10-Day Manaslu Circuit Trek: Larke La Pass Summit
Ten days crossing the Himalayas to a 5,160-meter pass with views of four frozen lakes
A 10-day guided trek from Kathmandu through the Manaslu Circuit, ending at Larke La Pass (5,160m), with government-licensed guide, porter, all permits, and accommodation in trekking lodges. The route follows the Budi Gandaki River through Gurung villages, climbs to Sama Gaon for acclimatization, then traverses glacial moraine and frozen lakes to reach the pass before descending to Dharapani.
Step-by-step itinerary
Day 1: Drive to Machha Khola from Kathmandu
- Drive from Kathmandu to Machha Khola
- Enjoy scenic landscapes from window seat
- Stay overnight in Machha Khola guesthouse
Day 2: Trek to Jagat from Machha Khola
- Trek along Budi Gandaki river bank
- Pass Gurung villages and Tatopani hot springs
- Cross suspension bridge over Budi Gandaki River
- Reach Jagat and obtain trekking permits
- Stay overnight in Jagat guesthouse
Day 3: Trek from Jagat to Deng
- Trek from Jagat to Philim crossing river
- Walk through bamboo forests and gorges
- Cross Deng Khola river
- Arrive at Deng and rest in guesthouse
Day 4: Trek from Deng to Namrung
- Cross suspension bridge to Rana and Bihi Phedi
- Pass white-faced monkeys and Ghap landslide zones
- Reach Namrung village
- Stay overnight in Namrung guesthouse
Day 5: Trek from Namrung to Sama Gaon
- Ascend from Namrung to Sama Gaon
- View Manaslu and Manaslu North peaks
- Pass Tibetan villages Shyo, Lho, and Shyala
- Arrive at Sama Gaon village
- Stay overnight in Sama Gaon guesthouse
Day 6: Acclimatization Day at Sama Gaon
- Choose day trip to Pungyen Gompa or Manaslu Base Camp
- Spot Himalayan Thars and Yaks
- Return to Sama Gaon and rest
Day 7: Trek from Sama Gaon to Dharmasala
- Trek from Sama Gaon to Samdo village
- Observe yak herding and marmots
- Cross Budi Gandaki River and Larkya Glacier
- Arrive at Dharmasala (Larkya Phedi)
- Stay overnight in guesthouse
Day 8: Trek from Dharmasala to Bhimthang
- Cross glacial moraine and frozen lakes
- Reach Larkya La pass
- Descend to Bhimthang village
- Stay overnight in Bhimthang guesthouse
Day 9: Trek from Bhimthang to Dharapani
- Descend through Karche village
- Follow Budi Gandaki riverbank to Gho
- Pass farming fields and Thonje village
- Arrive at Dharapani village
- Rest in Dharapani guesthouse
Day 10: Walk to Beshisahar and drive to Kathmandu/Pokhara
- Walk from Dharapani to Besisahar
- Drive from Besisahar to Kathmandu or Pokhara
What’s included
- Government-licensed guide in your choice of English, Spanish, German, or Hindi.
- porter (one for every two trekkers).
- all meals, drinks, and accommodation in teahouses.
- shared vehicle transport from Kathmandu to Machha Khola and from Dharapani back to Kathmandu.
- all trekking permits (ACAP, MCAP, restricted area entry).
- medical kit and twice-daily oxygen and pulse monitoring.
- accident insurance for all staff and evacuation management.
- trekking map, hat, duffel bag, and certificate of completion.
Times
- Saturday 05:15 05:45 06:15 06:45 07:15 07:45
Before you book
Operated by Himalayan Scenery Treks and Expedition - Private Day Tours
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The experience
The trek starts with an 8 to 9 hour drive from Kathmandu to Machha Khola, where you sleep in a teahouse before walking begins. From there, the route follows the Budi Gandaki River for five days, passing through lower Khorlabeshi and villages like Philim and Deng, with the landscape gradually steepening as you gain altitude. By day five you reach Sama Gaon at 3,520 meters, a Tibetan village where you stop for acclimatization. On the acclimatization day, you can choose between a short trip to Pungyen Gompa or Manaslu Base Camp to the north, where the trail passes Birendra Tal and reaches the Manaslu Glacier.
Days seven and eight push higher into alpine terrain. From Sama Gaon you trek to Dharmasala (also called Larkya Phedi) at 4,460 meters, entering the land of yaks and marmots as the forest gives way to barren slopes. The next day (the longest of the trek at 7 to 8 hours). You cross glacial moraine, pass four frozen lakes, and summit Larke La at 5,106 meters. The pass opens views of Himlung Himal, Cheo Himal, Gyaji Kung, Kang Guru, and Annapurna II before you descend to Bhimthang. The final two days are a long descent through Karche and Tilje, following the river down to Dharapani, then a shared vehicle returns you to Kathmandu in 7 to 8 hours.
Your guide is government-licensed and speaks English, Spanish, German, or Hindi. A porter carries gear for every two trekkers. All permits (ACAP, MCAP, and restricted area entry) are arranged, and you stay in shared teahouse rooms throughout. The operator provides a medical kit, daily pulse and oxygen checks using an oximeter, accident insurance for staff, and evacuation management if needed. You receive a trekking map, hat, duffel bag, and certificate at the end. Shared transport covers the drive to and from the trailhead. Private vehicle options exist at higher cost.
Is this one for you?Book the shared vehicle option if budget is your priority, or choose private transport if you prefer not to share the drive from Kathmandu.
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Top questions
What languages is the tour guided in?
Live guide in English, Spanish, German and Hindi.
What is Larke La Pass and why does crossing it take a full day?
Larke La is a 5,106-meter mountain pass that marks the highest point of the Manaslu Circuit. The trek to it from Dharmasala takes 7 to 8 hours because the route crosses glacial moraine and passes four frozen lakes, gaining significant altitude over difficult terrain before reaching the summit and descending to Bhimthang.
Can I see Manaslu itself during the trek?
Yes. From Sama Gaon on day five, you have clear views of Manaslu and Manaslu North. On the acclimatization day, you can walk to Manaslu Base Camp north of the village, where the trail reaches the Manaslu Glacier and offers close views of the mountain.
What happens on the acclimatization day at Sama Gaon?
Sama Gaon sits at 3,520 meters, high enough that your body needs time to adjust before climbing higher. You choose between two day trips: Pungyen Gompa to the east or Manaslu Base Camp to the north. Both are short walks where you may spot Himalayan Thars and yaks, then you return to rest in the village for the remainder of the day.
How much walking is involved each day, and does the difficulty increase?
Days two through five average 5 to 7 hours of trekking at moderate altitude. Days six and seven climb steeply to 4,460 meters, taking 6 to 7 hours each. Day eight is the hardest: 7 to 8 hours crossing glaciers and frozen lakes to the 5,106-meter pass. Days nine and ten are long descents, 7 to 8 hours each, but easier on the legs as altitude drops.
What kind of accommodation will I have during the trek?
You stay in trekking lodges called teahouses, shared with other trekkers. These are simple guesthouses in villages along the route (Machha Khola, Jagat, Deng, Namrung, Sama Gaon, Dharmasala, Bhimthang, and Dharapani) offering basic but warm rooms and meals cooked on-site.
What is included in the price, and what do I need to pay for separately?
Included are the guide, porter, all meals and drinks during the trek, accommodation, transport to and from the trailhead, all permits, insurance, and a medical kit. Not included are your hotel and meals in Kathmandu before and after, the Nepal entry visa ($15–$125), personal expenses, alcoholic drinks, battery charging, internet, hot showers, and tips for the guide, porter, and driver.
10-Day Manaslu Circuit Trek: Larke La Pass Summit
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