Larke Peak & Manaslu Circuit Trek-16 Day

• Starting altitude: –
• Ending altitude: 1,350 m
• Highlights: Arrival, meet & greet, transfer to hotel, briefing.

Description:
Upon arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu, our team will welcome you and transfer you to your hotel in Thamel, the popular tourist hub. After some rest, you will meet your trekking and climbing guide for a detailed briefing about the Manaslu Circuit trek and the Larke Peak climb. This includes route information, gear check, and safety guidelines. Kathmandu offers a vibrant mix of culture, history, and modern comforts. You can take a short evening walk through the colorful streets, lined with shops, cafes, and trekking gear outlets. Overnight in the hotel.

Accommodation : Kathmandu

• Starting altitude: 1,350 m
• Ending altitude: 710 m
• Ascending: –
• Descending: 640 m
• Highlights: Countryside views, rivers, terraced fields, first glimpse of rural Nepal.

Description:
Early in the morning, you set off on a scenic drive from Kathmandu toward the western hills of Nepal. The road first follows the busy Prithvi Highway, then branches off towards Dhading and Gorkha. You pass through small towns, green hills, and rice terraces. The final part of the journey is bumpy and dusty but very scenic, following the Budhi Gandaki River valley. After about 8–9 hours of travel, you reach Soti Khola, a small riverside settlement surrounded by hills and forests. This is the starting point of your trek. Overnight at a local lodge.

Accommodation : Local Lodge

• Ascending: 300 m
• Descending: 110 m
• Highlights: Budhi Gandaki riverbank, waterfalls, Gurung villages, suspension bridges.

Description:
Your first trekking day begins with a walk along a narrow trail beside the Budhi Gandaki River. The route takes you through thick sal forests, rocky trails, and across suspension bridges. Small Gurung and Magar villages appear along the way, where you can see locals farming on terraced fields. The trail undulates, with many short ascents and descents. You may encounter mule caravans carrying goods to higher villages. After crossing several streams and climbing stone steps, you finally reach Machha Khola, a small village named after “Fish River.” Overnight at a teahouse.

Accommodation : Teahouse

• Ascending: 700 m
• Descending: 190 m
• Highlights: Hot springs, river gorges, the stone village of Jagat.

Description:
Today’s trek continues along the Budhi Gandaki River, gradually climbing up narrow gorges. You pass Khorlabesi, a small village with hot springs nearby, and then climb stone steps to reach Tatopani, where trekkers often dip their feet in warm water. The trail continues through forests and landslide-prone sections before crossing the river on a suspension bridge. Finally, you ascend through stone stairways to Jagat, a beautiful village with flagstone streets, traditional houses, and a police checkpoint for permits. This village marks the official entry into the restricted Manaslu Conservation Area. Overnight stay in Jagat.

Accommodation : Teahouse

• Ascending: 650 m
• Descending: 260 m
• Highlights: Suspension bridges, river gorge, waterfalls, and Buddhist culture begin.

Description:
From Jagat, the trail descends to the river before climbing through stone-paved paths. You pass Salleri village, which offers great views of Sringi Himal. The path continues along the riverbank and through small settlements like Sirdibas, where you start noticing Buddhist prayer flags and Mani walls. Crossing a suspension bridge, you climb up to Philim, a large Gurung village with a school built by Japanese aid. From here, the trail gets quieter as you head deeper into the valley, passing waterfalls and lush forests. After a few more hours of walking, you arrive at Deng, a small settlement that marks the start of the upper region of the Budhi Gandaki valley. Overnight in a teahouse.

Accommodation : Teahouse

• Ascending: 950 m
• Descending: 120 m
• Highlights: Bamboo forests, monasteries, views of Ganesh Himal.

Description:
The trail from Deng heads into a more alpine environment with beautiful pine and bamboo forests. After crossing a suspension bridge, you gradually ascend through the valley, passing small villages such as Rana and Bihi. The route then follows forested ridges, where you may see monkeys and Himalayan birds. On clear days, Ganesh Himal appears in the distance. The climb is steady as you pass Buddhist chortens and prayer flags, reminding you that Tibetan influence is strong here. After several hours of uphill trekking, you reach Namrung, a lovely village with traditional houses, tea gardens, and beautiful mountain views. Overnight stay in Namrung.

Accommodation : Teahouse

• Ascending: 1,000 m
• Descending: 100 m
• Highlights: Stunning views of Himal Chuli, Manaslu, monasteries, and Tibetan-style villages.

Description:
Today’s walk is one of the most scenic of the trek. From Namrung, you ascend through forests and past barley fields with views of Himal Chuli and Ganesh Himal. Passing through Lihi village, decorated with prayer flags and chortens, you climb towards Sho and then Lho, a larger village where the majestic Manaslu (8,163 m) dominates the skyline. Lho has a beautiful monastery worth visiting. From here, the trail continues with a gentle climb across plateau-like terrain until you reach Samagaun, the biggest settlement in the upper valley. The village has stone houses, yak pastures, and panoramic views of Manaslu. Overnight stay at Samagaun.

Accommodation : Teahouse

• Ascending/Descending: Optional hikes
• Highlights: Birendra Lake, Manaslu Base Camp (optional), rest day.

Description:
This is an important day for acclimatization. Instead of resting the whole day, you can take short hikes to adjust to the altitude. A popular option is a hike to Birendra Lake, a turquoise glacial lake beneath the Manaslu Glacier. Stronger trekkers can hike up to Manaslu Base Camp (4,800 m), which provides breathtaking views of glaciers and the mighty Manaslu peak. Returning to Samagaun, you can explore the village and visit the old monastery. The rest day also gives you time to prepare your gear for the climb ahead. Overnight at Samagaun.

Accommodation : Teahouse

• Ascending: 350 m
• Descending: 20 m
• Highlights: Tibetan culture, yak herding, stunning mountain panoramas.

Description:
Today’s trek is short and easy, giving your body more time to adapt to the higher altitude. The trail climbs gradually above the river, with wide views of snowy peaks. You pass Mani walls, prayer wheels, and stone huts where locals keep yaks. The valley opens wider as you approach Samdo, a Tibetan refugee village located just a day’s walk from the Tibetan border. The village offers fantastic views of Manaslu, Samdo peak, and the surrounding ridges. In the afternoon, you may explore nearby hillsides for short hikes. Overnight at Samdo.

Accommodation : Teahouse

• Ascending: 650 m
• Descending: 40 m
• Highlights: High-altitude landscapes, glacial valleys, and preparation for peak climb.

Description:
From Samdo, the trail descends briefly to cross a wooden bridge over the Budhi Gandaki River. Then you begin climbing steadily through barren landscapes with fewer trees. The scenery is dramatic, with wide glacial valleys and snow-capped mountains all around. You may spot blue sheep grazing on the rocky slopes. After a few hours of trekking, you arrive at Dharamsala (also called Larke Phedi), a small stone hut settlement that serves as the base for crossing the Larke La Pass. Here, you prepare for your upcoming climb to Larke Peak. Overnight in a basic lodge or tent.

Accommodation : Lodge or Tent

• Ascending: 750 m
• Descending: 20 m
• Highlights: High-altitude trek, glacier views, camping at base camp.

Description:
Today is a short but important day. Leaving Dharamsala, you ascend gradually along a rocky trail with spectacular views of the Larke Glacier and surrounding peaks. The air becomes thinner, and you will feel the altitude. Walking slowly with steady steps is essential. After a few hours, you reach Larke Peak Base Camp (5,200 m), located on a snowy plateau beneath the peak. The climbing crew will set up tents and prepare meals. The afternoon is spent resting, checking climbing gear, and preparing for the summit push. Guides will give you instructions about using ropes, harnesses, and crampons. Overnight camping at base camp.

Accommodation : Tented Camp

• Ascending: 1,050 m
• Descending: 1,050 m
• Highlights: Summit of Larke Peak, 360° mountain panorama, adventure experience.

Description:
This is the most challenging and rewarding day of the expedition. You start climbing very early in the morning, usually around 2–3 a.m., using headlamps. The climb involves steep snow slopes, ridges, and rope sections where your climbing guide assists. Reaching the summit of Larke Peak (6,249 m) is an unforgettable moment, with breathtaking views of Manaslu (8,163 m), Annapurna II, Himlung Himal, Kang Guru, and Ganesh Himal. After enjoying the summit, you carefully descend back to base camp. The long day requires good stamina and determination, but the experience is truly once-in-a-lifetime. Overnight camping at base camp.

Accommodation : Tented Camp

• Ascending: 200 m
• Descending: 1,710 m
• Highlights: Crossing Larke La, views of Himlung, Annapurna, Cheo Himal, and descending into lush valley.

Description:
After the climb, you pack up and head towards the famous Larke La Pass. The trail begins with a steady ascent across rocky and snowy terrain. Prayer flags mark the top of the pass, and from here the views are jaw-dropping—peaks like Himlung Himal, Cheo Himal, Annapurna II, and Kang Guru rise high above the horizon. After spending some time enjoying the scenery, you begin a long descent on a steep, rocky trail. Eventually, the terrain becomes gentler, with forests and meadows appearing as you approach Bimthang. This large settlement offers stunning views of Mount Manaslu and is perfect for resting after a long and challenging day. Overnight at a teahouse.

Accommodation : Teahouse

• Ascending: 200 m
• Descending: 1,490 m
• Highlights: Forests, rivers, meadows, views of Manaslu’s south face.

Description:
From Bimthang, the trail descends through pine and rhododendron forests, with constant views of the south face of Manaslu. The path crosses a glacial stream before entering dense forest. You may see wildflowers, monkeys, and Himalayan birds along the way. The trail continues down to Karche, a small Gurung village surrounded by farmland, before making the final descent to Tilje. This charming village has stone-paved streets, traditional houses, and is surrounded by terraced fields. Overnight in a lodge at Tilje.

Accommodation : Lodge

• Ascending: 100 m
• Descending: 1,640 m
• Highlights: Cross the Marsyangdi valley, join the Annapurna Circuit, and drive through river gorges.

Description:
After breakfast, you descend from Tilje along forested trails and terraced fields. Crossing the Marsyangdi River, you soon arrive at Dharapani, a major junction where the Manaslu Circuit meets the Annapurna Circuit. From here, you take a Jeep ride down the rough mountain road, passing waterfalls, cliffs, and charming villages like Tal and Chamje. After about 4–5 hours of bumpy driving, you reach Besisahar, the district headquarters of Lamjung. Overnight in a lodge or guesthouse in Besisahar.

Accommodation : Guesthouse

• Ascending: 590 m (by vehicle)
• Highlights: Scenic drive along the Trishuli River, return to the capital city.

Description:
You leave Besisahar after breakfast and drive along a rough road until Dumre, where you join the Prithvi Highway. The drive becomes smoother as you pass rivers, small towns, and green hills. The road follows the Trishuli River valley, offering beautiful scenery and glimpses of villages along the way. After 6–7 hours, you reach Kathmandu and transfer to your hotel in Thamel. Evening free for relaxation, shopping, or enjoying a celebration dinner. Overnight at the hotel.

Accommodation : Hotel

• Highlights: Final airport transfer, goodbye to Nepal.

Description:
After breakfast, depending on your flight schedule, you will be transferred to Tribhuvan International Airport for your departure. Our team will assist with your luggage and see you off with warm wishes. As you fly out, you can look back on the unforgettable memories of the Manaslu region and your achievement of climbing Larke Peak.