Manaslu Base Camp Trek

Your day begins early in Kathmandu, and before the city fully wakes up, you will begin your driving journey toward Soti Khola. Leaving the capital valley, you drive follows the Trishuli River for much of the morning, where terraced hillsides and scattered settlements start to replace urban scenery.  After reaching Mugling, the road turns north, and it starts to get noticeably rougher. The smooth highway fades into a narrower mountain road as you move toward Arughat Village, following the course of the Budhi Gandaki River. 

Villages here in the countryside sit higher above the river. The fields are carved into steep slopes, and suspension bridges stretch across deep gorges. The final stretch to Soti Khola feels remote and raw; the road gets bumpy often, but it is a visually rewarding experience. You will then finally arrive at Soti Khola Village, which sits at the confluence of the forest hills and soaring river. The surrounding landscape makes it feel clear that your Himalayan journey has truly begun.

This first day of your Manaslu Base Camp Trek itinerary is less about the physical effort and more about adjusting your mindset. From tomorrow, you will be leaving the comfort and predictability behind and stepping into the unspoiled rhythm of the mountains.

After enjoying a warm breakfast in Soti Khola, you will step out on the trail. The trekking path from here immediately rises above the Budhi Gandaki, winding through forested slopes and rocky sections. The river keeps you company across the route, and as the trail bends and descends, you will make an entrance at the small settlement of Lapubesi. 

Beyond Lapubesi, your trail continues to undulate, and you will cross small streams and wooden bridges along the way. The path narrows down, and sometimes it cuts directly into the cliff face. You will need to keep steady movement and be careful with your footing in such stretches. As you continue walking further ahead, you will arrive at Khursani Village, and you will push forward across shaded stretches. Here, the river widens slightly, and the atmosphere feels calmer. 

During the final part of this day’s trek, you will move along the trail that dips and rises, cross a suspension bridge, and pass small cultivated patches on the slopes. You will arrive at Maccha Khola in the afternoon. It is a beautiful settlement stretched along the river with a handful of lodges and houses. The sound of the cascading river and the enclosed valley make the evening here feel immersive and provide a sense that now you are moving steadily deeper in the Manaslu region. 

Your Manaslu Base Camp Trek route from Machha Khola begins with a demanding rhythm, as it climbs and descends across the rugged terrain following the Budhi Gandaki River. After you cross a suspension bridge, the path leads you toward Khorlabesi Village. Moving onward, the route reaches Tatopani Village, which is tucked beside the river and popular for its natural hot spring. From here, the trekking trail climbs steadily and crosses the landslide-prone stretch.

As you continue further, the settlements of Dobhan and Yaru Phant appear gradually along the riverbanks. Each of these settlements marks your progress in altitude and terrain. As you climb higher, the landscape begins to change subtly. Filed thin out, slopes get steeper, and now the villages are more compact. The final ascent to Jagat is long but rewarding. You will traverse across stone-paved paths to the village. 

Jagat stands out immediately, with its structured layout, traditional stone houses, and a noticeable Tibetan influence in architecture and daily life. Arriving at this stop is not just the end of the long trekking day; it also marks a clear transition in the journey. Now, the culture, environment, and the pace of life begin to reflect the higher Himalayan world that lies ahead.

Leaving Jagat early in the morning, you will follow the trail that climbs gently along the stone-paved path. You will pass mani walls, prayer flags, and carved stone, which start to appear more frequently. The culture and terrain reflects on the growing Tibetan Buddhist culture influence in the region. The Budhi Gandaki River will continue to guide your trek as it flows deep below the forested slopes and narrow gorges.

As you continue walking further, you will arrive at Salleri Village, and a steady descent from here leads you to Sirdibas Village. Then, the trail crosses a suspension bridge beyond the village, taking you into Philim Village, one of the largest settlements in this section. Philim feels lively and offers a brief glimpse into daily mountain life before the trail presses on. The valley ahead narrows again as the route moves toward Ekle Bhatti. From here, the trail becomes more rugged and weaves across forest and exposed sections as the river continues to soar below.

Then, the bamboo forest starts to line the parts of the path, signaling that the shift in vegetation as the altitude gradually increases. After crossing Pewa in the final leg, you will then finally arrive at Deng. The landscape at this altitude feels wider and more enclosed. Deng sits peacefully along the riverbank and is surrounded by steep forest walls. Settling in the quiet and reflective atmosphere of Deng makes you feel that you have arrived at a hidden realm that is not part of the outside world. 

The trail from Deng begins with a steady climb. You will cross the Budhi Gandaki River and wind through the forested terrain where the air feels cooler and thinner. As you climb higher, the characteristics of villages along the way start to change. You will trek across the Rana and Bihi Phedi, where stone houses and prayer flags hint at the deeper Tibetan cultural roots of the region. Soon, the trail opens onto a wider valley, and Namrung comes into view, perched on a terrace above the river.

From Namrung, the trail weaves across open pastures and occasional forest patches as the valley begins to rise more steeply. Then, you will enter Ghap Village, which is a slightly larger settlement spread across pleasteua-like slope. The stone houses, mani walls, and the cultivated terraced fields mark the continuity of human life amid the high Himalayas. Ghap feels like a natural checkpoint where trekkers pause briefly before the final ascent. Beyond this point, the trekking route becomes quieter and passes through forested sections.

As your path continues to rise higher, the landscape begins to open dramatically. On a clear day, you can enjoy the first close-up views of Manaslu’s upper slopes from the forest clearings. The trail then gradually leads you to Lho Village, a striking settlement set on a wide terrace that overlooks the valley. This stop feels more expansive and serene. With the Manaslu’s massive north face visible from the village, the evening feels profound and marks a clear transition into the high Himalayan environment. 

Your trek on Manaslu Base Camp Trek route on this segment follows a gentler pace, which allows you time to absorb the alpine scenery that now defines the trek. Leaving Lho Village, you will move along the trail that passes chortens and prayer flags and gradually climbs across the open slopes. The views of Manaslu become more frequent and dramatic from here onwards. You will then arrive at Shyala Village, which has traditional houses scattered across a broad plateau and is surrounded by towering peaks. 

This section of the trail feels expansive and exposed, with sweeping views that include Himalchuli and Ngadi Chuli on clear days. Moving past Shyala, the path remains gentle and you will across stream and open meadows which signal your arrival in a true high-Himalayan landscape. You will then continue walking toward Samagaun, which is a well-established settlement set beneath stunning peaks. Arriving at Samagaun marks an important acclimatization point of the Manaslu Circuit Trek route. 

As you are now traversing the high-altitude portion of the trail, a short walking day allows you enough time to settle, rest, and adapt to the changing atmosphere. Now, you will be able to enjoy the full alpine character of the Manaslu region and prepare for the higher and more demanding stages ahead. 

Samagaun is the kind of stop where acclimatization feels natural rather than forced. After waking up here, the thin air is noticeable, but the wide valley and open surroundings create a sense of calm. This day in your Manaslu Base Camp Trek itinerary has been designed to let your body adapt to the altitude while still staying gently active, following the ‘climb high, sleep low’ rule. Short walks around the village reveal the layers of life shaped by altitudes. Stone houses sit behind the low walls built to protect barely and potato fields. 

Likewise, the prayer flags stretch across rooftops and paths, and mani walls guide your steps as you move through the village. Beyond Samagaun, the trails lead toward nearby rides and viewpoints from where you can catch the breathtaking views of Manaslu and other surrounding peaks. On this day, you will be able to explore the village and the surrounding edges of the valleys at an unhurried and relaxed pace. 

This balance of light movement and recovery is essential not only for physical acclimatization but for the mental preparation as well. The trek from here onwards transitions toward its most dramatic and demanding sections. 

Leaving Samagaun behind, you will follow the path toward the north across open terrain stretching toward Manaslu Base Camp. Your trail climbs gradually at first, following the glacial streams and rocky moraines. The vegetation starts to become sparse, and the landscape feels increasingly stark as you climb higher. Your every step brings a noticeable change in the air and temperatures, so making a slow and steady pace is essential. The trail continues to weave across the scattered boulders and glacial debris, offering you uninterrupted views of Manaslu’s ice and rock walls. 

Reaching Manaslu Base Camp feels both subtle and powerful. There are no large settlements here, only a wide and open area at the edge of the glacier. The Manaslu Base Camp area is framed by massive peaks and shifting ice. Standing here, surrounded by the scale and stillness of the Himalayas, the effort of the climb feels justified. You will spend your time around the base camp absorbing the surroundings without any rush. Remember, altitude demands respect and awareness. 

Take your time to relish the atmosphere beneath the eight-highest peak in the world. Standing beneath the towering peaks in a tranquil atmosphere truly feels like you have entered a different, hidden world. After taking in the sunset views, you will then rest at the camp, enjoying the warm meals prepared by your team under the starry sky. 

Your return journey from the Manaslu Base Camp begins with a careful descent, retracing the route across moraine fields and rocky sections. Moving downhill feels physically easier, but you need to be careful with your footing as the terrain can be uneven and exposed. As altitude drops, breathing becomes noticeably more comfortable, and your body begins to relax after the previous day’s exertion. 

The landscape slowly softens as you descend. Glacial ground gives way to alpine meadows, and small streams reappear along the trail. With each step back toward Samagaun, the environment feels more familiar, and the trail feels quietly reassuring. Arriving at Samagaun carries a sense of completion as the village welcomes you back with its stone houses and open fields. This is a warm night to rest and recover after reaching the base of the eighth-highest mountain in the world. 

This return day from the major highlight of the Manaslu Base Camp Trekking is about reflection, movement, and processing the experience. It is also time to prepare both mentally and physically for the next major segment of the world-renowned circuit route. 

After leaving Samagaun, you will continue walking on the Manaslu Circuit Trek route, following the upper reaches of the Budhi Gandaki. The walking feels noticeably slower, not because of the steep climb,s but due to the altitude and open terrain. The stone houses and cultivated fields thin out as you walk farther from the village. The surrounding is replaced by wide pasture where yaks graze, and prayer flags mark the important points along the route. The path remains gentle and gradually rises past the old mani walls and chortens.

The sense of isolation increases with every step, and the surrounding peak feels closer and more exposed. You will continue walking on the calmer path braided alongside a river that weaves across the valley floor. Then, you will finally arrive at Samdo Village, which is tucked beneath the towering slopes near the Tibetan border. This village feels exposed and is shaped by wind, altitude, and harsh high-altitude climate. You will arrive at Samdo in the afternoon and will have sufficient time to rest and acclimatize further. 

Today, you will head toward the final stop before the Lakre La. The trail leaving Samdo climbs steadily as the valley narrows and the landscape becomes increasingly stark. The vegetation is replaced by rocky ground and glacial remnants, signaling the proximity to the high pass. As the trail gains height, the views open toward rugged mountain walls and distant glaciers. The sense of remoteness is profound, with no permanent settlements along the way. 

Then, the path gently contours across the valley before making its final approach to Dharmashala, which is also known as Larkya Phedi. Dharmashala sits on a barren plateau beneath the looming Larke La Pass. The atmosphere here is stark and purposeful, with limited facilities, and you will have a clear focus on rest and preparation. You can spend the afternoon exploring the foothills of the pass and preparing for the tough climb the next day. 

This is one of the most thrilling and exciting parts of the Manaslu Base Camp Trek itinerary. Your day begins before sunrise, as you make an approach to the pass early in the morning to avoid afternoon high winds. The initial climb toward Larke La Pass is gradual but relentless. You will follow a faint trail across rocky ground and patches of snow, depending on the season. Your every step on the trail demands focus, as the altitude and cold test both endurance and mental resolve.

As the trail climbs higher, the landscape becomes vast and otherworldly. Glaciers stretch across the horizon, and towering peaks such as Himlung Himal and Cheo Himal dominate the skyline. Reaching the top of Larke La Pass is a powerful moment. It is marked by prayer flags fluttering in the wind, and you will be able to enjoy the expansive views of mountains in every direction. After enjoying the views, you will make your descent across snowfields and loose moraine before easing into alpine meadows. As altitude decreases, the terrain gradually softens, and the valley opens into a wide, glacial basin. 

Bimthang appears in the distance, set against dramatic mountain walls and open pastureland. Arriving in Bimthang after a demanding day of adventure feels deeply rewarding. The air feels fresher, and the movement feels easier; the surrounding landscape also offers a sense of relief and openness after the demanding portion. This day’s trek marks the successful crossing of Larke La Pass and your transition toward the gentler landscapes of the lower valleys ahead.

You will leave Bimthang after a warm breakfast, enjoying the views of the alpine valley and the towering giants. The trail descends steadily through a landscape that feels noticeably warmer and greener. Alpine terrain slowly gives way to forested slopes as the path winds through open pastures and glacial valleys. The trekking route then leads you through rhododendron and pine forests, where the sound of flowing streams replaces the moraine debris underfoot. 

Along the way, you will pass Gho Village, nestled among trees. You can take a brief pause here before continuing your trek downhill across wooden bridges and shaded paths. As your descent continues, the valley narrows down, and the trail finally approaches Tilje. This village sits amidst the cultivated terraces and flowing water. Tilje has stone houses and traditional architecture, which reflect the blend of the Himalayan influence in the lower valley. Your arrival here also marks the transition point from the high alpine world toward the more inhibited and connected regions. 

The trail from Tilje continues downhill along the  Marsyangdi River and passes through increasingly populated areas where daily life feels more active and familiar. The trail takes you across the suspension bridges and stone steps. You will walk through the paths, weaving through forested sections and small settlements that reflect the cultural diversity of the Annapurna region. As you approach Dharapani, the atmosphere shifts noticeably. This village sits at a junction of major trekking routes and feels busier, with a mix of trekkers, locals, and plenty of teahouses. 

 Dharapani also marks the point where the Manaslu region merges with the Annapurna Circuit. So, it does have a sense of reconnection with the wider trekking world. From Dharapani, the journey continues by road toward Besisahar. The drive follows the river valley and descends through the terraced hills and roadside villages. This transition from trail to road is gradual and allows you time to reflect on the exhilarating journey you just completed while watching the landscape change.

The final day of the Manaslu Base Camp Trek itinerary in Besisahar, from where you will connect with the highway network. As the vehicle moves south, the mountain slowly recedes and is replaced by rolling hills and expanding towns. This day’s drive offers you a final perspective on the landscape that you have spent days walking through, now viewed from a distance. Your driving route will first follow the Marsyangdi and later the Trishuli River, passing market towns and fertile valleys.

As you drive toward the capital valley, the contrast between the quiet isolation of the high mountains and the growing activity of the lowlands becomes increasingly clear. Arriving back in Kathmandu completes the journey. The familiar sounds and the hustle and bustle of the city feel different after spending weeks in a remote terrain. Your Samagaun to Manaslu Base Camp Trekking adventure doesn’t end with a dramatic moment but with a gradual return to normalcy. After arriving in Kathmandu, you will be transferred to your respective hotel.

Take your time to rest, take a hot shower, and enjoy the modern comforts that you missed on the mountain. In the evening, you can take a light stroll around Thamel and check out the traditional restaurants to end this day with a tasty delicacy.