Depart Kathmandu early in the morning by private jeep, heading northwest through the Gorkha district to Soti Khola (700 m) — the official trailhead of the Manaslu Circuit Trek. The 6-hour drive passes through Arughat Bazar, the last major town before the restricted area, and winds along the Budhi Gandaki river valley on rough mountain roads. Arrive at Soti Khola on the banks of the Budhi Gandaki, check in to your tea house, and rest before the trail begins tomorrow. Overnight: tea house.

The Manaslu Circuit Trek begins in earnest — following the Budhi Gandaki river through subtropical forest, terraced farmland, and traditional Gurung villages. The trail crosses several suspension bridges over the river, climbs through narrow gorges, and passes cascading waterfalls before reaching Machhe Khola (869m). This small riverside settlement marks your first overnight deep in the lower Manaslu valley. Overnight: tea house.

The trail continues along the Budhi Gandaki river through dense forest and suspension bridges, passing through Khorlabesi and Tatopani — famous for its natural hot springs. This marks a significant milestone: entering the Manaslu Restricted Area, where your special permit is checked. Jagat (1,340m) is the first checkpoint village of the restricted zone, with a police checkpost and tea house cluster awaiting at the end of a rewarding 6-hour day. Overnight: tea house.

The trail climbs steadily out of the lower valley as the Budhi Gandaki gorge narrows dramatically, passing through Salleri and Sirdibas before reaching Dyang (1,860m). Also known as Deng, this small village marks a turning point on the Manaslu Circuit Trek — the valley opens up, first views of high Himalayan peaks emerge, and the cultural shift from Hindu to Tibetan Buddhist influence becomes unmistakable. A rewarding 6-hour day of steady ascent. Overnight: tea house.

The trail climbs through Ghap village as the valley narrows and towering Himalayan peaks begin to dominate the skyline. Prayer flags, mani walls, and chortens line the route — the Tibetan Buddhist cultural zone is now fully immersive. Namrung (2,630 m) is a well-established village on the Manaslu Circuit Trek with solid tea house facilities and the first clear views of Siringi Himal to the northeast. A steady 5-hour climb with a genuine sense of altitude and remoteness. Overnight: tea house.

A scenic day on the Manaslu Circuit Trek, passing through the traditional villages of Lihi and Sho with wide valley views and dramatic sightlines of Manaslu, Ngadi Chuli, and Peak 29. Lo Gaon (3,180m) — also known as Lho — is one of the most photogenic stops on the circuit: a Tibetan-style village with a hillside gompa and unobstructed views of Manaslu (8,163m) rising directly to the north. Short day, big rewards. Overnight: tea house.

The trail winds up the Budhi Gandaki valley through open terrain, yak pastures, and ancient mani walls to Sama Gaon (3,520m) — the largest and most important village in the upper Manaslu valley. This thriving Tibetan-influenced settlement has multiple tea houses, a large monastery, and direct views of Manaslu and the Manaslu Glacier. Sama Gaon is also the acclimatisation base before the high passes ahead — settle in and soak it all in. Overnight: tea house.

A full acclimatisation day in Sama Gaon before pushing toward the Larke La Pass. Resting at altitude is essential for avoiding altitude sickness on the Manaslu Circuit Trek — hydrate well, eat well, and take it easy. For the active, two excellent options: hike up to Pungyen Gompa monastery above the village, or walk toward the Manaslu Glacier viewpoint for close-up views of the icefall. A well-earned day off in one of Nepal's most beautiful high-altitude settlements. Overnight: tea house.

The trail climbs above Sama Gaon through open alpine terrain to Samdo (3,875 m) — a small settlement close to the Tibetan border and one of the highest permanently inhabited villages on the Manaslu Circuit Trek. Views of Manaslu, Samdo Peak, and the glaciated ridges toward Larke La are outstanding from here. A shorter day, but the altitude demands respect — rest well tonight. Tomorrow brings you significantly higher. Overnight: tea house.

A short but serious day — the trail climbs from Samdo across glacial moraine and open rocky terrain to Dharmasala (4,460m), also known as Larke La Base Camp or Larke Phedi. Views of the Larke Glacier dominate as you arrive at this basic high-altitude lodge. Arrive early, eat well, and prepare your cold-weather gear tonight. The Larke La Pass crossing tomorrow is the longest and most demanding day of the entire Manaslu Circuit Trek. Overnight: tea house.

The highlight of the Manaslu Circuit Trek. Start before sunrise for the ascent to Larke La Pass (5,160 m / 16,929 ft) — crossing glacial moraine and steep snow slopes at high altitude. At the top, panoramic views of Manaslu, Himlung Himal, Cheo Himal, and Annapurna II make every step worthwhile. The long, steep descent leads to Bhimthang (3,590m) — a wide glacial valley with tea houses and sweeping views back toward the pass. Demanding a 10-hour day. Unforgettable. Overnight: tea house.

A satisfying descent after the high-pass crossing. The trail drops from Bhimthang through rhododendron and pine forests, crossing the Dudh Khola river and passing small settlements on the way to Gho (2,760m). The air is warmer, the vegetation denser — a welcome return to lower terrain on the Manaslu Circuit Trek. A gentle 5-hour day to let the body recover after the demands of Larke La Pass. Overnight: tea house.

The final trekking day follows the Marsyangdi River valley downstream through the villages of Tilje and Thonje, rejoining the Annapurna Circuit trail at Dharapani (1,963m). A private jeep then takes you to Beshisahar, where a public bus continues to Kathmandu. The last night on the trail — a fitting close to 13 days through one of Nepal's most remote and spectacular mountain regions. The Manaslu Circuit Trek is complete. Overnight: tea house or en route.

Depart Dharapani by private jeep to Beshisahar, then continue by public bus back to Kathmandu — approximately 8 hours of travel in total. On arrival, a hotel transfer is arranged. The evening is yours: rest, explore Thamel, or celebrate with a farewell dinner. Your Trek Completion Certificate is issued to mark the end of the journey. This concludes your 14-day Manaslu Circuit Trek. Well done. Overnight: hotel, Kathmandu.