Namaste from the land of prayer flags, yak cheese, and heart-thumping Himalayan views!
I’m Angela—just a regular girl with big dreams and a not-so-regular idea of what a “vacation” looks like. While most people unwind on a beach with a cocktail in hand, I found myself chasing adventure (and my breath) through the rugged trails of the Manaslu Circuit Trek in Nepal.
Yep, I did it. I signed up for altitude, aching muscles, icy mornings, and no Wi-Fi—for fun.
Spoiler alert: It was tough. It was breathtaking. And it was absolutely hilarious.
Let me take you along for the ride, because this journey was too unforgettable not to share.
Picture this: dusty trails winding through emerald valleys, swinging suspension bridges that look like they belong in a movie, and ancient stone villages where time seems to stand still. Each day felt like stepping deeper into a story, one written by snowcapped peaks, spinning prayer wheels, and the rhythmic crunch of boots on gravel.
There were moments of pure joy: like when I finally learned to love dal bhat (the endless portions helped), or when I got photobombed by a goat at 3,000 meters. There were also moments of “Why did I think this was a good idea?” like gasping for air on the way to Larke Pass, or when I realized that showering might not be an option for a few days.
But through all the blisters and belly laughs, I discovered something deeper than just scenery. I found connection, in conversations shared over warm mugs of tea with strangers who quickly became friends, in the smiles of locals who offered kindness without needing words, and in the quiet strength that comes from pushing yourself far beyond your comfort zone.
The Manaslu Circuit isn’t as crowded as Annapurna or Everest, which makes it feel even more like a secret, you’re walking a trail that still holds the wildness of old Nepal. Remote monasteries, ancient Mani walls, herds of yaks, and silent mountain mornings made me feel like I was walking through a dream I never knew I had.
Day 1: Kathmandu — The Warm Welcome
The moment I landed at Tribhuvan International Airport, I was greeted with warm smiles, colorful chaos, and traffic that moved like a game of Tetris. After checking into a comfy hotel in Thamel, I met my guide for a trek briefing and then joined a cultural dinner- think dancing, daal bhat, and a whole lot of fun.
Pro Tip: Always say yes to momo.
Day 2: Kathmandu to Machha Khola (870m) — Road Trip Royalty
Let me tell you, Nepali Roads are not for the faint of heart or weak of bladder. We drove for nearly 10 hours, bouncing through hills and valleys until we reached Machha Khola. I’ve never bonded so quickly with a jeep seat before.
Day 3: Trek to Jagat (1,340m) — Legs Meet Hills
We officially started trekking and my knees were like, “Umm, excuse me?” The trail twisted through narrow gorges, past waterfalls and tiny villages that looked like they were painted by nature.
Highlight: Entering the Manaslu Conservation Area made me feel like I had entered a sacred world. Also, I saw a goat with better trekking skills than me.
Day 4: Jagat to Deng (1,860m) — Meet the Himalayas
This day was full of quiet ascents, fluttering prayer flags, and epic views of Shringi Himal. We passed Philim, crossed a few sketchy-looking bridges (yes, I screamed internally), and made it to Deng, a quiet little village where the stars at night looked unreal.
Day 5: Deng to Namrung (2,630m) — Forests and First Glimpses
Today was magical. We hiked through lush green forests, passed traditional Gurung villages, and finally saw our first clear view of Mt. Manaslu. I may or may not have cried. Okay, I did.
Also, my thighs were officially burning by now. Like “where’s my yak taxi?” level of sore.
Day 6: Namrung to Samagaon (3,530m) — Walls, Chortens & Wow
This trek felt deeply spiritual. We passed mani walls, chortens, and stepped deeper into a Tibetan-influenced world. And Samagaon? Wow. A stunning village that looked straight out of a movie except it had yaks instead of Ferraris.
Day 7: Acclimatization in Samagaon — Rest or Hike?
We rested… kind of. I hiked to Birendra Lake, which was turquoise magic, and saw brave souls heading to Manaslu Base Camp. Not me though I chose warm tea and mountain views.
Also me: Why is my nose sunburnt but my hands are freezing?! Mountain logic, I guess.
Day 8: Samagaon to Samdo (3,875m) — Yaks and Smiles
We walked for just 4-5 hours, but the views!
Rolling hills, yak pastures, and snow-capped dreams. Samdo was quiet and cozy, like the mountain version of a secret hideout.
Day 9: Samdo to Dharmasala (4,460m) — Prepping for Glory
The air was thin, the excitement was high, and my snacks were dangerously low. We reached Dharmasala, the last stop before crossing Larkya La Pass. I spent the evening staring at the stars and nervously sipping ginger tea.
Confession: I wore three pairs of socks that night.
Day 10: Larkya La Pass (5,160m) to Bimthang (3,720m) — The Big Day
Holy. Mountain.
We left before dawn, and the trek up to Larkya La Pass was no joke. Windy, steep, cold but when I reached the top, my heart exploded. We had 360-degree views of Manaslu, Himlung Himal, Annapurna II, and more.
The descent to Bimthang was long (I mean LONG), but the view? Absolutely worth every sore muscle.
Day 11: Bimthang to Tilije (2,300m) — Downhill Dreaming
Ah, downhill! My knees were crying, but in relief this time. We trekked through meadows, pine forests, and crossed cute little bridges. Tilije had that cozy-village vibe, with the best apple pie I’ve had in Nepal. Yes, really.
Day 12: Tilije to Jagat (1,300m) — Back to Civilization
We followed the river valley, slowly trading alpine views for subtropical green hills. It felt like saying goodbye to an old friend — the mountains. We reached Jagat again, but this one had more smiles and less shivering.
Day 13: Drive to Kathmandu — Back to the Buzz
After almost two weeks of mountain life, I was both excited and sad to return to Kathmandu. The 9-hour drive was full of memories, tea stops, and one very dramatic chicken trying to cross the road.
Day 14: Departure — But Not Goodbye
As I sat at the airport, backpack full of dust and heart full of stories, I realized: this trek wasn’t just a challenge it was a life shift. Manaslu gave me humility, strength, and a new appreciation for hot showers.
The Manaslu Circuit Trek is not just a journey through the Himalayas, it’s a pilgrimage through some of the most raw, untouched, and humbling landscapes Nepal has to offer. Looking back, I can still feel the crunch of gravel beneath my boots, the thin mountain air filling my lungs, and the quiet awe that settled over me each time the snow-covered peaks broke through the clouds. It wasn’t just a trek. It was an experience that reshaped the way I see travel, challenge, and solitude.
Yes, it was tough. There were long, steep climbs that tested every muscle in my legs. The altitude crept in slowly, demanding respect and patience. There were moments when the cold stung my fingers, when my pack felt too heavy, and when I wondered if the Larke Pass would ever come into view. But those challenges were exactly what made the journey so transformative. I discovered reserves of strength I didn’t know I had, both physical and mental. There’s something about being cut off from your everyday comforts, no internet, no quick fixes, no distractions, that brings you face to face with who you really are.
And speaking of no internet—yes, the lack of Wi-Fi was tough at first. I’m not going to lie. You don’t realize how addicted you are to checking your phone until you’re days into a remote Himalayan trail with no signal in sight. But somewhere along the way, that silence becomes a gift. Without constant notifications and distractions, I found myself more present. I noticed the prayer flags fluttering at every teahouse, the kindness in the eyes of the locals, and the laughter shared with fellow trekkers over warm dal bhat and mugs of tea. The mountains demand your attention, and they reward it with clarity and peace that you simply can’t find online.
Every village we passed through felt like a window into a simpler, more grounded way of life. Children playing barefoot, herders guiding yaks through narrow paths, and elders sitting in the sun spinning prayer wheels, all of it reminded me of the quiet beauty of human connection and resilience. The people of this region live in harmony with nature, and there’s a spiritual stillness that settles over the Manaslu trail like a blanket.
Would I do it again? Yes, and not just for the views or the bragging rights. I’d do it again because it reminded me of the value of slowing down, disconnecting, and pushing through discomfort to find something greater. The Manaslu Trek is not the easiest path in Nepal, but for those willing to walk it, it offers a kind of magic that lingers long after the blisters heal.
If you’re looking for a raw, real, and rewarding Himalayan trek without the crowds of Everest or Annapurna, Manaslu is your mountain.
So, if you’re reading this wondering whether you’re “fit enough,” “brave enough,” or just “crazy enough” to take on a trek like Manaslu—here’s my advice: Go. Do it. Let it surprise you. Let it challenge you. Let it change you. Because somewhere between the lung-burning ascents and soul stirring views, you just might find the version of yourself you’ve been waiting to meet.
And if nothing else, you’ll come home with epic stories, stronger legs, and a very real appreciation for toilet paper, sunshine, and the power of a single cup of hot tea at altitude.
Adventure Himalaya Nepal, made my journey smooth, safe, and filled with laughter. If you want your own Manaslu story, you know who to call.
