Overview

Trip introduction

Manaslu Circuit Trek is a wonderful opportunity to encircle the world’s eighth highest peak (Mt. Manaslu) and explore the rugged trails along with spectacular views of the Himalayas and cultural insights. The trekking trail was an ancient salt trading route that let us pass through beautiful rhododendron forests.

At the same time, we explore local Buddhism and visit monasteries embracing magical landscape views while making our way through the high passes of Larkya La Pass.

Overview of Manaslu Circuit Trek Itinerary

We start our Manaslu Circuit Trek after you arrive at Kathmandu followed by cultural sightseeing around world heritage sites. Initially, we take a long drive from Kathmandu to Baseri for about 8 to 9 hours. After arrival at Baseri, the starting point of our trekking activity; we cross suspension bridges. And make our way through beautiful forests and Gurung villages towards Maccha Khola.

Further, we make our way through several ascends-descends, natural and cultural exploration while passing through Budhi Gandaki River, ridges, and villages of Jagat, Deng, Namrung, and Samagaon. And hike to a nearby old monastery named Pungyen Gompa.

For proper acclimatization, we take a day’s rest at Samdo. We’ll pass the highest point of the trek, the Larkya La Pass. The Larkya la Pass offers magnificent views of the Annapurna Himalayas, Kangaru, Cho Oyu Himal, and Himlung Himal, etc. And each step we take during our ascends and descends seems worthwhile while we see such rejoicing scenery.

In this way, we discover the diversity in culture and topography and finally descend towards Tilije, Tal, and Syange. And finally, after exploring the Manaslu region for about 2 weeks, our Manaslu circuit trekking is accomplished. Then we’ll get back to Kathmandu with all the memories and joy from the Himalayas.

Best time for Manaslu Round Trek

The best seasons for the Manaslu Circuit Trek would be from March to late May in the spring and early September to late November in autumn. Being on a challenging trek for more than two weeks, it is important to be in good shape and fit.

Who can join this trek and how?

Hence, a trekker embarking on the Manaslu Round Trek must be physically and mentally prepared before joining the trip. Nepal Mountain Trekkers’ crew will take care of proper acclimatization and all other safety measures. You just need to make sure that you are ready for challenges that come with unforgettable experiences around the Himalayas. 

Simply fill out the booking form and let us know about your interest. Or you can contact us directly by sending us an email to join this amazing trek in the Manaslu Region.

Celebration at Larke La Pass – 5,160m during Manaslu Circuit Trek

Overview

Detail Itinerary

Day 1 : Arrival in Kathmandu [1,300m/4,264 ft]::

As soon as you arrive at the capital city, Kathmandu, you will be met by a representative from Nepal Mountain Trekkers at International Airport terminals and he will take you to your respective hotel (Hotel Green Horizon or a similar standard). After checking into the hotel, you can enjoy your free time relaxing in the cozy room or stroll around the tourist hub Thamel area until the end of the day.

Day 2 : Kathmandu: Sightseeing and Trek Preparation::

After having our early meal, we start our day with a visit to Nepal Mountain Trekkers office at Thamel. After being introduced to our team including the tour guide, trekking leader, and director of operations, we head for necessary trekking preparations, getting needed equipment with the initiation of Kathmandu sightseeing around world heritage sites. Kathmandu Durbar Square, Swayambhunath Stupa, Pashupatinath Temple, and Boudhanath Stupa are UNESCO world heritage sites that we explore till sunset. Overnight stay at a hotel in Kathmandu. B included.

Day 3 : Kathmandu to Maccha Khola [1,400m/4,593 ft]: 8 - 9 hours::

Our Manaslu Circuit Trek begins as we drive from Kathmandu to Machha Khola, located across the Budi Gandaki river. We will drive along the Mahesh River and Trishuli River before we continue driving toward the Maccha Khola. Overnight stay at Maccha Khola.

Day 4 : Maccha Khola to Jagat [1,410m/ 4,625 ft]: 6 – 7 hrs::

Today we make all the way through Maccha Khola following trails toward small settlements and enjoying the natural hot springs at Tatopani. Even though trials might challenge us quite a few times, excellence in natural and cultural exploration is just unmatched. In this way, we continue our Manaslu Circuit Trek towards Jagat where we decide to stay overnight.

Day 5 : Jagat to Deng [1,804m/5,917 ft]: 6 – 7 hrs::

We take a gradual descent crossing a river stream in our Manaslu Circuit Trail and walk uphill to Saguleri. Enjoying awesome views of Singri peak while crossing the Gata river, and finally, we arrive at Deng at the end of the day.

Day 6 : Deng to Namrung [2,630m/8,626ft]: 6 – 7 hrs::

We start our day with awesome views of the Himalayas. Revolving the Mani Walls, we push ourselves further crossing the Budi Gandaki river, walking through pasture land, and enjoying the best of nature before we arrive at Namrung. Overnight stay at Namrung.

Day 7 : Namrung to Lho (3,180 m / 10,433 ft) - 4 hours::

An easy half days walk to Lho with great views of Himalchuli at the head of Hinang Glacier before Sho- famous for apples. In the afternoon you will walk up to the large and prosperous-looking Ribung Monastery and climb up to the top of the hill behind, for clear views of the Manaslu Massif. You can also walk up a short distance from the hotel to a popular viewing point near Ribung Monastery to watch the magnificent sun rising on Manaslu.

Day 8 : Lho to Samagaon [3,530m/11,578 ft]: 5 hours::

We get nice views of nearby snow-capped mountains including Ganesh Himal, Himal Chuli, and Siring Himal from the local Village. In this way, we ascend toward densely forested lands with numerous Chortens alongside the terraced farming landscapes. With picturesque views of Manaslu Himalaya, Himal Chuli, and other Himalayan peaks, we finally stop for an overnight stay at Samagaon.

Day 9 : Hike to Pungyen Gompa: 6 – 7 hours exploration::

Today we will be going for an excursion around Pungyen Gompa. It is an ancient monastery that gives us a wonderful opportunity to witness the local Buddhism culture tradition and rituals. This monastery includes a small prayer hall too. This gompa or monastery along with great views of nearby landscapes will be the highlight of our day today. And we return to Samagaon for an overnight stay.

Day 10 : Samagaon to Samdo [3,860m/12,660 ft]: 4 – 5 hours::

We trek downhill towards the river banks of Budhi Gandaki River, experiencing the best of refreshing natural views. After a certain while, we cross the river through a beautiful wooden bridge and climb. We will then pass between two forks of the river and arrive at Samdo at the end of our trekking day. Overnight stay at a local tea house or tented camping in Samdo.

Day 11 : Samdo to Dharmasala [4,460m/14, 628 ft]: 4 – 5 hours::

Following the river banks of Budi Gandaki River, today we begin our trekking activity while ascending gradually crossing the beautiful river streams with excellent views of glacier moraines and further ascending towards a stone-built guest house or shelter known as Dharmasala. As we approach a high altitude of around 5,000m, we have plenty of time to acclimatize during the rest of the day. We stay overnight at Dharmasala.

Day 12 : Dharamsala to Larkya la Pass [5,160m/16, 924 ft] to Bimthang [3,720m/12, 201 ft]: 8 – 9 hours::

Leaving Dharmasala behind, we will gradually climb towards glacier moraines that offer excellent views of nearby Larka Peak and surrounding peaks and valleys. Eventually, we make our way through steep terrain and arrive at the highest point of our trek, Larkya La Pass. From this highest pass, never seen before view of Annapurna 2, Cheu Himal, Himlung Himal, and other surrounding peaks visible with very close Manaslu Himalaya in front of us just amazes us. We stay overnight at Bimthang.

Day 13 : Bimthang to Tilije [2,300m/7,544ft]: 5 – 6 hours::

Excellent views of Mt. Manaslu with Himlung Himal, Lamjung Himal, and other peaks are being offered while walking on the ridges at Bimthang. The trail slowly goes down through the pasture land of Sangre Kharka and crosses a bridge leading us all the way through beautiful rhododendron forests that blossoms magically during the spring months. In this way, we again walk through open areas taking us up towards the ridges, and finally arrive at Tilije for an overnight stay.

Day 14 : Tilije – Tal [1,700m/5,576 ft]: 5 – 6 hours::

Today after having our healthy meal at a tea house, we follow our trails towards the beautiful village of Thonje Village, crossing the Milky white river above the bridge. Further, we connect to the Annapurna circuit trail at Dharapani and cross over a Marsyandi River bridge, witnessing beautiful waterfalls before arriving at Tal. Overnight stay at Tal.

Day 15 : Tal – Besishar -Kathmandu 8-9 hours drive.::

Today early morning wake up and drink tea or coffee and head a drive to Besisahar first with local transport ( jeep) then Besishar have lunch and start to drive to Kathmandu evening overnight at Kathmandu Hotel

Day 16 : Explore at Kathmandu with shopping::

Today you could stay without a guide and porter relax your self and do the shopping for your family and friends and the Evening time Nepal Mountain trekkers offer a farewell dinner in a Nepali culture restaurant and back to the hotel make ready your bag pack for the next day your departure

Day 17 : Departure Day::

Today will be your final day in Nepal, and after you get ready for your international flight, we drop you at Tribhuvan International Airport for your scheduled international flight towards your onward destination.

Price Includes

• Airport Pick-up and drop service
• 4-night Hotel in Kathmandu(Hotel Green Horizon or similar standard)
• Kathmandu sightseeing with tour licensed guide and car/ jeep/bus depending upon the group size
• All accommodation during the trek in the best hotels/tea houses in the area (differing according to the price you wish to spend)
  • Sanitation: The accommodation we provide will be neat and clean with warm hospitality and quality services.
  • Single/Twin-sharing Accommodation (as per budget): Your group won’t have to share your accommodation with anyone else so your privacy is protected.
• All foods during the trek: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner; any items on the menu as much as you wish to consume.
  • We provide hygienic and safe meals to re-energize you.
  • We request you not to waste your meals for it is difficult to transport food in the rural area.
  • You are not allowed to share your meals with anyone else from another group.
• Transportation costs: Comfortable Drive from Kathmandu to Trekking Starting Point (Maccha Khola) and Trekking Ending Point (Tal) to Besishare by Local Jeep and Besishare to Kathmandu by car/jeep/ or local bus. (depending  upon the price and group size )
• Professional and Highly experienced English-speaking Trekking Guide licensed by the Government. Including their lodging and food.
  • Local Staff: Our guides are locals of the region which ensures that you will surely get to explore a bit more during the trek than with any other guides.
  • Experienced: With an experience of more than a decade of working in this field, our trekking guides possess excellent knowledge of briefing during the trek as well as they are experts in handling all kinds of critical situations which might occur during the trek.
  • Insurance: Nepal Mountain Trekkers have an insurance policy for all our trekking staff.
• Porters (1 porter for 2 trekkers with a max load of 25 KG). Including their lodging and food.
  • Local Staff: The porters we hire belong to the same region where we trek to provide employment opportunities to the locals as well as to make you explore every prospect of the region.
• Trekking permits: Manaslu Conservation Area fees, Manaslu Special Permit (seven days only), Annapurna Conservation Permit, and TIMS card
• First aid medical box
• All required trekking gear like sleeping bags and down jackets made available on rent
• T-shirt, Duffel Bag, and Trekking Map with company logo
• Rescue Management Service
• 13% VAT and 10% company service charge
• Farewell Dinner

Price Excludes

• Visa fee to enter Nepal (Visa Information)
• International flight tickets and extra baggage charges
• Extra night accommodation and meal costs in Kathmandu due to any change in the scheduled itinerary
• Travel insurance/ Rescue operation costs
• All personal expenses (laundry, electronic device charging cost, all alcoholic beverages, and soft drinks, etc)
• Tip for guide and porters

Trip Gallery

Trip Map:

Equipments