Short Manaslu Circuit Trek

Day 01: Drive from Kathmandu to Soti Khola | Altitude: (715m/2344ft) | Drive: 7-8 Hrs

From Kathmandu, it takes about seven hours to go to Arughat. The initial portion of the drive is pleasant as we go on a highway. The path is difficult from Gorkha, though. Before setting out on our trail from Arughat, we rest for a while. We set out on foot, passing through verdant valleys and rice paddies. We go downstream to the confluence of the Budi Gandaki and Sundi Khola after following the Budi Gandaki Khola (River) and ascending over the Kyoropani. Camp here for the night and have a nice dip. In Soti Khola, spend the night.
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

Day 02: Trek from Soti Khola to Maccha Khola | Altitude: (900m/2953ft) | Trek: 6-7 Hrs

This will be our first day of hiking, and we'll travel a distance of about 22 kilometers due to the trail's lower height. We'll pass through Sal forest before climbing the Budhi Gandaki ridge to get to Kausani. We will eventually arrive at the Gurung settlement of Labubesi by descending through a rice field. We shall eventually reach the Budi Gandaki's bank as we continue to ascend the rugged terrain. To get to Machha Khola, we hike along the sand-filled riverbed and then climb the adjacent ridge. Spend the night in Machha Khola.
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

Day 03: Trek from Maccha Khola to Jagat | Altitude: (1410m/4626ft) | Trek: 6-7 Hrs

Today's trip takes us through Khorlabesi (920m), across the Machha Khola River, and finally to Tatopani, a hot springs destination. Then, as we move toward the Dovan Khola (river) and the Budhi Gandaki Valley, we pass through a forest. You'll notice a shift in the foliage as we hike to higher elevations up until we reach Jagat Village.
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

Day 04: Trek from Jagat to Deng | Altitude: (2095m/6871ft) | Trek: 6-7 Hrs

As we leave Jagat, we head toward Deng. The distance to Deng village, which has only four households, is around seven hours on foot. From Jagat, we descend stone stairs towards the river before ascending to Saguleri, where we pause for a while to take in the breathtaking panorama of the Sringi Himal (7187m). We eventually ascend up to Deng, where we set up camp for the night, after a few more river crossings.
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

Day 05: Trek from Deng to Namrung | Altitude: (2540m/8333ft) | Trek: 6-7 Hrs

This morning, before returning to the Budi Gandaki River, we climb steeply to exercise the lungs. After that, the trail takes us through a valley and a number of tiny towns. You'll see a lot more Mani stones (stones with Tibetan mantras etched on them) as we approach closer to Namrung Village, which is a sign that we're entering more Tibetan country. This afternoon, after a brief detour to Prok village (a two-hour round trip), we'll head back to Namrung.
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

Day 06: Trek from Namrung to Samagaun | Altitude:  (3500m/11480ft) | Trek: 5-7 Hrs

From here on, we will go over an open trail with less vegetation to reach Nepal's actual Himalayas, giving us breathtaking vistas of the mountains. In Namrung, we will savor our breakfast while gazing at Siring Himal, Ganesh Himal, and Mount Himal Chuli. We keep going uphill through the forest to the small Buddhist settlement of Lihi. Lihi is a well-known Buddhist community with numerous Chortens. We move downhill toward Simang Himal valley after passing Lihi, getting closer to Ganesh Himal. We will arrive at Sama Gaun, a popular acclimatization location to explore Manaslu Base Camp(4900m), after continuing our journey with the magnificent vista.
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

Day 07: Trek from Samagaun to Samdo | Altitude: (3860m/12664ft) | Trek: 5-6 Hrs

We walk down the trail that leads to the Budi Gandaki River, cross a bridge over a temporary stream, and then climb a little higher to get to the trail that leads to the Manaslu Base Camp. We hike along the trail as it widens toward the juniper and birch woodland of Kermo Kharka, passing by Mani walls the entire way. The trail leads to the Larkey La Pass. We now descend into the Budi Gandaki River, which becomes narrower as we go higher. We cross a wooden bridge over the river and continue on the stony trail to Samdo.
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

Day 08: Trek from Samdo to Bhimthang | Altitude:  (3720m/12, 201 ft) | Trek: 9-10 Hrs

Today, we travel to the trek's highest point, Larkya La Pass (5106m). Views of Larkya Peak, Mt. Manaslu, Ratna Chuli, Cheo Himal, and other snow-capped Himalayan peaks can be seen from the crossing. We descend steeply from the pass on a very rough trail and pass a frozen lake. At this high altitude, it is, as one might think, much cooler. After there, we keep traveling till we reach Bhimthang.
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

Day 09: Trek back from Bhimthang to Dharapani | Altitude: (1860m/6102ft) | Trek: 7- 8 Hrs

We'll proceed to descend the hill along the river. We will pass through a pine and rhododendron forest along the way, and it will be more enjoyable to explore the jungle where we can observe monkeys, musk deer, leopards, jackals, mountain goats, and other wild species. After stopping for lunch at Surki Khola, we will continue our ascent to the Gho village and descend to the Dharapani Village, where we will spend the night at a lodge.
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

Day 10: Drive from Dharapani to Kathmandu | Drive: 9- 10 Hrs

After breakfast, we go from Besishar to Dharapani via local bus or jeep. It will take around 4 to 5 hours to drive from Chamje to Besishar, going by the lovely Marshyandi River and the villages of Jagat, Shyange, Bhulbule, and Khudi. We will take the mini or bus to Kathmandu. As we head west along the Prithivi Highway toward Kathmandu, the road winds through the picturesque Marsyangdi River valley before meeting the Trishuli River. We will enjoy excellent views of the verdant surroundings and terraced farmland while driving.
Meal: Breakfast