Manaslu Circuit Trek

Duration: 15 Days5/5(3 reviews)
All Photos (7)
The Manaslu Himalaya On Manaslu Circuit TrekThe Larke La Pass Top On Manaslu Circuit Trekking TrailMountain Villages In Manaslu Circuit Trekking TrailManaslu HimalayaManaslu Circuit Trekking TrailCow Grazing In Manaslu Circuit AreaBirendra Lake In Manaslu Trekking
At a Glance
  • Duration 15 Days
  • Trip Grade Fairly Strenuous
  • Destination Nepal
  • Start/End KTM/KTM
  • Group Size 2-12
  • Max. Altitude 5160

Highlights

  • Easy access to the trail
  • Less-crowded trekking route, full of wilderness
  • Enjoy off-the-beaten trekking and the tranquillity 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

The Manaslu Circuit Trekking route ascends through beautiful villages along the bank of Budhi Gandaki and passes by terraced fields, dense forests, and lush pastures. The journey is incredible and takes you across the Tibetan inhabitants of the region, who have their unique dialect and practices. If you are in quest of a remote and adventurous trek in the Himalayas that has the perfect balance of challenges & wilderness, then Manaslu Circuit Trek 15 days is the ideal package for you.

Manaslu Circuit Trek is the most famous and loved trek in the Himalayas. This trek is known for its less crowded trekking route compared to the Annapurna Circuit and sensational mountain views. The Manaslu Circuit Trekking begins at 700 meters from Soti Khola and leads above 5,160 meters to Larkya La pass.

Trek in the Manaslu region in Nepal's Himalayas. Follow an off-beat, less crowded trekking route in one of the isolated regions and witness tempting mountain panoramas.

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. In the upper part of the Manaslu Circuit Trek route, you will walk by moraines, gorges, and glaciers. Trekking in the spring season especially lets you see the gleaming flora and fauna of the Manaslu region.

Likewise, mountain views during the Manaslu Circuit Trek are breathtaking too. 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 2023/2024 and make your dream of trekking in the Himalayas true with us. Our professional team will help you in preparation. For any query, talk to us freely.

Manaslu Circuit trek Attractions

Some of the reasons that make Manaslu Circuit Trek very special and must do trek in the Himalayas are mentioned below. We hope this information will help you decide whether this trek is for you or not.

Less-crowded trekking route and full of wilderness

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

Similarly, the trail ascends through forests of rhododendron, fir, pine, oak, etc. You may come across wildlife while trekking. During the trek, 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 off-beat terrain. Offbeat trekking is for experienced trekkers who are 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 Trekking. It is located 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 on the way. The tranquility of the area lets you unwind. Likewise, the adventure makes Manaslu Circuit Trekking 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 to the Tibet border and has ancient trading routes. Apart from the big cities and modernization, the region is thriving with its ancient traditions and practices. You'll get to see the authentic lifestyle and culture of the locals.

Talk about 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, then you may see a lot of similarities.

Spend nights in Sama Gaun for acclimatization

We spend an acclimatization day in Sama Gaun. Nearby this village is located the Manaslu Base Camp at 4,800 m and Birendra Lake. It is a stunning freshwater lake in Manaslu Glacier situated at 3,691 m. Likewise, one also gets to visit the ancient Pungyen Gompa, a Tibetan Buddhist monastery situated around the Birendra Lake.

Itinerary

Get the detailed itinerary of the Manaslu Circuit Trek 15 Days. The 15-day Manaslu itinerary is a guideline itinerary and the itinerary 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 that is suitable for all types of fitness levels of trekkers with adequate acclimatization days. However, the program is customizable and we can make it a little shorter or longer as per your need. 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. They'll take you to the hotel.

  • 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 in the afternoon, we gather in the office and get done with permits. 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 ascends and descends through sal forests.

We walk along the foothills of towering cliffs and come across mules on our way. 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 get to see langur monkeys and birds. We reach Khorla Besi and pass by other 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 forests of rhododendron, fir, and oak, 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 wonderful views of Manaslu. On the way, we pass by 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 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 explore the Sama Gaun and spend 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 come across Chinese and Tibetan traders on the way too.

  • 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 difficult. 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, Himlung Himal, etc.

Further, the trail steeply descends along a gully. We then reach grassy moraine, and the valley opens up as we descend 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 rhododendron forest, offering majestic views of Manaslu. We continue descending 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 farewell dinner.

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

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

  • MealsB

Is the offered itinerary not suitable for you?

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Map & Altitude Graph

Manaslu Circuit Trek map

Inclusions

  • Airport transfers
  • 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 trekking
  • A guide and porter (1 porter for every two trekkers)
  • Arrangement of emergency helicopter service (paid by travel insurance company)
  • Sleeping bag, down jacket, and a duffel bag (return after the trek)

Exclusions

  • Nepal entry visa fee
  • Travel insurance (compulsory)
  • Meals while you are in Kathmandu
  • The entire bar bills, hot and cold drinks, water, internet, and telephone charge
  • Entrances fees while visiting Kathmandu on the second day
  • Tips for the guide and crews
  • Anything not mentioned in the included section

Add-Ons & Options

Upgrade Transport to Private jeep

  • Day 03: There is an option to upgrade the transportation to private jeep instead of the local bus drive on day 3 from Kathmandu to Sotikhola. The Jeep cost US $180.00 and 6 passenger can drive on one Jeep.
  • Day 14: There is an option to upgrade the transportation to private jeep instead of the local bus drive on day 14 from Dharapani to Kathmandu. The Jeep cost US $300.00 and 6 passenger can drive on one Jeep.

Group Departures

Start DateEnd DatePriceStatus 
Start DateStarts: MondayDec 11, 2023End DateEnds: MondayDec 25, 2023PricePrice Per PersonUS$1100StatusAvailable

Essential Info

Permits for Manaslu Circuit Trek

You need some permits to do the Manaslu circuit trek, and they are Manaslu conservation entry, Annapurna conservation entry, TIMS (Trekkers' information management system), and a apecial trekking permit. We apply and get all these permits for you once you book a trek.

Fitness for Manaslu Circuit Trek

You need a moderate level of fitness with daily trekking between 3 to 8 hours to do the Manaslu circuit trek. You reach an altitude of 5160m on the trekking. So, You need to be physically fit, healthy, strong stamina and desire to complete the trek. If you have previous trekking experience, that would be beneficial.

If you have any health concerns please consult your healthcare provider before booking the Manaslu circuit trek.

Best Time for Manaslu Circuit Trek

The Manaslu circuit trek is available and doable throughout the year. However, the autumn season (from mid-September till mid-December) and spring season (from the beginning of March until the end of May) are the best time in terms of weather and temperature, Find the Detail Guide regarding the best seasons, weather and temperature for Manaslu Circuit trek.

Meals & Drinks on Manaslu Circuit Trek

We provide 38 meals (14 breakfast, 12 lunch, and 12 dinners) on the Manaslu circuit trek, 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 Detail Guide for the Accommodation and Meals on Manaslu trek.

Similar Treks

Some other less crowded trekking packages in the Himalayas are Khopra Danda Trek, Langtang Circuit Trek, Everest Three Passes Trek, and Upper Mustang Trek.

FAQs

  • Q1. Is camping a viable option for accommodation on the Manaslu trek?

    Yes, camping is a viable option for accommodation on the Manaslu trek. However, a camping trek will cost you more money than a tea house trek because you have to hire more porters to carry all the food supplies, tents, equipment, etc. We organize the Manaslu camping trek on request.

  • Have dal bhat and thukpa during the trek. These two are the most trekking food that provides ample energy and nutrients to the trekkers and also keep you filled. They taste great, too.

  • There are a handful of tea shops along the Manaslu trail where you can buy packed snacks, bars, and drinks. But it's better to not rely on them and get your favorite snacks in Kathmandu. The price of anything is much higher in the Manaslu region.

  • Inform your trekking agency/guide of your allergies or dietary restrictions. They will be extra attentive. Also, be aware of what you eat during your journey in Nepal.

  • It depends on your request. If the ingredients are available in the tea house and the dish is something the cook can prepare, then yes, you can request a specific meal or dish.

  • 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.

  • It is most likely you will share a room with other trekkers during trekking in the Manaslu region. Twin shared rooms are the most common. Single rooms may be available in a handful of villages and will cost you more money.

  • 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 isolation of the trail are two major factors contributing to the difficulty of this trek.

    Given the high altitude, the trekkers have to deal with altitude sickness too. 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 12 days. Each day, we'll be covering 15 to 20 km, which means 6 to 7 hours of walking. Ascending from the tropical zone, we reach the arctic zone, so the climate change is huge too. You have to face a temperature below -20 degrees Celsius at one point.

  • 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.

    • The Manaslu circuit trek trail is located in special trekking regions in Nepal. So, you need to have a special trekking permit to trek in the region.
    • 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 the sea level are visible in 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 Manaslu trail, Nubri, Tsum, and Gurung are the major ethnic community of the region, who have their own culture, lifestyle, and traditions, which makes the Manaslu circuit trek is a special one.

  • 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.

  • There is electricity available in most of the villages of the Manaslu circuit trail except Dharamsala. It cost you some money to recharge your camera, mobile, etc… and we also suggest you carry spare batteries while coming for the Manaslu circuit trek as electricity may not be available some time due to many reasons.

  • 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 must be guided by a guide.

  • The best time for the Manaslu circuit trek is from March to May and from September to December. The month of October, November, March, April, and May are the best among them. Find the Detail Guide regarding the best time, weather and temperature for the Manaslu Circuit Trek.

  • The length of the Manaslu circuit trek depends on many different factors. Mostly, it depends on how much time you want to spend on the trek, it is mostly 12 days 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 classic Annapurna circuit trail too.

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

  • There are a few things you can do to prepare yourself for Manaslu Circuit trekking. First of all, make sure you have a couple of months in hand to prepare for the trip. During this time, our travel consultant will assist you with packing and help you with getting ready for the venture.

    Below Are A Few Things You Can Do for Manaslu Circuit Trek Preparation:

    • Work on your core strength and endurance. As each day's walk is 6 to 7 hours, your legs have to be strong. Eat nutritious meals and cut off junk food. The more you make your meals clean, 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 important too while trekking. As the air pressure decreases once you begin to trek above the treeline, meaning less oxygen, the walking gets more exhausting. You have to keep up with your stamina.
    • Mental preparation is equally needed for Manaslu Circuit Trekking. Everything in the Manaslu region is scarce and expensive. Available services are limited and basic too. The journey lacks modern comforts, so you have to prepare your mind too to survive without even basic facilities.
Price fromUS$1100(All-inclusive price)
Join Our Group Trips
Book Your Own Date
Number of PeoplePrice Per Person
2 - 5 pax
US$1100
6 - 12 pax
US$1000

Minimum 2 pax required to book this trek

Client Reviews

  • 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
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    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

  • 5/5

    Recommended company Manaslu Circuit Trek

    I just returned from my Manaslu circuit trek and had a very positive experience with Outfitter Himalaya. On my last evening in Kathmandu, Arjun (the owner) came over and visited with me.

    He was very kind and gracious. I highly recommend them.

    M
    MarkFrom: United States,May 17, 2022
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    Dear Mark,

    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 Manaslu Trekking 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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