Manaslu Circuit Trek

PASHUPATINATH TEMPLE: One of the most sacred Hindu shrines in the world, Pashupatinath lies 5 km east from the city center. The richly-ornamented pagoda houses the sacred linga, or phallic symbol, of Lord Shiva as well as the noteworthy gold plated roofs and silver coated doors. This is the abode of God Shiva and is the holiest of all the Shiva shrines.Religious pilgrims and sadhus, like the one pictured here, travel all the way from the remote areas of India to visit this sacred sight, especially during Shivaratri (the night of Shiva) that falls between February/March. Even though these devotees have denounced worldly possessions, each carries a Sadhu ID (identifications card) to freely cross over the border between India and Nepal.Chronicles indicate Pashupatinath’s existence prior to 400 AD. Devotees can be seen taking ritual dips in the holy Bagmati river flowing beside the temple, also a World Heritage Site.


PATAN DURBAR SQUARE: like its counterpart in Kathmandu, is an enchanting mélange of palace buildings, artistic courtyards and graceful pagoda temples. Listed as a World Heritage Site, the former royal palace complex is the center of Patan’s religious and social life, and houses a museum containing an array of bronze statues and religious objects. There is an entrance fee of Rs. 200 per foreign visitor. One remarkable monument here is a 17th century temple dedicated to the Hindu God Krishna – Krishna Mandir built entirely of stone with rare stone carvings on. There are three main courtyards in the palace: Mul Chowk, Sundari Chowk and Keshav Narayan Chowk. Mul Chowk, the oldest one, is at the centre of Patan square.Several multi-sized and multi-styled temples occupy the western part of the complex. Main among these are Krishna Temple, Bhimsen Temple and the Golden Temple of Hiranya Varna
O/N in Kathmandu Hotel

Early morning drive from Kathmandu to Arughat about 7 hrs. This pleasant market town is located on two sides of the Budhi Gandaki connected by an impressive pedestrian suspension bridge. Most of this stage is a dirt road convenient for walking.We chose to walk as the scenery of rice fields, waterfalls and greenery is wonderful and you pass through nice villages on the way.Beautiful local houses with dark slate roofs will accompany you when you continue north.Following the Budhi Gandari River upstream, we move onwards towards Soti Khola. The trail from Arughat is much narrow that passes through several rural farm villages and terraced fields.

At the crossing of the bridge, we trek through the beautiful Sal forests, then climb onto a ridge above huge rapids on the Budhi Gandaki. We then reach Khursane upon which the rocky trail weaves its way up and down, past two tropical waterfalls on a steep, rocky trail clinging to the side of a cliff. It eventually makes its way down and past a few rice terraces, then up and around to the Gurung village of Labubesi. We further climb behind a rocky outcrop, where the valley opens up and the Budhi Gandaki meanders among wide gravel bars. Dropping to the sandy river bed, we walk along rounded stones before climbing over a side ridge. We head down again to the river and cross another suspension bridge to reach Machha Khola village. Overnight in Machha Khola.

The trail from Macha Khola to Doban involves some steep ascents and descents. We climb a well – crafted staircase over a ridge to Doban. Doban lies at the confluence of the Shiar Khola, which flows from the east, and the Sarpu khola, which flows from the west.

Today, we descend to the Budhi Gandaki River, that has turned north and follow it to a bridge over a side stream. The trail to the left leads to the Manaslu Base camp. The Larkya la Trail passes several mani walls as the valley begins to widen. It is an easy trail on a shelf above the river passing the juniper and birch forests of Kermo Kharka. We drop off the shelf, cross the Budhi Gandaki on a wooden bridge and climb steeply onto a promontory between two forks of the river. From a stone arch we can view a large white kani. Finally passing through the kani we find Samdo. Overnight in Samdo

Even today, we continue our walk down the edge, cross the wooden bridge over Budi Gandaki and begin walking upward. Upon crossing two streams and witnessing the Larkya Glacier we go around the valley of the Salka Khola and climb up again to the stone guest house (4450 m), which is not a lodge but a kind of shelter called Dharmshala, also known as Larke Phedi. The short walk today also leaves plenty of time for acclimatization and relaxing in the afternoon. Overnight in Dharmashala.

After a short climb, we reach a valley on the north side of the Larkya Glaciers from where we can enjoy great views of Cho Danda and Larkya Peak. Finally, we walk across moraines of the glacier, making a gradual ascent which becomes steeper only in the last section of the pass. From the pass, there are outstanding views of Himlung Himal, Cheo Himal, Kangguru and the huge Annapurna II. It is a longer day than usual to Bimtang, but to walk into these low pastures with the evening mist coming in with Mt. Manaslu looming close by is an overwhelming experience. Overnight in Bimthang

The trail south of Bhimtang is magical. The vegetation here is lush and colorful, and the trail crosses the foot of the Bhimtang glacier through fantastic scenery. It climbs to a beautiful spot decorated with prayer flags, where awesome sights of mountains surround you, with Manaslu range in sight to the south east. The trail then goes into a magical forest rich with firs.The village of Gowa (sometimes spelled "Gho”) is stretched along the trail.

A nice 2 hours walk in a beautiful forest takes you to the lovely village of Tilche (2300m).It is rich with agricultural activity.2 hours from Tilche you cross the Dudh Khola on a very long suspension bridge and reach Thonche, which marks the official ending of the Manaslu trail.Another bridge takes you over the Marsyangdi river to Darapani, where you join the Annapurna tourist highway. Trek don to Tal and overnight stay.

You will trek from Jagat to Bulbule. During the trek you will pass ancient village of Jagat,settlement of Lili Bir,Bahundada,villages of Ngadi and Lampata and Crossing the long suspension bridge over Marshyangdi.

After having morning breakfast, drive through the Marshyangdi River Valley and Trishuli. It's going to be a lifetime experience witnessing the views of high mountains and beautiful landscapes on the way back to Kathmandu. Arriving Kathmandu, check in to the hotel and utilize the remaining time to explore some of the monuments in Kathmandu valley. Join farewell dinner with our team in the evening. And stay overnight at a hotel.

We are saying good bye to the Kathmandu as your journey in Nepal comes to an end today! We will transfer you to the airport for your returning flight