Budget Manaslu Circuit Trek 2024

After breakfast we leave the busy frenetic Kathmandu behind and set off west along the Kathmandu-Pokhara Highway towards the village of Soti Khola. It’s a lovely drive passing through rural communities, small towns, green terraces, and lush hillsides on the way. We turn off the main highway toward the hilltop village of Dhading. The road eventually becomes a rutted, dirt path and around here we start to get views of the southern slopes of Annapurna, Manaslu, Ganesh Himal, and Langtang Himal.

We reach Soti Khola, located in the Bhudi Gandaki Valley, in time for dinner.

Transport:  public bus  (if you want to Private 4×4 jeep it will cost extra) 

Driving time: 8-10 hours (88 miles / 141.3 km)

In Soti Khola we begin our journey it’s a great start trekking through various landscapes including forests, rice paddies, a cliff-face ridge, a rushing river, and several beautiful waterfalls. Soon in we cross a bridge, before a trek up through a forest, then climb onto a ridge above the wild rapids of Budhi Gandaki River. We then follow a rocky trail to Khursane passing two cascading waterfalls as we steadily make our way on the trail that clings to the cliff. We need to descend past a few rice paddies and continue up to the lovely picturesque Gurung village of Labubesi.

From the village we follow along a rocky outcrop,its around here the valley opens up next to the river which flows more peacefully now. We head down to the river bank and follow it for a while before climbing over a side ridge. Then back down again to the river and cross another suspension bridge to reach our overnight destination Machha Khola. Great introduction today.

After breakfast in Machha Khola, we follow the gorge and continue up the river. The trail is narrow at first with a few gentle ups and downs before eventually crossing the Tharo Khola to reach Khorlabesi. After more ascents and descents, we arrive at a small hot spring in Tatopani—where we take a break!

From here we need to climb over another ridge before crossing the Budhi Gandaki on a suspension bridge. Soon after we have a stone staircase to negotiate and then head over another ridge to Dobhan and yet another suspension bridge over the Yaru Khola, staircases all the way today we have another one to climb and then drop to the river and yet again more stone stairs to Tharo Bharyang. Keep an eye out for neat Gurung villages in the jungle high above, as well as Langur monkeys, which roam the region.

Crossing the west bank of the Budhi Gandaki, we climb over a ridge, trek along the river and then climb towards the village of Jagat. At last no more staircases or suspension bridges but a great and very varied day none the less.

Trekking time: 6-7 hours

Trekking distance: 13.7 miles (22 km)

On the sixth day of the Budget Manaslu Circuit trek, embark on a journey from the starting point in Jagat at an elevation of 1,410 meters, with the ultimate destination being Dang, situated at an impressive altitude of 4,620 meters. The day unfolds with a departure from Jagat, tracing the trail that meanders alongside the Budhi Gandaki River. Traverse through charming villages, immersing yourself in the cultural tapestry of the region. The trek involves a gradual ascent through diverse landscapes, encompassing verdant forests and expansive open terrain. As the day progresses and Dang draws near, take a moment to marvel at the awe-inspiring mountain vistas, notably the majestic Manaslu peak. Upon reaching the high-altitude destination of Dang, revel in the stunning panoramic views and soak in the serene atmosphere at 4,620 meters. The evening offers an opportunity to explore the surroundings and make preparations for the adventures that lie ahead in the trek. It is crucial to note that trekking conditions, distances, and altitudes may vary, necessitating preparedness, proper hydration, and mindfulness of one's physical well-being. Always stay informed by checking the latest updates and consulting with local guides for accurate and up-to-date details on the trail.

Starting Point: Jagat (1410 m)

Ending Point: Dang (1860m)

After breakfast in Deng today is a day for getting more involved with mountain culture First cross the Budhi Gandaki river and climb up to the bridge, where we soon meet the trail to Bi. We head west up the valley passing through lush forests, alpine vegetation, and quaint villages that house the ethnic groups of the Manaslu region and then very slowly the major peaks start to appear in the distance, magic!

We take a break at the village of Prok with a great view of snow capped Siringi Himal. We move on to cross the Budi Gandaki several times today passing several gompas along the way. We follow the river upstream through a dense forest that leads to a narrow gorge. The forest eventually becomes less dense. This is wilderness, a magnificent way to experience the Manaslu Conservation Area. We have one last steep climb to the village of Namrung.

Trekking time: 6-7 hours

Trekking distance: 12.1 miles (19.5 km)

There is a good viewpoint in Namrung, of Siring, Ganesh Himal, and also Mount Himal Chuli to the south. Back on the trail we first climb steadily passing through forests to reach Lihi, a beautiful village with many stupas and barley terraces. The trail then drops and crosses the side valley of Simnang Himal with Ganesh Himal always close by.

We pass through the village of Sho and on to Lho here there are great views of Manaslu with time to explore the famous Ribung Gompa. Continuing on there is a true high mountain feel at Shyala village surrounded by Himal Chuli and Peak 29 (Ngadi Chuli) to the left, Manaslu and large glaciers straight ahead of us. Other snow capped peaks can be seen to the right, and at the far end stands Ganesh Himal. Our journey today ends in Samagaon where we spend the night. Another great day among many so far!.

Trekking time: 6-7 hours

Trekking distance: 10.9 miles (17.7 km)

We take today off helping our bodies adjust to the altitude. There’s an optional day hike which should really be done,it provides some rich Sherpa culture. Thousands of mani (prayer)stones with texts, as well as Sherpa women clad in traditional clothes and ornaments. We can hike up to a little hill near the Sama village where there is an old gompa—Pungyen Gompa—a monastery with great views of the glacier.

After breakfast in Samagaon, we descend to the Budhi Gandaki River and then follow it to a bridge over a side stream. Yet more mani walls, these people are intensely religious. As the valley begins to widen, the mountain views are amazing we are now very close to the Tibetan border.

The trail levels on a shelf above the river, we pass juniper and birch forests in Kermo Kharka. and then drop down and cross the Budhi Gandaki on a wooden bridge, before climbing steeply onto a promontory between two forks of the river. We come to a stone archway and continue walking until we reach the village of Samdo. Nice short day.

Trekking time: 4 hours

Trekking distance: 10.1 miles (16.4 km)

After breakfast in Samdo another fascinating day awaits first we pass a colourful seasonal Tibetan market called Larke Bazaar before descending to the Budi Gandaki River. Crossing it over the wooden bridge and begin to follow upward, crossing two streams while the Larkya Glacier keeps us company on our way. We skirt around the valley of the Salka Khola then climb up again to Dharamsala, also known as Larke Phedi. Along the route we pass many traditional monasteries.

Today’s shorter hike leaves time for acclimatization and relaxing in the afternoon.

Trekking time: 4-5 hours

Trekking distance: 7.2 miles (11.7 km)

A long and sometimes testing day that can take many people out of their comfort zone. so a hearty breakfast in Dharamsala is needed. it’s definitely more challenging today but with many rewards as we go.We encounter a number of rustic villages, we pass clear glacier lakes, trek through beautiful valleys with a wide range of flora and fauna, not to mention some stunning snow capped peaks.

After a short climb to the north side of the Larkya Glacier there are some awesome views of Cho Danda and Larkya Peak. Tough going as we walk across the moraine of the glacier, making a gradual ascent at first which becomes a lot steeper in the last section of the pass. From the pass it is just amazing there are outstanding views of Himlung Himal, Cheo Himal, and the massive Annapurna II. With the hard bit over our reward is a walk down into the misty low pastures in the early evening with Mount Manaslu looming in the distance.

Trekking time: 7-9 hours

Trekking distance: 15.3 miles (24.7 km)

The trail descends along the fig tree and rhododendron fortes, through the rocky riverbed and sliding hillsides to several small green villages. Eventually, after a long but very scenic day, we reach the large village of Tilje, inhabitants of a mix of Manang is (of Tibetan descent) and Chettris (Hindus), so have a unique architecture and culture and eat mixed foods - Dal Bhat, buckwheat Dhido, Tsampa, and Tibetan salt-tea. It's an easy trekking day following the Dudh Khola through bamboo forests about 1½ to 2 hours walk down, we see ahead marks of ACAP (Annapurna Conservation Area Project) board at Dharapani. Now we are in Annapurna Circuit Trekking main trail, an atmospheric Tibetan village with prayer flags fluttering at the Gomba in Thongje. We will stay overnight at the tea house.

In Dharapani, the Manaslu Circuit Trek program concludes as you travel through the beautiful countryside to Kathmandu. A direct route from Dharapani to Besishar may require a four-hour journey. From Besishar onward, the road is paved. After a hearty breakfast, we will thank our porter and guides before boarding a private Jeep to go to Kathmandu. We will follow the trail and travel to Kathmandu via the Prithvi highway