The Day-by-Day — Exactly How the Trail Feels
Below is the real schedule we use, straight from our field itinerary. Day-by-day routes, exactly as we run them on the ground:
| Day | Route |
|---|---|
| Day 1 | Drive to Machha Khola |
| Day 2 | Machha Khola→Jagat |
| Day 3 | Jagat→Deng |
| Day 4 | Deng→Namrung |
| Day 5 | Namrung→Shyala |
| Day 6 | Shyala→Samagaun |
| Day 7 | Acclimatization Day in Samagaun |
| Day 8 | Samagaun→Samdo |
| Day 9 | Samdo→Dharamsala (Larkya Phedi) |
| Day 10 | Dharamsala→Larkya La Pass →Bimthang |
| Day 11 | Bimthang→Goa |
| Day 12 | Goa→Tilije→Drive to Pokhara |
Before You Lace Up: The Practical Stuff
| Best season | March–May and October–November. The Larkya La is snow-dependent; we avoid the deep-winter crossing. |
| Difficulty | Moderate-to-hard. The Larkya La (5,106m) is a big day but non-technical with good acclimatization on the approach. |
| Permits | Restricted-area permit (MCAP + RAP) plus a licensed guide and a minimum of two trekkers in most cases. We handle the paperwork. |
| Accommodation | Teahouses and lodges, gradually simpler toward the high country. Samagaun has some of the cosiest family lodges we know. |
| Food on the trail | Dal bhat, momos, Tibetan bread, the occasional yak-cheese dish. Plenty of hot lemon and ginger tea. |
| Safety | We pace the approach for acclimatization (a rest day at Samagaun), and our guides watch everyone at altitude. The pass crossing starts before dawn for the best snow conditions. |
Life on the Trail
We keep groups small and our own guides lead every trek — no outsourced groups. You’ll walk at your own pace, eat well, and actually get to know the places you pass through. That’s the difference between a tick-list trek and one you’ll remember.
Grab the Full Itinerary (PDF)
Want the complete day-by-day exactly as we send it to clients — with every distance, overnight stop and what to pack for each section? Grab our prepared itinerary for this route, free:
Free download · the exact route we run on the ground
What to Pack — The 8 Mountains Packing List
We’ve sent hundreds of trekkers out with this list. It covers the essentials for any of our teahouse treks — adjust for season and altitude.
Clothing
- Base Layer: 2–3 quick-dry t-shirts, 1 thermal wear
- Mid Layer: Fleece or down jacket (optional)
- Outer Layer: Waterproof jacket & trousers, raincoat or plastic poncho
- Lower Body: 2–3 trekking pants, thermal leggings, 2–3 pairs trekking socks
- Footwear: Trekking boots, sandals (can be rented)
- Crampons — provided by 8 Mountains
Headgear & Gloves
- Warm beanie or sun hat/cap
- Sunglasses, buff/scarf
- Gloves
Backpack & Gear
- 40–55L backpack
- Trekking poles — provided by 8 Mountains
Essentials & Accessories
- 1L water bottles + purification tablets or filters
- Sunscreen (SPF 50+), lip balm
- Personal medicines (very important — bring enough for the full trek + a few extra days)
- Toiletries (toothbrush, wet wipes, menstrual care products, quick-dry towel)
- Power bank
- Snacks (energy bars, nuts, dried fruits)
Real Questions We Get Asked
Why choose Manaslu over Annapurna Circuit?
Manaslu is quieter, more remote-feeling, and culturally Tibetan. The Annapurna Circuit has more road sections now; Manaslu keeps the old-school trail feel.
What permits do I need?
The restricted-area permit (MCAP + RAP) plus a licensed guide and usually a minimum of two trekkers. We arrange it all.
How hard is the Larkya La pass?
At ~5,106m it’s a long day but non-technical. Good acclimatization on the approach makes it very achievable.
Ready to walk this trail?
Small groups, local women-led guides, and itineraries built from years on the ground. Message Vivi and we’ll plan it with you.
Author: Vivi
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