Manaslu Circuit Trek

Duration: 15 Days5/5(4 reviews)
At a Glance
  • Duration 15 Days
  • Trip Grade Fairly Strenuous
  • Destination Nepal
  • Start/End KTM/KTM
  • Group Size 2-12
  • Max. Altitude 5160

Highlights

  • Manaslu Circuit Trek is a less-crowded trekking route through the wilderness.
  • Enjoy off-the-beaten trekking and the tranquility of the region
  • Cross-challenging Larkya La pass
  • Adventurous trails with sensational mountain views
  • Rich Tibetan Buddhist cultural heritage and friendly locals
  • Spend two nights in Sama Gaun for acclimatization
  • Trek through dense forests, gorges, moraines, and over the glacier
  • Explore Manaslu Base Camp or Birendra Lake

Manaslu Circuit Trek: 15 days

Manaslu Circuit Trek is the most famous and loved trek in the Himalayas. This trek is known for its less crowded route than the Annapurna Circuit and sensational mountain views. The Manaslu Circuit Trekking Holidays begins at 700 meters from Soti Khola and leads above 5,106 meters to Larkya La pass.

Walking in the Manaslu region is one of the best choices if you want to make your holiday adventurous and enjoy being in the mountains. Follow an off-beat, less crowded trekking route in one of the isolated regions and witness tempting mountain panoramas.

The Manaslu Circuit Trek route ascends through beautiful villages along the bank of Budhi Gandaki and passes by terraced fields, dense forests, and lush pastures. The walking journey is incredible and takes you across the Tibetan inhabitants of the region, who have their unique dialects and practices. If you are in quest of a remote and adventurous trek in the Himalayas with the perfect balance of challenges & wilderness, then the Manaslu Circuit trip is the ideal package for you.

The trekking route is pleasant and full of waterfalls, streams, and suspension bridges. You walk from a sub-tropical forest alongside towering foothills, crossing one picturesque valley after another. You will walk by moraines, gorges, and glaciers in the upper part of the Manaslu Circuit trail route. Trekking in the spring season lets you see the gleaming flora and fauna of the Manaslu region.

Likewise, the mountain views during the Manaslu Circuit Trek are breathtaking. During our acclimatization day at Sama Gaun, we hike to either Manaslu Base Camp (4,800 m) or Birendra Lake (3,691 m). Both places offer heavenly views. We also visit the Pungyen Gompa (3,980 m). It is a significant holy point in the Manaslu region.

Book Manaslu Circuit Trek with Outfitter Himalaya and make your dream of trekking in the Himalayas come true with us. Our professional team will help you prepare.

Why go on the Manaslu Circuit Trek?

Some reasons that make Manaslu Circuit Trek very special and a must-do trek adventure in the Himalayas are as follows: This information will help you decide whether this trek is for you.

Less-crowded trekking route and full of wilderness

Manaslu Circuit Trek boasts a less crowded trekking route. Even though the trek is seeing a massive spike in popularity, fewer trekkers traverse to Manaslu than to EBC and ABC.

Similarly, the trail ascends through rhododendrons, fir, pine, and oak forests. You may come across wildlife while you are traveling. During the trip, you explore different climatic zones and various kinds of forests.

Off-the-beaten trekking experience and cross-challenging Larkya La pass

One of the main highlights of Manaslu Circuit Trek is the offbeat terrain. Offbeat trekking is for experienced trekkers ready to unlock a higher level of difficulty in the Himalayas. The trail has many obstacles and involves steep climbing.

Larkya La Pass is the highest point of the Manaslu Circuit Trek between Dharmasala and Bhimtang. Crossing this pass is challenging and involves a glacier walk. The top of the pass offers jaw-dropping scenery.

Adventurous trail with sensational mountain views

The trekking route of Manaslu Circuit includes a walk over Larkya Glacier. We pass by moraine and gorges, crossing thrilling suspension bridges. The tranquility of the area lets you unwind. Likewise, the adventure makes Manaslu Circuit Trekking a once-in-a-lifetime trip.

The landscape changes at every new turn. You can see snow-capped giants like Manaslu (8,163 m), Ganesh Himal (7,422 m), Gyaji Kang (7,038 m), Kang Guru (6,981 m), Annapurna II (7,937 m), Ngadi Chuli (7,871 m), Simnang Himal (6,251 m), Naike Peak (6,211 m), Himlung Himal (7,126 m), etc while trekking.

Rich Tibetan Buddhist cultural heritage and friendly locals

Manaslu region is closely located on the Tibet border and has ancient trading routes. Apart from the big cities and modernization, the area thrives with its old traditions and practices. You'll get to see the authentic lifestyle and culture of the locals.

To talk about the locals, they are very welcoming and kind. They love tourists and are always up to help them. Locals here have a simple lifestyle, very different from what you are used to in the city. If you know the Tibetan culture, you may see many similarities.

Spend two nights in Sama Gaun for acclimatization.

We spend an acclimatization day in Sama Gaun. You can visit the Manaslu Base Camp at 4,800 m or Birendra Lake. It is a stunning freshwater lake in Manaslu Glacier situated at 3,691 m. Likewise, you also get to visit the ancient Pungyen Gompa, a Tibetan Buddhist monastery around Birendra Lake.

Manaslu Circuit Trek Difficulty

Regardless of being one of the most challenging treks in the Himalayas, the physical fitness and endurance of the trekkers have a lot to do with the difficulty level of the trek. The off-beaten trekking routes and the isolation of the trail are two significant factors contributing to the trip's difficulty.

The trekkers also have to deal with altitude sickness, given the high altitude. Our Manaslu Circuit Trek Itinerary is perfect because of ample rest days and a gentle increase in elevation. The trail is steep and rough, with many other hurdles.

The total trekking period in our Manaslu Circuit itinerary is 11 days. We'll cover 15 to 20 km daily, which means 6 to 7 hours of walking.

Ascending from the tropical zone, we reach the Arctic zone, so climate change is enormous. You have to face a temperature below -20 degrees Celsius at some point.

How do you prepare for the Manaslu Circuit Trek?

There are a few things you can do to prepare yourself for Manaslu Circuit Trek in Nepal. First, ensure you have a few months to prepare for the trip. During this time, Below are a few things you can do for Manaslu Circuit Trek preparation:

  •  Work on your core strength and endurance. Each day's walk is 6 to 7 hours, so your legs must be strong. Eat nutritious meals and cut off junk food. The more you clean your meals, the easier it will get for you during the trek.
  • Visit your doctor and learn about the impact of high altitude on your body. Let us know if you have any medical history or anything related to your health that we should be aware of.
  • Cardiovascular fitness is necessary, too, while on Manaslu Circuit trekking. As the air pressure decreases once you trek above the tree line, meaning less oxygen, the walking gets more exhausting. You have to keep up with your stamina.
  • Mental preparation is equally needed for the Manaslu Circuit Trek. Everything in the Manaslu Region is scarce and expensive. Available services are limited and basic, too. The Manaslu Adventure journey lacks modern comforts, so you have to prepare your mind too to survive without even basic facilities.

Availability, Booking & Last Minute

Outfitter Himalaya offers small and private treks to the Manaslu circuit trail; find our fixed dates to join our group departure. The private trek is available on any date of the year. Please check availability if you need a different date than the offered dates or want a private trek.

Booking the Manaslu Trek in advance is always advisable. When you book in advance, we will have enough time to prepare for the trek, schedule our guide, and make another arrangement. However, we accept last-minute bookings too.

You'll Experience

MAMANSLU TREK REVIEW

Itinerary

Get the detailed itinerary of the Manaslu Circuit Trek 15 Days. The 15-day Manaslu itinerary is a guideline itinerary, and it includes your arrival and departure days to and from Nepal and a day tour in Kathmandu.

The 15-day Manaslu Circuit program is designed perfectly and is suitable for all types of fitness levels of trekkers with adequate acclimatization days. However, the program is customizable, and we can make it shorter or longer as per your needs. So, feel free to contact us any time with your interest and time.

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Once you land at the Tribhuvan International Airport, finish the visa obligations and meet our team members at the terminal gate.

He will take you to the hotel, and the rest of the day is free to explore.

  • AccommodationHotel
  • Max. Altitude1345

This day is full of activities. First, we visit the UNESCO World Heritage Sites like the Monkey Temple, Boudhnath Stupa, Pashupatinath Temple, and Kathmandu Durbar Square. These are some of the famous tourist sites in Kathmandu.

Later, we will introduce you to the trek guide, and we'll do the packing.

  • MealsB
  • AccommodationHotel
  • Max. Altitude1345

After breakfast, we'll drive from Kathmandu to Soti Khola. The drive is long and presents breathtaking, diverse landscapes. We pass by small villages. Some parts of the route are bumpy, too. Soti Khola is the starting point of our trek.

  • MealsB, L, D
  • AccommodationGuest House
  • Max. Altitude700

From Soti Khola, the trail ascends to Machha Khola. There are many beautiful waterfalls along the way. The trail climbs and descends through sal forests.

We walk along the foothills of towering cliffs and come across mules. Before reaching Machha Khola, we pass by Khursani village and Labubesi.

  • MealsB, L, D
  • AccommodationGuest House
  • Max. Altitude870

The trail moves following a gorge and continues up the river. We pass by dense forests where we may see langur monkeys and birds. We will reach Khorla Besi, passing by villages like Tatopani, Dovan, and Thulo Dunga before we reach Jagat.

  • MealsB, L, D
  • AccommodationGuest House
  • Max. Altitude1340

From Jagat onwards, we ascend on a rocky ridge, relishing a fantastic view of Shringi Himal. Further, walking by terraced fields of millet, maize, and potato, we enter Nupri. We trek through bamboo forests and reach Deng to spend the night.

  • MealsB, L, D
  • AccommodationGuest House
  • Max. Altitude1860

The trail continues weaving in and out of canyons. We come across many mani walls on the way. Further, trekking through rhododendron, fir, and oak forests, we reach Namrung village. It is the last destination for our trek for today.

  • MealsB, L, D
  • AccommodationGuest House
  • Max. Altitude2630

We continue trekking from Namrung and follow an uphill route that offers beautiful views of Manaslu. On the way, we pass the Tibetan villages of Shyo, Lho, and Shyla. We can see locals doing their daily activities. Soon, we reach Sama Gaun.

  • MealsB, L, D
  • AccommodationGuest House
  • Max. Altitude3520

We spend an acclimatization day in Sama Gaun. The hike to Birendra Tal is tranquil and surreal. We can also visit the Pungyen Gompa or Manaslu Base Camp. All of these places offer breathtaking mountain views. Later, we explored the Sama Gaun and spent time with locals.

  • MealsB, L, D
  • AccommodationGuest House
  • Max. Altitude3520

The trail to Samdo is short. We walk by many pastures and leave the tree line behind. It's a pleasant walk to Samdo from Sama Gaun. On the way, we can see beautiful views of the mountains and hills. Likewise, we may also encounter Tibetan traders on the way.

  • MealsB, L, D
  • AccommodationGuest House
  • Max. Altitude3875

The trail leads us to Larkya La Phedi today. From Samdo, we walk on a wide path and cross the Bhuri Gandaki River. Further, walking along a mani wall, we ascend over the Larkya glacier.

We reach the ridge that offers spectacular mountain views. This place is called Larkya La Pheid or Dharmasala by locals.

  • MealsB, L, D
  • AccommodationGuest House
  • Max. Altitude4460

The route to Larkya La pass is demanding but not technically challenging. From Larkya La Phedi, we cross a glacial moraine and pass by four stunning frozen lakes. We walk for five hours to reach the top of Larkya La pass, which welcomes us with a grand view of Gyaji Kung, Kang Guru, Annapurna II, Manaslu, and Himlung Himal.

Further, the trail steeply descends along a gully. We then reach grassy moraine, and the valley opens up as we fall to Bimtang. We touch the highest point of our trek on this day.

  • MealsB, L, D
  • AccommodationGuest House
  • Max. Altitude5160

We cross a glacial stream and ascend over the side of a moraine. The trail descends through a rhododendron forest, offering majestic views of Manaslu. We will continue going down towards Dudh Khola and pass by Goa and Tilke villages before reaching Dharapani.

  • MealsB, L, D
  • AccommodationGuest House
  • Max. Altitude1860

After breakfast, we'll drive back to Kathmandu. The drive will be the same as before, comfortable and scenic. Upon reaching Kathmandu, we drop you at the hotel.

The remaining day is leisure. Unpack and get ready to celebrate the successful completion of the trek in the late evening over a farewell dinner.

  • MealsB, L, D
  • AccommodationHotel
  • Max. Altitude1345

Your trip with us ends here. Today, we will drop you at the international airport for your flight back home, or you can continue with other activities in Nepal. Let us know if you want to do any other trek or outdoor activities.

  • MealsB

Is the offered itinerary not suitable for you?

Looking for a customized itinerary? Reach out to our experts.

Map & Altitude Graph

Manaslu Circuit Trek map

Inclusions

  • Airport transfers on arrival and departure
  • Sightseeing tour in Kathmandu as per the above itinerary
  • 3-night Accommodation in Kathmandu with breakfast
  • Transport by local bus Kathmandu – Soti khola and Dharapani - Kathamndu
  • Meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) on the trek
  • Conservation entry permits, restricted area permit, and TIMS permit
  • 11-night accommodations in lodges/tea houses on the trek on twin share
  • Experienced and trained trekking guide
  • Arrangement of emergency helicopter service (paid by travel insurance company)
  • Sleeping bag, down jacket, and a duffel bag (return after the trek)
  • Seasonal fruits after dinner while on trek
  • T-shirt & trekking mp
  • A farewell dinner
  • First Aid & oximeter
  • Official expenses and service charge

Exclusions

  • Nepal entry visa fee
  • International flight to and from Nepal
  • Travel insurance (compulsory)
  • Entrance fees on Kathmandu tour
  • Food (lunch and dinner) while you are in Kathmandu
  • Trekking porter (if you need)
  • Your personnel expenses/shopping
  • All the alcoholic and non alcoholic drinks
  • Sweet things like chocolate bars and bar bills
  • Hot shower, internet, telephone and laundry
  • Tips for the guide and staffs
  • Anything not mentioned in the included section

Add-Ons & Options

Add a trekking porter

A trekking porter carries about 20-22 Kg, and we suggest hiring a porter for every two trekkers, which costs US $240.00 for the trek.

Upgrade Transport to Private Jeep

  • Day 03: There is an option to upgrade the transportation to private JeepJeep instead of the local bus drive on day three from Kathmandu to Sotikhola. The JeepJeep cost US $180.00, and 6 passengers can drive on one JeepJeep.
  • Day 14: There is an option to upgrade the transportation to private JeepJeep instead of the local bus drive on day 14 from Dharapani to Kathmandu. The JeepJeep cost US $290.00, and 6 passengers can drive on one JeepJeep.

Group Departures

Start DateEnd DatePriceStatus 
Start DateStarts: MondayDec 23, 2024End DateEnds: MondayJan 06, 2025PricePrice Per PersonUS$1100StatusAvailable

Essential Info

Guide and Crew on Manaslu Circuit Trek

Outfitter Himalaya always advises to do the guided trek in Nepal. Most of the trekking routes in Nepal are in the high Himalayas, and there is always a risk on the trail when traveling alone. Our guides are trained, who know the trail well, and have been on the routes multiple times.

We provide a city guide for the city sightseeing tour in Kathmandu and a trekking guide for the whole trek; we provide additional/assistant guides for more than eight people. The trekking porter is not included in the price. However, you can add on a porter if you need it when you make a booking.

Transportation on Manaslu Circuit Trek

The transportation from Kathmandu to the trek start point (Soti Khola) and from the trek end point (Dharapani) to Kathmandu is included in our price and is on a public local bus. It is the best way to experience the local style of travel. However, it may be uncomfortable too, so we have provided an option to upgrade it to a private Jeep, which you can add on when you make a booking.

Accommodations on Manaslu Circuit Trek

Fourteen nights' accommodation is included in the Manaslu Circuit Trek Cost. Three nights are in tourist standard 3-star hotels in Kathmandu, and 11 nights are in tea houses/guest houses.

Tea houses or guest houses are the most common and popular accommodation on Manaslu Circuit Trail. They are basic lodges that provide meals and a place to sleep for trekkers. Tea houses are typically family-run establishments where the locals offer a warm welcome and a glimpse into their unique culture.

Tourist standard 3-star hotels in Kathmandu are located mainly in the Thamel Area and offer excellent amenities and friendly services. These hotels provide an ideal base for exploring the vibrant city of Kathmandu.

Meals & Drinks on Manaslu Circuit Trek

We provide 38 meals (14 breakfast, 12 lunch, and 12 dinners) on the Manaslu Circuit Trek package cost, and these meals are served in hotels/lodges. You have breakfast and dinner at the Lodges and lunch at the Lodge available along the trail.

We advise you to bring water purification pills/medicine while coming for the Manaslu Circuit Trek since you have normal water for free. So, you can use the medicine and drink, or you can also buy bottled/boiled water. Find the detailed guide for the Accommodation and Meals on the Manaslu trek.

FAQs

  • Q1. How long is the Manaslu Circuit Trek?

    The length of the Manaslu circuit trek depends on many different factors. It depends on how much time you want to spend on the trek; it is mostly 12-day trek from Kathmandu to Kathmandu. However, there are many other places to visit nearby and side trips along the Manaslu trail.

    We at Outfitter Himalaya can shorten the trip if you can walk faster, or we can combine the trek with the Tsum Valley area or the Annapurna circuit trail.

    About 2-week holidays, including your arrival and departure days to and from Kathmandu, are ideal to complete the Manaslu trek.

  • The best time for the Manaslu circuit trek is from March to May and September to December. October, November, March, April, and May are the best. Find the detailed guide regarding the best time, weather, and temperature for the Manaslu Circuit Trek.

  • Yes, you need a guide to trek in the Manaslu circuit. The Manaslu region is under the restricted areas of Nepal. A special trekking permit is required to do the Manaslu circuit trek, and you must join an authorized trekking company like Outfitter Himalaya and trek with a guide.

  • There is electricity available in most of the villages of the Manaslu circuit trail except Dharamsala. It costs you some money to recharge your camera and mobile, and we also suggest you carry spare batteries while coming for the Manaslu circuit trek, as electricity may sometimes be unavailable for many reasons.

  • Solo treks in the Manaslu region are prohibited. As you know, the Manaslu region is under restricted areas; you must at least two people and must join a registered trekking company and trek with a certified guide.

    • The Manaslu circuit trek trail is a unique trekking region in Nepal.
    • The Manaslu circuit trekking trail goes through the old trade route, and many high Himalayas, more than ten of which are above 6500 meters above sea level, are visible on this route.
    • The Manaslu circuit trail is still less crowded in Nepal than the Everest base camp, and the classic Annapurna circuit trail is much busier compared to Manaslu.
    • You trek through the different ethnic communities on the Manaslu trail; Nubri, Tsum, and Gurung are the major ethnic communities of the region, which have their own culture, lifestyle, and traditions, which makes the Manaslu circuit trek a special one.
  • Regardless of being one of the most challenging treks in the Himalayas, the physical fitness and endurance of the trekkers have a lot to do with the difficulty level of the trek. The off-beaten trekking routes and the isolation of the trail are two significant factors contributing to the difficulty of this trek.

  • You will likely share a room with other trekkers during Manaslu Circuit Trek. Twin shared rooms are the most common. Single rooms may be available in a handful of villages and will cost you extra.

  • Balance your meals. Opt for the staple Nepali meal, dal bhat, at least one time a day that will give you all the needed nutrition. You can have dishes like momo, pasta, noodles, etc in other meals. Likewise, have soups and other liquid dishes to keep yourself hydrated.

  • Be respectful, do not throw away things randomly, and do not hesitate to ask about things you find intriguing. Ask for permission before entering the kitchen and throw your waste in the dustbin.

  • Yes, you will get lots of opportunities to interact with locals and experience their cuisine and culture during trekking. You will spend nights in tea houses operated by the locals, which lets you interact with them.

    Likewise, while exploring the villages, you can smile and say Namaste to locals and talk with them. The locals are very friendly and welcoming. You will not be ignored.

  • A high-quality sleeping bag will be good enough for the Manaslu trek. You do not need to carry anything else in terms of bedding unless you want. Tea houses offer clean bed sheets and pillow covers.

  • As you will be doing an organized Manaslu trek, you do not have to book the accommodation by yourself. We, Outfitter Himalaya, or your travel agent will make all the necessary reservations in Kathmandu and along the trekking route.

  • No, solo trek in the Manaslu region is prohibited. As you know that the Manaslu region is under restricted areas, you must at least two people and must join a registered trekking company and trek with a certified guide.

Client Reviews

  • 5/5

    Manaslu Circuit 20/12/23 - 05/12/24

    This was my third trip to Nepal, my second organised by Arjun, and my first with my colleague and trek partner, Lauren.Once again, Arjun's organisation and communication throughout was second to none. I was left in no doubt that all would run smoothly. Even when minor issues arose (not the fault of OutfitterHimalaya), they were quickly resolved to our satisfaction.The trek itself was everything we had anticipated. Remote, uncrowded, beautiful and tough.

    Ably led by our guide, Dipak Rijal, and supported by our porter, Loktu, who both checked on and looked after our welfare throughout our trek. Dipak's knowledge and 13 years of experience showed as he expertly guided us across multiple landslips and earthquake damage. Dipak's support, particularly during the icy crossing of Larke La, was impressive.Lastly, I want to pay tribute to the friendliness of the Nepali people. A nation that has had more than its' fair share of natural disasters, the Nepali people still greet all comers with warmth and a wonderful smile.I fully recommend OutfitterHimalaya when you are planning a visit to Nepal and/or Bhutan. Whether it be a leisurely, cultural tour of either country, or something more strenuous. Namaste.

    S
    Simon AggettFrom: United Kingdom,Dec 19, 2023
    TripAdvisor
  • 5/5

    Manaslu circuit trek review

    Liaising with Outfitter Himalaya was very easy as Arjun, the coordination was very prompt and helpful in his email replies. Our group of 5 took on the Manaslu circuit trek with Dipak as our guide and Ram & Sankar.

    The trek was well managed, and our needs were well taken care of. We left Nepal with wonderful memories. Highly recommended to engage Outfitter Himalaya for planning your trekking in Nepal.

    R
    RuhuiFrom: Singapore,May 19, 2022
    logo

    Dear Ruhui,

    Thank you for taking your time to post excellent review about your trip with us and it is our great pleasure to know that you has successful trek Manaslu Circuit Trek in Nepal with us and satisfied with our services and the crew.

    Wish you to have great days ahead and wish to serve you next time.

    Arjun

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