Manaslu Circuit Short Trek

Drive from Kathmandu (1,400 m) to Machha Khola (900 m)

Today after breakfast in the Kathmandu, you will take a bus ride to Maccha Khola (900 m). This scenic drive takes about 8-9 hours by bus. Once you reach Machha Khola, you can take a good rest and prepare for the next day’s trek. Overnight stay at Machha Khola.

Accomodation: Lodge Duration: 8-9 hours drive Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Distance: Around 160 km

Trek from Machha Khola (900 m) to Jagat (1,340 m)

Today you will start your trek crossing the Machha river and Khrolabesi. You will pass through the hot springs at Tatopani. Following the forest trail, you will cross the Dovan Khola and continue your trek to the Budhi Gandaki Valley. After 6-7 hours of a walk along with the white sandy areas with great scenery, you will reach Jagat at an altitude of 1,340 m above the sea level.

Accomodation: Lodge Duration: 6-7 hours trek Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Ascent: +540 m approx. Descent: -100 m approx. Distance: Around 15 km

Trek from Jagat (1,340 m) to Bihi Phedi (1,990 m) / Deng (1,860 m)

Early in the morning, you will get your trekking permits checked in Jagat and start descending to the river and climb the terraced hill to Salleri. From here you will get awe-inspiring views of Sringi Himal (7,190 m). After passing through Sirdibas you will reach the beautiful village of Phillim. From here leaving the Tsum Valley trail you will head toward the Deng (1,860 m). Beautiful mani walls welcome you to Deng. Today you will walk for 5-6 hours from Jagat to Deng. Overnight stay at Deng village.

Accomodation: Lodge Duration: 5-6 hours trek Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Ascent: +700 m approx. Descent: -180 m approx. Distance: Around 17 km

Trek from Deng (1,860 m) to Namrung (2,630 m)

Leaving behind the Deng, you will cross Budhi Gandaki river and climb uphill to Rana (1,910 m). Then the trail extends to Bhi and then up to Budhi Gandaki Valley. Walking through the lush green forest and passing through the several mani walls you will reach Ghap village. Along the way, you will enjoy the great view of Shingri Himal. After crossing Budhi Gandaki river several times you will traverse through narrow gorges and arrive at Namrung (2,630 m) for an overnight stay.

Today’s 5 hours trek is fascinating in terms of culture and people. You will enter into the Nubri state. Here you will encounter the people, culture, and lifestyle which is heavily influenced by Tibetans. So, the culture and lifestyle of the people here are completely different from the people from the lower valley.

Accomodation: Lodge Duration: 5-6 hours trek Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Ascent: +770 m approx. Descent: -50 m approx. Distance: Around 18 km

Trek from Namrung (2,630 m) to Sama Gaun (3,530 m)

From Namrung onwards, you will trek into the higher altitude. So, you need to keep yourself hydrated all the time. After a short walk on easy terrain, you will walk uphill till you reach the village of Shyo. Now onwards, the majestic view of Mt. Manaslu (8,163 m) will accompany you. Enjoying the outstanding view of Siring, Himchuli, and Ganesh Himla you will reach Lho (3,180 m).

Further, the trail drops into the river and climb till Shyala. From here the valley starts to open up and you will walk on flat land and pass several pasturelands. Finally, after 5-6 hours of exciting trek, you will reach Sama Gaun at an altitude of 3,530 m. Overnight stay at Sama Gaun.

Accomodation: Lodge Duration: 5-6 hours trek Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Ascent: +900 m approx. Distance: Around 17 km

Rest day at Sama Gaun (3,530 m): Acclimatization or Optional Hike to Manaslu Base Camp (4,800 m)

Today is set for acclimatization day at Sama Gaun. As almost after a week trek it is a good idea to acclimatize before heading toward the higher elevation. On this day, if you wish you can trek towards the Manaslu Base Camp (4,750 m). It is approximately a 7-8 hours walk to and back. Also, you can visit ancient Pungyen Gompa which offers great vies of Pungyen Glacier or Birendra Lake. Sama Gaun is a very interesting village to learn about the Tibetan culture of this region. Overnight stay at Sama Gaun.

Accomodation: Lodge Duration: 4-8 hours (optional hike) Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Ascent: +1,270 m (if hiking to Manaslu Base Camp) Descent: -1,270 m (return to Sama Gaun) Distance: Around 13 km (optional hike)

Trek from Sama Gaun (3,530 m) to Samdo (3,875 m)

Today after acclimatization day at Sama Gaun, you will head towards Samdo at an altitude of 3,875 meters above the sea level. Following the Budhi Gandaki River, you will walk through the forest of birch, juniper, and rhododendron. On the way to Samdo, you will pass by the left side of the long Mani walls at Kyonggma Kharka. Samdo is a small settlement and perhaps last one before Larkya La Pass. This settlement lies very close to the Tibetan border. In the afternoon, you will explore the village and the surrounding hills and come back to Samdo for an overnight stay.

Accomodation: Lodge Duration: 4-5 hours trek Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Ascent: +345 m approx. Descent: -20 m approx. Distance: Around 8 km

Trek from Samdo (3,875 m) to Dharamsala / Larke Phedi (4,460 m)

On day 8 of Manaslu Circuit Short Trek, you will head towards from Samdo to Dharmasala (4,470 m), also known as Larkya Phedi. After crossing a couple of streams you will reach the Larkya Bazaar. You ‘ll continue your walk along the traditional trade way to Tibet. Walking through the ridges to the right you will find a trail that traverses over the top of two gorges. As you climb high you can see the huge Larkya Glacier coming from Manaslu.

After 3-4 hours of climb, with panoramic mountain vistas, you will reach Dharmasala. This place is beautifully surrounded by the breathtaking views of mountain scenery and barren hillsides. You will feel the altitude overnight stay at Dharamsala.

Accomodation: Lodge Duration: 3-4 hours trek Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Ascent: +585 m approx. Distance: Around 6 km

Trek from Dharamsala (4,460 m) to Bimtang (3,720 m) via Larke Pass (5,160 m)

After morning breakfast, you will head towards to the north side of the Larkya Glaciers where you will get the wonderful views of Cho Danda and Larkya Peak. Then after walking for four hours, you will get to the top of the Larkya La (5,160 m). The top offers enthralling mountain views of Himlung Himal (7,126 m), Kang Kuru (6,981 m), Cheo Himal (6,820 m), and Mt. Annapurna II (7,937 m).

Further, you will descend through steep trail towards Bimtang (3,720 m) for an overnight stay. It is a small beautiful village which offers a fantastic view of Lamjung, Manaslu, and Himlung Himal.

Accomodation: Lodge Duration: 8-9 hours trek Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Ascent: +700 m approx. (up to Larke Pass) Descent: -1,440 m approx. (down to Bimtang) Distance: Around 22 km

Trek from Bimtang (3,720 m) to Dharapani (1,700 m) via Gho

Today you will trek down from Bimtang to Dharapani (1,700 m). The trail leads you through the Bimtang glacier and continues the walk through the forest of rhododendron and pine and passes Sangure Kharka. Continue your trek till the cultivated land of Karche. From Karche, you will head the towards the west bank of Dudh Koshi River and head towards Tilije.

Furthermore, you will cross the viewpoint of Manaslu and enter into the valley of Gho (2,560 m). Now crossing the bridge over the Dudh Khola and walk on the south for about a half an hour you will reach Dharapani for an overnight stay.

Accomodation: Lodge Duration: 6-7 hours trek Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Ascent: +50 m approx. Descent: -2,020 m approx. Distance: Around 23 km

Drive from Dharapani (1,700 m) to Kathmandu (1,400 m)

Today is the last day of the Manaslu Circuit Short Trek, where you will descend from Dharapani to Kathmandu on a local bus. The drive will take you from Bahundanda, Besisahar, Dumre, and finally Kathmandu. Upon arrival at Kathmandu, you will be guided to your hotel where you can rest or explore the nearby places. Overnight stay at Kathmandu.

Duration: 8-9 hours drive Meal: Breakfast Descent: -300 m approx. Distance: Around 150 km