Manaslu Circuit Trek is not just about the physical challenge and the wilderness. Manaslu hike is also a cultural journey, where you interact with the region's Tibetan inhabitants and learn about their unique dialects and practices. If you're looking for a mountain holilday that offers a perfect balance of challenges, wilderness, and cultural immersion, then the Manaslu Circuit Trekking in Nepal is the ideal choice.
Manaslu Circuit Trek is not just another trek in the Himalayas. It stands out for its unique features, such as a less crowded route than the Annapurna Circuit and breathtaking mountain views. The journey starts 700 meters from Soti Khola and takes you to the challenging Larkya La pass at 5,106 meters.
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 offbeat, less crowded trekking route in one of the isolated regions and witness tempting.
Manaslu Circuit Hiking route is pleasant and full of waterfalls, streams, and suspension bridges. You walk from a subtropical forest alongside towering foothills, crossing one picturesque valley after another. In the upper part of the Manaslu Circuit route, you will walk by moraines, gorges, and glaciers. 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 Adventure 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), a 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.
There are many attraction during the Manaslu Circuit trekking that make the Manaslu very special and a must-do trek in the Himalayas, some of them are given below which will help you decide whether this trek is for you.
Manaslu Circuit Trek boasts a less crowded route. Even though its popularity is massive, fewer trekkers traverse Manaslu than EBC and ABC.
Similarly, the trail ascends through rhododendron, fir, pine, and oak forests. While traveling, you may encounter wildlife. During the trip, you explore different climatic zones and various kinds of forests.
One of the main highlights of Manaslu Circuit Trekking is the offbeat terrain. Offbeat trekking is for experienced trekkers ready to unlock a higher difficulty level in the Himalayas. The trail has many obstacles and involves steep climbing.
Reaching the top of Larkya La Pass, the highest point of the Manaslu Circuit Trek, will fill you with a sense of accomplishment. The challenging glacier walk and the breathtaking scenery from the top will inspire you to conquer more.
The trekking route of Manaslu Circuit includes a walk over Larkya Glacier. We pass by moraine and gorges, crosses 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.
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.
The locals of the Manaslu region, with their warm hospitality and unique lifestyle, offer a cultural experience like no other. Their simple yet rich Tibetan Buddhist traditions and practices will leave you intrigued and wanting to learn more.
We spend an acclimatization day in Sama Gaun. You can visit the Manaslu Base Camp at 4,800 m or Birendra Lake, a stunning freshwater lake in the Manaslu Glacier at 3,691 m. Likewise; you can visit the ancient Pungyen Gompa, a Tibetan Buddhist monastery around Birendra Lake.
Outfitter Himalaya offers small group-trek and private treks to the Manaslu circuit trail; find our fixed dates for joining our group departure. The private trek is available on any date of the year. Please check availability to see if you need a date different from 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 other arrangements. However, we also accept last-minute bookings.
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.
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.
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.
The trail ascends to Machha Khola from Soti Khola. Along the way, there are many beautiful waterfalls. 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.
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 get to Jagat.
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 through bamboo forests and reach Deng to spend the night.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Today, the trail leads us to Larkya La Phedi. 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 Phedi or Dharmasala by locals.
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 a grassy moraine, and the valley opens up as we fall to Bimtang. On this day, we touch the highest point of our trek.
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.
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.
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.
We suggest you to hire a porter to carry your bag pack while on trek, trekking with a light day pack is much easier and you enjoy your trekking holidays to the fullest. A trekking porter carries about 20-22 Kg (about 10-11 Kg from each of you), and we suggest to hire a porter in between of two trekkers.
Are the dates offered unsuitable, or do you want to take a private trip? Check availability for your date.
Manaslu Circuit Trek is known for its challenging terrain and high altitude, making it one of the most physically demanding treks in the Himalayas. The trek's difficulty is also influenced by its off-beaten routes and isolation. To tackle these challenges, it's crucial for trekkers to be well-prepared and have a good level of physical fitness and endurance.
Given the high altitude, the trekkers also have to deal with altitude sickness. Our Manaslu Circuit Trek Itinerary is perfect because it includes ample rest days and a gentle increase in elevation. However, the trail is steep and rough, with many other hurdles. Our Manaslu Circuit itinerary includes 11 days of trekking. 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. At some point, you will face a temperature below -20 degrees Celsius.
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:
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. Being a restricted/controlled area, trekkers are not allowed to trek alone in Manaslu, you must trek with a local company and guide.
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 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 local public bus/jeep. 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 booking.
Fourteen nights' accommodation is included in the Manaslu Circuit Trek Cost. Three nights are in tourist-standard 3-star hotels in Kathmandu, and 11 are in tea houses/guest houses.
Tea houses or guest houses are the most common and popular accommodations on Manaslu Circuit Odyssey. 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. We will explore everything these hotels offer, from luxurious rooms and state-of-the-art facilities to delectable dining options and warm hospitality.
There are 4-star deluxe and 5-star luxury hotels available in Kathmandu. If you prefer to upgrade your accommodation in Kathmandu, we can also book these hotels; please inquire about the additional cost, booking process, etc.
Manaslu Circuit Trek package includes 38 meals (14 breakfasts, 12 lunches, and 12 dinners) served in hotels/lodges. You have breakfast, and dinner at the Lodges, and lunch at the lodges along the trail.
We advise you to bring water purification pills or medicine while coming for the Manaslu Circuit Trek since you have normal water for free. You can use the medicine and drink it, or you can also buy bottled or boiled water. Find the detailed guide to the meals on 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 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 classic Annapurna circuit trail. About 2-week holidays, including your arrival and departure days to and from Kathmandu, are ideal to complete the Manaslu circuit hike.
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 for Manaslu Trekking and weather and temperature for the Manaslu Circuit Trek.
Yes, you need a guide to trek the Manaslu circuit. The Manaslu region is a restricted area 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.
Electricity is available in most of the villages of the Manaslu circuit trail except Dharamsala. Recharging your camera and mobile phone costs money, and we suggest you carry spare batteries while on the trek, as electricity may sometimes be unavailable.
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.
Manaslu circuit trek trail is a unique trekking region in Nepal. 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 Annapurna circuit trail is much busier compared to Manaslu.
On the Manaslu trail, you trek through the different ethnic communities. Nubri, Tsum, and Gurung are the major ethnic communities of the region. Each has its own culture, lifestyle, and traditions, which makes the Manaslu circuit trek a special one.
The Manaslu Circuit Trek is known for its challenging terrain and high altitude, making it one of the most physically demanding treks in the Himalayas. The trek's difficulty is also influenced by its off-beaten routes and isolation. To tackle these challenges, it's crucial for trekkers to be well-prepared and have a good level of physical fitness and endurance.
During the Manaslu Circuit Trek, you will likely share a room with other trekkers. Twin shared rooms are the most common. Single rooms may be available in a handful of villages and will cost you extra.
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...
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...
Outfitter Himalaya is the most helpful and professional throughout our whole planning and trekking process for the Manaslu trek. They put up with changes to our itinerary to the very...
