Day 1: Kathmandu to maccha khola drive ,930m.
Maccha Khola is an important gateway to Manaslu Circuit Trek. The drive via local bus from Kathmandu to Sotikhola is 8-9 hours which passes through Dhading and Arughat. The road to Dhading is quite good but from Dhading to Arughat, we will have a bumpy ride. Macha khola is a 2- 3 hours ride from Arughat. We will spend our night at maccha Khola.
(if you upgrade this trip to a private Jeep also an option)
Day 2: Trek to Jagat 1,410m.
As we cross Machha Khola, and then Tharo Khola, we will reach Khorlabesi. A little away from Khorlabesi, there is a small natural hot spring, Tatopani. As we ascend more and face few challenges, we will cross Budi Gandaki through a suspension bridge. Then, we will come across some forests, and walk over a ridge leading to Dobhan. After few more ascends and descends, we will finally reach the village of Jagat. The day includes about 6-7 hours of trekking.
Day 3: Trek to Deng 1,804m, 5 - 6hrs.
Starting from Jagat, we will cross a ridge taking us to Salleri. Then, we will make a descent to Sirdibas. After walking for a while, we will cross a suspension bridge over Budi Gandaki River, thus taking us to Philim. Philim is a Gurung village that gives the positive vibes of Buddhism through monasteries, colorful prayer flags, and Chorten. As we trek further, we will pass through millet fields, and pine, fir, and rhododendron forest. The resting spot for the day is at Deng. Since Deng is an agricultural area, it is famous for potatoes, wheat, cabbage, barley, etc. The day includes 5-6 hours of trek.
Day 4: Trek to Namrung 2,630m.
As we start our trek from Deng, we will cross the Budi Gandaki River several times this day. Passing by dense forest and Mani walls, and after a few uphill climbs, we will reach the village of Namrung. Namrung is a Buddhist village and also homes monasteries, Chorten, power house and Mani walls. It will take about 5-6 hours to reach Namrung from Deng.
Day 5: Trek to Samagaon, 3,530m 6-7 hrs.
A trek of 6-7 hours from Namrung will take us to Samagaon. The morning view of Siring and Ganesh Himal from Samagaon is breath-taking. On this day, we will pass through villages like Lihi, Sho, Lho, Shyala and Sama village. The view of Mt. Manaslu is also breathtaking from Samagaon.
Day 6: Explore Pungyen Monastery: 6-7 hrs.
This is a rest day when we rest as well as acclimatize to the altitude. It is an amazing opportunity to get closer to the rich Sherpa culture and observe their lifestyle. The main place to visit for the day is the Pungyen Monastery, which is not only a beautiful Buddhist shrine but also a great viewpoint of the glaciers. We can also explore the Manaslu Base Camp bringing us face-to-face with the world's eighth highest mountain. The night will be spent at Samagaon.
Day 7: Trek to Samdo (3,860m): 4 - 5 Hrs
After a day's rest at Samagaon, we will trek towards Samdo. The trail is dry and windy as we will cross a high plateau. Samdo is near the Tibetan border and it is a home to many Tibetan Refugees. From Samdo, we can enjoy beautiful views of Mt. Manaslu, Manaslu glacier, Simnang Himal, and Pang Phuchuli. The day comprises about 4-5 hours of walk.
Day 8: Trek to Dharamsala/Larkya B. C. (4,460m): 4 - 5 Hrs
From Samdo, we will walk across more barren and dry trails of Larkya Pass on this day. After few ascend and walk through a ridge, we will near the Larkya Glacier and Larkya Phedi. At Larkya Phedi, we stroll around the Larkya market. This day, we will cross Budi Gandaki River and SalkaKhola.
Day 9: Cross Larkya La (5,160m) - Bimtang (3,720m): 8 - 9 Hrs
This day is quite challenging as we will cross Larkya La Pass. The trek starts with a steep ascent through a meandering trail. As we reach the top, we can enjoy magnificent views of Cho Danda, Larkya peak, Mt. Manaslu, RatnaChuli, Cheo Himal and many other ranges of the Himalayas. Walking across the moraines of the glaciers, we will cross the Larkya La Pass and head downwards to reach a valley of Bimtang. This trail holds many high altitude lakes with gorgeous views. We will reach Bimtang in 8-9 hours.
Day 10: Trek to Tilije 2,300m, 5 - 6 Hrs.
From Bimtang, we will walk along a ridge enjoying spectacular views of the Himalayas. This day beholds a beautiful trail as we will pass through a highland pasture, cross Dudh Khola, walk through the rhododendron forest and witness a high altitude agricultural land. Passing the village of Gho, we will finally reach Tilije after 5-6 hours of walk. We will spend our night at Tilije.
Day 11: Trek to Dharapani 1,700m, 4 -5 Hrs.
From Tilije we will walk for 4-5 hours to reach Tal, which is a village with a beautiful waterfall. The trail passes through ridges, stone pathways, Mani walls, and Chorten to reach the village of Thonje. From Thonje, we march towards Dharapani, which is also a section of the Annapurna Circuit route.
Day 12: Dharapani to Drive Kathmandu/ pokhara: 8-9 hrs.
From Dharapani to Besi Shahar via local jeep, from Besi Shahar, there are buses that take us to Kathmandu. we will drive for 8-9 hours through hills and mountains. At Kathmandu.