Samagaon: How to Spend Your Acclimatisation Day on the Manaslu Circuit
Samagaon is the largest village on the Manaslu Circuit, at around 3,530m, right below Manaslu (8,163m). Our itinerary has two nights here, with one acclimatisation day before Samdo and Larkya La.
Options for that day range from a short walk to Birendra Lake to a long, hard climb towards Manaslu Base Camp.
- Altitude: around 3,530m
- Nights here: two, with one acclimatisation day
- Easiest walk: Birendra Lake, about 1.5 to 3 hours return
- Moderate hike: Pungyen Gompa, around 4,000m, about 5 to 6 hours return
- Hardest hike: Manaslu Base Camp, around 4,800m, a long full day
- Cash: no reliable ATM, bring rupees from Kathmandu
Samagaon sits in a wide valley under the glaciers of Manaslu, the world’s eighth highest mountain. It’s a Nubri village of stone houses, mani walls and barley fields, with a Tibetan Buddhist culture that feels very different from the lower valley.
It’s also where you prepare for the hardest part of the trek. Here’s how to use your day here.
Acclimatisation Hikes Compared
| Hike | Highest point | Approximate time | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Birendra Lake | about 3,690m | about 1.5 to 3 hours return | A short walk to a glacial lake |
| Pungyen Gompa | around 4,000m | about 5 to 6 hours return | A moderate hike with close views of Manaslu |
| Manaslu Base Camp | around 4,800m | about 6 to 8 hours return | Fit trekkers who feel well and have acclimatised adequately |
| Village walk | around 3,530m | 1 to 2 hours | A gentler option without a major climb |
These are rough planning times. Your pace, snow and the weather all make a difference, and your guide’s advice comes first.
Birendra Lake is a glacial lake below the Manaslu Glacier, a short walk from the village. It’s a good option for a gentle day, or for the afternoon after a longer hike.
Pungyen Gompa is an old monastery on a ridge above Samagaon, with close views of Manaslu and its glaciers. It’s a long but steady hike.
Manaslu Base Camp is the biggest climb, gaining over 1,200m. It’s steep and long, and many trekkers turn around before the top. Choose it only if you feel well and your guide thinks the conditions are right.
These walks offer different levels of effort and take you to different heights. A short walk to Birendra Lake is a gentler option, while Pungyen Gompa and especially Manaslu Base Camp need more effort at altitude. None of them guarantees protection from altitude sickness. Choose according to how you feel and your guide’s advice. If you get a headache with nausea, dizziness or other worrying symptoms, stop going up and tell your guide. Don’t push higher to finish the hike. See our altitude sickness guide.
Where Is Samagaon?
Samagaon is in the Nubri region of the Manaslu Conservation Area. You reach it after several days of trekking from the roadhead at Machha Khola. It lies in the upper Budhi Gandaki valley, between Shyala and Samdo.
On our Manaslu Circuit Trek, you reach Samagaon on Day 7, walking from Lho via Shyala, and spend Day 8 here acclimatising. The trek costs from USD 890 per person for 2 to 3 people. See the Manaslu Circuit trek cost for what’s included.
A Sample Rest Day
- Early morning: breakfast and start your hike. Leave earlier for Manaslu Base Camp.
- Late morning or afternoon: back in Samagaon, depending on your hike.
- Later afternoon: if you have time and feel well, walk to Birendra Lake or around the village.
- Evening: dinner and rest before the walk to Samdo.
Other Things to Do
- The village: stone houses, prayer wheels and mani walls, and the daily life of the Nubri people.
- Ribung Gompa: a monastery on a small hill above the village.
- Views: Manaslu fills the sky above the village on clear mornings.
Food, Rooms and Services
- Rooms: simple twin rooms in teahouses, plus a warm dining room. On our treks, we book all your rooms in advance.
- Food: dal bhat, noodles, potatoes and Tibetan bread. Prices are higher than lower down.
- Money: there’s no reliable ATM on the Manaslu Circuit. A few lodges may take cards, but don’t count on it. Bring enough Nepali rupees from Kathmandu. See our money guide.
- Charging and WiFi: available in some lodges for a small charge, but not always reliable.
- Permits: the Manaslu Circuit is a restricted area. We arrange all your permits, and a licensed guide is required.
From Samagaon to Larkya La
- Day 9: Samagaon to Samdo (3,875m), about 3 to 4 hours
- Day 10: Samdo to Dharamsala (4,460m), about 4 to 5 hours
- Day 11: cross Larkya La (5,160m) and descend to Bimthang (3,720m)
See our Larkya La pass guide and Manaslu Circuit difficulty guide.
Treks in this guide
Frequently Asked Questions
How high is Samagaon?
Around 3,530m (11,580ft).
How many nights should I spend in Samagaon?
Two nights, with one acclimatisation day. Our Manaslu Circuit itinerary includes this.
Should I hike to Manaslu Base Camp?
Only if you feel well and your guide agrees. It’s a long, steep day. Pungyen Gompa or Birendra Lake are good gentler options.
Is there an ATM in Samagaon?
Don’t rely on one. Bring enough cash from Kathmandu.
Do I need a guide to visit Samagaon?
Yes. The Manaslu Circuit is a restricted area, so a licensed guide is required.
