The Manaslu Circuit trek starts in the town of Arughat, located on the banks of the Budhi Gandaki River in the Gorkha district of Nepal. From there, trekkers follow the river northwards, passing through small villages and lush forests, with occasional glimpses of towering peaks in the distance.
As the trail gains altitude, the landscape changes, with the forests giving way to alpine meadows and high mountain passes. The first major landmark on the trek is the village of Jagat, located at an altitude of 1,350 meters. Jagat is a traditional Tibetan-style village, with narrow streets and whitewashed houses, and is also the point where the Manaslu Conservation Area begins.
From Jagat, the trail continues to climb, passing through several small villages and crossing the Budhi Gandaki River several times. One of the most scenic stretches of the trek is the hike up to Philim, a small village located at an altitude of 1,590 meters, which offers panoramic views of the surrounding mountains.
From Philim, the trail climbs steadily towards the Larkya La Pass, the highest point of the trek at 5,160 meters. Along the way, trekkers pass through the villages of Deng, Namrung, and Lho, each with their own unique charm and character. In Namrung, there is a monastery that offers stunning views of Manaslu and the surrounding peaks.
After Lho, the trail enters the Nupri region, an area of high altitude pastures and Tibetan-style villages. One of the most picturesque villages in this area is Samagaon, located at an altitude of 3,530 meters. Samagaon is home to a small monastery, as well as the famous Manaslu Base Camp, which offers stunning views of the mountain.
From Samagaon, the trail continues to climb towards the Larkya La Pass, passing through high altitude meadows and barren landscapes. The pass itself is a challenging but rewarding climb, offering panoramic views of the surrounding peaks, including Manaslu and Annapurna II.
After crossing the pass, the trail descends rapidly towards the village of Bhimthang, located at an altitude of 3,720 meters. Bhimthang is a beautiful alpine village, surrounded by towering peaks and lush forests.
From Bhimthang, the trail continues to descend towards the village of Tilije, passing through several small villages along the way. The final stretch of the trek is a relatively easy hike down to the town of Besishahar, where trekkers can catch a bus or jeep back to Kathmandu.