Manaslu Circuit Trek - 16 Days

(5.0)5 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 5160m.|16925ft.

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 5,200m.|17,060ft, 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 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.

  • 4-Star Hotel
  • Welcome Dinner
  • 1400m.|4593ft.

Today, 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.

  • 4-Star 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.

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

Continue trekking following a riverside and cross it various times. You will walk through dense forests and pass by gompas on the way. Further, a steep climb will take you to Namrung. Here, we will take a small break to enjoy breathtaking views of Mt. Hiunchuli, Singri Himal, and Ganesh Himal. The trail then steeply climbs through the forested path to Lihi village and heads toward Lho.

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

The trail from Lho to Sama Gaun offers phenomenal views of snow-capped mountains like Ngadi Chuli, Hiunchuli, Peak 29, etc. Trek and reach Shyala village. From here, the trail ascends and descends to a river. 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 and continue towards the ridge of Pungyen monastery. It is an ancient monastery with significant meaning to locals, located south of Sama Gain, and requires a two & half-hour walk.

  • 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.

  • 4-Star Hotel
  • 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.

    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 complimentary
    • 3 Night 4-Star Hotel in Kathmandu
    • Standard meals on the treks (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner) and a cup of tea or coffee 
    • Fresh fruit each day seasonal available
    • Available accommodations during the treks
    • Tour Guide and Three Temple Entry Fee
    • English-speaking Licensed trekking guide, porter (1 porter between two trekkers)
    • Salary, food, equipment, and insurance of guide and porter
    • All applicable ACAP, MCAP, TIMS, and MANASLU Special or Restricted permits
    • KTM to Machha Khola and Dharapani to KTM private vehicle
    • Sleeping bag and down jacket if needed (It’s refundable)
    • Nepal Nirvana Trails Duffle, T-shirt, Trekking map, and Water purifications drop Complimentary
    • First aid kit with Oximeter and other basic medications
    • Welcome and Farewell Dinner in a fine Restaurant 
    • 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 
    • Travel and health Insurance which cover emergency Rescues and evacuations
    • During trekking time personal expenses, snacks, alcoholic beverages, coke, juice, water, WI-FI, etc
    • Tips for treks guide, porter (it is expected)

    Upcoming Departures

        
    Start DateThursdayMarch 30, 2023End DateFridayApril 14, 2023PriceAvailableUS $900

    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. You can also customize the trip.

    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 a 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/Private/Group

    You cannot do Manaslu Circuit Trek solo because of the rules of the government of Nepal. At least two trekkers have to be in the group. You can join one of our departures and trek with trekkers from around the globe or go on a private trek in the Manaslu region.

    Last Minute Booking for Manaslu Circuit Trek

    Contact us to book 16 days Manaslu Circuit Trek anytime with us at the last minute. Depending upon the time left to 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: USD 30 per person

    Manaslu Conservation Area permit cost: USD 30 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 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 health care 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 situation 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 $900(All-inclusive price)
    Group Price
      
    1 - 1 PaxUS $1699
    2 - 2 PaxUS $1300
    3 - 6 PaxUS $1199
    7 - 12 PaxUS $1099
    13 - 18 PaxUS $999
    19 - 30 PaxUS $900
    Total Price:US $1699
    Check Availability

    Client Reviews

    tptripadvisor
    • J
      JohannaGermanyMarch 22, 2023

      So much fun and flawless organization

      We (my boyfriend and I) are very grateful for this experience with Nirvana Trails run by KP and family - everything was very well organized from beginning to end and we absolutely recommend this family run business. It was our first time trekking in Nepal on the Manaslu Circuit Trek and we didn’t have to worry about anything. KP sent our bags to Pokhara and organized a nice accommodation for us and he even reviewed our clothes before the trek which was very helpful to us newbies.

      KP approached us in our hostel in Kathmandu and to us Europeans this direct sales pitch can be a little overwhelming as we are not used to it - in our case we are happy we listened and booked our trek with Nirvana Trails.
      We compared a couple of agencies and offers in Thamel and online and lastly, we felt KP was very straight forward and honest about the package and provided excellent service - what’s included/what’s not - what is the trek like (first two days partly on the road - no big deal really) and what kind of service/accommodation to expect in the mountains.
      He also educated us on what to eat on the trek to cope well with the altitude - and some dos and fonts in the villages - this was very helpful. During the trek he also reached out and proactively asked how we were doing.

      The equipment we rented from Nirvana (down jacket, sleeping bag, poles, mini spikes, ) was in a perfect state and kept us warm on the trek. If he has availability KP will make sure to provide you with good gear.

      On the trek, our guide Raj and our porter, also Raj, did excellent jobs and provided us with great service - we felt pampered :).
      Depending on the package you book you will get tea with every meal and even some fruits which is highly appreciated after a long day of trekking.
      With our guide Raj we shared a lot of laughter - he is really funny while always making sure you feel good, healthy and safe - Raj connects easily to anybody and you can hear laughter from the kitchen in the tea houses when he is around. Raj was furthermore flexible and adjusted to our wishes and explained some local customs and things about flora and fauna.

      Raj, our porter, was very attentive to us as well and our bags were always ready for us when we got to the accommodations - furthermore he would fix the trail on the spot if he deemed a passage too dangerous for us to pass.

      Thank you for this experience Nirvana Trails 🙏!

      Dear Johanna, Namaste!
      Thank you for taking the time to leave a review for Manaslu Circuit Trek. We’re very pleased to hear that you enjoyed the trek with our guide, Raj and Porter Raj. Thanks a lot for your thoughts on the trek with our Nepal Nirvana Trails team. Wish to offer you an even better experience on your next visit.
      Best Regards,
      Kp Dhital and Nepal Nirvana Trails Team.
      WhatsApp: +977 9841380469

    • G
      GuillemGermanyMarch 22, 2023

      13-day Manaslu Circuit Trek with guide and porter

      My girlfriend and I just finished the Manaslu Circuit Trek with Nepal Nirvana Trails and the whole experience was amazing 😀

      We got to know NNT after we arrived in Kathmandu and we started a dialog with KP, the agency owner, about our trekking ambitions. We found the dialog very honest and we were able to discuss all the details of the trek and have a detailed overview of what was and what was not included in the package. KP helped us with the packing list as well since we showed him what we were planning to carry on the trek and he suggested me to get an extra trouser layer for the coldest days, which I was absolutely glad to have with me the day we crossed Larke pass. Furthermore, we were able to use the agency's trekking gear that we had not carried with us from home like sleeping bag, down jacket, trekking poles and micro crampons and they organized the delivery of our extra luggage to the hotel in Pokhara, which was booked for us as well. It was really nice to not have to worry about any of these logistic issues.

      But of course, what made the trek an amazing experience was the great job of both our guide "big" Raj and our porter "little" Raj.

      Raj (guide) is such a friendly and easy going guy. The time on the trek flies with him since he is always ready to tell a joke and to laugh about one or explain a funny story about his previous treks 😂 Actually, he helps everyone on the trail have a good time, other trekkers, guides, porters and accommodation staff. I was sad I don't speak Nepali because I would have loved to laugh to those jokes as well! On the service side he was excellent too. He adapted to our trekking desires and needs, helped us staying healthy on the trek by recommending us what to eat and what not to eat and after dinner he would serve us apple and mandarin that he had carried all the way from Kathmandu. And he brought cookies for the tea time as well!

      And our porter Raj did and excellent job as well. I cannot imagine how demanding it is to walk carrying such a load but he still was able to rush to give us a hand if someone slipped or if the trail got complicated at some point. In the evenings he would always prepare us a chair next to the heating oven or offer us his spot if no more chairs were available.

      Thank you very much to both of you :)

      Finally, I want to add that the Manaslu Circuit is so incredibly beautiful and I can totally recommend it to anyone thinking about trekking in Nepal.

      Dear Guillem, Namaste!
      Thank you for taking the time to leave a review for Manaslu Circuit Trek. We’re very pleased to hear that you enjoyed the trek with our guide, Raj and Porter Raj. Thanks a lot for your thoughts on the trek with our Nepal Nirvana Trails team. Wish to offer you an even better experience on your next visit.
      Best Regards,
      Kp Dhital and Nepal Nirvana Trails Team.
      WhatsApp: +977 9841380469

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