Day eight on the Manaslu Circuit is a trek from Samdo village to Dharmashala. Dharmashala is a small village located at 4470 m (14665 ft). The trek to Dharmashala from Samdo begins with a warm breakfast at the tea house in Samdo village. The journey from Dharmashala on the Manaslu Circuit passes through pristine natural beauty.
Dharmashala is the final destination before crossing the longest pass in the Himalayas on the Manaslu Circuit trek. Trekkers consider Dharmashala a resting point before passing the highest elevation on the Manaslu Circuit.
You’ll walk through a pine forest as you leave Samdo and move toward Dharmashala. Then, the trail passes through Fuka Kharka, and after passing a suspension bridge over Larke Khola, you'll get to Larke Bazaar. At an elevation of 4090 m (13418 ft) above sea level, Larke Bazar is a fair, seasonal Tibetan market. If you feel tired upon reaching Larke Bazar, you can rest there for some time.
As you pass Larke Bazar, continue on to the mani wall. A 3 to 4-hour trek from Samdo takes you to the village of Dharmashala. The journey is easy, and you don't need to walk for long. As you'll have enough time left upon reaching Dharmashala, you can explore the area in the remaining time.
Hiking distance
Dharmashala, known as Larke Phedi, is about 8km from Samdo village. If trekkers hike along the main trekking trail and don’t take any side trips, they reach Dharmashala after covering 8km (5 miles). However, the trekking time depends on the trekkers' walking speed and the time they spend resting. In general, trekkers reach Dharmashala within 3–4 hours of trekking from Samdo, with a break along the way.
Trekking trails to Dharmashala
The trek to Dharmashala begins with a hike from the beautiful settlement of Samdo. The trail goes through the row of yaks. The trekking trail from Samdo to Dharmashala is gentle, with some sections requiring switchbacks. Along the hiking trail to Dhamashala, trekkers will see ancient ruins and alpine meadows, offering opportunities to explore. The trail goes alongside the river of Budhi Gandaki at the first step and then passes through the riverside of Larke Khola at the second step until you reach Dharamshala.
Scenery and Trek to Dharmashala
The scenery along the trekking trail from Samdo to Dharmashala is breathtaking, offering magnificent views of the untouched beauty of the Manaslu Circuit. As you begin hiking, Mount Manaslu and Syacha Glacier will call you. Along the way, you'll pass through a lush alpine meadow that pleases the eye—the Buddhist prayer wheels with colorful prayer flags create a peaceful, beautiful environment.
As trekkers arrive in Dharmashala, the mesmerizing mountain views of the Jarkya Himal, Nysing Himal, and Lamjung Himal welcome them. As Dharmashala is at a higher elevation, views of Fukang Glacier, Larkya Glacier, Syacha Glacier, Yamnang Glacier, and Manaslu Glacier are also spectacular.
Hotels in Dharmashala
In trekking destinations in Nepal, including the Manaslu Circuit and other areas, the word “Hotel” is not used. Instead, people call it a "tea house." Throughout the Manaslu Circuit, including at Dharmashala, trekkers stay in tea houses run by local people. There is only one tea house in Dharamshala that can accommodate more than 200 people.
The teahouse of the Dharmnashala serves as a resting point for the trekkers. The tea house has limited yet essential and basic facilities. The toilet is not attached to a room; it will be beside your room. Also, the toilets can be slippery, so be careful. Although trekkers don't have access to modern facilities at the tea houses in Dharmashala, they'll receive the best hospitality.
The tea house in Dharmashala is big enough, traditional, and made of stone or wood. The tea house provides amenities for overnight stays, including twin-sharing beds, pillows, and covers. For warmth, trekkers should bring sleeping bags and warm clothes.
Meals in Dharmashala
Throughout the Manaslu Circuit, including at the Dharmashala, trekkers have a unique chance to taste the delicious meals served at local tea houses. Trekkers get three meals during the journey at the region's tea houses. The tea houses' meals are tasty and nutritious, providing trekkers with the energy they need.
The tea houses serve a variety of meals, from traditional Nepali dishes to international cuisine. It is highly recommended to have local, traditional Nepali dishes, as they are nutritious and arrive at your table fresh from the farm, cooked with healthy ingredients.
The tea houses serve meals in the communal dining area, where trekkers can talk with one another and share their Manaslu trekking experiences. The warm hospitality shown to the trekkers while serving the meal enhances its taste.
Drinking water
Staying hydrated throughout the Manaslu Circuit is crucial. Throughout the journey, Boundless Adventure provides each client with water purification tablets. However, it is advisable to drink boiled water. Dharamshala is near a stream; however, the stream freezes in the morning and at night, especially in winter. So, the Dharmashala tea house provides you with boiled water, yet it costs extra.
Staying hydrated helps trekkers reduce the chances of altitude sickness, so water plays a vital role throughout your journey. Consider carrying a refillable water bottle and drinking water regularly, even if you don't feel thirsty.
Altitude
On the Manaslu Circuit trek, Dharmashala is at an altitude of 4770 m (15649 ft) above sea level. Dharmashala, also known as Larke Phedi in Manaslu Conservation, serves as a resting point before crossing the most significant pass in the Himalayas, Larke La Pass (5106 m/16751 ft). As Dharmashala lies at a higher elevation, trekkers get a beautiful view of the surrounding area from its vantage point.
Upon reaching Dharmashala from Samdo, trekkers gain an elevation of 780 m (2,595 ft), so they should be careful during the trek to Dharmashala. Although the trek to Dharamshala is at a higher elevation and trekkers gain altitude, the trail is easy. However, trekkers should listen to their bodies while walking.
Altitude prevention
As trekkers start hiking towards Dharmashala from Samdo, they'll gain altitude, and their bodies can't adjust to the sudden change in surroundings. Trekkers are likely to experience altitude-related issues, such as acute mountain sickness, in such conditions. Trekkers should take precautions to prevent altitude-related sickness when trekking from Samdo to Dharapani.
One of the most effective prevention methods for trekkers is proper acclimatization by ascending slowly. The distance from Samdo to Dharmashala is short and can be completed within 3 to 4 hours. It is advisable to trek slowly, giving your body time to adapt to the changing temperature.
Staying hydrated is another way to prevent altitude sickness. Trekkers should drink at least 3 liters of water each day. From time to time, trekkers should drink water to avoid dehydration. Also, avoid consuming alcohol and coffee, as they lead to dehydration in the body.
A bland diet is necessary to fuel your body during the trek from Samdo to Dharmashala. Eating food rich in carbohydrates, protein, vitamins, and fats helps your body stay energetic throughout the hike to Dharmashala.
Proper rest is also essential for preventing altitude sickness. Adequate rest allows your body to recharge and provides continuity in your trek.
Additionally, listening to your body is most important to avoid worsening altitude sickness. If you experience any altitude-related problems, you can tell your guide at any time. As per your condition, the guide will suggest what to do, and you must follow their guidance.
Equipment
Before starting your trek to Dharmashala on the Manaslu Circuit, you must be prepared with the right equipment to ensure your safety and make the trek enjoyable. Here is a list of some essential equipment you should carry while trekking to Dharmashala from Samdo:
Clothing: Proper clothing is necessary when trekking in Dharmashala. As Dharmashala is at a higher altitude, mornings and nights are cold, so appropriate clothing for different weather conditions is essential. Moisture-wicking base layers, insulating second layers, and waterproof outer layers are necessary. A warm hat, a down jacket, and gloves are also required.
Trekking Boots: Trekking boots are essential equipment for your journey. High-quality trekking boots with ankle support help you complete your trek smoothly.
Sleeping Bag: A sleeping bag ensures a warm, sound sleep in the teahouse in Dharamshala. The tea house doesn't offer blankets, so trekkers should carry a high sleeping bag in the cold temperature of Dharmashala.
First Aid Kit: As Dharmashala is in a remote location and settlements are also few, carrying a first aid kit is necessary for the trek. A first-aid kit should have crucial medical supplies.
The items mentioned are essential equipment for trekking to Dharmashala. You can visit for some trekking equipment.