Manaslu Circuit
4.2 (8 reviews)
The Manaslu Circuit Trek is a 14-day guided trekking adventure in Nepal that takes you around Mount Manaslu, the world’s eighth-highest mountain at 8,163 meters. This remote Himalayan trek follows the Budhi Gandaki River through traditional villages, deep gorges, alpine forests, and high mountain passes before crossing the dramatic Larkya La Pass (5,106m).
The Manaslu Circuit Trek is ideal for trekkers looking for a quieter and more authentic alternative to the Everest and Annapurna regions. With breathtaking mountain scenery, Tibetan-influenced culture, and proper acclimatization, this trek offers one of the most rewarding high-altitude trekking experiences in Nepal.
The best seasons for the Manaslu Circuit Trek are spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November). These months offer stable weather, clear mountain views, and safer trail conditions. Winter treks are possible but colder, while monsoon season brings rain and landslides.
Warm trekking socks (wool or technical fabric) Regular hiking socks Liner socks (optional) Waterproof trekking boots Ice cleats or micro spikes (Recommended from November to March) Casual shoes or sandals Gaiters (light for dust, heavy for snow)
Four-season sleeping bag rated to 0°C (Rental available: USD 35) Insulated down or synthetic jacket (Rental available: USD 35) Daypack (35–45L) with rain cover Sleeping bag liner
Moisture-wicking base layers (lightweight for warm seasons, thermal for cold seasons) Quick-dry short-sleeve shirts (2) Quick-dry long-sleeve shirts (2) Waterproof and windproof outer shell Fleece jacket or insulated mid-layer
Thermal base layer (seasonal) Trekking pants (2 pairs) Comfortable pants for evenings or teahouses Waterproof and windproof trousers Trekking shorts
Head Accessories Sun hat or cap Warm beanie or woolen hat Headlamp with spare batteries UV-protection sunglasses Hand Wear: Lightweight liner gloves (wool or technical fabric) Insulated outer gloves for colder conditions
Quick-dry underwear Sports bras (for women) Pajamas or sleepwear Note: Clothing quantities can be adjusted based on personal preference and trip length
Sunscreen Lip balm Personal medications Basic ointments or creams (Guides carry group first aid kits, but personal items are strongly advised.)
Power bank or spare batteries Camera or smartphone Book or playing cards Binoculars Trekking poles Whistle Thermos flask for hot drinks (Most trekking gear can be purchased in Thamel, Kathmandu, at reasonable prices.)
Passport, ticket Extra passport-size photos Reusable water bottle Toiletry kit Water purification tablets or UV purifier Lightweight towel Pillowcase Toilet paper (2 rolls) High-energy snacks (nuts, protein bars) Dry bags for documents and money
Explore our comprehensive 14-day trek itinerary with daily activities, accommodations, and highlights
Your adventure begins the moment you land at Tribhuvan International Airport. After a private transfer to your hotel, the afternoon is yours to shake off the jet lag. In the evening, meet your licensed guide for a final gear check and a comprehensive briefing on the restricted area permits required for Manaslu.
Altitude: 1350m
Duration: 3 hours
Location: Kathmandu
Accommodation: Boutique Hotel in Kathmandu.
Meals: Dinner
We trade the city bustle for the rugged beauty of the Nepalese countryside. Today is a scenic (and bumpy!) 8-9 hour drive through terraced hills and winding river valleys. As we reach Machha Khola, you’ll feel the air freshen and the trek vibes begin.
Altitude: 870m
Duration: 8 hours
Location: Kathmandu-Machhakhola
Accommodation: Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
The trek officially begins! We follow the turquoise waters of the Budhi Gandaki River, crossing our first iconic suspension bridges. The trail winds through fertile forest and small Gurung settlements until we reach the stone-paved village of Jagat, the entry point to the restricted region.
Altitude: 1340m
Duration: 6-7 hours
Location: Jagat
Accommodation: Teahouse
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
After registering your permits at the checkpoint, you’ll climb through dense bamboo forests and pass cascading waterfalls. The valley narrows dramatically here, offering a true sense of Himalayan wilderness as we approach the small settlement of Deng.
Altitude: 1860m
Duration: 6 hours
Location: Deng
Accommodation: Teahouse
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Today involves significant elevation gain. You’ll notice the architecture changing to Tibetan-style stone houses. As we reach Namrung, you are rewarded with your first stunning views of Manaslu North and the Ganesh Himal range.
Altitude: 2630m
Duration: 6 hours
Location: Namrung
Accommodation: Teahouse
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
The trail enters the upper Nupri region. You’ll walk past long Mani walls (prayer stones) and colorful Chortens. Samagaon is the largest village on the trek and serves as the primary hub for Manaslu expeditions.
Altitude: 3530m
Duration: 6 hours
Location: Samagaon
Accommodation: Teahouse
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Safety is our priority. We stay in Samagaon to let your body adjust to the 3,500m+ altitude. You can choose a challenging hike to Manaslu Base Camp for a "close-up" with the world’s 8th-highest peak or a peaceful walk to Pungyen Gompa.
Altitude: 3530m
Duration: 6 hours
Location: Samagaon
Accommodation: Teahouse
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
A shorter, gentler climb today as we head toward Samdo, a village established by Tibetan refugees just 15km from the border. The landscape becomes rugged and stark, offering wide-open views of the valley.Follow a gentle trail toward the Tibetan border village of Samdo.
Altitude: 3860m
Duration: 4 hours
Location: Samdo
Accommodation: Teahouse
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Also known as "Larkya Phedi," this is our last stop before the pass. The climb is steady and slow. We spend the afternoon resting at the high-altitude lodge in Dharamsala, prepping our gear for an early morning crossing of the pass.
Altitude: 4460m
Duration: 6 hours
Location: Dharamsala
Accommodation: Teahouse
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
The climax of the trek. We start before dawn to reach the summit of Larkya La by sunrise. Standing at 5,106m, you’ll enjoy a 360-degree theater of peaks, including Himlung Himal and Annapurna II. A long, steep descent follows, bringing us down into the lush valley of Bimthang.
Altitude: 5106m
Duration: 8-9 hours
Location: Larkya La Pass-Bimthang
Accommodation: Teahouse
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Leaving the glaciers behind, we drop into rhododendron and pine forests. This leg of the journey joins the classic Annapurna Circuit route at Dharapani. The air feels thick and rich with oxygen again!
Altitude: 1860m
Duration: 6 hours
Location: Dharapani
Accommodation: Teahouse
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
We swap trekking boots for a jeep/bus. The drive from Dharapani back to Kathmandu is a long day on the road, but the changing scenery from the mountains to the busy highways of Central Nepal is fascinating.
Altitude: 1350m
Duration: 8-10 hours
Location: Dharapani-Kathmandu
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Enjoy a well-deserved "rest day" in the capital. Whether you want to visit the Boudhanath Stupa, explore the narrow alleys of Thamel for souvenirs, or simply enjoy a massage for your sore legs, today is all about relaxation.
Altitude: 1350m
Duration: 4 hours
Location: Kathmandu
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Our team will transfer you to the airport for your flight home. You leave with incredible photos, a sense of achievement, and memories of the majestic Manaslu.
Altitude: 1350m
Duration: 3 hours
Location: Tribhuvan International Airport
Accommodation: -
Meals: Breakfast
Water bottle on travellingAirport pickup and drop-offTrekking accommodation in teahouses or lodgesTrekking Permits (TIMS, National Park fees)Licensed English-speaking trekking guideMeals during the trek (breakfast,lunch,dinner)Transportation by Clean & AC vehiclesFirst aid kit carried by the guideInsurance for guide and porterGovernment taxes and service chargesAccommodation in 3–4 star hotels and eco-lodges
Porter (usually 1 porter 20kg)International airfare and visa feesTravel and medical insuranceMeals in any place (unless specified)Personal expenses (laundry, snacks, drinks, etc.)Extra accommodation due to delays or early returnOptional activities(sightseeing, cultural etc)Tips for guide, porter (optional)Monument FeesThe Manaslu Circuit Trek is located in the Gorkha District of northern Nepal, in the remote Himalayan region near the Tibetan border. The trek begins with a scenic drive from Kathmandu to Machha Khola and follows the Budhi Gandaki River through deep gorges, terraced farmlands, and traditional mountain villages.
As you trek higher, the landscape changes to alpine forests, glaciers, and high mountain valleys, with spectacular views of Mount Manaslu (8,163m), Himlung Himal, Cheo Himal, and Annapurna II. The route crosses the famous Larkya La Pass (5,106m) before descending into the Annapurna region, making this one of the most diverse and dramatic trekking circuits in Nepal.
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Reg. No. 154784-73-74 | License No. 3013
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