Manaslu Circuit Trek - 16 Days

(4.9)7 reviews
Know before you go
  • Duration 16 Days
  • Difficulty Level Strenuous
  • Trip Start and End Kathmandu to Kathmandu
  • Best Season Mar-Apr and Oct-Nov
  • 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 2023/2024. Also, check out our Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek, Annapurna Base Camp Trek, Upper Mustang Trek, and Everest Base Camp Trek.

Itinerary

Day to Day Details

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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, Lunch & farewell dinner
  • 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.

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    Route Map

    Manaslu Circuit Trek - 16 Days map

    What's Included

    • Airport transfer during arrival and departure
    • 2-night Hotel in Kathmandu (KGH or Similar Category)
    • 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
    • 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 purifications 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)

    Upcoming Departures

        
    Start DateTuesdayOctober 03, 2023End DateWednesdayOctober 18, 2023PriceAvailableUS $1130
    1 Confirm
    Start DateThursdayOctober 05, 2023End DateFridayOctober 20, 2023PriceAvailableUS $1130
    1 confirm
    Start DateSundayOctober 08, 2023End DateMondayOctober 23, 2023PriceAvailableUS $1130
    Start DateTuesdayOctober 10, 2023End DateWednesdayOctober 25, 2023PriceAvailableUS $1130
    Start DateSaturdayOctober 14, 2023End DateSundayOctober 29, 2023PriceAvailableUS $1130
    2 confirm
    Start DateWednesdayOctober 18, 2023End DateThursdayNovember 02, 2023PriceClosedUS $1130
    Start DateWednesdayOctober 25, 2023End DateThursdayNovember 09, 2023PriceClosedUS $1130
    Start DateMondayOctober 30, 2023End DateTuesdayNovember 14, 2023PriceClosedUS $1130

    You can also customize the trip as per your time frame.
    We can organize Manaslu Trek starting from Barpak village. Barpak is the hilltop village that was the epicenter of the deadly earthquake of 7.8 magnitudes that caused disaster in Nepal on 25th April 2015. 

    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 April) and autumn (October to November) 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 $1130(All-inclusive price)
    Group Price
      
    2 - 2 PaxUS $1330
    3 - 6 PaxUS $1230
    7 - 10 PaxUS $1130
    Total Price:US $1130
    Check Availability

    Client Reviews

    tptripadvisor
    • I
      Ivan ThorleyUnited KingdomJuly 26, 2023

      Great trekking with Nepal Nirvana Trails

      Nepal Nirvana Trails were great and I wouldn't hesitate to recommend them to those seeking adventures in Nepal. A Nepalese-run family business, super lovely and helpful. Making plans in advance or last minute, they will get you where you need to go, help with booking good affordable accom, and provide experienced, responsive guides... and good prices also.
      I went to Manaslu and had a great time.
      Super helpful and responsive company.
      Thank you NNT xx

      Dear Ivan, Namaste!
      Thank you for taking the time to leave a review for Manaslu Circuit Trek. Thanks a lot for your thoughts on the trek with our Nepal Nirvana Trails team and recommendations. Wish to see you again for trekking in other regions of Nepal.
      Best Regards,
      Kp Dhital and Nepal Nirvana Trails Team.
      WhatsApp: +977 9841380469

    • J
      JohnFranceJune 05, 2023

      Excellent and reputable trekking company - highly recommend

      An excellent Manaslu circuit trek with Jambu Sherpa. Would highly recommend both this trekking company, and also my guide Jambu, as well as Manaslu Circuit itself. KP and his team at Nepal Nivana were very easy to work with, efficient, and very attentive. They really sought to cater to my needs and put a great trek together, and link me with the right guide for my fitness.

      Jambu Sherpa was a wonderful guide. Very knowledgeable, very fit, and also a really enjoyable person to spend 2 weeks trekking with.

      I would certainly use Nepal Nirvana again for all my Nepal trekking, as well as Jambu as a guide.

      Dear John, Namaste!
      Thank you for sharing your wonderful experience with the Nepal Nirvana Trails team! We are thrilled to hear that the Manaslu Circuit Trek was a wonderful experience and that Jambu Sherpa was a knowledgeable guide with good fitness as well. We appreciate your recommendation to book a trip with us, and we hope many more people will have an equally positive experience! Wish to see you again for more adventures and provide our services.
      Best Regards,
      Kp Dhital and Nepal Nirvana Trails Team.
      WhatsApp: +977 9841380469

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