Manaslu and Nubri, Nepal / Trek

Manaslu Circuit

Follow the Budhi Gandaki into Nubri, spend time at Samagaon and cross Larkya La toward Bimthang.

Terraced fields on the Manaslu Circuit
Terraced fields on the Manaslu Circuit.
Duration
18 daysOutline programme
Larkya La
5,106 mRoute objective
Season
Spring and autumnAsk for current dates
Experience
Challenging high-pass trekTrek

A closer look at the journey.

The Manaslu Circuit follows the Budhi Gandaki valley through lower settlements and into the higher villages of Nubri. The route passes Namrung and Samagaon before reaching Samdo and the approach to Larkya La. The change from river gorge to open mountain country gives the journey a clear sense of progression.

The programme includes rest time at Samagaon and Samdo before the pass crossing and descent to Bimthang. Road access can alter the lower start and finish, so those travel stages should be agreed with the walking plan. Beyond the high point, the route returns through Tilije and the Annapurna-side settlements before the journey back to Kathmandu.

  • The Budhi Gandaki approach
  • Samagaon and Samdo in Nubri
  • Larkya La and the descent to Bimthang

The route, day by day.

This is an outline programme. The team will confirm the route and arrangements with you, allowing for weather, access and local conditions.

Day 1Arrive in Kathmandu

Begin the programme with your arrival connection and time to settle in. Meet the local team to review the journey ahead.

Day 2Kathmandu: sightseeing and preparation

Spend the day on the planned local visits, with walking and travel arranged around access and your interests.

Day 3Drive to the Soti Khola approach

Continue the agreed road or onward travel stage, with stops and the overnight location coordinated locally.

Day 4Soti Khola to Machha Khola

Follow the walking route from Soti Khola to Machha Khola. Overnight arrangements follow the agreed programme.

Day 5Machha Khola to Jagat

Follow the walking route from Machha Khola to Jagat. Overnight arrangements follow the agreed programme.

Day 6Jagat to Deng

Follow the walking route from Jagat to Deng. Overnight arrangements follow the agreed programme.

Day 7Deng to Namrung

Follow the walking route from Deng to Namrung. Overnight arrangements follow the agreed programme.

Day 8Namrung to Samagaon

Follow the walking route from Namrung to Samagaon. Overnight arrangements follow the agreed programme.

Day 9Samagaon: acclimatisation and local walk

Remain in the area with time to rest. Any local walk is selected with your guide according to the conditions and the group.

Day 10Samagaon to Samdo

Follow the walking route from Samagaon to Samdo. Overnight arrangements follow the agreed programme.

Day 11Rest and acclimatisation at Samdo

Remain in the area with time to rest. Any local walk is selected with your guide according to the conditions and the group.

Day 12Samdo to Dharamsala

Follow the walking route from Samdo to Dharamsala. Overnight arrangements follow the agreed programme.

Day 13Cross Larkya La to Bimthang

Follow the planned high-route stage when conditions allow. Your guide confirms the timing, pace and overnight arrangements.

Day 14Bimthang to Tilije

Follow the walking route from Bimthang to Tilije. Overnight arrangements follow the agreed programme.

Day 15Tilije to Tal

Follow the walking route from Tilije to Tal. Overnight arrangements follow the agreed programme.

Day 16Tal to Syange

Follow the walking route from Tal to Syange. Overnight arrangements follow the agreed programme.

Day 17Drive to Kathmandu

Continue the agreed road or onward travel stage, with stops and the overnight location coordinated locally.

Day 18Depart Kathmandu

Complete the programme with the agreed departure transfer and onward travel arrangements.

A clear plan and quotation.

Request an itemised quotation for your group, dates and preferred level of support. Agree the inclusions before booking travel.

Services to discuss

  • Local guiding and mountain support arrangements
  • City and mountain accommodation, equipment and meal plan
  • Ground travel and any domestic flights shown in the agreed programme
  • Local access and trip arrangements required for the route

Budget separately

  • International travel and connections outside the agreed programme
  • Personal travel insurance and personal equipment
  • Drinks, personal purchases and optional activities
  • Tips and changes requested beyond the agreed programme

Before you set out.

Previous multi-day walking experience and preparation for consecutive mountain days are useful. Discuss the altitude, terrain and pass requirements with the team.

Accommodation: Hotels on the travel stages, with mountain lodges or camps as agreed for the walking route.

Use the trip preparation guide to plan equipment, travel documents and questions for the team.

Can the daily walking plan change?

Yes. Weather, trail conditions and the group's pace can affect individual stages. Agree the overall route and any important alternatives with the team.

Where are the rest days?

The outline includes time at Samagaon and Samdo before the approach to Larkya La. Final daily stages are agreed with the guide.

Everest, Lhotse and Makalu catching the last sun, seen from Gokyo Ri

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Highest altitude so far, any summits, and when you can travel.