Manaslu Circuit Trek

Slowly, you wind your way North to the snowbound Larkya La Pass next to the Tibetan border. The altitude here is a problem but almost forgotten with the jaw-dropping views of Manaslu. At 5,167 meters/16,952 feet, Larkya La Pass is usually snow-covered and icy. Micro crampons are often used on the descent. Trekking to the pass requires a 4 a.m. start to make the highest point before the winds come, usually around mid-morning.

The Manaslu Circuit Trek features everything you'd want from a classic trek in Nepal: Epic scenery, intimate encounters with local people and their ancient culture and a 5100m (17,000-ft.) Himalayan pass crossing. Kimkim's trusted partners in Nepal organize weekly group departures during the Spring and Fall trekking seasons, as well as private treks that can run on any date from February to June and September through November.

Region
Nepal
Duration
17 days
Level
moderate
Max Altitude
5,106 m / 16,752 ft (Larkya La pass)
Daily Activity
6-7 hours
Season
Sept to Nov and Mar to May
Starting From
$ 1275
4+10 people
Brief Introduction

The Manaslu Circuit Trek features everything you'd want from a classic trek in Nepal: Epic scenery, intimate encounters with local people and their ancient culture and a 5100m (17,000-ft.) Himalayan pass crossing. Kimkim's trusted partners in Nepal organize weekly group departures during the Spring and Fall trekking seasons, as well as private treks that can run on any date from February to June and September through November.

Top highlights of this trek include:
  • It is far less crowded than its more well-known peers Everest Base Camp and Annapurna Circuit. The word is getting out about Manaslu, but there are still about 10 times fewer trekkers on the Manaslu Trail
  • The trek is wild and remote, yet there are teahouses at everyday stage, so trekkers don’t need to bring tents and food, making it more accessible and affordable than similar treks.
  • The trailhead is reached over land, avoiding the need for domestic flights. 
  • The first part of the trail follows the Buri Gandaki, a deep, long river gorge, with many suspension bridge crossings 
  • The scenery provides all Nepal has to offer: you'll trek from the subtropical jungle at lower elevations, through the Himalayan foothills to the high, cold and challenging crossing of the Larkya La above 5,100 meters / 17,000 feet.
Itinerary

Seeking for a real adventure? Our travel itinerary is based on years of trekking expertise, ensuring that you have a fun and safe vacation. However, like with all such risky excursions, there may be instances where we must change the schedule, possibly without much notice. While we make every attempt to stick to the timetable, we humbly ask for your patience and flexibility if unforeseen circumstances like weather or unforeseen natural events come into play. You may be sure that our knowledgeable guides will adjust as needed to make your tour as enjoyable as possible.

Schedule for each day
Days: 1 Arrival at the Tribhuvan International Airport, Kathmandu  
Upon your arrival in Kathmandu, our airport representative will come to receive you at the airport, and he will transfer to the hotel where you will be spending the night. Meanwhile, you can further inquire about any information regarding the program. Overnight at Hotel.
Days: 2 Kathmandu Valley Sightseeing Tour  
Today, we will start our sightseeing tour of Kathmandu Valley. The tour includes excursing the cultural heritage sites listed in the UNESCO World Heritage Sites List, which includes Kathmandu Durbar Square, the Swayambhunath Temple, Bouddhanath Stupa and the Pashupatinath Temple. These heritage sites present a sense of nostalgia because of their unique architectural integrity. Enjoy the artistically opulent palaces, cultural quintessence, old priceless paintings, sculptures and a brief history of Nepal. Overnight at the hotel, breakfast included.
Days: 3 Drive from Kathmandu to Soti khola (710m/2328 ft) Distance: 140 kilometers, Duration: 8 hours  
Our guide will pick you up at 8:00 am for approx. 8-hour drive to Arughat. Through paved roads, the drive is rather pleasant for the first four hours to Dhading Bensi, the district headquarters of Dhading at 1050 meters. But we will be on rougher surfaces for the second section to Arughat. From Arughat, we will drive for another hour and a half to Soti Khola. Overnight at Guesthouse, Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner included.
Days: 4 Soti Khola to Machha Khola (900m/2952ft) Walking Distance: 14.2 Kilometers/8.8 Miles, Duration: 5-6 Hours  
Today’s walk constantly follows an undulating trail mainly through woodlands as we continue to head upstream along the Budhi Gandaki. We will then descend to the wide, sandy riverbed and then continue along a winding mountain path overlooking the river. Overnight at Guesthouse, Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner included.
Days: 5 Machha Khola to Jagat (1340m/4395ft) Walking Distance: 22.2 Kilometers/13.8 Miles, Duration: 5-6 Hours  
After crossing the Machha River and Khrolabesi, we will pass through the hot springs at Tatopani. The trail follows a forested area until we cross the Dovan Khola from where we will make our way to the Budhi Gandaki Valley. With white sandy areas along the riverside, the scenery undergoes a drastic transformation as the elevation increases until we reach Jagat. Overnight at Guesthouse, Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner included
Days: 6 Jagat to Deng (2095m/6871ft) Walking Distance: 20 Kilometers/12.4 Miles, Duration: 8-9 Hours  
The trail continues through Jagat, a well-paved village, and climbs up the valley to Sirdabas, offering great views of the Shringi Himal. We then drop down to the river, cross a long suspension bridge and climb steeply up to Philim. Then the trail passes through impressive waterfalls on either side of the valley today. We will pass Ekle Bhatti from where we will head towards the river and cross it twice over suspension bridges. From Ekle Bhatti we trek along to pass Pewa, traverse along a small campsite and continue through the valley until we reach the village of Deng. Overnight at Guesthouse, Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner included.
Days: 7 Deng to Namrung (2900m/9512ft) Walking Distance: 19.4 Kilometers/12 Miles, Duration: 5-6 Hours  
Today, we will scramble steeply up onto a spectacular trail before descending to cross the river. Once we cross the river we will climb through an impressive valley to pass through some small settlements. This is where we’ll encounter Mani stones carved into wayside rocks – a sign that we are entering Tibetan territory. In the afternoon, we may take a side excursion to the small settlement of Prok – a two hour round trip – to return back to Namrung for the night. Overnight at Guesthouse, Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner included.
Days: 8 Namrung to Lho Gaun (3180m/10430ft) Walking Distance: 10.5 Kilometers/6.5 Miles, Duration: 5-6 Hours  
Walking through the long Mani stone walls of the village of Lho, with an astounding view of Peak 29 ahead, we will pass a large stone gate. We’ll take a small detour to the Pungen Glacier for up-close views of the stunning Manaslu from this village. Overnight at Guesthouse, Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner included.
Days: 9 Lho Gaun to Samagaun (3500m/11480ft) Walking Distance: 8.1 Kilometers/5 Miles, Duration: 6-7 Hours  
The trail then follows a lateral moraine of Pungen Glacier towards Samagaun, perhaps the most beautiful village of the entire trip. Overnight at Guesthouse, Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner included.
Days: 10 Acclimatization Day at Samagaun  
It is advised that you always trek high during the day and sleep at a lower altitude for proper acclimatization. This day has been set aside specifically for that and you can either opt for a full day or a half day walk. If you want to do the full day walk, we will trek towards the Manaslu Base Camp (4750m) which is approximately a 7-8 walk to and back. Alternatively, you can do a half day hike to the glacier across the valley or to Birendra Ta. We’ll head back to Samagaon. Overnight at Guesthouse, Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner included.
Days: 11 Samagaon to Samdo (3690m/12103ft) Walking Distance: 8.1 Kilometers/5.03 Miles, Duration: 3-4 Hours  
We cross pastures and gradually ascends to the valley below. Witness fantastic views of the mountains, especially Manaslu, that lies ahead of us as we reach Samdo, a Tibetan refugee village. This remote village is only a day’s walk from the Tibetan border. In the afternoon we will explore the village and the surrounding hills and come back at Samdo to spend the night. Overnight at Guesthouse, Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner included
Days: 12 Samdo to Dharmasala (4450m/14596ft) Walking Distance: 6.6 Kilometers/4.10 Miles, Duration: 4-5 Hours  
After crossing a couple of streams, we’ll reach the Larkya Bazaar. This village began thriving from the trade with Tibet years ago. After a steady climb, we will arrive at our lodge in Dharmasala where we’ll stay the night and prepare for the big pass climb tomorrow. Overnight at Basic Guesthouse, Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner included
Days: 13 Dharamsala to Bhimphedi (3590m/11775ft) Via Larkya La Pass (5220m/17122ft) Walking Distance: 24.5 Kilometers/15.22 Miles, Duration: 8-9 Hours  
From Dharamshala, walking for approximately 8-9 hrs, we will trek to Bhimphedi the Cross Larkya La pass that lies at 5220 meters 17121 feet! We will climb Cho Chanda and then slowly head uphill towards the steep snow-covered pass. The panoramic views of the mountains from the top are truly magnificent. Witness spectacular views of the snow-capped Himalayas like the Himlung Himal (7126 meters), Cheo Himal (6820 meters), Gyagi Kung, Kang Koru (6981 meters) and Annapurna II (7937 meters). It is then a steep descent as we pass through moraines to Bhimphedi. Overnight at Guesthouse, Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner included
Days: 14 Bhimphedi to Tilje (2300m/7544ft) Walking Distance: 26 Kilometers/16.1 Miles, Duration: 3-4 Hours  
With a gentle climb through paddy fields, we will head towards the small Karcher La pass. The trail descends through fig trees and rhododendron forests to reach Tilje. Overnight at Guesthouse, Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner included.
Days: 15 Tilje to Chamje (1410m/4625ft) Walking Distance: 19.4 Kilometers/12 Miles, Duration: 6-7 Hours  
We begin with a climb over a small ridge and enjoy a stone paved trail as it passes through a beautiful village. Crossing the bridge over the Dudh Khola River, we will climb up through a Chorten-shaped arch, pass a Mani wall to reach the village of Thonje. From Thonje we will enter into the Annapurna Region at Dharapani where we will need to go through a police checkpoint before continuing our trek. Walking further down, we will come across the village of Karta to later cross a bridge over the Marshyangdi Khola. We can admire the Mani walls along the way before reaching the village of Tal, situated at the foot of a large waterfall. Another short descent and we’ll reach our destination for the night at Chamje village. Overnight at Guesthouse, Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner included.
Days: 16 Drive from Chamje to Kathmandu by Private Vehicle, Distance 215 Kilometers/133 Miles, Duration 8-9 Hours  
This is the last day of our journey in the Manaslu Mountains. From Chamje, we will take a jeep to Besisahar from where we will then drive to Kathmandu in our private vehicle. We will then head to our hotel where you can relax and take a moment to think about all that you’ve just achieved. Overnight hotel, breakfast, and lunch included
Days: 17 Departure  
A representative from Nepal New Generation will drop you off at the airport approximately 3 hours before your scheduled flight. Breakfast included
Reservation & Date
Monday
01 Jan 2024
Tuesday
31 Dec 2024
$125 Off
$1275
$1400
12 Seats
Available
Inclusion/ Exclusion

Wi-Fi is available in most tea houses. If you want to communicate back home, there is an SAT phone available in tea houses which takes a little bit of extra money to make a phone call back home. Local telephone hardly works on this trek. Nepal Telecom has better coverage than Ncell in the Manaslu region.

Services Included

 

  • English S000peaking Guide according to Itinerary.
  • Private Vehicle Transportation according to Itinerary
  • Breakfast (x16)
  • Lunch (x14)
  • Dinner(x15)
  • 3 night accommodation in Kathmandu Prince Hotel (Thamel)
  • During Trek, 15 night in Lodge
  • Airport Drop and Pickup
  • Transport up to 15 kilos of your luggage by porters or pack animals
  • Trekking and national park fees, entrance fees according to the program
  • Nepal New Generation’s Trekking Map & Duffel Bag
  • Sightseeing in Kathmandu Valley with Tour Guide
Services Excluded
  • Unspecified meals and drinks
  • Nepal visa (about $ 40)
  • Additional food for on the way (for example, energy bar and chocolate)
  • Tips (about 2-4 € per day for guide, 2-4 € per day for porters as a travel group)
  • Personal
  • Travel insurance
Frequently Asked Questions

The answers to your questions regarding the Nepal New Generation Trek, what this trip entails, and what is needed can be found in the following frequently asked questions. If your question isn't addressed there, don't hesitate to contact us.

If you are not physically fit enough, then this trek should be very difficult for you. Otherwise, it isn’t as difficult as it seems. With plenty of days for acclimatization and short walks you should be able to cope up with the demanding altitude. You also need to be physically fit enough to enjoy this trek because the route has several steep descents and ascents.

Yes! you need a special permission to trek in Manaslu. he route is situated in a remote and restricted area which is protected under the Manaslu Conservation Plan.  The permits and the trekking costs are mentioned below. RAP $70 first week + $10/d thereafter- The checkpoint in is in Jagat and checkpoint out at Dharapani. MCAP & ACAP permits Rs. 2000 $20 each- You need both as the check for ACAP at Dharapani. If you don’t have one you will have to pay double. Stupid, but there you go. ACAP and MCAP stand for Annapurna / Manaslu Conservation Area Project. 4 x PP photos- Get in Kathmandu quite cheaply for 12 or 24. Or send your guide/company a photo of you in daylight against a white wall and they can print. No TIMS card required This odd permit is needed for other areas of Nepal, but not needed if you go to a restricted area.

about $20 / person Manaslu Conservation Area Park (MCAP) permit about  $20 / person Annapurna Conservation Area Park (ACAP) permit about $70 / group Manaslu Restricted Area permit The 11 days trek costs about $500 total for each individual. The highest price we were quoted was about $1000. Cheap on this adventure is $40-50 / day. Expensive is over $100 / day. Visa on arrival at Tribhuvan International– Multiple entry     15 days     US$ 25 Multiple entry     30 days     US$ 40 Multiple entry     90 days     US$ 100

There are a lot of equipments you will require to trek to Manaslu. Also the experience of your trek is largely influenced by the quality of the equipment you carry.  The detail information of the equipment is found in the following link- You can buy them in your home town or you can purchase them in Nepal. Nepal has many stores that sell trekking gears. You will find many international and local brands. You can also rent them if you want.

Trekking solo in Manaslu is forbidden. You have to trek in a group or with a partner. if you are unable to find a trekking partner, you can find them on following websites-

To trek in Manaslu, you ought to have a guide. The trails are not well marked. The guide will help you through navigation, during emergencies and for negotiations. The porter will carry your baggage for you. You can enjoy long walks without having to carry heavy burdens.

Manaslu can be trekked in any season. The best seasons to trek are Autumn that stretches from September to December and Spring that lasts from March to May.  The sky is clear and hence you can enjoy a clear view of the white mountains. Manaslu can also be trekked during  monsoon for this region sees very little rainfall. The season lasts from June to mid September. The weather is pleasant and warm allowing you to enjoy long walks.

Yes, you can do tea house trek and you do not need to carry tents and mattress.

Apart from Gumpa Lungdang and Dharmasala you will have power all the places where you can charge your battery too. It will cost you more or less couple of dollar for full charge.

You can have WiFi few places such as Namrung, Lho, Samagaun, Bhimthang, Dharapni etc.

You have to walk 6/7 hrs (more or less 15 km) per day. But when you are above 3000 m then the distance will be shorter (more or less 10/12 km.)

You will have English speaking professional, experience, first aid trained and government registered certified local guide. They are mostly from all ethnic group of Nepal and picked from root of Himalaya region. We also offer language specific guides if needed such as French, Spanish, Italian etc.

March, April, May and September, October and November are the best time of the year. But you still can trek some other month as well. For further detail please contact us.

You do not need special course for Manaslu trek but if you have some hiking experience before visit Nepal, it will put you better position. Because the terrain of Nepal is quite rugged and challenging.

Rest day is not a rest day. It is an acclimatize day where we do day hike to adapt altitude during Himalaya. This is main key factor to achieve our final destination and explore more side trip in detail.