Day-by-Day Itinerary (Ex-Kathmandu)
Day 1 — Drive Kathmandu → Soti Khola (720–815 m)
7–8 hours drive
Your journey begins early as you leave Kathmandu and follow the winding mid-hills toward the Budhi Gandaki Gorge. Terraced fields, waterfalls, and small trading towns line the route. By late afternoon, you reach Soti Khola, a riverside village that marks the entrance to the Manaslu region.
Overnight: Soti Khola (720–815 m)
Day 2 — Trek Soti Khola → Machha Khola (≈800–900 m)
Walking: 6–7 hours
You begin along narrow cliff-side paths carved above the river. Sal forests and waterfalls add freshness to the morning. The trail undulates over rocky steps and suspension bridges before opening into the calmer terrain near Machha Khola, named for the “fish river.”
Overnight: Machha Khola (800–900 m)
Day 3 — Trek Machha Khola → Jagat (1,370–1,410 m)
Walking: 6–7 hours
A mix of stone steps, bamboo forests, and hot-spring areas lead you upstream. The gorge deepens as you pass Khorlabesi and Tatopani. After crossing a long suspension bridge, you climb into Jagat, a stone-paved village with traditional entry gates—your official entry into the Manaslu Conservation Area.
Overnight: Jagat (1,370–1,410 m)
Day 4 — Trek Jagat → Philim (1,570 m)
Walking: 5–6 hours
The trail climbs through terraced fields and small hamlets. Chortens, prayer flags, and long mani walls begin to appear as Tibetan influence becomes stronger. You reach Philim, a Gurung and Tibetan settlement with broad views and a quiet hillside monastery.
Overnight: Philim (1,570 m)
Day 5 — Trek Philim → Deng (1,860–1,865 m)
Walking: 5–6 hours
Today the valley narrows through dramatic rock walls and waterfalls. Villages become smaller, and the forest thicker with pine and rhododendron. The river roars below as you make your way to Deng, a small settlement of stone houses and fields.
Overnight: Deng (1,860–1,865 m)
Day 6 — Trek Deng → Ghap (2,165–2,250 m)
Walking: 4–5 hours
A shorter day designed for gradual acclimatization. The trail crosses carved rock paths and enters forests of fir and oak. You pass mani stones and wooden bridges before reaching Ghap, a charming cluster of homes in the forest.
Overnight: Ghap (2,165–2,250 m)
Day 7 — Trek Ghap → Lho (3,180 m)
Walking: 5–6 hours
You climb steadily through cool forests, then enter the alpine zone. At the village of Lho, the immense snowy mass of Manaslu rises directly above the monastery. Sunset from the rooftop is unforgettable.
Overnight: Lho (3,180 m)
Day 8 — Trek Lho → Samagaon (3,525–3,530 m)
Walking: 4–5 hours
A gentle morning walk brings you through Shyala, where mountains tower in every direction. By midday you reach Samagaon, one of the largest villages in the region, with stone houses, long mani walls, and yaks grazing the fields.
Overnight: Samagaon (3,525–3,530 m)
Day 9 — Acclimatization Day in Samagaon
Optional walking: 3–4 hours
You spend a full rest day to support acclimatization. Optional side excursions include:
Birendra Lake (glacial turquoise lake)
Manaslu Base Camp viewpoint (longer hike, weather permitting)
Village gompa visit and cultural walk
Overnight: Samagaon (3,525 m)
Day 10 — Trek Samagaon → Samdo (3,850–3,875 m)
Walking: 4–5 hours
The trail climbs gradually along the valley, growing more barren as you approach the borderlands. The village of Samdo sits on a ridge overlooking vast yak pastures—a classic Tibetan-style settlement with dramatic high-mountain views.
Overnight: Samdo (3,850–3,875 m)
Day 11 — Acclimatization / Exploration in Samdo
Optional walking: 3–4 hours
Another crucial acclimatization day. Options include:
Ridge hike toward the Tibetan border viewpoint
Walk to seasonal yak pastures
Quiet village day for rest and hydration
Overnight: Samdo (3,850 m)
Day 12 — Trek Samdo → Dharamsala (Larke Phedi) (4,460 m)
Walking: 4–5 hours
A short but high-altitude day. The path climbs steadily over rocky and open slopes toward Larke Phedi, the final staging point before crossing the pass. Early dinner and plenty of rest are essential.
Overnight: Dharamsala (Larke Phedi) (4,460 m)
Day 13 — Cross Larkya La (5,106–5,135 m) → Bimthang (3,590 m)
Walking: 7–8 hours (long and demanding)
A pre-dawn start leads you up gradual snow slopes toward the Larkya La. Prayer flags mark the pass with majestic views of Himlung, Cheo Himal, and the Manaslu range. A long descent—sometimes over snow or loose rock—brings you to the grassy basin of Bimthang.
Overnight: Bimthang (3,590 m)
Day 14 — Trek Bimthang → Dharapani (1,860–1,963 m)
Walking: 6–7 hours
The trail drops through magical rhododendron and pine forests, crossing streams and stone villages. You rejoin the Annapurna Circuit trail to reach Dharapani, a busier settlement with lodges and small shops.
Overnight: Dharapani (1,860–1,963 m)
Day 15 — Drive Dharapani → Besisahar → Kathmandu (1,310–1,340 m)
8–9 hours drive
A scenic jeep ride follows the Marsyangdi River down to Besisahar, then you continue to Kathmandu. Your trek concludes with a well-earned rest and celebration dinner in the city.
Overnight: Kathmandu (1,310–1,340 m)
