Manaslu Circuit Trek
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Trip Information
The Manaslu Circuit Trek is a spectacular 15-day Himalayan adventure that takes you around Mount Manaslu (8,163 m), the world’s eighth-highest peak. This trek offers a perfect blend of remote mountain landscapes, rich Tibetan-influenced culture, high-altitude passes, and authentic village life, making it ideal for trekkers seeking a less-crowded alternative to the Annapurna and Everest regions.
Starting from Kathmandu, the journey begins with a scenic drive to Machha Khola, followed by a gradual trek through lush river valleys, terraced farmlands, dense forests, and traditional Gurung and Tibetan settlements. As you ascend, the trail opens to dramatic alpine scenery with breathtaking views of Manaslu, Himalchuli, and surrounding peaks.
The itinerary is carefully designed with proper acclimatization at Samagaon, including hikes to Birendra Lake and Manaslu Base Camp, ensuring safety and comfort at higher altitudes. The highlight of the trek is crossing the Larkya La Pass (5,106 m), one of Nepal’s most scenic and rewarding high passes, before descending into the Annapurna region.
Priced at USD 1,600 per person, this package includes private transportation, trekking permits, accommodation, meals during the trek, and experienced guides, offering excellent value for a fully supported and well-paced trekking experience. The Manaslu Circuit Trek is ideal for adventurous trekkers looking for untouched trails, cultural depth, and dramatic Himalayan scenery in a restricted and pristine trekking region of Nepal.
Itinerary
Upon arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA), Kathmandu, you will be warmly welcomed by our representative and transferred to your hotel in the city. After check-in, you can relax and recover from your journey or take a short walk around the nearby area to experience Kathmandu’s vibrant atmosphere.
In the evening, there will be a brief introduction to the Manaslu Circuit Trek, including an overview of the itinerary, safety guidelines, and important trekking information. Overnight stay at a hotel in Kathmandu, preparing for the adventure ahead.
After breakfast, you begin a scenic overland journey from Kathmandu to Machha Khola, traveling via Soti Khola in a private tourist vehicle. The drive offers changing landscapes—from busy highways and rural towns to winding mountain roads alongside rivers and terraced hillsides.
As you move deeper into the countryside, you’ll enjoy views of lush valleys, small settlements, and rushing rivers, providing a glimpse into rural Nepali life. Upon arrival at Machha Khola, the gateway to the Manaslu region, you will check into a local lodge and rest in preparation for the trekking days ahead. Overnight stay in Machha Khola.
Today marks the official start of your trekking journey. After breakfast, you begin the trek from Machha Khola to Jagat, following the trail along the Budhi Gandaki River. The path passes through narrow gorges, small villages, and lush forests, with several suspension bridges adding excitement to the walk.
Along the way, you’ll encounter waterfalls, terraced farmlands, and traditional settlements that reflect the local lifestyle of the region. The gradual ascent helps your body adjust to the increasing altitude. By afternoon, you arrive at Jagat, a charming stone-paved village and an important checkpoint for the Manaslu Conservation Area. Overnight stay in a teahouse at Jagat.
After breakfast, you continue your journey deeper into the Manaslu region, trekking from Jagat to Deng. The trail climbs gradually through rugged terrain, crossing several suspension bridges and passing through traditional villages such as Philim, where you can observe the unique culture and lifestyle of the local communities.
As you ascend, the landscape begins to change, with dense forests, rocky paths, and dramatic river gorges. The influence of Tibetan culture becomes more noticeable in architecture, prayer flags, and mani walls along the route. After a rewarding day of trekking, you reach Deng, a quiet village surrounded by forested hills. Overnight stay in a local teahouse at Deng.
Today’s trek takes you from Deng to Namrung, with a noticeable gain in altitude and increasingly impressive mountain scenery. The trail winds through dense forests of pine and rhododendron, crossing suspension bridges and passing through small settlements such as Bihi Phedi.
As you ascend higher, the air becomes cooler and the landscape more alpine. The cultural influence of Tibetan Buddhism is more prominent, seen in prayer wheels, mani stones, and chortens along the trail. By late afternoon, you arrive at Namrung, a beautiful village offering your first clear views of snow-capped Himalayan peaks. Overnight stay in a teahouse at Namrung.
After breakfast, you leave Namrung and continue trekking toward Lho, gradually gaining altitude while enjoying stunning Himalayan scenery. The trail passes through alpine forests and traditional villages such as Lihi and Sho, decorated with prayer flags, mani walls, and chortens that reflect strong Tibetan Buddhist culture.
As you approach Lho, the landscape opens up to spectacular views of Mount Manaslu and surrounding peaks. Lho is home to the beautiful Ribung Monastery, where you can experience a peaceful spiritual atmosphere and panoramic mountain vistas. After a rewarding day of trekking, you settle into a local teahouse for an overnight stay in Lho.
Today you trek from Lho to Samagaon, walking through scenic alpine landscapes with continuous views of Mount Manaslu. The trail gently ascends, passing through forests and open valleys, while traditional stone houses, mani walls, and prayer flags highlight the strong Tibetan cultural influence in the region.
Along the way, you pass the village of Shyala, offering breathtaking panoramic views of Manaslu, Himalchuli, and Ngadi Chuli. By afternoon, you reach Samagaon, the largest settlement in the Manaslu region and an important acclimatization stop. The village is surrounded by towering peaks and glacial landscapes, making it an ideal place to rest and prepare for higher altitudes. Overnight stay in a teahouse at Samagaon.
Today is a crucial acclimatization and exploration day at Samagaon, allowing your body to adapt to the higher altitude while enjoying the surrounding natural beauty. After breakfast, you set out on short hikes that help with altitude adjustment without excessive strain.
You may hike to the stunning Birendra Lake, a serene glacial lake at the foot of Manaslu Glacier, or continue toward Manaslu Base Camp, which offers spectacular close-up views of Mount Manaslu and its massive ice falls. These hikes are optional but highly recommended for proper acclimatization and unforgettable scenery.
After returning to Samagaon, you have time to relax, explore the village, visit the local monastery, or interact with locals to learn about their traditional lifestyle. Overnight stay in a teahouse at Samagaon.
After breakfast, you continue your trek from Samagaon to Samdo, gradually ascending into a more rugged and alpine environment. The trail follows the Budhi Gandaki River, passing yak pastures, juniper bushes, and wide open valleys, with fewer trees as you gain altitude.
The route offers impressive views of surrounding peaks and glaciers, and you may spot blue sheep or yaks along the way. By early afternoon, you reach Samdo, a small Tibetan-influenced village near the Nepal–Tibet border. The shorter trekking day allows time to rest, explore the village, or take a gentle acclimatization walk. Overnight stay in a teahouse at Samdo.
Today’s trek takes you from Samdo to Dharmashala, also known as Larkya Phedi, the final stop before crossing the high mountain pass. The trail gradually ascends through a barren, windswept landscape with stunning views of glaciers, rocky moraines, and surrounding snow-capped peaks.
As you move higher, the environment becomes more alpine and remote, offering a true high-Himalayan experience. The walk is relatively short but important for proper rest and preparation for the challenging pass crossing the following day. Upon arrival at Dharmashala, you check into a basic lodge or tented accommodation due to limited facilities at this altitude. Overnight stay at Dharmashala.
Today is the most challenging and rewarding day of the trek as you cross the Larkya La Pass (5,106 m). An early start is essential to take advantage of stable weather and clear mountain views. The trail ascends steadily over rocky terrain, glacial moraines, and snow-covered sections, offering breathtaking panoramas of Himlung Himal, Cheo Himal, Kang Guru, and Annapurna II.
After reaching the prayer-flag-adorned summit of Larkya La Pass, you begin a long but scenic descent toward Bimthang. The landscape gradually changes as you descend into greener valleys, with alpine meadows and glacial streams along the way. After an adventurous day in the high Himalayas, you arrive at Bimthang for a well-earned rest. Overnight stay in a teahouse at Bimthang.
After breakfast, you continue your trek from Bimthang to Goa, descending through beautiful alpine valleys and forests. The trail passes through scenic landscapes with rivers, terraced fields, and small settlements, offering a contrast to the high-altitude barren terrain of the previous days.
Along the way, you’ll enjoy views of surrounding peaks and rolling hills, as well as opportunities to observe local shepherds and traditional village life. By late afternoon, you reach Goa, a peaceful village where you can relax and recover from the long trek. Overnight stay in a teahouse at Goa.
Today, you trek from Goa to Dharapani, gradually descending toward the Marsyangdi River valley. The trail passes through charming villages, terraced farmlands, and lush forests, giving you a closer look at rural Nepali life and traditional farming practices.
As you descend, the air becomes warmer and the vegetation more diverse, transitioning from alpine landscapes to subtropical greenery. By late afternoon, you arrive at Dharapani, an accessible village with good lodges, marking the near end of your Manaslu Circuit journey. Overnight stay in a teahouse at Dharapani.
After breakfast, you take a scenic drive from Dharapani back to Kathmandu via Besisahar, traveling along the Marsyangdi and Trishuli River valleys. The journey passes through picturesque villages, terraced fields, and changing landscapes from mountains to lowland plains.
Upon arrival in Kathmandu, you check into your hotel and have some free time to relax, shop for souvenirs, or explore the city’s cultural sites. This marks the end of your trekking adventure around the Manaslu Circuit. Overnight stay in Kathmandu.
On the final day of your journey, after breakfast, you will be transferred from your hotel to Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA), Kathmandu for your onward flight.
This marks the conclusion of your Manaslu Circuit Trek, leaving you with unforgettable memories of the remote Himalayas, Tibetan-influenced villages, majestic peaks, and the unique cultural experiences of the Manaslu region. Safe travels!
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Price Inclusion
- All ground transportation (private tourist vehicle) as per the itinerary
- Airport transfers in Kathmandu
- Accommodation in Kathmandu hotels and tea houses/lodges during the trek
- All meals during trekking (breakfast, lunch, dinner)
- Experienced English-speaking trekking guide and support staff
- Trekking permits: Manaslu Restricted Area Permit, Manaslu Conservation Area Permit (ACAP), TIMS card
- First-aid kit and basic medical support
- Service charges and government taxes/VAT
- Briefing and itinerary overview in Kathmandu
Price Exclusion
- International airfare to/from Nepal
- Meals in Kathmandu (unless specified)
- Personal trekking gear and equipment
- Travel insurance (highly recommended)
- Tips for guides, porters, and drivers
- Extra nights in Kathmandu due to early arrival, late departure, or delays
- Personal expenses (hot drinks, snacks, laundry, Wi-Fi, etc.)
- Optional activities or side excursions not mentioned in the itinerary