The path leaves Samdo heading north-east, crosses the river and climbs into a broad valley used by herders and, for centuries, by traders taking salt and wool between Tibet and the Budhi Gandaki. The gradient is steady and the trail clear, through grass and scree with yak shelters on the way. Most groups turn around at a viewpoint between about 4,500 and 5,000 m, depending on fitness and conditions.
From the high ground you look back across the Budhi Gandaki to Manaslu, Manaslu North and the Larkya peaks, and north towards the rounded hills of the border. The open, windy landscape feels quite different from the valley below. Lammergeiers and Himalayan griffons often circle overhead, and blue sheep graze the higher slopes.
The border itself is a restricted zone, and foreign trekkers may not cross into Tibet here. Your guide will set the turn-around point and time. Take warm layers, lunch and 2 litres of water, and come back to Samdo by mid afternoon to rest before the walk to Dharamsala.
Good for
- Solo
- Groups
- Photographers
Questions travellers ask
Can I walk to the Tibet border from Samdo?
You can hike up the valley towards the border on an acclimatisation day, but foreign trekkers may not cross into Tibet here, and the border area itself is restricted. Your guide will choose a turn-around viewpoint, usually between about 4,500 and 5,000 m, and return to Samdo the same day.
Is the Samdo acclimatisation day necessary?
It is not mandatory, but it makes Larkya La safer and easier, especially if you are older, slower or felt symptoms in Samagaun. Standard 14-day itineraries may skip it; our 15 to 20 day itineraries include a second night in Samdo or an extra day in Samagaun.
What wildlife might I see near Samdo?
Blue sheep (bharal) graze the slopes above the village, and lammergeiers, Himalayan griffons and choughs fly overhead. Snow leopards live in the Manaslu Conservation Area but are very rarely seen. Yaks and dzo graze the valley floor near the village.
