Manaslu and Annapurna Circuit Trek - 20 days

The walking trekking trail finally begins today, starting our hike by crossing a large suspension bridge over the Machakhola River that directly connects to the Budi Gandaki River, which leads us to Khopra Besi. 

Continuing the pathway through the narrow route by passing several terraced fields with the yaks grazing and Himalayan mules transporting goods, we will finally arrive at Tatopani. Resting here for a while with a relaxation session in the natural hot spring, we then set off for Dovan, where we can see many fellow hikers and a famous tea house, where we will have our lunch. 

Bypassing several hamlets of Rai, Gurung, and Magar communities, the trail ascends to the Yaru Khola shore, which will eventually take us to the checkpoint, where we will have our permits checked, as we finally get to enter the restricted section of the Manaslu Restricted Area, which is Jagat- the gateway to the Manaslu Conservation Area. 

Overnight stay in Jagat!

In the first section of the trek today, we will again cross the suspension bridge over the roaring Budhi Gandaki River, from where the steep rocky section begins. Entering the dense rhododendron forest with many wildflowers, such as oaks and pines, we will then navigate through the many small cattle farms and agricultural farms of millets and crops. With the high, towering mountain of Ganesh Himal spreading out, we will reach Salleri and Sirdibas Bazar.

Soon after, we can see the large village of Phillim slowly opening up, and also locals engaging in some sort of animal husbandry and agricultural activities. It is known as the village of 90 settlements, so make sure to count the slatted roofs covering the tops of houses, reflecting the village. In between, we will also cross small river streams such as Ghatta Khola and Deng Khola before reaching Chisapani, then crossing a small wooden bridge that takes us to Deng, where we will be staying overnight.

Today, a huge reflection of Tibetan Buddhism is thoroughly present on the upcoming trail, as we will enter the inner section of the Manaslu region- Namrung village, just a few meters away from the Tibet Border.

Starting our hike with an easy and well-maintained route compared to yesterday, crossing the suspension bridge over the Budi Gandaki River, we enter the lush forest adorned with pines and bamboo, too, where we will hear the chirping sounds of birds, including the Danfe- Nepal’s national bird. We will arrive at Rana village. 

Then afterwards, the pathway starts to stretch with the Tibetan-influenced valley dotted with mani walls, chortens, and red shrines, that leads us to Ghap, Bihi, Bihi Phedi, and Prok settlements, the trail leads us to an uphill walk to Namrung village with the view of Sringi Himal- 7186 meters. Interact with the Gurung locals here and try the delicacies of Tibetans while settling here in Namrung tonight. 

After a drooling breakfast in Namrung, the trail begins with a descent into a lush forest that leads to Lihi village and the Hinang River. 

The route starts to be slightly narrow and steep, towards Kyo village, also known as Kyo Gaun, which sits in the Nubri Valley surrounded by apple orchards. Here, the locals run their livelihood with agricultural farming of apples, making wines, dry fruits, and candies.

Immersed with these thriving plantations, with the spectacular views of Naike Peak, Himal Chuli, and Peak 29, we will finally arrive at Lho Gaun, also known as Lho village, flanked by the Tibetan stones engraved with mantras, mani walls, chortens, and prayer flags fluttering in the heavy winds. Here, the spectacular vista of Mount Manaslu can be witnessed, thundering against the clear sky.

An enchanting hike awaits us as we reach the alpine zone of the Manaslu circuit. The trail first covers Shyala village, then afterwards the trek continues toward Sama Gaon- our destination for today. However, in between, we will have a great cultural immersion, visiting several gompas and mani walls.

Starting our hike, the trek begins with an uphill walk; we’ll cross the Tibetan-influenced section and also pay a visit to the famous Ribung Gompa- 3,238 meters- where we can relish the echoes of monks, almost 60, meditating here. It is situated just ahead of Mt. Langju, so you can get the best possible view of this Himalayan Range.

Continuing the journey, with spectacular views of several mountains such as  Nadi Chuli, Boudha Himal, Himalchuli, Simnang Himal, and also the prominent view of none other than Mt. Manaslu, we will ascend to Pungen Gompa, walking along the ridge of Pungen Glacier. After around 5 to 6 hours of a mirthful hike, we will finally reach Sama Gaon. 

Get yourself fully booted up, as the main excursion is set for today, on our first acclimatization day within the Manaslu region. Yes! You have two options: either you hike to Manaslu Base Camp or head towards Birendra Lake. As we cannot head to two destinations in a single day, please choose one. Whatever you prefer to go to, that will surely enrich the overall experience, as both stand out as the highlighted sections of this highland.

If you love challenges and can continuously hike for a straight 6-7 hours back and forth, then do not miss out on reaching Manaslu Base Camp (4800 meters); you shall choose to head to the lap of the Manaslu Himalayas. Whereas ascending to Birendra Lake, also called Birendra Tal, formed by a glacier-fed lake, only takes 1.5 to 2 hours, you can hike up here.

After hiking uphill to this mentioned option, we will spend the rest of the day exploring the rich tapestry of the culture of Sama Gaun.

Leaving the territory of Sama Gaun behind, the pathway navigates towards Samdo with a front view of Manaslu North and Manaslu South, with an uphill walk along the Budi Gandaki River side by side. En route, we will bypass the Kali Gandaki River at another confluence of the Larke River, made with the glacier of the Samdo Glacier. 

Persisting on the trail, a bit further we can see the pathway that has two sections where both routes diverge, one toward Manaslu Base Camp and another toward Samdo village. Crossing a wooden bridge over the large white Kani and a juniper-forested section, we will reach Samdo village, which is just a few meters away from the Tibetan Border- Rui La Pass.

Today, the hike is relatively easy as we’ll be hiking for almost 3-4 hours, but with an exploration en route, it takes about 5 hours. The path today winds off to Larke Bazaar, following the Athahra Saya River and the Larke River. Paying a visit to the ancient Taka Choeling Gumba with backdrop views of Pangboche Peak and the gompa adorned with ancient sculptures, mani walls, and thangka paintings.

The trek continues; after a while, we can see a signboard that shows the two pathways, one toward the Tibet border of Rui La Pass and another to the Larke Pass. Moving right of the diversion, through the glacier moraine and a rugged rocky section, the view of the Larke Glacier starts to show up. Continuing the journey to Dharamsala, also known as Larke Phedi, we will spend the night at this last stopping point before reaching the high pass of Dharamsala.

Make yourself fully geared up and crampons all set to use, as we’ll be reaching the highest point of the Manaslu Circuit Trek, Larkya La Pass, which is just around 4 hours away. Waking up early at 3:30 AM, we will get our lunch packed and move toward Larkya La Pass as soon as possible, as if the wind gets too heavy, then it will be strenuous to cross it.

Persisting in the step toward the moraine of the Larkya Glacier and four glacier lakes, following the rugged and snowy trails, the landscape starts to transform into more snowy, frosty surroundings and towering terrain. We will finally reach Larke Pass at 5106 meters. Attaining here, the icy air blows beautifully with the prayer flags flapping in the wind, along the panoramic 360 ° views of several mountains, such as  Samdo Peak, Himlung Himal, Mount Kang Guru, Annapurna II, and Lake Peak bordering Tibet. 

After immersing ourselves here for a while, we will meander downhill along a descending section and reach the azalea bush valley. Following the lush forest all the way down, we will finally arrive at Bhimtang. 

Today, the trail starts with a descent to the lush forest with pine and rhododendron toward Dharapani, where the iconic route of the Annapurna Circuit Trek connects by crossing the bridge over Dudh Koshi River, renowned as the Milky River, and the valley of Sangure Kharka, Yak Kharka, and Kharche. Continuing the step, the pathway leads us to Tiliche village.

Attaining Dharapani, the halfway point to the trek to the Manaslu Circuit, comes to an end, and the pathway to the Annapurna Circuit begins. Get yourself fully immersed in the last point of the Manaslu region and get a sound sleep as the half-enchanted journey starts from tomorrow.

 After having a quick breakfast, the trail begins with navigating through Bagarchhap, where the unique insights start to open up with slatted roofs, Tibetan stone houses, ancient walls, and whitewashed monasteries flanked by Tibetan prayer flags. Continuing the Tibetan territory route, we will bypass several ancient hamlets such as Danakyu and Timang, with the Himalayan range of Annapurna II, Lamjung Himal, and Manaslu. 

Meandering through the rocky, steep, and diverse landscapes, we will finally reach Koto- also the starting point of the Nar Phu Valley- where the permits will be checked to enter the Annapurna restricted area. After 5-6 hours of walking, we’ll finally arrive at Chame, where we will be staying overnight.

After having breakfast, the pathway today leads toward Chame to Pisang, following the roaring bank of the Marshyangdi River through the Brathang, entering the apple orchards where we can see locals engaging in some kind of agricultural activities, such as harvesting and planting. Locals in this Manang district usually rely on either animal husbandry or wool carving and thangka painting; hence, you can catch a glimpse of it.

In between, we will also pass by Talekhu with the pine-forested area, along the small river streams and waterfalls, and reach Paungda, also known as Heaven’s Gate, with the great view of a massive granite cliff. Bypassing another forested area of pine and oaks, along the Dhikur Pokhari, we move forward to Upper Pisang, crossing wooden bridges and a long suspension bridge. Along the way, several snowcapped peaks such as Annapurna II, South, Pisang Peak, and Tilicho Peak, aka Tent Peak.

Today, we can witness the gradual transition of the landscape where the forested and valley sections change into rocky and varied terrain hugely towering Tibetan barren landscape. The pathway begins with an uphill walk to Gheru, crossing this hamlet, with spectacular views of Annapurna South, Annapurna II, Gangapurna, Tare Kang, Chulu Peak, and Tent Peak. 

Afterwards, the prominent view of Annapurna III starts to open up, rising in the clear sky with the most stunning vista, which is when we enter Ngawal Valley, where the section of the Tibetan Buddhist valley starts, surrounded by whitewashed mani walls, chortens, and monasteries with prayer wheels. En route, we will also pay a visit to the oldest monastery, Braga Monastery- the oldest gompa of the Manang district.

After approximately 5-6 hours, we will finally arrive at Manang- the least populated area of Nepal- and interact with the local Manang communities while staying here overnight.

Today is our second acclimatization day set here, and the first one in the Annapurna Circuit, where we have two options available for you. 

Either we hike to Gangapurna Lake or Ice Lake, or we visit the Praken Gompa and Lama Monastery (200-600 rupees). Many hikers visit this gompa before attaining Thorong La Pass as a gesture of gratitude to the 90-year-old Lama, and the offerings are made to attain the high pass successfully and safely with the blessing of the Lama.

Whatever you choose, all of these promises offer an insightful journey and pilgrimage visit, with the highlight being this section of this trek. After this excursion day, we will have enough time to stroll around the Manang Valley and explore the Manang culture, wearing traditional dress and trying local cuisine.

After having a drooling breakfast and leaving Manang village behind, we will get our ACAP Permit checked as we enter the section of Thorung La Pass from here onwards officially. Walking from the main trail on the northern side, we’ll walk along the Marshyangdi River, crossing the Tangki Manang and entering the forested area.

Passing through the forested area of rhododendrons, alpine scrubs, and some pine trees, we will reach Ghusang, from where the narrower section begins. Ascending through the steep pathway, with the spectacular views of the Annapurna Range stretching over Chulu Peak and Gangapurna Himal, we will reach Ghyanchang. Befriended by the captivating vista of the Annapurna Range and yak grazing in pastures, we will arrive at Yak Kharka- 4040 meters- our destination for today.

Starting our odyssey with a downhill walk to Marshyangdi Valley, from where we’ll navigate through Ledar along the roaring sound of Jharang Khola. 

Meandering through this isolated section, with the best possible view of Chulu East Peak on the north side, we will cross a long suspension bridge and a landslide-prone area, from where the pathway takes us to Thorong Phedi, where we will rest a bit, have our lunch, and ascend to Thorong High Camp. It is the last stopping point before crossing the high pass, so that tomorrow's long hike gets a bit easier.

Arriving at Thorong High Camp, we can feel the rise in altitude; hence, sitting in the heated wooden area of the dining room, we will settle in and get some prep for tomorrow. 

Waking up early in the morning, we set out to cross the world’s highest pass, Thorong La. Reaching Thorong La Pass, the highest point, we can catch a spectacular view of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri massif, with the varied landscape. At the front, we get to immerse ourselves in the most prominent view of the Annapurna Himalayas; just on the other side, the dry landscape of the Tibetan barren of the Upper Mustang valley can be seen.  

Walking downhill, through the Kali Gandaki valley of the deepest gorge of the world, we will pay a visit to “Muktinath Temple”- a famous Hindu and Buddhist sacred site connected highly with Lord Vishnu and Guru Rinpoche. After having lunch here, we will catch a jeep and head toward Jomsom, following the apple orchards of Marpha. 

After having an early morning breakfast with an exploration of Josmom valley, we will take a flight to Pokhara. After arriving in Pokhara (PKR), as we will reach sooner, we can enjoy the sparkling city by boating, Kayaking, or even strolling around the lively streets overnight.

If you want to extend the trip for 1-2 days, then you can even do that, but you must pay additional costs. Or else, you can even plan a 2-3 day Pokhara tour with us, where we will lead you to the most amazing places in this city, such as Pundikot, Sarangkot, Devis Fall, Mahendra Cave, and many others.

Note: You can even head to Jomsom-Pokhara via private or shared jeep, as the flights can get delayed (rarely) due to weather conditions. Hence, either way, there will be no problem regarding transportation. 

Right after having breakfast at 6:30 AM, we will take a bus from the bus station at around 7:00 AM and head back to Kathmandu. After reaching here, you will be transferred to the hotel, and in the evening, we will have our trip completion certificate distributed and enjoy the farewell dinner, recalling the memories that were created. Besides, if you want to avoid the long, hectic drive, as the road construction is currently going on on the highway, we can arrange flight tickets for you.