Manaslu Circuit Trek
The Manaslu circuit trek is an inexpensive tea house hike that brings you to the foothills of the Himalayas with a peek of Nepal's exotic flora and cultures. The Manaslu circuit trip is one of the most wonderful ways to discover and experience an unspoiled district of Nepal. This circuit hike to Manaslu is most notable for its population and their cultures and traditions.
Manaslu is a virgin zone where only two trekkers per year have been spotted. This is one of the additional important attractions of the Manaslu circuit trip. However, the Manaslu circuit trek is becoming increasingly popular. In recent years, the Manaslu circuit trip has attracted an increasing number of adventurist trekkers. This hike is a must-do for any adventurer in search of a never-before-seen experience, thanks to its perilous obstacles and exciting situations.
The Manaslu Circuit Trek is renowned as a solo trek with a minimum need of two participants. Therefore, at least two people would have been present in the previous phase. It will also help with accommodations and obtaining permissions. Outstanding Nepalese-style homes and hotels with a variety of amenities may entice you to spend time there. However, you can alternatively spend nights in tents/camps and appreciate the natural beauty of Nepal under a sky filled with billions of stars. Manaslu translates to "The Spirit Mountain" Mount Manaslu is one of the mountains that exceed 8000 meters in height, having an elevation of 8,163 meters.
Manaslu Circuit Trek Highlights
The Manaslu Circuit Trek is a popular trekking route in Nepal that offers trekkers a unique and captivating experience as they circumnavigate the magnificent Mount Manaslu (8,163 meters), the eighth highest peak in the world. Here are some of the highlights of the Manaslu Circuit Trek.
Spectacular Mountain Views: Throughout the trek, you'll be treated to stunning panoramic views of Mount Manaslu, as well as other nearby peaks like Himalchuli, Ganesh Himal, and more. These views change as you progress along the circuit, providing different perspectives of these majestic mountains.
Remote and Less Crowded: The Manaslu region is relatively less crowded compared to some of the more popular trekking areas like Everest and Annapurna. This remoteness allows for a quieter and more tranquil trekking experience.
Cultural Encounters: The trek passes through traditional villages inhabited by various ethnic groups, such as the Gurungs, Tamangs, and Tibetans. You'll have the opportunity to interact with locals, learn about their customs, and witness their traditional way of life.
Budhi Gandaki River Valley: The trail follows the Budhi Gandaki River valley, leading you through lush forests, terraced fields, suspension bridges, and charming villages. The river adds to the scenic beauty of the trek.
Larkya La Pass: The circuit includes crossing the challenging Larkya La Pass (5,160 meters), which offers unparalleled views of the surrounding peaks and glaciers. The pass is a high point of the trek and provides a sense of accomplishment.
Diverse Landscapes: The trek takes you through a variety of landscapes, from subtropical forests to alpine meadows to barren high-altitude terrain. This diversity keeps the trek visually captivating and engaging.
Monasteries and Chortens: The route passes by several Buddhist monasteries, chortens (stupas), and mani walls (stone walls with inscribed prayers). These cultural landmarks add a spiritual and historical dimension to the trek.
The Best time for Manaslu Circuit Trek
The best time for the Manaslu Circuit Trek is during the pre-monsoon spring season (March to May) and the post-monsoon autumn season (September to November). These months offer the most favorable weather and trekking conditions for a successful and enjoyable trek. Both spring and autumn offer excellent trekking conditions, and your choice between the two depends on your preferences. Spring is known for its vibrant flora and lush landscapes, while autumn provides clear skies, pleasant temperatures, and cultural experiences. Keep in mind that the Manaslu region can be affected by heavy snowfall and challenging weather conditions during the winter (December to February), making trekking more difficult and risky.
Duration : 13 days | Activity : Trekking/Hiking | Trip Date : Flexible |
Private Trip : Available | Group Trip : Available | Stay : Tea House/ Hotel |
Program Itinerary
Day 1 - Arrival in Nepal.
When you arrive at Tibhuvan International Airport, our guide will pick you up and take you to your hotel in the bustling Thamel district of Kathmandu. Depending on your arrival time, you can choose to relax for the next journey, see the city's attractions, or shop for adventure gear in one of Kathmandu's many adventure supply stores. We'll assemble our bikes and be ready for the journey in the afternoon.
Day 2 - Drive Kathmandu to Machha Khola (900m/2,952ft).
On this day, you will drive from Kathmandu city to Machha Khola in preparation for your trip. You will travel through the Kathmandu valley en route to Dhading Besi. Due to construction, the route can be challenging in some spots. The trip will lead you to the village of Arughat, located on the opposite bank of the Budhhi Gandaki River, in the northwest.
The route from Arughat leads to Sotikhola, where portions of the road are graveled. You will reach Soti Khola after passing past Gurung and Magar villages, and then continue on to Machha Khola. On the journey, you will enjoy views of Shringri Himal.
Day 3 - Machha Khola to Jagat (1,340m/4,396ft) - 6 to 7 hours of hiking.
This day marks the beginning of trekking, with the initial leg along a narrow path through Khoralabesi. You will also pass a natural hot spring known as Tatopani, where you may relax your feet or have a warm bath. After lunch, you can climb the ravine and cross the Budhi Gandaki River on a bridge. Two to three hours of hiking will bring you to Dobhan. Following a beautiful trail with waterfalls and wildflowers, climb the hill after crossing a suspension bridge. You must cross a lengthy wall-hanging bridge to reach Yaruphat's rock wall, where you can take photographs for your memories.
Two more hours of walking will get you to Jagat, the entrance to the restricted section of the Manaslu region. Here, you must present your permit and paperwork when requested by authorities. You will soon reach the settlement of Philim, where you will spend the night. Incredible vistas of mountain ranges including Tewa Himal (6,008m), Lumbo Himal (6,250m), Lapuchen (5,996m), Dwijen Himal (6,306m), and Shiringi Himal (7,166m) are visible from the village.
Day 4 - Trek from Jagat to Deng (1,865m/ 6,118ft) - 6 to 7 hours trek.
Start your trip early in the morning from Jagat to Deng. The hike begins with a gentle ascent in the valley of the Budhhi Gandaki River. A beautiful bridge leads to a waterfall a short distance away. You will travel through pine forests along the gorges of the Gandaki River before arriving at Deng.
Day 5 - Journey from Deng to Namrung (2,630m/ 8,627ft) - 5 to 6 hours trek.
You will begin your trip from Deng to Namrung by passing through picturesque mountain valleys and quaint villages. The communities include classic stone structures and lovely views of the surrounding mountains and vegetation. Along the walk, you may encounter mani walls, chortens, and prayer flags. As you go north, you will approach the Tibetan border, and Tibetan Buddhist groups will become more apparent.
The distance between Namrung and Namrung is barely six kilometers, hence the majority of the population speaks Tibetan and adheres to the local culture.
Day 6 - Trek from Namrung to Sama Gaon (3,520m/11,549ft) 7 hours.
You will trek from Namrung to Sama Gaon while taking in breathtaking views of mountains such as Manaslu, Ganesh, Singri, Boudha, and Himchuli. On your journey, you will pass through the Tibetan Buddhist majority-populated villages of Lih, Sho, Lho, and Shayla.
As you approach Sama Gaon, the vistas of Mount Manaslu will fascinate you. This town is also known as the "gateway to Manaslu" and is well worth spending a day exploring.
Day 7 - Acclimatization Day in Sama Gaon.
This day will be spent relaxing and exploring the surrounding areas of Sama Gaon. After breakfast, you can explore the village and mingle with the locals to gain insight into their way of life. You may stroll to the Pung Gyan Monastery, which is located near the foot of Hiunchuli and Nadi Chuli. Tibetan customs have a significant impact on the region.
If you are looking for an interesting adventure, you can hike to Manaslu Base Camp and back, which will take a full day. If not Manaslu Base Camp, you can visit Birendra Tal, a turquoise glacial lake in the Nubri valley surrounded by snow-capped mountains. Return to your teahouse at completion of your exploration.
Day 8 - Trek from Sama Gaon to Samado (3,875m/ 12,400ft) 5 hours.
After breakfast, you will depart Sama Gaon on foot towards Samado. The first path leads to Khermo Kharka, a lush grassland surrounded by mani walls. Thereafter, there are two trails, one leading to Manaslu Base Camp and the other to Samado. Those that use the Samado path will pass via the Manaslu Glacier. Following the birth and rhododendron woodland, one ascends to the Tibetan community of Samado, which is located in the village of Samado. Samado is the final village before traversing Larkya La. It was a popular trading route to Tibet due to its proximity to the border.
Day 9 - Trek from Samado to Dharamsala via Larkya Base Camp (4,460m/ 14,400ft) - 4 to 5 hours.
The journey will take you from Samado to Larkya Base Camp and then on to Dharamsala. As Manaslu is in close proximity to you on your hike today, you will be able to see it clearly. Alongside vistas of the colossal Himalayas, you will make your way to Lakya Phedi, the base of the Larkya La Pass, in a circuit. The second portion of your trip will take you to Dharmashala from the base camp. In Dharamsala, just a few transitory settlements exist.
Day 10 - Hike from Dharamsala to Bimtang (3,590m/11,778ft) across the Larkya La pass (5,165m/16,778ft). - 8 to 9-hour hike.
This is one of the most anticipated days of the walk, as you will be crossing Larkya La, one of the highest passes in Nepal. You will ascend to the northern face of the magnificent Larkya glacier. From that vantage point, one can see Larkya Peak and Cho Peak. Following the treacherous moraines of the glacier, you will ascend to Larkya La Pass on foot. This is the most difficult and exhilarating day of the trek.
Cheo Himal, Himlung, Kangaru, Gyaji, and even Annapurna II may be seen from the highest point of the pass. After the arduous ascent, you will continue towards Bimthang and stop at a tea house for a break.
Day 11 - Hike from Bimtang to Dharapani (1,860m/6,100ft) over the course of 6 to 7 hours.
Dharapani is the destination of the final day of your walk. Along the hillside, you will drop through a rhododendron treeline to a stony riverbed. The day is long, but the scenery is beautiful. You will finally reach the Tibetan and Chhetri community of Tilje village. As a result of the blending of diverse cultures, there are a variety of unique customs, cuisines, and practices. As you pass the Annapurna circuit trail en route to Thongje, Tibetan prayer flags flap in the wind. You will eventually reach Dharapani, where you will spend the night. As this is the final day of the journey, you can enjoy it with your crew and the locals.
Day 12 - Drive from Dharapani to Kathmandu (1,400m/4,593ft) in seven to eight hours.
You will depart the Marsyangdi river valley and return to Kathmandu on this day. Due to the length of the journey, you will begin the day early and depart for Besisahar. In a few places, the road is rough. From Besisahar, the journey to Kathmandu continues via farmlands and rivers.
After the long drive, you will be taken to your accommodation in Thamel upon your return to Kathmandu. You can spend the evening of your last day in Nepal at a pub or club or shopping for mementos to take home.
Day 13 - Departure from Nepal.
Include/Exclude
Price Includes
- All necessary ground transfers.
- All necessary accommodations as per the itinerary.
- Tea House accommodations during the trek.
- Daily breakfast, lunch and dinner during the trekking.
- All necessary paper works.
- All necessary trekking permits.
- Experienced and First Aid-trained trekking guide.
- Strong, helpful porters.
- Comprehensive medical supplies.
- Trekking map.
- Insurance of all local team.
- Warm clothing and trekking gear for staff.
- Sleeping bag and trip duffle bag.
- Trekking certificate issued by us.
- Welcome and farewell dinner in Kathmandu.
Price Excludes
- Nepal Visa fee.
- International flights.
- All meals not mentioned in inclusions.
- Personal expenses not stipulated.
- Optional add-ons.
- Gratuities.
Guest Reviews
Lisa G
My dad and myself did plan to trek the Annapurna Circuit from Jagat to Jomsom and booked the trip via Raj and Getaway Nepal Adventure. While organizing everything in advance went smooth from the very beginning, we were amazed by the organisation of the whole trip once we arrived in Nepal - starting with a pick-up service in Kathmandu airport, also wisely chosing our guide and our porter (Manisha and Dai) which both were a perfect match to accompany us on our trekking. Both were very thoughtful and we felt like a companionship from the very beginning, but also very professional when it came to all concerns regarding the hike, like proper acclimatisation, the daily hike and everything besides. Overall organisation has been extraordinary and there hasn't been anything where Raj was not able to support (even after the trip has finished).
This really has been a once-in-a-lifetime trip and we were so happy to have this with Manisha and Dai. If ever planning to do a trekking in Nepal again (and we would love to do soon) we definitely would book with Raj again and his company one more time.
Aussie Couple
Raj and his team are awesome. Especially after seeing how other travel companies in Nepal have functioned, not only are they on top of everything, but the guides and porters working with the company are treated really well. The morning we were meant to leave for Lukla, the plane kept getting delayed. By 9 am our guides had a chopper organised to take us, where we later chatted to people who only got on one at around 2 pm and ended up hiking in the dark. We also saw multiple porters carrying more than one duffle bag, however, this company limits it to one, for the wellbeing of the porters. I cannot recommend this company enough.