Manaslu is situated in Nepal’s Gorkha district, northeast of the capital city Kathmandu. Measuring 8163 meters (26,781 feet) above sea level, Mt. Manaslu, also known as, the Summit of Spirit, is the 8th highest peak on the planet. Traveling through Mt. Manaslu is just one aspect of the Manaslu Circuit Trek; other highlights include views of the mountains of Nepal, including Shringi Himal, Ganesh Himal, Himal Chuli, Manaslu, and Nagdi Chuli.
You may select your own itinerary after you arrive in Kathmandu for the Manaslu trip, however, we will offer you a standard 14-day trekking plan. Traveling over the Manaslu Circuit offers an incredible perspective of Mt. Manaslu, the world’s 8th-highest peak, at 8163 meters above sea level.
The slopes of the Mansiri Mountain range within the Manaslu Conservation Area are home to Mount Manaslu. At Larkya La Pass, we will reach the Manaslu Circuit Trek’s highest point at 5,106 meters above sea level.
Manaslu trekking lies near the Tibetan border, separating the local governments of Gorkha and Manang. Even during the busiest trekking time of the year, Manaslu Circuit is regarded as among the most well-liked and outstanding journeys in the Nepal Highlands owing to its lack of crowds. Trekkers may experience the distinctive Buddhist cultures in the most secluded and off-the-beaten-path areas.
The Hills of Nepal and the Tibetan highlands locations, two noteworthy and culturally diverse locations, are included in the Manaslu trekking journey. The vast majority of people in this area are Buddhists. Because the people there are kind and will make you feel at home, you may engage in their cultural events and appreciate their way of life.
Along the Manaslu trekking route, there are lodges, often called tea houses, where you may stay in cozy beds and utilize the restaurant and hot shower facilities (for an additional fee). They provide excellent lodging and a wonderful place to unwind after a tiring trekking day. Since Tibetans make up the majority of the communities in this area, you will gain a deep understanding of their distinctive culture.
You will be picked up by our agent at the Tribhuvan International Airport and driven to your designated 3-star hotel. On this first day, we extend a hearty greeting to you, before giving you an update on what’s coming next.
While at the airport you will have to get your tourist visa before leaving the airport premises. The officials inside the terminal will help you fill out the visa form and you will have to pay a certain amount of fee as per your duration of stay, ranging from 15 to 90 days.
Note that, during your stay in Kathmandu, we will only provide you with breakfast while the rest of the meals are at your own expense. During the trekking days, we will make sure that you have 3 meals per day, included in the package itself.
Your 2nd day of the Manaslu Circuit Trek consists of preparing for the trek after an insightful sightseeing tour around Kathmandu. We will make sure that you visit a bunch of world heritage sites that you certainly find interesting. Throughout the sightseeing tour, our guide will explain and teach you a thing or two about Nepalese culture.
He will also provide you with a brief history of the places you will visit throughout the day. The sites on your Kathmandu sightseeing tour include Pashupatinath temple, Swayambunath, Bouddhanath, and Kathmandu Durbar Square. If you prefer to visit certain sites instead of these, you can just let us know and we will work it out.
We will not spend the whole day sightseeing as we have to prepare for the trek as well. Around the early afternoon, we will end our day tour and start the preparation phase. Our guide will help you prepare for the tour, making sure that you pack everything that you will need during the Manaslu Circuit Trek.
He will also give you a short overview of the trek during which you can ask questions related to the trek. It’s crucial to know where you are traveling to and what the conditions will be like.
The most convenient method to get to the Manaslu trekking’s starting point is to take a private vehicle to Aarughat. After eating breakfast at the 3-star hotel, we will get ready and pack up for the trek. Be careful to double-check your luggage because you can overlook some crucial goods. You will be picked up at your accommodation by our driver and be driven to the starting point of Arughat.
You will be traveling down the Prithvi Highway, west of the capital. Following the Trishuli River bridge, we will take the road to Dhading Besi; from this point, it will be a bumpy and dusty three-hour trip to Arughat. You will see terraced farms, waterways, waterfalls, a rural lifestyle, and stunning scenery while traveling this section.
The first trekking day of the Manaslu Circuit Trek starts from Soti Khola to Machha Khola, where you can see the stunning Himalayan ranges and generational culture. The hike to Machha Khola is about 14 kilometers long.
Machhakhola is located at an elevation of 930 meters above sea level, whereas Sotikhola village is located at a height of 730 meters. Trekking from Soti Khola to Machha Khola elevation takes five to six hours, passing through a number of villages like Armala, Lapubesi, Nauli Khola, and Khanibesi as you climb sharply along the Bhuri Gandaki River.
Ascending to the settlement of Lapubesi, inhabited by traditional Gurung people, will provide you with views of clear waterfalls. After taking a short break, you will begin your ascent following the shores of Budhi Gandaki River until you reach Khanibesi.
This location offers yet another stunning waterfall and a glimpse of the north face of Ganesh Himal. The path then descends to the Macchakhola settlement. You may tour the area while taking a soothing bath at a hot spring.
It takes around five to six hours to trek almost 14 kilometers to Jagat. After our morning meal, we are going to traverse a creek and climb from Machha Khola to Khorla Besi as part of today’s trek.
We will trek via the Budi Gandaki valley and Tatopani, an underground hot spring where you may have a momentary dip and unwind for a while, on our approach to Jagat. We will pass through the Yaru Khola and ascend a set of stone steps after making our way up and down stairs. We will spend the night at Jagat.
The track leaves Jagat and winds through fairly thick jungles, little rivers, and sleepy towns where we frequently pause for a little refreshment. Early on in the path, before reaching the Ghatta Khola River, the valley spreads open to plain grounds. A noteworthy section of the day 6 Manaslu trekking route is the lengthy suspension bridge located near Philim, a major Gurung settlement.
Afterward, the trail winds through an unspoiled gorge, with floating bridges allowing you to go across the river crisscrossing times, until arriving at the Deng Khola river via bamboo trees. Once you cross the river, you will arrive in Deng, a small village.
Trekking from Deng to Namrung is a little over 19 kilometers long and takes around 5 to 6 hours, passing via the villages of Rana Gaon, and Prok. Today’s trek to Namrung is regarded as one of the most picturesque trails of the Manaslu Circuit Trek.
After eating breakfast, you will travel to Lihi, which houses a stunning Rhododendron forest and a captivating Buddha artwork. You will eventually arrive at Namrung after walking through the Manaslu Conservation Area, and we will spend a restful night at a tea house there.
Namrung to Samagaun is one of the lengthiest trekking days of the Manaslu Circuit Trek. We will start our trek to Samagaun by heading towards the village of Lho. The journey to Lho takes us through untouched jungles of fir, oak, and Rhododendron as we ascend deeper into the valley.
With only 11km to Lho, it will be a leisurely walk with some lovely cultural attractions and stupas scattered along the path. However, the pace of travel might be a little slower today due to the oxygen in the air starting to decrease.
We will have our lunch at one of the smaller settlements along the way or in Lho. Ascending farther, you will approach the high pastures of the mountains by going up the valley. Numerous Yaks might be expected to graze throughout the vast hills and steep hillside. The most memorable part of the day will be one of the nicest suspension bridges you will ever be on, with a massive mountain scenery.
We will have vistas of snow summits in every direction during our refreshment break, which is where you should take scenic pictures that will last for a long time to come. We will stay here for the night and enjoy an unforgettable view of Mount Manaslu, which dominates the valley.
Before having breakfast on the 9th day of the Manaslu trekking, we will make a quick trip to Birendra Lake. From there, the journey continues up into the land of Samdo, another Tibetan village in the region.
This camp for Tibetan refugees is situated atop a cliff and is rather remarkable. We recommend you take in your surroundings and keep traveling in the direction of Samdo, your ultimate destination for the day.
We’ll take a somewhat longer hike today to view the beautiful scene of the sunlight’s reflection off the glaciers and snow-blanketed peaks from Samdo. The gorgeous turquoise vista of Birendra Lake is the highlight of the hike. From there, we will enter a forest that is covered with lichen, birch, juniper, rhododendron, and moss.
The trek leads to the Kyonggma Kharka, which is characterized by tall Mani walls and tiny stone cottages. Once you pass the Budhi Gandaki River bridge, you will be in Samdo village. This settlement, which is near Tibet and home to the Tibetan Refugees, has a view of the Pangboche peak, the Taka Choeling Monastery, and a large Mani wall. We will spend the night at a nearby campground.
There are leisure days at Sama Gaon and Samdo included in every Manaslu trekking itinerary. These two locations are well-known for both their picturesque side trips and their ability to help with acclimatization.
Typically, the main activities on a Manaslu circuit trek are detour visits to Punggyen Gompa or Manaslu Base Camp via Sama Gaon. On the other hand, it is also possible to make a day trek from Samdo to the Tibetan border. Alternatively, a wonderful diversion from Bhimtang is a side journey to Pongkar Lake assuming you have an additional day.
Having a day off for acclimatization is very important in these highlands as altitude sickness can strike at any given moment. Even if you are a seasoned trekker you are no exception to suffering from altitude sickness if you do not take the necessary measures to avoid it.
You might have heard about the “trek high, sleep low” technique used to avoid altitude sickness. That is what we will do for the acclimatizing day.
Dharmasala, the last stop on the Manaslu Circuit Trek, is sometimes referred to as Larkya Phedi as it is the gateway to Larke La pass. Samdo and Dharmasala are 11.5 kilometers apart and may be reached in about four to five hours. Although the distance from Samdo to Dharmasala is trivial, the height difference between the two places is greater, so we will take it slow to let your body adjust to the lower altitude.
Adventure, tradition, and scenic beauty are all combined in the walk to Dharmasala. You will be compelled to wander around Dharmasala further by the captivating views of Fukang Glacier, Manaslu, Jarkya Himal, Yamnag Glacier, Syacha Glacier, and Narsing Himal. Dharmasala, loaded with waterfalls, several lakes, and sightseeing opportunities, is a jewel of the Manaslu Trekking experince.
When visiting Dharmasala on the Manaslu Trekking trip you will see gompas, shrines, historic forts, and galleries because the majority of the area is a mix of Tibetan Buddhism. You will have your lunch, and supper, and stay the night at the teahouse in Dharmasala.
We will get up at 4 a.m. today and leave promptly at 4:30 a.m. to witness the first rays of dawn. At 5106 meters, it will take around 3 to 4 hours to make it to Larke La pass. You will pass through a magnificent tunnel with enormous peaks on both sides of it. Throughout the whole journey, it will be one of my most memorable parts of the path.
Eventually, we will reach the summit of the Larke Pass and celebrate the accomplishment and sight. The summit will have attractive, colorful flags, and you may enjoy a fantastic day while admiring the stunning view of the mountains covered in snow, which include Larkey, Annapurna II, Himlung, Kangguru, and many more. You will resume walking, adhering to the instructor as you descend steeply down the high moraine slope leading to the Salpudanda glacier.
The Manaslu trekking route will now follow the Dangboche Kharka rockfall’s grassy slope. Because of the steep slope, we might even have to use our metal spike shoes for a part of the way down. Bhimtang is the very first settlement we will arrive at, which is where we will spend the night and get some relaxation. From there, you will have an amazing view of the Cheo Himal, Manaslu, Himlung, Phungi, and Lamjungpeaks.
On the 13th day of the Manaslu Trekking trip, the path passes via the Gurung tribe’s little settlement of Tilije. The 20-kilometer trek from Larkya La Pass to Tilije takes around 6 hours to complete. Trekking to Tilije is an out-and-back adventure. In Bhimthang, you will have a hot plate of morning meal before packing up and starting the trek for the day.
To get to Tilje, you will have to stroll through lush meadows, banks of rivers, and a deep rhododendron woodland. You will visit a number of settlements on your descent, such as Puktu Kharka, Gho, Hampuk, and Kharche. Our lunch will be served in Kharche as we hike to Tilije.
On your trip to Tilije, you can expect to be astounded by the morning vista of the Himalayas, which includes Phungi, Manslu, and Cheo Himal. We’ll spend the evening at Tilije’s tea house.
We set out on an easy day of hiking towards Bagarchap, a place that draws us thanks to its calm appeal. We will have a short trip ahead of us, maybe two hours, so we can start off a little late or you can start the trek early to explore Bagarchap for hours.
The first part of our hike is a downhill that leads us progressively into millet fields. A symphony of bright greens that reflects thriving agriculture opens out before us as we travel across this rich region. We will be traveling a scenic route so make sure that your camera is ready to capture all the memories you can.
After we reach the village of Bagarchap, we will have our lunch there and wait for the private jeep. In most cases, our jeep will be there waiting for us. From Bagarchap, it will take us about 8 hours to reach Kathmandu.
Day 15 is officially the last day of your Manaslu Circuit Trek. We really hope you had an amazing time with us and that your trekking days were full of adventure. We are open to feedback, your statements help us to be a better travel agency. So, do not shy away from leaving a comment at the end of the Manaslu trekking trip.
After we are done with the final procedures of the trek, one of our representatives will drop you off at the international airport at your earliest convenience.
The Manaslu trekking trip is quite simple to trek, technically, however the terrain may get a little hard at higher levels. It’s much more convenient because you can stay at tea houses every night rather than camping. This arrangement makes it possible to sleep comfortably without worrying about accommodation or becoming cold.
But the Manaslu trekking’s true difficulty frequently results from its great altitude. Ultimately, this is a hike that ascends to a maximum elevation of 5106 meters at the summit of Larkya La. For the majority of the time of year, snow covers the final climb to the pass.
The hiking path of the Manaslu trekking tour is lengthy, which adds to the trek’s difficulty. Our journey is a little over 120 kilometers long and has a significant amount of elevation gain. There are days when hiking exceeds 17 kilometers. irrespective of your level of hiking expertise, these variables make the climb rather demanding.
The spring and fall seasons are the ideal times to hike the Manaslu Circuit trek. Arguably the most well-liked season to do the Manaslu trekking is in the pre-monsoon season of spring. The outside environment is usually consistent and the temps are pleasant in the spring. When the rhododendron flowers blossom, the surroundings take on brilliant hues. There are wonderful vistas of the mountains of the region due to the exceptional weather.
The fall is another great season for the Manaslu Circuit Trek. The skies are usually clear, and the climate is steady and dry. Pleasant temps and superb visibility provide breathtaking views of the nearby peaks. In Nepal, autumn is regarded as the busiest trekking season.
Trekking is safer and more fun during these two seasons because of the good weather. But it’s crucial to remember that the Manaslu area has significant snowfall from December to February throughout the winter, and torrential rains from June to August throughout the monsoon season, which makes these times less conducive for trekking.
It’s wise to determine the conditions and be informed of any modifications to laws or trekking permits before starting the journey. The ideal time to do the Manaslu Circuit Trek may also depend on personal choices, such as an adaptation to cooler weather or a desire for fewer tourists.
The Manaslu Circuit Trek trip is a moderately demanding hike for newcomers. The trekking days usually last more than 10 days, providing a good mix of hiking and acclimatization days.
The rough terrain along with ascending and descending parts may make certain parts physically taxing for novices, but with the right training and planning, the whole journey may be greatly improved. The trip is easier to handle because of the steady rise and acclimatization days. Even though the Manaslu Circuit Trek is difficult, beginners may complete it if they are prepared and have an adventurous attitude.
Anybody, irrespective of age, expertise, or physical state, can suffer from altitude sickness. It’s an actual dread and among the most common ones people have when thinking about hiking in Nepal. Unless one resides in a very high elevation, their body is not adjusted to the low oxygen content of the atmosphere in the high mountains. Rising too quickly might lead to issues. Altitude sickness signs can be quite harmful if they are not treated right away.
Every one of our trekking itineraries gives you ample time to acclimate safely. You may, however, take further actions to aid with your own acclimatization. Knowing what signs to watch out for can enable you to take immediate action and save additional harm.
Unless trekkers indicate a desire for tents, accommodations on the journey will be provided by families from the area in the form of lodges and tea houses. While the sleeping spaces in each lodge lack a heating system and include two single beds, pillows, and mattresses, the central public space is equipped with a fireplace.
We will bring a sleeping bag for each member of the group, and the tea house will provide an extra blanket if requested. The tea houses often have gas-powered showers and notorious eastern squat toilets, but several have switched to flush systems recently.
Amenities can grow more modest as hikers ascend into more isolated and difficult terrain; lodging may occasionally take the shape of basic tea houses. It could be necessary for hikers to make reservations in advance, especially during the busiest trekking months when accommodations fill up fast. We will take care of this.
Typically, “Dal Bhaat,” which consists of rice, lentils, veggies, chutneys, and other items, is served as the major meal in the tea houses we will be staying at. You will be served oatmeal, toast, and boiled eggs for breakfast. These teahouses also provide coffee, tea, garlic soup, hot drinks, and other items.
Along with a variety of cuisines, some tea restaurants also provide fast food options such as burgers, pizza, chow mein, noodles, and momo. While hiking on this excursion, you may also bring along a variety of energy bars, energy drinks, dried fruits, and other food.
Our Manaslu Circuit Trek package will cover all your accommodation costs, and 3 meals per day during the trekking days but it will not cover your drinks.
The transportation required by the Manaslu trekking itinerary will be managed and provided by us as a part of the Manaslu Circuit Trek package. You will be driven to the starting point of the trek on a private vehicle and be driven back to Kathmandu after the trek has ended. You won’t have to pay extra for any of the road transportation the itinerary requires.
The package will not cover any of your flight expenses.
Three different types of licenses granted by the Nepalese government are required in order to hike in the Manaslu trekking area. From September to November, the Manaslu Restricted Area Permit will cost $100 for the first week and an extra $15 per day after that. However, the same permit is priced at $75 for the first seven days, plus an additional $10 each day from December through August.
Trekkers additionally require the Manaslu Conservation Area Permit in order to enter the Manaslu Conservation Area. You may get this permit right at the Manaslu trekking entrance checkpoint or at Kathmandu. Our guide will probably help you get the permit in Kathmandu.
Sections of the Annapurna area are included in our Manaslu Circuit Trek itinerary. Trekkers will thus require the Annapurna Conservation Area Permit, which may be acquired in Kathmandu or simply at the entrance checkpoint of Annapurna.
It’s certain that a ten-day straight trip would wear you out, and being fit is undoubtedly beneficial, but keep in mind that you are going to be exercising daily while on the walk, leaving you fitter. You will return with a slimmer, healthy body and a few pounds less.
Do not push yourself when training for the trek; do plenty of walking with a daypack. Although it’s far from a marathon, there are plenty of hills to climb and descend! The Larke La pass is also quite difficult. For carrying the bag—which weighs just around 5 kg, but will seem like 10 since you will be walking a steep path in the sun—work on your legs, calves, and upper shoulder strength.
The trail is good, the trekking hours aren’t excessively long, and the porters are quite helpful, but you’ll get much more out of this adventure if you’ve good fitness. The days are usually shorter in the highlands, and the journey is seldom pressed to go at a fast pace. Approximately 5 kg is a reasonable weight to workout with as that’s what your daypack is likely to hold. If you want to work out at the gym, focus on the steppers, which strengthen the muscles in your thighs and calves. Aim to raise the rate of your heart by 50% compared to your normal BPM.
There are several destinations accessible from this path. You can prolong your hiking by one or two more days. Adding a few more destinations to the trek will definitely make you experience the different settings of Nepalese highlands and rural communities. The renowned Annapurna Circuit Trek, the lower Manaslu Trekking trip, the Manaslu base camp, and the Tsum Valley Trek can all be integrated into the Manaslu Circuit Trek itinerary.
The three main side treks that you may do are Tsum Valley, Barpak Village, and Ganga Jamuna Waterfall. You have the option of doing the Tsum Valley Trek separately or in conjunction with it to create the Manaslu Tsum Valley Trek.
The highest point on this hike is Larkya La pass. There is nothing like the expansive vista of the surrounding mountains from the summit. Trekkers access the spectacular Annapurna Circuit Region after passing the Larke La Pass. From there, you can integrate the Annapurna Circuit trek, but you must note that this will be a long trek and suitable for seasoned trekkers only.
The majority of Nepal’s regions now have internet access and power, which makes it easier for visitors to stay online when hiking the remote Manaslu Circuit Trek route. A consistent supply of energy, mostly from power lines owned by the Government of Nepal, is available through the Manaslu Circuit Trek route.
The Manaslu trekking region is completely covered by mobile networks run by NTC and Ncell, which makes communication easier for hikers. However, because of the unpredictable weather prediction, the network connection may occasionally weaken or disappear completely as you approach higher elevations. For a little additional fee, several tea houses located on the Manaslu circuit trek route provide WiFi and internet access.
Personal expenses such as flight fares, travel insurance, tips for the porters and guide, medical insurance, additional accommodation in case of unforeseen delay, a Single Supplement Charge of USD 200 for solo trekkers, phone calls, laundry, soft or hard beverages, gadgets charging, bottled/boiled water, extra porters, hot shower, and more are not covered by the Manaslu Circuit Trek package.
The Manaslu trekking area offers thrilling paths and an interesting experience. Numerous ecological diversities, notably rare and endangered plants and animals, can potentially be seen during your trek in the Manaslu region.
On this walk, the area’s mountains covered in snow appear breathtakingly gorgeous. Additionally, the region boasts amazing natural diversity that is stunning under the azure sky. Trekkers find this walk very enticing because of the breathtaking views of the dawn and sunset from different vantage points. Along the walk, you may see more beautiful hills, spacious grasslands, tranquil waterfalls, and rapid rivers.
There are pathways lined with blossoming wildflowers, including Oak, Rhododendron, Juniper, and others, which create a lovely ambiance. Trekkers love this walk because it’s an unforgettable journey on natural pathways that’s amazing. This expedition also has the benefit of reduced crowds, making it a more favorable option for travelers.
This stunning area is renowned for its rich cultural history as well. The community at large continues to lead a busy traditional lifestyle. It’s a very special experience to see these rural communities go about their everyday lives. These areas are well-known for their cultural history and way of life.
The region is home to a number of notable sites, including chortens, mani walls, and monasteries. Since Buddhism is highly revered in the area, several of these landmarks may be found there. Numerous monks and nuns may be seen there, occupied with their usual rites and acts of worship.
Yes, emergency services are available at any point during the trek. If you ever need immediate medical attention, our guide will contact the rescue team who will take you to the nearest hospital via helicopter ride. If you are travel insured, the insurance agency will bear all the expenses related to this emergency service. If you are not insured, you will have to pay for it out of your own pocket.
While most trekking agencies do not support solo trekkers, we proudly do. We believe that everyone must be able to enjoy trekking however they like, whether it is solo or with a group of 10 people. A Single Supplement Charge of $200 is charged for solo trekkers on the Manaslu trekking trip.
On average, you will trek for 4 to 5 hours every day during the Manaslu trekking trip. Some days you will trek for just 3 hours while some days you might have to trek for 8 hours depending on the pace of the group and weather conditions.
Yes, you can modify the Manaslu trekking itinerary but you will have to choose from a list of existing options as not every destination you want to visit provides good accommodation, or they can just be a bit too inaccessible.
No, there is not age restriction but since we will be trekking for hours daily, traversing cold climates, and ascending steep rocky paths at times, we recommend not to bring along kids under 10.