Manaslu Circuit Trek: A breathtaking journey through Nepal's majestic Himalayas

  • 19 Days
  • Nepal
  • Strenuous
  • Trekking and Tour
  • Manaslu circuit trekking offers a different opportunity to explore the country's territory and the meaning of Manaslu “The spirit-Mountain” in the local dialect and with 8,163m height 11th highest peak in the world. Manaslu Trek, the stunning mountain, with the highest of a cluster of glorious summits including Himalchuli (7,893m) and Ngadichuli (7,871m), stands in excellent isolation between the Annapurna (8,091m) and Ganesh Himal (7,422m). This remote and high-pass adventure of Manaslu insight into the ancient culture and tradition of Tibetan influence up-close as well as outstanding mountain views of spectacular scenery along the Nepal and China border.

    The abundance of Buddhist prayer flags in the Manaslu trek proves the domination of Sherpa culture. Manaslu trekking trail puts one physically closer to Tibet than any other trek in Nepal. The trek of Manaslu was officially opened for trekkers in 1991. Manaslu trekking is a controlled area so, trekkers need to acquire special group permits to undertake its spectacular circuit to witness a diverse range of ecosystems and ethnic cultures. Manaslu trekking starts from the ancient and historical town of Gorkha, following the Budhi-Gandaki River through a huge precipitous valley slicing between Himchuli and Ganesh Himal, passing beautiful alpine meadows and small typical Sherpa villages, crossing snow-covered Larke La and far-reaching North Face of Manaslu. From the high altitude pass of Larke La, some rewarding opportunities to view Himalung Himal (7,126m), Manaslu & the Annapurna, with the peaks of Ganesh Himal (7,422m) to the east. The highlight of the trek is crossing the Larkya La pass, which is the highest point of the trek at 5160m. The climb up to the pass is challenging and requires good physical fitness, but the breathtaking views from the top make it all worth it.

    The Manaslu Circuit Trek is a 14-day trek. The trek starts in the town of Arughat, and takes you through several small villages and towns, including Soti Khola, Machha Khola, Jagat, Deng, Namrung, Samagaon, and Samdo. Along the way, you will experience the rich culture and traditions of the local people, including the Gurung and Tibetan communities.

    The Manaslu Circuit Trek is a fairly-traveled and little remote alternative to the popular Annapurna Circuit Trek, offering a more authentic experience. It is also a restricted area, which means that trekkers need a special permit to enter.

    Overall, the Manaslu Circuit Trek is a great choice for those looking for a challenging and rewarding trek in the Himalayas, with stunning mountain views, diverse landscapes, and rich cultural experiences

    Trip Highlights

    Trekking Destination:             Manaslu Circuit Trekking (Larkya La Pass) 
    Group Size:                            Min. 2 & Max
    Minimum altitude:                   700m
    Maximum altitude:                  5,160m
    Grade:                                    Moderate and Fairly Strenuous
    Season:                                  Spring & Autumn
    Accommodation:                    Lodge, Camping 
    Duration:                                19 Days

    Outline Itinerary

    • Day 01:Arrival in Kathmandu
    • Day 02:Sightseeing in Kathmandu/Getting familiar with Nepal
    • Day 03:Drive from Kathmandu to Soti Khola (710m) via Arughat (8-9 hours):
    • Day 04:Trek from Soti Khola to Machha Khola (900m) (6-7 hours):
    • Day 05:Trek from Machha Khola to Jagat (1340m) (6-7 hours):
    • Day 06:Trek from Jagat to Deng (2095m) (6-7 hours):
    • Day 07:Trek from Deng to Namrung (2900m) (6-7 hours):
    • Day 08:Trek from Namrung to Samagaon (3530m) (6-7 hours):
    • Day 09:Acclimatization Day at Samagaon (optional hike to Manaslu Base Camp):
    • Day 10:Trek from Samagaon to Samdo (3860m) (4-5 hours):
    • Day 11:Acclimatization Day at Samdo (optional hike to Tibetan border):
    • Day 12:Trek from Samdo to Dharamsala/Larkya Phedi (4460m) (4-5 hours):
    • Day 13:Trek from Dharamsala/Larkya Phedi to Bimthang (3590m) via Larkya La pass (5160m) (8-9 hours):
    • Day 14:Trek from Bimthang to Tilije (2300m) (5-6 hours):
    • Day 15:Trek from Tilije to Dharapani (1,290m) (4-5hours):
    • Day 16:Trek from Dharapani to Besisahar (8-10 hours) and drive to Pokhara(822m):
    • Day 17:Pokhara Sightseeing
    • Day 18:Pokhara to Kathmandu
    • Day 19:Departure

    Detail Itinerary

    • Day 1Arrival in KathmanduUpon your arrival we will pick-up you up at Tribhuvan International Airport, meet with your guide, and transfer you to the Hotel. First impressions of Kathmandu – walk to medieval Kathmandu Durbar Square and explore the beautiful complex of palaces, temples, shrines, and courtyards built by the ancient Nepali kings between the 12th and 18th centuries. We also discover Thamel – the vibrant tourist area with hotels, restaurants, and outdoor shops. Briefing hotel where we will be discussing the technicalities of the trek. In the evening you have complete briefing from company representative. Overnight stay at hotel.
    • Day 2Sightseeing in Kathmandu/Getting familiar with Nepal
    • Day 3Drive from Kathmandu to Soti Khola (710m) via Arughat (8-9 hours):After breakfast at your hotel in Kathmandu, you will drive to Arughat Bazaar which takes about 7-8 hours, and then continue driving to Soti Khola. The road is mostly rough and unpaved, passing through terraced fields and villages. Once you reach Soti Khola, you can explore the small town and prepare for the trek.
    • Day 4Trek from Soti Khola to Machha Khola (900m) (6-7 hours):Today, you will begin your trek, following the Budhi Gandaki River upstream. The trail passes through small villages, lush forests, and several suspension bridges. You will cross the Machha Khola River and finally arrive at Machha Khola, a small village where you will spend the night.
    • Day 5Trek from Machha Khola to Jagat (1340m) (6-7 hours):The trail follows the Budhi Gandaki River through beautiful forests of pine and rhododendron. You will cross several suspension bridges and pass through small villages. The trail also offers great views of the mountains and waterfalls. You will finally arrive at Jagat, a small village with beautiful houses built in traditional Nepalese style.
    • Day 6Trek from Jagat to Deng (2095m) (6-7 hours):Today, the trail climbs uphill through rocky terrain and passes through small villages. You will cross several suspension bridges over the Budhi Gandaki River and pass through beautiful forests of pine and oak. After a few hours of trekking, you will reach the village of Deng, where you will spend the night.
    • Day 7Trek from Deng to Namrung (2900m) (6-7 hours):The trail climbs uphill through beautiful forests and passes through small villages. You will also get great views of the mountains and the Budhi Gandaki River. As you climb higher, the landscape changes from subtropical to alpine. You will finally arrive at Namrung, a small village with a beautiful monastery and stunning views of the Manaslu and Himalchuli mountains.
    • Day 8Trek from Namrung to Samagaon (3530m) (6-7 hours):Today's trail passes through beautiful forests and small villages. Throughout the day, you will get great views of the Manaslu and Himalchuli mountains. As you climb higher, you will notice the landscape changing and becoming more rugged. You will finally arrive at Samagaon, a small village with a beautiful monastery and stunning views of the Manaslu mountain.
    • Day 9Acclimatization Day at Samagaon (optional hike to Manaslu Base Camp):Today, you will rest and acclimatize to the high altitude. You can explore the village of Samagaon, visit the local monastery, and take short hikes around the village. Alternatively, you can also do a day hike to the Manaslu Base Camp, which offers stunning views of the Manaslu mountain and the surrounding peaks.
    • Day 10Trek from Samagaon to Samdo (3860m) (4-5 hours):The trail climbs uphill through beautiful forests and passes through small villages. Throughout the day, you will get great views of the Manaslu and Himalchuli mountains. As you climb higher, the landscape becomes more rugged and barren. You will finally arrive at Samdo, a small village with stunning views of the Manaslu mountain and the Tibetan plateau.
    • Day 11Acclimatization Day at Samdo (optional hike to Tibetan border):Today, you will rest and acclimatize to the high altitude. You can explore the village of Samdo and take short hikes around the village. Alternatively, you can also do a day hike to the Tibetan border, which is just a few hours away from Samdo. You will need a special permit to cross the border, but you can still get great views of the Tibetan plateau and the surrounding mountains from the border.
    • Day 12Trek from Samdo to Dharamsala/Larkya Phedi (4460m) (4-5 hours):The trail today is steep and rocky, as you climb higher towards the Larkya La pass. You will pass through several small villages and get great views of the Manaslu mountain and the surrounding peaks. You will finally arrive at Dharamsala, also known as Larkya
      Phedi, where you will spend the night. This is the last village before the pass, so make sure to rest well and prepare for the challenging day ahead.
    • Day 13Trek from Dharamsala/Larkya Phedi to Bimthang (3590m) via Larkya La pass (5160m) (8-9 hours): Today is the most challenging day of the trek, as you will cross the highest point of the trek, the Larkya La pass. You will start early in the morning, as the pass can get windy and cold in the afternoon. The climb is steep and rocky, and you will need to be careful of the loose rocks and icy patches. However, the views from the top are stunning, with the snow-capped peaks of the Himalayas stretching out in all directions. You will then descend down to Bimthang, a beautiful valley with stunning views of the Manaslu mountain.
    • Day 14Trek from Bimthang to Tilije (2300m) (5-6 hours):The trail today descends through beautiful forests of pine and rhododendron and passes through several small villages. Throughout the day, you will get great views of the Manaslu and Himalchuli mountains. You will finally arrive at Tilije, a small village with a beautiful monastery and traditional Nepalese houses.
    • Day 15Trek from Tilije to Dharapani (1,290m) (4-5hours):The trekking distance between Tilije and Dharapani is approximately 8-10 kilometers (5-6 miles), depending on the exact route you take. The trek usually takes around 3-4 hours, depending on your pace and the difficulty of the terrain. During the trek, you will pass through beautiful villages, lush forests, and stunning mountain landscapes.
    • Day 16Trek from Dharapani to Besisahar (8-10 hours) and drive to Pokhara(822m):From here, we will take vehicle to Besisahar from Dharapani. It makes you about 4-5 hours to reach Besisahar from Dharapani. In Besisahar, you can take a short break and explore the town. You can visit local temples, markets, and restaurants to sample the local cuisine. After the break, you will then take another bus to Pokhara. The journey from Besisahar to Pokhara takes about 4-5 hours and covers a distance of
      approximately 90 kilometers (56 miles).
    • Day 17Pokhara SightseeingThis day will be planned according to your availability to days and space.
    • Day 18Pokhara to KathmanduDepart from Pokhara in the morning (around 8-9am) and drive to Kathmandu. The
      journey takes around 6-7 hours, depending on traffic and road conditions, we will
      stop for lunch and restroom breaks along the way. After arriving in Kathmandu in the
      afternoon/evening we will check into your hotel. Overnight in Kathmandu.
    • Day 19DepartureToday is the day you will leave Kathmandu. We will transfer you to the Tribhuvan
      International Airport. We will hand you your certificate for an amazing achievement,
      you truly deserve it! then share your goodbyes as you head back to your home country.
      With this, we come to the end of our 19-day Manaslu Circuit Trekking.
      However, you have the option of extending your journey or taking part in another trek.
      Also, you can book for next time if you like your journey with us.

    What's Includes:

    • Airport / Hotel / Airport pick up & drop by private Vehicle.
    • Four-night standard accommodation in star level hotel in Kathmandu.
    • Meals on the entire board (Breakfast, lunch, and dinner) during trekking
    • All accommodations during the trek.
    • Manaslu Trekking map.
    • Drive Kathmandu to Arughat and come back from Beshishahar to Kathmandu.
    • An experienced Nepal Government licensed holder guide and porter to carry your luggage during the trek.
    • Food, drinks, accommodation, insurance, salary, equipment, transportation, and local taxes.
    • Group medical supplies (first aid kits).
    • All necessary paper works and national park entry permits.
    • Travel & Rescue arrangement.
    • All government taxes.

    What's Excludes:

    • Whillist Kathmandu allows US$ 10 - US$ 12 per day.
    • Your Travel insurance.
    • International airfare.
    • Nepal entry visa (You can obtain a permit quickly upon your arrival at Nepal’s Airport in Kathmandu).
    • All kinds of drinks (Alcoholic, hot and cold drinks)
    • Personal shopping and laundry etc.
    • Personal trekking Equipment.
    • UNO Travels and Adventure's sleeping bag, down jackets, Duffle bag, and walking stick, if necessary.
    • Tips for trekking staff and drivers.

    Trip Note

    Manaslu Circuit trekking is safe and for the well-being of our groups. All of our trips are led
    by qualified professional guides who are well-trained by the Nepal Government. Our
    responsibility is to ensure your comfort and safety as we take your holiday. In this regard, we
    work honestly and effectively to provide you with the Himalayan experience that suits your
    interest. We encourage you to question us freely and contribute to the planning stages of
    your adventure in the trekking period.

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    Trip Facts

    • Transportation:6
    • Meals:Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner
    • Accommodation:Hotel + Teahouses + Lodges
    • Altitude:5,213m