Trip Highlights
Explore ancient temples and places in Kathmandu
A challenging trek in Nepal for experienced trekkers
Explore one of the restricted areas in Nepal
Offbeat trekking route and no crowd- a very untouched part of the Himalayas
Spend nights in beautiful villages and get to see the simple lifestyle of the locals
Start trekking through subtropical forests, ascend above the Budhi Gandaki valley, and follow glacier moraines
Witness a wide range of landscapes and stunning mountain vistas
Visit ancient monasteries on the way and explore Tibetan Buddhism
Visit Manaslu Base Camp and discover the beauty of Birendra Lake
Push your limits while challenging Larkya La (pass)
Trip Overview
The Manaslu circuit trek follows the upper Budhi Gandaki river valley and takes you to one of the untouched parts of the Himalayas. On this trek, you will explore off-the-beaten trails, the base of the eighth-highest mountain in the world, and cross the challenging Larkya La pass (5,160 m/16,929 ft).
The Manaslu circuit trek has become one of the best alternatives to the famous Everest Base Camp trek and Annapurna Circuit trek. As the Manaslu circuit trail is not overly commercialized like other famous trekking routes in Nepal, you will get to have an authentic trekking experience.
To do the Manaslu circuit trek, you have to be physically and mentally strong. It is a challenging trek in the Himalayas and demands previous trekking experience. The trekking route sees a huge gain in elevation and diverse terrain, from lush forests to glacier moraines.
If you have a few extra days in hand, you must extend your Manaslu circuit trek itinerary to the hidden Tsum Valley. This isolated section of the Manaslu region is rarely visited by trekkers and is quite beautiful.
On the Manaslu circuit trek, you will traverse via the Manaslu Conservation Area. This conservation area houses exotic animals, birds, and vegetation, including the red panda, Himalayan tahr, snow leopard, etc. Following the trail, you will come across a wide range of vegetation and flowers as well.
Mountain views during the Manaslu circuit trek 15 days
Even though the Manaslu circuit trek is quite challenging, the views you will get to witness on this trek are worth all the difficulties. The trail ascends and descends via various climatic zones, offering a wide range of sceneries.
Mountains like Manaslu (8,163 m/ 26,781 ft), Himlung Himal (7,126 m/23,379 ft), Sishapangma (8,027 m/26,335 ft), Ganesh Himal (7,422 m/24,350 ft), Dorje Lakpa (6,966 m/22,854 ft), etc, are dotted throughout the trail.
The best Manaslu circuit trek itinerary for 2024
Manaslu circuit trek begins with a long scenic ride from Kathmandu to Macch Khola (890 m/2,965 ft). The trail follows the Budhi Gandaki river and gradually ascends above the valley. Trekking through dense forests and rice paddies, you will pass by villages like Jagat (1,410 m/4,625 ft), Deng (1,804 m/5,917 ft), Namrung (2,630 m/8,626 ft), Lho (3,180 m/10,433 ft), and Samagaun (3,520 m/11,548 ft).
Our Manaslu circuit trek itinerary has an acclimatization day in Samagaun. During your time here, you will visit the Manaslu Base Camp (4,400 m/14,435 ft) via Birendra Lake and also explore the ancient Pung Gyen Gompa (4,800 m/15,748 ft). This rest day will provide you with a much-needed break and let you spend more time with the locals.
Further, the trail continues to Samdo (3,875 m/12,713 ft), a Tibetan refugee village. From here, you will trek to Larkya Phedi (4,480 m/14,698 ft). Spend a night here and begin climbing towards the top of the Larkya La pass (5,160 m/16,929 ft). The trail goes past alpine lakes and steep grassy and rocky slopes.
From the pass, you will descend to Bhimtang (3,720 m/12,205 ft) and trek to Tal (1,700 m/5,577 ft) via Goa (2,550 m/8,367 ft), where the trek ends and drive back to Kathmandu via Besisahar (760 m/2,493 ft).
Manaslu circuit- a restricted area trek
Manaslu region is close to the Nepal-Tibet border and houses a vulnerable ecosystem and ancient cultural heritage. To protect and preserve these factors, the Manaslu region has made a restricted area in Nepal. To do a trek in a restricted area, a special permit is needed, along with strict regulations.
Our Manaslu circuit trek cost covers all the permits needed for this trek. Note that you can only do the Manaslu circuit trek in a group of at least two trekkers. Guides and porters are not counted in the group. Solo trekkers can join our fixed group departures for the Manaslu circuit trek in 2024.
Manaslu circuit trek 2024 booking open
Join us on this extremely adventurous trekking expedition in Nepal and live your Himalayan dream. Our Manaslu circuit trek 2024 booking is open. You can do this trek with us at only USD 1600 per person while enjoying all the services and guidance from an expert native guide. You can also customize the Manaslu circuit trek itinerary with us.
If you are an experienced trekker and looking to level up your boundaries, consider doing Mera Peak climbing or Island Peak climbing with us. These two are beginner-friendly peaks, perfect to brush up on your climbing skills. For more information, get in touch with us.
