The Manaslu Circuit follows the Budhi Gandaki upstream from the road at Machha Khola, through Gurung villages, forest and mani-lined trail, to the high valley beneath Mount Manaslu (8,163 m), the eighth-highest mountain in the world. It then crosses the Larkya La and descends to Bimthang and Tilije. The route is remote, the teahouses are basic and the infrastructure is far lighter than in the Annapurna or Everest regions; for many walkers that is the appeal. It suits fit, well-prepared trekkers who want quiet trails, village culture and a true high-pass crossing, with an acclimatisation day built in at Samagaon. Read the full overview
Highlights
- The route follows the river upstream over suspension bridges and stone stairways, through bamboo forest and a steep gorge, before the valley opens.
- Pass Gurung settlements such as Philim, then chortens, mani walls and gompas through the upper valley.
- A full day at Samagaon lets the body adjust, with Pungyen Gompa and the village's mani stones close by
- Larkya La A : glacier-moraine ascent from the Dharamsala shelter, then a long descent to the pastures of Bimthang.
- Manaslu Conservatipon :The trail moves through river forest, terraced farmland, juniper and birch woods, and high alpine terrain.