Manaslu Base Camp Trek – 14 Days Complete Package Guide 2026

Your Manaslu Base Camp Trek begins with arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport. Our representative transfers you to your hotel. The evening includes a trek briefing covering restricted area regulations, gear verification, and altitude management strategy.

Day 1 Details:

• Airport pickup and hotel transfer
• Trek briefing, gear inspection, permit review
• Guide and team introduction

The drive follows the Prithvi Highway before turning north toward the Manaslu region. The road grows rougher as you leave the highway, requiring a 4WD vehicle for the final section into the Budhi Gandaki Valley. Machha Khola sits along the river at the start of the trekking corridor.

Day 2 Details:

• Drive duration: 7-8 hours (highway then rough 4WD track)
• Altitude: 869m
• Terrain transition: Urban to river valley
• Accommodation: Teahouse at Machha Khola

The first trekking day follows the Budhi Gandaki River through subtropical forest, crossing suspension bridges and passing through small villages. The trail weaves along the gorge walls with waterfalls cascading from cliffs above. Jagat marks the official entry point into the Manaslu restricted area — your guide processes permit verification at the checkpoint here.

• Permit checkpoint: Restricted area verification at Jagat
• River crossings: Multiple suspension bridges
• Cultural shift: First mani walls and prayer flags appear
• Terrain: River trails, stone steps, forest paths

Beyond Jagat, the Budhi Gandaki Valley begins to open. The trail passes through Philim — a significant Gurung village where terraced farmland climbs steep hillsides. Traditional stone houses with slate roofs reflect centuries of adaptation to this vertical landscape.

The section between Philim and Deng transitions from Gurung to increasingly Tibetan cultural influence. Mani walls grow longer, prayer wheels appear at trail junctions, and the architecture shifts toward flat-roofed Tibetan-style structures.

• Gurung culture: Philim village — terraced farms, traditional stone houses
• Cultural transition: Gurung influence gives way to Tibetan Buddhist elements
• River scenery: Budhi Gandaki widens, valley opens
• Altitude note: Moderate gain, body adjusting to trekking rhythm
  
  

Day 4 Details:

• Trek duration: 7-8 hours
• Elevation gain: +520m
• Villages: Philim, Ekle Bhatti, Deng
• Accommodation: Teahouse at Deng

A significant altitude gain day as the trail climbs through changing vegetation zones. Pine and rhododendron forests replace subtropical species. The valley transforms — wider vistas, snow-capped peaks emerging above ridgelines, and the air noticeably cooler.

Namrung is a traditional Nubri village where Tibetan Buddhist culture is fully established. Ancient chortens guard village entrances, prayer flags span the valley, and monastery bells mark evening prayers. The Shringi Himal (7,161m) becomes visible from surrounding ridges.

• Altitude gain: Most significant climb so far (+770m)
• Vegetation change: Subtropical to temperate — rhododendron and pine forests appear
• Mountain views: Shringi Himal (7,161m) first appears
• Nubri culture: Traditional flat-roofed houses, prayer flags, chortens
  
  

Day 5 Details:

• Trek duration: 6-7 hours
• Elevation gain: +770m
• Cultural highlight: Enter Nubri region — Tibetan Buddhist heartland
• Accommodation: Teahouse at Namrung

A shorter day allows the body to adjust as you climb into the high alpine zone. The trail passes through Lho village, where the Ribung Monastery commands panoramic views of Mount Manaslu's massive north face — the first location where the mountain's full scale becomes apparent.

Beyond Lho, the landscape opens further as the valley widens toward Shyala. Mountain views improve steadily with Manaslu (8,163m) and Himalchuli (7,893m) dominating the skyline.

• Mount Manaslu first view: The eighth-highest mountain appears in full profile
• Ribung Monastery: Historic Buddhist monastery above Lho village
• Altitude adjustment: Pace slows, hydration becomes critical
• Photography: One of the best Manaslu viewpoints on the entire trek
  
  

Day 6 Details:

• Trek duration: 4-5 hours
• Elevation gain: +870m
• Mountain views: Manaslu (8,163m), Himalchuli (7,893m)
• Accommodation: Teahouse at Shyala

Today's route passes beneath Manaslu's north face with a visit to Pungyen Gompa — a remote Buddhist monastery set against glacial terrain with commanding views of the Manaslu massif. This is one of the most spiritually significant sites in the upper Budhi Gandaki Valley.

Samagaon is the main village of the upper Manaslu region. Traditional flat-roofed stone houses cluster around the monastery, yak herding remains the primary livelihood, and the village functions as a trading post on the ancient trans-Himalayan route between Nepal and Tibet. Samagaon offers the best facilities before the high country — multiple lodge options, a small bakery, and charging stations.

• Pungyen Gompa: Important Buddhist monastery with Manaslu panorama
• Samagaon: Largest upper valley settlement, best facilities
• Yak herding: Traditional livestock visible on surrounding pastures
• Base camp preparation: Acclimatization base for the 4,800m hike
  
  

Day 7 Details:

• Trek duration: 3-4 hours
• Elevation: 3,530m (slight descent from Shyala)
• Cultural highlight: Pungyen Gompa monastery visit
• Facilities: Best lodges, bakery, charging available
• Accommodation: Teahouse at Samagaon

The defining day of this trek. A challenging acclimatization hike from Samagaon to Manaslu Base Camp at 4,800m climbs 1,270 meters over moraines and glacial terrain, returning the same day.

The trail follows the lateral moraine of the Manaslu Glacier through increasingly barren terrain. Rocky paths give way to glacial debris as alpine meadow transforms into high-altitude moonscape. At base camp, the north face of Mount Manaslu towers directly overhead — an ice-armored wall rising over 3,000 meters from glacier to summit. Birendra Tal (glacial lake) near the approach reflects Manaslu's face in still morning conditions.

This hike is demanding but highly beneficial for safety — the altitude exposure significantly improves the body's adaptation for the higher elevations ahead.

• Summit altitude: 4,800m — Manaslu Base Camp
• Elevation gain: +1,270m from Samagaon (significant single-day climb)
• Manaslu Glacier: Walk along lateral moraine to glacier's edge
• Birendra Tal: Glacial lake with stunning mountain reflections
• No facilities: Pack lunch from Samagaon, carry 3-4 liters water

A deliberately short walking day allows recovery after the base camp hike. The trail continues up the Budhi Gandaki Valley as the landscape becomes more barren and the Tibetan borderlands draw closer. Rocky terrain replaces forest, and the cultural atmosphere shifts toward a more remote, frontier character.

Samdo is one of the highest permanent settlements in the valley. Traditional stone houses built close together reflect both the harsh climate and the community's centuries-old trading connections with Tibet.

• Recovery day: Short distance after demanding base camp hike
• Landscape shift: Barren, high-altitude terrain near Tibetan border
• Samdo village: Historic trans-Himalayan trading settlement
• Altitude preparation: Body continues adapting at higher sleeping elevation
  
  

Day 9 Details:

• Trek duration: 2-3 hours
• Elevation gain: +345m
• Terrain: High alpine valley, rocky paths
• Accommodation: Teahouse at Samdo

An optional hike toward the Tibetan border viewpoint provides further acclimatization and a chance to explore the remote landscape beyond Samdo. The rest of the day is dedicated to rest and preparation for the high-altitude days ahead.

This second acclimatization day exists specifically to reduce altitude sickness risk before the ascent to Dharamsala and the Larkya La Pass crossing. Rushing this section is the most common mistake on this trek.

• Border viewpoint: Optional hike toward Tibet for panoramic views
• Risk reduction: Further acclimatization before 4,460m+ sleeping altitude
• Preparation: Gear check, energy conservation for pass day
• Hydration focus: 3-4 liters minimum fluid intake
  
  

Day 10 Details:

• Trek duration: Optional hike (2-4 hours)
• Altitude: 3,875m (sleep altitude)
• Purpose: Critical acclimatization before high pass
• Health note: Guide monitors all trekkers for altitude symptoms

A gradual ascent to Dharamsala — the high camp at the base of Larkya La Pass. The landscape is stark and beautiful: rock, ice, and sky with no vegetation above the sparse alpine scrub left behind below 4,000m.

Accommodation at Dharamsala is basic — stone shelters with minimal facilities. An early night is essential as the pass crossing begins before dawn the next morning. Your guide briefs the team on the pass-day protocol, weather assessment, and pacing strategy.

• High camp: Highest sleeping point of the entire trek (4,460m)
• Basic accommodation: Stone shelter, no showers, limited menu
• Pass preparation: Guide briefs team on next-day strategy
• Early sleep: 7:00-8:00 PM recommended for pre-dawn start

Day 11 Details:

• Trek duration: 3-4 hours
• Elevation gain: +585m
• Terrain: Barren alpine, rocky ascent
• Accommodation: Basic stone shelter at Dharamsala

The most challenging and rewarding day of the Manaslu Base Camp Trek. Starting before dawn, the trail climbs steadily to Larkya La Pass at 5,160m — the highest point of the journey. The ascent crosses glacial moraines and snow patches, with prayer flags marking the pass summit where 360-degree Himalayan panoramas stretch across the Manaslu and Annapurna ranges.

The descent from the pass is steep and demanding, dropping over 1,500 meters to the alpine meadows of Bhimtang. The contrast is dramatic — from stark, frozen high altitude to green pastures with views of Manaslu's southern flanks.

• Larkya La Pass: 5,160m — highest point, prayer flags at summit
• Panoramic views: Manaslu, Himalchuli, Annapurna II visible
• Conditions: Cold, potentially windy, snow patches possible
• Descent: Steep 1,570m drop to Bhimtang
  
  

Day 12 Details:

• Trek duration: 7-9 hours
• Elevation gain: +700m, then descent -1,570m
• Max altitude: 5,160m (Larkya La Pass)
• Start time: 3:00-4:00 AM
• Terrain: Glacial moraine, snow patches, steep descent
• Accommodation: Teahouse at Bhimtang

A long descent through forests and river valleys brings warmer air and greener scenery as you leave the high alpine zone behind. The trail passes through rhododendron and pine forests before entering the Marsyangdi River valley with its terraced farmland and lower-elevation villages.

The physical relief of descending below 3,000m is noticeable — warmer temperatures, richer oxygen, and the return of familiar vegetation create a sense of completion.

• Elevation relief: Drop below 3,000m for the first time in a week
• Vegetation return: Forests, farmland, warmer climate
• Trail condition: Well-maintained descent through village paths
• Celebration mood: Final trekking day atmosphere
  
  

Day 13 Details:

• Trek duration: 5-6 hours
• Elevation loss: -1,290m
• Terrain: Forest trails, village paths, river valley
• Accommodation: Teahouse at Tilje

After breakfast, the return drive follows the Marsyangdi Valley road to the highway and back to Kathmandu. Arrival in the capital by late afternoon marks the conclusion of your Manaslu Base Camp Trek. A farewell dinner in the evening provides a chance to reflect on the journey.

Day 14 Details:

• Drive duration: 8-9 hours
• Farewell dinner in Kathmandu
• Trip concludes upon hotel/airport drop-off