Manaslu Circuit Trek - 16 Days

based on 7 reviews
  • Duration 16 Days
  • Difficulty Level Strenuous
  • Destination Nepal
  • Trip Type Lodge Based Trekking
  • Best Season Spring (March - May) & Autumn (Sept - Nov)
  • Group Size 2 to 16
  • Maximum Altitude 5,160 m

Manaslu Circuit Trek is one of the most adventurous and a little less crowded trekking trails in Nepal. It is not a very popular route compared to the Everest Base Camp Trek and the Annapurna Base Camp Trek. But this Manaslu trekking route is getting more popular with adventure lovers these days. 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 Trek 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.

Rejuvenate your soul and escape in the western Himalayas with us on our Manaslu Circuit Trek for 16 days. You experience off-the-beaten trekking trails and witness excellent views of towering Mount Manaslu during the trek.

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. You meet with locals and get to see their remote lifestyle while trekking. The locals of the Manaslu region have similar cultures and practices 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 a wide range of flora and fauna while trekking to Manaslu Conservation Area.

The outline of what you can expect on Manaslu Circuit Trekking

  • 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.

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. The remote and small settlement villages, monasteries, and incredible landscapes are the features to see on the trek.

How difficult is Manaslu Circuit Trekking?

Manaslu Circuit Trekking is one of the most challenging treks in Nepal. So, 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 isolation of the region 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 every day. The trail crosses suspension bridges and streams. Likewise, the high altitude also makes the trek even more difficult for many trekkers.

How to get our bodies ready for the Manaslu Circuit Trek

The best preparation for Manaslu Circuit Trekking 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 get more 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. We have an expert and professional team for planning and operating the trips in Nepal for our valued customers. We have a very experienced and knowledgeable guide team who can educate you on cultures, religions, and surrounding areas. They are government license holders, English speaking 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 for 2024. The package covers accommodations in Kathmandu, sightseeing tours to heritage sites, and Manaslu special permits. The transportation costs, guide and support crews, and your three meals are covered too. 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. 

Other similar treks you may like are Upper Dolpo Trek, Upper Mustang & Damodar Kunda Trek, Makalu Base Camp Trek, and Nar Phu Valley Trek.

Itinerary

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Our office representative pick you up from Kathmandu airport. He assists you to check in the hotel in Thamel, a tourist hub in Kathmandu. You meet other members in the trip with your tour operator in the evening. Brief the program in detail and supply the necessary information.  

  • AccommodationHotel
  • Maximum Altitude1,310 m

Our expert tour guide leads you to visit four places listed in the world heritage sites. He explains the cultures, regions and histroy in details while you are visiting each site.

Your trekking guide meet you in hotel after you return from the tour. The guide helps you to get any necessary things you may need for the trek, last minute buy.  

  • AccommodationHotel
  • MealsBreakfast
  • Maximum Altitude1,310 m

The trek starts from today. You drive to Machha Khola from Kathmandu by local bus. The journey is around 8-10 hours 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. 

  • 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, you reach Tatopani and continue trekking through lush forests to Doban. From here, you steeply ascend to Louri. The route further continues to Thado Bharyang, and crossing a river, you reach Jagat.

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

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 soon reach Deng Khola river, and crossing it, Deng village arrives.

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

Today the trail descends frist 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. You trek through dense forests of rhododendron, oak, bamboo, and fir. The trail gets steep. You cross multiple suspension bridges and walk on stone stairs to reach Namrung.

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

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 further passes by mani walls and chortens to beautiful Lho Gaun.

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

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

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

You spend the day at Samagaun. The intent is to hike to Manaslu Base Camp and explore the village. Y couan 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.

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

First of all, the route today is impressive. You 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. You 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, 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.

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

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.

  • AccommodationLodge
  • MealsBreakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Maximum Altitude3,590 m

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.

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

Today is last day of the trek. Passing by several mani walls, you reach Thonje village. Then you reach Dharapani village (1,910 m), where the trek end, means walking is done. From here, you 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, you 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 evening, we take you for farewell dinner.

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

Our office representative drops you to Kathmandu Airport

  • 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 for Tailor-Made program.

Map

Manaslu Circuit Trek - 16 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)
  • Annapurna and Manaslu conservation area permits
  • Manaslu Circuit Trekking map
  • Nepal Gateway Company T-shirt 
  • Local fresh fruit
  • First aid kit
  • Evacuation assistance if needed
  • Government taxes
  • Office service charge

Excludes

  • Lunch and Dinner in Kathmandu
  • Your travel insurance
  • Nepal entry visa. 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)

Dates & Price

Date StatusPrice 
Start DateStart: WednesdayMarch 20, 2024End DateEnd: ThursdayApril 04, 2024StatusAvailablePriceUS$1180
Start DateStart: SaturdayMarch 23, 2024End DateEnd: SundayApril 07, 2024StatusAvailablePriceUS$1180
Start DateStart: WednesdayMarch 27, 2024End DateEnd: ThursdayApril 11, 2024StatusAvailablePriceUS$1180
Start DateStart: SaturdayMarch 30, 2024End DateEnd: SundayApril 14, 2024StatusAvailablePriceUS$1180

This is our set fixed departure date. The arrival and departure date to/from Kathmandu, Nepal. The date and price are specified for group joining. 
For Private Trip

Useful Info

Altitude Sickness During Manaslu Circuit Trekking Route

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 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.
 

When is the best time for the Manaslu Circuit Trek?

One of the best times to trek in the Manaslu region is spring (March to April). Both months have the best weather conditions for trekking and colourful 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 the 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 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 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 For Trek to Manaslu Circuit Route

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 [email protected] or call us at +977-9851055520/+977-9841986923 (Viber/WhatsApp).
 

Travel Tips for Manaslu Circuit Trekking 

Accommodation: Manaslu Circuit Trek 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 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-kg weight limit. 

Personal Expenses: Your 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, nor does the region 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 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

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