Manaslu Circuit Trek - 16 Days

(4.9)12 reviews
Know before you go
  • Duration 16 Days
  • Difficulty Level Strenuous
  • Trip Start and End Kathmandu to Kathmandu
  • Best Season Mar-May and Sep-Dec
  • Trip Area Manaslu Region
  • Maximum Altitude 5106m.|16751ft.

Highlights

  • Adventurous off-the-beaten trekking route
  • Less-crowded, get a lot of time to enjoy the tranquility
  • Trek through remote villages and dense forests
  • Come across ancient Tibetan Buddhist culture and enjoy the warm hospitality of locals
  • Visit old monasteries and stupas along the way
  • Cross challenging Larkya La pass
  • Witness astonishing landscapes and excellent moaning views

"If you are truly in search of adventure, tranquility, and breathtaking landscapes, the 16 days Manaslu Circuit Trek is the perfect trek in the Himalayas. We offer the best Manaslu Circuit Trek itinerary and a hassle-free journey."

16 days Manaslu Circuit Trek is one of the most famous treks in the Himalayas for its less-crowded trekking route and off-the-beaten-trails. Manaslu Circuit Trekking offers a distinct trekking experience. Abundant in flora and fauna, intriguing cultural heritage of the locals, and exquisite mountain panoramas, Manaslu Trek is considered as a new jewel in the crown of trekking in the Himalayas.

Manaslu Circuit Trek Nepal is a privilege that only a handful of travelers get to have every year. Trekking in the Manaslu region opened in 1992. During the trek, you will be traversing in a restricted area in Nepal that demands expensive permits to enter. Moreover, other strict rules like mandatory trekking with a registered Nepali trekking company and must be two trekkers in the group (not including the guide and porter) also limit the tourist flow in the region.

Views during Manaslu Circuit Trek

16 days Manaslu Circuit Trek leads you to the whopping height of 5,106m.|16,751ft, the top of Larkya La Pass. With that being said, Manaslu Circuit Trek is also called Larkya La pass trek. The top offers stunning views of mountains like Mt. Manaslu (8,163m.|26,781ft.), Mt. Annapurna (8,091m.|26,545ft.), Mt. Dhaulagiri (8,167m.|26,795ft.), Mt. Hiunchuli (6,441m.|21,132ft.), and Ganesh Himal (7,422m.|24,350ft.). 

Why trek with Nepal Nirvana Trails?

Nepal Nirvana Trails offer more than two decades of trekking expertise in the Himalayas. Our Manaslu Circuit Trek itinerary is professionally designed to offer you a smooth venture in the Manaslu region. During the trek, our experienced guides will accompany you, and let you know about the region. Along with that, you will get the best Manaslu Circuit Trek package cost with high-quality service with us.

Feel free to contact us anytime if you have any queries regarding the 16 days Manaslu Circuit Trek. You can also tailor-made Manaslu Circuit Trek with us as per your needs.

We have opened booking for Manaslu Circuit Trek 2024/2025. Also, check out our Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek, Annapurna Base Camp Trek, Upper Mustang Trek, and Everest Base Camp Trek.

Itinerary

Day to Day Details

Expand AllCollapse All

The Nepal Nirvana Trails team will be at the airport to welcome you as per your flight landing time. You will see no problems with reaching the hotel and checking in. Before leaving you, our team members will shortly inform you about the trek and take your passports and photo for the permits. Take your time to explore the bustling streets of Thamel. We will meet at 6:30 for the welcome dinner with the NNT member.

  • Hotel
  • 1400m.|4593ft.

Today, we will make a special and restricted permit for the Manaslu circuit trek.
Optional Tour: You will visit historical monuments in Kathmandu. We will arrange our professional tour guide for you. During the tour, you get to visit three temples, Pashupatinath Temple, SwayambHunath Stupa, and  Boudhanath Stupa, and know about Nepali history, culture, art, and architecture. Later in the day, we have a small briefing session about the trek, where you will say hello to your trek guide and prepare for the trip. We will do the final packing and arrange anything that seems missing.

  • Hotel
  • Breakfast
  • 1400m.|4593ft.

The day begins early, and we will drive to Machha Khola after having a big breakfast in Kathmandu. The drive is long, so bare yourself and get ready to enjoy countryside views. The road can get bumpy at some points.

  • Tea House
  • Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • 900m.|2953ft.

From Machha Khola, cross a river and ascend to Khorla Besi. Gradually, you will walk along a beautiful gorge and pass by lovely waterfalls and some landslides. The trail will take you to Tatopani village, famous for natural hot springs, and further cross the Budhi Gandaki river on a thrilling suspension bridge. Passing by Doban, you will cross one more suspension bridge over Yaru Khola and ascend to Thado Bharyang. From here, the route takes you to Jagat.

  • Tea House
  • Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • 1340m.|4396ft.

The trail steeply ascends over a rocky ridge to Salleri. From here, drop down to Sirdibas and continue trekking toward Ghatta Khola. You will then cross a long suspension bridge to reach Philim. From this point, walk north across millet fields to Ekle Bhatti. Trekking through grasslands, cross the Budhi Gandaki river, and walk along the river bank. The trail gradually opens up, and you will pass by bamboo forests to Deng Khola. Cross the Deng Khola to finally reach Deng village.

  • Tea House
  • Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • 1865m.|6102ft.

Trekking through the farmlands of Deng, we will cross a suspension bridge over the Budhi Gandaki River. The route continues to Rana and ascends towards the Budhi Gandaki valley. On the way, you will pass by dense forests to Ghap and climb to Prok village. The trail offers beautiful views of Singri Himal. Walking further passing through Ghap, we will reach another settlement of Namrung trek's most important and culturally significant sections.

  • Tea House
  • Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • 2397m.|7864ft.

From Namrung, enjoy breathtaking mountain views as the valley unfolds before us. The temperate forests gradually give way as the pathway ascends higher, the rich greens of the lowland valley giving way to the faded browns and grays of its Himalayan topography, and the bright blue skies are experienced at altitude. We arrive in Lho, a picturesque settlement with a magnificent view of Manaslu and the tranquil Rebung Gompa monastery perched close to a mountain. Soon after leaving Lho, the trail drops steeply down and then climbs up. We walk through the sparsely populated woodland toward the neighboring village of Shyala which offers a spectacular view of Ngadi Chuli to the southwest.

  • Tea House
  • Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • 3180m.|10433ft.

The trail from Shyala to Sama Gaun offers phenomenal views of snow-capped mountains like Ngadi Chuli (Peak 29), Hiunchuli, Manaslu, Naike Peak, etc. From here, the trail goes straight for a while then ascends and we will cross a suspension bridge over Numla Khola. Further, walk following the side moraine of Pungyen Glacier and pass by ancient monasteries. The route further gets challenging and drops down to rock-strewn moraine and passes by widespread fields to Sama Gaun.

  • Tea House
  • Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • 3520m.|11549ft.

Today is our first rest day in Sama Gaun. To acclimatize your body, you have hiking options to Manaslu Base Camp or Birendra Lake. You can choose either of these two places or continue towards the ridge of Pungyen monastery. It is an ancient monastery with significant meaning to locals, located south of Sama Gaun, and requires a five to six-hour walk two-way.

  • Tea House
  • Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • 3520m.|11549ft.

The route unfolds its more interesting and panoramic part from Sama Gaun onwards. Crossing pastures ascend to the valley and further trek through lush forests of birch & juniper. The mountain views along the way are mind-blowing today. You will descend to Budhi Gandaki River and cross the river through a wooden bridge. The trail then steeply climbs to Samdo.

  • Tea House
  • Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • 3875m.|12713ft.

Rest day with the option to spend the day on a hike to the Tibetan border Rui La pass(4998m). The trail heads ahead following Athara Saya Khola(1800 rivers) to Rui La Pass from Samdo.  The Rui La offers panoramic views of the Himalayas both of Nepal and Tibet with Fukang Glacier. After completing the hike, return to Samdo. 

  • Tea House
  • Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • 4998m.|16397ft.

The trail descends through fields and mani walls, crossing a wooden bridge over the Budhi Gandaki river. As you ascend, the fluttering prayer flags and mani walks will show you're close to the top of the pass. Crossing two streams, you get to see dramatic views of Larkya Glacier. The route moves around the Salkha Khola valley and further ascends to Dharamsala. This place is also known as Larkya La Phedi.

  • Tea House
  • Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • 4460m.|14633ft.

It's a big day. You will wake up early in the morning and begin trekking towards the Larkya La top. You may have to face strong winds and storms on the way. The trail is challenging and rough. Walking on a steep grassy slope, you will pass by moraine and walk along the edge. The trail descends to the four frozen lakes and ascends to the top of the pass that welcomes you with striking views of Mt. Manaslu, Himlung Himal, Mt. Kang Guru, and Mt. Annapurna II. 

Further, you will gently descend and reach a small meadow. From here onwards, the valley begins to widen and passes by mani walls and small houses to Bimtang.

  • Tea House
  • Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • 5160m.|16925ft.

Trek through rhododendron forests and reach Tilije. Cross the Dudh Koshi river and walk through the scrub forest. The trail descends to Dharapani via small settlement areas.

  • Tea House
  • Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • 1930m.|6440ft.

From here, we will take a local jeep or bus back to Kathmandu. The drive goes through Besisahar and offers gorgeous mountain and lush green hill views. In the late evening, meet with the team members over a farewell dinner and celebrate the successful completion of the journey.

  • Breakfast and Lunch
  • 1400m.|4593ft.

Time to say goodbye and fly back to your home. Our airport representatives will assist you with check-out and drop you at the international airport as per your flight departure time.

    Want to customize your trip? Share your holiday plans. Our travel experts create an awesome trip for a lifetime experience holiday.

    Customize My Trip

    Route Map

    Manaslu Circuit Trek - 16 Days map

    What's Included

    • Airport transfer during arrival and departure
    • 2-night Hotel in Kathmandu 
    • Meals (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner) and tea or coffee 
    • Available seasonal fresh fruits
    • Accommodations during the treks
    • Professional English-speaking and first-aid trained Local trekking Guide and a porter between two trekkers - No porter for solo trekkers
    • Staff insurance, meals, accommodations, equipment, transportation, etc.
    • All applicable permits ACAP, MCAP, TIMS, and MANASLU Special or Restricted permits
    • KTM to Machha Khola Private Jeep
    • Dharapani to Besisahar Local jeep and Besisahar to Kathmandu/Pokhara Private Vehichle
    • Sleeping bag and down jacket: if needed (to be returned)
    • Duffel bag for porter use, if needed (to be returned)
    • Water purification tablet
    • Souvenir: Nepal Nirvana Trails T-shirt each and Trekking map 
    • First aid kit with basic medications
    • Official expenses, all local and government tax, and VAT.

    What's Excluded

    • International flight tickets and Nepal entry visa
    • Food and extra night hotel in Kathmandu  
    • Sightseeing costs (temples, monasteries, etc.)
    • Optional: Kathmandu City Tour 
    • Travel and health Insurance which cover emergency Rescues and evacuations
    • Personal expenses such as snacks, alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, bottled-water, WI-FI, hot shower, battery charging, etc.
    • Tips for treks guide and porter (it is appreciated)

    Useful Info

    Manaslu Circuit Trek difficulty

    As per the Himalayan trekking standards, Manaslu Circuit Trek is a difficult trek in the Himalayas. This trek is recommended to experienced trekkers who can walk 6 to 7 hours a day on rugged, steep paths. The Manaslu Circuit Trekking route explores a very remote part where everything is scarce. The accommodation is very basic, and the food options are limited. Therefore, you have to be flexible to complete this trek.

    Take the following precautions to avoid altitude sickness during Manaslu Circuit Trekking.

    • You should only ascend 500 meters and below in a day
    • Keep yourself hydrated
    • Choose fresh food options as much as you can
    • Do not smoke or drink alcohol
    • Be careful of the symptoms like headache, insomnia, difficulty in breathing, etc

    Training for the Manaslu Circuit Trekking

    To prepare for Manaslu Circuit Trek, go hiking or do cardio activities like swimming, cycling, and running. You have to work on your core strength and walking hours. Increase your stamina. Likewise, you also have to prepare your mind to adjust to the bare minimum facilities and very simple life while trekking. Surviving without modern comforts can get tough, but if your mindset is clear and sturdy, then you can do it.

    Manaslu Circuit Trek Solo

    Trekking in the Manaslu Conservation Area is highly regulated, and a trekker needs to obtain a valid permit from the Department of Immigration in Kathmandu and has the requirement of at least two people to issue the permit and be accompanied by a registered guide of a registered trekking company in Nepal. 
    Though you cannot always have a friend or a group to join with. So, we can make your permits along with the ghost permit, which would allow you to trek in the Manaslu region. Trekking solo in the Manaslu Circuit trek allows you to enjoy the creation of nature solely and have time to avail the peace within the area.

    Manaslu Circuit Trek Group

    There are departures date scheduled for the trekking seasons. You can join one of our departures and trek with trekkers from around the globe. Sometimes, your arrival and departure schedule may not match our departure date, at those times, you can start the trek on your suitable dates.

    Last Minute Booking for Manaslu Circuit Trek

    Contact us to book 16 day Manaslu Circuit Trek anytime with us at the last minute. Depending upon the time left at the beginning of the journey, you may have to pay 100% of the package cost for confirmation. 

    What permits do I need for the Manaslu Circuit Trek?

    To trek in the Manaslu region, you have to obtain the Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP) permit, Manaslu Conservation Area Project (MCAP) permit, and Special Restricted Area Permit for Manaslu (Manaslu RAP). Only Nepali-registered trekking companies can help you get all these permits.

    Annapurna Conservation Area permit cost: NPR 3000 per person

    Manaslu Conservation Area permit cost: NPR 3000 per person

    Special Restricted Area Permit cost September to November: USD 100 per person for the first seven days and USD 15 per day per person, thereafter

    Special Restricted Area Permit cost December to August: USD 75 per person for the first seven days and USD 10 per day per person, thereafter

    Manaslu Circuit Trek best time

    Embark on this trek in spring (March to May) and autumn (Mid-September to Mid-December) for the best trekking experience. The views are fantastic at this time of the year, with stable weather & a moderate climate. 

    Accommodation & Food

    You will stay overnight in a nice tourist standard hotel in Kathmandu. While trekking, the teahouse will be the accommodation. The rooms are generally shared. You can also get a single room by paying extra money. The services offered by teahouses are basic.

    During the Manaslu Circuit Trekking, you will get three meals a day. The meals are cooked and served by the teahouse owners. You will get a good variety of dishes to choose from. We highly recommend you incorporate dal bhat in one meal to get all the energy and nutrition while trekking. Moreover, it is also the most affordable option.

    Travel Insurance

    Manaslu Circuit Trek does demand travel insurance because of its remote region. The healthcare facilities along the trekking route are minimal, so in an emergency, travel insurance will allow us to airlift you immediately to the nearby hospital. We are not implying that you will face any adverse situations while trekking. We only want you to be prepared for any unseen event.

    FAQs

    • Manaslu Circuit Trek is a difficult trek because of its remote location and trodden trails. This trek is not a good fit for beginner trekkers. You have to be physically and mentally fit to pursue the Manaslu trek.

    • Manaslu Circuit Trekking is usually a long trek. We offer 16 days Manaslu Circuit Trek that you can customize with us as per your requirements.

    • From Kathmandu, you have to drive to Machha Khola in a local bus or jeep. The drive will be around 6 hours long. From Machha Khola, you can begin trekking and reach the upper part of the Manaslu region.

    • Manaslu Base Camp is located in the mid-western part of Nepal between the Ganesh Himal and Annapurna ranges at 4,800 meters.

    • Manaslu is a restricted area in Nepal, and only a special permit can let you enter the region. Unlike treks in the Everest and Annapurna region, the trekking route is more on the steep side and less crowded. The journey offers very distinct landscapes from the other two regions. You will get to see rich Tibetan Buddhism culture and traditions as well.

    • No, you cannot trek in the Manaslu region. The government rules require two trekkers in a group, not including a guide and porter. Likewise, you must trek with a government-registered trekking company. You can trek solo if the company manages to get the permit for you only.

    • Doing tea house trekking helps boost the local economy, and you will be helping the villagers as it is one of the main sources of income for them to sustain. Moreover, despite being simple accommodation, the locals offer warm hospitality and are very caring. 
      At the same time, camping increases the workload and the luggage. Your expenses will get two or threefold. If you are ready to spend money, then it's completely your wish.

    • You will need two passport-size photographs, a copy of your passport, and a scanned photograph to get ACAP and MACAP permits. The scanned photograph is used to upload on the online application form for Manaslu RAP.

    Price fromUS $1149(All-inclusive price)
    Group Price
      
    1 - 1 PaxUS $1600
    2 - 2 PaxUS $1330
    3 - 3 PaxUS $1300
    4 - 4 PaxUS $1249
    5 - 5 PaxUS $1199
    6 - 10 PaxUS $1149
    Total Price:US $1600

    Client Reviews

    tptripadvisor
    • E
      ElizabethUnited StatesNovember 12, 2024

      Trek ended today and I’m already ready to go back again!

      I can’t recommend Nepal Nirvana Trails enough for our incredible Manaslu Circuit Trek experience! From the start, they were organized, attentive, and responsive to all our needs. Our guide, Uttar, was knowledgeable, friendly, and went above and beyond to make sure we were comfortable and safe throughout the journey. He shared so much about the culture, history, and environment, making the experience truly enriching.
      Krishna, our porter, was fantastic—always smiling and carrying our load effortlessly, allowing us to fully enjoy the breathtaking scenery. The itinerary was well-planned, with the right balance of challenge and rest, and the accommodations were surprisingly comfortable in such a remote area. Uttar knew the best places to eat and stay along the trek. After long hikes we just showed up to a room that was all ready for us, it was very smooth! The food was amazing and we were surprised to have fresh fruit each evening that Uttar and Krishna packed for us!
      Thanks to the professionalism and care of Nepal Nirvana Trails, we had an unforgettable adventure. We felt supported every step of the way and can’t wait to trek with them again. Highly recommended!

      Dear Elizabeth, Namaste!
      Thank you so much for sharing your wonderful experience with Nepal Nirvana Trails! We are thrilled to hear that you had such a memorable time on the Manaslu Circuit Trek. It’s great to know that Uttar and Krishna made your journey comfortable and enjoyable, and that the itinerary, accommodations, and food exceeded your expectations. We truly value your kind words and are grateful for your trust in us to be a part of your adventure. We look forward to welcoming you on another trek in the future!
      Best wishes,
      KP Dhital and the Nepal Nirvana Trails Team  
      WhatsApp: +977 9841380469

    • B
      BarakIsraelOctober 16, 2024

      Pleasant Experience with Nepal Nirvana Trails - Manaslu Circuit Trek

      We had the absolute pleasure of trekking the Manaslu Circuit with Resham Bhatta from Nepal Nirvana Trails, and we couldn’t have asked for a better guide! From day one, he took care of every detail—ensuring we had the best accommodations, delicious food, and all the comforts we could ask for in the guest houses. Along the hike, Resham shared his deep knowledge of the local culture, landscapes, traditions, and even the wildlife, which made the experience incredibly enriching.
      What really stood out was his attention to our health and safety. He regularly checked our vitals during the climb and made sure we were properly acclimatized every step of the way. His professionalism shines through, and with nearly 20 years of experience, he truly knows these mountains like the back of his hand.
      But beyond being an amazing guide, Mr. Resham is a genuinely kind, funny, and charming person. His English is excellent, and by the end of the trek, he felt more like a close friend than a guide. If you’re planning a trek in Nepal, we highly recommend Resham and Nepal Nirvana Trails. You’ll be in the best hands!

      Dear Barak, Namaste!
      Thank you for sharing such a heartfelt review of your experience on the Manaslu Circuit with Resham Bhatta. We are delighted that Resham’s efforts left such a lasting impression, and we’ll be sure to share your kind words with him. Thank you for recommending us, and we hope to see you again in Nepal for another adventure.
      Warm regards,
      KP Dhital and the Nepal Nirvana Trails Team
      WhatsApp: +977 9841380469

    4.9based on12 reviews
    5
    11
    4
    1
    3
    0
    2
    0
    1
    0
    Write a review

    Similar Trips

    See all trips

    Ask a Question

    help
    Need help?

    Are you looking for the Nepal holiday? or need help to plan a trip, please do not hesitate to get in touch with us.

    +977 9841380469orSend us message

    We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website.

    Privacy Policy