The Rupina La Manaslu Trek is one of Nepal’s most rewarding, yet least-explored, adventures. Indeed, this extraordinary journey blends the wild and remote Rupina La Pass (4,720m) with the culturally rich and scenic Manaslu Circuit Trek. Together, they offer the perfect combination of raw Himalayan wilderness, deep cultural immersion, and high-altitude thrills.
To begin with, your trek starts with a scenic drive from Kathmandu to Barpak, a vibrant Gurung village in the Gorkha district. Interestingly, Barpak is not only the epicenter of the 2015 earthquake, but it’s also a hub of Gurung heritage and tradition. From here, the trail immediately leaves the typical tourist route behind.
From Barpak, the path leads to Gai Kharka, a picturesque pastureland surrounded by lush hills and hidden waterfalls. Moreover, this stretch is truly off the beaten path. Along the way, you’ll pass through deep gorges and cross wooden suspension bridges. Then, you’ll camp in untouched alpine meadows. Notably, few trekkers have walked this route.
Eventually, you reach Rupina La Base Camp, where you prepare for one of the wildest and most isolated high passes in Nepal. The Rupina La Pass is steep and rugged. Snow often covers the trail even in early summer. Although it lacks lodges and is physically demanding, the rewards are immense. On a clear day, you’ll enjoy panoramic views of Ganesh Himal, Shringi Himal, Baudha Himal, and even glimpses of Manaslu. The atmosphere is silent, raw, and breathtaking.
After crossing Rupina La, the trail descends and eventually merges with the Manaslu Circuit at the Budhi Gandaki Valley. The change is striking. You move from complete solitude into vibrant Tibetan Buddhist villages like Namrung, Lho, and Samagaun. These villages are dotted with mani walls, prayer wheels, and chortens, reflecting the region’s spiritual depth.
At Samagaun, you’ll stop to acclimatize. From here, you can explore further with a side trip to Manaslu Base Camp (4,800m) or the stunning Birendra Lake. Moreover, the sight of Mount Manaslu (8,163m)—Nepal’s eighth-highest peak—is truly unforgettable.
Moving on to the grand finale, the trek reaches its climax at Larkya La Pass (5,160m). This is one of the longest and most scenic passes in the Himalayas. On clear days, you’ll be rewarded with views of peaks like Himlung, Cheo Himal, Kang Guru, and Annapurna II. However, depending on the season, the pass may be covered in snow, which adds to the adventure.
Descending from the pass, you arrive at Bimthang, a beautiful alpine valley. The trail then leads through dense forests to Tilije, before finally reaching Dharapani. A jeep ride will take you through Besisahar and back to Kathmandu, completing the unforgettable loop.
Best Time to Trek
The best seasons are mid-April to mid-June and September to early November. During these months, the weather is stable, skies are clear, and views are excellent. Trails are also safer for high-altitude crossings.
Avoid the monsoon (June to August) due to slippery trails, leeches, and landslides. Similarly, winter (December to March) brings heavy snowfall, making the passes dangerous and sometimes impassable.
During the Rupina La section, accommodation is fully camping-based. You’ll sleep in tents equipped with sleeping bags and foam mattresses. Meanwhile, a support crew prepares fresh meals for you.
In contrast, the Manaslu Circuit section offers basic tea houses and homestays in the villages.
As for food, typical meals include dal bhat, tsampa, noodles, yak meat, potatoes, and Tibetan bread. Additionally, hot tea is commonly served to keep you warm. Therefore, be sure to pack energy bars and snacks for the higher elevations.
Why Choose the Rupina La Manaslu Trek?
Trekking Route Overview
Kathmandu ➝ Barpak (Drive)
Barpak ➝ Gai Kharka ➝ Rupina La Base Camp ➝ Cross Rupina La Pass
Join Manaslu Circuit ➝ Namrung ➝ Lho ➝ Samagaun (Acclimatize/Manaslu Base Camp)
Dharmasala ➝ Cross Larkya La Pass ➝ Bimthang ➝ Tilije ➝ Dharapani ➝ Besisahar ➝ Kathmandu
The Rupina La Manaslu Trek is a remote and less-traveled route that begins with a scenic drive from Kathmandu to Barpak, a Gurung village known for its historical and cultural richness. From here, the trail ascends gradually through dense forests, high alpine pastures, and isolated yak herding settlements to Gai Kharka and then to Rupina La Base Camp. The highlight of the trek is the Rupina La Pass (4,720 meters)—a wild, off-the-beaten-path high mountain pass that connects the Budhi Gandaki Valley with the sacred Manaslu region. Unlike the more commercial routes, Rupina Lais is rugged and often unmarked, demanding good physical fitness, navigation, and camping gear. Yet, its raw beauty is unparalleled—expect untouched wilderness, views of Ganesh Himal, Baudha Himal, and distant peaks of the Langtang range. After crossing the pass, you’ll merge with the classic Manaslu Circuit, passing through charming villages like Namrung, Lho, and Samagaun, where ancient monasteries and Tibetan culture dominate the landscape. A rest day in Samagaun allows acclimatization and a possible hike to Manaslu Base Camp (4,800m) for breathtaking views of Mt. Manaslu (8,163m). The journey continues with a crossing of the spectacular Larkya La Pass (5,160m) before descending through glacial valleys to Bimthang, Tilije, and Dharapani. Finally, a drive from Dharapani to Besisahar, and back to Kathmandu, concludes this epic trek that blends isolation, cultural immersion, and dramatic Himalayan scenery.
Prepare gear and permits. Overnight in Kathmandu.
Gradually ascend through pristine landscapes. Camp overnight.
Visit local monasteries and enjoy stunning mountain views.
Settle in and rest.
Ascend gradually with beautiful valley views.
Prepare for the high pass crossing.
Early morning. Descend to Bimthang for rest and overnight stay.
Connect with the road head.
Drive from Dharapani to Besisahar, then on to Kathmandu. Overnight in Kathmandu.
Rest day in Kathmandu. Sightseeing or shopping.
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