Manaslu Circuit Trek – Larkya La Pass 5106m

On the initial day of your 12-Day Manaslu Trek Itinerary, you embark on your journey in the morning after breakfast, making your way to Machha Khola from Kathmandu. Traveling on the Prithivi Highway beside the Marysyangdi and Trishuli Rivers, take in the stunning sights of the vibrant valley, hills, and picturesque mountains in the distance before reaching Dhading Besi. The path extends from this point to Arughat and can be somewhat uneven as you navigate the stony trails heading northwest, on the opposite side of the Budhi Gandaki River.

Continuing along the path, you'll first encounter the Soti Khola, the beginning point for trekking excursions in the Manaslu area. After crossing various Gurung and Magar villages, you will eventually reach Machha Khola.

You start your journey by heading to the police checkpoint in Machha Khola, where your permits are verified prior to accessing the trail. The path winds alongside the river through a picturesque gorge featuring a combination of easy trails and steep ascents. On your journey, you arrive at Tatopani, famous for its natural hot spring—an enticing place to soothe your muscles.

As you move forward, the path goes through wooded areas with sights of Ganesh Himal and Shringi Himal, ultimately leading you to Yuri Bagar and the remarkable 158-meter cantilever bridge. Upon crossing, you continue along the trail to arrive at Jagat, the gateway to the Manaslu Conservation Area, where you'll overnight in this tranquil mountain village.

The trek today starts with an ascent of a rocky ridge to arrive at Salleri, then progresses further to Sirdibas. Traversing the path to Ghatta Khola, you pass over an extensive suspension bridge and head towards the Gurung village of Phillim. Starting from the lower section of the village, the path proceeds north along smooth trails amidst maize fields, ultimately arriving at Ekle Bhatti, a quaint stop where lunch and rest are available.

Subsequently, the path goes through a steep canyon, then descends over grassy hillsides. You traverse the Budhi Gandaki River several times using suspension bridges as the path moves from one side to the other. As the trail broadens, you stroll through tranquil bamboo groves until arriving at Deng Khola. After you cross the river, a brief walk leads you to the serene, little village of Deng, where you will stay overnight.

After breakfast in Deng, you begin one of the most culturally rich segments of the trek. You first cross the Budhi Gandaki and gradually climb toward the bridges that link to the trail coming from Bihi. Turning west, the route ascends through a beautiful valley filled with lush forests, alpine vegetation, and traditional villages, while distant snowcapped peaks begin to reveal themselves. A stop at Prok village offers stunning views of the majestic Siringi Himal. Continuing the trek past Ghap, you follow the trail onward until arriving at the welcoming settlement of Namrung.

Leaving Namrung, the path offers expansive views of the Himalayas as the valley opens up and the vibrant temperate woodlands start to diminish. The scenery slowly shifts from lively greens to the subdued alpine shades of browns and grays. As you journey, you traverse the lovely village of Lho, renowned for its stunning vistas of Manaslu and the serene Rebung Gompa monastery situated on the mountainside. Moving ahead, the path winds through woodlands and open fields where yak caravans frequently journey, providing insight into the cultural lifestyle in this secluded area.

As you continue along the path, the valley reveals a breathtaking glacier-formed basin encircled by imposing mountains, leading you to Samagaun. By noon or early afternoon, you will arrive at this inviting village—frequently regarded as the most delightful halt of the trek—boasting small shops, bakeries, and teahouses offering hot showers (for an additional fee). After you get comfortable, refrain from sleeping for extended periods and opt for a leisurely stroll around the village instead. Remaining active aids your body in adapting well and readies you for the greater elevations to come.

As you are now hiking above 3,000 meters, acclimatization is essential for your body to adapt to the decreased oxygen levels. Day 7 of the Manaslu Circuit schedule is intended for this aim, promoting physical activity instead of total relaxation. A well-known choice is a consistent 3–4-hour round-trip trek to Pungyen Gompa, ascending to about 4,050 meters. The path is moderately challenging and clearly marked, providing breathtaking close-up vistas of Manaslu's eastern face and the glacier, usually free of crowds.

For a tougher experience, you can choose the all-day trek to Manaslu Base Camp. The journey starts with a 45–60-minute trek to Birendra Tal, a stunning turquoise lake located under the glacier, before ascending moraine and grassy inclines to arrive at base camp at 4,800 meters. This 8–10-hour trek offers great acclimatization with stunning mountain scenery. No matter what option you select, you'll be back in Samagaun by early afternoon, allowing time to relax, discover the village, or enjoy the sunshine.

On this day, the journey starts with a slight downhill toward the Budhi Gandaki River, then steadily rises through juniper and birch woodlands and expansive alpine meadows. As you proceed, the path goes by numerous mani walls and traverses a wooden bridge, guiding you to the famous white stone arch at Kani Gateway, signifying your arrival in Samdo, a remote Tibetan refugee village located at the northern border of Nepal.

Upon arriving in Samdo, it is advisable to ask for a room that overlooks the valley. During the evening, you can observe locals caring for their yak herds on the ridges or take a brief walk to the viewpoint above the village for stunning panoramic views of Manaslu, Pang Phuchuli, and Himlung Himal.

Following breakfast, the path leads you over a tranquil wooden bridge spanning the Budhi Gandaki River, meandering by historic mani walls decorated with vibrant prayer flags. Next, you go through Larkya Bazaar, a provisional Tibetan market center, before starting the gradual climb up the Salka Khola Valley, where the impressive Larkya Glacier can be seen. The ascent is moderate, providing numerous chances to appreciate the nearby alpine landscape.

The day ends at Dharamsala (Larkya La Phedi) at 4,460 m, a secluded group of stone lodges that acts as a crucial acclimatization site. During the journey, the guide typically stops close to the glacier viewpoint, allowing trekkers to relax and sip on a hot cup of tea, aiding the body in acclimating to the decreasing air pressure before arriving at the Phedi.

The nineth day of the trek is the most demanding, beginning with an early start toward the northern side of the Larkya Glacier. Along the way, you’ll witness stunning views of Cho Danda and Larkya Peak before climbing steadily toward the trek’s major highlight—the Larkya La Pass at 5,106 meters, one of the highest passes in the region. From the top, you’re rewarded with breathtaking panoramas of Himalayan giants, including Mt. Annapurna II, Cheo Himal, Kang Guru, and Himlung Himal.

After spending some time at the pass, you descend steeply along the high moraine ridge of the Salpudanda Glacier. The trail then leads you down to the grassy moraine of Dangboche Kharka, gradually becoming easier as you continue. After about six hours of trekking, you arrive at a wide meadow with a Mani Wall and a small rest house—marking the entrance to the picturesque village of Bimthang, where you stay overnight.

You begin the final and longest day of your trek with a 7–8-hour, 34 km walk heading south below Bimthang, moving behind the moraine wall and crossing the Bimthang Glacier. After climbing the far moraine wall, the trail leads you into some of the most beautiful forests in Nepal, with deep stretches of pine, oak, and rhododendron. The path eventually descends toward the Dudh Koshi river, opening up to wonderful views of the Marsyangdi valley along the way.

Continuing onward, you reach Tilche, a Gurung village known for its locally made brandy, which you can enjoy before moving ahead. Passing through a few police checkpoints, you make your way to Dharapani—the entry point of the famous Annapurna Circuit trek. This is where you will conclude the day with an overnight stay.

Today, you board a Jeep and travel along mountain roads toward Besisahar. The drive offers glimpses of rivers, villages, and farmland as the terrain softens and the altitude lowers. You’ll spend the night or continue depending on travel preferences.

On Day 12, you begin your return journey from the trail, driving from Besisahar toward either Kathmandu or Pokhara. The scenic drive takes you through lush hills, terraced fields, and charming rural settlements, offering one last glimpse of Nepal’s diverse landscapes. Depending on your destination, you’ll either continue along the Prithvi Highway back to Kathmandu or follow the western route toward the serene lakeside city of Pokhara. This comfortable drive marks the end of your unforgettable Manaslu trekking adventure.