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

5.0 from 12 reviews
  • Accommodation 4-Star Hotel in Kathmandu/Tea House during Trek
  • Duration 16
  • Trip Difficulty Moderate
  • Activities Trekking
  • Best Time Spring and Autumn
  • Max. Elevation Larkya La Pass(5160m/16930ft)
  • Group Size Min-02 pax
  • Transportation Car/Jeep
  • Meals B L D During Trek
  • Start/End Machhakhola to Dharapani

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

Detailed 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 mo:mo (dumplings) and enjoy music and dancing. It’s a great way to start your trip!
  • Accommodation: Overnight at star hotel
  • Meals: B
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.
  • Accommodation: Overnight at teahouse
  • Meals: B
  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.
  • Accommodation: Overnight at teahouse
  • Meals: B L D
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.
  • Accommodation: Overnight at teahouse
  • Meals: B L D
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.
  • Accommodation: Overnight at teahouse
  • Meals: B L D
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.
  • Accommodation: Overnight at teahouse
  • Meals: B L D
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.
  • Accommodation: Overnight at teahouse
  • Meals: B L D
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.
  • Accommodation: Overnight at teahouse
  • Meals: B L D
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.
  • Accommodation: Overnight at teahouse
  • Meals: B L D
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.
  • Accommodation: Overnight at teahouse
  • Meals: B L D
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.
  • Accommodation: Overnight at teahouse
  • Meals: B L D
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.
  • Accommodation: overnight at tea house
  • Meals: B L D
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.
  • Accommodation: Overnight at teahouse
  • Meals: B L D
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.
  • Accommodation: Overnight at teahouse
  • Meals: B L D
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.
  • Accommodation: Overnight at starhotel
  • Meals: D
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: B

Includes & Excludes

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

Trek Video

Trip video preview

Packing List

  • Trekking Poles ( highly recommended for stability)
  • Backpack ( 40 - 55 L with rain cover)
  • Duffel Bag ( if using porters) 
  • Day Pack ( 20 - 30L, for your daily carry)
  • Dry Bags/ Zip locks bags ( gear/ tech weather protection)
  • Headlamp with extra batteries
  • Water bottle (s) or hydration bladder ( 2- 3l total capacity)
  • Water purification system ( SteriPen, filtration bottle, or purification tablets)
  • Lightweight towel ( quick dry, microfiber)
  • Personal Care and First Aid Kits
  • Toiletries ( toothbrush, toothpaste, biodegradable soap, small shampoo, comb, razer)
  • Personal prescription medications ( with enough for extra days)
  • Village tea houses provide meals, but energy snacks can be costly or limited on the trek. So, include Energy/ protein bars, nuts and chocolate.
  • Smartphone ( with Nepal SIM/ local data), Plug adapter ( Nepal uses Type C, D and M outlets)
  • Lightweight Padlock ( for securing duffle/ room)

FAQs

Larkya La Pass is situated in the manaslu region of Nepal in the Gorkha District of Nepal's western Himalayan region. The pass is located in the manaslu conservation area and is close to the border with Tibet ( China ). It is the highest point of the Manaslu Circuit Trek, connecting. Dharmashala ( Larkya Phedi) to Bimthang. This high mountain pass is the gateway between the Manaslu and Annapurna  regions. Once at the top, trekkers will be able to view breathtaking views of snow- covered mountain peaks and glaciers across the northern Himalaya region, which is one of the major highlight of the entire Manaslu trek.
The total distance of the Manaslu Circuit Trek is approximately 177 kilometers ( 110 miles). The trek typically takes 14 to 16 days to complete, depending on the itinerary and acclimatization needs.
The Manaslu Circuit Trek is considered moderate to challenging. Key difficulties include: High Altitude, with the highest point at Larkya La Pass ( 5,160m), which increases the risk of altitude sickness. Long Trekking days, often 6-8 hours of walking per day. Steep ascents and descents, requiring good fitness and stamina. Remote location, with fewer facilites  compared to other popular treks like Everest or Annapurna. Proper preparation and acclimatization can make the trek manageable for most people with some trekking experience.
The best time to cross Larkaya La Pass is during the spring ( March- May) and autumn ( September- November) seasons. These periods offers stable weather conditions, clear skies, and moderate temperatures, making pass the pass safer and the mountain views spectacular.
The trek passes through remote villages, monasteries and glaciers. Crossing Larkaya La  Pass ( 5,106m) is the main highlight. The region preserves authentic Himalayan lifestyle and traditions.        

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