About MANASLU CIRCUIT TREK (13 DAYS)

The Manaslu Circuit Trek offers an in-depth exploration of a region that remains distinct and untamed compared to the more frequented trails of Nepal. This route is a passage through the heart of a diverse and culturally rich area, where the landscape transforms dramatically as you ascend from subtropical forests to windswept mountain heights, all while surrounded by the towering presence of Manaslu, the world’s eighth-highest peak.

The first destination is Machha Khola, a small village along a river, where the path cuts through terraced fields, following narrow, twisting trails. These early stages of the trek are a quiet introduction to the trek’s depth. The landscape changes slowly. Villages such as Machha Khola and Jagat are home to locals from the Gurung and Tamang ethnic groups. Their stone houses, set against green hills, and the presence of Buddhist stupas and prayer wheels offer glimpses into the area’s rich cultural heritage. As you rise, the topography becomes increasingly dramatic. The forests gradually thin out, giving way to the stark beauty of alpine landscapes. The air grows thinner, and the surroundings feel more expansive, as the sounds of the world below fade into the quietude of high altitude. The trek moves along a series of ridges that offer sweeping vistas of distant peaks and deep valleys, and the path occasionally crosses narrow, suspension bridges that span the powerful rivers rushing below.

At higher elevations, the journey passes through several alpine villages, including Samagaon, a Tibetan-influenced settlement that lies at the foot of Manaslu. The influence of Tibetan Buddhism is evident here, with chortens, mani walls, and monasteries dotting the landscape. The village’s layout and structure offer a sense of timelessness, as if it has remained unchanged for generations, despite the growing encroachment of modernity on other parts of Nepal. You will spend an extra day here acclimatizing and exploring the village.

After Samagaon, the route continues towards the Larkya La Pass (5160 meters), an important landmark on the trek. The climb is demanding, and the pass itself offers a moment of reflection—both physical and spiritual—at the point where the path turns back towards the lower valleys. From here, the view stretches across the Manaslu massif and the surrounding peaks, providing a striking contrast between the rugged, barren terrain and the majesty of the snow-covered mountains. The descent from Larkya La is quite challenging, as it is a very steep, slippery slope. The trek concludes at Dharapani, where the route meets the more trafficked Annapurna Circuit, signaling a return to more populated areas.