization day. Hike to Birendra Lake (3,450m) at the foot of the Manaslu Glacier for spectacular close-up views of Manaslu (8,163m). Explore Samagaon's Tibetan Buddhist monastery and village life. Alternatively, hike up toward Manaslu Base Camp for even grander views.
Trek to Samdo
Continue up the valley through yak pastures and across the Budhi Gandaki. Cross moraines and climb to Samdo, the last village before Larkya La. This Tibetan trading village near the Tibet border has a unique character — yak herders still trade across the Larkya Glacier.
Acclimatization Day in Samdo
Another essential rest day. Options include hiking north toward the Tibet border and Gya La (5,200m) for extraordinary views of Himalchuli and Ngadi Chuli, or exploring the valley above Samdo. Your guide will monitor health indicators carefully before tomorrow's push to high camp.
Trek to Dharamsala (Larkya BC)
Short but crucial trek to the Dharamsala (also called Larkya Base Camp), a stone shelter and basic lodge at the foot of the pass. The trail crosses moraines and boulder fields beside the Larkya Glacier. Arrive early, rest, and prepare for the pre-dawn crossing. Early dinner and early sleep.
Cross Larkya La, Descend to Bimthang
Depart at 3-4am for the long crossing. Ascend the moraine and glacier approach in darkness, reaching the prayer-flag-draped summit of Larkya La (5,106m) at sunrise for extraordinary views of Manaslu, Himalchuli, Annapurna II, and Cheo Himal. The descent is steep and long down to the beautiful alpine meadow at Bimthang with its stunning views of Manaslu's west face.
Trek to Tilije
Descend through rhododendron forest and past the settlement of Gho. The trail drops steadily through increasingly lush vegetation as the Dudh Khola valley widens. Rejoin the Annapurna Circuit trail briefly before heading south to Tilije.
Trek to Dharapani
Continue descending through sub-tropical forest to Dharapani on the Marsyangdi river. The lush vegetation and warm air feel luxurious after the high passes. This marks the official end of the Manaslu restricted zone.
Drive to Besisahar, Continue to Kathmandu
Jeep transfer from Dharapani to Besisahar (4-5 hours on rough road), then private vehicle to Kathmandu (5-6 hours on sealed highway). Long but scenic travel day arriving in Kathmandu by evening.
Kathmandu Leisure Day
Well-deserved rest day in Kathmandu. Optional spa treatment, shopping in Thamel, or visit to Patan Durbar Square. Relax at your luxury hotel.
Kathmandu Heritage Tour
Private guided tour of Kathmandu's UNESCO sites. Farewell dinner with traditional Nepali cuisine and cultural performance.
Departure
Private airport transfer for your onward flight.
What's Included
- All accommodation in best available lodges and 5-star hotel in Kathmandu
- All meals during the trek (breakfast, lunch, dinner)
- Private licensed English-speaking trekking guide experienced in Manaslu region
- Porter service (1 porter per 2 trekkers)
- Manaslu Restricted Area Permit and Manaslu Conservation Area Permit
- TIMS card
- All ground transportation (Kathmandu–Soti Khola, Dharapani–Kathmandu)
- Kathmandu heritage sightseeing tour with entrance fees
- Airport transfers in private vehicle
- First aid medical kit, oximeter, and emergency satellite phone
Not Included
- International airfare to/from Kathmandu
- Nepal visa fee
- Travel and high-altitude rescue insurance (mandatory)
- Alcoholic and cold beverages
- Personal trekking gear and equipment
- Tips for guide, porters, and hotel staff
Find Your Flights
Main international gateway to Nepal. Most flights connect via Doha, Istanbul, or Delhi. Direct flights available from select Asian cities.
Typical airlines: Qatar Airways, Turkish Airlines, Himalaya Airlines, Nepal Airlines, Air India, FlyDubai
International flights are not included in CuratedAscents packages.
Customize This Journey
This itinerary is a starting point. Our AI Expedition Architect will tailor every detail — dates, accommodations, activities — to create your perfect trip.