Manaslu Expedition

The Manaslu Expedition in Nepal begins upon landing at the Kathmandu Airport. Upon arrival, our representatives will greet and help transfer you to your hotel in Kathmandu. Take some time to rest and unwind.

In the evening, you can self-explore the city, discover the lively atmosphere of the tourist center of Thamel, or head to a cozy restaurant and indulge in local delicacies.

Today is an important day. You will prepare for the expedition one last time before heading out to the mountains. Check that you have all your essential gear and equipment if something is missing it is the right time to get it. You can also confirm with your guide that all permits and formalities are completed.

You will meet with your guide and fellow trekkers for a detailed briefing. Use this time to build a strong bond between your team and ask last-minute questions. This helps you clarify all the necessary details to mentally prepare you for your journey ahead.

The day takes you on a scenic drive from the bustling Kathmandu to Beisahar. Along the journey, you will follow the winding mountain roads across several roadside settlements, enjoying the glimpses of the rural way of life in Nepal.

After an 8-9-hour drive, you will reach the charming sub-urban Beisahar. Nestled along the Budhi Gandaki River.  Upon checking into your hotel, you can take some time to relish the views of the mountains as you prepare for your trek.

We drive from Besisahar to Dharapani (1,860m), a scenic 3–4 hour, ~40 km jeep ride along the Marsyangdi River through Bhulbhule, Ngadi, and Syange, passing waterfalls, suspension bridges, and terraced villages with rising views of Annapurna II and Lamjung Himal. At Dharapani, a joint ACAP/MCAP checkpoint marks the junction of the Annapurna and Manaslu circuits. From here, we trek roughly 2–3 hours (4–5 km, ~440m ascent) to Tilje (2,300m), crossing the Marsyangdi Khola and passing through Thonje village before climbing through pine and rhododendron forest. A side path near a small monastery offers fine views back over Dharapani and up toward Annapurna II. Tilje itself is a well-preserved Gurung village known for its traditional stone houses and local millet brandy, sitting in a noticeably warmer, greener setting than the high Manaslu villages behind us.

From Tilje, the trek to Bimtang (3,590m) covers about 16–20 km and takes roughly 6–8 hours, making it one of the longer walking days on the reverse route. The trail climbs steadily through Gho village and the Gurung settlement of Goa, then follows the Dudh Khola through rhododendron and pine forest to the cultivated fields of Karche. Beyond Karche, hikers cross a wooden bridge over the glacial headwaters of the Dudh Khola before entering high alpine pastures. Along the way, the views open up dramatically to Manaslu, Himlung Himal, Cheo Himal, and Lamjung Himal, with the terrain shifting from farmland to rugged, rocky moraine as elevation increases. Bimtang itself is a scenic alpine meadow with mani walls, prayer flags, and sweeping mountain backdrops, marking the last stop before crossing (or, in this direction, descending from) the Larkya La Pass.

Today is a rest and acclimatization day in Bimtang (3,590m), giving the body time to adjust before tomorrow's crossing of Larkya La Pass (5,106m/5,160m), the trek's highest and most demanding point. Bimtang sits in a beautiful open alpine meadow ringed by peaks, with mani walls, prayer flags, and close-up views of Manaslu, Himlung Himal, Cheo Himal, and Lamjung Himal from just outside the village. For those who want to stay active, an optional short hike leads up a nearby ridge or moraine viewpoint for even wider panoramas and a look at the Bimtang Glacier tongue below Manaslu's north face. Otherwise, this is a low-effort day of light walking, hydration, and rest, since the altitude gain and long hours required to cross Larkya La make proper acclimatization here essential for safety. Trekkers typically turn in early, as the pass crossing the next day usually starts before dawn to avoid strong afternoon winds.

This is the toughest and longest day of the trek, crossing Larkya La Pass (5,106m) in reverse from Bimtang to Samdo, covering roughly 23–25 km and taking 10–11 hours, so an early pre-dawn start (around 4–5 AM) is essential to avoid strong afternoon winds. The trail climbs steadily from Bimtang across moraine and glacial terrain, gaining over 1,500m before reaching the pass, where trekkers are rewarded with sweeping views of Himlung Himal, Cheo Himal, Kang Guru, and Annapurna II from the summit's prayer-flag-covered cairn. After the pass, the trail descends through Dharamsala (Larkya Phedi, 4,460m), a small seasonal settlement, then continues down through stark, high-altitude glacial valleys with the Budhi Gandaki's headwaters, thinning vegetation, and dramatic views of Manaslu's north face. The final stretch to Samdo passes mani walls and stone huts as the valley widens, with views of Samdo Peak and the surrounding glacial basin near the Tibetan border. Due to the extreme distance and altitude, this stage is physically demanding, so acclimatization beforehand and an early start are strongly recommended.

From Samdo (3,875m), the trail descends gently back toward Samagaon (3,530m), covering about 8 km and taking roughly 3–4 hours of easy, mostly downhill walking. The route retraces the broad glacial valley along the Budhi Gandaki River, crossing a wooden bridge and passing through juniper and birch forest around Kermo Kharka, with the terrain gradually turning greener and less exposed than the high alpine zone near Samdo. Along the way, trekkers get excellent views of the Manaslu massif, Manaslu North, and Naike Peak, along with glimpses of Birendra Lake as the valley opens up. The walk also passes turnoffs toward Manaslu Base Camp and Pungyen Gompa, options worth noting if not already visited on the way up. Samagaon itself is one of the region's largest and most culturally rich Tibetan-influenced villages, with monasteries, mani walls, and a strong Buddhist atmosphere, making it a good spot for an easy afternoon and a well-earned rest after the pass crossing.

Today is a rest and acclimatization day in Samagaon (3,530m), giving trekkers a well-earned break after the demanding Larkya La crossing and a chance to recover before continuing the descent. Samagaon is one of the largest and most culturally rich villages on the route, with a strong Tibetan-Buddhist atmosphere, mani walls, chortens, and the impressive Pungyen Gompa monastery visible on the hillside above. For those who'd like to stay active, an optional hike leads to Manaslu Base Camp (around 4,800m, roughly 8 hours round trip) or the shorter, easier walk to Birendra Lake, a glacial lake fed by meltwater from the Manaslu Glacier, both offering close-up views of Mt. Manaslu (8,163m) and its surrounding peaks. Otherwise, this is a good day to rest, do laundry, hydrate, and enjoy the village's local bakeries and lodges, since the high-altitude effort behind and the trail ahead both call for solid recovery. The surrounding views of Manaslu North and Naike Peak, along with the everyday rhythms of village life, make Samagaon one of the most memorable overnight stops on the circuit.

From Samagaon, the trek to Manaslu Base Camp (approx. 4,800m) is a full-day round trip covering roughly 8–10 km and taking about 7–8 hours, making it a demanding but rewarding acclimatization hike. The trail starts by crossing the Budhi Gandaki River and passing Birendra Lake, a striking turquoise glacial lake fed by meltwater from the Manaslu Glacier, before climbing steadily up moraine ridges and rocky terrain. As elevation increases, the landscape turns increasingly stark and alpine, with sweeping views of Manaslu (8,163m), Manaslu North, Naike Peak, and Larkya Peak rising dramatically close overhead. The base camp itself sits on the glacier's edge, offering an up-close view of Manaslu's massive icefall and summit ridge, along with a real sense of scale that photos from lower down don't capture. After taking in the views and resting, trekkers retrace the same route back down to Samagaon for the overnight stay, making this one of the trek's most scenic — and physically taxing — acclimatization days.

Today at Manaslu Base Camp (4,800m) is dedicated to climbing preparation and the traditional Puja ceremony, a essential rite of passage before any ascent begins. In the morning, climbers and Sherpa staff typically run through technical training — practicing crampon use, jumaring up fixed ropes, rappelling, and basic knot work — to refresh skills and ensure everyone is comfortable with the gear before moving onto the glacier. The Puja ceremony itself, rooted in Sherpa/Tibetan Buddhist tradition, is led by a lama or senior climbing Sherpa and involves chanting prayers, offerings of rice, food, and alcohol to the mountain spirits, and the ceremonial raising of prayer flags around a stone stupa built at camp — all asking for safe passage and a successful, accident-free expedition. It's considered inauspicious, and by many teams simply refused, to step onto the mountain's ropes before this ceremony has taken place. The day is treated as an important pause for both physical readiness and mental/spiritual preparation, with climbers double-checking personal gear, oxygen systems, and communication equipment while the mood at camp turns focused and reflective ahead of the climbing period above base camp.

Today marks the start of technical climbing, moving from Base Camp (4,800m) up to Camp 1 (approx. 5,500–5,800m), a climb that typically takes 3–6 hours depending on conditions and acclimatization. The route steps directly onto the Manaslu Glacier right out of base camp, crossing a heavily crevassed lower section where guides fix rope and bamboo marker wands to mark the safest path through the ice. The climb continues up moderate-angled snow and rocky slopes, including a short steep rock/ice wall section, before easing off as the route weaves between seracs (large ice towers) higher up the glacier. Camp 1 sits on a protected, relatively flat shoulder at the head of the Manaslu Glacier, tucked beneath the mountain's North Peak, offering climbers their first real sense of exposure and scale on the upper mountain along with sweeping views back down over Base Camp and the surrounding Himalayan skyline. This stage is considered a good introduction to the technical climbing ahead — using crampons and fixed ropes for the first time on the route — and is typically followed by a night at Camp 1 before continuing higher or descending back to Base Camp as part of the acclimatization rotation.

The climb from Camp 1 (~5,500–5,800m) to Camp 2 (~6,300–6,400m) is widely regarded as the most technical and demanding section of the entire route, typically taking 3–6 hours depending on conditions and fitness. The route ascends moderate-angled snow slopes just above Camp 1, followed by a short but notably steep section that requires careful footwork and full reliance on fixed ropes. Climbers navigate through an area heavy with crevasses and ice seracs, weaving between them on a narrowing path across the upper glacier, with exposure increasing significantly compared to the day before. The terrain steepens again as the route approaches Camp 2, tucked onto a col or shoulder with dramatic views over the Manaslu Glacier below and the surrounding 7,000–8,000m peaks of the Himalaya. Given the technical nature of this stage, most expeditions treat it as a key acclimatization rotation — climbing up to sleep at Camp 2 before descending back to lower camps to recover before pushing higher.

Today's push takes the team from Camp 2 (~6,300–6,400m) up to Camp 3 (~6,800–6,900m), before descending all the way back down to Base Camp (4,800m) as part of the classic "climb high, sleep low" acclimatization strategy. The climb to Camp 3 is comparatively straightforward  mostly steady progress on broad snow slopes  with one short, steep section just before arriving at camp, and while a few crevasses are crossed along the way, minimal technical ladder or fixed-rope work is needed on this stretch. Camp 3 sits tucked below a col to shield it from strong winds, offering climbers striking close-up views of the surrounding 7,000–8,000m peaks and a real sense of how high they've climbed. After a short rest at Camp 3, the team turns around and retraces the full route back down through Camp 2 and Camp 1, descending the glacier's crevassed lower sections and fixed-rope terrain to reach Base Camp by evening. This long up-and-down day is physically demanding but critical for altitude adaptation, allowing the body to acclimatize to higher elevations while recovering overnight at the safer, oxygen-richer altitude of Base Camp.

Today is a full rest day at Base Camp (4,800m), allowing the body to fully recover from the demanding rotation up to Camp 3 and back before the final summit push begins. Climbers spend the day resting, eating well, and rehydrating, while also carefully checking and re-packing summit gear  down suits, extra gloves, oxygen masks and regulators, headlamps, and spare batteries — since equipment failure high on the mountain can be extremely dangerous. Guides and expedition leaders use this time to closely monitor weather forecasts and wind patterns on the upper mountain, since a summit attempt is only launched once a suitable weather window opens, sometimes requiring an extra day or two of waiting at Base Camp. This is also a mentally important day, as climbers mentally prepare for the multi-day summit rotation ahead, review the route and camp plan with their Sherpa team, and get a final medical check, including oxygen saturation levels, to confirm they're fit to proceed. Once the weather window is confirmed, the team will set out over the following days, moving back up through Camps 1, 2, and 3 before pushing on to Camp 4 and, ultimately, the summit.

This is the first stage of the final summit push, retracing the route from Base Camp (4,800m) up to Camp 1 (~5,500–5,800m), a climb of roughly 3–6 hours depending on snow and glacier conditions. Having already acclimatized on this section during the earlier rotation, climbers move more efficiently this time, crossing the crevassed lower glacier on fixed ropes and bamboo-marked trails before working through the short steep rock/ice wall section. The route continues up moderate snow slopes, weaving between seracs as it gains the shoulder at the head of the Manaslu Glacier where Camp 1 sits, beneath the mountain's North Peak. With the summit bid now underway, the mood on this stage is more focused than during acclimatization, as climbers conserve energy and monitor their pace carefully, knowing several harder days lie ahead. The team spends the night at Camp 1, resting and preparing for the more technical climb up to Camp 2 the following day.

Continuing the summit push, the team climbs from Camp 1 (~5,500–5,800m) up to Camp 2 (~6,300–6,400m), tackling what is widely considered the most technical and strenuous section of the entire route, typically taking 3–6 hours. The route ascends moderate-angled snow slopes directly above Camp 1, followed by a short, steep pitch that demands careful, deliberate movement on the fixed ropes. From there, climbers navigate a heavily crevassed and seracked stretch of the upper glacier, with exposure increasing noticeably compared to the previous day's climb. The final approach to Camp 2 steepens again before reaching the tucked-in campsite on a col or shoulder, offering dramatic views over the glacier below and the surrounding high Himalayan peaks. With summit day now just a couple of stages away, climbers rest, rehydrate, and conserve strength at Camp 2, since the effort and altitude gain only intensify from here.

The team continues higher, climbing from Camp 2 (~6,300–6,400m) up to Camp 3 (~6,800–6,900m), a comparatively shorter but still demanding stage that typically takes around 3–5 hours. The route follows broad snow slopes with steady, sustained progress, crossing a handful of small crevasses along the way, though this section requires less technical rope work than the climb below it. One short, steep pitch just before camp is the main obstacle, testing tired legs after several days of climbing at altitude. Camp 3 is tucked just below a col to shelter it from the strong winds common at this elevation, and from here climbers get increasingly dramatic, close-up views of the surrounding 7,000–8,000m Himalayan giants. With the air noticeably thinner and the summit push entering its final, most serious phase, most climbers begin using supplemental oxygen from this point onward, resting at Camp 3 to prepare for the harder push to Camp 4 the next day.

The climb from Camp 3 (~6,800–6,900m) to Camp 4 (~7,300–7,400m) is one of the most serious and dangerous stages of the entire expedition, typically taking 4–8 hours on steep snow slopes of 50–55 degrees. This section marks the entry into the "death zone," where oxygen levels drop sharply and nearly all climbers are now on supplemental oxygen to maintain strength and mental clarity. The route includes an exposed, technical traverse where remnants of past expeditions  old abandoned tents and equipment — are still visible, a stark reminder of how unforgiving this altitude can be. Progress is slow and deliberate, with climbers relying heavily on fixed ropes and careful, energy-conserving pacing, since exhaustion at this altitude significantly raises the risk of accidents or altitude-related illness. Camp 4 sits on an exposed, wind-battered high camp, and after arriving, climbers try to rest as much as possible, since summit day itself will begin just hours later, usually starting between midnight and 2:00 AM.

Summit day is the most demanding and rewarding stage of the entire expedition, beginning between midnight and 2:00 AM from Camp 4 (~7,300–7,400m) and typically taking 6–10 hours to reach the true summit. The route climbs a moderate slope out of high camp before crossing several tiered summit plateaus, followed by a final steep pyramid slope leading up to the fore-summit. Reaching the true summit (8,163m) requires a short but exposed and technical traverse of roughly 70 meters along a narrow ridge, protected by fixed rope, which is often regarded as the psychological crux of the climb given the sheer drop on either side. From the top, climbers are rewarded with sweeping views across the Himalaya, including Ganesh Himal and neighboring peaks, though time at the summit is kept brief due to the extreme altitude and cold. Given the dangers of prolonged exposure this high, the team descends without much delay, retracing the route back down through Camp 4 and Camp 3, continuing all the way to Camp 2 (~6,300–6,400m) for a much-needed rest after an exceptionally long and physically draining summit day.

After the exhausting summit push, the team continues the descent from Camp 2 (~6,300–6,400m) all the way down to Base Camp (4,800m), retracing the full route through Camp 1 and back across the lower glacier. The descent through the crevassed and seracked sections above Camp 1 demands continued focus despite the fatigue of the previous days, as most climbing accidents on 8,000m peaks occur during descent when concentration naturally drops. Once past the technical upper sections, the route eases onto the moderate snow slopes and marked glacier trail leading back toward Base Camp, with the terrain gradually feeling safer and more familiar with each camp passed. Arriving back at Base Camp brings a huge sense of relief and accomplishment, as it marks the successful completion of the climbing phase of the expedition. The team spends this time resting, rehydrating, and recovering, often with a celebratory dinner, before starting the trek back down through Samagaon and toward Kathmandu in the following days.

After the successful summit and safe return to Base Camp, the team treks back down to Samagaon (3,530m), a descent of about 9–10 km taking roughly 3–4 hours. The trail retraces the familiar route down through glacial moraine and the steep upper ridge, with the difficult, sharply-inclined sections now easier to negotiate on tired legs heading downhill. Along the way, trekkers pass Birendra Lake once more, its calm waters reflecting Manaslu and its northern icefall  a fitting last look back at the mountain just climbed. As the trail descends further, the surrounding vegetation returns and the landscape softens from stark glacial terrain back into the forested, village-dotted setting around Samagaon. Arriving back in the village brings a strong sense of accomplishment and relief, with real beds, proper meals, and a lower, oxygen-richer altitude marking the shift from expedition mode back into trekking-trail life.

The trek from Samagaon back down to Namrung (2,630–2,660m) covers roughly 15–19 km and takes about 5–6 hours, retracing the route through Shyala (Syala) and Lho along the way. The trail descends gradually through the Nubri Valley, passing chortens, mani walls, and terraced farmland, with the landscape shifting from the high alpine setting of Samagaon back into denser pine and rhododendron forest. In Lho, trekkers get one more chance to visit the impressive Ribung Monastery and enjoy sweeping views of Himalchuli and the Manaslu massif before continuing on. The trail crosses the Budhi Gandaki River several times via suspension bridges, passing smaller settlements like Sho and Shyala, with views of Ganesh Himal, Himalchuli, and Siring Himal still visible along the way. Namrung itself is a fortified, Tibetan-influenced village built on a rocky outcrop, marking a noticeably lower and warmer stop as the trek transitions back toward the lower Budhi Gandaki gorge.

Descending from Namrung down to Philim (1,570m) covers roughly 19–20 km and takes about 6–7 hours, retracing the route through Ghap, Deng, and Ekle Bhatti. The trail descends steadily through dense pine, oak, and rhododendron forest, crossing the Budhi Gandaki River multiple times on suspension bridges as the valley narrows into a steep, dramatic gorge with cascading waterfalls along the cliff walls. Along the way, trekkers pass small settlements like Deng and Bihi Phedi, with the terraced millet fields and stone-built houses signaling a shift back to the lower-altitude Gurung villages after days spent in the Tibetan-influenced upper valley. The trail also winds past bamboo groves and towering rock overhangs near Ekle Bhatti before dropping into the wider valley that leads to Philim. Philim itself is a large, prosperous Gurung village with traditional stone architecture, marking the point where the trail to Tsum Valley branches off, and offering a good overnight stop as the trek nears its final stretch back toward Machha Khola and the roadhead.

The trek from Philim down to Machha Khola (870m) covers roughly 15–18 km and takes about 6–7 hours, retracing the route through Jagat and Salleri as the trail descends back toward the lower Budhi Gandaki valley. Leaving Philim, the trail passes terraced fields before reaching Jagat, a picturesque stone-paved village with mani walls and chortens that marks the checkpoint for the Manaslu Conservation Area. From Jagat, the route continues through Salleri and Sirdibas, offering fine views of the 7,187m Shringi Himal, before descending along the river through pine and sal forest, crossing several suspension bridges and passing landslide-prone sections above the gorge. The trail then drops into warmer, subtropical terrain, passing small riverside settlements like Dobhan before reaching Tatopani, known for its natural hot springs — a popular stop to soak tired legs. From Tatopani, a final stretch along the river leads to Machha Khola, a roadside village marking the end of the trekking trail and the point where the return jeep/bus journey to Kathmandu begins.

The trek from Philim down to Machha Khola (870m) covers roughly 15–18 km and takes about 6–7 hours, retracing the route through Jagat and Salleri as the trail descends back toward the lower Budhi Gandaki valley. Leaving Philim, the trail passes terraced fields before reaching Jagat, a picturesque stone-paved village with mani walls and chortens that marks the checkpoint for the Manaslu Conservation Area. From Jagat, the route continues through Salleri and Sirdibas, offering fine views of the 7,187m Shringi Himal, before descending along the river through pine and sal forest, crossing several suspension bridges and passing landslide-prone sections above the gorge. The trail then drops into warmer, subtropical terrain, passing small riverside settlements like Dobhan before reaching Tatopani, known for its natural hot springs — a popular stop to soak tired legs. From Tatopani, a final stretch along the river leads to Machha Khola, a roadside village marking the end of the trekking trail and the point where the return jeep/bus journey to Kathmandu begins.

To mark the successful completion of the Manaslu Circuit trek and summit expedition, the evening is set aside for a celebratory farewell dinner in Kathmandu, typically hosted at a traditional Nepali restaurant offering a cultural program with live music and dance. This is a chance for the whole team — climbers, trekking guides, Sherpa staff, and porters — to come together, share stories from the mountain, and properly celebrate the shared achievement of reaching the summit of Mt. Manaslu (8,163m). Many groups use this occasion to formally thank and tip their guides and porters, whose support was essential throughout the trek and climb. The dinner often features a classic Nepali set menu (dal bhat, momo, and other local specialties), along with time to reflect on the journey's highlights, from the remote Budhi Gandaki gorge to Larkya La Pass and the summit push itself. It's a warm, well-deserved close to the expedition, with everyone parting ways rested, proud, and full of memories before departures the following day.

On the final day, there are no scheduled activities besides transfer to Tribhuvan International Airport for departure, timed according to each traveler's individual flight schedule. Depending on flight timing, there may be a little free time in the morning for last-minute souvenir shopping in Thamel or simply relaxing before heading to the airport. A representative from the trekking/expedition company typically arranges the airport drop-off, ensuring a smooth transfer and helping with any final logistics or luggage. This marks the official end of the Manaslu Circuit Trek and Expedition, bringing to a close a demanding but deeply rewarding journey around the eighth-highest mountain in the world. Travelers depart with permits, memories, and photographs of a summit that only a small number of climbers each year get to experience.

Contingency days are built into the itinerary as a safety buffer, typically allocated during the high-altitude climbing phase (Base Camp through the summit push) or around Larkya La Pass, since weather and route conditions in this remote region can be highly unpredictable. These extra days allow the expedition leader flexibility to delay a summit attempt if strong winds, heavy snowfall, or poor visibility make the window unsafe, without forcing the team into a risky decision under time pressure. Similarly, they provide a cushion in case of altitude sickness, illness, or fatigue among team members, allowing extra rest and recovery time before continuing higher or crossing a demanding section like the pass. If unused during the trek or climb, these days can also absorb delays caused by landslides, road closures, or transportation issues on the drive between Kathmandu and the trailhead, both of which are common on this remote route. Ultimately, contingency days exist purely as a safeguard for safety and flexibility — travelers should treat them as optional buffer time rather than fixed sightseeing or activity days, since how (or whether) they're used depends entirely on conditions during the trip.