Manaslu Circuit Trek

GALLERY / PHOTOS

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival and welcome at Tribhuvan International Airport, Kathmandu (1300m/4260ft).

Welcome to Nepal!
Upon your arrival at the airport, after finishing passport, immigration, and visa procedures, our team will greet you outside the terminal holding a sign with your name. We will then take you to your hotel for some rest. The afternoon is free for you to relax.
In the evening, join us for a welcome dinner where you will meet your guide and receive an introduction to the trek along with a briefing and a check of your gear and essentials.

We warmly welcome all travelers to experience the beauty and adventure of Nepal!

On this day, you will explore the rich culture and heritage of Kathmandu before starting your trek. Your guide will take you to some of the city’s most famous sites, such as the ancient Durbar Square, the sacred Pashupatinath Temple, and the peaceful Boudhanath Stupa. These places offer a glimpse into Nepal’s spiritual traditions and vibrant history.

In the afternoon, you will have time to prepare for your trek. This includes checking your gear, buying any last-minute supplies, and attending a detailed briefing with your guide about the trek route, safety tips, and what to expect during your journey.

The day ends with a relaxing dinner, giving you the chance to rest and get ready for the exciting adventure ahead.

After breakfast at your hotel in Kathmandu, you will begin your road journey to Machha Khol. The drive takes about 7 to 8 hours, depending on traffic and road conditions. Leaving the busy city behind, you will travel through beautiful countryside with terraced fields, small villages, and stunning mountain views.

Along the way, you can stop for refreshments or lunch at local restaurants to enjoy traditional Nepali food and experience the local culture. The road gently winds through hills and valleys, offering lovely natural scenery.

When you arrive in Machha Khol, you will check into your guesthouse or lodge. Take some time to relax and explore the village. In the evening, enjoy a simple meal and get ready for the next day’s adventure.

Starting early from Machha Khola, your trek begins by following the Budhi Gandaki River upstream. The trail gradually climbs through lush forests filled with rhododendrons, oaks, and pine trees. Along the way, you will pass small villages where local Gurung and Tibetan communities live, giving you a glimpse of traditional rural life.

The path includes some steady uphill sections but remains manageable for most trekkers. You will cross several suspension bridges over clear rivers and streams, adding to the adventure.

After about 5 to 6 hours of trekking, you will reach Jagat, a small village situated at around 1,300 meters. Here, you can rest for the night in a guesthouse, enjoying the peaceful mountain atmosphere and preparing for the days ahead.

After breakfast in Jagat, your trek continues as you follow the Budhi Gandaki River valley deeper into the mountains. The trail gradually ascends through beautiful forests of pine, oak, and rhododendron, with occasional glimpses of terraced fields and traditional villages.

Along the way, you will cross several suspension bridges over rushing streams, adding excitement to your journey. The path is steady but can be a bit challenging in some sections due to uphill climbs.

After about 5 to 6 hours of trekking, you will arrive in Deng, a small village at around 1,860 meters. Here, you can rest comfortably in a local guesthouse, enjoy the peaceful surroundings, and prepare for the next day’s trek.

After breakfast in Deng, you’ll continue trekking uphill through dense forests of rhododendron and bamboo. The trail steadily climbs, offering beautiful views of the surrounding hills and the Budhi Gandaki River far below. Along the way, you may spot local wildlife and encounter traditional villages inhabited by Gurung and Tibetan communities.

The path includes some steep sections, so take your time and enjoy the fresh mountain air. After around 5 to 6 hours of trekking, you will reach Namrung, a charming village at 2,630 meters. Here, you can relax at a guesthouse and enjoy stunning mountain views while preparing for the trek ahead.

Starting your day in Namrung, you will trek higher into the mountains through alpine forests and open landscapes. The trail gradually climbs with some steep sections, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding peaks and valleys.

You have two options for your stop today: Lho, a traditional village at 3,180 meters known for its Tibetan culture and ancient monasteries, or continue further to Shala at 3,460 meters, a quieter settlement with beautiful views and peaceful surroundings.

Whichever you choose, the evening will be spent resting at a cozy guesthouse, enjoying the fresh mountain air and preparing for the next stage of your trek.

From your lodge, start early and trek uphill to Pung Gyen Gompa, a historic Buddhist monastery perched high at 4,800 meters. The trail is steep and challenging, but the rewarding views of snow-capped peaks and the serene spiritual atmosphere at the gompa make it worthwhile.

After spending time exploring Pung Gyen Gompa and enjoying the panoramic mountain scenery, you will descend back to Samagaun. The return walk takes you through beautiful alpine terrain with stunning vistas, allowing your body to rest at a lower altitude while still soaking in the breathtaking surroundings.

Arriving in Samagaun, you can relax at your guesthouse and prepare for the next day’s journey.

Acclimatization Day at Samagaun

To help your body adjust to the high altitude, today is a rest and acclimatization day with optional short hikes. You can choose to visit Birendra Lake, a peaceful alpine lake surrounded by stunning mountain views, perfect for a gentle walk and relaxation.

Alternatively, you might trek to Pungen Monastery, a beautiful and historic Buddhist site offering spiritual insight and panoramic views of the surrounding peaks.

For the more adventurous, a day hike to Manaslu Base Camp is possible. This challenging trek rewards you with close-up views of the majestic Manaslu mountain and a deeper connection with the rugged landscape.

After your chosen activity, return to Samagaun to rest and prepare for the next stage of your trek.

After breakfast in Samagaon, the trail gradually ascends through open alpine landscapes and sparse vegetation, with stunning views of the mountains all around. You’ll follow the Budhi Gandaki River, crossing yak pastures and small stone huts used by local herders.

The walk is gentle and not too steep, making it a perfect day to continue acclimatizing. Along the way, you might see Himalayan wildlife such as blue sheep or eagles soaring overhead. After 3 to 4 hours of trekking, you’ll arrive in Samdo, a beautiful and remote village near the Tibetan border.

Spend the rest of the day exploring the village, resting, and preparing for the higher elevations ahead. The mountain views from Samdo are truly breathtaking.

Today’s trek is short but important as you ascend to Larkya Phedi, also known as Dharamshala, the base for crossing the Larkya La Pass. The trail climbs gradually through rocky terrain and alpine landscapes, with fewer trees and colder air as you gain elevation.

You’ll cross streams and may spot herds of yaks grazing in the high meadows. The journey takes about 3 to 4 hours, giving you plenty of time to rest and adjust to the higher altitude upon arrival at Dharamshala (4,480m).

Spend the afternoon relaxing, hydrating, and preparing for the challenging Larkya La Pass crossing the next day. Early rest is recommended for an early morning start.

Today is the most challenging and rewarding day of the trek. You’ll start early in the morning, climbing steadily toward Larkya La Pass (5,106m). The trail is long and steep in parts, with cold temperatures and possibly snow, but the panoramic views from the top are unforgettable—featuring Mt. Manaslu, Himlung, Cheo Himal, and other majestic peaks.

After celebrating your achievement at the pass, you begin the long descent toward Bimthang. The trail down is steep at first, then gradually levels out as you pass through glacial valleys and alpine landscapes.

After 8–9 hours of trekking, you’ll reach Bimthang, a beautiful open valley surrounded by snow-covered peaks. Here, you’ll rest and recover from the long day’s adventure.

After a good night’s rest in Bimthang, you begin your descent toward Tilije. The trail today is mostly downhill, passing through lush forests, meadows, and rhododendron-covered hillsides. As you lose altitude, the landscape changes dramatically—from alpine scenery to more temperate forests.

Crossing wooden bridges and walking alongside clear mountain streams, you’ll enjoy beautiful views of Manaslu and surrounding peaks behind you. Along the way, you’ll pass small settlements and grazing areas used by local herders.

After about 6 to 7 hours of trekking, you’ll reach Tilije, a charming Gurung village with comfortable lodges. This lower altitude brings warmer temperatures, and it’s a great place to relax and reflect on the high mountain journey you’ve completed.

After breakfast in Tilije, you’ll begin the final stretch of your trek with a short and pleasant walk to Dharapani. The trail descends gently through lovely forests, farmland, and small villages, passing through traditional stone-paved paths and crossing suspension bridges.

In about 2 to 3 hours, you’ll reach Dharapani, a well-known village on the Annapurna Circuit. From here, you will leave the trail behind and begin your drive to Besisahar, which takes around 3 to 4 hours by jeep, depending on road conditions.

Upon arrival in Besisahar, you can relax in a comfortable lodge, enjoy a warm shower, and celebrate the successful completion of your Manaslu adventure. 

Today, you will leave the hills behind and begin your return journey to Kathmandu. The drive from Besisahar to Kathmandu takes approximately 6 to 8 hours, depending on traffic and road conditions. The scenic route takes you through riverside villages, terraced farmland, and rolling hills, gradually transitioning into the busy city life of the Kathmandu Valley.

Along the way, you can stop for lunch and short breaks to stretch and enjoy the landscape. Once you arrive in Kathmandu, you will be transferred to your hotel where you can rest, refresh, and enjoy a final evening in the capital—celebrating the completion of your incredible trek around Manaslu.

Today marks the end of your incredible journey around the Manaslu Circuit. After breakfast at your hotel, our team will transfer you to Tribhuvan International Airport for your final departure. We recommend arriving at the airport at least 3 hours before your flight.

As you leave Nepal, take with you unforgettable memories of majestic mountains, warm-hearted people, and the adventure of a lifetime. We hope your Manaslu trek was a truly enriching experience, and we look forward to welcoming you back for another Himalayan adventure in the future.

Safe travels and thank you for trekking with us!

Cost Includes

Airport Transfers

✔️ Private pickup from Tribhuwan International Airport and drop-off at your hotel upon arrival.

Transportation

✔️ Jeep ride from Kathmandu to Machha Khola.

✔️ Jeep ride from Tilche to Besishar .

✔️ Jeep ride to Kathmandu or Pokhara from Besishar.

Accommodation

✔️ 3 nights in Kathmandu on a bed and breakfast (BB) basis. 4-5 Star Hotel

✔️ 11 nights in mountain teahouses (twin-sharing), including 1 night in a dormitory at Dharmasala.

Meals & Water

✔️ 14 breakfasts, 13 lunches, and 13 dinners during the trek. Meals include traditional dal bhat, noodles, momos, pasta, and soups.

✔️ Purified drinking water (Ef-Chlor water purification tablets) provided throughout the trek.

Guides, Permits & Support

✔️ Certified, English-speaking trekking guide with first-aid training.

✔️ Assistant guide for groups of 6+ members.

✔️ All staff wages, meals, and equipment covered.

✔️ Required trekking permits for the Manaslu region.

✔️ All applicable taxes, service charges, and VAT.

Porter Service

✔️ Porter for Luggage Carrying: (each porter can carry up to 25 kg; one porter for two trekkers is recommended).

✔️ All staff wages, meals, and equipment are covered.

Safety & Trekking Gear

✔️ Complimentary Manaslu trekking map.

✔️ Sleeping bag rated up to -20°C.

✔️ Duffel bag (70–80L) if using porter service.

✔️ First-aid medical kit carried by your guide.

Extra Benefits

✔️ Free luggage storage during the trek.

✔️ Completion certificate.

✔️ Nature Heaven Treks souvenir T-shirt.

✔️ Farewell dinner in Kathmandu after the trek.

Cost Excludes

Travel & Insurance

❌ International flights, Nepal visa fees, and personal travel insurance are not included.

Personal Expenses

❌ Extra costs during the trek, such as hot showers, Wi-Fi, drinks, extra meals, and battery charging.

❌ Any additional nights or meals in Kathmandu beyond what’s included in the package.

Tips & Other Costs

❌ Tips for your guide and porter (customary but not mandatory).

❌ Any services not specifically mentioned under “Included in the Cost.”

Departure Dates

Private Departures – Trek On Your Schedule

Enjoy complete flexibility with private departures available year-round. You can choose your preferred start date, and we’ll handle all the arrangements. Just use the booking form on the top right to select your date and leave the rest to us.

Guaranteed Departures – No Minimum Group Size

Once you book, your trip is 100% guaranteed – even if you’re the only one. We don’t cancel based on low enrollment. Every trekker receives the same high-quality service, whether solo or in a small group.

Flexible Cancellation and Rescheduling

If your plans change, you have options. Cancel at least 30 days before departure for a full deposit refund. If canceling within 30 days, your deposit stays safe with us and can be used to reschedule your trek for any future date that suits you.

Useful Info

Best Season for Manaslu Circuit Trek

The best times to trek the Manaslu Circuit are spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November). During spring, the trail offers clear mountain views, pleasant temperatures, and blooming rhododendrons in multiple colors. Autumn brings stable weather, clear skies, and exceptional views of Mt. Manaslu and surrounding peaks.
Trekking in winter and monsoon seasons is not advised due to heavy snowfall, closed lodges at higher altitudes, and high landslide risks during the rains.

Food on the Trek

Although food choices are limited compared to city areas, trekkers can expect healthy, hygienic meals throughout the journey. A typical trek includes 12 breakfasts, 12 lunches, and 11 dinners.
Breakfast options include Tibetan bread, eggs, cereals, pancakes, toast, fruits, and hot drinks.
Lunch and dinner commonly feature dal bhat, vegetable curries, noodles, thukpa, pasta, soups, and snacks. It’s best to eat fresh vegetables, drink plenty of water, and avoid mixing dairy, meat, alcohol, and coffee.

Accommodation

In Kathmandu, you’ll find a wide range of hotels, but along the trek, accommodation is mostly at basic tea houses. Rooms are twin-sharing, often with shared toilets outside the room. Tea houses have a communal dining area with a fireplace. In higher altitudes, it’s essential to carry a warm sleeping bag.

Trek Difficulty

The Manaslu Circuit is a challenging trek, especially when crossing the 5106m-high Larkya La Pass. The trail is less developed compared to Annapurna or Everest, demanding good physical condition and prior hiking experience. Mental resilience and preparation are key to completing this high-altitude trek.

Travel Insurance

Travel insurance is mandatory. It must include emergency evacuation and medical expenses, especially for high-altitude treks. Nature Heaven Treks Nepal recommends confirming that your insurer covers adventure activities and trip cancellations.

Altitude Sickness

Symptoms can start at elevations above 3,500m and include nausea, headaches, dizziness, and fatigue.
Tips to prevent altitude sickness:

  • Ascend gradually and allow time for acclimatization

  • Stay hydrated and avoid alcohol

  • Consider taking Acetazolamide (Diamox) after consulting a doctor

  • Descend immediately if symptoms worsen

  • Rest, use portable oxygen if needed, and never ignore warning signs

Recommended Packing List

Essentials include:

  • 50–70L backpack, sleeping bag, headlamp

  • Water bottle/purifier, warm clothes, rain gear

  • Hiking boots, gloves, sunglasses, sunscreen

  • Quick-dry layers, thermal wear, first aid kit, toiletries

  • Personal documents, passport, camera, maps, and guidebook

Safety and Guide Support

Your safety is a top priority. Nature Heaven Treks Nepal’s trained guides carry first aid kits and are equipped to handle emergencies. In case of altitude issues, your trek leader will decide whether to proceed or descend. Emergency helicopter rescue is available if required. The team ensures you trek in a group for added safety.

Booking Process

Nature Heaven Treks is a certified and experienced trekking agency. To book your trek, a 10% deposit is required. You’ll need to provide a copy of your passport, insurance, passport-size photos, and flight details within a week of booking. Payments can be made via online transfer, Western Union, or in person using cash, card, or bank transfer upon arrival in Nepal.

TRAVEL TIPS

NEED TRAVEL RELATED TIPS & INFORMATION

Our team is here to guide you with personalized recommendations, insider advice, and the latest travel updates to make your journey smooth and memorable.

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    July 21, 2024

    “We had an excellent trek with Krishna and his excellent team. The tour itself was excellently planned.”

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    May 1, 2024

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    November 23, 2023

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    Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

    How difficult is the Manaslu Circuit Trek?

     Manaslu Circuit Trek is considered moderately to strenuously difficult. It involves high-altitude trekking, remote trails, and challenging terrain, especially around Larkya La Pass (5,160m). Good fitness, prior trekking experience, and proper acclimatization are recommended for a safe and enjoyable journey.

    A moderate level of physical fitness is recommended for most treks. Regular walking, hiking, or light exercise helps prepare. No technical skills are needed, but being in good health ensures a safer and more enjoyable trekking experience in Nepal.
     

    On most treks, you’ll walk around 5 to 7 hours a day, depending on the itinerary, trail conditions, and altitude. Breaks are included for rest, meals, and acclimatization to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable trekking experience.

    Most treks in Nepal require permits such as the TIMS (Trekkers’ Information Management System) card and specific national park or conservation area permits. Some regions, like Upper Mustang or Manaslu, also need special restricted area permits issued by the government.
     
    Manaslu trek, you’ll need three permits: the Manaslu Restricted Area Permit (USD 100 for the first 7 days), the Manaslu Conservation Area Permit (USD 30), and the Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (USD 30). Prices may vary seasonally.
    No, solo trekking in the Manaslu region is not allowed. Nepalese government regulations require a minimum of two trekkers and a licensed guide through a registered agency to obtain the special restricted area permit for the Manaslu Circuit.
     Manaslu Circuit Trek ranges from $1,300 to $1,900 per person, depending on the itinerary, group size, and services included. This typically covers permits, guide, porter, accommodation, meals, and transport.
    Accommodation on the Manaslu Circuit typically ranges from $9–$20 per night in teahouses. Meals cost around $7–$15 per dish. As you trek higher, prices increase slightly due to transportation challenges in remote areas.
    During the Manaslu trek, you’ll find a variety of local and international meals such as dal bhat (lentils and rice), noodles, pasta, soups, potatoes, and seasonal vegetables. Teahouses offer simple but nourishing food to keep you energized.
    Altitude sickness can occur on the Manaslu Circuit due to high elevations above 3,000 meters. Proper acclimatization, hydration, and gradual ascent are essential. Our itinerary is designed to minimize risk and support your safety throughout the trek.
    The weather in the Manaslu region varies by season. Spring (March–May) and autumn (September–November) offer clear skies and moderate temperatures, ideal for trekking. Winters are cold with snowfall, while summer (June–August) brings monsoon rains and slippery trails.
    The best time to trek the Manaslu Circuit is during spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November), when the weather is stable, skies are clear, and mountain views are at their best. Trails are vibrant yet less crowded.
    Choose the Manaslu trek for its off-the-beaten-path experience, rich Tibetan-influenced culture, stunning Himalayan views, and fewer crowds. It offers a perfect blend of natural beauty and cultural immersion, ideal for trekkers seeking authentic adventure beyond the mainstream trails.
    Manaslu trek, pack layered clothing for changing weather, a quality sleeping bag, sturdy trekking boots, a down jacket, and essentials like a headlamp, water purification tablets, sunscreen, and a first-aid kit. Don’t forget your trekking permits and passport.
    Internet access on the Manaslu trek is limited. Some teahouses offer Wi-Fi for a small fee, but connections can be slow. Charging facilities are available at most stops, usually for a fee, so carrying a power bank is recommended.

    Why Nature Heaven Treks and Expedition

    Why choose us ?

    Nature Heaven Treks offers a variety of trekking options, including popular routes like the Everest Base Camp and Annapurna Circuit, as well as off-the-beaten-path adventures in regions like Manaslu and Langtang .

    ✅ 10+ Years of Trekking Experience
    ✅ Certified and Friendly Local Guides
    ✅ 100% Tailor-Made Itineraries
    ✅ Small Groups, Big Adventures
    ✅ Eco-Conscious and Culturally Respectful Practices
    ✅ 5-Star Reviews from Adventurers Worldwide