Manaslu Circuit Trek

Key Information
  • Duration15 Days
  • DestinationNepal
  • Difficulty Level Strenuous
  • Max Altitude 5106m
  • Starts/Ends Kathmandu - Kathmandu
  • Best Season September - November and March - May

Trip Highlights

 

  • Visit historic temples and cultural sites in Nepal's capital city, Kathmandu, a gateway to the trek.
  • Trek through one of the most remote villages of Nepal.
  • Explore one of the restricted areas in Nepal.
  • Experience the offbeat, challenging trekking route.
  • Trek in the less crowded 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

Manaslu circuit trekking is one of the most beautiful trekking routes in Nepal, located in the western part of Nepal's Gorkha district. The trek takes you through Mount Manaslu, the eighth-highest mountain in the world, standing at an impressive 8,163 meters. This journey is ideal for trekkers looking to explore the raw beauty of Nepal's mountains, rural villages, the living style of the local people, cultures, and remote landscape.

your trek will start at a lower altitude of around 800 meters; the trek gradually ascends, allowing beginner trekkers to acclimatize to higher elevation at a comfortable pace. As you trek through the stunning landscape, you'll pass by small, remote Nepali villages, where you can interact with the locals and get a taste of rural Nepalese life. 

The Manaslu Circuit trekking route takes you over wooden and suspension bridges, passes through beautiful waterfalls, and ascends along the Budigandaki River. The Manaslu region is inhabited by Hindus and Buddhist people. You'll get an opportunity to visit Hindu temples and Tibetan Buddhist religious sites, including monasteries, chortens, and stupas. The trek also offers visits to stunning glacial lakes, including the beautiful Birendra Lake.

A major highlight of this trek is crossing the Larke Pass (5,106 meters), offering breathtaking views of the Himlung Himal, Larke Peak, and many more surrounding snow-capped mountains. The trek ends at Dharapani, which is on the famous Annapurna Circuit route, and if you would like to extend your trek for another 10-12 days, then you are able to continue towards the Thoronggla Pass.

The Manaslu trekking route offers a teahouse trek, which means you will stay at the local guest houses and eat food at the same place. Food and accommodations are basic but manageable; it's worth to experience something different than what you have back home.

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.

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. A special permit costs you USD 100 per person in autumn and USD 75 per person in the spring season, and you also need to buy MACAP and ACAP permits, which cost you 3000 Nepali rupees per person.

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 2025.

Itinerary

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These are our regular itineraries; if it doesn't suit your time duration, feel free to inform us; we will be happy to customize it. 

The Manaslu Circuit is a teahouse trek. You will be staying at a local guesthouse, and they serve you food and drinks as well.

One of our company representatives will be waiting for you to welcome and receive you from the airport. Outside of the exit gate, he will be standing with your name written on a board. You will easily find him; he will greet you, and then he will take you to the hotel by private vehicle. Our hotel will be located in Thamel, which is in the heart of Kathmandu city. In the evening we will take you for a welcome dinner at a Nepali restaurant where you will test Nepali cuisine and observe Nepali cultural shows.

Today is your preparation day. You will meet with your guide, who will brief you about the entire trip and check your gear to make sure you have enough equipment for the entire journey. If you don't have proper gear, then the guide will advise you to purchase enough. You can buy or rent from the trekking shop nearby the hotel.

We will take you on a short Kathmandu city tour. The tour guide will take you to Kathmandu Durbar Square and Swayambhunath, also known as the Monkey Temple, which is situated at a UNESCO World Heritage site. You will get an opportunity to engage with locals and witness Nepalese customs, culture, religion, and tradition during the tour. 

The trekking guide will receive you from your hotel at the given time. Usually, your journey will begin early in the morning from Kathmandu to Machhakhola with a scenic drive through the picturesque village; you will see breathtaking views of lush green hills and snowcapped mountain views. You will experience the nature and culture as you pass through local villages where you can observe the living style of the local people.

During the journey you will stop for your breakfast and lunch at local restaurants, where you can test traditional Nepalese foods. After around 8-9 hours of driving, you will arrive at Machhakhola, a small village situated by the banks of the Kaligandaki river and Machhakhola. Upon reaching, you will check in to the local guest house then in the evening everyone should gathered for a dinner; during the dinner, the guide will brief you about the further program. 

Distance: 170 km/106 miles

Today your trek will start after breakfast. The trek will be an enjoyable journey with a moderate difficulty level. The first part of the trail is a gradual flat along the jeep road that leads through local villages called Khorlabesi, Tatopani (hot spring), and Dobhan, offering a glimpse of village life and beautiful landscapes, and you will be walking beside the Kaligandikai River by crossing several suspension bridges.

After four hours of easy walking, you will reach Dobhan, where you will stop for lunch. After lunch, you will leave the jeep road and trek through the proper trekking route. This part of the trekking route will be steeper and a bit more challenging due to the rugged terrain, but it's a scenic and peaceful path. You will pass through beautiful waterfalls and Yalru bagar.

Trekking duration will be around 6-7 hours, but it always depends on your pace. Upon reaching Jagat, you will check in to the local guest house. In the evening, everyone should gather in the dining room for your dinner. During the dinner your guide will brief you about the further program.

  • Distance: 22.2 km/13.7 miles

As usual, your trek will start after breakfast. The journey begins with a gradual climb, passing one of the most beautiful waterfalls. You will walk along the newly opened Jeep track for about 2 hours, passing several villages where you will experience the local village life and their culture. When you reach Ghattekhola, you will cross the suspension bridge over the Kaligandaki River and proceed to Filim village, where you will stop at the check post to check your permit. After walking about 45 minutes from Filim village, you will reach Chisapani, where you will stop for your lunch.

After the lunch, the trekking route will be a bit more challenging due to the narrow route and few landslide areas. You will be walking by passing beautiful waterfalls and crossing several suspension bridges, which will offer stunning mountain views, including iconic Shringi Himal and Buddha Peak in the distance. Upon reaching Deng, you will check in at the local guest house, and then in the evening everyone should gather in the dining room for a dinner where you will discuss with your guide, and the guide will brief you about the further program.

  • Distance: 19.9 km/12.3 miles

As usual, you will start your trek after breakfast. Today's trek will be a bit more challenging because of the ascending and long distance. You will ascend around 830 meters higher than Deng. Since the beginning, you will start climbing steeply up and down. As you walk, you will pass through beautiful landscapes, waterfalls, landsliding areas, and remote local villages, where you experience the different rural life. When you reach Bhi-Phedi, the guide will advise you to take a short tea break because the lunch place will still be 2 hours away. When you reach Ghap village, you will stop for lunch, where you can rest and enjoy local food.

After the lunch you will trek for about 2:30 hours; the route will be gradual up and down for about 1 hour and start steep climbing into the pine and rhododendron forest. 40 minutes before Namrung, you will have an opportunity to rest at an apple farm and eat local organic apples, which will give you extra energy to continue your journey. Upon reaching Namrung, you will check in at the local guest house, and then in the evening everyone should gather in the dining room for a dinner where you will discuss with your guide, and the guide will brief you about the further program.

  • Distance: 19.5 km/12.1 miles

As usual, you will start your trek after breakfast. Today is a short and easy half-day trek, which will take about 4-5 hours, but it depends on your pace; some trekkers can do it in 3 hours. The first part of the trek will be in gentle, gradual terrain along the local Tibetan villages where you will pass through Tibetan Buddhist stupas, chorten, and monasteries. Today you will see stunning mountain views such as Saula Himal, Himal Chuli, Nadi Chuli, Pankar Himal, Naike Peak, and massive Manaslu. As you approach the Lho village, the trail will be a bit more challenging, with steep climbing for about an hour.

Upon arrival at Lho, first of all, you will order your lunch and go to the room, then gather for lunch at the dining room. After a satisfying meal, you will have some free time to explore the village. Above the village, there is the largest and most beautiful monastery located on the hill, so your guide will take you to visit the monastery. After the visit, you will slowly return to the hotel and gather for a dinner where you will discuss with your guide, and the guide will brief you about the further program.

  • Distance: 11 km/6.8 miles

After the breakfast you will slowly start your easy, short day trek. You will begin an easy, gradual uphill trek above the beautiful sights of the village, and today you will have the best view of the surrounding mountains, including Mount Manaslu. Shortly you will cross the bridge above the village, and then you will enter into the pine and rhododendron forest. After walking for about 1.5 hours, you will reach Shyalla village, from where you will see the best view of Mount Manaslu and many other surrounding mountains. Our program will include a short tea break and let you enjoy breathtaking views.

As you continue your walk, you will still be walking into the pine forest for 40 minutes, cross two more suspension bridges, and then you will reach the wide and open area of Sama village, where you will walk for 20 minutes, and you will reach your destination. You will reach Sama village by lunchtime, where you will check in to your local guest house, and then after a short rest, gather for lunch in the dining room. After lunch, you will have some extra time to explore the village where you will have an opportunity to interact with locals, and you will learn more about their lifestyle, culture, and religion. In the evening you should gather in the dining room at the scheduled time and have dinner and discuss the next day's program.

  • Distance: 8 km/5 miles

Today you will be staying at the same place, so this extra day will help your body to adjust to the higher elevation and acclimatize. So, you will start your day at your preferred time. Today you don't need to pack your bags because you are staying at the same place. After a late breakfast, you will begin a scenic hike to beautiful Birendra Lake, which is a perfect spot for acclimatization. The hike will be about 2 hours round trip, offering stunning views of the surrounding Himalayas. Once you're back at the lodge, you will have your lunch and enjoy your extra time.

For those who are looking for a more challenging hike, we will recommend you hike up to Manaslu Base Camp which is located at an altitude of 4,800 meters. This challenging hike will take you around 9-10 hours round trip, but time depends on your pace. For this longer hike you need to take a packed lunch. After a lovely day hike, you need to gather again for your dinner in the evening, where you will discuss with your guide, and he will brief you about the next day's program.

  • Distance: 9 kilometers.

Today is another short and relaxed day, but it will still be challenging because of high altitude. The trail will follow a gentle, gradual path in the wide valley of lush meadows along the yaks grazing fields. You will have an opportunity to encounter yaks and horses as you walk. Before reaching Samdo village, you will cross a wooden bridge and then climb a short, steep trail for 20 minutes. As you arrive at Samdo, you will check in at the guest house and get ready for your lunch. After lunch your guide will take you for a short hike above the village, which is essential for the acclimatization.

Samdo is the last local village before Larke Pass, located close to the Tibet border, which gives you a unique cultural blend. The village has built several stupas and monasteries that you can explore and immerse yourself in their culture. In the evening you will gather for dinner. As you reach this altitude, you might feel poor appetite due to the higher elevation, so you need to discuss with your guide and follow his advice for further adventure.

  • Distance: 8.2 km/5 miles

After the breakfast, your journey will begin towards Dharmasala, also called Larke Base Camp, situated at an elevation of 4480m. In the beginning, the trail follows a gentle, gradual flat for about 25 minutes, then the trail will be slightly steeper. As you reach above 4000 meters, altitude will be a bit challenging, but a slow and steady walk will win the race. As you ascend, you will be seeing stunning views of Mount Manaslu, Naike Peak, Larke Peak, and Samdo Peak. Along the way, keep your eyes open for blue sheep, which are often spotted grazing in the surrounding fields.

You will reach Dharmasal by lunchtime, as there are no restaurants along the way for a lunch break. Dharamsala is not a local village; people stay there only during the trekking season. They don't have regular guesthouses; accommodations are basic, like dome shelters that you should share with fellow trekkers. The food and drinks available are simple but sufficient for the one-night stay, and you need to have dinner earlier because you have to wake up early and start early with headlights towards Larke Pass.

  • Distance: 11.7 km/7.2 miles

Today you will have breakfast early in the morning at 3 am and start climbing towards Larke Pass with your headlight. Today is going to be one of the most challenging and highlighting of the entire journey. Early start benefits the clear views, less windy, harder snow, and stunning sunrise over the Himalayas. The trail is not too steep; it has gentle, flat parts as well. It will take around 5 hours to reach the top, but it always depends on your speed. When you reach the top, you will enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding Himalayas.

Whenever you finish taking photos, you will start descending. Descending often becomes slippery, so we advise you to carry crampons. After descending for about 1:30 hours, you will reach Phedi, where you can stop for lunch. After lunch, you will continue your journey to Bhimthang, where you will spend the night. Bhimthang is located in a beautiful, large, flat valley, offers comfortable accommodation and delicious food, and is a great place to recover your tiring body. In the evening you will gather in the warm and cozy dining room for your dinner.

  • Distance: 24.7 km/15.3 miles

Today your journey begins after a late breakfast because today's journey will be much easier with a gentle descent into the pine and rhododendron forests. After descending for about 4 hours, you will reach Surki Khola, where you will have lunch, then continue to Tilje via peaceful Gowa billage for 2 hours and stop for an overnight stay. In the evening you should gather in the dining room at the scheduled time and have dinner and discuss the next day's program.

  • Distance: 26 km/6.5 miles

After having breakfast journey will begins back to Kathmandu. From Tilje you will take a jeep ride back to Besisahar for 3-4 hours; you will take a lunch break, and then the journey will continue by comfortable private vehicle for another 6 hours to Kathmandu. Upon arrival you will check in at a comfortable hotel and spend your relaxing time. 

  • Drive from Tilje to Besisahar: 46 km and kathmandu 175km.

 Ascent Adventures Nepal representatives will transport you to the airport by private vehicle for your smooth departure around three hours prior to your scheduled flight. 

Meals: Breakfast only

Cost Details

Includes
  • Airport pick-up and drop-off by private vehicle.
  • 3 night hotel accommodation in Kathmandu in a 4-star category hotel on a BB plan, sharing basis (twin bed room). Unless private is required.
  • All the ground transportation by private vehicle.
  • Guide & porter with their salary and insurance. 
  • Three meals a day: breakfast, lunch, and dinner during the trek.
  • Drinks such as tea, coffee, and treated drinking water.
  • Accommodation during the trek in a local guest house.
  • All the necessary trekking permits.
  • First aid/medical kit.
Excludes
  • Nepal entry fees or visa fees.
  • International flight.
  • Personal trekking equipment or trekking gear.
  • Food & Drinks during the stay in Kathmandu or in case of early return from trekking.
  • Extra night Accommodation in Kathmandu or in case of early return from trekking.
  • Travel Insurance covering (Travel & high altitude insurance for any accident, emergency helicopter evacuation or hospital medication).
  • Hard drinks, Soft drinks, bottle of hot water and mineral water & other beverages.
  • Internet service and Mobile battery charging.
  • Hot shower during the trek.
  • Any other service or activities which are not mention.
  • Tips and Gratuities for Guide and Porter.
Client Reviews
Write a review
  • rating starThe warmest introduction to Nepal you’ll get…

    We hiked the Manaslu circuit with Bigraj and his team of guides who soon became our extended family. I am forever impacted by the warmth and eternal positivity of the Nepalese people, culture and scenery which will stop you in your tracks. Whether returning, or planning a first trip to Nepal, Bigraj and Ascent Adventures should be top of your list for a fully immersive and genuine experience

    Jamie R
    Jamie RUnited Kingdom, October 19, 2024
    TripAdvisor
  • rating starAmazing experience and great team!

    Bigraj is an incredible guide - professional and experienced and is such a happy and positive person to have in the mountains. His English is excellent and the team are fantastic. I strongly recommend his team for any mountain adventure in Nepal.

    Will r
    Will rUnited Kingdom, August 24, 2024
    TripAdvisor
Price Per PersonUS$1600
rating starbased on 10 reviews
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