Upon arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu, a representative from Hidden Path Treks & Expeditions will warmly welcome you. You'll be transferred to your hotel in the heart of the city. After settling in, you can explore the bustling Thamel area or simply relax at your hotel. In the evening, enjoy a welcome dinner and briefing session with your trekking guide, who will walk you through the adventure that awaits.
After breakfast, the day begins with a half-day sightseeing tour of UNESCO World Heritage Sites including Swayambhunath (Monkey Temple), Pashupatinath Temple, and the ancient stupa of Boudhanath. In the afternoon, you'll have a pre-trek meeting to finalize permits, check equipment, and discuss logistics. This is your last chance to buy or rent any trekking gear before heading out.
We begin our journey early with a scenic drive through lush countryside, terraced fields, and hillside villages. The route follows the Budhi Gandaki River, gradually leading us to Machha Khola. Though the drive (7–9 hours) is long, it's filled with natural beauty and glimpses of rural life. Overnight at a local teahouse.
The trek begins alongside the Budhi Gandaki River, crossing several suspension bridges and passing through hot springs, narrow gorges, and small settlements like Tatopani and Dovan. After a series of ascents and descents through forested terrain, we arrive in Jagat—a charming village with traditional stone houses and narrow alleys. Overnight in Jagat.
Today’s trail takes us through beautiful subtropical forests and across several ridges. After crossing a long suspension bridge, we reach Philim—a Gurung-inhabited village known for its culture and terraced fields. We continue through Ekle Bhatti and descend to a gorge before climbing up again to reach Deng. This area marks the entrance to the Nubri region, where Tibetan culture starts to become more prominent.
A more challenging day awaits as we walk through bamboo forests, cross the Budhi Gandaki multiple times, and pass settlements like Rana and Bihi Phedi. The trail offers glimpses of monasteries, mani walls, and chortens, signaling deeper entry into Buddhist territory. After a steep climb through pine and rhododendron forests, we reach Namrung, a culturally rich village with stunning views of Siring Himal and Ganesh Himal.
From Namrung, the landscape becomes more alpine. We ascend through forested areas and pass several Tibetan-style villages such as Lihi and Sho. The trail rewards us with panoramic views of Manaslu (8,163 m), Himalchuli, and other snow-capped peaks. Upon reaching Lo-Gaon, we are welcomed by its majestic monasteries, stone houses, and traditional ways of life. A peaceful overnight stay awaits.
Today’s trek is relatively short but rich in culture and scenery. We continue through alpine pastures and yak grazing fields with expansive views of the Manaslu range. Reaching Sama-Gaon, one of the largest settlements in the region, we’re greeted with a dramatic mountain amphitheater and a thriving Sherpa-Tibetan community. The village is home to the impressive Pungyen Gompa, which we’ll explore tomorrow.
This crucial rest day helps our bodies adjust to the altitude. We can hike up to Pungyen Gompa for incredible views of Manaslu or explore the glacial moraine of Manaslu Base Camp (4,800 m) if you're feeling energetic. Alternatively, spend a relaxed day learning about the local culture, visiting monasteries, and observing the daily life of Sama’s residents. Overnight in Sama-Gaon.
Today’s route is short and gentle, following a trail through juniper and birch forests. As we ascend, the valley opens up dramatically, offering grand vistas and the chance to spot Himalayan wildlife such as blue sheep. Samdo is a remote village located just a day’s walk from the Tibetan border and home to a hardy population of Tibetan descendants. Rest and explore the surrounding hills in the afternoon.
We climb further up the desolate highlands today, crossing wooden bridges and following the trail through rugged terrain. The landscape becomes more barren, with a haunting beauty underlined by snow-dusted peaks. Dharmasala (also called Larkya Phedi) is a basic shelter used by trekkers preparing to cross the Larkya La Pass. Early rest is recommended to prepare for tomorrow’s challenging ascent.
We begin before sunrise for the most strenuous and rewarding day of the trek. The climb to Larkya La Pass is steep and slow-going, but reaching the summit offers awe-inspiring views of Himlung Himal, Kang Guru, and Annapurna II. After celebrating at the top, we descend steeply to Bhimtang, a scenic valley ringed by glaciers and alpine meadows. A well-earned rest awaits at the teahouse.
Descending through lush rhododendron and pine forests, today’s trek brings a dramatic change in scenery. The air grows warmer, and the trail becomes easier as we reach lower elevations. We pass through Karche and several small settlements before arriving in Gowa, a quiet village nestled in the foothills. Enjoy the greenery and relative warmth after days in the alpine zone.
The final leg of our trek descends to Dharapani, a junction village where the Manaslu and Annapurna trails meet. After a hearty lunch, we board a jeep for the drive to Besisahar, the starting point of the Annapurna Circuit. The drive winds through beautiful hill country, and we spend the night in a comfortable guesthouse in Besisahar.
After breakfast, we begin our return journey to Kathmandu via private vehicle. The scenic drive takes about 6–7 hours, with opportunities to stop along the way for photos and refreshments. Once back in the city, you're free to rest, shop for souvenirs, or celebrate your successful trek with your fellow adventurers.
After breakfast, a representative from Hidden Path Treks & Expeditions will transfer you to the airport for your onward flight. As you leave Nepal with unforgettable memories, we hope to see you again for your next Himalayan adventure.
The Manaslu Circuit Trek is a remarkable Himalayan adventure that circles the world’s eighth-highest mountain, Mt. Manaslu (8,163 meters). Unlike the more commercialized treks in Nepal, such as the Everest or Annapurna routes, the Manaslu Circuit offers a more remote and culturally authentic experience. You’ll pass through traditional villages, Tibetan-influenced monasteries, deep river gorges, and lush forests, eventually ascending to the high-altitude Larke Pass (5,160 meters). Hidden Path Treks & Expeditions offers personalized trekking experiences, ensuring that each journey is safe, well-supported, and rich in local insight.
This trek is considered moderately to strenuously challenging. It involves long walking days (typically 6–8 hours), significant altitude gain, and remote terrain. Prior trekking experience is helpful but not mandatory if you're physically fit and mentally prepared. Our guides at Hidden Path Treks & Expeditions are professionally trained in high-altitude trekking and first aid, and we design acclimatization-friendly itineraries to help mitigate altitude sickness risks.
The typical Manaslu Circuit Trek itinerary ranges from 14 to 18 days, depending on side trips, rest days, and your pace. Hidden Path Treks & Expeditions generally offers a 16-day itinerary that includes acclimatization days and enough buffer time for weather delays, giving you a comfortable yet immersive trekking experience.
Yes, several permits are mandatory due to the restricted nature of the region. These include the Manaslu Restricted Area Permit (RAP), Manaslu Conservation Area Permit (MCAP), and the Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP). You must also trek with a registered guide and at least one other trekker. Hidden Path Treks & Expeditions handles all permit arrangements and logistics, so you can focus on enjoying your trek without administrative hassles.
The ideal seasons are spring (March to May) and autumn (late September to November), when the weather is generally clear, and the mountain views are spectacular. During these periods, the trails are dry, the skies are bright, and temperatures are more manageable at higher elevations. Hidden Path Treks & Expeditions operates group and private treks during both these seasons, providing flexibility based on your travel plans.
You’ll stay in teahouses — locally run lodges that offer basic yet cozy accommodation with communal dining areas. Rooms are typically twin-shared with shared bathrooms. The meals are nutritious and varied, often including Nepali dal bhat, Tibetan bread, pasta, soups, and eggs. Hidden Path Treks & Expeditions works with trusted teahouses along the route to ensure clean, safe, and friendly service.
Yes, altitude sickness is a potential risk due to the trek’s high elevation, especially near Larke Pass. Our guides at Hidden Path Treks & Expeditions are trained in altitude management and first aid. We include acclimatization days in your itinerary, monitor your health daily, and are prepared with oxygen and evacuation support if needed. Trekking slowly and staying hydrated are key practices to reduce risks.
You don’t need to carry everything yourself. Hidden Path Treks & Expeditions provides experienced porters who carry your main luggage (up to 15kg per trekker). You’ll only need to carry a daypack with essentials like water, snacks, a jacket, and personal items. This allows you to enjoy the trek without physical strain.
We recommend starting a fitness regimen 6–8 weeks before your trek. This should include cardio workouts (like hiking, running, or cycling), strength training, and endurance hikes. Practicing with a loaded backpack and on uneven terrain will also be beneficial. Hidden Path Treks & Expeditions offers preparation tips and packing lists to help you get ready both mentally and physically.
At Hidden Path Treks & Expeditions, we pride ourselves on creating meaningful, safe, and culturally immersive trekking experiences. Our guides are local experts who speak English, understand the terrain intimately, and are passionate about sharing the beauty and heritage of the Manaslu region. We emphasize ethical tourism, fair treatment of our staff, and environmentally conscious practices. With us, you’re not just a client — you’re a fellow explorer sharing the hidden paths of Nepal.
