Manaslu Circuit Trek (Larkya-la Pass-5106m)– 16 Days

Snow Bank Adventure Pvt Ltd

Accommodation: 4-Star Hotel in Kathmandu/Tea House during Trek
Max Height: Larkya La Pass(5160m/16930ft)
Best Season: Spring and Autumn
Trip Grade: Moderate

Trip Duration: 16 Days
Transportation: Car/Jeep
Activities: Trekking
Start/End Point: Machhakhola to Dharapani

Trip Overview

The Manaslu Circuit Trek is a long and exciting walking journey in Nepal that takes you through some of the country’s most stunning places. Unlike the busy Annapurna Circuit Trek, this trail is quieter, letting you enjoy nature and culture without too many people around. The government of Nepal calls it a special area because it has border with Tibet and has unique landscapes, so special permit is needed to walk here. You also need a licensed guide to show you the way, and you must cary at least two people must go together for safety purpose. Snow Bank Adventure makes this trip easy by planning everything for you, performing activities like getting permits to arranging travel and meals. Their friendly team will help you every step of the way, so you can only keep you focus on enjoying the journey.

Now, here begins your trip, starting with a bus ride from Kathmandu, the capital city, to a village called Machhakhola. The bus takes you through small towns like Dhading and Gurkha, where you will see a lot of farmers who may be working in the fields and kids playing by the road. After the bus, you will switch to a jeep for the bumpy roads, passing through villages like Arughat and Soti Khola. The jeep ride takes a few hours and gives you your first taste of Nepal’s countryside, with green hills, rivers, and little houses. When you reach Machhakhola, you’ll start walking along the Budi Gandaki River. The trail goes passes through terraced fields where rice and corn are grown by people, houses are built by stone, and we can also see into forests covered with tall trees and colorful flowers. You will see waterfalls dropping down the hills, hear streams bubbling nearby, and get to enjoy the wonderful views of hills, valleys and mountain which are covered by snow.

When a strong earthquake was hit this area in April 2015, it faced a huge challenge. The center of the quake was nearby, and homes and trials were affected by it. Many people lost their houses, and a lot of changes can be seen in landscape. But the local people are tough and worked hard to restore their lives to normal. The entire disturbed path was fixed, new homes were built and finally trekkers were welcomed by a huge smile in their face. Now, the trail is safe again, and walking here lets you see how strong the community is. You will pass through villages like Machhakhola, Jagat, Deng, and Namrung, each with its own charm. Then, you’ll reach Samagaon, a small village high in the mountains with very few people. Here , you can have a day rest which can be also used to discover the local places. Visit old monasteries where monks pray, see prayer flags fluttering in the wind, and learn about the Tibetan Buddhist culture. The villagers grow potatoes in their fields and raise animals like yaks and goats, and they’ll share stories about their lives if you ask.

The focus of the trek is crossing the Larke La Pass, which attitudes at 5,160 meters. It is a tough climb, but the return is amazing. From the top, you will see a wide view of big mountains, including the Annapurna range with its white peaks and standing at 8,146 meters, Mt. Manaslu the eighth highest mountain in the world towers majestically above the landscape. The air is cold and thin, yet the sweeping views of snow-covered hills and deep valleys below are absolutely breathtaking.. After the pass, you’ll walk down to join the Annapurna Circuit trail and continue to Dharapani. From there, a jeep will take you back to Kathmandu after 16 days of adventure. If you want to keep going, Snow Bank Adventure can add the Annapurna Circuit Trek to make your trip even longer. This trek is a special way to see Nepal’s hidden beauty, meet kind people, and feel close to nature in a quiet, untouched place.

Outline Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive in Kathmandu (1,300m)
Day 2: Explore Kathmandu
Day 3: Kathmandu to Machha Khola (890m) – 9-10 hours by jeep
Day 4: Machha Khola to Jagat (1,340m) – 6-7 hours walk
Day 5: Jagat to Deng (2,360m) – 6-7 hours walk
Day 6: Deng to Namrung (2,660m) – 6-7 hours walk
Day 7: Namrung to Lho (3,180m) – 4-5 hours walk
Day 8: Lho to Samagaon (3,530m) – 5-6 hours walk
Day 9: Rest in Samagaon
Day 10: Samagaon to Samdo (3,860m) – 3-4 hours walk
Day 11: Samdo to Larkya Phedi (4,460m) – 3-5 hours walk
Day 12: Larkya Phedi to Larkya La (5,160m) to Bimthang (3,720m) – 7-9 hours walk
Day 13: Bimthang to Gho (2,560m) – 5-6 hours walk
Day 14: Gho to Dharapani (1,920m) – 3-4 hours walk
Day 15: Dharapani to Kathmandu (1,300m) – 8-9 hours by jeep
Day 16: Leave Kathmandu

Details Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive in Kathmandu (1,300m)
When you land at Kathmandu’s airport, a friendly guide from Snow Bank Adventure will meet you. They’ll take you to a nice 4-star hotel to rest after your flight. In the evening, you’ll have a welcome dinner with the team. You can try Nepali food like momos (dumplings) and enjoy music and dancing. It’s a great way to start your trip!

Stay: 4-star hotel
Meals: Dinner

Day 2: Explore Kathmandu
After breakfast at the hotel, you’ll visit four famous places in Kathmandu. First, see Durbar Square, an old area with beautiful buildings and temples. Next, visit Pashupati-Nath Temple, a special place for Hindus. Then, go to Swayambunath, also called the Monkey Temple, because monkeys live there—it has a big white dome and great views of the city. Finally, see Boudha-Nath Stupa, a huge round temple where people pray and walk around it. You’ll learn about Nepal’s history and culture.

Stay: 4-star hotel
Meals: Breakfast

Day 3: Kathmandu to Machha Khola (890m) – 9-10 hours by jeep
After breakfast, you’ll start your journey to Machha Khola. First, you’ll take a bus from Kathmandu, passing through towns like Dhading and Gurkha. Then, you’ll switch to a jeep for the bumpy roads. You’ll drive through villages like Arughat and Soti Khola, seeing fields, rivers, and hills. It takes about 9-10 hours total. When you reach Machha Khola, you’ll stay in a teahouse by the Budi Gandaki River. The village is small, with big hills around it.

Stay: Teahouse
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 4: Machha Khola to Jagat (1,340m) – 6-7 hours walk
Today, you start walking! The trail is a bit tough, with some uphill parts. You’ll cross a long bridge over the river and see pretty waterfalls. The path goes through forests and small villages. You’ll feel the cool mountain air as you walk. After 6-7 hours, you’ll reach Jagat, a village with stone houses. You’ll rest in a teahouse and enjoy a warm meal.

Stay: Teahouse
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 5: Jagat to Deng (2,360m) – 6-7 hours walk
The walk today is up and down, so it can be hard. But the views are amazing! You’ll pass green meadows and deep valleys. A big highlight is crossing a long bridge at Philim, a village with many Gurung people. Then, you’ll walk through bamboo forests to Deng, a small village by the Deng River. It takes 6-7 hours, and you’ll stay in a teahouse for the night.

Stay: Teahouse
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 6: Deng to Namrung (2,660m) – 6-7 hours walk
Today, you’ll cross the Budi Gandaki River a few times on bridges. Most of the walk is easy, but there’s a steep climb near Namrung. You’ll see the Siringi Himal mountain along the way. You’ll also pass villages like Ghap and Prok. After 6-7 hours, you’ll reach Namrung, a village with nice views of the mountains. You’ll stay in a teahouse and rest.

Stay: Teahouse
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 7: Namrung to Lho (3,180m) – 4-5 hours walk
In the morning, you’ll see Siring and Ganesh Himal mountains—they look so pretty! The walk is shorter today, about 4-5 hours. You’ll go through forests and pass a village called Sho. In Lho, you’ll see stone prayer walls and visit local monasteries. You’ll also get your first view of Mt. Manaslu, which is exciting! You’ll stay in a teahouse with mountain views.

Stay: Teahouse
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 8: Lho to Samagaon (3,530m) – 5-6 hours walk
Today, you’ll walk to Samagaon, about 5-6 hours. The path goes over a stream and through forests. You’ll see big mountains like Himal Chuli and Ngadi Chuli, and even a glacier near Manaslu. You’ll pass fields of barley and potatoes before reaching Samagaon, a quiet village. The views here are amazing, with snowy peaks all around. You’ll stay in a teahouse.

Stay: Teahouse
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 9: Rest in Samagaon
Today is a rest day to help your body get used to the high altitude. You’ll explore Samagaon and nearby places. Visit Birendra Tal, a small lake with clear water, and Pungyen Gompa, an old monastery on a hill with great views. You can also walk to Manaslu Base Camp if you feel strong—it’s a special spot. You’ll see how locals live, growing potatoes and following Tibetan Buddhist traditions.

Stay: Teahouse
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 10: Samagaon to Samdo (3,860m) – 3-4 hours walk
The walk today is short, about 3-4 hours. You’ll go down to the Budi Gandaki River and cross a small stream. The path is easy, passing through forests with juniper and birch trees. You’ll see stone prayer walls along the way. Samdo is a small, quiet village with amazing mountain views. You’ll stay in a teahouse and rest for the big day tomorrow.

Stay: Teahouse
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 11: Samdo to Larkya Phedi (4,460m) – 3-5 hours walk
Today’s walk is 3-5 hours to Larkya Phedi, a stop before the big pass. You’ll cross the river again and walk up to a stone house called Dharmshala. You’ll see the Larkya Glacier on the way. The air feels thinner because you’re so high up. You’ll have time to relax in the afternoon and get ready for the next day’s climb.

Stay: Teahouse
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 12: Larkya Phedi to Larkya La (5,160m) to Bimthang (3,720m) – 7-9 hours walk
This is the hardest day! You’ll climb to the Larkya La Pass at 5,160 meters, which takes a lot of energy. From the top, you’ll see amazing mountains like Mt. Manaslu, Cheo Himal, and the Annapurna range. Then, you’ll walk down a long path to Bimthang, a village in a valley. It takes 7-9 hours total, but the views make it worth it. You’ll stay in a teahouse.

Stay: Teahouse
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 13: Bimthang to Gho (2,560m) – 5-6 hours walk
After the big climb, today is easier. You’ll walk down for 5-6 hours through forests with rhododendron trees. You’ll cross a bridge over the Dudh Khola River and pass fields. Gho is a small village where you’ll rest. You might feel tired from yesterday, so it’s a good day to take it slow. You’ll stay in a teahouse.

Stay: Teahouse
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 14: Gho to Dharapani (1,920m) – 3-4 hours walk
The walk today is short, about 3-4 hours. You’ll pass a village called Thonje and cross the Dudh Khola River again. In Dharapani, you’ll join the Annapurna Circuit trail. You’ll see prayer walls and a big waterfall near Tal village. It’s a nice, easy day, and you’ll stay in a teahouse with views of the mountains.

Stay: Teahouse
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 15: Dharapani to Kathmandu (1,300m) – 8-9 hours by jeep
Today, you’ll drive back to Kathmandu by jeep, which takes 8-9 hours. You’ll pass villages like Syange and Besi Sahar, driving along the Marsyangdi and Trishuli rivers. The views of hills and fields are pretty. In Kathmandu, you’ll return to your hotel. You can rest, shop for gifts, or walk around. At night, enjoy a goodbye dinner with your team.

Stay: 4-star hotel
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 16: Leave Kathmandu
Your trip ends today. A Snow Bank Adventure guide will take you to the airport 3 hours before your flight. You’ll leave with lots of memories and maybe some ideas for your next Nepal adventure!

Meals: Breakfast

Cost Details

What’s included?

Airport pick-up and drop-off
Goodbye dinners in Kathmandu
Kathmandu sightseeing with a guide and car
3 nights in a 4-star hotel in Kathmandu with breakfast
Jeep travel to start and end the trek
Three meals a day (breakfast, lunch, dinner) and tea/coffee during the trek
Safe drinking water
Trek permits (TIMS, Conservation, National Park fees)
All government paperwork and taxes
Guide and porter (one porter for every two trekkers) with food, pay, and insurance
Trek gear like raincoats, sleeping bags, jackets, and walking poles

What’s Not Included?

Personal spending money
Travel or medical insurance
Helicopter rescue if needed
Drinks (soft drinks, alcohol, bottled water)
Lunch and dinner in Kathmandu (except welcome/goodbye dinners)
Charging phones or devices
Wi-Fi during the trek
Tips for the guide and porter

FAQ

Some brief statistics related to Nepal

The country Nepal spread east to west. It lies between Chain and India. The land area of Nepal is 1,47,512km2. It is the second biggest country in water sources. The current population of Nepal is 2,90,00,000. Among them 34% < 15yrs, 61% from 15-64yrs, 5% > 64yrs & 1,800 births/day. More than 125 languages and local dialects are spoken but Nepali is the most speaking language in Nepal. English is understood in tourist and trekking areas. Many trekking and tour guides can speak other western and eastern languages. Religions: Hindus are 81%, Buddhists are 9%(especially living in high Northern regions), Muslims are 4.5%, and Christians are1.4%. Land area:-1,47,181km2 Low Terai 20.1%, Middle Hills 56.2%, High Himalaya 23.7%, Arable land 16.8%, Forest 25.4% Time Zone: Nepal is 5’45” ahead from GMT and 15 minutes faster than Indian Time.

When is the best season of the year to visit Nepal?

There are two main trekking seasons in Nepal. Spring (From 3rd week of February to 1st week of May) and autumn(From 3rd week of September to 1st week of December ). These seasons are common to all trekking routes. The Everest and Annapurna regions are very crowded during march-April and mid-October to the end of November. The weather is warm with flowers in rain shadow areas during the monsoon seasons. But the flooding and landslide can be damaged to the mountain road which can make major delay in time schedule. Leeches also found in lower trails during the monsoon that can make uncomfortable while walking. The trekkers can explore all year round in Mustang but are cold from December to the beginning of March. Likewise, Dolpo can be visited from mid of August to the first week of October. Poon Hill and Helambu like short treks can do during the winter( December to February) but it is cold at night. It is also possible for Annapurna, Manaslu, and Everest Base camp treks but the weather is very cold which makes the treks to tough. The biggest season of tourist from October to December which is the best time to capture mountain views. There is also good temperature and clear sky after the monsoon. The Middle Hills and Terai region ( Chitwan National Park and Lumbini, the birthplace of the Buddha) is the best time to explore in winter.

Culture and Festivals in Nepal

There are different races of people inhabitant in Nepal. So that they are having different culture and also celebrating different festivals throughout the country. You can found differ in culture and festivals by their religion too. The Hindu celebrates Dashain and Tihar which is held in October and November. Likewise, Buddist celebrates Loshar at different times. Gurungs and Tamangs are enjoying January and Sherpas are celebrating the month of February. But you can found some common festivals like holly(color’s festival) celebrating in every religion which held at end of February and March. You can get a chance to observe some cultural festivals like Indrejatra and Janai Purnima in August and Shiva Ratri in February. So many other festivals are celebrating throughout the country.

What types of travel documents are required for Nepal?

A six-month valid passport with some blank pages for a stamping visa is required. Do not forget to check your passport where correctly stamped arrival, departure, passport number, and visa date to avoid the possibility of complications. VISA Nepal provides an arrival visa at Tribhuvan International Airport. But you should complete the visa form with a recent passport size photo and pay the visa fee in foreign currency, preferably USD. Other major currencies are also acceptable. A single entry visa fee cost is 15 days USD 25.00 30 days USD 40.00 90 days USD 100.00 A foreigner can stay a maximum of 150 days in a calendar year. They can be extended visa from the Immigration Office in Kathmandu or Pokhara. A minimum extension is USD 30.00(to be paid in Nepalese rupees) for 15 days. Visa applications can be pre-registered online. Read the requirements and have a photo and all requested details available before starting the process. http://online.nepalimmigration.gov.np/tourist-visa Spare passport size photos and Document copies Better to bring 6-8 recent passport size photos and some copies of your passport for use on the visa application, visa extensions, and Trekking permits.

Is Insurance necessary?

Our guides are trained in first aid, carry a comprehensive medical kit, and can deal with most of the problems encountered on treks. However, in the case of a serious accident outside help needs to be available. That’s why comprehensive insurance is essential. Trekking is not possible without full insurance cover, which you can purchase in your home country. You need to have full, personal, travel insurance that covers personal belongings, trip cancellation plus medical, rescue, and evacuation insurance(for air ambulance and helicopter rescue services). You must carry the company’s insurance policy certificate with you, it must include your name, address, policy number, contact numbers, and procedure for the company’s rescue department.

What types of trekking Documents need to trekking in Nepal?

Trekking entry permits are required to each of Nepal’s National Parks and Conservation Areas. The entry permits cost range from Rs. 1,000 to Rs. 3000 per entry and additional permits are required for Restricted Region Treks. We can manage all types of permits. There are five Restricted Regions which are close to the Tibetan border were opened for outside in 1990. The treks only can do with a professional guide and minimum of two trekkers. Your original passport and extra photos are required to make permits for Upper Dolpo, Mustang, Nar-Phu, Tsum Valley, Manaslu, and Kanchenjunga trekking. The fees are according high and range from USD 90.00 - USD 500.00 for a week or 10 days then stiff daily amounts.

Can I used credit cards in trekking?

Credit cards are only accepted in cities like Kathmandu and Pokhara. You have to make ready Nepalese Rupees to spend during the trek. That’s why you have to take a sufficient amount of Nepali Rupees on your trek. Your personal expenses should be only for hot showers, charging batteries, additional drinks, and snacks, the cost rising with altitude. You can make a ceremony with your trekking team at the end of the trek.

How fit do I need to be to trek in Nepal?

Regular walking or jogging activities for a few months before your trip will ensure high altitude trekking. People who trek so quickly and climb too high in a day may suffer Acute Mountain Sickness( AMS) so we call trekkers slow and steady walking. Stops for rests and do not carry more than 5 kg with you. Pre-fitness and stamina are required for trekking in Nepal. Spend at least two nights in the city before going to the trekking destination which gives time for acclimatization as well as easy to arrange necessary trekking permits.

What is the size of a trekking group ?

We prefer the group size from 1-10 pax but more can be accommodated on request. There must be 2 persons accompanied by a registered guide in the Restrict Regions( Upper Dolpo, Mustang, Nar-Phu, Manaslu, and Kanchenjunga). Anyone who is reasonably fit and can walk for 5-6 hours a day in a hilly country can trek in Nepal. We suggest children up to 15 years stay below 3500m and above 15 years can tackle the higher routes.

Will someone meet me at the airport?

A delegate from Snow Bank Adventure will meet you outside the terminal building and pick you up and take you to your hotel. We use cars or minibusses as the means of transportation in cities. For trekking, we use flights, local buses, minibusses or jeeps depends on the distance, terrain, and size of the group. There is a limitation on luggage up to 15 kg per person on small planes.

Trip

Client Reviews

Piter Dolison

Annapurna Base Camp Trek is a ‘must-do’ trek for all trekkers. Walk on Nepal’s oldest trekking trail and arrive at the heart of Annapurna Region. Trek through a typical Nepalese mountain…

Thomas Kevin

Nice Trip Organized By Snow Bank Adventure Pvt Ltd. We had a very great experience of Everest base camp trek. The cost offered by them was also very reasonable than other company…

Mark Newman

The Everest Base Camp (EBC) trek is a once-in-a-lifetime adventure that delivers on every front—stunning landscapes, rich culture, and a profound sense of accomplishment.

Deepak B

I am great thankful to entire team of snow bank adventure and mr sujan for managing our trip. We are enjoying the nature and fully utilise our time.
Again thanks to Mr Sujan and team.

https://www.tripadvisor.com/Profile/Q6780PSdeepakb

Tanka G

Snow bank adventure is well trip planner. We collect great experience from this company, they customize our trip and well manage. Langtang valley treks is awesome i will recommend. Thank you Mr Sujan and Snow Bank Adventure

Manoj P

Special thanks to Mr sujan and team for making the enjoyable and memorable trip (kulekhani overnight trip). I strongly recommend to others. We found loyalty, time management of each point of activities. Again thanks to Team Snow bank adventure and team!!

Sujan s

The service and guidelines are very good. Thank you for taking me to so many beautiful places. You made this holiday a lot of fun. I will book again for my next vacation. I hope you will visit more beautiful places. thank you .

Pabitra Karki

Snow Bank Adventure is the best agency for planning the trips.

Mar 2025 • Family

The booking from Snow Bank Adventure was so well managed considering the value of time. Enjoyed the travel with family with loads of fun.

Sabin M

I travelled various places in Nepal via this agency.

Dec 2024 • Family

I appreciate the service provided by this agency!
Highly recommended for travellers from Nepal and beyond. Trip management is excellent and the team also praisworthy.

Binod K

Annapurna Base Camp Treks

Oct 2024 • Friends

This is amaizing treks for us. We choose snow bank adventure for this trip and special thanks to sujan for this management. I will recomend for this company. Thanks alot for this awesome treks.

Gaurab Karki

Trip to ABC and Pokhara.

Sep 2024 • Family

The hospitality of Snow Bank Adventure is awesome. Really enjoyed the trip with family which is so enjoyable & memorable. Planning next trip to Mustang with Snow Bank Adventure.

Ganesh S

A memorable trip

Aug 2024 • Friends

I had an absolutely fantastic time with Snow Bank Adventure! The whole package was top-notch, and the entire crew was so friendly and helpful, going above and beyond what I was expecting. Our guide was amazing – they were so knowledgeable and shared such interesting facts throughout the trip, making the whole experience even more special. I’m completely blown away by Snow Bank Adventure and would highly recommend them to anyone looking for an incredible adventure.

Bhairab P

travel in Nepal with family.

Apr 2024 • Family

Nepal really wonderful country in the world where we have visited many national park. And this travel agency’s owner and employ are helpful. thanks all of you kind heart peoples.