Rejuvenate your soul and escape to the western Himalayas with us on our 16-day Manaslu Circuit Trek. During the trek, you will experience off-the-beaten-track trekking trails and witness excellent views of towering Mount Manaslu.
Manaslu Circuit Trek
Manaslu Circuit Trek is one of Nepal's most adventurous and less crowded trekking trails. Compared to the Everest Base Camp Trek and the Annapurna Base Camp Trek, it is a moderately popular route. But this Manaslu trekking route is getting more popular with adventure lovers nowadays. The venture starts from Kathmandu to Machhi Khola to the Larke La pass (5,160 m) and returns to Kathmandu via Besi Sahar. The Manaslu Circuit Trekking route is packed with stunning landscapes and mountain scenery. We have designed the best Manaslu Circuit Trek Package for 2024 that allows trekkers to appreciate the grandeur of the Himalayas.
The 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 to Tibet. As the elevation rises, the trekking route gets barren and rocky. While trekking, you meet locals and see their remote lifestyle. The locals of the Manaslu region have cultures and practices similar to Tibetans.
The acclimatization day at Sama Gaun lets you hike to Pungyen Gompa (3,980 m) and Manaslu Base Camp (4,800 m). Likewise, you cross the challenging high pass, Larke La, and join the lower part of the Annapurna Circuit Trek. You come across many flora and fauna while trekking to Manaslu Conservation Area.
The outlines what you can expect on Manaslu Circuit Trek
- 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 panoramas and diverse landscapes.
- The 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 and suspension bridges.
- Explore the ancient Pungyen Gompa and Manaslu Base Camp.
- Cross the challenging Larkya La pass.
Views to witness on Trek to Manaslu Circuit Route
The Manaslu Circuit Trek route traverses around Mount Manaslu, the eighth-highest mountain in the world. The trek offers stunning views of snow-capped mountains, including Mount Manaslu (8,163 m) with its spectacular other surrounding mountains.
Fantastic views of pastures and meadows abound. Likewise, waterfalls and green hills at the lower part of the trail make the views even more tempting. The trek also includes remote and small settlement villages, monasteries, and incredible landscapes.
How difficult is Manaslu Circuit Trekking?
Manaslu Circuit Trekking is one of the most challenging treks in Nepal. It is considered a moderate-to-strenuous difficulty level. This is an off-beat and remote trek. The terrain is very rugged and steep. Likewise, the region's isolation has made the availability of tourist infrastructure along the way inadequate compared to other famous treks.
You cross a high pass, Larke, and walk 6 to 7 hours daily. The trail crosses suspension bridges and streams. Likewise, the high altitude makes the trek even more difficult for many trekkers.
How do I prepare for the Manaslu Circuit Trek?
The best preparation for the Manaslu Circuit Trek is doing activities that help build up your stamina and endurance. For instance, regular exercise at home, long-distance walking, running, hiking, swimming, cycling, etc. Similarly, you can also go to the gym to gain strength and stamina for walking off the beaten trail, Manaslu.
Why choose NGT for Manaslu Circuit Trek Package 2024?
Nepal Gateway Trekking (NGT) is a local-based trekking agency in Nepal. Our expert and professional team plans and operates trips in Nepal for our valued customers. Our experienced and knowledgeable guide team can educate you on cultures, religions, and surrounding areas. They are government license holders, English speakers, and friendly, too. We have other language-speaking guides, too.
Our 16-day Manaslu Circuit Trek is a well-balanced trip to explore the high mountains and local cultures. We have researched very well and made the best-balanced itinerary for the Manaslu Circuit Trek, including acclimatization days. The itinerary lets you gain elevation as needed and provide a good rest at the camp.
We have offered the best price for Manaslu Circuit Trekking in 2024. The package covers accommodations in Kathmandu, sightseeing tours to heritage sites, and special permits for Manaslu. Transportation costs, guide and support crews, and your three meals are also covered. We understand the value of clients’ satisfaction, so we always commit to top-notch services.
Join our 16-Day Mount Manaslu Circuit Trek Package 2024 for a lifetime memory.
This is our standard and recommended itinerary. If this itinerary doesn’t suit you, we can customize your trip per your interest and time frame. Click for the Tailor-Made program.
Our office representative pick you up from Kathmandu airport upon your arrival. He assists you to check in the hotel in Thamel, a tourist hub in Kathmandu. You meet other members on the trip with our manager in the evening. Brief the program in detail and supply the necessary information. Our manager will introduce your trekking guide and checklist of the equipment if needed.
Today is a free and relaxing day for you. We will make the necessary permits for this Manaslu Circuit Trek.
You can visit some of the heritage sites in Kathmandu Valley which are listed in UNESCO i.e. Pashupatinath Temple, Sywambhuanth Temple, Boudhnath Stupa, Kathmandu Durbar Square etc. and more by yourself. If you want a guided Kathmandu City Tour, we can organize the tour as requested.
Later in the evening, we supply duffel bags and other necessary things for the trek. Your trekking guide can help you to get any necessary things for the trek and last-minute buy or rent.
After breakfast at the hotel, you drive to the bus station with your trekking guide and porter. You drive to Machha Khola from Kathmandu via Aurghat Bazaar and Soti Khola by local bus. The journey is around 8-9 hours following the Trishuli River along the Prithivi Highway and Budi Gandaki River after the highway. The route offers stunning sceneries of giant snow-capped mountains, rural villages, lush forests, green hills, and terraced fields.
The real trek to Manaslu Circuit starts today after having breakfast at the tea house. The trail crosses two major rivers, Tharo Khola and Machha Khola via suspension bridges. Crossing Machha Khola, you reach Tatopani and continue trekking through lush forests to Doban. From here, you steeply ascend to Louri. The route continues to Thado Bharyang, and crossing a river, you reach Jagat.
From Jagat, you cross another river and reach Philim. The trail then heads north through terraced fields to Ekle Bhatti. From here onwards, you walk on a steep track and pass by sharp gorges. Crossing the Budhi Gandaki river, continue walking along the banks of Budhi Gandaki and trek through a bamboo forest. You cross the Deng Khola River to reach Deng village.
Today the trail descends first and crosses Rana Bridge. The trail goes through the lush pine forest to Bihi Phedi and crosses two bridges to reach Bihi village. From here, the trail continues to Namrung. You trek through dense rhododendrons, oak, bamboo, and fir forest as the trail gets steep climb. You cross multiple suspension bridges and walk on stone stairs to reach Namrung.
Leaving Namrung, you trek and reach Lihi village. The trail crosses a stream and moves towards Sho. On the way, you can see excellent views of the Simnang Himal. The trail passes by mani walls and chortens to Shyala Village via beautiful Lho Gaun. Shyala is one of the best viewpoints to see the high mountains including Mount Manaslu.
You begin the trek to Samagaun after a heartwarming breakfast. The trail passes through a forest at Shyala village. From here, you cross a small stream that drains the Punggen glacier and walk towards Sama Gaun.
Today you spend the day at Samagaun to acclimatize. The intent is to hike to Manaslu Base Camp and explore the village. You 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 you today.
First of all, the route for today is impressive. You cross pastures and ascend to the valley. The trail passes through forests of juniper and birch. Further, we descend to the Budhi Gandaki River and cross a wooden bridge. You continue trekking on a steep route across the river to Samdo. The trail offers breathing views of the mountains.
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, you walk along the Larke River. The route is decorated with prayer flags, mani walls, and chortens.
Then you walk and enjoy 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.
Today, you are going to cross the Larkya La pass. The day begins early, and you trek across the moraine. The trail then descends to a small lake and gets rough. You 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.
The trail descends and crosses the Budhi Gandaki River. You then pass by the lovely rhododendron forest that opens up to Karche. From here, the trail continues along a riverbank to Gho village.
The trail from Gho descends through fields and pastures. You pass by small settlement areas to Tilke. It is a large Gurung settlement area and is famous for brandy.
Today is the last day of the Manaslu Circuit Trek. Passing by several mani walls, you reach Thonje village. Then you reach Dharapani village, where the trek ends, which means walking is done. From here, you hop on a local jeep and drive to Besi Sahar. The drive will be long and offer stunning landscapes.
Today, after having breakfast at the tea house, you drive back to Kathmandu from Besi Sahar by local express bus. 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 be ready to have quality time in Thamel. You can buy souvenirs for your family and relatives with a great dinner in the restaurants around Thamel.
Our office representative will drop you off at Kathmandu Airport.
- All grounded transportation as per itinerary by private car
- 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
- Required porter including their expenses.
- Manaslu trekking special permit fee
- Annapurna and Manaslu conservation area permits. Please bring two passport-size photos for the permit.
- Manaslu Circuit Trekking map
- Nepal Gateway Company T-shirt
- Local fresh fruit
- First aid kit
- Evacuation assistance, if needed
- Government taxes
- Office service charge
- Lunch and Dinner in Kathmandu
- Your travel insurance
- Nepal entry visa.
- 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 staff. (Tipping is not mandatory but expected)
Altitude Sickness in Manaslu Circuit Trekking Route
The 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, also known as acute mountain sickness. To avoid altitude sickness, you can keep yourself hydrated and not ascend more than 500 meters a day.
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 is a chance of altitude sickness, you can trek confidently with our team. They'll take care of you.
When is the best time for the Manaslu Circuit Trek?
One of the best times to visit the Manaslu region is spring (March to May). These months have the best weather conditions for trekking and colourful flower blooms throughout the trekking route, making it 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 the Manaslu Circuit is autumn (October to November). The temperature is neither too hot nor cold, from 12°C to 18°C. The season welcomes changes in the colour of leaves. There is a fresh hint of chilliness in the air. It makes the journey rejuvenating. Likewise, the locals celebrate many festivals these two months, so you may also get to see it. The views are breathtaking, and the weather is stable.
Last Minute Booking for Trek to Manaslu Circuit Route
We do take last-minute bookings for the Trek to Manaslu Circuit Route. However, the trekker must be prompt in sending us all the details and the full package cost to arrange everything. For quick information, contact us at info@nepalgatewaytrekking.com or +977-9851055520 (WhatsApp).
Travel Tips for Manaslu Circuit Trekking
Accommodation: Manaslu Circuit Trekking is a tea house trek. You spend the night in basic tea houses run 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 decent Nepali and Tibetan meals will be served. 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 always get service. It's best to carry spare batteries or, even better, a solar charger.
Luggage: You leave all additional luggage in the hotel's locker rooms. During the trip, we carry our essentials in duffel bags. Every trekker has a 10-kg weight limit.
Personal Expenses: The package cost does not cover expenses such as buying additional services like internet, charging, and beverages. Other things like shopping, travel insurance, tipping, etc., are also not included in the package cost.
Travel Insurance: The Manaslu trek is not a famous commercial trekking route, and the region does not have 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.
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 an 18-day long trek with your arrival and departure from Kathmandu. On the route, you spend approximately 12 to 15 days.
The starting point of the trail is Machha Khola. It is situated 160 km (99 miles) away from Kathmandu. You can reach there by driving for 9 to 10 hours. From Machha 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 government-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.
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