The Manaslu Circuit Trek: Experience Nepal’s Untouched Wilderness

The Manaslu Circuit Trek: Experience Nepal’s Untouched Wilderness

Trip Price

USD 1780

Location

Nepal

Duration

14 Days

Elevation

5,160 meters (Larkya La Pass)

Best season

March-May, September-November

Transportation

Private Vehicle / Tourist Bus

Trip Type

Tea House Trek

Starts/Ends

Soti Khola / Besisahar

Group Size

+2

Accomodation

Hotel / Tea House

Meals

BLD

Permits

Manaslu Restricted Area Permit, MCAP, ACAP, and a TIMS card

Overview

The Manaslu Circuit Trek in Nepal is one of the untouched and extraordinary trekking destinations in Nepal. It’s an adventurous trek where you trek around Mount Manaslu (8,163 meters), the eighth-highest mountain in the world. This trek hovers around the diverse and breathtaking landscape, from subtropical forest to plains and again to high-altitude alpine terrains. The trek's main highlight is crossing Larkya La Pass at 5,160 meters, a challenging but rewarding journey amidst stunning peaks like Manaslu, Himlung Himal, and Cheo Himal.

The Manaslu Circuit trek route begins in Arughat, followed by the Budhi Gandaki River, passing through terraced fields and picturesque villages. This trail offers insight into Nepal's traditional rural lifestyle, with locals engaged in farming, cattle taming, weaving rugs, and children playing in the streets.

The trail changes landscapes as you ascend, with fewer settlements, dramatic cliffs, gorges, waterfalls, cascades, and mountains. It passes through remote Tibetan Buddhism-influenced villages, visiting sacred monasteries, chortens, prayer flags, and spiritual traditions. Sama Gaon and Lho villages offer warm hospitality and harmony with nature.

From Larkya La pass, the landscape changes dramatically as you enter the Marsyangdi Valley, transitioning from harsh terrain to lush forests and terraced farmlands before connecting with Annapurna Circuit.

The trek Manaslu Nepal offers a unique adventure due to its remote nature, limited facilities, and abrupt temperature changes. This challenging journey is suitable for experienced trekkers seeking a unique experience in a culturally rich region.

Major Highlights of Manaslu Circuit Trek 14 days

  • Mount Manaslu Views: Witness breathtaking views of Mount Manaslu and other Himalayan peaks.
  • Larkya La Pass: Cross one of the highest and most dramatic passes in the Himalayas.
  • Cultural Immersion: Explore the Tibetan Buddhist culture in the remote villages of the Manaslu region.
  • Manaslu Conservation Area: Trek through a region rich in biodiversity, with chances to spot rare wildlife.
  • Off-the-Beaten-Path Adventure: Experience a less crowded and more authentic trekking route.
  • Ancient Monasteries: Visit centuries-old monasteries, including the famous Mu Gompa.

Short Itinerary

Day 1 :
Arrival in Kathmandu (1,300m)
Day 2 :
Drive to Soti Khola (700m)
Day 3 :
Trek to Machha Khola (869m)
Day 4 :
Trek to Jagat (1,340m)
Day 5 :
Trek to Deng (1,860m)
Day 6 :
Trek to Namrung (2,630m)
Day 7 :
Trek to Samagaon (3,530m)
Day 8 :
Acclimatization Day in Samagaon
Day 9 :
Trek to Samdo (3,860m)
Day 10 :
Trek to Dharamsala (4,460m)
Day 11 :
Cross Larkya La Pass (5,160m) and Trek to Bimthang (3,720m)
Day 12 :
Trek to Dharapani (1,963m)
Day 13 :
Drive to Besisahar and then Kathmandu (1,300m)
Day 14 :
Departure from Kathmandu (1,300m)

Details Itinerary

Arrive in Kathmandu and transfer to your hotel. Prepare for the trek with a briefing from Trip Pokhara's guide.

Overnight in Kathmandu at Hotel

MEALS
Welcome Dinner

Take a 6 to 7-hour-long but scenic drive to Soti Khola, the starting point of the trek. Pass through beautiful countryside, terraced fields, and rural villages.

Overnight in Soti Khola at the Tea House.

MEALS
Breakfast/ Lunch/ Dinner

Begin your 5 to 6-hour trek following the Budhi Gandaki River, passing through lush forests and small villages. The trail undulates as you make your way to Machha Khola.

Overnight in Machha Khola at the Tea House.

MEALS
Breakfast/ Lunch/ Dinner

Continue along the Budhi Gandaki, crossing suspension bridges and passing through hot springs and terraced fields. Reach the village of Jagat, the entry point to the Manaslu Conservation Area.

Overnight in Jagat at Tea House

MEALS
Breakfast/ Lunch/ Dinner

Ascend and descend through beautiful landscapes, including forests and riverside paths. Pass through small villages like Salleri and Philim, finally reaching Deng.

Overnight in Deng at Tea House

MEALS
Breakfast/ Lunch/ Dinner

The trail continues through dense forests, crossing bridges over the Budhi Gandaki and passing through Buddhist villages with colorful prayer flags and mani walls. Reach Namrung, a Tibetan-influenced village.

Overnight in Namrung at Tea House

MEALS
Breakfast/ Lunch/ Dinner

5 to 6-hour trek through alpine forests and pastures, with stunning views of Manaslu and other peaks. Pass through the villages of Lho and Shyala before reaching the large settlement of Samagaon.

Overnight in Samagaon at the Tea House.

MEALS
Breakfast/ Lunch/ Dinner

Spend a day acclimatizing in Samagaon. Explore the village and visit the ancient Pungyen Monastery. You can also take a side trip to the Manaslu Base Camp.

Overnight in Samagaon at Tea House

MEALS
Breakfast/ Lunch/ Dinner

A short trek today takes you further into the mountains, passing through yak pastures and barren landscapes. Reach the Tibetan village of Samdo, located near the border with Tibet.

Overnight in Samdo at Tea House

MEALS
Breakfast/ Lunch/ Dinner

A gradual ascent takes you to Dharamsala, also known as Larkya Phedi, the base camp for the Larkya La Pass. The terrain becomes more rugged and barren as you gain altitude.

Overnight in Dharamsala at Tea House

MEALS
Breakfast/ Lunch/ Dinner

Begin the challenging ascent to Larkya La Pass early in the morning. The pass offers stunning panoramic views of the surrounding peaks. After crossing the pass, descend steeply to Bimthang.

Overnight in Bimthang at Tea House

MEALS
Breakfast/ Lunch/ Dinner

7 to 8-hour descent through forests and pastures, passing through the villages of Karche and Gho before reaching the larger village of Dharapani.

Overnight in Dharapani at the Tea House.

MEALS
Breakfast/ Lunch/ Dinner

Conclude your Manaslu Trek in Nepal with a jeep ride to Besisahar and then a bus back to Kathmandu. This marks the end of your trek after a 10 to 11-hour drive.

Overnight in Kathmandu at the Hotel.

MEALS
Breakfast and Dinner

Transfer to the airport for your departure flight, taking home unforgettable memories of the Manaslu Circuit Trek

MEALS
Breakfast

Include/Exclude

What are Included In My Package ?

  • All ground transportation (Kathmandu-Soti Khola, Dharapani-Kathmandu)
  • Accommodation in Kathmandu and during the trek
  • All meals during the trek
  • Necessary permits (Restricted Area Permit, MCAP, ACAP, TIMS)
  • Professional guide and porter services
  • Airport transfers in Kathmandu
  • Comprehensive medical kit

What are excluded from the package ?

  • International airfare
  • Nepal visa fees
  • Personal trekking equipment
  • Travel insurance
  • Tips for guides and porters
  • Personal expenses (laundry, beverages, etc.)
  • Any additional costs due to unforeseen events

Route Map

Useful Information

The best time to embark on the Manaslu Circuit Treks Nepal is during the pre-monsoon (March to May) and post-monsoon (September to November) seasons.

Spring( March to May) - Prime Season to trek to Manaslu Circuit

Spring is considered the best time for the Manaslu Circuit trek.

  • Weather: Mild temperatures and stable conditions.
  • Visibility: Clear skies with the most pleasing views of the Himalayas.
  • Crowd: Moderate to High, as this is the peak trekking season.
  • Scenery: Blooming rhododendrons (the national flower of Nepal) with the most beautiful colors lushing the forests.

Autumn (September to November) - The next Manaslu Circuit Best Time

Autumn is another beautiful time for the Manaslu Trek. Manaslu Circuit trek photos can be taken best in this season.

  • Weather: Pleasant temperatures since the monsoon rain is over.
  • Visibility: Clear skies with crisp mountain views.
  • Crowd: Moderate to High.
  • Cultural Highlights: Experience major Nepali festivals like Dashain and Tihar.

Winter (December to February) – Not Recommended for Beginners

While it is not ideal for most, this is only recommended to the brave and prepared(experienced trekkers suited to extremes.

  • Challenges: Extreme temperatures and snowfall.
  • Advantages: Fewer crowds and stunning snow-covered peaks.

Summer/Monsoon (June to August) – The Least Recommended

Manaslu Circuit trek in monsoon, which comes with heavy rainfall, is not recommended during this season.

  • Challenges: Slippery trails, Limited Visibility, and Leeches.
  • Advantages: Solitude, as there are few trekkers on the trail.

The Manaslu Circuit Trek is classified as a strenuous trek, suitable for experienced trekkers with a good level of physical fitness. The trek involves long days of walking, often 6-8 hours, with significant altitude gain and loss each day around the Manaslu Trek. The Larkya La Pass, at 5,160 meters, is the most challenging part of the trek, requiring careful acclimatization and determination to cross. Proper preparation and acclimatization are essential to prevent altitude sickness and ensure a successful trek.

  • Starting Point: Soti Khola
  • Ending Point: Besisahar
  • Total Distance: Approximately 177 kilometers
  • Maximum Altitude: 5,160 meters (Larkya La Pass)
  • Total Duration: 14 to 18 days
  • Major Stops: Soti Khola, Machha Khola, Jagat, Deng, Namrung, Samagaon, Samdo, Larkya La Pass, Bimthang, Dharapani, Besisahar

The following are the necessary documents and permits for the Manaslu Circuit Trek

  • Manaslu Restricted Area Permit: Required for the restricted area between Jagat and Dharapani. The cost varies depending on the season: USD 100 per person for the first week and USD 15 per day thereafter during September to November, and USD 75 per person for the first week and USD 10 per day thereafter during December to August.
  • Manaslu Conservation Area Permit (MCAP): Costs approximately USD 30 per person.
  • Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP): Also around USD 30 per person, required when entering the Annapurna region after crossing Larkya La.
  • TIMS (Trekkers’ Information Management System) Card: Costs around USD 20 per person.

A registered guide is mandatory for this trek due to its restricted area status.

  • Physical Training: Engage in regular cardiovascular exercises, long hikes with a backpack, and strength training to build endurance.
  • Altitude Acclimatization: Plan for acclimatization days during the trek and consider doing some high-altitude hikes before the trek.
  • Trekking Gear: Invest in quality trekking boots, a down jacket, a warm sleeping bag, and other essential gear.
  • Travel Insurance: Ensure your insurance covers high-altitude trekking and emergency evacuation.

Following is the Manaslu Trek packing list, which is essential during your trek. Make sure not to miss any:

  • Warm sleeping bag (-10°C to -15°C)
  • Layered clothing (base layer, mid-layer, down jacket)
  • Waterproof jacket and pants
  • Trekking boots with good grip
  • Trekking poles
  • Headlamp with extra batteries
  • Sunglasses and sun protection
  • Water purification tablets
  • Personal first aid kit
  • Snacks (energy bars, dried fruit)
  • Lightweight backpack
  • Toiletries and personal hygiene items

Even though the Manaslu Circuit Trek difficulty level is moderate, without proper precautions, the trek might get risky. The following are some essential Manaslu Circuit Trek safety tips you need to follow:

  1. Always carry a first aid kit in case of an emergency.
  2. Stay hydrated, drink enough water.
  3. Allow follow-up acclimatization methods.
  4. Move slowly.
  5. Eat healthy, do not consume drugs, alcohol, or smoke.
  6. Do not touch or eat anything unknown.
  7. Always follow the guide.
  8. If the symptoms of altitude sickness worsen, fall back for a medical emergency.
  9. Always carry rescue numbers.
  10. Wear warm clothes and keep yourself dry.
  11. Help others if they are in trouble.

Group Size & Price Per Person

Group Size Price Per Person (USD)
1 Pax 1,780
2 - 3 Pax 1,350
4 - 7 Pax 1,250
8 - 11 Pax 1,100
12+ Pax 1,050

Trip Pokhara is one of the reputed traveling agencies of Nepal, renowned for its quality service. With years of experience, our team is full of experts who give their best to make your trek, one of the most pleasant experiences, hovering around some of the beautiful places of Nepal. We provide the best experience with a professional guide and the best package within a reasonable budget.

FAQs

The best time is during the pre-monsoon (March-May) and post-monsoon (September-November) seasons for stable weather and clear views.

It’s a strenuous trek, requiring good physical fitness and some experience with high-altitude trekking.

Yes, a guide is mandatory due to the restricted area status of the Manaslu Circuit.

You’ll need the Manaslu Restricted Area Permit, MCAP, ACAP, and a TIMS card.

The Manaslu Circuit trek distance, which is approximately 177 km, typically takes 14 days, depending on the route and pace.

The highest Manaslu Circuit trek altitude is the Larkya La Pass at 5,160 meters.

Yes, the Manaslu Conservation Area is home to species like snow leopards, red pandas, and Himalayan tahr.

Accommodation is in teahouses, offering basic facilities.

Pack warm, layered clothing, a sturdy sleeping bag, and trekking poles.

Yes, ensure your insurance covers trekking at high altitudes and includes emergency evacuation.

USD 1780 / person

Speak to an Expert

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Sarita Adhikari

Nepal
WhatsApp ++9779846748548

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