You can extend your trekking experience in the Manaslu region with optional day hikes to Ponkar Lake, Samdo Ri, and Rui La Pass. Each side hike adds an additional day at Samdo or Bhimtang while improving acclimatization and offering quieter mountain landscapes.
An Extra Day in Bhimtang for Ponkar Lake Hike
A side trip to Ponkar Lake allows you to spend more time in the high alpine section of the Manaslu region before descending toward the Annapurna trail. The route passes through glacial valleys, rocky terrain, and grazing meadows beneath hanging icefalls. As you leave Bhimtang behind, the trail becomes quieter and more open. You walk through yak pasturelands, small streams fed by melting glaciers, and rocky moraine paths with impressive views of the surrounding snow-covered mountains. Since this route is outside the main trekking trail, you often encounter fewer trekkers and a more peaceful mountain atmosphere.
The lake itself sits below the glaciers connected to the Larkya region and reflects the surrounding snow-covered peaks. The peaceful setting and limited foot traffic make it one of the quieter experiences along the entire trek. Depending on the weather and sunlight, the lake changes color throughout the day, adding to the beauty of the landscape.
This additional day also gives your body more time to recover after crossing Larkya La Pass while allowing you to enjoy another full day in the alpine section of the Manaslu Himalaya.
Quick facts on this day hike:
- Extra day required: +1 day in Bhimtang
- Maximum elevation: Around 4,100 m
- Walking time: 5 to 7 hours
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Trail: Glacial and alpine terrain
- Facilities: None along the route
- Starting point: Bhimtang
- Best for: Trekkers seeking a quieter mountain day
A glimpse of your Ponkar Lake day:
- Start hiking from Bhimtang after breakfast
- Cross alpine meadows and rocky moraine paths
- Reach Ponkar Lake and enjoy mountain views
- Explore the lakeside area before returning
- Overnight in Bhimtang
An Extra Day in Samdo for Rui La Pass Day Hike
The Rui La route follows a historic path once used by traders moving goods between Nepal and Tibet. Today, it offers trekkers a chance to explore dramatic high-altitude terrain beyond the regular Manaslu Circuit trail. As you climb higher above Samdo, the scenery becomes broader and more barren, with mountain ridges stretching toward the Tibetan side. The hike also works well for altitude preparation before crossing Larkya La Pass.
Quick facts on this day hike:
- Extra day required: +1 day in Samdo
- Maximum elevation: 4,900–5,000 m
- Walking time: 5 to 7 hours
- Difficulty: Moderate to challenging
- Trail: Exposed high-altitude trade trail
- Facilities: No shops or teahouses
- Starting point: Samdo
- Best for: Acclimatization and border landscapes
A glimpse of your Rui La Pass day:
- Begin with a gradual climb from Samdo
- Follow the old Himalayan trade route
- Enjoy expanding views toward Tibet and Manaslu
- Reach viewpoints near Rui La
- Return to Samdo for an overnight stay
An Extra Day in Samdo for Samdo Ri Hike
Samdo Ri is a rewarding acclimatization hike directly above Samdo village. The trail climbs a high ridge overlooking the Budhi Gandaki valley and the surrounding Himalayan ranges. From this viewpoint, you can see the snowy peaks around Manaslu, the trail toward Larkya La, and distant Tibetan terrain. The hike is shorter than Rui La but still reaches an impressive altitude.
Quick facts on this day hike:
- Extra day required: +1 day in Samdo
- Maximum elevation: 4,800–5,000 m
- Walking time: 4 to 5 hours
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Trail: Steep ridge path
- Starting point: Samdo
- Best for: Acclimatization and panoramic mountain views
A glimpse of your Samdo Ri day:
- Hike above Samdo village after breakfast
- Gain elevation steadily along the ridge
- Enjoy wide mountain panoramas
- Rest at the top viewpoint
- Return to Samdo lodge for overnight
