Manaslu and Annapurna Circuit Trek 19 Days

Your adventure begins with a scenic drive westward along the Prithvi Highway before turning north through the Gorkha district. The journey follows the winding Trishuli and Budhi Gandaki Rivers, passing terraced fields, small market towns, and lush green hills. We reach Machha Khola, a riverside village where the sound of flowing water sets the tone for the trek ahead.

The trek starts gently, crossing suspension bridges over the Budhi Gandaki and navigating through forested ridges. We pass small Gurung settlements and natural hot springs at Tatopani before climbing stone steps into the picturesque village of Jagat, known for its slate-paved streets and traditional houses.

Leaving Jagat, the trail undulates through subtropical forests and cliffside paths. We pass the checkpoint for the Manaslu Conservation Area and follow the river upstream to Philim, a large Gurung village. Continuing through millet and buckwheat fields, we finally arrive at Deng, a small settlement with Tibetan cultural influences.

Today’s walk takes us deeper into the Himalayan foothills. The scenery shifts to pine and rhododendron forests, with occasional glimpses of Manaslu’s snowy peaks. We cross several suspension bridges and ascend gradually to Namrung, a charming village with intricately carved wooden houses and prayer wheels. Namrung offers our first panoramic view of Manaslu, Ganesh Himal, and Himalchuli.

A steady climb through alpine landscapes leads us past the villages of Lho and Shyala, each offering striking views of the mountains. Monasteries, chortens, and mani walls dot the trail. We eventually reach Samagaun, a traditional Tibetan-style village situated directly beneath Manaslu’s majestic north face.

We spend the day acclimatizing to the higher altitude. Optional hikes include a visit to Manaslu Base Camp (4,800m) for breathtaking glacier views, or Birendra Lake, a turquoise glacial lake nearby. Exploring the village, you can observe traditional yak herding and Tibetan handicrafts.

A short trek today to aid acclimatization. The trail ascends gradually, passing mani walls and juniper shrubs, with stunning views of the Syacha Glacier. We arrive in Samdo, a high-altitude village just a day’s walk from the Tibetan border, known for its yak caravans and trading history.

We climb steadily through barren landscapes with sparse vegetation. Dharamshala, also called Larke Phedi, serves as the final stop before the Larke La Pass. This high camp has basic facilities and offers mesmerizing sunset views over the Himalayas.

A challenging day as we start before dawn. The climb to Larke La is gradual but demanding due to altitude and thin air. From the top, we’re rewarded with panoramic views of Manaslu, Himlung Himal, Cheo Himal, and Annapurna II. The descent to Bimtang is steep, passing through moraine fields and eventually into alpine meadows.

We descend through rhododendron and pine forests, crossing glacial streams. The trail becomes gentler as we pass through Karche and Tilje, eventually joining the Annapurna Circuit route at Dharapani, a lively trail junction village.

Following the Marsyangdi River upstream, we trek past apple orchards and charming villages like Bagarchhap and Timang. Chame is the administrative center of Manang district, with excellent views of Lamjung Himal and modern trekking facilities.

We enter a narrow gorge, then gradually ascend to Dhukur Pokhari. The trail opens into a broad valley with dramatic views of Annapurna II and Pisang Peak. We stay in the lower or upper Pisang area depending on preference and weather.

Taking the scenic upper route through Nawal, we enjoy bird’s-eye views of the valley and visit ancient Buddhist monasteries. The trail then descends to Manang, a cultural hub famous for its bakeries and panoramic views of Gangapurna Glacier.

Another acclimatization day with options to hike to Ice Lake (4,600m) for stunning views or explore the Gangapurna Lake and local cultural museum. This rest helps prepare for Thorong La Pass.

The trail gradually climbs above the tree line, with sparse vegetation and wide-open Himalayan vistas. Ledar is a small settlement surrounded by rocky hills.

A short but steep ascent brings us to Thorong High Camp. Early arrival allows for rest and preparation for the big pass crossing.

We start before sunrise to reach Thorong La early. The climb is tough but offers sweeping 360-degree mountain panoramas. The descent to Muktinath is long and gradual. After visiting the sacred temples of Muktinath, we take a jeep ride to Jomsom.

We follow the Kali Gandaki Gorge, the deepest in the world, passing by charming Thakali villages and apple orchards before reaching lakeside Pokhara.

A scenic return drive along the Prithvi Highway, passing rivers, hills, and villages, marks the end of your trekking adventure.