Upon arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu, the capital of Nepal, you will be warmly welcomed by a representative from Alture Treks. You’ll be transferred to your hotel in the bustling heart of the city. After check-in, take some time to rest or explore the nearby streets filled with vibrant local life, colorful shops, and cultural landmarks.

In the evening, you’ll join your trekking group and guide for a detailed briefing on the Manaslu Circuit Trek. This is the perfect time to ask questions, get to know your fellow trekkers, and receive essential information about the trek ahead. A welcome dinner will set the tone for the adventure that lies before you.

Today begins with a guided sightseeing tour of Kathmandu Valley’s UNESCO World Heritage Sites. You’ll visit historic places such as Swayambhunath Stupa (Monkey Temple), the sacred Hindu temple of Pashupatinath, and Boudhanath, one of the largest Buddhist stupas in the world. These cultural landmarks offer a glimpse into Nepal’s rich spiritual and architectural heritage.

In the afternoon, the Alture Treks team will assist you with final trek preparations, including gear checks and ensuring all permits and documents are ready. It’s also a good time to pick up any last-minute supplies. This day balances cultural immersion with practical readiness, easing you into the trekking rhythm.

The journey begins with a scenic drive from Kathmandu to Machha Khola, which takes approximately 7–8 hours. The road winds through lush hills, terraced fields, and traditional villages, offering your first real taste of Nepal’s diverse landscapes. As you move into more remote areas, the air grows cleaner and the scenery more dramatic.

Machha Khola is a peaceful riverside village and the starting point of your trek. Here, you’ll stay in a local teahouse and get a feel for the cozy, welcoming accommodations common along the trail. This night marks your transition from city life into the serene mountain world.

Your first full day of trekking begins as you follow the Budi Gandaki River through narrow trails and forested hills. The path climbs and descends through small settlements like Khorlabesi and Tatopani, where natural hot springs are found. You’ll break at Dovan for lunch, a small riverside stop with lovely views.

Continuing the trek, the trail becomes steeper and more dramatic as you approach Jagat. This beautiful stone-paved village marks the official entrance to the Manaslu Conservation Area. In the evening, you’ll explore its terraced hillsides and ancient buildings that reflect traditional hill culture.

The route from Jagat to Deng is filled with natural and cultural wonders. You’ll first pass through Salleri and then climb to Philim, a large Gurung village known for its neatly terraced fields and cultural richness. The trail then heads into more rugged terrain with dramatic gorges and pine forests.

As you gain elevation, the vegetation and air begin to shift. Deng is a small settlement nestled among towering cliffs and deep river valleys. It marks your entry into more remote sections of the trek, where the influence of Tibetan Buddhism becomes more apparent in the people, prayer flags, and village structures.

Today’s trek is a steady climb through deep forests and along ridgelines, offering stunning views of waterfalls and rocky cliffs. As you pass through villages like Ghap, you’ll notice more chortens (Buddhist shrines) and intricately carved mani stones lining the trail.

Namrung is a charming village with strong Tibetan influence. It offers spectacular views of mountains like Himal Chuli and Ganesh Himal. The village is well-developed with comfortable tea houses, and it's a great place to observe mountain culture and prepare for higher altitudes.

The trail from Namrung to Lo-Gaon gradually ascends through fir and rhododendron forests, passing by prayer wheels and mani walls. As you climb, the peaks of Manaslu and Naike Peak begin to dominate the skyline, hinting at the massive scale of the mountains ahead.

Lo-Gaon is a picturesque Tibetan village with traditional stone houses and stunning views of Mt. Manaslu. The village features an ancient monastery and is surrounded by fields of barley and potatoes. It offers a tranquil atmosphere, perfect for relaxation and cultural discovery.

The trail gently ascends toward Sama-Gaon, one of the largest and most culturally significant villages in the Manaslu region. The path opens into broad alpine landscapes with grazing pastures and glacial rivers. The view of Manaslu and the surrounding peaks becomes ever more dramatic.

Sama-Gaon is a Tibetan-influenced village at the foot of Manaslu. The large monastery, traditional homes, and spinning prayer wheels add to its mystical ambiance. Here you’ll begin to feel the thin air, and it’s also where many trekkers take an extra day to acclimatize.

To ensure a safe ascent, today is a rest day for acclimatization. However, instead of complete rest, you’ll embark on a short hike to explore the surroundings. A popular option is the hike to Pungyen Gompa, a beautiful monastery with incredible views of the Manaslu Glacier.

Alternatively, you can trek to Manaslu Base Camp (4,800 m) if you're feeling strong, which offers an incredible perspective of the mountain. This active rest day helps your body adjust while deepening your connection with the high Himalayas. You’ll return to Sama-Gaon for a peaceful night’s sleep.

Today’s trek is relatively short but takes you to higher elevations. The trail moves through barren landscapes and yak pastures, with expansive views of Himalayan peaks. You’ll cross wooden bridges and climb gently to Samdo, a remote village just a few kilometers from the Tibetan border.

Samdo is one of the last settlements before crossing the high pass. The village has a stark beauty, surrounded by mountains and cliffs, with strong Tibetan culture and traditional stone houses. The cold and altitude become more noticeable here, making acclimatization and rest essential.

Today’s trek is short but significant, as you reach Dharmasala (also known as Larkya Phedi), the staging point for crossing the Larkya La Pass. The trail ascends gradually, giving you time to adjust to the thinning air. As you approach, you'll see glacier-fed rivers and remote alpine terrain.

Dharmasala offers only basic accommodations, but the surrounding mountain views are majestic. The afternoon is spent resting, hydrating, and preparing for the next day’s high pass crossing—the highest and most physically demanding part of the trek.

This is the most challenging yet rewarding day of the trek. You’ll start early in the dark, ascending steadily toward Larkya La Pass (5,106 m). The climb is steep and cold, but as the sun rises, you're treated to breathtaking views of Himlung Himal, Cheo Himal, and Kang Guru.

Reaching the pass is a true accomplishment—here, colorful prayer flags flutter against a backdrop of endless peaks. The descent to Bhimtang is long but scenic, with glaciers, moraines, and eventually alpine forests welcoming you. Bhimtang is a beautiful valley where you can finally relax after the strenuous crossing.

The trail descends sharply today, offering relief from the altitude. You’ll walk through forests of rhododendron and pine, passing grazing yaks and mountain streams. The air feels richer and the temperature warmer as you continue descending.

Gowa is a small village surrounded by lush forest and farmland. It’s a quiet stop, perfect for reflection on the incredible pass you just completed. Here, you'll enjoy a warm meal and comfortable lodge stay with the feeling of nearing the end of your adventure.

Today’s trek is a pleasant downhill walk through terraced hills and small villages before reaching Dharapani, a significant checkpoint on the Annapurna Circuit. It’s the final stretch of your hike and a place where trekkers from different routes often cross paths.

From Dharapani, you’ll drive to Besisahar, the administrative center of the region. The transition from trail to road brings mixed feelings—pride in your accomplishment and nostalgia for the quiet trails. You’ll stay overnight in Besisahar, enjoying a hot shower and a comfortable rest.

The final leg of your journey is a scenic drive back to Kathmandu. The drive takes you through hills, forests, and rivers, offering a chance to reflect on the journey. It’s a time to rest, share photos, and chat with your guides and fellow trekkers about highlights from the trail.

Upon arrival in Kathmandu, you’ll check back into your hotel. The evening is free to explore, relax, or enjoy a farewell dinner with the Alture Treks team. You’ve completed one of Nepal’s most challenging and rewarding treks—and your efforts will be remembered forever.

Your Manaslu Circuit Trek with Alture Treks concludes today. Depending on your flight schedule, you’ll be transferred to the airport with plenty of time for check-in. If you have extra days, Alture Treks can help organize further adventures or cultural tours in Nepal.

As you board your flight, you leave with unforgettable memories of towering peaks, cultural richness, and the camaraderie of the trail. The Manaslu Circuit Trek is a journey that transforms, and Alture Treks is honored to have been part of your Himalayan experience.