USD 999
27 Reviews
16 Days
Moderate
5,106 m
Teahouses
bus/jeep
1-15
Spring and Autumn
Manaslu Circuit Trek Brief Insight
The Manaslu Circuit Trek in Nepal’s Manaslu region is the desired trekking destination. The trail might be a little arduous yet exciting. A pleasant reward is seeing Mt. Manaslu (8,163 m), the world’s eighth highest peak. The trek fulfills every anticipation and aspiration to identify the Himalayan region’s different terrains.
Trekking through lush rhododendron forests in the rough mountain terrains. Traveling through a lively Gurung and Magar village. Touring old monasteries while taking in the calming sounds of waterfalls and other such sights. The Manaslu trek is a truly memorable adventure. This trip is ideal for individuals seeking new experiences and pleasures in Nepal.
The Manaslu Circuit Trek is yet another balance of exciting hiking and cultural discovery. Through the Manaslu Conservation Area, the trekking trails lead to Larkya La Pass. Along the trip, you’ll even see the Annapurna range, Machhapuchhre, Himchuli, Ganesh Himal, and many other beautiful sceneries.
The Manaslu Circuit trek area was forbidden to foreigners before the early 1990s and remains so now. This trek has been less congested than other prominent treks such as Everest Base Camp Trek and Annapurna Base Camp Trek. The hike is physically demanding and off-the-beaten-path, but it is enthralling due to its rich biodiversity and unique scenery.
Highlights of Manaslu Circuit Trek
- Mount Manaslu, one of Nepal’s eight-thousanders, is a glorious sight.
- The Budhi Gandaki River valley is intriguing.
- Tibetan and Buddhist culture and tradition are infused throughout.
- A daring climb to the most elevated pass – Larkya La Pass.
- A gorgeous vista of Annapurna, Himchuli, Ganesh Himal, and other peaks.
- Discover the Manaslu Conservation Area’s vegetation and wildlife.
- Explore the richness along the trek properly as it is less crowded.
Outline Itinerary
- Day 01: Kathmandu to Soti Khola via drive
- Day 02: Trek to Machha Khola
- Day 03: Trek to Doban
- Day 04: Trek to Philim
- Day 05: Trek to Deng
- Day 06: Trek to Ghap
- Day 07: Trek to Namrung
- Day 08: Trek to Lho
- Day 09: Trek to Samagaun
- Day 10: Acclimatization Day - Samagaun
- Day 11: Trek to Samdo
- Day 12: Trek to Dharamsala
- Day 13: Trek to Bhimtang
- Day 14: Trek to Gho
- Day 15: Trek to Dharapani
- Day 16: Drive to Besisahar then to Kathmandu
Detailed Itinerary
Day 01: Kathmandu to Soti Khola via drive
Highest Altitude :
Soti Khola (730 m)
Trek Duration :
6-7 hrs
The adventure commences with a drive to Soti Khola through Arughat on the first day. The bus departs from Prithvi Highway and travels along the Trishuli River. Traditional settlements, rapid rivers, terraced fields, and other sights can be seen on the road to Soti Khola.
The trip also provides picturesque views of Mt. Manaslu, Mt. Annapurna, Langtang, Ganesh Himal, and other Himalayan peaks. After a long drive, you will arrive to Soti Khola.
Overnight in Soti Khola.
Day 02: Trek to Machha Khola
Highest Altitude :
Machha Khola (890 m)
Trek Duration :
6-7 hrs
Soti Khola is the trail’s beginning point. You will make your way to Machha Khola after having breakfast. Today’s hike will be quite delightful. The route encompasses a series of difficult ascents and descents. In addition, you will walk across the Sal forest.
While passing by the soaring rocks, you might see some mules. Lububesi, a Gurung settlement, is approached via Khursani village. Machha Khola is within a few hours’ walk from this village.
Overnight in Machha Khola.
Day 03: Trek to Doban
Highest Altitude :
Doban (1,070 m)
Trek Duration :
4-5 hrs
After breakfast, the trek proceeds to Doban. During the trek, you will discover subtropical vegetation. You will come across two important rivers in the area, Machha Khola and Tharo Khola, as you travel through numerous highs and lows. You’ll walk through several suspension bridges on your way to Tatopani.
Tatopani is a hot spring that naturally occurs. You will traverse the forest as you resume your trek from Tatopani. You’ll arrive at Doban from there. You can rest and embrace this gorgeous location among the rivers.
Overnight in Doban.
Day 04: Trek to Philim
Highest Altitude :
Philim (1,570 m)
Trek Duration :
5-6 hrs
The trek begins in Doban and ends at Philim. To get to Louri, you’ll have to ascend a high hill. The path leads from here to Thado Bharyang, which is situated below Jagat. You will cross a suspension bridge over the river that leads you to Jagat, which is greatly influenced by Tibetan cultures.
You’ll make your way from Jagat, crossing another river before arriving in Philim. Philim is a Gurung community where you may learn more about Gurung culture and their way of life.
Overnight in Philim.
Day 05: Trek to Deng
Highest Altitude :
Deng (1,860 m)
Trek Duration :
4-5 hrs
The journey today advances towards Deng. The path leads north, passing through a couple of terraced millet fields until arriving in Ekle Bhatti. The route grows steeper from here, traveling through gorges that cross over the Budhi Gandaki River.
Here onwards, you’ll follow the pathways along the Budhi Gandaki’s banks. You will reach Deng Khola after walking through the bamboo woods. Soon after crossing the river, continue hiking until you reach Deng.
Overnight in Deng.
Day 06: Trek to Ghap
Highest Altitude :
Ghap (2,250 m)
Trek Duration :
4-5 hrs
Make arrangements for the hike after breakfast. The path goes through Bihi Phedi. The trail descends for a short distance before rising further. The walk then proceeds through a lovely pine forest. You’ll cross the bridge and arrive in Bihi Phedi from here.
After crossing a bridge, you’ll discover several mani walls, chortens, and other structures. Then you’ll cross a bridge and proceed to Ghap after traveling through this Buddhist area.
Overnight in Ghap.
Day 07: Trek to Namrung
Highest Altitude :
Namrung (2,660 m)
Trek Duration :
4-5 hrs
You’ll be heading out of Ghap today and proceed your journey to Namrung. The path ahead is surrounded with lush greenery and blossoming flowers. The trail goes through a forest of rhododendrons, oaks, and bamboo.
Soon after, take the steep climb to the suspension bridge. With the wide vista of Manaslu, it begins to get closer. You’ll enter Namrung by taking the stone stairs from here. The large barley fields can be seen as you reach Namrung.
Overnight in Namrung.
Day 08: Trek to Lho
Highest Altitude :
Lho (3,180 m)
Trek Duration :
5-6 hrs
On this day, you’ll travel via the charming Lihi village. The routes guide you to a stream that originates from the Lindanda Glacier. You’ll arrive Sho after traversing the stream. Stunning views of Simnang Himal can be seen along the way.
While taking in the scenery. you’ll move forward continuing the hike. After several hours of hiking, you will arrive in Lho village. Mani walls, stupas, prayer flags, chortens, and other Buddhist structures adorn the village.
Overnight in Lho.
Day 09: Trek to Samagaun
Highest Altitude :
Samagaun (3,530 m)
Trek Duration :
4-5 hrs
You will leave Lho in the direction of Samagaun. The trail follows the route through the forest to Shyala village. The farming fields that surround this village can be seen. Moving further, you will come across a small stream flowing from the Punggen glacier.
After traversing the stream, you will arrive in Samagau. Samagaun is a plain settlement situated close to the Manaslu Base Camp.
Overnight in Samagaun.
Day 10: Acclimatization Day - Samagaun
Today is the rest day and acclimatization preparation in Samagaun. Initiate the day with a lively breakfast. You can take a stroll around the village. The locals’ distinct culture and way of life is a wonderful encounter to discover.
Moreover, you can hike to Manaslu Base Camp for the stunning scenery of mountain ranges. You can also hike to Birendra Lake and Pungen Monastery, both of which are situated to the south of the village.
The hikes are short and not too arduous. The hike destination gives you mind-blowing perspectives on Birendra Tal, mountain ranges, and so forth. In Samagaun, you have a variety of options and places of interest. Come back to Samagaun for the night after acclimatizing.
Overnight in Samagaun.
Day 11: Trek to Samdo
Highest Altitude :
Samdo (3,875 m)
Trek Duration :
3-4 hrs
After a light breakfast, make your way to the Samdo. The hike ahead is both simple and pleasurable. The route traverses the grassland before climbing up to the valley. After that, you’ll find your way down the Budhi Gandaki River and pass the wooden bridge. Soon after crossing a bridge, there will be a steep ascent.
Samdo will be approached while capturing the stunning mountain ranges. Samdo used to be inhabited by Tibetan refugees.
Overnight in Samdo.
Day 12: Trek to Dharamsala
Highest Altitude :
Dharamsala (4,480 m)
Trek Duration :
5 hrs
The trail begins with a descend through the Samdo field. You’ll stroll through the mani walls and pass the bridge over the Budhi Gandaki River. The trail goes along the Larke River. More prayer flags show up as you approach Larkya La Pass. Along with that, the dazzling Larkya Glacier is overwhelming. You will be moving up while trekking around the Salkha Khola valley.
Ultimately, you will arrive in Dharmsala, also recognized as Larkya La Phedi. Mt. Manaslu and the splendid Larkya Glacier can be seen from the place..
Overnight in Dharamsala.
Day 13: Trek to Bhimtang
Highest Altitude :
Larkya La Pass (5,106 m) and Bhimtang (3,720 m)
Trek Duration :
7-8 hrs
The adventure begins early today because you have a lengthy distance to travel. This segment of the trek is intriguing as you will pass across the Larkya La Pass, which is situated at an elevation of 5,106 meters. The trail crosses the moraine before moving down to a small lake. The path from here to a steep grasslands slope in the south is pretty tough. On the other hand, you can see two landmarks, one of which has beautiful prayer flags on it, and you will be traveling through it.
Soon after descending through frozen lakes, you’ll begin a steep ascent to the Larkya La Pass. Majestic views of mountain ranges such as Annapurna II, Kang Guru, Himlung, and others becomes visible from the pass.
As you proceed, you will pass a moraine and make your way down to another. Descending from this point leads to smaller meadow. The village will become visible as the valley widens. At last, you will arrive in Bhimthang.
Overnight in Bhimtang.
Day 14: Trek to Gho
Highest Altitude :
Gho
Trek Duration :
4-5 hrs
Today’s journey is much easier than the previous trek. After breakfast, you will navigate your way to Gho. The trail drops to the Budhi Gandaki River across an exquisite rhododendron forest.
The forest trail leads you to Karche, a farming region.You will enter Gho by proceeding your trek alongside the bank of the Budhi Gandaki River.
Overnight in Gho.
Day 15: Trek to Dharapani
Highest Altitude :
Dharapani (1,910 m)
Trek Duration :
4 hrs
The adventure is nearing its end. Today you will follow the trail to Dharapani. It won’t be too difficult for you as the trails are mostly descending. You will be traveling through a wide range of pastures and farmlands.
Moving forward, you will come to Tilje, a Gurung village. Pursuing your journey, you will arrive at Thonje village. Dharapani is only just a few hours’ walks from Thonje. In the evening, you can relax and explore Dharapani village.
Overnight in Dharapani.
Day 16: Drive to Besisahar then to Kathmandu
The Manaslu Circuit Trek has come to a close. After breakfast, you will depart early for Besisahar. You’ll be driving through gorgeous small settlements beside the Marsyangdi River. Upon arriving in Besisahar, you’ll get on a bus for the ride back to Kathmandu. View of raging Trishuli river along Prithivi Highway is splendid.
• accommodation in simple tea house with meals and twining bed.
• An experienced trekking guide & porters (2:1) with their salary, meal, accommodation, transportation & insurance.
• important document permits like Semi Restricted area permit, Manaslu Conservation area permit, Annapurna Conservation area permit & local Municipality fees.
• Both way Local Bus/Jeep transportation
• well established three star hotel in kathmandu with 3 times meals.
• All grounded transportation like pickups & drops
•A group medical kit.
What is Excluded
• All Kinds of liquor
• All extra expenses such as shopping trekking gears.
• International/domestic flights.
• Early arrival / late departure.
• Travel insurance (you must purchase one before starting the trek)
• Rescue evacuation if needed (it can be helped arranging)
• Tips for driver, guide & porters.
• If a plan is changed by any other problem such as natural disaster, political disturbance, changing plan, cancellation of flight etc.
Best Time
The Manaslu Circuit Trek is a year-round ideal destination for trekkers. Based on your availability, you can enjoy the trek. Please be aware that throughout the winter, snow covers the Larke La Pass, making further travel to the base camp and Tibetan border unattainable. In Dharamsala, teahouses are closed all throughout the months of January and February. As a consequence, the ideal time to join the trek is described in the following:
From March until May (Spring)
This is proven to be the ideal trekking season of the year. Rhododendrons begin to flourish in the woods, and the ice on the lakes dissolves in water. When the weather is fine, massive mountains in the vicinity can be seen distinctly. Mountaineering expeditions can be seen along the path to Base Camp starting in mid-May.
From late September through the mid December
The perfect time to go out on the trek is during this time of year. The cost of restricted permits rises in accordance with the number of trekkers. The weather is serene and dry, with a clear blue sky and wonderful mountain scenery. Remarkably, the weather isn’t too hot or cold, making the trek pleasant.
Accommodation and Meals
The Manaslu Circuit Trek is a teahouse trek with limited amenities. Many trekkers feel that lodging in a teahouse is simple and practical. Trekkers can also choose to camp if it is their desire. Tea houses with adequate facilities may be accessible at lower altitudes in concrete multi-story houses. As you move to higher elevations, tea houses provide limited lodging alternatives.
Different items of meals are served at numerous tea houses along the Manaslu Circuit trek. Nonetheless, it very well may be fundamental to treks like Everest and Annapurna. As you climb higher into the highlands, food becomes much more costly. In addition, the menu’s food items may be limited. Cold storage facilities are not really obtainable in the higher region, so meat should be prevented.
Packing list for Manaslu Circuit Trek
Trekking in the Manaslu requires efficient gear and equipment. Weather changes, geographies, peak altitudes, and other factors demand the use of gears. As a result, the following significant trekking gear and equipment are mentioned below to help you manage with such adverse situations:
- Trekking wears
- Waterproof and hardshell trouser
- Water and windproof jacket
- Down Jacket
- Gloves
- Hiking boot and crampon
- Sunglasses, hat, or cap, sunscreen
- Headlamps
- Sleeping bag
- First Aid Box
- Route maps and tent
- Extra batteries and a power bank for your device