Manaslu Circuit Trek

  • Duration 13
  • Destination Nepal
  • Trip Grade Strenuous
  • Starts at Kathmandu
  • Ends at Kathmandu
  • Meals Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
  • Accommodation Hotels, Lodges, Tea Houses
  • Max. Altitude 5160m (Larkya La Pass)
  • Activity Trekking, Hiking and Exploring
  • Group Type Private
  • Group Size 2-16 people
  • Best Season March-May, September-November

Manaslu Circuit Trek Overview

The Manaslu Circuit Trek is a challenging and breathtaking trekking experience, perfect for those seeking an off-the-beaten-path adventure. It offers awe-inspiring views of the Himalayas, rich cultural experiences, and a chance to trek in less-crowded areas. This 13-day trek takes you around the world’s eighth-highest mountain, Mt. Manaslu (8163m), through villages inhabited by the Tamang and Gurung people, with mesmerizing views of Mt. Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, Ganesh Himal, and more. The highlight is the Larkya La Pass, at 5160m, where trekkers are rewarded with spectacular panoramas of the surrounding peaks.

Day to Day Itinerary
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Arrive in Kathmandu, the vibrant capital of Nepal, where you’ll be greeted by your guide and transferred to your hotel for rest. This day is dedicated to recovering from your journey and preparing for the exciting trek ahead. Enjoy the lively atmosphere of the city or relax before your adventure begins. Rest up, as tomorrow you embark on your journey through the stunning landscapes of the Manaslu region.

  • Tea Hotel
  • Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Your adventure begins with a scenic drive from Kathmandu to Machha Khola, the starting point of your trek. As you pass through terraced fields, lush green hills, and rushing rivers, you’ll be immersed in the beauty of Nepal’s countryside. The drive takes around 8-9 hours, offering glimpses of traditional villages and dramatic landscapes along the way. Arrive in Machha Khola, ready for your first night in the foothills of the Himalayas.

  • Tea Tea House
  • Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  • 7-9 hours depending on road conditions
  • Drive 160km

Your trek today follows the Budhi Gandaki River, with breathtaking views of lush valleys, deep gorges, and villages nestled along the riverbanks. Crossing several suspension bridges, you’ll experience a thrilling journey through traditional villages like Sirdibas and Philim. As you reach Deng, the natural beauty and serenity of the area will captivate you, providing a restful setting for the night.

  • Tea Tea House
  • Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  • 6-7 hrs
  • 19km

Today’s trek takes you higher into the heart of the Manaslu region, where the views of towering peaks like Manaslu and Himalchuli begin to dominate the landscape. You’ll walk through small, picturesque villages, each offering unique glimpses into the local lifestyle. Namrung, a small yet stunning village, awaits at the end of your journey today, offering a warm, inviting atmosphere to recharge.

  • Tea Tea House
  • Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  • 7-8 hrs
  • 19km

The trek today takes you through alpine forests and offers some of the most magnificent views of Mt. Manaslu and its neighboring peaks. As you ascend through the rugged terrain, you’ll encounter high-altitude vegetation and the charm of remote mountain life. Shyala, a peaceful village with incredible mountain vistas, is the perfect spot to relax and prepare for the next stage of your journey.

  • Tea Tea House
  • Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  • 5-6 hrs
  • 10km

Today’s trek is a relatively short but rewarding journey towards Sama Gaon, a Tibetan-influenced village that lies in the shadow of Mt. Manaslu. You’ll walk through gentle alpine meadows, enjoying panoramic views of the surrounding peaks. Sama Gaon, with its distinct culture and serene atmosphere, provides an ideal place to absorb the beauty and spirituality of the region.

  • Tea Tea House
  • Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  • 4-5 hrs
  • 12km

Take a well-deserved rest day in Sama Gaon to allow your body to adjust to the altitude. Use this opportunity to explore the village, visit the nearby monasteries, or enjoy a short hike to explore the stunning surroundings. Acclimatization is crucial for a safe and successful trek, and today provides a chance to relax and prepare for the challenging days ahead. The tranquil environment makes this day one of the highlights of the trek.

  • Tea Tea House
  • Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Your trek continues towards Samdo, a high-altitude village with spectacular views of the snow-capped peaks. As you journey through remote alpine terrain, you’ll pass by yak pastures and experience the serenity of this peaceful region. Samdo offers a glimpse into the daily lives of the mountain people and a chance to immerse yourself in the stunning surroundings at over 3,800 meters.

  • Tea Tea House
  • Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  • 5-6 hrs
  • 11km

Another acclimatization day, this time in Samdo, helps you prepare for the high-altitude challenges ahead. You can explore the village, hike to nearby viewpoints, or simply rest and enjoy the tranquility of this remote spot. This day is essential for ensuring a smooth journey ahead, allowing your body to adjust to the increased altitude and enabling you to fully enjoy the next stages of your trek.

  • Tea Tea House
  • Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Today’s trek brings you closer to the legendary Larkya La Pass as you make your way towards Dharmasala, the base camp for crossing the pass. The landscape becomes more rugged and awe-inspiring as you trek through alpine terrain with panoramic views of the surrounding peaks. Dharmasala serves as the final stop before the challenging Larkya La Pass, offering a chance to rest and mentally prepare for tomorrow’s ascent.

  • Tea Tea House
  • Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  • 4-5 hrs
  • 14km

This is the most challenging and rewarding day of the trek, as you cross the Larkya La Pass, one of the highest points of the journey at 5,160 meters. The panoramic views from the pass are nothing short of spectacular, with snow-capped peaks and glaciers in every direction. After descending from the pass, you’ll reach Bhimtang, where the warmth and hospitality of the village provide a well-deserved rest after a long day.

  • Tea Tea House
  • Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  • 8-9 hrs
  • 24km

The descent today offers a dramatic change in landscape as you move from high alpine terrain to lush forests and picturesque villages. Walking through the forests of pine and rhododendron, you’ll make your way towards Dharapani, a busy village along the trekking route. The final stretch is peaceful, allowing you to reflect on the incredible journey through the Manaslu region as you head toward the final days of the trek.

  • Tea Tea House
  • Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  • 7-8 hrs
  • 16km

After completing the trek, you’ll drive from Dharapani to Beshisahar, passing through charming villages and terraced fields. From Beshisahar, continue your drive back to Kathmandu, where the bustling city offers a lively contrast to the tranquil mountains you’ve just explored. As you reflect on your incredible adventure, you’ll arrive in Kathmandu, ready to relax and prepare for your departure.

  • Tea 3*** Hotel
  • Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  • Trek to Besisahar: ~5-6 km (1-2 hours) and drive from Besisahar to Kathmandu: ~173 km (8-9 hours)

After an unforgettable trekking experience in the stunning Manaslu region, it’s time to bid farewell to Nepal. Transfer to the airport for your flight home, carrying with you the memories of breathtaking views, cultural encounters, and the sense of accomplishment that comes with completing such a remarkable journey. Safe travels as you return to your sweet home, enriched by the adventure of a lifetime.

  • Breakfast
Altitude Chart

Our team guides, porters and accompanying staff are locals with a broad knowledge about each and every location that we travel through.

Cost Includes
  • Transportation: Kathmandu to Machha Khola and Beshisahar to Kathmandu (by private jeep or bus), Airport and drop off service
  • Permits: Manaslu Conservation Area and Annapurna Conservation Area Permits
  • Accommodations: Tea-house or Lodge accommodation during the trek
  • Meals: All meals (Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner) during the trek
  • Guide: Professional, English-speaking trekking guide
  • Porter: For carrying luggage (1 porter for 2 trekkers)
  • Insurance: Guide and porter travel insurance
  • First Aid: Basic first aid kit
Cost Excludes
  • International Airfare: Flights to and from Kathmandu
  • Travel Insurance: Personal travel insurance, covering health, trip cancellation, or emergency evacuation
  • Personal Expenses: Snacks, drinks, and other personal expenses during the trek
  • Visa Fees: Nepal visa (to be arranged by the traveler)
  • Tips: For guide, porter, and other support staff
  • Extra Costs: For additional services or activities (such as hiring extra porters, hot showers, alcoholic drinks, wifi, etc.)
Departure Dates
  • We have daily departures for this trip from March to May and from mid-September to mid-December. You can type in the number of passengers to book a reservation and select a date that is convenient for you. Due to group size, we never cancel a trip once you’ve made a reservation. If you would rather join the group, we will add more travelers on the selected date. You can let us know once you make a reservation or earlier.
Useful Info

Permits Required:

Manaslu Restricted Area Permit (RAP)
Peak Season (Sept–Nov): $100 (7 days) + $15/day (extra)
Off-Season (Dec–Aug): $75 (7 days) + $10/day (extra)

Manaslu Conservation Area Permit (MCAP)
Nepali: NPR 100 | SAARC: NPR 200 | Foreigners: NPR 3,000 (~$23)

Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP)
Nepali: NPR 100 | SAARC: NPR 200 | Foreigners: NPR 3,000 (~$23)


Best Seasons:
Spring (Mar–May): Rhododendrons, mild weather
Autumn (Sept–Nov): Stable weather, stunning views


Accommodation & Food:
Stay: Tea houses (basic amenities, occasional hot showers)
Meals: Dal Bhat, Tibetan bread, noodles, soups, limited Western dishes


Packing Essentials:
Warm clothes, trekking boots, poles, -10 to -20°C sleeping bag
First aid kit, altitude meds, sunscreen, water purifiers


Regulations:
Guide/Porter: Mandatory in restricted areas
Group Size: Minimum two trekkers


Max Altitude: 5,160m, Gradual ascent, hydration, and acclimatization are crucial.


Connectivity & Insurance:
Phone/Internet: Limited in remote areas
Charging: Available for a fee at tea houses
Insurance: High-altitude evacuation (up to 6,000m) required

 

FAQs
  • The Manaslu Circuit Trek is a breathtaking journey that takes you around the majestic Mount Manaslu, the eighth highest peak in the world. This trek offers an immersive experience through diverse landscapes, from lush forests and terraced fields to high-altitude alpine meadows and dramatic mountain vistas. It takes you through traditional villages, allowing a deep connection with the rich cultural heritage of the people living in the region.

  • The Manaslu Circuit is considered a moderate to challenging trek. It demands good physical fitness due to its altitude, remote terrain, and rugged trails. However, with the right preparation, it can be a rewarding adventure for those with previous trekking experience.

  • The best time to trek Manaslu is during the spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November). During these months, the weather is more stable, and you’ll be able to witness clear skies and magnificent views of the mountains.

  • Yes, you can hire a horse or mule to carry your luggage, but this will incur additional costs.

  • The weather in the Manaslu region can be unpredictable, with cold temperatures and occasional snowfall. It’s best to be prepared for all weather conditions.

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