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Manaslu Circuit Trek – Hikers Guide To This Classic Circuit Hike

Asia , Nepal

The Manaslu Circuit hike passes ten Himalayan peaks of more than 21,300 feet, including the 8000er , Manaslu (26,781 feet), which is the eighth-highest mountain on Earth .

The Manaslu trek is a 110-mile hike that is a great alternative to Everest Base Camp hike  or the  Annapurna Circuit hike . The trek usually takes between 14 and 17 days. There are some who do it in 12 days.

Here is my hikers guide to the Manaslu Circuit trek.

Manaslu Trek Guide

The Manaslu Circuit trek resembles the Annapurna Circuit trek of decades past. The area covers six climatic zones. Robin Boustead, author of Nepal Trekking & the Great Himalaya Trail: A Route & Planning Guide , has said, “many would argue that the Manaslu Circuit trail is the best trek in Nepal .”

The Manaslu Circuit hike runs through a restricted area and, while growing ever more popular, is nowhere near as developed as the Khumbu (i.e. Everest) and Annapurna regions. The scenery is similar to that of the Annapurna region and the level of difficulty is similar to the Annapurna Circuit.

A good portion of the trek is spent above 10,000 feet, which is more demanding, but the acclimatisation profile is good, with the trek starting at just under 2,000 feet and taking a week to reach 10,000 feet.

Around 2,000 people undertake this trek each year, much less than hikes in the Annapurna region or to Everest Base Camp, with over half coming in October. You will probably see more yaks and donkeys than trekkers. 

The first reason why the Manaslu trek is less frequented is that camping used to be the only option due to a lack of Nepal tea houses . This has since changed with many tea houses being built over the last decade. Admittedly, what tea houses now exist are basic compared to those found on the Annapurna Circuit, but most are relatively comfortable and have electricity. A warm 4-season sleeping bag should be taken as the bedding in some tea houses isn't great and rooms get very cold at night.

The second reason for the Manaslu Circuit hike’s lesser popularity is that the area is restricted and so requires a permit and a registered guide.

Please Note: The highest point is Larkya La (5,213m), which is widely regarded as one of the most dramatic pass crossings in the Himalayas . Sitting as it does in the near-permanent shadow of Manaslu’s north face, snow conditions can be severe. It takes five or six hours to trek to the top.

Manaslu Regional Map

The Manaslu Circuit trek is in western Nepal, a few miles from Tibet inn the North and north-west of Kathmandu in Nepal.

Recommended Manaslu Map

In terms of a good map for the Manaslu Circuit, we recommend: Manaslu and Ganesh Himals Region: 1:125,000 Trekking Map (The Great Himalaya Trail Series Maps) (NP106).

In terms of a single detailed map we recommend the Himalayan MapHouse’s, New Annapurna Trekking Trails Map , which can be bought in Kathmandu, Pokhara or on Amazon.

We have also provided links and recommendations to guidebooks below.

Manaslu Trek Itinerary

Because of the spacing of tea houses at higher altitudes, the Manaslu trek is best done anti-clockwise. It is possible to stay in nothing but tea houses, but you may want to camp as well. 

There are several Manaslu Circuit itineraries that can be done. Most start in Arughat, which can be reached by bus from Kathmandu (be prepared for a bumpy ride). Much of the trek follows the Buri Gandaki.

On the lower reaches you will pass lots of farmland, but as you ascend the landscape will become a lot more barren and glaciated.

There are many mountain views, the most impressive I think are those of Naike Peak, Manaslu North and Manaslu.

Manaslu Circuit Trek FAQ

When is the best time to trek manaslu.

The best time to trek Manaslu is October or November . Overall, this is the overall  best time to trek in Nepal  with April and May being the next best times. 

How much does the Manaslu Circuit trek cost?

Prices can vary widely, from $2,000 per person at the bottom end to $4,000 per person at the top end. There are over 1000  local trekking agencies in Nepal , so make sure you pick a good, well reviewed operator.

Are permits required for the Manaslu Circuit trek?

Yes, permits are required for the Manaslu Circuit Trek. You need a Restricted Area Permit which costs $50 a week, a Manaslu Conservation Area Project permit which costs $30 and an Annapurna Conservation Area Project permit which costs $30. You will also need four passport-sized photographs. 

How difficult is the Manaslu trek?

The Manaslu Circuit Trek is considered quite challenging, but still a possibility for first time trekkers. Altitude is often over 10,000 feet and there may be sections with snow. A good level of fitness is required as the trek is quite long and often steep.

Is altitude sickness a risk on the Manaslu Circuit trek?

Yes, altitude sickness is a risk on the Manaslu Circuit trek because it ascends to some high-altitude points. At its highest point, Larkya La, you will reach an altitude of 5,213 meters (17,100 feet). There are steep sections on this trek where you will ascend very rapidly.

Therefore, it is important to have a solid understanding of the risks associated with high altitude trekking and how the body acclimatises to high altitude. We recommend you read our detailed article on altitude sickness .

What gear do I need for the Manaslu Circuit?

Trekking the Manaslu Circuit requires a number of essential pieces of trekking gear. The trail is long and moderately difficult, exposing you to a range of altitudes where temperatures fluctuate dramatically between night and day.

At a minimum you should take: 

• 4-season sleeping bag
• Good hiking boots and 6-8 pairs of hiking socks
• Layered clothing including base layers and a warm down jacket
• Warm gloves
• 60-70L backpack
• Hydration pack
• Trekking poles and polarised glasses

Are there any recommended guidebooks for the Manaslu Circuit Trek?

There are two guidebooks dedicated to the Manaslu Circuit hike that I recommend.

The first one and my personal favourite is A Trekking Guide to Manaslu and Tsum Valley: Lower Manaslu & Ganesh Himal by Sian Pritchard-Jones and Bob Gibbons. As a great alternative, I recommend Trekking in the Nepal Himalaya (Walking Guide) by Lonely Planet.

There is also a collector's book available online called Manaslu: A Trekker’s Guide by Kev Reynolds, which was published in 1999. 

You are also welcome to have a look at our recommended list of  Nepal books and guidebooks for more options.

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See more information on  Nepal . Or check out these other Nepal hiking articles:

• Short Nepal Trekking Tours
• Easy Hikes in Nepal
• Kala Patthar Trek
• Kanchenjunga Base Camp Hike
• Trekking to Rara Lake
• Mera Peak Trek
• Best things to do in Nepal
• Helambu Trek
• Hiking the Mustang Circuit
• Gokyo Lakes Trekking Guide
• Makalu Base Camp Trek
• Gosainkunda Hike
• Hiking to Limi Valley

About the author 

Mark Whitman

Mark has trekked extensively in Asia, Europe, South America and Africa. He founded Mountain IQ in 2014 with the sole aim to be the best online information portal to some of the most popular mountain destinations around the world. When not writing for Mountain IQ, Mark is out exploring the outdoors with his wife!

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I am planning on traveling to Nepal this mid May to early June with two friends.

I am a Wilderness First Responder and have guided backpacking trips in California and Alaska, so I consider myself quite competent in the backcountry and would be more than happy to carry my own gear for the duration of a trek.

Is there a particular region in Nepal (or Bhutan or India) that lends itself to off-trail travel without a trekking company? I am still open to hiring a local guide because I think it adds a lot to the experience, but I would prefer to be in a region that provides a competent backpacker with more flexibility.

I’d appreciate any input or direction!

Hi David, in terms of Nepal I would recommend the Annapurna Circuit, Goyko Lakes Trek or the Manaslu Circuit – all offer great backcountry hiking, but are sufficiently well trodden with decent facilities (tea houses) to make one’s experience fun and enjoyable.

Thanks so much for the input Mark.

On the three treks that you mentioned, should we prepare to stay on the common trail the whole trip, or is it feasible/desirable to ever travel off-trail to explore a little more?

Last question, I promise. Thanks!

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A Travel Blog by Katie Chavez

Complete Guide To the Manaslu Circuit Trek

This post may contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase through an affiliate link, I will earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Thanks for your support.

The Manaslu Circuit Trek is a trekking route in Nepal that encircles the imposing Mount Manaslu, the eighth-highest peak in the world.

This 13-day trek takes you through diverse landscapes, snow-capped peaks, rugged terrain, lush valleys, and traditional Tibetan-influenced villages.

The Manaslu Circuit Trek is known for its remote and pristine beauty, offering an authentic Himalayan experience away from the crowds of more popular trekking routes.

Things To Know Before Embarking on the Manaslu Circuit Trek

High altitude.

The Manaslu Circuit Trek reaches elevations exceeding 5,000 meters (16,400 feet), including the challenging Larkya La Pass at approximately 5,106 meters (16,752 feet). Altitude sickness can be a concern, requiring acclimatization and careful monitoring of symptoms.

Remote and Isolated Terrain

The Manaslu Circuit traverses remote and rugged terrain, far from major urban centers. Facilities such as lodges and medical assistance are limited, necessitating self-sufficiency and emergency preparedness.

Variable Weather Conditions

Weather in the Himalayas can be unpredictable, with conditions ranging from clear skies to heavy snowfall and blizzards. you must be prepared for cold temperatures, high winds, and potential weather-related challenges.

Long Trekking Days

The trek typically involves long days of hiking, often spanning 6 to 8 hours or more, with steep ascents and descents. Stamina and physical fitness are essential for completing each day’s trekking itinerary .

Permits and Regulations

The Manaslu Circuit Trek requires obtaining special permits from the Nepalese government. Independent trekking is not allowed in the Manaslu Region. Only a local registered local company can issue the permit.

Itinerary For The Manaslu Circuit Trek

Day 1: kathmandu to macha khola.

Your adventure begins with a scenic journey from Kathmandu to Macha Khola. This can be done either by private jeep or local bus. The drive takes approximately 6-8 hours, offering glimpses of the countryside and the foothills of the Himalayas.

Macha Khola, a small village nestled along the Budhi Gandaki River, serves as the official starting point for the Manaslu Circuit Trek. Here, you’ll settle into your teahouse accommodation and prepare for the trek ahead.

Day 2: Machha Khola To Jagat

The trail from Machha Khola follows the Budhi Gandaki River, initially through a narrow path along the Khoralabesi village. You’ll encounter several small streams cascading down the mountainsides, eventually merging with the Budhi Gandaki.

One of the highlights of this day is Tatopani, a natural hot spring where you can take a relaxing dip to soothe your tired muscles after the first day’s travel.

Day 3: Jagat To Deng

You’ll begin by climbing a rocky ridge to reach Salleri, a small village with captivating views of Mount Sringi. As you descend towards Setibas, you’ll notice the increasing presence of mani walls, indicating the growing influence of Tibetan culture in the region.

The valley widens, and the trail continues past stone houses along Ghat Khola. You’ll encounter a long suspension bridge, offering a thrilling experience as you cross the roaring river below.

The trail climbs towards Philim, a large Gurung village showcasing traditional architecture and local life.

After traversing through lush millet fields, you’ll reach Ekle Bhatti, a small teahouse settlement, which serves as your lunch stop or overnight stay depending on your pace.

The final stretch to Deng involves a gradual ascent through farmlands and meadows.

Day 4: Deng To Namrung

The trek from Deng to Namrung is the fourth day of the Manaslu Circuit Trek, offering a beautiful journey with diverse landscapes and cultural encounters. Here’s what you can expect:

The trail from Deng takes you through a fascinating mix of valleys, rivers, and quaint villages, gradually ascending towards Namrung. You’ll begin with a short descent to the Budhi Gandaki Riverbed, offering a different perspective of the valley.

The trail then leads you across a suspension bridge to Rana Gaon, a small village with traditional stone houses and agricultural fields. Next, you’ll encounter Bhimphedi, a picturesque spot with teahouses, followed by a gentle climb to Gap, a village known for its apple orchards.

Enjoy the scenic views and potentially savor some fresh apples during the season. Ghap is a good spot to take a lunch break and refuel for the remaining trek. After Ghap, the trail enters a captivating section with dense forests, cascading waterfalls, and vibrant flora and fauna.

Keep an eye out for colorful birds and interesting plant life. As you approach Namrung, you’ll start noticing an increase in mani walls and colorful prayer flags, reflecting the growing Tibetan Buddhist influence in the region.

Namrung, a charming village nestled at an altitude of 2660 meters (8727 ft), is your destination for the day. Here, you’ll find comfortable teahouses with breathtaking views of the Manaslu Himal, including Manaslu itself.

Day 5: Namrung To Lho

As you leave Namrung, the trail is adorned with many mani walls and colorful prayer flags, signifying the strong Tibetan Buddhist influence in the region.

The initial part of the trek takes you through Upper Nupri, a beautiful area with traditional stone houses and yak pastures.

The path then enters a scenic forest section with towering fir, rhododendrons, and oak trees. Keep an eye out for interesting birdlife and the vibrant flora of the region.

You’ll reach Lihi village, showcasing unique architectural styles with flat roofs and stone houses. Interact with the locals and learn about their way of life.

As you ascend further, the trail opens up to spectacular views of the Manaslu range, including Manaslu itself, Peak 29, and the Naike Peak. The landscape becomes more dramatic, offering a glimpse of the beauty that awaits you on the Manaslu Circuit Trek.

Day 6: Lho To Samagaun

You will follow a higher trail along the lateral moraine of the Pungen Glacier. This route offers closer views of the glacier and Peak 29 but may involve some rocky sections.

Whichever route you choose, you’ll eventually reach Shyaula Kharka, a small herder settlement with traditional stone houses and yak pastures.

The trail then opens up to breathtaking views of the Manaslu range, including Manaslu itself, Himalchuli, and Ngadi Chuli.

Samagaun, a beautiful village nestled at an altitude of 3530 meters (11,581 ft), is your destination for the day. Here, you’ll find comfortable teahouses with breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains.

Day 7: Acclimatization Day in Samagaun

On this day you will hike to Manaslu Base Camp (4500 meters) – This is a more challenging hike that offers stunning views of Manaslu and the surrounding peaks.

Be sure to discuss this option with your guide to ensure it’s suitable for your acclimatization progress

A successful acclimatization day in Samagaun paves the way for a safe and enjoyable journey through the higher sections of the Manaslu Circuit Trek.

Listen to your body, prioritize rest, and enjoy the beautiful surroundings!

Day 8: Samagaun To Samdo

You’ll begin with a gradual descent towards the Budhi Gandaki River, offering a different perspective of the valley.

After crossing the river on a suspension bridge, the landscape transforms into a more arid and rocky terrain, resembling a high-altitude desert.

You’ll encounter yak herder settlements and their grazing pastures along the way.

The trail then steadily ascends through this unique landscape, offering panoramic views of the Manaslu range, including Manaslu itself and the surrounding peaks.

Samdo, a small village nestled at an altitude of 3875 meters (12,713 ft), is your destination for the day. You’ll find comfortable teahouses with even more dramatic close-up views of Manaslu.

Day 9: Acclimatization Day in Samdo

Similar to your acclimatization day in Samagaun, spending an acclimatization day in Samdo (at 3875 meters) is crucial for success on the Manaslu Circuit Trek.

You will hike to the Tibetan border on this day. This can be a challenging but rewarding hike depending on the specific route chosen. It helps your body to acclimatize your body for Larke Pass.

Day 10: Samdo To Dharamsala

It’s a challenging yet rewarding leg that takes you through a high-altitude landscape with dramatic scenery and prepares you for the upcoming Larkya La pass crossing.

You’ll start with a steep and challenging climb through scree slopes, demanding a slow and steady pace.

The trail continues alongside the Larkya Glacier, offering a unique perspective of the glacial terrain. Keep an eye out for crevasses and follow your guide’s instructions carefully.

Dharamsala, also known as Larkya Phedi, is a small village situated at an altitude of 4470 meters (14,665 ft). This is your destination for the day and serves as the base camp before tackling the Larkya La pass.

Day 11: Dharamsala To Bhimthang Via Larke Pass

This is the day you have been waiting for. You’ll wake up very early for a pre-dawn start to avoid the afternoon sun and potential snowmelt on the pass.

The initial ascent from Dharamsala involves a steep climb through moraine and scree slopes, demanding a slow and steady pace with frequent breaks.

As you gain altitude, the air will become thinner, so listen to your body and take rest breaks whenever needed.

The final push to the pass involves a rocky section that might require using your hands for balance.

Reaching Larkya La, the highest point of the Manaslu Circuit Trek, is a moment of immense achievement.

Here, you’ll be rewarded with breathtaking panoramic views of Manaslu, Himchuli, and the surrounding Himalayan ranges. On a clear day, you might even see glimpses of Annapurna peaks in the distance.

The descent from Larkya La towards Bimthang is initially steep and involves navigating loose scree slopes. Use hiking poles for extra support and stability.

The trail then enters a more scenic valley with pastures and streams.

Day 12: Bhimthang To Dharapani

You’ll begin with a gradual descent through a scenic valley with pastures, streams, and lush vegetation. Enjoy the contrasting landscape compared to the previous day’s terrain.

The trail then leads you to a suspension bridge over the mighty Budhi Gandaki River. As you descend further, you’ll enter the lower Manaslu region, with more permanent settlements and cultivated fields.

Dharapani, a charming village nestled at an altitude of 3720 meters (12,205 ft), is your destination for the day. This is a popular stop on the Annapurna Circuit Trek as well.

Day 13: Dharapani To Besisahar

The trail leads you to a suspension bridge over the mighty Budhi Gandaki River.

As you descend, you’ll enter the lower Manaslu region, with more permanent settlements and cultivated fields.

Besisahar, a bustling town nestled at an altitude of 794 meters (2,605 ft), is your final destination on the Manaslu Circuit Trek. This is also the starting point for the popular Annapurna Circuit Trek .

Day 14: Besisahar To Kathmandu

From Besisahar, you can take a local bus back to Kathmandu. The journey takes approximately 10 to 12 hours, depending on traffic and road conditions.

The bus ride can be quite bumpy and dusty, so be prepared for a long journey. Tickets can be purchased at the bus station in Besisahar.

I hope this inspires you to hike the Manaslu Circuit Trek, I certainly want to do it after reading this!

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Manaslu Circuit Trek

Manaslu Circuit Trek stands less beaten and secluded compared to treks like Everest or Annapurna , but it is equally as impressive as other classic treks.

Manaslu Circuit Trek is the most beautiful as well as demanding treks in Nepal . Trekking in Manaslu is a delightful experience with a blend of adventure, scenery, culture, lifestyle, and wildlife. Located in the western part of Nepal, this trek provides you with an opportunity to encircle around the world’s 8th highest massif, Mt. Manaslu.

Manaslu Circuit Trek rewards you with magnificent spectacles of some of the highest mountains in the world, including Manaslu and Annapurna. With diverse landscapes, unique cultures, rare flora, and fauna, Manaslu is one of the most sought out destinations for avid trekkers. Most of the travelers who choose this trek tend to enjoy less trodden mountain trails rather than the well-known trekking destinations.

Throughout the trail, this trek takes you via the high valleys, isolated villages, ancient monasteries, tranquil lakes, and high Himalayan passes.

Table of Content

Manaslu Circuit Trek Facts

Highlights of manaslu circuit trek.

• Comparatively remote and off the beaten trekking destination in the Himalayas of Nepal.
• Diverse landscapes ranging from subtropical forests to the high Himalayan passes.
• Crossing over Larkya La Pass (5,135m), the highest elevation point on the trek.
• Discover the timeless culture and lifestyle of the Manaslu region.
• Enjoy the epic mountain sights as this trek offers glimpses of Mt. Manaslu, Himalchuli, Ngadi Chuli, Ganesh Himal, and Larke Himal.
• Discover rare and abundant wildlife. Manaslu is home to 33 different species of mammals, 110 species of birds, and 211 species of butterflies.

Getting There and Away

Start of the trek.

You’ll start your adventure with a scenic drive from Kathmandu to Soti Khola in Budhi Gandaki Valley. You can drive to Soti Khola (141 km) via 4×4 Jeep (8 hours) or by a local bus (10 hours).

End of the Trek

The endpoint for Manaslu Circuit Trek is Dharapani. You’ll have to take a jeep from Dharapani to Besisahar and switch the vehicle back to Kathmandu.

14 Days Outline Itinerary of Manaslu Trek

Manaslu Circuit Trek 14 Days Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: drive from kathmandu (1,400m) to soti khola (815m) via arughat (941m) – 8 to 10 hours.

Your adventure to Manaslu Circuit Trek begins with an early morning drive westwards to Soti Khola via the Prithivi Highway. This scenic drive alongside the mighty Trishuli River passes through occasional small towns, breathtaking terrace fields, and lush green hillsides.

Upon reaching the Malekhu Bridge, the vehicle will take a turn towards Dhading Besi, away from the highway. Eventually, you’ll be traveling on a rutted, dirt path towards Arughat as the views of mountains like Annapurna, Manaslu, Ganesh Himal, and Langtang Himal start unfolding in the horizon.

After about 8 to 10 hours of driving, you’ll reach Soti Khola.

Day 2: Trek from Soti Khola (815m) to Machha Khola (900m) – 6 to 7 hours

On this day, your trek starts by crossing the bridge over Soti Khola with a splendid view of the waterfalls. The trail leads to the dense forest before ascending onto the ridge right above the Budhi Gandaki River.

After hiking through the rocky terrain, you’ll arrive at the village of Khursane. Eventually, after descending past the paddy fields, you’ll trek around the Gurung settlement of Lapubesi. Walking along the sandy beds of Budhi Gandaki River, you’ll go down towards the Naulikhola.

Upon crossing the suspension bridge over the river, you’ll arrive at the tiny settlement of Machha Khola.

Day 3: Trek from Machha Khola (900m) to Jagat (1,370m) – 6 to 7 hours

Today, the day may get slightly strenuous as the trail to Maccha Khola leads to several uphills and downhills. Your day begins following the narrow paths along the gorge with a gentle uphill and downhill. After a while, you will cross Tharo Khola to reach another Gurung village at Khorla Besi.

As the trail ascends and descends, you will arrive at a natural hot spring in Tatopani. After arriving at Tatopani, you’ll climb a steep ridge then cross the Budhi Gandaki River via a suspension bridge. The trail then heads over the hill towards Doban after climbing up the stone steps.

After crossing the suspension bridge over Yarkhu Khola, the trail leads to another steep section of the stone staircase. The trail then navigates towards the river before ascending through some more stone steps towards Thado Bharyang.

Heading across the west bank of Budhi Gandaki River, you’ll climb over the ridge and walk alongside the river towards Jagat. The village of Jagat is the entry point of the Manaslu Conservation Area (MCA).

Day 4: Trek from Jagat (1,370m) to Deng (1,865m) – 6 to 7 hours

You begin the day with a steep ascent over the rocky ridge to Salleri, then make a gentle descend towards Sirdibas. Then, continue trekking towards Ghatta Khola and cross a long suspension bridge to arrive at Philim, a large Gurung village.

The trail now heads northward across the millet fields to Ekle Bhatti. You navigate through the sloppy grasslands then cross the Budhi Gandaki river. After you walk along the riverbank, the narrow trail opens up through the valley. You’ll then walk in the shades of bamboo forests towards the Deng Khola. Upon crossing the river, you’ll reach your destination, Deng.

Day 5: Trek from Deng (1,865m) to Namrung (2,630m) –  6 to 7 hours

After leaving Deng behind, you commence the day by crossing the Budhi Gandaki river. From the bridge, make a gentle ascend to reach the trail from Bhi. Now, head westwards up the Budhi Gandaki Valley and walk past the lush green jungles and traditional villages of Manaslu.

Although there are a few alternative options, this itinerary takes the route that passes through the village of Prok. The viewpoint of the settlement offers a magnificent view of the Siringi Himal. You cross the Budhi Gandaki river time and again today and walk past the ancient monasteries en route to Namrung.

The trail navigates along the river upstream under the shade of the dense bamboo forest until you reach Namrung.

Day 6: Trek from Namrung (2,630m) to Samagaon (3,525m) – 6 to 7 hours

Namrung village offers a magnificent sight of Siring Himal, Ganesh Himal, and Mt. Himal Chuli. After enjoying the morning spectacles of the Himalayas, the trail leads uphill through the lush green forest to reach Lihi village.

Furthermore, you walk past several remote villages like Sho, Lho, and Shyala before arriving at Samagaon. Upon reaching Lho, you will enjoy the extraordinary view of the world’s 8th highest mountain, Mt. Manaslu. Snow-capped mountains surround Shyala village from all directions —  Himal Chuli and Peak 29 (Ngadi Chuli) on the left, Mt. Manaslu and its glacier up ahead, and Ganesh Himal on the far right.

Your adventure for the day ends as you reach Samagaon.

Day 7: Acclimatization Day at Samagaon (3,525m)

A much-required rest day at Samagaon to acclimatize with the higher altitudes. On this day, you can choose to take a rest in the teahouse or hike around the nearby destination to keep your feet stretched.

For those who want to explore around instead, you can take a short hike up to an old monastery, Pungyen Gompa. This ancient monastery offers an excellent view of the glacier.

Day 8: Trek from Samagaon (3,525m) to Samdo (3,850m) – 4 hours

Begin your day with a slight descend to Budhi Gandaki River then head towards the bridge over a side stream. The valley begins to open spread out as you walk across several Mani walls. Enjoy the magnificent views of the mountains along the trail as you edge closer to the Tibetan border.

Then, the trail leads to an accessible route right above the river under the shades of birch and juniper forests. Samdo offers an excellent view of the mountains, especially Mt. Manaslu. Since Samdo is a village of Tibetan refugees, Tibetan Buddhism widely dominates the area.

Day 9: Acclimatization Day at Samdo (3,850m)

Another acclimatization day at Samdo begins before heading to the challenging sections of the trek. There are a couple of alternatives for day hikes in Samdo.

The first option is an easy walk to the valley directly behind the Samdo village. The trail offers magnificent mountain views including Mt. Manaslu, Hiunchuli, Simrang, Ngadi, and Larke Peak.

Another option is to hike towards Gya La, a long pass north of the village. Excursion to Gya La is slightly longer and more strenuous than the first one.

Day 10: Trek from Samdo (3,850m) to Dharmasala (4,460m) – 4 to 5 hours

Upon leaving Samdo, you’ll walk past Larke Bazar, a seasonal Tibetan market, then descend towards the Budhi Gandaki river and cross the small wooden bridge. You’ll pass a couple of streams while relishing the Larkya Glacier.

After trekking around the valley of Salka Khola, you’ll climb steep uphill towards Dharmasala.

Day 11: Trek from Dharmasala (4,460m) to Bhimtang (3,590m) via Larkya La Pass (5,135m) – 8 to 9 hours

Today marks as the most prolonged and most strenuous day of the entire Manaslu Circuit. Therefore, make sure to begin your adventure early in the morning. Your journey starts with a gentle uphill to a small valley north of Larkya Glacier. The valley provides breathtaking views of Larkya Peak and Cho Danda.

Furthermore, make a gradual ascent across the moraine of the glacier until you reach the upper section of the pass. In the upper reaches of Larkya La Pass, the climb becomes steeper. However, the pass is rewarding with beautiful spectacles of the mountains, including Annapurna II, Himlung Himal, and Cheo Himal.

The trail then descends to the low pastures until you arrive at Bhimtang.

Day 12: Trek from Bhimtang (3,590m) to Tilije (2,300m) – 5 to 6 hours

After a long day at Larkya La Pass, you commence the day by descending the Budhi Gandaki river. After crossing the wooden bridge over the river, you’ll walk along the dense rhododendron forest and head toward the narrow valley towards Karche, the highest cultivated land of Budhi Gandaki Valley.

Following a few hours of walking on the river banks, you’ll arrive at the village of Gho. Then, continue walking until you reach your destination, Tilije.

Day 13: Trek from Tilije (2,300m) to Dharapani (1,860m) and Drive to Besisahar (760m) – 7 to 8 hours

Walking through the beautiful villages, you cross the bridge over the Dudh Koshi river and head past several Mani walls and an arch to arrive at Thonje village. The trail further leads to the occasional police check-posts before entering the route to Annapurna Circuit at Dharapani.

From here, you can hire a jeep or even take a local bus to Besisahar from Dharapani. It makes you about 4-5 hours to reach Besisahar from Dharapani.

Day 14: Drive from Besisahar (760m) to Kathmandu (1,400m) – 5 to 6  hours

Begin in the morning with a scenic drive across several small villages. You drive along the Prithivi Highway, enjoying the beautiful scenery of hills, flowing rivers, terrace fields, small towns, and occasional mountains.

After driving for about 5-6 hours, you’ll reach Kathmandu.

Tsum Valley Extension

If you have a few extra days, you can extend your Manaslu trek for another week by adding Tsum Valley Trek to your itinerary. The trail to Tsum Valley is even more isolated and remote compared to that of Manaslu Circuit.

Tsum Valley Trek offers an authentic experience with ancient art culture, Himalayan valleys, and spectacular mountain scenery. This trek rewards the incredible mountain spectacles with Ganesh Himal, Shringi Himal, and Boudha Himal surrounding the trail.

Tsum Valley Trek is an opportunity for local experiences as the trek is well-known for its warm hospitality and traditional homestays. You’ll also get an insight into Tibetan Buddhism as you will be exploring the ancient Buddhist monasteries, including Milarepa’s Cave, Mu Gompa, and Rachen Gompa.

Side Trips of Manaslu Trek

If you have a day or two, Manaslu Trek offers plenty of marvelous side trips you can take along with the standard route. Manaslu Circuit has a few more remote and off-the-beaten destinations where only a few dedicated travelers make their ways. Therefore, if there is enough time, we highly recommend you consider some of these options along the trail.

1.   Manaslu Base Camp (4,848m)

Manaslu Base Camp is an excellent side trip of Manaslu Circuit Trek. The entire trip to the base camp of the world’s 8th highest mountain takes about 6 hours for average trekkers.

The trail to the Manaslu Base Camp diverts from the Manaslu Circuit route in Samagaon. There are two different alternatives to go to the base camp. The first one is to take the course to Birendra Lake, then head to the base camp. Another one is to walk out of Samagaon, take the left lane, and head directly to the base camp. A small Chorten surrounded with colorful prayer flags marks the Manaslu Base Camp.

2.   Birendra Lake (3,620m)

Birendra Lake is by far the most popular side trip in Manaslu Circuit Trek. Formed from the melting ice of Manaslu, you can reach this glacial lake in about half an hour from Samagaon.

Most of the trekkers visit this pristine lake on the acclimatization day in Samagaon. To visit this lake, you’ll have to follow the trail opposite to Mount Manaslu Hotel. The roads to the lake can be slightly tricky, so keep your eyes on the path.

3.   Kalmachum Lake (3,800m)

Kalmachum Lake, also known as Kal Tal, is a high altitude lake situated at an elevation of 3,800m. You’ll have to hike for an entire day from the village of Prok to reach this lake.

Dense forests with Langurs, fir, and pine surround the trail to Kalmachum Lake. The first few hours of the hike is steep uphill, which later turns to a gradual walk until you arrive at the lake. You can see the splendid view of Prok and Kok village from the top.

4.   Hinang Gompa (3,100m)

Hinang Gompa is a beautiful monastery that sits on the top of a hill decorated with Mt. Himalchuli in the backdrop. The road to this monastery diverts from 20 minutes away from Lihi village.

This monastery is a decade old and currently also serves as a Lama school. If you hike further up from the monastery, you’ll also get to visit Hinang glacier.

5.   Serang Gompa (3,100m)

Located in the foothills of Shringi Himal, Serang Gompa is one of the most secluded and spiritual monasteries in Manaslu Circuit. Since the valley surrounding gompa is said to be the place where Guru Padmasambhava once meditated, it is one of the must-visit side trips in the trek.

Shringi Himal on the backdrop also carries a religious significance. Dense woodland, beautiful Chorten, Mani walls, and suspension bridge encompass the route to the monastery.

Best Time to Trek Manaslu Circuit

The best time to trek in Manaslu Circuit is during Spring (March to May) and Autumn (September to November). Since the weather conditions during these seasons tend to be moderate, and the skies are usually clear, people consider it to be the most favorable time to go trekking in Nepal.

Traveling during Spring and Autumn means the temperature is relatively moderate for walking and tends to remain more stable. You also enjoy the marvelous views of the mountains and landscapes as the skies remain clear even during the days.

Unlike most of the treks in Nepal, Manaslu is not a year-long trekking destination. Since you’ll be walking through the landslide-prone areas, it is not advisable to trek to Manaslu during the Monsoon (June to August).

Winter (December to February) are usually cold and snowy. You’ll have to walk through the moraines of the glaciers and cross over Larkya La Pass on this trek. Therefore, trekking in winter will be quite tricky. So, it is not advisable to trek to Manaslu during this time of the year.

Here’s a table with average temperature and rainfall details throughout the year for locations en-route to Manaslu Circuit:

Manaslu Circuit Trek Difficulty

Manaslu Circuit Trek is a wild and remote adventure destination in the high Himalayas of Nepal. This trek is considered to be relatively strenuous and challenging as the trekkers will have to hike through rustic villages, diverse terrains, moraines, and Himalayan passes.

The trek covers approximately 177 km of the total distance. On the standard 18-days itinerary, you’ll have to walk around 10-12 days averaging 15-20 km per day.

This trek also covers massive altitudinal variations, starting from 815m at Soti Khola to 5,135m at Larkya La Pass. The biggest challenge of the entire trek is to cross the Larkya La Pass. Therefore, it is advisable to be cautious regarding the altitude and make sure to know the symptoms of Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS).

The weather in the Himalayas is unpredictable and harsh, especially in the upper reaches of the trek. Although the days are moderately warmer, the temperature drops extensively during the nights. Therefore, it is highly recommended to prepare yourself for the harsh weather. A waterproof hiking boot, decent down jacket, and a proper sleeping bag are highly advisable while trekking in Manaslu.

Physical fitness and mental preparation should be highly considered to take on the challenge of Manaslu. Before committing yourself to the adventure, make sure to train well, and engage yourself in the cardio-related activities as much as possible.

Manaslu Trek Permits

To maintain sustainability, the government of Nepal has declared the Manaslu region as a restricted area applicable from Jagat to Dharapani. So, you need to acquire a special restricted area permit (Manaslu RAP) while trekking to Manaslu. In the Autumn season (September to November), the cost of the special permit for Manaslu is $70 per person for the first week with an additional fee of $10 each day after that. For the rest of the year, the cost drops to $50 for the first week with an additional fee of $7 per day. You do not require a printed photograph for the special permit as the photograph will be uploaded online and printed out with the permit.

You will also need to acquire MCAP (Manaslu Conservation Area Project) Permit as well as ACAP (Annapurna Conservation Area Project) Permit for this trek. Both ACAP and MCAP cost about $27 per person for international trekkers. For SAARC nationals, the cost of both the permits is only $2. The price of these permits remains the same throughout the year. Both these permits require printed photographs.

You can issue the restricted area permit (Manaslu RAP)  from the Department of Immigration. You can fill up the permit form online at http://online.nepalimmigration.gov.np/trekking-permit .

You can issue the MCAP and ACAP at following Entry Permit Counters:

• Nepal Tourism Board, Kathmandu – ACAP & MCAP
• Nepal Tourism Board, Damside, Pokhara – ACAP
• ACAP Entry Permit Center, Besisahar, Lamjung – ACAP

Usually, you can not issue the entry permits from any other counters in the trail. However, in exceptional circumstances, other permit counters also grant the licenses with a 100% additional charge.

Additionally, if you choose to extend your Manaslu Circuit Trek with Tsum Valley, you’ll have to issue a separate restricted area permit. It will cost you $40 per person for the first seven days with an extra $7 each after the week during the Autumn. During the rest of the year, the cost drops to $30 per person for the first week with an additional $7 each.

Also, trekking independently is not allowed in the Manaslu region. The government rules state a minimum of 2 trekkers along with a guide/porter is mandatory to do the Manaslu Circuit Trek.

Insurance for the Trek

We recommend you to get travel insurance while trekking in Manaslu Circuit Trek. Unlike most of the trekking routes in Nepal, trekking in Manaslu is quite a challenge and requires serious commitment.

Since this trek is remote and isolated, there are no proper health posts on the trail. If any trekkers get into severe medical conditions, the only way out of this trek is helicopter evacuation.

Make sure to buy individual travel insurance that comprises all the necessary medical costs, helicopter evacuation, trip cancellation charges, theft, and natural disasters. If you’re looking for decent travel insurance, we recommend you to buy it from World Nomads.

Guided vs. Independent Trek

Manaslu Circuit Trek falls under the restricted area, which requires a mandatory trekking staff, either a registered guide or porter cum guide, to trek in this region. The Government of Nepal has declared that any foreign trekkers trekking to the Manaslu region must have a special permit to travel the area.

As per the policies, a minimum of two trekkers with a registered trekking guide is mandatory for this trek. Therefore, trekking independently in Manaslu Circuit is not possible for foreign tourists.

The trail to Manaslu is remote and challenging with very few dedicated trekkers making their way in this region. Additionally, there are a few places, marked landslide-prone zone. Therefore, it is essential to have a guide while trekking in Manaslu Circuit.

However, if you’re willing to go without a guide, the only alternative is to hire a porter cum guide. While hiring a porter-guide may cost you a little cheaper than registered guides, most of them do not speak fluent English.

Accommodation and Food

Teahouses and local lodges facilitate the entire trail of Manaslu Circuit, except in Dharmasala. In Dharmasala, you may occasionally have to sleep under a tent. The local communities of the region operate the teahouses and lodges in the Manaslu region.

The rooms are quite basic, with two standard single beds. The toilets are mostly shared and are outside the teahouse at some places. The heating facility is only available in the dining hall.

Unlike Everest and Annapurna treks, there are no luxury hotels in Manaslu. Most of the lodges do provide a hot shower facility; however, you may have to pay extra money for the service.

The teahouses of Manaslu also provide a menu with a variety of western food. The food somewhat costs cheap in the lower reaches of the trek and increases along with the elevation rise. Also, the food choices on the menu will get limited in the higher section of the trek.

Although the menu offers a variety of western foods, Dal Bhat is the most popular food during the trek.

Manaslu Circuit Trek Cost

The cost of Manaslu Circuit Trek depends upon various factors such as duration, mode of transportation, lodging, and food. Although this trek is slightly expensive compared to Langtang Valley or Annapurna Base Camp, the remote and untouched beauty of Manaslu is worth every penny.

Since Manaslu trek lies in the restricted zone, you need a restricted area permit to enter the region. The special permission for Manaslu is $70 per person for one week. After the first week, it’ll cost an additional fee of $10 each day during the Autumn. However, the cost drops to $50 with an additional fee of $7 each day for the rest of the year. You’ll also need ACAP and MCAP for Manaslu trek, which will cost you approximately $27 each.

Additionally, if you choose to extend your Manaslu Circuit Trek with Tsum Valley, you’ll have to get a separate restricted area permit. The charge of Tsum Valley permits costs $40 per person for the first seven days with an extra $7 each after the week during the Autumn. For the rest of the year, the cost drops to $30 per person for the week with an additional $7 each day.

The teahouses are relatively cheap in Manaslu, costing you as little as $6 to $9 per night with an additional $5 per meal. The local buses to Soti Khola from Kathmandu costs you about $10 per person. However, traveling by jeep is more expensive, costing you roughly $150 to $200 per person.

Since Manaslu Circuit Trek lies in the restricted area, it is mandatory to have a licensed guide or a porter on the trek. A licensed guide will cost you about $20 to $25 per day while porters cost you about $15 to $20 per day. You can hire a porter-guide which will cost you $18 to $22 per day.

Packing List for Manaslu Trek

If you’re planning to experience the thrill of trekking to the remote and inaccessible areas of Manaslu, make sure you’re carrying the right equipment. While it is quite a dilemma when it comes to what to pack for the trek, it matters how and when you’re planning to travel.

Since Manaslu does not permit the individual travelers, you’ll have to hire a porter. The porter will carry the substantial portion of the weight, leaving you with the daypack. Hiring a porter does not mean you should be packing everything you can think of for the trek. Although you’ll have someone to help you with the luggage, make sure to pack your bags with right gears.

Here are some of the essential gears you need to pack while trekking to Manaslu Circuit:

• Duffel Bags
• Trekking Shirt: 5-7 shirts, make sure to balance both long and short.
• Trekking Trousers: We recommend you to pack at least 2 trekking trousers along with a couple of shorts.
• Base Layer: Make sure to pack a couple of wool base layers to keep yourself warm in the upper reaches of the trek.
• Insulation Layer: A decent quality of fleece jacket will do!
• Outer Layer: Warm down jacket that will mainly be used in the higher altitudes when the weather gets extreme.
• Waterproof Shell Jacket: Pack a pair of waterproof jackets as you may encounter rain in the trail.
• Breathable Underwear: We recommend you to carry 5-6 pairs of moisture-wicking underwear.
• Hiking Boots: Invest in high-quality waterproof hiking boots. Make sure the boot is lightweight and comfortable.
• Trainers/Sandals: It is handy to carry a pair of either trainers or sandals to wear them in the teahouses.
• Hiking Socks: You should carry 4-6 pairs of hiking socks. Any brand or label works as long as they are breathable and moisture-wicking. Do not bring cotton socks as they soak easily and may lead to blisters.
• Thermal Socks: We recommend you to pack at least a pair of thermal socks to keep your feet protected from the cold in the higher altitudes.

Head Wears:

• Sun Protection Hat: It is mandatory to carry a protection hat to keep your face protected from the harsh sun.
• Beanie: An absolute must to keep yourself warm, especially during the evening and night.
• Buff/Neck Gaiter: This small piece of gear comes in handy to protect your neck from the cold winds and also helps you stay protected from the dust.
• Inner Gloves: Pack light inner gloves as they can be useful when the temperature is moderate.
• Outer Gloves: You’ll be wearing them in the upper reaches of the trek. Outer gloves need to be insulated, warm, and waterproof.

Sleeping Bags:

Sleeping bags are hands down one of the most crucial gears when it comes to trekking in Manaslu region. With basic rooms and sleeping facilities, you can never rely on the teahouses for warm, decent blankets.

In the lower altitudes, this may not seem much of a problem, but once you get above 3,000m, the temperature even inside the teahouses can get cold.

Therefore, investing in a high-quality, 4-season sleeping bag is an absolute must! If you’re not willing to any chances, buy a sleeping bag that has the minimum rating of -10 degrees Celsius.

Important Accessories:

• Trekking Poles
• Water Bottle
• Basic Medical Kits
• UV Protection Sunglasses
• Water Purification Tablets
• Hand Sanitizers
• Sunscreen/Lip Balm
• Trekking Towels
• Portable Chargers

Network Information

If you’re willing to stay connected with your family and friends, we suggest you use CDMA networks over any other service providers in the region. Although NTC and Ncell are the two major telecommunication service providers in the country, they barely come to work while trekking to Manaslu.

One thing you should know beforehand with CDMA networks is that they do not work with every other mobile phone. Therefore, you should buy a phone in Kathmandu to make the most out of their service. The CDMA phones are available in nearly all the mobile shops in the city, and they come quite cheap.

Useful Tips

• Manaslu Circuit is one of the most remote and strenuous treks in Nepal. Please make sure to prepare yourself both physically as well as mentally before heading off to the wild.
• Altitude is a constant threat. As the highest elevation point of the trek is whooping 5,135m, it is essential to acclimatize well, take the necessary precautions, and stay hydrated throughout the trail.
• The trails in the Manaslu region are not appropriately marked. Be aware of the route. Always walk with a guide/porter and do not wander off alone in the trail.
• There are several landslide-prone areas in the region. Be careful and watch out for the rocks!
• The trail can be slightly risky when wet and snowy. Therefore, invest in high-quality hiking boots and make sure to pack well for the trek.
• Drinking water may not be safe to drink. A water purifier will be great to have.
• Not all tea houses provide charging facilities. Carrying a portable charger would be handy.

Accommodation in Kathmandu

Thamel is the major tourist hub of Kathmandu. Surrounded by hotels, travel agencies, shops, and restaurants, here you can find accommodations for any budget from cheap hotels to luxury hotels.

However, there are plenty of places outside Thamel where you can find decent hotels in Kathmandu. Some of the accommodation options in Kathmandu are:

Recommended Travel Agencies for Manaslu Circuit Trek

There are thousands of trekking companies that operate the Manaslu Circuit Trek in Nepal. Make sure you’re traveling with an authorized trekking company while trekking in Nepal.

While trekking in the remote and challenging trail of Manaslu Circuit, it is essential to book the trip with an experienced company that ensures breathtaking experience while concerning the clients’ safety.

Some of the best trekking companies in Nepal for Manaslu Circuit Trek are:

• Himalayas on Foot
• Magical Nepal
• Mosaic Adventure
• Nepal Eco Adventure

Recommended Books and Guidebooks

• Manaslu: A Trekker’s Guide
• Lonely Planet Nepal (Travel Guide)
• The Rough Guide to Nepal
• Birds of Nepal
• The Climb: Tragic Ambitions on Everest
• Into Thin Air: A Personal Account of the Mount Everest Disaster
• High Adventure
• The Snow Leopard

1.   Is Manaslu Circuit Trek doable?

Although Manaslu Circuit Trek is strenuous and challenging trekking routes in Nepal, this trek is entirely doable. However, you have to maintain a certain level of physical fitness to do this trek. Be aware! Since this is a high altitude trek, you’re also at risk of suffering from Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS).

2.   Can I do the Manaslu Circuit Trek solo/independently?

No, the government of Nepal does not permit solo or independent trek in the Manaslu region. As per the government’s rules, it is mandatory to have a minimum of two trekkers accompanied by either a guide or a porter to trek in the Manaslu region.

3.   What is the standard of accommodation in Manaslu?

The teahouses and lodges in Manaslu Circuit are basic with two single beds and no heating facilities. The toilets are standard and on sharing basis throughout the trail. Most of the tea houses provide a hot shower but will charge you extra bucks for it.

On the upper reaches of the trek, the accommodations might get draughty and dark. Therefore, we recommend you bring a sleeping bag and a headlamp for this trek. Teahouses are available throughout the trek with the only exception in Dharmasala. At Dharmasala, you may have to spend the night in a tent.

4.   Is it safe to drink water in the trek?

No, the water in teahouses is mostly from tap or streams, which is not safe to drink directly. Bottled water is also available throughout the trail. However, the bottled water is slightly expensive and adds more trash on the trail. Therefore, we highly recommend you to carry a water purifier or tablets.

5.   Do I need travel insurance before trekking to Manaslu?

Yes, travel insurance is highly advisable while trekking in Manaslu. Since Manaslu is a remote and isolated trek, we suggest you have specific travel insurance for this trek. Make sure your travel insurance covers the cost of necessary medical facilities, theft, natural disasters as well as helicopter evacuations.

Manaslu Circuit Trek is an excellent alternative to the commercial trekking routes like Annapurna and Everest Base Camp. Tucked in the remote region in the Himalayas of Nepal, Manaslu is a sanctuary for adventure enthusiasts and avid trekkers.

As this is one of the most demanding treks of Nepal, this trek demands a serious commitment and physical fitness.

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The Manaslu Circuit Trek: Complete Guide

Posted on Last updated: September 22, 2023

For those who prefer ‘the road less traveled’ (which translates into fewer trekkers on the trail) and who enjoy pushing themselves physically and mentally, the Manaslu Circuit Trek in Nepal might just be the trek you are looking for! 

Of course, it is not just about driving and motivating yourself; it’s also about the spectacular scenery, the thought-provoking cultures and lifestyles of interesting locals you will meet, and the camaraderie with your guide. 

This complete Guide will give you all you need to know about the Manaslu Circuit Trek to enable you to make an educated decision as to whether this is the right trek for your adventure in Nepal. 

The Manaslu Circuit Trek: The Basics on What to Know Before You Go

• Location: central-western region of Nepal in the lap of Mount Manaslu, situated within the Manaslu Conservation Area Project (MCAP)
• Starting point: departing Kathmandu for a 7 hr bus journey, the trek starts from Soti Khola and ends at Dharapani for the return bus journey 
• Duration: 13 Days 
• Trip grade: challenging 
• Max altitude: 5,167 m / 16752 ft (at Larkya La Pass) 
• Accommodation: basic trekking lodges known as teahouses 
• Food: basic curry, noodles, soups, and porridge in the majority of teahouses, but tasty and plentiful 
• Distance: 180 km 
• Total incline : 11,000 m 
• Total decline: 9,800 m 
• Permits: Manaslu Conservation Area Permit, Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (as you are also entering this region) and a Restricted Area Permit 
• Guide and Porters: you must trek with a guide in this region. Porters can also be hired through your trekking company, Magical Nepal, and it is possible to share a porter with a fellow trekker. Note that one porter can carry no more than 20kg in total. 

Important Points to Consider on the Manaslu Circuit Trek

Here are some important points to know before you go. Nepal is one of the top adventure destinations in the world , and this trek is sure to show some of its best facets.

Manaslu Circuit Trek Difficulty

Let’s discuss the difficulty of this trek in more detail. If you are a regular hiker and particularly if you have trekked in the Himalayas before, you will have a good idea of your capabilities. This trek starts at an altitude of 800m / 2,624 ft and gradually, by daily increments of around 400m/ 1,312 ft, brings you to the height of 3,000m / 9,842ft on Day 6.

Daily, expect to walk around 6 hours, with a few days of longer walking. Crossing the Larkya La Pass at 5,160m / 16,929 is not only stunningly beautiful but the hardest day with 10 tough hours of walking. 

Although it is around 3,000m when us humans may begin to feel some adverse effects such as a headache, with the built-in acclimatization days, altitude should not be a problem for the majority of healthy trekkers. We must add, however, that altitude-related problems are real, and every care is taken to ensure our guests’ safety, and we train our guides to recognize symptoms before they become serious. 

The Manaslu Circuit is Remote

One of the main attractions of the Manaslu Circuit trek is that it goes through remote countryside and gets fewer trekkers than many of the other treks in Nepal. Although remote, it is only one day’s road journey from Kathmandu – no need for weather-dependent flights.

Another result of its remoteness and reduced numbers of trekkers is the fact accommodation is more basic than in  more commercial areas. There will be a bed, a blanket, a shower, a reasonable food menu, and the necessary to recharge your electronic goods. Nothing fancy, but more than adequate! 

Manaslu Circuit Weather

The Manaslu Circuit Trek starts at a low altitude with subtropical forests and weather. The days get cooler the higher you go until you reach, very possibly, snow underfoot at the Larkya La Pass. Like the majority of treks in Nepal, the best months to come are March, April, May, October, and November. 

Clothing for the Manaslu Circuit Trek

See the packing list below for more details, but basically, layers to fit the warm lowland weather and the cold mountain climate, good (pre-worn) trekking boots, and we can also recommend a sleeping bag for extra warmth and hygiene! Available to buy or hire in Kathmandu. 

Manaslu Circuit Scenery/ Wildlife and Culture

If it’s a cardio workout you want, we can suggest your local gym! But seriously, the main attraction on a trek in Nepal is the mountains! Manaslu is the eighth-highest mountain in the world, standing at 8,156 m (26,759 ft), and is surrounded by other huge Himalayan peaks, including Himlung and Annapurna II.

From the Larkya La Pass, there are jaw-dropping views of glaciers, a glacier cirque (possibly formed by ancient avalanches) and Himlung Himal, Gyaji Kang, and other great mountains. 

At the start of the trek, you will travel through lowlands of rice and millet terraces and the Budi Gandaki gorge with waterfalls and plenty of suspension bridges to add to the fun. 

Aside from the landscape, this conservation area is home to the Snow Leopard, Himalayan Marmot, Pika, Tahr, and many other species. It is also home to different Tibetan and Nepalese ethnic groups, making it a real cultural experience as well, particularly if you are interested to learn more about Tibetan Buddhism. 

Wi-Fi and electricity on the Manaslu Circuit

Wi-Fi is not guaranteed. There’s no point arguing at the teahouse about it. Carry a local SIM card, which will be able to access the internet at lower altitudes. Electricity may be provided by solar, and you will be charged anywhere up to $5 USD per item to recharge your phone, camera etc. Carrying a good power bank is highly recommended. 

Manaslu Circuit Highlights in a Nut Shell 

• The overall beauty of the flora in both lowlands and high mountains 
• Potential sighting of unique wildlife in two conservation areas 
• Getting up at 3am to cross the challenging Larkey La Pass 
• Being surrounded by some of the highest peaks in the world 
• The mighty thundering Budi Gandaki River, waterfalls and hanging suspension bridges 
• Seeing Tibet in the distance 
• Feeling like the first trekkers to visit this remote area 
• An astounding glacial cirque 
• Meeting different groups of locals and learning of their culture 
• Visiting Pungyen Gompa (monastery) 

Packing List  for Manaslu Circuit

Here is an exact packing list for this trek! See my hiking essentials post for links.

• 2 x Trekking pants, preferably those that zip down to shorts 
• 1 x Warmer hiking pants for colder areas 
• 1-2 x Long sleeved quick drying trekking shirts 
• 1-2 x Long sleeved thermal shirt/ vest 
• 2 x t-shirts 
• 1 x Thermal long underwear 
• Underwear for the duration (perhaps you will wash some out a couple of times, but consider the drying process) 
• 2-3 x socks, including heavy duty wool ones 
• 1 x Lightweight jacket for low altitude and warm days 
• 1x Heavy down jacket 
• 1 x Warm hat 
• 1 x Cap for the sun 
• Trekking poles (handy even if you are spectacularly fit!) 
• Sunglasses 
• Scarf/ buff and gloves 
• Hiking boots (pre-worn) 
• Microspikes (available in Kathmandu) 
• Headtorch 
• Sunscreen 
• Water filter or sterilising drops/ tablets 
• Powerbank 
• Camera/ phone/ etc 

Manaslu Circuit Trek Outline Itinerary, Altitudes and Times at a Glance 

Day 1: Kathmandu to Maccha Khola (Drive) 

Maccha Khola – 930 m / 3,051 ft – 7 hrs 

Day 2: Maccha Khola to Jagat 

Jagat – 1,340 m / 4,396 ft – 6 hrs 

Day 3: Jagat to Pewa 

Deng – 1,804 m / 5,918 ft – 6 hrs 

Day 4: Pewa to Namrung 

Namrung – 2,630 m / 8,628 ft – 6 hrs 

Day 5: Namrung to Lho 

Lho – 2,957 m / 9,701 ft – 4 hrs 

Day 6: Lho to Sama Gaun 

Sama Gaun – 3,530 m / 11,581 ft – 4 hrs 

Day 7: Acclimatization Day (Day Trip to Manaslu Base Camp or Pungyen Gompa) Sama Gaun – 4,400m / 14,435 ft – 7 hrs 

Day 8: Sama Gaun to Samdo 

Samdo – 3,865 m / 12,680 ft – 3 hrs 

Day 9: Acclimatization Day (Day Trip to Tibet Border) 

Samdo – 5,000 m / 16,404 ft – 8 hrs 

Day 10: Samdo to Dharmasala 

Dharmasala – 4,460 m / 14,632 ft – 4 hrs 

Day 11: Dharmasala to Bimthang via Larkya Pass 

Bimthang – 3,590 m / 11,778 ft – 10 hrs 

Day 12: Bimthang to Dharapani 

Dharapani – 1,970 m / 6.463 ft – 7 hrs 

Day 13: Dharapani to Kathmandu (Drive) 

Kathmandu – 1,300 m / 4,265 ft – 8 hrs 

Breakdown of the Day to Day Highlights on the Manaslu Circuit Trek

Day 1: kathmandu to maccha khola (7 hours drive).

The day starts off from Kathmandu, where we get a local bus along the Prithvi Highway until we reach the village Machha Khola, where we stay overnight. The alternative would be to hire a private jeep, which would be more comfortable. 

Highlight of the day: the only real highlight is that you are off on your adventure! The scenery is pretty cool, too, although the road is dusty and bumpy in places. 

Day 2: Maccha Khola to Jagat (5 to 6 hours hike)

Now, the trek begins! Follow the banks of the Budi Gandaki River along a dusty, twisting trail. You will get your first experience of suspension bridges as you cross and recross the river. The villages you see on the way are Gurung villages, with some steep stone stairs on the way.

With aching muscles, now you are really trekking! It is most likely a hot and sweating hike today. If you wish, you can rest and soak your legs in a hot water spring at Tatopani (literally translated to hot water). 

Highlights of the day: 

● Experiencing those suspension bridges! 

● The mountains overhead. 

Day 3: Jagat to Pewa (5 to 6 hours walk)

Still in the sub-tropical forests, where it is surprisingly warm, it is a definite benefit if your limbs are sore from yesterday! Buddhist prayer flags decorate the trails, and there are some interesting gompas (monasteries) on the way.

At a large Gurung village called Phillim, you will get your permits checked (just to make sure you have paid for the right to be here)! Rhododendron forests are colorful to hike in the spring. Crossing the Siyar Khola bridge, you come to the junction which leads to the interesting Tsum Valley (an adventure for another occasion, perhaps). 

Pewa is a very small settlement with basic food, the best option being the delicious Nepali cuisine of dal bhat and pickles. 

● The highlight is always the mountains reaching high into the heavens.

● Rickety old suspension bridges that test our nerves. 

● Prayer flags fluttering in the wind. 

Day 4: Pewa to Namrung (5 to 6 hours walk)

The trail takes you through a bamboo forest, across another suspension bridge, and a climb up to more villages. Look out for monkeys on the way! Now, you enter a landslide zone where you have to pay attention to the guide who will get you safely across.

Then, it’s an uneven zigzag trail up to Namrung. The trail proceeds to Ghap through several more landslide zones. At this point, you must be extra careful as you walk. Plus, you must be attentive to your guide’s instructions to maintain physical safety. After the landslide zone, you follow the trail up to Namrung. By now, the views are of major peaks, which your guide will point out to you. 

● Looking out for monkeys on the way, but please don’t feed them. 

● A kind of highlight is making it safely across the loose stones of landslide-prone areas. 

● Having a good coffee at a modern restaurant in Namrung, should it be hopefully open. ● The Wi-Fi can be pretty good at Numrung. Again, hopefully! 

Day 5: Namrung to Lho (3 to 4 hours walk)

More gorgeous rhododendron forests, together with forests of oak. Perhaps more interesting are the arched gates, prayer (mani) walls, and local Nurbri people dressed in Tibetan-like attire. If you look up, there are wonderful views of Manaslu and Manaslu North.

Now, at high altitude, you might begin to feel some slight ill effects such as a headache. Take note of this and advise the guide should it get worse. By walking steadily and slowly, and ensuring everyone is drinking plenty of fluids, the guide is well aware of the rise in altitude. 

● First views of Manaslu up close. 

● Feeling of peace amongst Buddhist peoples. 

Day 6: Lho to Sama Gaun (3 to 4 hours walk)

Waking up to views of Manaslu and knowing it is a short day’s walk to Sama Gaun with its yak pastures, large gompa and shops brings a smile to your face. 

● Walking through high alpine pastures with lots of grazing yaks there and on the nearby mountainsides. 

● Shopping! Perhaps for some snacks, if anything that is available catches your eye. ● Best views so far of Mt Manaslu – and from your teahouse! 

● Wi-Fi, hopefully! 

Day 7: Acclimatization Day (Day Trip to Manaslu Base Camp or Pungyen Gompa, 7 hours walk)

Now, at an altitude of 3,530 m / 11,581 ft at Sama Gaun, it’s time to let your body adjust before going higher. The best way to acclimatize is to keep active! So, no, put that book away and put the hiking boots back on! 

There are a couple of options. The first is hiking to Manaslu Base Camp, passing Birendra Tal (lake). The second option is to hike to Pungyen Gompa. The Gompa sits on the top of a plateau facing the mountains and is best visited for sunrise.

If you are feeling particularly tired and really do need to rest more than hike some more, you can make a shorter trip to just Birendra Tal, which provides something different to enjoy and experience. 

● If you head to Puneng Gumpa, eating your packed lunch while gazing at the mountains has to be a highlight! 

● There is also a possibility of seeing foxes in this area. 

● By hiking to Manaslu Base Camp, there is a wonderful feeling of achievement as well as stunning mountain views. 

Day 8: Sama Gaun to Samdo (2 to 3 hours walk)

Although a short day in terms of hours, the going is tough because of the altitude. Leaving the tree line, you climb a ridge and cross a wooden bridge over the Buri Gandaki River to reach the picturesque yak herding village of White Kani. Then on to Samdo. Since it has been a short day, you can walk on and visit Samdo Peak if you desire. 

● Passing the mani walls with their Tibetan Buddhist mantras carved into them.

● Bird watching, as there are plenty of different varieties in the area. 

Day 9: Acclimatization Day (Day Trip to Tibet Border, 8 hours walk)

After what was probably a cold night at Samo (this is where your own sleeping bag would be extremely helpful), you will be more than happy to strap on your boots and head out. Standing at the Tibet / Nepal border, there are views of Samdo Glacier and perhaps even some yak caravans.

Unfortunately, there are no signs saying ‘Welcome to Tibet’ to photograph, but you will be able to say you have seen Tibet! Do not be tempted to climb over the rickety fence into China! 

● Seeing Tibet! 

● Gazing at the Samdo Glacier. 

Day 10: Samdo to Dharmasala (8 hour walk)

Trekking through rugged terrain with the mountains overhead has now become second nature! It is likely the mountains are covered in fresh snowfall, making it all the more magical. Dharmasala is another cold settlement to spend the night. 

● Knowing that the interesting and challenging Larke La Pass is coming up!

● Being grateful for that extra thick jacket you packed before leaving home! 

Day 11: Dharmasala to Bimthang via Larkya Pass: (10 hour walk: This is the highlight of the Manaslu Circuit Trek! And it will be a real challenge!)

Larkya La Pass is 5,160m / 16,929 ft and most likely covered in snow. It also involves getting up around 3am to make it over the pass before the high winds come up in the afternoon. Micro-spikes are mostly used for this crossing, which is another new experience for many people.

As for the views, you will see Himlung (7,126m/ 23,379 ft) near Tibet Kang Guru (6,981m /22,903 ft), and Annapurna II (7,937m / 26,040 ft) – all of which will take your breath away. On the descent, there are views of mountains and ice falls surrounding you, along with several glaciers. 

● It’s probably not a highlight to get out of bed at 3am, but once you are up, the excitement builds! 

● Prayer flags greet you as you reach the top of the pass, making you feel like you are a Himalayan mountaineer. 

● Using micro-spikes on the descent brings more adventure to the day.

● Finally reaching the teahouse at Bimthang for some hot tea and great conversation. 

Day 12: Bimthang to Dharapani (7 hours walk)

The final day of the trek, so enjoy the forests and the rhododendron bushes. As you descend, the landscape turns from glacial flood areas and forests to agricultural lands. It is a long downhill hike of around 25km, but you can breathe more easily at the lower altitude. Reach Dharapani for your final night in the Manaslu area. 

● Bittersweet feeling of having completed the trek successfully. 

● Perhaps a beer to celebrate at the final teahouse. 

● Exchanging contact details with fellow trekkers. 

Day 13: Dharapani to Kathmandu (8 hours drive)

A jeep at Tilije will take you to Beshi Sahar, where you catch the bus back to Kathmandu. Or arrange for a private jeep to meet you. You probably deserve that! 

Highlight of the day: 

● Another bittersweet day but with the promise of a really hot shower in clean surroundings back in your hotel in Kathmandu. 

● Menu choices you now find so exhaustive it’s hard to choose! 

Further Information on the Manaslu Circuit Trek

For further information of the Manaslu Circuit Trek, and other treks in the area, such as the Tsum Valley Trek and Manaslu and Tsum Vally Trek, or if you have any questions, contact Magical Nepal , who have amazingly experienced guides and friendly service. We hope to see you in the mountains soon!

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The Ultimate Guide to the Manaslu Circuit Trek

8th Nov, 2023

Nestled in the heart of the Nepalese Himalayas, the Manaslu Circuit Trek is widely regarded as one of the best moderate multi-day treks in Nepal. Circumnavigating the spectacular Mount Manaslu (8,163m), the eighth highest mountain in the world, this thrilling journey takes you through remote valleys, high mountain passes, and charming villages.

As you follow ancient trade routes across the Manaslu region, you’ll be rewarded with some of Nepal’s most stunning scenery and fascinating cultural encounters. From the lush forests of the Budhi Gandaki river valley to the arid high-altitude landscapes of the Tibetan plateau, the astonishing diversity of this trek appeals to all hikers.

While less crowded than popular treks like the Everest Base Camp and Annapurna Circuit treks, the Manaslu Circuit Trek still offers all the magic of the Himalayas. Read on to discover everything you need to know to plan your ultimate Manaslu Circuit trekking adventure.

Overview of the Manaslu Circuit Trek

The Manaslu Circuit Trek typically takes between 13-18 days to complete a full circuit of Mount Manaslu. The trek starts and finishes in the town of Arughat after completing a clockwise loop around the mountain.

The total trekking distance is around 160km, with most days covering between 5-8 hours of walking. You’ll cross over several high mountain passes exceeding 5000m in elevation. Proper acclimatization to the high altitude is essential.

The route passes through remote areas with basic accommodation in tea houses or camping. As this region has only recently opened for trekking, the trails are less crowded than other major treks in Nepal.

The journey combines nature and culture as you witness incredible mountain landscapes as well as traditional Tibetan and Nepali villages. With the stunning scenery and warm hospitality, you’ll be captivated by the magic of the Manaslu region.

Key Highlights of the Manaslu Circuit Trek

• Breathtaking views of Mount Manaslu (8163m) and surrounding peaks like Ngadi Chuli (7871m).
• Crossing the high Larkya La pass (5213m) which links the Marshyangdi and Budhi Gandaki valleys.
• Seeing monasteries, chortens, and mani walls reflecting Tibetan culture and Buddhism.
• Visiting charming villages like Lho, Samagaon, and Bihi showcasing local Nepali lifestyle.
• Trekking through diverse landscapes from sub-tropical to alpine high mountain zones.
• Following quiet trails away from large trekking crowds.
• Spotting exotic wildlife like blue sheep, golden eagles, and Himalayan tahr.

When is the Best Time for the Manaslu Circuit Trek?

The Manaslu Circuit Trek is open from March to May in spring and September to November in autumn. These seasons offer ideal weather for trekking before and after the monsoon rainy season.

During spring, the trails are lined with vibrant rhododendron blooms while autumn showcases clear skies and the Himalayas at their best. Daytime temperatures average 15-20°C in the lower areas. Up high, temperatures drop below freezing at night.

Deep winter from December to February brings harsh cold along the trek, especially at higher elevations and passes. Travel can be hindered by snow. The summer monsoon from June to August sees heavy rain making the trails very wet and slippery.

Therefore, the prime times to trek the Manaslu Circuit are March-May and late September-November. This avoids the extremes of winter and monsoon seasons.

How Difficult is the Manaslu Circuit Trek?

The Manaslu Circuit Trek is considered a moderately difficult trek suitable for avid hikers with prior multi-day trekking experience at high altitude. Proper fitness level, acclimatization, and quality trekking gear are essential.

Here are some key points on the difficulty level:

• Days are long with 5-8 hours of walking on average. Fitness is key.
• High elevation with several passes over 5000m means good acclimatization is vital.
• Trail conditions can be rough or slippery in parts, especially over the Larkya La.
• Cold temperatures at higher altitudes coupled with strong winds.
• Basic tea house accommodation in small villages with shared long-drop toilets.
• Limited health facilities along the remote route.

With sound preparation, a moderate level of fitness, and gradual acclimatization to altitude, most people can complete the Manaslu Circuit Trek. Some strenuous days are compensated by more relaxed walking.

Trekking slowly and allowing extra rest days aids acclimatization. You must be comfortable with multi-day hiking and basic living conditions. Previous experience above 4000m helps considerably.

How to Get to the Manaslu Circuit Trek?

Most people begin the Manaslu Circuit Trek by bus from Kathmandu to Arughat (2 days) or Soti Khola (1 day) to reach the starting point. Jeeps can also drive to Arkhet which shortens the first day’s walk. You can arrange local transportation and permits through a trekking agency.

Here is an overview of reaching the Manaslu Circuit Trek start point:

• Local bus from Kathmandu to Arughat takes around 8 hours. From Pokhara, take a bus to Abu Khaireni then change.
• Jeeps can drive from Kathmandu to Arkhet in around 6-7 hours. Shorten day one walking.
• For the fastest start, hire a private jeep to Soti Khola which takes around 4-5 hours.
• Flights from Kathmandu to Tumlingtar then drive 3 hours to Soti Khola. Expensive but saves 2 days.

Arughat is the classic starting point to begin your Manaslu Circuit trek by foot. Travel time is compensated by spectacular overland journeys showcasing rural Nepal before reaching the trails.

Manaslu Circuit Trek Itinerary Overview

While the exact itinerary can vary slightly depending on your start point, pace and acclimatization needs, here is an overview of the standard Manaslu Circuit trek outline over 14 days:

• Day 1: Drive Kathmandu to Soti Khola
• Day 2: Trek to Machha Khola (Fish tail River)
• Day 3: Trek to Jagat village
• Day 4: Trek to Deng village
• Day 5: Trek to Namrung village
• Day 6: Acclimatization day in Namrung
• Day 7: Trek to Samagaon
• Day 8: Acclimatization day in Samagaon. Optional day hike.
• Day 9: Trek to Samdo
• Day 10: Trek to Dharmshala
• Day 11: Cross Larkya La Pass (5213m). Trek to Bimtang
• Day 12: Trek to Gho village
• Day 13: Trek to Dharapani then drive to Besisahar
• Day 14: Drive from Besisahar to Kathmandu

Detailed Day by Day Manaslu Circuit Trek Itinerary

Now let’s look at what each day of the Manaslu Circuit trek entails including highlights and important notes for trip planning:

Day 1: Drive from Kathmandu to Soti Khola (700m)

The journey to Soti Khola takes around 4-5 hours by private jeep. This arterial road leads into the heart of the Manaslu region. Enjoy views of rice terraces and jungle-clad hills before following the Budhi Gandaki River gorge. Stay overnight in simple local lodges.

Day 2: Trek Soti Khola to Maccha Khola (Fish Tail River) (870m)

(Walking: 6-7 hours)

After breakfast, cross the suspension bridge north over the Budhi Gandaki River. The trail leads through Sal forest and ascends on stone steps to the Gurung village of Labubesi. Descend back to the river bank at the confluence with the tributary Khola River. Cross another suspension bridge to Maccha Khola village for overnight stop.

Day 3: Trek Maccha Khola to Jagat (1410m)

Following the Budhi Gandaki, today’s trail climbs over several ridges along the empty riverbank. A tough climb takes you to the charming Gurung village of Jagat where the valley opens up. The entrance stone steps signify arrival in the Nepal Manaslu Conservation Area. Overnight in Jagat in local lodges.

Day 4: Trek Jagat to Deng (1860m)

(Walking: 5-6 hours)

Crossing the river early on, the trail weaves uphill through forests revealing views of Sringi Himal (7187m). Descend to cross the Budhi Gandaki on a long suspension bridge to Deng village. Surrounded by cliffs, Deng is the last permanent settlment until the trek returns here on the circuit.

Day 5: Trek Deng to Namrung (2660m)

Leaving Deng, enter the Budhi Gandaki gorge clad with pine forests. The walking involves lots of ups and downs today. Notice the change in architecture and people, reflecting Tibetan influences. Reach Namrung village, at the doorstep of the high Himalaya.

Day 6: Acclimatization Day in Namrung

wise to spend an extra acclimatization day here enjoying short walks around the village. This helps prepare for higher elevations ahead. Namrung Monastery is worth a visit to view morning puja.

Day 7: Trek Namrung to Samagaon (3530m)

Today crosses the Buddhi Gandaki on a bridge festooned with prayer flags then ascends steeply up the stone steps to the village of Lho. The trail stays high above the river with grand views of Manaslu. The hike ends at Samagaon with its famous monastery and Mount Manaslu views.

Day 8: Acclimatization Day in Samagaon

Spend a second acclimatization day exploring Samagaon. Hike up to the Buddhist nunnery of Pungen Glingsgompa or take the day hike to Pungyen Gompa for closer views of Manaslu. Careful preparation is key before the high pass crossing.

Day 9: Trek Samagaon to Samdo (3860m)

(Walking: 3-4 hours)

A relatively easier day follows the Budhi Gandaki River to the tiny seasonal herding settlements of Dharamsala. The trail finally enters the Tibetan-style village of Samdo. Incredible views of Mt Manaslu, Simnang Himal, Rupina La pass and Larke Peak surround.

Day 10: Trek Samdo to Dharmshala (4460m)

Continue following the Budhi Gandaki north as the valley opens into a wider plateau. Pass more seasonal dwellings like Larkya Bazaar. The high altitude landscape becomes starker and windier. Reach Dharmshala for the night before the big pass crossing.

Day 11: Cross Larke La Pass (5213m), trek to Bimtang (3720m)

(Walking: 8-10 hours)

The longest day begins with a steep ascent over moraine to cross the highest point, Larke La pass (5213m). Enjoy stunning mountain views then begin the long knee-jarring descent to Bimtang. Pass glaciers and summer grazing land to enter the quiet Bhudi Gandaki valley.

Day 12: Trek Bimtang to Gho (2515m)

From Bimtang, follow the Burdin Khola River downstream through rhododendron forests. The landscape becomes greener with classic Nepali hill scenery. The pretty village of Gho is a welcome sight after the high pass crossing. Enjoy a hot shower!

Day 13: Trek Gho to Dharapani, drive to Besisahar (760m)

The last day of walking reaches Dharapani village back on the Annapurna Circuit. From here take a jeep or bus down to Besisahar. Celebrate completing the Manaslu Circuit Trek!

Day 14: Drive Besisahar to Kathmandu (1300m)

The 7-8 hour bus ride back to Kathmandu gives time to reflect on the amazing Manaslu trek. You’ll arrive tired but elated after conquering this ultimate Himalayan adventure!

What to Pack for the Manaslu Circuit Trek?

Planning your gear and packing list is an important part of preparing for the Manaslu Circuit trek. You will need clothing and equipment suitable for both warm and colder mountain conditions.

As you will be carrying your own pack each day, it is essential to pack as lightly as possible without sacrificing essential items. Here is a recommended Manaslu Circuit trek packing checklist:

• Hiking boots – waterproof with good ankle support
• Trekking poles – help with steep ascents and descents
• Quick-dry hiking shirts and pants
• Fleece jacket and insulated down jacket for warmth
• Waterproof shell jacket and pants
• Warm hat, gloves and buff/scarf
• Under layers including thermal leggings and long sleeve tops
• Comfortable socks and underwear
• Sleeping bag – rated down to -10°C or lower
• Inner sleep sheet for tea house lodges
• Hydration pack or water bottles
• Sunglasses and sunscreen
• Headlamp with spare batteries
• Small first aid kit
• Toiletries – eco-friendly soap, toothbrush etc
• Light towel – quick dry travel towels are best
• Any personal medications you require

Hire local porters to carry the majority of gear or join a fully organized camping trek to minimize your load. Good fitness will allow you to enjoy the trek rather than struggle under a heavy pack.

Is a Guide Required for the Manaslu Circuit Trek?

Booking through a registered trekking agency allows you to trek the Manaslu Circuit with an experienced local guide. This is recommended for navigation, arranging accommodation and permits, porters, and gaining insight into the region. Guides also ensure your safety and proper acclimatization.

You can trek independently without a guide and arrange tea house stays as you go. However, a guide provides security in case of emergencies along this remote route. Guides carry safety equipment like satellite phones, oxygen and first aid kits.

Having a guide helps bridge language barriers when interacting with locals. A knowledgeable guide will enhance your overall trekking experience while allowing you to focus on enjoying the trail.

Manaslu Circuit Trek Difficulty and Altitude Considerations

The Manaslu Circuit involves long days hiking at altitude with rough trail conditions in sections. Take care to build your fitness, walk at a gradual pace, and allow rest days to acclimatize. Here are some tips to help overcome the difficulties:

Acclimatization

• Trek slowly. Limit gains in sleeping elevation to 300-400m per day.
• Schedule 2 full rest days in Namrung and Samagaon villages to acclimatize.
• Stay hydrated and eat carbohydrate-rich meals.
• Avoid alcohol and smoking.
• Listen to your body and rest if feeling unwell.

Altitude Sickness

• Recognize signs of AMS (headache, nausea, fatigue). Descend immediately if severe.
• Bring prescription medication like Diamox to aid acclimatization.
• Trek with an agency that provides emergency oxygen if needed.

Trail Conditions

• The circuit has steep ascents and descents, especially around the Larkya La.
• Trails can be slippery or unstable. Use trekking poles for balance and stability.
• Start hiking early to avoid afternoon storms and freezing temperatures.
• Follow your guide’s pace and route for optimal safety.
• Wear proper hiking boots with sturdy ankles.

By taking precautions and working within your physical limits, the Manaslu Circuit trek is achievable for fit hikers who take time to acclimatize. Reap the rewards of completing one of Nepal’s greatest treks!

Permits and Costs for the Manaslu Circuit Trek

The Manaslu region was opened for trekking only in 1991 and still maintains strict permit regulations. You must trek with an official guide as independent trekking is not allowed. All trekkers require:

• Manaslu Conservation Area Project (MCAP) Permit – $70 per week
• Manaslu Restricted Area Permit – $100 per week
• Annapurna Conservation Area Permit – $20 (if finishing in Dharapani)

Expect to pay around $1500 to $2000 per person for a fully organized moderate standard Manaslu Circuit trek including guide, porters, accommodation, permits, and transportation. Budget more for better hotels or camping treks.

A barebones teahouse-only budget trek can be done for under $1000 excluding international flights. Carefully compare packages to see what is included. Most trek prices are all-inclusive except meals and tips.

Is the Manaslu Circuit Trek Worth It?

For moderate multi-day trekkers seeking incredible scenery, cultural encounters and fewer crowds, the Manaslu Circuit Trek absolutely lives up to its reputation as one of Nepal’s finest journeys.

The natural beauty of Mount Manaslu coupled with the raw adventure of crossing the Larkya La pass rewards you with stunning vistas and immense satisfaction of completing this ultimate circuit. Varied landscapes, Tibetan culture and charming villages add rich layers of interest.

While more logistical planning is required than for mainstream treks, the extra rewards of immersing yourself in this remote trans-Himalayan region make the Manaslu Circuit trek worth every step. Be prepared for basic accommodation and travel delays, but don’t let that deter you from discovering the magic of Manaslu!

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A Complete Guide to Manaslu Circuit Trek | Weather, Difficulty, Altitude, Trek Route and Permits

an isolated trail for adventure...into the wild Himalayas...

• Updated on Mar 20, 2024

Notice: Nepal bans solo trekking for foreigners, coming into effect from 1st April 2023

Manaslu trek is one of the popular off-the-beaten trails in Nepal taking one to the base of the 8th highest mountain on earth Mt. Manaslu (8163M/26781Ft) and the highest pass of Larkey La Pass (5100M/16732Ft).

Lies in the West-Central part of Nepal, the Manaslu region borders the autonomous region of Tibet, making it a restricted area for trekkers (unless you owe a special permit).

Thus, making the Manaslu a less crowded trail compared to other trails in Nepal. The entire Manaslu region shares its area with the other popular trekking region of Nepal, which is the Annapurna region.

This makes Manaslu a diverse region and can be made two trails at a time i.e., Manaslu and Annapurna Circuit Trail . This Annapurna trail will pass through Throng La Pass (5416M/17769Ft) and descend towards Muktinath or you can continue towards Upper Mustang Trail .

Trekkers can explore the varied culture and customs of the native dwellers along with varied vegetation, flora, and fauna, monastery, with snow-covered high Himalayas.

A couple of days extra will help you to accomplish two different popular trekking destinations with an affordable budget. So, what are you thinking about, just join the team of Discover Altitude to make your dream turns into reality.

Table of Contents

Manaslu circuit trek route.

Manaslu trek starts with a moderate hike to a strenuous climb. The entire region of Manaslu is regarded as off the beaten trail due to its remoteness and strict provision for trekkers.

Trekkers need a special permit obtained only through a registered trekking agency, with at least two trekkers to obtain the permit, and having a local registered guide is mandatory.

Manaslu trek mainly starts through a jeep/bus drive from Kathmandu to Soti-Khola to spend a night before you head for the hike.

There is no other alternative means or airport in the Manaslu region. Starting your hike through the lowland trail, one can explore the diversification throughout.

Hiking through the village and the forest will be a demanding adventure. Visiting different monasteries and chorten will take you to Samagaun.

Samagaun is a popular destination on the Manaslu trail and is also used for acclimatization before hiking into the mountain.

Despite the popularity of the Manaslu trail, fewer trekkers dare to visit the region. This is because of strict provisions for trekkers and they need to have a special permit for the Manaslu trail, which can only be obtained through a local registered trekking agency in Nepal.

Although few trekkers visit the Manaslu region, this makes the trail in demand for many, because the trail is not crowded and the ecology is well maintained and balanced. Trails are perfect and clean, maintained by the locals and the army.

Trekking further higher will take you to the highest altitude of 5100 meters for Larkey La Pass and descend to Jagat.

From Jagat, you can drive back to Kathmandu via Beshisahar which is the headquarter of the Lamjung district. Or if time permits you can trek to the Annapurna Circuit . This will be some 5-6 days more.

As Manaslu and Annapurna regions are associated with each other trekkers can accomplish both trails in a nominal time frame.

Manaslu Circuit Trek Difficulty

Trekking in the Himalayas is always a difficult task to accomplish and when you are trying to be at the base of the 8th highest mountain on the earth Mt. Manaslu (8,163M/26,781Ft), will be moderately challenging.

Although Manaslu Circuit Trek is a challenging trekking trail this is an adventure journey in the Himalayas due to its remoteness, varied vegetation, Himalayan culture and custom, beautiful rivers, majestic snow-covered Himalayas, and challenging Larkey La Pass.

Apart from all this, the Manaslu Circuit Trek Difficulty is mainly determined by the distance of the trek, Weather during the trekking season, and altitude.

The total trekking distance for the Manaslu Circuit Trek is around 177 Km. This distance is to be covered in 12 days but you can extend or decrease the required number of days according to your pace.

So, around 13-15 Km you have to hike every day, your trek begins from the terrain of 930M to 5100M at Larkey La Pass.

Manaslu Circuit Trek is all from easy to moderate to challenging at a higher altitude. So, make sure you are fit enough for every day hike uphill before you start your trek.

Manaslu Circuit Trek Altitude

Manaslu Circuit Trek will take you to the base camp of the 8th highest mountain on the earth Mt. Manaslu, also known as the ‘killer mountain’, because of its difficulty to summit the peak.

However, your treks start from 930M and continue till 5100M at Larkey La Pass. This varied altitude might be difficult for many.

So, make sure you are not pushing your body at a higher altitude, instead, take some breaks frequently and use a day extra as a rest/acclimatize day. This will help your body to acclimatize at a higher altitude.

This acclimatization day will bring you fruitful results and you won’t suffer from altitude sickness.

Manaslu Circuit Trek Accommodation

Manaslu is a restricted area for foreign trekkers. So, there is a strict provision to enter the Manaslu region due to its border with the Autonomous region of Tibet. You need to have a special permit for the Manaslu circuit trek.

Due to its remoteness, challenging, strict provision Manaslu Circuit Trail is regarded as an off-the-beaten trail. Fewer trekkers follow this trail, thus making it a less crowded and solitary trail.

Also, in this region majority of the people are of Tibetan origin and they follow Tibetan culture, customs, and religion. There are beautiful Monasteries, Chorten, Mani walls, etc., and less populated villages as well.

There are a limited number of lodges and tea houses in Manaslu Circuit Trek. As you trek higher the number of lodges and facilities will certainly decline.

However, all the lodges at the higher altitudes are tourist standards mainly operated by local family members.

Each room will have two beds with a mattress, pillow, blanket, bedsheet, and a tea table. Some lodges will have toilets on the floor and some will have them outside the hotel.

These will be common toilets. Never expect any attached toilet in Manaslu Circuit Trek, mainly at higher altitudes above 3000M.

Food will be fresh with locally grown vegetables, better be vegetarian while trekking uphill because there is a high possibility of meat not being fresh.

The hotel staff will cook according to the menu and will serve different foods ranging from Nepali dishes to Continental, Chinese, Indian and Italian.

Permits required for Manaslu Circuit Trek

Manaslu Circuit Trek is in the restricted area of the Manaslu region. Trekkers need special permits to enter the Manaslu area.

Due to special provisions, fewer trekkers visit the Manaslu area where the restriction has been imposed. However, those who prefer adventure, challenge, less crowd, and solitude, take Manaslu Trek to their bucket list.

The following are required permits for Manaslu Circuit Trek :

• Special Restricted Area Permit for Manaslu
• Manaslu Conservation Area Permit
• Annapurna Conservation Area Permit
• Trekkers’ Information Management System Permit

Manaslu Circuit Trek for Solo Trekkers

Manaslu Circuit Trek lies in the restricted area of the Manaslu region. Trekkers need to follow special provisions to enter the Manaslu area, mainly the upper region.

This Manaslu region borders the Autonomous Region of Tibet, mainly inhabited by Tibetan origin.

Solo individual or group trekkers cannot enter the Manaslu area. Apart from this, you have to obtain a special permit from a government agency through a locally registered trekking company in Nepal.

This permit will only be given to those agencies that legally can verify all their documents related to company authorization.

Trekkers need to have a local license holder guide and the number of trekkers must be not less than 2 in number to apply for a special permit before arrival or before your trek.

To avoid a hectic process make sure your agency does all the official work to obtain a special permit for the Manaslu trek.

There will be army check post throughout the trail and all the required provision has to be fulfilled to cross those areas. If found without those permits and provisions, you are subjected to a criminal offense.

So, make sure you are not less than 2 trekkers, you have a registered guide and you are proceeding through such a legally authorized company.

Best way to Accomplish Manaslu Circuit Trek

Manaslu Circuit Trek is off the beaten trail of the Manaslu region. This is a normal trail with a majestic Himalayan vista and diverse vegetation.

Due to its remoteness, fewer villages exist and due to strict provisions to enter foreign nationals, fewer trekkers prefer to pay extra for acquiring a permit. So, they prefer other areas.

To accomplish Manaslu Circuit Trek, first of all, you need to have a professional guide who has been to Manaslu Circuit Trek.

There are no boards to indicate location, trail, villages, etc. So, if you miss the right trail, you will be in danger.

The second important thing is the right season or month of the year. Trekking to Manaslu is possible throughout the year.

However, the best time will be Spring (February, March, April, and May) and Autumn (August, September, October, and November).

Although Spring and Autumn are the best time for a clear view, high visibility, no precipitation, majestic vegetation, etc. May is Pre-Monsoon and August is Post-Monsoon.

Better avoid these two months of the year because, at the lower altitude, you will encounter rainfall.

June and July get extreme rainfall at lower altitudes and clouds, and mist covers the Himalayas. Further, December and January are extreme winters.

These two months won’t have rainfall but you will encounter heavy snowfall.

During winter all lodges and tea houses are closed because of snowfall and further trails are covered with snow and will be difficult to cross the Larkey La Pass.

For more information: WhatsApp: +977-9841161593 or Email: [email protected]

Kumar Lamsal

Kumar is one of the Co-founders and Managing directors of Discover Altitude holding 18 years of experience in the tourism sector of Nepal. He has trekked to almost all the popular regions of Nepal and is an authorized trekking and tour guide.

Started his career as a porter to support his study, now holds MPhil and LLB degree, and is doing his Ph.D. in religious studies. He loves traveling to the Himalayas and has deep knowledge about religion, culture, and history.

Kumar is also involved in the teaching sector as a part-timer to deliver his research related to the cultural and religious diversity of Nepal and is the one who mostly answers your queries giving them his personal touch through his decade-long experience.

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Manaslu Circuit Trek: The Ultimate Guide

Jackson Groves

Posted on Last updated: July 10, 2023

Categories HIKING , NEPAL

The Manaslu Circuit Trek is an off-the-beaten-path trail in the Himalayas of Nepal. The route leads you up and around the base of Mount Manaslu as you stay each night in different Tibetan villages along the way. The scenery is incredible, especially the last few days of the circuit as you reach heights of above 5000 meters while crossing the Larke Pass, also known as Larkya La Pass.

TRY THE 3 BEST TREKS IN NEPAL

Manaslu Circuit : My personal favorite 2-week trek through Tibetan villages and stunning scenery. Less crowded and more authentic.

Annapurna Circuit : The most beautiful & scenic 2-week trek in Nepal although can be crowded at times.

Everest Base Camp Trek : The most iconic 2-week route reaching the famous (EBC) Everest Base Camp at 5,300m.

I highly recommend this circuit for those who looking to avoid the crowds of Annapurna Circuit and the Everest Base Camp Trek. The highlight of this circuit is the authentic culture of the Tibetan villages along the way and takes you around Manaslu, the world’s eighth-highest mountain at 8,163 meters (26,781 ft).

Before sharing my experience on the trek with One Globe Travel in the second section of this blog post, I will detail all of the information you have to know in this complete guide about the Manaslu Circuit Trek.

You can use my discount code ‘ JACKSON5 ‘ for 10% off the total price of your trek with One Globe Travel , which is a pretty handy saving of almost $200! To book the trek with One Globe Travel you can visit their site by CLICKING HERE or contact them via the details below:

Table of Contents

THE MANASLU CIRCUIT TREK GUIDE

In this blog post, I will cover everything you need to know about the logistics of the Manaslu Circuit Trek and also share with you my experience on each day of the trek in the form of a short journal entry and my photos from that day. This will give you an idea of what to expect and a great insight into the scenery you will find on each day of the trek.

MANASLU CIRCUIT TREK DETAILS

• Distance : 180 km through-hike from Machhakola to Dharapani
• Days required : 12 days
• Total Incline : ( with undulation) – 11,000 m
• Total Decline :(with undulation) – 9,800 m
• The highest point on the trek : 5200m, which was just above the Larke Pass (Larkya La Pass) on day 11.
• Difficulty : This trek was much harder than Everest Base Camp Trek as it was 30% longer, much steeper, and less commercialized. Having said that, it was basic walking and there was nothing technical. Our longest day was 27km with 1600m of incline. If you can handle the altitude of 5,200m and can walk each day for 6-10 hours, you will be fine on this trek. The acclimatization profile was very good as you have 11 days to reach the highest point, so it eases you into it.
• Permits : Your tour operator will take care of these in each town and for the Manaslu Circuit Trek it isn’t possible to hike independently. You must hike with a guide and there must be at least two in your group, as well as the guide.
• Guide : A guide is required on this trek and the guide manages all of the logistics, distances, directions, and tea houses. The directions weren’t always very clear like on the Everest Base Camp trek and having the guide manage all of the logistics was great. I went with One Globe Travel and highly recommend them.
• Accommodation: Guest Houses, also known as Tea Houses, are available along the way where you will sleep in a comfortable bed and have access to showers (extra charge) and restaurant facilities. Very comfortable accommodation and great after a long day of hiking. Most of the villages were Tibetan, which gave us a great insight into their unique culture.

TOP 3 PLACES TO STAY IN KATHMANDU

• Ultimate Luxury: The Dwarika’s Hotel – Luxury, Spa-service, Pool
• Best Value : Aloft Kathmandu Thamel – Swimming Pool, Gym & Great Restuarant
• Budget Choice: Hotel Jampa is easily the top cheap hotel in Kathmandu

KEY POINTS ABOUT THE MANASLU CIRCUIT TREK

• This circuit is way less crowded than Everest Base Camp and the Annapurna Circuit. It is growing in popularity but it’s still a great time to trek this circuit before it hits the mainstream.
• The Manaslu Circuit trek is off-the-beaten-path and remote. However, there are teahouses in each village along the way so each night you get a great sleep in a bed with blankets, have access to showers, eat great meals in a restaurant, and can charge your electronics and cameras.
• The trailhead can be reached by car so there is no need to pay for expensive domestic flights.
• The first few days of the circuit run along the trail next to the river in a deep gorge called the Buri Gandaki with lots of suspension bridge crossings. The trek transitions to the snow for the last few days although you can trek with regular hiking boots while enjoying the massive snowy mountains on either side of the trail.
• The scenery is constantly changing and you will experience a subtropical jungle while at lower elevations before entering the Himalayan foothills. Finally, you will reach the Larkya La above 5,100 meters / 17,000 feet.

BOOKING A GUIDE FOR THE MANASLU CIRCUIT

The Manaslu Circuit Trek does require a guide. Everest Base Camp and Annapurna Circuit can be done independently but the rules on the Manaslu Circuit are stricter about having a guide. I did the trek with Samip from One Globe Travel , which is one of the top trekking companies when it comes to Manaslu Circuit. The owner, Nawang, is a Tibetan himself, which is the main culture you will experience along the circuit.

The trek costs around $1800 USD with One Globe Travel as of 2021 and includes all transfers, accommodation, meals, drinks permits, and even the hotel stay before and after the trek at a 4.5-star hotel with a rooftop pool. I honestly had a great time, the guide was great and I can wholeheartedly recommend One Globe Travel. They even helped me many weeks after the trip during the lockdown in Kathmandu.

Book now: One Globe Travel

Email: [email protected]

Phone Number: +977-01-4003071/72/73

MANASLU CIRCUIT TREK PACKING LIST

I pack pretty light and managed to wash most of my clothes each afternoon/night for the first half of the trip. In the latter stages of the trip, it was pretty cold so we weren’t sweating as much and we wore our warm gear basically nonstop while at the teahouses and there was no real need for multiple outfits. This is just a guide and it worked quite well for me with no complaints from my set-up.

You won’t need a sleeping bag as there are blankets in each guesthouse and when it got cold I just wore my down jacket. This meant I didn’t have to carry a sleeping bag for 12 days, although our guide did.

• 1 pair of pants that maybe convert to shorts
• 1 pair of shorts
• 1 Warm or thicker pair of hiking pants
• 1 Long sleeve quick-dry shirt
• 1 Long-sleeve thermal shirt
• 2 Short-sleeve t-shirts
• 1 Thermal long underwear
• 4 pairs of quick-dry underwear
• 1 Lightweight down jacket
• 1 Heavy-duty summit down jacket
• 1 Neck Buff
• Hiking boots
• Microspikes
• 1 pair of warm summit socks
• 2 pairs of regular socks
• Trekking poles
• Water filter

All of this should fit into a backpack no bigger than 50L and be less than 15kg. I actually took a 40L camera bag, which you can see in the photos so I went super light. My camera gear included a DJI Mavic Pro 2 drone, 100-400mm, Mirrorless body, 16-35mm lens, 24-105mm lens, GoPro Max, Sony RX100, and a tripod. Without all of that, a 30L backpacking bag would have been enough.

Having said that, our guide and one of the girls on the trek had an 80L pack. I would say a 60L pack would be just about right for this trek and you would have lots of space assuming you wouldn’t need to fill it up.

TREKKING THE MANASLU CIRCUIT: WIFI/ELECTRICITY AVAILABILITY

Wifi: Costs anywhere from $free to $4 to use wifi at the guesthouses. Buy an NTC Sim before you go. It worked early on in the trek with a weak signal and I was able to get emails and chat on Facebook messenger all the way up until about day seven and then we were off-grid.

Lots of the tea-houses say they have free wifi but then will blame the weather that it isn’t working. If you really do need it, test the wifi before picking your tea-house. Overall we had some minimal connection about 40% of the time on the trek. Samaguan had decent wifi and we stayed there for two nights so caught up with all of the news and action online.

Electricity:  You will have to pay anywhere from $free at low elevations to $5 to charge your power banks, cameras, and phones. The key is to get a fat power bank. Pay to charge that then charge everything from your power bank. My power bank lets me charge my phone and four camera batteries before it would be done.

Most of the places we stayed let us charge our gear for free but when it is busy they usually charge as they run off gas or solar in many of the tea houses.

MANASLU CIRCUIT ITINERARY

There are many ways to alter the route on the Manaslu Circuit just as there are lots of different options for day trips on your acclimatization days. However, for the sake of giving you a rough idea of what your itinerary and acclimatization profile will look like this is a proposed itinerary and what my trek entailed but depending on the weather, your guide, and your preference it can be altered.

• Day 1, Machhakholagaon (862m) to Jagat (1,330m) – Distance: 26km, Incline 1512m

Day 2, Jagat (1,330m) to Deng (1880m) – Distance: 21km, Incline 1636m

Day 3, Deng (1880m) to Prok (2275) – Distance: 14km, 1082m

Day 4, Acclimatisation day: Prok day-trip to Kal Tal Lake (4100m) – Distance: 13km, Incline 1600m

Day 5, Prok (2275m) to Namrung (2661m), Distance: 10km, Incline 660m

Day 6, Namrung (2661m) to Lho (3200m), Distance: 11km, Incline 900m

Day 7, Lho (3200m) to Samagaon (3500m), Distance 8km, Incline 600m

Day 8, Acclimatisation day: Day trip to Pungen Gumba (4200m), Distance 17km, Incline: 800m

Day 9 , Samagaon (3514m) to Samdo (3862m), Distance: 9km, Incline 600m

Day 10, Samdo (3862m) to Dharma Shala (4466m), Distance 7km, Incline 700m

• Day 11, Dharma Shala (4466m) to Bhimtang (3709m) via Larke Pass 5134m, Distance: 18km, Incline 800m

Day 12, Bhimtang (3709m) to Dharapani (1860m), Distance: 25km, Incline 350m

MY MANASLU TREK VIDEO

I filmed from start to finish to give you an insight into how the trek looks and what to expect. I hope you enjoy the video.

MY EXPERIENCE ON THE MANASLU CIRCUIT TREK

For each day of the trek, I will share the details of the route for that day, a few highlights of mine personally that I wrote each night while trekking, and some of my favorite photos from that section of the route.

Day 1 , Machhakholagaon (862m) to Jagat (1,330m) – Distance: 26km, Incline 1512m

The first day of the trek begins in the small town of Machhakholagaon . You will quickly find your place alongside the Budhi Gandaki River, which follows the gorge. The trail is a dusty road blasted into the cliffside for the most part although there are a few narrow sections including a number of river crossings (no wet feet) and suspension bridges. Expect to be exposed to the sun with little tree cover and be greeted by some steep staircases that will be a shock to the legs on the first day of trekking.

Day 1 Highlights:

• Setting off out of the town in golden light. Felt lucky to be here and excited for what was to come. With little idea of the landscapes in store, it was a truly adventurous atmosphere surrounding our group.
• Following the raging river, all day provided some stunning scenes. Around each turn and beyond each set of stairs we found a beautiful view. Mountains high our necks hurt towered above us on either side, with the river winding its way through like a serpent.
• On a very hot day, the Coca-Cola at our lunch break really hit the spot. Temperatures stung the skin as we battled through 25km and 1500m of incline underneath a piercing sun.

We woke a little bit sore and tired as our bodies adjusted to life on the trekking route. From Jagat, the trail wound through sub-tropical forests, alongside small rivers and quiet villages where we often stopped for a cup of tea.

The valley opens up in the early stages of the trail, which reaches Ghatta Khola river. One of the interesting parts about the route today is the very long suspension bridge in Philim, which is a large Gurung village. Later in the day, the route passes through a wild gorge as you criss-cross the river on suspension bridges before passing through the bamboo forests to the Deng Khola river. After crossing the river, you’ll reach the tiny village of Deng.   

Day 2 Highlights:

• The layers of mountains were sometimes five or six deep as I began to wonder how we could be so high, yet so far below these peaks.
• Reaching camp today just before sunset was a great feeling. Back-to-back days of 20Km+ day with 1500m of climb means I surely deserved a Gorkha beer!
• The suspension bridges are always fun and today we crossed a couple of very high passes. There’s always an element of risk and excitement with these suspension bridges as they’re tattered with holes and battered by rockfall.

After breakfast in Deng, the trail takes you to one of the most important and culturally significant sections of the trek. Firstly, you will cross the Budhi Gandaki river and make the climb up to the bridge, where you’ll ascend further to join a trail from Bhi. The trail then leads you through the lush forests, alpine vegetation, and small villages. This is the first time the major peaks will start to appear in the distance.

Today is a shorter day and after a final ascent through the forest, you will reach Prok, a Tibetan village situated on a very scenic plateau beneath towering peaks. Green and yellow farming fields create a patchwork display of colors in this traditional town. It’s time to settle in because on this itinerary, we stay in Prok for two nights.

Day 3 Highlights:

• Sitting inside a tiny tea house, precariously perched on a cliff-side when a storm hits. As the rain hits the tin roof and the wind blows wildly all I can think about is how isolated people in this region are and how inhospitable the weather can be. That gets more and more apparent the higher we climb.
• A few stunning suspension bridges today with a lush green forest below contrast against the cool hues of the glacial river. Nepal is truly beautiful.
• We reached our guest house for the night in Prok, which is a very small village. I sat in the kitchen loft with the 81-year-old grandmother and the wife for Tibetan tea as we watched the Daal baht process. The kitchen and entire house were traditional Tibetan style. The grandmother spun her prayer wheels and through our guide’s translation told us she feels Tibetan, not Nepali. Having two of the guys on the trek translate gave us unique insight into the experiences and life of a Tibetan from the pre-Chinese occupation era.

Today was a pretty heavy day with a very steep climb up to Kal Tal lake. The route is basically straight up and winds along switchbacks through the forest. Along the way, we passed a beautiful monastery and several meditation huts and accommodations scattered throughout.

The total climb was more than 1500m over less than seven kilometers so it is very steep and coming down gave the legs a huge workout. Today capped off over 6000m of an incline in just four days so it was a pretty aggressive start to the trek.

On a sunny day, this alpine lake is spectacular. Crystal clear water and towering, snowy mountain peaks provide an epic backdrop. We were a bit unlucky with the weather as it was grey and gloomy but still spectacular.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Jackson Groves (@jackson.groves)

Finally, an easy day arrived and we all needed it badly. After 6000m of incline and 80km on the first four days of the trek in some pretty heavy sun, we were spent. Today seemed like a stroll in the park as we meandered our way to Namrung, taking just a few hours.

The path today is in the phase of switching out of the sub-tropical forest into the alpine forest so it had a mix of everything. At the entrance to each town, we can now find lots of ancient scripts displayed at the entry path.

Day 5 Highlights:

• A shorter day from Prok to Namrung was just what the doctor ordered so when we rolled into Namrung in the early afternoon, we all breathed a sigh of relief to have time to rest our bodies.
• A steaming hot shower for $2.50 on the fifth day of a trek is always money well spent. Clean, refreshed, and ready to push on.
• We bought a pack of cards for $1 at Namrung and had a few different games rolling throughout the night. It’s fun to enjoy the good vibes amongst this really chill group from Nepal.

The trek to Lho leads us through wild sections of oak, fir, and rhododendron forests throughout the climb higher up into the valley. The air is beginning to thin for the first time so the pace is slightly slower today but with just 11km to cover, it was a touristic day with some nice cultural sites and stupas throughout the route.

Day 6 Highlights

• Larkye our Manaslu dog has officially joined us. Despite being asleep as we headed off from Namrung, he quickly caught up to us and has hardly left my side since.
• Lunchtime was at a small village with an epic view across the fields and up towards towering hills. Spicy noodles out in the sunshine had us feeling incredibly relaxed and on the recovery after the first four savage days of the trek.
• Sunset from Lho was very grey and cloudy but in the midst of blue hour, Manaslu appeared. It was the first time we’d all laid eyes on the 8000er and it was a pretty majestic moment.

Today the climb continues up the valley and enters the high alpine pastures. Expect to see lots of Yaks grazing across the expansive hills and steep mountainside. One of the best suspension bridges of the trip with a huge mountain backdrop was the highlight of the day.

At our tea break, we had views of snow peaks in all directions and that’s where I shot most of the photos you can see below. From our lodge, we will have an incredible view directly up at Mount Manaslu that towers over the valley and we would stay here for two nights.

Day 7 Highlights

• A blue hour from the rooftop and an incredible sunrise with views of Manaslu was such a memorable start to the day. I felt like I was in Switzerland. We all had breakfast together on the rooftop and it might just be the most scenic fruit muesli I’ve ever had.
• A tea break on our way to Samaguan gave us the best views yet as the clouds were yet to engulf the surrounding peaks. I ripped out the 100-400mm and got some incredible shots of the snowy ridges as the clouds swept through.
• Our first WiFi of the trip at Samaguan was a great chance to catch up on the real world. We quickly realized nothing much had changed and were grateful to be out in the wilderness of the Himalayas.

This was by far one of my favorite days of the trip aside from the Larke Pass day. Pungen Gumba is a monastery site at 4200 meters. It sits directly beneath Mount Manaslu at the top of a huge plateau in an ampitheater of mountains. I set off on my own at 4 am to make the 8-kilometer trek in the dark hoping to see some alpenglow or sunrise colors with a clear Mount Manaslu.

The weather gods shined on me and the effort up the rocky hill to the monastery provided me with the best views of the entire trip.

Day 8 Highlights

• After a rainy night before we committed to a sunrise mission. I left solo at 4 am to Puneng Gumba, a monastery built into the cliffs at 4,100. The others joined me a little later and our efforts were rewarded with clear views of Manaslu and one of the most stunning locations I’ve ever explored. One of the best mornings of my life, just me and the dog up at 4,100 meters taking it all in.
• Sitting in the sun at the monastery, the other three finally arrived and brought some tea. Sipping on my cup I was just incredibly grateful to be out here. The views were just jaw-dropping.
• Yaks, foxes, and marmots up in the snow at Pungen Gumba were quite a cool wildlife sighting and the latter two came unexpectedly.

On day nine we began with a short visit to Birendra Lake before breakfast and then the trek heads up through the valley to the Tibetan village of Samdo. This is actually the highest Tibetan refugee camp in Nepal and is pretty remarkably perched on the cliffside.

Sunset at Samdo is truly a spectacle with peaks in all directions. Along the way, we will pass through Birch forests and we will see a few Marmots running to hide from us in their little holes. We will have the afternoon to relax and enjoy the views from our cute little village

Day 9 Highlights

• Our first rain was endured on the short trek to Samdo, a town at almost 4000m of elevation. Along the way, we passed hundreds of huge yaks who were more interested in grazing than us trekking through.
• Samdo was freezing but a warm fire at night in the tea house kept our spirits high. Cards, coffee, and incredible sunset sends us into day ten full of energy.

There’s just one day left until we cross Larke La tomorrow so today we ascend to the small base camp of Dharma Shala for the night. It’s bloody freezing here at almost 4500m and there’s no heater. It’s literally just a bunch of rooms perched up on the hill with one small kitchen. It’s a short walk to reach Dharama Shala taking just a few hours but you are at altitude, so you may begin to have a small headache if you are unlucky.

Day 10 Highlights

• I woke up and opened my door to the sight of fresh snow falling in Samdo. In the morning, the Tibetan refugee village was incredibly isolated and covered in a thick blanket of snow, which only exacerbated that feeling of being hidden in the mountains.
• At 4,460m, Dharma Shala is a freezing place to stay the night. With no fire or heater, we slept in all of our winter trekking gear. The hot bottle of water was the only thing adding any warmth to our bodies as we enjoyed our last sleep before attempting the Larke Pass.

Day 11, Darmashala (4466m) to Bhimtang (3709m) via Larke Pass 5134m, Distance: 18km, Incline 800m

Today is the big day. We woke at 3:30 am and set off just after 4:30 am in time to catch the first moments of the blue hour and sunrise. It takes about three to four hours to reach Larke La at 5106 meters. Along the way, you have an amazing corridor with huge peaks on either side. This was one of my favorite sections of trail throughout the entire route.

At Larke Pass, it is time to have the prayer flags and take in the view and the achievement! The descent is quite steep and I even put on the micro-spikes for a portion of the downhill. The first village we reach is Bhimtang where we will stay for the night and enjoy a good rest.

Day 11 Highlights

• After a rainy and cloudy night, we were a little worried about our journey to Larke Pass would lack the incredible views it had promised. Upon waking up at 3:30 am, we could faintly make out the lines of the mountain ridges. We knew we had lucked out and were in for a day of clear weather.
• I walked the Larke Pass alone for the most part. I turned on some music as my head tilted from side to side trying to etch these incredible peaks and mountain views into my mind. I never wanted to leave nor forget this incredible corridor in the Himalayas of Nepal.
• Reaching Larke Pass at 5,106m was a milestone and something we had spent 11 days working towards. With just a slight headache, I was glad to reach the collection of prayer flags at the top and take it all in.
• The snowy descent down to Bhimthang was the type of adventure I crave. With microspikes on and a few slips, we enjoyed the high-tempo descent into town. We were thankful for a hot coffee and noodles as we huddled around the kitchen fire in Bhimthang. We had made it, safe and sound.

The final day of trekking is long and downhill. Your legs are tired from the day before but thankfully the incline is very rare and you basically just walk your way out of the alpine zone, into the forest, and then emerge to Dharapani beside the river. It was a long day with more than 25 kilometers to tick off but the walking was easy and going down in altitude is always a refreshing change. It was a good journey through the beautiful forests to reflect on the trek.

Day 12 Highlights

• Spicy noodle soup at mid-morning in a small hut with a lovely local serving us.
• A well-deserved beer (or two) at the Heaven Hotel in Dharapani to cap off an incredible journey.

I hope you enjoyed this massive wrap-up of the Manaslu Circuit Trek. I loved photographing and filming the expedition and I truly loved the trail. I think it offers much more adventure than the other popular circuits in Nepal although let’s face it, any trek amidst the Himalayas is probably going to be epic. Do leave me a comment below if you have any questions or want to share any thoughts about your trek on the Manaslu Circuit. Happy hiking!

HAVE YOU READ MY OTHER NEPAL BLOGS?

I’ve been lucky enough to have many awesome adventures in Nepal, which you can check out below where I’ve listed some of my favorite blog poss from Nepal.

• The Most Iconic route: Everest Base Camp Trek
• The Most Scenic Route: Annapurna Circuit Trek
• My Favorite Trek in Nepal: Manaslu Circuit Trek
• An Easy Nepal Trek: Langtang Valley Trek
• A great beginner peak: Island Peak Climb (6,165m)
• My Favorite Climb in Nepal: Climbing Ama Dablam (6,812m)
• My first 8000er: Climbing Manaslu (8,163m)
• My toughest climb in Nepal: Climbing Makalu (8,463m)
• Where to stay: 16 Best Places to Stay in Kathmandu

Tuesday 11th of April 2023

Beautiful photographs! I am also wondering what time of year you went?

Sunday 29th of August 2021

Bonjour, merci pour ce généreux partage et vos très belles images. A quel période de l'année avez vous fait ce trek ? Je vous souhaite une belle poursuite à vos projets.

Saturday 15th of May 2021

Well done, Jackson! Those sunrises and sunsets in the mountains look incredible. Can't believe you got to visit Tibetan villages before me too! Next time eat the tsampa with your hands haha

Ken McKinney

What a great writeup! I have a couple of questions: 1) what time of year did you do this trek? 2) I've previously hiked Annapurna and EBC, but I am older now and less fit. Would it be possible to make the Manaslu Circuit less difficult by doing shorter daily stages, or does lack of teahouses make this impossible?

Wednesday 22nd of June 2022

@Ken McKinney, He did it in March 2020. See his remarks about lockdown. And yes, it is possible to make it more manageable, the number of lodges is about the same as the number of lodges on the Annapurna Circuit in the 1990's.

Base Camp Adventure

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Manaslu Circuit Trek Map

The Manaslu Trek map provides a visual representation of the trekking route through the Manaslu region . This map enhances your trekking experience by accurately pinpointing the trails and geographical features of the Manaslu region, such as rivers, lakes, glaciers, mountain peaks, cultural and religious sites, etc. So, the map can be used during the journey to access the required details of the trekking routes and destination. The Manaslu Trek map outlines the trekking route starting from the Soti Khola in the lower foothills and ascending through diverse Himalayan landscapes and traditional villages to the high and challenging mountain pass, Larkya La.

The major villages along the trekking trails of the Manaslu Trek are Maccha Khola, Jagat, Deng, etc, which are the rest and accommodation stops for the trekkers. Along the way, you have to cross the suspension bridge spanning over the Budi Gandaki River over and over again. Likewise, the highest point of the trek, Larkya La Pass , is prominently marked on the Manaslu trek map. The map also illustrates the diverse Himalayan terrains encountered along the trekking routes, such as hills, valleys, meadows, forests, rugged landscapes, etc.

In a map, a distinctive set of symbols are used. These icons are found on Legend in different shapes and colors, which depict the graphical information of the route. The icons denote features like the airports, National Park, main and alternative trekking routes, temples, monasteries, checkpoints, etc. The contour lines/shading on the Manaslu Trek map denotes the elevation changes along the route. The map also indicates the side trips or highlights along the trekking trails, like the ancient monasteries, scenic viewpoints, natural and cultural landmarks, etc.

Click to Enlarge (Full-Size Map)

Why is the Map Essential?

It is useful to carry the Manaslu Trek map during your Manasalu Circuit trekking journey. Looking at the map thoroughly before embarking on a trek enables you to plan your journey beforehand. You can learn and understand about the Himalayan terrains and find your way from one place to another.

By reading the Manaslu Trek map, you can easily find out the directions , identify surrounding landmarks and obstacles and understand the geographical formation of the region. Locations are marked with both elevation and distance information on the map. The trekking trails, upcoming stops, villages, teahouses, etc, along the way are also presented in greater detail.

Also, maps help you to get out of stranded situations. Trekking on off-the-beaten paths in a cold Himalayan climate is challenging, and there can be times when you lose your way. If you lose sight of your journey, maps are helpful to find your way back to the trail and safety. You can also direct the emergency responders to your location.

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Manaslu Trek Map in Navigating the Trails

The Manaslu Trek map helps with the efficient navigation of remote and restricted Manaslu trekking trails. If you have a good ability to read maps, you can decide where to go next. You can thoroughly understand whether the trail ascends a cliff, crosses the River, or traverses a sweeping forest. Moreover, by analyzing the map appropriately, you can calculate the elevation gain for a challenging ascent.

Through the altitude map, you can determine the altitude of each stop and popular landmarks along the way. Also, with the help of a compass, you can easily know the distance from your current trekking location to your particular day’s destination. The Manaslu Trek map serves as information ground, providing easy directions , which helps for the smooth and straightforward exploration of its less trodden trails.

Manaslu Circuit Trek Speciality

The Manaslu Trek has been open since 1991 and has become a popular trekking destination thereafter. The Manaslu region is well known for its stunning natural beauty and rich cultural experiences. It has raw and untouched landscapes where you can experience its pristine wilderness to the fullest. The trekking activities usually take place around the border regions of Nepal and Tibet. This allows you to experience the lifestyle, culture, and traditions of both Hindus and Buddhists with deep insights into their ancient architectures.

Opting to follow the Manaslu Trek Map for an exhilarating off-the-beaten-path experience is the wisest decision you can make. The Manaslu Trek encircles the eighth-highest mountain in the world, Manaslu , standing giantly at 8,163 meters/26,781 feet . The adventurous trekking trails of the unspoiled Manaslu region disclose its hidden gems along each step and stop. Trekking through the less-crowded, less-trodden trails of the remote Manaslu region, you will pass the enchanting forests of rhododendrons, pine, birch, oak, and juniper. Moreover, this captivating trek will introduce you to delightful wildlife, diverse Himalayan wildflowers, rushing streams, majestic Himalayas, and several other captivating mountainous landscapes.

Manaslu Circuit Trek Distance

The Manaslu Trek is a challenging and rewarding adventure, which takes around 12-18 days to complete by covering a distance of approximately 180 kilometers . On average, you have to cover around 10 – 15 kilometers per day for a trekking journey. This extensive distance needs a walking duration of around 6 – 8 hours each day. So, to indulge in the soaking exploration of the pristine wilderness of the Manaslu, be prepared for the long and intense trekking journey.

The remote exploration of the secluded Manaslu region can be tiring and stressful for novice trekkers as the trails are not easy and smooth. Walking several hours over uneven and rocky mountainous surfaces and navigating steep Himalayan terrains is often challenging. A strong bodily buildup and mental determination are essential to sustain the lengthy and challenging trek. You need to be in sound health conditions with proper endurance capacity to conquer the trek smoothly and successfully.

Manaslu Trek Map- Trekking Difficulty

Following the Manaslu Trek map, this adventurous journey exploring the remote and pristine wilderness of the Himalayas has been classified as moderately difficult . To complete the trek successfully, you need to be in good shape with robust health conditions. A moderate level of fitness with reasonable strength and endurance prepares you for long and strenuous walks over diverse and rugged high-altitude terrains. Stepping uphill and downhill treks and crossing the challenging mountain pass demand excessive physical exertion and endurance.

The Manaslu Circuit Trek meets its highest elevation , 5,160 meters/16,929 feet , at Larkya La Pass crossing. This high-altitude journey involves several days of walking at elevations over 3,000 meters. So, you need to follow the proper acclimatization to adjust your body to the rising elevations and to avoid altitude sickness . Focus on a slow pace of ascent and stay hydrated throughout the trek. If you feel symptoms like dizziness, headache, fatigue, nausea, vomiting, or insomnia, get back to lower elevations until your body is adapted to the current altitude before pushing for further elevation points.

Manaslu Trek Map – Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: drive from kathmandu to soti khola.

Kathmandu Elevation: 1,400 meters/4,600 feet

Soti Khola Elevation: 710 meters/2,329 feet

Drive Duration: 6-8 hours

Distance Covered: 150-160 kilometers

Start the journey of the Manaslu Trek with a scenic drive from Kathmandu to Soti Khola, marveling at the mesmerizing scenario of rolling hills, lush forests, farmlands, rushing rivers, and picturesque villages. You will head towards the lower elevation regions than Kathmandu so that you may experience a warm temperature closing by. En route, you will also cross the Trisuli and Budi Gandaki Rivers . Despite the road turning dusty and bumpy, you will catch an outstanding view of winding roads and landscapes from your window seat. Upon reaching Soti Khola (the starting point of a trek), we will have a cozy overnight stay at one of the teahouses.

Day 2: Trek from Soti Khola to Maccha Khola

Maccha Khola Elevation: 900 meters / 2,952 feet

Trek Duration: 6-8 hours

Distance Covered: 10-12 kilometers

After spending a night at Soti Khola, we will start our trekking journey by heading towards Maccha Khola. This first day on trekking trails is exciting, and the pleasure adds up when you cross the way through enchanting waterfalls . Following the paths of steep ascents and descents, we traverse through the forests of Sal trees . Along the way, you will encounter several cultural villages where you can catch a glimpse of the local life and traditions of the native residents. Finally, we will arrive at the Maccha Khola and make a quick escape to one of the best teahouse accommodations in the village.

Day 3: Trek from Maccha Khola to Jagat

Jagat Elevation: 1,370meters/4,495 feet

Trek Duration: 6-7 hours

Distance Covered: 18-20 kilometers

After waking up in Maccha Khola, we prepare to trek towards Jagat. Our second day of trek continues, following a narrow winding trail along the Budi Gandaki Riverbed to reach Tatopani for a refreshing break. Time permitting, dip into the natural hot spring of Tatopani and resume the trek. The next is followed by a suspension bridge crossing spanned over the Budi Gandaki River and traversing the densely forested area of vibrant flowers and lush foliage. Along the way, in the traditional villages of Gurung and Magar, you can communicate and interact with the local people for a deeper learning of the culture and tradition of the region.

The further journey is followed by a staircase climb, suspension bridges crossing, passing Doban and Thado Bharyang villages and again walking along the bank of Budhi Gandaki River to finally reach the Jagat. Once you reach Jagat, our guides will verify your trekking permits at the check post, which denotes the start of a trekking journey into the restricted zones. For the night, you will be enjoying a cozy teahouse sleep.

Day 4: Trek from Jagat to Deng

Deng Elevation: 1,804 meters/5,917 feet

Our Manaslu Trekking journey leaves Jagat and heads towards Deng Village on this day. Along the way, several small settlements of local communities ( Salleri, Sirdibas, Philim, etc.) are passed by. These villages house several Buddhist monasteries with vibrant prayer flags fluttering in the cool mountain breeze. Also, you can get enriched insights into the daily lifestyle of people while traversing through these traditional settlements.

The journey further involves several uphill and downhill sections with suspension bridge crossings. You need to traverse the Ghatta Khola (river), navigate steep gorges, descend through verdant slopes, and cross the Budhi Gandaki River to proceed on the journey. The trail widens and passes through the terraced farmland of the in-between villages and enters the bamboo forest to make a way towards Deng. After you come out of the forest, you will see an open space widening to you, which is a Deng village for your overnight stay. However, to reach the village, you have to first cross the Deng Khola.

Day 5: Trek from Deng to Namrung

Namrung Elevation: 2,600 meters/ 8,727 feet

Trek Duration: 7-8 hours

Distance Covered: 19-20 kilometers

From Deng, our trekking continues towards Namrung, crossing the Budi Gandaki River and passing enchanting forests of pine, fir, oak, and rhododendrons. Likewise, you will also trek across several painted Tibetan mani walls and monasteries . The trail ascends a winding path with steep and rugged terrains from the final river crossing to reach the charming settlement of Namrung. Namrung serves as an incredible viewpoint from where you can marvel at the amazing snow-capped peaks like Siring, Ganesh Himal, Himal Chuli, etc. Namrung has the finest teahouses and hotels where you can rest, relax, and stay for a night.

Day 6: Trek from Namrung to Samagaon

Samagaon Elevation: 3,530 meters / 11,581feet

Trek Duration: 4-5 hours

Distance Covered: 7-9 kilometers

On day 6 of our Manaslu Trek journey, we will head for Samagaon from Namrung. The trail ascends, where tree lines are left behind to reach the alpine Himalayan surroundings. You will walk over icy trails surrounded by the incredible views of the majestic mountains. Some villages with ancient gompas and glaciers are crossed to reach Samagaon. Samagaon is a mountain village from where you can gaze upon the magnificent vista of the giant Manaslu Peak and other Himalayas.

Day 7: Rest and acclimatization at Samagaon

We will take a leisurely day at Sama Gaon for rest and acclimatization purposes. At this height, it is crucial to acclimatize properly to make your body adapt to the rising elevations . Adjusting to thinner oxygen levels helps to prevent the risk of altitude sickness. So, spend your day getting proper rest and sleep. You can also take short walks to the nearby places of significance and explore the mountainous surroundings of the village. Enjoy the day by soaking in the peaceful setting of the high-altitude wilderness.

Day 8: Trek from Samagaon to Samdo

Samdo Elevation: 3,875 meters / 12,713 feet

Trek Duration: 3-4 hours

After an acclimatization day at Samagaon, we will make our way towards Samdo, following an uphill trek. Make a slow and cautious ascend on this day of a short-duration trek . Crossing the wooden bridges, pasture lands, mani walls, birch and juniper forests, ascend to the valley. During the course of the journey, you can soak in the Himalayan beauty, enchanting mountainous landscapes, and unique culture of the region.

Near the Tibetan border lies a picturesque village, Samdo, which is mainly populated by Tibetan refugees. Samdo serves as a vantage point for witnessing the breathtaking vista of Manaslu, Manaslu glacier and icefall, Ngadi Chuli , and many more Himalayan beauties.

Day 9: Trek from Samdo to Dharmasala

Dharmasala Elevation: 4,480 meters / 14,698 feet

Trek Duration: 3-5 hours

Distance Covered: 9-10 kilometers

To trek to Dharmasala, we begin by crossing a wooden bridge spanning over the Budhi Gandaki River. Again, the trail follows a few more river crossings and ascends, where you can see the Larkya Glacier approaching close to you. Mani walls and prayer flags on the route also denote the nearness of the High mountain Larkya La Pass.

Take in the scenic Himalayan views and ascend steadily across the remote and rugged terrains

while making an ascent to reach the stone guest house, Dharmasala/Larkya La Phedi. The short duration of this day trek provides you enough time to rest and acclimatize for the remaining journey of the adventurous trek.

Day 10: Trek from Dharmasala to Bhimthang Via Larkya La Pass

Bhimthang Elevation: 3,700 meters / 12,139 feet

Larkya La Pass Elevation: 5,160 meters/16,929feet

Trek Duration: 8-9 hours

Distance Covered: 14-16 kilometers

Today, the journey can be challenging and exciting as you will meet the highest point of the Manaslu Circuit Trek while crossing the Larkya La Pass . We will have an early morning breakfast and leave Dharmasala to head out on this day of long hours trek. We will initially make a short climb over the steep glacier moraines and descend to enchanting lakes. Following the rugged trails with steep slopes leads you to the Larkya La Pass.

The pass crossing offers you a stunning panorama of Himlung, Kanguru, Cheo, Manaslu, Himalchuli, Bouddha Himal, Annapurna , and other adjacent mountains. We make a cautious descent, crossing the glacier and grassy moraines, and reach the meadow. Trekking forward, we will reach Bhimthang for an overnight stay after a long, tough trek.

Day 11: Trek from Bhimthang to Dharapani

Dharapani Elevation: 1,860 meters/6,120 feet

Trek Duration: 7-9 hours

Distance Covered: 19-21 kilometers

Today is the final day of our Manaslu Circuit Trek journey in the pristine Manalsu region. We begin our Bhimthang to Dharapani trek by crossing a pasture land and descending down the valley. You have to make a few river crossings, including Dudh Khola , and trek through the lush rhododendron forest.

The rough descent trails lead you across the grassy hills and terraced farmlands of the in-between villages. Following the trails of fields and trees of oak and rhododendrons lining the route, we reach Tilje , a village with an apple orchard. From Tilje, we trek towards Dharapani, and once we reach there, our captivating trek of the Manaslu region comes to an end.

Day 12: Drive from Dharapani to Kathmandu

Drive Duration: 7-9 hours

Distance Covered: 190-200 kilometers

Today, you will embark on a scenic drive back to Kathmandu from Dharapani. Along the way, you will traverse the picturesque Besisahar village and drive along the Marsyangdi Riverbed . During this exciting ride, you will witness the diverse landscapes and change of terrains from your window seat. Enjoy the scenic views along the way and step back to Kathmandu to prepare for your homeward journey. But before, unwind and relax in your hotel to rejuvenate after your adventurous Manaslu Trek.

You may also like:

• Tsum Valley and Manaslu Trek
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Permits Essential to Proceed Through Manaslu Trek Map

The TIMS Card is an important trekking permit required for doing the Himalayan treks. Without this permit, you cannot begin tracing the Manaslu Trek map. Related authorities keep track of you during your remote Himalayan trekking. Information details like your name, nationality, emergency contact, trekking route, and destination are accessed through a TIMS card , which is helpful in case of emergency needs. If you have better knowledge of a trek map, you can lead the rescue teams to your location by directing them with the direction.

A TIMS Card costs you NPR 2,000 per person .

Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP)

ACAP is required to traverse the trails of the Manaslu Trek map that leads through the protected area of the Annapurna Conservation. Your map leads you to the Manaslu Conservation Area, following the trails through the Annapurna Conservation Area. The ACAP permit costs NPR 3,000 per person , and there are no extra fees for extension of the trekking days.

Manaslu Restricted Area Permit (MRAP)

The Manaslu region has a restricted status. To access and trek within the restricted zones of Manaslu, a special permit is required, which is the MRAP. These restricted areas start from Jagat and continue til Bhimthang during the Manaslu Circuit trek. The cost of MRAP is generally higher at peak trekking seasons like autumn and spring and lower during off-seasons like summer and winter.

September – November : USD 100/per person/per week, and after a week, the cost is only USD 15

December – August: USD 75/per person/per week, and after a week, the cost is only USD 10

Manaslu Conservation Area Project (MCAP)

Manaslu Conservation Area covers a wide area of the Manaslu region. As the Manaslu trekking journey in the Manaslu region passes through this conserved area, you need to acquire the MCAP permit to enter and trek within the Conservation Area. You can get the MCAP permit with unlimited validity at NPR 3,000 per person.

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MANASLU CIRCUIT TREKKING GUIDE

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MANASLU CIRCUIT TREK

The Essential Guide

So you’re thinking about tackling the Manaslu Circuit Trek? Great choice! Of the various treks we’ve done around Nepal, including Annapurna Circuit, Everest Three Passes, Langtang Valley and Upper Mustang, we think this is one of the best. The scenery is diverse and impressive, and in an age where development is proceeding at breakneck speed, the Manaslu Trek has the advantage of being quieter and much less impacted by road building. Additionally, Tibetan cultural influences at higher altitude lend a unique flavour to the experience that is notably different from other areas.

In this guide we’ll cover a whole range of essential topics including when to go, what to take, how to organise your trek, budgeting for your trek, accommodation, food, and much more. Want to know more about the Manaslu Circuit itinerary itself? Check out our day by day account of the trek . Want to see what the trek is really like? Watch our complete Instagram Stories from the journey ( part one / part two ), and check out our video below. 

WATCH THE VIDEO

Read through our complete Manaslu Circuit trekking guide or jump to a particular section by clicking on the links below.

Read through our complete Manaslu Circuit trekking guide or jump ahead to a particular section by clicking on the links below.

MANASLU CIRCUIT ITINERARY  | MANASLU CIRCUIT TREK MAP |  WHEN TO GO |  HOW LONG IT TAKES | MANASLU CIRCUIT TREK DIFFICULTY |  HOW TO ORGANISE THE TREK | THE D.I.Y. APPROACH | HOW TO CHOOSE A GUIDE | BOOKING AN INCLUSIVE TOUR | MANASLU CIRCUIT PERMITS |  MANASLU CIRCUIT TREK COST | TIPPING GUIDES AND PORTERS | MONEY ON MANASLU CIRCUIT | ACCOMMODATION |  FOOD AND DRINK | DRINKING WATER | INTERNET AND CHARGING | WHAT TO TAKE | ALTITUDE AWARENESS | TRAVEL INSURANCE | TSUM VALLEY SIDE TRIP | MANASLU CIRCUIT TREK HIGHLIGHTS | THINGS WE WOULD DO DIFFERENTLY | GETTING TO/FROM THE TRAIL | GETTING TO NEPAL | TOURIST VISAS | EXTRA RESOURCES

MANASLU CIRCUIT ITINERARY MANASLU CIRCUIT TREK MAP WHEN TO TREK MANASLU HOW LONG THE TREK TAKES MANASLU TREK DIFFICULTY HOW TO ORGANISE THE TREK THE D.I.Y. APPROACH HOW TO CHOOSE A GUIDE BOOKING AN INCLUSIVE TOUR MANASLU CIRCUIT PERMITS MANASLU CIRCUIT COST TIPPING GUIDES AND PORTERS MONEY ON MANASLU CIRCUIT ACCOMMODATION FOOD AND DRINK DRINKING WATER INTERNET AND CHARGING WHAT TO TAKE ALTITUDE AWARENESS TRAVEL INSURANCE TSUM VALLEY SIDE TRIP MANASLU TREK HIGHLIGHTS WHAT WE’D DO DIFFERENTLY GETTING TO/FROM THE TRAIL GETTING TO NEPAL TOURIST VISAS EXTRA RESOURCES

*Some of the links in this post are affiliate links – if you purchase a product or service via these links, we may earn a small commission  at no extra cost to you . This helps offset the cost of running this blog and keeps us travelling so that we can continue to produce great content for you. We greatly appreciate your support!*

MANASLU CIRCUIT TREK ITINERARY

Below is an overview of the Manaslu Circuit trek itinerary. This is not set in stone, just a suggested route. Some people stay in alternative villages along the way, or add an extra acclimatisation day at Samdo. Trekking distances and times are approximate.

*If you are concerned about altitude sickness, adding an extra day at Samdo is a good idea. From here you can do an acclimatisation hike to the Tibetan border at Rui La (4998m, 19km/10 hours) or easier hikes up the hills around the village.

**It is now possible to take a shared jeep from Tilche so you have the option of finishing the trek there instead of Dharapani

MANASLU CIRCUIT TREK MAP

We’ve marked the Manaslu Circuit trekking route on the map below, along with key villages and sights along the way. Tap the menu button at the top left for more details, to toggle layers on and off, and switch between satellite and terrain view.

To use an offline version of this map, download our KML file for use with  Maps.me  ( iOS / Android ) or Organic Maps ( iOS / Android ) , or the GPX file for use with alternative offline mapping apps such as Gaia  ( iOS / Android ). See our expandable box below for tips on using these apps.

Download GPX | Download KML

HOW TO SAVE THIS MAP (ONLINE VERSION)

To save this map to use online on desktop or mobile just tap the star symbol at the top. When you open Google Maps on your phone, navigate to ‘Saved’ at the bottom, then swipe along to ‘Maps’ at the top. You’ll find this map in your list of maps.

On desktop, click ‘Saved’ on the left side, then ‘Maps’. Click the map, then select ‘Open in My Maps’ to access the interactive version .

Alternatively, just tap the rectangle symbol at the top right of the map in this blog post to view the My Maps version larger on desktop.

Unfortunately, it’s not possible to view this version of the map offline, but we’ve created a similar version for offline use as per below.

HOW TO SAVE THIS MAP (OFFLINE VERSION)

ORGANIC MAPS

Organic Maps is our go-to offline mapping app. We find it straightforward to use for planning routes in advance, as well as navigating on the trail. It doesn’t drain our phone battery, and it’s quick and easy to save and organise ‘bookmarks’. There are many trails already marked on Organic Maps, plus you can download and import a KML track of your route to the app. 

To use Organic Maps, first download the app ( iOS / Android ). Hover over the region or country that you want to visit and the app will prompt you to download this map. Once downloaded, it can be viewed offline. 

You can tap anywhere and save it as a ‘bookmark’ by tapping the star symbol at the bottom. Hit ‘Edit Bookmark’ to personalise the bookmark colour, organise your bookmarks into different folders, and rename them. 

You can navigate easily or plan routes in advance by tapping your start point and selecting ‘route from’, then tapping your end point and selecting ‘route to’. Tap the car, walking, or cycling symbol at the top of the screen to indicate your mode of travel. If you want to plot a different route to the one suggested by Organic Maps, just tap a third (or fourth, fifth, etc.) bookmark between the start and end points and select ‘add stop’. 

Organic Maps shows the distance and travel time, plus elevation profiles for hiking trails . Note that the estimated time isn’t always reliable, but we’ve always found the distance and elevation gain/loss to be largely accurate. It only shows very basic contour lines.

You can track your progress on the trail using GPS . The arrow shows your direction of travel. Tap the compass at the top right of the screen to keep the map in a fixed position (the arrow will rotate). Alternatively, tap the arrow at the bottom right of the screen to rotate the map in the direction of travel (the arrow will stay in a fixed position).

Note that Maps.Me works in almost the exact same way, but it has in-app ads making it less user friendly in our opinion.

Gaia ( iOS / Android ) is another offline mapping app that is very useful. It shows the contours in much more detail than Organic Maps, and you can download both the topographical and satellite view of your route in advance for offline use. The app has existing OpenStreetMap trails marked and you can import GPX tracks and view them offline. You can also create new routes online yourself and export them as GPX or KML files. You can navigate easily on the trail using the arrow that shows your GPS location. You can also check distances between places offline , however you will only get elevation profiles while online. There are a lot of useful features in the free version and even more benefits if you have a paid annual membership, so if you spend a lot of time outdoors it is worthwhile learning how to use the app to its full advantage. 

In our experience, Gaia drains your phone battery much quicker than Maps.me, even in flight mode, so it’s best to shut down the app completely each time you finish using it.

WHEN TO TREK THE MANASLU CIRCUIT

Autumn/fall.

The best time to go trekking in Nepal is from September to November . The weather is generally dry and clear, with warm sunny days and excellent visibility. There’s a lower likelihood of weather related natural disasters at this time of year, making for a much safer trekking environment. The downside as far as the Manaslu Trek goes? The Manaslu Restricted Area Permit (RAP) is $100 per week during this period as opposed to $75 per week at all other times. Furthermore, given that it’s the best season, it’s also the busiest. Saying that, we hiked the Manaslu Circuit in October, had a great time, and still found it to be much less busy than other treks in Nepal.

A cold, crisp, clear morning view of Manaslu (8163 m) at first light, seen from Samagaun (3520 m) on the Manaslu Circuit in October

A clear morning view of Manaslu (8163 m) seen from Samagaun (3520 m) in October

The spring season from March to May is considered to be the next best option . The weather is generally clear although a little colder, particularly at higher altitudes. Mornings are sunny and flowers are in bloom. There is however a higher chance of rain, or even snow, and melting ice increases the chances of landslides or avalanches – something we experienced trekking to Annapurna Base Camp in April.

June to August is to be avoided. The monsoon is responsible for warm and wet weather, with cloud and mist making visibility extremely poor. We can testify to this. Our very first trek in Nepal was in June and we hardly saw a mountain. Leeches are a big problem at this time of year, as is the risk of landslides. As the Manaslu Region was one of the worst affected by the 2015 earthquake, there are many landslide areas – these can be more dangerous in wet weather.

In the winter, from December to February , temperatures in higher altitudes plunge. Snow and ice make this time of year unsuitable for the Manaslu Circuit Trek.

OUR RECOMMENDED TREKKING AGENCY

We partnered with  Himalayan Masters for our Langtang Valley, Gosainkunda, and Everest Three Passes treks, and found them to be professional and committed to a high level of service

To enquire about your own trek, get in touch via email at [email protected] and mention the code HOGG5 to get a 5% discount off the cost of your trip

HOW LONG DOES THE MANASLU CIRCUIT TREK TAKE?

The whole Manaslu Circuit Trek can be done in 13 days. That includes 2 travel days getting to and from the trail. However, some itineraries suggest longer, including an extra acclimatisation day at Samdo and/or continuing to walk from Dharapani rather than taking transport.

On our own journey, we took 13 days to reach Dharapani where we joined the Annapurna Circuit . This included the standard acclimatisation day at Samagaun, the travel day by bus from Kathmandu to Arughat, and 2 days trekking between Arughat and Machakhola (now no longer required as the road goes all the way to Machakhola).

Surrounded by snowy mountains on an acclimatisation day trek to Pungen Gompa (4050 m)

Surrounded by mountains on an acclimatisation trek to Pungen Gompa (4050 m) from Samagaun

TREK DIFFICULTY

So how difficult is the Manaslu Circuit Trek?

We’ve seen this trek described as hard, strenuous and moderately difficult to name but a few. Which doesn’t really tell you a lot. However, there are some things we can say with certainty.

As far as the trail itself goes, the paths are mostly in good condition. No technical skills are required so the act of walking is pretty straightforward. There are a few exceptions where things can get a little tricky, such as when the trail detours around landslides. The ground in these areas can be a bit less firm and a bit more slippery, so extra care is needed here.

Over the course of the trek, you ascend in altitude from 700 m to 5106 m. This takes a considerable physical effort, and what’s more, it’s not all up, up, up. Much of the route, particularly in the early days, involves plenty of up and down – descending to cross the river, ascending again, then repeating the process further along the trail.

Time to put effort in on the trail. Climbing stone steps after crossing the Budhi Gandaki, on a morning of steep ups and downs from Dyang/Deng (1860 m) to Ghap (2050 m)

Putting some effort in on the trail. Climbing the stone steps after crossing the Budhi Gandaki, enroute from Dyang (1860 m) to Ghap (2050 m)

So given the physical effort required, it clearly helps to be as fit as possible. Saying that, you don’t have to be an athlete, far from it. People of all ages and levels of fitness complete the Manaslu Circuit Trek. The key point to remember is to hike at your own pace.

How Much Weight Will You Carry?

Aside from your physical fitness, this is the most important factor in determining how difficult the trek will be.

If you choose to carry all your own gear, clearly it will be more challenging. To make things easier for yourself, think carefully about what you need to take, and try to make your gear as lightweight as possible.

If you choose to hike with a porter as well as a guide, then the difficulty level becomes much easier. Carrying only a small daypack with a few essentials means the trek can be tackled by anyone with a moderate level of fitness.

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HOW TO ORGANISE A MANASLU CIRCUIT TREK

The Manaslu region is a restricted area, and as such, it’s not permitted to hike the Manaslu Circuit Trek independently . You must be accompanied by at least one government authorised person and there are two options to choose from. The first is a D.I.Y. approach where you arrange a guide (and/or porter) and pay for food, accommodation and transport along the way. The second is to book a prepaid package tour which includes everything.

THE D.I.Y. APPROACH

If you plan on trekking by yourself, as a couple, or as part of a small group, there are a few things to consider before deciding who to hire. The two most common situations on the Manaslu Circuit are those hiking with a guide or with a guide and porter, but before you decide which is best for you, it’s important to think about what you need. To help with that decision, first we’ll outline the differences between the various options, then go on to discuss how best to choose a guide and what to look for.

Guides, Porters & Porter Guides: Which Setup To Choose

 If you’re relatively fit and can keep the weight of your bag to a sensible level (around 15 kg), then you probably don’t need a porter. In which case, hiring a guide makes the most sense.

You can expect them to have a good level of English, know the trail and places on it well, and be more likely to have knowledge about the history, culture and geography of the area. Saying that, it can very much depend on the trekking company you choose and the individual guide provided. A guide generally costs $20-30 USD per day , although some agencies may charge more.

Porter Guide or Porter

If you don’t want to carry all your own gear then you’ll need to hire at least a porter or a porter guide. A porter is the cheapest option at around $18-25 USD per day , while a porter guide costs around the same as a guide . So, how to choose?

Well, a porter will be cheaper, but it’s probable that they will speak very little English. You can expect very little other than that they carry your bag.  Porters can carry up to 30 kg (maximum, but less is better), so you generally only need one for every two trekkers. While trekking with just a registered porter is possible, it’s important to note that this is not very common.

A porter guide will be more expensive (roughly the same as a guide). They tend to be trainee guides who will also carry your gear, although perhaps not as much as a porter. You can expect them to have better English than a porter, although not as good as a guide (this may vary with experience). Having a porter guide (or guide) with good communication skills can make a big difference. Unlike other regions where it’s possible to trek independently, guesthouses and lodges on the Manaslu Circuit are used to dealing with guides, not trekkers.

Kim and our guide, climbing the trail from Samdo (3640 m) to Dharamsala/Larke Phedi (4460 m)

Kim and our guide, climbing the trail from Samdo (3640 m) to Dharamsala (4460 m)

Guide & Porter

If you don’t want to carry your gear and are not limited by an overly tight budget, then this is likely the best option for you: a knowledgeable guide to lead the trail and communicate on your behalf, as well as a porter to carry your gear.

This setup is most cost effective when you have a group with an even number of trekkers, as you generally only need one porter for every two trekkers. Most agencies allow up to five people per guide, the total cost being shared among the group.

How To Choose A Guide

The trekking industry in Nepal is huge and there are no shortage of registered companies and accredited guides competing for business. As such, it can seem a bit of a minefield when it comes to finding and choosing a guide, especially when looking online.

Finding a guide in Kathmandu

If you have a few days in Kathmandu and are comfortable not having anything pre-booked, it is definitely advantageous to shop around in person. It is much easier to get a sense of a trekking company and a guide when you meet them face to face. There are many trekking agencies in the Thamel area of Kathmandu, which is also the main backpacking hub and an ideal place to base yourself.

Organise a guide before travelling to Nepal

If you’re organising a guide before you go, a recommendation from someone you know and trust goes a long way. Just make sure you get a guarantee of who your guide will be. We’re aware of people arranging with a particular company for a certain guide, only to arrive and discover that they have a different guide. As the guide is the person you’ll be spending all your time with, they are the most important factor.

If you don’t have a recommendation but still want to organise a guide before you go, you can browse guide profiles here and here . Both sites outline the guides’ daily rate, experience and contact details so you can get in touch directly and discuss options with them.

Local trekking agencies commonly sell package tours but it is usually possible to arrange something more bespoke if you contact them directly to outline what you need and want, such as a guide only option

Our Recommended Trekking Agency

Our recommended trekking agency is Himalayan Masters , a company we’ve partnered with on two major treks, Langtang Valley/Gosainkunda and Everest Three Passes. They can arrange guide only, guide plus porter, or inclusive packages for a Manaslu Circuit trek, whatever suits your needs.

The company is professional, committed to a high level of service, and competitively priced. They are the third company we’ve trekked with in Nepal, and we can honestly say that Himalayan Masters provided us with the best guided experience we’ve had. What’s more, having met numerous other Himalayan Masters guides on the trail, and getting feedback from the trekkers with them, we’re confident that our positive experience with the company is one shared by others.

To enquire about a trek with Himalayan Masters just contact them via email at [email protected] to discuss your plans, and quote our referral code ‘ HOGG5 ’ for a 5% discount off your trip cost.

Trekking Solo

If you’re a solo trekker and want to hook up with others to share the costs of a guide, then take a look at this page . Here you’ll also find people looking to partner up in order to get the Manaslu Restricted Area Permit (RAP). A minimum of two trekkers is needed to get the permit, although it is possible to get around this ( see permits section ).

Female Guides

If you would like to hire a female guide, there are a few companies out there who can help with this. 3Sisters Adventure Trekking is an agency based out of Pokhara which is very highly regarded.

Appreciating the view at the Numla Khola suspension bridge between Shyala and Samagaun

Appreciating the view at the  suspension bridge over the Numla Khola,  between Shyala and Samagaun 

Things to consider when choosing a guide

Whether you’re getting organised ahead of time or finding someone in Kathmandu, here are the main things to keep in mind.

Talk to as many guides/agencies as possible to compare prices and services.

Ask about the guide’s experience with the trek.

Have a conversation to gauge their level of English.

Ask if they have had any safety training and ask to see the certificate if they say yes. Ask how they would handle an emergency situation.

Ask whether they will drink alcohol on the trek (not necessarily a deal breaker, just use your judgement).

If after this you’ve found someone you’re comfortable with, here are a few things to remember when finalising your arrangement.

Check that they are properly registered and insured (ask to see proof).

Agree on the daily rate, number of days and total price.

Agree on who pays for your accommodation and food (it’s most cost effective to pay for yourself along the way rather than paying up front to the trekking agency).

Confirm that the guide covers their own food and accommodation along the way (this is usual).

Agree that you have the final decision on which guesthouse/teahouse you’ll stay in at each place. A guide will often have a preferred place to stay for their own reasons which may not align with yours. This works best if you’re paying for your own accommodation as you go.

Make sure your guide (and porter) is well equipped

Make sure your guide and porter have everything they need prior to setting off on your Manaslu Circuit trek. If you’re hiring an experienced guide through a long established agency, then chances are they will be well prepared for conditions on the trail. However, this isn’t always the case. Younger, more inexperienced guides often don’t have the equipment they need. Porters too can sometimes lack what we would consider to be basic trekking necessities. We’ve seen some young porters with trainers on their feet that were practically falling off.

Check that your guide and porters have the following.

Warm clothing for higher altitudes (down jacket, gloves, hat, etc.)

Proper boots in good condition

Suitable waterproofs

Sleeping bag (it’s common for guides and porters to sleep in lodge dining areas on the Manaslu Circuit if it’s busy and there are not always enough blankets)

What To Expect From A Guide (And Porter)

Having a professional and experienced guide is invaluable when it comes to your time on the trail, making for a safe and hassle-free journey, and giving you the opportunity to learn more about the history, culture, and geography of the land.

You will usually meet a guide (and porter) in Kathmandu prior to your trek, travel to the trailhead together, and then return to Kathmandu together at the end.

During your trek a guide will stick with you on the trail, recommend the best spots to stop for lunch, and suggest overnight accommodation options. At busy times, they may be able to call ahead and pre-book a room for you (depending on phone service). They will act as your go-between at each guesthouse, arranging your room, taking your food orders, and settling the bill. It’s normal for a guide to run through the following day’s itinerary each evening, giving you an overview of the trail, trekking time, and any other relevant information. Your guide will always be around at your guesthouse, but they won’t stick by you constantly. You will have plenty of freedom to hang out in your room or the dining room, read your book, chat with other guests, play cards, etc. Guides sleep and eat in the same guesthouse as you, always in a separate room.

Porters often trek at their own pace, meaning you won’t always be with them on the trail. It’s common for you to pack your porter bag before breakfast and have it ready for them, and for your bag to already be in your room when you arrive at your guesthouse for the evening. On the Manaslu Circuit trek, porters will sleep and eat at the same guesthouse as you, again in a separate room.

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Booking an inclusive tour.

If you want to have everything packaged together in an inclusive tour, there are no shortage of options out there. Group tours with international companies such as Exodus and World Expeditions include all of your transport, accommodation, and guide, plus meals on certain tours. These international companies tend to work with the very best local trek operators, so you can expect very professional service, highly experienced guides, and a pricetag to match. 

 Less expensive package tours run by local trekking agencies may just include your days on the trail and won’t necessarily be group treks with set departure dates. The professionalism and experience of the guide can vary greatly. You can browse a range of options on Tourradar.

Alternatively, contact our recommended local trekking agency directly, Himalayan Masters , who offer inclusive packages for a Manaslu Circuit trek from $995 USD. As outlined in the ‘How To Choose A Guide’ section above, we and other trekkers we’ve met have had a highly positive experience trekking in Nepal with them. To organise your trek, get in touch via email at [email protected] and mention our referral code ‘ HOGG5 ’ for a 5% discount off your trip cost.

The pros and cons are the same with any inclusive tour. Everything is organised for you, but the costs can be considerably higher and freedom to choose is limited. So it entirely depends on what you need and want. If you have limited time and want to simply relax and enjoy your trip, without any of the hassle of organising the logistics along the way, then booking a tour could be for you.

Things to remember when booking a tour

Depending on the tour you book and the company you book with, different things will be included. Here are a few key questions to ask.

Transport How will you be getting to and from the trail (private jeep or public bus?)

Accommodation Will you be sharing a room and with how many people?

Food Can you order what you like or are your choices limited?

Drink What drinks are included and how many a day?

Permits Are all permits included in the cost of the trek?

MANASLU CIRCUIT TREK PERMITS

In order to do the Manaslu Circuit Trek, there are three separate permits required per person. Here we’ll outline what they are and how much they cost. Your trekking agency can get all three permits for you.

Restricted Area Permit for Manaslu (Manaslu RAP)

The restricted area status stems from the fact that it shares a border with Tibet. This permit is needed between Jagat and Dharapani.

There are two different costs depending on the season:

September – November: 100 USD for 7 days ($15 for every additional day)

December – August: 75 USD for 7 days ($10 for every additional day)

For a standard 13 day Manaslu Circuit Itinerary, 7 days in the restricted area is enough and there is no need to pay for extra days.

This permit can only be obtained from the Department of Immigration by a fully licensed trekking agency. You will need to provide your passport.

An example of the Manaslu Restricted Area Permit (RAP)

The Manaslu Restricted Area Permit (RAP)

A minimum of two trekkers travelling together is needed to get this permit , but if you’re a solo traveller, there is a way around this. There is a practice of “ghost permits”. This is where a trekking agency uses another person’s passport who isn’t trekking to get a second permit. Alternatively, agencies who have guides trekking with solo travellers on the same dates can apply for the permit as if they were together, then trek separately on the trail. We met people who had done just that. If you’re travelling solo, you’ll need to discuss these options with your guide and their company.

Manaslu Conservation Area Project (MCAP Permit)

The MCAP Permit is to help protect the ecosystem of the area and help improve the lives of the local population.

The MCAP Permit costs 3000 NPR per person (local currency only)

You can get this permit yourself from the Nepal Tourism Board in Kathmandu or your guide can get it for you. To get the permit you need your passport and two passport photographs.

An example of the Manaslu Conservation Area Project Permit (MCAP)

Manaslu Conservation Area Project Permit (MCAP)

Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP Permit)

The Manaslu Circuit crosses into the Annapurna Conservation Area, just below Bimthang on the way to Dharapani. This permit is needed as far as Besisahar.

The ACAP Permit costs 3000 NPR per person (local currency only)

As with the MCAP, you can get this permit yourself from the Nepal Tourism Board in Kathmandu or your guide can get it for you. To get the permit you need your passport and two passport photographs. It looks pretty much the same as the MCAP permit.

There is no need for a TIMS Card (Trekking Information Management System) on the Manaslu Circuit, although you would need one if you were continuing on the Annapurna Circuit.

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MANASLU CIRCUIT TREK COST

So, how much does the Manaslu Circuit trek cost? Your overall budget will depend on a variety of different factors. We’ll look at a ballpark figure for both the D.I.Y. Approach and an inclusive tour, then break down the costs for permits, guides and porters, accommodation and food, and transport.

INCLUSIVE TOUR

For a standard 13 day tour, prices start from around $950 USD per person with a local trekking company, although it’s worth noting that there are few options at this price.  There is quite a range beyond this with some international group tours costing $2000 USD or more. The majority of packages lie somewhere between $1000 – $1600 and can be anything from 11 -18 days.

If you’re thinking about booking a tour, remember to check all the inclusions, ask questions of the operator, and look at reviews before making a decision.

Planning to pay as you go? Using the amounts outlined in the individual sections below, here’s an estimated figure for the cost of a Manaslu Circuit Trek based on trekking staff, accommodation, permits, food and transport to/from Kathmandu.

Based on two trekkers travelling together with one guide , you could expect to pay around $600 – 750 USD per person for a 13 day trip .

Based on two trekkers travelling together with one guide and one porter , you could expect to pay around $900 – 1050 USD per person for a 13 day trip .

As outlined in the permit section, there are three permits required for the Manaslu Circuit. The combined cost of these permits will be $150 (Sept-Nov) or $125 (Dec-Aug) .

If you’re a solo traveller there may be extra costs if you need a ‘ghost permit’ ( see permits section )

Guides & Porters

Let’s say a guide will cost on average $25 per day and a porter will cost on average $23 per day .

For a standard 13 day trip a guide will cost $325  and a porter will cost $300

For a guide and porter together that would be $625

Obviously, the more people you share this cost with, the cheaper it will be per person.

 Porters loading up and getting ready for the day ahead at Jagat (1340 m)

Porters loading up and getting ready for the day ahead at Jagat (1340 m) 

Accommodation

The standard price for a twin room in our experience was 600 NPR .

The cheapest price we paid was in Dharapani (500 NPR), and the most expensive was in Samdo (650 NPR). Whether the room is used by one person or two, t he price is the same.

Based on 12 nights, let’s say an accommodation budget of 7500 – 8000 NPR for two people is reasonable . That would be around $60 USD . Many trekking agencies online suggest that a room is $6-10 USD per night, however in our experience $6 would be at the high end of the scale.

Food and Drink

Food and drink costs can vary widely from person to person depending on how much you consume, but the following figures should provide a good guide.

On our 12 days of actual trekking we spent an average of 2000 NPR per day per person .

The early days at lower altitudes were cheaper at around 1500 -1800 NPR per person.

From Lho onwards our daily food costs were around 2000 -2500 NPR per person.

Our most expensive day was at Dharamsala which cost us 3400 NPR per person.

This was for three meals a day and plenty of hot drinks, especially at higher altitudes. Prices creeped up at first then shot up significantly at much higher altitudes where supplies are harder to come by. Finally, having bought plenty of snacks in Kathmandu we never had to splash out on anything to keep us going between meals.

Given these figures, a daily food budget of $15-20 USD should be plenty , with $20 being generous.

Including a bit for the travel days either side, a total food budget of $200 – 250 USD per person is certainly sufficient.

Transport costs vary widely depending on whether you travel by local bus or private jeep.

Taking the local bus options to and from Kathmandu should cost no more than a total of $20 USD per person .

A local jeep from Dharapani to Besi Sahar at the end should cost no more than a maximum of $20 per person .

This would bring total transport costs to a maximum of $40 USD per person.

A private jeep to and from Kathmandu would cost around $200-250 USD each way (total for vehicle, not per person).

Service Charge & Taxes

It’s standard for trekking agencies to charge a fee for their services and to cover the cost of government taxes. You can expect this to be no less than $50 USD per person.

TIPPING GUIDES AND PORTERS

While tipping trekking guides and porters is not essential, it is recommended, expected, and is generally a good thing to do. It rewards them for their service and helps supplement relatively low wages.

A couple of hardworking porters ready for their lunchtime dal bhat after a serious uphill stretch

How Much Should You Tip?

So how much should you tip? The following figures are generally accepted guidelines.

Recommended Minimum Amount

500 NPR ($4 USD) per person, per day for guides

400 NPR ($3 USD) per person, per day for porters

For larger groups tip 10% of total tour cost to be split between all trekking staff

How good was the service?

While it is good practice and expected to tip, if for some reason you’re unhappy with the level of service then it’s entirely up to you whether you tip less, or maybe even not at all. This could be anything from poor communication to bad advice, or perhaps even drunkenness. On the other hand, if your guide or porter has gone above and beyond, then by all means tip more if you can afford to.

MONEY ON THE MANASLU CIRCUIT

The amount of money you need to take on the Manaslu Circuit Trek will depend on whether you’re on an inclusive tour or taking the D.I.Y. Approach. If you are on an inclusive tour then you’ll only need money for any snacks or drinks over and above what’s included in your package.  If you are paying as you go, then you’ll need to have enough cash to cover all costs: accommodation, food, drink, etc. ( see budget section )

Everything is payable in the local currency, Nepalese Rupees (NPR). Take plenty of small denomination notes as change is not readily available on the trail, particularly at higher altitudes. If you have a few days in Kathmandu beforehand, pay for things in big notes to build up your supply of small ones. Also beware that ATMs have max withdrawal amounts, and your bank may have a max daily withdrawal limit, so you may not be able to withdraw the total amount that you need all in one day. 

There are no ATMs on the trek and you must pay in cash for everything.

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ACCOMMODATION & FACILITIES ON THE MANASLU CIRCUIT

Accommodation is in guesthouses (often called teahouses) along the way. These guesthouses are often clustered together in small settlements to cater for trekkers, or occasionally by themselves in quieter spots. In larger places, like Samagaun and Lho, they sit alongside or nearby the homes of locals.

The K.L.S.P. Jungle Hotel (2260 m) tucked away in a secluded spot between Ghap and Namrung

This region of Nepal was badly affected in the 2015 earthquake, with many guesthouses and homes being damaged or destroyed. However, most rebuilding has been completed and new places continue to spring up all the time.

So what’s accommodation on the Manaslu Circuit like? If you’ve trekked in Nepal before then you’ll know what to expect. The accommodation is similar to what you find on other treks, although generally more basic than on the Annapurna Circuit, for example. Places do vary in size, decor and state of repair, but most things are pretty standard.

Rooms have two single beds and usually a small window. Pillows and blankets are always provided but a sleeping bag is a must (don’t expect the blankets to be particularly fresh or clean). Think of the blanket as supplementary to your sleeping bag when it gets cold.

A twin room at the Larke Peak Hotel in Machhakhola (869 m). Pretty standard at lower altitudes but rooms are more basic higher up.

A twin room at the Larke Peak Hotel in Machhakhola (869 m). Standard at lower altitudes, with rooms more basic higher up

There are most often shared toilet facilities rather than en-suite bathrooms on the Manaslu Circuit Trek. These can be inside the main building or in an outhouse. It can be a western style toilet or a squat. Things tend to become more basic in places at higher altitude. You’ll need to have your own toilet paper, and soap isn’t always provided so make sure you have hand sanitiser too. Generally speaking, used toilet paper goes in a bin (read battered old metal can or such like) next to the toilet. You flush the squat toilet by scooping water out of the nearby bucket with whatever receptacle is provided.

Dining Room

There’s always a dining room where meals are served, and it’s a good place to get to know your fellow trekkers. The higher you go, there will usually be a fire in the dining room around dinner time, although this is by no means guaranteed.

Many guesthouses have a courtyard or garden too, like this one at Raju Hotel and Lodge in Samagaun (3520 m)

Many guesthouses have a courtyard or garden too, like this one at Raju Lodge in Samagaun (3520 m)

Showers are available over the first few days, but chances for a hot shower dwindle the higher you go. Gas needs to be transported by mules and it’s more important for cooking and heating. It’s sometimes possible to get one for a fee, but you might be standing in a cold room under a spray with very little pressure. Best to be prepared to keep yourself clean with wet wipes and look forward to a hot shower when you reach Dharapani.

Busy Trekking Season

Rooms can be scarce, particularly in the peak trekking season. If there are a couple of big tour groups on the trail then it can be harder to find accommodation in some smaller places. It’s not unknown for guides to call ahead to guesthouses they’re familiar with to secure a room. Porters will also often go ahead to get rooms for their clients if it’s a busy time. Something worth discussing with your guide.

Accommodation at Dharamsala/Larke Phedi (4460 m)

Accommodation options are limited at Dharamsala, the last place you stay before heading over the Larke Pass. For a long time there was only one old lodge, with a row of tents outside for trekkers and some dank, musty rooms on offer. There are now two newer prefab lodges as well, but even so, if the trail is busy then expect everywhere to be full.

The new pre-fab lodges at Dharamsala (4460 m) providing more room for trekkers the night before the Larke Pass (5106 m)

The new pre-fab lodges at Dharamsala (4460 m)

It’s worth planning to arrive here early to secure a room, or have someone from your trekking party go ahead if possible. Either way, discuss this day with your guide in advance.

FOOD & DRINK ON THE MANASLU CIRCUIT

Food and drink on the Manaslu Circuit is similar to what you find on Nepal’s other treks, although options are usually more limited than on busier routes like the Annapurna Circuit. Those options become even more limited throughout the trek as altitude increases, while prices go up as the cost of fuel and transporting goods gets higher.

POINTS TO NOTE

You are expected to eat dinner and breakfast at your guesthouse. Lunch will generally be at a different place somewhere along the trail unless it’s a short day and you arrive at your destination earlier.

Try to order the same as the people you’re trekking with. Your food will usually arrive more quickly and less fuel will be needed to cook it.

Think carefully before ordering meat. Refrigeration, storage and kitchen standards mean that eating veggie is the safest option.

So what can you expect to see on the menu? Let’s take a look at what’s on offer and get an idea of how much it all costs. For more info, check out this article with example menus from guesthouses throughout the trek.

While trekking the Manaslu Circuit we ate Dal Bhat almost every day for both lunch and dinner. A combination of dal (lentils), veg curry, pickle, rice and vegetables (sometimes), this staple of the Nepali diet is a great option. It comes with a guaranteed refill of rice and curry, and usually some extra dal too. The vegetable component varies depending on what or if there’s anything growing in the garden (and it pretty much disappears the last few days before the Larke Pass).

An added benefit is that it’s usually ready pretty quickly – great if you’re stopping for lunch and don’t want to wait an hour. Dal Bhat is what all guides and porters eat so it’s constantly being prepared, unlike more western style dishes which always have to be made to order. And as the whole cooking process requires less energy, this means that it’s better for the environment too.

Although it sometimes seems a more expensive choice, the option for free refills makes it worth it, and this meal will give you all the energy you need. Dal Bhat ranges from 500 – 900 NPR on the Manaslu Circuit.

Main Dishes

Standard dishes on menus are soups, pasta dishes, various fried rice dishes, momos (a kind of dumpling), pizzas, and of course, Dal Bhat. Some dishes have meat options but this is something to be wary of. Lots of dishes have egg and some tuna (from a can). Prices range from around 500 – 800 NPR for a main meal, depending on what you get and the altitude you’re at.

Breakfast options generally range in price from 400-600 NPR and include porridge, pancakes, omelettes, boiled eggs, and various breads (Tibetan bread, buckwheat bread, chapatis, and so on).

Hot drinks are on the menu at every guesthouse, with an often huge range of options stretching from regular black tea and coffee to masala tea, lemon ginger honey tea, and hot chocolate. Prices range from 50 – 250 NPR per cup, depending on altitude and the drink ordered. ‘Pots’ (thermal flasks) of various sizes are also always available, which is sometimes good value and sometimes not – one guesthouse’s medium pot is another one’s small. Take a look at the size of the pots before ordering if you want to make sure!

Unlike other treks in Nepal, snacks (chocolate bars, etc.) are not widely available to buy. You can usually get some biscuits but that’s about it.  When they are available, they tend to be very expensive. It’s a good idea to buy enough in Kathmandu to see you through the whole trek – only as much as you can sensibly carry of course!

DRINKING WATER ON THE MANASLU CIRCUIT

The Manaslu Circuit is physically demanding and drinking plenty of water is a must. The first few days at lower altitudes can be hot, so expect to need a lot of water. At colder, higher altitudes you might feel less thirsty, but drinking lots of water helps you acclimatise. Planning to have at least two litres of water while trekking each day is a good place to start.

Where To Get Water

Filling up water is easy. Taps in, at or outside guesthouses mean there are plenty of places to fill up your bottles and/or water bladders. This can be at the place you’re staying, a lunch stop, or a communal tap used by locals. If you find yourself empty on the trail, there are often streams of cold, clear water that do the job nicely.

There’s always somewhere to fill up water, but it won’t always be as fancy as this

There’s always somewhere to fill up, but it won’t always be as fancy as this

Sterilisation

Use an effective sterilisation method to make sure your water is safe to drink.

Our preferred method is the Steripen Ultra . It uses ultraviolet light to kill bacteria and treats one litre of water in 90 seconds. The bulb has a lifetime of around 8,000 treatments, making the initial cost (about $100 USD) seem cheap when you realise how many litres of water that is. If you happen to use up the bulb, the company will replace it for free. We use our Steripen in conjunction with a filter to keep any weird floaty bits out. It’s quick and hassle free, especially when compared to using purification tablets, and the Ultra model is rechargeable via USB.

Other popular means of sterilisation are Lifestraw , Grayl , Water-To Go , a squeeze filter system , and of course water purification tablets (we always have a few strips of these as a backup). Personally, we like the versatility of the Steripen . It allows us to sterilise water in 1L Nalgene bottles before filling up our water bladders for use with our backpacks.

Bottle or Water Bladder

Should you use a water bladder, water bottle, or both? A combination of both works well for us, but it’s totally down to personal preference.

We’ve used water bladders/reservoirs for many years. Having 2-3 litres in your backpack at the start of the day makes drinking water on the go easy. No stopping to get your bottle out, just drink from the handy tube. These days we use the excellent Hydrapak Shape-Shift Reservoir .

We always have our Nalgene Tritan Wide Mouth 1L bottles with us too. They’re great for using at the guesthouses or when wandering around the villages, and for sterilising 1L of water at a time for the bladders. They work well in conjunction with Steripen’s wide mouth bottle filter , perfect for getting rid of any particulates in the water.

Bottled Water

Bottled water is available to buy throughout the trek, but we would advise against this for a number of reasons.

First | With the sterilisation methods outlined above, there is absolutely no need to buy bottled water, in the mountains of Nepal or virtually anywhere.

Second | All plastic waste is supposed to be carried out of the mountains, but in reality, this doesn’t always happen. Instead, the environment is polluted either by burning plastic or unsustainable waste disposal.

Third | As if those reasons aren’t enough, think about your wallet. As well as creating a huge amount of unnecessary waste, you’ll also spend a fortune if you buy bottled water each day (one bottle can cost over 300 rupees at altitude).

Fill up your water bladders and bottles the night before.

This is handy for two reasons: one, it will save you time in the morning; and two, water sources can sometimes be frozen first thing in the morning, especially at higher altitudes.

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Internet, wifi, sim cards and staying charged.

If you’re looking to stay connected while trekking the Manaslu Circuit, the options are fairly limited.

Wifi is increasingly available at guesthouses throughout the trek. There is sometimes a charge for using the internet (300-500 NPR), but aside from a few places such as Samagaun, coverage is patchy and the speeds can be very slow.

4G sim cards and packages can be bought at the airport, or from numerous vendors in the Thamel area of Kathmandu. They’re great in the city but as soon as you leave the coverage is patchy.

Some recommend Nepal Telecom (NTC) for 3G/4G coverage, while others recommend Ncell. It’s safe to say that in the mountains, neither are really great, although NTC seems to be better for phone signal and data connection on the Manaslu Circuit trek (NTC is also what most of the trekking guides seem to use). We had Ncell sim cards during our trek and found that after the first day they were useless – no data connection at all. Considering that wifi is freely available in virtually all Kathmandu bars, cafes, restaurants and hotels, think about whether you really need that sim card in Nepal.

Heads up – we bought a 60 day sim card package from a tourist shop in Kathmandu to cover our 40 day trek. We paid what we later realised was a ridiculously inflated price. After 30 days, our data allowance ran out. We later discovered that Ncell don’t sell packages for longer than 30 days and we had been conned. Returning to the shop in Kathmandu, we got our money back after threatening to involve the police. Something to bear in mind if you’re going to be in Nepal for longer than a month.

It’s possible to get wifi in certain guesthouses in Samagaun

It’s possible to get wifi in guesthouses in Samagaun

Staying Charged

With a minimum of 12 days in the mountains, you’ll no doubt need to charge batteries at some stage. While sockets and electricity are freely available for the first couple of days, this doesn’t last long. Beyond this, if you need to charge batteries there is usually a cost, which could be 200 NPR or more, depending on the item you want to charge.

For cameras in particular, it’s always advisable to have a spare battery or two. And if like us you’re toting around multiple cameras, video cameras, and other electrical items, then a power bank never goes amiss. Just remember that someone’s going to have to carry all the extra weight.

Another option is to pack a lightweight solar panel . We’ve been using one for a few years now, and in sunny conditions, it really is amazing how quickly it can charge things.

WHAT TO PACK FOR THE MANASLU CIRCUIT TREK

There are two things to keep in mind when packing for your trek: one, only take what you need, and two, make your bag as light as possible.

Beyond that the season will also play a part. You can expect to need more warm clothes in the colder months. Also, crampons may be needed if there’s ice and snow on the pass (your guide and trekking agency can advise on this before leaving Kathmandu).

If you’re taking camera equipment and carrying your own bag then you might want to make a few trade-offs to keep the weight down. On the other hand, if you plan to trek with a porter then this will make choosing what to take a bit easier – just don’t overload your porter of course. Also, bear in mind that it’s very common to leave excess baggage at hotels and guesthouses in Kathmandu.

Try to keep your bag as small and light as possible (more like the 50 litre one on the right). Your body will thank you for it on the trail!

Attempt to keep your bag as small and light as possible (more like the 50 litre one on the right). Your body will be thankful for it on the trail!

PACKING LISTS

Below you’ll find our packing lists for the Manaslu Circuit Trek. The first outlines the clothing you should take and the second is a list of equipment we recommend for the trek. Not everything is essential but all of it is useful.

You need to be prepared for all weather conditions and eventualities. Quality gear and the right materials will make a big difference to your enjoyment and how much/little you need to pack.

Layers are important – you need a baselayer (like this ), a mid-layer (like this ), an insulating layer (like this ), plus a top shell (like this ).

Avoid cotton clothing as it will quickly become smelly and be very difficult to dry when wet – particularly at higher altitudes. Opt for merino wool instead. It keeps you cool when it’s hot and warm when it’s cool, and amazingly won’t stink even after days of wearing it. It will dry relatively fast too.

Make sure you have a separate change of clothes for the evening/sleeping in and get out of those sweaty clothes as soon as you arrive at your guesthouse. Changing your clothes, including your socks, will keep you much warmer.

Break in your hiking boots before you trek! Blisters and hot spots can ruin your hike. Pack Compeed  just in case.

CLOTHING LIST

Merino T-Shirts x 3 His / Hers

Merino Thermal Baselayer His / Hers

Merino Thermal Leggings His / Hers

Merino Underwear x 3 His/ Hers

Sports Bra x 2

Fleece His / Hers

Down Jacket His / Hers

Rain Jacket/Shell His / Hers

Waterproof Trousers His / Hers

Quick Drying Hiking Trousers (preferably with zip-off shorts) His / Hers

Trousers to wear in the evening (Lightweight, similar to above)

Trekking Socks x 3 His / Hers

Warm Socks to wear at night x 1

Gloves Liner & Waterproof Outer

Sunglasses (plus a spare pair)

Hiking Boots His / Hers

Waterproof sandals / Crocs (for evening)

Belt You might lose weight on the trek!

Equipment, Gear & Miscellaneous Items

As Manaslu Circuit is a ‘teahouse trek’, you don’t need much in the way of specialist gear or equipment. There are however a few items which are essential.

Most obviously you’ll need a good backpack. Osprey backpacks with their Anti-Gravity (AG) back system are the most comfortable and easy to carry we’ve ever used. We highly recommend them. Look for a backpack capacity between 40-70L, depending on how much you plan to carry and how long you’ll trek for. If you’re joining an inclusive tour or trekking with a porter, you’ll need a comfortable  day pack for your water, snacks, camera, warm layers, etc.

Sleeping Bag

There are always blankets but we recommend taking your own sleeping bag. We used these 3 season Rab down sleeping bags on our Nepal treks along with these silk liners . Down sleeping bags offer the best warmth to weight ratio, and can really pack down small. Using a compression sack will save even more space in your backpack.

Hiking Poles

Hiking poles are a huge help on the Manaslu Circuit, particularly if you’re carrying your own bag. There is a fair bit of ascending and descending over gravelly landslide areas, where hiking poles make a big difference. Cork handles are by far the best when it comes to hot sweaty palms and carbon fibre will help you keep the weight down.  These poles have done us proud on countless treks.

Everything Else

For a comprehensive list of everything else you might need or want for the trek, click on the drop down menu below.

EQUIPMENT, GEAR & MISCELLANEOUS LIST

Backpack His / Hers

Day Pack (if you have a porter)

Eye Mask  &  Earplugs

Travel Towel

Water Bottle / Bladder

Scrubba & Suds (portable washing machine)

Washing Line

Travel Adapter

Solar Panel

First Aid Kit

Sunscreen (lips)

Lightweight Padlock (We needed this at Dharamsala – all other rooms had a lock)

Hand Sanitiser

Toilet Paper

Toiletries (soap, toothpaste, etc.)

OUR COMPLETE NEPAL TREKKING GEAR GUIDE

ALTITUDE AWARENESS

You will encounter many opinions in Nepal about how best to deal with altitude acclimatisation, or what the best cures are for symptoms of altitude sickness . The best approach? Do your own research beforehand. Consult your doctor if you’re considering taking preventative medication like Diamox, and have a clear understanding of the correct way to take it. Don’t assume that all guides and porters know the facts, no matter how confident they sound. And don’t believe any nonsense about garlic soup or other supposed remedies. Stock your medical kit with plenty of paracetamol and ibuprofen in advance.

Trekkers descending from the Larke Pass (5106 m)

Altitude sickness becomes a concern at altitudes of around 2500m and above. It can affect anyone and everyone, regardless of age, sex or physical fitness. Just because you’ve been unaffected at altitude in the past, does not mean you’ll be unaffected every time. On the other hand, if you have a history of suffering from altitude sickness, chances are you’ll be affected again (this is the case for Kim). The higher you go, the higher the risk. The best approach is to ascend slowly. The general rule of thumb at higher altitudes is not to sleep more than 300-500 metres higher than the previous night.

As we said, the best way to be confident at altitude is to know the score before getting there. There’s a lot of misinformation and contradictory advice flying around the trail, so knowing your facts will ensure you react smartly to any symptoms instead of potentially endangering yourself.

TRAVEL INSURANCE

Getting the right travel insurance cover is essential preparation for your Manaslu Circuit Trek. It’s important to check exactly what is and isn’t covered under the policy.

Trekking At Altitude

Not all policies will cover trekking at altitude. You will need cover for trekking above 4500m. This isn’t usually covered as standard, but many travel insurance policy providers will have activity pack add-ons that you can pay extra for to be covered for trekking at this height. It’s also wise to ensure you have Search and Rescue and Medical Evacuation cover included. Always check the exclusions of your policy carefully.

Trekking In Nepal

Some travel insurance companies have specific exclusions or conditions when it comes to trekking in Nepal. The excess for helicopter evacuation, for example, may be considerably higher for Nepal than elsewhere. This is due in part to a scam in recent years whereby trekkers who become ill are pressured or encouraged into flying out of the mountains by helicopter for medical attention. Unscrupulous guides, doctors and even some trekkers have profited from this. The result has been more expensive insurance policies, with some insurers threatening to no longer provide cover unless the government takes action.

Travel Insurance Providers

Whether you are already travelling or not, two travel insurance policy providers that you can get cover with for trekking in Nepal are World Nomads and True Traveller (UK/EEA residents only). Both have activity pack add-ons to cover you for trekking up to the required altitude, and can cover you for search and rescue. Get a quote and see what suits you best. Having used World Nomads for a while, we opted for True Traveller for our last Nepal trip as they were significantly cheaper when factoring in the adventure activities we needed cover for.

For the full lowdown on choosing a travel insurance policy check out this post .

GET A QUOTE

TSUM VALLEY SIDE TRIP

A side trip up the Tsum Valley offers a multitude of spectacular views, a fascinating insight into a distinct culture, and a chance to better acclimatise before continuing on with the Manaslu Circuit.

This secluded valley, thick with pine forests and lined with waterfalls, lies in the shadow of mountain giants such as Himalchuli (7893 m) and Ganesh Himal (7140 m) . There are opportunities to visit Ganesh Himal Base Camp (4200 m), Milarepa’s Cave and Poshyop Glacier.

There are plenty of great mountain views while trekking up the Tsum Valley

There is no shortage of great mountain views while trekking up the Tsum Valley

Only opened for trekking and tourism in 2007, the Tsum Valley is an area that’s had limited interaction with the outside world. As such you can experience a unique buddhist culture in the villages along the way. The people have their own dialect and traditions, including polyandry, a system in which women have more than one husband. In addition, many archaeological and religious relics are well preserved.

The trek up the Tsum Valley takes you to an altitude of around 4200 m before descending the same way to rejoin the Manaslu Circuit at around 2000 m. This makes it perfect for acclimatisation and could help reduce the chances of any altitude sickness symptoms later on the trek.

How long does the Tsum Valley Side Trip take?

Adding a Tsum Valley Side Trip onto your trek will take an extra 6 – 8 days. This depends on your pace of travel, plus how much you choose to see and do while you’re there. Speak to your guide/trekking agency to work out the details.

Tsum Valley Side Trip Permit

As the Tsum Valley is also a restricted area, it requires a restricted area permit (RAP) on top of the Manaslu RAP. Similarly, it can only be obtained on your behalf by a licensed trekking agency and there must be a minimum of two trekkers ( see Permits section ).

Again, there are two prices depending on the time of year:

September – November: 40 USD per person for 7 days ($7 for every additional day)

December – August: 30 USD per person for 7 days ($7 for every additional day)

MANASLU CIRCUIT TREK HIGHLIGHTS AND LOWLIGHTS

For us there were many highlights on the Manaslu Circuit Trek, while there were barely any lowlights.

Manaslu Circuit Trek Highlights

Pretty much all of the Manaslu Circuit Trek was enjoyable for us, however there are some real standout moments.

Firstly, the Tibetan villages of Samagaun and Samdo . The setting of both of these villages is spectacular. They are also big enough (particularly Samagaun) to feel like real villages with local homes, not just settlements that have sprung up for trekkers. We enjoyed wandering the streets, people watching, and visiting the Buddhist monasteries in the area.

Secondly, the Larke Pass . Wow. The scenery here is eerily beautiful and completely different to any other day. The sense of achievement reaching 5106m after ten days of trekking can’t be underestimated. It knocked the socks of any other pass we have traversed in Nepal.

Thirdly, we really enjoyed the initial descent from Bimthang on our last trekking day. Because you descend so quickly, the change in landscape is very noticable. The scenery around the Annapurna Conservation Area boundary is jaw-droppingly beautiful; a milky blue river tumbling down from snow covered peaks, surrounded by slivers of sandy beach and leafy trees. Divine!

Looking back up to the mountains, from the trail below Bimthang

Looking back up to the mountains from the trail below Bimthang

Manaslu Circuit Trek Lowlights

Honestly, there aren’t many. We don’t enjoy trekking on roads, so the short sections of dirt road at the very start and end were definitely the least enjoyable parts of the trek. However, they weren’t particularly busy and so didn’t annoy us too much.

THINGS WE WOULD DO DIFFERENTLY

On the whole, we are happy with how our Manaslu Circuit Trek went, but there are a few things we would do differently if we had our time again.

Firstly, we would start the trek at Machakhola instead of Arughat . We took the public bus from Kathmandu to Arughat and so just started walking from there, although at the time it was possible to take another bus as far as Soti Khola. These days, as outlined in this updated guide, the road goes to Machakhola, so it’s best to start there.

Secondly, we would stay in Samdo for an extra night . Partly to acclimatise better, and partly because we liked the area so much. It would be good to hike to the Tibetan border and back on the extra acclimatisation day.

Thirdly, we would include a side trip up the Tsum Valley . We had the time, but we just didn’t really know about it until it was too late.

GETTING TO AND FROM THE TRAIL

The start of the Manaslu Circuit is best accessed from Kathmandu. With increased road access in recent years, the trail now begins at Machakhola (rather than Soti Khola), and can end anywhere from Tilche or Dharapani to Besisahar.

There are two main ways to get to and from the trail. One, a combination of public bus and local jeep, or two, private jeep. We’ll first take a look at the options for getting to the trail, then at the options for getting back.

As you must trek the Manaslu Circuit with a government authorised person (usually a guide), he/she will likely be able to assist with the logistics of booking bus seats and dealing with local jeep drivers. If you’re on an inclusive tour then this will all be taken care of.

GETTING TO THE TRAIL

Public bus and local bus/jeep.

The most cost effective option is to take the public bus from Gongabu Bus Park in Kathmandu to Machakhola. This takes from 8-10 hours with a lunch stop along the way and costs around $10 USD. The road is hilly and rough in places and any bad weather can adversely effect the road conditions, likely resulting in a longer journey.

A local bus stopped in the village between Arughat Bazar and Soti Khola, pretty similar to the bus that comes from Kathmandu

A local bus stopped in the village between Arughat Bazar and Soti Khola, a bus that’s pretty similar to the one from Kathmandu

Tips For The Bus

Your bag will be put up on the roof of the bus and not always handled with the care you’d like. Keep anything valuable or breakable with you inside the bus. And be there to get your bag when it’s passed/dropped down at the end of your journey.

Take advantage of the deliciously fresh Dal Bhat at the local lunch stop canteen. At around 200 NPR, it’s the cheapest meal you’ll be having for quite some time.

Private Jeep

This is the quickest and most convenient way of getting to the trail, but it is also more expensive by far. It costs around $240 – 260 USD for the vehicle.

The major benefits are time saving, extra comfort, flexibility (not bound by the bus schedule and can stop when you like) and a safer place to store your bags.

RETURNING FROM THE TRAIL

 local jeep from tilche/dharapani .

After arriving at Dharapani, for many years most people have chosen to take a local jeep to Besisahar. However, the road has now extended up the valley to Tilche (5 km before Dharapani), so it’s possible to end the trek and take a jeep from there. Your guide and trekking agency will be able to advise on prices.

Local jeeps with a 9 passenger capacity run between Chame and Besisahar several times a day. During the busy trekking seasons you can expect them to be roughly every hour. Tourist prices are around 1500 – 1800 NPR per person and the journey takes about 3 – 4 hours.

Public Bus from Besisahar to Kathmandu

Buses are frequent from Besisahar to Kathmandu, via Mugling, where the road joins the main highway between Pokhara and Kathmandu. This should cost no more than $10 USD.

Public Bus from Besisahar to Pokhara

Heading on to Pokhara? Buses are regular and can be smaller local affairs or large tourist coaches. The journey takes around 4 – 5 hours and costs around $10 USD.

Private Jeep from Tilche/Dharapani

Prices are similar to those at the beginning of the trek ($240 – 260 USD per vehicle) and can of course take you to Pokhara or Kathmandu. It is advisable to have this arranged ahead of time.

Continue on the Annapurna Circuit

Not done trekking yet? Just join the Annapurna Circuit by heading in the opposite direction to Chame!

Morning sunlight strikes the Annapurna Massif, seen from the village of Ngawal (3680 m) on the Annapurna Circuit

Morning sunlight hits the Annapurna Massif, seen from Ngawal (3680 m) on the Annapurna Circuit

GETTING TO NEPAL

The easiest way to get to Nepal is by flying and this is how the vast majority of people arrive. A number of different airlines operate flights out of the country’s only international airport, Tribhuvan International Airport on the outskirts of Kathmandu. However, there are very few long distance flights so you can expect to stop and transfer somewhere in Asia or the Middle East, depending on your direction of travel.

Get your flights organised at the earliest possible opportunity. During busy times, such as the peak trekking season from September – November, flights are often fully booked.

CHECK OUT FLIGHT OPTIONS HERE AND NOW

The other option is to arrive overland from India, crossing the border at Sunauli. Take a look at this post on Seat 61 to learn how to go about it.

HOW TO GET A NEPAL VISA

Tourist visas are available on arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport and at all land border crossings that are open to foreign travellers.

In order to get a visa on arrival you’ll need four things:

• A passport valid for at least six months
• At least one blank page in your passport
• The visa fee in cash (US Dollars is best)

There are three different visa options and prices:

• 15 Days – 30 USD
• 30 Days – 50 USD
• 90 Days – 125 USD

While this is available for most foreigners, citizens of some countries are required to get a visa prior to arrival, while those from SAARC countries can get their visa free of charge. See this for more details.

Maps & Guidebooks

There are plenty of shops in Kathmandu selling detailed trekking maps of the Manaslu Circuit. Although you must trek with a registered guide, it’s good to learn as much as can about the area, and have an idea about places on the trail, elevation changes, etc. Maps are great for this.

You can get prepared by sourcing a map online before you travel. And if you want to dive a little deeper, there are guide books specific to the Manaslu area . For a more general guide book check out the Lonely Planet Nepal Guide or the Rough Guide to Nepal .

Mapping Apps

We would also suggest having a mapping app on your phone that can be used offline . Using a mapping app on the trail is a great way to get an appreciation of where you are, distances travelled, elevation gained, etc.

Organic Maps ( iOS / Android ) (very similar to Maps.me, but with less ads) which is easy to use and has a straightforward interface. You can download maps for the area beforehand and use it offline with the GPS on your phone. The trekking routes for the Manaslu Circuit are marked in the app, and you can also download our KML file of the trekking route to the app.

We also use the Gaia GPS app ( iOS / Android ) when we want more detailed topographical info, ensuring that we’ve downloaded the relevant map region online in advance. Again, the Manaslu Circuit trekking route is already marked on the map in Gaia, but you can also download our GPX of the route.

You can download our GPX and KML files for the Manaslu Circuit Trek in the map section above , with the main villages and sights marked along the way. Just be sure to download the apps first.

THANKS FOR READING!

If you’ve found this guide helpful, please consider leaving us a small tip. Your support is greatly appreciated and helps cover the costs of running this blog.

Kim and Del Hogg

If you’ve found this guide helpful, please consider leaving us a small tip.

Your support is greatly appreciated and helps cover the costs of running this blog.

That’s it for our essential guide to the Manaslu Circuit Trek. We hope you found it useful.

Don’t forget to check out our Manaslu Trek itinerary and day by day account .

Have you trekked in Nepal before? If not does this sound like something you’d love to do? Share your thoughts in the comments below.

ORGANISE YOUR TRIP

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46 Leave a Reply

Wow! Great post – thank you so much! I’ll be heading to Nepal in March of 2025 and Manaslu has definitely peaked my interest. It sounds like you did Manaslu and Annapurna Circuit back to back. How long did this take you? Would you recommend doing this, or would you suggest sticking to Manaslu and adding on Tsum Valley? I’m also wondering how Manaslu compared to Three Passes for you.

Thanks in advance!!

Cheers from Canada

very nice article thanks

The article is quite long but found very informative with simple explanation. Manaslu Circuit Trek, one of the least explored region of Nepal compare to Everest and Annapurna.

Glad you found it informative, we tried to cover all the aspects that would be useful to people planning this trek. It is becoming more popular but is definitely not as busy as the Everest and Annapurna regions. This remains one of our favourite treks in Nepal and we are always happy to recommend it as an interesting and adventurous option.

What a wonderful post. Thank you for sharing

You are very welcome, thank you

Extraordinary blog. I took pleasure in scrutinizing your articles. This is extremely a marvelous scrutinized for me.

Details of Manaslu Circuit Trek if anyone wants to explore Off the beaten Path Restricted Region Trek In Nepal.

Great share! Such a nice content, Good you explained everything in detail it has been a great help. Thank you for such detailed description of the destination.

Wonderful & very informative blog. Thanks for sharing such a informative and useful travel post. Thank you for such detailed description of the destination. Good you explained everything in detail it has been a great help.

I really can’t thank you enough for this amazing guide.

You’re welcome!

Thanks for this lovely post. I trekked the Annapurna circuit back in 2017 and Three passes back in 2019, and then, you could sleep for free at the guesthouses (less so in everest region) if you had dinner and breakfast there. Has that changed? Are they charging per bed/room regardless of where you eat? Thank you!

wonderful content

such informative articles about the Manaslu circuit trek love to see more articles in the future too.

Wow i have really enjoyed reading and watching your video ,thanks for great information so i am even more exited to be booked on this trek 28 October this year. Can you tell me what you filmed the footage on please ? I will be taking a Digi pocket 2 and a Cannon M50 camera so i am also wondering if charging is available at Dharamasala . I sympathize with you re your upset tummy as i had one for 7 days last year during our Khopra Ridge Trek , turned out to have been food poisoning after a check …  Read more »

Hi Ian, glad you enjoyed our video and guide, that’s great you’ll be experiencing this trek for yourself soon! This video was shot using our previous camera set up: Canon 700D with a couple of different lenses, a GoPro Hero 4, and the Mavic Air drone. We don’t recall there being any charging available at Dharamsala, but it was a few years ago so it’s possible this could have changed. Perhaps it’s best to have a power bank for battery charging. Have a wonderful time on your trek! Cheers, Kim

wow, great article.

Hi, we loved your blog for preparing for the Manaslu Circuit and we have done it one month ago. So thanks a lot for the informations! We did the tour with the Tsum Valley and that was great. For us personally it was the highlight of the tour. Maybe some updates on your blog: – The weather is more difficult to predict due to the climate change and therefore the general recommendations about when is the best time to travel are not so coherent anymore. This year, for example, there was no snow in winter and in spring for it, …  Read more »

Hi Matti, thanks for your informative feedback! Yes, we were trekking in Nepal in March and April this year and were surprised by how much snow there was. The weather is less and less predictable, and we were glad we had microspikes with us. We would love to trek in the Tsum Valley some day, it definitely seems like a great addition to a Manaslu Trek, especially given that the start of the trek is at Macchakhola these days, and possibly even Jagat in the future. Cheers, Kim

very interesting story thanks for sharing with us.

Wow! I must say yours is one of the best travel blogs I’ve ever come across! Extensive, objective information and great tips – something that is hard to find in the world of influencers. I appreciate that you are honest about both the ups and downs during your treks, not just sugarcoating everything. Me and my husband are planning to do the Upper Mustang (now Circuit trek – thanks to your blog). But Manaslu also sounds amazing. Which one would you recommend if you were to choose one? I have been to Annapurna base camp and Manang, while we did …  Read more »

Hey Tara, thanks for the kind words and we’re happy to have helped! Honestly, it’s very hard to pick between the two treks because they are soooo completely different. If you’re looking for a classic ‘teahouse trekking’ experience, then Manaslu is like this, but with fantastic and varied scenery along the way. Upper Mustang is quite different to other Nepal treks like ABC or Manaslu, with more of a focus on the culture of the region, and a more traditional and homely feeling in the guesthouses. The landscape is completely different too, very dry without the classic ‘snowy peaks’ views. …  Read more »

this blog is so amazing, always enjoy reading it

what a mesmerizing places. )

Amazing blog, this blog is very useful,informative and helpful for the tourist visit Nepal.Detail descriptions of every topic is best part.Love the blog..

That’s great, thank you very much!

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Manaslu Circuit Trek - 17 Days

Note: The price is based on minimum 2 people group.

Trek Route Summary

Moderate to difficult.

1) Walking times: average 5 to 7 hours walking per day for up to two weeks usually with some rest days included.2) Altitude: up to 5,000m. 3) Terrain:  following well-traveled trails, plenty of ascents and descents, rough and rocky trails, and likelihood of walking through seasonal snow patches 4) Remoteness: usually not too remote and often there is a reasonable level of infrastructures such as lodge accommodation and accessibility of mobile phone network in most places. 5) Appropriateness: a good choice for active hill walkers, a reasonable level of fitness is required.

Trip Highlight

• Reach: Larkey La (5160 m / 16751 ft), one of the most beautiful mountain passes of Nepal that joins Annapurna and Manaslu region
• Walk: Following marked and maintained newly established route of Manaslu Circuit Trek inside the Manaslu Conservation Area passing lush vegetation and distinct wildlife, ethnic Gurung, Magar and Tamang, Bhutias and Sherpa settlements, rickety suspension bridges, pristine waterfalls, beautiful rivers, religious monuments, natural wonders and cultural heritages
• Explore: Alike Tibetan culture, tradition and lifestyle, exotic Himalayan wildlife vegetation, Tibetan Buddhist dominated monasteries, chortens, stupas, alleys, long mane walls, natural caves, pristine lakes and high mountain settlements
• Have: Picturesque sceneries of Mt. Manaslu, Kang Guru (6981 m), Annapurna II (7,937 m), Cheo Himal (6820 m), Himlung Himal (7126 m), Nemjung (7140 m), and Gyaji Kang (7074 m) with a flourishing Himalayan ecosystem that contains of lush woodlands blended with diverse terrains
• Sightsee: World Heritage Sites in Kathmandu (Pashupatinath, Swyambhunath, Boudhnath, and Kathmandu Durbar Square), Birendra Lake / Manaslu Base Camp, Larkey La (the highest point of the trek)
• Get: The mesmerizing views of giant Manaslu and its neighboring peaks, gorgeous sunrise over Himalayas from different places
• Immerse: At the natural setting of Manaslu Conservation Area, in the rural ethnic settlements of Manaslu region which are far from this so-called modernization
• Doable side-trips: Annapurna Circuit Trek, Tsum Valley Trek, Pokhara Sightseeing, Chitwan Jungle Safari, Chandragiri Cable Car Ride, Nar Phu Valley Trek

Trip Overview

Located immediately next to the beautiful Annapurna range, the circumnavigation walking tour of Mt. Manaslu, i.e., the Manaslu Circuit Trek, is a lot quieter than its neighbor, the Annapurna circuit trek. Moreover, the first and the latter part of the Annapurna Circuit trek is less attractive due to motorable roads; Manaslu Circuit Trek is an excellent alternative to its neighbor.

From rhododendron and bamboo forests with white orchids, the vegetation changes to spruce and fir forests, in the background of which snow and eternal ice of the Singri Glacier and the Ganesh Himal shine.

On a trip to the beautifully situated Pugyen monastery, we have beautiful views of the Manaslu massif and the Tibetan mountains. Then, finally, the Manaslu (8,163 m) appears in all its glory.

After taking side trips to Birendra Lake & Manaslu Base camp to aid acclimatization, comes the climax, i.e., Larkya La pass.

The most challenging and overwhelming part of the Manaslu Circuit trek is crossing the Larkya La, a small high pass. The struggle to reach the top of Larkya La is the special award of this trek as you get to see close-up views of Himlung Himal, Cheo Himal, Kang Guru, and Annapurna II .

Cultural change is noticeable, and changes in landscape and scenery as you walk higher. In lower elevation, you can notice the indo-Aryan type of people busy farming and cattle-grazing. The influence of Tibetan culture is unmistakable as you trek higher.

Buddhist commemorative shrines called Chörten; stones with carved prayer formulas (mani stones) are carefully piled on the side of pathways in the villages, and several monasteries showcase the Buddhist faith of the region.

After crossing the Larkya La get to meet the starting leg of Annapurna Circuit Trek, ending your trek at Dharapani from where we drive back to Kathmandu.

An Introduction to Manaslu Circuit Trek

A journey to a restricted area of Nepal inside Manaslu Conservation Area, Manaslu Circuit Trek circumnavigates the 8th tallest peak of the world –Mt Manaslu (8163m). Opened in 1992 for foreigners, this trek got rapidly popular because of its new sites, natural wonders, and broad alpine valleys with diverse flora and fauna.

As the Manaslu region lies along the border of Nepal and Tibet, trekkers witness semi-Tibetan cultures, lifestyles, and traditional practices. Dominated by both Hindus and Buddhists, Manaslu is a religious blend.

The off the beaten trails of Manaslu lead us through several verdantly rich backwoods of rhododendron trees blooming astonishingly and other alpine trees like pine, birch, Juniper cedar, and other delightful pasture lands.  

Benefits of Manaslu Circuit Trek

• Manaslu Circuit Trek is unlike other classic trekking routes (Annapurna Circuit, Everest Base Camp, and Annapurna Base Camp). Instead, it takes you through the pristine trails of Nepal with numerous natural spectacles.
• Trekking leads through relatively unpopulated places in a peaceful trekking trail where you will be aloft and in natural social distancing.
• Except for the herds of cattle (sheep, goats, and yaks), you will find very little traffic where you will have the Trail to yourself to enjoy the fullest.
• Being off-the-beaten trekking route, you will find sufficient teashops, and there is no problem finding teahouses at the end of the day.
• The Trail passes tropical lands to white-snow-capped mountains, resembling the typical trekking destination of Nepal.
• Along with the astonishing views of Mt. Manaslu (8163m), trekkers will view gleaming Ganesh Himal II (7118m), Sringi Himal (7161m), Syala Himal (6235m), Himalchuli (7893m), Himlung Himal (7126m), and Simnang Himal (6251m) and their neighboring peaks.
• Dozens of waterfalls and torrential rivers as Budhi Gandaki, Soti Khola, and Machha Khola can be witnessed.
• Several antique Hindu and Buddhist religious sanctuaries throughout the Trail are explored.
• Manaslu region is the home of several endangered animals such as snow-leopards, blue marmot, Himalayan Tahr, Himalayan marmot, Pika, and birds as lophoporous, Red-headed Vulture Sarcogyps calvus, Satyr Tragopan Tragopan satyr, River Lapwing Vanellus duvaucelii, and several others.

Manaslu Circuit Trek Route

Manaslu Trek is a perfect choice who wish to escape enthralling Himalayan flights. A journey to Manaslu begins after an 8-9 hours drive from Kathmandu to Soti Khola (700 m) (commonly known as Soti Bazaar) via Arughat (608m).

On the following day, our trek commences to Machha Khola (890m) via beautiful backwoods, ridges, rice fields, crossing numerous rickety suspension bridges. On a subsequent day, we will wander aloft in the beautiful creation of Mother Nature while trekking up to Jagat (1340m).

After breakfast, we begin our walk for Deng (1860 m) today. On the way, we pass several places as Dudh Pokhari Khola, Salleri, Ghatte Khola, Phillim, Chisopani, Eklo Bhatti, and Pewa. On the way, shall cross a junction, which separates Tsum Valley from Manaslu. After trekking three more days, we reach the village of Samagaun (3520 m). This beautiful village is the highest village in Budi Gandaki valley, where we will spend one more night for acclimatization purposes. Birendra Lake (3691 m) and Manaslu Base Camp (4400m) are the most popular places for an acclimatization hike. The choice is yours!

The next day, we will set our journey for Samdo (3875 m), another beautiful place for an overnight stay. We are near 4000 m above sea level and quite close to the mountains. Therefore, please consider wearing thick clothes drinking plenty of hot drinks (garlic soup is recommended). Our next stop will be Dharmasala (commonly known as Larkey Phedi) (4460 m) before crossing Larkey La (5106 m), an adventurous mountain pass of Nepal. Here, we will have stunning views of Larkya Glacier and the Larkya Peak (6219 m).

The next day, the most important day of the entire Manaslu trek, awaits with a challenging pass of Larkey La. Crossing it, we will circumnavigate Mt. Manaslu. Succeeding Larkey La, we will reach Bimthang (3590 m) at the end of the day, spending more than 8 hours. The next day, mainly walking downhill, we get Dharapani (1963 m), the beginning point of Annapurna Circuit and Nar Phu Valley Trek.

Following the classic route of Annapurna Circuit Trek, we head down to Syange (1100 m). It is the ultimate point of our epic Manaslu Trek. From Syange, we take a vehicle for Kathmandu (1350m) via Bensishahar (760m) before your international departure.

Thus the route of Manaslu Circuit Trek is concluded as Kathmandu » Arughat » Soti Khola (trek begins) » Machha Khola » Jagat » Ekle Bhatti » Deng » Lho » Samagaun » Samdo » Dharmasala » Larkey Pass » Bhimthang » Tilje » Dharapani » Tal » Syange (trek ends) » Bensishahar » Kathmandu 

Brief Itinerary

Detailed itinerary, day 1 - arrival in kathmandu (1350m / 4429 ft).

At the exit point of the airport, one of our representatives would be waiting for your arrival. He/she will greet you with a warm smile and Namaste and then, accompany you towards your hotel.

After checking in, you may take a rest, or if you wish, you may stroll around the tourist hub of Thamel. Also, the Basantapur Durbar Square lies within a walking distance from your hotel at Thamel.

Day 2 - Kathmandu Sightseeing: Swyambhunath, Patan, Boudhanath and Pashupatinath

Without exploring the historic city of Kathmandu, you cannot boast anything of Nepal. This city is the city of temples, whose underlying mythical stories overwhelm anyone who listens to it. Every architecture is designed to reflect the Nepalese culture and lifestyle of the early people, including the luxury of Royalties.

One of them is Patan Durbar Square (ancient palace of Malla Kingdom), built by Newari architects, around the 12th century. This mansion is decorated with intricately carved window designs and antique souvenirs, representing Hindu deities. It is one of the magnificent creations of humans.

Another noteworthy edifice is the temple of Pashupatinath, which is one of the most revered shrines of Lord Shiva (one of the 3 super gods of Hindus) in the world.

A large bull-like Nandi (Conveyance of Lord Shiva) highlights the beauty of Pashupatinath, while dozens of little shrines of numerous deities fill this temple.

However, Swayambhunath is famous for its viewpoint, overlooking the Kathmandu valley. This temple is just a perfect spot to witness the eagle glimpse of the valley. Boudhanath, on the other hand, features a massive mandala. Its story of mythical origin enhances the beauty of this stupa.

[In this itinerary, you will be taken to 4 sites, out of the 7 UNESCO-listed world heritage sites in Kathmandu. If you wish, we are flexible enough to customize your itinerary and set up a plan for your visit to other places as well.]

Day 3 - Kathmandu to Arughat (608m) to Soti Bazaar (700m / 2296 ft) 8-9 hrs drive

To embark on the journey to Manaslu, you need to enter into Arughat – a getaway to Manaslu – first. You can reach there by bus or a private vehicle, following either of alternatives via Dhading, via Benighat, or via Gorkha. Among them, the most popular route is via Dhading.

The road until Dhading is black-topped; so, it is easy to carry on. However, after Dhading, the path turns slightly intimidating because of the rough and curvy lane. Despite all these discomforts, the milieu is enlivened by picturesque farmhouses all along the way.

The road passes through the jungles of sal and pine before reaching Ghola Bhanjyang, which offers an incredible glimpse of the Northern Himalayas when the weather is clear. This part of the view is just a hint on what is about to come next.

After a while, you will meander along the Budhi Gandaki river and within a couple of hours arrive at Arughat.

After Arughat, you will catch a Jeep to Soti Bazaar, which takes about 2 hours. En route, you will come across many terraced paddy fields and tiny hut-like settlements at Mangaltar.

The houses over there are peculiar to what is found in other remote areas, or cities. Later, you will reach Soti Bazaar, where you will spend your night.

Day 4 - Soti Bazaar to Machha Khola (870 m / 2854 ft) 5-6 hrs

Soon after you leave Soti Bazaar, you will follow a dirt road and then, climbs through the woods until Khursanibari, which is known by the name ‘Liding’ today. It takes almost an hour to reach there. In the Liding, there is a beautiful waterfall, which appears more appealing when captured in a photograph.

Suddenly, the trail descends for about 30 mins through the Sal forest to a Landslide Area and then, climbs towards the Hawa Danda (Windy Hill).

Once you reach there, you could see an outcrop of overhanging rock, overlooking the far-reaching panorama of hills. The path, then, intrudes through the dripping cloud forests, following a series of switchbacks, all the way until Lapubesi

From somewhere in the middle of the trek, you can catch a glimpse of Shringe Himal if the weather becomes clear.

Around the Lapubesi, taste the milk of water buffaloes. Then, continue along the switchbacks until you arrive at a point, where there is a steep ascent along the bluff. Soon, the trail falls and then arrives at the sandy bank of Budhi Gandaki, where the roar of the flowing water dominates other feeble sounds.

Pass through the three isolated chortens to make an appearance at Maccha Khola, which literally means Fish River.

Day 5 - Machha Khola to Jagat (1340m/4395 ft) 6-7 hrs

From Maccha Khola, there are two routes to choose from: one goes from the upper area, while the other from the lower area. Following one of these routes for about an hour, you will arrive at Khorlabesi, where the coffee trees line up on the right side of the trail. There are few lodges in this region, and the board is hung on the pole, which says Tatopani 1hr.

The trail, then, intrudes through a narrow ravine of Budhi Gandaki, where the placid water turns furious, all of a sudden.

En route, you will see a few overhanging cliffs, which were used by the porters, mule caravans, and local people for the overnight stay. Subsequently follows a scary-looking path that meanders around to arrive at Tatopani (Natural Hot Spring). Tatopani is a beautiful place to see.

Then, after walking for about 1 hour through marijuana-dominated fields, you will arrive at Dovan. As you leave Dovan, you could see tremendous damage caused by a landslide. The new route is being used now.

While you walk north, Budhi Gandaki shows its presence by cascading steeply down as of a thundering cataract. The trail continues through a series of switchbacks. From high up the hill, you could see the raging water of Budhi Gandaki, whose roar couldn’t penetrate the silence of the upper Himalayas.

Via some of the suspension bridges, you will make your way until Jagat, which is an entry checkpoint of the Manaslu Conservation Area Project (MCAP).

Few Chortens and Mani walls indicate the first sign of Tibetan Buddhism. The houses and streets are clean and appear completely natural here.

For the night, you will stay in one of the lodges.

Day 6 - Jagat to Deng (1860 m / 6100 ft) 7- 8 hrs

Early in the morning, as you leave Jagat, the trail descends to the Dudh Pokhari Khola and crosses a rocky cliff to arrive at the beautiful village of Salleri. This village is clean and filled by colorful Chortens.

People, here, could be seen weaving baskets and doing laundry during the day. This village is a perfect stop-over to gaze upon the rural, yet happy life.

Once you step out of the Salleri, Himalayas begin to peek at you. Shringi Himal and Langju Himal begin to appear mesmerizing. As you reach Sirdibas, you could witness a few unique two-story houses with a shingle roof. A sign shows that Ghatte Khola is 10 mins ahead.

Just before reaching Philim, you have to cross a long suspension bridge hanging across the Budhi Gandaki. Philim is clean, beautiful, and relatively developed than other villages in this area. The hotels and lodges, here, guarantee quality services.

Now onwards, the trail is going to be super hard to cross through because of deep canyons and a jagged path. After Chisopani, there is another place named Eklo Bhatti, whose name translates to one house, but there are several houses now.

About 2 hours away from Philim, you will arrive at a junction, which separates Tsum Valley from Manaslu. There is a steady climb until Pewa, and a steep uphill takes you to the village of Deng.

Day 7 - Deng to Namrung (2630 m/ 8626 ft) 6-7 hours

As usual, you will leave your room early in the morning from the Deng and meander around the zigzag trail with numerous switchbacks. For the first few hours, it is pretty monotonous to walk. But then, everything gets enlivened by an isolated but blissful natural setting at Bihi Phedi.

Few minutes ahead is a small mani wall, where the images of Guru Rinpoche, Chenresig, and Buddha are carved. Continue the path until Bihi, which features a beautiful Kani Gate.

There is a serene Gompa named Serang Gompa, which is a compact shrine of great reverence. The path, then, crosses the Serang Khola and passes through a series of switchbacks through Prok to arrive at another beautiful place named Ghap.

There is a pleasant monastery named Kwak, which is virtually abandoned. You will also witness few prayer wheels, but without any inscriptions of the Om Mane Padme Hum at the wheel. After Ghap, ascend through the leafy forest of pine along a fairly easy track to arrive at Namrung. Namrung has few lodges to spend your night.

Day 8 - Namrung to Shyala (3500 m / 11480 ft) 6-7 hours

The way to Shyala is full of sceneries, and you will enjoy it more than ever. The trail enters into a silent woodland of blue pine, and oak where few rhododendron bushes perfume the milieu.

About walking for about an hour from Ghap, you will arrive at a natural stone bridge formed by the flow of the Budhi Gandaki. There are many walls, overhanging rocks, and waterfalls to gaze upon during the slog.

As you reach Banjam, you will see the Ganesh Himal popping out of the ridge to the east. Continue your trek for the next 1 hour to arrive at Lihi.

There are some unique chortens with few old paintings. Hinang Monastery could be visited by walking for about 2 hours; this is one of the most revered Buddhist Shrines in the Manaslu Region.

Walking further, you will arrive at Sho, which is the best place to witness a few glacier walls, the charm of the Himalayas. You can see a lot of paintings painted around the local Gompas. Sho is a vibrant village.

The trail, then, ascends to the Lho, which peeks upon the stunning Sauli peak of Kutang Himal. With a couple of impressive mani walls and colorful Gompas, Lho refreshes the trekkers with peace and beauty.

Soon after leaving Lho, the trail drops steeply down and then climbs up. There are several log bridges to cross through. You may as well encounter few yak caravans transporting the timbers. As you walk, you could capture a few glimpses of the Manaslu.

Much of the walk is through the forest until Shyala. To reach there, it takes almost 2 hours from Lho. Shyala offers a spectacular view of Ngadi Chuli to the southwest. For the night, you will stay in one of the lodges at Shyala.

Day 9 - Shyala to Sama Gaon (3520 m / 11545 ft) 3-4 hours

Today’s walk is going to be much more interesting than ever. It takes almost 3 hours 30 minutes to reach Sama Gaon (also known as Ryo) from Shyala.

On the way, you will go through wooden bridges to cross the raging icy rivers coming down from the glacier of Pungyen (Punggen). The route meanders several times, following a series of switchbacks, until arriving at the Pungyen Monastery. From then on, it is mostly downhill to Sama Gaon.

By the time you arrive at Sama Gaon, you will have enough time to explore this beautiful hamlet. The first thing that you will notice in this village is the stone walls, all around.

The Kani Gate at the entrance is lovely to look at, while the most attractive part of the Sama Gaon is the Courtyard with the big prayer wheels.

The walls of this courtyard are beautifully painted by the paintings of godheads. Also, there are several statues of Guru Rinpoche and other unusual-looking red idols.

There are a number of guesthouses and lodges. For the night, you will stay in one of the lodges of the Sama Gaon.

Remember, the prices are the same for a particular food, regardless of the quality, wherever you go, because of the community policies and syndicates in every village.

Day 10 - Acclimatization day: Side trip to Birendra Lake and Manaslu Base camp (4400m) and trek back to Sama Gaon (Ryo)

Today is going to be an exciting day of your trip because the day has come to feel the moment under the shadow of the Manaslu.

Early in the morning, move on towards Samdo along the main trail. Within an hour, you will arrive at a point, where the main trail dissociates into a branch that leads to the Birendra Tal (lake).

It is a beautiful glacier lake, staying calm under the shadow of the mighty Manaslu Peak. Around the premises of the lake, Himalayan Tahrs, frequently, move around. This animal makes its way towards the base camp of the Manaslu.

After spending quality time there, you will move on towards the Manaslu Base Camp, which is your ultimate destination. However, to be there, snow and ice, steadily, resist you.

It is a very challenging walk, indeed. As you reach there, you will be blessed by the sceneries and snowscapes all around.

Finally, you will return to the Sama Gaon for an overnight stay. If you have time, then it is better to catch a brief side trip to Samagaon Monastery. It is worth visiting.

Day 11 - Sama Gaon (Ryo) to Samdo (3875m / 12710 ft) 3-4 hrs

The way to Samdo is relatively flat; however, at such a high altitude, even a short climb requires a lot of effort. For a while, you will be walking under the shadows of alpine birch and rhododendron. Then, there is a wooden bridge, crossing which you will see mani walls, running parallel to the trail.

The more you climb, the better the scenes become; especially, views of the eastern flank of the Samdo Peak (Pang Phuchi) is commendable. Down the valley, the sceneries get more impressive with the glittering outlook of Himalchuli.

Samdo is dotted with traditional houses made up of dry-stone walls, whose roof is the stone slabs. To prevent the icy wind from entering the house, Juniper mesh is spread around the Verandas. While the ground floor is used for cattle such as yak, the upper part is for the living.

There are four lodges – Yak Lodge, Tibet Lodge, Tashi Delek, Chez Karsang – at Samdo. Telephone and Internet services are also available. Enjoy your stay at Samdo.

Day 12 - Samdo to Dharamsala (Larkya Phedi) (4460 m / 14694 ft) 4-5 hrs

Today’s walk is going to be super tough. So, it is better to not hassle in the race, but rather, walk calmly with periodic breathing.

Firstly, the trail skirts around the fields and then drops to cross the Budhi Gandaki. By the time you would arrive at the ancient settlements of Larkya Bazaar, you will notice the landscapes turning into thorny bushes and juniper. The scenery is hallucinating here.

The views of Samdo Peak grow better as you walk high above. Syacha glacier, another fabulous blessing of the Himalayas, could be witnessed on the way to Larkya Phedi. Also, you can see a great variety of ranges including the Manaslu from this point. These scenic glimpses are just captivating.

When you feel like the views are over now, you would have arrived at Larkya Phedi (also known as Dharamshala, which means a pilgrimage site). The lodges are adequate here but don’t expect anything fancy during your accommodation.

Everything becomes expensive up here; but, make sure you drink enough fluid before heading further because it helps you better adjust the high-altitude pressure. For the night, stay at one of the lodges at Larkya Phedi.

Day 13 - Cross Larkya La (5160m / 16924 ft) trek to Bhimthang (3590 m / 11775 ft) 7-8 hours

The trail after Larkya Phedi is full of sceneries but quite challenging to make through. Walk along the side of the moraine and pass through a small meadow, which is not as scenic as was seen before.

However, by the time you cross the moraine, you will be able to witness the beautiful Larkya Peak and other tiny ranges. By the side of the trail, numerous frozen lakes pass through. Also, glaciers accompany you all along the way.

Locals say that the blue sheep (bharal) are often sighted, and you may encounter one, possibly. But, forget about witnessing a snow leopard. The slopes are steep and icy, making it slippery and tricky to pass through.

After walking for about 8 hours, you will arrive at Bimthang (which literally means plain of sand). The lodges are excellent at Bimthang and if you feel like camping, there is a perfect setting to set up camp. For the night, you will stay in one of the lodges of Bimthang.

Day 14 - Bimthang to Dharapani (1963 m / 6440 ft) 6-7 hours

The trail heads south for about 30 minutes and then scales climbs over the small moraine. From the top of the moraine, there is an outstanding view of the Larkya Himal, Manaslu, and other dozens of unnamed ranges, which are as attractive as you could possibly imagine.

Also, behind the steep cliffs, there is a dense jungle of cedar, oak, blue pine, birch, and rhododendron. This woodland is believed to be over 1000 years old.

This forest is more diverse with a wide variety of floras. Hummingbirds hum around the trees, while butterflies color the atmosphere with joy and happiness. The whole setting is thrilling.

As you cross Kharche/Surki, a new milieu opens up. On the way, you will see well-designed houses and waterfalls. Dharapani is around 7 hours away from Bimthang.

Day 15 - Dharapani to Syange (1100 m / 3608 ft) 7-8 hours

Follow the classic route of Annapurna Circuit Trek, hike down all the way to Syange. Pass several settlements of Manang district and enter to Lamjung. With the views of cascading rivers, a torrential river of Marsyangdi we shall conclude the journey reaching Syange.

Happy Trekkinng!

Day 16 - Drive Syange to Kathmandu

Today, you will drive back to Kathmandu from Syange. This is the end of the trip; so, we will have a farewell party, together, at Kathmandu.

[ Remember : if you are planning to visit Pokhara, or to try out any other adventures such as Kayaking, Canoeing, Paragliding, Zip Flying, or Zipline, after the trip, then make sure you let us know. We are ready to customize your itinerary as per your choice. If you wish, our experienced travel planners will assist you in finding the appropriate itinerary for you.]

Day 17 - Departure

Finally, the day has come to return to your homeland with bunches of memories and herds of new experiences. We wish to see you again in the days to come. Have a safe flight!

[Service: We will drop you to the airport to say a nice and warm GOODBYE.]

Altitude Chart

Price Includes

• All airport pickup/drops and hotel transfers via private vehicle according to itinerary
• Three nights’ twin sharing accommodation with breakfast in Kathmandu Sunny Hotel or similar hotel in Kathmandu
• Kathmandu City tour accompanied by a professional tour guide in Kathmandu with private vehicle transfers & including temple/monument entry fees
• Kathmandu Sotikhola & Syange to Kathmandu transfers in private vehicle
• TIMS, Manaslu Conservation Area Permit and Annapurna Conservation Area Permits (Please bring 3 passport size photos for permit)
• All meals (breakfast, lunch and dinner) during the trek
• Local teahouse accommodation during the trek (twin sharing)
• Trekking Crew - one professional English speaking trekking guide and porters (2 trekkers: 1 porter) including their salary, food, accommodation, equipment, transportation, and insurance
• Duffle bag, sleeping bag, and down jacket to for use throughout the trek
• Holy Mountain Treks T – shirt, trekking map and certificate to mark the achievement of the trip
• First aid medical kit
• All government taxes and office service charge

Price Excludes

• Nepal visa, International/domestic airfares, travel and rescue insurance
• Trekking equipment and clothing (except down jacket, sleeping bag, and duffel bag which we provide for use)
• Additional night/s accommodation in Kathmandu caused by early arrival, deferred departure, early dropout from the trip than the scheduled itinerary
• Lunch and dinner in Kathmandu (and also in the case of early drop out from trek than the scheduled itinerary)
• All kind of beverages (water, alcoholic or non alcoholic hot/cold drinks)
• Personal expenses including phone calls, internet usage/data, laundry, battery recharge, hot shower, extra porters, etc
• Tips for guides and porters

Best Time for Manaslu Circuit Trek

Autumn (September – November) and Spring (March-May) are ideal peak seasons for Manaslu Circuit Trek. These two seasons offer the best views, and the weather is most favorable with clear blue skies. Sun shines around 5-7 hours a day, making the environment warmer even in the high altitudes. Seasonal flowers in the valleys, forests, and villages, lush green hills, and snow-clad peaks just above them seem as if they are painted.

Manaslu trek in Spring

The most popular season for the Manalu Circuit expedition is Spring, as it brings excellent views of snow-clad peaks, colorful hills, and valleys. Rhododendron and other spring flowers are in full bloom, which makes the entire forest stunning.

There will be less to no chance of rainfall, and days get longer every day, making you hassle-free to reach the desired destination. The mountains look ever-smiling where winter fills snow in every part of them. However, the weather and temperatures are favorable. Although the nights are more relaxed, the days are sunny, warm, and bright, making it perfect for a day hiking adventure.

Manaslu Circuit in Autumn

Trekking trails get drier gradually; monsoon rain takes all the dust particles from the atmosphere, making the atmosphere crystal. The skies are crystal blue the views are excellent. The weather is stable, and the temperature is favorable.

As it is the time of the festival, everyone is in a happy festive mood. The houses are decorated well for the celebrations (Dashain and Tihar). It will be a great cultural experience. Marigold, Purple globe Amaranth, Poinsettia, and other flowers seem to bloom in the yards and farms, making the whole surroundings quite photogenic.

Manaslu Circuit Trek in winter and monsoon

Winter (December to February) and monsoon (June to August) are considered the off-season for the Manaslu Circuit trek. However, the weather remains challenging, and the temperature becomes unfavorable during these periods.

During winter, heavy snowfall and freezing temperatures may ruin your trek. Due to the cold in the high elevations, teahouses may get closed, and the places around Dharmasala and Larkey La might be full of snow heaps that make it uncomfortable to walk.

In the monsoon, heavy showers might affect your trekking. Due to heavy rainfall, the trekking trials may get slippery and wet. Moreover, landslides and floods in the rivers might block the ways. Leeches and misquotes also play roles in making your trekking experience unpleasant.

A Typical Day on the Manaslu Circuit Trek

Manaslu Trekking is an adventurous journey to the isolated lands of the north-central part of Nepal. The trekking trails to the Manaslu Circuit trek are not busy and crowded as other classic treks of Nepal. Beginning the journey from the bustling Kathmandu (sightseeing), we reach some of the remote villages just below the giant peaks.

Leaving the concrete buildings of the cities, we reach the basic teahouses of Samagaun, Samdo, and Dharmasala. Trekkers will pass the religious, cultural, and historical shrines of Kathmandu to

Travelers will taste novice experiences each day. They will witness from the bustling city of Kathmandu to peaceful Gurung villages and further quite Annapurna Base Camp. Concrete cities to pristine nature inside the protected lands, crowded vehicles of Kathmandu / Pokhara, and chirping sounds of birds inside deep jungles.

A day starts with a sip of tea/coffee at your hotel/teahouse/lodge during the trek. Then, with the beautiful golden rays of the sun, you get your breakfast in the yard/dining. After handing over your duffle bags to your porter, you will begin your journey at around 6-8 am, depending on the distance, duration, and the nature of the day’s hike. However, on the day of Larkey La pass, you may need to walk at around 3-4 am. This is because of the long day walk and weather conditions. In the mountains, the weather worsens after midday. Thus it is ideal for crossing Larkey la between 9-11 am.

Walking for 3-4 hours, you will reach lunch place. Local lodges/restaurants will serve lunch according to their menus. After resting for one hour, you will head towards our day destination. Upon reaching the goal, you will check in, be refreshed with some drinks. Now, you will have some free time to explore the surrounding shrines. There might be some religious, historical, cultural, and ethnic monuments. Visit and explore them in detail till dusk.

Dinner will be ready somewhere between 6-7 pm. Meanwhile, your trekking leader will explain your itinerary for the following day. After dinner, sit around the standard fireplace, interact with fellow trekkers, share your experiences, and enjoy playing games like chess, cards, etc. Otherwise, read books, watch available mountaineering documentaries before heading off to bed.

WIFI and Mobile Network Availability in Manaslu Circuit Trek

During Manalsu Trek, most lodges have a wifi connection, and they can be used to pay a small amount (although some offer it free of cost). The speed of the internet might not be as in your hometown and Kathmandu. However, they will be helpful to run social media, exchange texts, photos, and videos either.  

Another option to use the internet, call, etc., is to buy a SIM card, purchase a data pack, and use internet service. This is the most convenient way of using the internet wherever and whenever you prefer to use it.

You may find several shops with the board “SIM card available here” nearby your hotel. After filling a form provided by telecommunication and submitting your passport copy and two photos with cash (around NPR 100, which is approx. US$ 1), you will obtain a SIM card. After buying, it will be activated within half an hour. Mainly SIM cards of two telecommunications are popular in Nepal; Nepal Telecom (Namaste) and Axiata (NCELL). You can use the SIM card of any of them while trekking Manaslu.

Accommodation During Manaslu Circuit Walk

Our standard Manaslu Circuit journey accomplishes in 17 days which includes international arrival and departure days too. Thus, Trekkers shall spend 14 days on the trek, a day in Kathmandu (for sightseeing, preparation, and acclimatization), and two days for international arrival and departure.

Details of accommodation during the Manaslu circuit walk includes 13 nights lodges to lodges stay at the mountain at the best available local lodges/teahouses (we will arrange lodgings with private bathroom wherever is possible) and three nights' accommodation (before and after the trek) will be in Kathmandu Sunny Hotel or a similar one.

Note: Extra night accommodation in Kathmandu or any other places (if trekkers wish to extend their trip), luxurious accommodations (Luxury hotels are available in Kathmandu) is excluded in this itinerary.

Food during Manaslu Circuit Trek

Manaslu Circuit Trek, a round journey to the 8 th tallest mountain of the world, is a high altitude trek that takes you amid several peaks in the Mansiri Mountain range (Mt. Manaslu nestles in the Mansiri Mountain range).

As you are walking up to 5106m above sea level, a very high elevation, your body demands enough nutritious food having plenty of carbohydrates, protein, and other minerals to reenergize your body. Food and different energy bars are available throughout the trek, but you may not find the varieties in Kathmandu.

Some of the popular menu items include:-

Breakfast: The most popular breakfast items during the Manaslu trek are;  toast with jam/butter/honey, Tibetan bread or Chapati, local tsampa porridge, egg items (boiled, fried, omelet (plain, vegetable), scrambled, sunny side up), pancakes, noodles, muesli, seasonable fruits, vegetable (grilled), rice pudding, oat porridge, potato items (steamed, fried, chips), etc.

Lunch: Dal Bhat (a set of rice, lentils, vegetables, pickles – the most popular food item), Tibetan bread / local chapatti, momo (dumplings), spring roll, spaghetti, macaroni, cake items, sandwiches, burgers, potato dishes, noodles items (soup, fried), thukpa, pasta, Pizza (Tomato, Mushroom, Mixed), rice pudding, porridges and more.

Dinner: Dal Bhat Tarkari (a set of rice, lentils, vegetables, pickles, and salads), various soup items (noodle, chicken, tomato, egg drop, potato, daal, onion, garlic (highly recommended), mixed vegetable), pizza (mushroom cheese, tomato cheese, and hybrid), noodle items (soup, fried), spaghetti, salad items, Thukpa, rice puddings, apple pie, pancakes, Korean Raman and many more.

Note: The menus can be different according to the place and elevations. In Kathmandu, you have plenty of choices. However, as we go up during the trek, the menu list will be shortened, and there might be limited choices.

Although the meat items are available even in Samagaun and Samdo, we recommend you avoid them for a healthy purpose. The meat above Soti Bazaar is not guaranteed to be fresh, healthy, and hygienic. We also advise you to get rid of dairy and cheesy items while trekking. In addition, smoking and tobacco items are strongly recommended not to consume.

Drinks during Manaslu Circuit Trek

Trekkers need to remain well hydrated throughout the trek. Dehydration is the leading cause of Acute Mountain Sickness. It is recommended to drink at least 3-4 liters of water each day. You should drink water even you are not thirsty.

In the teashops, lodges, and teahouses, buying bottled water is possible in the trek. Otherwise, you can refill your bottles with hot water in the lodges by spending some money. It is also a good idea to carry water purification tablets/systems and a refillable water bottle. You can refill water (from the taps or streams) and purify it whenever you wish to drink.

Other drinks as green tea, lemon tea, hot lemon, soup items (tomato, mushroom, mixed vegetables, garlic soup (highly advised)), ginger tea for Manaslu trek. However, highly caffeinated items (strong coffee), hot chocolates, alcoholic drinks, cold drinks are not recommended while on the hike.

Electricity and Battery Recharge during the Trek

During Manaslu Circuit Walk, recharging your camera and other electronic devices is possible in the lodges. Some of them offer free recharging amenities; however, some charge a little (on per hour basis). Most of the clubs are facilitated with hydroelectricity, whereas some of them have used solar panels.

Permits needed for Manaslu Circuit Trek

One of the most popular trekking destination-Manaslu was opened in 1991 only. Although this area has been gaining popularity these days, it is a controlled area and needs three permits. Those are enlisted.

Note: if the trekkers want to trek in Tsum Valley, it requires another permit-Tsum Valley Restricted Permit, which costs USD 40 for each individual per week. Beyond a week, USD 7 per day per person in the peak season( September to November) and USD 30 for each individual per week, and USD 7 beyond a week in off-peak seasons (December to August)

Manaslu Circuit Trek Difficulty

Manaslu Circuit trek is considered a moderately difficult trek. The distance of the trek is more or less 177km which is completed within 17 days, keeping an acclimatization day. However, Trekkers need to walk 10-15 km each day to complete this journey, creating some difficulties.

Altitude sickness may become a threat as this trek begins from Sotikhola (710m) to Larky La Pass (5213m) above sea level. Next, walking in the rough terrains passing the mountain vistas, may be challenging for some excursionists.

However, if you are physically, mentally, and emotionally eager to trek and have some cardiovascular activities such as cycling, hiking, swimming, joining the gym, you can complete this journey.

Following your leader's guidance, maintaining a comfortable pace, capturing the peaks and vistas, enjoying nature, you can afford this journey easily. In addition, you are staying hydrated, and having proper acclimatization makes your journey easier.

Safety Concerns while Trekking Manaslu Circuit

While trekking Manaslu and any other destinations safety, security is the foremost concern. There might be possible dangers that may occur during the trekking in the Manaslu such as landslides, altitude sickness, and occasional thefts or extortion, Covid-19, and so forth. Most of the contingencies are properly handled by trekking staff, but sometimes it is out of their capacities.

However, Holy Mountain Treks does its best to make your travel safe, secured, and a journey of a lifetime. It has taken precautions in the following things to make our guests’ travel as safe as possible.

• All our guides are government license holders and are well trained with Intensive First Aid.
• Trekking leaders, guides, entrepreneurs, porters, and other crews have years of trekking experience who will assist you in case there is any kind of uneasiness, discomfort and make you happy and satisfied.
• We provide high-quality masks, gloves, and sanitizers for everyday use throughout the Manaslu trip.
• Our professional trekking experts will encourage and motivate everyday perks.
• Leaders will recheck your accommodation and food for hygienic purposes every day.

Transportation for Manaslu Circuit Trek

Holy Mountain Treks bears all the land transportation for Manaslu Circuit Trek. During international arrival, departure, sightseeing you will be in a luxury private vehicle. Driving from Kathmandu to Soti Khola and Syange to Kathmandu will be via private car, Scorpio, HI Ace, or bus depending upon the group size.

Required Fitness Level for Manaslu Circuit Trek

Manaslu Circuit Trek is one of the challenging yet rewarding off-the-beaten treks. Trekkers may need to walk 5-7 hours in lower altitudes and 3-4 hours a day in high elevations. Walking in the high hills is more challenging than in lower elevations.

To cross Larkey La (5106 m) is obviously challenging which requires proactive preparedness. Previous hiking experiences, cardiovascular exercises will be beneficial. Novice with good physical fitness and well mental preparation also will achieve this trek. However, the fitter you are, the more comfortable experience you will have during the tour.

Thus, it is advised to do a morning walk, cycling, joining a gym, swimming, etc., at least 30 days before the trek and continue regularly until joining the trip. However, individuals with acute medical conditions such as heart or lung disease are not recommended this Manaslu Trek.

Travel Insurance for Manaslu Circuit Trek

Manaslu Circuit Trek is ranked as a challenging difficult as it entails the risk of Acute Mountain Sickness (High Altitude Sickness) and some other unforeseen events, including sudden climate changes.

Trekkers must have travel insurance for Manaslu Circuit Walk. While booking, trekkers need to send us a copy of travel insurance with other documents. The policy must cover medical and emergency helicopter rescue and evacuation expenses at high elevations (up to 6000m).

All the trekking members are kindly requested to send their detailed insurance policy once they book for Manaslu Trekking. Then, in emergency circumstances, we will use it for a quick and effective rescue operation, transfer for emergency medical help, etc.

Nepal Tourist Visa Information

All tourists except Indian citizens must get a visa to enter Nepal. Visas are available in both ways; on arrival and before their arrival (in their nation). On arrival, visas can be obtained at the office of the Department of Immigration at Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA). Travelers wishing to skip a queue at the airport can obtain visas from Nepalese Diplomatic Missions stationed in their own countries.

For an on-arrival visa, trekkers must fill a form provided by the Department of Immigration Nepal. You should have a passport having at least six months validity, a passport-sized photo, and some cash. They will charge US$ 30 for 15 days, US$ 50 for 30 days, and US$ 125 for 90 days to issue a visa. The visa fee must be paid in cash before obtaining a visa. However, SAARC citizens (expect Afghans) and Chinese people get a free visa for Nepal.

Residents of Nigeria, Ghana, Zimbabwe, Swaziland, Cameroon, Somalia, Liberia, Ethiopia, Iraq, Palestine, Afghanistan, Syria, and the Refugees with travel documents are requested to acquire visas before they arrive from their nearby Diplomatic missions (Embassies/consulates) of Nepal Government.

Trekking in Group or Solo

Manaslu region is kept as a restricted area of Nepal as some of its areas share borders between Tibet and Nepal. Since the Manaslu region is also one of the restricted areas declared by the government, it is impossible to trek without a guide.

You must hire at least one authorized person from a local trekking agency in Nepal, either a licensed professional guide or a porter guide. There must be at least two people in one group (not including the guide and porter). Along with that, you must file your special permit through an authorized trekking agency.

Responsible Tourism

"Take NOTHING but Pictures

Leave NOTHING but Footprints and

Kill NOTHING but Time"

Holy Mountain Trek has a strong commitment towards environmental sustainability to protect our nature and entire ecosystem. We have promised to implement the rules and regulations of ' Leave No Trace (LNT). There is no doubt that tourism has empowered several people's lifestyles. Thousands of people are employed. Several positive impacts include career opportunities, wealth generations, tax and permits, healthcare, revenue, infrastructure, lifestyle, and several others.

However, there are some noticeable negative impacts on the environment and community. So, please be careful about sustainable tourism, preservation of nature and culture while trekking. Thus, please be sensitive about sustainable tourism, conservation of wildlife, and culture while traveling the Manaslu region. If we can preserve nature and culture, our next generation will see such unique creations of Mother Nature and culture.

Holy Mountain Treks always focuses on eco-friendly trips, which are environmentally sensitive and culturally rewarding, which will be beneficial for both travelers and the ethnic traditional communities.

Tipping in Nepal

Tipping is appreciated by trekking guides, porters, and other crews as a good way of saying thank you because of their good service. Although it is not any part of wages, it is considered as a reward for good service.

Generally, tips are offered at the end of the trek. Most of the groups give the tips in farewell dinner on the last evening or the last day of the trek. The amount of tip is entirely personal preference that may be more or less and depends upon the quality of service, length of the trip, budget, and the appreciation of their work.

Booking and Payment Process

Holy Mountain Treks is an authentic, government-registered, licensed, and dedicated trekking agency in Nepal. All our guides are professional and are license holder ones. Our website is SSL enabled, and our payment partners are Himalayan Bank Limited and Siddhartha Bank Limited. While transferring the data, only banks securely receive them. To make it easy and secure, you can directly share the trip amount with the bank. Thus, you can book your Manaslu Circuit Trek with us confidently.

At the time of booking, travelers should pay only 20% of the total payment in advance online. For payment, you need to fill in the detail of yourself and should submit it. Necessary documents as passport copy, passport size photos, and travel insurance policy, arrival and departure flight details can be emailed later (within two weeks). The remaining trip costs can be paid either by cash or via bank transfer and credit cards upon your arrival in Nepal.

Last Minute Booking

Holy Mountain Treks accepts last minutes booking for those who are not able to book in advance. For Manaslu Circuit Trek, booking before at least 48 hours is taken. We have to arrange your permits, guide, porters, and other crews for you. We do our best to operate a trek at any time; however, we will not be responsible for any delays due to changes beyond our control, such as the weather, availability of lodging.

Trip Extensions after your Manaslu Circuit Trip

Adventurous can extend their journey to Tsum Valley Trek, Annapurna Circuit Trek, Nar Phu Valley Trek, Pokhara City Tour, Chitwan National Park Safari, Paragliding, Canoeing, Bungee Jumping, Nagarkot Sunrise Tour, etc. along with their Manaslu Circuit Trek.

We would highly appreciate it if you give feedback on the Manaslu Circuit Trek during the farewell dinner held by Holy Mountain Treks. Your feedback helps us to improve our weaknesses and continue the strength aspects.

Customizable Trip

Holy Mountain Treks customizes the itinerary according to our valued guests’ time and interests. Although there are some fixed departure dates from Kathmandu, we can customize the itinerary according to your schedules. This itinerary depends on whether you choose to trek Tsum Valley or not, take a vehicle from Dharapani or Syange, prefer sightseeing in Kathmandu or not, and so on.

Sometimes, the itinerary mentioned above can be rescheduled due to unexpected circumstances such a heavy snowfall, rainfall, terrible weather conditions, availability of lodges, and other natural hazards. In such cases, a new itinerary will be set in the best interest of the entire group members, making it suitable for everyone.

It is a recommended list. You are of course encouraged to customize it as per your needs and interest

Second Layer

Fleece Jacket

Outer Jacket

Rain Jackets

Lightweight cotton pants

Waterproof jacket and pants

Breathable underwears

Inner Gloves

Outer Gloves

Hiking Socks

Multiple pairs of warm socks

Hiking Boots

Trekking Sandals

Backpack / Duffle Bag

Backpack Cover

Sleeping Accessories

Sleeping Bag

Sleeping bag liner

Trekking Supplies

Trekking poles

Trekking Map

Micro Spikes

Water Bottle

Power adapter & chargers

Travel Insurance

Copy of Passport

Medical Kit

First Aid Kit

Water Purification tablets

Wet wipes and Hand Sanitizer

Toilet rolls

Small mirror

Face and body moisturizer

Nail clippers

Is this trip for me?

If you are eager to experience an adventurous journey to the high Himalayas and walk passing the remote village of northern Nepal witnessing distinct vegetation and wildlife of restricted areas of Nepal, this trip is for you. This trip is for you if you dare to pass high mountain passes having spectacular views of the mighty Manaslu and its neighboring peaks.

Is Manaslu Circuit Trek doable?

Manaslu Circuit Trek is graded as a moderately challenging journey. Although it does not require any climbing and technical skills, having some prior hiking and trekking experiences helps to complete without many difficulties.

During the trek, you need to walk 6-8 hours each day from the very low to high elevations following a well-marked trekking path passing some rough terrains, rocky ridges, river gorges, and ethnic settlements with the light backpack. Walking in the high elevations is more problematic than that of the lower.

Our 17 days Manaslu Circuit is crafted with an acclimatization day in Samagaun . You need to be prepared well both physically and mentally before commencing the trek. Additionally, you can go through  Manaslu Circuit Trek Difficulty to know more.

How to get Manaslu?

For those who don’t like flying small planes, this trek is perfect as you have to reach the beginning point of the trek via overland. Your trekking agency manages a private vehicle or a bus to get Soti Khola from Kathmandu. Catching a private jeep makes your drive more comfortable and they pick up and drop at the door of your hotel.

The journey moves through Kathmandu-Arughat-Soti Khola- Machha Khola-Jagat-Deng-Namrung-Shyala-Samagaaun-Samdo-Dharamsala-Larkey Pass-Bhimthang-Dharapani-Syangje-Bensishahar-Kathamandu.

When to plan the trip?

Although Manaslu Trek is doable in any season, most of our guests prefer the periods of spring (March-April-May) and autumn (September-October-November) to trek. The skies are clearer and the views are unobstructed. Trekkers witness diverse landscapes and lustrous vegetation during these months.

Spring is the flower blooming season. Rhododendrons and other wildflowers bloom entire the hills making them colorful. As the snow melts even in the high elevations, makes the journey to Manaslu easier and more convenient.

Autumn offers fresh nature after the heavy participation of summer. It is a festive season and most of the houses and people seem decorated. People seem busy celebrating their greatest festivals including Dashain and Tihar (Deepawali). Immerse yourself in the nature and rural part of Manaslu during autumn.

What permits do I need to Trek?

Anyone interested in Manaslu Circuit Trek should buy Manaslu Conservation Area Project Permit (MCAP) , Annapurna Conservation Area Project Permit (ACAP), and Manaslu Restricted Area Permit (RAP). All these permits will be arranged by us and the price is included in your total trip cost.

How difficult is Manaslu Circuit Trek?

The difficulty of any treks depends upon numerous things including distance, duration, season chosen, weather and climate, altitude sickness, access to accommodation and food, roles of guides and porters, training, budget management, previous experiences, and many others.

This is a moderately strenuous trek that reaches the high elevated terrains of the Manaslu and Annapurna conservation area. The trails can be rocky, steep, or slippery including numerous stairways. It will be a bit difficult but not that harsh.

Covering 177 kilometers, you need to reach the maximum elevations of 5106m above sea level at Larkey-La walking in exotic and off-the-beaten paths. With the natural setting embellished by sheer mountains, tranquil lakes, towering waterfalls, and lush greenery, Manaslu is a visual sensation.

How long is the Manaslu Circuit Trek?

It depends. If you are doing a 17 days Manaslu Circuit Trek, the above itinerary applies. However, if you want to trek a bit longer, can customize this trek. This can be the situation if you include the Tsum Valley and perhaps continuing on the Annapurna Circuit too.

Can I Trek Solo?

No. Trekking a restricted region- Manaslu solo is strictly prohibited. In a group, there should be at least 2 people according to the government of Nepal. Along, you should trek with a licensed guide. A professional and experienced guide shall help you to navigate the route, find the best teahouse to accommodate, and are very helpful during emergencies. They are great negotiators.

Taking a porter is more convenient and helpful. Porter carry all your trekking accessories and you just can walk carrying important documents in a small daypack enjoying the sceneries around. Carrying the heavy burden while walking in the high elevations may be more problematic. Paying some for a porter helps to sustain a whole family. It will be a social service as well.

Where is the Starting and Ending Point of the Trek?

Most of the trekking in the Manaslu region begins from Soti Khola, an 8-9 hours drive from Kathmandu on a private jeep or local bus. Most of the trekkers begin Manaslu Circuit Trek from Soti Khola and end at Dharapani or Tal. Trekkers eager to combine this trek with Annapurna Circuit finish their trip at Pokhara, a beautiful city.

Taking a private jeep is more comfortable, easier, and faster. There will be a crowd of local people in a local bus and the seats are narrow making discomfort to sit properly.

What is Special at Manaslu? How is it Different from Everest and Annapurna?

Crossing Larkey-La (5106m) offers excellent panoramic views of the Himalayas including Manaslu, Annapurna massifs, Choe Himal, Kanguru, and several other neighboring peaks makes the journey more special.

Exploring the remote landscapes and villages with the flavor of Tibetan Buddhism, trekking in the less crowded areas of off-the-beaten-trails, passing numerous river gorges and ridges makes the journey more memorable and exciting.

You will not follow the same path again. Every day you will witness a new culture, lifestyle, terrains, landscapes, and places which makes Manaslu Trek different from others.

Is this trip customizable?

Yes. Manaslu Circuit trek can be tailor-made as per your need and requirements. We are here to make your trip in accordance with your budget and interest.

Manaslu and Everest View Trek

Andy mills, united kingdom, pre-trip information, accomodation, transportation, value for money.

We completed two wonderful treks in October and November 2019. Both arranged through HMT with Ram as our guide. The Manaslu trek was a trip of a lifetime. Amazing scenery, immersion in local culture and physically challenging. More authentic than EBC or Annapurna, at times just you and the mountains. We were so impressed that we booked another trek to Everest view. Again Ram managed everything superbly and understood our needs every step of the way. You should really use Holy Mountain Treks if you want a great experience.

Wonderful Trip

Luis, spain.

Once we booked Manaslu circuit trek with HMT, we were excited and a bit stressed regarding the high elevated journey. I had studied in the internet about off the beaten trail and Larkey Pass, etc. Once we landed Nepal and visited the office of HMT, made us clearer about it. The journey was not strenuous as we expected. The views were magnificent, the trails were less crowded and pace was comfortable. An acclimatization day helped me to be adjusted in the higher elevation. Our guide Ram was very helpful, knowledgeable, and funny. He cracked jokes, informed about the mountains, cultures, history of Nepal which helped making the journey special. Upon standing Larkey La, I could feel I am at the top surrounding snowy peaks. Food, accommodation, services were excellent. I highly recommend HMT especially Ram for any tour and trekking in Nepal.

Manaslu Trek

Jennifer, mexico.

We made Manaslu Circuit Trek with Holy Mountain Treks last year. It was really adventurous, enjoyable, and memorable. The whole team was professional, smiling knowledgeable, and competent who made our journey more comfortable. Green forests, diverse landscapes, rough terrains indescribably beautiful nature were the highlights of the journey. Passing Larkey-La was our greatest experience. Our guide Krishna made our journey special. As he speaks well English and has sound knowledge of the geography, culture, and history of Nepal, provided us a plethora of information about Nepal and Nepali. So, the journey was more convenient than expected. I highly recommend Holy Mountain Treks and Krishna for any treks and tours in Nepal.

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Manaslu Circuit Trek Itinerary: A Step-by-Step Guide

• 7 months ago

Manaslu Circuit trek , often referred to as a hidden gem, offers trekkers a remarkable journey through some of the most stunning, and remote landscapes in the Himalayas.

Mount Manaslu traverse is the eighth-highest mountain in the world which provides an authentic cultural experience as you traverse through traditional Nepalese villages.

In this comprehensive guide, you will take you through a step-by-step itinerary for the Manaslu Circuit trek, helping you plan an unforgettable adventure through this remote and pristine region.

Trips - Manaslu Circuit Trek Itinerary: A Step-by-Step Guide

Everest Region Trek , Nepal

Nepal , Restricted Region Trek

Annapurna Region Trek , Nepal

There are some preparations and permission to be informed before travelling.

Table of Contents

Manaslu Circuit Trekking Permits

Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) : Since the Manaslu Circuit briefly passes through the Annapurna Conservation Area, you’ll also need an ACAP permit. You can obtain this permit in Kathmandu or at various entry points along the trek.

Physical Fitness and Acclimatization Physical Fitness: The Manaslu Circuit trek involves challenging terrain and high altitudes. Prior physical conditioning and cardiovascular fitness are crucial. Regular hiking and cardio workouts in the months leading up to your trek will help prepare your body.

Acclimatization: Acclimatization is essential to prevent altitude sickness. Your Nepal trekking itinerary should include gradual altitude gains and rest days to help your body adjust to reduced oxygen levels as you ascend.

Altitude Sickness Medication: Carry altitude sickness medication and consult with a healthcare professional before your trek.

Trekking Gear and Packing List Packing appropriately is crucial for your comfort and safety during the trek. Here’s a list of essential trekking gear and items to pack:

• Moisture-wicking base layers
• Insulating layers (fleece or down jacket)
• Waterproof jacket and pants
• Trekking pants and shorts
• Trekking shirts (long-sleeved for sun protection)
• Warm hat and gloves
• Hiking socks
• Hiking boots (sturdy, waterproof, and well-fitted) Gear
• Backpack (comfortable and large enough to carry essentials)
• Sleeping bag (suitable for cold temperatures)
• Trekking poles (for stability)
• Headlamp (with extra batteries)
• Sunglasses (with UV protection)
• Water bottles (to stay hydrated)
• Reusable water purification system (to reduce plastic waste)
• Trekking towel (quick-drying)
• First aid kit (including altitude sickness medication) Other Essentials
• Trekking permits (Manaslu Restricted Area Permit and ACAP)
• Passport and passport photos (for permit applications)
• Cash (Nepalese rupees for expenses on the trail)
• Guidebook/map (for navigation and information) Personal Items
• Toiletries (toothbrush, toothpaste, soap, small towel)
• Sunscreen and lip balm (with high SPF)
• Personal medications (including altitude sickness medication)
• Camera and accessories (to capture the stunning scenery) Optional Items
• Gaiters (for keeping snow and debris out of your boots)
• Down booties (for warmth at higher altitudes)
• Portable solar charger (for electronic devices)
• Travel pillow (for added comfort) The Manaslu Circuit Trek Itinerary Now, let’s dive into the step-by-step itinerary for the Manaslu Circuit trek . This classic route takes you on a circular journey around Mount Manaslu, showcasing breathtaking landscapes, rich cultural encounters, and challenging high-altitude adventure. The total trekking distance is approximately 177 kilometers (110 miles), and the trek generally takes between 14 to 18 days to complete, depending on your chosen starting and ending points and any side trips you wish to undertake.

Day 1: Kathmandu to Soti Khola (Drive) Distance: Approximately 140 kilometers (87 miles) Duration: 7-9 hours by vehicle Your Manaslu Circuit adventure begins from Kathmandu ( the capital of Nepal). From here, embark on a scenic drive that takes you through picturesque landscapes and charming villages. The journey to Soti Khola is an opportunity to soak in the beauty of rural Nepal and the stunning countryside. You’ll overnight in Soti Khola, ready to commence your trek the following day.

Day 2: Soti Khola to Machha Khola (Trek) Distance: Approximately 14 kilometers (8.7 miles) Duration: 5-6 hours The trek commences as you follow the Budhi Gandaki River, crossing suspension bridges and navigating through lush forests. The trail takes you through quaint settlements and provides the first taste of the diverse flora and fauna that call this region home. Machha Khola, your destination for the day, is a charming village where you can rest and recharge for the journey ahead.

Day 3: Machha Khola to Jagat (Trek) Distance: Approximately 22 kilometers (13.7 miles) Duration: 7-8 hours Leaving Machha Khola behind, the trail continues to wind along the Budhi Gandaki River, offering glimpses of the region’s natural beauty. The trek includes some ascents and descents, leading you to the village of Jagat. Here, you’ll officially enter the Manaslu Conservation Area, and your trekking permits will be checked. Enjoy the rustic charm of Jagat as you settle in for the night.

Day 4: Jagat to Deng (Trek) Distance: Approximately 21 kilometers (13.1 miles) Duration: 7-8 hours As you ascend further, you’ll notice changes in the landscape and vegetation. The dense subtropical forests begin to give way to temperate forests, with oak, maple, and rhododendron trees adorning the trail. Along the way, you’ll encounter small villages, terraced fields, and friendly locals going about their daily lives. Deng, your destination for the day, offers a glimpse into the traditional way of life in the Manaslu region.

Day 5: Deng to Namrung (Trek) Distance: Approximately 19 kilometers (11.8 miles) Duration: 6-7 hours The trek takes you deeper into the conservation area as you make your way to Namrung, a picturesque village at a higher altitude. As you ascend, the views of the surrounding peaks become increasingly stunning. Namrung is your first taste of higher-altitude living, and you’ll have the opportunity to explore the village and interact with locals who are accustomed to the challenges of mountain life.

Day 6: Namrung to Samagaon (Trek) Distance: Approximately 13 kilometers (8.1 miles) Duration: 4-5 hours Today’s trek leads you to Samagaon, a charming village nestled amidst the towering peaks of the Manaslu Massif. Along the way, you’ll be treated to stunning views of Manaslu and other surrounding mountains. Samagaon is a place to immerse yourself in the local culture, visit ancient monasteries, and experience the warmth of the people who call this village home.

Day 7: Acclimatization Day in Samagaon Duration: Full day in Samagaon To acclimatize to the higher altitude, take a well-deserved rest day in Samagaon. This is an opportunity to explore the village further, visit nearby viewpoints, and gain a deeper understanding of the local way of life. You can also consider a hike to the Pungyen Gompa or Manaslu Base Camp for breathtaking views of the surrounding peaks.

Day 8: Samagaon to Samdo (Trek) Distance: Approximately 10 kilometers (6.2 miles) Duration: 3-4 hours The trail continues to ascend, bringing you closer to the Tibetan border. Samdo, your next destination, is a small village with a unique atmosphere. The proximity to the border adds to the intrigue of this remote settlement. Upon arrival in Samdo, you can explore the village or take a short hike to acclimatize.

Day 9: Acclimatization Day in Samdo Duration: Full day in Samdo Another day for acclimatization in Samdo is essential before you proceed to higher altitudes. You may choose to hike to the nearby Tibetan border or explore the surrounding terrain. This additional day of rest and acclimatization will help prepare your body for the challenges ahead.

Day 10: Samdo to Dharamsala (Trek) Distance: Approximately 13 kilometers (8.1 miles) Duration: 4-5 hours Today’s trek takes you to Dharamsala, also known as Larkya Base Camp. This is your preparation point for the upcoming high pass, the Larkya La Pass. The trail offers stunning views of the surrounding peaks, and you’ll notice a change in the terrain as you ascend higher into the alpine zone. Dharamsala provides basic accommodation and meals to prepare you for the pass crossing.

Day 11: Dharamsala to Bimthang via Larkya La Pass (Trek) Distance: Approximately 15 kilometers (9.3 miles) Duration: 8-9 hours The highlight of your Manaslu Circuit trek is here as you cross the challenging Larkya La Pass . At 5,160 meters (16,929 feet) above sea level, this pass offers breathtaking views of the Himalayas. You’ll likely encounter snow and icy terrain, so be prepared with appropriate gear. After crossing the pass, you’ll descend to Bimthang, a beautiful meadow surrounded by high peaks. This descent provides a rewarding change of scenery.

Day 12: Bimthang to Tilije (Trek) Distance: Approximately 18 kilometers (11.2 miles) Duration: 6-7 hours The trek gradually descends today, offering different views and landscapes as you make your way to Tilije. You’ll rejoin the Annapurna Circuit trail, trekking alongside the Marsyangdi River. This part of the journey takes you through lush forests and charming villages, providing a contrast to the high-altitude landscapes you’ve encountered so far.

Day 13: Tilije to Tal (Trek) Distance: Approximately 18 kilometers (11.2 miles) Duration: 6-7 hours Your trek continues as you make your way to Tal, a village along the Marsyangdi River. The trail takes you through terraced fields and scenic landscapes, with opportunities to interact with locals and learn about their way of life. Tal is your last overnight stop on the trek, and you’ll catch a vehicle from here for the return journey to Kathmandu the following day.

Day 14: Tal to Syange (Trek) and Drive to Kathmandu Distance: Approximately 12 kilometers (7.5 miles) of trekking Duration: 4-5 hours of trekking, followed by a 2-3 hour drive to Kathmandu Your final day of trekking takes you from Tal to Syange, where you’ll conclude your trekking adventure. From Syange, you’ll catch a vehicle for the return journey to Kathmandu. The drive offers a chance to reflect on your incredible journey through the Manaslu region and provides one last look at the stunning Nepalese countryside.

Essential Tips for a Successful Trek

As you prepare for your manaslu circuit trek and follow the itinerary outlined above, here are some essential tips to ensure a successful and enjoyable adventure:.

• Trek with a Guide or Porter While the Manaslu Circuit can be trekked independently, hiring a local guide or porter can enhance your experience and provide valuable insights into the region’s culture and terrain. Porters can carry your heavy gear, allowing you to trek more comfortably.
• Acclimatize Adequately Altitude sickness is a real concern when trekking in Nepal at higher elevations. Follow your trekking itinerary, which includes rest days for acclimatization, and listen to your body. If you experience symptoms of altitude sickness (headache, nausea, fatigue), descend to a lower altitude immediately.
• Stay Hydrated and Eat Well Proper hydration and nutrition are vital during the trek. Drink plenty of clean water, and eat balanced meals to maintain your energy levels.
• Dress in Layers The weather in the Himalayas can change rapidly. Dress in layers so you can easily adjust to temperature variations throughout the day. Ensure your outer layers are waterproof to protect against rain and snow.
• Respect Local Culture and Environment Show respect for the local communities you encounter along the trek. Ask for permission before taking photos of people and their property. Dispose of waste properly and carry out all non-biodegradable trash.
• Stay Safe and Informed Stay informed about weather conditions and trail updates from local sources. Carry a first aid kit, and be prepared for emergencies. Register your trekking plans with local authorities or your trekking agency.

Conclusion: Manaslu Circuit Trek Itinerary: A Step-by-Step Guide

The Manaslu Circuit trek offers a unique blend of natural beauty, cultural immersion, and high-altitude adventure. Following this step-by-step itinerary, along with proper preparation and responsible trekking practices, will help ensure that your journey through this remote Himalayan region is not only successful but also deeply fulfilling. As you trek through attractive villages, traverse challenging mountain passes, and savor breathtaking vistas, you’ll create memories that will last a lifetime. So, lace up your boots, take the first step, and embark on an unforgettable adventure in the heart of the Himalayas on the Manaslu Circuit.

Copyright © 2020 by Nepal Trekking Routes

Trekking in Nepal

Manaslu Circuit Trek: An Ultimate Guide

By Suraj Katwal

Updated On May 21, 2023

Manaslu Circuit Trek is categorized as one of the most amazing remote area treks in Nepal. Embark into an adventurous trek to the lap of mountain Manaslu, also known as the mountain of the spirit.

Regarded as World’s eighth highest mountain , standing high at a height of 8,163m, the hypnotic view of mount Manaslu has been alluring avid trekkers and the number increases every year.

Manaslu region is a beautiful location with a spectacular landscape and diverse geography. Trekkers are struck by the captivating scenario of the trekking trail which is surrounded by mesmerizing snow-capped mountains from all directions.

The trekking trail of Manaslu circuit encompasses some naturally enriched forest, gorges, rivers, waterfalls , flora, and fauna.

Manaslu circuit trek is the blend of both adventure and solace that’s why it has become one of the favorite trekking destinations for trekkers in Nepal. This trek is suitable for those trekkers who want to take the adventure to the next level.

The spiral trekking route of Manaslu circuit takes around 16-22 days to complete if you stick to the itinerary. To complete the trek in time, the trek that demands tough physical fitness.

Manaslu circuit trek is slowly grabbing trekkers’ attention due to its unmatched beauty and the serenity it offers. Located in Manaslu region Tibetan influence blend of both Nepalese and Tibetan culture.

Manaslu Circuit Trek Highlights

• Spectacular view of the world’s eighth highest mountain Manaslu
• Exploring the unique lifestyle of people of Manaslu region
• Trekking through dramatic Larkya La Pass (5,106m)
• Experience the blend of Nepalese and Tibetan culture

Manaslu Trekking Overview

The challenging trekking trail of the trek takes you to the maximum height of 5,106 m. Manaslu circuit trekking package is designed in such a way that the trek can be completed in around 16-22 days. Gaining popularity as one of the best trekking destinations in Nepal, this rural area trek is challenging yet exhilarating.

How to Get There?

Kathmandu is the main point for the entry and your journey starts the capital city. There are two options to start a Manaslu Circuit Trek. One is by private jeep and the other one is by Public Bus but it is not possible to start the trek by foot.

Private Jeep

If you want to begin the trek to be smooth and friendly then reserving private Jeep is the best way. You will get 4wd jeep which is designed for an off-road drive. Your journey starts Kathmandu to Dhading Besi and from Dhading Besi to Sotikhola.

It takes around 7-8 hours to reach Sotikhola from Kathmandu depending upon the traffic it may take additional time. You can share the same jeep by 7-8 people so, reserving a jeep will be cheaper if you book with a group. The estimated cost of a jeep is around $150-$200.

The public bus ride is an adventurous ride but it is safe as the bus drivers are more experienced. As there is no direct public bus service from Kathmandu to Sotikhola. so, you have to take transit to reach Arughat. There is a local bus or jeep service from Sotikhola to Arughat.

The distance between Kathmandu to Sotikhola is 138 km and it takes around 8-9 hours to reach Arughat but it also depends upon the road conditions.

Where to stay?

There are quite several places in Manaslu region where you can stay during the trek. Being a remote area trek, it doesn’t assure superior quality but your comfort and needs are addressed.

On the first day, you can stay in Soti Khola where many teahouses are running. You can expect Wifi and hot shower services but you have to pay extra. Then, as you go uphill, you’ll find teahouses in abundance in Jagat. You’ll also encounter the first check-point in Jagat.

Next, you can find teahouses in Deng. You can also enjoy local dance there. Your staying point during Manaslu circuit trek will certainly be in Namrung, Lo village, Sama Gaun, Samdo, Dharmasala, Bimthang, and lastly Dharapani. Two beds and a common bathroom are available in the teahouses.

Accommodation and healthy food is rarely a problem in Manaslu trek. Trekkers mostly prefer Dal Bhat after a tiring long walk. It gives them instant energy and strength to walk long. Wooden fire can also be available in teahouses. You can inquire at the teahouses.

How to prepare for Manaslu Circuit Trek?

You should train your body and mind for such type of trekking. It requires a high level of preparation and few experiences in high altitude trek. So first-timers are not recommended.

Tough physical fitness is required. It is a long trek in a rural area so, a high level of adjustment is required. The completion of the trek also depends on your capacity to acclimatize with the changing elevation and weather.

You should strengthen your hiking and breathing ability. Exercise daily. Spend your morning time in building your stamina.

It is better to have some knowledge of first-aid. Carry your essential medicines with you. If you have a breathing problem then this trek is not recommended.

Carefully pack your bag. Equip yourself with trekking gear and essential clothes. Carry enough Nepali currency. Carry water to keep yourself hydrated throughout the trek.

Before you head for Trekking, you should grab some ideas about the Manaslu Circuit Trek weather condition. Then, you can decide the best time to trek the Manaslu circuit.

Winter is not suitable for the Manaslu circuit trek. The winter season extends from December to February. The trek route is icy. The frozen trekking trails can be dangerous. There is a high chance of slipping while walking.

There is not much flora and fauna to explore during winter. Snowfall is high during winter. The beautiful landscape of Manaslu is covered with a snow blanket. Trekking trails are blocked during heavy snowfall.

At that time, we would need to wait for the snow to stop. The oxygen will be extremely low making it difficult to survive the high altitude of 5106m during winter.

Spring is considered the best season for the Manaslu circuit trek. The spring season extends from March to May. The weather is neither too hot nor too cold.

It is the time when the rhododendron forest is dense. Rhododendron of various colors can be seen blooming and distinct species of animals come out of their hibernation period.

Spring season greets us right after the winter season. The sky becomes clearer so the mountains can be seen clearly.

The chilly weather turns warm so the bundle of heavy clothes decreases. The frozen lakes melt. The trekking trails are not steep so the level of difficulty reduces.

The hot Summer days of June, July, and August are not suitable for long trekking trails. During summer, it will be difficult to walk in the scorching heat. It will be difficult to walk 6-7 hours a day under a scorching sun. The weather will be dry in summer.

Frequent rainfall can occur due to the mountainous area. The rainfall is high where forests are nearby. It is again difficult to walk during rainfall as the trekking trails will get slippery. Even during summer, you would have to carry raincoats and boots.

The temperature is high during the summer. So, you will not encounter snowfall. If you want to play with snow, its better you avoid visiting Manaslu circuit trek during summer.

Trekkers consider Autumn as the best season for Manaslu circuit trek because the weather is neither hot nor cold. Autumn occurs in September, October, and November. Autumn turns up between summer and winter season.

The weather is wet and pleasant during autumn. The temperature is suitable for treks that require walking for long hours.

Manaslu Circuit Trek Route Map

Manaslu circuit trek route map is essential for completing the trek. The trekkers should carry it with them during the trek. Trekkers should be familiar with the various trekking routes, symbols, landmarks, marked on the map. Consulting experienced local guide will help you better understand the Manaslu circuit trekking map.

A trek route map will help you organize itinerary. You can plan where to stay on a trek. Acquiring Manaslu circuit trek altitude map will help you know the altitude of each place on the trek. You can then prepare well to avoid altitude sickness.

16 Days Manaslu Circuit Trek Itinerary

People are often curious about the number of days required to finish the Manaslu trek. It takes around 16 days to complete the trek. Below is the Manaslu circuit trek itinerary for your convenience. You can go this trek for during your long vacations.

Manaslu Circuit Trek via Tsum valley

Tsum valley was not open for trekking till 2008. It is a remote valley in a restricted region. Tsum valley is located in the northern part of Gorkha. The name Tsum derived from an ancient word ‘Tsumbo’. The literal meaning of Tsum is vivid.

Untouched by modernization, Tsum valley still holds the traditional architecture, culture, and lifestyle. Tsum valley is a peaceful village enriched with centuries-old architectural beauties.

The local people of Tsum valley, known as Tsumbas, follow Buddhism and uses a distinct dialect to communicate.

Tsum valley existed as Tsum kingdom in history. It is a beautiful valley with a stunning landscape. The atmosphere here is breathtaking. You would enjoy the natural beauty and the warm hospitality of Tsumbas here.

Tsumbas celebrate different Buddhist festivals like Lhosar which is celebrated as Tibetan New Year. The monasteries of Tsum valley are one of the major attractions of the trek.

Residing in the lap of the Himalayas, Tsum valley offers a spectacular view of high peaks. That’s why lots of trekkers prefer Manaslu trek via Tsum valley. This trek is slowly gaining popularity and trekkers don’t regret the journey.

Tsum lies in the high altitude of hilly part of Nepal. So, the village is cold most of the time. The best time to visit Tsum valley Tsum valley is during spring and autumn. The weather is clear during this time and the view of the mountain range and the distinct landscape is clearly visible.

Manaslu circuit trek via Tsum valley can be completed within 20-24 days depending upon the routes you take and your physical strength. The less time you take to acclimatize, the less time you’ll take to complete the trek.

Manaslu Circuit with Tsum valley trek Highlights:

• Enriched with Buddhist culture
• Teahouses, lodges, guesthouses in abundance
• Stunning view of Ganesh Himal, Manaslu Himal, Lamjung Himal
• Beautiful Rhododendron forest

20 Days Manaslu Circuit with Tsum Valley Trek Itinerary

Trekking gear.

While you prepare yourself for Manaslu circuit trek, you have to consider even small things. Don’t neglect the essentials that will actually help you survive the cold and the difficulties of Manalu.

Here are some trekking gears that you would probably require during Manaslu circuit trek:

• Base Layer, an Insulation Layer, Outer Layer
• Trekking trousers and shirts
• Waterproof jackets and trousers
• Underwear and socks
• Hat and Gloves
• Trekking shoes
• Sleeping Bag and duffle bag
• Sunglasses, towel, water bottle
• Portable charger

Learn: Manaslu Circuit Trek Route Tips

Frequently Asked Questions

Get the answer about frequently asked questions about Manaslu Circuit Trekking that our visitors have been asking us.

Is Manaslu Circuit dangerous?

How long is Manaslu circuit trek?

The Circuit Trek is the most visited remote area trekking in Nepal. The trek starts from the historical place of bravery and strength, Gorkha, and ends at Bhimphedi. The main attraction of Manaslu trekking is the dramatic Larkya Pass which extends to 5,140m. The Manaslu circuit trek distance is quite prolonged compared to other treks in Nepal. Manaslu circuit trek length is around 177 km. It is a long trek that requires at least 15 days to complete and the days vary depending upon the stamina of the trekker.

Is it difficult to trek Manaslu Circuit?

Manaslu Trek is not a piece of cake. Before you go for the circuit trek, you should be aware of the difficulty level of the trek and the problems you might face in the worst case so that you can prepare well. Manaslu circuit trek difficulty level is high. It requires tough physical fitness and a lot of experience in trekking to Manaslu. The trekking trails are circular and offbeat. Not only physical fitness, but you also need to train your mind as well. Balancing the body and mind is key to a successful trek. Be mentally prepared to go for a difficult but exciting trek. The trekking trails are quite long so you have to walk around 15-20km a day. The high altitude will cause nausea making it difficult to walk in elevation. Altitude sickness may cause trekkers to slow down. Manaslu circuit trek is in a remote area so you cannot expect many facilities there. Facilities like the internet, telecommunication, good accommodation, warm water, medical help, etc are rarely available.

Are the internet and charging accessible at Manaslu?

The lodges are comfortable for accommodation but it is difficult for the lodges to provide good internet and charging accessibility after a certain elevation. Some lodges have solar power and may provide wi-fi and communication facility. But, as the altitude increases, the facilities start fading. CDMA has better coverage in the Manaslu region. You should not depend on the internet and charging facilities of the Manaslu region. Carry extra batteries and power banks for charging purposes. As you climb up, you won’t be able to connect with your family and friends so you should inform them in advance about the telecommunication.

What are Manaslu Circuit trek permits and cost requirements?

As Manaslu circuit trek lies within the Manaslu Conservation Area, you are required to carry permits to enter the restricted region. You would require ACAP and MCAP to enter the Annapurna Conservation Area and Manaslu Conservation Area respectively. If you’re visiting the Manaslu circuit via Tsum valley, then another necessary permit is required that would cost about $35.

Can I go to Solo Trekking?

Manaslu circuit is regarded as a trek with a high level of difficulties. It is a remote area trekking so the trekking trails are rocky and dangerous. Trekkers require a certain level of physical fitness and a high level of enthusiasm to complete such an unconventional trekking route. This trekking package has some limitations and mandatory requirements and one of them is no solo trekking. A group of two or more trekkers is required to continue trekking. A solo trekker is not granted permits to go solo trekking. Since the circuit trekking is quite unpredictable, there is a possibility of facing problems either during trekking through the rough path at a high altitude or during trekking through Larkya Pass. Larkya Pass is usually windy and too snowy. Trekkers sometimes lose the trekking path at Larkya Pass. Solo trekking can be life-threatening. Trekking in the group with guides and porters is recommended.

Can you trek Manaslu without a guide?

Manaslu circuit trek without a guide is a bit of a difficult job. Having a Manaslu trekking map is not enough to complete the trekking trail of the Manaslu circuit. It is definitely necessary to have a map and understand the map thoroughly but to fully depend on it and proceed without a guide is a bad idea. Taking a guide is highly recommended as the guides are highly experienced. They will come up with a solution any you face any problem during trekking.

What is the best season to visit the Manaslu Region?

Autumn and spring are deemed as the best season to visit the Manaslu region because it is the best time to witness the stunning view of the mountain range. The view of the Tsum valley in Manaslu dazzles the trekkers during Autumn and Spring season. Manaslu region is stunning throughout the year. The trek lovers appreciate its spectacular landscape and unique natural beauty more during the spring and autumn season.

How much does the Manaslu trekking cost?

You can choose the mode of transportation. If you choose to travel on the local bus, that would possibly cost you around USD $10 per person. If you choose a jeep journey, then it would probably cost you between USD $150-$200. The isolated environment of Manaslu is expected to be expensive. The single meal will not cost more than $5-$6. Estimating $20 expense a day would be enough probably. The cost of a single bedroom and double bedroom would normally range from USD $6 – $9. The total cost of the Manaslu circuit trek permit would be around USD $110 per person from September to November and US $90 per person from December to August. Moreover, the circuit trek and Tsum valley trek permit would cost USD $145 per person from September to November whereas the only USD $105 per person from December to August. Since this circuit trek is located in the remote area of the Manaslu region, trekkers will definitely require an experienced guide and porter to complete the difficult trek within the estimated duration. The cost for guide and porter is not more than $25.

I hope this ultimate guide for the Manaslu circuit trek would be of your help. This guide includes all the necessary information you should know before you go for the Manaslu trekking.

If you have any queries, please leave a comment. Have a nice holiday!

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Suraj Katwal

Suraj is a travel enthusiast who believes in finding solace in the heart of nature. He enjoys exploring new destinations, different culture, and encouraging people to travel.

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2 thoughts on “Manaslu Circuit Trek: An Ultimate Guide”

I am interested in going for Manaslu circuit trek in October’ 21 – 2nd week My planned itinerary for 2 persons (Indians) Day 1 fly to Kathmandu Day 2 permit Day 3 kathmandu- sotikhola Day 4 machakhola Day 5 jagat Day 6 deng. Day 7 namrung Day 8 samagaon Day 9 samagaon Day 10 samdo Day 11 dharamshala Day 12 bhimthang Day 13 dharapani- Release of Guide Day 14 Kathmandu I will need to hire one Porter-guide and arrangements of RAP, ACAP & MCAP. If you can arrange or give some reference.

Hi Sunil, We can arrange it, can you please share your WhatsApp number over email or contact us on WhatsApp – +977-9808211139 ?

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Manaslu Circuit Trekking

• Manaslu Circuit Tsum Valley Trek
• Manaslu Circuit Trek Via Barpak
• Manaslu Tsum Valley Trekking
• Manaslu Circuit Trek
• DHAULAGIRI CIRCUIT TREKKING
• RARA LAKE TREKKING
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• Kali Gandaki River Rafting
• Holy Kailash Overland Tour
• Tibet Overland 12 days
• Bhutan Cultural Tour 9 days
• Bhutan Gangtey Gogona Tour
• Special Packages
• Client Reviews

Manaslu Circuit Trekking highlights of this trek include.

• Hike at Manaslu Base Camp 4800 Meters.
• Stunning Himalayan Views: The trek offers breathtaking views of the Manaslu massif, including Manaslu itself, which is the eighth-highest mountain in the world. Trekkers can also enjoy panoramic views of neighboring peaks such as Himlung Himal, Manalu 8163 M, Nadi Chili 7871 m, Naike Peak & Ganesh Himal range.
• Many suspension bridge crossings : The first part of the trail follows the Buri Gandaki, a deep, long river gorge, with many suspension bridge crossings.
• Cultural Diversity: The trek takes you through a variety of ethnic villages, allowing trekkers to experience the diverse cultures and traditions of the local people. Villages along the route are inhabited by Gurungs, Tamangs, and Sherpas, each with their unique customs, festivals, and architecture.
• Less Crowded: Compared to more popular trekking routes in Nepal, such as the Everest Base Camp or Annapurna Circuit, the Manaslu Circuit is less crowded. This provides a more peaceful and remote trekking experience, allowing trekkers to immerse themselves in the natural surroundings without the hustle and bustle of larger trekking routes.
• Remote and Untouched Landscapes: The trek takes you through a range of landscapes, from lush green valleys and terraced fields to alpine forests and high mountain deserts. The remote and less-visited nature of the trail adds to its appeal for those seeking a more pristine and untouched trekking experience.
• High Mountain Passes: The challenge of crossing high mountain passes, particularly the Larkya La Pass at an elevation of 5,106 meters (16,923 feet), adds an element of adventure to the trek. Crossing these passes rewards trekkers with stunning views and a sense of accomplishment.
• Wildlife and Biodiversity : The Manaslu region is rich in biodiversity, and trekkers may encounter various species of flora and fauna along the trail. The region is a habitat for elusive wildlife such as the snow leopard, red panda, and Himalayan tahr.
• Cultural and Historical Sites : The trek passes through several ancient monasteries, chortens (Buddhist shrines), and traditional villages, providing opportunities for cultural exploration and interaction with the local communities. The historical and religious significance of these sites adds depth to the trekking experience.
• Cultural Immersion : Trekkers have the opportunity to engage with local communities, learn about their way of life, and witness traditional ceremonies and festivals. This cultural immersion adds a unique and enriching dimension to the trek.
• Special Permits and Regulations: The requirement for special permits (Manaslu Restricted Area Permit) adds a sense of exclusivity to the trek, and the regulations help in managing the number of trekkers, contributing to the preservation of the area.
• Conservation Area:   The Manaslu region is designated as a conservation area, aiming to preserve the unique biodiversity and cultural heritage of the area. By trekking in this region, you contribute to the local economy and support conservation efforts.
• Off-the-Beaten-Path Experience : Manaslu Trek offers a sense of adventure and exploration as it takes you through remote and less-developed areas of Nepal. It provides a chance to escape the bustling cities and immerse yourself in the peaceful and untouched natural surroundings. Overall, the combination of natural beauty, cultural diversity, and a sense of adventure makes the Manaslu Circuit Trek a compelling choice for those seeking a unique trekking experience in the Himalayas.

Manaslu Circuit Trekking begins with the exciting and interesting drive from Kathmandu to reach warmer low areas of Gorkha Valley near the raging Buri-Gandaki River, where the walk follows the river upstream right up to its glacial source at high Manaslu Valley near Sama Gaon and Larke Phedi (bottom). A walk leads through several farm villages and terraces entering into the lovely cool forest of rhododendrons, pines, oaks, and fir tree lines then reaching into more Tibetan origin cultured villages of Buddhism religion from Dying onward past Lo-Gaon to reach Sama-Gaon, the main and large village of high Manaslu areas. With time for rest and acclimatization at Sama-Gaon explore its interesting colorful customs and monastery then head further with scenic views of The Manaslu mountain range and cultural villages of great fascinating traditions.

Manaslu Circuit Trekking which was closed to outside visitors for a long period and was re-opened in the last two decades, Mt. Manaslu was first climbed by a Japanese Expedition in 1956, the mountain stands at 8,163 m and 26, 781 ft with its range of satellite peaks includes Bouddha, Sistine, Himalchuli with other smaller mountains. The Manaslu comes from the ancient Hindu Sanskrit word Manas ‘the mind or soul of the god’ like Holy Lake Manasarovar in Tibet near Mt. Kailash, located within Nepal Mid northwest Himalayan around remote and high Gorkha district, since the areas were opened where few trekkers ventured, at present becoming more popular due to its remoteness and isolation from the outside modern world.     to Larke Phedi in Dharamsala the bottom of Larke-la pass. The climb leads over Larke-la at above 5,106 m high overlooking the outstanding panorama of peaks that surround this beautiful spot festooned with Buddhist colorful prayer flags and then descends towards the Manang area and back into woodland, where the walk follows the Marysangdi River downstream after the Dharapani village to the road head for the drive back to Kathmandu after a most mesmerizing adventure on   Manaslu Circuit Trekking.      

(Video of well plan trekking organized Manaslu trek including Chitwan safari  )

DAY-BY-DAY OUTLET MANASLU CIRCUIT TREK  ITINERARY

Day 01: Arrive in Kathmandu 1,345 m and then transfer to respective Hotels Day 02: Free day in Kathmandu to prepare the permits Day 03: Drive to  Machha-Khola 930m – 06 hrs. Day 04: Trek to Jagat 1,410m – 06 hrs. Day 05: Trek to Dyang 1,800 m – 06 hrs Day 06: Trek to Namrung  2540 m – 06 hrs Day 07: Trek to Sama-Gaon 3,530 m – 06 hrs. Day 08:Rest Day for acclimatization and local excursion to scenic viewpoints. Day 09:Trek to Samdo 3,860 m – 04 hrs Day 10: Trek to Dharamsala  4,470 m – 04 hrs. Day 11: Cross Larkya-la 5,106 m and to Bimthang 3,720 m – 08 hrs Day 12: Trek to Dharapani 1,860 m – 06 hrs. Day 13: Drive to Kathmandu and then transfer to your hotels – 06 hrs. Day 14: International departure for homeward bound or to respective countries

Note:  For the  Manaslu Circuit Trekking we need special Permits do we need a Passport for this so that you should be in Kathmandu a day before starting the trek?

DETAILS ITINERARY

Day 01: Arrive in Kathmandu 1,345 m and then transfer to respective Hotels      On reaching Kathmandu via respective airlines well received by company guides and staff for a short drive in the hub of Kathmandu city where your hotels are located. After checking into your lovely rooms and getting refreshed join in at the hotel lobby for a group briefing regarding treks and other useful information to make your stay in Nepal enjoyable.

Day 02: Free day in Kathmandu to prepare the permits 

   We will collect your passports and photos to prepare your immigration permits. Original permits are needed to collect Nepal immigration permits. You can explore the town on your own. We will have a trip briefing and introductory program with your guide after the permits are collected. Meals Included: Breakfast 

Day 03: Drive to Machha –Khola 930 m via Arughat - 08 hrs. ( Distance  150 Km )       Starting our fabulous adventure at Manaslu Circuit trekking taking a long and exciting overland journey to reach warmer areas of the Gorkha district at Arughat a moderate size town with sub-tropical temperature, where our drive continues on the dirt road for an hour to reach our first overnight stop at Soti-Khola a small farm village, slowly turning into a town due to motorable road facilities. Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

Day 04: Trek to Jagat 1,410m - 06 hrs ( Distance  21 Km )       From these fishing villages, the morning leads following the Buri-Gandaki River upstream for a few hours, as the walk leads past Khorla Beshi a small farm village, and on a winding trail to reach Tatopani village with natural “Hot Spring,” as per time permits enjoy the warm refreshing bathe then walk uphill to Jagat village for the overnight stop. This is a nice village with many shops and stores including a fair number of simple good lodges to stay in. Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

Day 05: Trek to Dyang 1,800 m - 06 hrs ( Distance 20 km )     After the pleasant stop at Jagat, the journey continues the higher walking past several farm villages and then on a downhill to cross over a bridge to reach Nagjet and Philim, a large village with many scattered farmhouses. After Philim walks into farm terraces of golden fields of wheat and barley, then climbs on rocky ridge top into the bamboo forest area to our overnight stop at Dying Village. Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

Day 06: Trek to Namrung  2540 m – 06 hrs ( Distance 19 Km)      A morning walk from Dyang leads to a cooler area where you can feel the rise in altitude, on entering the Himalayan alpine region, continue to walk downhill to a riverside to reach Bihi Bazaar a small village near a riverside. From here onwards encountering more villages of strong Tibetan culture, the walk leads on a gentle trail with few short ups and downs till Namrung village is reached for the overnight stop. Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

Day 07: Trek to Sama Gaon 3,530 m - 05 hrs  (Distance 16 km )      After Lo Gaon tree lines fade only for a few short juniper bushes and some willow trees, The walk leads on a nice path with views of peaks, and finally, the day ends at Sama Gaon for the overnight stop, this is a large mountain village located on route Manaslu base camp, Larke-la pass and to Tibet border. Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

Day 08: Rest day in Sama Gaon for acclimatization

Rest Day in Sama Gaon, which is an ideal place for necessary acclimatization before the climb and to reach the high Manaslu base camp, Sama Gaon explores this interesting village similar to Tibetan culture and traditional way of life. Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

Day 09: Trek to Samdo 3,780m -05 hrs. (Distnce 9 Km)      After a nice stop at Sama Gaon, where our route leads to a climb to Samdu and onward, the walk to Samdu is not too far and can be done in a few hours, due to the high altitude within dry air makes the walk slower. Our route slowly leads to Samdo village which is the last village before the Larke-la base and passes, at Samdu overnight in this interesting village of strong Tibetan influence due to its closeness to the border of Tibet, where trade still exists. Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner Day 10: Trek to Dharmashala 4,450 m - 4 hrs  (Distance 10 Km       Our journey starts in the morning with a downhill trek up to Budhi Gandaki River. Then we cross the river and again march upward through Larkya Bazaar and Valley of Salka Khola towards Dharmasala which is not a lodge but an easy place to stay for a night. It is 7km away and will take about 4 hours to reach there on normal days. We have a high chance of seeing blue sheep. This place is also known as Larke Phedi. Stay overnight at Dharmasala. Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner Day 11: Traverse Larke passes at 5,106 m and descends to Bhimtang - at 08 hours . (Distance  24 Km ) Starting early morning to reach Larke-la Pass above 5,106 m, where the walk first heads with a gradual winding uphill, and then steep up to reach the highest point of the adventure on top of Larke-La festooned with hundreds of Buddhist colorful prayer flags marked with stones piles. From the top offers excellent views of Himlung, Cheo Himal, Kang Guru, and Annapurna II, after a great moment along descent leads you over snow and screen, to reach a valley to Garcia. Further walk on moraine leads to Tambuche at 3,900m from here short walk to our overnight stop at Bhimtang, a lovely place on a wide valley with several good lodges to stay. Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner Day 12: Trek to Dharapani village 1,943m. 5-6 hours. (Distance 25 Km)       After a long day's walk to Bhimtang the previous day, today is an easy trek from here onward to Dharapani past a thickly forested area of pines, and rhododendron trees with a view of snow peaks From here the track leads downhill into the forest passing small summer settlement and then climb on a terraced field to Karcher La, and then down to Marsyangdi River. After a few hours' walks reach Tilje village by following Dudh (milky) river downstream, the assigned number of villages, including Thonje. From Tilje an hour's climb after crossing a bridge and then joining the main trail of the Annapurna circuit joins in Dharapani village. Dharapani a lovely large village will be a civilization after being in the complete wilderness, where one can celebrate with a beer and buy a hot shower from the lodge. Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner Day 13: Drive to Kathmandu and then transfer to your hotels -06 hrs (Distance 181 Km)       After a marvelous experience and adventure on high hills and mountains, where morning drive brings you back to Kathmandu, at Kathmandu where our wonderful adventure concludes, with an afternoon free at leisure or last day shopping souvenirs and handicrafts. Meals included: Breakfast  Day 14: International Departure for Homeward Bound     Last day in Nepal in the country of high Himalayan mountains with fascinating culture, after a memorable experience and great scenic adventure on Manaslu Circuit trekking, as per your international flight time our staff will transfer you to the airport for the flight homeward bound or to your next port of call and respective countries. Meals included: Breakfast

(The usual day for a trek: Every day, our guides will come to wake you up at around 7:00-7: 30 am. In case of special days like sunrise viewing days, our guides will wake you up early in the morning at around 4-4: 30 am.  A western breakfast like porridge, oats, toast, etc. will be served at around 8:00-8: 30 am. The lunch will be served from a teahouse menu at about 12-1 pm. However, lunchtime can also be postponed on request. The dinner will be served at around 8:30-9: 00 pm. Your accommodation is arranged at a lodge or also in a tourist standard hotel (subject to availability) where we stop overnight.

While you are walking, you can also request your guide to slow down and stop at the places where you want to take some snaps. After dinner and before going to bed your team leader will brief you regarding the next day’s schedule.)

THE PACKAGE INCLUDES THE FOLLOWING SERVICE

• Airports pick up and drop off, upon arrival and departure in Kathmandu.
• Pre-meeting before the trek.
• 3 Night hotel accommodation in Kathmandu with breakfast (3 Star Hotel) 
• Helpful, knowledgeable, friendly, well English speaking trained, government  license holder guide with all his salary, food, drinks, accommodations, and insurance
• Meals on full board  ( Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner ) with 3 times  tea/coffee  during the  trek 
• A strong, helpful porter with proper equipment (one porter for two people - porter will carry a maximum of 25 kilos )
• Seasonal fresh fruits as Available
• Guesthouse accommodation during the trek.
• 1 Well Plan Trekking T-shirt
• Kathmandu – Macha  -Khola -  Dharapani - Kathmandu transportation on a public vehicle 
• Manaslu Special trekking permit fee.
• Manaslu Conservation Area entrance permit fee.
• Annapurna Conservation Area entrance permit fee.
• Manaslu  Trekking Map 
• Duffel   bag  
• Worst case, help with all rescue and evacuation arrangements.
• First aid medical kit and oximeter to check pulse, heart rate, and oxygen saturation at higher altitudes.
• All applicable taxes are as per the government rules and regulations.
• Well  Plan  Trekking trek achievement certificate after the successful trek
• Farewell dinner in Kathmandu at a cultural restaurant 

OPTIONAL ADDONS (Available during check-out)

• Private Jeep

THE PACKAGE EXCLUDES THE FOLLOWING SERVICE

• International airfare
• Nepal entry visa fee (you may easily issue the visa upon your arrival at Tribhuwan International Airport - Katmandu).
• Travel and rescue insurance
• Your expenses. (Phone call, Wifi, Laundry service, bar bills, battery recharge, a bottle of water or hot water, Mineral water,  Hot  shower, etc.)
• All the alcoholic drinks and bar bills. 
• Extra Hotel accommodation in Kathmandu because of early arrival or late departure. early arrival from the mountain (due to any reason) Than the scheduled Itinerary.
• Services not mentioned in the 'Services Includes' section ( Please ask us if you are confused about any services )
• Kathmandu  lunch and Dinner 
• Tips for the guide and porter.

Physically  condition & experience requirements       For a physically fit person of all ages with sound health who has done moderately to strenuous walking and activity before or at present. This type of trek involves long ups and downs and the length of walking will be from 5 - 7 hours every day with rest and break in between.  The whole trip goes from a week to two weeks or more in the high altitude. This trip is for well-experienced people who have done previous long high hills or mountainous trekking in and around the Himalayas or other mountainous areas on rough terrains, this trip involves walking in snow and ice conditions sometimes and encountering high of over 4,000 meters passes, as for moderate people can join on this type of trips as long they are super physically fit and a mind with positive and determinations. Past hiking experience is a must but no technical skill is required for this trip .participants with pre-existing medical conditions such as heart, lung, and blood diseases should inform well plan trekking before booking the trek. we also recommend that you consult your doctors before the trip.

Accommodations  on the trek

    In Kathmandu, we use the deluxe hotel to ensure a comfortable stay and a relaxed environment before and after your adventure. All breakfasts are included at the hotel in Kathmandu. Rooms are generally twin share - depending on group size and room availability, the triple share may be offered at your request. A single supplement room is available at an additional cost. And on request single supplement will be charged US$200.well plan trekking will arrange clean and comfortable rooms with attached washrooms; however, teahouses in some places only have shared washing and toilet facilities. also, note that single rooms are available in the trekking regions at the lower elevation but it might be difficult to find them at higher elevations.

Meals  during the trek

    In the city, only breakfast is included in the trip itinerary. While on the trek, we provide good quality food in sufficient quantities from Tea Houses/Mt. lodges. We provide all meals on full board (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, and tea & coffee) from the teahouse menu during the trekking period. Various meals include noodles items, soups, bread, rice item, curries, spaghetti, pizza, egg items, potatoes item, pasta, the fresh vegetable so overall you have a different choice of food on the trek.

Drinking-Water     Staying hydrated is important when undertaking any physical activity but particularly so at the altitude where it is generally recommended to drink at least 3-4 liters per person per day. We strongly encourage you not to buy bottled water on the trek as this contributes to the growing problem of plastic pollution in Nepal’s trekking areas.      All tea houses will provide cold water free of charge if requested. Although this should not be drunk untreated, we recommend that you bring a reusable bottle with a wide opening (Nalgene or similar) with you and use a SteriPEN to treat it. A SteriPEN is a handheld UV water purifier – small, lightweight, and battery-powered so easy to pack for a trek. In Nepal’s trekking regions, most of the bottled water isn’t strictly ‘mineral water’ anyway but is UV treated, so it’s exactly the same technology. It’s quick to use, far more effective than purification tablets, and the water is ready immediately. It’s fine to use a SteriPEN on non-boiled water so long as it isn’t cloudy or full of sediment (which is uncommon in these regions).

TRAVEL & MEDICAL & TRAVEL INSURANCE 

    Before you book any of our trips we strongly suggest that you buy medical and travel insurance to make you stay while traveling in Nepal Himalaya or neighboring countries, which will help and support you, in case medical and travel problems arise and situations beyond the company's control. If such a situation arises with emergency evacuation, where your medical bills on using transportation services by Helicopter or other means you can directly claim from your insurance, which is to be paid by you or by your insurance company on the spot.

       Where Well Plan Treks will obtain a strong letter of the incidents that occurred so that you can claim from your insurance agents. In case of mishaps and accidents or severe illness, we will contact your insurance company if it is okay to use Heli or other immediate life-saving processes and transportation to the nearest medical post and hospitals, where your insurance company will directly pay related expenses accordingly as per situations and conditions of the victims. For all trips with us, we need your contact address as well as your next of kin, family members, close relatives, or friends in case of emergency purposes.

Climate and Weather         The climate of Nepal is as varied as its geography. The low-lying Terai has a sub-tropical monsoonal climate. The Himalayan foothills, where most of our treks take place, are best in the cool dry season from September to May. The traditional trekking season in Nepal is from late September to May, with October and November generally recognized as having the best weather. Spring is also a popular time of year with warmer weather and the advantage of seeing spring flowers and rhododendrons in bloom. The visibility is good, and the days are pleasantly warm, although nights can be cold, and snow is possible above 3,000 meters.

RECOMMENDED EQUIPMENT LIST

This list is a guide to help you pack for your trip. This is not intended to be a comprehensive clothing and equipment list; rather it is intended to act as a reminder of those items that we feel necessary for your comfort and convenience. we also suggest that you pack only what is necessary.

• A warm hat that covers your ears
• Headlamp with extra batteries
• Fleece jacket or sweater
• Fleece wind–stopper jacket
• Waterproof shell jacket
• Down vest and /or jacket (optional)Hands
• Lightweight gloves (water /windproof)
• Heavyweight gloves or mittens with a waterproof shell outer
• Hiking trousers
• Fleece or woolen trousers
• Lightweight thermal bottoms
• Lightweight cotton pants
• Waterproof (preferably breathable fabric )shell pants Feet
• Thin lightweight inner socks
• Heavy poly or wool socks
• Hiking boots with spare laces
• Camp shoes (sneakers and sandals)
• Sleeping bag (good to -10 degrees C de 14 degrees F)
• Fleece sleeping bag liner (optional)Toiletries
• Toothbrush /paste
• Multi-purpose soap
• Nail clippers
• Medium-sized quick-drying towel
• Face and body moisturizer
• Small mirror
• Female hygiene products

Personal hygiene

• Wet wipes (baby wipes)
• Tissue/toilet roll
• Antibacterial hand wash
• Small, personal first-aid kit (simple and light)

Extras /luxuries

• Reading book
• Trail map /guidebook
• Journal and pen
• Travel game(chess, backgammon, playing cards etc)
• Modest swimsuit

Client Reivews

Lukasz karol wysokinsk.

We decided to take the full package with Well Planned Trekking (from arrival to departure a month later at the airport), and this was a very good decision. Everything was indeed very well planned, with some time in the cities (but not too much – we preferred it that way). At the trail, the distances were perfectly calculated. A little longer at the beginning, then a little shorter when we were higher – with resting/acclimatization days at just the right moment. It did pay off to trust in Ram planning experience.

To throw some tips for the fellows who would like to repeat our trip: * the electricity is there usually, with max one-day break without * The temperature differs – on the same day we experienced 7C at the morning and over 25C (!) at noon. The coldest night was at Dharamsala: -10C. * crampons (little ones – so-called microspikes) are very helpful for Larke Pass * water is all around, so if you have chlorine tablets (or another filtering system) – you don’t need a too big a bottle * toilets are a tough experience – embrace the adventure :

Musil david

Review of well plan trekking.

Ram is the best guide. He arranges the best hotels, helps you with everything, and shows you the best places. We did the 13-day Manaslu trekking. The trekking was hard, but every time we needed something, the ram would help us right away. He told us all these facts about the places and offered us different options for the resting days. He checked our health during the trip and made sure we were all ok. The porters were very nice, and we felt like a team. Would recommend booking your trip with well plan trekking. He is as quick as possible with a reply while booking the trip, and will offer all of these good ideas to help prepare for the trip! If we would go again, for sure we will book with him again!

Ram is the best

Ram is a very skilled guide! Friendly, nice to everybody and very helpful. In moments needed he can also be strict too. Dealing with high altitude is not a joke! We will definitely come back to Nepal and book a trip with Ram! 10/10 would definitely recommend

Manaslu trekking was a great experience!

We did the Manaslu trekking with Ram as our guide. We had such a great experience. Ram is a very friendly, professional guide and made our trip a great success. I would highly recommend well plan trekking!

Well Plan Trekking arranged our trip from the first till the last second. Picked us up at the airport, guided us through Nepal and also brought us back to the airport. The service was beyond expectations and our guide and porter were the best we could hope for. Very helpful and above all very nice people.

Certainly, I would recommend Well Plan Trekking when you decide to visit Nepal.

In Nov 2021, We successfully finished Manaslu Circuit with our guide/owner Mr. Ram and 2 other porters. It was 14 days trip including transportation and in addition to this, we spent another 4 days in beautiful Chitawan National Park, where we did a lot of activities such as car safari, bird watching, walking in the jungle, etc. Mr. Ram has a lot of experience with the routes and safety was his first concern. He did everything to make us feel comfortable and he was OK to modify our initial plan. Thank you Mr. Ram for your guidance and patience. Well Plan Trekking is a well-organized company and We highly recommend this company to everyone who is planning to visit Nepal.

source TripAdvisor

Awesome trekking experience. The Manaslu circuit trek was well organized and super flexible as we were changing and adjusting the trip while trekking based on the pace and health conditions. We stopped at different spots to take pictures. There were no time limits. The team was very experienced, well-equipped, and professional. Mr. Ram took special care of the safety and comfort of the group. He was very helpful and funny. We had a good talk and laugh together during the trip. A huge thanks to Ram and his team at Well Plan Trekking for making our time in Manaslu unforgettable.Thank you for the incredible experience. I highly recommend this company!

Source TripAdvisor 

Thanks to Ram WE have sent a marvelous Trek in the Manaslu Range. We made this Trek around the high pic 8163m .during 12 days. Everything was perfect, the general organization, the food, the accommodation, and the safety. The 2 last days in Kathmandu were a plus, with a pleasant farewell dîner, and a ton visit. I warmy recomend Wellplan Trekking for Trekking in Népal. Pierre Ruef.

Source tripadvisour   

We spent a wonderful stay in Nepal. Ram and his team were very professional: taking care of us, were flexible to adopt the agenda, and provided a lot of advice to avoid problems. We went to 5100 m without any health problems and enjoyed ourselves a lot during our stay. On top Ram ask for a very reasonable price. I strongly recommend it!!!!!

Source TripAdvisor  

This was my fifth trek in Nepal. I was delighted to be involved with Ram from Well Plan Trekking. He made the whole trip very easy and paced me through the process. Manaslu is known as the Adventure Trek. It’s not hard to see why. The valleys are steep V-shaped and the rivers are cascading torrents. As a solo trekker who used to carry all my own gear, it was a pleasant change to have only a day pack and camera. Ram organized everything with skill and humor. The planning was done online back in Sydney. All I had to do was show up! My passion is trekking and birdwatching and Manaslu is top shelf for both. Carrying a bird book and the heavy camera was well worth the effort. The trek was challenging especially in fairly deep snow. Too deep to attempt the Larke Pass. Unfortunately, we had to backtrack.

If you are looking for value, good organizational skills, and a genuinely good bloke, Ram is your man!!

Late Jan, early Feb trek

sources Tripadvisor

Wellplan Trekking lives up to its name. Planning, briefing, providing equipment, and adjusting to specific needs or opportunities, everything was well handled by Ram and his team. Good selection of lodges and food, and good recommendations on rhythm. we were 4 friends in good shape, we adjusted the program to spend more time at higher altitudes, visit the Punggen Gompa temple, and go to the Manaslu base camp. We were blessed with very good weather, an unforgettable experience.

sources Tripadvisor 

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Manaslu Circuit Trek

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Trip Highlights

• A special area with remote trails untouched by the roads.
• Surrounding peaks, rich in natural and cultural aspects.
• Picturesque trek and option of side trips/treks like Tsum Valley.
• Stunning suspension bridges, Budhi Gandaki river, Manaslu Base Camp and Birendra Tal.
• Panoramic Larkya (Larke) La pass, view of Cerulean glacier from here.
• Witnessing isolated villages, vintage monasteries, and authentic Nepali culture of different communities of people.

Trip Overview

Manaslu circuit trek is a less crowded, off-beat tea house trek that rounds the Manasri range in the Himalayas. This is a 14 days trek towards the restricted area of Nepal. It starts from the Machha Khola of Gorkha district, west Nepal and ends in the Manang district. The circuit covers the two conservation areas of the country, the Annapurna conservation area, and the Manaslu conservation area. The Manaslu Circuit trek itinerary is flexible and shows you the special area of Nepal.

Apart from the Manasri Himalayan range, the Manaslu circuit trek also shows you areas behind the Annapurna range. Manaslu circuit runs at the bank of Budhi Gandaki river at a lower elevation leading you to the high Himalayan gigantic peaks and finally to the longest pass of the country Larkya (Larke) la pass (5,135 m). Opened in 1992, the Manaslu circuit trek lies in the Manaslu conservation area covering an area of 642 sq. mi in the Gorkha district of western Nepal.

Manaslu Circuit is a difficult level of trek in the Manaslu region of Nepal . With your Manaslu Circuit Trek Itinerary, 6 to 7 hours of walking daily are required to complete the trek in 12-16 days. Often compared with the Annapurna Circuit Trek, Manaslu Circuit Trek is a more isolated trek of Nepal. But the beautiful scenery, vintage monastery, different snow-capped mountain ranges, and ethnic culture of the different groups of people make the trek a lifetime experience. The trek is wild and remote, yet there are tea houses at everyday stages, so trekkers don’t need to bring tents and food, making it more accessible and affordable than similar treks.

Manaslu Circuit Trek lies in a restricted area of Nepal. Because of that, a restricted permit is also needed to trek in this region. Similarly, no solo trekkers are allowed to trek in these kinds of areas in Nepal. Most teahouses are quite basic but comfortable, with two single beds in each room. There is a common area for meals and relaxing, which is a great place to stay warm around the fire at night.

Best time to visit the Manaslu Circuit trek.

The Manaslu Circuit Trek is a breathtaking and culturally rich trekking route in Nepal, taking you around the majestic Mount Manaslu, the eighth highest mountain in the world. The best time to visit the Manaslu Circuit Trek is during the autumn months (September to November) and spring months (March to May). These seasons offer the most stable weather conditions, clear skies, and moderate temperatures, making them ideal for trekking. During these months, the trails are usually dry, and the risk of encountering heavy rain or snow is significantly reduced, ensuring a more enjoyable and safer trekking experience.

Autumn is particularly favored for the Manaslu Circuit Trek, as the post-monsoon period offers excellent visibility, crisp air, and vibrant colors in the landscape. Daytime temperatures are generally comfortable for trekking, while nights can be cold, especially at higher elevations.

Spring is another great option, as the temperatures are relatively mild, and the landscape comes to life with blooming rhododendron forests and various wildflowers. It's important to note that the Manaslu Circuit Trek involves crossing the challenging Larkya La Pass (5,160 meters), so proper acclimatization and preparation are essential regardless of the season you choose for your trek.

Manaslu Circuit Trek - A unique trekking experience.

The trek en-routes through Buddhist villages, a few isolated valleys to the falling Marsyangdi valley in the Annapurna circuit wherein the Manaslu circuit leads to Besisahar. Encompassing subtropical forest at a lower elevation, through Himalayan foothills to the high and challenging Larkya (Larke) la pass gives you an overwhelming experience.

During the first day of the trek, you will follow the upstream of Budi Gandaki River through the woodlands. Machhakhola is about 15 KM from Sotikhola. After about 3-4 hours of walking from Tatopani, you will reach Jagat. The landscape changes drastically as you go upwards and when you reach Jagat you’ll find it drastically changes. Amazing landscapes with great views of waterfalls, rivers, and mountains can be seen from Philim and Ekle Bhatti during the walk to Deng. The trail is full of Mani walls and crafted stones where you will get a glimpse of the Tibetan flavor of people and culture. You will walk around 19 km before reaching the beautiful Namrung village.

Situated at the lap of Manaslu Himal and peak 29(Nagadi Chuli), Lho Gau lies at an elevation of 3,180 meters above sea level. Samagau is the most beautiful village on the entire trek situated at an elevation of 3,500 meters. The distance from Samagau to Samdo is 8 km and it takes 3-4 hours to reach the village from Samagau. Larkey Bazar was the hub of trade from Tibet and the upper Manaslu region. After a steady climb from Larkey Bazar, you will reach Dharmasala, the last place to stay before crossing the Larkya La pass.

You will have spectacular views of the snow-capped Himalayas like the Himlung Himal, Cheo Himal, Gyagi Kung, Kang Koru, and Annapurna II. It is then a steep descent down from the pass towards Bhimphedi (Bimthang). The trail continues more downwards crossing the Karcher la pass via the beautiful rhododendron forest reaching Tilje (Tilche) village. The trek then continues via Thonje village (from where you will enter the Annapurna region), Dharapani, and Karta village before reaching Chamje village. From Chamje you will drive to Kathmandu and end your thrilling journey.

Manaslu Region

The Manaslu Circuit trek encompasses diverse terrain, flora and fauna, ethnic culture, and traditions. Likewise, Trekking through this route gives you wonderful landscapes, countryside, and green lush forests. Prominently, the gorgeous view of the high glacier and Mount Manaslu. Also, experience the magnificent views of the snow-capped peaks such as Shringi Himal, Himlung, Cheo Peak, Gyagi Kung, Kang Koru, Annapurna II, and others. The highest peak throughout the trek is Manaslu (8,167 m). Similarly, The Manaslu region is home to the Snow leopard , Himalayan Thar, and Musk Deer including 33 species of mammals, 110 species of birds, 3 species of reptiles, and over 1500-2000 species of flora. In addition, Manaslu Circuit reflects a rich way of life history, unrivalled glory and natural variety.

Fascinating natural stereotypes, beautiful villages, and stunning views of the Himalayas aid in the popularity of Manaslu Circuit Nepal. The Manaslu ranges lie along the border of Nepal and China. Tibetan culture and traditions influence the lifestyle here. Gurung, Rai, Magar, and Limbu follow Buddhist cultures. Trekkers can learn about cultural values. But, the area falls under the restricted area. Therefore, Travelers need a special permit to explore this trek. A local trekking guide is important.

Larkya (Larke) La Pass

Larkya La Pass is situated between Dharmasala and Bhimthang (Bhimphedi). Larkya La Pass is one of the high trekking passes of Nepal . It is also the highest point of the Manaslu Circuit Trek. Larkya La pass is not a technical pass and no ropes or climbing equipment are required to cross this pass. However, This region is popular for the sudden storms which make trekking difficult. During the time of snowfall, Larkya La Pass is even more difficult to cross because of the slippery route. Situated at an altitude of 5,200 meters, this pass lies in the Manaslu region of Nepal. This pass is one of the most beautiful passes in the trekking zone in the Himalayas of Nepal. Not much challenging but has huge beautiful attributes, this pass is popular for trekking in the Manaslu region. The trail leading to Larkya la pass starts from Gorkha, Arughat. With the spectacular mountainous beauty and diverse cultural experiences, this pass offers amazing experiences.

If our trip itinerary doesn’t suit your holiday schedule or you wish to modify the itinerary then feel free to inbox us. We want our valuable guests to enjoy their travel according to their needs and wills. We provide a variety of packages for student groups/family groups/corporate teams and many more. Every travel package is different according to the group size and the demand of the guests. We are also more than happy if you combine it with any travel plans, please let us know and we’ll create a tailor-made itinerary, designed especially for your travel group.

Detailed Itinerary

Kathmandu arrival. [1400m/4,593 ft].

Your Arrival Time (?) Our office representative will meet and greet you at Kathmandu Airport and transfer you to your hotel in Kathmandu.

At. 06:00 PM: In the evening we will meet for a coffee and will brief you on the details of your trek program. If your arrival is after 05:00 PM we will meet in the morning for breakfast and brief on the trekking details and all necessary paperwork.

*Optionally you can add one additional night stay in Kathmandu to cover cultural sightseeing in Kathmandu as well for your trek preparation shopping.

Kathmandu Full Day Sightseeing: You will visit for a full day sightseeing in Kathmandu of Kathmandu Durbar Square, Swayambhunath, Pashupatinath temple and Boudhanath stupa.

Drive to Tatopani Trek to Jagat [1,340m/4,396 ft]

At. 07:00 AM: Have your breakfast and be ready for a thrilling drive to Tatopani, Kerauja. You will follow the upstream of Budi Gandaki River through the woodlands. You will drive through Machhakhola which is about 15 KM from Sotikhola. You will have your lunch on the way. You will drive across Machhakhola then stop at Tatopani where the road ends and start walking towards Jagat.

The distance between Jagat to Tatopani is 10 km which you can cover in 3-4 hours. The total distance from Kathmandu to Tatopani is around 166 km which can be covered in around 8-9 hours depending upon traffic and road conditions. Overnight at a comfortable teahouse in Jagat.

Jagat to Deng [1,860m/6,102 ft]

At. 07:00 AM: Today’s trek will continue from the Jagat crossing the well-paved village before climbing the Sirdabas village which offers a great view of Shringi mountain. You will see alluring Mani walls which are Buddhist Shrines mostly found alongside the path in regions of Tibetan Buddhism. Also, you will come across Gurung villages as you get closer to your destination. (the distance between Jagat to Deng 20 km which you can cover in 6-7 hours)

The trail then passes through the amazing landscape with great views of waterfalls, rivers and mountains via Philim and Ekle Bhatti finally reaching Deng. (From Philim the path separates to Tsum valley and Manaslu Circuit. Today's walk is 20 km and takes around 7-8 hours. Overnight at the teahouse.

Deng to Namrung [2,630m/ 8,629 ft]

At. 07:00 AM: Another 6-hour trek towards Namrung will start after breakfast in the early morning. The trail is full of Mani walls and crafted stones where you will get a glimpse of Tibetan Culture alongside beautiful nature. Namrung village has very comfortable accommodation facilities. From here you get the view of Siring and Ganesh Himal making your journey more enjoyable. The distance between Deng to Namrung is 19 km which you can cover in around 6-7 hours. Overnight at a comfy teahouse.

Namrung to Lho Gau [3,180m/10,433 ft]

At. 07:00 AM: After breakfast, the trek starts towards Lho Gau (Village) which is situated at the lap of Manaslu Himal and peak 29 (Nagadi Chuli) in front of it. Amazing stone crafting can be seen on the stones of the trails with Mani walls.

(Namrung is the first checkpoint of the Manaslu Circuit trek as the Manaslu region lies in a Restricted area of Nepal) Also for a close view of Manaslu, you will take a side trip to the Pungen glacier. Today’s walk is 10 km which will take 5-6 hours. Overnight at teahouse accommodation.

Lho Gau to Samagau [3,520m/11,549 ft]

At. 07:00 AM: The trek follows Samagaun (Ryo) via the Pungen (Pung Gyen) glacier. Samagau is the most beautiful village on the entire trek. Samagau is also the second checkpoint of the trek. On the way, you will walk past Shyala (3500m) and big Chorten. Samagau is situated right below a gorgeous mountain giving you the majestic view of Naika peak, Manaslu. It takes 6-7 hours walking on an 8 km trail before reaching Samagau. You will walk slowly, acclimatizing and enjoying the walk. Rest at a teahouse in Samagau. 

Acclimatization Day at Samagau. [3,520m/11,549 ft]

At. 08:00 AM: When trekking at a high altitude, you should take proper acclimatization before going further high. Acclimatization is an essential aspect of any high-altitude trek, and Samagau (Ryo) is an excellent place to acclimatize. Trekking at high altitudes can be challenging, and it's essential to give your body time to adjust to the decreased oxygen levels. Acclimatization helps you avoid altitude sickness, which can be life-threatening. Remember to drink plenty of water and stay hydrated, as dehydration can exacerbate altitude sickness symptoms. Additionally, it's essential to avoid alcohol and smoking and to eat nutritious, high-calorie meals to fuel your body during the acclimatization process.

For acclimatization, you will have the option of trekking to the Manaslu Base Camp (4750m) and back to Samagau which will approximately take 7-8 hours. Or take a half-day hike to the glacier across the valley, Birendra Tal, or Pung Gyen Gompa (for a day hike).

Samagau to Samdo. [3,875m/12,713 ft]

At. 07:00 AM: Samdo is the beautiful Tibetan refugee village with the mountain Manaslu in front of it. This village is just one day's walk from the Tibet border to Nepal. The distance from Samagau to Samdo is 8 km and it takes 3-4 hours to reach the village from Samagau. You will walk beside the Buddi Gandaki river. The landscape changes as you walk further, you will get to see the snow-capped mountains all along the trail. Overnight at Samdo village.

Samdo to (Larke Phedi) Dharmasala. [4,460m/14,633 ft]

At. 07:00 AM: After crossing the few rivers and the amazing trail you will reach Larkey bazaar. The Larkey bazaar was the hub of trade from Tibet and the upper Manaslu region. You can also explore the fair seasonal Tibetan market in Larkya Bazaar. After a steady climb from Larkey bazaar, you will reach Dharmasala (Larke Phedi), the last place to stay before crossing the high trekking (Larke la Pass)tomorrow. The distance from Samdo to Dharmasala is 7 km and it takes 5 hours. In Dharmasala you might get to see stone beds overnight at Dharmasala.

Dharmasala to Bimthang (3,590m) via Larke la Pass (5,160m)

At. 05:00 AM: Dharmasala (also known as Larke Phedi) is a small, seasonal settlement located on the Manaslu Circuit Trek in Nepal. It serves as the last stop before crossing the Larkya La Pass (5,160 meters). Bimthang is a picturesque village situated on the other side of the Larkya La Pass, making it the next destination on the trek after Dharmasala.

Trekking from Dharmasala to Bimthang involves crossing the challenging Larkya La Pass. This section of the trek is considered one of the most demanding parts of the Manaslu Circuit Trek. The hike from Dharmasala to Bimthang takes approximately 8-10 hours, depending on individual pace and weather conditions.

Starting from Dharmasala, trekkers begin their ascent to the Larkya La Pass early in the morning. The trail climbs gradually, with breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and glaciers. Upon reaching the Larkya La Pass, trekkers are rewarded with stunning panoramas of the Himalayas, including peaks such as Manaslu, Annapurna II, Himlung Himal, and Cheo Himal.

After enjoying the views from the pass, the trail descends steeply towards Bimthang. The descent can be challenging due to the possibility of snow and ice on the trail, so caution is advised. As you approach Bimthang, the landscape transitions from barren, high-altitude terrain to lush forests and green pastures. Bimthang is a picturesque village that offers teahouse accommodations and a chance to relax after a long day of trekking.

Bimthang to Gho. [2,515m/8,251 ft]

At. 07:30 AM: Bimthang is a picturesque village on the Manaslu Circuit Trek in Nepal, situated just after crossing the challenging Larkya La Pass (5,160 meters). Gho is another village located further along the trekking route, nestled within the beautiful forested landscape.

The trek from Bimthang to Gho typically takes around 6 to 8 hours, covering a distance of approximately 16 kilometers. The trail descends from Bimthang through lush rhododendron and pine forests, offering stunning views of the surrounding mountains, including Mount Manaslu and the Annapurna range. As you make your way towards Gho, you'll pass through the village of Yak Kharka and encounter numerous streams and waterfalls.

The route takes you across the Dudh Khola river via a wooden bridge and continues to descend through dense forests before reaching the small village of Gho. Gho is a quaint village with a few teahouses and guesthouses for trekkers to rest and spend the night. The village provides a serene atmosphere amidst the forested landscape, allowing trekkers to rejuvenate before continuing their journey on the Manaslu Circuit Trek.

Gho to Dharapani. [1,963m/6,440 ft]

At. 08:00 AM: Gho is a small village located along the Manaslu Circuit Trek in Nepal. Dharapani is another village in the Manang district, lying at the junction of the Manaslu Circuit Trek and the Annapurna Circuit Trek. The trek from Gho to Dharapani takes about 4-5 hours and covers a distance of approximately 8-9 kilometers.

The trail from Gho to Dharapani descends gradually through beautiful rhododendron and pine forests. As you make your way towards Dharapani, you'll pass through the village of Tilje, which is well-known for its apple orchards and offers some tea houses for trekkers to rest. The route continues downhill, crossing a suspension bridge over the Dudh Khola river, and then ascends slightly to reach Dharapani.

Dharapani is a relatively larger village compared to Gho and has more accommodation and dining options. Upon reaching Dharapani, trekkers on the Manaslu Circuit Trek typically join the Annapurna Circuit Trek, continuing towards Chame or other destinations along the Annapurna route. Dharapani has a checkpoint where you will need to show your Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) and the TIMS (Trekkers' Information Management System) card. The village offers a range of teahouses and guesthouses for accommodation and refreshments, allowing trekkers to rest and prepare for the next leg of their journey.

Dharapani to Kathmandu.

At. 08:00 AM: On this day you are returning to Kathmandu by drive. You will cover the total distance of 210 km in around 8-9 hours depending upon traffic and road conditions. You will drive along the Marsyangdi river via BesiSahar (760m) to Kathmandu.

Check-in at the hotel in Kathmandu and spend your leisure time as you wish. You can go shopping or roam around and explore the colorful streets and treat yourself to a relaxing spa after a week-long trek. Enjoy the leisure time as you wish, and in the evening, join us for a traditional Nepali Dinner ( Thakali Cuisine ) with a live performance of folk songs as a farewell (If you want to visit other places, we can arrange it for you with extra add-ons)

Departure, Farewell!

You will have breakfast at the hotel and then have free time. Our office representative will drop you off at the Tribhuvan International airport 3 hours before your flight time. Carry loads of souvenirs, memories, and lifetime experiences back home, and Have a safe home return! We hope you enjoyed the trip! If you plan to extend your stay, we ( Altitude Himalaya ) are happy to make your visit memorable and enjoyable.

The information about the Manaslu Circuit Trek is in-depth; feel free to contact us 24/7. We will be available on WhatsApp to assist you instantly. You can write an email if this trip doesn't fit your vacation schedule and requirements. Altitude Himalaya aims to offer the best possible travel experience to customers. Depending on the needs of the visitors and the group size, we customize each vacation package. We will put together a bespoke itinerary just for your private group.

Travel insurance:

Travel insurance is important before traveling to a new place especially when you are traveling for adventure. Travel insurance covers risks such as loss of personal belongings, and any unexpected expenses. Travel insurance also covers sudden medical emergencies such as accidents. It also covers high-altitude emergency evacuation. Travel insurance is not compulsory but highly recommended. 

Communication:

For communication, you will be given a Nepali sim (NCELL) card (Returnable) for communication purposes throughout your stay in Nepal. You can directly contact us or communicate with us through Guide as well. You can contact us on WhatsApp or email us with any travel-related inquiries. You will be accompanied by a professional guide who will provide you with all the necessary information to help you with communication. 

Medical emergency:

If you face any serious medical emergency during your trekking program you will immediately evacuate the place through Helicopter Rescue which will be covered by the traveler’s insurance company. While trekking to the highland of Nepal you may face minor health issues such as scratches, headaches, etc . For such a situation your guide carries a well equipped first aid kit making sure nothing happens to you. 

High-altitude sickness:

During the Manaslu Circuit trek you will walk through gorgeous valleys, traditional villages, and thrilling high trekking passes above 3000m elevation. Altitude sickness is unpredictable; it can happen to anyone despite being physically and mentally fit. As you gain altitude, the chances of getting altitude sickness also slightly increase. To avoid getting altitude sickness you should drink 5-6 lt water per/day and food with high carbohydrates. Walking slowly and acclimatizing decreases the chances of getting altitude sickness. Focus on your breathing and maintain your walking pace.

Do’s and Don’t:

Select the ideal time to travel. 

Select a reputed trekking/ travel organization. 

Training and getting ready for any kind of situation are necessary.

Efficient packing is the key. ( Nepal trekking gear checklist )

Carry all the necessary paperwork (Restricted area, Manaslu conservation area trekking permits ).  

Maintaining bodily hydration is important while traveling to high elevations.

Having the proper personal gear makes your journey more enjoyable.

Respect the culture and people of the area.

Travel for experience and not for the sake of traveling.

Why with Altitude Himalaya: Altitude Himalaya is one of Nepal’s top travel companies providing excellent service to its clients. We believe in providing a quality experience rather than just service to every one of you. We maintain and follow standard service that includes only private transfer, at least a 3-star hotel, and more luxurious service. We also operate outbound luxurious travel to Bhutan and Tibet .

Frequently Asked Questions

As the Manaslu circuit trek lies in a restricted area there are checkpoints throughout the trail. The checkpoints are located in Jagat, Namrung, Samagaun, Tilche (Tilije), and Tal village.

The chances of getting altitude sickness are low but not zero, as altitude sickness is unpredictable and can happen to anyone despite being physically and mentally fit. You will walk at an elevation above 3000m which slightly increases the chance of getting high altitude sickness. Although you will be accompanied by a professional trekking guide who will make sure you are healthy and capable to continue the journey throughout the trek.

In Urban cities like Kathmandu, you will be served a variety of breakfast options. However, in the higher elevations during the trip, you will taste local cuisine which is mostly Thakali food and for breakfast limited options are available. Some of the available foods are eggs, fresh seasonal veggies, Dalbhat, bread, soups, and meat (depending on availability) in developed areas.

It is mandatory to have a licensed guide for the Manaslu Circuit Trek. The trek is in a restricted area, and trekking independently is not allowed. A guide will not only ensure your safety but also provide valuable information about the local culture, flora, and fauna.

The Manaslu Circuit Trek is considered moderately difficult. It involves long days of walking, steep ascents and descents, and crossing the challenging Larkya La Pass (5,160 meters). Proper acclimatization and physical preparation are essential for a successful trek.

During your stay in Kathmandu, you will stay in a very comfortable 3-star hotel, and during your trek, you will stay in a teahouse and lodges with basic amenities such as bedding, a clean washroom, and good (nutritious) food according to availability.

Services Includes

Arrivals and departures at Kathmandu airport.

Private transfer (Kathmandu to Tatopani and Chamje to Kathmandu).

A 3 Star hotel accommodation in Kathmandu.

Lodge or Tea house accommodation during the trek.

Daily breakfast throughout the trip.

Lunch and Dinner from trek start day to trek end day.

All necessary paperwork. (Restricted area permit (RAP), Manaslu conservation area project permit (MCAP), and TIMS Card)

A government licensed and experienced trekking guides throughout the trek.

Well-equipped first aid kit for any medical emergency.

A porter during the trek. (A porter can carry 20KG Baggage for 2 people)

One local SIM card (returnable) during your stay.

All government and local taxes.

Guide and Porter’s salary, food, and accommodation during the trek.

Arrangement of emergency helicopter service which will be paid for by your traveler’s insurance company.

Sleeping bags, duffle bags, and trekking route maps – if necessary.

A farewell Nepali dinner on your last night.

Services Excludes

Personal expenses.

Kathmandu sightseeing entrance fee.

Lunch and dinner in Kathmandu.

Nepal visa cost. (You will require 2 passport-size photos and 40 USD for a 30 days Nepal tourist visa; visa forms can be filled out online in advance)

International flight ticket.

Travel health insurance. (Highly Recommended)

Tips for the guide, porter, and driver.

Sweet things like dessert/chocolate.

All alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks. 

Any other expenses which are not mentioned in the including section.

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Why Travel With Altitude Himalaya?

We believe in the quality services to accommodate our guests 360 degrees need with tour personalization and customization. Our dedicated and experienced team believes not only in arranging trips, but making creating life long memories. Our travel experience within the region of Nepal, Bhutan and Tibet could make a memorable trip of yours.

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Mr. Kiran has experience of 10+ years in tourism across Nepal, Bhutan and Tibet holiday arrangements to thousands of travellers from around the world. He will help you to figure out the best possible vacation plan according to your choice and preference.

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Nepal, Bhutan & Tibet Expert

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• Manaslu Region

Manaslu Circuit Trek, 13 Day Itinerary

Do you know what the sound of forest whistling, waterfalls singing, and Monal (Nepal’s national bird) chirping all at once sounds like? Can you imagine what a place with great mountain views and an alpine meadow would look like? The picturesque landscapes on terraced farmland and several suspension bridges are just a few of the hundred perks of the Manaslu Circuit Trek.

The Manaslu Circuit Trek is one of Nepal’s classic and off-the-beaten trails. It passes through the border between Nepal and Tibet. This route has been popular since its emergence in 1992. The trail is among the best treks in Nepal that take you around the world’s 8th highest mountain, Mt. Manaslu, a mountain peak at an elevation of 8163 meters.

Manaslu Circuit Trek Highlights

• Hike near the world’s 8th highest peak, Manaslu Base Camp
• A much less crowded trail is located in the territory of Mansiri Himal.
• A short yet wonderfully scenic drive from Kathmandu to Arughat/Maccha Khola
• Panoramic views of dozens of giant Himalayas, such as Manaslu, Annapurna II, and Lamjung Himal
• Pass through Budigandaki Gorge.
• Chance of encountering strange flora and fauna, including snow leopards
• Explore the fantastic local cultures while exploring the monastery, which dates back over 200 years.
• Trek to the Tibetan border from Samdo Village

Manaslu Trek: A Short Insight

While all mountain treks in Nepal are immensely pleasing, the walk to Manaslu is by far the most peaceful and pleasing one. Although it opened nearly three decades ago, this Manaslu Trek is less crowded than Everest Base Camp   (EBC) or   Annapurna Base Camp   (ABC).

So, where do you start your Manaslu Circuit Trek ? First, fly to Kathmandu from your home country, and we will be there with you right from the airport. After a night in Kathmandu, we hop on an early morning drive to Arughat or Sotikhola. From here, we move on the trail from Jagat to Deng to Namrung to Sama Gaun. On the 6th day of the trip, we stopped at Sama Gaun, visiting some local places there. Then we moved to Samdo to stop there for one more day before we hiked to Dharmashala, our highest stop for the trek. Then we proceed to Bhimtang, Gho, and finally to Dharapani. From Dharapani, we get a jeep that drives us back to Kathmandu. This might be a lot of information in one paragraph, so we break down the day-to-day Manaslu Circuit Trek itinerary below. For further details, you can also read the Manaslu Trek Guide. 

Important note: Road Construction in Manaslu and ways to avoid it

Over the years, the route of the Manaslu Circuit Trek has somewhat changed due to road construction. Before 7 to 8 years, the trip would start from Aarughat, and you would need to walk for 3 to 4 days to reach Maccha Khola. You can get Jeep rides up to Maccha Khola and shorten your trip. So make sure that your itinerary includes driving up to Maccha Khola and that you do not walk on the dusty road.

Even after that, you must follow the muddy trail from Maccha Khola to Tatopani. Road construction in the Manaslu Circuit Trek started in 2010 when China committed to building a road connecting India, Nepal, and China via Tsum Valley. While this is excellent news for the community, the trekking route seems to be affected. The good news is that you can avoid the road construction and follow a new path to the Manaslu Zone.

The classic route before was Soti Khola-Maccha Khola-Korlabesi-Tatopani-Dobhan.

Now, you can avoid the route via Soti Khola-Nuban Kharka-Kashigoan-Kerauja-Khorlabeshi-Dobhan. This new route might be a longer detour, but it adds some new villages to explore.

Alternatively, you can jeep to Maccha Khola and walk to Kejaura, Khorlabeshi, and Dobhan . This way, you only walk in the construction area for a few hours and still complete the trek in a shorter time.

Well, this is just for the first two days of the trek. After that, the trail is the same, and you do not need to worry about road construction.

Benefits of Manaslu Trek with Himalayan Masters 

•  Complimentary airport pick-up and drop-off by private transport. 
• Local experts (All the trek leaders who led the trip to Manaslu Circuit were born and raised in the Manaslu region.)
• Online trip briefing after booking confirmation, if needed. The Himalayan Masters will properly brief you about the Manaslu trek before departure. You will get a briefing from the Himalayan Masters Co-Founder, Sandip, or Adventure Experts, Raj.
• 100% fixed departure guaranteed 
• Multi-channel communication (Email, WhatsApp, Viber, zoom, telegram, Zoom)
• 24/7 phone communication: +9779823636377 for WhatsApp and +9779851329447 for local and international calls. 
• Easy Payment system
• A complimentary arrangement of Himalayan Masters Brand Sleeping bags, down jackets, water bottles, and trekking caps
• Free excess luggage storage at the Himalayan Masters store during the trek
• Himalayan Masters-brand waterproof duffle bags will be provided for the porters. (You can take the duffle bags home; there is no need to return them.)

Note: Solo trekking is not allowed in the Manaslu Circuit Trek route, and if you are coming to Nepal Solo, you must do Manaslu circuit Trek group joining .

Important note about the fixed departure: 

Your departure from the Himalayan Masters trek to the Manaslu Circuit is 100% assured once you have signed up for it. They will have to pay USD 210 for a single supplement if there is no indication on the date that only single trekkers remain, and the departure will be 100% guaranteed.

Manaslu Trek Video By Himalayan Masters

Day 01: drive from kathmandu to maccha khola via soti khola (930m).

Soon after breakfast in the hotel, we arrange your drive from Kathmandu to Machha Khola. About a four-hour drive west of Kathmandu, along Trishuli River, we reach  Dhading Besi,   the district headquarters. This might be an excellent place to stop for lunch and some shopping. Now, the ride will be in the northern direction, and on a relatively straightforward day, we might see mountains on the way.

Upon arriving at   Aarughat,   you will find yourself exploring one of the beautiful towns of the district. After a short stop here at Aarughat, it’s a final rush to Soti Khola and then to Machha Khola.

Meal : Breakfast Lunch Dinner

Accomodation : Tea house

Walking / Driving : 5 to 6 hours (146 km)

Day 02: Trek from Machha Khola to Jagat (1340 m)

The initial trekking days are exquisite as we move along the Budhi Gandaki River to witness the stunning scenery. Initially, we crossed a thick forest before moving to Khorlabesi. Be alert in the forest, as you will find langurs and monkeys chattering at you from the top of the tree.

In a few hours, we move to a place called Tatopani (which means “hot” and “shower”). You are looking at a hot shower in a natural spring . Then, a   long suspension bridge   over the Budhi Gandaki River connects   Dovan . While you can also choose to stay in Dovan, we plan to cross Thulo Dunga and reach Jagat. This beautiful, made-up cultural town at 1340 meters is our first place to witness the Himalayan Buddhist culture.

Accomodation : tea house

Walking / Driving : 5 to 6 hours trekking) 18 km

Day 03: Trek from Jagat to Deng (Dyang) (1860 m)

Walking / Driving : 5 to 6 hours trekking

Day 04: Trek from Deng to Namrung (2660 m)

After a good breakfast at Deng, we head towards the village of  Namrung . A few hours into the trek, our first stop will be the colourful woodlands called  Ghap. While Ghap does have some good tea houses for our night’s stay, it’s our destination only for lunch. After Ghap, a suspension bridge connects us to Rana, and in a short time, we are at Bihi Phedi . One might see many free-roaming monkeys on this dangerous path to Namrung. At 2660 meters, Namrung village has some reasonable accommodation for the night.

Read all tricks and tips for Manaslu Trek. 

Walking / Driving : 5 to 6 hours trekking (19 km)

Day 05: Trek from Namrung to Shyala Village (3420 m)

As the Manaslu Circuit Trek advances, we are closer to the mountains and Tibetan culture. On our way to the villages of Lihi and Who, we can see many Mani Walls and colourful flags. Also, the forested trail has terraced fields and colourful wildflowers. From Lho, the views of   Manaslu (8163 m)   and Manaslu North (7157 m) are very distant. Lho can be a good stop for the night’s stop, but moving further north to  Sama Gaun (3520 meters) will make our 6th day of the trip. However, if you are experiencing unease, we might also stop at Lho.

Meal : Breakfast, lunch and Dinner

Day 06: Trek to Samagoun (3540 meters) via Pungen Monastery

Well, after trekking for four days at the lower elevation for the first time, you will walk over 3400 meters. On that day, our team will wake up with a beautiful panoramic view of Shyala village, and once finished with breakfast, you will start your journey. The first side trip on the Manaslu Circuit is to Pungen Gompa , the oldest monastery in the Manaslu region. Pungen Gompa is the best viewpoint in the Manaslu circuit trek, from which you can see the best view of Mount Manaslu and many other peaks. Getting to Pungen monastery from the Shayla takes 2 hours and some time in the Pungen Monastery; we will trek to Sama Goun, where most trekkers will stay for two nights for acclimatization. We highly recommend doing this side trip to Pungen Monastery.

Meal : Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Walking / Driving : 5 hours trekking

Day 07: Rest at Samagoun/ Trip to Manaslu Base Camp

Meal : Breakfast/ Lunch/ Dinner

Accomodation : Tea House

Walking / Driving : 4-5 hours trek

Day 08: Trek from Sama Gaun to Samdo (3860 m)

This is another relaxing short-day tour after a fun day in the mountains. As you move higher, the forest becomes a large pastureland; if lucky, you can see some yaks. Otherwise, it’s just alpine grassland for the day. You might also spot a typical Nepalese bird called the Danphe and other rare wildlife along the Manaslu Trek trail.

Before the final climb to the village of Samdo, you shall cross the Budhi Gandaki River. In a few hours, you will enjoy a cup of coffee in Samdo.

Walking / Driving : 6 hours trekking

Day 09: Rest Day at Samdo (3860 m) (Acclimatization Hike to Tibet Border)

Read Places to visit in Manaslu

Walking / Driving : 5 to 6 hours trekking (9 km)

Day 10: Trek from Samdo to Dharamasala (4480 m)

This is a tough day of hiking to Dharamsala, and you must be prepared with all the food and blankets you might need. On the Budhi Gandaki River, we cross a dangerous wooden bridge and head toward the alpine meadow. Taking enough rest, we stroll via the path of Mani walls and prayer flags to reach a wide valley named Salha Khola. While enjoying the beautiful view of Larkya Glacier, we continued to a stone-built guest house in Dharamsala.

This Stone Guest House is the most spacious accommodation we can find. It accommodates 50 travellers and operates only in peak season. You will get a mattress and need your sleeping bag, the thrilling experience during Manaslu Region trek.

Walking / Driving : 5 to 6 hours trekking (12km)

Day 11: Trek from Dharamasala to Bhimtang (3750 m) via Larke Pass (5160 m)

Ready for the longest and most challenging day of the 13-day Manaslu Circuit Trek itinerary? We hiked for more than 9 hours on a hazardous trail, covering more than 25 km, especially the big rocky hills today. However, the best part of the day was exploring and taking beautiful pictures of the four frozen lakes. Today is also the day we climb to 5160 meters, our highest destination.

The spectacular views of Himlung Himal (7126 m), Cheo Himal (6820 m), Gyaji Kung (7030 m), Kang Guru (6981 m), and Annapurna II (7937 m) can be seen from the well-known viewpoint of Larkya La. From there on, the trail is primarily downward until you reach Bhimtang, where you will spend the night.

And, from here, your roaming around Manaslu Conservation Area will end.

Walking / Driving : 8 hours trekking

Day 12: Trek from Bhimtang to Tilje Village (2550 m).

After a long day, this is a short and relaxing walk. As we have already walked to the lower altitude, the oxygen gets thicker, and walking becomes more accessible. However, since this is a somewhat downhill climb, you can get cramps in your knees. The frequent landslides might roughen the route, so be careful about tripping. After a few hours, we returned to the rhododendron and pine forest route, which felt like heaven in the blooming season. The trail then descends to the   Dudh Khola (Milk River) . You continue to trek through vat farmland until you reach the village of Gho. You will be spending the night in one of the fine lodges in Gho village during our Manaslu Circuit Trek.

Also read:   Detailed Manaslu region guide .

Meal : Breakfast, lunch and dinner

Walking / Driving : 5 to 6 hours trekking (25 km)

Day 13: Drive from Beshisahar to Kathmandu or Pokhara

This is the day to say goodbye to the Himalayas. Utilize your last few minutes to share your experiences in the Himalayas with any locals. The last day of your trip begins with a 5-hour drive in a local jeep from   Dharapani   to   Beshisahar   and then another 6-hour bus drive to Kathmandu.

It is mandatory to rush a little in the morning to catch at least the last bus to Kathmandu from Beshisahar. If you cannot get the bus to Kathmandu, you will probably need to wait till the next day. Upon arriving in Kathmandu, you will be invited to a fine restaurant’s last farewell dinner party. You will probably be provided with some Nepali cultural dances and special performances.

Note: If someone wishes to travel to Pokhara instead of Kathmandu following the trek, the Himalayan masters will assist you in arranging transportation to Pokhara. Also, you might be interested in Helicopter Tours to Nepal. 

Meal : Breakfast and lunch

Walking / Driving : 7 hours drive (175 km)

Fixed Departure

Not planned yet, include / exclude, trip cost includes.

• Airport pick-up and drop-off service by private car
• 12 nights Best available clean and comfortable Tea house accommodation during the trek
• All meals (breakfast, lunch and dinner) for 13 days of trekking
• Three hot drinks a day (Tea and Coffee)
• Kathmandu to Maccha Khola by Local bus
• Dharapani to Besi Sahar by public sharing jeep
• Besi Sahar to Kathmandu or pokhara by Tourist bus
• Guide for 13 days
• Trekking permits: Annapurna conservation permit and TIMS Card
• Manaslu Conservation Area permit
• Manaslu restricted area permit
• All Local and Government taxes and administrative charges

Complementary services from Himalayan Masters

•  Himalayan Masters Brand 25-degree sleeping bag during the trip
• Himalayan Masters Brand -25 Down jacket during the trek
• and a pulse oximeter for monitoring your oxygen saturation and heart rate at high altitudes.
• Himalayan Masters brand water bottles and purification tablets
• First aid kit box
• Seasonal fruits for dessert
• Himalayan Masters Brand Duffle Bag for the Trek (If you hire a porter)
• Himalayan Masters Brand Trekking T-Shirt and Cap
• The guide keeps a bottle of oxygen on hand in an emergency.
• Manaslu trekking maps

Trip Cost Excludes

• accommodation in Kathmandu in case of early arrival or late departure
• Lunch and dinner in Kathmandu
• Nepal Visa fee
• Travel and medical insurance
• International flights
• Personal expenses (phone calls, internet, laundry, bar bills, snacks, bottled or boiled water, souvenirs, hot showers)
• Personal trekking gear and equipment
• Porter for the trek (One porter for 13 days, USD 220)
• Private Transport
• Tips for guide  and drivers (tipping is expected)

useful info

Manaslu circuit trek distance.

The total distance of the Manaslu Circuit trek is 151km from Maccha Khola to Jagat. If you start the trek from Soti Khola, this distance increases by 15 km and becomes almost 166 km. The new road construction around Manaslu has caused the trek to become longer, adding 5 to 10 kilometres to the entire trip. You will walk for 6 to 8 hours daily, covering about 18 to 19 km.

Day 1: Kathmandu to MachhaKhola distance 143 km Day 2: MachhaKhola to Jagat distance: 22km Day 3: Distance from Jagat to Deng: 19.9 km Day 4: Deng to Namrung distance 19.5 km Day5: Namrung to Shyala village 9.7 km Day 6: Shyala village to Samagaon 8.2km Day 7: Samagaon to Samdo distance: 16.4 km Day 9: Samdo to Dharamsala distance: 12 km Day 10: Dharamsala to Bimthang via Larkya La pass distance: 24.7 km Day 11: Bimthang to Gho distance 14km Day 12: Gho to Dharapani distance: 5km Day 13: Dharapani to Kathmandu distance: 118km

Manaslu Circuit Trek elevation and altitude

Weather at manaslu circuit trek.

The weather plays a vital role in determining the ease and comfort of your trek. Learning about the temperature and climatic conditions before you plan the tour is essential. Although the weather in the mountains  is relatively unpredictable, we can say that Manaslu experiences four distinct weather variations every year. 

  March, April, and May mark the spring season in Nepal. March begins at -6 degrees Celsius at night but rises to 6–12 degrees in the late afternoon. The mountains are pretty warm at the end of May, even at night. Autumn is a time of celebration and fun. After the post-monsoon, the weather in September, October and November, is relatively stable and dry. Days are pretty warm, with temperatures ranging from 10 to 15 degrees in the Manaslu region . These are the best seasons for Manaslu treks in Nepal.

The summer in the South Asian region marks a prominent monsoon. The rain starts to fall in the second week of June and lasts for almost a month. As December approaches, the high mountains’ temperature drops to -8 degrees Celsius. But the snowfall begins after mid-January and lasts until mid-December. At this time, the nighttime temperature is almost -10 to -6 degrees. Even if the temperature reaches zero,

When should I trek to Manaslu?

Thankfully, the   Manaslu trek   is open for hiking at any time of the year. Sadly, the winter trek is challenging as the   tea houses   in the upper sections of the hike are closed. However, if you don’t want to miss the best mountain views covered in a thick white blanket, you can arrange the tour even in the winter.

Also, the monsoon is considered a low season due to its slippery path and leaches. But since it’s the best time to visit for keen botanists, you can head for the trek with the proper preparation.

The   best season for the Manaslu trek   is from March to May, when the temperature is bearable, and the rhododendron blooming is seen everywhere. Or, you might trek in another peak season, i.e., October to December, when the sky is clear, the trail is busy, and the locals are vibrant. After farming is completed in the monsoon, a time comes for a big celebration, such as the Dashain and Tihar festivals. You might have to pre-book the lodges because the trails are very busy.

Accommodation on the Manaslu Trek

On the trek, we will stay in the tea houses that the local families own. The lodge has a central dining area with a big stove for heating the room. The room mostly has two or three beds. They provide you with mattresses, a small blanket, and pillows. You might need to use sleeping bags for the night. They offer a hot shower on additional request, but the infamous “drop” toilets might be your most significant difficulty. Thankfully, a handful of newly constructed tea houses have a flush system.

Know more about accommodation in the Manaslu circuit trek  

Food for Manaslu trekking 

Regarding the   food in Manaslu,   you can have any meal of your choice while you stay in Kathmandu. We only provide you with breakfast (along with a welcome or farewell dinner) so you can choose to eat whatever and wherever you want.

Know more about food in the Manaslu trek .

During the trek, all three meals of the day are included. You can have a pancake, bread, dairy, juice, etc. The tea houses also have muesli and oats as options. The popular   Dal Bhat   with additional supplies is the best choice for lunch and dinner. However, you can also pick from   noodles ,   momo,   rolls,   roti , and some curry. Some continental options, like   pizza   and   burgers,   are also available in the lower altitudes. Do try local foods such as tulpa   and butter tea. 

Transportation During Manaslu Trek

Regarding the accommodation, we will predominantly travel in a private tourist vehicle. The vehicle size differs as per the group. Airport pick-up and drop-off will also be done in a private car. This particular tour does not have the option of a flight. So, most of the travelling is done by road.

Culture and festivals of the Manaslu region

Manaslu  area is probably the most culturally diverse section of Nepal. In the lower chamber, we can witness village settlements with Chettri, Brahmin, and Newar people, whose lives are guided by Hindu values. Then, as we shift to the upper section, we witness the Tibeto-Burmans and Mongoloids, who mainly belong to the Rai, Magar, Gurung, and Tamang castes. 

Their culture includes beautiful monasteries, mani walls, rotating wheels, and prayer flags. In places like  Mu gumba,   Gumba lungdung,  and  Rachen gumba, you can see many nuns, especially younger ones, practising the ancient art of meditation and medicine. 

  People also celebrate different festivals that bind them in a commonplace.  Lhosar and Bouddha Jayanti are celebrated with much joy. Explore the unique clothing of Manaslu and be a part of their festivals. You will have enough time to interact with the people and learn about their local culture. 

People in Manaslu TSUM Valley

If you combine the Manaslu Circuit trek with the TSUM Valley trek, you get to meet the Tsumbas, who are the residents of Tsum Valley. Tsum Valley has a total population of 2,700, most of them being farmers. These people who claim to have met ’Yeti’ are of Tibetan origin and have their own unique dialect called Tsumke or Tsumba. Although it might sound very weird to the world, the Tibetans in TSum Valley still follow the polyandry system.

What kind of permits are required for the Manaslu Trek?

Manaslu area limited area permits, Manaslu conservation area permits (MCAP), Annapurna conservation area permits (ACAP), and Trekkers Information Management Systems Card (TIMS) are the four types of permits required for trekking in Manaslu. You need these four licenses to accomplish the Manaslu Trek.

Know more about the permits .

What is a tea house like?

What do you imagine a house in the most challenging mountain terrain looks like? The tea house in Manaslu looks like a small hut, mostly made of wood or mud. Every tea house has a central dining area with a big wood burner. The fire is supposed to keep the room warm while you rest after a long day. Then, there will be two or three single beds with a thin mattress and blanket. Well, bedsheets might not always be very clean (it’s safe to carry your bedsheets), and blankets are not warm enough (that’s why we recommend sleeping bags). 

Let’s talk about the most important topic here: the bathrooms. Still called toilets in Nepal, there might be western or Indian pan restrooms that are provided in sharing basic. There are hot showers in almost all hotels in Manaslu, but you must pay extra for that. 

We often talk about electricity or charging in Manaslu Circuit Trek. The rooms in tea houses don’t have any plugs for charging, and you must give your mobile or camera in reception. They assess your devices for a couple of extra bugs. 

The tea houses offer some suitable varieties, but Nepalese Dal Bhat is always the best option. Do you want to know more about foods in Manaslu? Just get to the article here. 

Read different location for Manaslu Circuit Trek

What is a day on the Manaslu Circuit Trek actually like?

You know what we are discussing if you have been on any other high-altitude trek in the mountains. If it’s your first time, read carefully. Every trek day will be different, and difficulty adds up as you gain altitude, but a general outline can be made. 

Each day, the Manaslu Circuit trek begins after breakfast in a teahouse around seven to eight in the morning. You need to wake up quite early, freshen up before breakfast is served, and then we will start the walk. Following the trail led by our guide, we enjoyed the view along the route. When you are tired, signal, and the guide will stop. We cross a couple of kilometres before the guide takes us for lunch. You will spend almost an hour in the hotel here before moving ahead. You might have to take a packed lunch sometimes, but we mostly eat fresh lunch prepared in the tea houses. 

After lunch, we walked for a couple of more hours. You might want to stuff juice, chocolates, or snacks in your small bag. Depending on the distance we covered, we reached our destination somewhere between three and seven o’clock in the evening. The guide finds you a tea house where you shall crash for the night. Manaslu Circuit Trek beginners must read. 

Things to do after a Manaslu Circuit Trek

Although a trek to Manaslu will rejuvenate your soul, it might be physically tiresome. When you return to Kathmandu, a long spa session might be the best thing to do. And for the ladies, you might need a facial and a hair care day after that. Give yourself a day or two to let that muscle relax. Short tours to Kathmandu Valley or Nagarkot might be an excellent finish for your Manaslu Circuit Trek. 

Where can I meet Himalayan masters?

You can contact us via email or WhatsApp provided on the site. We will be available to pick you up at the Tribhuwan International Airport and transport you to the hotel anywhere in Kathmandu. Do note that our package begins from the day we move for the trek to Manaslu, so any accommodation costs before that are not covered. If you are already in Kathmandu, we will pick you up from the hotel.  

The Himalayan Masters believe in flexibility and comfort. We will provide you with the contact details of your client and the driver, just in case you need to ask anything.  

Here is a quick tip on Travel insurance for Manaslu  

Unfortunately, our Manaslu Trek cost doesn’t include travel insurance for our clients. It would help if you get foreign travel insurance covering high-altitude rescue from your home country.  

Manaslu Trek Packing List by Himalayan Masters

Our expert leader made this complete packing list, so please look at the Manaslu Trek packing list.

• Sun hat or scarf (Himalayan masters will provide the trekking caps)
• Winter hat, insulating hat or wide-brimmed hat
• Headlights with extra batteries
• Sunscreen, lip balm, and lip guard
• Sunglasses with UV protection
• Face/body wipes
• Lightweight gloves
• Heavyweight winter gloves
• Hiking shirt
• Long-sleeved shirt
• Hooded rain jacket
• Fleece jacket
• Lightweight cotton pants
• T-shirt (lightweight wool)
• polypropylene underwear
• Down jacket (-20 is the best at high altitude trekking / is complimentary by Himalayan Masters)
• waterproof jacket and pants
• walking trousers
• Trekking boots (Goretex ones)
• Thick wool socks (take the extra pain of thick light socks)
• Flip flops/sandals

Essential gear:

• Backpack/daypack (size depends)
• Thermal bottle
• Water purification (is complementary to Himalayan Masters)
• Trekking pole
• Sleeping bag (-20 is the best for high-altitude trekking / is complimentary by Himalayan Masters)
• Hand sanitizer (if needed)
• Antiseptic cream or spray
• Personal medicine
• Toilet papers
• Wash bag (toothbrush, toothpaste, face wipes, etc.)
• Waterproof trousers, jacket, and gloves
• Compass/trekking maps

This was my husband’s and my first time hiking in Nepal. We have done several multi-day hikes before but none at this altitude. Himalayan Masters quickly became our first choice because of the reviews and Sandip’s excellent customer service. He was always very responsive and we could tell he was just a fun and nice guy. We chose the Manaslu circuit trek because it sounded quieter than the others and less on the road, and we were really happy with the hikes. Our group consisted of three other people, Raj our guide, and Pitanbar our porter. Raj was a really great guide and he knew how to interact with everyone and have a lot of fun. The pit was also very kind and hard-working. Our group came upon some unfortunate weather later in the trek and it was always unsure whether we would actually be able to make the Larke pass due to storms. Raj was pretty open with us regarding the weather and being flexible with staying in certain places and seeing how things go. On the day that we planned to complete the pass a storm hit. All of the groups that were at the beginning camp (Dharamsala) ended up completing the pass despite the weather which risked everyone’s safety. Multiple guides and porters afterwards stated that it was the worst weather they had ever seen in their lives. It was shocking to me that every single group chose to take the risk of crossing despite the terrible weather. We are thankful that everyone is safe now and that Himalayan Masters were open to listening to our concerns and implementing changes. Sandip agreed that having GPS tracking for each guide will need to be the norm in order to ensure the safety of everyone and he promised to implement the changes by next year. After having this serious discussion with Himalayan Masters I would feel confident booking a tour with them again. They were very respectful and good listeners, and they helped to make sure that this experience would not negatively impact our trip, and not happen again. Amanda W USA 🇺🇸

This local agency is excellent and I would highly recommend anyone to book their trip through them, they will take care of almost everything and make you feel safe throughout the trip. Our Guide was Ram and he was by far the best, most caring and kind Guide we could have wished for. He helped us through the most difficult and dangerous passages of the trek and always checked on us to make sure we were feeling well. One note of caution: the Manaslu Trek is much more difficult than it seems. The trails are consistently very steep, making the long days very exhausting and particularly when the weather turns bad it may be too dangerous to cross the lake pass, in which case you will have to turn back. Sarah Germany 🇩🇪

I recently completed a 22-day hike in at Tsum Valley and the Manasalu circuit and it was all possible due to Sandip and the amazing team at Himalayan masters! Our wonderful guide Dipak and three lovely porters constantly went above and beyond to ensure our every need was met! They created the trip of a lifetime for myself and 5 other group members and I can’t wait to get back to Nepal to be able to do it all again with the great, supportive team! Ashlee Finch Australia

Good experience with Himalayan masters. Clear and quick communication beforehand with Sandip. Everything was organized by the time I arrived in KTM. Flexible and reasonable organization. Surjie, the porter-guide on this trip, is a very caring, kind and happy person. He took care of all practical matters during the trekking. Seppe Belgium 🇧🇪

Travelling with Himalayan Masters and doing the 12-day Manaslu circuit trek has been a fantastic journey. The owner, Sandip, has been very professional and has provided us with all the information we needed to travel in safe and comfortable conditions. He has arranged all the details (picking us up and dropping us off at the airport), and has always been very prompt in replying to all of our questions prior to our incoming flight, which was very valuable and made us feel fully accompanied. Also, the price was quite fair for all the services provided. Our guide Dipak, and our two porters, Ramesh and Sujan, were very professional, cheerful and caring at all times. We felt constantly safe with Dipak who has a valuable mountain experience, and we trusted him with everything. Unfortunately, due to bad weather, we could not go up to the Manaslu base camp, but we made it to the Larke Pass successfully and we will never forget it! I strongly recommend Himalayan Masters! Jo travel France 🇫🇷

I’ve visited Nepal several times and have to say the trek with Himalayan Masters was the best experience I’ve had with trekking companies in Nepal. Very professional staff, from the organisers to guides to porters. Sandip organised our Manaslu Circuit trek which was such a great experience and really went out of his way to make sure we had a great time in the mountains. Our guide Surje was really helpful and kind, and overall would highly recommend Himalayan Masters to anyone looking for a reliable trekking company for any of the awesome trips throughout the country and beyond- you won’t regret it! Olley Gasper Australia 🇦🇺

We did the Manaslu circuit with HM. No complaints at all. Our guide Gobinda was really good. He and our porter Dinis did a great job. Happy to recommend this company Rhona United kingdom 🇬🇧

Manaslu Circuit Trip with Himalayan Masters: For the fall of 2020, we planned a trip to Nepal and weren’t sure whether we should book it through a german agency or with a local one. Needless to say, we are 100% satisfied that we booked the trip through Himalayan Masters. The communication was professional from the very beginning and from the moment we were picked up at Kathmandu airport we were taken care of perfectly. Nepal is beautiful and especially the Manaslu area. But since travel experiences are not (just) made by the places you visit but also by the people that you meet, here is to our guide Dipak and all the wonderful people we met along the way who have been so welcoming and sincere with us! Without exaggeration, this trip has been the purest experience of our lives. And if the trip is measured in friends rather than miles, we must say this trip was as good as it gets!! Our guide Dipak left nothing to be desired, shone with perfect local knowledge and took care of us so touchingly at any time that a regular thank you seems way too little. Dipak is not only a guide you can rely on 100% but also extremely empathetic, amiable and was always there when we needed him. We had so much fun together, that only after a few hours the trip almost felt like trekking with a good friend. Since we are both relatively fit and also coped well with the altitude, Dipak kept suggesting additional excursions and routes into our original planning so that we got to see the most beautiful spots such as the Pungyen Gompa Monastery or even Manaslu Base Camp (highly recommended!). In retrospect, this was an unbeatable advantage compared to one of the big tour providers with large and inhomogeneous groups – we were flexible at all times and could shape the tour according to our wishes. In this way, a clear recommendation to travel to Nepal with the Himalayan Masters! Many thanks to our guide Dipak, our porter Suren and of course to Sandip for the great organization! Nepal will definitely remain in our memories, but most of all in our hearts! Filip F Germany

I’ve visited Nepal several times and have to say the trek with Himalayan Masters was the best experience I’ve had with trekking companies in Nepal. Very professional staff, from the organisers to guides to porters. Sandip organised our Manaslu Circuit trek which was such a great experience and really went out of his way to make sure we had a great time in the mountains. Our guide Surje was really helpful and kind, and overall would highly recommend Himalayan Masters to anyone looking for a reliable trekking company for any of the awesome trips throughout the country and beyond- you won’t regret it! Olly Gaspar Australia 🇦🇺

I can just thank you! 🙏 Had an incredible experience. Sandip and Dipak did the best possible job I can imagine. Sandip organized the trip to Manaslu to our needs. Quick response and perfect planning. Dipak was our guide and well-informed about the area because it is his home area. Always made us very comfortable and gave us the best rooms and free wifi (normally you have to pay for that!). Can recommend both from my heart. Daniel K Germany 🇩🇪

Why trek to Manaslu Circuit with Himalayan masters?

The Manaslu Trek is a remote, restricted trekking area with many unexpected physical and legal issues. This is why you need the experts at Himalayan Masters for the following advantages:

We provide you with an experienced guide who is very useful in coping with every difficulty in the Manaslu trekking route

Experts have designed our itinerary to keep you safe and avoid hectic walks; it’s easily achievable.

We offer the cheapest Manaslu trek packages, the best offers among Nepalese local trekking companies.

Himalayan mastermasters who lead Manaslu treks Most of them are from the Manaslu region and are highly familiar with the area.

We accommodate you in the best available hotels throughout the trekking route. Our travel packages cover all necessary costs for the tour (other than those mentioned in our policy) without any hidden charge.

We always prioritize our travellers’ health, safety, and comfort; the team will help you during any emergency. And the list can go on…

How difficult is Manaslu Trekking?

The trekking experts marked the Manaslu trekking region as having “moderate” difficulty. Although it demands good physical health, the trek can be conquered by anyone without experience in high-altitude trekking. There’s no need for skills in mountain climbing or trekking gear. So, the Manaslu trek is something that every adventurous soul can conquer. A few months of cardio training before the trip will be helpful for the trekkers.

How long is the Manaslu Circuit trek?

As the itinerary designed by the experts at the Himalayan Masters, the Manaslu Circuit trek is 13 days long. Some extend this trek up to 20 days. Adding a few acclimatizations and rest days in between is very helpful. In short, the Manaslu Circuit trek can be half a month to one month long.

How much does it cost to trek to Manaslu Circuit?

Being a restricted trekking area, the cost of the Manaslu Circuit trek is slightly higher than other trekking areas in Nepal. Typically, a 13-day Manaslu trek can cost about $995 to $1400. Manaslu trek cost for Nepali ranges from NRP 50,000 to NRP 80,000 for 12 days.

How far is Manaslu Trek from Kathmandu?

Manaslu region begins at 119 km of west-north Arial distance from Kathmandu. The starting point for the trek is usually Maccha Khola, which is 136. 9 km of highway distance from Kathmandu and lies in the Gorkha district of Nepal. From there, the Manaslu trek distance of more than 150 km has to be covered. This means we will be walking about 15 kilometers each day.

How do I get from Kathmandu to Manaslu?

Most of the treks in the Manaslu begin from Soti Khola, which lies in the Gorkha district of Nepal. You can get a public bus to Gorkha and then to Soti Khola.

Or, one can hire a jeep to take them directly to Soti Khola. From there, you must trek along the Budhi Gandaki valley via Maccha Khola, Jagat, Deng (Dyang), Namrung, Sama Gaun, Samdo, and Dharamsala. These are the core regions of Manaslu before we cross Larke Pass and get to Gho and Dharapani. From Dharapani, a jeep brings you to Besisahar in Lamjung district and back to Pokhara.

We will organize the necessary transportation by bus or jeep once you have booked the trek with Himalayan Masters.

When is the best time to trek to Manaslu?

Manaslu trekking is possible from August to early December. After December, the trail above 3500 meters has snowfall, making walking cold and hard. The trekking season resumes in March, and the views are fantastic until April. June and July are the less preferred months due to heavy rainfall. Last but not least, the best time for the Manaslu trek is autumn (October, November, and December).

Can you trek to Manaslu Circuit without a guide?

The Manaslu region lies within the restricted area of Nepal. This means independent trekkers cannot issue Manaslu trek permits. It would help to have a group of at least two people and a licensed guide trek into the Manaslu region. So, the answer is NO, you cannot travel to Manaslu without a guide.

Where is Manaslu?

Mount Manaslu lies in the Mansiri area in the west-central part of Nepal. Manaslu is a sub-tropical Himalayan foothill with an area of 2000 to 4000 meters above sea level. Politically, it lies in the Gorkha district of Nepal in Gandaki province. The range is located about 64 kilometers east of Majestic Annapurna. Most of the Manaslu area falls under the Manaslu conservation area, which lies at 1,663 square kilometres.

Do I need a permit for the Manaslu trek?

Yes, you need three kinds of permits for the Manaslu trek. The first one is the Manaslu restricted area permit issued by the immigration department. This permit costs about $100 for a week in peak season and $75 for a week off-season for seven days. The cost is lower for the people of SAARC countries. Then, you need the Manaslu Conversation and Annapurna Conservation Area permits, which cost about $30 each (NRP 600 for SAARC citizens). You can read the details of the permit here.

How cold is it Manaslu?

The highest point of our trek is above 5000 meters. Most of the time, we will walk 3000 to 5000 meters above sea level. At this altitude, the weather is volatile, and the temperature is low. The nighttime temperature ranges from 5 degrees Celsius in summer to -15 degrees Celsius in the winter. The days are often sunny, and the temperature ranges from 15 degrees Celsius in summer to -5 degrees Celsius in winter in Manaslu.

Is Manaslu harder than Everest?

Both the Manaslu Circuit trek and Everest are moderately complex trekking routes of Nepal and none of these treks are easy. While the terrain of Manaslu is easier than that of Everest, Manaslu has more remote areas and lower facilities in comparison to Everest. If you want some comfortable hotels and restaurants along the trek, you might find Everest easier. Still, if you just consider the walking period, the Manaslu Circuit trek is more accessible than the EBC trek.

Is Manaslu Circuit Trek Safe?

Yes, the Manaslu Circuit trek is very safe for tourists. Solo or independent travel is not permitted in the Manaslu Circuit region, and when you travel with a guide, there’s no chance of being lost and helpless. This region has no landslide-prone areas or avalanches, so you are safe from natural barriers. There are only a few villages along the way with people strictly rooted in their Buddhist message of non-violence and respect. The only risks during the trip are altitude sickness and mild injuries during the walk.

How to train for Manaslu Circuit?

No special mountain trek training is needed for the Manaslu Circuit trek, and you don’t need to use any kind of gear or ropes. All you need to do is boost your physical and mental strength. A few months of cardio exercises and strength-building exercises in any form is more than enough.

How many miles is the Manaslu Circuit trek?

The recently updated itinerary shows that the Manaslu Circuit trek is 105 miles. This means the total Manaslu Circuit trek distance is about 168 km for the journey that starts at Maccha Khola and ends at Dharapani.

Which is the highest point of the Manaslu Circuit trek?

The highest point for the Manaslu Circuit trek is Larke Pass, at 5160 meters. The highest altitude we spent a whole night at was Dharmasala, at 4480 meters.

What is the elevation gain of Manaslu Circuit?

The starting point of the journey is Kathmandu, which is at 1400 meters above sea level and the highest point is Larke Pass at 5160 meters. This means the elevation gain of the Manaslu Circuit is about 3760 meters.

Do you need oxygen to climb Manaslu?

Definitely, climbing to the Manaslu peak does need oxygen. However, you do not need oxygen for the Manaslu Circuit trek unless you suffer from altitude sickness. In case of altitude sickness, our guide to Manaslu by Himalayan Masters will arrange the cylinder for you, but you need to pay the extra charge for the cylinder and transportation.

How do I prepare for the Manaslu Circuit trek?

If you are looking to do the Manaslu Circuit trek anytime soon, these are the preparations you must make. Manaslu Circuit Trek checklist

• Contact Himalayan Masters about two months before the trek
• Finalize your itinerary, and all costs included 
• Start your cardio and strength-development exercises 
• Ask for the details of your guide (and his or her license)
• Get your travel insurance and passport renewed if they are going to expire soon
• Get a packing list from our guide and complete the shopping
• Book your flight tickets to Nepal 

Do you need a sleeping bag for Manaslu Circuit Trek?

Yes, it would help if you had a sleeping bag for the Manaslu Circuit trek. The nights in the mountains of Nepal are freezing, and the tea houses and hotels in Manaslu do not have heating systems. This means you will need sleeping bags for the Manaslu Circuit Trek.

How hard is the Manaslu Circuit Trek?

The Manaslu Circuit Trek is technically graded as moderately difficult, but this is among the hardest circuit treks in Nepal. You obviously need very good physical strength and strength-building training a few months before your trek.

What is the elevation gain of the Manaslu Circuit Trek?

The highest point of the Manaslu Circuit trek is Larkya La Pass, which has a height of 5106 meters. The trip begins from Kathmandu at 1400 m, so the elevation gain of Manaslu Circuit Trek is 4700m. On average, we walk at the height of 3000 m to 4000 meters.

How many people die in Manaslu?

Despite the fact that Manalsu Circuit Trek is a difficult trip, Mt Manaslu is a rather safer climbing region with a death rate of 1.49%. It is said that 88 deaths have been reported among 2,172 summit climbers in total.

What is the success rate of Manaslu Circuit Trek?

The 177 km of the Manaslu Circuit Trek has quite an impressive success rate. 90% of the total trekkers have been able to complete this trip, while 10% failed to climb Larkya La Pass in the snowy winter season. If you pick the right season and prepare as per the guidance of Himalayan Masters, the chances of failure in Manaslu Circuit Trek drop to zero degrees.

The Manaslu Circuit Trek is more challenging than the Everest Base Camp trek. The distance for Everest Base Camp Trek is about 130km, while Manaslu Circuit Trek is 177 kms. The walking hours are longer, and the route is rather remote in the Manaslu region. But the solitude, peace, cultural insight, and wildlife encounter in the Manaslu is more rewarding than that of Everest.

What is the difference between the Manaslu Circuit Trek and the Annapurna Circuit Trek?

The distance and duration of the Manaslu Circuit Trek and the classic Annapurna Circuit Trek are similar, i.e. around 170 km and 14 to 17 days. However, the short Annapurna Circuit Trek can be done in 7 days with only about 80 kms to cover, but the Manaslu Circuit Trek cannot be that short. Manaslu Circuit Trek is more remote and has an opportunity for cultural exploration, while ABC is mostly about the mountains.

Do you need a guide for Manaslu Circuit?

Yes, hiring a licensed guide is compulsory for Manaslu Circuit Trek. You need the details of the guide before you submit the permit for the Manaslu restricted area. You can find a guide to Manaslu online or via Himalayan Masters.

How many miles is the Manaslu Circuit Trek?

Manaslu circuit trek is 109 kms from Maccha Khola to Dharpani, and the driving distance from Kathmandu to Maccha Khola is about 100 miles.

How many people have climbed Manaslu?

As per the Nepalese government, 2,451 climbers have received the permit to climb Mount Manaslu, and 88 people have died on this mountain. Also named as a killer mountain, the avalanches in Manaslu make is a problematic 8,000 meters to climb.

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Himalaya Darshan Treks Pvt. Ltd

"Experience Naturally Nepal With Us"

Manaslu Circuit Trek - 14 Days

Per person - All price inclusive

• Trip Overview
• Includes/Excludes
• Trip Grade: Moderate
• Max-Altitude: Larke Pass 5,106m
• Best Season: Autumn & Spring
• Trip Mode: Tea house
• Group Size: Min 2+
• Destination: Manaslu Region

Manaslu Circuit Trek Highlights

The Manaslu Circuit Trek is a popular trekking route in Nepal that encircles the majestic Mount Manaslu, the eighth-highest peak in the world. Here are some key highlights of this trek:

• Beautiful Mountain Scenery : The ride offers breathtaking views of snow-capped peaks, including Mount Manaslu, which rises to 8,163 meters (26,781 feet). You will also witness other prominent peaks such as Siringi Himal, Himalchuli, Nike Peak, Himlung, Annapurna, and Ganesh Himal among others.
• Unique Cultural Experience : The Manaslu region is culturally diverse and offers a unique opportunity to experience the lifestyle, traditions, and warm hospitality of the locals. The path passes through several traditional Tibetan villages you can immerse yourself in the local culture and interact with the friendly locals.
• Hike to Larke La Pass : Larke La Pass, at an elevation of 5,106 meters, is a magnificent mountain pass in Nepal’s Manaslu region. It provides breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding snow-capped summits, including the majestic Manaslu, the world’s eighth-highest peak.
• Birendra Lake (Birendra Tal) : Birendra Lake is a beautiful glacial lake located at the foot of the Manaslu Glacier at an elevation of about 3,640 meters. This lake is surrounded by rocky terrain and offers a peaceful and cozy environment.
• Manaslu Base Camp : Manaslu Base Camp is the ultimate destination for trekkers looking to get up close to the majestic Mount Manaslu. At an elevation of about 4,800m, the base camp offers breathtaking views of the surrounding glaciers, beautiful landscapes, and towering peaks creating an unforgettable experience.

Manaslu Circuit Trek

The Manaslu Circuit Trek is a popular trekking route located in the Manaslu region of Nepal. It is an alternative to the popular Annapurna Circuit Trek. It offers breathtaking views of Mount Manaslu, the eighth-highest peak in the world. The trek usually starts from Soti Khola and lasts about 13 to 15 days, depending on the route and pace of the trekkers. The route encompasses a variety of landscapes, including verdant valleys. Also, multi-tiered waterfalls and jungles provide a diverse and immersive experience for trekkers.

Along the way, you will pass by traditional Tibetan villages where you can observe the unique culture and life of the locals. The area is mainly inhabited by an ethnic group called the Nubri , who follow Tibetan Buddhism religion. You may have the chance to visit ancient monasteries and interact with locals to add up your trekking adventure.

The Manaslu Circuit trek is known for its breathtaking views of the snow-capped mountains including Mt Manaslu. Likewise, Siringi, Nike Peak, Himlung Himal, Ganesh Himal, and Annapurna ranges. The key to adventure is crossing the spectacular Larke La Pass at 5,106 meters, offering panoramic views that amaze trekkers.

With its remote and pristine environment, the Manaslu Circuit Trek appeals to adventurous souls seeking solitude and a deeper connection with nature. This is a physically demanding trip, requiring good fitness and endurance. However, the rewards of witnessing the unspoiled beauty of the Manaslu region and discovering its cultural treasures make the trip truly unforgettable for adventurers.

Best time to do Manaslu Circuit Trek

The best time to do the Manaslu Circuit Trek in Nepal is in the fall and spring. These seasons bring the most favorable weather conditions and offer breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and landscape. Here is a breakdown of each season:

Fall (September to November):

This is considered the best time for trekking in the Manaslu region. The weather is generally stable with clear skies, allowing excellent views of the snow-capped peaks. Temperatures are moderate so it’s comfortable to hike through the woods during the day, and the trails are usually dry.

Spring (March to May):

Spring is another great time to do this trek. The weather is mild and the landscape begins to come to life with blooming azaleas and other colorful flowers. The temperatures are pleasant and the skies are often clear blue, offering breathtaking vistas.

Difficulties and Challenges

The Manaslu trek’s difficulties and challenges are altitudes, rough terrain, limited infrastructure, permits, weather conditions, and cultural barriers. Despite these difficulties, the trek around the Manaslu Circuit is an incredible adventure for different experiences with the off-the- beaten-path trek . However, with preparation, fitness and a positive mindset, you can overcome these challenges and enjoy the unique experience of this scenic and isolated trek.

Manaslu Circuit Trek Cost

The Manaslu Circuit Trek cost starts from $710 per person up to $1285 per person . We offer 3 different types of trekking packages so you can choose the best and most suitable package.

1st : We offer a full Board package for $1285  per person. (all price inclusive)

2nd :  The package is $1125  per person without a porter.

3rd : we offer a service package at a cost of $799 per person (excluding accommodation in Kathmandu, porter, and food during the trip). We hope it will be easy for you to plan and budget for your trek.

Conclusion:

In summary, our 14 days at Manaslu Circuit Trek offer an unforgettable adventure in the heart of Nepal’s Himalayas. With breathtaking scenery, rich cultural heritage, and challenging yet rewarding trails, this trek is truly a gem for nature lovers and adventurers. From mountain peaks to charming traditional villages, each stage of the journey reveals the beauty and grandeur of the Manaslu region. The warm hospitality of the local community added an extra layer of authenticity to the experience, making it a truly immersive cultural encounter.

Whether you wish to extend your trek, explore specific regions, or focus on cultural immersion, Himalaya Darshan Treks create a personalized itinerary just for you. This level of flexibility ensures that your trekking experience is truly unique and tailored to your needs. Combined with the warmth and hospitality of the local communities, the Manaslu Circuit Trek with us promises an extraordinary and unforgettable adventure, designed exclusively for you. Feel free to get in touch with us.

Day 1, Arrival at Kathmandu airport (1,400m) and Transfer to hotel.

We, Himalaya Darshan Treks warmly welcome you and your group to Nepal. One of our company staff will take you to your hotel in Kathmandu . The person will be waiting outside the baggage hall of the Tribhuwan International Airport, Kathmandu, holding an A4-size paper with your name and our company name. So, you have to look for that person for your pick up from the airport.  Your check-in at the hotel .

Day 2, Your free day or Sightseeing in Kathmandu

Your free day or sightseeing in Kathmandu. This day is required to make Manaslu Circuit Trek special permit  with your original passport.

Day 3, Drive to Machhakhola (930m). Stay at hotel

We will drive by local Bus or by private vehicle to Machhakhola. It depends on your group size and package. We will drive on Prithvi Highway through the beautiful highlands. After passing through Dhading Besi , the route becomes bumpy and leads us uphill to Gola Bhanjyang, where we can witness breathtaking vistas of snow-capped mountain peaks.  Soti Khola  is reached after a lengthy drive up the west bank of the  Budhi Gandaki River then about 1 more hour to reach Machhakhola. Stay at the guest house.

Day 4, Trek to Jagat (1,410m), Stay at tea house

The journey from Machha Khola to  Jagat  takes 5 to 6 hours, going via the Gurung settlements of Khorlabesi, Tatopani, Dobhan, and Yuru Khola along the Budi Gandaki valley.

Day 5, Trek to Dyang (1,800m). Stay at tea house

We will continue our journey to Dyang . After crossing the river, the terrain becomes steeper for a little time before leveling down towards Pewa. Then another steep hike continues for the remainder of the day, culminating at Dyang.

Day 6, Trek to Namrung (2,660m). Stay at tea house.

A fast descent to the river is followed by a sharp ascent to the Rana settlement. The trail descends and gradually ascends to  Bihi Phedi,  then undulates through the valley before arriving at Ghap. The trip continues through the forest, gradually gaining altitude and following the Budhi Gandaki River, which is now considerably smaller. The day concludes with a difficult ascent through the jungle to  Namrung village .

Day 7, Trek to Lho gaon (3,180m). Stay at tea house.

The walk now enters a greater height from Namrung onwards. After a short walk on flat ground, the trail begins to climb until it reaches Shyo village. As the path lowers into a river and climbs again till it reaches  Lho gaon , a view of Manaslu (8,163 meters) arises to the west.

Day 8, Trek to Sama Gaon (3,530m). Stay at tea house.

After a two-hour climb up, you’ll pass through the Syala hamlet and into the pine forest on your way to  Sama Gaon . The stunning vistas of Manaslu, north Manaslu, Himal Chuli, Nadi Chuli, Naike Peak, and Pangbuche Himal can be seen from Shyala hamlet. The hike to  Sama Gaon that day is relatively short. After lunch, we will visit Birendra Lake (A beautiful lake named by king Birendra)

Day 9, Acclimatization Day.

When you reach a height of over 3,000 meters, you must take time to rest and acclimate to the higher altitudes. Pungyan Monastery , Manaslu Base Camp, and a short climb to Birendra Lake are the primary attractions on that day’s hikes. You and your guide can decide which places to visit.

Day 10, Trek to Samdo (3,690m). Stay at tea house.

Today’s climb to  Samdo Village  is quite straightforward, although it becomes challenging due to the substantial altitude gain. The Budi Gandaki River runs through the alpine woodland on its way to the river’s suspension bridge. The trail goes on to Samdo after passing the bridge. It may be a bit windy that day, but you will be able to get beautiful Himalayan views.

Day 11, Trek to Dharmasala/Larke Phedi (4,470m). Stay at tea house.

The trail lowers for a short while before beginning to ascent towards the Larke Bazaar. The path grows easier and ends at Dharmasala (Larke Phedi), where the next day’s ascent begins. This is another beautiful day on this trek you can enjoy the beautiful mountains view during the walking to Larke Phedi

If you have enough time you can Day hike from Samdo to Tibet Border

Day 12, Trek to Bhimtang (3,720m) via Larke la pass (5,106m). Stay at tea house

Today, we will start our walking early in the morning, the ascent up the Larke Glacier only leads to the pass’s summit. You can enjoy seeing Himlung (7126 meters), Annapurna II (7937 meters), Kang Guru (6981 meters), and several other peaks above 6000 meters on this day. The glacial moraine begins with a sharp plunge into the snow and continues for the rest of the day. The descent comes to a close with a view of Bhimthang , which is situated on large flat land. After the long and hard descent from the Larkela top, we will stop at Base camp for lunch. then continue to the Bhimthang .

Day 13, Trek to Dharapani (1,860m.) Stay at guest house.

After breakfast, We’ll start our last day trekking to Dharapani through the Gowa and Tilche villages . Cross the Dudh Khola on a suspension bridge, then follow the lower valley to Dharapani. The Manaslu circuit trek permits and the Annapurna circuit trek permits both pass through Dharapani. we join the popular Annapurna circuit trekking trail at Dharapani .

Note: If you have enough time and are interested in continuing your trekking to Annapurna Circuit (Thorong La Pass 5,416m) or Tilicho Lake Trek from here.

Day 14, Drive to Kathmandu and transfer to hotel.

After breakfast at the hotel, drive along the banks of the Marsyangdi rivers and pass through many small settlements to Reach Besisahar. Then continue drives to join Prithivi Highway. To follow the Trishuli Rivers, passing through rice fields, terraced farms, valleys, and delightful views of the mountainous areas and mountains. We arrived in Kathmandu after a 7/8 hour drive by Jeep and Microbus.

Trip Includes

• Airport pick up and drop by private vehicle.
• Three nights hotel in Kathmandu with bed and breakfast.
• Teahouse accommodation and three times meals during the trek, Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, and one cup of tea/coffee with a meal.
• Transportation from Kathmandu to Soti Khola/Machhakhola and Besisahar to Kathmandu by bus. (If driving by private vehicle/Scorpio $210 extra)
• Experienced and government-licensed holder guide, porters with salaries, food, accommodation, and insurance (1 porter for 2 trekkers).
• Manaslu circuit trek Special Permit.
• Annapurna and Manaslu conservation entry permit.
• TIMS Card (Trekker’s Information Management System).
• First Aid medical kit, Oximeter to check pulse, heart rate, and oxygen saturation at higher altitude
• Emergency Helicopter service arrangement (If needed) which will be paid by your Travel Insurance Company.
• We will arrange a Duffel bag, Sleeping bag, Down Jacket, and warm hat (If you don’t have your own.)
• Himalaya Darshan Treks branded T-shirt and as a souvenir.
• Manaslu Circuit trek achievement certificate.
• All government and local taxes.
• Manaslu Circuit Trek Map for a group.
• Farewell dinner in Kathmandu with a Culture program.

Trip Excludes

• Lunch and Dinner in Kathmandu.
• Extra night accommodation in Kathmandu than the scheduled itinerary.
• Your personal expenses (Laundry, bar bills, battery recharge, WIFI, bottle or boiled water, hot shower, etc.)
• Tips for Guide and Porter. (Tips are expected)
• Travel insurance, Evacuation (Necessary)
• Nepal entry visa fees
• Desserts Sweet things like chocolate, cake, pie, pudding, etc.
• Any other expenses that are not mentioned in the cost include.
• Sightseeing in Kathmandu.

Photo Gallery

Responses & ratings, 3 replies to “manaslu circuit trek”.

We are a group of two mountain addicted girls, from Austria/Germany with some experiences in skitouring and heights of 2500-3000m. So this was our first experience in higher altitude and we were a bit nervous before our trek started. Gyan organized all needed permits and explained everything in detail for us. We felt very comfortable from the beginning. So our trekking experience started with a long bus ride and perfect weather conditions. We had no problems with the walking distances or altitude due to Gyan´s experience and very nice guiding. He explained many interesting facts about Nepal, mountains, people and traditions. Furthermore answered all our questions in a very nice and engaged way. We always felt safe and really enjoyed the whole trekking experience. Due to the fact that we wanted to be faster we also made a group decision of skipping two days and crossing the Larke Pass earlier than planned before. This was the perfect decision due to the weather. We had stunning views and really enjoyed the surrounding of way bigger mountains than we are used to in Europe. We can really recommend Gyan and his team, because the engagement is immense and his calm but also communicative way of guiding is perfect. Porter Bhim was also a perfect partner and always spread positive vibes. We really enjoyed every minute of our trek and never had any problems. We can really recommend Gyan and his team!

“GB Katuwal and his team at Himalayan Darsan Treks were the perfect choice for our trekking adventure in Nepal. Originally, my wife Beth and I booked the 18 day Manaslu Circuit Trek with GB, but soon realized that was just not enough time in the beautiful mountains of Nepal, or with GB. We extended our trip with GB on an additional seven day Langtang trek and could not be happier. As a guide, GB has lead trips for more than twenty years across Nepal. From the most popular areas to the most remote, GB makes sure his clients are safe, prepared and exposed to all that Nepal has to offer. Additionally, GB is a kind and humble man, who makes his guest feel like family. I highly recommend GB and Himalayan Darsan Treks.”

What an amazing experience! We did the Manaslu Circuit Trek with Himalaya Darshan Treks and it was all more than excellent. Very friendly and service-focused, authentic (local), attention to detail (great teahouses with some special arrangements for my wife’s birthday). They have a positive and flexible/can-do mindset. I think price-quality wise also the best out there.

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Circuit Trek Manaslu

Scale the exhilarating 5106m Larke La Pass for unforgettable sunrise views

Discover ancient monasteries and Tibetan culture in quaint villages

Visit iconic landmarks on a guided Kathmandu City Tour

Trek through lush forests, cross rivers, and marvel at towering peaks

Acclimatize in scenic Samagaon with panoramic mountain views

Experience local hospitality with overnight stays in traditional teahouses

A winding trail along the river that promises new vistas at every turn

Panoramic mountain views of the Himalayas that make every step worthwhile

Conquering Larke Pass

The snow-capped peaks in the distance, a trekker's ultimate reward

A sweeping valley view that takes your breath away

Incredible visibility of Mt. Manaslu

Nature's melody in the silence

A sea of clouds below you, making the climb worth every step

A peaceful walk through lush forests, nature's sanctuary

There's a unique charm to the hidden valleys of Nepal

One of the gems on the circuit - Lake Birendra

The first glimpse of the summit, where dreams meet reality

The joy of a well-earned rest, with panoramic views as your backdrop

Manaslu Circuit Trek Itinerary

Upon your arrival at Kathmandu Airport, you’ll be warmly greeted by our representative. A comfortable vehicle will take you to your hotel. Once you’ve settled in, you’ll receive a  brief orientation  about the trek, including the itinerary and essential information. Spend the rest of the  day at your leisure , exploring the vibrant streets of Kathmandu or simply relaxing at the hotel. Overnight stay in Kathmandu.

Start your day with a hearty breakfast at the hotel. Your tour guide will arrive to take you on an enriching  Kathmandu City Tour . You’ll be provided with a private vehicle and guide for this excursion. The tour includes visits to  iconic landmarks  like Kathmandu Durbar Square, Swayambhunath Stupa, Boudhanath Stupa, and Pashupatinath Temple. Note that we’ll also be using this day to issue your  restricted area permit , requiring your original passport. Dinner will be provided. Overnight stay in Kathmandu.

After breakfast, your journey to  Sotikhola  begins. Your guide and support team will pick you up from your hotel in a  private vehicle . The drive is scenic, passing through small mountains alongside the  Trishuli River , popular for rafting, and through lush jungles and local villages. Meals for the day include breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Overnight stay in Sotikhola.

Today’s trek will take approximately  six hours . The trail winds through forests, quaint villages, streams, and beautiful waterfalls. You’ll eventually reach  Lapu Besi , a village predominantly inhabited by Mongolian residents. From there, you’ll continue on a zigzagging path to Machhakhola and then to  Khorlabeshi . This area has a small market with a few shops and hotels. Meals for the day include breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Overnight stay in Machhakhola.

Your trek today starts by crossing the  Machha Khola , or Fish Stream, and heading upstream to the tiny village of  Khola Bensi  and the hot springs at  Tatopani . The trail can be challenging in places but offers an authentic trekking experience. After passing through a short stretch of forest, you’ll reach the single teahouse at  Doban . From Lauri, you’ll cross the river on a suspension bridge and climb to the fields of  Jagat  for your overnight stay. Meals for the day include breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Overnight stay in Jagat.

Today is a day of awe and wonder as you trek towards Deng. After a nourishing breakfast, you’ll set on a trail that meanders along the enchanting  Budhi Gandaki River  valley. The air grows crisp, and the scenery more majestic as you pass through forests of  rhododendrons and pine . The vibrant colors of the national flower of Nepal, the rhododendron, will captivate your senses. As you traverse small valleys and forests, the village of  Deng  emerges like a gem in the rough, offering a serene end to an exhilarating day. Meals include breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Overnight in Deng.

Kickstart your day with a hearty breakfast and gear up for an invigorating trek to Ghap. The trail takes you upstream along the  Deng River  through a valley that gradually narrows and steepens. As you ascend, you’ll encounter the village of  Lana , adorned with mystical  Mani stones . Ghap itself is a treasure trove of Tibetan culture, with chortens and Mani stones dotting the landscape. The day concludes in this tranquil village, where you’ll rest and recharge for the adventures ahead. Meals include breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Overnight in  Ghap .

Today’s trek is nothing short of a visual feast. After breakfast, you’ll ascend towards Lho, with each step revealing increasingly stunning vistas. The trail offers  panoramic views  of Rupinala Pass, Mt. Manaslu, Gorkha Himal, Saula Himal, and Lajing Peak. Along the way, you’ll pass chortens, Mani walls, and fluttering  prayer flags , all adding to the spiritual ambiance of the trek. By the time you reach  Lho , you’ll be on a natural high, both literally and metaphorically. Meals include breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Overnight in Lho.

Prepare for a day of awe-inspiring beauty as you trek to Samagaon. The trail descends towards  Damonan Khola  before ascending to the expansive plateau of  Shyala . Here, you’ll be greeted by jaw-dropping views of Manaslu, Himalchuli, and other towering peaks.  Samagaon  is a village rich in cultural heritage, with monasteries both large and small awaiting your exploration. The day concludes in this idyllic setting, offering a perfect blend of natural beauty and cultural richness. Meals include breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Overnight in Samagaon.

Today is a day for your body to catch up with the altitude. But  acclimatization  doesn’t mean idleness; it’s an opportunity to explore the breathtaking landscapes of Samagaon. After breakfast, you’ll set out to discover the village’s sacred monasteries,  Labrang Gompa  and  Kargya Chholing Monastery . The views here are nothing short of magical, with Mt. Manaslu, Pungyen Glacier, and the Nadi River providing a stunning backdrop. This day is a feast for your eyes and a rest for your legs. Meals include breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Overnight in Samagaon.

Fuel up with breakfast because today’s trek to Samdo is a rollercoaster of terrains and emotions. You’ll start by ascending towards  Cho Chanda , then traverse a desert-like path and windy trails. The panorama unfolds to reveal a  tapestry of peaks  like Himlung Himal, Gyagi Kung Himal, Kang Kuru, and Annapurna II. Samdo is tantalizingly close to the  Tibetan border , adding an extra layer of excitement to your journey. Meals include breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Overnight in Samdo.

Today’s trek to Dharmashala is a crescendo in your high-altitude symphony. After breakfast, you’ll set off on a trail that takes you through ancient Mani walls and across the  Budi Gandaki River . The ascent is steady but rewarding, with each step taking you closer to the sky.  Dharmashala  serves as your gateway to the  Larke La Pass , offering a moment of reflection before the grand finale. Meals include breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Overnight in Dharmashala.

Brace yourself for the most challenging yet rewarding day of your trek. You’ll leave Dharmashala in the early morning to conquer the  Larke La Pass . The initial descent is steep, followed by a rocky and windy ascent to the pass. The sunrise from  Larke Peak  is a spectacle you’ll remember for a lifetime. After soaking in views of numerous peaks and small ice lakes, you’ll descend to  Bhimtang  for a well-deserved rest. Meals include breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Overnight in Bhimtang.

Today is bittersweet as it marks the  last leg  of your trekking adventure. After breakfast, you’ll descend through the valley towards Dharapani. The trail offers a final encore of natural beauty, passing through forests of rhododendron and pine. You’ll also traverse the village of  Tilje , known for its apple orchards and local wine. The day concludes in  Dharapani , where you can toast your incredible journey. Meals include breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Overnight in Dharapani.

The trek may be over, but the adventure continues. After breakfast, you’ll board a  local jeep  for a drive to Besisahar. The journey offers one last chance to soak in the stunning landscapes of Nepal. Upon reaching Besisahar, you’ll switch to a  bus  for the final leg of your journey to  Kathmandu . The city welcomes you back with its bustling energy, a stark contrast to the tranquility of the mountains. Meals include breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Overnight in Kathmandu.

All good things must end, and today marks the conclusion of your Manaslu Circuit Trek. After one  last breakfast  in Kathmandu, our representative will escort you to the  airport  for your onward journey. As you board your flight, you’ll carry memories and experiences that will last a lifetime.

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Manaslu Circuit Trek cost includes

Kathmandu accommodation with breakfast

Private ground transport (airport transfers & sightseeing)

Daily meals on trekking route

Trekking lodging (tea house or lodge)

Licensed English-speaking guide

Porter services (1 porter for 2 people, 15 kg limit)

Required permits and TIMS card

Travel and rescue coordination

24/7 office support

Farewell dinner at a Nepali restaurant

Kathmandu meals

Kathmandu sightseeing entrance fees

Insurance of any kind

Flight expenses

Personal expenses (bar bills, beverages, shower, laundry, Wi-Fi in trekking route)

Unforeseen costs (natural disasters, flight cancellations, etc.)

Description

The Manaslu Circuit Trek is a  hidden gem  in the Himalayas, offering an authentic experience away from the crowds. Unlike the more popular Everest and Annapurna treks, the Manaslu Circuit remains  relatively secluded , providing a sense of adventure and closeness to nature within the hidden Nepalese valleys.

The hike revolves around Mount Manaslu, the  eighth-highest mountain in the world , and offers a rich blend of natural beauty and cultural heritage. You’ll discover the world of Sherpas and their way of living from up close in the most authentic way possible.

Why Choose Manaslu Circuit Trek

If you’re looking for a less well-known adventure that combines  awe-inspiring landscapes  with cultural richness, the Manaslu Circuit Trek is your perfect match. This trek offers an unparalleled view of the Himalayan ranges, including  Manaslu, Himlung, and Annapurna II . And let’s not forget about the jaw-dropping natural scenery of the lower lands, with lush forests, rivers, and waterfalls, as well as the turquoise waters of the  Budi Gandaki River .

The Manaslu Circuit Trek reveals a route that takes you across terraced fields and traditional  Nepalese villages . What sets our guided tour apart is the personalized experience and years of experience used to craft the perfect Manaslu Circuit Trek itinerary. Our guides are locals who can offer an  insider’s perspective , making your trek a deeply enriching experience.

What to Expect on Manaslu Circuit Trek

When you opt for the Manaslu Circuit Trek, you’re signing up for a visual and cultural feast. The Manaslu Circuit Trek itinerary is meticulously planned to offer a balanced mix of  natural beauty and cultural exposure . The trek takes you through the  Manaslu Conservation Area , leading to breathtaking views of the mountain ranges.

You’ll also interact with the  local communities  and experience their way of life. With our guided tour, you’ll have the added advantage of a well-thought-out itinerary that ensures you don’t miss out on any of the trek’s highlights.

How to Prepare for Manaslu Circuit Trek

Preparing for the Manaslu Trek requires a multi-faceted approach. Being physically fit is key, especially when building your  leg strength and endurance . While it’s also good to work on your upper body strength, flexibility, and heart health, don’t lose sight of the main goal: to be capable of  hiking for long periods at high elevations , all while carrying a heavy backpack with relative ease.

Logistically, there are several permits you’ll need, including a restricted area permit. Our guided tour ensures these  logistical challenges aren’t your concern , allowing you to focus on the trek and working on your fitness level.

Safety Measures

Safety is a paramount concern when trekking in remote areas. The Manaslu Circuit includes  challenging terrains and high altitudes , especially at the Larkya La Pass, which reaches above 5000 meters of altitude.  Acclimatization  is crucial, and our itinerary includes built-in days for this purpose.

If not, you might start experiencing symptoms of  Acute Mountain Sickness  anywhere from six to 24 hours after you’ve ascended past 2,400 meters. While these symptoms can vary, they often include headaches, fatigue, and dizziness. In more serious cases, you could even face life-threatening conditions such as fluid buildup in your lungs or brain.

We also provide information on what to do in emergencies and ensure you have all the necessary contact numbers. It’s advisable to have  comprehensive travel insurance , and our team will provide you with the best options that cover trekking and emergency evacuation.

Accommodation & Food on Manaslu Circuit Trek

Accommodation on the Manaslu Circuit is generally in the form of  teahouses , which offer basic but comfortable facilities. These teahouses also serve as dining areas where you can enjoy a variety of meals, from  traditional Nepali food  to more familiar  international dishes . Our guided tour ensures that your accommodation is pre-booked, and we also cater to any dietary restrictions you may have.

Nepal Trekking Regulations

Recent changes in Nepal’s trekking regulations have made it  mandatory for all trekkers to have a licensed guide . Starting from March 31, 2023, the Nepal Tourism Board (NTB) announced that all trekkers must obtain a Trekking Information Management System (TIMS) Card through authorized trekking agencies registered with the Nepali government.

Failure to comply with these regulations may result in  fines or even deportation . Therefore, it’s crucial to choose a reputable trekking agency or guide registered with the Nepali government. In light of this, opting for our guided Manaslu Circuit Trek ensures that you’re in compliance with the new regulations and provides you with the added benefit of a  professional support system .

Trek the Manaslu Circuit with us!

In summary, the Manaslu Circuit Trek offers an unparalleled blend of natural beauty, cultural richness, and adventure. We’ve taken care of  every detail , from permits to safety measures, allowing you to focus on the breathtaking landscapes and transformative journey ahead. Don’t miss out on this once-in-a-lifetime adventure — book your Manaslu Circuit Trek with us today and experience  the Himalayas  like never before!

Manaslu Trek Map

Things to know

The Manaslu Circuit Trek is a renowned trekking route situated in Nepal’s Himalayan region. This challenging adventure offers breathtaking views of Manaslu Mountain, the world’s eighth-highest peak, along with surrounding mountains. The trek navigates through quaint villages, lush forests, and high-altitude terrains, allowing trekkers to immerse themselves in the region’s unique culture and natural splendor.

Typically, the Manaslu Circuit Trek spans 14 to 18 days, depending on the specific itinerary you choose. The trek covers an estimated distance of 177 kilometers and includes crossing the Larke Pass, which sits at a lofty altitude of 5,106 meters.

The most favorable time for undertaking the Manaslu Circuit Trek falls between March to May and September to November. These months usually offer dry, clear weather and moderate temperatures, ideal for trekking. Conversely, the winter months from December to February bring heavy snowfall, making the trek more challenging.

To embark on the Manaslu Circuit Trek, you’ll need two essential permits: the Restricted Area Permit (RAP) and the Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP). These permits are mandatory for trekking in the Manaslu region and ensure that you are trekking legally and responsibly.

The Manaslu Circuit Trek is categorized as challenging and demands a robust level of fitness and endurance. The trek features steep climbs and descents, high-altitude passes, and long trekking hours on uneven terrain. However, with adequate preparation and conditioning, individuals with a sound fitness level can successfully complete the trek.

A good level of physical fitness is crucial for this trek. The trail involves strenuous climbs and descents, often at high altitudes. To prepare, it’s advisable to engage in cardio activities like running, cycling, and swimming, as well as going on short hikes to build stamina.

Accommodation on the Manaslu Circuit Trek mainly consists of tea houses and lodges. While basic, these options offer the essentials — a warm bed and a hot meal — making them a cozy retreat after a strenuous day of trekking.

On the Manaslu Circuit Trek, you’ll have the opportunity to enjoy a variety of local foods. Options include traditional Nepali dishes like dal bhat, as well as momos, pasta, and a range of soups. These meals are both delicious and energy-boosting, perfect for your trekking adventure.

For a successful trek, pack essentials like warm clothing, sturdy hiking boots, a sleeping bag, a down jacket, a waterproof jacket, a hat, gloves, a headlamp, a water bottle, a first aid kit, toiletries, and personal medications. Portable chargers and power banks for your electronic devices are also recommended, along with sunscreen and insect repellent.

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Manaslu or Gokyo - Nepal Forum

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Manaslu or Gokyo

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Has anyone who has trekked both any views on which is better and also the best months to go as we can be flexible. I have also read different opinions on here about the acclimatisation to Gokyo and I'm not sure if we trek in whether that changes anything there.

Many thanks in advance for any replies.

11 replies to this topic

In short: Manalsu is great if you would like to get a (at least somewhat representative) cross section through Nepal. It starts below 1000 meters in a subtropical jungle and with every day you see vegetation, landscape, people and culture change. It has almost everything which once made the Annapurna Circuit the best trek in the world, with (so far) little of its downsides. The mountain scenery (at least from Lho to the end in Dharapani) is amazing as well, but not quite as good as in Gokyo.

Gokyo has in my opinion the very best mountain scenery of all of Nepal's established lodge treks. If mountains are all you're after, go to Gokyo. Additionally you get lots of buddhist / Sherpa culture, which is very unique and definitely worth a visit. What you don't get (compared to Manaslu) is plants, landscapes and cultures that would be found below 2500m. Because you don't go lower than that (unless you chose to travel by road and walk in on foot).

If you have more than two weeks time, you can either add Tsum valley to your Manaslu (Tibetan culture "behind" Ganesh Himal) or either the southern walk in or EBC to your Gokyo trek.

Regarding acclimatization: Both villages of Dohle and Machhermo are not very exciting, but you're supposed to spend a day there each. At the very least in one of them but actually better both. If you like to spend your rest days at a more spectacular place, consider visiting Ama Dablam Base Camp from Pangboche on your way up. Also Ark will recommend you to go up vie Thare and Thore instead of Dhola and Machhermo in a few minutes from now.

Was my name mentioned by any chance? Anyways, I find going up via Dole and Machermo bit suboptimal (if not downright stupid), especially if planning to kill time at those lodge clusters for better acclimatisation. In the same timeframe one can hike the "Cultural Gokyo" route instead going via Tengboche monastery, Phortse village, little walked east side trail to Gokyo via Thore/Thare and Nha Kharkas with quaint lodges (and snow leopards) and return via Renjo La pass to Thame, which has the biggest monastery in Khumbu, 3 times as old as Tengboche. So there. Acclimatization largely depends on how much time is spent on the way up, sleeping in Tengpoche, Thore/Thare and Nha gives one more acclimatisation day compared to a typical too fast Dole - Machero itinerary. Adding one more day/night in Pangpoche in order to visit Ama Dablam BC is even better for acclimatization. This is 500% more interesting than sitting in Dole and Machermo staring at one's phone for 2 days.

If you send me your email by private message I can send you an annotated map of the route.

Many thanks for the replies both. I would like to consider the trek in to Gokyo, which route would you recommend?

For Manaslu I have also read about allowing time to trek out if we cannot get over the pass. Is there a best time of year to ensure getting over or do we just have to have contingency days?

I have send a message to Ark, thanks.

You need to plan some buffer days for Manaslu, because the pass is on the very end of the trek. In case you can't cross, you need to walk back about 5 days to reach the road again. 4 if you're quick. The driest months are Nov, Dec and Jan (with Dec and Jan being very cold and the tea house in Dharamasala might be closed due to the lack of trekkers - leaving November). October (wet in the first half and crowded throughout), February (cold), and March (end of dry season), are okay too, but the only month that's really reliably good weather wise is november. First half might be very crowded too.

If you ask me Gokyo for me in term of views but the pass in manaslu is a challenge . If you want both you can try three pass trek I would reccomend that for you as you will not only go to gokyo but you will get mostly what trekking in solu region has to offer .

I’ve done both treks in the last few years since Covid and though I loved Gokyo personally my favourite trek is Manaslu. As you say though the issue with Manaslu is if you don’t get over the Larkye La it’s a long way back. I was lucky even in mid November to get over the pass and that’s meant to be the best time to go. Manaslu is just so worth the effort though …Samaghan is one of the best villages in Napel when I was there there was an amazing multi day festival something you must won’t get in the Khumbu, sure there were tourists but so what ….not so many they had any impact.

Samdo is also an interesting village on the way up. Namrung for an unfathamable has a luxury hotel well worth the extra cash to stay it .

So if you do Gokyo it’s amazing and for culture Khumjung is an interesting village. The views of AMA dablam etc are superb but if it was my call I’d go Manaslu every time.

Sorry bit of a random train of thought ..

Many thanks Barcaranger, that's quite a positive vote for Manaslu (our guide, Ram, on the last trek is from that area as you may remember and he recommended it but I guess he would!).

Need to get together with our friend now to run through the options and try to fix dates.

If it looks like spring is better for him than November 2025 (I can't go then this year sadly) would this affect the choice between Manaslu and Gokyo?

Guess I may just have to do both in the next couple of years before my legs give up!

I finished the Manaslu circuit just 2 weeks ago, and in 2023 I did the Gokyo Trek returning via Renjo La and of course on the way up through Thare and Thore, Arkienkeli's influenced.

Which is best? Difficult to say, I enjoyed a lot in Mongla, Thare, Gokyo Ri and Renjo La during the Gokyo thing, butttt! I enjoyed the same 2 weeks ago at Pungyen Gompa, Manaslu Base Camp, Birendra Lake and vies from Larke La towards Annapurnas, Larke is challenging because is rock, I like the local atmosphere in Lhi, Lho and Sama.

Which is best? Difficult to say, I enjoyed a lot in Mongla, Thare, Gokyo Ri and Renjo La during the Gokyo thing, butttt! I enjoyed the same 2 weeks ago at Pungyen Gompa, Manaslu Base Camp, Birendra Lake and the astonishing views from Larke La towards Annapurnas, Larke is challenging because is rocky, I like the local atmosphere in Lhi, Lho and Sama, where live has not changed as if 50 years ago.

About aclimatising, if you are not in a rush, you can reach Gokyo Ri and Larke La without altitude sickness.

Side trips in Manaslu Circuit are plentiful and gorgeous!

As a restricted area, a minimum of two pax is required to obtain a permit for Manaslu with a local agency and guide. If you are an experienced hiker you may travel to Gokyo Valley Trek without joining any agencies.

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Passing Thru Travel

The 10 Best Treks in Nepal’s Majestic Mountains 2024

Posted: February 21, 2024 | Last updated: February 21, 2024

Nestled between the towering peaks of the Himalayas, Nepal is a land of unparalleled natural beauty and a haven for trekkers. From the iconic Everest Base Camp to the serene trails of the Annapurna region, Nepal’s mountains offer a diverse array of trekking experiences, each more awe-inspiring than the last. This guide will take you through 10 of Nepal’s most majestic mountain destinations, providing insights and practical advice for your trekking adventure.

1. Everest Base Camp

Embarking on the Everest Base Camp trek, you’ll journey through the heart of the Himalayas, where the world’s highest peaks, including Everest, Lhotse, and Nuptse, tower above. Starting with a thrilling flight to Lukla, the trek takes you through traditional Sherpa villages, Buddhist monasteries, and along the Dudh Kosi River. The route is challenging yet rewarding, with acclimatization days in Namche Bazaar and Dingboche. The final ascent to Base Camp offers a stunning view of the Khumbu Icefall, making all the effort worthwhile.

Insider’s Tip: Acclimatize properly to avoid altitude sickness.

When To Travel: Pre-monsoon (March to May) or post-monsoon (September to November).

How To Get There: Fly to Lukla from Kathmandu and start your trek from there.

2. Annapurna Circuit

The Annapurna Circuit is a classic trek that takes you around the majestic Annapurna massif. This journey offers a remarkable diversity of landscapes, from the subtropical jungle of the Marshyangdi Valley to the arid, Tibetan-like terrain of the Upper Mustang. Crossing the Thorong La Pass, the trek’s highest point, is a challenging but exhilarating experience. The trek also allows for cultural immersion in the mountain communities of the Gurung and Manangi people.

Insider’s Tip: Take side trips to the ice lakes or Tilicho Lake for additional stunning views.

When To Travel: March to May and October to November for the best weather conditions.

How To Get There: The trek typically starts in Besisahar or Bhulbhule, accessible by road from Kathmandu or Pokhara.

3. Langtang Valley

The Langtang Valley trek offers a quieter, more intimate Himalayan experience. It begins with a drive to Syabrubesi and a trek through forests, pastures, and traditional villages. The valley provides close-up views of Langtang Ri and Langtang Lirung. The trek also includes a visit to Kyanjin Gompa, a significant Buddhist monastery, and an optional climb to Tserko Ri for panoramic mountain vistas. This region was heavily affected by the 2015 earthquake, and trekking here supports local recovery efforts.

Insider’s Tip: Extend your trek to Gosaikunda Lake for a spiritual experience.

When To Travel: March to May and September to November for clear skies and pleasant temperatures.

How To Get There: Drive to Syabrubesi from Kathmandu, the starting point of the trek.

4. Manaslu Circuit

The Manaslu Circuit trek circles the majestic Manaslu, the world’s eighth-highest peak. This trek is less crowded than its more famous counterparts. It offers a look into the untouched natural beauty and culture of the Nepali Himalayas. The trek involves crossing the Larkya La Pass and traverses through Budhi Gandaki Valley, known for its mix of Hindu and Tibetan Buddhist villages. The circuit is a challenging trek, blending cultural richness and scenic splendor.

Insider’s Tip: Ensure you have a guide, as the Manaslu trek requires special permits.

When To Travel: March to May and September to November are ideal.

How To Get There: The trek starts at Arughat or Soti Khola, which can be reached by bus or jeep from Kathmandu.

5. Upper Mustang

Trekking in Upper Mustang takes you to a region that was once an independent kingdom. The landscape here is more desert-like, characterized by eroded canyons and colorful stratified rock formations. Lo Manthang, the walled capital, is a highlight, with its monasteries and royal palace. This area is culturally and geographically more akin to Tibet, offering a unique trekking experience distinct from the rest of Nepal.

Insider’s Tip: Visit the ancient monasteries and the royal palace in Lo Manthang. Stay at the beautiful Shinta Mani Mustang.

When To Travel: May to October, as the region lies in the rain shadow area.

How To Get There: Fly or drive to Jomsom, then trek or drive to Lo Manthang.

6. Gokyo Lakes

The Gokyo Lakes trek is a fantastic alternative to the Everest Base Camp trek, taking you to a series of stunning high-altitude lakes in the Gokyo Valley. The trek is less crowded and provides spectacular views of Everest and surrounding mountains. Climbing Gokyo Ri offers one of the best viewpoints in the Everest region. The trek passes through Sherpa villages, offering insight into the local culture.

Insider’s Tip: Trek during the full moon for spectacular night views of the mountains.

When To Travel: March to May and September to November for the best weather.

How To Get There: Similar to Everest Base Camp, fly to Lukla and follow a different trail.

7. Poon Hill

The Poon Hill trek is ideal for those looking for a shorter hike in the Annapurna region. It’s known for offering some of the most spectacular mountain views, especially at sunrise from Poon Hill itself. The trek passes through rhododendron forests and Gurung villages, giving you a chance to experience the culture of the central Himalayan region. The trek starts and ends in Nayapul, a short drive from Pokhara.

Insider’s Tip: Carry enough cash, as there are no ATMs on this route.

When To Travel: October to November and March to April for clear skies and good weather.

How To Get There: The trek starts from Nayapul, which is a short drive from Pokhara.

8. Kanchenjunga Base Camp

The Kanchenjunga Base Camp trek is a challenging and adventurous journey to the base of the world’s third-highest mountain. This remote trek offers stunning views of Kanchenjunga and a chance to experience pristine wilderness. The trek passes through diverse ecosystems, traditional villages, and high alpine terrain. It’s a trek for those seeking solitude and unspoiled nature.

Insider’s Tip: Be prepared for basic accommodations and facilities, as this is a less developed trekking route.

When To Travel: March to May and September to November for stable weather.

How To Get There: Fly or drive to Bhadrapur, then drive to Taplejung, the starting point of the trek.

9. Makalu Base Camp

The Makalu Base Camp trek is a challenging journey to the base of Mount Makalu, the world’s fifth-highest mountain. This trek takes you through some of Nepal’s most remote and wild areas, offering stunning views of the eastern Himalayas. The Makalu Barun National Park, through which the trek passes, is a biodiversity hotspot with a rich variety of flora and fauna.

Insider’s Tip: Be physically and mentally prepared for a challenging trek with basic facilities.

When To Trave: Pre-monsoon and post-monsoon periods for the best conditions.

How To Get There: Fly to Tumlingtar from Kathmandu, then drive to Num, the starting point of the trek.

10. Rara Lake

Trekking to Rara Lake offers a serene experience away from the more popular trekking routes. Rara, the largest lake in Nepal, is known for its clear blue waters and scenic beauty. The trek to the lake is an adventure in itself, passing through remote Jumla and Mugu districts. The area around the lake, Rara National Park, is home to a variety of wildlife and offers tranquility unmatched in other parts of Nepal.

Insider’s Tip: Visit the nearby Rara National Park for a chance to see unique wildlife.

When To Travel: September to October and April to May for the best trekking conditions.

How To Get There: Fly to Nepalgunj from Kathmandu, then to Jumla, from where the trek to Rara Lake starts.

The Bottom Line

Trekking in Nepal is more than a physical journey; it explores some of the most majestic landscapes on Earth. Each destination offers its unique charm, from the world-renowned Everest Base Camp to the tranquil trails of Rara Lake. As you trek through these mountains, you’ll not only witness breathtaking vistas but also immerse yourself in the rich culture and hospitality of the Nepali people. Pack your bags, lace up your boots, and prepare for an adventure that will leave you with memories to last a lifetime.

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The post The 10 Best Treks in Nepal’s Majestic Mountains 2024 was republished on Passing Thru with permission from The Green Voyage .

Featured Image Credit: Shutterstock / Olga Danylenko.

For transparency, this content was partly developed with AI assistance and carefully curated by an experienced editor to be informative and ensure accuracy.

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