Manaslu Circuit Trek – 13 Days

The Manaslu Circuit Trek 13 days are one of those Nepal treks you don't want to miss for whatever. Some consider it the most significant all-around hike in Nepal's north. This adventure is a fantastic substitute for the Annapurna Circuit trek. The path ascends via familiar trails, with charming tea shops along the way.

Manaslu (8,156m/26,759 ft) 'Kutang', sometimes known as the "Japanese mountain," is the world's eighth tallest peak and one of the eight-thousand-meter mountains. The route traverses high Himalayan mountains via ethnic Tibetan settlements, with stunning views of snow-capped peaks and excellent campsites. The Nepalese government opened the Manaslu circuit to hikers in 1991, letting them appreciate its amazing beauty. Tourism officials only allow a limited number of trekkers access to this restricted zone each year, adding to the mystery and intrigue of the walk. Only group treks are currently scheduled in the region. The walk offers a variety of experiences as we rise gradually from the lush subtropical territory into the alpine forest and finally to the remote yet magical part of northern Manaslu and Himalchuli peaks. This is a tough adventure.

Local culture and lifestyles can be enjoyed and observed. The Larkya La Pass (5,135m/16,847ft) separates Manasalu and the Marshyangdi valley; after that, it's a straight descent through dense alpine woods and meadows to the main Annapurna circuit route. Hiking continues towards Pokhara by another secret path seldom utilized by hikers, affording beautiful views of Manaslu, Annapurna, and Machhapuchre (Fish Tail). Great Everest Trek will be your sole guide on this difficult journey.

 

Day 01: Drive from Kathmandu to Soti Khola (710 m) approx 8 hours

Day 02: Trek to Machha Khola (900 m) approx 5 hours

Day 03: Trek to Jagat (1370 m) approx 6-7 hours

Day 04: Trek to Deng (1860 m) 6-7 hours approx

Day 05: Namrung Trek (2900 m) approx 6-7 hours

Day 06: Trek to Sama Gaon (3500 m) 6-7 hours

Day 07: Sama Gaun Acclimatization Day

Day 08: Trek to Samdo (36905 m) 4 hours

Day 09: Trekking Dharmasala (4460 m) 4 to 5 hours

Day 10: Bimthang trek(3700 m) through Larke Pass (5160 m) 7-9 hours

Day 11: Trek to Tilije (2300 m) 5-6 hours

Day 12: Tilije to Dharapani (1600 m) 3 hours trek and drive to Besishahar

Day 13: Drive from Besi Sahar to Pokhara/Kathmandu


Cost Includes:

  • Basic guesthouse accommodation during the trek in mostly twin-share and occasionally dormitory-style rooms.
  • Local licensed English-speaking trekking guide.
  • The required number of porters to carry your luggage during the trek (We assign one porter for every two guests.
  • Food, accommodation, insurance, equipment, and medicine for the staff.
  • Manaslu Conservation Area Project (MCAP) fee
  • Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP) fee
  • All our government taxes, vat, and tourist service charges.
  • All meals on board (Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner)
  • Public Bus transfer for Kathmandu/Solti Khola and Besisahar/Kathmandu

Cost Excludes:

  • Any accommodation in Kathmandu
  • Your expenses for mineral water, soft beverages, confectionaries, laundries, phone calls, hot drinking water, bar bills, showers, etc during the trek.
  • Internet facility, battery chargers, multi-plugs, etc. 
  • Extra porter if you require. 
  • Personal trekking equipment.
  • Travel insurance covering Helicopter evacuation.
  • Medical expenses and trip cancellation. 
  • Any other extended trips and accommodation.
  • Tips from the guide, porters, and driver as a token of appreciation. 
  • Any other expenses or charges not mentioned in the “cost includes” list. 
  • Nepal arrival visa. 

* This tour can be fully customized as per your requirement.

Day 01: Drive from Kathmandu to Soti Khola (710 m) approx 8 hours

You will have to wake up early and have your breakfast. Breakfast will be provided by your hotel and leave. Before leaving you will have to check your baggage. You will start your journey by bus through Arughat. Your journey will take you towards western Nepal through Prithivi Highway through which your path will lead you towards the Trishuli river and Dhading Besi. So, you will travel around 3 hours until you reach Arughat.

Through Arughat you will be going towards Soti Khola. Before going to Soti Khola you will be crossing the Budhi Gandaki River. On your way, you can experience various fields, Gurung village, and beautiful landscapes.

Day 02: Machha Khola Trek

Your journey to Machha Khola will start after you cross the suspension bridge. On your way, you will pass to dense,nse and beautiful forest covered with Sal trees. You will trek up to the Lapubesi village where you can view different Gurung cultures and experience their culture. You will take a short rest from which you will be climbing up to Budhi Gandaki River towards Khanibesi. Along your way, you will get to see various landscapes and scenery, enjoy your view and go towards the Maccha Khola. You will be spending your night at a local lodge.

Day 03: Trek to Jagat

You trek till take off from narrow paths which lead you towards Budhi Gandaki River. You will be catching a zigzag path through which you will be crossing a suspension bridge through which you will go towards Khorlabesi. Your next stop will be Jagat where you will get connected with ascending and descending trials. After you reach Jagat you will be rewarded with a beautiful view of Sringi mountain and its Himalayan culture.

Day 04: Trek to Deng (1860 m) 6-7 hours approx

After you leave Jagat you will be going down towards Deng through trials covered with stones. Along with your trials, you will get a wonderful view of Singri Himal (7187m) at Saguleri. Then you will be moving forward toward Deng.

Day 05: Namrung Trek (2900 m) approx 6-7 hours

Trekking to Namrung will be a steep climb as we will be falling back to the Budi Gandaki River. We will be catching the trials from the valley and many other settlements. As you move towards your trials you will witness mani stones which will be the entrance to Namrung. So, moving further you will reach Namrung.

Day 06: Trek to Sama Gaon (3500 m) 6-7 hours

From Namrung you will be ascending towards Sama Gaun catching the trials of the river. You will be moving forward with the view of different beautiful peaks. So, by seeing the banks of the river you will reach Sama Gaun.

Day 07: Sama Gaun Acclimatization Day

On this day you will be taking a rest day in Sama Gaun for acclimation. So, before gaining more heights your guide will give you a view of Sama Gaun or you can explore more about Sama Gaun.

Day 08: Trek to Samdo (36905 m) 4 hours

Today is the day that we will be trekking toward Manaslu Base Camp. This day will be quite tough as you will be walking for about 5 hours to reach Samdo. Once you reach the Manaslu Base Camp you will take a short break and take off to Samdo. By crossing the Budhi Gandaki River you will reach Samdo and spend your night.

Day 09: Trekking Dharmasala (4460 m) 4 to 5 hours

On this day you will trek to Larke Rest Home or Larke Phedi. The trials towards Larke Phedi are interesting as you will be crossing many rivers. You will witness it before you reach Larke Bazaar. So moving forwards we will have to climb up to a steep trial through which we reach Dharmasala. Here we will spend your night.

Day 10: Bimthang trek(3700 m) through Larke Pass (5160 m) 7-9 hours

This will be a long hard trek as well as we will have to complete the trials through Larkya La pass to Bimthang. Firstly, we will have to climb towards Cho Chanda through which we will be ascending towards the steep covered in snow. Your journey will truly be beautiful as you can witness many snow-capped mountains such as Annapurna II (7937m), Himlung Himal (7126m), and Gyaji Kung (7030m), and many more mountain ranges. We will have to fall many steep stone trials until we reach Bimthang village.

Day 11: Trek to Tilije (2300 m) 5-6 hours

We take off to Tilche as the destination from Bimthang is 26.3 km. The walking time will be around 6 to 8 hours. Along your journey, you can experience Hampuk Cave and Karcher Pass. If you are interested, then you can visit Gho village which lies on your way.

Day 12: Tilije to Dharapani (1600 m) 3 hours trek and drive to Besishahar

Having breakfast you'll continue your descent by climbing over a short ridge and enjoying the stone-paved route. Then, cross the Dudh Khola River bridge and ascend via a stupa-shaped arch and past a mani wall before arriving at Thonje. You'll pass past a police checkpoint before continuing to Dharapani. You have now departed the Manaslu Conservation Area and entered the Annapurna Conservation Area of the trip, and you will share a local jeep journey to Besishahar with other people.

Day 13: Drive from Besi Sahar to Pokhara/Kathmandu

This will be the last day of your trek and will be coming back from Besi Sahar towards Kathmandu or Pokhara.

Please Check Available Dates for The Year of:
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Where is Manaslu?

Manaslu, also known as Mount Manaslu, is the eighth-highest mountain in the world, standing at an elevation of 8,163 meters (26,781 feet). It is located in the Mansiri Himal sub-range of the Himalayas, within the Manang district of Nepal. Manaslu is a revered mountain in the region, considered a sacred peak by local communities and offering breathtaking views of surrounding snow-capped peaks, including Annapurna I, the Annapurna Massif, and the Ganesh Himal.

What are the required permits for the Manaslu Circuit Trek?

To embark on the Manaslu Circuit Trek, you must obtain the following permits:

  • Manaslu Conservation Area Permit (MCAP Permit): This permit is required for entering the Manaslu Conservation Area, which covers the entire trekking route.
  • Restricted Area Permit (RAP): This permit is required for trekking in the restricted area of the Manaslu region, which includes the core conservation zone surrounding Manaslu.
  • TIMS Card (Trekkers Information Management System): This card is mandatory for all trekkers in Nepal and is used to track the movement of trekkers and ensure their safety.

When is the best time for the Manaslu Circuit Trek?

The best time for the Manaslu Circuit Trek is during the autumn (September-November) and spring (March-May) seasons. These seasons offer favorable weather conditions with clear skies, mild temperatures, and minimal rainfall. During the monsoon season (June-August), the trails can become muddy and slippery due to heavy rains, and the high-altitude passes may be covered in snow. During the winter (December-February), the trek is extremely challenging due to extreme cold and snowy conditions.

What are the highlights of the Manaslu Circuit Trek?

The Manaslu Circuit Trek offers a captivating journey through diverse landscapes, rich cultural experiences, and breathtaking mountain vistas. Here's a comprehensive overview of the trek:

  • Untamed Beauty: Traverse through pristine valleys, lush forests, and high-altitude passes, witnessing the majestic Manaslu, the eighth-highest mountain in the world.
  • Cultural Immersion: Interact with the warm and welcoming Gurung and Manang communities, learning about their traditional lifestyles and customs.
  • Remote Trails: Embark on a less-crowded trek, enjoying the serenity of the Manaslu region and experiencing its unique flora and fauna.
  • Personal Growth: Challenge yourself physically and mentally, achieving a sense of accomplishment upon completing this demanding yet rewarding journey.

How to prepare for the Manaslu Circuit Trek?

  • Physical Fitness: Train consistently, focusing on cardiovascular endurance and strength training to tackle long ascents and high altitudes.
  • Altitude Acclimatization: Gradually adjust to high altitudes before starting the trek, spending a few days in Kathmandu (1,400 meters) before ascending.
  • Permits and Insurance: Obtain the necessary permits (Manaslu Conservation Area Permit, Restricted Area Permit, TIMS Card) and purchase comprehensive travel insurance.
  • Gear and Clothing: Pack appropriate attire for high-altitude trekking, including warm clothing, waterproof layers, hiking boots, a backpack, trekking poles, a headlamp, and a first-aid kit.

How difficult is the Manaslu Circuit Trek?

The Manaslu Circuit Trek is considered a challenging trek, demanding a moderate level of fitness and experience. It involves strenuous ascents, high altitudes (up to 5,160 meters/16,930 feet at Larke Pass), and varied terrain. The trek requires physical endurance, mental fortitude, and adaptability to diverse conditions.

How fit do you need to be for the Manaslu Circuit Trek?

To tackle the Manaslu Circuit Trek, you should be in good physical condition. Regular aerobic exercise, such as running, swimming, or cycling, will help develop the stamina required for long, uphill treks. Additionally, strength training will prepare your muscles for the demands of the trek.

What should you pack for the Manaslu Circuit Trek?

Here's a basic packing list for the Manaslu Circuit Trek:

  • Warm clothing: Down jacket, fleece layers, woolen socks, beanie, gloves
  • Waterproof layers: Rain jacket, rain pants, gaiters
  • Hiking boots: Sturdy, supportive boots with good ankle support
  • Backpack: Comfortable backpack with adequate capacity for your gear
  • Trekking poles: Poles for balance and support on uneven terrain
  • Headlamp: Headlamp for nighttime trekking and navigating lodges
  • First-aid kit: Basic first-aid supplies for common ailments and injuries
reviewer image

Amazing Manaslu Circuit Trek

I had an amazing trek to Manasulu in September with the Great Everest Trek. My guide Suman was beyond accommodating, being from the area he knew a lot of information and was very easy to talk to. He let me go at my own pace, did not rush me, and put my safety and interests ahead of the trek every step of the way. Sujata was incredibly accommodating and was very quick to reply to my emails. Thank you all so much for the amazing journey

Melchior Asselman
reviewer image

Underrated yet must do trek in Nepal

This trek was amazing from start to finish. We wanted to trek to places with fewer people and Manasulu Circuit trek was recommended to us by Sujata and we were glad we did this trek. Beautiful trails and amazing mountains are one of the underrated yet so beautiful places to explore. We would recommend talking to Great Everest Trek for any treks of the area and recommend Tenzing as your guide.

Ronald Antony Ó hÍcidhe
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From

US$ 1200 per person

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Activities
Trekking
Meals
Full board (Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner)
Destination
Nepal
Duration
13 Days
Difficulty
Challenging but surely a venture you’d want to undertake!
Room
Tea house and lodge
Max Elevation
5,416 m
Transport
Local / Tourist bus
Group Size
+2
Best Season
Spring (April and May), Summer (June, July and August) and Autumn (September, October and November)
Trip Start
Kathmandu
Trip End
Kathmandu
longest way home

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