Manaslu Circuit Trek - 18 Days

based on 7 reviews
Trip Video
  • Duration 18 Days
  • Difficulty Level Strenuous
  • Destination Nepal
  • Trip Type Lodge Based Trekking
  • Best Season Spring (March - May) & Autumn (Sept - Nov)
  • Group Size 16
  • Maximum Altitude 5,160 m

Highlights

  • Less crowded and adventurous off-beat trekking route
  • Explores the Manaslu Conservation Area, a restricted area in Nepal
  • Trek around the eighth-highest mountain in the world, Mt. Manaslu
  • Witness excellent mountain panorama and diverse landscapes during the trek
  • Perfect trek for travellers with previous trekking experience looking to take on a challenging venture
  • Trekking through lush rhododendron forests, reach the alpine zone
  • The trail passes by villages and temporary settlement areas, crossing wood/suspension bridges
  • Explore the ancient Pungyen Gompa and Manaslu Base Camp
  • Cross the challenging Larkya La pass

We Nepal Gateway Trekking present you one of the most adventurous and less crowded treks in the Himalayas, the Manaslu Circuit Trek. Starting the venture from Kathmandu to Soti Khola (710 m) all the way up to the Larkya La pass (51,60 m), the Manaslu Circuit Trek route is packed with stunning landscapes and mountain scenery. We have the best Manaslu Circuit Trek itinerary that allows trekkers to stop and appreciate the grandeur of the Himalayas. 

Rejuvenate your soul and escape in the western Himalayas with us on our Manaslu Circuit Trek 17 Days. Experience off-the-beaten trekking and witness excellent mountain panorama during the trek.

Manaslu Circuit Trek route winds through terraced fields and rice paddies to beautiful villages and lush rhododendron forests. You share the trails with yak caravans and follow the ancient trade route. As the elevation rises, the trekking route gets barren and rocky. You meet with locals while trekking and get to see their remote lifestyle. The locals of the Manaslu region have similar cultures and practices to Tibetans. 

The acclimatization day at Sama Gaun (3,530 m) lets you hike to the Pungyen Gompa (3,980 m) and Manaslu Base Camp (4,800 m). Likewise, you cross the challenging and high Larkey La pass and join the lower part of the Annapurna Circuit. You will be trekking in the Manaslu Conservation Area, so get ready to come across a range of flora and fauna.

Manaslu Circuit or Annapurna Circuit?

We frequently get this question, which trek is better: Manaslu Circuit or Annapurna Circuit, from our guests. Both of these treks are mind-blowing and offer a once-in-a-lifetime journey. The one major difference between Annapurna and Manaslu circuit trek is the Manaslu region is a restricted area while the Annapurna region is not. 

Apart from that one factor, both treks are rewarding and have challenges. One crosses the Thorong La pass and the other the Larkya La pass. The mountain views and interaction with locals are memorable. Explore the holy pilgrimage sites and picturesque villages. 

Views during the Manaslu Trek

Manaslu Circuit Trekking traverses around Mt. Manalsu, the eighth-highest mountain in the world. The trek offers stunning views of snow-capped mountains like Himlung Himal (7,126 m), Kang Guru (6,981 m), Gyaji Kang (7,038 m), Annapurna (8,091 m), Ngadi Chuli (7,871 m), Simnang Himal (6,251 m), and numerous others.

You get to see fantastic views of pastures and meadows. Likewise, waterfalls and green hills at the lower part of the trail make the views even more tempting. 

Manaslu Circuit Trek difficulty

Manaslu Circuit Trek is one of the most challenging treks in the Himalayas. It is an off-beat trek, only good for experienced trekkers. The terrain is very rugged and steep. Likewise, the isolation of the region has made the availability of tourist infrastructure along the way inadequate than other famous treks. 

You cross a high pass and walk 6 to 7 hours each day. The trail crosses suspension bridges and streams. Likewise, the high altitude also makes the trek even more difficult for many trekkers. 

Manaslu Circuit Trek preparation

To best prepare, yourself for Manaslu Circuit Trekking is by doing activities that will help you build up your stamina and endurance. For instance- hiking, swimming, and cycling make great options. Similarly, you can go on long walks to form the habit. 

What do we offer?

We not only offer a great venture in the Manaslu region but also a lifelong experience with our crew members. Our numerous years of expertise and genuine package cost make us a trustworthy trekking company in the Nepali market. 

We have trekked with hundreds of travellers, making each trip unique and close to our hearts. We'll help you have a hassle-free and most pleasing trip of your life in the Himalayas. 

To book Manaslu Circuit Trek 2023/2024, get in touch with us.

Also, check out our other off-beaten treks- Upper Dolpo Trek, Upper Mustang & Damodar Kunda Trek, Makalu Base Camp Trek, and Nar Phu Valley Trek.

Itinerary

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Our team will greet you at the international airport terminal gate. After a short meet and greet, we'll transfer you to the hotel and assist you in check-in. Rest and later explore the surroundings of the hotel. 

  • AccommodationHotel
  • Maximum Altitude1,310 m

We want you to make the most out of your stay in Nepal. Therefore, for the morning, we have planned a guided tour of historical sites around Kathmandu. Our friendly English-speaking tour guide will give you company during the tour and take you to places like Boudhnath Stupa, Pashupatinath Temple, Kathmandu Durbar Square, and the Swayambhunath.

  • AccommodationHotel
  • MealsBreakfast
  • Maximum Altitude1,310 m

Our trek starts at Soti Khola. From Kathmandu, we drive following the Trishuli river along the Prithivi Highway. The route offers stunning sceneries of giant snow-capped mountains, rural villages, lush forests, green hills, and terraced fields. Soti Khola is the starting point of the Manaslu region.

  • AccommodationLodge
  • MealsBreakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Maximum Altitude710 m

The trek begins today. Our first day of the walk is gentle but long. From Soti Khola, we pass by beautiful waterfalls and trek through sal forests. There are many ascents and descents. We then walk alongside cliffs and reach Khursani village. From here, the trail goes through Labubesi and finally to Machha Khola.

  • AccommodationLodge
  • MealsBreakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Maximum Altitude900 m

The trail today crosses two major rivers, Tharo Khola and Machha Khola, on a suspension bridge. Crossing Machha Khola, we reach Tatopani and continue trekking through lush forests to Doban. From here, we steeply ascend to Louri. The route further continues to Thado Bharyang, and crossing a river, we reach Jagat.

  • AccommodationLodge
  • MealsBreakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Maximum Altitude1,340 m

From Jagat, we cross another river and reach Philim. The trail then heads north through terraced fields to Ekle Bhatti. From here onwards, we walk on a steep track and pass by sharp gorges. Crossing the Budhi Gandaki river, we continue walking along the banks of Budhi Gandaki and trek through a bamboo forest. We soon reach Deng Khola river, and crossing it, Deng village arrives.

  • AccommodationLodge
  • MealsBreakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Maximum Altitude1,860 m

We descend and cross Rana bridge. The trail further goes through the lush pine forest to Bihi Phedi and crosses two bridges to reach Bihi village. From here, the trail continues to Namrung. We trek through dense forests of rhododendron, oak, bamboo, and fir. The trail gets steep. We cross multiple suspension bridges and walk on stone stairs to reach Namrung.

  • AccommodationLodge
  • MealsBreakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Maximum Altitude2,660 m

Leaving Namrung, we trek and reach Lihi village. The trail crosses a stream and moves towards Sho. On the way, we can see excellent views of the Simnang Himal. The trail further passes by mani walls and chortens to beautiful Lho Gaun.

  • AccommodationLodge
  • MealsBreakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Maximum Altitude3,180 m

We begin early after a heartwarming breakfast. The trail passes through a forest to Shyala village. From here, we cross a small stream that drains the Punggen glacier and walk towards Sama Gaun.

  • AccommodationLodge
  • MealsBreakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Maximum Altitude3,530 m

We spend the day at Samagaun. The intent is to hike to Manaslu Base Camp and explore the village. We can also hike to Birendra Lake. It is a glacial lake at 3,450 m. In the south of Samagaun, the Pungen monastery is situated. There are many places to explore around Samagaun. It will be an interesting day for us today.

  • AccommodationLodge
  • MealsBreakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Maximum Altitude3,530 m

First of all, the route today is impressive. We cross pastures and ascend to the valley. The trail passes through forests of juniper and birch. Further, we descend to Budhi Gandaki river and cross a wooden bridge. We continue trekking on a steep route across the river to Samdo. The trail offers breathing views of the mountains.

  • AccommodationLodge
  • MealsBreakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Maximum Altitude3,875 m

From Samdo, the trail drops through fields and mani walls, crossing a wooden bridge over the Budhi Gandaki river. Further, passing by the Athahra Saya river, we walk along the Larke river. The route is decorated with prayer flags, mani walls, and chortens.

We then walk, enjoying the phenomenal view of Larkya Glacier and trek around the Salkha Khola valley. The trail ascends to Dharmasala. This place is also known as Larkya La Phedi.

  • AccommodationLodge
  • MealsBreakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Maximum Altitude4,480 m

Today, we are going to cross the Larkya La pass. The day begins early, and we trek across the moraine. The trail then descends to a small lake and gets rough. We cross the steep south part of a grassy slope and walk on the moraine to its edge marked with prayer flags. The trail further descends to four frozen lakes and continues following a steep route that ascends to the top of the pass. 

The top of the pass offers a jaw-dropping panorama of Annapurna II, Kang Guru, Himlung Himal, and Mt. Manaslu. From here, we descend on a grassy moraine to Bhimtang.

  • AccommodationLodge
  • MealsBreakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Maximum Altitude5,160 m

The trail descends and crosses the Budhi Gandaki river. We then pass by the lovely rhododendron forest that opens up to Karche. From here, we continue the trail along a riverbank to Gho village.

  • AccommodationLodge
  • MealsBreakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Maximum Altitude2,550 m

The trail from Gho descends through fields and pastures. We pass by small settlement areas to Tilke. It is a large Gurung settlement area and is famous for brandy.

  • AccommodationLodge
  • MealsBreakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Maximum Altitude2,300 m

Today is our last day of the trek. Passing by several mani walls, we reach Thonje village. We soon reach Dharapani village (1,910 m), where we end our trek. From here, we hop on a local bus and drive to Besisahar. The drive will be long and offer stunning landscapes.

  • AccommodationLodge
  • MealsBreakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Maximum Altitude760 m

Today, we drive to Kathmandu after breakfast. The drive will be fantastic and comfortable. Upon reaching Kathmandu, we take you to the hotel. It is your last day in Kathmandu, so unpack and get ready to leave for your home tomorrow. You can enjoy the remaining day, doing shopping and exploring the city. In the late evening, we meet for farewell dinner.

  • AccommodationHotel
  • MealsBreakfast & Farewell dinner
  • Maximum Altitude1,310 m

Our airport team will help you to check out of the hotel and drive you in a private vehicle to the international airport terminal gate.

  • MealsBreakfast

This is our standard and recommended itinerary. If this itinerary doesn’t suit to you, we can customize your trip as per your interest and time-frame. Click here for Tailor-Made program.

Map

Manaslu Circuit Trek - 18 Days map

Includes

  • All grounded transportation as per itinerary by private car
  • One expert tour guide for Kathmandu Valley Sightseeing inclusive entrance fees
  • Three nights’ accommodation in Kathmandu inclusive of breakfast
  • Three times meals (Breakfast/lunch/dinner) and accommodations during the trekking
  • One highly experienced English-speaking & friendly trekking guide and required porter including their expenses
  • Manaslu trekking special permit fee (Manaslu region is in the restricted zone, we need a special permit to visit this area)
  • TIMS Fee- Trekkers' Information Management System (Please bring 2 passport size photos for permit)
  • Annapurna and Manaslu conservation fees
  • Manaslu Circuit Trekking map
  • Nepal Gateway Company T-shirt and achievement certificate
  • Local fresh fruit
  • First aid kit
  • Evacuation assistance if needed
  • Government taxes and office service charge

Excludes

  • Lunch and Dinner in Kathmandu
  • Your travel insurance
  • Nepal entry visa. You can obtain a visa quickly upon your arrival at Tribhuwan International Airport in Kathmandu. A multiple-entry tourist visa suitable for 30 days can be obtained by paying US $ 50 or the equivalent in foreign currency. Similarly, multiple-entry tourist visas for 90 days can be obtained by paying US $ 135. Please bring two passport-size photos.
  • Your international flight ticket to/from Kathmandu
  • Your personal nature expenses, equipment and medical kit
  • All kinds of hot and cold drinks and alcoholic beverages in trekking
  • Hot shower, internet and phone call unless it is free
  • Tipping to field staffs (Tipping is not mandatory but expected)

Useful Info

Altitude Sickness

Manaslu Circuit Trek gains above 5,000 meters during the trekking period. A high-altitude trek like this one always poses a risk of altitude sickness. It is also known as acute mountain sickness. You can do certain things like keeping yourself hydrated, not ascending more than 500 meters a day, etc to avoid altitude sickness. 

Our Manaslu Circuit Trek itinerary has ample acclimatization days. You will get enough chances to adjust to the elevation during the trek. Even though there are chances of altitude sickness, you can trek confidently with our team. They'll take care of you.

Manaslu Circuit Trek Best Time

One of the best times to trek in the Manaslu region is spring (March to April). Both of these months have the best weather conditions for trekking and colorful flower blooms throughout the trekking route, making it super gorgeous. The temperature ranges from 2°C to 8°C. The mountains are visible and stunning. In March especially, the climate is more on the cold side. So do carry a few warm pieces. 

Another peak time of the year to trek Manaslu Circuit is autumn (October to November). The temperature is neither too hot nor cold, ranging between 12°C to 18°C. The season welcomes change in the color of leaves. There is a fresh hint of chilliness in the air. It makes the journey rejuvenating. Likewise, the locals celebrate many festivals in these two months, so you may get to have a glimpse of it as well. The views are breathtaking, and the weather is stable. 

Last Minute Booking

We do take last-minute bookings for Manaslu Circuit Trek. However, the trekker has to be prompt with sending us all the details and the full package cost to arrange everything. For quick information, contact us at info@nepalgatewaytrekking.com or call us at +977-9851055520/+977-9841986923 (Viber/WhatsApp).

Travel Tips 

Accommodation: Manaslu Circuit Trek is a tea house trek. You spend the night in basic tea houses runned by locals along the way. Carry a sleeping bag to keep yourself warm. You get a blanket with a tea house but not enough to keep you warm. The rooms are mostly shared between two trekkers. The washroom is communal in most villages. 

Food: The trek does not offer fancy western food, but you'll get decent Nepali and Tibetan meals. At some places, toast, steak, mashed potatoes, porridge, and pasta may be available. The staple meals are dal bhat, veggies, curries, Tibetan bread, thenduk, thukpa, momo, noodles, etc.

ATM: The trekking route has no ATM lounge. You can withdraw cash in Kathmandu to use while trekking. 

Charging: There are charging stations in all tea houses, but you may not get the service all the time. It's best to carry spare batteries or even better, a solar charger. 

Luggage: You leave all the additional luggage in the hotel's locker rooms. During the trip, we use duffel bags to carry our essentials. Every trekker has a 10-kgs weight limit. 

Personal Expenses: Your personal expenses like buying additional services like internet, charging & beverages are not covered in the package cost. Other things like shopping, travel insurance, tipping, etc are also not included in the package cost. 

Travel Insurance: Manaslu trek is not a famous commercial trekking route, neither the region has any decent hospitals. The trek is strenuous and full of hurdles. So, we recommend getting travel insurance that at least covers air evacuation and medical bills for you.

FAQs

  • Q1. Is the Manaslu trek difficult?

    Yes, the Manaslu trek is difficult and one of the most challenging treks in the Himalayas. It is an off-the-beaten trek with many steep, rough sections. Moreover, you will be trekking in a very remote area with bare minimum facilities compared to other famous trekking routes.

  • Manaslu Circuit trek covers around 180 km (110 miles). It is a 18 days long trek with your arrival and departure from Kathmandu. On the route, you spend approximately 14 to 15 days.

  • The starting point of the trail is Soti Khola. It is situated 126 km (80 miles) away from Kathmandu. You can reach there by driving for 6 to 7 hours. From Soti Khola, your journey to the Manaslu region begins.

  • Mt. Manalsu is located in the west-central part of Nepal. It is the eighth highest mountain in the world, with an elevation of 8,163 m,26,781 ft.

  • Any experienced and fit trekker can trek to Manaslu. This trek is not for new trekkers. You have to be well prepared and trek in a group of two people.

  • No, you cannot do the Manaslu Circuit trek solo. Solo trekking is not allowed in the Manalsu region for foreign travelers. You have to trek with a Nepali-registered trekking company. The trekkers have to be in a group of two people at least. You cannot count a guide or porter in the group.

  • Yes, you need to have previous trekking experience to do Manaslu Circuit trekking. The terrain is difficult, and the altitude is high, so this trek is not ideal for naive trekkers. 

Client Reviews

tatp

  • Fantastic trekking experience

    We had a fantastic trek on the Manaslu Circuit with Nepal Gateway Trekking. The company was very accommodating since we booked the trek while we were already on the road backpacking which made it difficult to send the deposit but they were very understanding. We were met at the airport and brought to our hotel and given a thorough briefing of what to expect on the trek while our permits were taken care of for us. We felt very well taken care of before we'd even started the trek. We had Ram as our guide and he was great - had lots of interesting things to tell us and so much experience on the trek (and all the others!). He knew the teahouses well (which ones had the best food in each village!) and tailored the trek as we went according to how energetic we were each day. He also knows some great evening card games!

    The trek itself is spectacularly scenic. We didn't find it overly taxing - it's just the altitude that becomes a factor as you get higher. We purposely had our longer days in the beginning so we could have shorter ones as the going got slower. We hiked in September 2018 and had great weather and no crowds - it was a great time to do the trek. We had a great experience and I wouldn't hesitate to recommend Nepal Gateway Trekking and Ram - you'll be glad you did!





     

    Amanda Sakura
    Amanda SakuraCanada, Travel Date: 30/04/2019

  • Manaslu Trekking

    We spent 4 weeks in Nepal to tour the Manaslu and part of the Langtang with Nepal Gateway Trekking Pvt Ltd. We could admire all along the 2 treks, beautiful landscapes but also the daily lives of Nepali in these remote valleys of the Himalayas. Despite the physical effort we enjoyed these moments because every day we were pampered by the entire team of guides and porters. From breakfast to dinner, Raj (guide and manager of the agency) was there to make our daily life easier and provide us with all the necessary advice for the smooth running of the day. Again thank you and congratulations seriously and professionalism of the team.

    Bernard Fanet
    Bernard FanetFrance, Travel Date: 20/12/2017
FromUS$1350
See Group Price
No. of peoplePrice
2 - 2 PaxUS$1350
3 - 6 PaxUS$1330
7 - 10 PaxUS$1310
11 - 16 PaxUS$1290
Total PriceUS$2700
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