Manaslu Circuit Trek
Tour Details
Manaslu Circuit Trek is one of the most incredible and amazing experiences that Nepal has to offer. The circuit takes one on an awe-inspiring journey through the rugged terrain of the Himalayas, the small village settlements, and the scenic environment of Nepal. It is a trail around Mt. Manaslu (8,163m), which is the eighth highest peak of the world. One will travel through the lush forests, hill terraces, deep river valleys, and alpine valleys on their way to the high altitude regions of Manaslu.
In addition to the mesmerizing scenery, the trekking adventure presents a unique cultural experience as one will pass through various villages that are home to people of Gurung descent and Tibetans. Monasteries dating back centuries ago, mani walls, prayer flags, stone houses, and Buddhist cultures represent the heritage of the area. During your journey through the Manaslu Conservation Area, you will come across different kinds of plants and animals, glacial rivers, and beautiful Himalayan mountain ranges in the snow-covered state.
One of the many attractions of this trek is the passage through the beautiful Larkya La Pass at an altitude of 5,160 meters, which is the highest point on the route, where trekkers can enjoy breathtaking views of the Himalayan ranges that surround them. Despite being tough, the Manaslu Circuit Trek is a very rewarding experience for people who are physically fit. The trek usually lasts 16 days and is accomplished by staying in teahouses. Being a restricted zone trek, special permits have to be obtained.
Itinerary
Welcome to Nepal! On arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport, you’ll receive a warm welcome and then will be transferred from there to your hotel in the heart of Kathmandu. While on the way to the hotel, you’ll be able to see some of the most famous places in Kathmandu like Pashupatinath Temple, Narayanhiti Palace Museum, and Garden of Dreams.
The hotel is based in the lively Thamel area of Kathmandu, the most popular tourist destination in Kathmandu known for its lively markets full of cafes, restaurants, craft shops, trekking stores, etc. You can spend time in the busy markets of Thamel after getting checked into the hotel.
Includes: Private transport and an overnight accommodation at a 4* hotel in Kathmandu.
Your Manaslu Circuit Trek starts today as you drive through scenic routes from Kathmandu to Soti Khola. Your tour starts from one of the most exciting and beautiful treks in one of Nepal’s most remote Himalayas. The tour includes a scenic ride via highways and rural roads through picturesque landscapes and villages, as well as busy villages of Dhading Besi and Arughat until we reach our destination of Soti Khola.
Though the last leg of your drive will take place through a bumpy mountain road, it is a pleasant experience as the scenery and atmosphere of rural Nepal are simply wonderful. Once in Soti Khola, you may rest in your tea house after the day’s travel and get ready for trekking tomorrow.
Includes: Private Transport, Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, an English-speaking trekking guide, Porter, and an overnight accommodation at an available local lodge in Soti Khola.
Your trekking journey commences after breakfast when you continue your path through the forests and the Budhi Gandaki River. Over the course of the day, you will be crossing several suspension bridges, walking under tall sal trees, through river valleys where the sound of running water can be heard everywhere around you.
The trail continues further and passes through the small settlement of Khursane and several waterfalls, leading you to the traditional Gurung village of Labubesi. After passing through Labubesi, you come across a suspension bridge that takes you to Machha Khola, a beautiful riverside village in the valley. With its green hills and rivers flowing through them, Machha Khola is a good place to spend the night.
Includes: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, an English-speaking trekking guide, a Porter, and an overnight accommodation at an available local lodge in Machha Khola.
The trek today will be through more challenging trails in the form of mountain passages, gorge of the rivers, and constant up and down movement. While on your way, you can enjoy the beautiful views from the side of Budhi Gandaki River, passing through the small villages of Tharo Khola and Khorlabesi to the natural hot spring point where you will take a little break. In the entire day, you will walk across various suspension bridges and ascend stone staircases with great views of the valley.
After walking further along, you will pass through Dobhan and Yaru Khola, and then finally descend and ascend through mountainous landscapes. As the day comes to an end, you will get to the village of Jagat, which is traditionally made of stone and which will mark the entrance gate to the Manaslu Conservation Area.
Includes: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, an English-speaking trekking guide, a Porter, and an overnight accommodation at an available local lodge in Jagat.
The hike starts with a climb through a rocky terrain that later descends to Sirdibas village. The further one proceeds, more valleys open, with magnificent views of terrace farms, wooded hills, and the raging Budhi Gandaki River. After crossing a long suspension bridge at Philim, the trail moves north through some scattered settlements and farmlands before terminating at Ekle Bhatti, a small stopping place on the route.
The area after Ekle Bhatti becomes quite wild as you enter a deep and isolated gorge with high cliffs and dense bamboo forests. Hiking along the western side of the Budhi Gandaki, you will have an amazing experience in woodland and mountain surroundings before ending up in the Deng Khola area. Crossing the river will give you a quick walk to the tiny village of Deng where you can stay overnight amid serene surroundings.
Includes: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, an English-speaking trekking guide, a Porter, and an overnight accommodation at an available local lodge in Deng.
From Deng, the trek moves ahead via the Budhi Gandaki Valley into tranquil forested areas, picturesque villages, and the majestic mountains of the region. Passing over the Budhi Gandaki River, you will be going through the tiny village of Rana and then on to treks which feature mani walls and prayer stones that symbolize the Buddhist culture of the region. The trail goes past the Prok Village, a lovely viewpoint that offers stunning views of the Siringi Himal and the surroundings.
The next stretch of the trek features forest treks and crossing of numerous suspension bridges as the treks go up the river towards its source. The trek includes small monasteries and the serene beauty of the isolated Himalayas. After one last steady climb, you will reach Namrung, an attractive mountain village that is the entrance point to the upper Manaslu region and Tibetan culture.
Includes: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, an English-speaking trekking guide, a Porter, and an overnight accommodation at an available local lodge in Namrung.
Today’s hike is perhaps the best part of the circuit in terms of scenic mountain views. Departing from Namrung, the route follows an upward path through villages of Tibetan influence such as Lihi, Sho, and Lho, each of which features impressive chortens, mani walls, and barley fields characteristic of the cultural heritage of this region. During today’s hike, expect magnificent views of Siring Himal, Ganesh Himal, Himal Chuli, and the majestic Mt. Manaslu, as well as an opportunity to learn about Buddhism in the local Ribung Monastery in Lho.
The route then passes through the village of Shyala and is accompanied by the dramatic panorama of the Himalayas – impressive snow-covered peaks, glaciers, and alpine terrain at every turn. The journey ends at Samagaun, one of the largest and most beautiful villages in the Manaslu region. Nestled against the mighty slopes of Mt. Manaslu, Samagaun is sure to be a memorable experience.
Includes: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, an English-speaking trekking guide, a Porter, and an overnight accommodation at an available local lodge in Samagaun.
Today is an acclimatization day at Samagaun where your body will adapt itself to the high altitude and where you have a chance to explore one of the most culturally significant villages that can be visited along the Manaslu Circuit. Surrounded by stunning mountain views, this beautiful village provides a wonderful opportunity for the visitors to get acquainted with the traditions of the local people whose culture has been strongly influenced by Tibetans.
If there are people who would like to do something more, there is a possibility to go for a hike to Pungyen Gompa that is highly recommended to visit because the view from this old Buddhist monastery will be absolutely breath-taking and unique. The monastery is located on the hilltop where it overlooks the whole valley of Manaslu Glacier.
Includes: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, an English-speaking trekking guide, a Porter, and an overnight accommodation at an available local lodge in Samagaun.
The walk today takes us along an easy route from Samagaun down to the Budhi Gandaki River, across the bridge and then onwards to the upper Manaslu area. As we travel, we will see how the valley widens, creating magnificent alpine views, while ancient mani walls and Buddhist sites mark our way. We will walk through quiet juniper and birch forests, enjoying incredible views of the surrounding mountain peaks.
We will cross the Budhi Gandaki for the second time by using a wooden bridge before starting to climb up to the village of Samdo, which is located near the Nepal-Tibet border. We will have to pass under a traditional stone arch and a big Buddhist kani before reaching this isolated Tibetan village that lies surrounded by beautiful Himalayan peaks.
Includes: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, an English-speaking trekking guide, a Porter, and an overnight accommodation at an available local lodge in Samdo.
The trek today will take you deep into the high alpine region as you continue walking along the Budhi Gandaki River trail, cross over a wooden bridge, and begin your gradual ascent through the valley. During the trek, you can experience the beauty of crossing some of the mountain rivers, as well as breathtaking views of the Larkya Glacier. The terrain becomes increasingly beautiful, featuring some stunning peaks with alpine vegetation.
After that, the trail continues through the Salka Khola Valley before arriving at Dharmashala, also known as Larke Phedi, located at around 4,450 meters above sea level. It is a small mountain hut, which is the last resting place before making a journey through the Larkya La Pass. Since today’s trek is quite short, you will get enough time for rest and acclimatization.
Includes: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, an English-speaking trekking guide, a Porter, and an overnight accommodation at an available local lodge in Dharmasala.
Today will be the most difficult and rewarding part of your Manaslu Circuit Trek as you ascend to the spectacular Larkya La Pass, which will be the highest point on your trip. Starting early in the morning, you’ll begin your ascent along the Larkya Glacier, walking across rugged moraines and high alpine terrain with stunning views of Cho Danda, Larkya Peak, and all snow-capped Himalayan mountains around you. The last ascent to the pass will be steep, but the view will definitely pay back since the pass offers breathtaking panoramas of Himlung Himal, Cheo Himal, Annapurna II, and many more majestic Himalayan summits.
Having enjoyed the stunning scenery, the trail begins its descent through beautiful Alpine meadows and glacial valleys to the Bimthang. The stunning scenery of tall mountains, glaciers, and beautiful landscapes will surely give you the most unforgettable experience. Though it will be a very tiring day, I am sure that you won’t regret your hike!
Includes: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, an English-speaking trekking guide, a Porter, and an overnight accommodation at an available local lodge in Bimthang.
The hike for today starts with a gradual descent from Bimthang passing through picturesque alpine meadows and the high altitude grassland of Sangure Kharka. Crossing over the Dudh Khola via the suspension bridge, you will continue to walk through tranquil rhododendron and pine forests through the valley which is framed on all sides by magnificent mountain views. With the decrease in altitude, the environment will progressively change from alpine terrain to dense forests and farmlands.
Walking further down the trail, you will first come across Karcher which is considered as one of the highest farmed lands in the valley followed by terraced fields and ascent of a small ridge. After this, the path takes you through the villages of Gho before reaching Dharapani which is the junction point of the Manaslu Circuit with the famous Annapurna Circuit.
Includes: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, an English-speaking trekking guide, Porter, and an overnight accommodation at an available local lodge in Dharapani.
Following breakfast, you will then start your journey to Kathmandu via Besisahar on a scenic trip as the road travels down from the high mountains of the Himalayas into valleys surrounded by beautiful traditional villages. The return trip will take you via Prithvi Highway following along the Trishuli River with beautiful scenes of rice terraces, green hills, rivers, and rural settlements around Nepal.
Arrival in Kathmandu and transfer to your hotel to celebrate the success of your trip with a restful night at your hotel. The balance of the day is for you to spend as you wish in celebration of completing the Manaslu Circuit Trek.
Includes: Breakfast, Lunch, Private transport and an overnight accommodation at a 4* hotel in Kathmandu.
Your unforgettable journey in Nepal comes to an end today. After breakfast, you will be transferred by private vehicle to Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu, arriving approximately three hours before your scheduled departure. This allows ample time to complete check-in and other airport formalities before your flight.
As you depart, take with you the incredible memories of the Himalayas, the warmth of the Sherpa communities, and the achievement of reaching Manaslu Base Camp. We wish you a safe and pleasant journey home and hope to welcome you back to Nepal for another adventure in the future.
Includes: Breakfast and private Transport.
Price Include/Exclude
Price Includes
All private ground transportation, including airport transfers, is provided to ensure smooth and hassle-free travel throughout your journey.
Room Arrangement:
Rooms are typically shared by two people (twin sharing). If you prefer a private room, please let us know during the booking process. Private rooms are subject to availability and may incur an additional charge.
Kathmandu:
2 nights of accommodation at a 4-star hotel in Kathmandu on a twin-sharing basis.
Mountain Lodges / Tea Houses:
11 nights of comfortable accommodation in the best available mountain lodges and tea houses along the trekking route.
- Expert Local Guide: Friendly, experienced, government-licensed, English-speaking trekking guide trained in first aid.
- Assistant Guide: An additional assistant guide will accompany the group if there are more than seven participants.
- Guide Support: Includes guides’ wages, meals, accommodation, insurance, and all necessary trekking equipment.
Porter services (can carry 18 kilos of luggage and share between two clients; both clients are suggested to bring 9 kilos of luggage each).
- Trek Meals: Three freshly prepared meals per day (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) during the trek, with a selection of local and international dishes.
- Safe Drinking Water: Water purification tablets or drops are provided to ensure safe drinking water throughout the trek.
- Seasonal Fruits: Fresh seasonal fruits served each evening during the trek.
- Required Permit: Annapurna Conservation Area permit,MCAP and Restricted Area Permit for Manaslu.
- TIMS Card: Trekkers’ Information Management System (TIMS) card.
- Government Fees: All applicable local government taxes, permit fees, and official charges.
- Trekking Gear (If Required): Complimentary use of a warm down jacket and sleeping bag for the duration of the trek. These items must be returned at the end of the trip.
- Trekking Map: A detailed trekking route map is provided as a complimentary souvenir.
Luggage Storage: Complimentary and secure storage for any non-essential luggage or trekking gear at our office or your hotel in Kathmandu during the trek.
- A first aid kit, including an Oximeter to measure pulse and oxygen levels daily in the mountains
- Help in arranging a rescue operation in the complicated health situation (funded by your travel insurance).
- Certificate of Appreciation at the end after the trek.
- A farewell dinner with cultural shows in Kathmandu.
Price Excludes
Visa fees are not included. You can easily obtain a tourist visa upon arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu. Current fees are USD 30 for a 15-day visa, USD 50 for a 30-day visa, and USD 125 for a 90-day visa.
All drinks, including alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, as well as hot drinks (tea, coffee, hot chocolate) and cold drinks, are not included throughout the trip. Meals in Kathmandu and Pokhara are also not included.
Tipping (Tips for guides, drivers and support staff).
International airfare to and from Nepal is not included.
Hotel upgrades, donations at temples, schools, monasteries, and other sites, personal hiking gear and equipment, and any additional costs arising from illness, injury, emergency evacuation or rescue, natural disasters, flight delays or cancellations, itinerary changes, or other unforeseen circumstances are not included. Any items or services not specifically mentioned in the “Includes” section are also excluded.