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Duration
16 Days
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Difficulty
Moderate
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Max Elevation
5,106m
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Group Size
2-10 Person
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Accommodation
Hotel/Tea House
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Start/End
Machha Khola/Besisahar
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Destination
Manaslu region
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Best Season
Sep- Nov and Feb - May
Manaslu Circuit trek is a beautiful trek, with remarkable views of the Manaslu. The trek passes through authentic Hindu and Tibetan-style villages. Manaslu is the eighth highest mountain in the world standing in the very center of the Nepalese Himalaya. To trek around the base of this majestic giant is to trek perhaps the very best of all the ‘best-kept secrets’ of the Nepalese Himalaya. Along with the exceptional views in every direction Manaslu trek also leads to a low-to-high range of altitudes which presents varied flora and fauna, most noticeably it helps in exploring a wide cultural spectrum along with strong influences from Tibet mixing with Nepali ethnic diversity.
Way to Manaslu trek begins by exploration of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Kathmandu. The entire trip will allow getting marvel at the majestic views of Mt. Manaslu, which is the eighth tallest mountain in the world. Trek is also coupled with a chance to witness the rich local heritage and biological diversity of the region. Larkya La Pass is widely considered to be one of the most dramatic passes crossing the Himalayas. As similar to other treks, this trek also ensures enough time for proper acclimatization. The trek basically involves walking on mountain trails which require the capabilities of people with good cardiovascular fitness.
Trip Highlights
- Explore Nepal’s Restricted Manaslu Region
- Circumnavigate Mt. Manaslu (8,163m) – The 8th Highest Peak in the World
- Cross the Spectacular Larkya La Pass (5,106m)
- Authentic Tibetan-Influenced Culture & Lifestyle
- Manaslu Conservation Area Wildlife & Biodiversity
- Visit the Sacred Pungyen Gompa & Manaslu Base Area
- Diverse Landscapes from Subtropical to Alpine Terrain
- Walk Along the Wild Budhi Gandaki River Gorge
- Less Crowded Alternative to Annapurna & Everest
- Teahouse Trek with Comfortable Local Hospitality
- Perfect Blend of Adventure, Culture & Nature
- Carefully Designed 17-Day Itinerary for Proper Acclimatization
- Setting a beautiful finale, the route that connects the two iconic trekking regions of Nepal.
Manaslu Circuit ~ Itinerary
Day 1
Arrival in Kathmandu
- Max Altitude: 1,350m
- Accommodation: Three star standard hotel
Upon your arrival at Kathmandu, our agency’s representative will meet and welcome you with our company name (Nepal Royal Tourism Holiday Pvt. Ltd) on the display board at the Arrival gate then you will be transferred to your hotel.
Day 2
Free day for trekking Preparation
- Max Altitude: 1,350m
- Accommodation: Three star standard hotel
Free day to get the final trekking preparations done, met your guide for short briefing checking your gear, or just go sightseeing around Kathmandu Valley.
Day 3
Drive from Kathmandu to Machha Khola
- Max Altitude: 870 m
- Duration: Approximately 7-9 hours Drive
- Drive Distance: 164 Km
- Meal: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
- Accommodation: Tea house
Because the road extension has gone further than Soti Khola, Nepal Royal Tourism Pvt. Ltd Experts recommend driving directly to Machha Khola rather than staying in Soti Khola and walking on the road the next day. after long drive we leave Kathmandu, passing through Arughat and Soti Khola along the way on the dusty road. Machha Khola is located on the banks of the Budhi Gandaki River, our companion, and guide through the Manaslu valley, the source of which we will eventually touch on as we ascend to the Larkya La pass.
Day 4
Trek from Machha Khola to Jagat
- Max Altitude: 1340 m
- Trek Duration: 7-9 Hours
- Trek Distance: 17 km
- Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
- Accommodation: Tea house
Going along the new, roughened road to Sotikhola, we start our trek on the first day. After crossing a bridge, we follow the Budi Gandaki River deeply covered in forest, passing by several villages, paddy fields, and waterfalls.
Day 5
Trek from Jagat to Deng
- Maximum Altitude: 1940 m
- Trek Duration: 7-9 hours
- Trek Distance: 21 km
- Meal: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
- Accommodation: Tea house
After having an early breakfast, the trekking starts by a daytime beautiful walk to Deng. The whole route is a classic one and passes through lovely Gurung villages – Salleri, Sirdibas, and Philim. The Himalayan trail gradually unfolds along the rocky path, offering magnificent scenes of the cliffs and dales. The descent leads to the Budhi Gandaki River, and the sound of the running water will be the companion of this part of the trek. The way to Deng crosses a dramatic suspension bridge and, after walking along the river valley, you will be able to see the town.
Day 6
Trek from Deng to Namrung
- Maximum Altitude: 2640 m
- Trek Duration: 7-8 hours
- Trek Distance: 19 km
- Meal: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
- Accommodation: Tea house
The trail continues to Deng and I passing through several towns, villages, and waterfalls. Besides, there are suspension bridges on the trail that you can see along the way.
Day 7
Trek Namrung to Shyala
- Maximum Altitude: 3500 m
- Trek Duration: 6-7 hours
- Trek Distance: 16 km
- Meal: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
- Accommodation: Tea house
Today we got fantastic mountain views. Lho offer us a very spectacular view and is a very scenic village. The trail through temperate forests at the beginning, gradually the higher elevation and tree line are broken and the vegetation has changed from green and lively to brownish and bare. The last moments of the natural Himalayan atmosphere are going away, but the blue sky in front makes up for it and gets you even more in the mood for this adventure. After we have our lunch in Lho, we will continue to our final destination, Shyala, which is located only a short distance away. We chose your stay in Shyala because of its breathtaking Himalayan landscape. Wherever you point your camera, you will have 360-degree views of the surrounding mountains.
Day 8
Trek Shyala to Samagaun via Pungen Gompa
- Maximum Altitude: 3500 m
- Trek Duration: 6-7 hours
- Trek Distance: 11 km
- Meal: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
- Accommodation: Tea house
We leave Shyala and make a roundabout that goes to a spectacular viewpoint, as well as Pungen Gompa, one of our favorite places on the trip. Pungen Gompa offers magnificent views of Manaslu, Himal Chuli, Nadi Peak, Kutang Himal, and a great glacier. The trail continues downhill through the yak pastures to the town of Samagaun.
Day 9
Acclimatization day
- Maximum Altitude: 3500 m
- Trek Duration: 6-7 hours
- Meal: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
- Accommodation: Tea houseSamagoan is a quaint little Tibetan village where we will spend one day to rest and acclimatize. The town is culturally and traditionally rich, and is regarded as the initial base camp for the Manaslu expedition. On this day, you will pay a visit to Birendra lake and the village.
Day 10
Trek from Samagaun to Samdo
- Maximum Altitude: 3860 m
- Trek Duration: 3-4 hours
- Trek Distance: 7.2 km
- Meal: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
- Accommodation: Tea houseWe follow the River Budi Gandaki with several mani walls on the way to the Tibetan Plateau. We finish our trek at Samdo. The whole afternoon is yours to discover the area, and maybe you can take a hike to a higher altitude to help with your acclimatization.
Day 11
Trek Samdo to Dharmashala
- Maximum Altitude: 4470 m
- Trek Duration: 4-5 hours
- Trek Distance: 6 km
- Meal: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
- Accommodation: Tea houseWe move on to Larkya Base Camp, which is also called Dharamshala, to see Tibet’s wilderness. Today will be mainly for acclimatization and you can take a short day trek to Dharmashala. The stone did not make the house a lodge but a type of shelter called Dharmashala.
Day 12
Dharamsala to Bhimthang via Larkya la pass(5106m)
- Maximum Altitude: 5106 m
- Trek Duration: 7-8 hours
- Trek Distance: 16 km
- Meal: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
- Accommodation: Tea house
We leave on foot very early in the morning, about 3:00 a.m. The route goes through a steep climb that brings you to the north side of Larkya Glacier. Walking along the alpine valley horizontally leads to Larkya – La which is at an altitude of 5,106 m and the view is the pristine mountain scenery of Annapurna range, Himlung Himal (7,120m), Cheo Himal (6,820 m) Kang Guru (6,981 m), Gyaji Kang / Gyaji Kung (around 7,030 m) and Larkya la peak itself then a long downhill to Bhimthang.
Day 13
Trek from Bimthang to Goa
- Maximum Altitude: 2560m
- Trek Duration: 5-6 hours
- Trek Distance: 14 km
- Meal: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
- Accommodation: Tea house
Take in the views of Manaslu as we descend from Bhimthang by way of yak pastures to the initial signs of Dudh Khola’s headwaters which are trickling down the slope. A bridge across leads to a path that gradually leaves behind the alpine climate and takes us down through familiar rhododendron forests to a narrow valley. We arrive in the small and picturesque village of Goa in the evening. At this place, you will have the best accommodation, a hot shower, wifi, and delicious meals for the entire trek.
Day 14
Trek from Goa to Dharapani then drive to Besisahar
- Maximum Altitude: 700 m
- Trek Duration: 3 hours
- Trek Distance: 9 km
- Meal: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
- Accommodation: Tea house
It’s a short and nice hike to Dharapani, where we take lunch and by shared jeep we drive to Besisahar.
Day 15
Drive from Besisahar to Kathmandu
- Maximum Altitude: 1350 m
- Drive Duration: 7-8 hours
- Drive Distance: 175 km
- Meal: Breakfast, Lunch
- Accommodation: Three star standard hotel
We will have our breakfast and then catch a bus to Kathmandu. The distance between the two places is 175 km along the route and it will take us 7-8 hours.
Day 16
Final departure
After enjoying your breakfast, based on your flight schedule, you may even have some free time to explore a bit more of Kathmandu. A member of the team will be with you when you go to the airport. They will be there a few hours before your flight to help you with your departure arrangements so you can take great memories of your Manaslu trek. We, as your reliable travel partner, Nepal Royal Tourism Holiday Pvt. Ltd. (www.nepalroyaltreks.com), feel very lucky to have had the chance to share this exceptional experience with you. Travel safely and see you next time!
Manaslu Circuit Fixed Departures Dates
Trip Cost Includes/Excludes
Cost Includes
- Airport Pick-up and Drop-off.
- Standard Three star hotel accommodation in Kathmandu (includes bed and breakfast).
- Lunch and Dinner throughout the trip.
- Accommodation (Mountain Tea house Lodge) with Breakfast.
- Experienced trekking Guide and porter according to your group size.
- All ground transportation
- Manaslu conservation area special Permit, Tims and local goverment taxes.
- Lodging and food, salary, insurance, transportation and equipment for porters.
- Trekking Duffel bag & sleeping bag but you have to refund after complete your trip.
- Trekking complete certificate
Cost Excludes
- Any other expenses (including hot and cold drinks, mineral water, alcoholic drinks, cigarettes, toiletries, and any other personal expenses).
- Travel insurance.
- Tips for guide and porter (optional but expected).
Trip Photo/Video Gallery
Frequently Asked Questions
The Manaslu Circuit Trek is found in the Gorkha district, Nepal, surrounding the Mount Manaslu (8,163 m), the world’s eighth-highest mountain. The route is part of the Manaslu Conservation Area and provides a Himalayan trekking adventure in an untouched environment.
The 17 days Manaslu Circuit Trek covers the days of arrival and departure to and from Kathmandu. The actual trek time is approximately 12–13 days, which enables you to have good acclimatization and a leisurely pace.
The summit of the trek is Larkya La Pass (5,106 meters), one of the highest stunning mountain passes in Nepal and rewarding mountain passes.
The best seasons are:
Spring (March-May): Bright skies, rhododendron forests, and good weather
Autumn (September-November): The best visibility, dry trails, and mountain views
Experienced trekkers can go in winter while monsoon season is less recommended.
The Manaslu Circuit Trek is graded moderate to hard. It demands that the walker be in good shape, able to walk 5–7 hours per day, and to cope with high altitude.
It is a plus to have some experience trekking at high altitude but it is not required. You should, however, have a regular hiking routine and be prepared adequately in terms of fitness.
Manaslu area is a restricted one. To be able to tread there, you need the following permits:
Manaslu Restricted Area Permit (RAP)
Manaslu Conservation Area Permit (MCAP)
Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP)
You have to book permits via a licensed trekking agency.
Yes, It is mandatory to hire a licensed trekking guide. There is no permission for solo trekking in the Manaslu restricted area.
Most probably accommodations are teahouse/lodge-based, which provide simple but neat rooms. In the higher places, the facilities get a lot simpler.
Teahouses offer different types of meals such as:
Dal Bhat (Nepali set meal), pasta, noodles, rice, soups, Veg and very easy non-veg.
It is always better to order vegetarian dishes at the high altitude areas.
Simply said, it depends on the time of year, besides the fact that altitude also matters:
- Lower regions: 10°C to 20°C
- High camps & Larkya La Pass: -10°C to -15°C in peak seasons,
You should come fully equipped with decent winter clothing.
You need only two trekkers minimum to be able to get the Manaslu Restricted Area Permit. Therefore, Solo trekking is not allowed.
Altitude sickness can indeed be a problem when a person goes above 3,000 meters. Therefore, the 17-day itinerary has been planned with acclimatization days included so that the risk is kept to a minimum. In any case, the most important thing is to go up slowly, drink plenty of water, and get enough rest.
Certainly, travel insurance is a must and it should extend coverage to:
- High-altitude trekking (up to 5,200 m)
- Emergency helicopter evacuation
- Medical expenses
The most important are:
Down jacket and sleeping bag
Trekking boots and poles
Thermal layers and waterproof jacket
Sunglasses, sunscreen, and first aid kit
Nepal Royal Tourism can give you a detailed list of things if you want more detaisl.
This is an entirely safe trek if it is done through a professional trekking agency with licensed guides, proper planning, and safety protocols.
Manaslu, on the other hand, facilitates:
- Less crowded tours
- Exposure to authentic Tibetan-influenced culture
- Scenic unspoiled beauty
- Isolated and adventurous trekking experience
Yes, the 17 days Manaslu Circuit Trek can be personalized easily with respect to one’s physical shape, financial means, or even adding side trips like Tsum Valley.
Charging and Wi-Fi are available at some tea houses for an additional cost; however, the signal is very weak at great altitudes.
We are local trekking agency provides you with:
- Legal permit handling
- Highly skilled local guides
- Greater cost efficiency
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