Manaslu Base Camp Trek 12 Days

After an early breakfast, we set off on a scenic drive heading west from Kathmandu, passing through bustling towns, terraced farmlands, and along the winding Trishuli and Budhi Gandaki rivers. The road to Arughat is partially paved, and from there, a bumpy but adventurous ride takes us to Soti Khola. En route, you’ll witness the lifestyle of rural Nepal and enjoy views of green hills, waterfalls, and traditional villages. Overnight in a teahouse near the riverside.

Our trek kicks off with a gentle walk through sal forests and rocky trails that hug the Budhi Gandaki River. We cross suspension bridges, pass cascading waterfalls, and weave through Gurung villages. The terrain alternates between small ascents and descents, ending the day at Machha Khola, a village named after the “Fish River” flowing nearby.

We start by crossing the Machha Khola and trekking through Khorlabesi, where the trail passes by natural hot springs at Tatopani. After a short break, we climb a ridge, cross a suspension bridge, and follow a narrow path to the checkpoint village of Jagat — the gateway to the Manaslu Restricted Area. This stone-built village offers our first strong taste of Himalayan culture.

Leaving Jagat, we ascend through sub-tropical forest, crossing several bridges and passing Mani walls, signaling entry into Buddhist-influenced areas. The Budhi Gandaki Gorge narrows as we pass small settlements. After a day of steady trekking, we reach Deng, a small but welcoming village surrounded by barley and buckwheat fields.

Today’s trek features dramatic scenery — forests of fir and oak, high waterfalls, and occasional mountain glimpses. We pass the village of Ghap, with its intricately carved Mani stones, before climbing to Namrung. This large settlement is a cultural hub with Tibetan-style houses, monasteries, and the first panoramic views of Himalchuli and Ganesh Himal.

We gradually ascend through the villages of Lihi, Sho, and Lho, each offering stunning views of Manaslu and neighboring peaks. The landscape becomes more open as we approach Samagaon, the largest village in the region. This is a cultural highlight with traditional stone houses, grazing yaks, and prayer flags fluttering against the backdrop of Manaslu’s north face.

An early start takes us on a challenging ascent to Manaslu Base Camp. The trail climbs through alpine meadows, past glacial streams, and over rocky moraine. At the base camp, we are rewarded with spectacular views of Mount Manaslu, glaciers, and surrounding Himalayan peaks. After soaking in the panorama, we descend back to Samagaon for the night.

A short but scenic day following the Budhi Gandaki upstream. The trail opens into a wide valley with breathtaking views of Samdo Peak and neighboring mountains. Samdo is a small Tibetan refugee village located near the Nepal–Tibet border and serves as an important acclimatization stop before crossing the high pass.

We gradually ascend through alpine terrain, crossing a wooden bridge over the Budhi Gandaki. The views widen, and the air becomes noticeably thinner. Dharamsala (also called Larkya Phedi) is the final overnight stop before the pass and offers basic teahouse accommodation amidst a rugged high-mountain setting.

We gradually ascend through alpine terrain, crossing a wooden bridge over the Budhi Gandaki. The views widen, and the air becomes noticeably thinner. Dharamsala (also called Larkya Phedi) is the final overnight stop before the pass and offers basic teahouse accommodation amidst a rugged high- mountain setting.

A day of descent through rhododendron and pine forests. We pass Kharche, Gho, and Tilje villages, experiencing the shift from alpine to temperate landscapes. The day ends in Dharapani, where the Manaslu Circuit connects with the Annapurna Circuit trail.

A day of descent through rhododendron and pine forests. We pass Kharche, Gho, and Tilje villages, experiencing the shift from alpine to temperate landscapes. The day ends in Dharapani, where the Manaslu Circuit connects with the Annapurna Circuit trail.