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  • Duration18 Days
  • Price from$1495/ person
  • Difficulty LevelStrenuous
  • Max Altitude5,160 M (16,930 ft)

The Manaslu Circuit Trek is one of the very best treks in Nepal. Almost unheard of by most visitors to the country, it is a hidden gem and will blow you away with its raw beauty. The trip around Manaslu (8156 meters / 26,758 feet) is a challenging one, though exceptionally rewarding for those who brave the path. Stay in beautiful villages, cross suspension bridges over rushing rapids, and traverse high passes in this adventurous trek.

The Manaslu Circuit Trek joins the Annapurna region with the Manaslu region, and you truly get the best of both. Many guides say the trail is comparable to the Annapurna Circuit Trek, but with fewer tourists. The amazing scenery never stops. From the forests, teeming with life, at the beginning of the trail, to the barren, rocky landscape above the clouds, you will constantly be in awe. Free your mind for a bit on the Manaslu Circuit Trek.  Your biggest worry will be ‘where is the next best view?’

After hoping out of the car, the beauty of Manaslu greets us. Pass through Gurung and other ethnic villages and experience their warm hospitality. Because so few trekkers take the Manalsu Circuit Trek, we are welcomed with open arms. There is a saying ‘Guest is God,’ and in these areas, the residents truly practice this phrase.

As we climb higher and move closer to the Tibetan border, the population is nearly all ethnically Tibetan and a different language is even spoken. It does not take long to realize that half of the appeal of trekking in the Himalayas goes beyond mountain views. The rich culture of the hills and mountains is invaluable. You will look at your own life differently after spending a few weeks in the various teahouses and homestays along the trail.

Beginning from Soti Khola (700 meters), the trail is almost a continuous climb up the Budhi Gandaki River. At certain points, we must zig-zag up the vertical cliffs that guide the river. The area is home to a number of wild animals, including the musk deer, and even the snow leopard higher in the alpine territory.

At last, we reach the Larkya La (Pass). At 5135 meters / 16,847 feet, it’s the highest point of our trek as well as the most mesmerizing for most people. To reach it, we walk by four frozen lakes. At the top, feast your eyes on Himlung Himal (7126 meters), Cheo Himal (6820 meters), Gyaji Kung (7030 meters), Annapurna II (7937 meters), and many rugged peaks. It’s a moment you’ll never forget! From here, we descend to Dharapani and then Besisahar. Soon, we’ll be back in Kathmandu for the farewell dinner.

Best Time to Trek Manaslu Circuit

Trekking is possible throughout the year, but Spring (March to May) and Autumn (September to November) provide the best weather.  During the Spring, there is a bit more color and the rhododendrons are blooming, and in the Autumn months, the skies are generally clearer.  During the monsoon season, though, there are fewer tourists. Each season has its perks. The Manaslu Circuit Trek requires moderate fitness or acclimatization to avoid acute mountain sickness. 

Helpful Links and Tips

What makes this tour very interesting

  • World Heritage Sites Visit in Kathmandu.
  • Scenic drive and a short hike on the world’s best trek trail Annapurna Circuit.
  • Exploring Rivers / Waterfalls/ Landscapes.
  • Typical Nepalese lifestyle and Tibetan Buddhism, and Monasteries.
  • Amazing Mt. Manaslu and the other Himalayas. 

Itinerary

  • Day: 1
    Arrive Kathmandu, Nepal.

    Upon your arrival at the Kathmandu airport, you will be greeted by a representative from Rugged Trails Nepal who will take to your hotel. Welcome drinks upon arrival at the hotel, free time until 6 pm. Evening welcome dinner in a traditional Nepali Restaurant with authentic Nepali cuisine and cultural program.Overnight in Kathmandu Hotel. If you arrive late at night then your dinner will be on the next day.

    • Hotel
    • NA
    • Dinner
    • 1300 M
    • Kathmandu
  • Day: 2
    Full Day Kathmandu Sightseeing.

    After breakfast proceeds our short guided sightseeing tour at the Swayambhunath Temple. After the Swayambhunath temple, we will visit another UNESCO World Heritage sites Patan Durbar Square, and Buddhist shrine (Bouddhanath), which is also one of the largest stupas in the world.

    After sightseeing drives back to the hotel and briefing of our rest of trip plan. At the same time if you have to buy any trekking gears or things for the rest of the days Guide will help take you to the trekking equipment store in Thamel.

    Today we will arrange the special trek permits and Manaslu Conservation permits. It takes one working day to prepare the permits.

    • Hotel
    • 2-3 Hour Walk
    • Breakfast
    • 1300 M
    • Kathmandu
  • Day: 3
    Drive from Kathmandu to Sotikhola.

    Our Guide will come to your hotel in the morning and a scenic drive through local villages, towns, rivers. We will stay at Soti Khola and start walking the next day.

    • Tea House
    • 8-9 Hour Drive
    • Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner
    • 720 M
    • Sotikhola
    • 142 Km
  • Day: 4
    Soti Khola Trek to Machha Khola.

    Your breakfast will be ready in the morning, a guide will take a breakfast order before going to bed. While coming to the breakfast pack your bag so the porter can leave early. After breakfast at the lodge our Manaslu Circuit journey starts through the beautiful landscapes, forests, ridge, rivers and beautiful waterfalls. Tumar Khola and Budhi Gandaki roaring sounds is another beautiful part of this trail. We have to walk over the cliffs ridge, rivers so please follow the guide. Overnight at Machha Khola.

    • Lodge
    • 6-7 Hour Walk
    • Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner
    • 900 M
    • Machha Khola
    • 14 Km
  • Day: 5
    Machha Khola Trek to Jagat.

    As usual, the day will start with breakfast. Our guide will give you the daily trail information during breakfast and before going to bed. Mostly today we will see Gurung People village, Tatopani (Hot Spring) a short break will be here. We will cross the Budhigandaki river and ups and downs is normal on this trail but picturesque landscape. Overnight at Jagat Tea House.

    • Tea House
    • 6-7 Hour Walk
    • Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner
    • 1370 M
    • Jagat
    • 22 Km
  • Day: 6
    Jagat Trek to Deng.

    We will see small rivers, streams, roaring BudhiGandaki river, millet field, bamboo forest, and beautiful landscapes. Overnight at Deng Tea House.

    • Tea House
    • 6-7 Hour Walk
    • Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner
    • 1850 M
    • Deng
    • 20 Km
  • Day: 7
    Deng Trek to Namrung.

    From today we can the real taste of the Manaslu region with lush forest, beautiful villages of ethnic groups, different alpine vegetation and the roaring Budhi Gandaki river. We can see snowcapped Siring Himal. Overnight at Namrung village.

    • Tea House
    • 6-7 Hour Walk
    • Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner
    • 2630 M
    • Namrung
    • 19.5 Km
  • Day: 8
    Namrung trek to Samagaon.

    Normally on the trek, it's better to wake up early and explore the village and see the Morning activities of Locals. People worship and pray early morning around Stupas, at their house. We can see Ganesh Himal, Soth Mount Himal Culi, Simanang Himal, and Manaslu from the Lho village. This trail is more spiritual with the stupas, ancient Gompa, and at Samagaon village we will be surrounded by the snowcapped mountains Peak 29, Himal Chuli, Manaslu, Ganesh Himal. Overnight at Samagaon.

    • Tea House
    • 6-7 Hour Walk
    • Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner
    • 3530 M
    • Samagaon
    • 17.7 Km
  • Day: 9
    Samagaon - Pungyen gompa - Samagaon.

    Acclimatization day means rest day but don't think it's a sleeping day. Many trekkers think to sleep but we don't recommend to sleep and being lazy at the Tea House. Our guide will take you around to the Sama village to see the Sherpa culture, and a short hike up to Pungyen Gompa. We can see many ancient stone-carved texes around, enjoy the day at Samagaon.

    • Tea House
    • 3 Hour Hike
    • Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner
    • 3530 M
    • Samagaon
    • -
  • Day: 10
    Sama Gaon Trek to Samdo.

    Following the beautiful mountains which take us closer to the Tibetan Border. More we getting higher mountain views are beautiful, easy trek today. Overnight at Samdo.

    • Tea House
    • 4-5 Hour Walk
    • Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner
    • 3875 M
    • Samdo
  • Day: 11
    Rest Day in Samdo.

    Today is the last rest and Acclimatization day of the Manaslu Circuit Trek. Here are few ancients Trade routes to Tibet and our guide will take you around. Depends on your physical, and weather condition guide will decide where and which area to explore. Overnight at Samdo.

    • Tea House
    • 2-3 Hour Hike
    • Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner
    • 3875 M
    • Samdo
  • Day: 12
    Samdo Trek to Dharamsala.

    You might feel the elevation changes today, minor headache is normal. Drink plenty of water, and carry with you too. Walking on the higher elevation water is most important, drink water as much as you can. After breakfast, we will start our day towards Dharmasala through Tibetan Market, Budhi Gandaki river, and glaciers. We have a big day tomorrow and today is quite easier and rest.

    • Tea House
    • 4-5 Hour Walk
    • Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner
    • 4460 M
    • Dharamsala
    • 7 Km
  • Day: 13
    Dharmasala Trek to Bimthang crossing over Larkya La Pass 5160 M (16930 ft).

    Today is the main highlights of the Manaslu Circuit Trek, we will have early breakfast at Dharmasala and start our adventure towards Larkya La Pass. In the afternoon generally, it will be windy so we try to cross the pass as faster as we can. Follow the guide instructions! We will be walking on the glaciers and the view is just spectacular from the Larkya peak. Pretty long day and our night at Bimthang village.

    • Tea House
    • 8-9 Hour Walk
    • Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner
    • 3590 M
    • Bhimthang Village
    • 12 Km
  • Day: 14
    Bimthang Trek to Tilije.

    From Bimthang ridge we can see the amazing views of Cheo Himal, Himlung Himal, Mt. Manaslu, and Lamjung Himal. The trail keeps descending up to Dudh Khola (Milky River) and walking through the Rhododendron forest. Overnight at Tilije Village.

    • Tea House
    • 5-6 Hour Walk
    • Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner
    • 2300 M
    • Tilije Village
    • 16 Km
  • Day: 15
    Tilije Trek to Tal.

    We will descent down after a short climb and will be walking towards to Annapurna Circuit route. After Crossing Dudh Koshi River we will meet Marshyandi Khola. We will be exiting the Manaslu Conservation area from today. Overnight at Tal Village.

    • Tea House
    • 5-6 Hour Walk
    • Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner
    • 1700 M
    • Tal Village
    • 11.3 Km
  • Day: 16
    Tal Trek to Syange.

    The last day of our hike starts after breakfast in Tal. Crossing Marshyandi Khola via a suspension bridge, terrace fields, small local village hills. Syange is a beautiful place with a waterfall. Overnight at Syange village.

    • Tea House
    • 6-7 Hour Walk
    • Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner
    • 1080 M
    • Syange
    • 12.9 Km
  • Day: 17
    Syange Drive back to Kathmandu.

    After breakfast in Syange we will take a jeep drive to Kathmandu, depends on the trip budget transportation will be arranged accordingly. Check-in hotel in Kathmandu. Evening farewell dinner with Rugged Trails Nepal Team.

    • Hotel
    • 8-9 Hour Drive
    • Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner
    • 1300 M
    • Kathmandu
    • 202 Km
  • Day: 18
    Final Departure.

    Transferred to the international airport on your flight schedule and if some have extra days in Nepal they will continue with other activities. If any help is needed for further plans feel free to contact Rugged Trails Nepal team.

    • NA
    • NA
    • Breakfast
    • NA
    • NA

What's Included

  • Full Board (breakfast, lunch, and Dinner) in Trekking
  • Accommodation during trek (local lodge).
  • Government registered English speaking local expert guide, porters.
  • Annapurna / Manaslu Conservation park fees.
  • Manaslu Trek permits, government taxes.
  • Farewell dinner in the city
  • Equipment clothing for porter & staff.
  • Insurance for all staff & porters.
  • Private & transportation to and from the starting and ending points of the trek (depends on the price)
  • First Aid Kit for Manaslu Circuit Trek.
  • Manaslu Trekking Map.
  • Salary, allowances, expenses & insurance for all staff including porters.
  • Sleeping bags, duffle bags, Tshirt.

What’s Excluded

  • Nepal visa - Multiple Entrée 30 days - USD 40
  • Lunch & dinner during hotel stay in Kathmandu
  • Hotel in Kathmandu
  • Personal gears & clothing (available on hire)
  • Tips for guide and porters.
  • Personal insurance, medical evacuation in case of emergency.
  • Service other than mentioned above
  • Expenses incurred due to accidents, landslide, strikes, political unrest, etc...
  • International airfare and airport taxes, excess baggage charges.
  • Hot shower, battery charge (during the trek), international telephone calls, etc….
  • Items of personal nature expenses such as alcoholic drinks, cold drinks, laundry, mineral water

Useful Information

Is Manaslu Larkya La Pass trek difficult?

  • Larkya La Pass, not that extremely difficult like mentioned in Lonely Planet, all is about to acclimatization. On this trek there will be acclimatization days but yeah you have to be physically fit.

What kind of food can I expect on Manaslu trekking?

  • We can choose food from the menu but in some places, it's possible during the peak season at that time guide will pick the nice meal. Veg and Vegan food can be provided during the trek. 

Can I trek myself to Manaslu Circuit Trek routes?

  • Some trekkers often buy an extra permit for a ghost Trekker and then go along with a guide but according to the rules, you must trek as a group at least 2 and accompanied by a government registered guide. Government registered trekking companies only can issue a Manaslu trekking permit.

What is the best time to Trek Manaslu Circuit?

  • March to May and mid-September to mid-December is the best time.

What about group trek price for Manaslu Circuit?

  • We offer group price and above 10 people 1 pax will free, and get the best offer from Rugged Trails Nepal.

Is it possible to customize the Manaslu Circuit Trek Itinerary?

  • Yes, it's possible but if you have previous hiking experiences above 3500 M.

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